{"url": "http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5116", "title": "Democrats push to restore flu vaccine mandate for troops amid Air Force base outbreak", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "domain": "houlahan.house.gov", "scraper": "houlahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001085", "name": "Chrissy Houlahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Originally published in ABC News.\n\nWritten by Steven Beynon\n\nThree Democratic lawmakers introduced an amendment to a must-pass annual defense funding and policy bill that would require the Pentagon to restore mandatory flu vaccinations for service members.\n\nThe proposal on Tuesday, from Reps. Joaquin Castro of Texas, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, and Gil Cisneros of California would reverse Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's April decision to make the annual flu shot voluntary, ending a policy in place since 1945.\n\nThe effort comes after ABC News first reported on a flu outbreak that has sickened a total of at least 275 Air Force recruits undergoing basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland since the outbreak started in early June.\n\nFour recruits have been hospitalized, according to Castro and a source with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to talk to the press. One airman has died, though it remains unclear whether the death was directly related to the outbreak, with the specifics still under investigation, according to the Air Force.\n\nBasic trainees live, eat and train in close quarters, while the physical demands of training and chronic sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system.\n\n\"A [service member] who is sick cannot fight effectively,\" Castro, whose district includes Lackland, said at a press conference Tuesday. \"The flu vaccine is a simple way to make sure troops are healthy and prepared to carry out their mission.\"\n\nNew recruits are typically not vaccinated until they arrive at basic training, which is their initial introduction to the military.\n\nLess than two months after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ended the military-wide flu vaccine requirement, the services were granted exemptions allowing them to again mandate the shot for large portions of the force, according to an internal document reviewed by ABC News and officials familiar with the situation.\n\nThose exemptions cover basic trainees across the military branches, service members deploying overseas or participating in major training exercises; personnel working in military prisons, healthcare and childcare; and crews responsible for transporting the president aboard Air Force One -- effectively restoring the requirement for a substantial portion of the military.\n\nUntil the new mandate requiring the flu vaccine again, 60% of Lackland Air Force trainees were not vaccinated for the flu, according to the two sources.\n\nBut with the new exemption, the Air Force has the goal of vaccinating all of the recruits in this recruit class and will vaccinate all new recruits arriving at the base according to one of the sources.\n\nVaccines have played a significant role in the history of the U.S. military. In a 1776 letter to his wife, John Adams wrote that smallpox was \"ten times more terrible\" than the British and indigenous forces, arguing that the disease posed a greater threat to the Continental Army than the enemy itself.\n\nHe blamed a devastating smallpox outbreak for forcing American troops to abandon their campaign in what is now modern-day Canada. George Washington ordered all of his formations to be vaccinated against smallpox the following year.\n\nThat precedent continued to the aftermath of World War I. About 45,000 American service members died from influenza and related pneumonia amid the Spanish flu pandemic during the war -- nearly as many as the roughly 53,000 U.S. combat deaths, according to Pentagon figures. The Army supported the development of a vaccine, which was refined and began to be used widely in 1945.\n\n\"For decades, the military required influenza vaccines for new recruits because military doctors understood a very simple fact: when thousands of young Americans live, train, eat, and sleep in close quarters, infectious disease spreads very quickly,\" Houlahan, an Air Force veteran, told reporters Tuesday.\n\nKeon McDaniel, the Air Force recruit who died, was in his sixth week of basic training when he experienced a medical emergency on June 12, according to the Air Force. Recruits undergo a medical screening before they can enlist, but that process relies largely on medical history and a relatively limited clinical review.\n\nHe was transported to Brooke Army Medical Center, where he subsequently passed away. The cause of the medical emergency is currently under investigation, and a comprehensive medical review is being conducted to determine the facts, according to the Air Force.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-applauds-supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-decision", "title": "Rep. Adams Applauds Supreme Court Birthright Citizenship Decision", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "adams.house.gov", "scraper": "adams", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000370", "name": "Alma S. Adams", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) commented on the Supreme Court’s June 30th decision to uphold the constitutional right to birthright citizenship.\n\n\"150 years ago, the 14th Amendment was written into our Constitution to guarantee formerly enslaved Black Americans could never have their citizenship challenged because of their race.\n\n\"150 years later, the 14th amendment stands reaffirmed by the Supreme Court, ensuring that everyone born in the United States is an American Citizen.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-speaks-bipartisan-housing-bill", "title": "Rep. Adams Speaks on Bipartisan Housing Bill", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "adams.house.gov", "scraper": "adams", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000370", "name": "Alma S. Adams", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), released a statement regarding the passage of H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act in Congress.\n\nWhile this transformative housing bill overwhelmingly passed both chambers in Congress with bipartisan support, the administration has previously refused to make it law until the SAVE America Act had been passed.\n\nSpeaker Mike Johnson sent the bill to the President yesterday, on June 29. If not signed or vetoed within ten days of it reaching the President’s desk, it will automatically become law, as outlined in the constitution.\n\n“One of the most pressing issues facing North Carolina’s 12th District is the skyrocketing cost of housing in Charlotte,” said Congresswoman Adams. “This bill will help build new housing, lower mortgage rates and rental costs, and prioritize homebuyers and renters over corporate landlords. Having a space to call your own is an integral part of the American dream; and this legislation will make that dream more accessible for my constituents and Americans across the country.”\n\nThis historic legislation will:\n\nRemove unnecessary regulatory barriers and streamline environmental reviews to expedite the development of affordable housing.\n\nStrengthen the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investments Partnership Program to provide key funding for affordable housing development.\n\nAuthorize disaster recovery housing programs to get money out to disaster-stricken communities faster — a win for western North Carolina.\n\nPlace restrictions on large institutional investors by capping the number of single-family homes they may purchase.\n\n“With the passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, new regulations will be enacted to restrict corporations from buying homes,” said Congresswoman Adams. “This issue is important to me, which is why I introduced similar legislation in early 2025.”\n\nCorporate housing ownership is a significant concern for Charlotte. As of 2023, corporations owned roughly 20,000 single-family properties in Charlotte. To combat this, Congresswoman Adams introduced the American Neighborhoods Protection Act to place a limit on corporate homeownership and create a fund to construct new housing.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-announces-1617-million-build-grant-swayback-bridge-replacement", "title": "Aderholt Announces $16.17 Million BUILD Grant for Swayback Bridge Replacement in Marshall County", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "aderholt.house.gov", "scraper": "aderholt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000055", "name": "Robert B. Aderholt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today announced that Marshall County has been awarded a $16.17 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to replace the Swayback Bridge on Hustleville Road. The award is the only BUILD Grant awarded in Alabama this year, making it a significant investment not only for Marshall County but for the entire state.\n\nThe project will replace the existing Swayback Bridge and realign approximately 2,000 feet of Hustleville Road. The new bridge will be approximately 1,000 feet long and 40 feet wide and will include widened shoulders, improved roadway geometry, enhanced safety features, and the relocation and upgrade of a water line beneath the bridge deck.\n\n\"This is tremendous news for Marshall County and for the thousands of residents, school buses, emergency vehicles, farmers, and businesses that depend on the Swayback Bridge every day,\" said Congressman Aderholt. \"Anyone who has driven this stretch of road understands why this project has been such a priority. Replacing this aging bridge will make travel safer, improve reliability, and strengthen an important transportation corridor for years to come.\"\n\nLast year, Congressman Aderholt wrote directly to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urging the Department of Transportation to give strong consideration to Marshall County's BUILD Grant application.\n\n\"I was proud to advocate for this project and appreciate Secretary Duffy and the Department of Transportation for recognizing its importance,\" Aderholt continued. \"Competitive grants like BUILD are never easy to secure, which makes this award especially meaningful. The fact that Marshall County received Alabama's only BUILD Grant this year speaks to both the strength of this application and the critical need for this investment.\"\n\nAderholt also commended the Marshall County Commission and local officials for their leadership in developing the project.\n\n\"I want to congratulate the Marshall County Commission and Commission Chairman John Young and everyone who worked tirelessly to bring this application together,\" Aderholt said. \"Their persistence and vision made today's announcement possible. I look forward to seeing construction begin and to the lasting benefits this project will provide for the people of Marshall County.\"\n\nThe BUILD Grant program provides competitive federal funding for nationally and regionally significant transportation projects that improve safety, mobility, and economic opportunity.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-aderholt-announces-grant-workshop-non-profits", "title": "Congressman Aderholt Announces Grant Workshop for Non-Profits", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "aderholt.house.gov", "scraper": "aderholt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000055", "name": "Robert B. Aderholt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "This office is located on the backside of the Cullman Dental Arts building up the handicap ramp. It serves Cullman and Winston Counties.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office serves Marshall, DeKalb, and Blount Counties.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office serves Fayette, Lamar, Marion and Walker Counties. It also serves the portion of Tuscaloosa County north of the Black Warrior River, but also down the western side of the county to include the Ralph, Fosters areas.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office serves Colbert and Franklin Counties. It also serves residents of Lauderdale County from roughly Center Star, west to the Mississippi line.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office is located on the backside of the Cullman Dental Arts building up the handicap ramp. It serves Cullman and Winston Counties.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office serves Marshall, DeKalb, and Blount Counties.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office serves Fayette, Lamar, Marion and Walker Counties. It also serves the portion of Tuscaloosa County north of the Black Warrior River, but also down the western side of the county to include the Ralph, Fosters areas.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office serves Colbert and Franklin Counties. It also serves residents of Lauderdale County from roughly Center Star, west to the Mississippi line.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-usmca-renewal-pause-path-stronger-enforcement", "title": "Smith: USMCA Renewal Pause Is a Path to Stronger Enforcement", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "adriansmith.house.gov", "scraper": "adriansmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001172", "name": "Adrian Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and chair of the Subcommittee on Trade, released the following statement regarding the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Joint Review.\n\n“Since its creation, USMCA has been the gold standard for modern trade agreements, delivering meaningful benefits to the United States and our North American partners. But any agreement is only as strong as its enforcement. Unfortunately, over the past six years, our trading partners have repeatedly failed to fully uphold their commitments. With that in mind, President Trump’s decision not to renew is not a termination—it is an opportunity to strengthen enforcement, so the agreement functions as intended. I look forward to continuing my work with Ambassador Greer to secure the strongest possible deal, level the playing field, and reinforce supply chains for America’s agriculture producers and manufacturers.\"\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSmith has been a leading advocate for strong enforcement of the USMCA agreement—particularly on issues affecting American agriculture, manufacturing, and digital services.\n\nRepresenting the nation’s largest agriculture-producing district, Smith has emphasized the importance of a strong, enforceable USMCA for America’s farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers. He continues to support strengthening the agreement ahead of its scheduled expiration on July 1, 2036.\n\nIn December 2020, after Mexico issued a presidential decree banning imports of U.S. biotech corn for human consumption in violation of its USMCA commitments, Smith pressed the Biden Administration to act. Sending multiple letters to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack urging the launch of a formal dispute. In December 2024, following sustained pressure from Smith, a USMCA dispute panel ruled in the United States’ favor, ending Mexico’s ban on U.S.-grown biotech corn.\n\nIn March 2022, Smith joined his colleagues in sending a letter to the Biden Administration raising concerns about Mexico’s discrimination towards American energy companies and urging the administration to pursue a formal USMCA dispute settlement.\n\nIn December 2023, Smith joined his colleagues in sending a letter to the Biden Administration expressing their disappointment in the administration’s failure to hold Canada accountable for their discrimination against American dairy products. In December 2025, he joined a group of his colleagues urging the Trump Administration to finally address these concerns ahead of the Joint Review.\n\nIn September 2024, following several concerning Mexican Constitutional reforms, Smith led a group of his colleagues in sending a letter urging the Biden Administration to work with Mexican officials to ensure that these proposed reforms did not violate the USMCA agreement.\n\nSmith has also raised concerns about Canada’s emerging digital trade barriers. In May 2024, he joined a bipartisan group urging the Biden Administration to address trade implications of Canada’s Online Streaming Act. In July 2025, he and his colleagues called on Canadian officials to rescind discriminatory digital policies ahead of the 2026 Joint Review and urged the Trump Administration to prioritize resolving these barriers in future negotiations.\n\nIn May 2026, Smith led a letter with 19 Republican colleagues to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent raising concerns regarding recent actions by Mexico’s Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT) that unfairly target American companies operating in Mexico.\n\nAhead of the July 2026 Joint Review, Smith led a bipartisan congressional delegation to Mexico City to meet with Mexican officials during the first round of bilateral negotiations.\n\nMost recently, in June 2026, Smith led a bipartisan letter with his Agriculture Trade Caucus co-chairs and 13 colleagues urging the Trump Administration to address Mexico’s non-tariff barriers affecting U.S. grain exports.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://aguilar.house.gov/2026/07/01/rep-aguilar-announces-over-66-million-for-head-start-programs-in-san-bernardino-county/", "title": "Rep. Aguilar Announces Over $66 Million for Head Start Programs in San Bernardino County", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "domain": "aguilar.house.gov", "scraper": "aguilar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000371", "name": "Pete Aguilar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Press Releases\n\nRep. Aguilar Announces Over $66 Million for Head Start Programs in San Bernardino County\n\nThe grant will support quality early learning programs for children in the Inland Empire, regardless of financial background\n\nSAN BERNARDINO, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced a $66,447,189 grant award for San Bernardino County’s Head Start Programs to ensure quality early education for children in the Inland Empire and set them up for academic success.\n\n“All children in the Inland Empire deserve accessible, quality early childhood education and the life-changing impacts it can have,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “During my time as a Head Start teacher’s aide, I saw firsthand how building a strong educational foundation from an early age can set children up for success in school and beyond. I’m proud to announce this funding for San Bernardino County to continue educating our youngest minds and helping children and families in our region build brighter futures.”\n\n“San Bernardino County is pleased to accept this federal grant, which represents the annual funding for our Preschool Services Head Start and Early Head Start programs,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “These programs serve more than 2,000 children and their families through entry into kindergarten and provide educational, health, and family engagement services. Additionally, Preschool Services works with other county departments and community agencies to help families navigate food and housing insecurity and maximize career opportunities to achieve economic stability.”\n\nThe funding comes as part of a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children & Families’ Office of Head Start. The grant will support San Bernardino County’s Head Start Center-Based and Home-Based programs, which provide low-income families with early learning and social services that support childhood development, family well-being and overall health.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1678", "title": "Alford, Correa Introduce Bipartisan “Online Accessibility Act” to Expand Access & Protect Small Businesses", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "alford.house.gov", "scraper": "alford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000379", "name": "Mark Alford", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) and Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46) introduced the Online Accessibility Act, bipartisan legislation to modernize the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for the digital age while protecting small businesses from abusive website lawsuits.\n\nThe legislation establishes clear, uniform accessibility standards for consumer-facing websites and mobile applications and creates a structured process to ensure issues are fixed—rather than exploited.\n\n“Missouri small businesses want to do the right thing—they want their websites accessible to everyone,” said Congressman Alford. “What they don’t want is to be hit with vague demand letters or forced into costly settlements over technical issues they weren’t given a chance to fix. This bill brings clarity, fairness, and accountability to the system—protecting access for individuals with disabilities while also protecting small businesses from predatory lawsuits.”\n\nThe Online Accessibility Act:\n\nEstablishes clear federal accessibility standards for websites and mobile applications\n\nRequires notice and an opportunity to fix accessibility issues before legal action\n\nCreates a structured enforcement process through the Department of Justice\n\nProvides flexibility for small businesses working in good faith to comply\n\nAcross Missouri and the country, small businesses have faced a growing wave of website accessibility lawsuits—often over minor or unclear violations—with little opportunity to correct issues before legal action is taken.\n\nState-level efforts have also begun to address the issue. According to the Missouri Independent, more than 100 locally owned businesses in Missouri have been targeted by website-related ADA lawsuits, with some forced to pay significant settlements or shut down operations.\n\nAccessibility matters, and it should be the goal, not an afterthought,” Alford continued. “This bill makes sure the focus is on fixing problems and expanding access, not enriching trial lawyers.”'\n\n“Websites need to be accessible to all customers. Small businesses in Southern California work hard to be accessible to all, but for too long there’s been a lack of clarity and guidance for them,” said Congressman Correa. “This bill will increase accessibility while also providing clarity to small businesses and giving them a chance to fix issues before being hit with costly lawsuits.”\n\nThe legislation builds on growing bipartisan momentum at both the state and federal level to curb abusive litigation practices while strengthening accessibility protections.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-politico-article-titled-trumps-second-term-windfall-14b-crypto-earnings", "title": "ICYMI: The Politico article, titled “Trump's second-term windfall: $1.4B in crypto earnings.\"", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "algreen.house.gov", "scraper": "algreen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000553", "name": "Al Green", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The Politico article below, titled “Trump's second-term windfall: $1.4B in crypto earnings,” speaks for itself.\n\nYou can access the article by clicking the link here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases?ID=08D2948B-4969-47A9-B51B-07BAF9B88D49", "title": "Reps. Austin Scott and Sanford Bishop Testify On H.R. 9416 Before House Committee on Natural Resources", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "austinscott.house.gov", "scraper": "austinscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001189", "name": "Austin Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Austin Scott (GA-08) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement after testifying before the House Committee on Natural Resources regarding H.R. 9416, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park Redesignation Act:\n\n\"In Georgia's 8th Congressional District, and across the state, the Ocmulgee Mounds are a source of deep pride. Just as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone reflect the heritage of their regions, the Ocmulgee River corridor represents one of the most important cultural landscapes in the Southeast. By redesignating the Ocmulgee Mounds as a National Park, we can ensure that this extraordinary history is recognized at the national level and shared with visitors from across the country and around the world. I’m proud of the bipartisan work that has brought us to this point, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to move this legislation all the way to President Trump's desk and establish Georgia's first national park,” said Rep. Scott.\n\n“As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday this Saturday, it is vital that we preserve and protect our ancient history, including the stories of the indigenous peoples who lived here long before July 4, 1776,” said Bishop. “Our bill today represents a small, albeit meaningful, step forward that will strengthen Ocmulgee and ensure that its cultural and religious sites are protected now and into the future.”\n\nWatch Rep. Scott's full testimony here.\n\nWatch Rep. Bishop’s full testimony here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=757", "title": "Rep. Balint Reintroduces Sweeping Legislation to Take on the Affordable Housing Crisis Nationwide", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "balint.house.gov", "scraper": "balint", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001318", "name": "Becca Balint", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "More photos from the announcement event in Burlington can be found here.\n\nRep. Balint’s remarks at the event can be viewed here.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) has re-introduced the Community Housing Act, her sweeping legislation to address our nation’s housing crisis. The legislation would invest $500 billion in federal programs, fund the construction of affordable housing, provide new financing to build affordable units, center inclusive zoning and land use, and provide more pathways to homeownership. The ambitious package embraces perpetually affordable housing through community land trusts and would empower nonprofits across the country to help get people into homes that are affordable and stay affordable.\n\nOn June 15, Rep. Balint announced the reintroduction of the Community Housing Act at an event in Burlington. She was joined by local Vermont housing advocates at the event. Rep. Balint also introduced and led this legislation in the 118th Congress.\n\n“Today, I’m proud to have reintroduced my Community Housing Act,” said Rep. Balint. “Confronting our affordable housing crisis is one of my top priorities in Congress because it’s a top priority for Vermonters. This sweeping legislation is about creative solutions, major investments, and concrete actions that we can take to address this crisis and make a real difference in people’s lives. I’m grateful for all the partners who’ve played a role in making this legislation a reality and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get shovels in the ground, increase the supply of housing, and lower costs for folks across the country. Let’s get this bill done.”\n\nAccording to the Vermont Housing Needs Assessment, half of all Vermont renters are cost-burdened, and one in four pay more than 50% of their income on housing costs. Vermont also has a rental vacancy rate of 3%, which is one of the lowest in the country. In Chittenden County, it’sbeen estimated to be just 1%. Additionally, Vermont has the second-highest homelessness rate per capita in the country: 51 per 10,000 people. In 2021, 32% of Vermont renters had the income needed to buy a median-priced home, but by 2023, that rate had fallen to 6%. Lastly, per 2022 data, about 20,000 homes across Vermont have signs of housing quality concerns.\n\nTo address these issues, the Community Housing Act would:\n\nIncrease the supply of affordable and deeply affordable housing.\n\nEnsure that affordable housing stays affordable for the long run.\n\nEncourage revamping zoning codes to eliminate barriers to affordable housing construction.\n\nOpen more low-cost financing to affordable housing developers.\n\nSupport affordable homes and apartments for rural residents.\n\nThe Community Housing Act is endorsed by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), the National NeighborWorks Association, and Grounded Solutions Network.\n\n\"Across the nation, households with the lowest incomes continue to face rising cost burdens and housing instability,” said Renee M. Willis, President and CEO, National Low Income Housing Coalition. “To address this crisis, we need sustained investments in programs that provide deep affordability and stability for these families. Representative Balint's legislation would increase rental supply where it is needed most by making historic investments in the National Housing Trust Fund, provide funding for legal assistance for renters at risk of eviction through the Eviction Protection Grant program, and fund and reform programs to preserve affordable rental housing in rural areas. I thank Representative Balint for focusing on the needs of low-income renters in this bold legislation.”\n\nA one pager on the bill can be found here. A section-by-section summary can be found here. The full bill text can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-its-congress-prevent-another-endless-american-war", "title": "Barrett: It’s Up to Congress to Prevent Another Endless American War", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "barrett.house.gov", "scraper": "barrett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001321", "name": "Tom Barrett", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "In case you missed it, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) wrote an op-ed on Fox News Digital today on the role Congress must play in preventing America from being dragged into another endless war. In the op-ed, Barrett discusses his package of legislation from earlier this year to Recalibrate Foreign Policy and End Endless Wars, as well as his recent votes to require congressional authorization for any further military operations in Iran.\n\nBarrett served 22 years in the U.S. Army and is the only member of Congress to introduce an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) to wind down and limit the conflict in Iran.\n\nYou can read the op-ed here or below.\n\nImage\n\nWar is something we are all contemplating as tensions with Iran continue. It certainly keeps me up at night. After spending 22 years in the Army and deploying around the world, it still consumes a lot of my attention.\n\nEurope and America fought the \"War to End All Wars\" more than 100 years ago in the trenches of World War I. Of course, it didn’t really end wars, and it directly fed into World War II, which left millions dead and reset the global national hierarchy. In the book \"1984,\" George Orwell wrote that \"by becoming continuous war has ceased to exist.\" When we normalize war, it becomes a constant in our lives, like a chronic disease we try to manage but never fully cure.\n\nThat’s why one of the proudest votes I took in my first year in Congress was to repeal the 2002 authorization for use of military force in Iraq — almost 17 years to the day after I came home from my own deployment in that war. This marked the first time in my life that Congress successfully repealed an authorization for use of military force.\n\nEarlier this year I introduced my own bipartisan reform plan to repeal another dormant authorization and require future authorizations to be reapproved at least every five years. This package would also give Congress more tools to quickly and clearly define future missions after the president uses force to confront urgent threats.\n\nOur Constitution is clear: Only Congress can declare war and decide to engage in the use of military force. In 1973, Congress passed the War Powers Act, which delegated some authority to the president for up to 60 days before Congress must give consent for the effort to continue.\n\nWhen that timeline expired for the conflict in Iran, I felt compelled to enforce it for one simple reason — the decision of when and how to go to war is perhaps the most consequential that a government can make. It literally involves life and death.\n\nDecisions like this demand the highest level of constitutional scrutiny. Iran must never get a nuclear weapon, but the people’s representatives must have a say when American lives and taxpayer dollars are on the line.\n\nDecisions about war can’t be taken lightly. Sadly, I have encountered what feels like a growing mindset that some Americans think we can fight wars using other people’s sons and daughters with technology that keeps us far from the battlefield. We haven’t had a draft in over 50 years, so it’s easy to feel insulated from the effects of war.\n\nBut an entire generation of Global War on Terror-era veterans see it differently. We lost friends and battle buddies who either didn’t make it home or came back physically or psychologically wounded, with thousands more losing the battle to suicide than to combat. At the end of two decades, it was easy to wonder if it was all worth it or not.\n\nStaff Sergeant Duane Dreasky was my friend and roommate on a deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was struck by an IED in Iraq and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, just three miles from where I now cast my votes as a member of the United States Congress.\n\nOther friends were lost to suicide or overdose. I think about the total human cost of war as I carry their memories and the thousands of other War on Terror veterans with me as I make these decisions.\n\nWhile my time in the military has passed, I owe it to this generation of warfighters to set clear, unambiguous objectives, prevent mission creep and protect against endless conflicts and nation building.\n\nWhen we do need to use military force, a clearly defined mission allows for overwhelming force to defeat the enemy quickly and decisively. It’s time for Congress to step up and have the debate on the use of force and avoid the tragic mistakes of the past.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bell-announces-over-12-million-bolster-training-and-employment", "title": "Congressman Bell Announces Over $1.2 Million to Bolster Training and Employment Programs in St. Louis", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "bell.house.gov", "scraper": "bell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001324", "name": "Wesley Bell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Bell announced $1,285,628 in federal funding for the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment\n\nThe funding came through the Department of Labor’s YouthBuild award\n\nCongressman Bell recently hosted his second annual job fair to further support job seekers in the St. Louis region\n\nCongressman Bell: “So many amazing things happen when people have a stable, good-paying job”\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, Representative Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) announced over $1.2 million in federal funding heading for the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment. The funding came through the Department of Labor’s YouthBuild award.\n\n“So many amazing things happen when people have a stable, good-paying job,” said Congressman Bell. “Which is why I'm doing everything in Congress to make sure my constituents have every opportunity possible to be gainfully employed. I am proud to help bring these federal dollars to the St. Louis region and excited to see all the good it will do for our community.”\n\nRepresentative Bell has used his time in Congress to support programs that bring job opportunities back to the St. Louis region. He has hosted two Congressional job fairs that have brought together hundreds of employers and potential employees from around the area. As the St. Louis County Prosecutor, Congressman Bell understands the direct correlation between job opportunity and crime rates in the St. Louis region.\n\nThe St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) is the City of St. Louis government agency that offers job seekers and businesses a variety of no-cost services related to employment, job training, and career advancement.\n\nYouthBuild is a community-based pre-apprenticeship program that provides job training and educational services for opportunity youth ages 16-24 who left school without a secondary diploma. Participants learn vocational skills in construction, as well as in other in-demand industries that include healthcare, information technology, and hospitality. Participants also provide community service through the required construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their own neighborhoods.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bell-spearheads-effort-include-disaster-relief-funding-any", "title": "Congressman Bell Spearheads Effort to Include Disaster Relief Funding in Any Supplemental Legislation", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "bell.house.gov", "scraper": "bell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001324", "name": "Wesley Bell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The letter urges House leadership to immediately put together a supplemental funding package to address needed disaster recovery funds for the St. Louis region\n\nThis effort builds on several other legislative initiatives Congressman Bell has championed to address the lack of federal support stemming from last year’s tornado\n\nCongressman Bell sent the letter to House leadership, as well as the Chair and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee\n\nCongressman Bell: “The tornado impacted communities already facing economic challenges and aging infrastructure, making recovery especially difficult in St. Louis's most vulnerable neighborhoods\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) led an effort urging House leadership and the Appropriations Committee Chair and Ranking Member to include disaster relief funding in any supplemental legislation brought to the House floor.\n\n“As St. Louis communities recover from the 2025 storms, I urge you to bring supplemental disaster relief appropriations funding to the House floor as soon as possible,\" wrote the Congressman in the letter.\n\n“The storm damaged or destroyed about 5,000 buildings, including homes, businesses, schools, and critical public facilities. More than 100,000 customers lost power, at least five people died, and dozens were injured. Local officials estimate total damages exceed $1.6 billion,” Congressman Bell continued.\n\nThis letter builds on Rep. Bell’s broader efforts to strengthen and modernize the federal government’s disaster relief and recovery response. In May, he introduced the Tornado Preparedness Act to improve the nation’s ability to detect, forecast, and respond to tornadoes, and to strengthen community resilience in high-risk areas.\n\n“I urge Congress to act quickly to ensure our community receives the resources needed to rebuild and recover from recent disasters. Local governments continue to bear the burden of increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters and require sustained federal partnership to respond effectively and recover fully. I respectfully urge you to bring a comprehensive supplemental disaster relief appropriations bill to the House floor that provides the resources necessary for my district and the other communities nationwide recovering from recent disasters,” the Congressman concluded.\n\nAfter the devastating tornadoes in Missouri last year, Rep. Bell pushed to hold the Trump Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) accountable and to ensure families received necessary assistance.\n\nIn October 2025, he introduced the FEMA Operations Continuity Act to ensure FEMA can continue providing disaster relief during lapses in government funding. In February 2026, he introduced the FEMA Accountability Act, requiring FEMA to publicly report monthly on disaster relief fund expenditures.​ Most recently, Congressman Bell introduced the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Automated Assessment Act, “CDBG AAA,” which seeks to improve how the federal government identifies and addresses unmet housing, infrastructure, and economic recovery needs after major disasters.\n\nA link to the letter can be found HERE and the letter text is below:\n\n“Dear Speaker Johnson, Leader Jeffries, Chairman Cole, and Ranking Member DeLauro:\n\nAs St. Louis communities recover from the 2025 storms, I urge you to bring supplemental disaster relief appropriations funding to the House floor as soon as possible.\n\nOn May 16, 2025, a severe weather system produced an EF-3 tornado that struck the St. Louis region and neighboring communities across Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. With peak winds of 152 miles per hour, the tornado traveled nearly 23 miles and became the widest tornado recorded in the St. Louis region since modern records began in 1950. The storm damaged or destroyed about 5,000 buildings, including homes, businesses, schools, and critical public facilities. More than 100,000 customers lost power, at least five people died, and dozens were injured. Local officials estimate total damages exceed $1.6 billion.\n\nThe tornado impacted communities already facing economic challenges and aging infrastructure making recovery especially difficult in St. Louis's most vulnerable neighborhoods. Congress has not enacted a comprehensive supplemental disaster relief appropriations package since the American Relief Act, 2025 (Pub. L. No. 118-158), signed into law on December 21, 2024. While FEMA and other federal agencies have provided critical assistance, significant unmet recovery needs remain. Supplemental appropriations are direly needed to help communities recover, restore housing and infrastructure, support local governments, and strengthen resilience against future disasters.\n\nI urge Congress to act quickly to ensure our community receives the resources needed to rebuild and recover from recent disasters. Local governments continue to bear the burden of increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters and require sustained federal partnership to respond effectively and recover fully. I respectfully urge you to bring a comprehensive supplemental disaster relief appropriations bill to the House floor that provides the resources necessary for my district and the other communities nationwide recovering from recent disasters.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9156", "title": "New Dem Trade & Tariffs Task Force Chair Don Beyer Slams Declaration to Withdraw from USMCA, Urge Strengthening of Trilateral Agreement through Joint Review", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "beyer.house.gov", "scraper": "beyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001292", "name": "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, New Democrat Coalition Trade & Tariffs Task Force Chair Don Beyer (VA-08) issued a statement on the start of the joint review process of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) urging Trump Administration officials to maintain and build on the seminal trade agreement rather than withdraw and throw the U.S. and regional economy into chaos. The failure to renew the USMCA is estimated to result in a $300 tax increase per household in 2027 and the loss of 95,000 jobs.\n\n“This past year has demonstrated the profound importance of free trade with America’s two closest trading partners, Canada and Mexico. As the President’s sweeping trade war erodes our trade relationships, raises costs, and destroys certainty in our economy, it is essential that the United States use this opportunity to strengthen – not retreat from – this crucial agreement.\n\n“The Administration’s decision to start this review process by refusing to extend the USMCA is a grave mistake. Withdrawal from the agreement would devastate our markets, manufacturers, farmers, and consumers here at home. Our negotiators must engage in good-faith, trilateral discussions during this review to reinforce the agreement and ensure its continuation while addressing new challenges that have emerged in the six years since the USMCA took effect.\n\n“Over the past year, New Dems convened meetings with the Canadian and Mexican ambassadors and roundtables with stakeholders and trade experts to ensure this process refines the Agreement without undermining its core framework. We are fully committed to delivering a revitalized USCMA through the joint review to deliver lower costs, stronger supply chains, more jobs, and certainty to our economy.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-applauds-supreme-court-rulings-womens-sports-presidential", "title": "Congressman Biggs Applauds Supreme Court Rulings on Women’s Sports, Presidential Authority", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "biggs.house.gov", "scraper": "biggs", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001302", "name": "Andy Biggs", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Biggs applauded the U.S. Supreme Court decisions this week in West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Trump v. Slaughter.\n\nIn West Virginia v. B.P.J., a majority of Supreme Court Justices ruled that states passing laws to protect the integrity of women’s sports are not in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and Title IX. Therefore, states taking action to separate biological men and women in sports arenas, including Arizona, are perfectly within the bounds of the U.S. Constitution and applicable laws. Arizona’s Save Women’s Sports Act has been under litigation and was being defended by the state legislature.\n\n“Yesterday's ruling was a massive win for America, the law, science, common sense, and fairness for all,” said Congressman Biggs. “It is fitting that, in the United States’ 250th year, we have again restored order to the insanity threatening the integrity of women’s sports. I’m so thankful for the individuals around the country who fought every day for girls dreaming about competing in various sporting events throughout their lives. Because of your efforts, our daughters and granddaughters can grow up in a nation that will protect their right to play sports in a safe and nurturing environment – not one marred by biological boys and men attempting to gain access.”\n\nJustice Brett Kavanaugh, in writing the opinion of the Court, stated, “The two States here—along with 25 other States, the IOC, the USOPC, and the NCAA—have concluded at this time that women and girls should be allowed to compete for those life-changing opportunities on an equal playing field, without fear of physical injury from biological males or being forced to compete against biological males. Consistent with Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause, we hold that the States may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females. They may determine eligibility for women’s and girls’ sports based on biological sex. The Constitution and Title IX do not require an overhaul of women’s and girls’ sports throughout America.\n\nIn Trump v. Slaughter, the Court ruled that the President of the United States does, in fact, have the constitutional authority to fire a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioner without cause, being that the FTC is under the executive branch – of which the President is the chief executive. The Court struck down a previous case, Humphrey’s Executor v. United States, that had prevented President Roosevelt’s 1935 attempt to fire an FTC Commissioner without cause.\n\n“In the United States of America, all federal bureaucrats should answer to the President, who is elected by and accountable to the American people,” said Congressman Biggs. “For too long, unelected bureaucrats have operated independently of oversight from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. That chaos suffered a significant defeat with yesterday’s ruling. I applaud the U.S. Supreme Court for getting this case and issue correct, restoring our three branches of government to more of the balance our founders intended with their inspired framework so many years ago.”\n\nChief Justice John Roberts, delivering the opinion of the Court, wrote, “Humphrey’s framework, in short, has not withstood the test of time. While Humphrey’s was surely right to focus on ‘the character of the office’ at issue, and surely right to say that ‘purely executive’ powers must be controlled by the President, we long ago abandoned the notion that there are some powers that are only partly executive. Forty years have now passed, in fact, since we recognized that the FTC exercises executive power – and did so even in 1935, when Humphrey’s was decided. And more than 200 years have passed since we recognized that the Constitution ‘vests the whole executive power in the President’ alone.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-sanford-bishop-and-austin-scott-highlight-their-bipartisan-ocmulgee-mounds-bill-at-house-subcommittee-hearing", "title": "Reps. Sanford Bishop and Austin Scott Highlight Their Bipartisan Ocmulgee Mounds Bill at House Subcommittee Hearing", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "bishop.house.gov", "scraper": "bishop", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B000490", "name": "Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "PHOTO: Congressman Bishop and Congressman Scott with the Macon-Bibb Delegation at the U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee Hearing on July 1\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) and Austin Scott (GA-08) testified before the U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands regarding their bill, H.R. 9416, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park Redesignation Act. H.R. 9416 continues a more than decade long, but steady and combined effort of local, state, and federal leaders to create Georgia’s first National Park and more closely realize the original vision for this historic and cultural treasure which will also bring more visitors and jobs to Middle Georgia.\n\n“As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday this Saturday, it is vital that we preserve and protect our ancient history, including the stories of the indigenous peoples who lived here long before July 4, 1776,” said Congressman Bishop. “Our bill today represents a small, albeit meaningful, step forward that will strengthen Ocmulgee and ensure that its cultural and religious sites are protected now and into the future.”\n\n“In Georgia's 8th Congressional District, and across the state, the Ocmulgee Mounds are a source of deep pride. Just as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone reflect the heritage of their regions, the Ocmulgee River corridor represents one of the most important cultural landscapes in the Southeast. By redesignating the Ocmulgee Mounds as a National Park, we can ensure that this extraordinary history is recognized at the national level and shared with visitors from across the country and around the world. I’m proud of the bipartisan work that has brought us to this point, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to move this legislation all the way to President Trump's desk and establish Georgia's first national park,” said Congressman Scott.\n\nWATCH: Congressman Bishop’s Testimony and Congressman Scott’s Testimony\n\nThe area is the ancestral home of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and has been inhabited continuously by humans for over 12,000 years. American Indians first arrived in the area during the Paleo-Indian Period hunting Ice Age mammals. Around 900 CE, the Mississippian Period began, and Muskogean people constructed mounds for meeting, living, burial, agricultural, and other purposes, many of which remain today and would be encompassed in the new U.S. National Park and Preserve.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/07/01/buchanan-bill-to-encourage-use-of-ai-tools-to-detect-tax-fraud-advanced-by-house-ways-and-means-committee/", "title": "Buchanan Bill to Encourage Use of AI Tools to Detect Tax Fraud Advanced by House Ways and Means Committee", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "domain": "buchanan.house.gov", "scraper": "buchanan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001260", "name": "Vern Buchanan", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Establishes Pilot Program to Use AI to Identify Fraudulent Tax Returns, Requires Report to Congress on Results\n\nWASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, announced that his bipartisan AI Tax Integrity Act of 2026 (H.R. 9501) to encourage the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to detect tax fraud was marked up and passed out of committee by the House Ways and Means Committee. Buchanan’s bill is co-led by Congressman Steven Horsford (D-Nev.).\n\n“Protecting American taxpayer dollars is one of our most important responsibilities in Congress, and we should be empowering the IRS to use modern, emerging technologies to ensure that all tax fraud is detected and that bad actors are held accountable,” said Buchanan. “That’s why I’m proud to see my AI Tax Integrity Act with Rep. Horsford get successfully marked up and passed out of committee today. By evaluating how the IRS can harness emerging AI capabilities to strengthen fraud detection, we can ensure that it can conduct efficient, thorough investigations and improve recovery of taxpayer dollars.”\n\nThe AI Tax Integrity Act requires the Treasury Secretary to establish a pilot program within the IRS to use AI to identify potentially fraudulent tax returns, including those which are the result of identity theft, fraudulent claims for tax credits, deductions or refunds by individual or business taxpayers, and improperly prepared returns by third-party return preparers.\n\nIt also requires the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit a report to the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee evaluating the effectiveness and accuracy of using AI tools and capabilities to assist the IRS in detecting tax fraud. The bill does not expand the IRS’s enforcement capabilities.\n\nIn 2020, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) identified $2.3 billion in tax fraud through 1,598 investigations, resulting in 945 prosecution recommendations and 593 sentencing actions. By 2024, the IRS-CI had launched 2,667 investigations, secured 1,571 convictions, uncovered more than $9.1 billion in tax and financial fraud and recovered nearly $3 billion through restitution and asset seizures. Building on this progress, the AI Tax Integrity Act aims to help Treasury and the IRS take their efforts further by evaluating how AI can enhance fraud detection and improve recovery of taxpayer dollars.\n\nJoining Buchanan and Horsford as cosponsors on the AI Tax Integrity Act are Reps. Aaron Bean (R-Fla.) and David Schweikert (R-Ariz.). Buchanan’s bill is supported by the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, Intuit and the 60 Plus Association.\n\nBuchanan is a leader in advancing meaningful legislation to protect hard-working Americans and combat waste, fraud and abuse. In March 2026, he introduced the AI Fraud Accountability Act (H.R. 7786) to crack down on highly realistic AI-generated impersonation scams designed to defraud Americans.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/bynum-urges-epa-monitor-microplastics-americas-drinking-water", "title": "Bynum Urges EPA to Monitor Microplastics in America's Drinking Water", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "bynum.house.gov", "scraper": "bynum", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001326", "name": "Janelle S. Bynum", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Yesterday, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (D-OR), Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) led a bicameral letter, joined by 53 of their colleagues, urging Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin to add microplastics to the agency's recently published Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6). The lawmakers argue that EPA should begin monitoring microplastics in America's drinking water, citing a growing body of research linking the emerging contaminant to serious adverse health effects.\n\nEarlier this Congress, Rep. Bynum introduced the bicameral, bipartisan Microplastics Safety Act to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct a study on the health impacts of microplastics in food, water, and other products. The legislation is a critical step forward in better understanding the threat of microplastics to human health.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers write:\n\n\"As plastic production continues to expand rapidly, microplastics pose a potential threat to public health in the United States. Emerging research demonstrates that microplastics are now pervasive in the human body and are associated with serious adverse health effects. Concentrations of microplastics in human brain tissue have been reported to increase by nearly 50 percent between 2016 and 2024.\"\n\nLater in the letter, they write:\n\n\"Accordingly, we urge the EPA to add microplastics to UCMR 6 and to design a robust, nationwide monitoring program for microplastics in drinking water. Doing so will provide critical transparency regarding exposure, inform future health-protective standards under SDWA, and help ensure that the federal government meets its responsibility to protect the health and safety of the American people.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-carson-submits-federal-inquiry-aesblackrock-acquisition", "title": "Congressman Carson Submits Federal Inquiry on AES/BlackRock Acquisition", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "carson.house.gov", "scraper": "carson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001072", "name": "André Carson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "July 1, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman André Carson (IN-07) submitted a formal inquiry to the Federal Regulatory Commission on BlackRock’s proposed acquisition of AES Corporation.\n\nIn the letter, Congressman Carson expressed concern that this transaction will raise customer rates, despite claims to the contrary. Congressman Carson cited an example in Michigan, where customers saw four successive rate increases following a private acquisition in 2014. A Minnesota judge later cited this deal to reject a proposal by the same BlackRock affiliate seeking to acquire AES Indiana.\n\nCongressman Carson’s letter also expressed the risk of AI data centers passing on costs to customers. Congressman Carson recently introduced the AI Data Center Moratorium Act to enact a common-sense pause on data centers until safeguards can be put in place for customers, as well as a bill requiring additional transparency with data center developments. Congressman Carson has also spoken out against AES Indiana’s recently approved rate hike, which is set to take effect next year.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found below and attached:\n\nDear Secretary Reese:\n\nI am writing to formally express my deep concerns regarding the proposed acquisition of The AES Corporation by a consortium led by BlackRock through its affiliate, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and EQT Infrastructure. As the Representative for Indiana’s 7th Congressional District, I write with serious concern about the implications this transaction may have for the families, working people, and ratepayers I represent.\n\nWhile the applicants claim this transaction will not impact customer rates, I remain unconvinced. Essential utility services, such as those provided by AES Indiana, are the lifeblood of our local economy and the foundation of household stability for my constituents. The transfer of such critical public infrastructure to private equity control warrants the Commission’s most searching scrutiny.\n\nMy primary concern is that the profit-maximizing mandates inherent to private equity and largescale investment firms will inevitably prioritize shareholder returns over the affordability, reliability, and environmental well-being of our communities. We have seen time and again that when essential services are treated as investment assets, the incentive structure shifts toward aggressive cost-cutting and rate increases that place a disproportionate burden on working families. BlackRock and EQT Infrastructure operate on investment timelines that are fundamentally misaligned with the decades-long capital stewardship that electric utility infrastructure demands. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Power Company saw four successive rate increases following its acquisition by private equity in 2014, illustrating precisely this dynamic. A Minnesota administrative law judge cited this deal as grounds to reject a nearly identical proposal by Global Infrastructure Partners, the same BlackRock affiliate seeking to acquire AES Indiana.\n\nFurthermore, I am deeply alarmed by the potential for this acquisition to be driven by the surging demand for energy to power artificial intelligence and data centers. There is a profound risk that the massive costs associated with grid upgrades to support these facilities will be passed on to residential ratepayers, rather than the corporations driving the demand.\n\nAdditionally, I am concerned that the pressure to meet the rapidly growing energy requirements of these data centers will lead to an over-reliance on older, dirtier power generation, exacerbating air pollution and degrading the quality of life for communities already burdened by industrial emissions. This is not a hypothetical concern: Indiana already relies heavily on fossil fuel generation, and the communities in my district have long lived with the health consequences of that reality.\n\nI urge the Commission to conduct the most rigorous and transparent review possible of this acquisition. Specifically, I request that the Commission:\n\nScrutinize the impact on long-term rate affordability: Ensure that the “public interest” standard under the Federal Power Act is rigorously applied to protect consumers from potential future rate hikes, and that residential ratepayers are not forced to subsidize the infrastructure demands of massive data center developments.\n\nEvaluate the negative impacts of private ownership on residents: Examine whether the long-term capital requirements of essential utility infrastructure and the imperative to transition toward cleaner energy can be reliably met by firms with investment cycles shorter than the operational life of these assets.\n\nAssess environmental and community health impacts: Thoroughly investigate how this change in ownership might alter generation priorities, specifically ensuring that the drive for rapid power expansion does not lead to increased air pollution and negative health outcomes for residents.\n\nPrioritize public transparency: Maintain an open and accessible record for public comment, ensuring that the voices of the ratepayers who are most affected by this transaction are fully considered before any regulatory approval is granted.\n\nMy constituents rely on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to protect their interests and serve as a check against corporate, for-profit interests that would sacrifice their economic security and environmental well-being. I ask that you hold this transaction to the highest standard of accountability and condition or deny approval if the record fails to demonstrate that this transaction affirmatively serves the public interest—not merely avoids obvious harm to it.\n\nThank you for your time and your attention to this critical matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nCongressman André Carson\n\n###\n\nIssues:EnergyEconomy", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415735", "title": "Smith introduces resolution condemning the CCP’s campaign to erase ethnic and religious minorities", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the Co-Chair of both the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) and the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC), introduced legislation condemning the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) intensified repression of ethnic and religious minorities, as well as Beijing’s new law—the so-called Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress—scheduled to take effect on July 1st. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) is the lead Democrat on the resolution.\n\nThe Smith-McGovern resolution (H.Res.1400), first reported by The Epoch Times, warns that the bogus statute, adopted by China’s National People’s Congress in March, gives unprecedented legal force and cover to the CCP’s ongoing campaign to eliminate distinct ethnic, religious, linguistic, and cultural identities into a single Party-defined national identity. It condemns the CCP’s forced assimilation targeting Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongolians, Hui Muslims, Manchus, and other communities, whose languages, faiths, families, and histories are under siege.\n\nThe legislation also asserts that Beijing’s law reaches beyond China’s borders, threatening Uyghurs, Tibetans, Chinese dissidents, journalists, scholars, religious leaders, and former political prisoners abroad. In effect, the resolution argues, the CCP is unjustly claiming the authority to punish lawful and peaceful speech, advocacy, scholarship, and religious practice, even on free soil.\n\n“Beijing’s message is chilling: abandon your faith, forget your language, obey the Party—or face punishment, even abroad,” said Smith.\n\n“This is not unity. It is tyranny—and it turns cultural and religious erasure into official policy. Congress must act decisively to condemn the CCP’s atrocities and protect Americans and diaspora communities from transnational repression,” continued Smith, who has chaired countless congressional hearings on human rights abuses in China.\n\nSmith and McGovern’s resolution urges sanctions and visa restrictions on People’s Republic of China (PRC) officials and entities responsible for forced assimilation, religious repression, forced labor, arbitrary detention, mass surveillance, coercive boarding-school systems, and transnational repression.\n\nThe legislation also calls for continued U.S. advocacy on behalf of political prisoners, including Ilham Tohti, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, Hada, and others detained for peaceful advocacy, religious practice, scholarship, or cultural preservation.\n\nFurthermore, the measure calls for stronger protections for China’s diaspora communities in the United States, who remain under the threat of transnational repression from the CCP.\n\nIt also gives expanded support for endangered languages, religious traditions, independent media, diaspora-led cultural education, documentation of cultural repression, and local-language broadcasting.\n\nFinally, the Smith-McGovern resolution affirms that the recognition and succession of the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leaders are religious matters that must be decided exclusively by Tibetan Buddhists, free from interference by the Government of China or the Chinese Communist Party.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415738", "title": "The Epoch Times exclusive article on Smith's new legislation'CCP Expanding International Repression Through New \"Ethnic Unity Law,\" Warns House Resolution'", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Eva Fu & Dorothy Li\n\nPublished July 1, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON—House lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning China’s new ethnic unity law, saying it will expand the regime’s efforts to enforce the regime’s ideology internationally and eliminate cultural and religious rights.\n\nThe measure by Reps. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) comes amid growing concerns in Congress about the Chinese law, which allows Beijing to target people in the United States and beyond.\n\nThe Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress law, enacted on July 1, formalizes a longstanding push to prioritize Mandarin Chinese in education from kindergarten and promotes a unified national identity among the country’s 55 officially recognized ethnic minority groups.\n\nIt also contains a clause that allows the Chinese authorities to prosecute individuals and entities abroad if their actions are deemed by Beijing to undermine “national unity” or incite “separatism.”\n\nChinese military honour guards await the arrival of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ahead of a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Nov. 7, 2023. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) NO ARCHIVING\n\n“Beijing’s message is chilling: Abandon your faith, forget your language, obey the Party—or face punishment, even abroad,” Smith told The Epoch Times in a statement. “This is not unity. It is tyranny—and it turns cultural and religious erasure into official policy.”\n\nThe resolution, shared with The Epoch Times ahead of its public release, denounces the new law and the regime’s broader repression of Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongolians, and other ethnic minority groups.\n\nThe law “elevates Chinese Communist Party ideology,” and its vague prohibitions risk criminalizing a broad range of activities, including peaceful expression, religious worship, reporting, and minority right advocacy, the resolution said.\n\nIt noted the law’s sweeping provisions could be used to punish or intimidate people the regime dislikes abroad, including in the United States.\n\nTaiwanese officials have warned that the regime could use the law against individuals for expressing Taiwanese identity and history, or opposing Beijing’s official narratives around Taiwan, the resolution noted.\n\nRep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, speaks at a hearing on Capitol Hill on Feb. 4, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times\n\nThe lawmakers expressed support for advocating the release of those imprisoned for religious beliefs, cultural preservation, or peace activism, including Uyghur economics professor Ilham Tohti and Uyghur ethnographer Rahile Dawut, both serving life sentences under existing law.\n\nThe resolution encourages President Donald Trump and executive branch officials to impose sanctions or visa restrictions on Chinese officials and entities responsible for enforcing the ethnic unity law and other forced-assimilation polices.\n\nIn addition, it urges the secretary of state to work with U.S. allies, such as the European Union, Canada, and Australia, to monitor implementation of China’s new law and assess its effects.\n\nThe Trump administration needs to take stronger action against the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP’s) use of the new law to harass, surveil, or take any other efforts to silence the Chinese diaspora’s advocacy activities in the United States, the resolution said.\n\nSmith said Congress “must act decisively to condemn the CCP’s atrocities and protect Americans and diaspora communities from transnational repression.”\n\nSens. John Curtis (R-Utah), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced a similar measure in the Senate last week.\n\nSmith, McGovern, and a dozen other House lawmakers also expressed alarm to Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the issue. In a letter dated June 29, they asked Rubio to condemn the ethnic unity law as “a tool of forced assimilation, ideological control, and transnational repression.”\n\nThe law is part of the Chinese regime’s broader pattern of transnational repression and a “direct threat to the rights and safety of diaspora communities and human rights advocates, including American civil society organizations and lawmakers,” they said.\n\nRep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) speaks during a House Rules Committee hearing on Capitol Hill on Sept.16, 2025. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images\n\nRights groups have also raised alarms that the law could give the CCP a legal basis to go after dissidents and other targets abroad. Freedom House said on X on June 30 that China’s new law threatens to “further extend” its transnational repression efforts against members of ethnic and religious minority groups.\n\nThe CCP has been identified among the world’s most prolific perpetrators of transnational repression since 2014, according to Freedom House.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415741", "title": "The Catholic Herald interview with Rep. Smith'Is political cowardice keeping abortion legal? | In conversation with Chris Smith'", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By The Catholic Herald\n\nPublished July 1, 2026 at 9:00 PM\n\nIn this episode of In Conversation With, Mary Margaret Olohan sits down with Congressman Chris Smith, the New Jersey Republican who has co-chaired the House Pro-Life Caucus for decades and spent forty six years in Congress on three fronts he treats as one fight: the unborn, the trafficked, and the religiously persecuted. Smith is not a man in doubt. He describes hate mail, bullhorn protests and death threats as the ordinary cost of the pro-life position, and his answer to that cost is not caution. It is, in his words, to bend into the wind rather than with it.\n\nThe abortion pill is the conversation's central exhibit. Smith cites a large study finding that just under eleven per cent of women who take the drug suffer serious complications requiring hospitalisation, against an official rate the FDA has cited of roughly half of one per cent. He holds the agency responsible across three administrations, Clinton, Obama and Biden, for what he calls a cover up unlike anything he has encountered in decades of legislating, and he points to Planned Parenthood and international bodies marketing the drug worldwide, including into countries with no access to skilled birth attendants should a woman haemorrhage. Only the more conservative press, in his account, has been willing to cover the consequences to women rather than the politics of access.\n\nSmith is equally unsparing about the politicians who once stood where he stands. He names Jesse Jackson, Dick Gephardt, Harry Reid, Dick Durbin and Al Gore as men who were once firmly pro-life and reversed course as their ambitions grew. He goes further, describing how the primary process has been used to remove pro-life Democrats from Congress entirely, citing the defeat of Congressman Dan Lipinski and naming Henry Cuellar as the lone holdout, the only Democrat to vote against a bill Smith says would legalise abortion up to birth in every state.\n\nOn the argument that the issue is now an electoral liability, Smith is direct. He recalls a constituent convinced she was pro-choice who, once asked under what circumstances abortion should be permitted, described a position closer to the Hyde Amendment than she realised. He cites the Marist poll's yearly finding that self-described pro-choice majorities collapse into pro-life positions once specific restrictions are named, and his own district polling, which he says never once favoured the pro-choice line even in supposedly hostile years. He is similarly precise about the Dobbs decision itself, noting that Justice Alito's opinion, which he has read closely, returns the question to lawmakers generally and not, as is widely assumed, to state lawmakers alone.\n\nThe conversation's second half turns to trafficking, where Smith's record is more concrete than rhetorical. He wrote the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, the law under which Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced to twenty years and which he says has been used against nearly five thousand other exploiters, including, in part, Jeffrey Epstein. He is candid that prosecutors weakened that outcome by also charging the far lesser Mann Act, and he traces the same commodifying logic from that case back to the 1980s pornography commission he helped establish under Attorney General Edwin Meese, a task force he says the Clinton administration later dismantled entirely, including its child pornography enforcement. A successor bill, closing gaps that remain, has already passed the House twice with strong bipartisan margins and died twice in the Senate, killed once by Bob Menendez, with Thomas Massie among the recorded no votes.\n\nHis sharpest observation is about language. He hears in \"the fetus is a parasite\" and in the votes to permit sex-selective abortion of girls, which he calls theatre of the absurd, the same dehumanising instinct that lets pornography and trafficking treat women as commodities rather than people. He suspects history will eventually judge this era the way it now judges slavery, as something contemporaries defended and later generations cannot understand having defended.\n\nAsked what should be done, Smith's answer is personal rather than programmatic. Stand up regardless of the cost, because the polling and his own long career suggest the fear of doing so is overstated. Finish the trafficking bill the Senate has twice let die. And do not mistake silence, from institutions or from individual members, for safety. In his account, the faith community and its allies remain, as he puts it, the only ones standing between current policy and something considerably more coercive.\n\nThis article was published on July 1, 2026 and can be found online at:", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/ciscomani-announces-374-million-usda-grant-university-arizona-strengthen", "title": "Ciscomani Announces $3.74 Million USDA Grant to University of Arizona to Strengthen Arizona’s Preparedness Against New World Screwworm", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ciscomani.house.gov", "scraper": "ciscomani", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001133", "name": "Juan Ciscomani", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Tucson, AZ - Congressman Juan Ciscomani today announced that the University of Arizona has been awarded a $3.74 million Grand Challenge Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen Arizona’s preparedness for New World screwworm, a parasitic pest that poses a serious threat to livestock, wildlife, companion animals, and rural economies.\n\nNew World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into and feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, causing severe wounds that can become life-threatening if not quickly detected and treated. The pest was previously eradicated from the United States through a coordinated binational effort between the U.S. and Mexico that used sterile fly release, surveillance, and public awareness campaigns.\n\nThe new grant will support expanded research, surveillance, education, and outreach efforts across Arizona, while advancing innovative detection and monitoring tools to improve early identification and rapid response capabilities. The project will also support coordination among producers, veterinarians, researchers, and state and federal partners to strengthen statewide readiness. Key stakeholders like the Arizona Cattle Growers Association will help support statewide deployment.\n\nThe initiative will complement ongoing efforts by the Arizona Department of Agriculture and will help equip livestock producers, animal health professionals, and rural communities with improved tools to detect and respond to potential outbreaks.\n\nAs part of the project, the University of Arizona will also conduct economic and risk assessments to better understand the potential impact of New World screwworm on Arizona’s livestock industry and rural economy, as well as evaluate response strategies, including the feasibility of an Arizona-based sterile fly production and distribution facility.\n\nThe project, known as PREP-NWS (Preparedness through Research, Extension, and Stakeholder Partnerships), brings together experts in veterinary diagnostics, entomology, agriculture, wildlife health, economics, and Cooperative Extension to build a coordinated statewide preparedness network.\n\nKey areas of focus include improving early detection and diagnostic capacity, expanding surveillance through new technologies, enhancing livestock monitoring tools, and strengthening forecasting models to identify areas of elevated risk. The initiative will also expand hands-on training and outreach programs to help producers and animal health professionals recognize and respond to potential infestations.\n\nIn a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins requesting this grant, Congressman Ciscomani emphasized the importance of proactive investment in protecting Arizona’s agricultural economy and rural communities from emerging biological threats.\n\n\"Arizona’s ranchers, veterinarians, and rural communities are on the front lines of protecting our livestock industry, and they deserve every tool, every resource, and every advantage we can provide,\" said Congressman Juan Ciscomani. \"This investment ensures we are not simply reacting to threats after they arrive. We are building the research, technology, and coordinated partnerships needed to detect New World screwworm early, respond quickly and effectively, and prevent a potential outbreak from becoming a full-scale crisis that would harm Arizona families, producers, and our rural economy.\"\n\nThis grant advocated for by Rep. Ciscomani has received great support from several Arizona community leaders:\n\n\"As our State Veterinarian's Office works hard to prepare Arizona for the New World screwworm, which we hope never makes it here, it is terrific to have a partner like the University of Arizona working alongside us,\" said Paul Brierley, director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture. \"This is an example of the land grant engine revving up to bring innovative resources to livestock producers and the public in all 15 Arizona counties and 22 federally recognized tribes. University researchers worked closely with us to respond quickly to the call for proposals, and this funding will help power the all-hands-on-deck effort required to protect our livestock industry and once again push this pest out of our country.\"\n\n\"ACGA’s extensive membership base and statewide relationships are key to this project. Our goal is to work alongside researchers, agencies and other stakeholders to help ensure the tools and tactics developed by the PREP-NWS team are based on feasible, real-world application,\" said Suzanne Menges, Executive Director of the Arizona Cattle Growers' Association. \"The health of our animals is always top of mind to members of the cattle community, so we are very vested in this opportunity to protect our herds from this pest.\"\n\n\"Many foreign animal diseases are tested by PCR, a reliable technology that allows us to perform testing in volume much more efficiently,\" said Emily Janovyak, assistant director of the Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. \"This molecular platform is more agile and scalable. Instead of relying exclusively on experienced entomologists, we could leverage a wider pool of laboratory professionals well versed in PCR testing.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-secures-key-missouri-priorities-house-water-resources-bill", "title": "Rep. Cleaver Secures Key Missouri Priorities in House Water Resources Bill", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cleaver.house.gov", "scraper": "cleaver", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001061", "name": "Emanuel Cleaver", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) celebrates the inclusion of several Missouri priorities he championed in the House’s Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), bipartisan legislation that authorizes critical U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects to strengthen infrastructure, protect communities, and support long-term economic growth.\n\nAmong the provisions secured by Congressman Cleaver are:\n\nA $45 million authorization for Phase 5 of the Brookside Sewer Separation Project in Kansas City\n\nLanguage prohibiting out-of-basin water transfers from the Missouri River Watershed, helping safeguard one of the region’s most vital natural resources\n\nAuthorization of the Lower Missouri River Flood Risk and Resiliency Comprehensive Study, a critical step toward protecting communities from increasingly severe flooding while improving long-term resilience throughout the region\n\n“Investing in our nation’s infrastructure means investing in safer communities, cleaner water, and a stronger economy,” said Congressman Cleaver. “These provisions represent collaboration with local leaders, engineers, advocates, and stakeholders who understand the needs of our region. I’m proud to see these priorities included in the House WRDA bill because they will help strengthen our infrastructure, protect the Missouri River, and better prepare our communities for the challenges of the future.”\n\nThe $45 million authorization for the Phase 5 of Kansas City’s Brookside Sewer Separation Project will support ongoing efforts to modernize aging wastewater infrastructure, reduce sewer overflows, improve water quality, and protect public health while ensuring the city can continue meeting federal environmental standards.\n\nThe bill also includes Congressman Cleaver’s effort to prevent out-of-basin waste transfers from the Missouri River Watershed, preserving water resources that are essential to communities, agriculture, navigation, industry, and ecosystems throughout Missouri and neighboring states.\n\nAdditionally, the legislation authorizes the Lower Missouri River Flood Risk and Resiliency Comprehensive Study, allowing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate long-term strategies to reduce flood risk, strengthen community resilience, and improve management of the Lower Missouri River in the face of increasingly frequent severe weather events.\n\n“Whether it’s protecting our drinking water, reducing flood risk, or upgrading critical infrastructure, these investments will have lasting benefits for families and communities across our region. I’m grateful these provision were included and I will continue fighting to ensure Missouri receives the federal partnership it deserves.”\n\nThe Water Resources Development Act is considered every two years and authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects that improve navigation, flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and water infrastructure across the country.\n\nFull text of the bill here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://cloud.house.gov/posts/county-backs-naming-new-va-clinic-after-dewitt-native-son", "title": "County backs naming new VA clinic after DeWitt native son", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cloud.house.gov/press", "domain": "cloud.house.gov", "scraper": "cloud", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001115", "name": "Michael Cloud", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "DeWitt County Today\n\nBobby Horecka | July 1st, 2026\n\nDeWitt County commissioners last week joined a growing group of county officials across the region supporting naming the new Veterans Affairs clinic in nearby Victoria after a De-Witt County native, a man who went on to become one of the most highly decorated soldiers of the Vietnam War. Their resolution passed unanimously Monday to endorse naming the area’s VA clinic after the late Master Sgt. Roy P. Benavidez, a Medal of Honor recipient who was born Aug. 5, 1935, in the community of Lindenau in western DeWitt County.\n\nHis family would later call El Campo home after moving there when his father passed away during his boyhood.\n\nThe VA medical facility currently operates under the name Victoria VA Clinic and was built to serve the needs of some 20,000 veterans living in the Golden Crescent area.\n\nBy signing off on the measure, DeWitt County joins officials in Victoria, Jackson, Lavaca and several other counties in supporting the name change. Those county resolutions are being collected by Republican Congressman Michael Cloud’s office, which will then take them to Washington, D.C., where he will introduce a similar measure on the floor of the House of Representatives to initiate the name change.\n\nThe resolution would then require congressional approval and, ultimately, the president’s signature.\n\nCloud’s office is where Benavidez’s grandson, Matthew Benavidez, is about to take a position as a district field representative.\n\nMatthew had previously worked as chief of staff for District 85 state Rep. Stan Kitzman, R-Pattison, but Kitzman was defeated by former Flatonia Mayor Dennis ‘Goose’ Geesaman during the GOP primary election.\n\nBenavidez said he found the vote to be ‘inspirational.’\n\n‘It has been almost 60 years since my grandfather’s actions that day in Vietnam, 45 years since he was awarded the Medal of Honor, and almost 30 years since his passing, and he is still remembered and memorialized,’ he said. ‘I look at this as the actions of the community, and the veterans. They look at the name Roy P. Benavidez and see a beacon of hope, courage, sacrifice and commitment to his brothers in arms.’\n\nBenavidez served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1976, returning to his El Campo home upon retirement. His family still lives in the community where Matthew Benavidez, his siblings and immediate cousins graduated from high school.\n\nHis grandfather’s Medal of Honor stems from what the soldier dubbed ‘Six Hours in Hell,’ the title of a book about his time in the service.\n\nBenavidez rescued eight men and recovered classified military documents on May 2, 1968, after volunteering for a rescue mission behind enemy lines.\n\nHe suffered a broken jaw, 37 bullet wounds and bayonet puncture wounds, returning to the forward operating base in dire condition. Assessing medics attempted to place him inside a body bag, but Benavidez mustered enough strength to spit a mouthful of blood into the face of a doctor looming over him, proving he was still alive.\n\n‘He did not do what he did to become a hero in the eyes of the nation, he did what he did to be a brother to his fellow man,’ Matthew Benavidez said. ‘He did not think about what would happen after the fact, he only thought in the moment.\n\n‘For the people of Texas to still remember the name, and remember the story, and carry on the legacy is truly inspiring,’ he added. ‘His story is what keeps me going in my pursuit to be a better person, and a better public servant.’\n\nBenavidez was presented the Medal of Honor by President Ronald Reagan in 1981 after corroborating witnesses could be located. Benavidez died in 1998.\n\nVeterans Affairs facilities are often named after military heroes, with the bestknown in Texas being Audie Murphy in San Antonio.\n\nWorld War II-era soldier and fellow Texan Lt. Audie Murphy, featured in the movie To Hell and Back, is the most decorated soldier in U.S. history and a Medal of Honor recipient.\n\nTo the veterans for whom the hospital provides care, a trip there is not to the Audie Murphy Veterans Affairs Hospital, but simply ‘Audie Murphy,’ a man still revered by those who once wore the nation’s uniform.\n\n‘I hope that this renaming will bring some sort of comfort to the veterans who visit the hospital, and instill a sense of purpose into everyone who reads his story. It is truly inspiring,’ Matthew Benavidez said.\n\nShannon Crabtree, longtime editor of the Wharton County Leader-News in El Campo, also contributed to this report.", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-18-million-fema-reimbursement-mlgw-damage", "title": "Congressman Cohen Announces $1.8 Million FEMA Reimbursement to MLGW for Damage from April 2025 Storms", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cohen.house.gov", "scraper": "cohen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001068", "name": "Steve Cohen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) announced that the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division (MLGW) will be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for 75 percent of its cost to repair the power grid infrastructure damaged in storms and flooding in April of last year. That amounts to $1,850,109 for removal and replacement of utility poles, transformers, wire and other materials and the labor required to restore power.\n\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\n\n“The storms and tornadoes that ripped through our region in April of 2025 did serious damage to our power grid. I am pleased to see FEMA’s reimbursement for most of the costs MLGW had to incur to restore power.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/july-1-2026-congressman-cohen-announces-22-million-nih-grants-st-jude", "title": "July 1, 2026 Congressman Cohen Announces $2.2 Million in NIH Grants to St. Jude and UTHSC", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cohen.house.gov", "scraper": "cohen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001068", "name": "Steve Cohen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced two National Institutes of Health grants to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and one to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC).\n\nSt. Jude received a grant of $1,077,000 from the National Cancer Institute for research on innate immune sensors inflammasomes and inflammasome-mediated processes in cancer under the direction of Dr. Thirumala-Devi Kanneganti in the Department of Immunology. Inflammasomes are proteins in the immune system that regulate the activation of important signaling molecules and proteins and induce inflammation in response to infectious microbes and molecules. A second St. Jude grant, for $388,500, from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, is for research on lipid metabolism under the direction of Dr. Joseph T. Opferman in the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology.\n\nUTHSC received a grant of $777,079 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for research on fungal-bacterial dynamics under direction of Dr. Brian M. Peters in the College of Pharmacy. This work aims to help develop improved therapeutic interventions to reduce the mortality from fungal-bacterial co-infection.\n\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\n\n“Important medical research is being done in Memphis by these internationally revered pillars of academic medicine in our community. I congratulate Drs. Kanneganti, Opferman, and Peters for receiving these federal investments in the work they undertake.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://comer.house.gov/2026/7/comer-announces-24-million-secured-for-paducah-s-riverport-west-project", "title": "Comer Announces $24 Million Secured for Paducah’s Riverport West Project", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://comer.house.gov/media", "domain": "comer.house.gov", "scraper": "comer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001108", "name": "James Comer", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded a $24 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to support the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority's (PMCRA) Riverport West Project. Since December of 2025, Congressman Comer has pushed DOT to award a BUILD grant for the Riverport West Project. His constant communication with DOT over the last eight months has included setting up a meeting for PMCRA and Paducah community leaders to meet with high-level staff at DOT Headquarters in D.C., sending a letter to DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, and calling senior DOT officials to underscore the project's importance to western Kentucky's economy, transportation infrastructure, and long-term growth.\n\n“The Department of Transportation’s decision today to award a $24 million BUILD grant for the Riverport West Project is a major win for McCracken County and will help unlock new opportunities for economic growth across our region. I am proud to support the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority and its community partners whose leadership and vision have made this transformative project possible. I will continue to work with our community leaders and the Trump Administration to support investments that strengthen western Kentucky's infrastructure, create jobs, and expand economic opportunities,” said Congressman Comer.\n\n“On behalf of the Paducah McCracken County Riverport Authority, we would like to thank Congressman Comer for his support in the development and federal funding for Riverport West. These grant funds mark a critical milestone in positioning Riverport West as a catalyst for economic growth across Western Kentucky. Congressman Comer's support and advocacy, along with Senators McConnell and Paul, has been instrumental in helping us secure the BUILD grant funds necessary to construct the first phase of Riverport West,” said PMCRA Executive Director Jimmie Garrett.\n\nBackground:\n\nMcCracken County is uniquely located at the confluence of the two largest rivers in our nation's Marine Highway System - the Mississippi and the Ohio Rivers - and at the junction of three states, making it an ideal location for federal investments to conduct the necessary planning and design work to prepare the site for construction. Paducah Riverport West will serve as an extension of the main public port, which has leased nearly all parcels available, demonstrating the need for an expansion of the community's current capacity. The region has a high volume of manufactured goods and agricultural products that are shipped by domestic barge companies headquartered in Paducah. The Riverport West Project will strengthen Kentucky’s transportation network, support local jobs, and create new opportunities for economic growth across the region.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://comer.house.gov/2026/7/comer-speaker-johnson-and-republican-lawmakers-urge-trump-administration-to-let-jones-act-waiver-expire-to-bolster-america-s-maritime-industry", "title": "Comer, Speaker Johnson, and Republican Lawmakers Urge Trump Administration to Let Jones Act Waiver Expire to Bolster America's Maritime Industry", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://comer.house.gov/media", "domain": "comer.house.gov", "scraper": "comer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001108", "name": "James Comer", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.), Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.), and Republican lawmakers today urged the Trump Administration to allow the current Jones Act waiver to expire as scheduled, and to take additional policy steps to safeguard American shipbuilding and the long-term competitiveness of the U.S. maritime industry. The Jones Act plays a critical role in Kentucky's economy, protecting barge companies headquartered in Paducah and supporting thousands of maritime jobs in one of the nation's leading inland maritime hubs. In a letter to President Donald J. Trump, the Republican lawmakers emphasized that this Administration understands the strategic importance of the Jones Act to U.S. economic and national security interests and encouraged the use of alternative tools to address fuel and fertilizer costs.\n\n“We appreciate your longstanding support and attention to the challenges facing our domestic shipping industry. As you outlined in your visionary Maritime Action Plan (MAP), a strong maritime industrial base is essential to the nation’s economic and national security, particularly as the United States works to reinforce its global strategic position. Your acknowledgement in the MAP that less than one percent of new commercial ships are built in the United States underscores the importance of protecting durable domestic maritime policy and safeguarding against foreign encroachment in our nation’s waterways. Our nation’s strongest shield against foreign exploitation of American waterways is the Jones Act, which requires vessels transporting cargo between U.S. ports to be American-built, American-owned, American-crewed, and American-flagged,” wrote the Republican lawmakers.\n\nAccording to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. maritime system transports more than 760 million tons of cargo annually, including agricultural products, energy resources, and other essential commodities. The current Jones Act waiver, issued to address rising fuel and fertilizer costs, has allowed foreign-flagged vessels to operate in domestic commerce even when U.S.-flagged vessels were available. Data from the Maritime Administration indicates that approximately 95 percent of waiver voyages have been conducted by foreign maritime operators that are not subject to U.S. tax obligations or domestic regulatory requirements.\n\n“The Jones Act ensures that domestic waterborne commerce is conducted by U.S. vessels and mariners rather than by heavily subsidized foreign competitors. Over time, it has helped sustain a safe and reliable commercial fleet, supporting hundreds of thousands of well-paying American maritime jobs. In short, the Jones Act waiver has become a loophole exploited by adversarial countries to erode America’s maritime dominance. We write to respectfully request that the current Jones Act waiver be allowed to expire as scheduled on August 16, 2026, and encourage you to utilize alternative policy tools to address fuel and fertilizer costs while preserving the strength of the American maritime industry. We stand ready to support your continued efforts to strengthen American economic and maritime dominance,” concluded the Republican lawmakers.\n\nRead the letter here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases/correa-colleagues-move-to-enshrine-psychedelic-therapy-executive-order-in-law-protect-veterans-access", "title": "Correa, Colleagues Move to Enshrine Psychedelic Therapy Executive Order in Law, Protect Veterans' Access", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "correa.house.gov", "scraper": "correa", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001110", "name": "J. Luis Correa", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA), alongside Reps. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), Jack Bergman (R-MI), and Michael McCaul (R-TX), introduced the Initiating Biomedical Outcomes to Garner Advancements into Innovative Neuroplastogen Efficacy (IBOGAINE) Act. This legislation would codify President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order No. 14401, which accelerates the development of, and access to, psychedelic drugs that could save lives and reverse the crisis of serious mental illness in the United States.\n\n“Our veterans put their lives on the line to defend our country, and far too many come home with invisible wounds. They deserve access to every effective resource available to help treat PTSD and support their recovery. Psychedelic-assisted therapy has shown promising results, but we need more research and funding in order for this treatment to become a reality,” said Rep. Correa. “Representative General Jack Bergman and I have been tirelessly advocating for this issue in Congress, and President Trump’s support has been a gamechanger for our effort. I am grateful to Rep. Morgan Luttrell for introducing legislation to cement Trump’s executive order into law so the progress made does not get lost when a new administration comes into office.”\n\n“Last month, President Trump ushered in a new era of treatment options for our veterans with his executive order accelerating medical treatments for serious mental illness. Now we must codify it into law and ensure this progress is not lost,” said Rep. Luttrell. “Psychedelic therapy has helped me and countless other veterans, improving our lives for the better. As we fight to combat our veteran suicide crisis, this breakthrough must be available to the men and women who served our nation.”\n\n\"Our veterans and special operators have willingly put themselves in unimaginable danger to defend our freedoms,” said Rep. McCaul. “We have a profound moral obligation to help these heroes heal from their wounds, both seen and unseen. As his executive order made clear, President Trump deeply understands our duty to care for them and the potential of treatments like Ibogaine to provide lasting healing. I'm proud to champion this legislation to cement the president's commitment to our veterans and look forward to our continued work in Congress to deliver for those who answered the call for us.\"\n\n“President Trump’s Executive Order sent a strong and long-overdue message to the federal bureaucracy: the days of slow-walking progress are over,” said Rep. Bergman. “Agencies now have clear direction from the top to move forward and deliver for our Veterans and families who have been waiting far too long. However, executive action alone is not enough. An Executive Order cannot rewrite federal law, and it can be reversed by a future administration. That’s why I’m proud to support this legislation that codifies these directives into law and ensures lasting change. Congress must continue to act to streamline FDA approvals, address outdated restrictions, and guarantee the VA fully implements these policies so Veterans have access to the treatment options they deserve as soon as they become available.”\n\nPsychedelic treatments for veterans are currently unavailable in the United States. This has forced veterans suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues to travel overseas for assistance.\n\nAccording to a study published by Stanford University School of Medicine in 2024, participants who received ibogaine treatment experienced reductions of 88% in PTSD symptoms, 87% in depression symptoms, and 81% in anxiety symptoms after just one month.\n\nRead the full bill here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-invites-kansans-share-their-stories-ahead-americas-250th-birthday", "title": "Davids Invites Kansans to Share Their Stories Ahead of America’s 250th Birthday", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "davids.house.gov", "scraper": "davids", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000629", "name": "Sharice Davids", "party": "Democrat", "state": "KS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Representative Sharice Davids is inviting Kansans in the Third District to share what America means to them through a short video submission as part of her America 250 initiative.\n\nKansans of all ages can submit their videos HERE.\n\n“Every community has a story to tell, and I want to make sure Kansans are part of how we mark this moment in our nation’s history,” said Davids. “I’m looking forward to hearing from people across the Third District about what they love about this country, what patriotism means to them, and what they hope for the next 250 years.”\n\nParticipants are invited to submit a short video response addressing one of the following prompts:\n\nWhat do you love about America?\n\nWhat does patriotism mean to you?\n\nWhat is your hope for this country for the next 250 years?\n\nWhat would you like your fellow Americans to know?\n\nHow are you celebrating America250?\n\nVideo Submission Guidelines:\n\nVideos must be filmed horizontally (landscape mode)\n\nParticipants should begin by introducing themselves\n\nVideos must be 1 minute or less and may be edited for final use\n\nAccepted formats: .mp4 or .mov\n\nAll participants must sign an appearance release form to be featured; participants under 18 must have parent or guardian permission\n\nRelease forms should be returned via email to DavidsPress@mail.house.gov or by mail to 9200 Indian Creek Parkway, Suite 562, Overland Park, KS 66210\n\nSubmissions must be made using the official form to be considered\n\nOnly submissions from residents of Kansas’ Third Congressional District (KS-03) will be accepted\n\nSubmissions must be original work; videos suspected of plagiarism or artificial intelligence generation will not be accepted\n\nDeadline for submission is July 10, 2026", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-leads-over-100-lawmakers-urging-administration-protect-safe-drinking", "title": "Davids Leads Over 100 Lawmakers in Urging Administration to Protect Safe Drinking Water Standards", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "davids.house.gov", "scraper": "davids", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000629", "name": "Sharice Davids", "party": "Democrat", "state": "KS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) led over 100 of her House colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to protect safe drinking water standards and address PFAS contamination that poses risks to the physical health and environmental health of communities across America. In a new letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Congresswoman Davids and 112 of her colleagues in the House pressed the administration to reconsider eliminating the 2024 National Drinking Water Standards for four PFAS forever chemicals. The water standards established an enforceable limit of forever chemicals and required that public water systems monitor for PFAS, notify the public of PFAS, and reduce PFAS in drinking water.\n\n“Safe drinking water should never be a luxury or a legal debate. For families facing PFAS contamination, this is about the water they pour into a glass, cook with, and give to their children. America should be moving faster to get PFAS out of our drinking water—not giving families more years of uncertainty and harm. We will not stand by while protections are weakened and working families are left waiting. We will continue fighting to protect clean water, hold polluters accountable, and put public health ahead of the interests that created this crisis. We urge EPA to reconsider its proposals to eliminate and delay the 2024 National PFAS Drinking Water Standards and meaningfully protect Americans from PFAS contamination,” said the lawmakers.\n\nNearly 98% of Americans have PFAS detectable in their blood, and as of March 2026, about 176 million Americans drink water contaminated with PFAS. By EPA’s own estimates, the Drinking Water Standards would protect as many as 105 million Americans from exposure to PFAS in their drinking water, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious PFAS-attributable illnesses. The EPA also cited economic benefits from the standards, estimating cost savings of over $1 billion in avoided health costs.\n\nA copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:\n\nDear Administrator Zeldin:\n\nWe write to urge EPA to reconsider its proposals to eliminate the 2024 National Drinking Water Standards for four PFAS forever chemicals and to allow water utilities to opt-in to an extension of the compliance deadline for the remaining two standards by two years to 2031. These standards regulate and set legally enforceable limits to protect millions of Americans from unsafe levels of PFAS in their drinking water. Rescinding and delaying these standards is dangerous and undermines the core purpose of the Safe Drinking Water Act, which is to provide communities with clean and safe drinking water.\n\nPFAS contamination affects communities across the country. These forever chemicals persist in our environment and can accumulate in our bodies. Nearly 98% of Americans have PFAS detectable in their blood, and as of March 2026, about 176 million Americans drink water contaminated with PFAS. While this Administration is investing nearly $1 billion dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states to address PFAS in drinking water, rolling back these standards and extending the compliance deadline risks exacerbating the PFAS crisis across the country and fails to address this public health problem.\n\nThe 2024 Drinking Water Standards established an enforceable maximum contaminant level (MCL) standard of four parts per trillion for two of the more widespread and harmful PFAS variants, PFOS and PFOA. It also regulated other known toxic PFAS (PFNA, PFHxS, and GenX) with health-based enforceable MCL standards of ten parts per trillion each. In addition, EPA set a mixture-based hazard-index for these three PFAS and PFBS that sets a limit for the total amount of these four PFAS in any combination. It required that public water systems monitor for PFAS, notify the public of PFAS, and reduce PFAS in drinking water through phased-in approaches.\n\nThe 2024 Drinking Water Standards were finalized in response to EPA’s own extensive scientific research and analysis consisting of hundreds of scientific studies that overwhelmingly point to associations between PFAS exposure and serious health effects, including high cholesterol, kidney cancer, decreases in birth weight, and immune suppression. EPA also received extensive input from the public on these standards during the comment period and issued an exhaustive response to the comments that spanned over 4,500 pages. EPA’s conclusions on the toxicity of these PFAS are well in line with other authoritative evaluations, including those conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Michigan, California, New Jersey, Canada, and the European Union.\n\nBy EPA’s own estimates, the Drinking Water Standards would protect as many as 105 million Americans from exposure to PFAS in their drinking water, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious PFAS-attributable illnesses. In its analysis, EPA also cited substantial economic benefits from the Standards, estimating cost savings of $1.17 billion in avoided health costs, though the agency noted it only considered three health effects, and many additional health benefits were not quantified in this estimate. More comprehensive economic analyses have estimated PFAS-related health care costs up to $60 billion per year. Finalizing the 2024 Standards was a critical step in keeping PFAS out of homes and communities. Rescinding and delaying the standards will do nothing to alleviate the economic and health burden on families and individuals who are exposed to PFAS contamination.\n\nEPA’s decision to limit monitoring and treatment solely to PFOA and PFOS will not be sufficient to protect against exposure to and harms associated with other PFAS, including the four PFAS the agency is proposing to remove protections for. Not all PFAS contamination can be predicted by the presence of PFOA and PFOS.\n\nAdditionally, newer generation, short chain PFAS, like GenX and PFBS, are more difficult to remove from drinking water than PFOA and PFOS. If water systems are only focused on removing PFOA and PFOS, they may opt to install treatments that are insufficient to fully address the PFAS that are present. This will leave communities unprotected and waste resources while not fully addressing the problem.\n\nSafe drinking water should never be a luxury or a legal debate. For families facing PFAS contamination, this is about the water they pour into a glass, cook with, and give to their children. America should be moving faster to get PFAS out of our drinking water—not giving families more years of uncertainty and harm. We will not stand by while protections are weakened and working families are left waiting. We will continue fighting to protect clean water, hold polluters accountable, and put public health ahead of the interests that created this crisis.\n\nWe urge EPA to reconsider its proposals to eliminate and delay the 2024 National PFAS Drinking Water Standards and meaningfully protect Americans from PFAS contamination.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-representative-danny-k-davis", "title": "Statement of Representative Danny K. Davis", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://davis.house.gov/media", "domain": "davis.house.gov", "scraper": "davis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000096", "name": "Danny K. Davis", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word, and I certainly appreciate Dr. Murphy’s skill, passion and interest in healthcare and healthcare delivery.\n\nBut one year after Donald Trump and the Republicans cut over $1 trillion out of health care to fund tax cuts for billionaires and big businesses, millions of people have lost health insurance. Millions more are crushed by exploding health care costs. Hospitals are closing and cutting services and staff. People face the impossible choice between seeing a doctor, paying rent, eating, or getting gasoline. Yet the Republican leadership is moving a bill that does absolutely nothing – nothing - to lower health costs or stabilize hospitals.\n\nMore than 175,000 Illinoisans have lost their Medicaid, CHIP, or ACA coverage after the GOP’s Big Ugly Bill. Premiums for Illinois receiving ACA tax cuts increased by an average of 144% this year. Illinois hospitals alone are expected to lose just under $31.3 billion annually. With 26 health care providers at-risk now for cuts, closing or have closed, including one across the street from where I live.\n\nAt a time when we should be helping hospitals after we cut $1 trillion from health care, the GOP solution is a bill with additional paperwork rather than tax credits to help people buy health insurance and rather than funding to help hospitals hire health professionals to care for people.\n\nI just happen to have more hospital beds in my district than any other Member of Congress. My professional work background includes working with health centers to provide low-cost health care to people in need. I co-led the bipartisan Rural and Underserved Health Task Force where we recognized that rural and underserved hospitals face similar challenges as urban hospitals.\n\nThis bill is an offensive answer to the urgent health care crisis facing America. The bill does absolutely nothing to lower cost of patients. It does nothing to help hospitals provide low-cost care. It does nothing to push Pharma to lower drug costs.\n\nThe bill rejects the needs of hospitals in urban areas by carving out protections for certain rural hospitals, ignoring the very work done bipartisanly by members of this Committee. It unfairly targets hospitals solely on the basis of their size without accounting for their unique cost structures, especially for academic health systems and teaching hospitals who invest in their communities and ensure access to care for patients with complex, highly acute care needs - such as transplantation, Level 1 trauma care, neonatal intensive care, and burn care.\n\nThese health systems and hospitals train tomorrow’s health care workforce and invest in medical research. Rather than helping health systems and hospitals focus on treating patients, train future health care providers, conduct cutting edge research, and serve their communities, this bill forces these health entities to divert critical funding to administratively burdensome requirements.\n\nSo, I strongly oppose the Tax-Exempt Hospital Transparency act for its abject failure to meet the health care crisis facing Americans, hospitals, and communities.\n\nAnd Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to submit to the record statements by the American Hospital Association, the Association of American Medical Colleges and, America’s Essential Hospitals voicing their concerns about the Tax-Exempt Hospital Transparency Act.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7077", "title": "Dingell Statement on Consumers Energy Withdrawing Proposed Power Plant in Lima Township", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) released the following statement after Consumers Energy announced it would not move forward with a proposed power plant in Lima Township:\n\n\"I am pleased that Consumers Energy has decided not to move forward with the proposed power plant in Lima Township.\n\nResidents raised thoughtful and legitimate concerns about the project's potential impacts on public health, the environment, and their community. I shared those concerns directly with Consumers Energy and urged the company to listen carefully to the people who would be most affected.\n\nI appreciate that Consumers Energy took those concerns seriously and ultimately made the decision not to move forward. Projects of this scale are most successful when communities have a meaningful seat at the table from the very beginning.\n\nIt is important that anyone proposing projects in our communities are transparent and give community members the opportunity for input and a discussion of the issues they are concerned about. Consumers Energy recognized that they made a mistake, and I appreciate them apologizing for it. Thank you to the residents, local officials, and everyone who spoke up. Their voices mattered, and they helped shape this outcome.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7078", "title": "MORE PFAS, MORE PROBLEMS: Dingell Leads Over 100 Lawmakers in Urging Administration to Protect Safe Drinking Water Standards", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) led over 100 of her House colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to protect safe drinking water standards and address PFAS contamination that poses risks to the physical health and environmental health of communities across America. In a new letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Congresswoman Dingell and 112 of her colleagues in the House pressed the administration to reconsider eliminating the 2024 National Drinking Water Standards for four PFAS forever chemicals. The water standards established an enforceable limit of forever chemicals and required that public water systems monitor for PFAS, notify the public of PFAS, and reduce PFAS in drinking water.\n\n“Safe drinking water should never be a luxury or a legal debate. For families facing PFAS contamination, this is about the water they pour into a glass, cook with, and give to their children. America should be moving faster to get PFAS out of our drinking water—not giving families more years of uncertainty and harm. We will not stand by while protections are weakened and working families are left waiting. We will continue fighting to protect clean water, hold polluters accountable, and put public health ahead of the interests that created this crisis. We urge EPA to reconsider its proposals to eliminate and delay the 2024 National PFAS Drinking Water Standards and meaningfully protect Americans from PFAS contamination,” said the lawmakers.\n\nNearly 98% of Americans have PFAS detectable in their blood, and as of March 2026, about 176 million Americans drink water contaminated with PFAS. This issue is particularly concerning in Michigan, which has one of the highest numbers of PFAS contamination sites in the nation, making federal enforcement of safe water standards vital for public health. By EPA’s own estimates, the Drinking Water Standards would protect as many as 105 million Americans from exposure to PFAS in their drinking water, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious PFAS-attributable illnesses. The EPA also cited economic benefits from the standards, estimating cost savings of over $1 billion in avoided health costs.\n\nA copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:\n\nDear Administrator Zeldin:\n\nWe write to urge EPA to reconsider its proposals to eliminate the 2024 National Drinking Water Standards for four PFAS forever chemicals and to allow water utilities to opt-in to an extension of the compliance deadline for the remaining two standards by two years to 2031. These standards regulate and set legally enforceable limits to protect millions of Americans from unsafe levels of PFAS in their drinking water. Rescinding and delaying these standards is dangerous and undermines the core purpose of the Safe Drinking Water Act, which is to provide communities with clean and safe drinking water.\n\nPFAS contamination affects communities across the country. These forever chemicals persist in our environment and can accumulate in our bodies. Nearly 98% of Americans have PFAS detectable in their blood, and as of March 2026, about 176 million Americans drink water contaminated with PFAS. While this Administration is investing nearly $1 billion dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states to address PFAS in drinking water, rolling back these standards and extending the compliance deadline risks exacerbating the PFAS crisis across the country and fails to address this public health problem.\n\nThe 2024 Drinking Water Standards established an enforceable maximum contaminant level (MCL) standard of four parts per trillion for two of the more widespread and harmful PFAS variants, PFOS and PFOA. It also regulated other known toxic PFAS (PFNA, PFHxS, and GenX) with health-based enforceable MCL standards of ten parts per trillion each. In addition, EPA set a mixture-based hazard-index for these three PFAS and PFBS that sets a limit for the total amount of these four PFAS in any combination. It required that public water systems monitor for PFAS, notify the public of PFAS, and reduce PFAS in drinking water through phased-in approaches.\n\nThe 2024 Drinking Water Standards were finalized in response to EPA’s own extensive scientific research and analysis consisting of hundreds of scientific studies that overwhelmingly point to associations between PFAS exposure and serious health effects, including high cholesterol, kidney cancer, decreases in birth weight, and immune suppression. EPA also received extensive input from the public on these standards during the comment period and issued an exhaustive response to the comments that spanned over 4,500 pages. EPA’s conclusions on the toxicity of these PFAS are well in line with other authoritative evaluations, including those conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Michigan, California, New Jersey, Canada, and the European Union.\n\nBy EPA’s own estimates, the Drinking Water Standards would protect as many as 105 million Americans from exposure to PFAS in their drinking water, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious PFAS-attributable illnesses. In its analysis, EPA also cited substantial economic benefits from the Standards, estimating cost savings of $1.17 billion in avoided health costs, though the agency noted it only considered three health effects, and many additional health benefits were not quantified in this estimate. More comprehensive economic analyses have estimated PFAS-related health care costs up to $60 billion per year. Finalizing the 2024 Standards was a critical step in keeping PFAS out of homes and communities. Rescinding and delaying the standards will do nothing to alleviate the economic and health burden on families and individuals who are exposed to PFAS contamination.\n\nEPA’s decision to limit monitoring and treatment solely to PFOA and PFOS will not be sufficient to protect against exposure to and harms associated with other PFAS, including the four PFAS the agency is proposing to remove protections for. Not all PFAS contamination can be predicted by the presence of PFOA and PFOS.\n\nAdditionally, newer generation, short chain PFAS, like GenX and PFBS, are more difficult to remove from drinking water than PFOA and PFOS. If water systems are only focused on removing PFOA and PFOS, they may opt to install treatments that are insufficient to fully address the PFAS that are present. This will leave communities unprotected and waste resources while not fully addressing the problem.\n\nSafe drinking water should never be a luxury or a legal debate. For families facing PFAS contamination, this is about the water they pour into a glass, cook with, and give to their children. America should be moving faster to get PFAS out of our drinking water—not giving families more years of uncertainty and harm. We will not stand by while protections are weakened and working families are left waiting. We will continue fighting to protect clean water, hold polluters accountable, and put public health ahead of the interests that created this crisis.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7081", "title": "Dingell Statement on Future of USMCA", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced the United States will not renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):\n\n“Today’s announcement regarding the USMCA review process is an important step toward strengthening North American manufacturing and ensuring this agreement continues to work for American workers and businesses. I want to work with this administration, labor, industry, and all stakeholders, because we need a strategic approach to ensure our workforce and manufacturing industries are supported. And it is important we continue working closely with our Canadian friends,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “As we continue to negotiate and fine tune this agreement, we must improve rules of origin, enforce stronger labor and environmental standards, and prevent China from exploiting loopholes in our supply chains that undermine domestic manufacturing. We must provide certainty for automakers, suppliers, workers, and communities who rely on an integrated North American auto industry, including many in Southeast Michigan. I will continue working to ensure this agreement supports American competitiveness, strong union jobs, and long-term economic and national security.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4371", "title": "DelBene Blasts Trump for Not Renewing His Own Signature Trade Deal: Gravely Misguided", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "delbene.house.gov", "scraper": "delbene", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000617", "name": "Suzan K. DelBene", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on President Trump deciding not to renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).\n\n“USMCA was the one major trade success from Trump’s first term. It was a real, enforceable trade agreement that addressed issues in NAFTA and supported American workers, manufacturers, and consumers. The deal was passed through Congress with bipartisan support and created a stable economic partnership in North America, unlike the reckless, illegal tariffs the administration has pursued since retaking office.\n\n“Washington has particularly benefited from this agreement and is one of the states with the most to lose by withdrawing. Washington exported over $11 billion to Mexico and Canada last year. Our farmers, producers, and manufacturers need the predictability this agreement provides to stay in business and plan future investments.\n\n“There are ways to improve USMCA without ripping up the agreement. The decision to withdraw from it will harm our already war- and tariff-ravaged economy, threaten jobs, and increase costs on businesses and families. This is a gravely misguided step by the president.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases/democrats-introduce-saving-medicare-act-stop-insurers-profiteering-medicare", "title": "Democrats Introduce Saving MEDICARE Act to Stop Insurers’ Profiteering Off Medicare", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "doggett.house.gov", "scraper": "doggett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000399", "name": "Lloyd Doggett", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Ranking Member of the House Ways & Means Health Subcommittee, joined by 44 colleagues, introduced the Saving Medicare Enrollees from Deceptive Insurers and Creating Ample Resources for Everyone (Saving MEDICARE) Act. This landmark legislation comprehensively addresses the many ways Medicare Advantage insurers are overpaid—with a consistent goal of leveling the playing field so that Traditional Medicare does not remain at a disadvantage to giant private insurance companies.\n\n“Despite their early claims of greater efficiency and lower costs, Medicare Advantage has never saved a penny. It actually costs taxpayers more each year while offering consumers less. This unjustified, costly advantage private Medicare Advantage insurers receive must be ended to save taxpayers and end the disadvantage for Traditional Medicare,” said Rep. Doggett. “As the Trump regime jeopardizes the promise of comprehensive health care for retirees and the disabled, the Saving MEDICARE Act will provide essential resources to achieve better Medicare for more Americans.\n\n\"Medicare Advantage insurers have been getting away with robbing the American people for far too long. The Saving MEDICARE Act would finally start to level the playing field between Medicare Advantage and Traditional Medicare by preventing insurer payment shenanigans and enhancing oversight of insurers,” said Robert Weissman, Co-President of Public Citizen. “If we don't take action now, we are on course to waste more than $2.5 trillion over the next decade in overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans, which not only cost more than Traditional Medicare but which also make patients and providers jump through unnecessary hoops, including delays and denials of necessary care. The time has come to put patients ahead of profits and pass this commonsense legislation that will not only save taxpayers money but will help ensure that the Medicare program is on firm financial footing for the future.\"\n\n“The Saving MEDICARE Act would be an important first step towards righting the Medicare ship and strengthening the traditional Medicare program” said David Lipschutz, Co-Director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy. “Reining in wasteful overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans and enhancing oversight of this private market would provide needed stability to Medicare’s finances, as well as a real opportunity to enhance the Medicare program – to the benefit of all enrollees – by expanding the scope of coverage (such as dental, hearing and vision) and reducing out-of-pocket costs (such as capping such expenses).”\n\n\"Medicare Advantage is neither Medicare nor an advantage. It is simply another mechanism Big Insurance uses to pad their profits with taxpayer dollars while the majority of Americans continue to struggle with skyrocketing health care costs. Congress should act to end the abusive and predatory actions of Big Insurance and Congressman Doggett's legislation is an important step to do that. We urge Congress to pass it without delay.\" - Rachel Madley, Executive Director, Center for Health and Democracy\n\nMedicare Advantage has remained much more expensive than Traditional Medicare—with the nonpartisan, independent Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) estimating MA will cost $2,660 more per enrollee in 2026. MA insurers use a variety of tactics to secure additional payments, including upcoding to make patients appear sicker, and favorable selection to steer healthy consumers into MA plans and sicker patients into Traditional Medicare. Flawed program design and inadequate oversight and enforcement has also resulted in overpayments.\n\nThe Saving MEDICARE Act would:\n\nPrevent upcoding by:\n\nExcluding diagnosis codes collected from chart reviews and health risk assessments, as recommended by MedPAC.\n\nRequiring CMS to review diagnosis codes annually as part of the Medicare Advantage payment rulemaking, and eliminate or adjust codes that are most likely to be abused.\n\nProhibiting percentage of premium contracts and other financial incentives for providers to add unnecessary diagnosis codes, as recommended by the Center for American Progress.\n\nCreating a MedPAC study on establishing an alternative risk adjusted payment system based on consumer survey data, as recommended by the Center for American Progress.\n\nImprove benchmark payments by:\n\nEstablishing a favorable selection payment adjustment, as recommended by the Center for American Progress.\n\nEliminating the county quartile system, as recommended by MedPAC.\n\nEliminate frivolous payments by:\n\nEnding the failed Quality Bonus Program, as recommended by the Medicare Rights Center.\n\nPermitting the VA to collect reimbursement from MA plans for care delivered to dually-enrolled veterans, just as the VA already does with other commercial insurance. This is supported by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and other consumer groups.\n\nEnhance oversight by:\n\nEstablishing timelines for completion of Risk Adjustment Data Validation (RADV) audits and requiring plans to help finance audits, as recommended by the Center for American Progress.\n\nPermitting state insurance commissioners to enter into agreements with CMS to share enforcement authority over Medicare Advantage plans, as recommended by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.\n\nWatch Congressman Doggett introduce the legislation on the House floor here.\n\nThe bill text can be found here and a fact sheet can be found here.\n\nA 10-year savings estimate of $2.5 trillion from the Brown University Center for Advancing Health Policy through Research (CAHPR) can be found here.\n\nEndorsing organizations include Public Citizen, Families USA, Center for Medicare Advocacy, Medicare Rights Center, National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicare, Justice in Aging, Center for Health and Democracy, Social Security Works, Healthcare NOW\n\nOriginal Cosponsors: Reps. Ansari, Balint, Carson, Casar, Chu, Clarke, Cleaver, Cohen, Danny Davis, DeLauro, Deluzio, DeSaulnier, Dingell, Garamendi, C. Garcia, R. Garcia, Green, Grijalva, Huffman, Jackson, Jayapal, H. Johnson, Khanna, McGovern, Mfume, Nadler, Norton, Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Pingree, Pocan, Ramirez, Randall, Schakowsky, B. Scott, Smith, Takano, Thanedar, B. Thompson, Tlaib, Tokuda, Velazquez, Waters, Watson Coleman\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-don-davis-issues-statement-us-supreme-courts-scholastic-sports", "title": "Congressman Don Davis Issues Statement on U.S. Supreme Court’s Scholastic Sports Ruling", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "dondavis.house.gov", "scraper": "dondavis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000230", "name": "Donald G. Davis", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) released the following statement today regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in West Virginia v. B.P.J., which upheld state laws regulating student-athlete participation based on biological sex:\n\n“The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a significant ruling affirming that states possess the legal authority to maintain separate sports teams based on biological sex.\n\n“As I have previously stated, North Carolina has already addressed this issue through the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, which establishes that athletic teams designated for women and girls in our state's middle schools, high schools, and colleges are reserved for students whose biological sex is female. The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling recognizes that states may enact and enforce policies of this nature consistent with constitutional limits.\n\n“As a former Division I athlete who played football at the U.S. Air Force Academy, I understand the profound impact organized sports can have on a young person. While I have always believed in a balanced approach to governance, I have listened to many concerns from across eastern North Carolina, and we must remember that the young people at the center of these discussions deserve dignity and respect.\n\n“We must respect the rule of law while ensuring our athletic policies promote fairness, competitive integrity, and student safety. Title IX has played a vital role in expanding athletic opportunities for women and girls, and we must continue safeguarding those opportunities.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3244", "title": "Congresswoman Escobar Introduces Bipartisan VA Home Loan Navigator Act", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Last week, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), alongside Republican Congressman Jack Bergman, introduced the VA Home Loan Navigator Act, legislation to help veterans better access and use their VA home loan benefits by providing free, independent guidance and counseling.\n\nThe VA home loan is one of the most valuable benefits available to veterans, helping them and their families achieve homeownership. But unlike most VA benefits, the VA home loan program lacks a structured support system of accredited, unbiased representatives who can help veterans navigate the process from start to finish. As a result, reports find that less than 15 percent of eligible veterans use the VA home loan benefit, and others face confusion, misinformation, and housing-related scams when attempting to buy, refinance, or keep their homes.\n\n“Too often, veterans seeking home loans face confusion, misinformation, and predatory scams,\" said Congresswoman Escobar. \"My bipartisan bill extends the same kind of support available for other VA benefits to the home loan program, giving veterans access to free, independent guidance when buying, refinancing, or fighting to stay in their homes. Our veterans and their families have sacrificed so much for our country; ensuring their much deserved benefits are working the way they're intended to is the least we can do.\"\n\n“Our Veterans earned the VA Home Loan benefit through their service, but too many still face unnecessary confusion when trying to use it,” said Rep. Bergman. “This important legislation helps ensure our Veterans have the same trusted support they've long relied on for other VA benefits, making it easier for them to achieve and protect the American dream of homeownership.”\n\nThe VA Home Loan Navigator Act would establish a voluntary borrower support program within the Department of Veterans Affairs that connects veterans with free, qualified housing counselors trained to help veterans navigate the benefit. This bill builds on a proven model already used throughout the VA benefits system, extending independent assistance to veterans utilizing one of the most important benefits they have earned through military service. Additionally, the legislation includes strong independence and conflict-of-interest protections and provides VA enforcement authority to ensure compliance.\n\nThe VA Home Loan Navigator Act would provide services at no cost to borrowers, including:\n\nEducation on VA home loan benefits\n\nAssistance obtaining or resolving issues with certificates of eligibility\n\nCounseling on homebuying, refinancing, and closing\n\nGuidance on appraisal requirements, property standards, and loan documentation\n\nAssistance with loan servicing matters\n\nCounseling on loss mitigation and foreclosure prevention\n\nCoordination between borrowers, mortgage servicers, and the VA, and\n\nEducation on housing costs, fees, and financial obligations.\n\nYou can view the full bill text here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3245", "title": "Congresswoman Escobar Statement on Closure of La Tuna", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Tonight, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement in response to the reported closure of La Tuna Federal Correctional Institution:\n\n\"The decision by the Bureau of Prisons to close La Tuna was done without notifying my office.\n\n\"As I push for the agency to release more information, I’m concerned closing La Tuna is evidence of a continued pattern by the Trump administration to privatize more government agencies as outlined in Project 2025. I fear the justification of a massive deficit - despite the Trump administration having no issue already funding other agencies for the rest of his term - will only be used as a flimsy excuse to transform the federal government into a pay-for-play, corrupt system. Republicans have given DHS $45 billion to privatize immigration detention, and this may be the model going forward.\n\n\"I am also very concerned about all of the federal employees that have already sacrificed and endured so much whose livelihood has been taken away by Donald Trump. My office will share any new information as soon as we learn more.\"\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://fields.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fields-introduces-nfip-premium-transparency-act-alongside", "title": "CONGRESSMAN FIELDS INTRODUCES NFIP PREMIUM TRANSPARENCY ACT ALONGSIDE COSPONSORS", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fields.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fields.house.gov", "scraper": "fields", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000110", "name": "Cleo Fields", "party": "Democrat", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Cleo Fields, along with Representatives Troy Carter, Mike Ezell, and Rob Bresnahan, introduced H.R. 9511, the NFIP Premium Transparency Act, legislation that would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to give the more than 400,000 Louisiana policy holders enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program a full, clear picture of what is driving their premiums and what they can do to bring those costs down:\n\n\"Louisiana families pay more flood insurance premiums than almost anyone in the United States, and for too long they've been handed a bill with no explanation. They deserve to know why their rates went up, when they'll go up again, and what they can do about it. This bill does exactly that,” said Representative Fields.\n\nLouisiana has the most NFIP policies per capita of any other state in the country. Despite that, members of communities throughout the state routinely receive renewal notices with little to no explanation of what factors are driving their costs or how long they can expect their premiums to reach their full risk-based potential. For working families in flood-prone areas, many of whom are already living on tight margins, that lack of information can mean the difference between staying in their home and being priced out of it.\n\n“Since FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 program went into effect, Louisiana families have opened their flood insurance bills with more questions than answers: why their premium jumped and what discounts they're missing,” said Representative Carter. “Louisiana has more riding on this than almost any state in the country. This legislation gives homeowners the information they've always deserved: a clear breakdown of their rates, real savings from mitigation, and a roadmap to full-risk pricing. This isn't a partisan issue. It's about giving working families the tools to protect their homes, their budgets, and their futures.”\n\nThe NFIP Premium Transparency Act addresses this issue directly. Within 12 months of enactment, every NFIP policy declaration page must clearly show the policyholder's current premium, all applicable discounts, the full set of rating factors behind their rate, their claim history, available mitigation options and the savings associated with each, and an estimate of how many years remain before their premium reaches its full risk-based level. If any of that information cannot be provided, FEMA must explain why in writing, on the policy itself, eliminating blank walls and guesswork.\n\n“Too many families in Northeastern Pennsylvania struggle with the impact flooding can have on their homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Flood insurance continues to go up, making it harder for families to sell and first-time homeowners to buy,” said Representative Bresnahan. “For many homeowners in our region, the NFIP is the only realistic option for protecting their property, but rising premiums are making that coverage increasingly difficult to afford. This legislation ensures that our families, small businesses, and non-profits are not priced out of the peace of mind that flood insurance brings.”\n\nWithin 36 months, FEMA must build a publicly accessible online tool that allows homeowners, prospective buyers, and community leaders to look up any NFIP-covered property and model how improvements like elevating a home would reduce both flood risk and insurance costs. That interactive capability matters. Right now, many constituents know their premiums are high but have no way of knowing whether investing in mitigation would actually move the needle. This tool gives them that answer before they spend a dollar.\n\nThe tool must also account for factors critical to Louisiana specifically, including coastal land loss, coastal restoration projects, and levee reliability. With the state's coastline constantly changing, the families living through that reality deserve a flood insurance system that reflects it.\n\n“Families deserve to know exactly how their flood insurance premiums are determined and what steps they can take to lower their costs,” said Representative Ezell. “The NFIP Premium Transparency Act gives homeowners greater access to the information they need to make informed decisions, invest in mitigation, and better protect their property. For coastal communities like those in South Mississippi, improving transparency within the National Flood Insurance Program is a common-sense step that will help strengthen resilience while making the program more accountable to the people it serves.”\n\nThe legislation also directs FEMA to publish aggregate flood insurance data by state, county, and ZIP code annually, bringing long-overdue transparency to a program that affects millions of Americans. It also directs the Government Accountability Office to study whether the tool can be expanded to give prospective homebuyers access to a property's full flood history before they close, so families are never blindsided after the fact.\n\nThis bill costs taxpayers nothing beyond what FEMA already does, it simply requires the government to share information it already has. Louisiana families have carried the weight of living in a flood-prone state for generations, and the least Congress can do is make sure they have the information they need to protect their homes, plan their finances, and make informed decisions about their future.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://garamendi.house.gov/media/press-releases/garamendi-jayapal-davidson-moulton-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-cut", "title": "Garamendi, Jayapal, Davidson, Moulton Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Cut Wasteful Pentagon Spending", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://garamendi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "garamendi.house.gov", "scraper": "garamendi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000559", "name": "John Garamendi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (CA-08), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Warren Davidson (OH-08), and Seth Moulton (MA-06) are introducing the bipartisan Streamline Pentagon Budgeting Act to end the requirement that military services send Congress funding wish lists outside the appropriations process. This irresponsible requirement forces military commands to ask for additional spending — even if the President’s Budget Request meets their needs — for projects the President, Secretary of Defense, Pentagon, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff have deemed non-essential for the United States’ national security strategy.\n\n“Bloated defense spending has been a serious problem for far too long. Requiring unfunded priorities only encourages the Pentagon to seek additional funding outside the normal budget process, often at the expense of readiness and sound fiscal discipline,” said Rep. Garamendi. “The Streamline Pentagon Budgeting Act is an important step toward reducing inefficient spending while prioritizing investments that strengthen our military readiness and national security. This bipartisan, commonsense bill will eliminate unnecessary bloat while reinforcing Congress's constitutional responsibility to provide meaningful oversight.”\n\n“The Pentagon has never passed an audit and is requesting an unprecedented $1.5 trillion for their FY27 budget,” said Rep. Jayapal. “If the Pentagon required the items on their wish list, they would have been reflected in this already enormous budget request. Our Streamline Pentagon Budgeting Act is a bipartisan solution to combat this wasteful and inefficient spending.”\n\n“Our military should have the resources needed to defend the country, but every dollar should support a clear national security need,” said Rep. Davidson. “Requiring commands to submit unfunded priorities lists encourages unnecessary spending outside the regular budget process. This bipartisan bill ends that mandate while fully preserving the ability of military leaders to bring real funding gaps directly to Congress.”\n\n\"Congress has a responsibility to ask tough questions instead of rubber-stamping increased defense spending,” said Rep. Moulton. “The Streamline Pentagon Budgeting Act is about bringing accountability and rigorous oversight to defense spending so that we can build a military that’s prepared for tomorrow’s threats while only prioritizing investments that help our military and don’t divert taxpayer dollars away from addressing other pressing issues affecting Americans here at home.”\n\nWhile the military has long provided unfunded priorities lists, they became a required submission in the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). For FY26, the list totaled $53.7 billion. These lists often include expensive and wasteful requests that have been deemed by defense leaders as low priority.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by R Street Institute and Public Citizen.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/garbarino-flood-secure-house-passage-bipartisan-tria-reauthorization-act", "title": "Garbarino, Flood Secure House Passage of Bipartisan TRIA Reauthorization Act", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "garbarino.house.gov", "scraper": "garbarino", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000597", "name": "Andrew R. Garbarino", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan TRIA Program Reauthorization Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Mike Flood (R-NE) and co-led by Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), to extend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program (TRIA) through 2034.\n\nCreated in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, TRIA provides a federal backstop that helps ensure terrorism insurance remains available and affordable for businesses across the country. For New York, where the impact of 9/11 continues to be felt nearly 25 years later, the program has played a critical role in supporting economic stability and ensuring businesses can rebuild following an act of terrorism.\n\n\"As a lifelong New Yorker, I know the lasting impact the September 11th terrorist attacks have had on our communities, our economy, and our country,\" said Congressman Garbarino. \"Nearly 25 years later, we cannot lose sight of the lessons we learned that day. TRIA has helped ensure businesses have the certainty they need while strengthening our nation's resilience against future acts of terrorism. I was proud to help lead this bipartisan legislation through the House, and I urge the Senate to act quickly.\"\n\n“Reauthorizing TRIA is one of the must-pass measures of this Congress,” said Congressman Flood. “Created in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, this program has provided a vital guarantee of stability in the insurance market. While the program has fortunately never had to pay a claim, extending it provides businesses nationwide with certainty and stability. I am pleased to see this bipartisan effort pass the House of Representatives and look forward to the Senate taking up this measure quickly.”\n\nThe TRIA Program Reauthorization Act extends the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program through 2034 and includes targeted updates to strengthen the program, including adjusting the damages threshold to account for inflation and clarifying the timeline for the Department of the Treasury to certify an act of terrorism.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gillen-leads-bipartisan-letter-urging-president-trump-secure-justice-911", "title": "Rep. Gillen Leads Bipartisan Letter Urging President Trump to Secure Justice for 9/11 Families and Victims of Iranian State-Sponsored Terrorism", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "gillen.house.gov", "scraper": "gillen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000602", "name": "Laura Gillen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D-NY-04), Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11) and Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) urged President Trump to secure justice and compensation for 9/11 victims and other Americans who have suffered from Iran’s state-sponsored terrorism through the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund (USVSST Fund) as part of the ongoing negotiations over an agreement with Iran. More than 20,000 Americans currently hold unpaid judgments from perpetrators of state-sponsored terrorism, including Iran.\n\n“As members of the New York Congressional Delegation, we urge you to secure justice for 9/11 victims and other Americans who have suffered from state-sponsored terrorism,” said the bipartisan group of lawmakers. “That is why we insist that any negotiation or agreement with Iran holds them accountable for terrorism and must not come at the expense of the families of victims.”\n\nThe lawmakers highlight Iran’s decades-long legacy of state-sponsored terrorism, which has killed hundreds of Americans, and was found liable for providing material support to Al-Qaeda in carrying out the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Victims and their families are still eligible for billions in compensation from Iran through the USVSST Fund.\n\n“As you know, the June 17 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the U.S. and Iran issues waivers to allow the sale of oil and proposes providing Iran with access to frozen funds. As the Administration continues negotiations with Iran, including discussions involving sanctions relief and access to frozen assets, we cannot allow Iran to receive economic benefits without addressing its outstanding obligations to American victims of terrorism,” continued the group.\n\n“As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, New Yorkers will never forget the lives we lost to terrorism. That is why we insist that the victims and their families’ right to justice will be prioritized and protected in any negotiation or agreement with Iran,” concluded the lawmakers.\n\nEstablished in 2015, the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund is a federal program administered by the Department of Justice to provide financial compensation to American victims and families harmed by international terrorism. As Iran refuses to honor billions of dollars in outstanding American judicial judgments, the Fund relies on assets seized from federal enforcement actions and state sponsors to ensure victims receive a measure of justice. 9/11 victims and their family members receive a dedicated 50 percent allocation of all money available for distributions from the USVSST Fund.\n\nThe full letter can be found here with the full text below:\n\nDear President Trump:\n\nAs members of the New York Congressional Delegation, we urge you to secure justice for 9/11 victims and other Americans who have suffered from state-sponsored terrorism. Thousands of Americans who lost family members in deadly terrorist attacks hold unpaid judgments against Iran and other supporters of international terrorism. That is why we insist that any negotiation or agreement with Iran holds them accountable for terrorism and must not come at the expense of the families of victims.\n\nSince 1979, Iran has supported terrorism and terrorist groups that have killed hundreds of American citizens. Federal courts have also found Iran liable for providing material support to Al Qaeda in carrying out the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund (USVSST Fund) was established to provide a path for these victims to obtain justice and compensation from the perpetrators of terrorism. However, despite obtaining legal judgments against Iran, the victims are owed billions of dollars in damages that Iran has never paid. These families have suffered and waited for too long.\n\nThe Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act requires the President to pursue recovery of these funds from state sponsors of terrorism, including during negotiations over normalizing relations or lifting sanctions. As you know, the June 17 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the U.S. and Iran issues waivers to allow the sale of oil and proposes providing Iran with access to frozen funds. As the Administration continues negotiations with Iran, including discussions involving sanctions relief and access to frozen assets, we cannot allow Iran to receive economic benefits without addressing its outstanding obligations to American victims of terrorism.\n\nAs we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, New Yorkers will never forget the lives we lost to terrorism. That is why we insist that the victims and their families’ right to justice will be prioritized and protected in any negotiation or agreement with Iran. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-gottheimer-announces-bipartisan-legislation-to-require-labels-on-ai-generated-content", "title": "RELEASE: Gottheimer Announces Bipartisan Legislation to Require Labels on AI-Generated Content", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, July 1, 2026, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Co-Chair of the Democratic AI Commission, joined with Congressmen. Tom Kean Jr. (NJ-7) and Sam Liccardo (CA-16) to announce bipartisan legislation requiring that all AI-generated content carry a built-in label embedded in its metadata — giving consumers, platforms, and regulators a reliable way to know what’s AI and what’s not.\n\nUnder the bill, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), working in coordination with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), would establish the technical rules governing exactly how the AI-generated label must appear within a file’s metadata. The FTC would then enforce those requirements as it does any other consumer protection violation.\n\n“Americans deserve to know if what they’re seeing, reading, or hearing was made by a machine,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “This is a commonsense, bipartisan fix — we’re simply requiring that AI content come with a built-in label, so platforms, journalists, and everyday people can tell fact from fabrication. Getting this right matters, and that’s why, as co-chair of the Democratic AI Commission, I’m proud to be working with my colleagues Congressman Kean and Liccardo to get it done.”\n\n“As artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated, identifying what’s real and what’s artificially generated has become a real challenge,” said Congressman Kean (NJ-7). “The Spot the Fakes Act will bring much‑needed transparency by ensuring AI‑generated content can be clearly labeled, giving Americans the transparency they need to verify the authenticity of the content they view.”\n\n“The Spot the Fakes Act provides an essential tool in a much larger toolbox that we will need to empower American consumers to distinguish fact from AI fiction,” said Congressman Sam Liccardo (CA-16).\n\nThe legislation builds on and reinforces momentum from the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) — a voluntary industry technical standard already backed by Adobe, Microsoft, Google, the BBC, Intel, and others. The bill would help social media platforms more easily identify AI-generated content and take appropriate action, complementing the work already underway across the tech sector.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:53:18Z"}
{"url": "https://haridopolos.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-haridopolos-mid-year-district-update-highlights-results-floridas-space-0", "title": "Rep. Haridopolos: Mid-Year District Update Highlights Results for Florida’s Space and Treasure Coasts", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://haridopolos.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "haridopolos.house.gov", "scraper": "haridopolos", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001099", "name": "Mike Haridopolos", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos (FL-08) published an op-ed in Florida Today detailing the progress made during the first half of 2026 and the results being delivered for families across Central Florida.\n\n“The people of Central Florida sent me to Washington to put taxpayers first, strengthen our economy, secure our border, and keep America the strongest nation in the world,” said Congressman Haridopolos. “While we have made meaningful progress, our work is far from finished. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your voice in Congress. It is an honor to represent Florida's 8th Congressional District, and I remain committed to earning your trust every day.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://haridopolos.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-haridopolos-mid-year-district-update-highlights-results-floridas-space-and", "title": "Rep. Haridopolos: Mid-Year District Update Highlights Results for Florida’s Space and Treasure Coasts", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://haridopolos.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "haridopolos.house.gov", "scraper": "haridopolos", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001099", "name": "Mike Haridopolos", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos (FL-08) published an op-ed in Florida Today detailing the progress made during the first half of 2026 and the results being delivered for families across Central Florida.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases/comisionado-residente-anuncia-mas-de-66-millones-para-salud-publica-head-start", "title": "Comisionado Residente anuncia más de $6.6 millones para salud pública, Head Start y servicios a pacientes en Puerto Rico.", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "hernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001103", "name": "Pablo José Hernández", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, anunció hoy la otorgación de $6,604,877 en fondos federales del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Estados Unidos (HHS) para fortalecer servicios de salud pública, programas de Head Start y servicios de apoyo a pacientes y familias en Puerto Rico.\n\n“Puerto Rico necesita un sistema de salud más robusto y servicios comunitarios más accesibles. Estos fondos federales ayudarán a avanzar esa meta, fortaleciendo programas esenciales para niños, pacientes y familias a través de la Isla”, expresó el Comisionado Residente.\n\nEntre las otorgaciones anunciadas se encuentran:\n\nProgramas Head Start\n\nEl HHS otorgó fondos para apoyar programas de Head Start en varios municipios de Puerto Rico, incluyendo:\n\n$62,998 para el Municipio de Mayagüez.\n\n$9,197 para el Municipio de Dorado.\n\n$53,001 para el Municipio de Ponce.\n\nSalud pública y prevención de enfermedades\n\nLos fondos también incluyen otorgaciones importantes para programas de vacunación, prevención de cáncer y eliminación de tuberculosis:\n\n$4,690,013 para el Departamento de Salud de Puerto Rico, dirigidos a fortalecer la prevención y respuesta ante enfermedades prevenibles por vacunación.\n\n$1,511,566 para el Centro Comprensivo de Cáncer de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, para programas de prevención y control del cáncer.\n\n$124,912 para el Departamento de Salud de Puerto Rico, bajo el acuerdo cooperativo de eliminación de tuberculosis y apoyo a laboratorios.\n\nServicios Ryan White para mujeres, niños, jóvenes y familias\n\nAdemás, se otorgaron fondos bajo el programa Ryan White Title IV, que apoya servicios para mujeres, bebés, niños, jóvenes y familias afectadas por el VIH/SIDA:", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-persistence-hinson-helps-turn-constituents-naval-academy-dream-reality", "title": "ICYMI: Persistence from Hinson Helps Turn Constituent’s Naval Academy Dream into Reality", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hinson.house.gov", "scraper": "hinson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001091", "name": "Ashley Hinson", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) highlighted the story of Ellie Hance and her mother, Kathy Hance, on her weekly press call as they shared Ellie’s journey to the U.S. Naval Academy and reflected on how Hinson’s office never stopped pushing through the roadblocks Ellie encountered.\n\nAfter facing repeated setbacks in her pursuit of attending the U.S. Naval Academy following serious medical complications from ACL surgery, Ellie Hance refused to give up. Hinson’s office worked with Ellie, her family, and Naval Academy officials through months of challenges to secure a full review of her case, ultimately leading to the Superintendent approving her appointment. Ellie and Kathy joined Hinson last week to share their story of perseverance and the impact that persistence can have in helping Iowans navigate the federal government.\n\nRead more about the challenges Ellie faced in her own words below:\n\n\"I truly believe that the people who represent you are just that—they are a representation of you. And you have an amazing team.\n\n\"It was truly incredible. I went through a lot of hardship with getting people to call me back, and never once did your office do that to me. If they did miss a call, that day, I was getting a call back.\n\n\"So thank you for your hard work. Thank you for getting answers for me. I really do believe that your team was part of the reason that this got turned around.\" — Ellie Hance\n\nRead more from her mom, Kathy, below:\n\n\"Ellie's story is really a story of resilience and perseverance, and it's something that we as parents tried to instill in her. Despite all of the roadblocks and challenges, she never gave up. We are really grateful for the folks on your team that were able to help us along the way.\n\n\"Thanks to that mindset, she's leaving tomorrow to report to the U.S. Naval Academy to achieve her dream.\n\n\"Ashley, your team has been a huge part of the success of where we are today. They certainly don't take no for an answer. They exhausted every option, and they did everything they possibly could to help us.\n\n\"Your liaison...picked up the phone every single phone call. No one ever asked what party we belonged to. It was completely bipartisan. They were just there to help and support us.\n\n\"For your team, it was never about politics. It was always about helping a fellow Iowan and delivering results.\n\n\"I know there are many Iowans like our family who have benefited from your team and from your commitment to solving problems and improving the lives of Iowans.\n\n\"This may not seem like the biggest story of the day to a lot of people, but to our family, it really is a big deal. Ellie's story is one that we recognize, and we're happy that you're willing to tell it.\" — Kathy Hance\n\nInterested in attending a United States Military Academy? Learn about the nomination process here. If you experience challenges navigating a federal agency, please contact my team for assistance here or call 319-364-2288.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/huffman-raskin-introduce-resolution-reaffirming-church-state-separation-ahead-of-americas-250th-anniversary", "title": "Huffman, Raskin Introduce Resolution Reaffirming Church-State Separation Ahead of America's 250th Anniversary", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "huffman.house.gov", "scraper": "huffman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001068", "name": "Jared Huffman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – This week, Representative Huffman (CA-02) and Representative Raskin (MD-08) alongside other democratic colleagues are introducing a resolution in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. As the United States prepares to celebrate its Semiquincentennial, the resolution recognizes the nation's long tradition of protecting religious liberty through a secular government, celebrates America's growing religious diversity, and rejects efforts to use the power of government to impose any one religious belief on the American people.\n\nThis resolution comes at a pivotal moment for religious freedom in America. Last week, Trump's Religious Liberty Commission released a dangerous 224-page draft report proposing policies that would expand the role of religion in government and weaken safeguards that have protected religious freedom for generations. The commission is stacked with mostly right-wing Christian nationalists, and one conservative Jewish member, all of whom endorse claims that America was founded as a Chrisian nation.\n\n\"Last week Trump’s so called Religious Liberty Commission released an absurd report launching a direct attack on one of America’s greatest constitutional achievements: the separation of church and state,” said Rep. Jared Huffman. “The Constitution doesn't belong to Christian nationalists, and it doesn't belong to Donald Trump. It belongs to all of us, and its promise of religious freedom protects every American, regardless of what they believe. No president, no matter how determined to erode our constitutional freedoms, can change what has always been at the heart of this country: a belief in liberty and freedom for all. That includes the freedom to worship as you choose, or not at all, without government interference or religious coercion. That's the America worth celebrating after 250 years, and it's the America we must continue to defend.\"\n\n“Our Founders rebelled against centuries of state-controlled churches, religious warfare, Crusades, inquisitions, witchcraft trials, and other expressions of religious authoritarianism to create a secular Constitution,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin. “As we mark America's 250th anniversary, our resolution is a necessary reminder to guard religious freedom, one of our nation’s founding principles, from those seeking to destroy it by using the government to impose white Christian nationalism. Mr. President, read the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses of our Constitution.”\n\nThe resolution draws on the writings of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Washington, and other Founders, as well as longstanding constitutional precedent, to underscore that religious freedom flourishes when government remains neutral in matters of faith. It also recognizes that the First Amendment's Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses have safeguarded Americans of every religion, and those of no religion, for nearly 250 years.\n\nA full copy of the resolution can be found here.\n\nIn addition to Huffman and Raskin, the resolution is cosponsored by Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Sean Casten (IL-06), Emily Randall (WA-06), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Robert Garcia (CA-42).\n\nThe resolution is endorsed by Americans United for Separation of Church and State, American Humanist Association, Freedom From Religion Foundation, Secular Coalition, The Center for Inquiry, and Interfaith Alliance, and Baptist Joint Committee, Ex-Muslims of North America, Muslim Public Affairs Council, Jews for Secular Democracy, Society for Humanistic Judaism, Emgage, Vote Common Good, Sikh Coalition.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/huffman-releases-gov-watchdog-report-finds-billions-in-puerto-rico-grid-funding-stuck-in-federal-pipeline-nine-years-after-hurricanes", "title": "Huffman Releases Gov Watchdog Report, Finds Billions in Puerto Rico Grid Funding Stuck in Federal Pipeline Nine Years After Hurricanes", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "huffman.house.gov", "scraper": "huffman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001068", "name": "Jared Huffman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FEMA refusal to correct staff turnover, and agency dysfunction have stalled recovery as the people of Puerto Rico endure the worst power reliability in the nation\n\nWashington, D.C. – A new Government Accountability Office report today released by House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) found that nine years after Hurricanes Irma and Maria destroyed Puerto Rico's electricity grid, the federal government has made limited progress delivering the billions of dollars Congress appropriated for recovery and modernization.\n\nThe report found that FEMA, HUD, and the Department of Energy have obligated approximately $14.3 billion for Puerto Rico's grid recovery since 2017, but roughly $10.7 billion of those funds have not reached the island.“The people of Puerto Rico have waited nine years for their government to keep its word,” said Ranking Member Huffman. “They watched billions get appropriated and almost none of it arrive. Puerto Ricans are paying more for electricity than almost anyone in the country and getting the least reliable power in return. And now the Trump administration is pulling energy security funding away from seniors with disabilities and giving it to a bankrupt fossil fuel company to fund infeasible projects. This report makes clear that the federal government has broken its promise to Puerto Rico, and Committee Democrats are going to keep demanding accountability until that changes.”\n\n“El informe del GAO confirma lo que hemos dicho por meses: Las deficiencias de este gobierno y la falta de coordinación entre todos los actores han retrasado el desembolso de fondos. Por eso en abril del año pasado, radiqué un proyecto para crear un mecanismo claro de coordinación, ejecución y rendición de cuentas. Puerto Rico necesita menos división y excusas y más trabajo en equipo con resultados,” dijo Comisionado Residente Hernández.\n\nAmong the report's key findings:\n\nThe federal government obligated $14.3 billion for Puerto Rico's grid recovery and modernization through FEMA, HUD, and DOE, but 75 percent of those funds remain undisbursed. FEMA alone has $8.4 billion in undisbursed obligations.\n\nVegetation overgrowth causes approximately half of the island's power outages, yet only about 400 miles of transmission and distribution lines had been cleared using federal funds as of February 2026, out of 16,000 miles planned. In San Juan, federally funded clearing stopped entirely when the money ran out.\n\nFEMA's environmental and historic preservation review process was identified by multiple stakeholders as extending project timelines by months or years -- all 14 FEMA staff conducting these reviews for grid projects were temporary employees, and turnover among those staff rose from 3 percent in 2021 to 19 percent in 2024. A FEMA request for additional reviewers was denied due to a hiring freeze.\n\nThe Palo Seco generation plant “was withdrawn after obtaining the result of the initial feasibility analysis.” But a pipeline to service Palo Seco with methane gas is now funded by the Department of Energy’s Energy Resilience Fund (ERF), a program created to help protect low-income people and people with disabilities from hurricanes by providing them dependable electricity from solar panels and batteries.\n\nDOE canceled up to $350 million in grants originally designated for solar installations for households with people with disabilities and low-income and reallotted an additional $365 million that was supposed to go to providing dependable post-disaster energy to rural health clinics as part of ERF.\n\nWhile GAO suggested updating a memo that helped all the federal stakeholders in grid repair operate more efficiently, DOE replied that it would terminate the memo. Then it terminated the working group of all Puerto Rico energy stakeholders, which was designed to streamline grid repair, and replaced it with a meeting of their preferred stakeholders.\n\nGAO issued five recommendations, three to FEMA and two to DOE, including updating guidance to reflect available flexibilities like categorical exclusions, ensuring sufficient staffing for environmental reviews, clarifying objectives and roles among recovery entities, and establishing a formal coordination mechanism. Both DHS and DOE agreed with all five recommendations.\n\nRead the full report here.\n\nEn Español:\n\nWashington, D.C. – Un nuevo informe de la Oficina de Rendición de Cuentas del Gobierno (GAO), publicado hoy por el líder demócrata del Comité de Recursos Naturales de la Cámara de Representantes, Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), determinó que—nueve años después de que los huracanes Irma y María destruyeron la red eléctrica de Puerto Rico—el gobierno federal ha logrado un progreso limitado en el desembolso de los miles de millones de dólares que el Congreso asignó para recuperación y la modernización.El informe determinó que FEMA, el Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano (HUD) y el Departamento de Energía (DOE) han obligado aproximadamente $14.3 mil millones para la recuperación de la red eléctrica de Puerto Rico desde 2017, pero cerca de $10.7 mil millones de esos fondos no le han llegado a la isla.\n\n“El pueblo de Puerto Rico lleva nueve años esperando para que el gobierno federal cumpla su palabra,” dijo el líder demócrata Huffman. “Vieron cómo se asignaron miles de millones de dólares después de los huracanes y casi nada ha llegado. Puerto Rico paga más por la electricidad que casi cualquier otra persona en el país y, a cambio, reciben el servicio menos confiable. Y ahora la administración de Donald Trump le está quitando los fondos de resiliencia energética a envejecientes con discapacidades para dárselos a una empresa petrolera en quiebra y financiar proyectos inviables. Este informe deja claro que el gobierno federal le ha roto su promesa a Puerto Rico, y los demócratas del Comité seguiremos exigiendo rendición de cuentas hasta que eso cambie.”\n\n“El informe del GAO confirma lo que hemos dicho por meses: Las deficiencias de este gobierno y la falta de coordinación entre todos los actores han retrasado el desembolso de fondos. Por eso en abril del año pasado, radiqué un proyecto para crear un mecanismo claro de coordinación, ejecución y rendición de cuentas. Puerto Rico necesita menos división y excusas y más trabajo en equipo con resultados,” dijo Comisionado Residente Hernández.\n\nEntre los principales hallazgos del informe:El gobierno federal obligó $14.3 mil millones para la recuperación y la modernización de la red eléctrica de Puerto Rico a través de FEMA, HUD y el DOE, pero el 75 por ciento de esos fondos sigue sin desembolsar. A FEMA le corresponden, por sí sola, $8.4 mil millones en obligaciones sin desembolsar.\n\nEl crecimiento excesivo de vegetación causa aproximadamente la mitad de los apagones en la isla; sin embargo, hasta febrero de 2026 solo se habían despejado unas 400 millas de líneas de transmisión y distribución con fondos federales, de las 16,000 millas planificadas. En San Juan, el despeje financiado con fondos federales se detuvo por completo cuando se acabaron los fondos.\n\nVarios de los actores involucrados identificaron el proceso de revisión ambiental y de preservación histórica de FEMA como una causa de retrasos de meses o años en los proyectos. Los 14 empleados de FEMA que realizan estas revisiones para los proyectos de la red eléctrica eran todos temporeros, y la rotación entre ese personal subió del 3 por ciento en 2021 al 19 por ciento en 2024. Una solicitud de FEMA para contratar revisores adicionales fue denegada debido a una congelación de contrataciones.\n\nLa planta de generación Palo Seco \"fue retirada después de obtener el resultado del análisis de viabilidad inicial.” Sin embargo, un gasoducto para transportar gas metano a Palo Seco ahora está financiado por el Fondo de Resiliencia Energética (ERF) del Departamento de Energía. El ERF fue creado para ayudar a las personas de bajos ingresos y a las personas con discapacidades a mantener electricidad confiable después de un huracánmediante paneles solares y baterías.\n\nEl Departamento de Energía canceló hasta $350 millones en fondos destinados a instalaciones solares para hogares de bajos ingresos y hogares con personas con discapacidades, y reasignó $365 millones adicionales del ERF que iban dirigidos a clínicas de salud rurales para asegurarles energía confiable tras un desastre.\n\nAunque GAO recomendó actualizar un documento que ayudaba a coordinar a todas las agencias federales que trabajan en la reparación de la red eléctrica, el Departamento de Energía respondió que lo eliminaría. Luego eliminó también eliminó el grupo de trabajo de todas las partes interesadas en materia energética de Puerto Rico—creado para agilizar la reparación de la red—y lo reemplazó por una reunión con solo las partes interesadas de su preferencia.\n\nLa GAO presentó cinco recomendaciones , tres para FEMA y dos para el DOE, entre ellas: actualizar los documentos de orientación de la agencia para reflejar las flexibilidades disponibles, como las exclusiones categóricas; garantizar personal suficiente para las revisiones ambientales; aclarar los objetivos y las funciones entre las entidades de recuperación; y establecer un mecanismo formal de coordinación.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-announces-expanded-relief-pa-13-counties-impacted-april-freeze", "title": "Dr. Joyce Announces Expanded Relief to PA-13 Counties Impacted by April Freeze", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "johnjoyce.house.gov", "scraper": "johnjoyce", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000302", "name": "John Joyce", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), based on crop loss assessment reports, determined that each county in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District impacted by April's devastating freeze qualifies for federal disaster assistance:\n\n“Since May, I have been working closely with the USDA to ensure that every remaining impacted county received the same disaster declaration and the federal assistance that comes with it,” said Congressman Joyce. “I am grateful that, following our conversation yesterday, Secretary Rollins and the USDA expanded the Secretarial Disaster Declaration to the remaining eligible counties in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. With today's announcement, every eligible county impacted by April's devastating freeze in our district now has access to this critical federal assistance.\n\n“Our fruit growers are the backbone of many of our rural communities, and the economic impact of these devastating crop losses cannot be overstated. I appreciate Secretary Rollins for recognizing the urgency of this issue and taking action to support the families and businesses that depend on a successful harvest. I will continue working with federal partners to ensure our communities have the resources they need to recover.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-announces-over-367-million-awards-toledo-area-airports", "title": "Kaptur Announces Over $3.67 Million in Awards for Toledo Area Airports Improvements", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "kaptur.house.gov", "scraper": "kaptur", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000009", "name": "Marcy Kaptur", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Toledo, OH — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced that two Toledo airports will receive awards totaling $3,677,990 from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) to improve passenger and crew safety and for facility updates and upgrades. The Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (TOL), Toledo’s commercial passenger airport and home to the Ohio Air National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing, will receive $2,836,854 through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Toledo Executive Airport (TDZ) which serves as a hub for flight training, corporate travel, and law enforcement and will receive an award of $841,136 from the FAA.\n\n“I am proud to have helped secure these federal awards for two of our district’s premier airports,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “Ohio has a storied history in aviation—from the pioneering Wright brothers to astronauts John Glenn and Neil Armstrong. Investing in safe, quality transportation and commerce is vital for our region’s success and builds on our century-long legacy of innovation in flight. I look forward to building on these awards to bolster existing infrastructure, as we create more efficient travel and business throughout Northwest Ohio, while working to attract new air carriers and passenger routes.”\n\n\"Receiving this grant funding through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program is an important investment in the long-term strength and reliability of our regional airports,\" said Thomas J. Winston, President and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. \"These funds will support critical infrastructure improvements at both Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport and Toledo Executive Airport. At Toledo Express, the project will modernize the passenger boarding bridge and baggage handling system to enhance the passenger experience and improve operational efficiency. At Toledo Executive, the reconstruction of key taxilanes and apron pavement will strengthen airfield safety and reliability for the general aviation community. These investments will help ensure our airports continue to provide safe, efficient, and dependable service while supporting future growth across the region.\"\n\nNamed for former NASA flight director and Toledo native Gene Kranz, the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport serves five domestic flight routes, with plans for expansion and efforts to attract new passenger routes underway. Their award from the FAA will be used to fund reconstruction projects on a passenger boarding bridge and a passenger baggage handling belt inside the terminal.\n\nThe original airport in the Toledo area, the Toledo Executive Airport, is now used for many aviation purposes. This award will fund updates on two different taxiing runways, as well as the pavement for hangars used to store planes.\n\nThese awards build on a longstanding efforts by Congresswoman Kaptur, who is a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, to bring federal funds back to Northwest Ohio for essential infrastructure projects. Toledo-area airports support a variety of industries and strengthen our local economy, medical transport, and business access.\n\nThis new federal investment build on previous awards to airports across our Northwest Ohio region in recent years. On May 18th, Congresswoman Kaptur announced a $1.4 Million Award for Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport. On May 12th, 2026, Congresswoman Kaptur announced over $1 Million in federal investment for infrastructure improvements at Williams County Regional Airport, Defiance Memorial Airport, and Sandusky County Regional Airport. In April 2026 Congresswoman Kaptur announced $536,616 awarded to rehabilitate Defiance County Airport Infrastructure. In June 2025 Congresswoman Kaptur delivered over $1.4 Million in FAA funding for four Northwest Ohio airports to modernize infrastructure and bolster safety. In July 2025, she announced $342,000 for Fulton County Airport to improve runway conditions. In August 2025, Congresswoman Kaptur announced $300,000 in FAA Funds to Fulton and Williams County Airports. In 2024 she also brought home $400,000 in FAA funds to strengthen aviation upgrades across multiple airports in the district.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-introduces-landmark-bill-put-mental-health-care-equal-footing-physical", "title": "Kean Introduces Landmark Bill to Put Mental Health Care on Equal Footing with Physical Health Care", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "kean.house.gov", "scraper": "kean", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000398", "name": "Thomas H. Kean, Jr.", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(July 1, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) introduced the Mental Health Parity Enforcement and Funding Act, legislation that would provide the U.S. Department of Labor the authority to investigate and hold insurers and plan sponsors accountable for offering health plans that are in violation of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 and extend supplemental funding for the Employee Benefits Security Administration to enforce the provisions.\n\n\"I have always been a supporter of mental health care. During my time in the New Jersey Legislature, I worked to advance mental health parity. I believed in the cause then,” said Congressman Kean. \"I understand it in a far more personal way now. I am proud to help lead this fight in Congress.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 requires that insurance plans provide the same level of coverage for mental health and substance-use disorders as they do for physical health services.\n\nIn January, Congressman Kean advocated for the restoration of federal funding for vital substance abuse and mental health treatment services after New Jersey organizations raised concerns about the potential loss of key grants. These efforts helped lead to the reversal of a decision that would have placed thousands of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grants at risk.\n\nWhile in the New Jersey Senate, Congressman Kean sponsored legislation that requires health insurers to provide coverage for mental health conditions and substance-use disorders under the same terms and conditions as provided for any other sickness. Insurance carriers now have to submit an annual report to the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance that demonstrates their compliance with the mental health parity laws. The legislation was signed into law by Governor Murphy in 2019.\n\n“Yesterday, Congressman Kean delivered a floor speech upon his return to the House floor where he described in detail overcoming his own challenge with Depression. The full speech can be viewed HERE.\"\n\nA copy of the bill text is available HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://keithself.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-keith-self-introduces-bill-protect-us-constitution-sharia-law", "title": "Congressman Keith Self Introduces Bill to Protect U.S. Constitution from Sharia Law Ahead of America’s 250th Anniversary", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://keithself.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "keithself.house.gov", "scraper": "keithself", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001224", "name": "Keith Self", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Keith Self (TX-03) introduced the Preserving Our Constitution Act, a bill ensuring that courts and adjudicative bodies in the United States do not recognize or enforce foreign laws, religious laws, customs, or practices that conflict with the Constitution of the United States and the laws made pursuant to it.\n\nThe Preserving Our Constitution Act is built upon the successful framework established by the American Laws for American Courts legislation enacted in numerous states across the country. These state laws were adopted to ensure fundamental liberties cannot be undermined through the application of parallel legal systems that conflict with the Constitution. Now it is time the federal government takes the same stance.\n\n“The Constitution is the supreme law of the land,” said Congressman Self. “Any legal or political doctrine that places itself above the Constitution threatens the stability and unity of the nation, and that’s exactly what Shaira Law does. The rule of law requires one standard that applies to every person. The Constitution provides that standard. Allowing any competing legal system would erode the authority of the courts, weaken the protection of individual rights, and fracture our country.”\n\nCosponsors: Reps. Eli Crane (AZ-02), Clay Fuller (GA-14), Scott Perry (PA-10), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), Barry Moore (AL-01), and Pat Harrigan (NC-10).\n\nThe Preserving Our Constitution Act will:\n\nProhibit federal courts and adjudicative entities from recognizing or enforcing foreign or religious laws, customs, or practices that conflict with the Constitution or federal law.\n\nPrevent courts from enforcing contracts that require disputes to be governed by incompatible foreign or religious legal systems, agreements forcing parties into foreign tribunals that do not provide constitutional protections, foreign court decisions based on laws inconsistent with fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.\n\nReinforce fundamental American liberties by identifying practices incompatible with constitutional principles including forced or underage marriage, polygamy, female genital mutilation, restrictions on speech, religion, or religious conversion, discriminatory treatment based on sex, religion, ethnicity, or caste, and cruel or unusual punishments prohibited under the Eighth Amendment.\n\nEnsure Constitutional protections in international litigation by preventing courts from dismissing cases in favor of foreign jurisdictions unless those jurisdictions provide sufficient due process and equal protection safeguards.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-celebrates-americas-250th-anniversary", "title": "Kelly Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "kelly.house.gov", "scraper": "kelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000376", "name": "Mike Kelly", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- To commemorate America's 250th anniversary on Saturday, July 4, 2026, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) has introduced a special \"America's 250th Anniversary\" section of his website.\n\nHere, you find legislation Rep. Kelly has sponsored or co-sponsored to supports this historic occasion. You will also find Rep. Kelly's new video on his YouTube channel highlighting Western Pennsylvania's role in American history.\n\nOn his Facebook, Instagram, and X pages, Rep. Kelly is rolling out America's 250th anniversary-themed fun facts, history, and other information to help constituents learn more about the region, commonwealth, and nation we call home.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/2026/07/01/rep-mullin-condemns-supreme-court-transgender-sports-ruling/", "title": "Rep. Mullin Condemns Supreme Court Transgender Sports Ruling", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "kevinmullin.house.gov", "scraper": "kevinmullin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001225", "name": "Kevin Mullin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.- I am disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold states’ discriminatory laws banning transgender girls and women from playing on school athletic teams that match their gender identity—a decision that will cause real harm to youth who simply want to be themselves while playing alongside their peers. Local school leaders and athletic officials are best positioned to make individual determinations about safety and fairness. We shouldn’t have sweeping prohibitions based on fear. States should be focused on breaking down barriers to participation, but instead this decision sends a devastating message to youth who already face discrimination. While this case is focused on school sports, it leaves the door open to further attacks on transgender rights more broadly. As a proud member of the Equality Caucus and a representative of the diverse San Francisco Bay Area, I will continue to fight for the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals everywhere.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-bynum-merkley-booker-urge-epa-begin-monitoring-microplastics", "title": "Krishnamoorthi, Bynum, Merkley, Booker Urge EPA to Begin Monitoring Microplastics in America's Drinking Water", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (D-OR), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) on Tuesday led a bicameral letter, joined by 53 of their colleagues, urging Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin to add microplastics to the agency's recently published Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6). The lawmakers argue that EPA should begin monitoring microplastics in America's drinking water, citing a growing body of research linking the emerging contaminant to serious adverse health effects.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers note that emerging research has found microplastics throughout the human body and associated them with lung disease, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, impaired kidney and liver function, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. They argue that adding microplastics to UCMR 6 would provide critical transparency regarding exposure, inform future health-protective standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and help ensure the federal government meets its responsibility to protect the health and safety of the American people.\n\nThe lawmakers write:\n\n\"As plastic production continues to expand rapidly, microplastics pose a potential threat to public health in the United States. Emerging research demonstrates that microplastics are now pervasive in the human body and are associated with serious adverse health effects. Concentrations of microplastics in human brain tissue have been reported to increase by nearly 50 percent between 2016 and 2024.\"\n\nLater in the letter, they write:\n\n\"Accordingly, we urge the EPA to add microplastics to UCMR 6 and to design a robust, nationwide monitoring program for microplastics in drinking water. Doing so will provide critical transparency regarding exposure, inform future health-protective standards under SDWA, and help ensure that the federal government meets its responsibility to protect the health and safety of the American people.\"\n\nThe letter also highlights growing bipartisan congressional interest in better understanding how microplastics affect Americans' health, pointing to the recently introduced bipartisan, bicameral Microplastics Safety Act and ARPA-H's STOMP program to develop technologies to measure and remove microplastics from the body. The lawmakers argue EPA has a critical role to play as the primary agency regulating drinking water.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://landsman.house.gov/posts/landsman-leads-bipartisan-bill-to-make-child-care-more-accessible", "title": "Landsman Leads Bipartisan Bill to Make Child Care More Accessible", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://landsman.house.gov/press", "domain": "landsman.house.gov", "scraper": "landsman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000601", "name": "Greg Landsman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Jul 2, 2026\n\nDemocracy\n\nLandsman Leads Effort to Ban SCOTUS, Others from Participating in Prediction Markets and Stock Trading\n\nCincinnati, OH – This week, Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01) led efforts in Congress to ban stock trading and prediction market participation for federal officials. Congressman Landsman, along with Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Congressman Kevin Kiley (CA-03), and Congressman Eugene Vindman (VA-07), introduced the bipartisan No Profiting from Public Service Act to ban politicians, Supreme […]\n\nJul 1, 2026\n\nJobs & the Economy\n\nLandsman Statement on $25M to Cap Fort Washington Way\n\nCincinnati, OH – Today, Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $25 million in federal funding to cap Fort Washington Way in Cincinnati. “For decades, Cincinnati leaders had a vision, and they never gave up. We’re getting this done – delivering tens of millions of dollars to our region and building something […]", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://landsman.house.gov/posts/landsman-statement-on-25m-to-cap-fort-washington-way", "title": "Landsman Statement on $25M to Cap Fort Washington Way", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://landsman.house.gov/press", "domain": "landsman.house.gov", "scraper": "landsman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000601", "name": "Greg Landsman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Cincinnati, OH – Today, Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $25 million in federal funding to cap Fort Washington Way in Cincinnati.\n\n“For decades, Cincinnati leaders had a vision, and they never gave up. We’re getting this done – delivering tens of millions of dollars to our region and building something that will make Cincinnati even more vibrant.\n\n“Capping Fort Washington Way will create jobs, give downtown even more family-friendly green space for residents and visitors to enjoy for decades to come.”\n\nCongressman Landsman has advocated for federal funding to cap Fort Washington Way since he came to Congress.\n\nHERE is his most recent letter to the Department of Transportation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4213", "title": "Larsen to Trump Admin: Continue USMCA Trade Deal to Create Jobs and Lower Prices", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "larsen.house.gov", "scraper": "larsen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000560", "name": "Rick Larsen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) sent a report to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer urging the continuation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA). The report summarizes over a hundred meetings and conversations that Rep. Larsen’s office has had with farmers, businesses, municipalities, ports and other stakeholders across Northwest Washington over the past year.\n\n“Continuing the USMCA deal will lower costs and create jobs in our communities by restabilizing the economic relationship between the U.S. and two of our largest trading partners,” said Rep. Larsen. “Across conversations with the people I represent, I have heard how USMCA helps families and communities thrive. The United States should negotiate in good faith to enhance and renew USMCA, and fully enforce the provisions of the agreement to help lower prices and create more good-paying jobs.”\n\nToday, the required joint review of USMCA began, which USTR is leading together with Canada and Mexico. The Trump administration announced that the U.S. did not agree to renew agreement in its current form, opting instead to spend the coming months renegotiation the deal.\n\nRep. Larsen’s report to Ambassador Greer summarizes local stakeholders’ broad support for USMCA and top priorities to enhance the agreement during renegotiations:\n\nProviding predictability and reducing uncertainty when it comes to tariff rates, regulations and trade policy;\n\nSustaining and facilitating integrated, tariff-free cross-border supply chains, particularly with Canada; and\n\nEnsuring WA-02 farmers, producers and businesses can compete in the United States and worldwide on a level playing field, addressing both tariffs and non-tariff measures.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4215", "title": "Larsen Releases Statement on the Passing of Paul Roberts", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "larsen.house.gov", "scraper": "larsen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000560", "name": "Rick Larsen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement on the passing of Paul Roberts:\n\n“Paul Roberts was instrumental in making Everett the city it is today. Paul was one of the kindest, most dedicated and hardworking people I have ever known. From a deep passion for protecting our cherished environment, to his foresight on bringing the naval base to Everett, Paul was the embodiment of what a lifelong public servant is. Even after leaving the City Council, he continued his work in public service for my office, ensuring that local communities benefited from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\n\"Paul Roberts was a great friend, and my thoughts are with Marianne and the rest of the Roberts family during this difficult time.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4216", "title": "Larsen Announces $23.5 Million for the Port of Bellingham", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "larsen.house.gov", "scraper": "larsen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000560", "name": "Rick Larsen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement:\n\n“This funding is great news for the Port of Bellingham and Northwest Washington’s entire economy,” said Rep. Larsen. “These dollars will allow the Port of Bellingham to rebuild port infrastructure and create good-paying jobs in Northwest Washington. I will keep working to bring home federal dollars to upgrade maritime infrastructure and grow the local economy.”\n\nThe U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that the Port of Bellingham will receive $23,500,000 in federal funding under the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program for the port to rebuild pier infrastructure, strengthen deck loading capacity and upgrade its mooring system for Phase II of the Bellingham Shipping Terminal’s North Pier Rehabilitation project. The BUILD program provides grants for communities of all sizes to carry out road, rail, transit and other surface transportation projects with significant local or regional impact.\n\nThe funding marks another major step towards the Port’s long-term effort to restore the aging shipping terminal that currently limits the Port’s operational capacity. Completion of the project will restore and modernize a critical marine freight asset that will improve the movement of goods, improve worker safety and create long-term jobs in Northwest Washington.\n\nProjects in Washington state received a total of $52 million in BUILD grants for three projects across the state, including the Port of Bellingham’s project.\n\nLarsen Has Secured $129.4 Million in BUILD Grants for WA-02 Since 2022\n\nLarsen has secured nine BUILD grants totaling $129,406,000 for local communities since the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was signed. In addition to the $23 million for the Port of Bellingham, Larsen has helped deliver:\n\n$2 Million for Snohomish County's Everett Intermodal Yard and Curve Improvements Project – In July 2025, DOT awarded Snohomish County a $2 million BUILD grant to improve rail shipping capability, safety, and reliability for freight and intercity passenger service at the Everett Intermodal Yard.\n\n$25 Million for Lynnwood’s Poplar Way Bridge – In August 2022, DOT awarded the City of Lynnwood a $25 million RAISE grant to construct a new six-lane, multimodal bridge over I-5 in Lynnwood, between the intersections of 196th Street SW (State Route 524)/Poplar Way and 33rd Avenue W/Alderwood Mall Boulevard.\n\n$25 Million for Whatcom County’s Lummi Island Ferry – In August 2022, DOT awarded Whatcom County a $25 million RAISE grant to replace the 60-year-old Lummi Island ferry with an electric-battery hybrid ferry and build related infrastructure.\n\n$9.5 Million for Blaine’s Bell Road Project – In June 2023, DOT awarded the City of Blaine a $9.5 million RAISE grant to improve safety and accessibility and reduce congestion at the Bell Road (State Route 548)-BNSF at-grade rail crossing.\n\n$17.9 Million for Port of Bellingham’s Shipping Terminal Rail Connection Project – In June 2024, DOT awarded the Port of Bellingham a $17,931,000 RAISE grant to renovate a shipping terminal site, returning the site to a fully functioning multimodal terminal with more efficient loading and unloading of railcars on the terminal.\n\n$4.9 Million for the Tulalip Tribes’ Road Safety Project – In June 2024, DOT awarded the Tulalip Tribes a $4,975,000 RAISE grant to plan, design and construct improvements to the 4th Street and 88th Street NE crossings of Interstate 5.\n\n$2 Million for Lynden’s Pepin Creek FASST Design Project – In January 2025, DOT awarded the City of Lynden a $2 million RAISE grant to complete planning for its project to relocate Pepin Creek, which runs in deep roadside ditches that overflow and flood the area during winter storms when large quantities of water flow across the U.S.-Canada border.\n\n$19.5 Million for Skagit Transit’s Maintenance, Operations, and Administration Facility – In January 2025, DOT awarded Skagit Transit a $19.5 million RAISE grant for the agency to continue renovating its Maintenance, Operations, and Administration Facility in Burlington.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ways-and-means-committee-votes-advance-larson-and-courtney-tax-relief", "title": "Ways and Means Committee Votes to Advance Larson and Courtney Tax Relief Plan for Connecticut Homeowners with Crumbling Foundations", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "larson.house.gov", "scraper": "larson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000557", "name": "John B. Larson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) and every member of the House Ways and Means Committee voted to send H.R. 9500 to the House floor, bipartisan legislation that includes Larson and Rep. Joe Courtney’sCasualty Loss Deduction Restoration Act, to allow homeowners impacted by crumbling foundations due to pyrrhotite to claim the casualty loss deduction for repair costs. The bill would also allow homeowners to retroactively claim the deduction, starting in 2021.\n\nWatch Rep. Larson’s remarks in the Ways and Means Committee here.\n\n“More than a decade since the crumbling foundations crisis was first discovered in Eastern and North Central Connecticut, as many as 35,000 homes and condos have been impacted,” said Larson. “This legislation will go a long way to provide tax relief so more homeowners can afford to make the repairs they need, and those who already replaced their foundations can be made whole. I am pleased that the Ways and Means Committee approved our bill with such a strong, bipartisan vote this morning. I urge the House to swiftly take it up and thank my friend and colleague Joe Courtney for his partnership on this issue.”\n\n“Thousands of homes in northcentral and eastern Connecticut have been plagued with crumbling concrete foundations caused by the mineral pyrrhotite, leaving families with exorbitant repair costs up to the hundreds of thousands of dollars through no fault of their own,” said Courtney. \"By finally restoring the casualty loss deduction for all taxpayers after it was drastically restricted by President Trump’s 2017 tax law and allowing homeowners to amend prior-year tax returns for repairs to crumbling foundations caused by pyrrhotite made during calendar years 2021-2025, Congress can provide overdue relief to impacted homeowners. Thank you to my friend and colleague, Congressman Larson, for his continued work on the Ways and Means Committee to advance this issue and for the determined grassroots advocacy of Connecticut homeowners impacted by crumbling foundations.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/celebrating-americas-250th-anniversary-honoring-our-nations-veterans", "title": "CELEBRATING AMERICA'S 250th ANNIVERSARY BY HONORING OUR NATION'S VETERANS", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "lieu.house.gov", "scraper": "lieu", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000582", "name": "Ted Lieu", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "As we celebrate our nation's 250th birthday, we honor generations of Americans who helped make our country great.\n\nThis month, we asked community members of California's 36th Congressional District to submit photos and short tributes of their loved ones who served in the United States military. Thank you to everyone who submitted, and thank you to everyone who served our country.\n\nAbraham Boyarsky\n\nAbe Boyarsky served in the U.S. Army during WWII, landing on Utah Beach two days after his 19th birthday. He helped liberate Cherbourg, marched across France, Belgium and Germany, fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and liberated the Dachau concentration camp. Currently 101 years old, he wears his dog tags every day.\n\nJames Larkin\n\nThank you, and you are surely missed.\n\nIrwin Ruben\n\nOur dad enlisted in the U.S. Navy toward the end of World War II and served on a hospital ship that treated the wounded fighting in the Pacific Theater. He took great pride in having had the opportunity to assist surgeons working around the clock to heal the wounded and save lives. The sobering experience convinced him to pursue a professional career as a pharmacist once he left the service. He went to college courtesy of the GI Bill, otherwise known as the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. He forever remained a genuine hero in our eyes.\n\nGeorge Molukos\n\nGeorge Molukous enlisted in the United States Army, emigrating from Greece. He served proudly in the infantry in World War I.\n\nZein Obagi MD\n\nThank you dad, Cmdr Zein Obagi MD for your six years of honorable service in the US Navy.\n\nLawrence J Smith Jr\n\nActive duty service 1977-1982, reserves 1982-1987. Graduate Nuclear Power Program. Surface Warfare Officer. Persian Gulf Deployment 1985.\n\nRuss Morimoto\n\nF-4 Phantom Crew Chief Vietnam. His name was on the name of his plane along with the pilot that got shot down.\n\nLarry Murakami\n\nServed with the 403rd SOD, 5th Special Forces Vietnam.\n\nMartin Lakin\n\nKorean War Veteran and incredible Uncle.\n\nBrad Zalben\n\nNavy SeaBees Veteran. Proud Veteran and my inspiration in life.\n\nSanford Forman\n\nMy father-in-law, Sanford Forman, is a Korean War veteran who served in the United States Air Force. He has always been proud of his service and of his uniform. He is 93 years young today. We thank him for his service and love for his country.\n\nRobert Vaughan\n\nBob was born in Torrance and was a classic South Bay surfer. He was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam from 1967-1968, during the Tet Offensive.\n\nBarry Solomon\n\nBarry served in the U.S. Army in New York and continued in Los Angeles for a total of 5.2 years.\n\n1st Lt. Jack Tomlin\n\nI never knew my Uncle Jack. He was killed in action near Hilfarth, Germany in January 1945. My grandmother mourned him keenly the rest of her life, and even took two trips to Germany after the war to try to find out what happened to him. A few years ago, I discovered this website https://www.honorstates.org/index.php?id=28826 , where I learned his fate.\n\nRobert William Hockelberg\n\nServed in WWII as Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps, pilot of cargo planes over the Himalayas to bring supplies over Himalayas to troops.\n\nSam Morita\n\nMy grandfather enlisted in the Air Force. He was stationed in Morocco at the Nouasseeur Air Force Base. As a Japanese American, he was interned in Poston, AZ during WWII. He was alway a proud American - Grandson Levi Vila.\n\nMurray Kalis\n\nTo our Dad, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, brother and friend. Thank you for your service and sacrifice for not only our family but our country. We are all so proud of you!\n\nW.T. Morgan\n\nGod bless all those who served our country, including my Dad.\n\nJerry Brown\n\nFrom Sandy Brown: Jerry Brown, MD served a year at Valley Forge Hospital and a year at the 91st & 93rd Evacuation Hospital in Vietnam. He is proud of his service and has great respect for the soldiers he cared and all who served.\n\nJames L. Durment\n\nThank you dad (Papa) for your service in the U.S. Army. We miss you and love you.\n\nRobert E. Durment\n\nWe thank you for your service in the U.S. Navy uncle Bob. Love, Kimberly and David.\n\nDaniel Rincon\n\nTo my brother, Daniel Rincon, Thank you for your honorable service in the United States Marine Corps from 1999 to 2026. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication make our family proud every day. We honor your commitment, your strength, and the legacy you leave behind. Semper Fidelis.\n\nLarry Dean Rudy\n\nThank you for your service.\n\nRalph A. Feinstein\n\nSeverely injured and the only survivor of his boat on D-Day, my father-in-law never let his disability limit him.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sanchez-usmca-review-needs-deliver-american-workers-strengthen-our", "title": "Sánchez: USMCA review needs to deliver for American workers, strengthen our economy", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "lindasanchez.house.gov", "scraper": "lindasanchez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001156", "name": "Linda T. Sánchez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) today released the following statement after the Trump administration announced it would not extend the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement for 16 years, triggering an annual review process:\n\n“Trade, supply chains and industries evolve, and our trade agreements should evolve with them. Today’s summit is a good sign that all three countries are ready to review and hopefully strengthen the agreement.\n\n“I recently led my Democratic Ways and Means Committee colleagues in calling on the Trump administration to preserve the trilateral structure of the agreement while pushing for better enforcement and stronger protections for American workers, the environment and our economic security.\n\n“When I first voted for it, I did so because of the changes House Democrats were able to make to the agreement, including the landmark labor Rapid Response Mechanism in the USMCA. It’s important that the administration works to enhance that review mechanism, address the offshoring of jobs to Mexico and push for new reforms, such as a similar environmental Rapid Response Mechanism.\n\n“I’m hopeful that this review will be able to seriously take on these issues. But I remain concerned that instead of addressing these priorities which would benefit American workers and help level the playing field, President Trump will use it to extract unrelated demands from Canada and Mexico and to enrich himself and his billionaire friends.\n\n“That’s why Congress must have a voice in this review. It’s too important to leave to President Trump alone.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-votes-present-resolution-release-slush-fund-file-information", "title": "Rep. Nancy Mace Votes Present on Resolution to Release Slush Fund File Information She Already Released", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mace.house.gov", "scraper": "mace", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000194", "name": "Nancy Mace", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C., (July 1, 2026) - Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution to publicly release the names and amounts of taxpayer-funded sexual misconduct settlements paid on behalf of Members of Congress.\n\nCongresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) has already done this which is why she voted present. She moved to subpoena the names and settlement amounts back in March in the Oversight Committee. She obtained the records in May and released the names of Members and amounts paid publicly, exactly as she said she would.\n\n\"This work is already done,\" said Congresswoman Mace. \"We got the names. We got the amounts. We released them to the American people two months ago. Congress voting again on something already accomplished is not accountability. It is political theater, and taxpayers deserve better than a victory lap for work already finished.\"\n\nSee Rep. Mace’s video with the slush fund files from her subpoena motion HERE.\n\nRep. Mace’s subpoena motion, which passed the House Oversight Committee, demanded the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR) release all awards and settlements paid pursuant to Section 415 of the Congressional Accountability Act prior to December 12, 2018 for misconduct by Members of Congress. The only redactions permitted were those necessary to protect the personally identifiable information of victims and witnesses. Those files confirmed taxpayers paid more than $550,000 in settlements covering seven former Members of Congress or their offices.\n\nYou can find the names and amounts from the files HERE and HERE.\n\nRep. Mace has been pushing for transparency for months. In February, she introduced a resolution to force the House Ethics Committee to preserve and release every record related to sexual harassment investigations involving Members of Congress. Instead, 357 Republicans and Democrats voted together to kill it, protecting themselves and their friends.\n\nRep. Mace already obtained the congressional slush fund records and released them to the public. The Ethics Committee's sexual harassment investigation files still remain buried. Those are the records Congress should be focused on releasing, not records Rep. Mace has already released to the American people.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-bill-protect-taxpayers-ghost-preparers-advances-ways-means", "title": "Malliotakis Bill to Protect Taxpayers from Ghost Preparers Advances from Ways & Means Committee", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "malliotakis.house.gov", "scraper": "malliotakis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000317", "name": "Nicole Malliotakis", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(WASHINGTON, DC) — Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis today applauded the House Ways and Means Committee’s passage of her legislation, H.R. 9499, the Protecting Taxpayers from Ghost Preparers Act, which takes an important step to ensure that taxpayers who are victims of preparer fraud are not unfairly punished for actions they did not commit.\n\nUnder current law, when a dishonest tax preparer commits fraud without the taxpayer's knowledge, the taxpayer may be subject to an indefinite statute of limitations, even if they had no intent to evade their tax obligations. The bill addresses this gap in the law by clarifying that the unlimited statute of limitations for fraudulent tax returns applies only when the taxpayer intended to commit fraud—not when a dishonest tax preparer acted alone without the taxpayer's knowledge.\n\nSeveral recent New York cases underscore how dishonest tax preparers can exploit taxpayers and defraud the system. An individual on Long Island pleaded guilty to a nearly $12 million tax fraud scheme. They prepared fraudulent tax returns, charged clients more than $1 million in fees—including a percentage of their refunds—and put those taxpayers at risk while enriching themselves. An individual in the Bronx was sentenced to four years in prison for orchestrating a decade-long, $145 million tax fraud scheme. He oversaw the filing of tens of thousands of false tax returns, generating approximately $12 million in fraudulent proceeds.\n\n“My office has assisted over 1,400 constituent cases related just to IRS-related issues ranging from stolen checks in the mail to delayed tax refunds, and we’ve seen firsthand how frustrating and costly problems involving the IRS can be for hardworking taxpayers,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “Unfortunately, over the past several years, we have seen far too many cases of dishonest tax preparers exploiting hardworking Americans—especially seniors and other vulnerable taxpayers who are simply trying to pay their taxes. My legislation protects taxpayers from being unfairly punished for actions they did not commit and ensures that the IRS can focus on going after bad actors instead of good-standing taxpayers.\"\n\n“Americans who are the victims of tax fraud – including fraud perpetrated in their name without their knowledge – deserve to know they will not be subject to unending scrutiny by the IRS,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “Unfortunately, current law suspends the statute of limitations for tax assessment when there is fraudulent intent – even when the intent is of someone other than the taxpayer. Representative Malliotakis’ Protecting Taxpayers from Ghost Preparers Act ensures the IRS is focused on pursuing those actually responsible for committing a crime, and I applaud her for being a tireless champion for fighting for people who are being taken advantage of.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://matsui.house.gov/media/press-releases/matsui-demands-hhs-stop-eli-lillys-illegal-restrictions-drug-pricing-discounts", "title": "MATSUI DEMANDS HHS STOP ELI LILLY’S ILLEGAL RESTRICTIONS ON DRUG PRICING DISCOUNTS", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://matsui.house.gov/media", "domain": "matsui.house.gov", "scraper": "matsui", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001163", "name": "Doris O. Matsui", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI) led a bipartisan group of 72 total members of Congress in demanding that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) take immediate action to stop Eli Lilly and Company from unlawfully conditioning access to 340B drug discounts.\n\n“We write to express our serious concern regarding the recent action by Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) terminating 340B pricing for covered entities’ (CE) that do not comply with its in-house claims data policy,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\n“Congress established 340B to enable safety-net providers to stretch scarce federal resources, expand access to care, and furnish more comprehensive services to vulnerable patients. Congress did not authorize manufacturers to unilaterally impose additional reporting mandates or data-sharing requirements as a prerequisite for obtaining those discounts.”\n\n“Lilly and a growing number of other pharmaceutical companies have announced policies that threaten to bar access to 340B discount pricing for their drugs unless the CE shares claims-level data from in-house pharmacies, including from mixed-use pharmacies for drugs administered in the hospital to outpatients… [which] extend beyond the statutory framework established by Congress.”\n\n“We respectfully request that HRSA and HHS take immediate action to reinstate covered entities’ uninterrupted access to 340B pricing for eligible drugs and use all available enforcement authorities to ensure manufacturers comply with their obligations under Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act,” the lawmakers conclude. “The 340B program remains a critical tool for supporting hospitals, health centers, and other providers that serve vulnerable populations.”\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\nThis is another action where Congresswoman Matsui has used her leadership to lower healthcare and prescription drug costs for seniors and families, from helping pass the Affordable Care Act to supporting Medicare drug pricing negotiation. She has also led bipartisan efforts to improve the 340B drug pricing program, including introducing the 340B PATIENTS Act to stop drug manufacturers from restricting access to 340B pricing and undermining safety-net care.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe 340B Drug Pricing Program was enacted by Congress in 1992 with bipartisan support and is overseen by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The program requires that pharmaceutical companies give safety net and rural healthcare providers discounts on their drugs, in exchange for having their drugs covered by Medicaid.\n\nThe program has a demonstrated record of protecting patients who are low-income, live in underserved communities, or suffer from serious chronic illnesses from the threat of skyrocketing prices for the drugs they depend on the most.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2915", "title": "Speaker Johnson Submits Letter for Bossier Semiquincentennial Time Capsule", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mikejohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "mikejohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000299", "name": "Mike Johnson", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — On the eve of America’s 250th Anniversary, Speaker Johnson contributed a letter to the 2026 Bossier Community Time Capsule, which will remain sealed until America’s tricentennial in 2076. In the letter, Speaker Johnson outlined his journey to Congress and the Speakership, the genius of America’s constitutional republic, and emphasized the importance of maintaining our Republic by recommitting to the timeless principles our nation was founded upon. The time capsule was sponsored by Keep Bossier Beautiful in conjunction with the Bossier Parish Police Jury and Keep America Beautiful.\n\n“As our nation marks this momentous anniversary, we face questions about the very nature of our Republic. How to preserve our God-given rights against government intrusion? How best to champion individual liberty? And, how to restore our moral and religious foundations, which our Founders saw as essential to maintaining this Republic? These are age-old questions that every generation has tackled since the dawn of our country,” Speaker Johnson wrote. “But today, it is our duty and our responsibility as freedom-loving Americans to answer them anew, and while honoring the timeless truths of Scripture upon which our nation was founded.”\n\nRead the full letter here or below:\n\nTo my future fellow Americans:\n\nGreetings from 2026! My name is Mike Johnson, U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives and proud representative of Louisiana’s Fourth Congressional District, which spans from Shreveport to Monroe and down to Lake Charles.\n\nAs America marks its Semiquincentennial, we look back to acknowledge the miracle of our founding and the countless miracles that have followed, as much as we look ahead to you, our future countrymen. It is in that spirit that I write this letter, to share what America looks like today and what we hope the future holds for this great country, which we are blessed to call home.\n\nAs the 56th Speaker of the House, I am fortunate to lead Congress at a time of profound change. My colleagues first elected me to this position during a time of great tumult in the history of the institution, and after serving less than 6.8 years in Congress, the second fastest tenure before receiving this honor. This is the first time someone from Louisiana has held this historic position, something deeply meaningful to me as the son of a Shreveport firefighter and the first person in my family to graduate from college.\n\nNone of this incredible journey would have been possible without the steadfast support of my beautiful wife, Kelly, and our four children, Hannah, Abby, Jack, and Will, and God’s faithful hand upon our lives.\n\nSince my first election to Speaker, I have led the Republican Party through a polarized era of politics and under one of the smallest majorities in American history. I am also proud to be the first U.S. Speaker to ever address the British Parliament, and only the third to be invited to address the Israeli Knesset. It is not lost on me the critical role the U.S. plays in shaping the policies and actions of countries around the globe. Being in this position comes with the enormous weight of preserving the God-honoring, timeless truths that undergird America’s founding – which contain the necessary ingredients for human flourishing – and of stewarding these principles beyond our borders.\n\nWe began this fateful year with an auspicious victory abroad. America’s greatest athletes competed in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, capturing a record 12 gold medals. Both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Hockey Teams triumphed over Canada in dramatic overtime thrillers to secure dual gold medals. For the men, it was their first gold in 46 years since the famous 1980 “Miracle on Ice.”\n\nIn April, NASA achieved a major space exploration milestone with the Artemis II lunar flyby, setting a record for the farthest journey from Earth in human history. King Charles III made his first visit to the United States as monarch, which culminated in a historic address to a Joint Session of Congress. And at this very moment, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway in communities across our country.\n\nIn a matter of days and under the leadership of President Donald Trump, America will celebrate its 250th anniversary in historic fashion, from the Great American State Fair to one of the grandest displays of fireworks here in our nation’s capital. Recently, I was proud to lead tens of thousands of Americans in prayer on our National Mall to rededicate this great country as one nation under God in celebration of 250 years of American Independence.\n\nAs our nation marks this momentous anniversary, we face questions about the very nature of our Republic. How to preserve our God-given rights against government intrusion? How best to champion individual liberty? And, how to restore our moral and religious foundations, which our Founders saw as essential to maintaining this Republic? These are age-old questions that every generation has tackled since the dawn of our country. But today, it is our duty and our responsibility as freedom-loving Americans to answer them anew, and while honoring the timeless truths of Scripture upon which our nation was founded.\n\nWe embrace the challenge of this generation with you, our future fellow Americans, in our hearts and prayers. And while we acknowledge that our work to preserve this grand experiment in self-liberty remains unfinished, we take solace knowing that God’s hand rests firmly upon our country, just as it has since the very beginning of our Founders’ fight for freedom.\n\nAs John Quincy Adams, our nation’s 6th president and a relentless fighter against the scourge of slavery, once said, “Duty is ours. Results are God’s.” It’s your duty now to recommit to the timeless, foundational principles enshrined in our nation’s birth certificate. As you take the baton of freedom on this 300th anniversary, do not do so lightly. Take it boldly and courageously, as the signers of the Declaration did, and with the full weight of history and destiny on your shoulders.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-leads-charge-lower-fertilizer-costs-iowa-farmers", "title": "Miller-Meeks Leads Charge to Lower Fertilizer Costs for Iowa Farmers", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "millermeeks.house.gov", "scraper": "millermeeks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001215", "name": "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) released the following statement after the Administration suspended duties on phosphate fertilizer imports, which will lower input costs for American farmers by an estimated $1.82 billion every year.\n\n\"The Biden Administration's phosphate fertilizer duties drove up costs for farmers at a time when they were already facing record-high input prices. Between 2021 and 2025, these duties increased costs by an estimated $6.9 billion, making it even harder for producers to stay competitive,\" said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. “I have led the fight to change that, introducing the Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act to cut these duties. Lower fertilizer costs mean stronger family farms, greater American agricultural production, and lower food costs for consumers. That's what putting America's farmers first looks like.”\n\nBackground\n\nPhosphate fertilizer is a critical nutrient for crop production, but the United States is not self-sufficient in its production. Domestic output has declined significantly in recent decades while demand continues to grow, making imports essential to meeting the needs of American agriculture.\n\nGlobal supply chains have faced increased strain due to geopolitical instability, including the Russia-Ukraine war and unrest in the Middle East. These disruptions have limited access to key inputs and contributed to higher prices for farmers.\n\nExisting duties on Moroccan phosphate imports have further constrained supply and reduced competition in a highly concentrated global market. According to analysis from Texas A&M University’s Agricultural and Food Policy Center, these duties increased fertilizer costs for U.S. farmers by approximately $6.9 billion between 2021 and 2025.\n\nThe Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act, introduced by Congresswoman Miller-Meeks in April, addresses these challenges by removing barriers to imports from one of the world’s largest phosphate producers, helping to stabilize supply and reduce costs for producers.\n\nLower input costs not only benefit farmers, but also help keep food prices stable for American families and support long-term economic growth in rural communities.\n\nSupport\n\nThe legislation is supported by leading agricultural organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Corn Growers Association, National Taxpayers Union Foundation,Taxpayers Protection Alliance American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Cotton Council, Rice USA, and the Iowa Soybean Association.\n\n“Iowa soybean farmers appreciate Congresswoman Miller-Meeks’ leadership in addressing the increased costs of phosphate fertilizer imports through the Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act,” said Tom Adam, President of the Iowa Soybean Association. “At a time when farmers are dealing with elevated input expenses on all fronts, existing countervailing duties only add unnecessary financial strain. Soybean farmers need access to reliable, affordable fertilizer to remain competitive in the global marketplace.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://mills.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cory-mills-introduces-resolution-calling-redesign-national-global", "title": "Congressman Cory Mills Introduces Resolution Calling for Redesign of National Global War on Terrorism Memorial", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mills.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mills.house.gov", "scraper": "mills", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001216", "name": "Cory Mills", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Cory Mills introduced a resolution expressing the sense of the House that the current design concept for the National Global War on Terrorism Memorial fails to adequately honor the sacrifices of America’s post-9/11 service members and urging a redesign that more clearly reflects the valor, sacrifice, and warrior ethos of those who served.\n\nMore than 2.7 million Americans answered the nation’s call following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, deploying to combat zones across the globe in what became the longest continuous conflict in American history. Over 7,000 U.S. service members gave their lives, while tens of thousands returned home bearing the physical and invisible wounds of war.\n\n“The men and women who fought in the Global War on Terrorism answered our nation’s call without hesitation, serving through two decades of sustained conflict to defend the American people,” said Rep. Mills. “Their memorial should leave no doubt about who they were, what they endured, and what they sacrificed. Future generations should not have to interpret abstract symbolism to understand the courage of those who fought after September 11th, but rather they should see it plainly.”\n\nThe resolution argues that unlike iconic military memorials such as the Marine Corps War Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the current design concept relies too heavily on abstract architectural features and landscaping rather than explicitly depicting the service and sacrifice of America’s post-9/11 veterans.\n\nSpecifically, the resolution states that:\n\nThe current design concept does not provide the level of recognition deserved by Global War on Terrorism veterans and Gold Star families.\n\nA national war memorial should visibly honor military service, valor, and combat sacrifice rather than prioritize abstract artistic interpretation.\n\nThe memorial’s design should be substantially revised to better represent the warrior ethos and realities of combat.\n\nThe final memorial should prominently depict the physical sacrifice, equipment, and collective service of the men and women who fought in the Global War on Terrorism.\n\nThe National Global War on Terrorism Memorial will serve as the nation’s permanent tribute to the generation of Americans who served in the conflicts that followed the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This memorial must preserve their legacy with the dignity, clarity, and honor they earned. We owe them nothing less.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://min.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-dave-min-pushes-bipartisan-fostering-trust-act-strengthen", "title": "Representative Dave Min Pushes Bipartisan Fostering TRUST Act to Strengthen Veteran Care", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://min.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "min.house.gov", "scraper": "min", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001241", "name": "Dave Min", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Representative Dave Min (CA-47) spoke before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in support of his Bipartisan Fostering TRUST Act of 2026 at the Veterans Affair Committee, legislation he is co-leading with Representative Fitzpatrick (PA-01) to strengthen accountability, transparency, and data to deliver the right resources for Veterans in crisis.\n\nThe Fostering TRUST Act of 2026 will require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to expand reporting on care provided to veterans, notify Congress of suicides and attempted suicides that occur at VA and Community Care facilities, and ensure families of veterans are informed of VA support services available to them. The legislation builds on the previously introduced FIGHT Veterans Suicides Act, which passed the House during the 116th Congress but was not enacted.\n\n“Veterans who are struggling deserve a system that sees them, supports them, and responds before it is too late,” said Rep. Dave Min. “In Orange County, we are home to more than 24,000 veterans, and our responsibility to them does not end when their service does. This bipartisan bill is about making sure Congress and the VA have the timely, accurate information needed to identify gaps in care, strengthen accountability, and better support veterans and their families in moments of crisis.”\n\nWATCH HERE\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\n“Thank you, Chairman and Ranking Member Brownley for holding today's legislative hearing. I also want to thank Representative Fitzpatrick for agreeing to co-lead this important bipartisan legislation to try to strengthen transparency and accountability in the care of our nation's veterans.\n\nThis bill, H.R. 9018, builds on previous legislation introduced by Representative Max Rose in the 116th Congress, the Fight Veterans Suicide Act, but what’s clear several Congresses later is that there is still significant work to do in this regard of properly addressing suicide. That this is, unfortunately, one of the most persistent and urgent challenges facing service members, veterans, and their families today.\n\nAccording to the VA, in 2023, there were almost 6400 veteran suicides deaths, 39% of which were receiving VHA care either in 2022 or 2023. In 2023, suicide was the 12th leading cause of death for veterans and was the second leading cause of death for veterans under the age of 45.\n\nThis is an important district across the nation, but including in my district, which has about 24,000 veterans and their families across Orange county, of course, that number is much higher. We need better accountability, transparency, and data to try to deliver the right resources and care for those struggling.\n\nMy bill, the Fostering Trust Act of 2026, would try to do this by requiring the VA to notify the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees, as well as the members of congress representing the district where a facility is located and the district where the veterans reside when a suicide or attempted suicide happens. Standardizing this notification process and the important information that each notification would include, would help strengthen this body's ability to try to focus its efforts, legislative and otherwise, and deploy resources more effectively to address the crisis.\n\nThis bill specifically would expand existing reporting requirements to cover veterans receiving care through VA community care providers, require the VA to notify congress within seven days of a suicide or attempted suicide occurring at a VA facility or a community care provider facility, would require the VA to provide congress with follow up information regarding the veteran's interaction with VA or community care providers, and ensure that immediate family members are informed of any VA support services or assistance for which they may be eligible. This bill, of course, emphasizes transparency, accountability and support for veterans in crisis. I think these are important values, and I am grateful for the broad bipartisan support for this. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I yield back.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://min.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-dave-min-and-johnny-olszewski-lead-seec-roundtable-building-resilient", "title": "Reps. Dave Min and Johnny Olszewski Lead SEEC Roundtable on Building Resilient, Affordable Housing", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://min.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "min.house.gov", "scraper": "min", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001241", "name": "Dave Min", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Representatives Dave Min (CA-47) and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), co-leads of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Building Resilient Housing Task Force, hosted a roundtable with experts working at the nexus of housing affordability and the climate crisis. The roundtable highlighted key issues and opportunities to address how climate change and extreme weather events are raising home energy and insurance costs, alongside the solutions that can address the dual crises of housing affordability and climate change that are being felt across the nation.\n\n“Housing affordability, utility costs, and climate resilience are not separate challenges for American families — they are deeply interrelated. Building and retrofitting homes to be safer, more efficient, and more resilient is one of the clearest ways we can lower costs, protect families, and confront the climate crisis at the same time,\" said Rep. Min. \"The Building Resilient Housing Task Force is focused on practical federal solutions that make homes more affordable to live in and better prepared for wildfires, storms, heat, and other extreme weather. I’m grateful to SEEC, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Insurance for Good, and Rep. Olszewski for their partnership in this work.”\n\n\"The cost-of-living crisis begins and ends with housing — because if you don't have a safe, affordable roof over your head, little else matters,\" said Rep. Olszewski. \"I was proud to join Representative Min in bringing together experts to explore how climate-resilient housing can lower the costs of insurance, energy, and weatherization, making housing more affordable for families. By tackling our housing and climate challenges together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities while lowering costs.\"\n\nSEEC’s Building Resilient Housing Task Force focuses on building out our housing stock in a way that addresses the dual crises of housing affordability and climate change. Access to safe, high-quality, and attainable housing should be a fundamental right, which is why we need to support market-based, mixed-income approaches that can meet the needs of families at all income levels. At the same time, our nation's housing stock is one of the largest sources of carbon emissions, presenting a transformative opportunity to fight climate change while promoting housing that is more resilient and sustainable.\n\nThe Task Force will therefore focus on multifaceted solutions that meet the urgency of our housing crisis—addressing ballooning insurance rates due to extreme weather events; investing in energy-efficient upgrades and renewables to lower utility bills; and building new housing that helps connect Americans to essential services like reliable transportation and workforce opportunities.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405740", "title": "Chairman Recap: Griffith Supports Policies to Protect Americans, Patients and Rural Communities", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, continues to work on health care policies that support scores of patients across the United States. Through May and June, he accomplished these goals.\n\nChairman Griffith is a proponent of House Republicans’ push to keep American communities safe and deliver more affordable health care options. Chairman Griffith advanced potential solutions to crack down on illicit drug threats posed to American communities. As the chief House sponsor of the HALT Fentanyl Act, Chairman Griffith will continue to advocate for policies that combat illicit drug threats, secure our communities and provide meaningful resources. Further, through his Health Subcommittee’s Affordability Series, recent hearings highlighted legislation that will strengthen transparency, clarify the health care landscape and provide patients with a greater understanding of costs. Such reforms are critical to help lower health care costs for Americans.\n\nOne of the rare disease bills that Chairman Griffith is helping advance is the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026. This legislation continues to receive support as Major League Baseball recently recognized Lou Gehrig Day and the United States observed ALS Awareness Month. Grey’s Anatomy TV series star Eric Dane, who passed away this year from a battle with ALS, was featured in a recent documentary that followed Dane’s advocacy journey. A clip of Dane’s meeting with Chairman Griffith is included in the documentary. Chairman Griffith will continue to fight to reauthorize key funding avenues for research and treatments into ALS, Huntington’s disease and other rare diseases.\n\nAdditionally, the Rural Health Transformation Program is beginning to deliver funds to Virginia communities. Created by the landmark Working Families Tax Cuts, the first grant in Virginia issued under the federal Program went to the Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon, Virginia. This funding will expand healthcare workforce training opportunities for an underserved region, one of many goals of the program. Chairman Griffith will continue to highlight these Program funds as they support rural communities in Virginia.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405741", "title": "Griffith Announces More Than $9.3 Million FEMA Grant for Helene Relief Waterline Repair", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a Hurricane Helene-related grant of $9,344,475 to the Commonwealth of Virginia. This funding will support Washington County Service Authority repair damaged waterline impacted by Hurricane Helene.\n\nIn response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“Federal disaster relief resources continue to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.\n\n“This FEMA grant for more than $9.3 million helps local authorities restore 12-inch cast iron waterline for service to Damascus, Virginia.\n\n“This is really exciting news.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nFEMA funds are obligated to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Commonwealth will be responsible for providing the funds to the sub-recipients.\n\nIn January 2025, Rep. Griffith announced $46.67 million in Helene relief to Virginia from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).\n\nIn April 2025, Congressman Griffith announced nearly $6 million in Helene relief in a separate grant for Washington County water line repairs.\n\nIn January 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $4.2 million in Helene relief for a Wytheville wastewater treatment system.\n\nIn February 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $8.6 million in Helene relief for water line repair.\n\nIn April 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $1.7 million in Helene relief for bridge repair.\n\nIn June 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $2.8 million in Helene relief for road repair.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405743", "title": "Griffith Statement on USDA Disaster Action for Ninth District Drought Relief", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is designating Tazewell County as a primary natural disaster area due to recent drought. As part of the designation, the Counties of Bland, Buchanan, Russell and Smyth are set to receive access to drought assistance as well.\n\nIn response to this USDA action, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“This USDA action is necessary to support farmers in Virginia’s Ninth District. Spring frost and freeze events followed by severe drought continue to impact Virginia’s agricultural health.\n\n“This disaster designation sets in motion opportunities for eligible groups to request emergency loan assistance.\n\n“My office is ready to help facilitate access to federal assistance. Additionally, I will continue to advocate for our farming communities as they navigate through growing season challenges and record temperatures.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nCongressman Griffith helped lead federal engagement to secure a separate USDA Secretarial natural disaster declaration for Virginia farmers. In June, Secretary Rollins approved Virginia’s request.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-jayapal-davidson-garamendi-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-cut", "title": "Moulton, Jayapal, Davidson, Garamendi Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Cut Wasteful Pentagon Spending", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "moulton.house.gov", "scraper": "moulton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001196", "name": "Seth Moulton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Seth Moulton (MA-06), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Warren Davidson (OH-08), and John Garamendi (CA-08) are introducing the bipartisan Streamline Pentagon Budgeting Act to end the requirement that military services send Congress funding wish lists outside the appropriations process. This irresponsible requirement forces military commands to ask for additional spending — even if the President’s Budget Request meets their needs — for projects the President, Secretary of Defense, Pentagon, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff have deemed non-essential for the United States’ national security strategy.\n\n\"Congress has a responsibility to ask tough questions instead of rubber-stamping increased defense spending,” said Congressman Moulton. “The Streamline Pentagon Budgeting Act is about bringing accountability and rigorous oversight to defense spending so that we can build a military that’s prepared for tomorrow’s threats while only prioritizing investments that help our military and don’t divert taxpayer dollars away from addressing other pressing issues affecting Americans here at home.”\n\n“The Pentagon has never passed an audit and is requesting an unprecedented $1.5 trillion for their FY27 budget,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “If the Pentagon required the items on their wish list, they would have been reflected in this already enormous budget request. Our Streamline Pentagon Budgeting Act is a bipartisan solution to combat this wasteful and inefficient spending.”\n\n“Our military should have the resources needed to defend the country, but every dollar should support a clear national security need,” said Congressman Davidson. “Requiring commands to submit unfunded priorities lists encourages unnecessary spending outside the regular budget process. This bipartisan bill ends that mandate while fully preserving the ability of military leaders to bring real funding gaps directly to Congress.”\n\n“Bloated defense spending has been a serious problem for far too long. Requiring unfunded priorities only encourages the Pentagon to seek additional funding outside the normal budget process, often at the expense of readiness and sound fiscal discipline,” said Congressman Garamendi. “The Streamline Pentagon Budgeting Act is an important step toward reducing inefficient spending while prioritizing investments that strengthen our military readiness and national security. This bipartisan, commonsense bill will eliminate unnecessary bloat while reinforcing Congress's constitutional responsibility to provide meaningful oversight.”\n\nWhile the military has long provided unfunded priorities lists, they became a required submission in the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). For FY26, the list totaled $53.7 billion. These lists often include expensive and wasteful requests that have been deemed by defense leaders as low priority.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by R Street Institute and Public Citizen.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-applauds-passage-his-non-profit-hospital-transparency-bill-ways-and", "title": "Murphy Applauds Passage of His Non-Profit Hospital Transparency Bill in Ways and Means Committee", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "murphy.house.gov", "scraper": "murphy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001210", "name": "Gregory F. Murphy", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., applauds the passage of his bill, H.R. 9504, the Tax Exempt Hospital Transparency Act, legislation to increase non-profit hospitals’ transparency of community benefit spending.\n\n\"The majority of income from nonprofit hospitals comes from federal payments,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. \"Nonprofit hospitals receive significant tax benefits in exchange for providing meaningful community benefits and charitable care. Patients and taxpayers deserve transparency regarding how these institutions are meeting those obligations and serving the communities that rely on them. My legislation promotes greater accountability by improving transparency requirements and helping ensure nonprofit hospitals remain focused on their charitable mission. Increased transparency empowers patients, informs policymakers, and strengthens trust in our healthcare system. I am proud that this legislation passed in the Ways and Means Committee, and I look forward to advocating for its passage on the House floor.\"\n\n\"Tax-exempt status is a privilege, not a right. The large hospital empires in this country that operate as nonprofits and enjoy lucrative tax benefits due to that status owe the American taxpayer more transparency and accountability,\" said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith. \"I applaud Dr. Murphy for bringing his years of experience and expertise to the work the committee is doing to improve the oversight of our health care system and help address the rising cost of care that impacts so many working families across this country.\"\n\nBackground\n\nAs of 2023, the U.S. hospital sector was a $1.4 trillion industry, with nonprofit hospitals making up nearly 60% of all community hospitals.\n\nHospital prices have grown nearly 300% since 2000, more than any other part of the U.S. economy.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://neal.house.gov/2026/07/01/neal-opening-statement-at-markup-of-h-r-9501/", "title": "Neal Opening Statement at Markup of H.R. 9501", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "neal.house.gov", "scraper": "neal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000015", "name": "Richard E. Neal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(As prepared for delivery)\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman. This next bill is championed by Congressman Horsford, and I want to thank him for his leadership on this effort.\n\nArtificial intelligence is already reshaping our economy and many of the processes we rely on every day. We’ve heard quite a few big promises from the Secretary of the Treasury about the use of AI at the IRS. I’ll note those remain aspirational, but this bill takes a different approach.\n\nLike with any emerging technology, this bill seeks to thoughtfully deploy AI with clear guardrails to establish a limited pilot program at the IRS, focused on narrow areas to help improve tax administration. This includes identifying identity theft, the use of ghost preparers, and even fraudulent claims.\n\nJust as it’s important that this pilot is temporary, it’s also subject to independent review by GAO before any broader application is considered.\n\nWhen new tools have the potential to strengthen our current systems while remaining accountable to the people, they are worth further exploration, and for that reason, I will support this bill.\n\nWith that, I yield back the balance of my time.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://neal.house.gov/2026/07/01/neal-opening-statement-at-markup-of-h-r-9504/", "title": "Neal Opening Statement at Markup of H.R. 9504", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "neal.house.gov", "scraper": "neal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000015", "name": "Richard E. Neal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "First things, let’s talk about this bill doesn’t do. It doesn’t lower hospital costs, reduce drug prices, address the affordability crisis, or help hospitals struggling to keep their doors open.\n\nInstead, it piles on duplicative reporting requirements with no clear benefit. Once again, my colleagues are invoking “health care transparency” as some type of cure-all, as though more paperwork will somehow undo all the damage they’ve caused the health care system with their Big Ugly Law.\n\nIt was in that bill that more than a trillion dollars was cut out of the healthcare system, all to to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.\n\nThe result so far: 8 million Americans have already had their health coverage ripped away, and countless more are facing increased premium costs, higher deductibles, and skimpier coverage.\n\nThis isn’t just a threat to one’s health, but our entire system.\n\nThe harm doesn’t discriminate. I guarantee that most of the members on this dais have at least one facility back home that is now struggling to stay afloat in the face of these cuts and cost shifts. They are cutting mental health care, maternity care, and cancer care just to keep their doors open.\n\nI hear from my hospitals weekly about the strain they are under. The last thing they need is another unfunded reporting mandate. They should be investing in patient care, not more compliance staff.\n\nThis bill also makes good on Republicans’ longstanding desire to undermine and disrupt the 340B program. By cooking the books on reporting requirements, this bill will make it seem like hospitals are scamming the program and purposefully omitting any data collection on how the facilities are using the 340B dollars.\n\nRather than lowering drug prices, Republicans want to increase burden to penalize those that can access discounted prices. It’s no surprise that PhRMA is supporting the bill.\n\nThis bill is a stalking horse for Republicans to hike drug prices. It’s a distraction from the real issues hospitals in our communities are facing. And on the technical merits, there are none.\n\nAmerican families, and the hospitals that care for them, deserve better.\n\nI yield back the balance of my time.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://neal.house.gov/2026/07/01/neal-opening-statement-at-tax-administration-markup/", "title": "Neal Opening Statement at Tax Administration Markup", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "neal.house.gov", "scraper": "neal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000015", "name": "Richard E. Neal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(As prepared for delivery)\n\nAs we consider another assortment of tax administration bills, tomorrow marks one year since my colleagues on the other side of the aisle cajoled the Big Ugly Law over the finish line. Just yesterday, for the second time this year, House Republicans couldn’t keep control of the Floor long enough to commemorate their Big, Ugly, Law. Another failed birthday party, but what a fitting tribute for a failed law which has harmed so many families.\n\nThey promised lower costs. That hasn’t materialized.\n\nThey promised prosperity. That hasn’t materialized either.\n\nAnd they promised more money in people’s pockets. That certainly hasn’t materialized.\n\nInstead, families are paying more for groceries, housing, energy costs, and travel. Consumer confidence has hit all-time lows, and economic growth has fallen well short of the rosy projections they touted.\n\nAnd while workers and families are being asked to stretch each paycheck, those at the very top are experiencing a completely different reality.\n\nNowhere is that more clear than in our tax system. At every turn, the Trump Administration is showering the rich—less scrutiny, more lenient rules, and fat refunds.\n\nThe American people deserve a tax system that is fair, functional, and has earned their trust. But right now, millions are worse off because the Trump Administration shrunk the IRS’s workforce by nearly a third. There are not enough employees to open the mail, answer phones, or assist taxpayers with their issues. People are left waiting for hours on the phone and months for their refund.\n\nOn the other side of the spectrum, the President has secured a lifetime of never having to worry about IRS scrutiny again…for himself. The Administration can try to change the subject, but serious questions remain about his immunity agreement and taxpayer-funded slush fund, which is why Republicans should stand up and join us in making sure this can never happen.\n\nA fair tax system is the bedrock of a democracy and depends on public confidence that everyone, without regard for wealth or status, is held to the same standard. When the president can shield himself from IRS audits, confidence erodes.\n\nToday’s markup includes a handful of bills. But these bills cannot reverse how this Administration has systematically weakened the IRS, undermined confidence in our tax laws, and further tilted the system toward those at the top.\n\nOne year later, let the record reflect: the promises evaporated, and all that remains in their place are higher costs and more dysfunction. Leaving the people wondering when this Committee will start addressing the problems on their hearts and minds.\n\nWith that, I yield back the balance of my time.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://neal.house.gov/2026/07/01/neal-statement-on-the-trump-administrations-decision-to-not-renew-usmca/", "title": "Neal Statement on the Trump Administration’s Decision to Not Renew USMCA", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "neal.house.gov", "scraper": "neal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000015", "name": "Richard E. Neal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC—Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement marking the six-year anniversary since the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) came into effect:\n\n“When Congressional Democrats secured improvements to the USMCA, we insisted on a meaningful review process because we wanted to set trade policy on a new path: one of evolution. The review was designed to ensure this agreement continued to live up to its fullest potential and grow with the needs of our workers and economy.\n\n“USMCA serves as a stabilizing force for North America and is reflective of the will of Congress. That’s how you strengthen competitiveness and deepen cooperation, rather than scoring cheap political points through an illegal tariff scheme and picking needless fights with some of our closest allies.\n\n“As we mark the beginning of the six-year review, now is the time to pursue serious negotiations with our North American partners. Any updates to USMCA should strengthen outcomes for American workers and manufacturers in the same spirit that garnered support from each end of the political spectrum and brought this agreement over the finish line in the first place.\n\n“The American people cannot afford more trade chaos, higher costs, and missed opportunities simply because this Administration mistakes their way for the best way. Let’s do right by the people and follow the review process as outlined over six years ago.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E93283A4-5391-4B03-9528-8FA8FBB9D9ED", "title": "Norcross, Bacon introduce resolution to establish “National Learn to Swim Week”", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "norcross.house.gov", "scraper": "norcross", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000188", "name": "Donald Norcross", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — As temperatures hit historic highs this week and Americans across the country flock to cool off in the water, Congressmen Donald Norcross (NJ-01) and Don Bacon (NE-02) have introduced a bipartisan resolution to establish a “National Learn to Swim Week,” which would begin each fourth Sunday of June.\n\nRoughly 4,000 people fatally drown in the United States each year – a total that numbers 11 unintentional deaths per day. Children are especially threatened while on the water: Drownings are the leading cause of death among kids aged 1 to 4, the second-leading cause for ages 5 to 14. Yet according to the National Institutes of Health, swimming lessons alone can reduce the risk of drowning among young children by 88 percent.\n\nNorcross and Bacon’s resolution calls on schools, youth organizations, and government to support and promote swimming lessons and back the United States National Water Safety Action Plan, which emphasizes knowledge of threats in and around water, life jacket use, and other water safety measures.\n\n“Swimming, kayaking, and other water recreation have been a huge part of my active lifestyle,” Norcross said. “Spending time on the water is fun and healthy, and while it does come with risk, those issues are almost entirely preventable with the right training. I appreciate my friend Congressman Bacon for working across the aisle to set up more communities for success around water.”\n\n“Every child should have the opportunity to learn basic swimming and water-safety skills,” Rep. Bacon said. “With thousands of fatal and nonfatal drownings each year, we should be doing more to support swim instruction, public awareness, and community partnerships that prevent these tragedies. I’m glad to join Rep. Norcross in introducing this bipartisan resolution to recognize National Learn to Swim Week and promote a skill that can save lives.”\n\nFull text of Norcross and Bacon’s resolution can be found here.\n\nWHAT THEY’RE SAYING:\n\n“The National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) fully supports the introduction of this important Resolution.?The NDPA has been promoting swim lesson for years because we know learning to swim is an important way to prevent drownings in both pools and open bodies of water,” Alissa Magrum, executive director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance said. “The statistics supporting this life saving skill are quite clear -- formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among young children by 88%. Proof positive that this Congressional Resolution is well timed as we start swim season around the country.”\n\n“Learning to swim is an essential, lifesaving skill that is proven to reduce the drowning risk among young children by 88%,” Karen Cohn, co-founder of the ZAC Foundation said. “With child drownings on the rise and a new report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission underscoring the alarming risk of childhood drowning, action has never been more urgent. We are grateful to Rep. Donald Norcross for introducing this congressional resolution that highlights the critical need to increase awareness of the importance of learning to swim — and to Rep. Don Bacon for his unwavering support and leadership in addressing the drowning crisis.”\n\n“Abbey's Hope Charitable Foundation applauds Congressman Norcross and Congressman Bacon for the introduction of this Congressional Resolution designating the 4th?Sunday in June as the start of?National Learn to Swim Week.?Learning to swim is not just a life skill. It is a lifesaving skill,” said Katey and Scott Taylor, founders of Abbey’s Hope Charitable Foundation. “Enrolling children in swim lessons is a critical and underutilized layer of protection especially when one considers that drowning remains the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4.?Swim season is now in full swing, and Abbey's Hope urges all parents to enroll their children in swim lessons to prepare for this season and beyond.”\n\n\"Drowning is the number 1 cause of death to children aged 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children aged 4 to 15. Eleven people die each day from unintentional drownings in the United States.?Alarming statistics, no doubt,” Eric Lupton, CEO of Life Saver Pool Fence said.? “Ensuring everyone has access to swimming lessons along with other water safety ‘layer of protections’ like pool fencing and pool alarms will, most certainly, save lives.?Life Saver Pool Fence unequivocally supports this bipartisan Congressional Swim Lesson Resolution. We will support it this year and every year going forward.\"\n\n“The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) strongly supports establishing National Learn to Swim Week as a meaningful step toward reducing drowning, a leading cause of death among young children,” Sabeena Hickman, president and CEO of the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance said. “We know that formal swim instruction and layers of protection save lives, and this effort helps raise awareness about the importance of access to swim lessons and water safety education for communities across the country.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://norton.house.gov/media/press-releases/norton-introduce-bill-prohibit-permanent-fencing-lafayette-square", "title": "Norton to Introduce Bill to Prohibit Permanent Fencing at Lafayette Square", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://norton.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "norton.house.gov", "scraper": "norton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000147", "name": "Eleanor Holmes Norton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – After reading recent reporting indicating that the Trump Administration plans to install permanent fencing around Lafayette Square, the public park in front of the White House, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced her intention to introduce a bill to prohibit permanent fencing at the park.\n\n\"Lafayette Square belongs to the people, not to the president. This bill is about keeping faith in the idea that democracy works best in the open, where the First Amendment protects citizens' rights to assemble, speak, and be seen and heard by their government,\" Norton said. \"While I understand the importance of protecting the White House, it's already surrounded by a 13-foot-high fence. We can and must maintain our commitment to security without sacrificing public access by using the least restrictive means necessary to address security concerns. Just as I oppose permanent fencing at the Capitol and the Supreme Court, I oppose turning Lafayette Square into another restricted zone separated from the public by intimidating barriers.\n\n\"Public property should be open to the public. We should not leave citizens peering at their democracy from behind permanent fences.\"\n\nNorton has long advocated for using the least restrictive means necessary for securing public property, introducing a bill with Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) to prohibit permanent fencing at the Capitol and a separate bill to prohibit permanent fencing at the Supreme Court. She also introduced a bill to authorize a 21-member commission, with the president designating nine members and the House and Senate leadership each designating six members, to investigate and offer recommendations on the balance between public access to and security in federal buildings and other federal property.\n\nLafayette Square has long been one of the country’s most visible stages for civic participation, hosting civil rights and anti-war demonstrations and vigils. Protecting the square’s historical position as a place for the public is essential to maintaining open and accessible democracy.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://nunn.house.gov/2026/07/01/nunn-pappas-introduce-bill-to-cut-pensions-of-former-lawmakers-who-cash-in-as-lobbyists/", "title": "Nunn, Pappas Introduce Bill to Cut Pensions of Former Lawmakers Who Cash In as Lobbyists", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "domain": "nunn.house.gov", "scraper": "nunn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000193", "name": "Zachary Nunn", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) today introduced the No Cashing In Act, bipartisan legislation to increase transparency and accountability for former Members of Congress who become lobbyists after leaving public service while continuing to receive taxpayer-funded congressional pensions.\n\n“Public service should never become a stepping stone for personal profit,” said Rep. Nunn. “First in the Iowa Statehouse and now in Congress, I’ve fought to ban stock trading and close Washington’s revolving door because Iowans deserve representatives who treat public service as a public trust — not a chance to cash in on insider information or land a cushy lobbying job after leaving office. This bipartisan bill builds on those efforts by bringing greater transparency and accountability to Washington.”\n\nUnder current law, former Senators are prohibited from lobbying Congress for two years upon leaving office, while former Representatives face a one-year restriction. Once those cooling-off periods expire, former lawmakers may lobby on behalf of corporations, trade associations, and other special interests while continuing to collect taxpayer-funded congressional pensions. At the same time, financial disclosure requirements also end shortly after a lawmaker leaves office, hiding lobbying income from public scrutiny.\n\nThe No Cashing In Act closes those transparency gaps by requiring former Members who continue receiving a congressional pension to publicly disclose their financial interests and reducing pension payments by the amount of income earned from substantial lobbying activity.\n\nThis legislation builds on Rep. Nunn’s broader efforts to restore public trust in government and increase transparency among elected officials. Rep. Nunn helped lead the bipartisan Restore Trust in Congress Act — legislation to ban Members of Congress and their immediate families from owning or trading individual stocks — and signed a discharge petition to force a House vote on the bill. He is also helping lead the Stop Insider Trading Act as an original cosponsor, legislation that would bar Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from buying individual stocks. Lawmakers who violate the restrictions would face penalties of $2,000 or 10 percent of the transaction’s value, whichever is greater, plus forfeiture of any net investment gains.\n\n“Public service should never lead to self-service,” said Rep. Pappas. “But if it does, as is too often the case for former Members of Congress, it’s unacceptable that taxpayers remain on the hook to pay out their pensions while they cash in lobbying for massive corporate interests or even for foreign governments like China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. Our bipartisan legislation would close the revolving door and provide transparency to the public, and I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting these reforms.”\n\nSpecifically, the No Cashing In Act would:\n\nRequire former Members of Congress to file annual financial disclosure reports for 10 years after leaving office or for as long as they receive a congressional pension, whichever is longer.\n\nReduce a former Member’s congressional pension by the amount of income earned from working for a substantial lobbying entity.\n\nDefine a substantial lobbying entity as an organization that employs more than three lobbyists or spends more than $10,000 annually on lobbying.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-balint-leads-75-colleagues-condemning-israeli-military-engagement-lebanon", "title": "Rep. Balint Leads 75 Colleagues in Condemning Israeli Military Engagement in Lebanon, Destruction of Civilian Homes and Infrastructure", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pallone.house.gov", "scraper": "pallone", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000034", "name": "Frank Pallone, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today led 75 of her colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing concern about the Israeli military’s operations in southern Lebanon. Since the temporary cessation of hostilities in Lebanon was announced on April 16, 2026, both Israeli forces and Hezbollah have continued military operations in violation of the ceasefire. As the Trump administration implements the memorandum of understanding with Iran, the letter urges the State Department to take all possible steps in bringing a swift end to the wars in Iran and Lebanon.\n\nThe Members called attention to reports of the Israeli military’s use of U.S.-origin weapons and equipment in the destruction of civilian homes and infrastructure. Hundreds of civilians have died from these attacks and more than one million people, approximately 20 percent of Lebanon’s population, have been forced from their homes.\n\n“Every government has a right and a responsibility to protect its citizens, and Israel has a right to defend itself,” the Members wrote. “However, this does not justify unrestrained Israeli military operations, especially those that violate the current ceasefire, destroy civilian infrastructure, and lead to the death of hundreds of civilians. All sides must fully abide by the ceasefire agreement.”\n\n“We are troubled by the Israeli military’s practice of mass demolitions of civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon and targeting practices that kill Lebanese civilians,” the Members continued. “After the Israeli military invaded southern Lebanon and began an occupation of the territory, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to raze all homes in southern border villages, ‘following the Rafah and Beit Hanounmodel in Gaza,’ a reference to the Israeli military’s systematic destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure in Gaza. Since then, reporting and satellite imagery have confirmed widespread demolitions of civilian homes, buildings, and religious sites in southern Lebanon, including the use of bulldozers and controlled demolitions. The Israeli military has also demolished bridges, roads, water pipelines, and fuel stations in southern Lebanon.”\n\nThe letter highlights Trump administration’s responsibility to investigate whether U.S.-origin weapons are being used in activities inconsistent with U.S. law and arms transfer agreements, while supporting the Lebanese government and Lebanese Armed Forces in efforts to disarm Hezbollah and strengthen state authority.\n\n“The use of U.S. origin weapons in the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure is a violation of U.S. military assistance transfer agreements with the Israeli government,” the Members wrote. “The targeted, mass destruction of civilian homes and infrastructure does not constitute Israeli self-defense. If U.S.-origin arms are confirmed to be used in these unauthorized activities, we ask the Trump administration to enforce existing law and stop arms transfers being used in these operations until these violations cease.\n\n“The Trump administration should take all possible steps to bring a swift end to the war and continue good-faith negotiations between the Lebanese and Israeli governments,” the Members concluded. “We urge the administration to work to empower the Lebanese government and to fund the Lebanese Armed Forces to pursue Hezbollah’s full demilitarization and disarmament.”\n\nJ Street has endorsed the letter, with J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami releasing the following statement: \"We are deeply grateful for Congresswoman Balint and Congressman Castro's leading this important Congressional letter, expressing concern over the situation in southern Lebanon. While Hezbollah must be disarmed and the Lebanese government supported, Congress must ensure that this does not evolve into another long-term Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. We share the Members’ concerns about the Israeli military's conduct in southern Lebanon, especially the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure. The Members are right to seek to ensure that U.S. law is being enforced and that American weapons are not being misused.\"\n\nIn addition to Rep. Balint, the letter was signed by Reps. Amo, Ansari, Barragan, Bonamici, Carbajal, Carson, Casten, Castro, Chu, Cisneros, Cleaver, Cohen, Davids, Davis, Dean, DeLauro, Deluzio, DeSaulnier, Dingell, Doggett, Escobar, Evans, Foster, Garamendi, Garcia (Chuy), Garcia (Robert), Garcia (Sylvia), Grijalva, Hayes, Hoyle, Huffman, Jackson, Jacobs, Jayapal, Johnson (Hank), Kamlager-Dove, Kaptur, Kelly, Khanna, Leger Fernandez, Lofgren, Lynch, Magaziner, Matsui, McCollum, McDonald Rivet, McGarvey, McGovern, McIver, Min, Moulton, Pallone, Pelosi, Pingree, Pocan, Quigley, Randall, Ross, Ryan, Salinas, Schakowsky, Scott, Simon, Stansbury, Takano, Thompson (Bennie), Thompson (Mike), Tokuda, Tonko, Tran, Vasquez, Velázquez, Waters, Watson Coleman, Williams.\n\nEarlier in June, Rep. Balint voted in favor of a War Powers Resolution to cease U.S. involvement in the war in Lebanon.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://patronis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-jimmy-patronis-issues-a-statement-on-the-kids-act", "title": "Congressman Jimmy Patronis Issues A Statement on the KIDS Act", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://patronis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "patronis.house.gov", "scraper": "patronis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000622", "name": "Jimmy Patronis", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.- Monday evening, Congressman Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) voted against the KIDS Act. At a time when Big Tech continues to profit from addictive algorithms and harmful content targeting young people, this legislation falls short of delivering the accountability families deserve.\n\n\"This is the Big Tech bill endorsed by Big Tech,\" said Congressman Patronis. \"I've been clear from day one that Big Tech targets our children, profits from their attention, and too often escapes accountability because of Section 230. As long as these companies continue to enjoy sweeping legal protections, they have little incentive to put children's safety ahead of their bottom line.\"\n\nCongressman Patronis has introduced H.R. 7045, the PROTECT Act, legislation to fully repeal Section 230 and end the special legal protections that shield Big Tech from accountability. By removing this immunity, the PROTECT Act would ensure online platforms can no longer profit from harmful content without facing consequences.\n\nCongressman Patronis continued, \"Congress shouldn't settle for half measures. Parents deserve legislation that puts children first, not the tech cartels. Big Tech has spent years getting rich while America's children pay the price. That ends when Congress has the courage to hold them accountable, and I'll never stop fighting until it does.\"\n\nTo view H.R. 7045 the PROTECT Act click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-pat-ryan-launches-petition-escalates-fight-save-west-park-post", "title": "CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN LAUNCHES PETITION, ESCALATES FIGHT TO SAVE WEST PARK POST OFFICE", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "patryan.house.gov", "scraper": "patryan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000579", "name": "Patrick Ryan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "When West Park residents abruptly received notice that their post office would be closing, with no information or timeline provided on when services will resume, Ryan immediately wrote to USPS demanding the closure be reversed\n\nIn the past, Ryan has had repeated success of pressuring USPS to save Hudson Valley post offices\n\nNow, Ryan is launching a petition, which will be sent to the Postmaster General, showing the West Park community’s massive opposition to the closure\n\nWEST PARK, NY – Today, Congressman Pat Ryan is joining the West Park community to oppose the closure of their post office and is encouraging residents to sign his office’s petition, which will be delivered to the Postmaster General.\n\nWhen residents received abrupt notice that their post office would be closing in less than a month, with no information or timeline for resumption of services provided, Ryan immediately wrote to USPS demanding the decision be reversed. Ryan has successfully fought to restore services at multiple Hudson Valley post offices when they faced similar challenges.\n\nMembers of the West Park community are encouraged to sign this petition, voicing their opposition to the closure of their post office.\n\n“For many communities in the Hudson Valley, the U.S. Postal Service is a lifeline. That’s especially the case in West Park where it’s one of the few meeting places in town. We cannot allow USPS to rip the rug out from under our neighbors – that’s why we’re fighting back, starting with this petition,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Over the past week, I’ve heard from seniors concerned about where to pick up their medication, small business owners who rely on the shipping services, and most of all from neighbors, worried about losing this center of their community. USPS owes the Hudson Valley better, and our community is ready to rally in force to save the West Park post office and ensure our neighbors don’t get left behind.”\n\nMembers of the West Park community are encouraged to sign this petition, voicing their opposition to the closure of their post office.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3001", "title": "CTI Chairman Pfluger Highlights Historic Border Investments & Sounds the Alarm on Known and Suspected Terrorists", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, delivered opening remarks and questioned witnesses during a hearing on securing the Northern border.\n\nChairman Pfluger has consistently been a strong advocate for security measures to deter known and suspected terrorists from exploiting gaps at America's borders. He questioned witnesses on how these threats are being specifically addressed along the Northern border.\n\nDuring the hearing, Chairman Pfluger highlighted the historic border security investments that Republicans passed as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts. This funding has allowed the Department of Homeland Security to increase staffing, upgrade facilities, and improve surveillance capabilities. Witnesses also testified that morale across the department has improved now that federal law enforcement personnel are able to fully carry out their assigned duties.\n\nWitnesses included Jason Schneider, Acting Deputy Chief, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Chris Holtzer, Executive Director of Operations, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Michael J. Krol, Assistant Director, Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and Heather MacLeod, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Government Accountability Office.", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/american-samoa-joins-nation-celebrating-america-s-250th-birthday", "title": "American Samoa Joins the Nation in Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "radewagen.house.gov", "scraper": "radewagen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000600", "name": "Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen", "party": "Republican", "state": "AS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - As our Nation prepares for the United States Semiquincentennial, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, Americans from every state and territory will have the opportunity to reflect on the freedoms, sacrifices, and blessings that have shaped the United States for nearly two and a half centuries.\n\n“This historic milestone is first and foremost a celebration of America’s immense legacy of freedom,” said Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata. “For 250 years, the United States has stood for liberty, opportunity, self-government, and the God-given rights that have blessed generations of Americans.”\n\nSince 1776, the United States has been built on the ideals of liberty, faith, service, and opportunity. These principles have inspired generations, strengthened families and communities, and called men and women to defend the freedoms we cherish.\n\nFor American Samoa, this national celebration is also a meaningful time to give thanks for our place in the American family. Our relationship with the United States is rooted in history, mutual respect, and the decisions of our chiefs, who looked to the future and helped establish a lasting bond between our islands and this Nation.\n\n“American Samoa joins the Nation in celebrating America’s 250th birthday with gratitude,” said Congresswoman Amata. “We remember the wisdom of our chiefs, the blessings of our relationship with the United States, and the many ways our people have contributed to the American story.”\n\nFrom the first leaders who helped shape that relationship to the many sons and daughters of American Samoa who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, our people have contributed to the American story with honor and sacrifice. American Samoa has one of the highest rates of military service in the Nation, and nearly every village has families who know the cost of service. Our veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and military families remind us that freedom is not only celebrated; it is defended.\n\n“Our Toa o Samoa and veterans hold a special place in this celebration,” said Congresswoman Amata. “They have served under the American flag with courage and patriotism, and their service reminds us that freedom is a blessing that must be honored, protected, and passed on.”\n\nAs we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we also recognize the blessings that have come through our connection to the United States. Our islands have benefited from the freedoms, protections, opportunities, and shared responsibilities that come with being part of this great Nation. For generations, American Samoa has carried a deep love of family, faith, service, and country, values that are also at the heart of the American spirit.\n\nThis milestone gives us a chance to teach our children and grandchildren about both the founding of the United States and American Samoa’s special place within that story. It is a time to remember the Declaration of Independence, honor those who built and defended the Nation, and reflect on the blessings of liberty that continue to reach from the mainland to the Pacific.\n\n“As Americans look toward 2026, I hope this anniversary renews our gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy and the responsibilities we share,” said Congresswoman Amata. “From the mainland to the Pacific, we are part of one American story, and American Samoa is blessed to celebrate this milestone with the Nation.”\n\nIn 2026, American Samoa joins Americans everywhere in saying Happy Birthday U.S.A. We celebrate the United States Semiquincentennial with gratitude for America’s enduring legacy of freedom, with respect for those who have protected it, and with thankfulness that our islands are part of the American story.\n\nMay God bless the United States of America, and may God bless American Samoa.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ramirez-sen-markey-introduce-resolution-reaffirm-congresss-commitment", "title": "Rep. Ramirez, Sen. Markey Introduce Resolution to Reaffirm Congress’s Commitment to Immigrant Inclusion Ahead of the Nation’s 250th Anniversary", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ramirez.house.gov", "scraper": "ramirez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000617", "name": "Delia C. Ramirez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC– As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) introduced a resolution to reaffirm Congress’ role in upholding the principles of equality, dignity, and justice for all, including immigrant communities.\n\nAs the Trump administration has targeted the immigrant community through mass detentions and deportations, the resolution commits Congress to pursuing policies that safeguard immigrants’ rights, broaden economic opportunity, and build humane, equitable pathways to full inclusion.\n\n\"The 250th anniversary of our country presents us with an opportunity to reflect on our enduring - BUT NOT YET FULFILLED - commitment to the principles of liberty and justice for everyone, regardless of legal status, origin, nationality, religion, or economic condition. It is an opportunity to prove that we recognize the contribution of immigrant communities, and affirm that they are seen, heard, and valued,\" said Congresswoman Ramirez. \"As Members of Congress, we are called to challenge and transform systems that deny our communities’ dignity and justice. That's why I am proud to join Senator Markey and a coalition of organizations to introduce a resolution calling on Congress to ensure justice and dignity for immigrant communities.\"\n\n“The United States draws its strength from unity and inclusion, not from fear and division,” said Senator Markey. “This resolution rejects hateful policies that terrorize our immigrant neighbors and calls on the Senate to invest in inclusion, celebrate the contributions of immigrants, and honor our nation’s human rights commitments. A just, equitable future requires fostering belonging for all who call our nation home.”\n\nSpecifically, the Resolution calls on Congress to:\n\nMark the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary by celebrating the contributions of immigrant communities and reaffirming the universal principles of equality, dignity, and justice;\n\nExpand and strengthen critical programs that help individuals overcome barriers to full civic, social, and economic participation, including language access programs, workforce and employment assistance, legal support, and naturalization services;\n\nCollaborate with community-based groups, non-profit organizations, faith institutions, labor and business partners, and other stakeholders to ensure the existence of culturally responsive, accessible, and effective integration services; and\n\nUrge federal, state, and local governments to increase investments that advance opportunity, strengthen communities, and uphold the nation’s commitments to equity and inclusion.\n\nThe resolution is cosponsored in the House by Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Seth Moulton (MA-06), and Juan Vargas (CA-52). In the Senate, it has the support of Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nThe resolution is endorsed by the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA), Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, Asian Law Alliance, Services Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN), HANA Center, Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants, National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC), Building Skills Partnership (BSP), OneAmerica, the Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama (HICA), Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice, Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC), Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Promise Arizona, Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, the Legal Clinic Hawaii, Arizona Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AZ AANHPI) for Equity, Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice, Hawai’i Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative, Just Neighbors, the Workers Circle, Immigrants Rising, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project – Maine, African Communities Together, Haitian Bridge Alliance, Welcoming America, Quixote Center, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), Refugee Advocacy Lab, Refugees International, Muslim Advocates, Rainbow Railroad, Latino Policy Forum, Borderlands Resource Initiative, Just Detention International, California Community Foundation, Vision Y Compromiso, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), Lawyers for Good Government, Voices for Utah Children, Central American Resource Center - CARECEN of Northern California, Elena's Light, Freedom Network USA, Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC, Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM), Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, and Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef), Casa Dupage Workers Center/ Immigrant Solidarity DuPage.\n\n“As we mark 250 years of this Nation's founding, we renew our commitment to an America rooted in interdependence and belonging. We applaud the leadership of Senator Markey and Representative Delia Ramirez for introducing this resolution, which reaffirms Congress’ commitment to building a future where immigrant communities can participate fully in civic, economic, and social life, one where all Americans thrive,” said Nicole Melaku, Executive Director of the National Partnership for New Americans. “We believe in a future where immigrant communities are not just welcomed, but truly included. Where the American Dream is not out of reach, but a reality we build together. On this momentous occasion for our nation, we renew and strengthen our commitment to building a multiracial, multiethnic, and inclusive democracy that works for all of us – and that is inclusive of immigrant and refugee communities.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://riley.house.gov/2026/07/01/riley-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-help-upstate-dairy-farmers-and-apple-growers-address-critical-labor-shortages/", "title": "RILEY INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP UPSTATE DAIRY FARMERS AND APPLE GROWERS ADDRESS CRITICAL LABOR SHORTAGES", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://riley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "riley.house.gov", "scraper": "riley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000622", "name": "Josh Riley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) introduced the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, bipartisan legislation to reform the H-2A visa program to better meet the needs of dairy farmers and apple growers in Upstate New York.\n\nThe bill removes the “seasonal” requirement for H-2A visas, allowing agricultural sectors that produce year-round, like dairy, to hire workers on contracts lasting up to 350 days. It also expands H-2A eligibility to horticulture, ensuring that apple growers have access to the labor force they need.\n\n“Upstate dairy farmers and apple growers have been telling Washington the same thing for years: the system isn’t working,” said Riley. “This bipartisan bill cuts through the bureaucracy, strengthens protections for farmworkers, and gives our farmers a fair shot at finding the workforce they need to keep feeding our families.”\n\nKey reforms in the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act include:\n\nStipulating that H-2A visas are for performing agricultural labor or services of a temporary nature only, removing the requirement that it also be seasonal.\n\nClarifying that “temporary” is in relation to the length of the job contract (a maximum of 350 days), rather than the underlying nature of the work being performed.\n\nEnsuring that additional activities, such as horticulture, forestry, and aquaculture, would be eligible for the program.\n\nThe Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act is endorsed by the American Farm Bureau, the New York Farm Bureau, the National Milk Producers Federation, the U.S. Apple Association, the National Council of Farmer Co-Ops, the Northeast Dairy Producers Association, and more.\n\n“New York Farm Bureau commends Representative Josh Riley, who is an original cosponsor of Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA). Rep. Riley has demonstrated leadership by supporting this legislation from the very beginning. His understanding of the complex issues facing the agricultural community, and his continuous bipartisanship approach to fixing these issues, is commendable. His early support underscores the importance of this legislation and builds the momentum needed to advance meaningful change,” said New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher.\n\n“The economics of dairy farming are complex. We work in a competitive global market, can’t control the price we’re paid for the milk we produce, and one of our biggest challenges is maintaining enough of a steady, skilled workforce,” said Northeast Dairy Producers Association Chair and Dairy Farmer AJ Wormuth. “Food security is national security, and ensuring a future for the next generation of farmers is a priority for many of our members. We appreciate Rep. Riley recognizing there’s a shortage of workers willing to work in agriculture and reaching across the aisle to support the sustainability of producers in NY and across the country. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for employees working on our family dairy farms; however, the SAWA is an important step forward as we continue identifying ways to build upon progress that’s been made.”\n\n“One of the greatest hurdles our family dairy farm faces each year is finding skilled employees. Once they join our team, they’re committed long-term. Retention has not typically been the issue. It’s finding team members who want to work in agriculture and care for the land, the animals, and each other,” said Kurt Hanehan, Northeast Dairy Producers Association Director and dairy farmer in Mount Upton, NY. “Rep. Riley has met with dairy farms, listened to the needs of producers as we navigate unpredictable milk prices and rising input costs that are out of our control, and he has advocated for change. SAWA is progress, and we look forward to continuing to work together to ensure all farms have the workforce needed to continue producing milk and dairy products for generations to come.”\n\n“As a dairy farmer in the Hudson Valley, it is very encouraging to see packages like those introduced today by House Ag Committee Chairman, GT Thompson. Clearly, Josh Riley is trying to find ways to build bridges towards better policy for family farms that rely on workable labor solutions that protect farmers and farm workers. It would be easy for Congress to simply say ‘it’s too hard,’ but I appreciate Josh’s pragmatic approach trying to find solutions,” said Eric Ooms, the owner of A. Ooms & Sons Dairy in Valatie, NY.\n\n“As one of the country’s leading apple-producing states, New York depends on a workforce that growers can count on. We appreciate Congressman Riley’s commitment to advancing practical solutions that will help growers remain competitive and continue farming for generations to come,” said U.S. Apple Association President and CEO Jim Bair.\n\n“The Fix family Farm is a fifth-generation apple and stone fruit producer, and we would like to thank Congressman Riley for working with GT Thompson to address the H-2A program. Anything that can be done to improve or streamline this program is beneficial to New York State farmers. Our farm utilizes this program and it is essential for us to stay in business. We appreciate the efforts of Congressman Riley to help improve H-2A,” said Bob and Linda Fix, owners of Fix Brothers Fruit Farm in Hudson, NY.\n\n“A reliable workforce is essential to ensuring the next generation, like me, can continue New York’s multi-generational apple orchards. We’re grateful Rep. Riley is putting New York farms first and working across the aisle to advance meaningful H-2A reform,” said Kristen DeMarree, a New York apple grower and Vice Chair of the New York Apple Association.\n\n“We applaud Rep. Riley and the bipartisan support for Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA). Congress is long overdue for addressing agriculture’s labor issues that remain the greatest threat to specialty crop economic viability,” said Brian Nicholson, the third-generation owner of Red Jacket Orchards in Geneva, NY.\n\nYou can find text of the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://ross.house.gov/2026/7/congresswoman-ross-leads-nc-delegation-in-introducing-resolution-to-honor-the-carolina-hurricanes-stanley-cup-victory", "title": "Congresswoman Ross Leads NC Delegation in Introducing Resolution to Honor the Carolina Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup Victory", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "ross.house.gov", "scraper": "ross", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000305", "name": "Deborah K. Ross", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) introduced a House resolution congratulating the Carolina Hurricanes on winning the 2026 Stanley Cup Championship, the franchise's first Stanley Cup title in 20 years, and recognizing the team's extraordinary impact on North Carolina both on and off the ice. She was joined by Representatives Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Addison McDowell (NC-06), Alma Adams (NC-12), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Don Davis (NC-01), Greg Murphy (NC-03), Tim Moore (NC-14), David Rouzer (NC-07), Mark Harris (NC-08), and Virginia Foxx (NC-05) as original co-sponsors.\n\n\"The Carolina Hurricanes didn't just bring the Stanley Cup back to Raleigh. They brought our entire state together,\" said Congresswoman Ross. \"From inspiring the next generation of hockey players to supporting veterans, raising millions for charitable causes, and standing with Western North Carolina communities after Hurricane Helene, this organization has shown what it means to lead with courage and compassion. This resolution celebrates an unforgettable championship season and recognizes the lasting impact the Hurricanes have had on our state. Congratulations to every player, coach, staff member, and Caniac who helped make history.\"\n\nThe Hurricanes defeated the Las Vegas Golden Knights in six games to capture the Stanley Cup after an impressive postseason that included sweeping both the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers before defeating the Montreal Canadiens to win the Eastern Conference.\n\nBeyond the championship, the resolution highlights the Hurricanes' positive impact across North Carolina, including their support for youth hockey programs, veterans and wounded warriors, disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Helene, and the significant economic boost generated for Wake County during the Stanley Cup Final. It also formally recognizes Raleigh as a hockey town and North Carolina as a hockey state, affirming that hockey belongs in the South.\n\nText of the resolution is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-salinas-leads-lawmakers-demanding-dhs-withdraw-interim-final-rule", "title": "Rep. Salinas Leads Lawmakers Demanding DHS Withdraw Interim Final Rule Threatening Asylum Seekers", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "salinas.house.gov", "scraper": "salinas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001226", "name": "Andrea Salinas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) led a group of 24 lawmakers in sending a letter to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) demanding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) withdraw or significantly revise its Interim Final Rule (IFR) on the annual asylum fee. The letter warns that the policy will destabilize hundreds of thousands of people, harm key industries, and undermine fundamental legal protections.\n\nThe IFR establishes a punitive and unlawful fee collection system for asylum seekers. If an asylum seeker fails to pay, USCIS automatically rejects their asylum application and denies their work permit, leaving them unable to legally work and at a heightened risk of deportation. Furthermore, DHS began implementing the rule without first considering responsible alternatives and without providing the public an opportunity to comment.\n\nThe lawmakers call on DHS to rescind or meaningfully change the rule and to thoroughly consider public input before moving forward.\n\nClick here or see below for the full letter.\n\nDear Director Edlow and Mr. Good:\n\nWe write to strongly oppose the interim final rule, USCIS Immigration Fees and Related Procedures Required by H.R.1 Reconciliation Bill (the \"IFR\" or \"rule\"), published at 91 Fed. Reg. 22,952 (Apr. 29, 2026). The IFR threatens to destabilize hundreds of thousands of people, cause significant economic harm to key industries, and undermine fundamental legal protections—including bypassing the notice-and-comment procedures established by Congress for rulemaking. We urge DHS to withdraw the IFR in full or to significantly revise it and to conduct full notice-and-comment rulemaking before continuing to implement this rule.\n\nThe IFR codifies a punitive, unlawful fee collection system for the annual asylum fee (\"AAF\" or \"annual fee\"). DHS began implementing this system on May 29, 2026, without first providing the public an opportunity to comment.¹ Under the rule, failure to pay the AAF within 30 days of notice results in the rejection of the pending asylum application,² even for applications that have already been accepted and have been pending for years.³ Current regulations use rejection of an application at the intake stage, not as a mechanism to dispose of cases that have been pending for an average of four to five years.⁴ Yet the IFR applies this intake-based tool to long-pending cases, stripping applicants of their status without any adjudication on the merits of their case and denying them any meaningful avenue to challenge the outcome.⁵ Furthermore, failure to pay within this 30-day window results in the automatic termination of the applicant's work authorization.⁶\n\nSince U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began implementing the AAF in September 2025, constituents and advocates have reported repeated instances of missing AAF notices, notices sent to outdated addresses, and notices misdirected to former representatives no longer connected to a case.⁷ The agency's own track record of inadequate notice in this precise context is well-documented through litigation.⁸ Additionally, for some people who have tried to pay the AAF online, they have encountered technical issues with the USCIS website, thereby prohibiting them from paying the fee. Yet the IFR creates no grace period, no cure mechanism, and no right of appeal, which means individuals who never received a notice through no fault of their own could see their years-long pending case rejected and work authorization terminated overnight, even when they are willing and able to pay the fee. As Members of Congress whose offices regularly assist constituents navigating the immigration process, we are deeply concerned by the IFR's notice failures.\n\nBy definition, any applicant subject to the AAF has already waited for the adjudication of their asylum application for at least one year. Asylum seekers whose applications are rejected for nonpayment may refile,⁹ but those applicants will already have exceeded the statutory one-year filing deadline, making it even harder to be granted asylum.¹⁰ The IFR then compounds this harm by exposing rejected applicants who otherwise lack legal status to removal proceedings.¹¹\n\nCongress passed the Refugee Act to protect those fleeing persecution.¹² Allowing a $100 fee—triggered by a notice an applicant may never receive—to serve as a basis for case rejection, permanent loss of work authorization, and exposure to removal proceedings is not a faithful implementation of that statutory mandate. It is precisely the kind of sweeping, discretionary policy change that demands notice-and-comment rulemaking before the rule's implementation, not unilateral agency action.\n\nAdditionally, the IFR also threatens TPS holders' right to continuous work authorization. The TPS statute guarantees that employment authorization shall remain \"effective throughout the period\" of a TPS designation.¹³ The OBBBA limited the validity period of individual Employment Authorization Document (\"EAD\") cards;¹⁴ it did not amend or repeal the TPS statute's guarantee of continuous work authorization. Yet the IFR treats the 12-month limit as an inflexible rule and creates a system that predictably causes work authorization gaps for people with valid TPS, especially in light of growing processing delays.¹⁵ We frequently hear from constituents about ongoing work permit processing delays, and this rule would further expose applicants to these processing delays through no fault of their own.\n\nAs Members of Congress who represent small and large business owners across the country, we are acutely concerned about the IFR's economic and fiscal consequences. Asylum applicants represent one of the largest work-authorized immigrant workforces in the United States. As of early 2026, an estimated 2.3 million asylum applicant workers contribute more than $108 billion to the U.S. economy annually and pay approximately $33 billion in combined taxes, including $19 billion in federal and payroll taxes and $14 billion in state and local taxes.¹⁶ These revenues fund the schools, roads, public safety agencies, Medicaid programs, and children's health programs that Americans rely on every day.\n\nAsylum applicant workers are heavily concentrated in industries that are already experiencing persistent labor shortfalls, including healthcare, childcare, and education. Local communities that received more people seeking asylum during 2021–2023 saw higher employment and wages for native-born workers and all existing workers.¹⁷ These workers are not competing with U.S. workers; they are enabling businesses to stay open and grow.\n\nThe same concerns apply to TPS holders. As of January 2025, nearly 1.3 million TPS holders generate approximately $29 billion in economic activity and pay an estimated $7.8 billion in taxes annually.¹⁸ Approximately 830,000 TPS holders work in critical industries including construction, retail, hospitality, transportation, warehousing, and manufacturing.¹⁹ The sudden disruption of their work authorization is not an abstraction—it is a direct threat to businesses in our districts that have invested in training these workers, to patients who depend on immigrant caregivers, and to families whose livelihoods depend on continued lawful employment.\n\nThe Administrative Procedure Act (\"APA\") requires agencies to consider responsible alternatives.²⁰ The IFR violates that requirement. For asylum seekers, DHS briefly acknowledged some alternatives, including denying rather than rejecting applications, or holding asylum applications in abeyance until the AAF is paid, but DHS did not pursue those alternatives in large part because they would offer more protection and access to work authorization before a final adjudication.²¹ That is not a reasoned basis for choosing the harshest possible approach.\n\nDHS already uses tools in similar contexts that could have been applied here: requests for evidence, notices of intent to deny, and opportunities to cure. For TPS holders, DHS could have committed to processing EAD renewals within 30 days or issued Federal Register notices automatically extending work authorization for TPS holders whenever processing delays prevent timely EAD issuance. The IFR never explains why these less disruptive alternatives would not suffice.\n\nDHS cited the APA's narrow \"good cause\" exception to implement the IFR without prior notice-and-comment rulemaking.²² The APA allows for that exception only where notice and comment would be \"impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.\"²³ The One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed nearly a year ago, but DHS now suddenly claims that \"immediate implementation,\"²⁴ with severe and punitive consequences, is necessary. DHS cannot manufacture an emergency through its own delay and then use it to avoid the public participation that Congress intended.\n\nCongress established the notice-and-comment process to ensure that sweeping policy changes with enormous consequences receive the scrutiny and public deliberation they demand before taking effect. DHS's decision to bypass that process particularly for a rule with this magnitude of impact is an affront to the workers, families, and communities in our districts who should have had the opportunity to be heard. We therefore urge DHS to withdraw the IFR in its entirety or significantly revise this rule and to thoroughly consider public comment before continuing to implement this rule.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-sara-jacobs-led-54-colleagues-in-demanding-answers-on-delayed-daca-renewals", "title": "Rep. Sara Jacobs Led 54 Colleagues in Demanding Answers on Delayed DACA Renewals", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "sarajacobs.house.gov", "scraper": "sarajacobs", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000305", "name": "Sara Jacobs", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) led 54 of her colleagues in demanding answers from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on extreme delays in processing renewal applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. In a letter to USCIS Director Joseph Edlow, the lawmakers emphasized that the delays are jeopardizing the livelihoods, financial stability, and well-being of recipients. The lawmakers urged the agency to expedite and process the renewals as fast as possible.\n\n“DACA recipients have done everything right, and yet the Trump Administration continues to punish them,” said Rep. Sara Jacobs. “Republicans will claim that immigrants have to play by the rules, but even when they follow every single rule and live up to every single standard, this Administration still finds a way to create new roadblocks. USCIS’s prolonged delays of DACA renewals mean recipients are losing their jobs, unable to provide for their families, and at risk of detention or deportation. They came to this country through no fault of their own, and now they’re being punished again through no fault of their own. We will keep pushing for Dreamers to be able to stay, work, and live in the only home they’ve ever known permanently.”\n\nRead the Letter Here\n\nThe lawmakers wrote:\n\n“Dear Director Edlow,\n\n“We write to bring your urgent attention to protracted delays in processing renewal applications for Form I-821D: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Over the past few months, our offices have witnessed DACA cases lapse due to a backlog at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). DACA recipients nationwide are required to renew Form I-821D every 2 years to maintain lawful presence, receive protection from deportation, and obtain a work authorization document. This delay has jeopardized the livelihood and financial stability of our constituents, impacting their well-being and ability to support their families.\n\n“USCIS recommends that DACA recipients submit renewal applications between 120-150 days before their current form expires. Despite adhering to these guidelines, several of our constituents have yet to hear back from USCIS regarding their pending DACA renewal applications. Additionally, while USCIS indicates that processing times for Form I-821D is approximately 3.5 months, several cases have exceeded this timeframe. Allowing these cases to lapse causes work permits to expire and puts individuals at risk, as employers are forced to lay off DACA recipients, including essential workers, unless their renewals are approved in time. During the first quarter of FY 2026, USCIS reported that there were a total of 54,110 DACA renewal applications designated as pending. Given these urgent circumstances, it is critical that\n\nDACA renewal applications be expedited and processed as soon as possible.\n\n“We are also concerned that DACA renewals are solely being adjudicated at the Nebraska Service Center (NSC). Over the past few months, our congressional staff has been unable to provide adequate updates to constituents because USCIS has been unresponsive to our inquiries. DACA is vital for recipients to remain in the United States, ensuring the continuity of their contributions to the US economy and workforce. Therefore, we urge USCIS to consider routing DACA renewals to other USCIS service centers to streamline adjudication of these cases.\n\n“Thank you for your time and consideration. We respectfully await your timely response to this matter and ask that you provide this inquiry with full and fair consideration, consistent with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.”\n\nReps. Mark Takano, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Jared Huffman, Juan Vargas, Glenn Ivey, André Carson, Nancy Pelosi, Shri Thanedar, Steven Horsford, George Whitesides, Wesley Bell, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Bill Foster, Eugene Vindman, Richard Neal, Mike Quigley, Ritchie Torres, Mark Pocan, Julie Johnson, Judy Chu, Dina Titus, Frederica Wilson, James Walkinshaw, Rashida Tlaib, Chrissy Houlahan, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Mark DeSaulnier, Nanette Barragán, Jim McGovern, Mike Levin, Bill Keating, Mary Gan Scanlon, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Laura Friedman, Sarah Elfreth, Lateefah Simon, Greg Landsman, Eric Sorensen, Seth Magaziner, Nikema Williams, Morgan McGarvey, Scott Peters, John Garamendi, Frank Pallone, Betty McCollum, Jennifer McClellan, Jamie Raskin, Gabe Amo, Susan DelBene, Andrea Salinas, Jerry Nadler, Doris Matsui, Jimmy Gomez, and Adelita Grijalva also signed the letter.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://stanton.house.gov/2026/7/stanton-slams-trump-administration-s-decision-to-not-renew-usmca", "title": "Stanton Slams Trump Administration’s Decision to Not Renew USMCA", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "stanton.house.gov", "scraper": "stanton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001211", "name": "Greg Stanton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "PHOENIX, AZ – Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) issued a statement today at the start of the joint review process of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), calling on the Trump Administration to maintain and build on the consequential trade agreement rather than withdraw:\n\n\"Mexico is Arizona’s — and America’s — number one trading partner, supporting tens of thousands of jobs here at home. This past year has only proven how much our manufacturers, businesses, and families depend on the USMCA working, and working well. Uncertainty from the President’s sweeping trade war has already raised costs across the board and undermined confidence in our economy.\n\nWalking away from an extension today doesn't make America stronger. It invites years of annual reviews, continued tariff threats, and the kind of uncertainty that drives investment out of the United States instead of into it. And it undermines America’s competitiveness on the global stage, handing a win to Beijing.\n\nIt is essential that the United States use this opportunity to strengthen and improve — not retreat from — this agreement.”\n\nAccording to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, the failure to renew the USMCA is estimated to result in a $300 tax increase per household in 2027 and the loss of 95,000 jobs.\n\nStanton is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and serves on the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. He is also a founding member of the Congressional U.S.-Mexico Caucus. When he got to Congress in 2019, he worked with the Trump administration to finalize and pass the USMCA trade agreement. Mexico is Arizona’s largest trading partner—the state imported $11.8 billion worth of goods last year alone.\n\nStanton is the former Mayor of Phoenix, Arizona, and led 18 trade delegations to Mexico and Canada during his tenure.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/reps-steube-boyle-introduce-hustle-act-to-help-college-athletes-invest-nil-earnings-and-build-long-term-financial-security/", "title": "Reps. Steube, Boyle Introduce HUSTLE Act to Help College Athletes Invest NIL Earnings and Build Long-Term Financial Security", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "domain": "steube.house.gov", "scraper": "steube", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001214", "name": "W. Gregory Steube", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Reps. Steube, Boyle Introduce HUSTLE Act to Help College Athletes Invest NIL Earnings and Build Long-Term Financial Security\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) today introduced the Helping Undergraduate Students Thrive with Long-Term Earnings (HUSTLE) Act, bipartisan legislation that would create first-of-its-kind tax-advantaged investment accounts allowing college athletes to grow their name, image, and likeness (NIL) earnings without federal income tax liability and build lasting financial security. This bill is led in the Senate by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.).\n\n“College athletes in Florida and across the country are generating real income from their NIL rights, many for the first time in their lives, but earning income and knowing how to make it last are two very different things,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “The HUSTLE Act gives student-athletes a real pathway to invest those earnings, plan for life after athletics, and build long-term financial stability. This is about making sure the opportunity they worked for actually follows them beyond the field or court.”\n\n“The NIL era has changed college sports, and federal law needs to catch up. With college athletes now earning over $1 billion every year, more must be done to ensure they are set up for future success,” said Rep. Brendan Boyle. “This bipartisan legislation will enable athletes to save for their futures if they so choose and prevent dishonest agents from cheating student-athletes out of their hard-earned money.”\n\n“College athletes are now earning billions of dollars from their name, image, and likeness—and rightly so. We must empower these students to safeguard their financial future and protect themselves against rogue agents,” said Senator Marsha Blackburn. “The HUSTLE Act would allow college athletes to invest their earnings in a tax-advantaged account that grows over time and strengthens financial education.”\n\n“As result of sweeping changes to college sports, this year, student-athletes will receive approximately $1 billion in direct financial benefits from their universities, as well scholarship guarantees and greater support for their mental health and wellbeing.” said Tim Buckley, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at NCAA. “The NCAA fully supports providing athletes with more resources to achieve long term financial success.”\n\n“The Southeastern Conference is grateful for the continued engagement of lawmakers in addressing the evolving needs of student-athletes,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “The HUSTLE Act represents a constructive approach by establishing tax-advantaged NIL investment accounts that encourage financial education, long-term savings, and responsible management of earnings. We appreciate Congress’s sustained bipartisan commitment to developing national, consistent standards that support student-athletes and enhance their opportunities in this rapidly changing environment.”\n\n“At Florida State, we are committed to preparing our student-athletes for success not only in competition, but throughout their lives. As the collegiate athletics landscape continues to evolve, that responsibility extends beyond the field of play to include financial literacy, long-term planning and providing the resources necessary to help student-athletes make informed decisions about their futures,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford, Florida State University. “We appreciate Representative Steube’s leadership on the HUSTLE Act and support legislation that encourages financial education, promotes responsible stewardship of NIL earnings, and creates opportunities for student-athletes to build lasting financial security. Empowering young people with the tools to invest in their futures is consistent with our mission to develop graduates who are prepared to thrive long after their playing careers have ended.”\n\n“We have always been committed to providing Gator student-athletes with the resources and support they need to succeed at the University of Florida and long after their time in Gainesville. As college athletics continues to evolve, that commitment increasingly includes additional financial education, responsible planning and preparing student-athletes to maximize the opportunities available to them. We support the HUSTLE Act and appreciate Representative Steube’s leadership in advancing legislation that promotes transparency, establishes greater accountability for sports agents and encourages student-athletes to build long-term financial security through saving and investing. These are important steps that can help position student-athletes for success both during their collegiate careers and well into the future,” said Florida Athletics.\n\nBackground: Name, image, and likeness opportunities have transformed college athletics since the Supreme Court affirmed in 2021 that student-athletes have the right to profit from their NIL. The market has grown rapidly, as NIL deals generated more than $1.2 billion in the 2023-2024 academic year. Projections exceed $2.5 billion by 2025-2026 as revenue sharing takes hold. In a 2022 NCAA survey of over 9,800 athletes, 49% indicated a need for educational resources specifically on tax and financial literacy. In the same study, only 9% of student-athletes had ever met with a financial counselor.\n\nWhile many student-athletes now earn substantial compensation through endorsements, appearances, social media content, and licensing agreements, they face unique financial planning challenges that the traditional investment products were not designed for.\n\nThe HUSTLE Act would establish tax-advantaged NIL Investment Accounts, allowing eligible student-athletes to contribute qualifying NIL earnings into dedicated accounts designed to encourage long-term savings, investing, and financial literacy. Qualified contributions are excluded from taxable income up to the annual gift-tax exclusion limit, and funds may be distributed as long-term capital gains upon graduation or rolled over into an individual retirement account (IRA). Funds may be withdrawn before graduation without penalty for career transition, education, or medical expenses.\n\nThe legislation would also allow up to $35,000 in unused NIL account funds to roll over into an IRA or other retirement vehicle once an athlete has been out of college sports for at least one year and would require trustees to provide educational materials on investing, financial planning, and long-term financial security to all participating student-athletes. The U.S. Department of the Treasury would be directed to issue regulations ensuring proper reporting, contribution tracking, and defined qualified expenses.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-rep-stevens-reports-trump-family-financial-ties-critical-minerals", "title": "STATEMENT: Rep. Stevens on Reports of Trump Family Financial Ties to Critical Minerals Deals", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "stevens.house.gov", "scraper": "stevens", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001215", "name": "Haley M. Stevens", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to reports detailing financial ties between President Trump's family and federally backed critical minerals projects, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens released the following statement:\n\n\"Michiganders need a real critical minerals strategy to lower costs and secure our supply chains, not a backdoor scheme to funnel tax dollars to Trump’s billionaire friends.\n\n“Reports that companies tied to President Trump's family could profit from taxpayer-backed critical minerals deals raise serious questions about whose interests this administration is serving. Our industrial policy should strengthen our national security and create good-paying manufacturing jobs, not just reward politically connected insiders.\n\n“Michigan workers deserve a government that puts them first, not billionaire self-interest.\"\n\nCongresswoman Stevens has long championed strengthening America's critical mineral supply chains through transparent, worker-focused industrial policy. She introduced the Unearth America’s Future Act to expand domestic production and processing of critical minerals, reduce dependence on China, strengthen Michigan manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs at home. Stevens has consistently argued that critical minerals policy should be driven by national security and economic competitiveness, not personal financial interests or political theater.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-rep-stevens-trump-administrations-usmca-review-announcement", "title": "STATEMENT: Rep. Stevens on the Trump Administration's USMCA Review Announcement", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "stevens.house.gov", "scraper": "stevens", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001215", "name": "Haley M. Stevens", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the Trump administration's announcement that it will not extend the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in its current form, initiating the agreement's review process and negotiations over potential changes, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens released the following statement:\n\n“Michigan workers and manufacturers must be at the table as we decide the future of USMCA. Michigan has paid the price with poorly structured 20th-century trade deals, including NAFTA. The best deal will ensure our auto industry and supply chains do not get undercut by China. I also want to see real and enforceable labor and wage standards for all workers and stop corporations from offshoring production. We must continue to grow American manufacturing and protect American jobs.\n\n“I don’t trust the Trump Administration to get this done or to stand up for American workers.\n\n“Congress must be at the table, and Michigan must lead.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://susielee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-battleground-members-call-president-sign-bipartisan-housing", "title": "Congresswoman Lee, Battleground Members Call on President to Sign Bipartisan Housing Bill", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://susielee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "susielee.house.gov", "scraper": "susielee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000590", "name": "Susie Lee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Watch and Download Video Here\n\nToday, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) led nearly a dozen battleground members in calling on President Trump to sign the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a bipartisan housing package that will increase housing supply and lower costs for American families. Despite Republicans and Democrats coming together to overwhelmingly pass the bill, President Trump has refused to sign it as Americans see their housing costs skyrocket, calling it “unimportant.”\n\n“Buying or renting a home should not be out of reach for Americans. One job should be enough to own a home, afford health care, and retire with dignity. That’s exactly what I’ve been fighting for,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “Over a week ago, Democrats and Republicans came together to pass a bipartisan package to increase housing supply and lower costs for families. Unfortunately, this President is more interested in political games than making the dream of home ownership a reality for Americans. I have a simple message for him: sign the damn bill.”\n\nAfter Members of Congress from both chambers and both sides of the aisle came together to negotiate a version of the bill that could gain broad support, the legislation passed the House and Senate, with overwhelmingly bipartisan votes of 358-32 and 85-5, respectively.\n\nKey provisions of the bill include:\n\nProhibiting large institutional investors that already own more than 350 properties from purchasing certain single-family homes.\n\nInvestors own 24.84% of Nevada’s single-family homes, equating to about 303,000 properties—that’s 6% higher than the national average and the seventh highest share in the nation.\n\nIn Las Vegas specifically, investors own about 172,000 single-family homes.\n\nAllows HUD to prioritize projects in Opportunity Zones for any competitive grants related to housing development or preservation.\n\nNevada is home to 61 Opportunity Zones, including communities in Spring Valley, Paradise, the Arts District, and the Medical District.\n\nReauthorizing and expanding eligibility for the HOME Investment Partnership Program, including increasing the maximum eligible income.\n\nThe HOME program has invested $264.1 million in Nevada since 1992, which has helped build or preserve 8,910 homes, provide rental assistance to over 1,350 families, support more than 15,800 jobs, and generate roughly $1 billion in local income.\n\nIncreasing flexibility for the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, including authorizing the use of funds for construction of new affordable housing.\n\nClark County receives approximately $8.5 million annually from HUD in CDBG funding, which may be used for a variety of activities that support low- and moderate- income communities.\n\nPermanently excluding veterans’ disability payments from annual income calculations under the Department of Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH).\n\nVASH is a joint effort between the HUD and the VA, where HUD allocates “Housing Choice” Section 8 vouchers across the country. These vouchers allow Veterans and their families to live in market rate rental units while VA provides case management services. Veterans’ disability income will no longer be considered when applying for the HUD-VASH vouchers. From 2008-2024, HUD-VASH collectively provided over 2,000 vouchers to support Nevada’s veterans.\n\nThis bill includes key provisions to broaden access to homeownership, expedite building of manufactured housing, make available small-dollar mortgages, better protect borrowers and families living in public or assisted housing, enhance federal oversight of housing providers, and lay the groundwork for the development of new homes families can afford across America.\n\nCongresswoman Lee was joined by Representatives Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), George Whitesides (CA-27), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Darren Soto (FL-09).\n\nCongresswoman Lee has consistently worked to build more housing families can afford across southern Nevada. She led and helped get signed into law the bipartisan Accelerating Appraisals and Conservation Efforts (AACE) Act to speed up appraisals and approvals for Nevada housing projects and cut governmental red tape that drives up housing costs. Congresswoman Lee is also a cosponsor of the Housing Oversight and Mitigating Exploitation (HOME) Act to help lower housing costs for Nevadans by cracking down on price gouging by corporate investors who are buying up housing stock and driving up home prices.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-sykes-hosts-call-with-your-congresswoman-focused-on-housing-affordability-and-homeownership-in-oh-13", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Sykes Hosts “Call With Your Congresswoman” Focused on Housing Affordability and Homeownership in OH-13", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday night, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) hosted a “Call With Your Congresswoman” telephone town hall focused on housing affordability and homeownership challenges facing families across Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.\n\nThe telephone town hall brought together constituents from across the district to discuss rising housing costs, barriers to homeownership, and federal housing policy solutions.\n\nRep. Sykes was joined by Cheryl Stephens, President and CEO of the East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, and Rep. Laura Friedman (CA-30) to discuss housing affordability challenges and policy solutions. Reps. Sykes and Friedman are Co-Conveners of the House Democrats’ Housing Affordability Working Group, one of five member-driven groups launched by Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) and the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee to lower the cost of living for working families.\n\nThe conversation highlighted the status of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, landmark bipartisan legislation aimed at expanding housing opportunities and lowering costs for working families. Rep. Sykes noted that the legislation remains pending as President Trump refuses to sign the bill. Rep. Sykes also highlighted provisions she helped advance through the bill, including elements of her Houses Over Middle-Class Exploitation Schemes (HOMES) Act, which seeks to prevent large corporate investors from purchasing single-family homes by eliminating certain tax advantages that give institutional investors an edge over prospective homebuyers.\n\n“As housing costs continue to rise, too many families in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District are being priced out of homeownership or struggling to keep up with rent,” said Rep. Sykes. “These conversations are critical to ensuring that the policies we advance in Congress reflect the real challenges people are facing every day.”\n\nStephens provided an on-the-ground perspective on housing affordability challenges in Northeast Ohio and the work of community-based organizations to expand housing opportunities and strengthen neighborhood stability.\n\n“I ask Congress to protect the opportunity for all Americans to own a home of their own. Homeownership is central to our quality of life as Americans and the belief that the American Dream is attainable. Homeownership, at its best, supports good health, the opportunity to learn, and a way to build wealth,” said Stephens.\n\nRep. Friedman discussed efforts in Congress to increase housing supply, reduce barriers to construction, and advance practical solutions to improve affordability for renters and homeowners nationwide.\n\n“Families across this country are being crushed by the cost of housing, and they deserve leaders like Rep. Sykes who show up for them. It was great to join her telephone town hall to hear directly from the people we're working for. Rep. Sykes has been a tireless champion in this fight, and her constituents and our nation are lucky to have her in their corner. Together, we'll keep working to cut red tape that delays projects for years, and to develop legislation to make life more affordable for everyone,” said Rep. Friedman.\n\nRep. Sykes emphasized that housing remains one of the most urgent cost-of-living challenges facing working families and reaffirmed her commitment to continuing direct engagement with constituents through telephone town halls and community engagement opportunities.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/tiffany-hageman-introduce-legislation-protect-taxpayers-abusive-eaja-lawsuits", "title": "Tiffany, Hageman Introduce Legislation to Protect Taxpayers from Abusive EAJA Lawsuits", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "tiffany.house.gov", "scraper": "tiffany", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000165", "name": "Thomas P. Tiffany", "party": "Republican", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) and Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (WY-At Large) introduced the Fixing Egregiously Expensive Suits Act, or FEES Act for short.\n\nThe Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) was enacted in 1980 to help ordinary Americans challenge federal overreach. It was intended to protect veterans, Social Security recipients, small businesses, and other individuals from prohibitive legal costs when taking action against the federal government. Instead, well-funded environmental organizations have transformed EAJA into a taxpayer-funded revenue stream to finance politically motivated litigation that has little to do with justice and everything to do with advancing their agenda.\n\n“EAJA was enacted to give veterans, small businesses, and everyday Americans a fair shot at challenging government overreach. Instead, it has become a cash machine for well-funded environmental groups that sue federal agencies and stick taxpayers with the bill. The FEES Act shuts down that gravy train and returns EAJA to the people it was meant to serve,”said Congressman Tiffany.\n\n“Radical environmental groups have exploited the Equal Access to Justice Act for decades, using taxpayer dollars to fund sue-and-settle schemes that undermine responsible land management and block critical projects across the West. The FEES Act closes loopholes and restores the original intent of EAJA by limiting attorney fee awards to parties with real, direct stakes in outcomes, not well-funded activist organizations gaming the system at the public's expense. The American people deserve a federal government that can actually do its job without being held hostage by serial litigants,” said Congresswoman Hageman.\n\nFrom fiscal years 2019 through 2024, the Department of the Interior and USDA awarded approximately $24.8 million under EAJA, with 76% of those funds flowing to a small number of environmental organizations and their lawyers, whose fees have been reimbursed at rates as high as $500 per hour—all at taxpayer expense.\n\n“The American Forest Resource Council supports the FEES Act because it restores accountability and transparency to the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA). Too often, taxpayers are forced to fund attorney fee awards associated with lawsuits that delay critical forest management, wildfire reduction, and public safety projects for years. These commonsense EAJA reforms will help reduce incentives for serial litigation, improving the ability of federal land managers to steward public lands and protect nearby communities,”said Travis Joseph, President/CEO of the American Forest Resource Council.\n\n“American ranchers have felt the impact of radical activists’ exploitation of taxpayer-funded litigation for decades. What started as a well-intended and much-needed tools for average Americans to settle issues like veterans’ benefits and small business claims quickly was corrupted by groups who wanted to stop active management and science-based decisions across the country. Well-financed environmental groups that only exist to sue the government and recoup their attorneys’ fees should not have their agenda funded by taxpayer dollars. Thank you to Representatives Tiffany and Hageman for recognizing the need to end the cycle of sue-and-settle that has undermined meaningful resource planning for far too long,”said Tim Canterbury, Public Lands Council President.\n\n“Repeat litigants have weaponized taxpayer funds and abused EAJA for far too long. This bill delivers needed reforms to curb ‘sue-and-settle’ tactics that have allowed well-funded organizations to rely on procedural arguments that do not benefit wildlife or habitat,”said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “The bill protects the original intent of EAJA by ensuring that only those with a real, direct stake in a case can recover fees, instead of repeatedly cashing in at taxpayers’ expense. SCI urges the House to rapidly consider and pass EAJA reform like this bill.”\n\n“The Equal Access to Justice Act was enacted with good intentions to give small businesses and individuals the ability to fight an unresponsive government in court. However, by letting well-funded and litigious environmental organizations get their lawyers’ fees paid, the incentive to file suits and delay important habitat management projects has only grown. Litigation is now one of the biggest barriers to wildlife habitat improvement on federal lands. We support the FEES Act introduced by Representative Tom Tiffany as a commonsense reform to get our foresters and biologists back in the field and out of the court room,”said the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.\n\nSupporting organizations include: The American Forest Resource Council, Public Lands Council and NCBA Natural Resources, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Safari Club International.\n\nThe FEES Act includes the following reforms to the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA):\n\nLimits attorney fee awards to prevailing parties with a direct, personal financial interest in the case, such as those involving personal injury, property damage, or an unpaid agency disbursement.\n\nCaps EAJA awards at $200,000 per adversary adjudication and limits recipients to no more than three adversary adjudications per calendar year.\n\nRequires courts to reduce or deny attorney fee awards for parties that acted in bad faith or engaged in dilatory, oppressive, or otherwise improper conduct.\n\nProhibits attorney fee awards when a lawsuit is resolved through a settlement that results in the creation of a new federal regulation or guidance document.\n\nCreates a carve out so lawsuits related to Social Security or Veterans Affairs are not impacted.\n\nExempts successful class action lawsuits from these new limitations.\n\nDirects the Secretary of the Interior to convene an independent panel to evaluate the law's impact and submit a report to the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.\n\nYou can view the text of the FEES Act here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://timmons.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=606", "title": "New Bipartisan Bill Helps Communities Prepare for Disasters", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://timmons.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "timmons.house.gov", "scraper": "timmons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000480", "name": "William R. Timmons IV", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressmen William Timmons (R-SC) and Sam Liccardo (D-CA) introduced the bipartisan Ounce of Prevention Act to help states, cities, and local governments strengthen communities before disaster strikes. The bill allows local governments to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for pre-disaster risk mitigation–eliminating restrictions that currently tie funding solely to post-disaster relief– and cuts red tape that delays proactive projects to protect communities.\n\n\"Communities should not have to wait until after a disaster strikes to take commonsense steps that protect lives and property. This bipartisan legislation gives local governments more flexibility to use existing Community Development Block Grant funding to strengthen infrastructure, reduce risk, and prepare for future storms. Being proactive is better for taxpayers, better for communities, and better for the people who call those communities home,” said Timmons.\n\n“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure; when it comes to disasters, every $1 invested in mitigation saves $13 in public costs for post-disaster response,” said Liccardo, who represents vulnerable stretches of California’s coastside and fire-prone communities. A former San José mayor who became too familiar with flooding, fires, and other climate impacts during his tenure, Liccardo added, “Local communities should not have to wait for the storm, fire, or flood to hit before asking Washington for help. Our bill lets them use already-allocated funds to strengthen infrastructure, reduce risk, and prepare for their worst day before it happens.”\n\nCurrently, communities can use CDBG funds for several specific purposes, but pre-disaster mitigation is not one of them. Instead, Congress issues supplemental CDBG appropriations to fund disaster recovery and mitigation after communities have already suffered damage. Since 2020, the federal government has appropriated $22 billion for disaster recovery through CDBG.\n\nCosponsors include: Reps. Maria Salazar (R-FL), Jill Tokuda (D-HI)\n\nThe bill earned endorsements from:\n\nAmerican Property Casualty Insurance Association\n\n“APCIA commends Congressman Liccardo and Congressman Timmons for introducing the Ounce of Prevention Act that would provide states and communities in disaster-prone areas with financial incentives to strengthen resilience and reduce rebuilding costs after disasters,” said Sam Whitfield, American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) senior vice president of federal government relations and political engagement. “Property casualty insurers are working to reduce losses and protect families and communities from the growing impact of hurricanes, wildfires, and other severe weather. APCIA supports this legislation because expanding federal investment in mitigation will help lower the economic toll of natural catastrophes and save lives.”\n\nCouncil of State Community Development Agencies\n\n“Congressman Liccardo and Timmons’ Ounce of Prevention Act would provide the flexibility states and local governments need to mitigate worst case scenario outcomes before a natural disaster occurs. The CDBG program is well-suited to join the landscape of disaster recovery. On behalf of our national network of state agencies, we applaud the Congressman’s efforts to allow CDBG to fund mitigation activities to reduce risk in the most disaster-prone areas across the country. We believe this bill would provide communities with more tools to prevent the loss of life, property, and critical infrastructure during future disasters,” said Tess Hembree, Executive Director, Council of State Community Development Agencies (COSCDA).\n\nLocal Initiatives Support Coalition\n\n“The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) thanks Representatives Liccardo and Timmons for introducing the Ounce of Prevention Act, which would allow the Community Development Block Grant program to be utilized more efficiently for resilience activities. This is vitally important since we’ve seen the impact of increasing weather events in the communities we serve, including the Bay Area and upstate South Carolina. This legislation would help mitigate natural disaster threats, with a focus on the most vulnerable residents. We thank Representatives Liccardo and Timmons for their leadership on this bill and issue,” said Matthew Josephs, Senior Vice President of Policy, LISC.\n\nNational Association of Counties\n\n\"Counties are on the front lines of disaster preparedness, working tirelessly to protect our communities before the next disaster strikes,\" said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. \"The Ounce of Prevention Act delivers a commonsense expansion of eligible uses that empowers counties to invest in resilience before disaster hits, rather than waiting to rebuild after the fact. By allowing CDBG funds to support mitigation activities, this bill gives counties the flexibility to reduce long-term risk, protect lives and safeguard property. Counties thank Representative Liccardo and Timmons for their leadership in ensuring that federal resources can meet the full scope of what counties need to keep our residents safe.\"\n\nNational Association of Mutual Insurance Companies\n\n“Any opportunity to help homeowners and communities proactively protect themselves from extreme weather is an opportunity we should take advantage of. Making pre-disaster mitigation an eligible use within CDBG’s listed activities will incentivize at-risk communities to use funds to help reduce losses from natural disasters. By expanding the scope and options for ways to invest in mitigation this bill will protect property, reduce losses and save lives. NAMIC applauds Rep. Liccardo and Rep. Timmons for their leadership in introducing the Ounce of Prevention Act,” said Jimi Grande, NAMIC Senior Vice President, Federal & Political Affairs.\n\nNational Community Development Agency\n\n\"This legislation is an important step toward helping communities prepare for the growing threats posed by natural disasters. By allowing CDBG funds to support mitigation efforts, it gives local governments more tools to protect homes and infrastructure and reduce long-term disaster risk,” said Vicki Watson, Executive Director, National Community Development Association.\n\nNational Low Income Housing Coalition\n\n“As disasters become more frequent and severe, efforts to mitigate potential harms and enhance community resilience are essential. For this reason, NLIHC has endorsed the bipartisan ‘Ounce of Prevention Act’ to help communities withstand future disasters,” said Renee M. Willis, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. “By providing flexibility in the use of Community Development Block Grant funds, this bill will help ensure that the lowest-income and most marginalized communities receive the support necessary to implement resilience and mitigation measures before future disasters occur. We urge Congress to quickly pass this bill.”\n\nNational NeighborWorks Association\n\n“As national leaders in affordable housing and community development, NeighborWorks organizations know firsthand that building for disaster resilience is not just cost-effective, but essential for safeguarding the future of our communities,\" said Lou Tisler, Executive Director of the National NeighborWorks Association (NNA). \"Bringing needed clarity and flexibility to HUD's Community Development Block Grant will better enable communities to invest in mitigation before disaster strikes. NNA applauds Congressman Liccardo and Timmons for this timely and commonsense bill that will help us get ahead of the growing disaster risks facing every community.\"\n\nThe U.S. Conference of Mayors\n\n“The United States Conference of Mayors strongly supports Representative Liccardo's legislation to allow Community Development Block Grant funding to be used for natural disaster mitigation. Mayors don't have the luxury of waiting until after a disaster. Our responsibility is to prepare our communities before the next emergency arrives. We know the smartest investment we can make is reducing risk before disaster strikes—not simply rebuilding after lives have been disrupted and communities have been damaged. This legislation gives cities greater flexibility to protect people, strengthen infrastructure, and prepare communities for floods, wildfires, and other extreme weather events. That's exactly the kind of partnership cities need from the federal government: giving local leaders the tools to solve problems before they become crises and better protect the people we serve,” said U.S. Conference of Mayors President Todd Gloria, Mayor of San Diego.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://timmoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-tim-moore-announces-more-47-million-fema-funding-hurricane-helene", "title": "Congressman Tim Moore Announces More Than $4.7 Million in FEMA Funding for Hurricane Helene Recovery Projects in NC-14", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://timmoore.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "timmoore.house.gov", "scraper": "timmoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001236", "name": "Tim Moore", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) announced more than $4.7 million in federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Helene recovery projects across North Carolina's 14th District. The funding supports debris removal, infrastructure repairs, and utility restoration in the City of Morganton, Burke County, and Rutherford County.\n\n“Western North Carolina has made significant progress since Hurricane Helene, but recovery is far from over,” said Congressman Moore. “This funding helps ease the financial burden on local governments that responded when their communities needed them most and enables critical rebuilding efforts. I appreciate President Trump, Secretary Mullin, and FEMA for recognizing the importance of this recovery effort and continuing to support Western North Carolina communities.”\n\n$2,798,230.11 will go to the City of Morganton to repair the boardwalk and associated infrastructure severely damaged by Hurricane Helene. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.\n\n$1,806,428.86 will support debris removal operations throughout Burke County following Hurricane Helene. The project removed more than 9,700 cubic yards of vegetative debris from public rights of way across the county, helping reduce safety hazards and support ongoing recovery efforts. This project is funded at a 90 percent federal cost share. This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.\n\n$147,583.40 will support storm water pipe repair or replacement in Rutherford County schools following Hurricane Helene. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4613", "title": "Tonko Statement on Passing of Harbe Nagi and Ensuing Islamophobia", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "tonko.house.gov", "scraper": "tonko", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000469", "name": "Paul Tonko", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "MENANDS, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) released the following statement after news of the passing of 7-year-old Harbe Nagi in Menands and following the disgusting Islamophobic comments posted online in the wake of his death:\n\n“I was heartbroken yesterday to learn of the passing of 7-year-old Harbe Nagi in Menands — a devastating loss for his family, his friends, and our entire Capital Region community. I was also horrified to see the casual and disgusting Islamophobia on display in the wake of Harbe’s death. There is no place for Islamophobia here in our Capital Region or anywhere else, and our neighbors deserve better than this unmitigated cruelty in their time of need. Let me be clear: our Muslim neighbors love this community and they belong in our Capital Region and in the United States. I extend my deepest condolences to the Nagi family and all who have been affected by this tremendous loss.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-tran-luna-lead-bipartisan-effort-against-amendment-shielding", "title": "Representatives Tran, Luna Lead Bipartisan Effort Against Amendment Shielding Rideshare Companies from Liability", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "tran.house.gov", "scraper": "tran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000491", "name": "Derek Tran", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congressman Derek Tran (D-CA-45) and Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13) led 25 members in a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries raising the alarm about a section in the surface transportation reauthorization bill, the BUILD America 250 Act (H.R. 8870), that would give rideshare companies immunity from any injury, sexual assault, or fatality that happens during a ride.\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\n“Congress should ensure that Americans retain their right to seek a remedy in court if a rideshare company fails to protect its customers or drivers. Uber alone received a report of sexual assault or sexual misconduct every 8 minutes over a 5-year period. Now they are facing more than 3,000 sexual assault claims in Federal and State Courts nationwide from passengers who claim they were sexually assaulted or harassed by Uber drivers. Our constituents deserve better,” wrote the members.\n\nIntroduced by Representative Fong (CA-20), the relevant section of the BUILD America 250 Act would ensure that rideshare companies “shall not be liable under the law of any State or political subdivision thereof [...] for any harm to persons or property that results or arises out of the use, operation, or possession of a motor vehicle by an app-based driver,” protecting companies from legal liability even when presented with concerning information about a driver in a criminal background check, motor vehicle background check, customer complaint, safety test, or internal complaint.\n\nThe provision would allow individuals who do not meet criminal or safety standards to continue operating as drivers. In the event of an incident, the company would not be held accountable, no matter its obligations to adequately screen drivers. H.R. 8870 was reported out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on May 22, 2026, with this language included, and awaits a floor vote by the full House.\n\nAs the Ranking Member for the House Small Business Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations, Representative Tran is dedicated to holding companies accountable for the safety of consumers. A consumer protection attorney by trade, Representative Tran fought for consumers and workers in the courtroom before being elected to Congress. Representative Tran led a letter, signed by the majority of the California Congressional delegation, urging leadership to strip the Fong Amendment from the BUILD America 250 Act.\n\nThe text of the full letter is below:\n\nDear Speaker Johnson and Minority Leader Jeffries,\n\nWe write to urge you to strip out a provision in Title I of the BUILD America 250 Act (H.R. 8870), that would endanger consumers across the United States. The provision, which faced bipartisan opposition in markup, would shield rideshare companies from liability for crashes and sexual assaults caused by their negligence.\n\nThis provision must be removed from the BUILD America 250 Act before it is considered on the House Floor. No corporation should be immune from accountability. Yet, this is exactly what Uber and other ride share companies are trying to do.\n\nThe bill, as currently written, includes a provision that says a rideshare company “shall not be liable […] for harm to persons or property” that happens during a ride. This provides rideshare companies with immunity from any injury, sexual assault, and fatality case, even if it was aware of a danger from any criminal background check, motor vehicle background check, customer complaint, safety test, or internal complaint.\n\nMoreover, the provision expressly preempts State law. Though a rideshare company would still have to follow local laws regarding background checks, it would be immune from liability if it ignored red flags. Congress should ensure that Americans retain their right to seek a remedy in court if a rideshare company fails to protect its customers or drivers. Uber alone received a report of sexual assault or sexual misconduct every 8\n\nminutes over a 5-year period.\n\nNow they are facing more than 3,000 sexual assault claims in Federal and State Courts nationwide from passengers who claim they were sexually assaulted or harassed by Uber drivers. Our constituents deserve better. The Build America 250 Act must be amended, and this provision stripped, before it is considered by the Rules Committee or on the House Floor.\n\nSincerely,\n\nDEREK T. TRAN\n\nMember of Congress\n\nANNA PAULINA LUNA\n\nMember of Congress\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://troycarter.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-carter-fields-ezell-bresnahan-introduce-nfip-premium-transparency-act", "title": "Reps. Carter, Fields, Ezell, Bresnahan Introduce the NFIP Premium Transparency Act", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://troycarter.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "troycarter.house.gov", "scraper": "troycarter", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001125", "name": "Troy A. Carter", "party": "Democrat", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), alongside Reps. Cleo Fields (D-LA), Mike Ezell (R-MS), and Rob Bresnahan (R-PA) introduced the NFIP Premium Transparency Act. This bill will require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide comprehensive, transparent flood insurance information to property owners and the public through enhanced policy documents and a new online tool.\n\n“Since FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 program went into effect, Louisiana families have opened their flood insurance bills with more questions than answers: why their premium jumped and what discounts they're missing,” said Rep. Carter. “Louisiana has more riding on this than almost any state in the country. This legislation gives homeowners the information they've always deserved: a clear breakdown of their rates, real savings from mitigation, and a roadmap to full-risk pricing. This isn't a partisan issue. It's about giving working families the tools to protect their homes, their budgets, and their futures.”\n\nThe NFIP Premium Transparency Act requires FEMA to overhaul how flood insurance information is shared with property owners, a change with outsized stakes for Louisiana, which holds more than 470,000 National Flood Insurance Program policies. Within 12 months, the bill mandates enhanced information on the declaration pages of each flood insurance policy issued under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to clearly show current premiums, available discounts, claim history, rating factors, mitigation savings, and the timeline to full-risk pricing, giving coastal homeowners facing rising premiums clarity on why and when increases are coming. Additionally, the bill requires FEMA to launch a public online tool that allows property owners to access detailed flood risk data, including premium calculations, replacement costs, and flood history, along with an interactive feature showing how mitigation efforts, such as elevation, could lower both risk and cost.\n\n“Louisiana families pay more flood insurance premiums than almost anyone in the United States, and for too long they've been handed a bill with no explanation. They] deserve to know why their rates went up, when they'll go up again, and what they can do about it. This bill does exactly that,” said Rep. Fields.\n\n“Families deserve to know exactly how their flood insurance premiums are determined and what steps they can take to lower their costs,” said Rep. Ezell. “The NFIP Premium Transparency Act gives homeowners greater access to the information they need to make informed decisions, invest in mitigation, and better protect their property. For coastal communities like those in South Mississippi, improving transparency within the National Flood Insurance Program is a common-sense step that will help strengthen resilience while making the program more accountable to the people it serves.”\n\n“Too many families in Northeastern Pennsylvania struggle with the impact flooding can have on their homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Flood insurance continues to go up, making it harder for families to sell and first-time homeowners to buy,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “For many homeowners in our region, the NFIP is the only realistic option for protecting their property, but rising premiums are making that coverage increasingly difficult to afford. This legislation ensures that our families, small businesses, and non-profits are not priced out of the peace of mind that flood insurance brings.”\n\nThe NFIP Premium Transparency Act is endorsed by the Americans for Financial Reform, National Association of Counties (NACo), Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance, United Policyholders, American Policyholders Association, Greater New Orleans, Inc., Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans (HBAGNO), Northshore Business Council, Fair Insurance Rates for Monroe (FIRM), Greater New Orleans Housing Alliance (GNOHA), and HousingNOLA.\n\n“In Southeast Louisiana, flood insurance isn’t optional - it’s a reality that directly impacts housing affordability and community resilience. By requiring clear, detailed information on how premiums are calculated, the NFIP Premium Transparency Act empowers consumers and strengthens the market by bringing much-needed transparency to a complex system,” said Dan Mills, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans.\n\n“With climate change driving greater flood risk across the country, it's critical that homeowners, renters, and prospective buyers and residents understand a property's flood history, the long-term trajectory of the flood risk they face, and what they can do to protect their homes and lower their insurance costs. The NFIP Premium Transparency Act would give people the information they need to better protect themselves physically and financially from floods,” said Alex Martin, climate finance policy director at Americans for Financial Reform.\n\n“As President of FIRM, I am writing to express our strong support for the NFIP Premium Transparency Act introduced by Congressman Fields. This legislation takes a meaningful step forward by requiring clear, detailed information on declaration pages and creating an interactive Flood Insurance Information Tool. These changes will help policyholders better understand their premiums, discounts, and mitigation options, which we believe will improve trust in the program,” said Mel E. Montagne, President, Fair Insurance Rates for Monroe (FIRM).\n\n“It's no secret that in Louisiana we desperately need comprehensive reform of the National Flood Insurance Program. We know that won’t happen quickly, and in the interim, the NFIP Premium Transparency Act gives homeowners the opportunity to arm themselves with information about costs and risks, and what can be done to address both. While we wait on reform, knowledge is power, and that gives families the opportunity to make the best choices possible. We are grateful that the Louisiana congressional delegation continues to take the lead on critical matters such as this legislation—helping Louisiana families take meaningful steps to #PutHousingFirst,” said Andreanecia M. Morris, President, Greater New Orleans Housing Alliance (GNOHA).\n\n“The bill is a common-sense measure that brings visibility to property owners' risk factors. At long last, it empowers NFIP policyholders to better understand how NFIP sets premiums, and how to mitigate risk and cost simultaneously. With an NFIP deadline of September 30 nearing, and with a pressing need to reconsider the federal role in insurance through a congressional commission, this bill is an important step forward in bringing light to the insurance crisis,” said Michael Hecht, President & CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.) and founder of the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance (CSFI).\n\nBackground:\n\nThe National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a federal program administered by FEMA that provides flood insurance to homeowners and businesses, aiming to reduce the financial impact of flooding. The program is vital for Louisiana, a state with extensive low-lying areas and frequent exposure to hurricanes and heavy rainfall. The NFIP helps protect residents from devastating financial losses due to flood damage, encourages responsible development in flood-prone areas, and supports rebuilding efforts after disasters—making it a critical safety net for Louisiana’s communities.\n\nSince 2021, Risk Rating 2.0 has been FEMA's flood insurance pricing methodology, replacing the older system that largely based premiums on flood zone and elevation with a more granular model that factors in distance to water, elevation, construction type, and individual property flood risk. Many policyholders saw rates rise sharply without an intuitive explanation tied to flood zone maps they were used to, and FEMA's reluctance to release the full underlying methodology made it hard for homeowners and agents to understand or verify why their specific premium changed\n\nIn December, Rep. Carter authored the National Flood Insurance Program Automatic Extension Act of 2025. The bill ensures that the NFIP automatically continues its core operations even if Congress misses a scheduled reauthorization deadline.\n\nRep. Carter and Ezell also introduced H.R. 2822, the National Flood Insurance Program Authorization Extension Act in April to avoid a lapse in program authorization resulting from a government shutdown. This bill would have extended the program through December 31, 2026. They also introduced H.R. 5848,theNFIP Retroactive Renewal and Reauthorization Act in November, legislation to backdate reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to September 30, 2025, while extending the program’s authorization until December 31, 2026. This bill ensures that policyholders who plan to renew are not penalized for the lapse in NFIP reauthorization caused by the Republican government shutdown.\n\nRep. Carter serves as Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Flood Resilience Caucus and the Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Caucus. He continues to advocate for common-sense, bipartisan reforms to strengthen and sustain the NFIP for Louisiana and other flood-prone communities.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3902", "title": "Congressman Valadao Works to Solve Labor Shortages for Central Valley Dairy Producers", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "valadao.house.gov", "scraper": "valadao", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000129", "name": "David G. Valadao", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson as an original co-sponsor of the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act. This bipartisan bill would modernize the H-2A program to better meet the needs of year-round agricultural operations while giving existing unauthorized workers the opportunity to participate in the program, providing much-needed stability for the ag sector.\n\nAs the sole dairyman in Congress, Congressman Valadao has been a leading advocate for modernizing the H-2A program and strengthening America’s agricultural workforce. Among his efforts, he has introduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act in the 118th and 119th Congresses.\n\n“One of the biggest concerns I hear from producers across the Central Valley is the ongoing agricultural labor shortage,” said Congressman Valadao. “While the H-2A program works well for many seasonal operations, it hasn’t kept pace with the needs of year-round industries like dairy. That’s why I’m proud to support the bipartisan Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, which modernizes the program by clarifying that ‘temporary labor’ refers to the length of a farmworker’s contract—not whether the job itself is seasonal. It also creates a pathway for eligible undocumented agricultural workers to earn H-2A status and provide for their families. This bill is a commonsense step that gives producers greater certainty to plan for their workforce, provides long-overdue stability for agricultural workers, and helps strengthen the Central Valley’s food supply for the future.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nIn the 1980s, the H-2A program was created to help address temporary and seasonal agricultural labor needs. The program requires workers to hold temporary visas tied to jobs lasting no more than ten months. While this structure works well for many agricultural sectors with defined planting and harvesting seasons, it creates challenges for dairy producers, whose operations run year-round. As a result, dairy producers often face uncertainty and application denials because their labor needs are viewed as permanent rather than “temporary” or “seasonal.”\n\nThe Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act would:\n\nAllow H-2A visas to be used for agricultural jobs that are temporary in nature, while removing the current requirement that jobs must also be seasonal.\n\nClarify that “temporary” refers to the length of the employment contract—up to 350 days—rather than whether the work itself is seasonal.\n\nExpand eligibility for the program to include controlled environment agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and livestock harvesting.\n\nCreate a pathway for existing unauthorized agricultural workers to participate in the H-2A program if they meet all requirements, including successfully completing a criminal background check.\n\nEstablish an online platform to streamline communication and processing between agricultural employers, workers, and government agencies.\n\nProvide agricultural producers with the flexibility needed to meet the industry’s year-round workforce demands while maintaining strong, transparent, and enforceable program standards.\n\nSupporting organizations include the American Farm Bureau Federation, California Farm Bureau, National Milk Producers Federation, Western Growers, AmericanHort, International Fresh Produce Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, USA Farmers, National Council of Agricultural Employers, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, American Business Immigration Council, National Potato Council, Northwest Horticultural Council, US Apple, American Peanut Shellers Association, American Soybean Association, Livestock Marketing Association, Meat Institute, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Chicken Council, National Cotton Council, National Pecan Federation, National Pork Producers Council, National Sorghum Producers, National Turkey Federation, National Watermelon Association, U.S. Peanut Federation, U.S. Rice Producers Association, USA Rice, Vidalia Onion Business Council, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Florida Peanut Federation, Georgia Blueberry Commission, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Midwest Council on Agriculture, Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, and Washington Red Raspberry Commission.\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2072", "title": "Congressman Van Drew: $25 Is Not Going to Fix New Jersey's Electric Bill Crisis; Cut the Delivery Fees Immediately for Real Relief", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vandrew.house.gov", "scraper": "vandrew", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000133", "name": "Jefferson Van Drew", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew issued the following statement after the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved a $25 credit on electric bills for many customers this year, down from the $100 credit provided last year.\n\n\"Twenty-five dollars? Are you serious?\" said Congressman Van Drew. \"Families are opening electric bills that have gone up by hundreds of dollars, and the state's answer is to cut last year's $100 credit to just $25. Instead of sending families another one-time credit, the state should stop adding government-mandated costs and surcharges to electric bills every month. Reducing those costs would do far more than a one-time $25 credit ever will. New Jersey families do not want another temporary fix. They want lower electric bills.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-van-epps-introduces-ndaa-amendment-to-improve-water-infrastructure-at-fort-campbell", "title": "Rep. Van Epps Introduces NDAA Amendment to Improve Water Infrastructure at Fort Campbell", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vanepps.house.gov", "scraper": "vanepps", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000139", "name": "Matt Van Epps", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - Rep. Matt Van Epps (TN-07) introduced an amendment to the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to improve infrastructure at Fort Campbell, the majority of which is in Rep. Van Epps’ district, as well as other older bases. By creating a data-driven roadmap for modernization, the amendment helps ensure installations like Fort Campbell receive appropriate attention before infrastructure failures degrade military readiness or impose greater long-term costs.\n\nRep. Van Epps stated, “Having served at Fort Campbell, I saw firsthand the challenges posed by its aging water and wastewater infrastructure. This is more than a personal concern. It is a readiness issue and a quality of life issue for our servicemembers and their families. Our servicemembers deserve better. That's why this amendment, which directs an evaluation of water and wastewater infrastructure at our oldest military installations, is so important.”\n\n“The reality is, older bases like Fort Campbell have utility systems that are more than 60 years old. This requires significant maintenance to avoid service disruption or health impacts. That’s where my amendment comes in. By requiring the Department of War to assess each system’s condition, replacement costs, contingency operating costs, and impacts on servicemembers, military families, installation operations, and quality of life, this report will inform Congress which systems need the most urgent modernization,” he concluded.\n\n“When I ran for Congress, I promised to do everything in my power to improve the lives of those who serve. This is one way to do that,” he finished.\n\nThis amendment was cosponsored by Rep James Comer (KY-01) and Rep. Andy Barr (KY-06).", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-van-epps-introduces-slew-of-ndaa-amendments-to-bolster-homeland-security", "title": "Rep. Van Epps Introduces Slew of NDAA Amendments to Bolster Homeland Security", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vanepps.house.gov", "scraper": "vanepps", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000139", "name": "Matt Van Epps", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - Rep. Matt Van Epps (TN-07) successfully introduced three floor amendments to the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\nRep. Van Epps said, “I am proud to introduce several amendments to the FY27 House NDAA. Taken as a whole, these amendments aim to strengthen our national security, empower our war fighters, and improve conditions on our bases.”\n\nAmendment 302: Report on Defense Prototype Transition to Program of Record\n\nRep Van Epps said, “This amendment will help accelerate the delivery of promising technologies to our warfighters. Too often, the gap between research and development and fielding is unnecessarily long, and in a future conflict, those delays could cost lives. Bureaucratic acquisition processes, fragmented oversight, and other institutional barriers prevent successful prototypes from reaching production and operational use. That is unacceptable. By identifying these bottlenecks and holding the Department accountable for addressing them, we can get critical capabilities into the hands of our servicemembers faster.”\n\nThis Amendment:\n\nRequires the Department of War (DoW) to submit an annual report to Congress on how successful prototype projects transition into procurement, production, or operational deployment.\n\nTracks transition timelines for prototype projects across the Department.\n\nIdentifies how many prototype projects successfully advance into programs of record.\n\nRequires explanations for transition delays exceeding one year.\n\nExamines barriers to deploying emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, autonomous systems, microelectronics, and advanced manufacturing.\n\nEvaluates challenges faced by small businesses and nontraditional defense contractors. Identifies barriers, including financing challenges, cybersecurity compliance costs, intellectual property concerns, and difficulty accessing follow-on procurement opportunities.\n\nAmendment 303: Defense Contractor Maximum Production Plan Requirement\n\nRep. Van Epps stated, “The United States cannot wait until a major conflict begins to discover that it lacks the industrial capacity to sustain the fight. The war in Ukraine demonstrated how quickly modern conflicts consume artillery rounds, precision-guided munitions, air defense interceptors, and other critical systems, exposing serious limitations in Western production capacity and supply-chain resilience. These concerns are compounded by longstanding bottlenecks across the defense industrial base, including single-source suppliers, workforce shortages, long-lead manufacturing requirements, and aging production infrastructure. By requiring greater visibility into surge production capabilities and the obstacles preventing rapid expansion, the amendment would help Congress and the Department of Defense better prepare for the industrial demands of a large-scale conflict before a crisis occurs. We can’t leave an inevitable need to ramp up munitions to chance—we need a plan in place.”\n\nThis Amendment:\n\nThis amendment requires major defense contractors and critical lower-tier suppliers and subcontractors producing key munitions and weapon systems to submit detailed plans to the DoW explaining how they would rapidly increase production capacity during a national emergency or major conflict.\n\nThe plans must identify current production limits, the investments and operational changes needed to scale production, major supply-chain and workforce bottlenecks, projected timelines for increasing output to 150 percent, 200 percent, and 500 percent of current production rates, and the estimated costs associated with each expansion level.\n\nContractors would also be required to identify major subcontractor dependencies and update these plans annually or whenever significant changes occur.\n\nAmendment 304: Fort Campbell Water and Wastewater Infrastructure\n\nRep. Van Epps stated, “Having served at Fort Campbell, I saw firsthand the challenges posed by its aging water and wastewater infrastructure. This is more than a personal concern. It is a readiness issue and a quality of life issue for our servicemembers and their families. Our servicemembers deserve better. That's why this amendment, which directs an evaluation of water and wastewater infrastructure at our oldest military installations, is so important.”\n\nThis Amendment:", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/07/01/vindman-mcdonald-rivet-introduce-bill-to-tackle-corruption-ban-public-officials-from-trading-stocks-using-prediction-markets/", "title": "Vindman, McDonald Rivet Introduce Bill to Tackle Corruption, Ban Public Officials from Trading Stocks & Using Prediction Markets", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), Kristen McDonald Rivet (Mich.-08), Kevin Kiley (Calif.-03), and Greg Landsman (Ohio-01), introduced a bill to prevent public officials from personally profiting from nonpublic government information and political influence instead of serving the American people.\n\n“Americans don’t think Congress is looking out for them — and who can blame them. Too many people believe Washington is rigged for insiders. I’m fighting back by working to ban public officials from trading stocks and using prediction markets,” said Vindman. “The No Profiting from Public Service Act closes loopholes, strengthens accountability, and ensures that those entrusted with public service cannot use their positions to enrich themselves. This is the type of commonsense reform that will help restore trust in Congress and ensure leaders are making decisions based on the public interest — not personal financial gain”\n\nThe No Profiting from Public Service Act would establish comprehensive restrictions on stock trading and prediction market participation across all three branches of the federal government.\n\nUnder the legislation, officials would be required to divest prohibited financial holdings at fair market value or transfer those assets into a qualified blind trust, helping to eliminate conflicts of interest and restore public confidence in government decision-making.\n\nThe bill would also prohibit participation in prediction markets by senior government officials and staff across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as candidates for federal office. By extending these safeguards government-wide, the legislation seeks to ensure that public servants and those seeking public office cannot use nonpublic information or their positions of influence for personal financial gain.\n\n“People are sick and tired of seeing insiders get rich while they get left behind. It’s time for some honest-to-God accountability,” said McDonald Rivet. “It’s simple: no elected official or public servant should be trading on the information they get from their jobs. Let’s close the loopholes, and then go get things done for hard-working families.”\n\n“This bipartisan legislation seeks to root out anti-corruption, including insider trading and self-enrichment,” said Kiley. “It’s time that elected, appointed, and other senior officials across all three branches of government are held accountable. This bill prohibits officials from profiting off of their public offices through stock trading and prediction markets.”\n\n“Americans see a system that’s broken, and we’re determined to be part of the generation that fixes it,” said Landsman. “Congress’ focus is and should always be on the needs of hardworking families. Getting members of Congress out of the stock-trading business and free from outside influence is a big part of the solution.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nVindman has been a champion for preventing public officials from profiting off of public office.\n\nIn May, Vindman introduced common sense legislation to prohibit Members of Congress and their immediate family members from participating in prediction markets.\n\nIn June, he introduced the bipartisan Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust (BLAST) Act, legislation that would prohibit Members of Congress from lobbying Congress after leaving office.\n\nVindman also backs the TRUST in Congress Act, which would ban Members of Congress and their immediate families from trading individual stocks.\n\nAdditionally, Vindman cosponsored the Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026. This bill would ban Members of Congress, their immediate families, staff, and the executive branch from using prediction markets.\n\nVindman has also introduced legislation that takes on corruption and demands we hold public servants to the highest ethical standard.\n\nIn June 2026, Vindman introduced the Accountability Doesn’t Expire Act, which would extend oversight and enforcement windows tied to pandemic-era fraud investigations, including misuse of federal relief funds.\n\nIn January 2026, he helped introduce the BEACON Act which would create an independent Inspector General for the Executive Office of the President to investigate waste, fraud, abuse, and misconduct inside the White House.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-one-year-later-working-families-tax-cuts-are-delivering", "title": "Walberg: One Year Later, the Working Families Tax Cuts are Delivering", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "walberg.house.gov", "scraper": "walberg", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000798", "name": "Tim Walberg", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) released the following statement reflecting on the upcoming one-year anniversary of the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\n\"Last July, House Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts, which provided the single largest tax cut in American history,\" said Rep Walberg. \"Over the past year, this historic legislation has delivered real relief for the American people with policies like no tax on tips, overtime, and Social Security helping Americans keep more of their hard-earned money. The legislation also included over $280 billion in taxpayer savings, which I ushered through the Education and Workforce Committee as chair. America's golden age is just around the corner, thanks to policies like the Working Families Tax Cuts that are putting money back where it belongs: in the pockets of hardworking families in Michigan.\"\n\nBackground\n\nOn July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — the historic Working Families Tax Cuts. A year later, the legislation delivered the largest tax refund season in history due to key policies that are lowering costs for American workers and families.\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cuts' impact this past tax season, courtesy of the Treasury Department:", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3513", "title": "Wasserman Schultz, Salazar Reintroduce Bipartisan Condo Relief Bill to Mark Surfside Collapse Anniversary", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "scraper": "wassermanschultz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000797", "name": "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Maria Salazar (FL-27) announced the reintroduction of the bipartisan Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act to provide comprehensive condo relief that expands and ensures access to public and private loans for structural and safety repairs, providing bipartisan preventive assistance for millions of residents grappling with the building integrity realities exposed in the Surfside condominium collapse that took 98 lives.\n\nThe Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act makes it easier for condo owners to afford special assessments assigned by their HOAs or Condo Associations by expanding access to two loan programs guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The loans are geared to help cover the cost of special assessments for structural and safety related repairs, keeping Florida families safe, healthy, and in their homes.\n\n“Five years ago, an unimaginable but entirely preventable tragedy rocked our South Florida community with the collapse of Surfside's Champlain Towers, claiming 98 innocent lives. While the cause was finally identified after years of investigations, action is still needed to stop this from happening again,” said Wasserman Schultz. “My bipartisan Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act ensures condominium associations can afford to make pressing repairs and keep residents safe.”\n\n“The Surfside tragedy changed our community forever and reminded us that protecting families must always come first. As we honor those we lost, we must take action to help prevent another disaster,” said Salazar. “This bipartisan bill gives condominium associations and homeowners the tools they need to finance critical safety repairs, protect residents, and preserve safe, affordable housing across South Florida.”\n\nKey provisions in the legislation:\n\nAmends the 203(k) program to allow loans to be used on special assessments for structural repairs.\n\nExpands the Title I Property Improvement Loans program to insure private lenders against losses when lending to individual condo owners or condo associations for special assessments. Additionally, the legislation increases the maximum insured loan amount to $55,000, to be adjusted with inflation.\n\nStreamlines the process of applying for these loans so that individual homeowners and condo associations can more easily apply for, and obtain, assistance.\n\nAmends Section 234 of the National Housing Act to authorize Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insurance for condominium association building rehabilitation loans.\n\nCondominium association loans are collateralized with pledges of future association assessment income. As FHA’s mortgage insurance programs are collateralized by real property, the legislation authorizes the agency to insure condominium association loans collateralized by assessment income or real property or a combination of the two.\n\nUnder the legislation, FHA-insured condominium association loans may be used for the rehabilitation, alteration, repair, improvement, or replacement of a condominium project’s common systems, infrastructure, and facilities.\n\nTo protect FHA and the U.S. government against financial loss, the legislation allows FHA insurance for only 90% of the cost of building rehabilitation work. This restriction operates in other FHA multifamily housing rehabilitation loan insurance programs.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by the Community Associations Institute.\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-calls-for-investigation-into-usps-delays-during-wisconsins-spring-election", "title": "Baldwin Calls for Investigation into USPS Delays During Wisconsin’s Spring Election", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) called for an investigation into the delays at the United States Postal Service (USPS) during the Wisconsin Spring Election that led to hundreds of Wisconsinites across the state not having their votes counted. Baldwin notes that hundreds of Wisconsinites sent their ballots before Election Day, some as early as weeks before the election, but were deprived of their right to vote because of delays by USPS. Two-thirds of Wisconsin’s local election officials across the state reported problems with the mail during the April 7th election, with some reporting election mail taking 7 to 10 days or more to reach polling locations.\n\n“I request that USPS OIG conduct a timely review of Spring Election mail delays in Wisconsin and identify any remaining issues that undermine the on-time delivery of returned ballots so that USPS can resolve any outstanding concerns before Wisconsin’s elections this fall,” wrote Senator Baldwin in a letter to USPS Inspector General Hull. “If the election mail delays that we saw this spring are not addressed, USPS is likely to disenfranchise an even greater number of voters during the fall elections, increasing the risk that eligible voters will cast a ballot that is not ultimately counted through no fault of their own. Ensuring timely delivery of election mail is essential to maintaining public confidence in our elections, and delays that prevent ballots from arriving on time undermine voters’ trust that our elections are fair and reliable.”\n\nNumerous media reports and accounts from elections officials in Wisconsin have indicated that hundreds of absentee ballots from across the state that were received by the Postal Service prior to the election were not delivered until after the election's deadline had passed—and therefore were not counted.\n\nBaldwin’s call for an investigation comes as President Trump has attempted to curtail legal mail-in voting, both through Congress and executive action. President Trump’s executive order directs the Postal Service to create a federal mail-in voting list made up of states’ absentee voters’ information. A U.S. District Judge blocked the President’s executive order limiting Americans’ use of mail-in voting, but the Trump Administration is expected to appeal the ruling.\n\nFollowing this unconstitutional directive, USPS proposed a rule that would ultimately allow the Postal Service to determine whether millions of Americans can receive and cast ballots through the mail. Baldwin has spoken out in strong opposition and demanded that the USPS abandon this rule. In a U.S. Senate Committee hearing, Postmaster General David Steiner confirmed that if the rule is finalized, the Postal Service would refuse to deliver any mail-in ballots from states that did not comply with this new standard.\n\nSenator Baldwin has repeatedly called on the USPS to address the mail delays Wisconsinites are experiencing. In April, she demanded answers from Postmaster General David Steiner regarding long-term mail delays and staffing shortages at post offices across Wisconsin that are impacting local businesses, newspapers, and Wisconsin families who rely on USPS for prescriptions, bills, voting, and more.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Inspector General Hull:\n\nI am writing to request an investigation into the processes and procedures of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) leading up to the Wisconsin Spring Election held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.\n\nNumerous media reports and accounts from elections officials in Wisconsin have indicated that hundreds of absentee ballots from across the state that were mailed prior to the election were not delivered until after the election's deadline had passed—and therefore were not counted. In Wisconsin, absentee ballots must be received by a polling location by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted, meaning that hundreds of my constituents voted on time but were deprived of their right to vote in the Spring Election because of delays by USPS. Members of the military face unique challenges in voting when election mail is delayed because they are more likely to rely on the Postal Service to mail their ballot. This is unacceptable and appears to be the result of decisions and actions by the Postal Service that are inconsistent with normal operations and threaten the ability of Wisconsinites to exercise their right to vote. It warrants an investigation by the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG).\n\nIn May, the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) sent a letter to the USPS Postmaster General expressing grave concerns about the performance of election mail for Wisconsin’s Spring Election. The Commission is a bipartisan body that administers elections across Wisconsin and assists election clerks in all 72 counties. WEC conducted a survey of Wisconsin’s local election officials and found that two-thirds reported problems with the mail, and more than half reported receiving complaints and concerns about the Postal Service from voters. One in four clerks reported receiving more late ballots than is typical for an election—with some reporting election mail taking 7 to 10 days or more to reach polling locations. I have attached the Commission’s letter to the Postmaster General, as well as a memorandum prepared by WEC, for your review.\n\nI request that USPS OIG conduct a timely review of Spring Election mail delays in Wisconsin and identify any remaining issues that undermine the on-time delivery of returned ballots so that USPS can resolve any outstanding concerns before Wisconsin’s elections this fall. If the election mail delays that we saw this spring are not addressed, USPS is likely to disenfranchise an even greater number of voters during the fall elections, increasing the risk that eligible voters will cast a ballot that is not ultimately counted through no fault of their own. Ensuring timely delivery of election mail is essential to maintaining public confidence in our elections, and delays that prevent ballots from arriving on time undermine voters’ trust that our elections are fair and reliable.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-banks-joins-human-events-daily-with-jack-posobiec-on-real-americas-voice/", "title": "ICYMI: Banks joins Human Events Daily with Jack Posobiec on Real America’s Voice", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), joined Human Events Daily with Jack Posobiec on Real America’s Voice to discuss recent Supreme Court rulings, the SAVE America Act, and conservative wins secured by Sen. Banks in the upcoming NDAA.\n\nClick the image above for full discussion.\n\nKey Excerpts on SCOTUS and SAVE America Act:\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “This is the worst decision I think we’ve seen in a very long time. There’s so much at stake here. The democrats flooded our country with tens of millions of illegals for this explicit purpose. This emphasizes how important deportations are. We have lost focus of that, but we have to get back to what President Trump was specifically elected to do.\n\n“It shows us how important these Supreme Court Justices are. I wish Justice Clarence Thomas could live forever. He’s the greatest, living American that we have. We want to make sure we get Supreme Court Justices who think just like [they] do and replace the bad ones.”\n\n“We have to show our voters that we’re fighting and doing something. This is exactly the type of issue our base expects us to focus on, and fight for and pass. President Trump is calling on us to do that, and I think he’s exactly right. It fundamental, its important tot the future of our country. As we celebrate America 250, this milestone of the greatest country in the world. Let’s do what we have to do to preserve it for the next generation. Banning birthright citizenship, passing voter ID laws those are fundamental to keeping this country great.”\n\nKey Excerpts on Sen. Banks NDAA Wins:", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-fox-news-jim-banks-gop-lawmakers-rally-behind-doj-probe-into-alleged-ccp-linked-funding-network/", "title": "ICYMI: FOX News: Jim Banks, GOP Lawmakers rally behind DOJ Probe into alleged CCP-linked Funding Network", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Republican lawmakers are backing a federal grand jury investigation into alleged financial crimes involving businessman Neville Roy Singham, citing concerns over his reported funding of organizations with alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party\n\nClick the here to read the full story from Fox News or read below.\n\nFIRST ON FOX: Top members of Congress are supporting a federal grand jury investigation into alleged financial crimes committed by Neville Roy Singham, tied to his funding of socialist, communist and Marxist organizations.\n\nAccording to a Fox News Digital investigation, Singham has funneled $278 million into the broad network of nonprofits since 2017. As reported, Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche authorized a grand jury in Manhattan to issue subpoenas as part of a probe of Singham’s financial network. The investigation was launched by U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York, one of the country’s most powerful districts for federal prosecutions. Singham hasn’t responded to repeated requests for comment that Fox News Digital has sent him over the past several months.\n\n“Neville Singham is a traitor to our country. He has ties to the CCP,” Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, told Fox News Digital. “He is an American citizen, but all of his loyalties lie with the Chinese Communist Party. And when you begin to untangle the web of his massive fortune and his philanthropic activities, the money that he sends to left-wing groups in America, and not just groups that espouse ideologies, but espouse violence.”\n\nLast April, Banks sounded the alarm about the Singham network, calling on former Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate CodePink, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has received funds from Singham. Co-founded by Singham’s wife, Jodie Evans, CodePink hasn’t responded to repeated requests for comment. Neither has Evans.\n\nEarlier this year, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent traveled to New York City for a meeting with Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO David Solomon, and sources told Fox News Digital that Bessent gave a blunt ultimatum to Solomon.\n\nBessent told Solomon that Goldman Sachs could face scrutiny for alleged conspiracy in the funneling of the Singham money and urged Solomon to cooperate with federal investigators.\n\nA person familiar with the meeting told Fox News Digital that the discussion wasn’t contentious and that Solomon readily agreed to pledge his cooperation with the Justice Department investigation. A spokesperson for the bank said “all distributions from Mr. Singham’s donor-advised fund were made to legal nonprofits, as determined by the IRS. There have been no distributions from the account since August 2023, and it was closed in early 2024.”\n\nBanks serves on the Senate Banking Committee, which is responsible for bank oversight and regulation. The Indiana senator explained that Goldman’s cooperation is welcome news, but that Wall Street should be more cautious about working with individuals tied to “our biggest enemy.”\n\n“It sounds like Goldman wants to put this to bed,” Banks explained. “They want to do their part to help the investigation. But Wall Street should know that you can’t get away with helping our biggest enemy. You can’t get away with helping the Chinese Communist Party through money funneled through tech billionaires like Neville Singham. You will be held accountable for that.”\n\nIn his letter to Bondi, Banks also raised concerns about CodePink potentially violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The law requires individuals or entities acting as agents of foreign principals to register as foreign agents and publicly disclose their finances and relationships.\n\n“CodePink has clearly become an agent of CCP influence in the United States. Despite activities and funding so blatant that even the New York Times acknowledged the organization’s activities ‘usually require’ groups to register under FARA, Code Pink has not registered with the DOJ,” the letter read.\n\nA number of lawmakers weighed in on news of the DOJ’s recent grand jury probe of Singham’s finances, including Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas), who is running for chairman of the House Oversight Committee.\n\nFallon recently announced his run with Fox News Digital and said at the time that holding accountable nonprofits aligned with the CCP and tied to Singham would be one of his priorities if he secured the chairmanship.\n\n“Far-left NGOs are the means by which U.S. adversaries like communist China work to undermine our country,” Fallon told Fox News Digital on Tuesday. “Groups like CodePink, which Singham has funded, openly spew CCP propaganda. Their objective is to spark division, resentment and unrest.”\n\n“My colleagues and I on the House Oversight Committee have been committed to dismantling the dark network of communist NGOs, which is why we sent a letter to the DOJ earlier this year urging them to expose these groups for what they really are. We cannot stop until we put an end to the communist threat facing our Republic here at home.”\n\nHouse Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., who launched an investigation into the Singham nonprofit network last year, took to social media to say the grand jury investigation is overdue.\n\n“It’s about time he is brought to justice, and he is held accountable for his ties to the CCP,” Smith said on X. For years, critics like Smith have alleged that Singham has used the generous tax status awarded to tax-exempt nonprofit organizations to fund left-wing chaos in streets across the country.\n\nA Fox News Digital investigation uncovered a video that showed Singham calling for a “new world order’ promoted by Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party during the “Global South Academic Forum,” in Beijing last year.\n\nSingham has funneled millions into a network of nonprofits that regularly mobilize agitators for demonstrations across the country, including anti-ICE protests and anti-Israel protests.\n\nHis financial contributions, which were routed through Goldman Sachs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund For Wealth Management Inc., include an estimated $22.44 million to People’s Forum Inc., a hub for far-left activity in Manhattan, and at least $223 million and other forms of support into a global network of organizations.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-america-reports-on-fox-news-channel/", "title": "ICYMI: Sen. Banks joins America Reports on Fox News Channel", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined America Reports on Fox News Channel to discuss the rise of Socialism in the Democratic Party and declining national pride among registered Democrats.\n\nClick the image above for full discussion.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “We shouldn’t be surprised when only 29% of democrats today say that they are proud to be American. Here on the eve of America 250, the celebration of the greatest country in the history of world, and you see that these democrats fundamentally hate America. These 3 socialists, communist, democrats, who were nominated in New York, what they say and what they believe, one of them said they hate our flag so much she washed her hands with it. Another said we should give amnesty to those illegals who were deported. Another one is a prison abolitionist. These are lunatic democrats with a dangerous ideology…”\n\n“By the way this isn’t a game. This is about our country, and what kind of country we are going to give to our kids and grandkids. These are democrats who believe in defunding the police, they believe in open borders, they want to use taxpayer dollars to fund transgender surgeries. This is a radical democrat party that is dangerous for America. They want to fundamentally uproot the founding principles and change it into something that’s very different that fits the communist socialist ideology. We can’t let that happen…”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-fox-news-digital-to-discuss-neville-roy-singham-investigation/", "title": "ICYMI: Sen. Banks joins Fox News Digital to discuss Neville Roy Singham Investigation", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), joined Fox News Digital to discuss the federal grand jury investigation into alleged financial crimes committed by Neville Roy Singham, tied to his funding of a socialist, communist, and Marxist organizations.\n\nSen. Banks wrote a letter to former Attorney General Pam Bondi in February alerting the Department of Justice about the Singham network.\n\nClick the image above for full discussion.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Neville Singham is a traitor to our country. He has ties to the CCP. He is an American citizen, but all of his loyalties lie with the Chinese Communist Party. And when you begin to untangle the web of massive fortune and philanthropic activities, the money he sends to left wing groups in America, and not the groups that espouse ideology, but espouse violence…”\n\n“This guy’s motivations are directly anti-American. He is sowing seeds of violence and distrust in America. And he’s funneling billions of dollars into these groups. And then you find out he’s married to the co-founder of Code Pink… Code Pink is directly tied to the Chinese Communist Party because of this funding. There is no room for those groups to be involved in our political discourse…”\n\n“Congress has a direct role to provide that type of oversight. We should be looking at loopholes that Neville Singham and his groups and activities have taken advantage of and close those loopholes through congressional action. At the end of the day, we need the Department of Justice and the Federal Government to step up and hold Neville Singham accountable as well…”\n\n“It sounds like Goldman wants to put this to bed. They want to do their part to help the investigation. But Wall Street should know that you can’t get away with helping our biggest enemy. You can’t get away with helping the Chinese Communist Part through money funnel through tech billionaires like Neville Singham. You will be held accountable for that.”\n\nRead more here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-eversource-and-avangrid-lawsuit-challenging-state-utilities-law", "title": "Blumenthal Statement on Eversource & Avangrid Lawsuit Challenging State Utilities Law", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal released a statement today following the announcement that Eversource and Avangrid have filed a lawsuit challenging a state law that eliminates a financial bonus the utilities receive for connecting their transmission systems to the regional grid.\n\n“The amount of chutzpah in filing this lawsuit is only exceeded by Eversource and Avangrid’s greed. They seem to forget they are PUBLIC utilities, serving Connecticut residents first. To file this lawsuit as our state prepares for dangerous and record setting heat this week is not only completely tone deaf, it is deeply callous. Time to reassess this public utility model where companies are only interested in profits for Wall Street,” said Blumenthal.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-supreme-court-ruling-upholding-birthright-citizenship", "title": "Blumenthal Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Upholding Birthright Citizenship", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today released the below statement following the Supreme Court of the United States’ decision in Trump v. Barbara to uphold automatic citizenship for children born in the United States:\n\n“Today's decision is an incredible relief to the thousands of United States citizens born on American soil, whose citizenship is incontrovertible. In America we follow the language of the Constitution, not the edicts of pretend Kings. Although I am heartened by the Supreme Court's majority decision in this case, birthright citizenship should never have been up for debate. I know this is not the end of the Trump Administration's attacks on immigrant communities and I will never stop fighting for our Constitutional rights.”\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/-booker-senate-judiciary-democrats-demand-todd-blanche-answer-dozens-of-oversight-requests-ignored-by-doj", "title": "Booker, Senate Judiciary Democrats Demand Todd Blanche Answer Dozens of Oversight Requests Ignored by DOJ", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "As Todd Blanche’s nomination for Attorney General is under consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee and he’s been heavily involved in key DOJ issues, it’s imperative that the Committee receive sufficient responses to the laundry list of outstanding inquiries be provided before his hearing\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats led by Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-IL) in pressing Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for answers on dozens of oversight matters that remain outstanding, either due to no response, insufficient response, or only partial response from the Department of Justice (DOJ).\n\nIn light of the unprecedented decision to combine Todd Blanche’s Attorney General nomination hearing with the annual Justice Department oversight hearing, the Senators deem these responses as critical ahead of the July 15 hearing, given Blanche’s leadership role over many of these issues and direct responsibility answering for DOJ’s actions now that he serves as Acting Attorney General.\n\n“We write to request immediate responses to the dozens of oversight requests we have made of the Department of Justice (DOJ) throughout the 119th Congress that remain outstanding. Although not all members signed each letter, we all agree that it is critical the Department respond to all Congressional oversight. You currently seek Senate confirmation as Attorney General, but you also currently serve as the most senior Senate-confirmed official at the Department, and consequently, you are also responsible for ensuring that DOJ abides by Congress’s constitutional oversight authority. Additionally, given your tenure as the Deputy Attorney General, and now as Acting Attorney General, the Committee cannot properly assess your nomination without these responses, due to the fact that these issues reflect on your character and abilities as an attorney and public servant,” the senators wrote.\n\n“As the Department has had months, and more than a year in many instances, to provide these responses, please ensure that the Committee receives complete responses to all the following requests by July 8,” the senators concluded.\n\nThe Senators cite the following outstanding requests with no response:\n\nJanuary 29, 2025: Letter Requesting Access to Volume II of Special Counsel Smith’s Report\n\nFebruary 3, 2025: Letters Regarding Purges of Senior Career Civil Servants Across DOJ and FBI\n\nFebruary 4, 2025: Letter Regarding Reassignment of Assistant U.S. Attorneys to Immigration Enforcement\n\nFebruary 20, 2025: Letter Regarding Replacement of Career Ethics Officials With Inexperience Political Appointees\n\nFebruary 26, 2025: Letter Regarding Compliance with the CLOUD Act\n\nMarch 3, 2025: Letter Regarding Termination and Redirection of National Security Career Civil Servants Toward Immigration Enforcement\n\nMarch 20, 2025: Letter Regarding Shuttering of DOJ’s Public Integrity Section\n\nMarch 21, 2025: Letter Regarding Trump Administration Reduction and Termination of BOP Retention Incentives\n\nMarch 26, 2025: Letter Regarding Baseless Termination of Pardon Attorney\n\nMarch 31, 2025: Letter Regarding Blanche’s Confirmation Hearing Testimony\n\nApril 1, 2025: Letter Regarding DOJ’s Position on Scope of January 6 Pardons Covering Unrelated, Subsequent Criminal Conduct\n\nApril 1, 2025: Letter Regarding DOJ’s Role in President Trump’s Baseless Assertion that President Biden’s Pardons Are Void\n\nApril 18, 2025: Letter Regarding U.S. Marshal Visit to Former Pardon Attorney Oyer\n\nApril 30, 2025: Letter Regarding DOJ Grant Terminations\n\nMay 2, 2025: Letter Regarding then-Attorney General Bondi’s Lobbying Private Prison Contractor Conflicts of Interest\n\nMay 8, 2025: Letter Regarding Change to Department Guidance on Subpoenaing Information About Confidential Sources from Journalists\n\nMay 21, 2025: Record Preservation Request Regarding Pattern and Practice Investigations\n\nJune 9, 2025: Letter Regarding Detention of SEIU President Huerta\n\nJune 12, 2025: Letter Regarding Ed Martin’s Abuses at DOJ\n\nJune 12, 2025: Letter Regarding BIA Decision to Weaken Legal Protections for DACA\n\nJune 19, 2025: Letter Requesting Information Regarding Alleged Misconduct by Emil Bove in United States v. Nejad\n\nJuly 14, 2025: Letter Regarding Weaponization of Immigration Court Hearings to Trap and Arrest Immigrants\n\nJuly 16, 2025: Letter Regarding Termination of Director of DOJ’s Departmental Ethics Office\n\nJuly 16, 2025: Letter Regarding then-DAAG Bove’s Role in Epstein Files Review\n\nJuly 23, 2025: Letter Regarding DOJ’s Office of Professional Responsibility’s Investigation into Emil Bove’s Alleged Misconduct in United States v. Nejad\n\nJuly 28, 2025: Letter Regarding Arrangement of Ghislaine Maxwell Interview and Review of Epstein Files\n\nAugust 7, 2025: Letter Regarding Transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell to Minimum-Security Prison\n\nSeptember 3, 2025: Letter Regarding Hiring Jared Wise, Convicted January 6 Law Enforcement Assaulter, as a Senior Adviser at DOJ\n\nSeptember 3, 2025: Letter Regarding Deployment of National Guard to Chicago\n\nSeptember 4, 2025: Letter Regarding Partisan Terminations of Career Civil Servants\n\nSeptember 5, 2025: Letter Regarding Politicization of DOJ’s Antitrust Division\n\nSeptember 15, 2025: Letter Regarding Diminished National Security Expertise and Capacity Due to Terminations and Reassignments\n\nSeptember 23, 2025: Questions for the Record Following the September 16, 2025 Hearing Concerning Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with Director Patel\n\nSeptember 23, 2025: Letter Regarding Termination of Tom Homan Corruption Investigation\n\nSeptember 30, 2025: Letter Regarding Use of JAG Officers as DOJ Immigration Judges\n\nSeptember 30, 2025: Follow-up Letter Regarding Restitution Payments for Convicted January 6 Insurrectionists\n\nOctober 14, 2025: Questions for the Record Following the October 7, 2025 Hearing Concerning Oversight of the Department of Justice with then-Attorney General Bondi\n\nOctober 29, 2025: Letter Regarding President Trump’s $230 Million Taxpayer Funded Settlement Requests\n\nOctober 29, 2025: Letter Regarding Unlawfulness of President Trump’s Military Strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific\n\nOctober 30, 2025: Letter Regarding Partisan Deployment of Election Monitors\n\nNovember 6, 2025: Letter Regarding DOJ’s Voter Roll Requests to States\n\nNovember 19, 2025: Letter Regarding Partisan Terminations of FBI Agents and Intervention of U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of the District of Columbia\n\nDecember 9, 2025: Letter Regarding DOJ and FBI Weaponization Against Members of Congress for Constitutionally Protected Speech Reiterating Federal Law\n\nJanuary 22, 2026: Letter Regarding Killing of Renée Good\n\nJanuary 26, 2026: Letter Regarding Creation of Second Amendment Section within DOJ’s Civil Rights Division\n\nJanuary 28, 2026: Letter Regarding Blanche Cryptocurrency Conflicts\n\nJanuary 29, 2026: Follow-up Letter on DOJ’s Voter Roll Requests to States\n\nFebruary 9, 2026: Record Preservation Request Regarding Investigations of Senators Kelly and Slotkin’s Constitutionally Protected Speech Reiterating Federal Law\n\nFebruary 25, 2026: Request for Investigation into Decision to Block Use of Force Investigation in January 7 Killing of Renée Good\n\nFebruary 26, 2026: Record Preservation Request Regarding Review, Redaction, and Production of Epstein Files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act and Earlier Reviews\n\nMarch 9, 2026: Record Preservation Request Regarding Allegations Against President Trump within Epstein Files and Missing FBI 302 Interview Memorializations\n\nMarch 16, 2026: Letter Regarding OCDETF Operation Trip Knot’s Uncovering of Financial Links to Jeffrey Epstein\n\nMarch 16, 2026: Letter Regarding DOJ’s NPRM on Interfering with State Bar Disciplinary Processes\n\nMarch 16, 2026: Criminal Referral Regarding Former Secretary Noem’s Perjury Before the Senate and House Judiciary Committees\n\nApril 13, 2026: Letter Regarding Former Attorney General Bondi’s Departure\n\nApril 15, 2026: Letter Regarding Halkbank Deferred Prosecution Agreement\n\nApril 20, 2026: Records Preservation Request Regarding Incidents FBI Director Patel’s Impairment and Absences on the Job\n\nApril 26, 2026: Letter Regarding Status of Investigation into then-Federal Reserve Chair Powell\n\nMay 11, 2026: Letter Regarding BOP Policies Concerning Transgender Inmates\n\nMay 18, 2026: Letter Regarding Blanche Recusal Issues\n\nMay 26, 2026: Letter Regarding Purported Anti-Weaponization Fund\n\nThe Senators cite the following outstanding requests with only partial or insufficient response:\n\nFebruary 28, 2025: Letter Regarding Shuttering of Task Force KleptoCapture\n\nMarch 11, 2025: Letter Regarding Investigation of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund\n\nMarch 17, 2025: Letter Regarding DOJ’s Election Threats Task Force\n\nMarch 26, 2025: Letter Regarding Baseless Termination of Pardon Attorney\n\nMarch 28, 2025: Letter Regarding Termination of Immigration Judges at Executive Office of Immigration Review\n\nApril 10, 2025: Letter Regarding Cryptocurrency Enforcement\n\nMay 15, 2025: Letter Requesting then-Attorney General Bondi’s Legal Memorandum Concluding President Trump’s Receipt of $400 Million Qatari Jet Was “Legally Permissible”\n\nJuly 1, 2025: Letter Regarding Emil Bove’s Direction to DOJ Officials to Mislead Courts\n\nJuly 17, 2025: Letter Regarding Baseless Voter Fraud Investigations\n\nJuly 18, 2025: Letter Regarding July 7 DOJ/FBI Memo on Jeffrey Epstein Files and Death by Suicide\n\nJuly 28, 2025: Letter Regarding Blanche’s Interview of Ghislaine Maxwell\n\nSeptember 15, 2025: Letter Regarding Attempt to Unlawfully Remove Unaccompanied Children\n\nSeptember 26, 2025: Letter Regarding U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and Attempted Prosecution of Former FBI Director Comey\n\nFebruary 13, 2026: Letter Regarding Removal of Assistant Attorney General for DOJ’s Antitrust Division Slater\n\nRead the full copy of the letter to Blanche here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-big-brothers-big-sisters-and-invest-america-host-new-jersey-community-launch-event-for-childrens-investment-accounts", "title": "Booker, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Invest America Host New Jersey Community Launch Event for Children’s Investment Accounts", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "NEWARK, NJ — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties CEO Carlos Lejnieks and Invest America founder Brad Gerstner for a community celebration marking the launch of children’s investment accounts — also known as Trump Accounts — a transformational national initiative designed to help families build long-term financial security for children across America.\n\nThese accounts, building on proposals including Senator Booker’s American Opportunity Accounts Act — known as “Baby Bonds” — are private, tax-advantaged, interest-bearing savings accounts available to every American child at birth. Each account is seeded with a $1,000 federal investment and can grow through contributions from family, friends, philanthropists, and employers who want to invest in the futures of their employees’ children. The accounts officially go live on July 4.\n\n\"Today marks the beginning of a new generation of American children growing up with a stronger foundation to redeem the American Dream,\" said Booker. \"I have fought for this idea for years, because it is the kind of big, bold idea that will have a tangible and transformational impact on our country. There are children born today, like those in the neighborhood where I live in Newark, whose parents work hard every single day but have never had the chance to build generational wealth. With a children's investment savings account, seeded with $1,000, those kids will have something that grows with them from birth, putting them on a path toward wealth-building that can help them afford college, open a small business, or buy their first home. When we invest in our children, we affirm their worth, we honor their dreams, and we declare that opportunity should never depend on the ZIP code you're born into or the wealth your family inherited.\"\n\n“This is such an important policy conversation to have with the families in our communities, not only to spread awareness of the opportunity but as encouragement that there can be a path to college, no matter your situation,” said Carlos Lejnieks, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties. “We are honored to partner with Senator Booker to get the word out and for his longtime support of our mentoring mission.”\n\n“Senator Booker has long understood and fought for children’s investment accounts and was an early supporter of the Invest America Act,”said Brad Gerstner, Founder of Invest America. “On July 4, every child born forevermore will get a Trump Account with a $1,000 free lifetime investment account. There are 1.1 million kids under 10 in New Jersey eligible to claim their account right now with at least $250 in the account. Claiming the account automatically makes each child a shareholder in the S&P 500 — companies like Apple, Walmart & Nvidia. With simple savings and compounding, the accounts can be worth $50,000 at 18, $200,000 at age 30.”\n\nSenator Booker has long championed Baby Bonds as a transformational tool to close the racial wealth gap and make economic opportunity a birthright for every American child. He first introduced the American Opportunity Accounts Act in 2018 and has pushed for its implementation throughout his time in the Senate. In December 2025, Booker and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) sent a letter to Fortune 1000 CEOs urging them to support child investment accounts.\n\nAt today’s event, parents and families received step-by-step guidance on how to enroll and activate their children’s accounts. Leaders underscored the urgency of the moment: billions of dollars from the federal government and philanthropists are now available to families upon enrollment. Youth and community partners joined Senator Booker and Brad Gerstner for a conversation about how this program represents one of the most significant investments in children’s futures in U.S. history.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-merkley-krishnamoorthi-bynum-urge-epa-to-begin-monitoring-microplastics-in-americas-drinking-water", "title": "Booker, Merkley, Krishnamoorthi, Bynum Urge EPA to Begin Monitoring Microplastics in America's Drinking Water", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), along with U.S. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-8) and Janelle Bynum (D-OR-5), led a bicameral letter joined by 53 colleagues urging EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to include microplastics in the agency’s Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6). The lawmakers argue that EPA should begin monitoring microplastics in America's drinking water, citing a growing body of research linking the emerging contaminant to serious adverse health effects.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers note that emerging research has found microplastics throughout the human body and are associated with lung disease, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, impaired kidney and liver function, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. They argue that adding microplastics to UCMR 6 would provide critical transparency regarding exposure, inform future health-protective standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and help ensure the federal government meets its responsibility to protect the health and safety of the American people.\n\n\"As plastic production continues to expand rapidly, microplastics pose a potential threat to public health in the United States. Emerging research demonstrates that microplastics are now pervasive in the human body and are associated with serious adverse health effects. Concentrations of microplastics in human brain tissue have been reported to increase by nearly 50 percent between 2016 and 2024,\" the lawmakers wrote.\n\n\"Accordingly, we urge the EPA to add microplastics to UCMR 6 and to design a robust, nationwide monitoring program for microplastics in drinking water. Doing so will provide critical transparency regarding exposure, inform future health-protective standards under SDWA, and help ensure that the federal government meets its responsibility to protect the health and safety of the American people,” the lawmakers concluded.\n\nThe letter also highlights growing bipartisan congressional interest in better understanding how microplastics affect Americans' health, pointing to the recently introduced bipartisan, bicameral Microplastics Safety Act and ARPA-H's STOMP program to develop technologies to measure and remove microplastics from the body. The lawmakers argue EPA has a critical role to play as the primary agency regulating drinking water.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=606DBDE8-C846-4CDA-997B-CC44402F49BF", "title": "Boozman, Padilla, Curtis Lead Bill to Strengthen Rural Water Infrastructure and Wildfire Readiness", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.boozman.senate.gov", "scraper": "boozman", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Alex Padilla (D-CA) and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Firefighting Infrastructure for Rural and Exurban Smaller Municipalities Augmenting Residential Fuels Treatments (FIRE SMART) Act, legislation to expand funding eligibility for projects with fire suppression benefits in high-risk rural areas.\n\n“We have seen wildfires threaten states across the West, and even in Arkansas, with deadly and devastating effects. I am proud to support a bipartisan solution that can help combat them and protect lives and communities by enhancing support for water systems while maintaining access to safe drinking water,” said Boozman.\n\n“While we’ve made progress in wildfire mitigation and prevention, too many rural communities still lack the water infrastructure needed to effectively respond when disaster strikes,” said Padilla. “The FIRE SMART Act changes that reality by strengthening water systems and giving rural communities the tools they need to keep homes and families safe. While we can’t predict when wildfires will strike, this commonsense legislation will help ensure rural communities are better prepared when they do.”\n\n“As wildfires continue to threaten Utah and the West, rural communities need access to the tools and infrastructure necessary to protect lives and property,” said Curtis. “This bipartisan legislation makes targeted, commonsense reforms to allow certain drinking water projects that also strengthen wildfire resilience to qualify for federal support. By helping small, high-risk communities upgrade critical water infrastructure, we can improve public safety while maintaining the core mission of providing reliable drinking water.”\n\nThe bipartisan legislation would help build rural communities’ resiliency by optimizing water infrastructure to provide the flow necessary for emergency responders to save lives and property during an active wildfire. The legislation would amend the Environmental Protection Agency’s Drinking Water State Revolving Funds to expand eligibility for water infrastructure projects that have both drinking water and wildfire suppression benefits, and are in communities at high risk for wildfires with fewer than 50,000 residents.\n\nSenators Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) also cosponsored the bill.\n\nThe FIRE SMART Act is endorsed by several organizations including the National Special Districts Association, National Association of Emergency and Fire Officials and Family Farm Alliance.\n\nClick here to view full bill text.\n\nClick here to view a bill summary.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/07/01/budd-joins-risch-shaheen-and-colleagues-in-releasing-bipartisan-statement-pushing-back-on-chinas-ethnic-unity-law/", "title": "Budd Joins Risch, Shaheen, and Colleagues in Releasing Bipartisan Statement Pushing Back on China’s Ethnic Unity Law", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.budd.senate.gov", "scraper": "budd", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001305", "name": "Ted Budd", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) joined Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in releasing a statement ahead of the Chinese government’s enactment of a law promoting “ethnic unity and progress.”\n\nIn a joint statement, the Senators said:\n\n“For decades, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has denied ethnic and religious minority groups—including Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Mongolians—the right to self-determination, even as this internationally recognized human right remains in China’s constitution. China’s newly enacted Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, approved by its rubber-stamp parliament, codifies Beijing’s unjust policies that increasingly seek to erase the religion, culture, and language of minority groups located both inside and outside China.\n\n“In particular, we are deeply concerned by language in the law that demands ideological compliance with the CCP, mandating that even people outside China deemed to be undermining ‘ethnic unity and progress’ by the Chinese government can be held legally responsible in China. This sweeping legislation gives Beijing near limitless authority to prosecute those who would speak out against Beijing’s oppression and only continues its development of a legal framework to legitimize its transnational repression.\n\n“We will continue to push back against the CCP’s efforts to undermine the sovereignty of other countries and support the internationally recognized human rights of Tibetans, Uyghurs, and other ethnic and minority groups. All people deserve to have a say in their own future, preserve their culture, and freely express their religious beliefs.”\n\nU.S. Senators John Curtis (R-Utah), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) also joined in releasing the statement.\n\nAdditionally, the House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar (R-Mich.-02), Select Committee Ranking Member Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), and Representative Young Kim (R-Calif.-40) joined as well.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-trump-admin-refusing-to-renew-the-us-mexico-canada-trade-agreement", "title": "Cantwell Statement on Trump Admin Refusing to Renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Statement on Trump Admin Refusing to Renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement\n\nU.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement supports over 320,000 jobs & $11 billion in exports in Washington state\n\nEDMONDS, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Finance Committee, released the following statement on the Trump administration refusing to renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):\n\n“The formal review of the USMCA started today. The agreement and the subsequent investments in supply chains built on a three-country market have created wealth and opportunity for all of North America. I ask the USTR to negotiate in good faith with our partners and extend the agreement.”\n\nMexico and Canada support more than 320,000 jobs across Washington state and account for $11 billion in exports – or around 20% of Washington state’s total exports. In the past year, Washington state businesses saved over $126 million thanks to the USMCA reducing or eliminating tariff costs, according to a recent report.\n\nSen. Cantwell previously called on the Trump administration to renew the USMCA, citing its importance to Washington state manufacturers, farmers, and consumers.\n\nIn March 2026, Sen. Cantwell joined 21 Senate Democrats in introducing legislation requiring refunds of President Trump’s illegal tariffs, which collected approximately $175 billion in revenue and jacked up prices for American families.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-announces-47-million-for-roads-and-bridges-in-hardy-and-kanawha-counties", "title": "Capito Announces $47 Million for Roads and Bridges in Hardy and Kanawha Counties", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, announced more than $47 million in funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program.\n\nThis grant funding for the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) includes $23 million for the Corridor H – Waites Run to Virginia State Line Project, which would support the completion of construction work along 3.7 miles of the Corridor H expressway from Waites Run to the Virginia state line. WVDOT also received $24 million to support repairs on the Eugene A. Carter Memorial Bridge on Interstate 64 in Kanawha County.\n\n“I am very pleased to announce this latest funding for WVDOT, which will help complete two essential projects for transportation and commerce in West Virginia. Both the improvements to the Eugene A. Carter Bridge in Kanawha County and the construction of Corridor H in Hardy County play key roles in the present and future connectivity of our state. The Carter Bridge is the most heavily travelled bridge in West Virginia, and these improvements will positively impact the commutes of countless West Virginians. The construction of Corridor H also remains one of my top priorities and will transform the movement of people and goods across our state. As Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I was proud to secure these funds for two vital West Virginia projects, and I will continue to fight for federal funding to support the development and modernization of our infrastructure so that West Virginian families, first responders, and businesses can move more easily across our beautiful state,” Chairman Capito said.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-applauds-mine-rescue-and-emergency-preparedness-grant-funding-opportunity", "title": "Capito Applauds Mine Rescue and Emergency Preparedness Grant Funding Opportunity", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Labor, Health, and Human Services (LHHS) Appropriations Subcommittee, applauded the availability of up to $250,000 in Brookwood-Sago Grants from the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The funding will support mine safety, health education, and mine emergency preparedness efforts.\n\nThe Brookwood-Sago Grant Program honors the West Virginia miners lost in the 2006 Sago Mine disaster. The program was created by the MINER Act, which Senator Capito introduced while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. This funding will enhance mine safety by funding the development and implementation of mine safety training exercises.\n\n“Coal mining is a proud tradition here in the Mountain State, and the men and women who work in our mines deserve every resource possible to keep them safe,” Senator Capito said. “Investments in mine safety training and equipment are critical to ensuring our mine rescue teams and fire brigades are prepared to respond when it matters most. I applaud the DOL for making this funding available and encourage eligible localities and organizations in West Virginia to take advantage of this opportunity,”\n\nLearn more about this grant program and funding opportunity here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-cuts-the-ribbon-at-clinton-fire-station", "title": "Senator Collins Cuts the Ribbon at Clinton Fire Station", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.\n\nCLINTON, ME – U.S. Senator Susan Collins took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony, delivered remarks, and toured the new fire station in Clinton yesterday. She was joined at the event by Clinton Town Manager Daniel Swain, Fire Chief Rick Barton, members of the Clinton Fire Department, and dozens of local residents. During the ceremony, the community also honored Clinton Police Chief Stanley “Rusty” Bell on his retirement after 47 years in law enforcement.\n\nIn 2022, Senator Collins secured $2 million through her role on the Senate Appropriations Committee to support the construction of the new Clinton Fire Station. Last year, Senator Collins toured the previous station and reviewed plans for the new facility. Built in the 1950s, the old station was too small to accommodate the modern equipment the department planned to purchase.\n\n“Replacing or renovating outdated public safety facilities is a key priority here in the state of Maine. I toured the 75-year-old station a year ago with Assistant Chief Travis Leary and saw the challenges the crowded facility with the double-parked vehicles presented to firefighters and EMTs in swiftly responding to emergencies,” said Senator Collins during her remarks. “I am so pleased that the new station we celebrate today addresses those longstanding deficiencies and will better serve this rural community. Congratulations on this achievement, and I look forward to our continued work together.”\n\nThe new facility is twice the size of the old station and includes ample space for training, equipment, and vehicle storage. Additionally, the Clinton Police Department has found a new home in the previous and now vacant Clinton Fire Station.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-secures-25-million-for-sun-valley-boulevard-improvements/", "title": "Cortez Masto Secures $25 Million for Sun Valley Boulevard Improvements", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Incline Village, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) announced $25,000,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for the Sun Valley Boulevard Corridor Improvements Project in Northern Nevada, following her push to secure this funding through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program. The BUILD Grant was included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Cortez Masto helped pass in 2021.\n\n“I’m proud to have worked directly with RTC Washoe on this vital project, culminating in this funding that will make life better for residents, workers, and visitors along the Sun Valley Boulevard Corridor,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This is government in action – from the federal to the local level – delivering for Nevadans. Together, we will make our streets better for drivers and pedestrians and more safely connect our communities.”\n\nThis funding will allow the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (RTC Washoe) to make needed improvements along approximately 2.6 miles of Sun Valley Boulevard. The updates to Sun Valley Boulevard will include drainage improvements, new shared-use paths, additional bus stops, pedestrian crossing enhancements and accessibility improvements, signal modifications, improved signage and striping, landscaping, and pavement rehabilitation.\n\nThe Senator had previously secured $2,500,000 in funding for the Sun Valley Boulevard Improvements in the federal government’s FY2024 budget.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto has consistently fought to ensure Nevada’s transportation infrastructure has the funding it needs. The Senator recently secured $33,746,000 from the FAA for airports throughout Nevada, including $20 million for the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Cortez Masto has also secured millions for improvements to Nevada’s roads to increase safety and reduce congestion. These investments help support the Silver State’s vital manufacturing and hospitality sectors while ensuring that Nevadans have the safe and efficient transportation network they require.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-welcomes-new-u-s-citizens-in-honor-of-america-250/", "title": "Cortez Masto Welcomes New U.S. Citizens in Honor of America 250", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***VIDEO AVAILABLE***\n\nFTP for TV stations of her remarks and Broll.\n\nIncline Village, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) attended and spoke at a naturalization ceremony for new American citizens at the Sand Harbor Amphitheater at Lake Tahoe, Nevada.\n\n“As the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of immigrants, I’m proud to see each of you take the oath of allegiance to the United States,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding serves as a reminder that our great nation only exists because of immigrants […] This is exactly what our founding fathers envisioned 250 years ago: generations of Americans proudly nurturing our democracy and making it even stronger.”\n\nThe first and only Latina Senator, Cortez Masto has consistently supported immigrant communities in Nevada. She has called on both the Biden Administration and Trump Administration to protect Dreamers, TPS holders and other immigrants. Cortez Masto has worked to pass meaningful immigration reform that balances critical border security measures with a path to citizenship for Dreamers. She is also leading legislation to allow DACA recipients to work in Congress.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-doe-selects-und-pilot-project-for-rare-earth-elements-and-critical-minerals-recovery", "title": "Sen Cramer: DOE Selects UND Pilot Project for Rare Earth Elements and Critical Minerals Recovery", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota’s natural resources are playing a significant role in meeting the mineral needs of America’s economy and geopolitical strength. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has made the University of North Dakota’s (UND) College of Engineering and Mines eligible for funding for its groundbreaking extraction of critical minerals and rare earth elements from North Dakota’s abundant lignite coal. This strategic collaboration reduces U.S. dependence on foreign suppliers like China and strengthen domestic supply chains.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) celebrated the award, saying, “North Dakota has long been a leader in the development of our natural resources, benefiting the state and the nation. Extracting critical minerals, particularly through UND’s best and brightest researchers and engineers, is the next step. This award will help jumpstart domestic critical mineral production while also keeping our state’s excellence at the center of it all.”\n\nThe Trump administration has made mineral security a priority and continued to explore pathways to secure our domestic supply chains. Today’s announcement from the DOE makes UND and other awardees eligible for a portion of the $75 million fund. It secures an opportunity for UND’s proposed demonstration project at Falkirk Mine to move forward with industry partners.\n\nIn May, Cramer hosted Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey at UND to follow-up on one of the joint projects in operation. Throughout the walkthrough, Duffey, Cramer, UND, and project leaders discussed how North Dakota’s growing role in rare earth development could improve supply chain resilience to meet changing defense needs. Although the facility has successfully demonstrated the technology and produced quantities sufficient to validate real-world application, additional investments will support UND and industry partners as they work towards full commercialization.\n\nDuffey’s visit followed Cramer’s letter to the Departments of Energy and War, highlighting the positive prospects of UND College of Engineering & Mines’ critical minerals research and pilot plant from domestic stockpiles of lignite coal. Last fall, Cramer wrote, “For nearly a decade, UND researchers have explored and found effective methods to efficiently extract critical minerals and REEs from lignite coal. This lignite rare earths project would build [additional] momentum and be an excellent complement by supplying the heavy rare earths [other mines lack], enabling U.S. production of the highest-value permanent magnets, while also providing other defense-critical minerals like gallium, germanium, scandium, and synthetic graphite.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/idaho-to-receive-496-million-in-pilt-funding-for-community-services", "title": "Idaho to Receive $49.6 Million in PILT Funding for Community Services", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) announced 44 local governments in Idaho will receive a total of about $49.6 million in Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding for 2026. Since local governments cannot tax federal lands, annual PILT payments help cover the costs associated with maintaining community services.\n\n\"Idaho's counties are responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, and dependable PILT funding helps them meet community service demands,\" said Crapo. \"These payments help local governments make long-term investments in roads, emergency services and other essential priorities while recognizing the economic realities created by federal land ownership. I will continue advocating for policies that give Idaho's rural communities the certainty and resources they need to succeed.\"\n\n“Every Idaho county contains federal land, making PILT funding critical to maintaining the roads and essential services Idahoans rely on each day,” said Risch. “These payments ensure Idaho’s rural communities can offset the loss of revenue from nontaxable federal land.”\n\nCrapo and Risch have been long-term proponents of ensuring the long-term viability of the PILT program.\n\nThe U.S. Department of the Interior collects billions of dollars of revenue annually from commercial activities on public lands. A portion of those revenues is shared with states and counties. The balance is deposited into the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which, in turn, pays for a broad array of federal activities, including PILT funding.\n\nPayments are calculated based on the number of acres of federal land within each county or jurisdiction and the population of that county or jurisdiction.\n\nA full list of funding by state and county is available HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/working-families-tax-cuts-deliver-expanded-educational-opportunity", "title": "Working Families Tax Cuts Deliver Expanded Educational Opportunity", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.—The Working Families Tax Cuts delivered one of the largest expansions of education freedom in history, providing new tax benefits to families that will help with educational opportunity and affordability. Through the newly created Education Freedom Tax Credit, taxpayers are eligible for a credit up to $1,700 for qualified contributions made to organizations that fund scholarships for low- and middle-income students, helping families afford costs associated with elementary and secondary education. By incentivizing these contributions, the new tax credit will make school choice programs more accessible, giving families more schooling options.\n\n“Education is best overseen by the people closest to every student, and the Education Freedom Tax Credit makes school choice more accessible to those who understand a child’s needs best—their parents,” said U.S. Senate Finance Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). “Through this new provision and others, the Working Families Tax Cuts are helping ensure every Idaho student has the educational foundation necessary to succeed.”\n\nThe Department of the Treasury recently previewed forthcoming guidance to prepare states, taxpayers and other stakeholders for the launch of the Education Freedom Tax Credit in January 2027. You can read Treasury’s announcement HERE. In its Education Freedom Tax Credit fact sheet (located HERE), Treasury notes that scholarships can be used to cover education-related services at private or public schools, including tuition, fees, academic tutoring and classroom supplies\n\nOther key education wins in the Working Families Tax Cuts:\n\nExpanded 529 plan eligibility to include expenses for vocational schools and apprenticeship programs\n\nDoubled the amount families can withdraw annually from 529 plans to pay for K-12 education\n\nMade permanent a tax exclusion for employers that help repay their employees’ student loans\n\nWhat they are saying:\n\n“Every family deserves access to the education that’s right for their child, and every governor who has pledged to act once the rules were clear must now do exactly that. The time to opt in is now. AFC will continue to stand with parents seeking this life-changing opportunity.” – American Federation for Children CEO Tommy Schultz\n\n“Opting in on this opportunity will benefit every student and family in Idaho, no matter what their educational choices may be. This is a chance to give Idahoans more—more support, more resources, and more options—without taking away from what we already have.” – Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield\n\nClick HERE to learn more about how the Working Families Tax Cuts encourage school choice.\n\nClick HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-jackson-reintroduce-legislation-to-help-reduce-gun-violence-and-honor-slain-chicago-student-blair-holt", "title": "Duckworth, Jackson Reintroduce Legislation to Help Reduce Gun Violence and Honor Slain Chicago Student Blair Holt", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01) reintroduced bicameral legislation to help reduce gun violence in Illinois and across the country. The Blair Holt Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act, which Duckworth has been pushing for since 2018, would prohibit the unlicensed ownership and transfer of firearms and direct the U.S. Attorney General to establish and maintain a federal record of sale system and conduct fingerprint-based nationwide criminal background checks. The legislation is named after Blair Holt, a Chicago Julian High School honor student who was gunned down protecting his friend when a gunman opened fire while they were riding home from school on a crowded public transit bus.\n\n“No child should ever be put in a situation where they lose their life protecting a friend from gunfire,” said Duckworth. “This is commonsense legislation that would establish universal background checks and other safety reforms to help prevent dangerous firearms from falling into the wrong hands. For Blair Holt and the countless other victims of gun violence in our country, Congress must put partisanship aside and work together to make our communities safer for our children and prevent these tragedies from ever happening again.”\n\n“We cannot accept a nation where a teenager’s bus ride home becomes a battleground, and where families are left to mourn preventable tragedies,” said Representative Jackson. “Blair Holt’s death is a painful reminder that young people, families, and communities continue to bear the cost of Congress’s failure to act. I am honored to reintroduce this legislation with Senator Duckworth because it reflects our commitment to choose courage over complacency and finally enact the commonsense safeguards our communities have demanded for far too long.”\n\nThe Blair Holt Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act is modeled, in part, after the Illinois Firearm Owners Identification Card (FOID) statute and specifically would:\n\nProtect the public against the unreasonable risk of injury and death associated with the unrecorded sale or transfer of qualifying firearms to unlicensed individuals.\n\nMake sure that owners of qualifying firearms are knowledgeable in the safe use, handling and storage of those firearms.\n\nRestrict the availability of qualifying firearms to criminals, children and other persons prohibited by federal law from receiving firearms.\n\nRequire universal background checks for all purchases or transfers of firearms.\n\nFacilitate the tracing of qualifying firearms used in crime by federal and state law enforcement agencies.\n\nDuckworth has been a fierce advocate of getting weapons of war off our streets. Last month, she introduced a resolution marking four years since the horrific Highland Park July 4th shooting. Last Congress, she joined her colleagues in reintroducing an assault weapons ban and in introducing legislation to raise the minimum age to buy assault weapons. She also supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was signed into law to help crack down on straw purchasing, expand background checks for buyers under 21 years of age, take steps to close the “boyfriend loophole,” support state red flag laws and offer billions in funding for counseling, mental health, and trauma support for victims of gun violence.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-judiciary-democrats-demand-todd-blanche-answer-to-dozens-of-oversight-requests-ignored-by-justice-department", "title": "Senate Judiciary Democrats Demand Todd Blanche Answer To Dozens Of Oversight Requests Ignored By Justice Department", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "As Todd Blanche’s nomination for Attorney General is under consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee and he’s been heavily involved in key DOJ issues, it’s imperative that the Committee receive sufficient responses to the laundry list of outstanding inquiries be provided before his hearing\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in pressing Todd Blanche for answers on dozens of oversight matters that remain outstanding, either due to no response, insufficient response, or only partial response from DOJ.\n\nIn light of the unprecedented decision to combine Todd Blanche’s Attorney General nomination hearing with the annual Justice Department oversight hearing, the Senators deem these responses as critical ahead of the July 15 hearing, given Blanche’s leadership role over many of these issues and direct responsibility answering for DOJ’s actions now that he serves as Acting Attorney General.\n\n“We write to request immediate responses to the dozens of oversight requests we have made of the Department of Justice (DOJ) throughout the 119th Congress that remain outstanding. Although not all members signed each letter, we all agree that it is critical the Department respond to all Congressional oversight. You currently seek Senate confirmation as Attorney General, but you also currently serve as the most senior Senate-confirmed official at the Department, and consequently, you are also responsible for ensuring that DOJ abides by Congress’s constitutional oversight authority. Additionally, given your tenure as the Deputy Attorney General, and now as Acting Attorney General, the Committee cannot properly assess your nomination without these responses, due to the fact that these issues reflect on your character and abilities as an attorney and public servant,” wrote the Senators.\n\n“As the Department has had months, and more than a year in many instances, to provide these responses, please ensure that the Committee receives complete responses to all the following requests by July 8,” concluded the Senators.\n\nThe Senators cite the following outstanding requests with no response:\n\nJanuary 29, 2025 Letter Requesting Access to Volume II of Special Counsel Smith’s Report\n\nFebruary 3, 2025 Letters Regarding Purges of Senior Career Civil Servants Across DOJ and FBI\n\nFebruary 4, 2025 Letter Regarding Reassignment of Assistant U.S. Attorneys to Immigration Enforcement\n\nFebruary 20, 2025 Letter Regarding Replacement of Career Ethics Officials With Inexperience Political Appointees\n\nFebruary 26, 2025 Letter Regarding Compliance with the CLOUD Act\n\nMarch 3, 2025 Letter Regarding Termination and Redirection of National Security Career Civil Servants Toward Immigration Enforcement\n\nMarch 20, 2025 Letter Regarding Shuttering of DOJ’s Public Integrity Section\n\nMarch 21, 2025 Letter Regarding Trump Administration Reduction and Termination of BOP Retention Incentives\n\nMarch 26, 2025 Letter Regarding Baseless Termination of Pardon Attorney\n\nMarch 31, 2025 Letter Regarding Blanche’s Confirmation Hearing Testimony\n\nApril 1, 2025 Letter Regarding DOJ’s Position on Scope of January 6 Pardons Covering Unrelated, Subsequent Criminal Conduct\n\nApril 1, 2025 Letter Regarding DOJ’s Role in President Trump’s Baseless Assertion that President Biden’s Pardons Are Void\n\nApril 18, 2025 Letter Regarding U.S. Marshal Visit to Former Pardon Attorney Oyer\n\nApril 30, 2025 Letter Regarding DOJ Grant Terminations\n\nMay 2, 2025 Letter Regarding then-Attorney General Bondi’s Lobbying Private Prison Contractor Conflicts of Interest\n\nMay 8, 2025 Letter Regarding Change to Department Guidance on Subpoenaing Information About Confidential Sources from Journalists\n\nMay 21, 2025 Record Preservation Request Regarding Pattern and Practice Investigations\n\nJune 9, 2025 Letter Regarding Detention of SEIU President Huerta\n\nJune 12, 2025 Letter Regarding Ed Martin’s Abuses at DOJ\n\nJune 12, 2025 Letter Regarding BIA Decision to Weaken Legal Protections for DACA\n\nJune 19, 2025 Letter Requesting Information Regarding Alleged Misconduct by Emil Bove in United States v. Nejad\n\nJuly 14, 2025 Letter Regarding Weaponization of Immigration Court Hearings to Trap and Arrest Immigrants\n\nJuly 16, 2025 Letter Regarding Termination of Director of DOJ’s Departmental Ethics Office\n\nJuly 16, 2025 Letter Regarding then-DAAG Bove’s Role in Epstein Files Review\n\nJuly 23, 2025 Letter Regarding DOJ’s Office of Professional Responsibility’s Investigation into Emil Bove’s Alleged Misconduct in United States v. Nejad\n\nJuly 28, 2025 Letter Regarding Arrangement of Ghislaine Maxwell Interview and Review of Epstein Files\n\nAugust 7, 2025 Letter Regarding Transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell to Minimum-Security Prison\n\nSeptember 3, 2025 Letter Regarding Hiring Jared Wise, Convicted January 6 Law Enforcement Assaulter, as a Senior Adviser at DOJ\n\nSeptember 3, 2025 Letter Regarding Deployment of National Guard to Chicago\n\nSeptember 4, 2025 Letter Regarding Partisan Terminations of Career Civil Servants\n\nSeptember 5, 2025 Letter Regarding Politicization of DOJ’s Antitrust Division\n\nSeptember 15, 2025 Letter Regarding Diminished National Security Expertise and Capacity Due to Terminations and Reassignments\n\nSeptember 23, 2025 Questions for the Record Following the September 16, 2025 Hearing Concerning Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with Director Patel\n\nSeptember 23, 2025 Letter Regarding Termination of Tom Homan Corruption Investigation\n\nSeptember 30, 2025 Letter Regarding Use of JAG Officers as DOJ Immigration Judges\n\nSeptember 30, 2025 Follow-up Letter Regarding Restitution Payments for Convicted January 6 Insurrectionists\n\nOctober 14, 2025 Questions for the Record Following the October 7, 2025 Hearing Concerning Oversight of the Department of Justice with then-Attorney General Bondi\n\nOctober 29, 2025 Letter Regarding President Trump’s $230 Million Taxpayer Funded Settlement Requests\n\nOctober 29, 2025 Letter Regarding Unlawfulness of President Trump’s Military Strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific\n\nOctober 30, 2025 Letter Regarding Partisan Deployment of Election Monitors\n\nNovember 6, 2025 Letter Regarding DOJ’s Voter Roll Requests to States\n\nNovember 19, 2025 Letter Regarding Partisan Terminations of FBI Agents and Intervention of U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of the District of Columbia\n\nDecember 9, 2025 Letter Regarding DOJ and FBI Weaponization Against Members of Congress for Constitutionally Protected Speech Reiterating Federal Law\n\nJanuary 22, 2026 Letter Regarding Killing of Renée Good\n\nJanuary 26, 2026 Letter Regarding Creation of Second Amendment Section within DOJ’s Civil Rights Division\n\nJanuary 28, 2026 Letter Regarding Blanche Cryptocurrency Conflicts\n\nJanuary 29, 2026 Follow-up Letter on DOJ’s Voter Roll Requests to States\n\nFebruary 9, 2026 Record Preservation Request Regarding Investigations of Senators Kelly and Slotkin’s Constitutionally Protected Speech Reiterating Federal Law\n\nFebruary 25, 2026 Request for Investigation into Decision to Block Use of Force Investigation in January 7 Killing of Renée Good\n\nFebruary 26, 2026 Record Preservation Request Regarding Review, Redaction, and Production of Epstein Files under theEpstein Files Transparency Act and Earlier Reviews\n\nMarch 9, 2026 Record Preservation Request Regarding Allegations Against President Trump within Epstein Files and Missing FBI 302 Interview Memorializations\n\nMarch 16, 2026 Letter Regarding OCDETF Operation Trip Knot’s Uncovering of Financial Links to Jeffrey Epstein\n\nMarch 16, 2026 Letter Regarding DOJ’s NPRM on Interfering with State Bar Disciplinary Processes\n\nMarch 16, 2026 Criminal Referral Regarding Former Secretary Noem’s Perjury Before the Senate and House Judiciary Committees\n\nApril 13, 2026 Letter Regarding Former Attorney General Bondi’s Departure\n\nApril 15, 2026 Letter Regarding Halbank Deferred Prosecution Agreement\n\nApril 20, 2026 Records Preservation Request Regarding Incidents FBI Director Patel’s Impairment and Absences on the Job\n\nApril 26, 2026 Letter Regarding Status of Investigation into then-Federal Reserve Chair Powell\n\nMay 11, 2026 Letter Regarding BOP Policies Concerning Transgender Inmates\n\nMay 18, 2026 Letter Regarding Blanche Recusal Issues\n\nMay 26, 2026 Letter Regarding Purported Anti-Weaponization Fund\n\nThe Senators cite the following outstanding requests with only partial or insufficient response:\n\nFebruary 28, 2025 Letter Regarding Shuttering of Task Force KleptoCapture\n\nMarch 11, 2025 Letter Regarding Investigation of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund\n\nMarch 17, 2025 Letter Regarding DOJ’s Election Threats Task Force\n\nMarch 26, 2025 Letter Regarding Baseless Termination of Pardon Attorney\n\nMarch 28, 2025 Letter Regarding Termination of Immigration Judges at Executive Office\n\nof Immigration Review\n\nApril 10, 2025 Letter Regarding Cryptocurrency Enforcement\n\nMay 15, 2025 Letter Requesting then-Attorney General Bondi’s Legal Memorandum Concluding President Trump’s Receipt of $400 Million Qatari Jet Was “Legally Permissible”\n\nJuly 1, 2025 Letter Regarding Emil Bove’s Direction to DOJ Officials to Mislead Courts\n\nJuly 17, 2025 Letter Regarding Baseless Voter Fraud Investigations\n\nJuly 18, 2025 Letter Regarding July 7 DOJ/FBI Memo on Jeffrey Epstein Files and Death by Suicide\n\nJuly 28, 2025 Letter Regarding Blanche’s Interview of Ghislaine Maxwell\n\nSeptember 15, 2025 Letter Regarding Attempt to Unlawfully Remove Unaccompanied Children\n\nSeptember 26, 2025 Letter Regarding U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and Attempted Prosecution of Former FBI Director Comey\n\nFebruary 13, 2026 Letter Regarding Removal of Assistant Attorney General for DOJ’s Antitrust Division Slater\n\nFor a PDF copy of the letter sent to Blanche, click here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-talks-tourism-water-and-more-in-page/", "title": "Gallego Talks Tourism, Water, and More in Page", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "PAGE – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) visited Page, Arizona to meet with local leaders and discuss pressing issues affecting Northern Arizona, including wildfire prevention and recovery, tourism, and Colorado River water.\n\n“Rural communities like Page play a vital role in Arizona’s economy,” said Senator Gallego. “Whether it’s securing federal resources to help them recover from devastating wildfires or working for a fair deal on the Colorado River, I’m proud to always fight for Northern Arizona in the Senate.”\n\nSenator Gallego started his Northern Arizona visit by meeting with members of the Page City Council.\n\nAt the meeting, he discussed his work to support Northern Arizona’s tourism economy, including introducing the North Rim and Kaibab National Forest Restoration Act to expedite cleanup and restoration efforts following last year’s devastating Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires.\n\nHe then visited the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, where he toured Glen Canyon Dam and discussed Colorado River water management and current issues facing Lake Powell with the Acting Superintendent.\n\nIn addition to being a vital source of water storage on the Colorado River, the Glen Canyon Dam produces around five billion kilowatt-hours of hydroelectric power annually, providing electricity for millions of Americans across the West.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-colleagues-demand-answers-about-impact-of-trumps-medicaid-cuts/", "title": "Gillibrand, Colleagues Demand Answers About Impact Of Trump’s Medicaid Cuts", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Because of Republicans, New York is facing $63 billion in Medicaid cuts\n\nToday, Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) led her Democratic colleagues on the Senate Aging Committee in demanding answers about the impact of President Trump’s Medicaid cuts on seniors and people with disabilities.\n\nA year ago this week, the president signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which slashed Medicaid funding by nearly $1 trillion to give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. In a letter to the Government Accountability Office, the senators demanded answers about exactly how these cuts will hurt Americans and about what cuts have already been made.\n\n“When federal funding for Medicaid is cut, states are forced to choose between cutting Medicaid spending or using more state money to maintain existing Medicaid services,” the senators wrote. “Ultimately, Medicaid services for older adults and people with disabilities may be cut, even if federal cuts do not directly target those services.”\n\nAccording to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, the cuts will result in 7.5 million more people becoming uninsured by 2034. New York alone is facing $63 billion in Medicaid funding cuts by 2034—the second largest cut in the nation. According to Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, this could cause 1.5 million New Yorkers to lose their health coverage and tens of thousands of New York healthcare professionals to lose their jobs.\n\n“Unfortunately, individual states have already discovered that the OBBBA is ‘making their problems worse,’” the senators continued.\n\nIn their letter, Gillibrand and her colleagues demand answers about exactly what changes states have made so far regarding Medicaid coverage for older adults and people with disabilities in calendar years 2026 and 2027. They also request answers about the effects that these changes will have on those served by Medicaid.\n\nIn addition to Senator Gillibrand, the letter is signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ), all members of the Senate Aging Committee.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here or below:\n\nDear Acting Comptroller General Brown:\n\nWe write concerning the effects of Medicaid cuts for older adults and people with disabilities. On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law. The OBBBA slashed Medicaid funding by nearly $1 trillion to cut taxes for the wealthiest Americans. President Trump’s cuts to Medicaid include new red tape for certain adults who wish to enroll in Medicaid and limits on how states can fund their own Medicaid programs. The cuts particularly target states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, and will be particularly devastating for older adults and people with disabilities who depend on Medicaid for their health and independence. Given that adults age 50 or older make up 23 percent of Medicaid enrollees and older adults are more likely to have a disability, the Senate Special Committee on Aging (Aging Committee) must understand the multi-year consequences of Medicaid cuts for those populations.\n\nMillions of older adults and people with disabilities rely on Medicaid to pay for their health care services. Medicaid is the largest payer of long-term care in the United States, and in 2023 covered roughly 46 percent of long-term care costs for institutions like nursing homes. Medicaid covers home and community-based services (HCBS) for eight million older adults and people with disabilities, helping them to live and age in the setting of their choice. Nearly five million adults who are nearing retirement age – those between the ages of 50 and 64 – rely on expanded Medicaid coverage for services like primary care and cancer screening. Meanwhile, roughly 13 million “dual eligible” enrollees rely on Medicaid to pay for essential services they cannot obtain through their Medicare coverage. People who are dual eligible for Medicaid and Medicare are more likely to be lower income, have long-term disabilities, or have multiple chronic conditions.\n\nMedicaid is administered by the states within federal standards, meaning that states may choose, but are not required, to cover many services that benefit older adults and people with disabilities. When federal funding for Medicaid is cut, states are forced to choose between cutting Medicaid spending or using more state money to maintain existing Medicaid services. Ultimately, Medicaid services for older adults and people with disabilities may be cut, even if federal cuts do not directly target those services. For example, following a 2011 reduction in federal Medicaid matching funds, every state cut HCBS services. Services for older adults and people with disabilities will again be on the chopping block as states confront the harsh reality of President Trump’s cuts. Because the OBBBA implements President Trump’s cuts to Medicaid over multiple years,19 the effect on states will also play out over more than one year.\n\nUnfortunately, individual states have already discovered that the OBBBA is “making their problems worse.” Early this year, Missouri and Idaho began considering cuts to programs for people with disabilities, while Georgia faces a roughly $8 billion cut in Medicaid funding over the next ten years. Massachusetts approved $1 billion less in state spending than initially proposed for fiscal year 2026 in anticipation of federal cuts. Ohio is “expected to lose about $33 billion over the next decade for its Medicaid program” and is facing the possibility of “additional program cuts.” Arizona is facing a 19 percent reduction to its Medicaid funding, with no clear way for the state to make up for the cut. Maryland is facing a nearly $3 billion drop in annual Medicaid funding, while New Jersey is considering new spending to try to keep as many as 350,000 people from losing coverage. California and New York, meanwhile, are facing Medicaid cuts of $112 billion and $63 billion by 2034 – the largest decreases in the nation.\n\nThe Senate Aging Committee is charged with “a continuing study of any and all matters pertaining to problems and opportunities of older people.” To properly carry out that mission, the Aging Committee must understand how Medicaid coverage for older adults and people with disabilities changes in the years following President Trump’s cuts. Accordingly, we ask the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine the following questions for calendar years 2026 and 2027. When studying the questions, we ask that GAO focus on older adults age 65 or older, older adults between the ages of 50 and 64, and people with disabilities:\n\nWhat changes did select states make to their Medicaid coverage for older adults and people with disabilities in calendar years 2026 and 2027?\n\nWhat effects did the changes selected states made to their Medicaid coverage have on older adults and people with disabilities served by the program?\n\nWe appreciate your attention to this request.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-slams-trump-and-republicans-for-ripping-health-insurance-away-from-450000-new-yorkers/", "title": "Gillibrand Slams Trump And Republicans For Ripping Health Insurance Away From 450,000 New Yorkers", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, as roughly 450,000 low- and middle-income New Yorkers lose their affordable health care coverage thanks to President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement:\n\n“Donald Trump and Republicans chose to give billionaires tax cuts and launch reckless wars overseas instead of lowering healthcare costs for New York families. The consequences have been dire — nearly half a million New Yorkers now must worry about how they can afford to take their child to the doctor or get their medication. While Trump and Republicans in Congress continue to put the wealthiest Americans first as they make working families’ lives harder and more expensive, I will never stop fighting to protect New Yorkers’ healthcare and bring down everyday costs.”\n\nPresident Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which was signed into law last summer, cut $7.5 billion in annual funding for the Essential Plan – New York’s affordable health insurance plan for low- and middle-income New Yorkers. The Essential Plan offers $0 monthly premiums, no deductibles, and low co-pays for working families who meet certain income thresholds but do not qualify for Medicaid. Because of Trump’s cuts, an estimated 450,000 New Yorkers are losing access to their Essential Plan coverage as of today, July 1st, and will be forced to either purchase more expensive coverage or go without coverage at all.\n\nEssential Plan coverage losses by congressional district can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-07-1-26", "title": "Capitol Hill Report, 07-1-26", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "AUDIO from this morning’s call is available HERE.\n\nTopics include: Supreme Court rulings, the Save Our Bacon Act, Iran, the SAVE America Act and student loan forgiveness.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-welcomes-over-277-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-iowa-communities-including-226-million-for-rock-valley-property-acquisitions", "title": "Grassley Welcomes Over $27.7 Million in Federal Funding to Support Iowa Communities, Including $22.6 Million for Rock Valley Property Acquisitions", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) welcomed news that Iowa will receive over $27.7 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding, including over $22.6 million to the City of Rock Valley Property Acquisitions. The funds will benefit Iowans in Sioux, Harrison, Linn and Palo Alto Counties.\n\n“It’s great news that this money is moving out the door to help Iowans recover from storms and to aid in home buyouts for flood-prone properties in Rock Valley. After years of my advocacy, I’m also glad to see FEMA finally approve funding that Linn County has been waiting on since the 2020 derecho,” Grassley said. “In the Senate, I’ll keep working to ensure the people of Iowa get the support they need.”\n\nDetails on the FEMA awards follow:\n\nCity of Rock Valley Property Acquisitions: $22,604,860 to fund the acquisition and demolition of 123 residential properties damaged as a result of the 2024 flooding in Rock Valley to eliminate the potential for future flood damage at these properties. The city of Rock Valley will purchase the properties, demolish the existing structures and utilize the area as open space.\n\nCity of Rock Valley: $3,152,537.58 to fund public assistance, alternative procedures and debris removal operations and park trails, boat ramps and other repairs or replacements as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes in 2024.\n\nLinn County: $1,358,697.12 to fund management costs and other repairs or replacements as a result of the 2020 derecho.\n\nBoyer Sub Drainage District: $459,729.68 to fund levees, jetties and other related repairs or replacements as a result of severe storms and flooding in 2019.\n\nPalo Alto County Drainage District: $208,191.16 to fund ditch channel, tile outlet and surface drain repair or replacement as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes in 2024.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hassan-presents-congressional-gold-medal-to-family-of-granite-stater-doris-moore-who-served-in-wwii-as-part-of-historic-6888-battalion", "title": "Senator Hassan Presents Congressional Gold Medal to Family of Granite Stater Doris Moore, who Served in WWII as Part of Historic 6888 Battalion", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.hassan.senate.gov", "scraper": "hassan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001076", "name": "Margaret Wood Hassan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WOLFEBORO – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan last Friday presented the Congressional Gold Medal to the family of Doris Moore, a Portsmouth native who served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. The medal honors the women of the historic unit.\n\n“It was an honor to recognize Portsmouth-native Doris Moore’s service in the 6888th Battalion during World War II by presenting her family with a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the Six Triple Eight,” Senator Hassan said. “In a demonstration of patriotism, Doris and the women of the Six-Triple-8 served to protect freedom abroad at a time when Black Americans were not given equal freedom at home. This medal honors Doris’ sacrifice and reminds us that everyone has a part to play to serve our country.”\n\nThe 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was the only predominantly Black all-female battalion serving overseas during World War II. The Battalion sorted and routed mail for millions of American service members and civilians. In 2022, Senator Hassan worked with the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the women of the 6888th Battalion.\n\nSenator Hassan presents the Congressional Gold Medal to the family of Doris Moore, who served in the predominantly-Black, all-female 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during WWII\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-doe-selects-und-for-critical-minerals-pilot-project", "title": "Hoeven: DOE Selects UND for Critical Minerals Pilot Project", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected the University of North Dakota (UND) for award negotiations under a $75 million initiative to advance the recovery of rare earth elements and other critical materials from coal and coal-based feedstocks. The pilot project will be located in Underwood, North Dakota, and is one of five projects selected nationwide. Earlier this year, Hoeven led an effort with the North Dakota congressional delegation calling on DOE to support UND’s proposal. In a letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright, the delegation cited the university’s leadership in developing technologies to recover critical minerals from North Dakota lignite.\n\n“This selection builds on North Dakota’s leadership in energy innovation and will help strengthen our domestic critical minerals supply chain,” said Hoeven. “UND’s work will support new opportunities to harness our state’s abundant lignite reserves while helping meet the nation’s energy, manufacturing and national security needs.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-welcomes-president-trump-to-north-dakota-for-celebration-of-americas-250th-birthday-theodore-roosevelt-presidential-library-dedication", "title": "Hoeven Welcomes President Trump to North Dakota for Celebration of America’s 250th Birthday, Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Dedication", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "MEDORA, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today welcomed President Donald J. Trump to North Dakota for a celebration marking America’s 250th birthday and the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt President Library. Hoeven met President Trump at the Bismarck Airport for the arrival of Air Force One, before joining the President to fly out to Medora. The senator thanked President Trump for visiting the state and joining efforts to honor the life and legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the United States’ 26th president.\n\nHoeven has worked to advance the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, including:\n\nIntroducing and securing passage of legislation to secure the library’s 93-acre site. Hoeven authored the bill enabling the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation to purchase the land from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).\n\nThe senator worked with local and state officials and the Medora Grazing Association to negotiate the legislation and find an agreement for the land purchase.\n\nThe agreement ensured the availability of acres for grazing and included a written commitment from the USFS to maintain the Medora Grazing Association’s contract for its full 10-year term.\n\nHoeven also passed legislation in the Interior appropriations bill to support loans of historic artifacts for display at the library.\n\nMost recently, the senator secured Senate passage of his bipartisan legislation to provide up to $50 million in federal matching grants for the library and authorization for the library to display artifacts and materials from Theodore Roosevelt’s life, and Hoeven is working to advance its approval in the House.\n\nHoeven’s bill follows the model used for establishing and funding the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, located in Springfield, Ill.\n\n“This is a momentous occasion for our state, marking the completion of an institution that will stand for generations in honor of our 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt. We appreciate President Trump for joining North Dakotans in this celebration,” said Hoeven. “This library is an asset to not only North Dakota but our entire nation. We authored and secured passage of the legislation to enable the library to purchase the land for this beautiful new library. We also continue working to provide federal funds matching private contributions and to authorize the use of federal artifacts and materials in the library’s exhibits on a permanent basis, similar to the model used for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Teddy Roosevelt charted the course for our country’s heritage of conservation and the stewardship of our natural resources. Moreover, his is a story of overcoming loss and adversity, growing into the person and public servant that our nation needed at that time. Every American deserves the opportunity to hear that story, and that’s exactly what this institution offers to the public.”\n\nToday’s celebration comes as the first of a series of events Hoeven will participate in to mark the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. On Friday, Hoeven will join a conversation with North Dakota’s governors, both present and past, including Governor Kelly Armstrong, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Jack Dalrymple and Ed Schafer. On Saturday, Hoeven will address the grand opening ceremony for the library, where he will discuss efforts to secure the institution’s 93-acre site and provide federal support for the display of artifacts and materials from Theodore Roosevelt’s life.\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-commemorates-one-year-of-working-families-tax-cuts-act/", "title": "Husted commemorates one year of Working Families Tax Cuts Act", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“Whether you’re raising a family, working overtime, earning tips or running a business, this law helps you keep more of what you earn, which is why I’m proud to have supported it.”\n\nView Husted’s remarks here.\n\nWASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today recognized one year since the Senate passed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Husted cast the deciding vote to pass the legislation.\n\n“Over the past year, I’ve heard from Ohio workers and business owners about how the Working Families Tax Cuts Act has helped them. John Lane, co-owner of the Winking Lizard Tavern in Avon, said roughly 900 of their employees have benefited from the law. Shaun Ekker, CFO of Ohio Gratings, said the law has helped the company create more jobs. Whether you’re raising a family, working overtime, earning tips or running a business, this law helps you keep more of what you earn, which is why I’m proud to have supported it,” said Husted.\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cuts Act put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Ohioans by including:\n\nNo tax on tips: More than 6 million taxpayers have benefited, providing relief for service workers who depend on gratuity.\n\nNo tax on overtime: More than 25 million taxpayers have claimed the provision, giving essential workers—factory workers, linemen, police officers, nurses, and more—a new break on their hard-earned extra hours.\n\nA permanent 20% tax deduction for small businesses: Delivering $4,600 in average relief to 8 million entrepreneurs.\n\nEnhanced deductions for seniors: More than 30 million seniors have claimed the provision.\n\nAn increased child tax credit of $2,200: More than 34 million families have claimed the provision.\n\nA partially refundable adoption tax credit of up to $5,000.\n\nPrevented a tax hike that would have cost the average family of four earning $80,000 about $1,700 MORE in federal taxes.\n\nThis law also gave employers the certainty they needed to invest, expand and hire more Ohio workers by:\n\nMaking the 20% small business deduction permanent.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-secures-millions-in-critical-funding-for-ohio-infrastructure-projects/", "title": "Husted secures millions in critical funding for Ohio infrastructure projects", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“It’s great to see these critical projects receive the funding they need to keep Ohio moving forward.”\n\nWASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today announced that he secured $50 million in federal funding for two major Ohio infrastructure projects through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program.\n\nIn total, four Ohio projects will receive $69,830,645 through the USDOT BUILD grant program.\n\nHusted successfully advocated for $50 million in BUILD funding for the Brook Park Public Infrastructure Improvements project and the Fort Washington Way Project, submitting letters of support to DOT Secretary Sean Duffy on behalf of both projects. Each project was awarded $25 million.\n\n“I fought for these projects because they will improve safety, support economic growth and help Ohio communities compete and thrive for decades to come. From improving access to major transportation corridors to creating new spaces for businesses and families, these investments will strengthen our economy and improve quality of life for Ohioans. It’s great to see these critical projects receive the funding they need to keep Ohio moving forward,” said Husted.\n\n“This is a monumental infrastructure investment into the heart of Cincinnati that will change the way our community grows and gathers for generations to come. We are grateful for the support from the federal government, especially Senator Husted, and are proud to have partnered with Hamilton County, the City of Cincinnati, and a wide range of community leaders to finally move forward on the long-standing promise of building the caps over Fort Washington Way,” said Brendon Cull, President & CEO of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber.\n\n“This federal funding opportunity represents a once-in-a-generation chance to reconnect our downtown, create new public green space, and continue the momentum at The Banks. By capping Fort Washington Way between Vine and Walnut streets, we can transform an infrastructure barrier into a community asset that benefits residents, visitors, and future generations,” said Hamilton County Commission President Stephanie Summerow Dumas.\n\n“This investment will fully fund planned improvements along Front and Main: prioritizing safety, leveraging Metroparks Toledo’s investments along the riverfront, and encouraging new business development throughout the corridor. I’m grateful for the federal government’s support of this project and its continued investment in making Toledo a great place to build,” said Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz.\n\nThe grant allocation builds on Husted’s work as a member of the Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Appropriations Committee. In these roles, Husted has been a strong advocate for strengthening Ohio’s infrastructure and ensuring that already appropriated funds are obligated to projects that will serve Ohioans.\n\nThe USDOT’s BUILD program provides grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impacts.\n\nThe four Ohio projects receiving funding are:", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-gillibrand-colleagues-demand-answers-on-impact-of-trump-medicaid-cuts/", "title": "Kelly, Gillibrand, Colleagues Demand Answers on Impact of Trump Medicaid Cuts", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“Arizona is facing a 19 percent reduction to its Medicaid funding”\n\nToday, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, joined Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and fellow committee Democrats in demanding answers on how President Trump’s Medicaid cuts are affecting older Americans and people with disabilities.\n\nA year ago this week, the president signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which slashed Medicaid funding by nearly $1 trillion to give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. In a letter to the Government Accountability Office, the senators demanded answers about exactly how these cuts will hurt older Americans and about what cuts have already been made.\n\n“When federal funding for Medicaid is cut, states are forced to choose between cutting Medicaid spending or using more state money to maintain existing Medicaid services,” the senators wrote. “Ultimately, Medicaid services for older adults and people with disabilities may be cut, even if federal cuts do not directly target those services.”\n\nAccording to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, the cuts will result in 7.5 million more people becoming uninsured by 2034. Arizona alone is facing $34 billion in Medicaid funding cuts by 2034. Hundreds of thousands of Arizonans are projected to lose Medicaid coverage.\n\n“Unfortunately, individual states have already discovered that the OBBBA is ‘making their problems worse. […] Arizona is facing a 19 percent reduction to its Medicaid funding, with no clear way for the state to make up for the cut,” the senators continued.\n\nIn their letter, Kelly and his colleagues demand answers about exactly what changes states have made so far regarding Medicaid coverage for older adults and people with disabilities in calendar years 2026 and 2027. They also request answers about the effects that these changes will have on those served by Medicaid.\n\nIn addition to Kelly and Gillibrand, the letter is signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and all members of the Senate Aging Committee.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=D03461DB-2717-4FD4-9DB5-4F7CD0AB9787", "title": "Klobuchar to Visit Eight Counties on Three-Day Rural Economy Tour in Northwest and Northern Minnesota", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "scraper": "klobuchar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000367", "name": "Amy Klobuchar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "MINNESOTA – This week, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar will be in Northwest and Northern Minnesota on a rural economy tour, where she will visit eight counties over three days. She will meet with local leaders and small business owners in Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Red Lake, and Roseau Counties. Her visits will include meetings with business owners, and stops to meet with local leaders about tourism, small business and economic development, health care access, and electricity infrastructure projects supported in part by federal funding.\n\n“This week I will visit small businesses and child care centers, as well as electric co-ops and health care providers throughout rural Minnesota. I want to hear directly from Minnesotans about their challenges, particularly when it comes to household costs and child care access, and how we can improve local tourism and infrastructure. Making sure our rural areas can thrive is vital to Minnesota’s strength as a state,” said Klobuchar.\n\nEvery year, Klobuchar visits all 87 Minnesota counties.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/fema-announces-over-12-3-million-in-disaster-recovery-grants-to-oklahoma-communities/", "title": "FEMA Announces Over $12.3 Million in Disaster Recovery Grants to Oklahoma Communities", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.lankford.senate.gov", "scraper": "lankford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000575", "name": "James Lankford", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded four Public Assistance grants to Oklahoma communities totaling more than $12.3 million. The grants will reimburse local entities for the cost of repairs to electrical infrastructure, roads, and public buildings damaged by severe storms, tornadoes, and winter weather.\n\n“From restoring power in Northwestern Oklahoma to rebuilding county roads and public buildings in Eastern Oklahoma, these FEMA awards will help Oklahoma communities recover from the tornadoes, ice storms, and flooding that impacted our state,” said Lankford. “We have stayed in close contact with FEMA leadership to help finalize these grants, and I’m glad to see these federal resources supporting the agencies and local governments that stepped up to respond when Oklahomans needed them most.”\n\nIn addition to public assistance grants, FEMA also announced more than one million dollars in fire management assistance grants awarded to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management to partially reimburse firefighting costs from five 2025 wildfires.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-one-year-later-the-working-families-tax-cuts-are-delivering-for-oklahomans/", "title": "Lankford: One Year Later, the Working Families Tax Cuts Are Delivering for Oklahomans", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.lankford.senate.gov", "scraper": "lankford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000575", "name": "James Lankford", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK —US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today marked one year since the Senate passed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, reflecting on the law’s impact on Oklahoma families, businesses, and communities.\n\n“One year later, we’re seeing the Working Families Tax Cuts Act deliver real results for Oklahomans,” said Lankford. “Families are keeping more of what they earn, businesses have the certainty to invest and create jobs, energy producers are no longer burdened by an unfair tax penalty, and more Americans are able to support the charities and houses of worship that strengthen their communities. These policies are strengthening Oklahoma’s economy and supporting the people who make our state strong. We’re already seeing these policies make a real difference for families, strengthen our economy, secure our border, support American energy, and give businesses the confidence to invest and grow.”\n\nBackground\n\nOne year ago today, the Senate passed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, preventing the largest tax hike in American history while delivering tax relief, securing the border, strengthening Medicaid program integrity, rebuilding the military, and cutting out-of-control spending.\n\nLankford secured several key priorities in the legislation, including authoring the permanent full, immediate expensing provision, allowing businesses to deduct the full cost of equipment and technology up front; securing the charitable deduction for non-itemizers, allowing couples to deduct up to $2,000 in donations; and leading the repeal of the Biden administration’s tax penalty on oil and gas producers by restoring key investment deductions.\n\nFor Oklahoma, the legislation prevented an average $2,013 tax increase for families, protected more than 233,000 small businesses from higher taxes, preserved the child tax credit for nearly 449,000 households, and maintained the standard deduction for more than 1.5 million Oklahoma families.\n\nLankford recently visited B&H Construction to hear firsthand how the permanent full expensing provision he authored is helping Oklahoma businesses invest and grow. You can watch the videoHERE and download itHERE.\n\nFor a full breakdown of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, including how it helps families, seniors, farmers and ranchers, energy producers, small businesses, strengthens our national defense, and secures the border, you can find more information HERE and HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-pushes-trump-administration-to-release-affordable-housing-construction-funds/", "title": "Luján Pushes Trump Administration to Release Affordable Housing Construction Funds", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – As President Trump continues to slow-walk a bipartisan housing affordability bill that already passed through Congress, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) is teaming up with U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and several colleagues in urging the president to unlock community development tools and promptly release $750 million in federal housing construction funds.\n\nEarlier this month, Congress passed the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to help build more housing, lower costs, streamline construction regulations, and curb private equity’s ability to buy up single-family homes and drive up housing prices. Instead of signing the law, which passed with veto-proof majorities, President Trump is sitting on it.\n\nWith housing prices near record highs, the Trump Administration is also sitting on approximately $750 million in housing construction funds available under the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Housing Production-Financial Assistance Awards (HP-FA) programs. These federal funds can be leveraged by state and local organizations to develop, preserve, rehabilitate, and increase the supply of affordable housing. Together, these programs strengthen communities, revitalize neighborhoods, create jobs, and ensure more Americans can afford a high-quality home at a decent price that fits their budget.\n\nThe housing affordability crisis is compounded by the fact that President Trump’s policies – including his tariffs and reckless war with Iran – have increased the cost of construction and slowed the pace of building new affordable housing units nationwide.\n\nThis week, Senator Luján and 22 of colleagues sent a letter to White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought demanding that the Trump Administration release housing construction funds without further delay.\n\n“We write to urge you to immediately direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of the Treasury to release approximately $750 million in housing construction funds available under the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Housing Production-Financial Assistance Awards (HP-FA) programs,” the Senators wrote, noting that release of the funds could help build or rehabilitate over 63,000 homes at no cost to American taxpayers.\n\n“Today, Americans are suffering through a housing affordability crisis. Single-family home prices and the average age of first-time homebuyers hit record highs last year, while more households are paying unsustainable amounts of rent than ever before. You have the ability to increase our nation’s housing supply and help address this crisis. With that in mind, we urge you to direct the release of these funds without any further delay,” the letter continued.\n\nIn addition to Luján and Reed, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mark Warner (D-VA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).\n\nFull text of the letter follows:\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nWe write to urge you to immediately direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of the Treasury to release approximately $750 million in housing construction funds available under the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Housing Production-Financial Assistance Awards (HP-FA) programs.\n\nThese funds, which are derived from the profits of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and revenue from the Emergency Capital Investment Program, could pay to build or rehabilitate over 63,000 homes at no cost to American taxpayers. OMB has never failed to ensure annual CMF and HTF funds are released, even during President Trump’s first term. Regrettably, the Trump Administration has now withheld some of these funds for over a year.\n\nToday, Americans are suffering through a housing affordability crisis. Single-family home prices and the average age of first-time homebuyers hit record highs last year, while more households are paying unsustainable amounts of rent than ever before. This crisis is nationwide: home prices have surged 40% in Texas, 43% in Iowa, 54% in Georgia, and 65% in Maine over the past six years – far outpacing wages and overall inflation. You have the ability to increase our nation’s housing supply and help address this crisis. With that in mind, we urge you to direct the release of these funds without any further delay.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T07:07:48Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/members-of-the-n-m-delegation-demand-answers-from-usps-regarding-delay-in-rebuilding-the-chimayo-post-office/", "title": "Members of the N.M. Delegation Demand Answers from USPS Regarding Delay in Rebuilding the Chimayó Post Office", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) wrote to Postmaster General David Steiner demanding that the United States Postal Service (USPS) provide answers and an update regarding the delay in the rebuilding project for the Chimayó Post Office.\n\nThis letter follows the USPS’s announcement of delays to the timeline regarding the construction of a new Chimayó Post Office, which burned down over three years ago. Recently, USPS stated that the completion date has been delayed to Spring of 2027 from the expected completion of the fall of 2026. The N.M. Delegation has consistently fought to restore a permanent, full-service post office in Chimayó, where it has long served as a cornerstone of the community.\n\n“Our delegation remains fully committed to advocating for our constituents who depend on these essential services. We call on the United States Postal Service (USPS) to provide a detailed explanation for this delay, along with an updated, definitive timeline for when full services will be restored to the community,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\n“This further delay is deeply alarming and unacceptable, given that the community was previously assured operations would be fully restored by fall 2026,” continued the lawmakers.\n\n“Chimayo residents have waited long enough; they deserve transparency, a direct response, and real commitment,” concluded the lawmakers.\n\nRead the full letter here and below:\n\nDear Postmaster General Steiner,\n\nWe are profoundly disappointed by the United States Postal Service’s decision to delay the critical rebuilding project for the Chimayó Post Office. Our delegation remains fully committed to advocating for our constituents who depend on these essential services. We call on the United States Postal Service (USPS) to provide a detailed explanation for this delay, along with an updated, definitive timeline for when full services will be restored to the community.\n\nIt has been now more than three years since the Chimayó Post Office burned down on February 12, 2023. Throughout this period, our delegation has consistently urged the USPS to provide transparent updates on reinstating local operations. Regrettably, we have only received broad assurances. In the absence of direct communication from USPS, constituents understandably question whether progress is being made. The community of Chimayó deserves transparent communication from USPS.\n\nOn December 12, 2025, we sent a joint letter to Postmaster General David Steiner urging USPS to take all necessary actions to prioritize and ensure that the rebuilding of the Chimayó Post Office is completed in 2026. We also requested that USPS publicly commit to a clear, achievable timeline for the community of Chimayó. USPS responded with a letter which stated that postal officials completed lease negotiations with Santa Fe County for the Postal Service to occupy the space located at 205 Juan Medina Road in Chimayó. They also mentioned that since the lease has been finalized, the Design and Construction team will begin the postal infrastructure buildout and can expect completion by fall 2026.\n\nRecently, we requested USPS provide an update on the Chimayó facility, only to be informed that USPS is still in the construction award phase, with a new projected completion date of spring 2027. This further delay is deeply alarming and unacceptable, given that the community was previously assured operations would be fully restored by fall 2026.\n\nMoving the timeline yet again inflicts undue hardship on the residents who rely on these services daily. Therefore, we urge USPS to brief the delegation no later than July 16, 2026, on the latest setback, along with a concrete, binding timeline for the project’s completion. Chimayo residents have waited long enough; they deserve transparency, a direct response, and real commitment.\n\nWe appreciate your attention to this critical matter affecting our constituents and urge USPS to prioritize this project and adequately take the necessary steps to provide full- service post office operations.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ahead-of-the-nations-250th-anniversary-senator-markey-rep-ramirez-introduce-resolution-to-reaffirm-commitment-to-immigrant-inclusion", "title": "Ahead of the Nation’s 250th Anniversary, Senator Markey, Rep. Ramirez Introduce Resolution to Reaffirm Commitment to Immigrant Inclusion", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Resolution Text (PDF)\n\nWashington (July 1, 2026) – As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (IL-03) introduced a resolution to reaffirm Congress’s role in upholding the principles of equality, dignity, and justice for all. Past administrations have supported the inclusion of newcomers by expanding access to English-language education, workforce training, and due process protections. In stark contrast, the Trump administration has targeted the immigrant community through mass detentions and deportations. The resolution commits Congress to pursuing policies that safeguard immigrants’ rights, broaden economic opportunity, and build humane, equitable pathways to full inclusion.\n\n“The United States draws its strength from unity and inclusion, not from fear and division,” said Senator Markey. “This resolution rejects hateful policies that terrorize our immigrant neighbors and calls on the Senate to invest in inclusion, celebrate the contributions of immigrants, and honor our nation’s human rights commitments. A just, equitable future requires fostering belonging for all who call our nation home.”\n\n“The 250th anniversary of our country presents us with an opportunity to reflect on our enduring - BUT NOT YET FULFILLED - commitment to the principles of liberty and justice for everyone, regardless of legal status, origin, nationality, religion, or economic condition. It is an opportunity to prove that we recognize the contribution of immigrant communities, and affirm that they are seen, heard, and valued,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “As Members of Congress, we are called to challenge and transform systems that deny our communities’ dignity and justice. That's why I am proud to join Senator Markey and a coalition of organizations to introduce a resolution calling on Congress to ensure justice and dignity for immigrant communities.”\n\nSpecifically, the Resolution calls on the Senate to:\n\nMark the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary by celebrating the contributions of immigrant communities and reaffirming the universal principles of equality, dignity, and justice;\n\nExpand and strengthen critical programs that help individuals overcome barriers to full civic, social, and economic participation, including language access programs, workforce and employment assistance, legal support, and naturalization services;\n\nCollaborate with community-based groups, non-profit organizations, faith institutions, labor and business partners, and other stakeholders to ensure the existence of culturally responsive, accessible, and effective integration services; and\n\nUrge federal, state, and local governments to increase investments that advance opportunity, strengthen communities, and uphold the nation’s commitments to equity and inclusion.\n\nThe resolution is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\n“As we mark 250 years of this Nation’s founding, we renew our commitment to an America rooted in interdependence and belonging. We applaud the leadership of Senator Markey and Representative Delia Ramirez for introducing this resolution, which reaffirms Congress’ commitment to building a future where immigrant communities can participate fully in civic, economic, and social life, one where all Americans thrive,” said Nicole Melaku, Executive Director of the National Partnership for New Americans. “We believe in a future where immigrant communities are not just welcomed, but truly included. Where the American Dream is not out of reach, but a reality we build together. On this momentous occasion for our nation, we renew and strengthen our commitment to building a multiracial, multiethnic, and inclusive democracy that works for all of us – and that is inclusive of immigrant and refugee communities.”\n\nThe resolution is endorsed by the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA), Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, Asian Law Alliance, Services Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN), HANA Center, Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants, NAKASEC, Building Skills Partnership (BSP), OneAmerica, the Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama (HICA), Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice, Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC), Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Promise Arizona, Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, the Legal Clinic Hawaii, Arizona AANHPI for Equity, Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice, Hawai’i Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative, Just Neighbors, the Workers Circle, Immigrants Rising, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project – Maine, African Communities Together, Haitian Bridge Alliance, Welcoming America, Quixote Center, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), Refugee Advocacy Lab, Refugees International, Muslim Advocates, Rainbow Railroad, Latino Policy Forum, Borderlands Resource Initiative, Just Detention International, California Community Foundation, Vision Y Compromiso, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), Maine Immigration Rights’ Coalition, Lawyers for Good Government, Voices for Utah Children, Central American Resource Center – CARACEN of Northern California, Elena’s Light, Freedom Network USA, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC, Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM), Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, and Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-and-representative-frost-sound-alarm-after-trump-admin-evades-questions-on-database-of-protesters", "title": "Senator Markey and Representative Frost Sound Alarm After Trump Admin. Evades Questions on Database of Protesters", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Letter Text (PDF) | Response from DHS\n\nWashington (July 1, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Representative Maxwell Frost (FL-10) today sent a letter to Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Markwayne Mullin and David Venturella, Senior Official Performing Duties of the Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), renewing their calls for a clear answer on whether ICE has created a database to track protesters. In responses to separate letters that Senator Markey and Representative Frost sent to DHS and ICE in February, the agency evaded the lawmakers’ questions about whether ICE maintains a database of protesters.\n\nIn response to Senator Markey’s letter, ICE ignored his question and instead stated that it does not “approve adding individuals or entities to the U.S. government’s Terrorist Screening Dataset.” By contrast, in response to Representative Frost’s letter, ICE stated that it “does not maintain any kind of database of U.S. citizens protesting ICE activities.” This denial, however, has a significant exception: the agency also said it has “collected information to identify individuals reasonably believed to be involved in, or directly supporting, potential violations of federal law and to address officer safety and facility security concerns,” suggesting that ICE may have relabeled a protester database as a database of individuals who pose a “risk” to officers.\n\nIn their new oversight letter, Senator Markey and Representative Frost demand that DHS and ICE reconcile their different responses and be transparent with the American people on whether their civil liberties are being violated. The letter also requests additional information about whether DHS is investigating an ICE officer who threatened to add the personal information of a woman in Portland, Maine, to “a nice little database.” In ICE’s response to Senator Markey’s letter, which he is releasing today, DHS alluded to — but failed to confirm — that it was investigating the officer involved in that incident.\n\nIn the latest letter, Senator Markey and Representative Frost wrote, “Over the past few months, ICE has taken confusing positions on the existence of a domestic terrorist database. After President Donald Trump’s appointed ‘Border Czar’ stated that he was ‘pushing for’ a database of individuals arrested at protests and the ICE officer in Portland, suggested he would add a protester to a database, ICE denied the existence of such a database in testimony before congressional oversight committees earlier this year. Similarly, in response to Representative Frost’s oversight letter, the former Acting Director of ICE, Todd Lyons, stated that ICE ‘does not maintain any kind of database of U.S. citizens protesting ICE activities.’ By contrast, in response to Senator Markey’s oversight letter, ICE answered that it does not ‘approve adding individuals or entities to the U.S. government’s Terrorist Screening Dataset (TSDS),’ noted that the TSDS is maintained by multiple agencies, and explained that all nominations to TSDS are subject to an established review process — effectively sidestepping the question. ICE’s shifting and carefully worded responses prevent Congress and the public from determining the extent of ICE’s surveillance activities.”\n\nThey continued, “Moreover, even ICE’s denial of a ‘domestic terrorists’ database to Representative Frost leaves the agency with significant room to track Americans. Notably, in its response to Representative Frost’s letter, ICE stated that during ICE protests, ‘ICE collected information to identify individuals reasonably believed to be involved in, or directly supporting, potential violations of federal law and to address officer safety and facility security concerns.’ In other words, if an ICE officer ‘reasonably believed’ that a protester created a risk to officer safety or an ICE facility, they could collect information on the individual. Given the Trump administration’s history of referring to nonviolent protesters as criminals and labeling protests as threats to ICE officers, this practice grants significant discretion for DHS and ICE to develop a database of protesters under the guise of tracking threats against federal immigration officers.”\n\nSenator Markey and Representative Frost requested the following information by July 15, 2026:\n\nHas DHS, ICE, or any component agency of DHS created, or are any of those entities maintaining their own database, list, or record of individuals engaged in protest activity, outside of the TSDS or other lists administered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation or any other federal entity?\n\nWhat oversight has been conducted on the database, list, or record of individuals? What mechanisms exist to ensure individuals are appropriately added and removed from the database, list, or record of individuals?\n\nDoes DHS, ICE, or any component agency maintain any database, list, or record of individuals identified as threats to officer or facility safety, including those who have not been accused of any crime?\n\nPlease provide a copy of the internal January 2026 memo circulated to ICE personnel, as well as any related directives instructing agents to collect personal information about protesters, bystanders, or individuals filming ICE activity.\n\nPlease provide a status update on OPR’s investigation, if any, into the Portland, Maine, incident.\n\nSenator Markey is leading efforts to hold ICE and DHS accountable for their violations of Americans’ First Amendment rights, including their weaponization of surveillance technologies against peaceful protestors, immigrants, and American citizens.\n\nIn May, Senator Markey and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) led their colleagues in a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding the agency abandon its dangerous proposal, included in DHS’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027, to develop “smart glasses” for its immigration officers.\n\nIn February, Senator Markey, along with Senator Merkley, Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), introduced the ICE Out of Our Faces Act, bicameral legislation that would ban ICE and CBP from acquiring and using facial recognition technology (FRT) and other biometric identification systems.\n\nAlso in February, Senator Markey wrote to ICE’s Acting Director Todd Lyons demanding that Lyons immediately confirm or deny reports that the agency is maintaining a so-called “domestic terrorists” database to track individuals protesting ICE activities.\n\nIn November 2025, Senator Markey wrote to CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott, urging the agency to immediately cease using a system of license plate readers (LPRs) and predictive algorithms to monitor the movements of individual Americans. CBP is reportedly using the system to “identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious.”\n\nAlso in November, Senator Markey led his colleagues in requesting that ICE cease the use of their biometric phone application known as Mobile Fortify following a previous unanswered request.\n\nIn September 2025, Senators Markey and Merkley wrote to ICE’s Acting Director Todd Lyons, demanding that ICE cease use of Mobile Fortify and requesting detailed information about its policies and practices surrounding the use of biometric technology.\n\nIn July 2025, Senator Markey, along with Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Schiff (D-Calif.), sent a letter to then-Secretary of DHS Kristi Noem on the DHS’s usage of Predator drones and aerial surveillance against peaceful protesters in Los Angeles. In the letter, the senators raised concerns about the threat to the protesters’ privacy and their constitutional rights that are guaranteed by the First Amendment.\n\nIn June 2025, Senators Markey and Wyden wrote two letters to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary Noem about the government’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies to determine whether an individual poses a national security risk.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-meets-with-housing-energy-healthcare-professionals-in-southwest-kansas/", "title": "Senator Marshall Meets with Housing, Energy & Healthcare Professionals in Southwest Kansas", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Garden City – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), spent Tuesday in Southwest Kansas meeting with local housing, energy, telecommunications, and healthcare professionals to discuss the successes and challenges of providing services to western Kansas. He highlighted his dedication to making sure rural Kansans have access to housing, affordable energy, internet, and quality medical care.\n\nHighlights from the visit include:\n\nLiberal Housing Tour\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nSenator Marshall’s first stop of the day was in Liberal to meet with city and Seward County officials and tour ongoing housing projects. He highlighted his support for the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which cuts burdensome federal regulations and streamlines the permitting process to expand housing supply.\n\nAshland District Hospital\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nNext, Senator Marshall visited Ashland District Hospital to celebrate their grant award of $361,478 from the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to establish a local cardiac rehabilitation program. Senator Marshall highlighted his support for RHTP, which was authorized by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act last year to restore rural healthcare.\n\nUnited Telephone’s 75th Anniversary\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nAlso in Ashland, Senator Marshall participated in United Telephone’s 75th Anniversary celebration commemorating their decades of service ensuring rural Southwest Kansas communities have access to telephone and internet services. Senator Marshall thanked them for their commitment to the area and stressed his long-standing support for rural broadband, including provisions in the Senate Farm Bill 2.0, which will establish a program to expand internet connectivity to farm and ranchland.\n\nConestoga\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nIn Seward County, Senator Marshall met with the board of Conestoga Energy Partners to discuss energy policy, including his support for year-round E15 and the new 45Z guidance. He highlighted his ongoing commitment to securing market access for Kansas producers, whose biofuels provide affordable, American-made energy to the nation.\n\nGarden City Community College\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nAt Garden City Community College, Senator Marshall celebrated the grant award of $3,439,901 from the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to establish a partnership with Newman University, Colby Community College, and Seward County Community College. This partnership will expand clinical training and build a regional healthcare workforce pipeline across Western and Southwest Kansas.\n\nLogan County Health Services\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nSenator Marshall’s last stop of the day took him to Logan County Health Services to congratulate them on being part of a $6,096,062 grant from the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). In partnership with Children’s Mercy Hospital, the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, and KUMC Great Bend, Logan County Health Services will implement a Rural Pediatric Chronic Care Network to support children in rural communities with asthma, epilepsy, sleep apnea, and type 1 diabetes.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-01T06:34:07Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-01T06:35:35Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/krishnamoorthi-bynum-merkley-booker-urge-epa-to-begin-monitoring-microplastics-in-americas-drinking-water/", "title": "Krishnamoorthi, Bynum, Merkley, Booker Urge EPA to Begin Monitoring Microplastics in America’s Drinking Water", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (D-OR), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) on Tuesday led a bicameral letter, joined by 53 of their colleagues, urging Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin to add microplastics to the agency’s recently published Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6). The lawmakers argue that EPA should begin monitoring microplastics in America’s drinking water, citing a growing body of research linking the emerging contaminant to serious adverse health effects.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers note that emerging research has found microplastics throughout the human body and associated them with lung disease, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, impaired kidney and liver function, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. They argue that adding microplastics to UCMR 6 would provide critical transparency regarding exposure, inform future health-protective standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and help ensure the federal government meets its responsibility to protect the health and safety of the American people.\n\nThe lawmakers write:\n\n“As plastic production continues to expand rapidly, microplastics pose a potential threat to public health in the United States. Emerging research demonstrates that microplastics are now pervasive in the human body and are associated with serious adverse health effects. Concentrations of microplastics in human brain tissue have been reported to increase by nearly 50 percent between 2016 and 2024.”\n\nLater in the letter, they write:\n\n“Accordingly, we urge the EPA to add microplastics to UCMR 6 and to design a robust, nationwide monitoring program for microplastics in drinking water. Doing so will provide critical transparency regarding exposure, inform future health-protective standards under SDWA, and help ensure that the federal government meets its responsibility to protect the health and safety of the American people.”\n\nThe letter also highlights growing bipartisan congressional interest in better understanding how microplastics affect Americans’ health, pointing to the recently introduced bipartisan, bicameral Microplastics Safety Act and ARPA-H’s STOMP program to develop technologies to measure and remove microplastics from the body. The lawmakers argue EPA has a critical role to play as the primary agency regulating drinking water.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-joins-bipartisan-push-to-help-teachers-and-first-responders-achieve-homeownership/", "title": "Merkley Joins Bipartisan Push to Help Teachers and First Responders Achieve Homeownership", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. –Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley announced he joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in supporting the Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act, legislation to help teachers and first responders buy homes in the communities they serve.\n\n“Across Oregon, teachers and first responders are vital to our communities but too often cannot afford to live in the very communities they serve,” said Merkley. “The HELPER Act is a practical, bipartisan step toward removing unnecessary barriers to homeownership and helping working families afford a decent home in a decent community.”\n\nThis bipartisan, bicameral bill would establish a new home loan program — modeled after the successful Veterans Affairs (VA) loan program — to make homeownership more accessible for teachers and first responders by eliminating some of the requirements for first-time homebuyers, such as down payments and monthly mortgage insurance premiums.\n\nThe HELPER Act would:\n\nCreate a one-time-use home loan program through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for law enforcement officers, firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), paramedics, and pre-K through 12 teachers who are first-time homebuyers;\n\nEliminate a down payment requirement on a mortgage;\n\nRemove a monthly mortgage insurance premium (MIP) requirement; and\n\nRequire an upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) to ensure the solvency of the program.\n\nMerkley, early in his career, led Portland Habitat for Humanity and has continued to fight for affordable housing at every level of government. In the U.S. Senate, he has been a leading voice fighting to kick hedge funds out of the housing market as large institutional investors gobble up homes in communities across the United States, driving up both purchase prices and rents for single-family homes.\n\nThe introduction of the HELPER Act was led by U.S. Senators Ashley Moody (R-FL) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and U.S. Representatives John H. Rutherford (R-FL-05), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02).\n\nThe HELPER Act is supported by a broad coalition of organizations representing educators and first responders, including the American Association of State Troopers (AAST), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), International Association of EMTs and Paramedics (IAEP), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), National Troopers Coalition (NTC), and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) among others.\n\nFull text of the HELPER Act can be found by clicking here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-colleagues-press-trump-administration-to-reinstate-epa-employees-attacked-for-exercising-their-right-to-free-speech/", "title": "Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Press Trump Administration to Reinstate EPA Employees Attacked for Exercising their Right to Free Speech", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators’ effort comes on one-year anniversary of “Declaration of Dissent” letter and follows recent revelations that EPA legal counsel advised against disciplinary action due to employees’ First Amendment rights\n\nWashington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today joined Senate colleagues in pressing the Trump administration to reverse disciplinary actions taken after about 270 current and former Environmental Protection Agency staff signed the “Declaration of Dissent” in defense of scientific integrity, whistleblower rights and constitutional protections last year.\n\n“In light of recent evidence showing a violation of constitutional and whistleblower rights, we demand that you reverse the firings and disciplinary actions imposed on employees for signing a “Declaration of Dissent” in defense of scientific integrity, whistleblower rights, and constitutional protections,” the senators wrote in their letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin.\n\n“The language of the letter clearly states that the employees were signing in their personal capacity. EPA has not produced any evidence that would indicate that EPA employees used official resources or otherwise were acting in their professional capacity in writing and signing the “Declaration of Dissent,” nor has EPA provided a legitimate workplace-related justification for disciplining the signers of the letter that would possibly outweigh employees’ free speech rights,” the senators continued\n\n“Even after the recent revelations from EPA legal counsel, EPA continues to retaliate against staff by upholding the suspensions of over 140 workers and the firing of 20 others. Overturning the punishments is crucial to prevent a chilling effect on free speech. Stifling dissent cripples the agency’s ability to protect the public and is causing the loss of the experienced staff needed to carry out EPA’s mission,” the lawmakers continued.\n\n“Given the lack of any evidence of wrongdoing whatsoever, we support the EPA employees’ continued campaign to be exonerated and applaud them for the bravery it took to speak out about these matters of grave public concern. We call on you to reverse course, to reinstate all those who were fired for speaking out, and overturn all other discipline imposed. Speaking the truth is not a fireable offense. It is the public duty of every citizen who cares about protecting our health,” the senators concluded.\n\nThe letter was led by U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, D-Md. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Patty Murray, D-Wash., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Chris Coons, D-Del., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Ed Markey, D-Mass., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Gary Peters, D-Mich., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Andy Kim, D-N.J., Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., and Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md..\n\nFull text of the letter is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=00D31D81-5B12-49EB-84A9-AA6667605A50", "title": "Sen. Moran Applauds Temporary Suspension of Duties on Moroccan Phosphate", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.moran.senate.gov", "scraper": "moran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000934", "name": "Jerry Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement regarding the executive order issued by the White House this week temporarily suspending duties on phosphate fertilizer imported from Morocco:\n\n“The administration’s action to temporarily suspend import duties on phosphate fertilizer from Morocco is welcome news for the Kansas agricultural community. Farmers continue to struggle with stubbornly high input prices and market volatility. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has limited global fertilizer and the availability of fertilizer ingredients, which has only compounded the issue. As the U.S. is a net importer of fertilizer, I have long advocated for the needs of the agriculture industry to be considered in discussions of imposing tariffs on inputs, and I’m pleased that the Trump administration has taken this action to support American agriculture.”\n\nItems to note:\n\nIn April, Sen. Moran questioned U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on the impact of import tariffs on fertilizer components, including those from Morocco, on American producers.\n\nAlso in April, Sen. Moran asked U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick about the impact of tariffs on imports related to U.S. agriculture.\n\nIn 2023, Sen. Moran called on then-Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to reduce duties on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco. He was joined by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and Reps. Tracey Mann (R-KS-01) and Jim Costa (D-CA-21), along with 35 of their colleagues.\n\nSen. Moran led his colleagues in 2020 and again in 2021 in calling on the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to oppose tariffs on imported phosphate fertilizer and make certain Kansas farmers have access to affordable fertilizer for their crops.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-applauds-i-5-bridge-replacement-project-securing-major-federal-environmental-approval/", "title": "Murray Applauds I-5 Bridge Replacement Project Securing Major Federal Environmental Approval", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ICYMI: Murray and McEnerny-Ogle Hail Coast Guard Approval of Fixed Span I-5 Bridge Proposal\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement celebrating the news that the Department of Transportation has signed the Record of Decision for the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the I-5 bridge replacement between Vancouver and Portland.\n\n“Today’s news is a significant milestone and allows this project to continue moving forward. This growing momentum reflects the years of hard work our region has done to ensure this bridge finally gets replaced. While there is still plenty to do to get this project over the finish line and keep the Pacific Northwest moving forward—this is good news. No one will work harder than me to protect federal investment in this project and to keep this work on track. I remain committed to partnering with state and local leaders to replace the I-5 bridge as quickly as possible for a faster—and safer—commute.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sens-ossoff-cornyn-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-children-from-toxic-chemicals-in-toys/", "title": "Sens. Ossoff, Cornyn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Children from Toxic Chemicals in Toys", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is introducing a bipartisan bill to protect children from toxic chemicals in toys.\n\nSens. Ossoff and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the bipartisan No Lead in Toys Act to help protect children from toxic chemicals in toys.\n\nIn February, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report in response to a 2024 inquiry from Sen. Ossoff into how the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conducts testing on products intended for children ages 12 and under for potential lead contamination and other safety hazards.\n\nThe report found that the CPSC has failed to review and update its testing requirements for lead despite being required to do so at least every five years and that the CPSC does not have written procedures for monitoring changes related to toxic substances in children’s products.\n\nSens. Ossoff and Cornyn’s bipartisan No Lead in Toys Act would direct the CPSC to implement the GAO’s recommendations in order to strengthen that oversight of toxic substances in children’s products and protect kids from dangerous chemicals.\n\n“The safety of children in Georgia and across the Nation must be our highest priority,” Sen. Ossoff said. “I am introducing the bipartisan No Lead in Toys Act with Senator Cornyn to help ensure that lead and other toxins stay out of children’s products.”\n\n“Parents should never have to fear for their child’s health or safety when playing with toys, which are essential to the development of cognitive, motor, and emotional skills,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By ensuring the Consumer Product Safety Commission is properly monitoring and recording inspections for lead contamination, this legislation would reduce children’s exposure to toxic chemicals through toys imported from places like China, preserve the joy and benefits of childhood play, and help parents rest easier at night.”\n\nThe bipartisan bill is endorsed by Safe Kids Worldwide.\n\n“Parents and caregivers should be able to feel confident that the children’s products they rely on will not expose their kids to lead or other dangerous toxic substances,” said Torine Creppy, President of Safe Kids Worldwide. “We applaud Senator Ossoff for his leadership in protecting some of our most vulnerable citizens.”\n\nSen. Ossoff continues working to protect Georgia kids from harmful chemicals and contaminants.\n\nLast December, Sen. Ossoff urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reinstate a grant made to Emory University to research children’s exposure to lead, heavy metals, and other contaminants in West Atlanta following the discovery of dangerously high levels of lead in some West Atlanta yards.\n\nLast April, Sen. Ossoff demanded answers from baby formula producers Abbott Nutrition and Mead Johnson about recent reports of toxic chemicals found in formula.\n\nIn 2022, Sen. Ossoff pressed the GAO and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to improve efficiency and coordination in processing product recalls in order to protect families from dangerous products.\n\nClick here to read the No Lead in Toys Act.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-durbin-congressional-democrats-sound-the-alarm-on-trump-administration-concerning-green-card-application-changes/", "title": "Padilla, Durbin, Congressional Democrats Sound the Alarm on Trump Administration Concerning Green Card Application Changes", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "In letter to USCIS, Democrats led by Ranking Members Padilla, Durbin, Raskin, and Jayapal sound alarm on requirements for green card applicants to apply abroad and demonstrate their presence under new standards not mandated by Congress\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, led Congressional Democrats in pressing the Trump Administration on recent concerning changes to the green card application process.\n\nIn a letter to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow, the lawmakers cited a recent USCIS memorandum requiring noncitizens seeking a green card to apply abroad, as well as for the first time to establish their presence in the United States as “in the national interest.”\n\n“We write to object to your new policy memorandum regarding adjustment of status. Adjustment of status is the statutory process by which immigrants may apply for lawful permanent residence, often called a ‘green card,’ from within the United States,” wrote the lawmakers. “On May 21, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum (PM-602-0199) with guidance claiming that adjustment of status is an ‘extraordinary form of relief.’ Without any basis in the law and in a departure from decades of precedent, this guidance creates a policy preference for consular processing abroad over adjustment of status in the United States, requiring applicants to meet new, undefined discretionary criteria to be processed domestically. We urge you to reverse this new policy and restore adjudications of adjustment of status applications in a manner consistent with the law, longstanding practice, and congressional intent.”\n\n“PM-602-0199 states that adjustment of status ‘is a matter of discretion and administrative grace not designed to supersede the regular consular processing of immigrant visas.’ This is simply incorrect. There is no statutory preference for consular processing, and legislative history shows that Congress has long maintained a strong preference in favor of allowing eligible noncitizens to adjust status in the United States,” continued the lawmakers. “Adjustment of status was first introduced into law over 70 years ago, in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. The practice was introduced and later expanded in recognition of the significant number of eligible individuals seeking green cards who resided in the United States. In the limited circumstances in which Congress intended to restrict adjustment of status, statutory text has been amended to prevent certain classes of noncitizens from using the process. When individuals are in the United States and eligible for adjustment of status, legislative history shows that Congress has a strong preference that such individuals have an opportunity to adjust their status while remaining in the U.S.”\n\n“By directing adjudicators to treat adjustment of status as an ‘extraordinary form of relief’ and by creating a policy preference for consular processing, the memorandum undermines the very purposes Congress sought to advance when enacting and amending section 245 of the INA,” the lawmakers concluded. “Congress established adjustment of status as a cornerstone of the modern immigration system to promote family unity, administrative efficiency, and economic stability. Any effort to dismantle that statutory framework through internal agency policy is unacceptable.”\n\nIn addition to Padilla and Durbin, the letter is signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Dele.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nIn addition to Raskin and Jayapal, the letter is signed by U.S. Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.-04), Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.-03), Becca Balint (D-Vt.-AL), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio.-03), Donald Beyer (D-Va.-08), Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.-13), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-01), André Carson (D-Ind.-07), Greg Casar (D-Texas-35), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas-20), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gilbert Ray Cisneros Jr. (D-Calif.-31), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.-09), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.-09), J. Luis Correa (D-Calif.-46), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.-02), Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas-30), James Walkinshaw (D-Va.-11), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.-01), April McClain Delaney (D-Md.-06), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.-03), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.-06), Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.-13), Veronica Escobar (D-Texas-16), Lizzie Fletcher (D-Texas-07), Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.-10), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas-29), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Jesús “Chuy” Garcia (D-Ill.-04), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.-07), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Penn.-06), Val Hoyle (D-Ore.-04), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.-04), Julie Johnson (D-Texas-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Timothy Kennedy (D-N.Y.-26), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.-08), Summer Lee (D-Penn.-12), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.-08), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.-04), Christian Menefee (D-Texas-09), Grace Meng (D-N.Y.-06), Analilia Mejia (D-Calif.-39), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.-06), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-AL), Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11), Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.-07), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine-01), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.-02), Nellie Pou (D-N.J.-09), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.-05), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.-03), Deborah Ross (D-N.C.-02), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.-06), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09), Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.-03), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Penn.-05), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Adam Smith (D-Wash.-09), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.-10), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.-01), Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.-04), Mark Takano (D-Calif.-39), Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.-02), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.-15), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), Marc Veasey (D-Texas-33), Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.-07), and Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.-24).\n\nPadilla has been a longtime champion of immigration rights and reform. Earlier this year, Padilla and his colleagues formally requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigate the Trump Administration’s attacks on the legal immigration system. In 2022, Padilla joined Durbin and four of their Senate colleagues to introduce the Resolving Extended Limbo For Immigrant Employees And Families (Relief) Act, legislation to eliminate the family and employment green card backlog by increasing the number of green cards available.\n\nFull letter is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-durbin-klobuchar-whitehouse-lead-colleagues-in-urging-doj-to-reject-payouts-for-january-6-rioters/", "title": "Padilla, Durbin, Klobuchar, Whitehouse Lead Colleagues in Urging DOJ to Reject Payouts for January 6 Rioters", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Ahead of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination hearing, the Senators demand answers to previous letters urging DOJ to abandon any efforts to refund or financially reward convicted January 6 insurrectionists\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) led fourteen of their colleagues in urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to halt any efforts to compensate January 6 rioters and commit to defending taxpayers in any January 6-related lawsuits.\n\nIn their letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Senators expressed concern over the DOJ’s ongoing efforts to reimburse January 6 insurrectionists with taxpayer funds and the reported 600 January 6-related claims filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). The Senators’ fourth letter to the DOJ comes after Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward agreed with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) in a now-deleted social media post that the DOJ should create a weaponization fund based on the FTCA. This letter comes ahead of Blanche’s confirmation hearing for Attorney General, scheduled for July 15.\n\nThe Senators highlighted that since sending their three unanswered letters, the DOJ announced the $1.8 billion slush fund that was intended to pay out alleged victims of DOJ “weaponization,” including January 6 insurrectionists. Following bipartisan backlash and a temporary injunction by a federal court, the DOJ disavowed the slush fund and stated they would not move forward with it.\n\n“Although a federal judge has enjoined the slush fund, there are other plans to undermine the American justice system to pay out January 6 rioters, including those convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers,” wrote the Senators. “According to reporting, approximately 600 January 6 rioters have filed claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), expecting to receive millions of dollars in compensation for alleged injuries they sustained because they were prosecuted for crimes they committed during the attack on the Capitol. Tellingly, one lawyer representing January 6 rioters expressed concern that the $1.8 billion slush fund would result in smaller per-person settlements than settling his clients’ FTCA claims out of the Judgment Fund. Another group of plaintiffs bringing FTCA claims, including a member of the Proud Boys who was charged with assault, has filed a class action in federal court, seeking more than $18 million.”\n\nThe Senators raised concerns over the DOJ’s apparent failure to reject these FTCA claims and over additional lawsuits filed by January 6 insurrectionists against the federal government. The Senators reiterated previously raised questions that had gone unanswered by former Attorney General Pam Bondi, requesting information about any FTCA claims related to the January 6 attack and whether the DOJ had addressed those claims.\n\n“The Department of Justice must end this corrupt money grab by publicly committing that it will not pursue any other such compensation fund and that it will vigorously defend taxpayers in any January 6-related lawsuits,” concluded the Senators. “We request a written response to this letter making these commitments and responding to our questions by no later than July 14, 2026.”\n\nIn addition to Padilla, Durbin, Klobuchar, and Whitehouse, the letter was signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Angus King (I-Maine), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).\n\nPadilla has consistently fought to hold Trump’s DOJ accountable. In January, Padilla, Durbin, Klobuchar, and Whitehouse urged the DOJ to publicly reject efforts by January 6 rioters to receive payouts as these insurrectionists file claims for millions of dollars in taxpayer money. On the fifth anniversary of the insurrection, Padilla and Whitehouse introduced a pair of bills to prevent January 6 rioters from receiving refunds or cash rewards from the federal government that they are aggressively seeking from Trump’s DOJ. Last month, Padilla joined Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in demanding that the DOJ Acting Inspector General launch an immediate, thorough, and quick investigation into President Trump’s creation of the nearly $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund.”\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Acting Attorney General Blanche:\n\nWe urge you to reject any efforts by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to compensate January 6 rioters for their crimes and to commit to vigorously defending American taxpayers.\n\nPrevious letters to the Justice Department dated May 2, 2025, September 29, 2025, and January 15, 2026, made clear that payments to January 6 rioters would flout federal law and be an insult to the American public. The Department failed to respond to Congress, and instead, on May 18, 2026, announced that it had settled an unrelated IRS lawsuit with President Trump to create a $1.8 billion slush fund to compensate alleged victims of DOJ “weaponization,” including his allies and January 6 insurrectionists. That settlement has been enjoined by one federal judge and is now being reviewed by another federal judge to determine whether it was fraudulent. You and the Department have disavowed the slush fund after bipartisan backlash to this brazen attempt to raid taxpayer funds on behalf of January 6 rioters, including those convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers during the attack.\n\nDespite your testimony at a June 2 House Appropriations subcommittee hearing and DOJ’s filings in court, there is still uncertainty about whether the Department will pursue alternative ways to compensate convicted January 6 rioters. President Trump continues to make public comments in support of rewarding these convicted criminals, calling the slush fund “a great idea,” and the Department has not withdrawn the memorandum establishing it. While you testified before Congress that the slush fund is not moving forward, you and other Department officials have refused to disavow the fund in writing or under oath. It has also been publicly reported that Justice Department officials are privately assuring potential beneficiaries that these payouts will still occur.\n\nAlthough a federal judge has enjoined the slush fund, there are other plans to undermine the American justice system to pay out January 6 rioters, including those convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers. According to reporting, approximately 600 January 6 rioters have filed claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), expecting to receive millions of dollars in compensation for alleged injuries they sustained because they were prosecuted for crimes they committed during the attack on the Capitol. Tellingly, one lawyer representing January 6 rioters expressed concern that the $1.8 billion slush fund would result in smaller per-person settlements than settling his clients’ FTCA claims out of the Judgment Fund. Another group of plaintiffs bringing FTCA claims, including a member of the Proud Boys who was charged with assault, has filed a class action in federal court, seeking more than $18 million.\n\nWhile most of these claims are barred by the FTCA’s two-year statute of limitations, there is no evidence that the Justice Department has asserted this defense and rejected the claims. Even more concerning, in a now-deleted social media post, Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward encouraged this end-run approach to get payouts, posting “We’re on it.” Other rioters are suing the federal government on other grounds, hoping to be rewarded for their actions during the violent January 6 attack. This includes five leaders of the Proud Boys organization, many of whom were convicted for violent crimes and plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 election on January 6, who have sued for $100 million.\n\nWe request responses to the following questions, which were previously sent to then-Attorney General Bondi on January 15, 2026, and have received no response:\n\nHow many claims under the FTCA related to the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, has the Department received?\n\nHas the statute of limitations run on any of the claims identified in response to Question 1?\n\nHas the Department rejected any FTCA claims related to the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021? If so, when, how many claims, and on what grounds?\n\nHas the Department approved any FTCA claims related to the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021? If so, when, how many claims, and what was the total compensation?\n\nHas anyone with the Department participated in discussions with individuals prosecuted for their involvement in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, or with their representative(s) about settling any FTCA claims or other ongoing litigation?\n\nThe announcement of the $1.8 billion slush fund was yet another blow to the American public’s confidence in the Department of Justice. This Administration continues to send the message that January 6 insurrectionists, despite being convicted by juries of their peers, will be rewarded for their crimes at the expense of American taxpayers because they tried to overturn the outcome of an election in Donald Trump’s favor.\n\nThe Department of Justice must end this corrupt money grab by publicly committing that it will not pursue any other such compensation fund and that it will vigorously defend taxpayers in any January 6-related lawsuits. We request a written response to this letter making these commitments and responding to our questions by no later than July 14, 2026.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-demand-answers-on-elimination-of-yosemite-reservation-system/", "title": "Padilla, Schiff Demand Answers on Elimination of Yosemite Reservation System", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) urged Department of the Interior (DOI) officials to reconsider the elimination of Yosemite National Park’s reservation system.\n\nIn a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Acting Director of the National Park Service (NPS) Jessica Bowron, the Senators expressed concern over upcoming peak summertime visitation coupled with reductions in staff and funding.\n\n“The increased visitation we have seen without the reservation system, mixed with the reduction in staff and resources over the past year, leaves us deeply concerned about how the Park will be able to manage visitation safely and effectively protect park resources during the peak summer months,” wrote the Senators. “Yosemite National Park is the crown jewel of the National Park System, yet overcrowding, vehicle congestion, limited parking, and long lines have long been issues that diminish what should be a world class experience.”\n\n“In response to these challenges, Yosemite implemented a reservation system during the summers of 2020-2022 and 2024, which both greatly improved visitor experiences and supported visitation to the Park by spreading visitation across the peak summer months,” continued the Senators. “However, in February 2026, NPS decided to cancel this successful reservation system without providing any scientific justification or evidence of public stakeholder engagement.”\n\nThe Senators questioned the decision to eliminate the reservation system and how NPS officials plan to mitigate its impacts during the upcoming peak visitation months.\n\n“According to widespread reporting and testimony from our constituents, the Park has seen bumper-to-bumper traffic around the valley floor, hiking trails backed up with people, and parking lots full in the early mornings causing visitors to illegally park off-road on vegetation and in meadows,” concluded the Senators. “This situation is further complicated by the Administration’s reductions in staff, which has created critical gaps in park operations. Key science and park safety staff have been rerouted and stretched thin to handle traffic monitoring and park maintenance, which hinders Yosemite’s ability to manage wildfire risk, ensure visitor safety, and conserve the treasured natural resources throughout the Park.”\n\nYosemite is California’s most visited national park, with 4.3 million visitors in 2025. In February, the Trump Administration announced that Yosemite’s timed reservation system would be eliminated for 2026 without justification. This decision has had significant impacts on businesses in the Yosemite area, with conservation organizations and Yosemite’s employees also expressing strong opposition.\n\n“As a small business owner serving Yosemite’s visitors, my team and I have seen firsthand that removing the reservation system has led to the park being functionally inaccessible for many families,” said Elisabeth Barton, CEO of Echo Adventure Cooperative. “Visitors shouldn’t have to spend hours sitting in entrance lines, searching for parking, or abandoning plans altogether. Access to a national park should be measured by the quality of the visitor experience, not just whether someone eventually makes it through the gate. The reservation system successfully spread visitation throughout the weeks and months providing economic stability throughout the year, but the removal has caused volatility that makes it harder for local businesses to retain employees, invest in their communities, and provide the level of service visitors expect. The reservation system doesn’t restrict access; it preserves the quality, predictability, and sustainability of access for visitors, gateway communities, and the park itself.”\n\n“This Administration’s actions are harming natural resources and creating pure chaos for visitors and the incredible employees who care deeply for the park,” said Mark Rose, Sierra Nevada program manager of the National Parks Conservation Association. “Yosemite’s reservation system was a massive success, backed by years of expert analysis and public input. Yosemite Superintendent McPadden’s decision to scrap the reservation system does nothing to benefit the American people who own this park. The crisis unfolding in Yosemite will only end when park leadership listens to the public and its own staff and brings the reservation system back online.”\n\n“Superintendent McPadden’s decision to discontinue the reservation system undermines the hardworking Yosemite staff,” said NFFE Local 475, representing Yosemite National Park NPS employees. “The National Park Service is consistently ranked by Americans as the most beloved, trusted federal agency, and our polling of Yosemite staff shows overwhelming agreement that working conditions and visitors’ experiences have been negatively impacted because there is no reservation system. Staff have reported increased wait times during their commutes, challenges to fulfill their work duties due to standstill traffic, and a heightened strain on all facilities and infrastructures throughout the park. The decision to dismiss the very real concerns of the dedicated park staff who build trails, protect wildlife, restore meadows, and maintain and clean the facilities of this globally significant park is both disheartening and disappointing to the NPS workforce.”\n\nLast week, Padilla pressed the nominee for Assistant Interior Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Kevin Lilly, about Yosemite National Park and secured a commitment from him that the National Park Service will continue to monitor Yosemite wait times throughout peak visitor season and invest in infrastructure and capacity. Padilla also highlighted the Trump Administration’s staffing and budget cuts that could continue to impact Yosemite’s visitor experiences. Last year, Padilla introduced the Review and Evaluation of Strategies for Equal Reservations for Visitor Experiences (RESERVE) Federal Land Act to expand access to public lands, improve the visitor reservation process, and enhance transparency in how fees are collected for federally managed public lands and national parks. In 2025, Padilla also urged Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to allow Yosemite to implement its reservation system, emphasizing its importance in managing park visitation while preserving Yosemite for future generations.\n\nFull letter is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-supreme-court-further-dismantling-limits-on-campaign-spending/", "title": "Padilla Statement on Supreme Court Further Dismantling Limits on Campaign Spending", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee with oversight over federal elections, issued the following statement following the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling in National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission striking down federal limits on coordinated campaign spending.\n\n“The Supreme Court’s NRSC v. FEC decision is yet another step by the conservative majority to dismantle the Federal Election Campaign Act, Congress’ response to the Watergate Scandal over 50 years ago. While J.D. Vance claims that the national embarrassment of Watergate would only be a ‘12-hour news story’ today, we cannot become numb to political corruption and the outsized influence of wealthy mega donors in politics.\n\n“The American people deserve a government that addresses their priorities – affordable housing, healthcare, good jobs, and safe schools – and we will only achieve that by strengthening, not undermining, our campaign finance system. I will continue to push to overturn Citizens United so that our elections reflect the will of the people and not the highest bidder.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-slotkin-demand-answers-as-trump-administration-further-delays-toxic-pfas-chemical-cleanups-at-military-sites-in-michigan", "title": "Peters & Slotkin Demand Answers as Trump Administration Further Delays Toxic PFAS Chemical Cleanups at Military Sites in Michigan", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.peters.senate.gov", "scraper": "garypeters", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000595", "name": "Gary C. Peters", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Elissa Slotkin (MI) are demanding answers from the Trump Administration for its continued delays in cleaning up toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at military installations in Michigan and across the country. The delays come as Michigan communities and residents continue to face severe challenges with toxic PFAS contamination. Michigan is home to 16 military installations where DOD has identified or suspects PFAS contamination, including Camp Grayling and the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda. In a letter to U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth, the senators called on DOD to reverse its unacceptable postponement of PFAS remediation at military bases and requested detailed explanations for the delays in order to give servicemembers, their families, and the surrounding communities the transparency they deserve.\n\n“We remain greatly concerned by the staggering delays at some installations, which include over 170 installations with delays ranging from 1 year to over 20 years,” the senators wrote. “Communities around these installations must not be left behind, and remediation work cannot wait.”\n\nRecently, the Department of Defense (DOD) quietly updated its timetable for PFAS remediation at military sites across the country. Its new timeline, which was only recently made public but dated September 30, 2025, delayed cleanup efforts by over a decade at many installations and even up to two decades in some cases. In total, over 170 military sites were affected by this newest round of delays, including 8 sites in Michigan. This comes just months after DOD initially pushed the PFAS remediation timelines for roughly 150 bases late last year. In November 2025, Peters and Slotkin also led a letter with their colleagues to Secretary Hegseth demanding that he reverse those delays.\n\nIn their most recent letter, Peters and Slotkin wrote, “Furthering our concern is the fact that this most recent set of delays is backdated to September 30, 2025, raising the question of whether the Department has further expanded the breadth and extent of its delays in the previous nine months. The longer DOD takes to complete such remediation efforts, the greater the risk to public health and the environment in impacted communities.”\n\nPFAS or “forever chemicals” are widespread contaminants found in many industrial applications and especially around U.S. military installations. At least 700 military sites in the United States are known or suspected to have PFAS contamination from DOD activities. PFAS exposure is linked to an array of health problems, including various cancers, reduced immune function, reproductive challenges, birth defects, thyroid issues, and more. The use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at DOD facilities, and the subsequent stormwater runoff, is a significant source of drinking water pollution. This contamination poses serious health risks to servicemembers, their families, and the communities surrounding these military sites.\n\nThe full text of the letter to Secretary Hegseth can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-requests-audit-into-commerce-secretary-lutnicks-unauthorized-dismantling-of-the-manufacturing-extension-partnership-program", "title": "Peters Requests Audit into Commerce Secretary Lutnick’s Unauthorized Dismantling of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.peters.senate.gov", "scraper": "garypeters", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000595", "name": "Gary C. Peters", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, sent a letter to Acting Comptroller General Orice Williams Brown requesting a Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation into whether the Department of Commerce (DOC), under Secretary Howard Lutnick, has followed the law and properly funded and managed the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program. Michigan’s MEP Center, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC), has helped Michigan's small and medium-sized businesses compete and grow for more than 30 years.\n\n“The MEP Program enhances the competitiveness, productivity, and technological performance of the U.S. manufacturing sector,” Peters wrote. “However, since Secretary Lutnick took control of the Department of Commerce, the Department has put the future of the MEP Program and the services it provides to over 600,000 American manufacturers in deep uncertainty with an ever-shifting chronology of statements, actions, and reversals. A robust investigation by GAO would help determine whether and how officials at the Department circumvented or ignored congressional directives on MEP.”\n\nThe MEP Program, which is housed under the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at the DOC, serves as a national network of go-to experts that help small and medium-sized manufacturers enhance productivity and adopt advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence. MEP Centers across the country provide assistance to help improve manufacturing firms’ processes and productivity, expand their capacity, utilize best management practices, and train their workforce. Despite its nearly 30-year history of successfully supporting manufacturing in America, on April 1, 2025, NIST began withholding and delaying funds for MEP Centers, greatly reducing federal MEP Program staff levels and leaving MEP Centers in a perpetual state of uncertainty that led to hiring freezes and layoffs in 90 percent of MEP Centers.\n\nWhen pressed by senators on both sides of the aisle, the Department and Secretary Lutnick have repeatedly blamed the withholding of funds on years-old Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General findings.\n\n“This apparent justification for withholding MEP funds lacks credibility, as the Commerce Department’s Inspector General personally confirmed to Democratic Committee staff that the OIG’s findings and recommendations were not a legal or otherwise appropriate grounds for the Department to defund the MEP program,” Peters continued.\n\nThis effort comes after Peters led his colleagues in sending a letter to the DOC in December demanding clear answers about why NIST was withholding and delaying congressionally approved funds to MEP Program Centers.\n\nPeters has led numerous efforts in the Senate to bolster the MEP Program’s efforts to support workers and manufacturers. Peters helped author and pass into law the CHIPS and Science Act which increased funding for the MEP program. Peters secured $400,000 in federal funding for MMTC to help manufacturers in Michigan improve the strength of their supply chains. Peters also authored bipartisan legislation that was signed into law in 2017 to adjust federal cost-share ratio and implement new accountability and oversight provisions within the MEP program.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-leads-us-senators-in-pushing-trump-admin-to-release-affordable-housing-construction-funds", "title": "Reed Leads U.S. Senators in Pushing Trump Admin. to Release Affordable Housing Construction Funds", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – As President Trump continues to slow-walk a bipartisan housing affordability bill that already passed through Congress, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and a leading group of U.S. Senators is urging the president to unlock community development tools and promptly release $750 million in federal housing construction funds.\n\nEarlier this month Congress passed the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to help build more housing, lower costs, streamline construction regulations, and curb private equity’s ability to buy up single-family homes and drive up housing prices. Instead of signing the law, which passed with veto-proof majorities, President Trump is sitting on it.\n\nWith housing prices near record highs, the Trump Administration is also sitting on approximately $750 million in housing construction funds available under the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Housing Production-Financial Assistance Awards (HP-FA) programs. These federal funds can be leveraged by state and local organizations to develop, preserve, rehabilitate, and increase the supply of affordable housing. Together, these programs strengthen communities, revitalize neighborhoods, create jobs, and ensure more Americans can afford a high-quality home at a decent price that fits their budget.\n\nThe housing affordability crisis is compounded by the fact that President Trump’s policies – including his tariffs and reckless war with Iran – have increased the cost of construction and slowed the pace of building new affordable housing units nationwide.\n\nThis week, Senator Reed and 22 of his colleagues sent a letter to White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought demanding that the Trump Administration release housing construction funds without further delay.\n\n“We write to urge you to immediately direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of the Treasury to release approximately $750 million in housing construction funds available under the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Housing Production-Financial Assistance Awards (HP-FA) programs,” the 23 U.S. Senators wrote, noting that release of the funds could help build or rehabilitate over 63,000 homes at no cost to American taxpayers.\n\n“Today, Americans are suffering through a housing affordability crisis. Single-family home prices and the average age of first-time homebuyers hit record highs last year, while more households are paying unsustainable amounts of rent than ever before. This crisis is nationwide: home prices have surged 40% in Texas, 43% in Iowa, 54% in Georgia, and 65% in Maine over the past six years – far outpacing wages and overall inflation. You have the ability to increase our nation’s housing supply and help address this crisis. With that in mind, we urge you to direct the release of these funds without any further delay,” the letter continued.\n\nIn addition to Reed, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mark Warner (D-VA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).\n\nFull text of the letter follows:\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nWe write to urge you to immediately direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of the Treasury to release approximately $750 million in housing construction funds available under the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Housing Production-Financial Assistance Awards (HP-FA) programs.\n\nThese funds, which are derived from the profits of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and revenue from the Emergency Capital Investment Program, could pay to build or rehabilitate over 63,000 homes at no cost to American taxpayers. OMB has never failed to ensure annual CMF and HTF funds are released, even during President Trump’s first term. Regrettably, the Trump Administration has now withheld some of these funds for over a year.\n\nToday, Americans are suffering through a housing affordability crisis. Single-family home prices and the average age of first-time homebuyers hit record highs last year, while more households are paying unsustainable amounts of rent than ever before. This crisis is nationwide: home prices have surged 40% in Texas, 43% in Iowa, 54% in Georgia, and 65% in Maine over the past six years – far outpacing wages and overall inflation. You have the ability to increase our nation’s housing supply and help address this crisis. With that in mind, we urge you to direct the release of these funds without any further delay.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-soft-boiled-egg-price-manipulation-settlement-not-all-its-cracked-up-to-be", "title": "Reed: ‘Soft-Boiled’ Egg Price Manipulation Settlement Not All It’s Cracked Up to Be", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – For years U.S. Senator Jack Reed cried “fowl” over inflated egg prices and urged the federal government to ‘crack down’ on unfair, anti-competitive market manipulation by the ‘Big Egg’ industry.\n\nAnd last year, after previously warning that industrial egg producers were feeding the American public a phony narrative about how and why egg prices spiked, Reed warned they could be using anti-competitive pricing tactics to force consumers and retailers to shell out more for eggs. Senator Reed also introduced the Ending Taxpayer Support for Big Egg Producers Act (S. 1904).\n\nThe five largest egg producers — Cal-Maine Foods, Rose Acre Farms, Daybreak Foods, Hillendale Farms, and Versova/Centrum Holdings — control nearly half of the U.S. egg-laying flock.\n\nThis week, two of the companies: Cal-Maine and Versova/Centrum were named in a nationwide multistate settlement in an egg price-fixing scheme that was announced between three egg companies and the U.S. Department of Justice and 17 state Attorneys General.\n\nThe proposed settlement, which must still be approved by the court, includes restitution being paid in the form of 53 million eggs being donated and $3.3 million in fines being paid.\n\nToday, Senator Reed said that the egg price fixing settlement is a step forward, but doesn’t do enough to fix the broader issue and seems inadequate. Reed wants DOJ lawyers to show their math and be transparent about how they reached the final settlement figures. Reed issued the following statement:\n\n“After years of calling for government probes and action, it is heartening to see that some industrial egg producers are being publicly named and shamed for manipulative practices. They did real economic damage to consumers and farmers across the country.\n\n“While I appreciate the hard work of investigators and attorneys, it sounds like this settlement, though well-intentioned, could be ‘soft boiled’ and let bad actors off the hook too easy.”\n\nReed noted that during the egg price-spike period, Cal-Maine reported roughly $1.2 billion in profits – a four-fold increase over the previous year -- and it also took $44 million in U.S. taxpayer support through avian influenza compensation payments. But Cal-Maine’s share of the proposed settlement is only about $1.5 million and allows them to deny wrongdoing, despite the payment.\n\n“Instead of a light slap on the wrist, the industry needs real reform and more transparency when it comes to pricing practices,” said Senator Reed. “American consumers should not have to pay unfairly high prices due to anticompetitive behaviors. We’ve seen how factory farms and big agri-businesses try to distort prices while manipulating public opinion too. They tried to blame ‘eggflation’ on animal welfare standards and avian influenza when the real root cause seems to be flat out greed and collusion. Congress should take concrete steps to help lower prices, protect consumers and small businesses, and ensure fairness in the marketplace.\n\n“Weak settlements leave taxpayers holding the bag and picking up the majority of the tab. Congress should pass my Ending Taxpayer Support for Big Egg Producers Act to prevent these companies from taking taxpayer dollars and using it for things like stock buybacks while consumers get gouged. Profitable egg producers raking in billions shouldn’t need taxpayer subsidies. And if big companies see they can rake in tens of millions of dollars in profit by manipulating markets and get away with paying minimal fines at just a fraction of what they are making, then more bad actors could follow suit. There has got to be more transparency and accountability going forward. And we have to take a hard look at the costly role of industry consolidation to consumers and our food system.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-reacts-to-supreme-court-rulings-demands-congress-return-to-dc", "title": "In Case You Missed It… Sen. Rick Scott Reacts to Supreme Court Rulings, Demands Congress Return to DC", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rick Scott joined the Charlie Kirk Show yesterday with Andrew Kolvet and Blake Neff to break down the Supreme Court rulings on birthright citizenship, transgender athletes, and campaign finance rules.\n\nWatch the full interview HERE or by clicking below.\n\nHIGHLIGHTS:\n\nOn Birthright Citizenship:\n\n“I don’t get the Supreme Court’s decision. It just doesn’t make any sense. If you come here illegally or if you use a surrogate, how does that make sense that that child is an American citizen?\n\n...\n\n“We’re in a dangerous situation. The government of Communist China wants to destroy us, they hate us and so they’ll do everything they can, from hacking all of our water systems, electrical systems, stealing our jobs, sending fentanyl into our country—you name it. So, this is another way they can go about trying to destroy our way of life.”\n\nOn the Transgender Athletes Ruling:\n\n“This is so simple. We have women’s sport to give women opportunities and then why on God’s green earth would anybody support having a man play in a women’s sport? It doesn’t make any sense. How does a Democrat who has daughters want to have their daughter compete against a man on any track or race? The stupidity to think that it’s okay… This is a great decision by the Supreme Court.”\n\nOn the SAVE America Act:\n\n““We’re only working two-and-a-half days a week. We shouldn’t be in recess when the SAVE America Act hasn’t passed, we know we’re going to have another government shutdown on October 1. There are so many things we’ve got to do to help President Trump’s agenda. We’ve got to be in DC and work hard to get it done. I invited him to lunch last week to talk about what we are going to do to get his agenda done, but protecting our elections, protecting our border… keeping government running. All of these things are so important. We ought to be in DC doing it.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/01/rosen-helps-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-consolidate-national-guard-and-reserve-component-duty-statuses-improve-readiness-standardize-pay-secure-veteran-benefits/", "title": "Rosen Helps Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Consolidate National Guard and Reserve Component Duty Statuses, Improve Readiness, Standardize Pay, Secure Veteran Benefits", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) in introducing the bipartisan Duty Status Reform Act to make comprehensive reforms to the National Guard and Reserve Component by streamlining the duty status framework, reducing the amount of duty statuses from 30 to four. This bipartisan bill would help standardize pay and benefits for members of the National Guard and the Reserve, clarify and simplify antiquated administrative systems, and improve consistency in veterans’ benefits eligibility for Guard and Reserve members by reducing disparities resulting from differing duty statuses.\n\n“Duty Status Reform is a necessary overhaul to antiquated administrative systems that have negatively impacted our Reserve and National Guard servicemembers’ quality of life and readiness,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to cut through the red tape by simplifying the duty status structure from nearly 30 statuses down to four so the reserve component will receive timely and equitable pay and benefits without preventable delays or disruption. This legislation ensures the reserve component receives fair and equitable treatment when answering the call to service at a moment’s notice.”\n\n“The men and women of the National Guard in Kansas and across the country play a critical role in serving our communities and defending our nation,” said Senator Moran. “As the Guard’s mission has evolved, the duty status system has become increasingly complex. This legislation will simplify the structure and strengthen the Guard’s ability to carry out its missions by standardizing pay and benefits, bolstering readiness and better supporting those who serve.”\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Rosen has made it one of her priorities to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles for our military and ensure that servicemembers and veterans have all the resources and care they have earned. This year, Senator Rosen introduced the bipartisan Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act, which would require the Department of Defense to join the Department of Energy in identifying all servicemembers and veterans who worked at locations where radiation and toxic exposure occurred, allowing such veterans to better access VA healthcare and benefits. Last year, she also introduced bipartisan legislation that would allow medical providers to more easily practice for both the DoD and the VA – addressing the medical shortage and ensuring care for veterans and servicemembers.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/01/rosen-secures-25-million-in-federal-funding-for-sun-valley-boulevard-improvements-in-northern-nevada/", "title": "Rosen Secures $25 Million in Federal Funding for Sun Valley Boulevard Improvements in Northern Nevada", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that she secured $25 million in federal funding for the Sun Valley Boulevard Corridor Improvements Project in Northern Nevada. This federal funding was awarded through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program, which Senator Rosen helped create through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that she helped write and pass. Earlier this year, she joined Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Congressman Mark Amodei (R-NV-02) in a letter urging the Trump Administration to award these funds to the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County. The funding will go toward drainage improvements, additional bus stops, accessibility improvements, improved signage, and more.\n\n“Sun Valley Boulevard is the main connection for residents traveling to schools, parks, local services, and regional employment centers throughout Washoe County and the Reno-Tahoe area. The work being done by this project will help bring significant safety improvements for both pedestrians and drivers who rely on this critical corridor for commercial, educational, and transit purposes,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to have helped secure millions of dollars in federal funding for this project in Washoe County. I will continue supporting infrastructure projects across Nevada, and ensure that they have the federal funding they need.”\n\nSenator Rosen has helped secure millions in funding for critical projects across Nevada. Recently, she successfully pushed the Trump administration to release $21 million in federal funding to combat homelessness in Nevada. Senator Rosen has also secured millions for Nevada’s airports, including over $10 million for Boulder City airport and $20 million for renovations at Reno-Tahoe International Airport.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-padilla-demand-answers-on-elimination-of-yosemite-reservation-system/", "title": "NEWS: Schiff, Padilla Demand Answers on Elimination of Yosemite Reservation System", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) urged Department of the Interior (DOI) officials to reconsider the elimination of Yosemite National Park’s reservation system.\n\nIn a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Acting Director of the National Park Service (NPS) Jessica Bowron, the Senators expressed concern over upcoming peak summertime visitation coupled with reductions in staff and funding.\n\n“The increased visitation we have seen without the reservation system, mixed with the reduction in staff and resources over the past year, leaves us deeply concerned about how the Park will be able to manage visitation safely and effectively protect park resources during the peak summer months,” wrote the Senators. “Yosemite National Park is the crown jewel of the National Park System, yet overcrowding, vehicle congestion, limited parking, and long lines have long been issues that diminish what should be a world class experience.”\n\n“In response to these challenges, Yosemite implemented a reservation system during the summers of 2020-2022 and 2024, which both greatly improved visitor experiences and supported visitation to the Park by spreading visitation across the peak summer months,” continued the Senators. “However, in February 2026, NPS decided to cancel this successful reservation system without providing any scientific justification or evidence of public stakeholder engagement.”\n\nThe Senators questioned the decision to eliminate the reservation system and how NPS officials plan to mitigate its impacts during the upcoming peak visitation months.\n\n“According to widespread reporting and testimony from our constituents, the Park has seen bumper-to-bumper traffic around the valley floor, hiking trails backed up with people, and parking lots full in the early mornings causing visitors to illegally park off-road on vegetation and in meadows,” concluded the Senators. “This situation is further complicated by the Administration’s reductions in staff, which has created critical gaps in park operations. Key science and park safety staff have been rerouted and stretched thin to handle traffic monitoring and park maintenance, which hinders Yosemite’s ability to manage wildfire risk, ensure visitor safety, and conserve the treasured natural resources throughout the Park.”\n\nYosemite is California’s most visited national park, with 4.3 million visitors in 2025. In February, the Trump Administration announced that Yosemite’s timed reservation system would be eliminated for 2026 without justification. This decision has had significant impacts on businesses in the Yosemite area, with conservation organizations and Yosemite’s employees also expressing strong opposition.\n\n“As a small business owner serving Yosemite’s visitors, my team and I have seen firsthand that removing the reservation system has led to the park being functionally inaccessible for many families,” said Elisabeth Barton, CEO of Echo Adventure Cooperative. “Visitors shouldn’t have to spend hours sitting in entrance lines, searching for parking, or abandoning plans altogether. Access to a national park should be measured by the quality of the visitor experience, not just whether someone eventually makes it through the gate. The reservation system successfully spread visitation throughout the weeks and months providing economic stability throughout the year, but the removal has caused volatility that makes it harder for local businesses to retain employees, invest in their communities, and provide the level of service visitors expect. The reservation system doesn’t restrict access; it preserves the quality, predictability, and sustainability of access for visitors, gateway communities, and the park itself.”\n\n“This Administration’s actions are harming natural resources and creating pure chaos for visitors and the incredible employees who care deeply for the park,” said Mark Rose, Sierra Nevada program manager of the National Parks Conservation Association. “Yosemite’s reservation system was a massive success, backed by years of expert analysis and public input. Yosemite Superintendent McPadden’s decision to scrap the reservation system does nothing to benefit the American people who own this park. The crisis unfolding in Yosemite will only end when park leadership listens to the public and its own staff and brings the reservation system back online.”\n\n“Superintendent McPadden’s decision to discontinue the reservation system undermines the hardworking Yosemite staff,” said NFFE Local 475, representing Yosemite National Park NPS employees. “The National Park Service is consistently ranked by Americans as the most beloved, trusted federal agency, and our polling of Yosemite staff shows overwhelming agreement that working conditions and visitors’ experiences have been negatively impacted because there is no reservation system. Staff have reported increased wait times during their commutes, challenges to fulfill their work duties due to standstill traffic, and a heightened strain on all facilities and infrastructures throughout the park. The decision to dismiss the very real concerns of the dedicated park staff who build trails, protect wildlife, restore meadows, and maintain and clean the facilities of this globally significant park is both disheartening and disappointing to the NPS workforce.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-sen-schiff-tours-fullerton-fire-station-highlights-250000-in-federal-funds-secured/", "title": "PHOTOS: Sen. Schiff Tours Fullerton Fire Station, Highlights $250,000 in Federal Funds Secured", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Fullerton, CA – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) toured the City of Fullerton’s Fire Station to highlight $250,000 in federal funding he and Congressman Lou Correa (D-Calif.-46) secured to help modernize the station. The Senator was joined by Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung and local elected officials.\n\nThe funding delivered by Schiff and Correa will upgrade the station’s alerting and communications infrastructure and enhance emergency response efforts across all six citywide fire stations. These improvements will benefit not only the residents of Fullerton, but the millions of Californians served throughout Orange County.\n\nThe Senator also participated in a roundtable with firefighters to discuss these efforts to improve their dispatch infrastructure, as well as effects the station has felt from cuts forced by President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.\n\nView photos from the visit below:\n\nCredit for this photo: Gaston Castellanos\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-unveils-new-actions-to-hold-big-oil-companies-accountable-for-price-gouging-of-californians-ahead-of-july-4th-holiday/", "title": "WATCH: Sen. Schiff Unveils New Actions to Hold Big Oil Companies Accountable for Price Gouging of Californians Ahead of July 4th Holiday", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Los Angeles, CA – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) unveiled new actions to hold big oil and gas companies accountable for the sky-high prices at the gas pump.\n\nOutside of a gas station with the highest gas prices in Los Angeles, Senator Schiff demanded the U.S. Department of Justice investigate price gouging by oil and gas companies, promising to introduce legislation that will force an investigation that would report to Congress on potential gouging. Senator Schiff’s push for an investigation comes as even President Trump has called out oil companies, saying earlier this month that Americans are being “gouged.”\n\n“Big Oil is raking in billions in profits while Californians are struggling to fill their tank this Fourth of July. This president has enabled oil and gas companies to gouge consumers more than any other president in history, and we need a federal investigation into how these oil companies continue to rake in billions while failing to pass on savings to the public when the price of oil stabilizes. If the Trump administration is serious about reversing course on its long track record of enriching oil and gas companies, it can start by launching this overdue investigation,” said Senator Schiff.\n\nSchiff also announced new legislation to levy an excess profits tax on Big Oil companies, who are projected to rake in $96 billion in profits in 2026, $13.5 billion more than last year.\n\nSchiff has previously championed a windfall profits tax on oil companies as a way of shifting the cost burden of gas prices off of American families – who have been spending at least $1.00 a gallon more compared to last year, thanks to Trump’s war in Iran.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-deliver-25-million-in-fed-funding-to-make-vital-safety-improvements-in-tarrytown-and-sleepy-hollow", "title": "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND DELIVER $25 MILLION IN FED FUNDING TO MAKE VITAL SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS IN TARRYTOWN AND SLEEPY HOLLOW", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.schumer.senate.gov", "scraper": "schumer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000148", "name": "Charles E. Schumer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Fed Funding Will Support Conversion Of Four Intersections To Roundabouts, Installation Of New Traffic Signals, Construction Of Shared-Use Path, And More\n\nFunding Comes From Highly Competitive BUILD Program, Which Schumer Secured Historic Increase For In Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law\n\nSchumer: A Transportation Transformation Is Coming To Westchester!\n\nU.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $25 million in federal funding for the Villages of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow to make vital safety improvements along U.S. Route 9. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) highly competitive Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program, which Schumer secured historic funding for in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law.\n\n“The Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law we passed is paving the way for safer roads and more jobs in Westchester County! I am thrilled to be announcing that Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow will receive $25 million in federal funding to upgrade critical road infrastructure along U.S. Route 9,” said Senator Schumer. “I am proud to have secured the funding for this project and will continue to advocate for the Hudson Valley to receive the federal resources it needs to thrive.”\n\n\"Well-maintained infrastructure is critical to increase safety, improve the flow of traffic, and enhance mobility,\" said Senator Gillibrand, ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee. \"This project is a win for Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, and all of Westchester. I'm proud to have fought for the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which helped fund this project, and I will continue working to deliver federal dollars to New York for the improvement of our infrastructure.\"\n\nThe project will reconstruct approximately 1.5 miles of U.S. Route 9 to include the reconstruction of four signalized intersections as roundabouts, the installation of two new traffic signals, the construction of up to a 0.75-mile shared-use path, the enhancement of sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, and the optimization of bus stop locations.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sens-scott-budd-colleagues-send-letter-to-protect-u-s-specialty-crop-producers-and-restore-competitive-trade-balance-with-mexico/", "title": "Sens. Scott, Budd, Colleagues send letter to protect U.S. specialty crop producers and restore competitive trade balance with Mexico", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.scott.senate.gov", "scraper": "timscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001184", "name": "Tim Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) in sending a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, calling for measures to restore a more competitive trade balance for U.S. specialty crops with Mexico. In the letter, the senators advocate for addressing the unsustainable pressures on U.S. specialty crop producers caused by an increasing volume of foreign products unfairly flooding U.S. markets while U.S. crops are reaching their peak in-season period. The letter comes as Ambassador Greer works to reauthorize the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).\n\nIn the letter, the senators wrote:\n\n“Without measures to restore competitive balance, specialty crop production will increasingly move to foreign countries. We urge you to evaluate trade actions that can safeguard U.S. growers from unfair pressures from Mexico. This work is essential to maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the specialty crop sector and ensuring Americans continue to have access to high-quality, domestically grown food, which is fundamental to our national security.”\n\nU.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) joined in co-signing the letter.\n\nU.S. Representative Austin Scott (R-Ga.-08) led the letter in the House of Representatives and was joined by 79 members in sending the letter.\n\nThe letter is endorsed by: American Farm Bureau Federation, Alabama Farmers Federation, Blue Ridge Apple Growers Association, California Table Grape Commission, Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Association, Florida Blueberry Growers Association, Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, Florida Tomato Exchange, Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Berry Exchange, Georgia Blueberry Commission, Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Georgia Green Industry Association, Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Georgia Watermelon Association, Idaho Onion Growers Association, Malheur County Onion Growers, Michigan Asparagus, Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Onion Committee, Michigan Vegetable Council, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, National Onion Association, National Pecan Federation, North Carolina Apple Growers Association, North Carolina Chamber, North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, North Carolina Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Association, North Carolina Growers Association, North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission, North Carolina Tomato Growers Association, North Carolina Vegetable Growers Association, Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association, South Carolina Small Fruit Association, Southeastern Pecan Growers Association, Texas Pecan Growers Association, Tobacco Associates, Inc., Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina, Vidalia Onion Business Council, Washington Red Raspberry Commission, and Western Pecan Growers Association.\n\nRead the full letter text here or below:\n\nDear Ambassador Greer,\n\nThe U.S. specialty crop industry encompasses a large variety of commodities across 220,000 farms, each with distinct supply and demand conditions. As you know, many American growers of fruit, vegetable, and certain tree nut commodities and products are under unsustainable pressure from growing volumes of products unfairly entering U.S. markets. These imports flood the U.S. market, often at the same time U.S. crops are reaching their peak in-season period, with prices at or below the cost of production for U.S. producers. Additionally, many of these commodities are seasonal and/or perishable, creating unique challenges for identifying markets as these products must be harvested, marketed, and consumed within a limited window of time. Other specialty crops that are marketed year-round are forced to suffer the consequences over the course of the entire year. As you review the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), we look forward to engaging with you to implement trade measures that will allow our specialty crop producers to continue to feed the nation and remain viable against unfair foreign competition. We urge you to consider the significant strain Mexico continues to place on the U.S. specialty crop industry.\n\nFresh fruit and vegetable imports from Mexico have increased by more than 550 percent since 2001, driven by fundamental cost and regulatory advantages.\n\nMexican producers operate with significantly lower labor and production expenses, where agricultural wages are about one-tenth of U.S. levels, while U.S. growers depend heavily on the higher-cost H-2A program for seasonal labor. Because labor accounts for roughly half of total production and harvest expenses in this industry, these disparities create a substantial competitive gap. Mexican farms also cut corners by avoiding many of the regulatory requirements imposed by U.S agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Labor, further reinforcing their cost of production advantage.\n\nWithout measures to restore competitive balance, specialty crop production will increasingly move to foreign countries. We urge you to evaluate trade actions that can safeguard U.S. growers from unfair pressures from Mexico. This work is essential to maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the specialty crop sector and ensuring Americans continue to have access to high-quality, domestically grown food, which is fundamental to our national security.\n\nMany specialty crop organizations and representatives recently submitted comments to the Office of the United States Trade Representative for consideration under Docket ID: USTR-2025-0004, titled “Request for Comments on the Operation of the Agreement between the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada.” We encourage you to prioritize the evaluation of these comments, and we emphasize the importance of these commodity industries’ submissions. We appreciate your consideration of our growers’ concerns, your review of the companion letter sent from 79 members of the U.S. House of Representatives on May 12, 2026 regarding this matter, and look forward to continued collaboration as the 2026 USMCA review process moves forward.\n\nSincerely,\n\n/X/\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-marks-passage-of-landmark-housing-legislation-in-franconia-highlights-over-2-million-in-federal-funding-she-secured-for-community-wellness-center-in-colebrook", "title": "Shaheen Marks Passage of Landmark Housing Legislation in Franconia, Highlights Over $2 Million in Federal Funding She Secured for Community Wellness Center in Colebrook", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(Franconia, NH) – With housing costs remaining a top concern for families across New Hampshire, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) traveled to the North Country today to visit the Fox Hill Cooperative in Franconia and highlight provisions she secured in the landmark housing legislation recently passed by Congress. Shaheen also attended and delivered remarks at a ribbon cutting to celebrate efforts to renovate and redevelop the North Country Community Recreation Center in Colebrook. Photos from today’s events can be found HERE.\n\nIn Franconia, Shaheen visited the Fox Hill Cooperative, a resident-owned manufactured housing community, to mark Congressional passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act—bipartisan housing legislation that will expand supply and lower costs. Shaheen toured the community and highlighted a key provision she secured in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act that will directly support manufactured housing communities, such as Fox Hill. Specifically, the Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative in Community Enhancement (PRICE) Act would extend a federal grant program that provides funding to support the purchase, construction and renovation of manufactured housing communities—increasing supply of affordable housing for families across the country.\n\n“Congressional passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis marks a major step in combatting our nation’s affordable housing crisis,” said Senator Shaheen. “This bill is one of the most consequential pieces of housing legislation Congress has passed in decades, and I was proud to secure three provisions in it that will lower costs and expand the supply of affordable housing in New Hampshire. I urge President Trump to stop stalling and immediately sign this legislation into law to deliver real financial relief to communities such as Fox Hill and others across the Granite State.”\n\nAlong with the PRICE Act, Shaheen secured two additional provisions in Congress’ milestone legislation that will directly lower housing costs in New Hampshire by cutting red tape and preserving rental assistance to keep homes affordable. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act currently sits on the President’s desk, who has so far refused to sign the landmark bill.\n\nAs a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies (Ag-FDA) Subcommittee, Shaheen has continually worked to ensure New Hampshire communities have the federal funding needed to tackle the housing affordability crisis. In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Ag-FDA Appropriations bill that was signed into law, Shaheen fought to fully fund the Rental Assistance program. Additionally, the FY 2026 appropriations bills invest $1.25 billion in the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to help build new housing across New Hampshire and support grant programs that aid state and local efforts to remove barriers to housing construction.\n\nIn the afternoon, Shaheen visited the North Country Community Recreation Center in Colebrook. In the fiscal year (FY) 2024 government funding legislation, Shaheen secured $2.7 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to support the renovations of the North Country Community Recreation Center and establishment of a Wellness Center. Upon completion, the Wellness Center will expand access to health and fitness facilities in the region, including with an indoor walking track, pool, exercise gym and physical therapy and rehab programs. Shaheen also gave remarks on the project and its importance to the Colebrook community.\n\n“While the loss of the North Country Community Recreation Center left a real impact on the entire community, it is wonderful to see how leaders in Colebrook have stepped forward to create a new wellness facility that will reinvigorate the community,” said Senator Shaheen. “I was thrilled to secure over $2 million in funding for this important project, and I thank everyone involved for their tireless work on this important community need in the North Country.”\n\nSenator Shaheen has a long track record of securing resources to support community health enhancement across New Hampshire. Along with securing $2.7 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for the Colebrook wellness center, Shaheen secured millions of dollars to support key health care priorities in New Hampshire in the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill, including funding for health care facility improvement and workforce development.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/2026/07/01/peters-and-slotkin-demand-answers-as-trump-administration-further-delays-toxic-pfas-chemical-cleanups-at-military-sites-in-michigan/", "title": "Peters and Slotkin Demand Answers as Trump Administration Further Delays Toxic PFAS Chemical Cleanups at Military Sites in Michigan", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "www.slotkin.senate.gov", "scraper": "slotkin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001208", "name": "Elissa Slotkin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) are demanding answers from the Trump Administration for its continued delays in cleaning up toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at military installations in Michigan and across the country. The delays come as Michigan communities and residents continue to face severe challenges with toxic PFAS contamination.\n\nMichigan is home to 16 military installations where DOD has identified or suspects PFAS contamination, including Camp Grayling and the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda. In a letter to U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth, the senators called on DOD to reverse its unacceptable postponement of PFAS remediation at military bases and requested detailed explanations for the delays in order to give servicemembers, their families, and the surrounding communities the transparency they deserve.\n\n“We remain greatly concerned by the staggering delays at some installations, which include over 170 installations with delays ranging from 1 year to over 20 years,” the senators wrote. “Communities around these installations must not be left behind, and remediation work cannot wait.”\n\nRecently, the Department of Defense (DOD) quietly updated its timetable for PFAS remediation at military sites across the country. Its new timeline, which was only recently made public but dated September 30, 2025, delayed cleanup efforts by over a decade at many installations and even up to two decades in some cases. In total, over 170 military sites were affected by this newest round of delays, including 8 sites in Michigan. This comes just months after DOD initially pushed the PFAS remediation timelines for roughly 150 bases late last year. In November 2025, Peters and Slotkin also led a letter with their colleagues to Secretary Hegseth demanding that he reverse those delays.\n\nIn their most recent letter, Peters and Slotkin wrote, “Furthering our concern is the fact that this most recent set of delays is backdated to September 30, 2025, raising the question of whether the Department has further expanded the breadth and extent of its delays in the previous nine months. The longer DOD takes to complete such remediation efforts, the greater the risk to public health and the environment in impacted communities.”\n\nPFAS or “forever chemicals” are widespread contaminants found in many industrial applications and especially around U.S. military installations. At least 700 military sites in the United States are known or suspected to have PFAS contamination from DOD activities. PFAS exposure is linked to an array of health problems, including various cancers, reduced immune function, reproductive challenges, birth defects, thyroid issues, and more. The use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at DOD facilities, and the subsequent stormwater runoff, is a significant source of drinking water pollution. This contamination poses serious health risks to servicemembers, their families, and the communities surrounding these military sites.\n\nThe full text of the letter to Secretary Hegseth can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/2026/07/01/slotkin-joins-senate-colleagues-in-demanding-trump-halt-illegal-move-to-undermine-special-ed-civil-rights-enforcement/", "title": "Slotkin Joins Senate Colleagues in Demanding Trump Halt Illegal Move to Undermine Special Ed, Civil Rights Enforcement", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "www.slotkin.senate.gov", "scraper": "slotkin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001208", "name": "Elissa Slotkin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) joined her Senate Democratic colleagues in demanding the Trump administration put students first, follow the law, and immediately reverse course on transferring special education programs and civil rights enforcement out of the Department of Education (ED). These latest moves are part of the Trump administration’s explicit effort to dismantle ED, threatening key funding, support and services for students, schools, and families nationwide.\n\n“The administration’s latest attempts to dismantle the Department of Education through the four Interagency Agreements (IAA) announced June 16, 2026 are outrageous and put the educational outcomes of students and their rights in the classroom at risk,” wrote the Senators in a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon.\n\n“Special education and vocational rehabilitation are education programs. Any attempt to move these programs to HHS would fundamentally alter the purposes of these services, upending fifty years of work that took place at the federal, state, and local level to improve educational and employment outcomes for people with disabilities,” wrote the Senators. “It appears the administration values its backward goal of dismantling ED over the faithful execution of the law and improving opportunities and outcomes for children, youth, and students with disabilities.”\n\n“We have a simple demand: follow our nation’s education and appropriations laws as Congress wrote them to protect students’ most basic right to a quality education. More than 80 education, disability, parent, and civil rights groups have vocally opposed the recent IAAs and other departmental changes. We call on this administration to immediately cease implementing these IAAs, fully implement IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act as Congressionally directed, and take immediate action to strengthen civil rights enforcement—instead of burying students’ cases behind more bureaucracy. Our students and their families deserve nothing less,” concluded the Senators.\n\nThis letter was led by Senators Baldwin, Murray, and Sanders and co-signed by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Angus King (I-ME), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Mark Warner (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Fetterman (D-PA), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Michael Bennet (D-CO).\n\nA full version of this letter is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/2026/07/01/slotkin-van-hollen-colleagues-press-epa-to-reinstate-epa-employees-retaliated-against-for-exercising-their-right-to-free-speech/", "title": "Slotkin, Van Hollen, Colleagues Press EPA to Reinstate EPA Employees Retaliated Against for Exercising their Right to Free Speech", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "www.slotkin.senate.gov", "scraper": "slotkin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001208", "name": "Elissa Slotkin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) were joined by more than 20 of their Senate colleagues in pressing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin to reverse disciplinary actions taken on employees for signing a “Declaration of Dissent” in defense of scientific integrity, whistleblower rights, and constitutional protections last year.\n\n“In light of recent evidence showing a violation of constitutional and whistleblower rights, we demand that you reverse the firings and disciplinary actions imposed on employees for signing a “Declaration of Dissent” in defense of scientific integrity, whistleblower rights, and constitutional protections,” the Senators began.\n\nOn the June 30, 2025 “Declaration of Dissent” letter the approximately 270 current and former EPA staff signed, the Senators wrote, “The language of the letter clearly states that the employees were signing in their personal capacity. EPA has not produced any evidence that would indicate that EPA employees used official resources or otherwise were acting in their professional capacity in writing and signing the “Declaration of Dissent,” nor has EPA provided a legitimate workplace-related justification for disciplining the signers of the letter that would possibly outweigh employees’ free speech rights.”\n\n“Even after the recent revelations from EPA legal counsel, EPA continues to retaliate against staff by upholding the suspensions of over 140 workers and the firing of 20 others. Overturning the punishments is crucial to prevent a chilling effect on free speech. Stifling dissent cripples the agency’s ability to protect the public and is causing the loss of the experienced staff needed to carry out EPA’s mission,” they continued.\n\n“Given the lack of any evidence of wrongdoing whatsoever, we support the EPA employees’ continued campaign to be exonerated and applaud them for the bravery it took to speak out about these matters of grave public concern. We call on you to reverse course, to reinstate all those who were fired for speaking out, and overturn all other discipline imposed. Speaking the truth is not a fireable offense. It is the public duty of every citizen who cares about protecting our health,” the Senators concluded.\n\nSenator Van Hollen was joined in sending this letter by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).\n\nA copy of the letter is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-warren-reed-call-on-fed-watchdog-to-investigate-vice-chair-bowmans-private-wall-street-dinner-during-feds-blackout-period", "title": "Van Hollen, Warren, Reed Call On Fed Watchdog to Investigate Vice Chair Bowman’s Private Wall Street Dinner During Fed’s Blackout Period", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) sent a letter to Michael Horowitz, the Inspector General at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, calling for an investigation into Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman’s recent decision to speak and answer questions at a closed-door dinner on Wall Street during the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) “blackout period.”\n\nAccording to recent reporting from the Wall Street Journal, Vice Chair Bowman attended an “invitation-only, private dinner that Bank of America hosted for clients” immediately following the FOMC’s first monetary policy meeting led by the newly confirmed Chair, Kevin Warsh, and while the blackout period was in effect.\n\n“During the blackout period, FOMC officials are required to ‘refrain from expressing their views about macroeconomic developments or monetary policy issues,’ including in ‘any meeting or conversation with any individual, firm, or organization who could profit financially from acquiring that information,’” wrote the Banking Committee members.\n\n“Bowman has maintained that she did not share her views on monetary policy at the dinner, (but) public reporting indicates she discussed a range of Federal Reserve monetary policy topics,” continued the Senators. “She also reportedly expressed her views about the Federal Reserve’s Standing Repo Facility, which the FOMC established ‘to support the effective implementation and transmission of monetary policy.’”\n\nThe Senators highlighted concerns about the meeting from a past member of the FOMC : “Former President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Patrick Harker, who was previously subject to these restrictions, reacted to reports of Bowman’s conduct: ‘If Bank of America is putting their dinner on, it’s giving them a commercial advantage, right? So we were not allowed to do those.’”\n\nThe Senators continued: “The top White House ethics official during the George W. Bush Administration argued that “(a) bank offering its clients a private audience with an official who oversees its supervision is the kind of exclusive access the Fed’s policies should guard against.”\n\nThe Senators concluded: “The Fed has been plagued by ethics scandals in recent years involving at least six senior Fed officials. Fed officials must be held to the highest ethical standards.”\n\nThe Banking Committee members requested that Inspector General Horowitz open an investigation into whether the Vice Chair’s actions violated the FOMC’s restrictions on external communications during blackout periods or any other statutes, rules, regulations, policies, or procedures.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Inspector General Horowitz:\n\nWe write regarding Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman’s recent decision to speak at a closed-door dinner on Wall Street during the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) “blackout period.” The FOMC generally prohibits external communications around FOMC meetings to “reinforce the public’s confidence in the transparency and integrity of the monetary policy process.” Furthermore, Fed Governors are subject to strict ethics rules, which prevent them from privately discussing certain matters with banks that are under the Fed’s supervision and regulation. In light of Vice Chair Bowman’s speaking role at the dinner, we ask the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to review whether her attendance or comments violated any statutes, rules, regulations, policies, or procedures and whether the Fed’s existing framework governing such external events should be strengthened.\n\nDuring the blackout period, FOMC officials are required to “refrain from expressing their views about macroeconomic developments or monetary policy issues,” including in “any meeting or conversation with any individual, firm, or organization who could profit financially from acquiring that information[.]” The restrictions further emphasize that officials should ensure that “contacts with members of the public do not provide any profit-making person or organization with a prestige advantage over its competitors.” The policy lists specific examples of conduct inconsistent with the restrictions, including discussing monetary policy topics at a “private meeting with selected clients of a profit-making entity[.]”\n\nLast week, the Wall Street Journal reported that immediately after the FOMC held its first monetary policy meeting led by the newly confirmed Chair, Kevin Warsh, and while the blackout period was in effect, Vice Chair Bowman attended an “invitation-only, private dinner that Bank of America hosted for clients.” The dinner was reportedly attended by more than 20 “business leaders and investors,” was not publicly advertised, and was closed to the public and media. Vice Chair Bowman spoke and answered questions. While Vice Chair Bowman has maintained that she did not share her views on monetary policy at the dinner, public reporting indicates she discussed a range of Federal Reserve monetary policy topics. These topics include Chair Warsh’s press conference at which he announced the FOMC’s interest rate policy and a set of task forces to reform how the FOMC conducts monetary policy. She also reportedly expressed her views about the Federal Reserve’s Standing Repo Facility, which the FOMC established “to support the effective implementation and transmission of monetary policy[.]”\n\nFormer President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Patrick Harker, who was previously subject to these restrictions, reacted to reports of Bowman’s conduct: “If Bank of America is putting their dinner on, it’s giving them a commercial advantage, right? So we were not allowed to do those.” The top White House ethics official during the George W. Bush Administration argued that “[a] bank offering its clients a private audience with an official who oversees its supervision is the kind of exclusive access the Fed’s policies should guard against.” Even some private sector invitees decided to skip the dinner, “having concluded that attending could create compliance problems for their own institutions given their knowledge of the Fed’s quiet-period procedures[.]”\n\nThe Fed has been plagued by ethics scandals in recent years involving at least six senior Fed officials. Fed officials must be held to the highest ethical standards. Therefore, we ask that you open an investigation into whether Vice Chair Bowman’s participation in the closed-door dinner hosted by a regulated Wall Street firm for its clients violated the FOMC’s restrictions on external communications during blackout periods or any other statutes, rules, regulations, policies, or procedures. In addition, please provide the Fed with recommendations to strengthen its rules, regulations, policies, or procedures, if your review identifies any gaps or shortcomings in the existing framework.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-intel-vice-chair-warner-statement-on-breach-of-dhs-information-sharing-network/", "title": "Senate Intel Vice Chair Warner Statement on Breach of DHS Information-Sharing Network", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warner.senate.gov", "scraper": "warner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000805", "name": "Mark R. Warner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement regarding a breach of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) information-sharing network:\n\n“I am deeply concerned by the recent revelation of a compromise of DHS’s Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN). For more than two decades, the HSIN platform has been used by federal, state, local, Tribal, territorial law enforcement, and private sector partners, to share intelligence, plan, coordinate, and collaborate on events, and respond to incidents. HSIN is currently sharing intelligence across law enforcement and homeland security communities, supporting the safety and security of the FIFA World Cup, America250, and other major events, and is critical to emergent response in the event of disaster. Virginia saw this firsthand in January 2025, where HSIN was an important tool to managing the response to the tragic mid-air collision of American Airlines Flight 5342 and a US Army Black Hawk.\n\n“The information in HSIN, while not classified, is highly sensitive, and its exposure risks national security. DHS and DOJ must thoroughly investigate who breached HSIN, what the attackers accessed, and ensure all DHS partners are provided with timely information and the tools necessary to mitigate any associated risks from the breach.\n\n“Furthermore, DHS must take a serious look within and account for how this happened and ensure a breach like this does not happen again. The homeland security community needs to have confidence that the information in HSIN is secure, and the American public needs to be able to trust that the Department responsible for America’s cybersecurity has its own house in order.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-joins-bipartisan-letter-to-protect-u-s-specialty-crop-growers-and-restore-competitive-trade-balance-with-mexico/", "title": "Warnock Joins Bipartisan Letter to Protect U.S. Specialty Crop Growers and Restore Competitive Trade Balance with Mexico", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock joined a bipartisan letter led by Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer urging him to establish safeguards to protect U.S. specialty crop growers from unfair international pressures\n\nSenator Warnock is a strong advocate for Georgia’s agriculture industry and has pushed for bipartisan solutions to lower trade barriers for Georgia producers\n\nGeorgia is a leading producer of specialty crops—including blueberries, Vidalia onions, pecans, and peaches\n\nUSMCA is critical to American agriculture and the global competitiveness of Georgia producers\n\nSenator Reverend Warnock, colleagues: “Without measures to restore competitive balance, specialty crop production will increasingly move to foreign countries”\n\nWashington, D.C. – Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), a key member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined a bipartisan coalition of senators in sending a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, calling for measures to restore a more competitive trade balance for U.S. specialty crops with Mexico. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) also signed onto the letter.\n\n“Without measures to restore competitive balance, specialty crop production will increasingly move to foreign countries,” wrote the senators. “We urge you to evaluate trade actions that can safeguard U.S. growers from unfair pressures from Mexico. This work is essential to maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the specialty crop sector and ensuring Americans continue to have access to high-quality, domestically grown food, which is fundamental to our national security.”\n\nIn the letter, the senators push for alleviating unsustainable price pressures on U.S. specialty crop producers caused by an increasing volume of foreign products unfairly flooding U.S. markets while U.S. crops are reaching their peak in-season period. The letter comes as Ambassador Greer works to reauthorize the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).\n\nSenator Warnock has been a vocal proponent of practical solutions to alleviate unnecessary strain on Georgia’s farmers imposed by oversaturated international markets and unfair trade policies. In April, Senator Warnock led a bipartisan letter urging Ambassador Greer to ensure the USMCA is improved to adequately support domestic producers and maintain strong market access for American farmers and ranchers.\n\nThis letter comes as the Administration is nearing the July 1 mandatory USMCA six-year review. While USMCA—like any trade agreement—can be improved, pulling out of the trilateral USMCA would disrupt supply chains and drive-up costs for Georgia families already facing higher prices because of the Trump administration’s tariff policy.\n\nThe letter is endorsed by several of Georgia’s agricultural stakeholders, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Berry Exchange, Georgia Blueberry Commission, Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Georgia Green Industry Association, Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Georgia Watermelon Association, National Onion Association, National Pecan Federation, and the Southeastern Pecan Growers Association.\n\nA copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below.\n\n“Dear Ambassador Greer,”\n\n“The U.S. specialty crop industry encompasses a large variety of commodities across 220,000 farms, each with distinct supply and demand conditions. As you know, many American growers of fruit, vegetable, and certain tree nut commodities and products are under unsustainable pressure from growing volumes of products unfairly entering U.S. markets. These imports flood the U.S. market, often at the same time U.S. crops are reaching their peak in-season period, with prices at or below the cost of production for U.S. producers. Additionally, many of these commodities are seasonal and/or perishable, creating unique challenges for identifying markets as these products must be harvested, marketed, and consumed within a limited window of time. Other specialty crops that are marketed year-round are forced to suffer the consequences over the course of the entire year. As you review the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), we look forward to engaging with you to implement trade measures that will allow our specialty crop producers to continue to feed the nation and remain viable against unfair foreign competition. We urge you to consider the significant strain Mexico continues to place on the U.S. specialty crop industry.”\n\n“Fresh fruit and vegetable imports from Mexico have increased by more than 550 percent since 2001, driven by fundamental cost and regulatory advantages.”\n\n“Mexican producers operate with significantly lower labor and production expenses, where agricultural wages are about one-tenth of U.S. levels, while U.S. growers depend heavily on the higher-cost H-2A program for seasonal labor. Because labor accounts for roughly half of total production and harvest expenses in this industry, these disparities create a substantial competitive gap. Mexican farms also cut corners by avoiding many of the regulatory requirements imposed by U.S agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Labor, further reinforcing their cost of production advantage.”\n\n“Without measures to restore competitive balance, specialty crop production will increasingly move to foreign countries. We urge you to evaluate trade actions that can safeguard U.S. growers from unfair pressures from Mexico. This work is essential to maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the specialty crop sector and ensuring Americans continue to have access to high-quality, domestically grown food, which is fundamental to our national security.”\n\n“Many specialty crop organizations and representatives recently submitted comments to the Office of the United States Trade Representative for consideration under Docket ID: USTR-2025-0004, titled ‘Request for Comments on the Operation of the Agreement between the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada.’ We encourage you to prioritize the evaluation of these comments, and we emphasize the importance of these commodity industries’ submissions. We appreciate your consideration of our growers’ concerns, your review of the companion letter sent from 79 members of the U.S. House of Representatives on May 12, 2026 regarding this matter, and look forward to continued collaboration as the 2026 USMCA review process moves forward.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-hosts-common-grounds-with-senator-welch-listening-session-in-bennington-county/", "title": "Welch Hosts ‘Common Grounds with Senator Welch’ Listening Session in Bennington County", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Welch highlights how President Trump has raised costs for average Vermont households by more than $2,000\n\nBENNINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today hosted a ‘Common Grounds with Senator Welch’ listening session at Bennington College’s Purple Carrot Farm. The Senator heard from Vermonters about how Washington can work better for Bennington County families, farmers, and businesses.\n\n“President Trump’s policies are hurting Vermont families. A large part of the hardship facing rural communities stems from the president’s so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’—signed one year ago this week—which made life more expensive for working families and gave tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. The president’s illegal war with Iran and reckless trade war, cuts to Medicaid, and his refusal to extend health care tax credits—which helped more than 30,000 Vermonters access health care—have only worsened the affordability crisis gripping our country,” said Senator Welch. “At the end of the day, President Trump’s disastrous policies have raised costs for Vermont families—it’s an unsustainable financial burden for families who can’t make ends meet. I’ll keep fighting to reverse these policies and work to make life more affordable for everyday Vermonters.”\n\nView photos from the event below and on the Senator’s website:\n\nSenator Welch has hosted Common Grounds events in Franklin, Addison, Caledonia, Orleans, Orange, Lamoille, Grand Isle, and Windsor counties, and will host listening sessions in every county of Vermont in 2026. Sign up for the Senator’s newsletter here to learn more about his upcoming events in Vermont.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-the-future-of-the-usmca-trade-agreement-and-u-s-canada-trade-relations/", "title": "Welch Statement on the Future of the USMCA Trade Agreement and U.S.-Canada Trade Relations", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was negotiated and signed by President Trump in 2018\n\nBURLINGTON, VT—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Finance Committee, today released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s refusal to extend the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement, which was negotiated and signed by President Trump in 2018 and went into effect in 2020:\n\n“Vermont’s small businesses, manufacturers, and farmers rely on the USMCA to maintain strong trade relationships with our neighbors—especially Canada. President Trump’s anti-Canadian rhetoric and reckless tariffs have created economic chaos on both sides of the border. The ripple effects have been severe and lasting, hurting Vermont’s Main Streets, our agriculture economy, and our tourism. Economic chaos has been a hallmark of the last 18 months, and today’s announcement by the Trump Administration only adds fuel to the fire. To be crystal clear for Vermonters who rely on this trade agreement: the USMCA still remains intact,” said Senator Welch, a member of the Senate Finance Committee. “President Trump negotiated and signed this trade agreement in his first term. The USMCA has been a key tool in keeping trade flowing after the president lodged extreme tariffs on our closest trading partners. No trade agreement is perfect, but we need to extend the USMCA to bolster our North American supply chain and to protect and create manufacturing jobs. I urge Ambassador Greer, the White House, and Canadian trade officials to come to a swift resolution on unresolved matters and to maintain this critical agreement.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/wicker-welcomes-new-roadway-funding", "title": "Wicker Welcomes New Roadway Funding", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.wicker.senate.gov", "scraper": "wicker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000437", "name": "Roger F. Wicker", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., released the following statement after the Department of Transportation awarded Mississippi a total of $51,160,000 in three grants. These funds will support infrastructure investments such as roadway improvements, safety improvement measures, lane widening, and increased truck parking.\n\n“Roadways are the building blocks of a strong economy. These grants will help Mississippians do business, welcome tourists, and visit loved ones. I stand ready to help local leaders put these funds to work right away,” said Senator Wicker.\n\n“On behalf of MDOT and the Mississippi Transportation Commission, I am pleased to be amongst several recipients for the USDOT Build grants. I want to thank Senator Wicker for his steadfast advocacy for transportation in Mississippi. These BUILD grants will allow us to advance critical projects on both the state and local systems, continuing the progress Senator Wicker has championed for our state’s infrastructure over many years,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “We’re grateful he shares MDOT’s vision of building and maintaining better roads for the people of Mississippi.”\n\nThe Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Program provides competitive discretionary grants to support investments in nationally and regionally significant surface transportation projects, including highways, bridges, ports, rail, transit, and multimodal freight infrastructure. Unlike formula programs, BUILD grants are awarded competitively by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Senator Wicker has been a strong advocate for the program, and, as the lead Republican on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee during consideration of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, he helped secure significant additional authorized funding for BUILD grants.\n\nMississippi was awarded the following grants:\n\nMississippi Department of Transportation - $22,100,000\n\nThis project will construct truck parking and technology improvements along the I-10 Corridor at the Hancock County Welcome Center. The project will increase the number of truck parking spaces from 20 to 74. It also includes technology upgrades to the existing welcome center lot.\n\nCity of Brandon - $24,060,000\n\nThis project will construct roadway, pedestrian, and intersection improvements along U.S. Highway 80. It also includes modifications to two intersections located at College Street and Overby Street/SR 471.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-colleagues-press-trump-administration-to-reinstate-epa-employees-attacked-for-exercising-their-right-to-free-speech", "title": "Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Press Trump Administration to Reinstate EPA Employees Attacked for Exercising their Right to Free Speech", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators’ effort comes on one-year anniversary of “Declaration of Dissent” letter and follows recent revelations that EPA legal counsel advised against disciplinary action due to employees’ First Amendment rights\n\nWashington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today joined Senate colleagues in pressing the Trump administration to reverse disciplinary actions taken after about 270 current and former Environmental Protection Agency staff signed the \"Declaration of Dissent” in defense of scientific integrity, whistleblower rights and constitutional protections last year.\n\n“In light of recent evidence showing a violation of constitutional and whistleblower rights, we demand that you reverse the firings and disciplinary actions imposed on employees for signing a \"Declaration of Dissent” in defense of scientific integrity, whistleblower rights, and constitutional protections,” the senators wrote in their letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin.\n\n“The language of the letter clearly states that the employees were signing in their personal capacity. EPA has not produced any evidence that would indicate that EPA employees used official resources or otherwise were acting in their professional capacity in writing and signing the “Declaration of Dissent,” nor has EPA provided a legitimate workplace-related justification for disciplining the signers of the letter that would possibly outweigh employees’ free speech rights,” the senators continued\n\n“Even after the recent revelations from EPA legal counsel, EPA continues to retaliate against staff by upholding the suspensions of over 140 workers and the firing of 20 others. Overturning the punishments is crucial to prevent a chilling effect on free speech. Stifling dissent cripples the agency’s ability to protect the public and is causing the loss of the experienced staff needed to carry out EPA's mission,” the lawmakers continued.\n\n“Given the lack of any evidence of wrongdoing whatsoever, we support the EPA employees’ continued campaign to be exonerated and applaud them for the bravery it took to speak out about these matters of grave public concern. We call on you to reverse course, to reinstate all those who were fired for speaking out, and overturn all other discipline imposed. Speaking the truth is not a fireable offense. It is the public duty of every citizen who cares about protecting our health,” the senators concluded.\n\nThe letter was led by U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, D-Md. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Patty Murray, D-Wash., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Chris Coons, D-Del., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Ed Markey, D-Mass., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Gary Peters, D-Mich., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Andy Kim, D-N.J., Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., and Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md..", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "https://yakym.house.gov/posts/yakym-davis-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-eliminate-taxes-on-boat-loans", "title": "Yakym, Davis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Eliminate Taxes on Boat Loans", "date": "2026-07-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://yakym.house.gov/press", "domain": "yakym.house.gov", "scraper": "yakym", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000067", "name": "Rudy Yakym III", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) and Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) introduced the Boat Loan Interest Deduction Act of 2026 (H.R. 9532), bipartisan legislation that would extend the Working Families Tax Cut’s No Tax on Auto Loans provision to boats.\n\n“There’s nothing more American than loading up the family and heading out on the lake for a summer afternoon. It’s an important investment, and it should be treated like one,” Rep. Yakym said. “As the congressman representing a district that builds some of the finest boats in the country, I hear from manufacturers and families alike about what this relief would mean. This bill is simple: if you’re paying interest on a boat loan, you should be able to deduct it.”\n\n“As co-chair of the Congressional Boating Caucus, I am proud to stand with the communities, workers, and businesses that power America’s boating industry. From the Outer Banks to the Albemarle Sound and along the rivers and coastal waterways of eastern North Carolina, boating is a way of life that fuels our economy, supports marinas, boat dealers, marine manufacturers, and charter businesses, and creates opportunities for thousands of hardworking North Carolinians whose livelihoods depend on the water,“ Rep. Davis said. “As our nation celebrates 250 years of freedom and opportunity, we have a responsibility to stand behind American craftsmanship and the skilled workers who build the boats that carry our traditions forward. I am proud to support legislation that keeps America’s boatbuilding industry competitive, strengthens American manufacturing, protects good-paying jobs, and preserves the coastal way of life that defines eastern North Carolina.”\n\nThis legislation has gained the support of several members of the boating and manufacturing industries:\n\n“Eliminating taxes on boats is a win for American families, jobs, and manufacturing,” said Smoker Craft, Inc. “As one of the oldest family-owned and operated boat manufacturers in the country, Smoker Craft, Inc. has always focused on value and accessibility. Lowering the cost of ownership puts more people on the water, strengthens our industry, and supports the communities that depend on it. We’re grateful to Representative Rudy Yakym for his leadership in advancing this important effort.”\n\n“On behalf of Brunswick Corporation, America’s Marine Company and the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational marine products, we applaud Congressman Rudy Yakym and Congressman Don Davis’ bipartisan bill on behalf of American consumers,” said Ryan Gwillim, Chief Financial Officer of Brunswick Corporation. “Brunswick has worked closely with Congressman Yakym and Congressman Davis to advance policies that support access to recreation and strengthen U.S. manufacturing. Boating is an important part of how many middle-class families connect with the outdoors, and America’s waterways are one of our nation’s greatest assets. This legislation helps ensure that more families can continue to participate in the boating lifestyle for years to come.”\n\n“The bipartisan Boat Loan Interest Deduction Act recognizes recreational boating as a uniquely American industry that supports thousands of small businesses, strengthens domestic manufacturing, and creates jobs in communities across the country,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, President and CEO of NMMA. “With 95 percent of boats sold in the U.S. built here at home – and 93 percent of boat builders classified as small businesses – this commonsense legislation will help make boating more affordable and accessible for American families. As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, this bill will help more Americans experience the freedom and traditions of spending time on our waterways. We thank Representatives Yakym and Don Davis for their bipartisan commitment to ensuring more Americans can access and enjoy our nation’s waterways.”\n\n“H.R. 1 was a historic investment in manufacturing, empowering manufacturers across the country to invest, innovate, and create jobs,” said Charles Crain, Managing Vice President of Policy, National Association of Manufacturers. “Expanding the law’s pro-growth tax provisions to a broader range of manufacturers will help ensure continued U.S. manufacturing leadership across industries. We are grateful to Congressman Yakym for his continued efforts towards a competitive tax code that supports making things in America.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThe bill allows Americans to deduct up to $10,000 in interest relating to loans for qualifying boats. Qualifying boats must have final assembly in the U.S. The deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $100,000 ($200,000 for joint filers).\n\nIndiana’s Second Congressional District is a major hub for the American boating industry, centered in Elkhart and Kosciusko counties, which produce pontoon, fishing, and family deck boats.\n\nAn estimated 85 million Americans go boating each year on roughly 11 million registered boats nationwide. Restoring the interest deduction would lower the cost of ownership for families across the country.", "collected_at": "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"}
{"url": "http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5117", "title": "Castro says Air Force confirmed death from flu outbreak at Texas base", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "domain": "houlahan.house.gov", "scraper": "houlahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001085", "name": "Chrissy Houlahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Originally published in The Hill.\n\nWritten by Ellen Mitchell\n\nThe Air Force has confirmed a trainee died as a result of a flu outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, according to Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas).\n\nKeon McDaniel was in his sixth week of basic military training when he experienced a “medical emergency” June 12. He was taken to Brooke Army Medical Center and died there on June 16, the Air Force said.\n\nAt the time, the service said his death was undergoing a medical review and did not name influenza as the cause. But Castro said Tuesday that McDaniel “died from the flu,” which also has sickened nearly 300 service members.\n\n“This is a tragedy that could have been prevented were it not for the reckless actions of” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Castro told reporters during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol.\n\nIn scrapping the flu vaccine mandate for all service members this past April, Castro argued Hegseth has put troops in harm’s way and undermined the military’s readiness.\n\n“We’re at war with Iran and face many threats throughout the globe. A soldier who is sick cannot fight effectively,” he said. “The flu vaccine is a simple way to make sure troops are healthy and prepared to carry out their mission.”\n\nCastro added that the flu outbreak at Lackland “is getting worse,” with now 284 confirmed flu cases and four hospitalizations. That’s up from 160 cases in June.\n\nOver the past month, the influenza outbreak has hammered the 37th Training Wing at Lackland, part of Joint Base San Antonio, through which more than 36,000 recruits flow annually.\n\nThe incident follows Hegseth’s decision this spring to end the military’s mandatory flu vaccines for service members, arguing the shift would give troops “medical autonomy” and “freedom to express their religious convictions.”\n\nThe flu shot requirement, around since 1945, was an “absurd” and “overreaching” mandate that weakened the country’s warfighting capabilities, Hegseth claimed.\n\nBut the outbreak at Lackland has prompted the Army, Navy and Air Force to once again require flu shots for basic trainees.\n\nCastro says it took a month for the Pentagon to approve Lackland’s request to reinstate the mandate, calling for an investigation into McDaniel’s death in connection to the flu outbreak.\n\nCastro, along with Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), last week co-sponsored an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to require service members to be vaccinated for influenza, but House Republicans voted down the provision.\n\n“When our troops volunteer to risk their lives for our country, the least we can do is not ask them to risk their lives because their leaders abandoned decades of military medicine,” Houlahan said alongside Castro. “The House Rules Committee’s refusal to make our amendment in order was a missed opportunity to right Secretary Hegseth’s wrong and to put military readiness ahead of politics. We owe our service members better.”\n\nHoulahan, who is a former Air Force officer, also called the situation at Lackland “deeply disturbing and troubling.”\n\nAnd Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.), who also spoke at the press conference, echoed his colleagues that the influenza mandate should never have been rolled back in the first place.\n\n“The outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base was entirely preventable as evidenced by the decades prior with no outbreaks,” he said. “Now there are almost 300 confirmed flu cases. That is almost 300 future airmen and women who will not be finishing their training at their expected dates. This has completely set back the Air Force’s expected recruitment class from entering the future squadrons on time.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5118", "title": "Who Is Jason Watson? Decorated Air Force Major Arrested After Trump Protest", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "domain": "houlahan.house.gov", "scraper": "houlahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001085", "name": "Chrissy Houlahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Originally published in Newsweek.\n\nWritten by Marni Rose McFall, Jordan King, Hannah Parry, Joshua Rhett Miller, and Khaleda Rahman\n\nThe U.S. Air Force is investigating a decorated major who was arrested on Wednesday for staging a protest calling for President Donald Trump's impeachment, military officials said.\n\nThe U.S. Air Force has announced an investigation after Major Jason Watson held a sign calling for Trump to be removed from office on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, where protests are prohibited unless participants are accompanied by a member of Congress.\n\nInitially, Watson had been accompanied by the Texas Democratic Congressman Al Green, but when he left the area, police said he would need to stop his protest or be arrested.\n\nIn video footage shared widely on social media, Watson is seen in uniform, speaking at the protest.\n\n\"The president and vice president must be impeached, convicted and removed,\" Watson said.\n\nA fundraiser, set up on the platform Spot Fund in support of Watson, has raised over $139,000; while another launched on GoFundMe has raised over $5,000, as of Friday morning. The Spot Fund fundraiser states that it is taking donations for “the defense fund of this patriotic hero.”\n\nThe footage then shows him being arrested while standing on the steps of the Capitol.\n\nIn a video shared to X, Green said: \"I just left the Capitol grounds, and I was there to witness a major in the U.S. military…He stood for the impeachment of a president on the Capitol grounds and thereafter he walked up the steps where he was arrested.\"\n\n\"This is the kind of courage necessary to inspire others,\" Green said.\n\nU.S. Capitol Police confirmed Watson’s arrest in a statement to Newsweek early Thursday.\n\n“It is generally against the law for the public to demonstrate on the House steps unless they are with a member of Congress,” a Capitol Police spokesperson wrote in an email. “Yesterday afternoon, a man was escorted to the House steps by a member of Congress. When the member of Congress left the area, our officers gave the man lawful orders to stop the illegal demonstration or he would be arrested.”\n\nWatson was arrested for crowding, obstructing and incommoding after refusing “lawful orders,” authorities said.\n\n“It is important to note that there are plenty of other spots on Capitol grounds where demonstrating is allowed,” the spokesperson said.\n\nJohn Bonifaz, the president and co-founder of Free Speech For People, praised Watson in a press release, writing: \"His willingness to risk his own freedom stands in stark contrast to those who continue to look away as President Trump commits unprecedented abuses of power.\"\n\nNewsweek contacted the White House for comment via email outside of normal working hours.\n\nIn video footage showing his arrest, Watson first calls for the impeachment of Trump and Vance and is then filmed walking up the steps of the Capitol, where he stood holding a placard that read \"Impeach Convict Remove.\"\n\nAs he stands on the steps, voices can be heard out of the camera frame, cheering.\n\nHe then places the placard on the ground, puts his hands behind his back and is arrested. As he is being led away, the crowd cheers and chants: \"Who do you serve?\"\n\nA press conference was held prior to the arrest and protest by Jessica Denson, founder of the Removal Coalition, which advocates for the constitutional removal of Trump and members of his administration. Video footage of this was livestreamed and shared to YouTube.\n\nDenson introduced Watson and spoke about his military background.\n\n“This man is a U.S. Air Force major. He is currently on leave from his commission post as a logistics readiness officer in Poland. He has spent much of 17 years in Europe, all over the globe, defending this country, working with NATO.”\n\nDenson said that Watson had approached the Removal Coalition in February of this year and asked them to create the event for him.\n\nGreen did not speak at the conference but stood by Denson and Watson.\n\nWatson addressed Green directly while speaking and said: “I’m not a Democrat and know next to nothing about his policies. I am here with him because Representative Green is the only member of Congress that has demonstrated the courage and conviction to invoke Rule 9 and force a vote on the articles of impeachment.”\n\nIn December of 2025, Green filed to impeach Trump, saying that he is “an abuser of presidential power who, if left in office, will continue to promote violence, engender invidious hate, undermine our democracy, and dissolve our Republic.”\n\nThe House voted to kill that impeachment resolution 237-140.\n\nPrediction market Kalshi currently have odds of 64 percent that Trump will be impeached before January 2028.\n\nThe Removal Coalition states on its website that the movement is: “Explicit and united in our mission to constitutionally remove the illegal Trump administration from power, NOW.”\n\nRep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Democrat and Air Force veteran, praised Watson for his bravery in standing up to the Trump administration, and spoke to Newsweek of her frustration with her Republican colleagues for failing to use their power to do the same.\n\n“It says a great deal about the conviction of Major Watson that he is willing to make this statement while in uniform,\" she said.\n\n\"He is undoubtedly aware of the consequences of his actions and is willing to sacrifice likely his career and possibly his freedom for his beliefs about this now twice-impeached President. I know he is not alone in his efforts to shine a light on this President and his administration’s unlawful behavior. I am enormously frustrated that my Republican House colleagues and the Speaker and Senate remain unwilling to recognize their authority to call for their resignations or removal. Indeed, they remain unwilling even to come to work at all.\n\n\"I am hopeful that in November the people of the United States will deliver the votes necessary to flip the House and the Senate to allow us the votes to again impeach this reckless and lawless President and his supporting cast, including Secretary Hegseth.”\n\nWatson Speaks Out\n\nIn a pre-recorded interview with Denson conducted before his arrest, Watson explained his decision to take a stand was based on his belief that the Trump administration has violated the U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court rulings.\n\n“You could look at everything that this administration's doing and there is some kind of tie-in to it being unconstitutional or illegal or corrupt or violent against American people or people living in our country,” Watson said later in the 43-minute interview, which was posted on YouTube on Wednesday.\n\nWatson, a father of two, is just three years away from retirement, Denson noted.\n\nEarlier in the interview, he said while it is \"dangerous\" for any member of the military to \"do something like he is doing\" he \"can afford to\" because he's \"just not important enough.\"\n\nLater he said active duty members who \"don't feel comfortable continuing to serve because of the nature of this administration\" should \"leave loudly… express your dissent on the way out the door.\"\n\nU.S. Air Force Responds\n\nOffice of the Secretary of the Air Force, Dr. Troy E. Meink, responded to the arrest of Watson in a Thursday evening post on X.\n\n\"I am aware of recent reports involving an Air Force officer protesting at the United States Capitol,\" he said in the statement. \"Let me be clear: I expect every Airman and Guardian to comply with all laws and policies governing personal conduct, political participation, and the wear of the uniform. Americans place their trust in us. We cannot, and will not, compromise the trust of the Nation.\n\n\"Good order and discipline are critical to the DAF’s mission, and rigorously maintaining the highest standards of conduct on & off duty are an absolute must for all Airmen and Guardians. The Department takes allegations of misconduct seriously, including any that might undermine the nonpartisan nature of our military.\n\n\"Pursuant to a thorough investigation - which will proceed unimpeded - commanders will ensure appropriate disposition when holding service members accountable in accordance with military law and due process,\" he continued.\n\nWatson's Decorated Military Career\n\nAn Air Force spokesperson told Newsweek that Major Watson that received more than a dozen medals or decorations during his 17-year career in the military.\n\nWatson, who entered the Air Force on May 27, 2009, is currently on leave from his commission post as a logistics readiness officer in Bydgoszcz, Poland.\n\nThe majority of his military career has been spent in Europe and internationally, working with NATO to protect his country.\n\nAwards:\n\nNational Defense Service Medal\n\nAir Force Training Ribbon\n\nGlobal War on Terrorism Service Medal\n\nAir Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Boarder\n\nAfghanistan Campaign Medal (with device)\n\nKorean Defense Service Medal\n\nAir Forse Overseas Long Tour Ribbon (two awards)\n\nMeritorious Unit Award\n\nAir Force Organizational Excellence Award\n\nInherent Resolve Campaign Medal\n\nAir Force Longevity Service Award (five awards)\n\nAir Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon (three awards)\n\nDecorations:\n\nAir Force Commendation Medal (three awards)\n\nJoint Service Commendation Medal\n\nMeritorious Service Medal (two awards)\n\nDefense Meritorious Service Medal\n\nCould Watson Be Removed From The Air Force After Arrest?\n\nAn arrest alone does not automatically result in a service member's removal from the Air Force. However, officers can face administrative separation or other disciplinary action if military authorities determine they violated service regulations or the Uniform Code of Military Justice.\n\nAny decision would depend on the facts of the case, the outcome of the civilian criminal proceedings, whether Air Force rules governing political activities were violated, and the officer's overall service record.\n\nWhat Other Consequences Could He Face?\n\nAdministrative counseling or reprimand. If the Air Force determines Major Watson violated service standards but the conduct does not warrant more severe action, he could receive a formal counseling, letter of reprimand, or other administrative measures.\n\nAdministrative separation. The Air Force could initiate proceedings to involuntarily separate Watson from service if it concludes his conduct violated military regulations or demonstrated that he should no longer serve as a commissioned officer. This is the most likely mechanism by which an officer would be removed absent a court-martial.\n\nAction under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). If military authorities determine his conduct violated the UCMJ, he could face nonjudicial punishment or, in more serious cases, a court-martial.\n\nDismissal following a court-martial. If Watson were convicted by a court-martial of an offense warranting the punishment, he could receive a dismissal—the officer equivalent of a dishonorable discharge. This is distinct from administrative separation and is not imposed simply because someone is arrested.\n\nFactors the Air Force Would Consider", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-introduces-bill-set-standard-wages-federal-contractors", "title": "Rep. Adams Introduces Bill to Set Standard Wages For Federal Contractors", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "adams.house.gov", "scraper": "adams", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000370", "name": "Alma S. Adams", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), introduced the Living Wage for Federal Contractors Act, legislation establishing a permanent, predictable minimum wage for workers employed through federal contracts.\n\nThe bill sets the federal contractor minimum wage for employees at $17.00 per hour upon becoming law, rising by $2.00 every year until it reaches $25.00 per hour, at which point it will be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Tipped contract workers would see their minimum wage rise from $13.00 per hour to $25.00, at a similar rate.\n\n“Contractors who work for the government deserve the same certainty as any federal employee,” said Congresswoman Adams.“This bill will end the inconsistent wage policy set by the executive branch and put a living wage into law. Without firm policy set by Congress, federal contract workers become an easy target for wage theft, with no regard to the people we are taking advantage of.”\n\nA one pager explaining the bill can be found here.\n\nMillions of Americans work on federal contracts, and hundreds of thousands have seen their wages change inconsistently over the last 10 years. Since 2014, the minimum wage for federal contractors has been raised and lowered by a cycle of executive orders, leaving working people and businesses without a consistent standard from the United States government.\n\nSince 2014, administrations of both parties have used Executive Orders to raise or lower the minimum wage for federal contract workers. Most recently, in 2025, the current administration reduced the federal contract worker minimum wage from $17.75 to $13.65 per hour.\n\nBut Executive Orders are not law. They can be changed or reversed whenever a new administration takes office. Federal contract workers should not have their livelihoods subject to political swings from one administration to the next. They deserve the certainty, stability, and economic security that come with a predictable wage protected by law.\n\nThe Living Wage for Federal Contractors Act will solidify wage protections, extend coverage to independent regulatory agencies and the U.S. Postal Service, and create wage floors for construction, service, and procurement contract workers.\n\nThe bill will also strengthen enforcement by providing liquidated damages, civil penalties, a private right of action for workers, and authority for the Department of Labor to withhold payments from contractors found in violation.\n\nYou can read the full text of the bill here.\n\nReps. Emanuel Cleaver (MI-05), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Dina Titus (NV-01), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) have joined the bill as original cosponsors.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1682", "title": "Rep. Mark Alford Announces $18 Million Federal BUILD Grant for Belton Infrastructure Project", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "alford.house.gov", "scraper": "alford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000379", "name": "Mark Alford", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) announced that the City of Belton has been awarded an $18 million federal BUILD grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support the “Belton to AMERICA” infrastructure project.\n\nEarlier this year, Rep. Alford wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation expressing his strong support for the project and highlighting its importance to regional infrastructure, economic growth, and job creation.\n\nThe funding will be used to construct a critical last-mile, multi-modal freight connection linking the Kansas City Inland Port to the interstate highway system. The project includes completion of the Markey Parkway and Bales Avenue connections and will enhance freight mobility, improve safety, and strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness.\n\n“I was proud to support this project because it delivers exactly what our region needs—stronger infrastructure, safer transportation, and more good-paying jobs,” said Rep. Alford. “This investment will help position Belton and the entire Kansas City region as a national logistics hub while supporting American manufacturing and economic growth.”\n\nThe project is expected to improve freight efficiency and expand access to markets, allowing goods to reach nearly half of the U.S. population within one day. It will also support future industrial development and job creation in the area, particularly at the Markey Business Park.\n\n“We are so proud and excited to receive this grant,” said Greg Rokos, Assistant City Manager and Public Works Director.“We will use these funds to provide access to Markey Business Park that will help increase jobs in the City.”\n\nIn addition to freight improvements, the project includes multimodal enhancements such as a multi-use trail and sidewalk to ensure safer access for pedestrians and cyclists.\n\n“This is a big win for Missouri’s Fourth District. I look forward to seeing this project move forward and deliver lasting benefits for our communities,” Alford concluded.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1684", "title": "Alford Leads Missouri Delegation in Urging Transparency and Continued Investment in Fort Leonard Wood’s Critical Training Mission", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "alford.house.gov", "scraper": "alford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000379", "name": "Mark Alford", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — This week, U.S. Congressman Mark Alford announced he and members of the Missouri Congressional Delegation have sent a formal letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll seeking clarity and transparency regarding any internal proposals that could affect the future of Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Leonard Wood.\n\nThe delegation emphasized that while it strongly supports Army modernization and force optimization efforts, that any changes affecting foundational training missions must be deliberate, fully vetted, and aligned with long-term readiness goals.\n\n“Fort Leonard Wood is not just a Missouri installation—it is a national asset that underpins the Army’s ability to train and deploy a ready fighting force,” said Congressman Alford. “We fully support efforts to strengthen and modernize the Army, but that must include growing and sustaining the training footprint that produces the engineers, military police, and CBRN specialists our military depends on.”\n\nAlford also underscored concerns that incremental personnel or mission shifts could, without proper oversight, effectively alter the installation’s role without congressional review.\n\n“There must be full transparency with Congress when it comes to decisions of this magnitude. Any proposal that impacts Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood must be evaluated openly, with clear analysis of readiness, cost, and long-term training capacity to ensure we are strengthening—not weakening—the Army’s ability to fight and win,” concluded Alford.\n\nThe letter requests a detailed briefing from the Department of the Army and the Office of the Secretary of War regarding any ongoing assessments, including impacts on readiness, infrastructure investment, military construction needs, recruiting pipelines, and community effects.\n\nThe delegation reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Missouri remains a central hub for military training excellence and that Fort Leonard Wood continues to play a growing role in supporting Army readiness in the years ahead.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-and-ranking-member-bennie-g-thompson-introduce-department", "title": "Congressman Al Green and Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson Introduce the Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Authorization Act", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "algreen.house.gov", "scraper": "algreen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000553", "name": "Al Green", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – On Thursday, July 2, 2026, Congressman Al Green, a member of the Homeland Security Committee, and Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson introduced the Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Authorization Act, legislation to strengthen the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL). The bill enhances the Office's authority to protect civil rights and civil liberties, improves transparency and accountability, strengthens oversight of DHS policies and programs, establishes CRCL officers across DHS operational components, improves the public complaint process, and requires annual reporting to Congress.\n\nThe legislation follows the Trump Administration's significant reduction of the CRCL workforce, which weakened the Office's ability to protect civil rights and civil liberties and provide meaningful oversight within the Department. The legislation is endorsed by the Washington Office on Latin America and the Kino Border Initiative. The full text of the bill can be accessed by clicking here.\n\nRanking Member Thompson stated, “It is critical for DHS to have a fully staffed, properly resourced, and transparent Civil Rights and Civil Liberties office to investigate and inform the public on potential civil rights and civil liberties abuses at the Department. Even before Donald Trump decimated the office and fired most of its workforce, it did not have the necessary authorities to do its job properly. I thank my friend and colleague Congressman Green for introducing this necessary legislation to expand and strengthen the office, ensure each DHS component is involved, and make certain what Trump did to the office is not allowed to happen again.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-newsweek-and-washington-times-articles", "title": "ICYMI: Newsweek and Washington Times Articles", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "algreen.house.gov", "scraper": "algreen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000553", "name": "Al Green", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The Newsweek article below, titled “Who Is Jason Watson? Air Force Major Arrested After Protesting Trump,” and the Washington Times article below, titled “U.S. Air Force major arrested at Capitol while demonstrating for Trump’s impeachment,” speak for themselves.\n\nYou can access the Newsweek article by clicking here, and the Washington Times article by clicking the link here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ansari-hosts-shadow-hearing-on-healthcare-affordability", "title": "Rep. Ansari Hosts Shadow Hearing on Healthcare Affordability", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ansari.house.gov", "scraper": "ansari", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000381", "name": "Yassamin Ansari", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – This week, Representative Yassamin Ansari, Chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus’ (CPC) Lowering Costs Taskforce, hosted the Taskforce’s second shadow hearing, titled “Patients Over Profits: Lowering Healthcare Costs for All Americans.” The hearing featured experts and CPC members discussing proposals to expand prescription drug price negotiations, tackle PBM and corporate hospital profiteering, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and ensure all Americans can access affordable, high-quality healthcare.\n\n“Medicare and Medicaid need protections and reinforcement now more than ever. Insurance premiums are rising, and millions of Americans have been stripped of their healthcare, with the expectation for millions more to lose Medicare or Medicaid as well,” said Rep. Ansari. “Progressives are ready to tackle this issue with innovative policy and bold reforms. We have the legislation, the vision, and the energy to see it through. With Medicare for All, we can provide every American with access to medically necessary healthcare. The health of our nation cannot continue to be at the whims of corporations.”\n\n“People are hurting. When I am home in my district and at the grocery store, I hear the stories of families struggling to afford basic essentials like healthcare. This issue has been made worse after Republicans let cost-saving tax credits expire and passed the Big Ugly Bill that gutted $1 trillion from Medicaid,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “I have been fighting to expand access to affordable, quality healthcare since entering Congress, and I am not letting up. When Democrats take back the House, we will continue fighting to lower healthcare costs, increase access to coverage, and give working families an opportunity to thrive.”\n\nWATCH\n\n“Rep. Ansari, Rep. Dingell and the Congressional Progressive Caucus are correct in understanding the urgent imperative of lowering the cost of prescription medicines for Americans. Big Pharma’s monopolistic price gouging of Americans is worse now than at any time in American history but easily addressed if Congress and the Executive have the political will to do so. Expanding Medicare drug price negotiation to cover all drugs, with no delays and to apply to the private market could save the nation roughly $200 billion every year,” said Robert Weissman, Co-President, Public Citizen.\n\n“Every day, families are forced to choose between a paycheck and caring for the people they love. Home care for seniors and disabled or chronically ill family members can cost up to $68,000 a year, and over $288,000 for those with the most intensive needs. Medicaid is how most Americans actually pay for long-term care, yet H.R. 1’s historic cuts shredded that patchwork system. These cuts don’t save money, they benefit the wealthiest among us while shifting costs onto emergency rooms, states, and family caregivers, who already provide $1.1 trillion in unpaid care and often can’t get care for themselves. Affordable care isn’t a luxury. It’s what 130 million family caregivers, care workers, seniors, and disabled people in this country are counting on,” said Nicole Jorwic, Chief Program Officer, Caring Across Generations.\n\n“Our healthcare system has been broken for decades,” said Lisa Brown, Executive Vice President of the 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, Maryland/DC Division. “Bad policy, lack of oversight, and corporate interests in healthcare have led us here, and people are dying because of it. But 1199, and SEIU, will fight to right these wrongs and build a better world for healthcare workers and patients.”\n\n“We are now at a breaking point. And the cause is clear: extreme concentration of health care corporations that extract obscene amounts of wealth by inflating medical prices and premiums. Thank you to Congresswomen Ansari and Dingell for hosting this important conversation about how we expand access to high-quality affordable healthcare,” said Topher Spiro, Senior Health Fellow, Center for American Progress.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/america-250-years-later-restoring-foundation-trust", "title": "America 250 Years Later: Restoring The Foundation Of Trust", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "barrett.house.gov", "scraper": "barrett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001321", "name": "Tom Barrett", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "In case you missed it, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) wrote an op-ed in the Lansing City Pulse reflecting on America's 250th anniversary and arguing that Restoring Trust in Government is essential to preserving our democracy. This is the first pillar of Barrett’s Blueprint for a Better America, his plan to challenge the status quo and take on the issues that Americans care about most.\n\nYou can read the op-ed here or below.\n\nImage\n\nThis week marks 250 years since our Founding Fathers boldly embarked on the greatest experiment in self-governance the world has ever known. For the next two and a half centuries, the United States of America would chart its own path forward as a nation that recognized that each person is endowed with the unalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.\n\nAgainst the odds, America grew from a fragile new republic into the greatest nation in the world. Generations before us led the world in harnessing electricity, building the highways and railroads that connected the continent, saving the world from tyranny, putting a man on the moon, pioneering breakthroughs in medicine and technology and by creating opportunities that drew generations of people from around the world seeking freedom and a better future.\n\nDespite these advancements in the face of unthinkable adversity, our nation feels more divided than ever — much of which stems from a breakdown in trust in our government and institutions. If we want to preserve this experiment for the next 250 years, we need to get back to our founding principle: that we are a government of the people, by the people, for the people.\n\nThat’s why I am leading the Blueprint for a Better America — my bold policy agenda to challenge the status quo and tackle the issues that matter most to everyday Americans.\n\nThe first pillar of my plan is restoring trust in government. That starts with holding elected officials to the same standard of integrity Americans expect in every other profession and ensuring our political system works for the people it represents.\n\nI helped lead the introduction of the Stop Insider Trading Act and the PREDICT Act to ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks and betting on prediction markets. I do not own any individual stocks and I also set an office policy that prohibits my staff from betting on prediction markets. Like you, I believe that members of Congress should serve the public — not profit from privileged information or the office they hold.\n\nI also introduced legislation to require congressional districts to be redrawn only once every decade following the census. By ending mid-decade redistricting, we can provide voters with fairer, more stable representation and reduce politically motivated gerrymandering battles that undermine confidence in our elections.\n\nMy Blueprint for a Better America doesn’t stop at restoring trust in government. Another key pillar is reforming campaign finance so our elections belong to voters — not the biggest checkbooks.\n\nI introduced a constitutional amendment to restore the authority of Congress and the states to enact reasonable campaign finance reforms, including limits on corporate spending in elections. Giving elected representatives the ability to establish commonsense guardrails would help ensure that every American’s voice carries weight, not just those with the deepest pockets.\n\nNone of these reforms alone will restore faith in our government. But together, they represent a commitment to making Washington more accountable, more transparent, and more responsive to the people it serves.\n\nAs the United States celebrates 250 years of self-governance, we should remember that our founders entrusted this republic not to politicians, but to the American people.\n\nOur responsibility is to preserve that trust for the next 250 years by building a government worthy of the people it represents. To read my full Blueprint for a Better America, you can visit barrett.house.gov/reform.\n\nHappy Independence Day and happy 250th birthday to the United States of America, my home sweet home.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-introduces-bill-name-charlotte-post-office-after-medal-honor-recipient", "title": "Barrett Introduces Bill to Name Charlotte Post Office After Medal of Honor Recipient Killed at Pearl Harbor", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "barrett.house.gov", "scraper": "barrett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001321", "name": "Tom Barrett", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Public domain photo from the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command.\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) introduced a bill to name the post office in Charlotte, Mich., after U.S. Navy Ensign Francis Flaherty, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery and sacrifice during Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.\n\nBarrett’s bill (H.R. 9570) to name the “Francis C. Flaherty Post Office Building” is co-sponsored by all 12 other U.S. representatives from Michigan.\n\n“Ensign Francis Flaherty sacrificed his life while rescuing his fellow sailors during the attack on Pearl Harbor,” Barrett said. “I was proud to help ensure that his remains were finally brought home to Charlotte a few years ago, where thousands of people from our community came together to finally lay to rest and honor a hometown hero. Naming the local post office after this Medal of Honor recipient will be a permanent and lasting tribute to his patriotic service and sacrifice.”\n\nBackground\n\nFrancis Charles Flaherty was born on March 15, 1919, in Charlotte, Michigan. He graduated from Charlotte High School and attended the University of Michigan before joining the U.S. Naval Reserve. Flaherty was stationed on the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor during the December 7, 1941, attack. When the crew was ordered to abandon the sinking ship, Flaherty stayed in his turret, holding a flashlight to help the rest of his turret crew escape and sacrificing his own life. For this heroism, Flaherty in 1946 was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented to his brother.\n\nHis remains were initially unable to be identified and were buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 2019, the military was able to identify his remains using DNA samples from family members, and the family chose to have him reinterred at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte in 2021. Barrett, a state senator at the time, participated in the homecoming ceremony along with family members, local residents, and U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Jeff Spivey.\n\nBarrett previously led a successful effort to rename a portion of M-50 in Charlotte in honor of Flaherty. The bill that included Barrett’s amendment naming the “Ensign Francis Flaherty Memorial Highway” passed the Michigan Legislature unanimously, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed it into law on July 29, 2021.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-1-million-usda-rural-development-grant", "title": "Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces $1 Million USDA Rural Development Grant for Alcorn State University", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "benniethompson.house.gov", "scraper": "benniethompson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000193", "name": "Bennie G. Thompson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "BOLTON, MS — Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has approved a $1,000,000 Community Facilities Grant for Alcorn State University.\n\nThe funding, made available through Fiscal Year 2024 Congressionally Directed Spending, will be used to renovate and equip computer labs, computational chemistry laboratories, business innovation labs, classrooms, faculty and staff offices, conference and meeting rooms, and study and collaboration spaces.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-june-jobs-report-4", "title": "Scott Statement on June Jobs Report", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "bobbyscott.house.gov", "scraper": "bobbyscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000185", "name": "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats\n\nWASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy gained 57,000 jobs in June, and the unemployment rate ticked down to 4.2 percent. At this point in his term, the economy under President Biden had created 9.5 million jobs, compared to just 716,000 under President Trump's second term.\n\n“In the year since President Trump and Congressional Republicans passed their ‘Big Ugly Bill,’ Americans’ lives have gotten more difficult and more expensive. Seventeen months into President Trump’s second term, the economy has only created 7.5 percent of the jobs that President Biden created at the same point in his term. As a direct result of Republicans’ health care cuts, over eight million Americans have lost health care coverage in the past year, and over four million\n\n“These bad economic policies continue to put the American dream further out of reach for working people. Inflation has begun to outpace wage growth, and American workers’ share of national income has shrunk to its lowest level in at least seventy years. These factors contribute to a ‘K-shaped economy,’ where the rich get richer while working people continue to struggle.\n\n“On the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation and as we reflect on the ambitions of our country’s founders, we cannot take for granted the power of self-determination. Democrats are committed to making the government work for everyone, not just the wealthy and Trump-connected few. Congress must expand economic opportunity for all Americans by lowering the cost of living, delivering quality health care, and creating well-paying jobs that stand the test of time.”\n\nTo see a chart comparing the cumulative seasonally adjusted job change by month between President Trump's first and second terms, and President Biden's presidency,click here.\n\nTo see a chart comparing the total job change between President Trump's first 17 months in office and President Biden's first 17 months in office,click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/07/02/icymi-buchanan-celebrates-250-years-of-the-american-dream-in-sarasota-herald-tribune-op-ed/", "title": "ICYMI: Buchanan Celebrates 250 Years of the American Dream in Sarasota Herald-Tribune Op-Ed", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "domain": "buchanan.house.gov", "scraper": "buchanan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001260", "name": "Vern Buchanan", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“The American Dream is Still Alive”\n\nWASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan penned an op-ed in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence and applauding our shared ideals. Buchanan shares his personal story living the American Dream and lays out his hopes for the next 250 years.\n\n“As we gather this Fourth of July to watch the fireworks, let us remember that after 250 years, the American Dream is still alive,” writes Buchanan in the op-ed. “If our history proves anything, it’s that the best is yet to come.”\n\nRead the full op-ed here or below:\n\nAmerica at 250: A Nation of Unlimited Possibilities\n\nCongressman Vern Buchanan\n\nEvery member of Congress has been asked to write a postcard for a time capsule marking America’s 250th birthday, to be sealed away and opened by a generation we will never meet in another 250 years. What do you say to Americans 250 years from now? What do we want future generations to know about the nation we built and the values we stood for?\n\nFor me, it begins with gratitude for the journey that brought us here. Two hundred and fifty years ago, ordinary Americans risked everything to declare that people could govern themselves and that liberty was worth defending. From the start, America was built not on bloodlines or background, but on shared ideals: freedom, opportunity and self-government.\n\nPresident Ronald Reagan said it best when he recalled a letter he once received. “You can go to live in France, but you cannot become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Turkey or Japan, but you cannot become a German, a Turk, or a Japanese. But anyone, from any corner of the Earth, can come to live in America and become an American.” That is the promise that has drawn entrepreneurs, workers and families to our shores for two and a half centuries.\n\nFrom the beginning, Americans achieved what no other nation had done. When George Washington stepped down after two terms, he set in motion a peaceful transfer of power that kings and emperors could scarcely imagine, proving that in America, no one is above the people. That faith in ordinary citizens has driven our progress ever since.\n\nAmerica’s story is one of grit, innovation and sacrifice. Pioneers pushed west across a vast and unforgiving frontier, and the Homestead Act gave ordinary families a chance to own land and build a future from nothing. We connected the nation by rail, powered homes with Edison’s light, and put a voice on every line with Bell’s invention of the telephone. The Wright brothers took flight, Ford’s assembly line put cars within reach of working families, and American medicine defeated polio and other deadly diseases. We didn’t stop there. We split the atom, won the race to the moon and led the world into the digital age.\n\nWhen freedom was threatened, Americans answered the call. President Lincoln preserved the Union and ended slavery, beginning the long march toward the promise that all are created equal. A generation of heroes stormed the beaches of Normandy and fought across two oceans to defeat tyranny, delivering back-to-back victories in the World Wars. When communism challenged liberty, American resolve won the Space Race and, ultimately, the Cold War. President Reagan stood in Berlin and demanded, “Tear down this wall.” It later fell.\n\nThrough it all, the true engine of American progress has never been our land, our resources or our industries. It has always been our people and their belief that where you start does not determine where you finish. Veterans returned home and used the GI Bill to enter college and join the middle class. Entrepreneurs turned bold ideas into world-changing industries. Time and again, Americans have achieved extraordinary things thanks to the opportunities only this nation offers.\n\nI know that promise firsthand. I grew up in a blue-collar family as the fifth of six kids in a 900-square-foot home. Hard work was a way of life. I worked my way through college, served in the Air National Guard and built a business from the ground up. That only happened because America is the one place where determination and hard work can carry an ordinary person to an extraordinary life.\n\nSo when it came time to write my postcard to the future, here is what I said:\n\nAs you read this 250 years from now, I hope one thing remains as true for you as it was for me: that only in America can a blue-collar kid, raised in a 900-square-foot home with five siblings, grow up through hard work and determination to build a business and serve in the United States Congress. America is a nation of unlimited possibilities. My prayer is that it always will be.\n\nAs we gather this Fourth of July to watch the fireworks, let us remember that after 250 years, the American Dream is still alive.\n\nIf our history proves anything, it’s that the best is yet to come.\n\nRep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) is the Vice Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and the Chair of the Health Subcommittee. Prior to serving in Congress, Buchanan was in business for over 30 years and chaired both the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Florida Chamber of Commerce.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-moskowitz-launch-bipartisan-congressional-firework-caucus-ahead", "title": "Burlison, Moskowitz Launch Bipartisan Congressional Firework Caucus Ahead of America's 250th Birthday", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "burlison.house.gov", "scraper": "burlison", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001316", "name": "Eric Burlison", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Reps. Eric Burlison (MO-07) and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) today announced the launch of the bipartisan Congressional Firework Caucus, dedicated to supporting the U.S. fireworks industry and preserving the longstanding tradition of fireworks as part of America's heritage.\n\n\"As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, it's the perfect time to recognize a tradition that has been part of our nation's story since the beginning,\" said Rep. Burlison. \"Fireworks bring Americans together every Fourth of July, support small businesses across the country, and remind us that freedom is worth celebrating.\"\n\n\"Everyone loves a firework celebration. They bring people together and bring joy to millions across America. Fireworks have been part of how Americans celebrate our country's biggest moments for generations, and America250 should be no different,” said Rep. Moskowitz.\n\nCoinciding with the launch of the Congressional Firework Caucus, Rep. Burlison introduced a House resolution recognizing July as National Fireworks Month in celebration of America's 250th birthday. The resolution highlights the historic role fireworks have played in Independence Day celebrations and encourages communities across the country to commemorate the nation's semiquincentennial.\n\nOrganization Support\n\nStacy Schneitter-Blake, President, National Fireworks Foundation\n\n“On behalf of the National Fireworks Association, the industry’s largest trade association, we extend our sincere appreciation to Congressman Eric Burlison and Congressman Jared Moskowitz for serving as the founding co-chairs of the bipartisan Fireworks Caucus. Their leadership demonstrates an understanding of the important role fireworks play in our nation's celebrations, economy, and heritage.\n\nThe Congressional Fireworks Caucus will serve as a dedicated forum for members of Congress to learn about the fireworks industry, the businesses, and families it supports, and the important role fireworks continue to play in America's traditions and celebrations.”\n\nJulie L. Heckman, Executive Director, American Pyrotechnics Association\n\n\"The American Pyrotechnics Association applauds Congressmen Eric Burlison and Jared Moskowitz for launching the bipartisan Congressional Fireworks Caucus and recognizing the important role the fireworks industry plays in communities across the nation. Fireworks are a cherished part of America's heritage, bringing families and communities together to celebrate our nation's most meaningful traditions and milestones.\n\nThe formation of this bipartisan caucus reflects what fireworks have always represented—bringing Americans together in celebration of our shared history, our local communities, and the enduring spirit that has defined our nation for 250 years.\n\nThe Congressional Fireworks Caucus will provide Members of Congress with an opportunity to learn more about an industry that supports thousands of American jobs, contributes significantly to local economies, and remains deeply committed to safety through education, training, and collaboration with public safety professionals.\n\nWe look forward to working with Congressmen Burlison, Moskowitz, and Members of the caucus to promote policies that support responsible fireworks use, strengthen American businesses, and preserve the longstanding traditions that make fireworks an enduring part of our nation's celebrations.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://carey.house.gov/2026/07/02/carey-introduces-housing-and-preservation-enhancement-act/", "title": "Carey Introduces Housing and Preservation Enhancement Act", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://carey.house.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "carey.house.gov", "scraper": "carey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001126", "name": "Mike Carey", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Carey (R-Ohio-15), a member of the Ways & Means Committee, introduced the Housing Opportunities and Preservation Enhancement (HOPE) Act to create new tax incentives that encourage the renovation of older, existing rental properties to preserve them as affordable housing.\n\n“We were able to expand and make permanent the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit through the Working Families Tax Cuts, and this legislation builds on that success by preserving more affordable housing for the families who need it most,” said Rep. Mike Carey. “The Housing Opportunities and Preservation Enhancement Act will help rehabilitate aging rental properties, expand access to quality affordable housing, and encourage partnerships that put residents first. By modernizing the tax code, we can ensure more hardworking families have access to safe, affordable places to call home.”\n\n“Congress has begun to build real momentum around addressing America’s housing crisis,” said Michael Ruane, President of National CORE. “The proposed HOPE Act recognizes that we can’t solve that challenge by building alone. We also have to preserve the affordable homes we already have, and this bill gives us an innovative new way to do exactly that.”\n\n“The HOPE Act would provide a critical tool for nonprofit developers like National Church Residences to preserve existing affordable housing by enabling additional private investment and equity partnerships from individual investors,” said Matthew Rule, Senior Vice President, Housing Development and Asset Management for National Church Residences. “We view the HOPE Act as a natural complement to the LIHTC program and an essential component of a comprehensive affordable housing strategy, and we strongly endorse its passage.”\n\n“I applaud Congressman Mike Carey for his leadership in introducing and championing the Housing Opportunities and Preservation Enhancement or HOPE Act,” said Michael Novogradac, Managing Partner of Novogradac & Company. “While Congress’ permanent expansion of the low-income housing tax credit last year is historic and critical for affordable rental housing, especially for new construction, the nation’s need for preservation outstrips these expanded resources. This bill provides nonprofit owners of rental housing a flexible financing tool targeted to individual investors to address the growing national need to preserve the nation’s affordable rental housing stock in a way that would complement, not replace or substitute, the historic Housing Credit expansion.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThis bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to encourage the purchase and major renovation of existing residential rental properties that are at least 15 years old.\n\nTo qualify for these new tax incentives, a property must undergo significant rehabilitation of at least $20,000 per unit and be owned by partnerships involving non-profit, government, or tribal entities.\n\nThe legislation targets affordable housing by requiring at least 70% of the units to be rent-restricted for families making 80% or less of the local area median income.\n\nIt ensures long-term preservation through a 10-year right of first refusal for qualified buyers at below-market prices while cutting IRS red tape by exempting investors from standard passive activity loss and profit-motive restrictions.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4950", "title": "Case Leads Bipartisan National Gerrymandering Reform Initiative", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "domain": "case.house.gov", "scraper": "case", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001055", "name": "Ed Case", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai‘i-First District) today announced that his U.S. House Problem Solvers Caucus has endorsed a comprehensive proposal to reform runaway gerrymandering of Congressional districts and restore trust in the redistricting process, limit partisan interference, advance broader representation and facilitate real solutions in Congress.\n\nThe proposal was developed by the Problem Solvers’ Gerrymandering Working Group, co-chaired by Case, a Democrat, and U.S. Representative Jeff Hurd (Colorado-Third District), a Republican.\n\n“The Problem Solvers is about facing and solving our toughest challenges and making our government work,” said Case, who also serves as Vice Chair of the 45-Member caucus. “The worsening redistricting wars are a direct obstacle to a representative, inclusive, functioning and trusted government, and a solution must be a priority.\n\n“Our Caucus’ endorsed framework lays out the guideposts of for real reform and demonstrates that even the toughest and most political issues can be solved on a bipartisan basis.”\n\nCase said the framework establishes five principles for Congressional redistricting:\n\n· Stability and predictability in representation,\n\n· Transparency and public confidence in the map-drawing process,\n\n· Fair and consistent application of standards across states,\n\n· Respect for communities and political subdivisions, and\n\n· Reduction of incentives for partisan manipulation.\n\nThe framework also identifies four bipartisan reforms designed to create a more transparent, fair, and consistent process for drawing congressional districts nationwide:\n\n· Once-a-Decade Redistricting: Restrict Congressional redistricting to once every ten years following the decennial Census.\n\n· Nationwide Uniform Standards: Require Congressional districts to be drawn using clear, objective criteria while rejecting partisan advantage and incumbent protection as legitimate goals.\n\n· Reducing Partisan Influence: Support approaches that minimize partisan influence, including independent commissions, algorithmic mapping and other mechanisms that promote public confidence.\n\n· Federal Resolution of Challenges: Establish a consistent federal process for resolving Congressional redistricting disputes.\n\n“Voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around,” said Case.\n\n“These hyperpartisan gerrymandering wars are destructive to democracy because they effectively disenfranchise large segments of our electorate and balkanize our nation into a state of perpetual partisan warfare.\n\n“We need a Washington that truly represents the American people and works together to solve tough issues, not politicians endlessly pulled and beholden to irreconcilable extremes.\n\n“Our Problem Solvers gerrymandering framework focuses on reforms that facilitate fair inclusion of all viewpoints, democratic debate and representative solutions.”\n\nThe House Problem Solvers Caucus is an official group of Members in the U.S. House of Representatives, evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. Founded in 2017, its mission is to foster bipartisan cooperation, overcome legislative gridlock and advance consensus-based solutions on major national issues. More information about the Problem Solvers is available at https://problemsolverscaucus.house.gov.\n\nCase said that over the coming months, the Problem Solvers will further develop these principles into specific common-sense legislation and continue to build a coalition of support from across the political spectrum for essential reform.\n\nRead the full framework here.\n\nGerrymandering statistics here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://clyde.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3674", "title": "Rep. Clyde Congratulates Ninth District Student on America 250 Design Challenge Wins", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clyde.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "clyde.house.gov", "scraper": "clyde", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001116", "name": "Andrew S. Clyde", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) congratulated Eden Pethel, an 8th grader from Pendergrass, Georgia, on being selected as a winner of the Bookmark Design Challenge: Celebrating America's 250th, a nationwide competition organized by Second Lady Usha Vance in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Eden also designed the winning submission in the Georgia Department of Education’s America 250 license plate contest.\n\n“Eden Pethel is proof that Northeast Georgia continues to boast some of the most talented and patriotic young Americans,” said Clyde. “Winning both a state and a nationwide competition for America 250 designs is a remarkable achievement, one that is a testament to Eden’s creativity, artistic skills, and love of country. As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, there is no better reminder of the bright future ahead than the next generation of Americans expressing their patriotism through art. Congratulations, Eden — the entire Ninth District is incredibly proud of you!”\n\nBackground\n\nThe Bookmark Design Challenge invited students in grades K-8 from across the nation to create hand-drawn bookmarks reflecting what America means to them, exploring themes such as “American history and traditions, symbols of unity and democracy, community, and hopes for the nation’s future.” Students submitted their bookmark designs in three categories by grade level: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8.\n\nThe winning designs were announced by Second Lady Usha Vance and recognized at a special event at the Great American State Fair, which is currently taking place on the National Mall through July 10th.\n\nAdditionally, Georgia’s America 250 plate was developed to honor this historic national milestone. Middle school students were invited to create designs as part of a statewide civics education initiative undertaken in partnership with the Georgia Department of Education. The program was supported by the Georgia Commission on Civics Education, the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement, the Georgia Historical Society, and other civic and historical organizations.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://comer.house.gov/2026/7/comer-announces-24-million-secured-for-frankfort-s-singing-bridge", "title": "Comer Announces $24 Million Secured for Frankfort’s Singing Bridge", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://comer.house.gov/media", "domain": "comer.house.gov", "scraper": "comer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001108", "name": "James Comer", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded a $24 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to replace the Singing Bridge in Frankfort, Kentucky. Prior to the award, Congressman Comer sent a letter to DOT Secretary Sean Duffy emphasizing that replacement of the Singing Bridge would restore a critical transportation corridor while preserving a vital connection for residents, businesses, and visitors to Kentucky's capital city.\n\n“The Department of Transportation’s award of a $24 million BUILD grant for the Singing Bridge Project in Frankfort is a significant investment in the future of Kentucky’s capital city. I was proud to work with DOT throughout this process to successfully advocate for this project, which will allow the city to replace the Singing Bridge with a modern and more resilient structure. This project will improve a key transportation corridor, enhance safety and reliability, and preserve an important connection for residents, local businesses, and the many visitors who travel to Frankfort. I appreciate the Trump Administration’s commitment to strengthening America’s infrastructure, and I will continue working with our local leaders to advance projects that improve our communities,” said Congressman Comer.\n\n“Today’s announcement of the $24 million BUILD grant award is a welcome boost for completing the Singing Bridge project. it provides the critical foundation needed to move forward with confidence and significantly reduces the financial burden on the Commonwealth. We are grateful to Congressman Comer, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and everyone who helped secure this investment. This brings us one major step closer to delivering a safer, modern bridge for the people of Frankfort,” saidCity of Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Singing Bridge is widely known as an important local transportation link and a unique community feature linking historic downtown to south Frankfort across the river. In 2022, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) lowered the weight limit on the Singing Bridge from nine tons to four tons, highlighting the urgent need for attention to this crucial river crossing. In 2024, KYTC closed the Singing Bridge indefinitely to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic following a routine inspection due to deteriorating structural safety concerns. Funding will be utilized to replace Singing Bridge with a modern, resilient structure designed to provide safe multimodal access for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Reestablishing this connection will improve mobility, strengthen access between neighborhoods, enhance emergency response capabilities, and support public safety by reducing response times for first responders.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://crane.house.gov/2026/07/02/rep-crane-joins-mou-signing-to-counter-lawfare-on-americas-farmers-and-ranchers/", "title": "Rep. Crane Joins MOU Signing to Counter Lawfare on America’s Farmers and Ranchers", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://crane.house.gov/media/", "domain": "crane.house.gov", "scraper": "crane", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001132", "name": "Elijah Crane", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "This morning, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Headquarters for the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two agencies. The agreement establishes a joint process to intake, investigate, and resolve lawfare complaints from America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers.\n\nThe event featured a roundtable discussion, a press conference, and the formal signing of the MOU. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY), John Rich, Special Envoy for American Landowners, and Stevan Pearce, Director of the Bureau of Land Management, also attended the official program.\n\nAdditionally, numerous legal and policy organizations joined the opening roundtable, which gave ranchers and producers from across the country the opportunity to share firsthand accounts of regulatory and legal overreach. Among those in attendance were two Arizona families, Dustin and Becki Ross of Windmill Mountain Ranch, and Casey and Meggan Murph of H Bar and Y Ranch.\n\nThe Ross family’s U.S. Forest Service grazing allotment has been stalled for more than two years by unnecessary archaeological-clearance requirements that have blocked even basic stock-tank maintenance. In 2021, drought conditions triggered a 25% cut to their Animal Unit Months (AUMs). Although the Forest Service has since restored their AUMs, the family has been unable to rebuild their herd to full strength due to unrepaired wildfire-damaged fences and cumulative financial strain.\n\nThe Murph family has run cattle on Arizona State Land Department grazing leases in Holbrook since before statehood. However, the state is considering reclassifying their grazing land for a solar project proposed by the Danish company Ørsted. Losing the lease would be financially devastating to their operation, and despite raising their concerns publicly, the family has received no clear answers from state land officials.\n\nThe Trump administration has made defending America’s producers from bureaucratic overreach, radical environmentalist NGOs, and activist groups a priority, citing a pattern of costly fines, lost land, and drawn-out litigation targeting farmers and ranchers. Over the past two years, the USDA Lawfare Portal has logged more than 400 submissions from 47 states documenting anti-agricultural legal harassment.\n\nToday’s MOU formalizes cooperation between the USDA Lawfare Portal and the SBA’s Office of National Ombudsman, which holds statutory authority to review complaints of unfair federal regulatory enforcement against small businesses. Together, the agencies aim to rebuild a government-wide shield ensuring complaints are routed, investigated, and resolved rather than passed between agencies with no resolution in sight.\n\nRep. Crane commended the Trump administration’s efforts to defend these vital industries and the hardworking Americans who feed and fuel our nation.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/crow-introduces-legislation-to-help-stop-wildfires", "title": "Crow Introduces Legislation to Help Stop Wildfires", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://crow.house.gov/news", "domain": "crow.house.gov", "scraper": "crow", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001121", "name": "Jason Crow", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO) introduced the Wildfire Response Modernization Act to expand tools to detect, track, and combat wildfires. The legislation allows the FireGuard program—a National Guard-operated program that detects and monitors wildfires—to access commercial and non-profit wildfire satellite data and disseminate it to federal and state agencies. Crow’s proposed update would expand its early detection and continuous monitoring capabilities to help fight fires as they break out in Colorado and across the country.\n\nCongressman Crow introduced this bill alongside Congressmen George Whitesides (D-CA), Lance Gooden (R-TX), John Garamendi (D-CA), and Salud Carbajal (D-CA).\n\n“Colorado is facing a high risk of wildfires after one of the warmest and driest winters in history. By allowing local communities to have fast and accurate data about wildfires, including from space-based satellites, we can better equip local communities to respond to emergencies. We have to do everything we can to keep Coloradans safe this fire season,” said Congressman Crow.\n\n“FireGuard is one of the most important ways the federal government can utilize technology to fight fires quicker and more effectively, and the program should have access to every piece of data available,” said Congressman Whitesides. “Particularly in Southern California, where wildfires have destroyed thousands of lives and livelihoods, the government must meet this challenge head on, using every tool at our disposal. We can make FireGuard, an already successful program, even stronger, by strengthening its partnership with non-profit and commercial sources to improve around-the-clock monitoring, and the potential for even earlier detection.”\n\n“As states like California face increasingly frequent and intense wildfires, tools like FireGuard help us meet that threat. Using space-based commercial data will only make this program more effective. This is one of the many ways that space benefits Americans every day,” said Congressman Carbajal. “We’ve seen how capable this program has been in early detection and this legislation builds on that success. Protecting our communities from wildfires is not a partisan issue — it’s an urgent one, and I’m proud to be co-leading this effort.”\n\nCongressman Crow has a long track record of helping Colorado respond to wildfires and other extreme weather events. Congressman Crow helped enshrine Colorado as part of the FireGuard program, and, along with Senator Michael Bennet, pushed for the declassification of certain satellite imagery so it could be used by FireGuard. He previously introduced the Protect the West Act with Senator Bennet to make critical investments that would mitigate intensifying wildfires, and he is leading the bipartisan Championing Local Efforts to Advance Resilience (CLEAR) Act to empower states nationwide to establish and maintain resiliency offices to combat the worst effects of climate change.\n\nCrow is also standing up to the Trump Administration’s attacks on federal wildland firefighting. He has demanded the Trump Administration reinstate thousands of U.S. Forest Service employees who keep Coloradans safe but were fired last year, and he joined Senator Bennet to press the Administration for answers on its proposed reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service during fire season.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7080", "title": "Dingell Leads Resolution Honoring 250th Anniversary of America, Reaffirming Importance of Public Health and Healthcare Access", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) introduced a new resolution honoring the historic milestone for our republic, as well as reaffirming the importance of prevention, public health, and access to healthcare.\n\n“America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect not only on where we’ve been, but where we’re going. Building a stronger future means investing in prevention, protecting public health, and ensuring every American has access to the care they need. That’s how we’ll leave the next 250 years even stronger than the last,” said Congresswoman Dingell.\n\n\"The next 250 years won't be defined by what we inherited, but by what we chose to protect—our health, our environment, and each other,” said Bill Couzens, founder of Next Generation Choices Foundation.\n\nThe resolution can be found HERE and text is below:\n\nRecognizing the 250th Anniversary of the United States and reaffirming the importance of prevention, public health, and access to healthcare.\n\nWhereas the United States celebrates its 250th Anniversary in 2026;\n\nWhereas the Declaration of Independence affirms the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;\n\nWhereas a healthy Nation is essential to preserving those ideals for future generations;\n\nWhereas General George Washington recognized the importance of disease prevention when he ordered the inoculation of the Continental Army against smallpox; and\n\nWhereas prevention, early detection, and access to healthcare save lives and strengthen communities: Now, therefore, be it\n\nResolved, That—\n\n(1) the House of Representatives—\n\n(A) recognizes America’s 250th Anniversary as an opportunity to renew the Nation’s 5 commitment to health and prevention;\n\n(B) affirms that prevention and access to healthcare contribute to a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Nation;\n\n(C) encourages efforts to improve access to preventive healthcare, screenings, health education, clean air, clean water, and healthy communities; and\n\n(D) calls upon all Americans to work together to build a healthier Nation for the next 250 years; and", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-don-davis-calls-north-carolina-general-assemblys-25-million", "title": "Congressman Don Davis Calls North Carolina General Assembly's $25 Million Investment to Reopen Martin General Hospital Step in Right Direction, Continues Push for Federal Partnership", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "dondavis.house.gov", "scraper": "dondavis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000230", "name": "Donald G. Davis", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01), a longtime champion for reopening Martin General Hospital, calls the North Carolina General Assembly's approval of a $25 million investment in the state’s budget toward restoring emergency medical services to Martin County a significant step in the right direction.\n\n“No parent, grandparent, or child should have to travel miles during a medical emergency simply because their hometown hospital closed. The investment brings us one step closer to restoring lifesaving emergency care for Martin County and surrounding communities while demonstrating what is possible when leaders come together to strengthen rural health care,” said Congressman Don Davis.\n\nWhile the state's investment marks an important milestone, Congressman Davis has emphasized that additional support will be necessary to fully restore hospital operations. He recently sent a letter to President Trump urging federal support for an estimated $175 million investment to reopen Martin General Hospital and strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure in eastern North Carolina, including support for expanding inpatient bed capacity at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital.\n\n\"In my letter to President Trump, I emphasized that reopening Martin General Hospital is about saving lives, creating jobs, supporting economic development, and ensuring that families are not forced to drive long distances during medical emergencies,\" Davis said. \"Federal and state partnerships are essential to making this vision a reality and strengthening our health care system in eastern North Carolina.\"\n\nSince Martin General Hospital closed in 2023, Congressman Davis has led federal efforts to restore emergency medical services, working with local officials, state leaders, health care providers, and federal partners to pursue designation as a Rural Emergency Hospital.\n\nTo help ensure Martin General Hospital can reopen and remain financially sustainable, Congressman Davis introduced H.R. 4277, the Rural Emergency Hospital Financial Stability Act. The legislation would increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for Rural Emergency Hospitals to match outpatient hospital rates, helping such rural hospitals to remain financially stable and continue delivering care close to home. The National Rural Health Association and America’s Essential Hospitals support the legislation.\n\n\"I will continue working with President Trump, Governor Stein, members of our congressional delegation, state lawmakers, local officials, and health care leaders until the doors of Martin General Hospital reopen,\" Davis said. \"The people of Martin County have waited long enough. They deserve reliable emergency care close to home, and I will not stop fighting until that becomes a reality.\"\n\nSince Martin General Hospital closed in 2023, more than 20,000 residents have been left without local emergency medical care, forcing families to travel significantly farther during life-threatening emergencies.\n\nCongressman Davis also secured $1 million for critical infrastructure upgrades at Washington Regional Medical Center, and he is committed to advocating for additional funding.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://downing.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-downing-introduces-informed-investor-access-act-expand-investment", "title": "Congressman Downing Introduces Informed Investor Access Act to Expand Investment Opportunities", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://downing.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "downing.house.gov", "scraper": "downing", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000634", "name": "Troy Downing", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) introduced the Informed Investor Access Act, legislation to modernize the definition of an “accredited investor” and expand access to private investment opportunities for Americans receiving professional financial advice.\n\nUnder current law, accredited investor status is primarily based on income and net worth thresholds. This framework often limits certain investment opportunities to individuals who already have significant wealth, while excluding others who may be financially sophisticated or working with regulated financial professionals.\n\nThe Informed Investor Access Act would create a new pathway for individuals receiving personalized investment advice or recommendations from a registered investment adviser or registered broker-dealer to qualify as accredited investors for the applicable transaction.\n\n“Building wealth should not be reserved only for those who are already wealthy,” said Congressman Downing. “The current accredited investor framework creates a self-reinforcing barrier. Too often, Americans need wealth to access the investments that can help build wealth. The Informed Investor Access Act modernizes this outdated standard by recognizing financial sophistication and professional guidance, not just income and net worth.”\n\nCritically, the legislation expands access without weakening investor protections. Registered investment advisers are subject to fiduciary duties under the Investment Advisers Act. Broker-dealers are held to Regulation Best Interest standards under the Securities Exchange Act. These standards require financial professionals to consider a client’s financial situation, investment objectives, and risk tolerance when making recommendations.\n\n“As Montana’s former securities and insurance regulator, I know investor protection and capital formation go hand in hand,” continued Congressman Downing. “This bill allows hardworking Americans to grow their wealth through new investment opportunities while keeping important guardrails in place.\n\nRead the full bill text HERE.\n\nStatements of Support:\n\nRep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Rep. Tim Moore (NC-14) are original cosponsors of the bill. Supporting organizations include the American Securities Association, Bond Market Association, Financial Services Institute, Financial Technology Association, Institute for Portfolio Alternatives, Investment Advisers Association, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.\n\nAmerican Securities Association:\n\n\"ASA applauds Rep. Downing for giving every American — not just the wealthy — the opportunity to participate in the American dream. The Informed Investor Access Act broadens investor access while preserving important investor protections that make our markets the strongest in the world.\" - American Securities Association President and CEO Chris Iacovella\n\nBond Market Association:\n\n“The Bond Market Association, the Washington, DC-based trade association that exclusively represents securities dealers and banks whose primary focus is the U.S. fixed income markets, fully supports Rep. Downing’s Informed Investor Access Act. By allowing individuals working with registered advisors to qualify as accredited investors, individuals would be able unlock access to more markets and securities closed to those that are unaccredited. We applaud Rep. Downing’s work on this important legislation and call on HFSC Leadership to work to advance the bill in the 119th Congress.”\n\nInvestment Advisers Association:\n\n“The IAA applauds Congressman Downing for advancing legislation to modernize and expand the accredited investor definition, including by creating a pathway for clients of fiduciary investment advisers to qualify. Investment advisers’ fiduciary duty provides a critical investor safeguard by requiring that recommendations be made in each client’s best interest. By establishing additional pathways to accredited investor status while preserving strong investor protections, this legislation would broaden access to investment opportunities, support capital formation, and enable more Americans to participate in the growth and innovation of our economy.”\n\nInstitute for Portfolio Alternatives:\n\n“Financial sophistication should not be measured by wealth alone. The Informed Investor Access Act modernizes the accredited investor framework by creating a responsible pathway for individuals who receive personalized investment advice or recommendations from regulated investment advisers or broker-dealers in connection with a private-market investment. This approach expands access while keeping important investor-protection standards in place. IPA is proud to support this legislation and thanks Congressman Troy Downing for his leadership in expanding investor choice, strengthening capital formation and opening more opportunity to American investors.” - Anya Coverman, President & CEO, Institute for Portfolio Alternatives\n\nFinancial Services Institute:\n\n“Financial advisors play a critical role in helping investors evaluate opportunities and build financial plans that reflect their unique goals and risk tolerance,\" said FSI President & CEO Dale Brown. \"The Informed Investor Access Act recognizes the value of that relationship by expanding access to investment opportunities for investors who choose to work with a trusted financial advisor. We commend Rep. Downing for introducing this legislation and remain committed to advancing policies that preserve investor choice, bolster access to financial advice and help more Americans achieve long-term financial security.\"\n\nFinancial Technology Association:\n\n“Financial status shouldn’t determine access to investment opportunities,” said Penny Lee, President and CEO of the Financial Technology Association. “We strongly support Rep. Downing’s Informed Investor Access Act, which will expand the definition of an accredited investor and open up wealth-building avenues for individuals working with registered professionals.”\n\nUnited States Chamber of Commerce:\n\n“The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the Informed Investor Access Act, sponsored by Rep. Downing. For too long, the SEC's accredited investor framework has left millions of investors on the sidelines of private capital markets simply because they do not meet arbitrary income or net worth thresholds. This bill will broaden the definition of accredited investors to include individuals who receive investment advice from registered investment advisers and broker-dealers. Doing so would be a commonsense step that expands investor access to private markets and fosters the capital formation that drives American innovation.” – Kristen Malinconico, Executive Director, Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness, U.S. Chamber of Commerce\n\nBackground:\n\nThe current accredited investor framework relies heavily on income and net worth thresholds. This approach can exclude individuals who have financial knowledge or access to professional guidance but do not meet existing wealth-based requirements.\n\nThe Informed Investor Access Act addresses this issue by amending Section 2(a)(15) of the Securities Act of 1933 to add a new category of accredited investor for individuals receiving investment advice or recommendations from a registered investment adviser or registered broker-dealer.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-minnesota-republican-delegation-introduce-legislation-to-prevent-fraud", "title": "Emmer, Minnesota Republican Delegation Introduce Legislation to Prevent Fraud", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "emmer.house.gov", "scraper": "emmer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000294", "name": "Tom Emmer", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) joined Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) in introducing the Federal Responsibility and Accountability for Unchecked Dereliction (FRAUD) Act.\n\nThe FRAUD Act will ensure that Governors and other state officials take action to stop fraud in their states by requiring them to report credible suspicions of fraud involving federal funds to the Federal Bureau of Investigation within 180 days.\n\n“Fraud is wrong, plain and simple. Unfortunately, we have state leaders who ignored and enabled the problem, resulting in billions of dollars in fraud,\" said Congressman Emmer. “The House Oversight Committee confirmed what we all knew: Governor Walz and other state officials were aware of the fraud and yet did nothing. The FRAUD Act will ensure accountability and protect taxpayer funds.”\n\nBackground\n\nOn June 8, 2026, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform released the findings of their investigation into the fraud crisis in Minnesota. Their investigation determined that both Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison were aware of the fraud and did nothing to prevent it.\n\nIn response to their findings, Congressman Emmer and the Minnesota Republican Delegation sent a letter on June 10, 2026 to Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison demanding their resignation for their complete failure to address fraud within the state’s federally funded programs. The delegation has not received a response.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://finstad.house.gov/2026/07/02/reps-finstad-schmidt-introduce-national-fraud-enforcement-division-act-to-strengthen-federal-fraud-prosecution-efforts/", "title": "Reps. Finstad, Schmidt Introduce National Fraud Enforcement Division Act to Strengthen Federal Fraud Prosecution Efforts", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "domain": "finstad.house.gov", "scraper": "finstad", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000475", "name": "Brad Finstad", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02) introduced the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026, which would make permanent the newly established National Fraud Enforcement Division within the Department of Justice (DOJ). The legislation would establish an Assistant Attorney General, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, to lead DOJ efforts to investigate, prosecute, and prevent fraud within federally funded programs.\n\nSpecifically, the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act:\n\nRequires the division to provide guidance and support to U.S. Attorney Offices on fraud-related matters;\n\nAuthorizes the division to develop national fraud enforcement priorities;\n\nRequires the division to recommend legislative and regulatory reforms to address vulnerabilities that enable fraud and abuse, and;\n\nDirects the division to advise the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General on major fraud investigations, prosecutions, and related policy issues.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perez-works-to-bring-quilt-show-to-nations-capital", "title": "Gluesenkamp Perez Works to Bring Quilt Show to Nation’s Capital", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "domain": "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "scraper": "gluesenkampperez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000600", "name": "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last month, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez passed an amendment to elevate the ethic and craftsmanship of quilters in the nation’s capital as part of a Congressional Quilt Show.\n\nAs political violence and polarization is on the rise, and the efficacy of congress is at an all time low, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez seeks to elevate the example of quilters across the country who embody a spirit of generosity and skill that is more necessary now than ever. Quilting is more than fabric and thread. It tells the story of American life, passed down through generations of creativity, thrift, and community. By establishing a Congressional Quilt Show, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez invites the influence of to this great American tradition on the legislative climate of the US congress and encourages generations of quilters to persist in the rigor and stewardship of this great american heritage.\n\nIn a unanimous vote, the House Appropriations Committee approved her amendment to the Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill to recognize quilters from around the country and display their quilts outside the offices of Members of Congress in the House of Representatives.\n\nCommittee debate can be viewed HERE.\n\n“Quilters are stewards of skill and a spirit of generosity that reflect some of the best aspects of American culture,” Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez said. “Since before the nation’s founding, the rigor and joy of quilting and needlework have been passed down generationally predominantly by women and girls, to learn the muscle and union of beauty and function.”\n\nA transcript of the debate in Committee can be viewed HERE.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/for-immediate-release-ahead-of-4th-of-july-and-americas-250th-gottheimer-announces-summer-safety-plan", "title": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Ahead of 4th of July and America’s 250th, Gottheimer Announces Summer Safety Plan", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Above: Gottheimer announces Summer Safety Plan.\n\nTEANECK, N.J. — Today, Thursday, July 2, 2026, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) unveiled his “Summer Safety Plan” at the Teaneck Community Pool, announcing new federal action on pool safety, sun exposure, and grill safety ahead of the July 4th holiday and America’s 250th anniversary.\n\n“A massive heat wave is coming to Jersey for this Fourth of July weekend. There is nothing partisan about keeping our families safe this summer — whether it’s at the pool, in the sun, or at the grill,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “These are commonsense steps, and I’m going to keep fighting to get them done.”\n\nWatch full remarks here.\n\nOn average, 65 people drown in New Jersey each year, including approximately 10 children under 15. Four fatal drownings were reported along the Jersey Shore in the first weeks of this summer alone. Nationally, an estimated 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning every year, and drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4.\n\n1. Pool Safety\n\nGottheimer is working with local towns, counties, and the State to help them apply for and claw back dollars from the federal Pool Safely Grant Program, which is currently open for applications and closes on July 13.\n\nNew Jersey has never been awarded funds from the program, which provides up to $4 million in grants a year to help communities pay for drain covers, shut-off valves, fencing, lifeguard training, inspections, and swim lessons.\n\nGottheimer is also helping lead the bipartisan Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Reauthorization Act, which he has worked on with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) to strengthen pool safety standards and prevent drownings nationwide.\n\n2. Sun Safety\n\nEvery year, roughly 1,700 men and 840 women in New Jersey are diagnosed with melanoma, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. Yet only about 30 percent of women and 15 percent of men regularly use sunscreen.\n\nTo address the problem, Gottheimer announced he is sending a letter to the State of New Jersey calling for expanded public awareness campaigns and clearer guidance for families on proper sunscreen use.\n\nWear at least SPF 30 and apply at least every two hours — more if you’re swimming.\n\n3. Grill Safety\n\nAn average of 21,682 Americans are treated in emergency rooms each year for grill-related injuries, and grills cause an average of 11,421 home fires annually. Just two weeks ago, a grill fire in Paramus, New Jersey, spread to a home, injuring two people and killing two family pets.\n\nGottheimer is leading the bipartisan Strengthening Awareness and Funding Education for Grilling Act (SAFE Grilling Act) with Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), legislation that would direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to launch a public awareness campaign on grill safety, covering leaks, burns, wire grill brushes, and other hazards.\n\nGottheimer’s “Summer Safety Plan” builds on his record on these issues, including helping pass the bipartisan CARES Act to streamline FDA review of sunscreen ingredients, cosponsoring the FDA Modernization Act 3.0, and serving as a member of the Congressional Children’s Safety Caucus.\n\nGottheimer was joined by Teaneck Mayor Mark Schwartz, Senator Gordon Johnson, Christinia D’Aloia of Bergen & Passaic County Consumer Affairs, Ramon Hache of the Ridgewood YMCA, Teaneck EMS Chief Ezra Finkelstein, Teaneck Deputy Fire Chief Paul O’Connor, and Cathy Davis and Dr. Genevieve Matthews of Holy Name Hospital.\n\nBelow: Gottheimer announces Summer Safety Plan.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:53:18Z"}
{"url": "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-announces-9-million-build-grant-interstate-2935-project", "title": "Graves Announces $9 Million BUILD Grant  for Interstate 29/35 Project", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "graves.house.gov", "scraper": "graves", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000546", "name": "Sam Graves", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that the Interstate 29 and Interstate 35 Corridor Project has received a $9 million BUILD (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development) Grant.\n\nThe $9,055,200 grant will fund engineering, public outreach, environmental analysis, and the final design of the U.S. Route 169 connection to Interstate 29 and Interstate 35. The project will include preliminary engineering and NEPA clearance for two interchanges at I-29 and U.S. 169 and at I-29 and North Oak.\n\nGraves previously secured a $640,000 BUILD planning grant for a Corridor Study of I-29/I-35 in 2020.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5952", "title": "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Violent, Reckless ICE Arrests in Milwaukee", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gwenmoore.house.gov", "scraper": "gwenmoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001160", "name": "Gwen Moore", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“I am fully aware of ICE’s escalating presence in our community. ICE agents are showing up masked, dressed in police tactical gear, and using excessive force, including shattering car windows to carry out arrests. Their reckless tactics are terrorizing families and inflicting real harm on our residents, especially across the South Side. ICE is operating like a rogue agency, and its abuses make clear that serious reforms are long overdue. This is exactly why I refused to give this out‑of‑control agency one more penny.\n\nMy constituents should know they are entitled to due process in our country. Every person has rights, no matter their status. As Wisconsin’s Fourth District representative, I will continue conducting oversight and doing everything in my power to protect my constituents.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://hageman.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-hageman-marks-one-year-anniversary-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-america", "title": "Rep. Hageman Marks One-Year Anniversary of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as America Turns 250", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hageman.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hageman.house.gov", "scraper": "hageman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001096", "name": "Harriet M. Hageman", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – July 4, 2026, marks America’s 250th anniversary of independence, and one year since President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law. Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) worked to ensure Wyoming's priorities were reflected in the historic legislation, and one year later, Wyoming families, workers, and small businesses are seeing real results.\n\n\"One year ago, we delivered on the mandate the American people gave us in 2024 to cut taxes, unleash American energy, and restore accountability in Washington,” said Rep. Hageman. “Today, the results are undeniable. Wyoming taxpayers are seeing the largest average tax cut in the country, our energy and timber industries finally have avenues to re-develop, and our state is being rewarded for running our programs the right way instead of being punished for Washington's mistakes. Simply put, the Working Families Tax Cuts law is the One Big Beautiful Bill that represents promises made and promises kept.\"\n\nBackground\n\nWyoming wins in the One Big Beautiful Bill:", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://hageman.house.gov/media/press-releases/what-has-one-big-beautiful-bill-done-wyoming-year-record-tax-cuts-regulatory", "title": "What has the One Big Beautiful Bill done for Wyoming this year?  Record tax cuts 💵 Regulatory relief for Wyoming industries ⚡️ Overdue support for our ranchers 🐂  @POTUS and @HouseGOP are ushering in a Golden Age for Wyoming!", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hageman.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hageman.house.gov", "scraper": "hageman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001096", "name": "Harriet M. Hageman", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – July 4, 2026, marks America’s 250th anniversary of independence, and one year since President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law. Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) worked to ensure Wyoming's priorities were reflected in the historic legislation, and one year later, Wyoming families, workers, and small businesses are seeing real results.\n\n\"One year ago, we delivered on the mandate the American people gave us in 2024 to cut taxes, unleash American energy, and restore accountability in Washington,” said Rep. Hageman. “Today, the results are undeniable. Wyoming taxpayers are seeing the largest average tax cut in the country, our energy and timber industries finally have avenues to re-develop, and our state is being rewarded for running our programs the right way instead of being punished for Washington's mistakes. Simply put, the Working Families Tax Cuts law is the One Big Beautiful Bill that represents promises made and promises kept.\"\n\nBackground\n\nWyoming wins in the One Big Beautiful Bill:", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnsons-statement-end-scotus-2025-2026-term", "title": "Congressman Johnson’s Statement on End of SCOTUS 2025-2026 Term", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "hankjohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "hankjohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000288", "name": "Henry C. \"Hank\" Johnson, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts Ranking Member Hank Johnson Released the Following Statement at the Conclusion of the Supreme Court’s Recent Term\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — “As America marks 250 years of independence from imperialist governance, with growing alarm we are witnessing the most activist Supreme Court in our nation’s history, as it reshapes our democracy into a plutocracy.\n\n“While this just-ended term brings a temporary pause to the Roberts Court’s continued assault on Congressional authority, there can be no doubt that this Supreme Court will continue its power grab transition into a “super legislature”, as it vests more and more power upon the most corrupt president in world history.\n\n“Mitch McConnell and the Federalist Society have built a Court that has upset the delicate system of checks and balances between the three co-equal branches of government, which has left democracy for all hanging by a thread.\n\n“To ensure the survival of American democracy, we must bring reform to a reckless and hyper-partisan United States Supreme Court. Calls for reforming the court with commonsense policies such as term limits, a binding and enforceable code of conduct and transparency and accountability measures will continue to grow as the 6-3 MAGA majority rush to remake our society and government in their pro-corporate, pro-authoritarian executive dogmatic vision.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-announces-115-million-gateway-corridor-improvements", "title": "Congressman Harris Announces $1.15 Million for Gateway Corridor Improvements in Cambridge", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "harris.house.gov", "scraper": "harris", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001052", "name": "Andy Harris", "party": "Republican", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), announced that the City of Cambridge has been awarded $1,150,000 through the U.S. Department of Transportation to complete final planning and engineering for the Cedar Street Gateway Corridor Multimodal Safety and Resilience Project.\n\nThe funding will support work on the Cedar Street Gateway corridor connecting U.S. Route 50 to downtown Cambridge, including drainage, stormwater, streetscape, and pedestrian and bicycle improvements to reduce flooding and improve safety.\n\nStatement from Congressman Harris:\n\n“The Cedar Street Gateway is an important route into downtown Cambridge, and this investment will modernize the corridor while improving drainage and protecting against future flooding. I'm proud to have helped secure this award and move this project forward.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-announces-53-million-faa-investment-ocean-city-municipal", "title": "Congressman Harris Announces $5.3 Million FAA Investment in Ocean City Municipal Airport", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "harris.house.gov", "scraper": "harris", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001052", "name": "Andy Harris", "party": "Republican", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Andy Harris M.D. (MD-01), today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded $5,377,500 to the Town of Ocean City for improvements at Ocean City Municipal Airport.\n\nThe funding will complete the final phase of reconstructing Taxiway A, including 1,650 feet of pavement and lighting. The project completes the reconstruction of 3,850 feet of taxiway pavement that has reached the end of its service life.\n\nStatement from Congressman Harris:\n\n\"I'm proud to have delivered this funding to complete the reconstruction of Taxiway A at Ocean City Municipal Airport. Completing this project will improve safety and modernize an airport that serves residents, businesses, and visitors across Maryland's Eastern Shore.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases/comisionado-residente-facilita-gestiones-federales-para-la-mision-medica", "title": "Comisionado Residente facilita gestiones federales para la misión médica puertorriqueña de ayuda humanitaria a Venezuela.", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "hernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001103", "name": "Pablo José Hernández", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — El Comisionado Residente, Pablo José Hernández Rivera, informó hoy que su oficina facilitó las gestiones federales y orientación necesarias para que la organización RescatePR que se encuentra en colaboración con la organización Haití Se Pone de Pie en este esfuerzo humanitario, pudiera encaminar el proceso de solicitud de visados requerido para una misión médica de ayuda humanitaria a Venezuela.\n\nLuego de que Rescate PR solicitara el apoyo de la oficina del Comisionado Residente, el equipo de trabajo les brindó información sobre los procesos federales aplicables en casos de emergencia, los requisitos correspondientes y los canales de comunicación con las autoridades consulares pertinentes. Ese apoyo permitió a la organización adelantar pasos importantes en el proceso de solicitud de visados para el equipo médico que participará en la misión.\n\n\"La oficina del Comisionado Residente existe para servir de enlace entre Puerto Rico y el gobierno federal. Cuando una organización puertorriqueña enfrenta un proceso federal complejo, nuestra responsabilidad es ayudar a encaminar esas gestiones y facilitar el acceso a las agencias correspondientes. Eso fue precisamente lo que hicimos en este caso para apoyar una misión de ayuda humanitaria al pueblo venezolano,” manifestó Hernández Rivera.\n\nEl Director de RescatePR, Pablo Nieves, agradeció la respuesta brindada por la oficina del Comisionado Residente.\n\n\"Agradecemos al Comisionado Residente Pablo José Hernández y a su equipo por responder con prontitud a nuestra solicitud. Su oficina nos ayudó a identificar el proceso correcto, los contactos pertinentes y los requisitos necesarios para encaminar la solicitud de los visados de nuestra misión humanitaria,” manifestó el Sr.Nieves\n\nPor su parte, el Doctor Carlos Mellado, cofundador de Haití Se Pone de Pie, destacó el apoyo recibido durante el proceso.\n\n\"En una emergencia humanitaria no hay tiempo que perder. Cuando acudimos a la oficina del Comisionado Residente encontramos una respuesta inmediata y el apoyo necesario para encaminar un proceso que es indispensable para que nuestra misión pudiera seguir adelante. Eso nos permitió continuar enfocados en lo verdaderamente importante: llevar ayuda médica al pueblo venezolano,\" agregó el Dr. Mellado\n\nLa misión humanitaria contempla el traslado de un equipo de entre siete y diez médicos y profesionales de la salud, junto con suministros médicos para establecer una clínica de atención a las comunidades afectadas por los recientes terremotos en Venezuela.\n\nActualmente la organización está a la espera de que el Gobierno de Venezuela les permita la entrada al país para llevar a cabo esta valiosa ayuda.\n\nPara organizaciones y ciudadanos que requieran asistencia con agencias federales, pueden comunicarse a la Oficina de Distrito del Comisionado Residente llamando al: 787-230-7959.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases/comisionado-residente-impulsa-proyecto-para-otorgar-la-medalla-de-honor-rambo", "title": "Comisionado Residente impulsa proyecto para otorgar la Medalla de Honor a Rambo", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "hernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001103", "name": "Pablo José Hernández", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Mientras EEUU se prepara para conmemorar el 250 aniversario de la independencia de Estados Unidos, el Comisionado Residente Pablo José Hernández presentó el \"Sergeant First Class Jorge Otero Barreto Medal of Honor Act\" para autorizar al Presidente a otorgar póstumamente la Medalla de Honor al Sargento de Primera Clase Jorge Otero Barreto, natural de Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, cuyo valor durante la Guerra de Vietnam salvó la vida de compañeros soldados y dejó un legado duradero de servicio.\n\nEsta legislación autorizaría una excepción a las limitaciones estatutarias de tiempo existentes y permitiría al Presidente otorgar póstumamente la Medalla de Honor a Otero Barreto por su gallardía e intrepidez conspicuas, más allá del cumplimiento del deber, como miembro del Ejército de los Estados Unidos durante la Guerra de Vietnam. La legislación cuenta con el copatrocinio de la congresista Nydia Velázquez (D-NY).\n\n“El Sargento de Primera Clase Jorge Otero Barreto fue un héroe de Puerto Rico que respondió al llamado con un valor extraordinario”, expresó el Comisionado Residente. “Arriesgó su vida para proteger a sus compañeros soldados, sirvió a nuestra Nación con distinción y continuó sirviendo a los veteranos mucho después de regresar a casa. Su legado merece el más alto honor que puede conceder nuestro país.”\n\n“Mientras se acerca el Día de la Independencia de EEUU, esta legislación tiene un significado especial. Las libertades que celebramos fueron aseguradas y defendidas por generaciones de americanos dispuestos a ponerse en peligro por algo más grande que ellos mismos. El legado del Sargento de Primera Clase Jorge Otero Barreto nos recuerda que la valentía, el deber y el amor por la patria siguen siendo pilares perdurables de nuestro carácter nacional,” dijo Jeffrey Rosales, de Vietnam Veterans of America.\n\nNacido en Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Otero Barreto sirvió en el Army de los Estados Unidos de 1959 a 1970. Se convirtió en el primer puertorriqueño en graduarse de la Escuela de Asalto Aéreo del Ejército de los Estados Unidos y completó cinco giras voluntarias en Vietnam, participando en más de 200 misiones de combate y aéreas con la 101.ª División Aerotransportada y la 82.ª División Aerotransportada. El 1 de mayo de 1968, durante la Operación Carentan II cerca de Huế, su pelotón fue atacado ferozmente por fuerzas norvietnamitas. En medio del asalto, Otero Barreto neutralizó una posición fortificada de ametralladora enemiga y dirigió a su escuadra en la limpieza de tres búnkeres adicionales, ayudando a salvar la vida de sus compañeros soldados.\n\nOtero Barreto recibió 38 condecoraciones militares, incluyendo dos Estrellas de Plata, cinco Medallas Estrella de Bronce con dispositivo “V” por valor, cinco Corazones Púrpura y siete Medallas Aéreas. Después de la guerra, continuó sirviendo como consejero de veteranos, ayudando a compañeros veteranos que enfrentaban estrés postraumático y abuso de sustancias. Falleció el 14 de octubre de 2024, a los 87 años. El proyecto eximiría las limitaciones de tiempo existentes y autorizaría al Presidente a otorgarle póstumamente la Medalla de Honor por su gallardía e intrepidez conspicuas, más allá del llamado del deber, durante la Guerra de Vietnam.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=10207", "title": "MEDIA ADVISORY: REP. HILL TO HOST UNVEILING OF A BUST HONORING AN ARKANSAS HERO AT THE ARKANSAS STATE CAPITOL", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "hill.house.gov", "scraper": "hill", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001072", "name": "J. French Hill", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LITTLE ROCK, AR – On Tuesday at 10:00 AM CT at the Arkansas State Capitol, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) will host the unveiling of the bust of former Lt. Governor and World War II hero Maurice “Footsie” Britt.\n\nMaurice “Footsie” Britt of Carlisle, Arkansas, was the first American soldier in World War II to receive all of the Army's top decorations for valor in a single war, earning the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and four Purple Hearts while fighting across North Africa, Sicily, and Italy with the 3rd Infantry Division. He later served two terms as Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas alongside Governor Winthrop Rockefeller.\n\nWHO: Rep. French Hill, Arkansas State Representative Joey Carr, Deputy Secretary Dr. Paul Lawrence (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs), Dr. Charles Robinson (Chancellor, University of Arkansas), members of the Britt family, the U.S. Air Force, Arkansas National Guard, 106th Army Band, and the bust's artist, Kevin Kresse, who also created the statue of Arkansas icon Johnny Cash that resides in the U.S. Capitol.\n\nWHAT: Maurice “Footsie” Britt Bust Unveiling\n\nWHEN: 10:00 AM CT, Tuesday, July 7, 2026\n\nWHERE:\n\nArkansas State Capitol Rotunda, Second Floor\n\n500 Woodlane StLittle Rock, AR 72201\n\nPress:", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=10208", "title": "RELEASE: HILL AWARDS LATEST GOLDEN FLEECE TO USDA", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "hill.house.gov", "scraper": "hill", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001072", "name": "J. French Hill", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as the latest recipient of his Golden Fleece Award for failing to stop the rampant theft of SNAP benefits from vulnerable families.\n\nThe Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that states replaced more than $320 million in stolen SNAP benefits between October 2022 and December 2024. Criminals used scams like card skimming, card cloning, and phishing to steal SNAP EBT card information and drain SNAP benefits before families could use them to buy groceries. In Arkansas, more than 1,100 families had their SNAP benefits stolen using card skimmers in 2024, totaling more than $550,000. USDA should stop this fraud before criminals can drain benefits from vulnerable Americans.\n\nRep. Hill said, \"SNAP dollars should go to hungry families, not fraudsters. Every dollar stolen is a dollar taken from someone who needs help buying groceries. I appreciate the Trump Administration's work to go after criminals stealing SNAP benefits, and I urge the USDA to bring that same urgency to stopping electronic theft before it happens, not just chasing it after the fact. Families who rely on SNAP need to know the money will be there, and taxpayers in Arkansas and across America deserve to know their hard-earned tax dollars are being protected.\"\n\nIn his letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Rep. Hill writes:\n\nDear Secretary Rollins,\n\nI write today to inform you that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Administration is this month’s recipient of my Golden Fleece Award. I am awarding this to USDA because of its failure to properly protect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from electronic theft and fraud.\n\nSNAP is intended to help low-income families, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and children put food on the table. That mission matters. In Fiscal Year 2025, SNAP was expected to provide approximately $96 billion in benefits to about 43 million people nationwide. In Arkansas alone, about 240,400 people received SNAP benefits each month in Fiscal Year 2025, representing 7.7 percent of the state’s population.\n\nThis is how serious the problem is: the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that states replaced more than $320 million in stolen SNAP benefits between October 2022 and December 2024. Criminals used scams like card skimming, card cloning, and phishing to steal SNAP EBT card information and drain SNAP benefits before families could use them to buy groceries.\n\nArkansas families have been hit by SNAP fraud. According to the Arkansas Department of Human Services, more than 1,100 Arkansas families had their SNAP benefits stolen using card skimmers in 2024, totaling more than $550,000. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has warned that scammers are accessing EBT card funds without the recipient’s knowledge and then immediately spending that money outside Arkansas, leaving vulnerable Arkansans without the funds they need to purchase groceries. In addition, USDA has acknowledged that criminals are using electronic schemes such as skimming, cloning, phishing, and other methods to steal SNAP benefits before recipients can use them. This is especially concerning because these stolen benefits are intended for low-income families, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and children, not criminals exploiting weaknesses in outdated EBT security systems.\n\nEvery dollar stolen from SNAP is a dollar taken from a person who needs help buying groceries. It is also a dollar taken from taxpayers who expect the SNAP program to serve the vulnerable. Protecting SNAP from fraud is how we preserve SNAP for Americans who truly need it. That is exactly why fraud in this program is so unacceptable.\n\nI appreciate that the Trump Administration has made SNAP program integrity a priority and that USDA has already taken steps to target criminals stealing SNAP benefits. USDA has stated that fraud will not be tolerated by the Trump Administration, and USDA’s Special Investigations Unit has worked with federal law enforcement partners to target criminals engaged in stealing SNAP benefits. USDA has also stated that the SNAP Fraud Framework supports state efforts to improve and expand fraud prevention, detection, and investigation. That work is welcome. Now USDA should bring that same urgency to stopping electronic SNAP theft before criminals can drain benefits from vulnerable Americans.\n\nTaxpayers deserve to know that USDA is safeguarding their dollars. Families who depend on SNAP deserve to know their benefits will not be stolen before they can buy groceries. I urge USDA to provide Congress with clear, state-by-state data on SNAP theft, including the number of households affected, the dollar amount stolen, and the steps being taken to protect recipients going forward. Should you require additional authority from Congress to accomplish this task and protect SNAP beneficiaries from electronic theft, I ask that you notify me. I look forward to working with you on this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nFrench Hill\n\nMember of Congress\n\nCC: Acting Administrator of the USDA Food and Nutrition Administration, Shiela Corley", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-june-jobs-report-2", "title": "Hoyer Statement on June Jobs Report", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "domain": "hoyer.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000874", "name": "Steny H. Hoyer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement on the June jobs report:\n\n“Last month, President Trump said that ‘it’s raining jobs,’ but the reality is that far too many Americans are seeing their economic opportunities dry up. While our economy saw a modest increase of 57,000 jobs in June, and the unemployment rate ticked down to 4.2%, these numbers obscure the difficult reality that hardworking Americans face. With inflation rising faster than average household earnings for the third consecutive month, families are too often forced to choose between buying gas or buying groceries, between paying a medical bill or paying for electricity. Unsurprisingly, President Trump has no comfort or substance to offer, having recently declared: 'I love the inflation.'\n\n“Rather than fulfilling his promise to lower these costs, the President has instead launched a failed war of choice with Iran and spent hundreds of millions of dollars on vanity projects, such as his White House ballroom, all at the expense of America’s working families. These choices send a clear message: hardworking Americans do not come first in President Trump’s America. Instead, it’s his family and billionaire friends.\n\n“Marylanders and Americans across the country deserve better, and Congress must step up to hold this Administration accountable and step in to deliver real economic stability, opportunity, and lower prices for our people.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-huffman-releases-report-on-how-trump-hijacked-americas-250th-birthday-to-enrich-himself-sell-access-and-harvest-americans-data", "title": "Ranking Member Huffman Releases Report on How Trump Hijacked America's 250th Birthday to Enrich Himself, Sell Access, and Harvest Americans' Data", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "huffman.house.gov", "scraper": "huffman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001068", "name": "Jared Huffman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Whistleblower accounts and internal documents reveal how the White House captured a beloved national charity, deceived donors out of their money, and sold access to the President\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) released a new 55-page report following months of investigative work by Committee Democrats exposing how Donald Trump hijacked what was supposed to be a unifying, non-political celebration of our country's 250th birthday and made it all about him – his vanity projects, his political and religious agenda, his business ventures, and his cronies who gorged on public funds under cover of a shadow corporation shielded from public scrutiny.\n\nThe report, \"From Vanity to Insanity: How the White House Cheated the American People Out of Their 250th Birthday,\" traces how the machinery Congress built for a national commemoration that would be above politics was commandeered, over a period of months, into an apparatus for raising and spending money in service of the President's ego, political agenda, and personal financial interests.\n\nWatch Ranking Member Huffman discuss the report's findings.\n\n“Donald Trump’s hijacking of America's 250th birthday will go down as one of the most corrupt, brazen abuses of public trust in presidential history, even by the dubious standards of this administration. As our country prepared to celebrate a milestone that belongs to every American, Trump and his operatives launched a hostile takeover of the bipartisan commission established by Congress to lead the celebration. When that failed, they sidelined the commission, siphoned its resources, and infiltrated a beloved national charity under cover of a shadow corporation that shielded them from public scrutiny. Then they proceeded to deceive donors, solicit foreign money, sell access to the President, award no-bid contracts to Trump loyalists, harvest Americans’ personal data, and push a white-washed, Christian nationalist version of history,” said Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif).\n\n“But they didn’t account for us. Over the past year, our investigation has pursued the truth about the machinations, schemes and abuses of trust they’ve tried to hide. We’ve uncovered extensive evidence of corruption, self-enrichmentand potential crimes. The Republican majority in Congress, which has far more investigative tools and power than we do, could have joined us in conducting serious oversight and demanding answers. Instead, they’ve used their power to shield the individuals and entities involved.\n\n“The American people deserve to know the truth about how the official national celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary was stolen, along with a large – and so far unaccounted for – sum of their taxpayer dollars. So, today – against the obstruction and resistance of our Republican colleagues – we are dragging this fiasco out of the shadows and shining a bright light on the corruption and fraud surrounding Freedom 250. We can’t stop from tarnishing the country’s July 4th celebration, but we can stop it from ever happening again – we can protect the next government program, the next fund, the next thing that's supposed to work for all of us, from being exploited and misused this way. That’s why we must confront this grift and corruption now. From our earliest days, America has stood for government by the people, not powerful tyrants. We will fight to keep it that way.”\n\nWhen the nonpartisan, congressionally chartered America250 Commission refused to bend to the President's demands, the White House built a replacement - Freedom 250 LLC – and declared it the central platform for the national celebration. The White House lodged this shadow organization inside the National Park Foundation so it could exploit the credibility and donor relationships of a beloved public charity while operating outside the transparency rules Congress wrote into law for the commission.\n\nKey Findings\n\nThe President put himself at the center of the nation's birthday. Trump issued an executive order making himself and the Vice President Chair and Vice Chair of a White House task force, then staged his own birthday as a national event twice: the Army's 250th military parade on June 14, 2025, and a UFC fight on the White House South Lawn on June 14, 2026, run under the Freedom 250 banner.\n\nThe White House built Freedom 250 on deceit. Musical performers, among others, were misled about programming and connections to Trump’s political machine. Fundraisers may have misled donors who intended to support America250 and handed them Freedom 250's banking information, routing contributions meant for the nonpartisan foundation to the President's substitute entity instead. The report finds that, if true, this could constitute wire fraud and charitable solicitation fraud under federal and District of Columbia law.\n\nFreedom 250 sold access to the President and courted foreign money in America's name. The organization circulated sponsorship packages starting at $500,000 and climbing above $10 million, backed by a \"historic photo opportunity\" with President Trump. Its CEO solicited foreign governments, corporations, and individuals at the World Economic Forum in Davos to fund the President’s priorities. If foreign funds reach the President's vanity projects, the report finds the conduct would clearly violate the Constitution's Foreign Emoluments Clause.\n\nTrump and his operatives cashed in. Event Strategies, Inc., the firm that helped plan the January 6th rally, has collected tens of millions in federal contracts connected to the anniversary, including a master contract worth up to $100 million. Trump traded in the stock of companies that donated to Freedom 250 and staged a White House UFC fight that shamelessly promoted his own investments and business ventures. Freedom 250's event registration process was run through Campaign Nucleus, the firm founded by Trump campaign operative Brad Parscale, which uses artificial intelligence to score visitors and target \"persuadable\" voters. Thousands of unwitting fans handed over their personal information at a free FIFA World Cup Fan Zone on the National Mall. Freedom 250’s official merchandise is sold by the Trump campaign’s official merchandise vendor, Ace Specialties, and agencies have purchased the merchandise and required employees to wear it.\n\nThe White House imposed a false, Christian nationalist history. Federally funded \"Freedom Trucks\" carried revisionism and outright falsehoods to schoolchildren, including an AI rendering of George Washington claiming, \"our rights are a gift from God,\" a statement Washington is not documented to have made. The Interior Department also urged employees to wear Freedom 250 pins and threatened discipline against those who refused the pin, which anonymous employees took to calling their \"Vichy pin,\" a reference to World War II-era lapel pins that served as loyalty and propaganda badges.\n\nFreedom 250 created a blueprint for corruption. The report concludes Freedom 250 is \"a blueprint, not a one-time abuse,\" already test-driven at the Department of Agriculture, where the administration steered companies with business before the government to donate through a conservation charity into a fund the Secretary controls.\n\nThe investigation drew on confidential disclosures from sources interviewed by Committee Democrats, internal Freedom 250 documents and talking points obtained by the Committee, sworn testimony from two Committee hearings, and written responses from the National Park Foundation and the National Forest Foundation.\n\nRepublicans on the Committee refused to conduct any oversight to hold the administration accountable, even when Democrats repeatedly raised evidence of wrongdoing at Republicans’ own hearing entitled, “All in for America250: Public-Private Partnerships Supporting America’s Semiquincentennial on our Public Lands.” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum testified he was \"not aware of the final decisionmaker\" behind Freedom 250, and the Department has refused to provide that information since.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404445", "title": "Huizenga Leads Bipartisan Effort to Strengthen Defense Cooperation with Key Allies Through UNLOCK AUKUS Act", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "huizenga.house.gov", "scraper": "huizenga", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001058", "name": "Bill Huizenga", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, announced the introduction of H.R. 9517, the bipartisan UNLOCK AUKUS Act, to strengthen the AUKUS security partnership by providing the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom greater flexibility to collaborate on advanced defense technologies while preserving critical national security safeguards.\n\nThe legislation builds on Huizenga's longstanding efforts to strengthen AUKUS and ensure America's closest allies can work together more effectively to meet evolving security challenges. By removing an outdated statutory restriction that no longer reflects today's strategic environment, the bill strengthens cooperation among trusted partners while maintaining strong protections for America's most sensitive defense technologies.\n\n\"As the Chinese Communist Party rapidly expands its military capabilities, the United States must ensure our closest allies can innovate and work alongside us without unnecessary bureaucratic barriers,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “The UNLOCK AUKUS Act strengthens one of the world's most important security partnerships, meets the security challenges of today, and delivers a force multiplier to the AUKUS partnership.\"\n\n“AUKUS provides a once-in-a-lifetime security enhancement for all three nations. Pillar I is happening in real-time in the Indo-Pacific and in our shipyards, and Pillar II is making exciting new progress with the recent announcement of collaboration between the three nations on payloads for undersea unmanned vessels,” said Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT). “Through the UNLOCK AUKUS Act, Congress is building on that announcement by streamlining further collaboration on advanced missile capabilities in Pillar II. I’m excited to partner with my colleagues to introduce this bipartisan and bicameral bill, which reaffirms the clear-eyed and stalwart commitment by both parties in Congress to make AUKUS a success.”\n\n“Although the AUKUS Partnership has improved defense cooperation with our Australian and British allies through the production of advanced technology like the hypersonic weaponry being developed at Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indiana’s Eighth District, we must do better,” said Congressman Mark Messmer (R-IN). “I am proud to support Rep. Huizenga’s UNLOCK AUKUS Act, which will continue these important efforts, while also removing bureaucratic red tape that is preventing America from reaching our highest potential in our national defense strategic game plan.”\n\n\"Strengthening the AUKUS pact will keep Americans safe and strengthen our values-based alliances with the UK and Australia,\" said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). \"The bipartisan, bicameral UNLOCK AUKUS Act unleashes the full power of AUKUS for collaboration on 21st century defense systems to protect against our adversaries in the Indo-Pacific, while providing good jobs and supporting American businesses.\"\n\n\"The Chinese Communist Party is working at lightning speed to advance its military apparatus, and it does not play fair,” said Congressman Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX). “The UNLOCK AUKUS Act empowers the United States and its allies to meet that generational challenge head-on by removing burdensome red tape that slows the transfer of critical military technologies. I urge my colleagues to support this important bill that will strengthen crucial partnerships like the AUKUS defense pact and deter the CCP's malign activity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.\"\n\n“The strength of our AUKUS partnership is critical to deterring an increasingly aggressive China and countering new, emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific,” said Congressman Pat Ryan (D-NY). “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would streamline collaboration with our partners and ensure we collectively maintain our technological edge. As co-chair of the House Defense Modernization Caucus, this is simple, smart bill to cut through red tape and accelerate innovation.”\n\nAnnounced in 2021, AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom that is designed to deepen defense cooperation and promote stability throughout the Indo-Pacific. Pillar I focuses on Australia's acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. Congressman Huizenga championed this provision, the AUKUS Submarine Transfer Authorization Act, which was signed into law in December 2023. Pillar II accelerates cooperation on advanced capabilities including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cyber capabilities, electronic warfare, hypersonics, undersea technologies, and other emerging defense systems.\n\nTo support that mission, Congress previously established a streamlined export framework that allows many defense technologies to be shared more efficiently among the three nations. However, current law automatically excludes all technologies controlled under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), even if there is intent to transfer such articles under AUKUS. The UNLOCK AUKUS Act removes that blanket statutory prohibition and instead allows the President to determine which technologies should remain excluded based on evolving national security considerations.\n\nHuizenga introduced the legislation alongside Representatives Mark Messmer (R-IN), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Pat Ryan (D-NY), Blake Moore (R-UT), and Gabe Amo (D-RI). The Senate companion is led by Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Tim Kaine (D-VA).", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/07/02/jayapal-introduces-legislation-to-help-working-families-afford-fresh-food/", "title": "Jayapal Introduces Legislation to Help Working Families Afford Fresh Food", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "jayapal.house.gov", "scraper": "jayapal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000298", "name": "Pramila Jayapal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) is introducing the Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act, legislation to help families buy fresh fruits and vegetables modeled on a successful program launched in Jayapal’s district.\n\n“As families struggle to keep food on the table, Congress must prioritize work on efforts to lower costs and help Americans stay afloat,” said Jayapal. “While Republicans in Congress enacted legislation to raise food prices and are hellbent on cutting food assistance, Seattle is once again leading the way with the Fresh Bucks program, which is successfully keeping people fed with nutritious food and reducing hunger. We must pass this legislation to expand the program nationwide and get families in every corner of the country healthy produce they can afford.”\n\nThe Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act would establish a pilot program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to give families making 80 percent or less of their area’s median income $60 per month to spend on produce. The program is modeled after a successful program created by the City of Seattle, which has led to a 31 percent higher food security rate and encouraged healthy habits, with participants having at least three servings of fruits and vegetables a day 37 percent more often.\n\n“The International Fresh Produce Association is grateful to Representative Jayapal for introducing the Fresh Bucks for Produce Act to make fruits and vegetables more accessible to income-eligible individuals. This type of intervention empowers consumers to access the fruits and vegetables that are right for their families and in retail locations that work for them. Minimizing barriers to fresh fruit and vegetable consumption means making the healthy choice the easy choice – and this bill would do just that.” Mollie Van Lieu, Vice President, Nutrition and Health, International Fresh Produce Association.\n\n“In White Center and historically underinvested communities across King County, we see every day how rising grocery costs continue to strain working families, seniors, immigrants, and households already navigating increasing housing and living expenses. Access to healthy, culturally relevant food should not be determined by income—it should not be considered a luxury. At WCCDA, we believe thriving communities require systems that make healthy food accessible, affordable, and attainable—and that investments in food access are investments in community health, economic stability, and opportunity. We strongly support Congresswoman Jayapal’s leadership in advancing innovative solutions that respond to the realities families face today while strengthening local food systems and neighborhood businesses that give us our vibrancy. Expanding the proven Seattle Fresh Bucks model through a federal pilot offers an opportunity to increase food security, support local producers and retailers, and help communities across the country build healthier, more resilient futures,” said Aaron Garcia, WCCDA Executive Director.\n\n“Older adults across King County are facing impossible choices as grocery prices continue to rise. Seattle’s Fresh Bucks program has had a substantial impact on our clients’ health and quality of life: we have seen firsthand how a targeted produce benefit can increase health equity, improve food security, and keep food dollars circulating locally. A USDA pilot modeled on that success would be a meaningful step toward healthier households and stronger community food systems nationwide,” said Adam Porter, Director, Meals on Wheels, Sound Generations.\n\n“We are excited for Representative Jayapal’s proposed pilot to bring more fresh produce to our neighbors. Fruits and vegetables remain the most shopped for and most requested items at our three pantries. This pilot will help our customer families find more healthy produce options that meet their specific needs and also, importantly, expand support for our local food system. Small local farms are a critical partner in our work and in our food supply. This pilot will help our community increase the investment in local food and in building a stronger local food system while nourishing our neighbors,” said Joe Gruber, Executive Director, University District Food Bank.\n\n“Food insecurity is driven not only by a lack of food, but by the rising cost of healthy food,” said Food Lifeline CEO Stephen Davis.“This proposal builds on a proven model by helping families afford fresh fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers and food businesses. We applaud Congresswoman Jayapal for advancing an evidence-based approach that helps families put nutritious food on the table while strengthening local food systems.”\n\nThe legislation is sponsored by Alma Adams (NC-12), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Adam Smith (WA-09), and Shri Thanedar (MI-13).\n\nIt is also endorsed by Alimentando al Pueblo; Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition; Ballard Food Bank; Center for Biological Diversity; Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP); Coalition for Organic and Regenerative Agriculture; Farm Action Fund; Food & Water Watch; Food Lifeline; International Fresh Produce Association; Lifelong Health for All; National Education Association; Northwest Harvest; Organically Grown Company; Pacific Islander Community Association of WA; Sound Generations; Southwest Youth & Family Services; The Southern Poverty Law Center; Tilth Alliance; United Way of King County; University District Food Bank; Washington State Community Action Partnership; White Center Community Development Association; White Center Food Bank.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/07/02/leader-jeffries-in-philadelphia-we-are-a-country-of-citizens-not-subjects/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES IN PHILADELPHIA: “WE ARE A COUNTRY OF CITIZENS, NOT SUBJECTS”", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, alongside Members of Congress and other leaders, delivered remarks at Independence National Historical Park to mark the birth of the United States as part of America250, the bipartisan national celebration of our nation’s Semiquincentennial.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Governor Shapiro, Members of Congress, all those assembled.\n\nIt is a high honor and a distinct privilege to be marked present today at the birthplace of our democracy, where 250 years ago, the Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence, decreeing that all men are created equally and entitled to certain unalienable rights, such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.\n\nThe Declaration of Independence formally severed us from the tyrannical reign of King George III, who the signatories accuse of obstructing the administration of justice, cutting off trade with the rest of the world, sending officers to harass the people, obstructing efforts to naturalize citizens and trying to render the military superior to civilian authority.\n\nIndependence Hall, right across the way, is the birthplace of the Constitution, where the Framers decided that the Congress would be separate and coequal, never subservient or coopted. So let us never forget that we don’t work for any other branch of government. There are no kings in the United States of America. We work exclusively for the American people.\n\nIndeed, the House was set up to be the institution that the Framers envisioned to be the closest to the people—to reflect the hopes, the dreams, the aspirations, the fears, the concerns, the anxieties, the life experiences and the passions of the people. James Madison once observed that the House should be in intimate sympathy with the people that we are privileged to represent. Intimate sympathy.\n\nLet us use this moment to reflect on these principles and recommit to bringing them to life not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans. We’re not a perfect nation, and America has indeed struggled at times, beginning with the horrors of chattel slavery and the oppression of Native Americans, to live up to our highest ideals, but the high-minded principles upon which this great country was born have served as an eternal lamppost for us to continue to strive and march toward a more perfect union.\n\nAmerica is an exceptional nation, and to this day, as President Lincoln once observed, we remain the last best hope on Earth. We are a country of citizens, not subjects. A nation of patriots, not patsies. And a republic whose fate will be determined by voters, not victims.\n\nWe must never abandon the principles that have brought us this far—liberty and justice for all, equal protection under the law, free and fair elections, government of the people by the people and for the people, the land of the free and the home of the brave. These are the values that define the best of who we are as a nation. Let us all recommit to them today so we can ensure that the next 250 years are even better than the first.\n\nGod bless all of you, God bless the Congress and may God continue to bless the United States of America.\n\nFull event can be watched here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-05T07:55:27Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-05T07:56:42Z"}
{"url": "https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-jackson-and-senator-duckworth-reintroduce-legislation-help", "title": "Representative Jackson and Senator Duckworth Reintroduce Legislation to Help Reduce Gun Violence and  Honor Slain Chicago Student Blair Holt", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "jonathanjackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jonathanjackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000309", "name": "Jonathan L. Jackson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nJuly 1, 2026\n\nCONTACT:\n\nPress.Jackson.IL01@mail.house.gov\n\nRepresentative Jackson and Senator Duckworth Reintroduce Legislation to Help Reduce Gun Violence and Honor Slain Chicago Student Blair Holt\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) reintroduced bicameral legislation to help reduce gun violence in Illinois and across the country. The Blair Holt Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act would prohibit the unlicensed ownership and transfer of firearms and direct the U.S. Attorney General to establish and maintain a federal record of sale system and conduct fingerprint-based nationwide criminal background checks. The legislation is named after Blair Holt, a Chicago Julian High School honor student who was gunned down protecting his friend when a gunman opened fire while they were riding home from school on a crowded public transit bus.\n\n“No child should ever be put in a situation where they lose their life protecting a friend from gunfire,” said Duckworth. “This is commonsense legislation that would establish universal background checks and other safety reforms to help prevent dangerous firearms from falling into the wrong hands. For Blair Holt and the countless other victims of gun violence in our country, Congress must put partisanship aside and work together to make our communities safer for our children and prevent these tragedies from ever happening again.”\n\n“We cannot accept a nation where a teenager’s bus ride home becomes a battleground, and where families are left to mourn preventable tragedies,” said Representative Jackson. “Blair Holt’s death is a painful reminder that young people, families, and communities continue to bear the cost of Congress’s failure to act. I am honored to reintroduce this legislation with Senator Duckworth because it reflects our commitment to choose courage over complacency and finally enact the commonsense safeguards our communities have demanded for far too long.”\n\nThe Blair Holt Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act is modeled, in part, after the Illinois Firearm Owners Identification Card (FOID) statute and specifically would:\n\nProtect the public against the unreasonable risk of injury and death associated with the unrecorded sale or transfer of qualifying firearms to unlicensed individuals.\n\nMake sure that owners of qualifying firearms are knowledgeable in the safe use, handling and storage of those firearms.\n\nRestrict the availability of qualifying firearms to criminals, children and other persons prohibited by federal law from receiving firearms.\n\nRequire universal background checks for all purchases or transfers of firearms.\n\nFacilitate the tracing of qualifying firearms used in crime by federal and state law enforcement agencies.\n\nBill Text Available Here\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-announces-another-major-investment-over-718-million-northwest", "title": "Kaptur Announces Another Major Investment Of Over $7.18 Million for Northwest Ohio Regional Airports", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "kaptur.house.gov", "scraper": "kaptur", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000009", "name": "Marcy Kaptur", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Port Clinton, OH — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced that three Northwest Ohio airports will be receiving awards from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). A total of $7,189,092 will be awarded to the Erie-Ottawa International Airport, the Toledo Executive Airport, and the Fulton County Airport through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to improve passenger and crew safety and to update facilities. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Kaptur prioritizes bringing essential funds back home where they are needed most. In recent years, she has worked to secure funds for airports across Northwest Ohio.\n\n“It is a privilege to support airports across our region, and deliver funds they need to make transit, commerce, and medical transportation safer and more efficient for us all,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “While these airports may not be well-known nationally, they are true lifelines for our local economies. Many aspiring pilots have fallen in love with flight while training at one of these airports, and businesses both near and far use them as hubs for transporting people and products. I am proud of Ohio’s strong aviation history, and I work tirelessly with our local airports as they seek to build upon that history with their own innovations and expansions. The future is shining bright for aviators and airports across our Northwest Ohio region.”\n\nThe Erie-Ottawa International Airport in Port Clinton will receive $5,555,597 to complete renovations of a paved runway. Known as a gateway to Ohio’s shores and lakes, Port Clinton’s airport serves many passengers and pilots looking to vacation or conduct business on Lake Erie’s coast and islands. Since 2016, the airport has operated Customs and Border Patrol services to international visitors, expanding tourism and economic opportunities for the region.\n\nThe Toledo Executive Airport (TDZ) will receive $1,253,495 to support another phase of construction on an airplane hangar and taxiing runway pavements. In combination with their earlier award, Toledo’s corporate, training, and law enforcement airport will receive a total of $2,094,631 as a result of Congresswoman Kaptur’s collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration.\n\nThe Fulton County Airport, located in Wauseon, will receive $380,000 to modernize their facilities with a new taxiing runway connecting the airfield with a storage hangar. The airport currently houses Mercy Health Life Flight and the Buckeye Flight Academy, as well as an Experimental Aircraft Association chapter of passionate local pilots.\n\nThese new federal investments build on previous awards to airports across our Northwest Ohio region in recent years. This award announcement is the second of the week for Northwest Ohio airports, with Congresswoman Kaptur already havingsecured over $3.67 Million for Toledo-area airports.On May 18th, Congresswoman Kaptur announced a $1.4 Million Award for Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport. On May 12th, 2026, Congresswoman Kaptur announced over $1 Million in federal investment for infrastructure improvements at Williams County Regional Airport, Defiance Memorial Airport, and Sandusky County Regional Airport.In April 2026 Congresswoman Kaptur announced $536,616 awarded to rehabilitate Defiance County Airport Infrastructure. In June 2025 Congresswoman Kaptur delivered over $1.4 Million in FAA funding for four Northwest Ohio airports to modernize infrastructure and bolster safety. In July 2025, she announced $342,000 for Fulton County Airport to improve runway conditions. In August 2025, Congresswoman Kaptur announced $300,000 in FAA Funds to Fulton and Williams County Airports. In 2024 she also brought home $400,000 in FAA funds to strengthen aviation upgrades across multiple airports in the district", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-highlights-working-families-tax-cuts-success-laws-one-year-anniversary", "title": "Kelly highlights Working Families Tax Cuts success as the law's one-year anniversary nears", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "kelly.house.gov", "scraper": "kelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000376", "name": "Mike Kelly", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, ahead of the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump signing the Working Families Tax Cuts into law, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, highlighted the benefits tens of millions of Americans received during the first tax season under the law.\n\n\"In its first year, the Working Families Tax Cuts put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Pennsylvania families, made historic investments in our nation's children, gave a boost to our seniors, and strengthened Main Street businesses for years to come,\" said Rep. Kelly. \"Thanks to these incredible new policies, including No Tax on Tips and No Tax on Overtime, this law leverages the tax code to work for Americans, not against them. From employers to employees, from children to seniors, the Working Families Tax Cuts are a game changer for Pennsylvanians.\"\n\nPresident Trump signed the Working Families Tax Cuts into law on July 4, 2025.\n\nBy The Numbers\n\nThe latest U.S. Treasury data, released in June, revealed:\n\n96% of filers receiving a tax cut earned less than $200,000.\n\nNearly 70% of filers receiving a tax cut earned less than $100,000.\n\nNo Tax on Tips: Over 7.5 million filers have claimed No Tax on Tips, with an average deduction of over $7,000.\n\nNo Tax on Overtime: Over 29 million filers have claimed No Tax on Overtime, with an average deduction of over $3,100.\n\nEnhanced Senior Deduction: Over 35 million seniors have claimed the Enhanced Deduction for Seniors, with an average deduction of over $7,500.\n\nNo Tax on Car Loan Interest: Over 1.4 million filers have claimed No Tax on Car Loan Interest on their new American vehicles, with an average deduction of over $1,800.\n\nTrump Accounts: Over 5.5 million Trump Accounts have been opened, with 1.4 million eligible for the $1,000 pilot program contribution.\n\nEnhanced Child Tax Credit: Nearly 40 million families have claimed the enhanced Child Tax Credit, which is permanently doubled and expanded by the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\nDoubled Standard Deduction: Over 127 million filers (90% of all tax filers) have claimed the permanently doubled standard deduction, simplifying tax filing for millions across America.\n\nOpportunity Zones Success\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cuts also expanded and made permanent Rep. Kelly's Opportunity Zones legislation, which encourages private investment in low-income and rural communities. Since its enactment, Opportunity Zones have attracted more than $100 billion in private investment across thousands of communities nationwide.\n\nThe City of Erie, Pennsylvania has become a national model for OZ implementation. With more than $115 million in private investment into downtown Erie, OZs have led to 108 new fully occupied residences, revitalized and created more than 100,000 square feet of new commercial space, and established space for 25 new businesses. Overall, $400 million of long-term capital investment is at work, breathing new life into Downtown Erie.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-responds-report-fbi-diverted-hundreds-personnel", "title": "Congressman Krishnamoorthi Responds to Report that FBI Diverted Hundreds of Personnel to 2020 Georgia Election Investigation", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today issued the following statement after a report from MS NOW that the FBI directed hundreds of intelligence analysts and other personnel to support an investigation related to the 2020 election in Georgia:\n\n“The FBI exists to protect the American people and uphold the rule of law, not to serve as a taxpayer-funded opposition research firm for the President's political grievances. Diverting hundreds of FBI personnel to relitigate conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, despite its results having long been settled, is a profound misuse of the Bureau's resources for partisan purposes. Director Patel owes Congress and the American people an immediate explanation of the legal basis for this investigation, the resources being devoted to it, and what urgent public safety priorities are being pushed aside as a result. The American people should be deeply concerned that the Trump Administration appears to be using law enforcement to justify greater federal control over our elections.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-presses-kennedy-protect-children-toxic-heavy-metals-baby-food", "title": "Krishnamoorthi Presses Kennedy to Protect Children from Toxic Heavy Metals in Baby Food After Years of Federal Inaction", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urging HHS to establish comprehensive, enforceable standards for toxic heavy metals in infant formula and baby food. The letter cites years of scientific evidence linking early-life exposure to toxic heavy metals with serious developmental harms and calls on HHS to take the regulatory action necessary to better protect America's children.\n\nIn the letter, Krishnamoorthi notes that new research demonstrates scientists can use baby teeth to trace early-life exposure to toxic metals and link those exposures to measurable differences in brain development and later behavioral outcomes. The findings come five years after Krishnamoorthi's congressional investigation first exposed dangerous levels of toxic heavy metals in baby food.\n\nKrishnamoorthi writes:\n\n\"Five years after my congressional investigation first exposed dangerous levels of toxic heavy metals in baby food, the scientific case for action has only grown stronger while HHS's failure to act has become increasingly indefensible. In April, researchers demonstrated a new approach that enables scientists to trace early-life exposure to toxic metals and link those exposures to measurable differences in brain development and later behavioral outcomes. As the scientific evidence has grown stronger, the justification for continued federal delay has grown weaker. HHS can no longer justify studying a problem that demands regulatory action.\"\n\nOn the consequences of continued inaction, Krishnamoorthi writes:\n\n\"Infants and young children are uniquely vulnerable to heavy metal exposure because their brains and bodies are developing rapidly, and even low levels of exposure can have lifelong consequences. Parents should be able to trust that the food they feed their children is safe. Every day HHS delays establishing comprehensive, enforceable protections is another day millions of American families are left without the safeguards they deserve.\"\n\nKrishnamoorthi requested responses to the following questions no later than July 16, 2026:\n\nSince January 20, 2025, what actions has HHS taken to reduce heavy metal contamination in infant formula and baby food, including developing comprehensive, enforceable standards?\n\nWhat additional regulatory or other actions does HHS plan to take to reduce infants' and young children's exposure to toxic heavy metals, and on what timeline?\n\nIf HHS does not intend to establish comprehensive, enforceable standards for toxic heavy metals in infant formula and baby food, what is the scientific, legal, and policy basis for that decision?\n\nWhy has HHS not provided the briefing requested in my February 25, 2025, letter, and when will it do so?\n\nWhat scientific studies, risk assessments, and other evidence has HHS relied upon since January 20, 2025, in determining whether additional federal action is warranted?", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases/faa-grants-for-southern-tier-airports", "title": "Congressman Langworthy Announces More Than $3.1 Million in FAA Grants for Southern Tier Airports", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "langworthy.house.gov", "scraper": "langworthy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000600", "name": "Nicholas A. Langworthy", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC—July 2, 2026… Congressman Nick Langworthy today announced more than $3.1 million in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants for airports across New York's 23rd Congressional District, continuing a series of major federal investments that are strengthening rural infrastructure and creating opportunities for economic growth throughout the Southern Tier and Western New York.\n\nThe airports receiving this funding are the Cattaraugus County-Olean Airport, the Chautauqua County Jamestown Airport, and the Chautauqua County Dunkirk Airport. These investments follow additional FAA airport grants announced earlier this week, underscoring Congressman Langworthy's ongoing efforts to deliver critical federal resources to communities across New York’s 23rd Congressional District.\n\n\"Our regional airports are lifelines for the communities they serve,\" said Congressman Langworthy who also serves as the Chair of the House Aviation Safety Caucus. \"They connect local businesses to other markets, support manufacturers and agriculture, bring visitors to and from our region, provide critical access for emergency medical flights and disaster response, and keep rural America connected. These investments reflect a renewed commitment to rebuilding America's infrastructure from the ground up. Every federal dollar we secure for our district helps make our communities safer, more competitive, and better positioned for long-term economic growth.\"\n\nBelow are the details on the three grants:\n\nCattaraugus County-Olean Airport – Olean\n\nThe City of Olean received $1,950,410 to complete critical airfield safety improvements, including reconstruction of the precision approach path indicator systems, runway end identifier lights, runway lighting, taxiway lighting, and airfield signage serving Runway 4/22 and Taxiway A. The project replaces infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life and completes the final construction phase of these improvements.\n\nThe airport also received an additional $255,390 to replace its rotating beacon, enhancing airfield visibility and operational safety.\n\nChautauqua County-Jamestown Airport – Jamestown\n\nChautauqua County received $864,500 to replace aging snow removal equipment, including a new carrier vehicle. The investment will help ensure the airport can safely maintain operations throughout Western New York's demanding winter weather.\n\nChautauqua County-Dunkirk Airport – Dunkirk\n\nChautauqua County also received $77,814 to acquire four aviation easements protecting the approaches to Runway 6/24, bringing the airport into compliance with current federal safety standards while preserving safe aircraft operations for years to come.\n\nThe grants were awarded through the FAA's Airport Improvement Program, which provides funding for projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability of America's public-use airports.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-blumenthal-delauro-himes-demand-ice-officials-release-west", "title": "Larson, Blumenthal, DeLauro, Himes Demand ICE Officials Release West Hartford Restaurateur from Custody", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "larson.house.gov", "scraper": "larson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000557", "name": "John B. Larson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "West Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01), Senator Richard Blumenthal, and Reps. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Jim Himes (CT-04), sent a letter to ICE leadership probing the recent detention of West Hartford resident Seyo Cecunjanin.\n\nLast week, Seyo Cecunjanin, a West Hartford resident and small business owner, was detained by ICE agents in unmarked vehicles, with guns drawn, outside a Dunkin’ location on Park Road. Seyo has resided in the United States since 1997 and raised a family in Connecticut after fleeing Yugoslavia as it was being torn apart by Slobodan Milošević’s genocidal campaign of ethnic cleansing. He is legally authorized to work in the United States and owns a restaurant and dry-cleaning business in West Hartford. He has been working toward becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident.\n\n“By all accounts, Mr. Cecunjanin is doing everything that our complicated immigration system is asking of him and raising three upstanding young men on his own while running small businesses and employing members of the community. As the duly elected Congressional Delegation of Connecticut, we request that ICE release Mr. Cecunjanin while his immigration case is pending and that ICE respond to our offices with detailed information on the status of Mr. Cecunjanin,” the lawmakers wrote to ICE officials.\n\n“With these actions, ICE has frightened our communities, American-born and immigrant alike, and creating transparency is the first step to regaining their trust. We respectfully urge you to release Mr. Cecunjanin from your custody back to West Hartford, so that he can be with his family, tend to his businesses and continue to pursue his permanent residency process,” they continued.\n\nThe Connecticut lawmakers’ letter follows an outpouring of calls from the West Hartford community to release Seyo from custody and end these out-of-control raids tearing apart immigrant families. On Monday, Larson, Blumenthal, community leaders, and advocates rallied outside West Hartford Town Hall with Seyo’s son, Emir, to demand his father’s release.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6160", "title": "Bipartisan group of House lawmakers urges Trump against selling F-35s to Turkey", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The lawmakers, led by Reps. Mike Lawler and Brad Sherman, warned the White House of Turkey’s ‘constant and growing anti-Israel rhetoric’ and its relations with Iran\n\nA bipartisan group of House lawmakers wrote to President Donald Trump on Thursday to “express deep concern about any effort to sell F-35s to Turkey.”\n\nThe letter comes after Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly discussed plans to push the sale ahead at the White House last week, in spite of continued legal restrictions prohibiting such a sale, and ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara next week.\n\n“With [Turkish] President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan’s continued aggression toward our greatest partners along with his troubling defense partnerships with our adversaries, it is not in the best interest of our country to sell them F-35s,” the lawmakers, led by Reps. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Brad Sherman (D-CA), wrote. “While Turkey has been a NATO ally since 1952, they have hardly been a reliable partner in the present day.”\n\nThey emphasized that the first Trump administration removed Turkey from the advanced F-35 fighter jet program for its purchase of a Russian S-400 air defense system in spite of warnings from the U.S. and other NATO allies, describing the S-400 as a “major security threat” to the critical military asset.\n\nThey noted that Congress also sent a clear message codifying the ban on F-35 sales to Turkey while it maintains possession of the S-400. There have been no public reports of Turkey disposing of the S-400 system.\n\n“Since 2019, President Erdogan has only further antagonized the U.S. and our NATO allies,” the lawmakers continued, pointing to Turkey’s continued occupation of northern Cyprus, its aggression toward Greece and its “constant and growing anti-Israel rhetoric, all while Turkey maintains bilateral relations with Iran.”\n\nThe lawmakers said that reversing course now “would send the wrong message to President Erdogan and to our allies and partners both in Europe and the Middle East.”\n\nThe letter was co-signed by Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), Max Miller (R-OH), Young Kim (R-CA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Gabe Amo (D-RI) and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL).", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6162", "title": "Lawler, Sherman Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging President Trump to Maintain Prohibition of F-35 Sales to Turkey", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 7/2/26… Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Brad Sherman (CA-32) led a group of colleagues in a bipartisan letter to President Trump expressing deep concern over any effort to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.\n\nThe F-35 program is one of the Department of Defense’s most strategically important initiatives, designed to strengthen interoperability between the United States and allied nations while enhancing collective defense capabilities. Through shared production and common aircraft systems, the program has become a cornerstone of military coordination across NATO and other allied partnerships.\n\nThe lawmakers argue that President Erdoğan’s continued aggression toward U.S. allies and Turkey’s deepening ties with American adversaries make the sale of F-35 aircraft contrary to America’s national security interests.\n\n“In 2019, despite repeated warnings from both the U.S. and our NATO allies, President Erdogan decided to purchase the Russian-made S-400 air defense system while still remaining a partner in the F-35 program. This posed a major security threat, and your Administration officially removed Turkey from the program as a result,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\nSince then, the lawmakers note that Turkey has continued to take actions that undermine regional stability, including maintaining a military presence in Cyprus, escalating tensions with Greece over maritime and airspace disputes, increasing anti-Israel rhetoric, and maintaining bilateral relations with Iran. While Turkey has been a NATO ally since 1952, the letter argues it has not demonstrated the reliability expected of a trusted partner in recent years.\n\n“Congress and the State Department have been clear on the issue of selling the F-35 aircraft to Turkey. It is the law that while Turkey possesses the S-400 missile defense system, purchased from Russia, a sale is dangerous to NATO and could undermine the entire F-35 fleet. Until those underlying conditions change, Congress must continue to oppose the sale, and the Administration must comply with the law,” said Tyler Stapleton, Senior Director of Government Relations, FDD Action.\n\n“We join Congressman Lawler in opposing the sale of America’s most advanced weapons systems to Turkey — an increasingly hostile state that threatens U.S. interests and America’s allies,” said Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Executive Director Aram Hamparian.\n\n“Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has chosen a path that consistently undermines U.S. national interests, empowers violent extremism and destabilizes key American partners in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. Erdogan has been one of Hamas’ most vocal supporters - openly embracing Hamas leadership, hosting operatives in Ankara and providing terrorists with material and financial support. Advanced weaponry such as the F-35 should be off the table so long as Ankara floats U.S. laws and behaves as a state sponsor of terrorism,\" said CUFI Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Hagee Parker.\n\n“The Armenian Assembly of America strongly opposes the sale of F-35s to Turkey,” said Mariam Khaloyan, Director of Congressional Relations of the Armenian Assembly of America. “Providing Turkey with one of America’s most advanced defense platforms rewards a government that has repeatedly destabilized the region and supported Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenians. This sale would send the wrong message at a time when the United States should be advancing accountability and peace in the South Caucasus.”\n\nThe letter was co-signed by Reps Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Jeff Hurd (CO- 03), Max Miller (OH-07), Young Kim (CA-40), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Gabe Amo (RI-01), and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23).\n\nThe full letter can be found HERE.\n\nCongressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://lucas.house.gov/posts/rep-lucas-hosts-house-financial-services-task-force-field-hearing-in-okc", "title": "Rep. Lucas Hosts House Financial Services Task Force Field Hearing in OKC", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lucas.house.gov/press", "domain": "lucas.house.gov", "scraper": "lucas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000491", "name": "Frank D. Lucas", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The hearing focused on the structure of the Federal Reserve System\n\nOklahoma City, OK – Recently, Representative Frank D. Lucas (OK-03), Chairman of the House Financial Services Task Force on Monetary Policy, Treasury Market Resilience, and Economic Prosperity, hosted a field hearing in Oklahoma City discussing the importance of the federated structure of the Federal Reserve system with the Reserve Banks providing geographic and industrial expertise.\n\n“It was a great day in Oklahoma City hosting several respected witnesses and hearing their perspective on the importance of our Federal Reserve structure,” said Representative Lucas. “The private-public partnership Reserve Banks have with our central bank serves as a check against the federal government dominating our monetary system. Our nation has many differing viewpoints, and our central bank is at its best when it reflects a comprehensive perspective of economic conditions. I thank the witnesses and my fellow colleagues for their time in my home state, and I look forward to continuing this discussion during this critical time.”\n\nThe witnesses included:\n\nMr. Thomas Hoenig – Distinguished Senior Fellow, Mercatus Center at George Mason University\n\nMs. Ester George – Former President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City\n\nMr. Gary Kelly – Deputy Chair, Board of Directors, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas\n\nMr. Benjamin Keen – Associate Professor of Economics, University of Oklahoma\n\nClick here to watch Rep. Lucas’s opening remarks.\n\nClick here to watch the Federal Reserve’s impact on agriculture economy in the heartland.\n\nClick here to watch the Beige Book’s impact on bringing regional perspectives to the Federal Reserve.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://lucas.house.gov/posts/rep-lucas-implores-colleagues-to-support-the-emergency-conservation-program-improvement-act", "title": "Rep. Lucas Implores Colleagues to Support the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lucas.house.gov/press", "domain": "lucas.house.gov", "scraper": "lucas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000491", "name": "Frank D. Lucas", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Yesterday, Representative Frank D. Lucas (OK-03) delivered remarks on the House floor supporting landowners facing natural disaster damages by imploring his colleagues to vote in support of the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act.\n\nRemarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S.629, the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act, introduced by Senator Fischer of Nebraska.\n\nThe Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program are two critical cost-share programs available to landowners following a natural disaster. Given the natural disasters we’ve witnessed, including wildfires, hurricanes, and flooding, these programs have remained critically important.\n\nWildfires continue to present significant challenges, especially in the West, due to their increasing intensity and the extensive number of acres burned each year. Forest managers and wildfire experts have been predicting that 2026 will be a particularly challenging fire year. So far this year, we have already witnessed approximately 2.7 million acres burned in over 34,000 fires, and it is only June.\n\nRecently, devastating wildfires have occurred on the plains of Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas, instead of just being confined to the forests and mountains of the West. This year, we saw approximately 300,000 acres burn after multiple wildfires ignited in Oklahoma and Kansas this past February.\n\nIn addition, due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we have observed significant needs for emergency assistance resulting from the devastation in southeastern states, including the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Natural disasters have inflicted great damage on private property across the country at no fault of the landowners.\n\nUnder ECP, landowners can receive both technical and financial assistance for repairs and restoration of land adversely affected by natural disasters, including floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and droughts. Additionally, EFRP provides financial assistance to non-industrial private forestland owners to support recovery efforts following similar natural disasters.\n\nWhile these programs are critical, participants have reported ongoing issues with payment delays and insufficient upfront assistance to cover the costs of urgent conservation needs. To address this issue, S.629 allows for advanced payments of up to 75% of the total project cost for both programs, clarifies eligibility for cost-share payments, and allows for a longer period for the use of ECP payments.\n\nI support this legislation and encourage my colleagues to vote favorably.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-supported-225-million-grant-berkeley-county-us-176-corridor", "title": "Rep. Nancy Mace Supported $22.5 Million Grant for Berkeley County US 176 Corridor Improvement Project", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mace.house.gov", "scraper": "mace", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000194", "name": "Nancy Mace", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "CHARLESTON, S.C. (July 2, 2026) - Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) announced Berkeley County has been awarded $22.5 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program for the US 176 Phase 2 Corridor Improvement Project.\n\nThe funding will address critical safety and mobility needs along one of the fastest-growing transportation corridors in South Carolina. With more than 240 crashes recorded over a recent four-year period, the project will upgrade intersections, improve sightlines, add protected turning movements, and enhance multimodal safety for pedestrians and cyclists.\n\nRep. Mace wrote a letter of support for the county's application, urging the Department of Transportation to award Berkeley County the funding it deserved and why they were a strong candidate for the grant.\n\n\"This is a major win for Berkeley County and for everyone who travels US 176,\" said Congresswoman Mace. \"This corridor serves some of the fastest-growing communities in South Carolina, connects workers to jobs, and links our regional industries to the Port of Charleston and national supply chains. This investment will improve safety, reduce congestion, and ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with the growth Berkeley County is experiencing.\"\n\nThe US 176 corridor serves as a critical link between major employment centers and rapidly expanding communities, including Cane Bay, Nexton, and the 2,000-acre Wildcat Tract. The corridor also provides direct access to Camp Hall Commerce Park, recognized as the nation's top industrial park, and connects regional industry to the Port of Charleston.\n\nImprovements funded through the BUILD grant will:\n\nReduce fatal and serious injury risk through upgraded intersections and improved sightlines\n\nImprove freight efficiency and travel time reliability for port-bound and industrial traffic\n\nEnhance multimodal safety for pedestrians and cyclists\n\nStrengthen access to major employment centers and regional logistics hubs\n\n\"Berkeley County deserves safe, reliable roads people can count on every single day. This investment helps make it happen,\" added Mace.\n\nSee our letter of support attached:\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://markharris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-earns-2025-club-growth-defender-economic-freedom-award", "title": "Harris Earns 2025 Club for Growth Defender of Economic Freedom Award", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://markharris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "markharris.house.gov", "scraper": "markharris", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001102", "name": "Mark Harris", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08) earned the 2025 Club for Growth Defender of Economic Freedom Award, recognizing his voting record in support of limited government and economic freedom. The award is based on the Club for Growth Foundation’s 2025 Congressional Economic Scorecard and is given to Representatives and Senators who score 90 percent or better on votes cast during the year and maintain a lifetime rating of at least 90 percent.\n\n“Families across North Carolina’s Eighth District deserve a government that lives within its means and protects the freedom of hardworking Americans to build a better future,” said Congressman Harris. “I am honored to receive the Defender of Economic Freedom Award and will continue fighting to lower taxes, rein in reckless spending, cut burdensome regulations, and advance pro-growth policies that help small businesses, workers, and local communities thrive.”\n\n“We congratulate Rep. Harris for earning Club for Growth’s Defender of Economic Freedom Award for fighting for policies that advance limited government and prosperity,” said Club for Growth President David McIntosh. “Meanwhile, Democrats have become more socialist than ever despite many of them claiming to be ‘moderate.’”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://markharris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-introduces-parity-act-end-double-standard-against-career-schools", "title": "Harris Introduces PARITY Act to End Double Standard Against Career Schools", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://markharris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "markharris.house.gov", "scraper": "markharris", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001102", "name": "Mark Harris", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08) introduced the Promoting Access and Revenue Integrity Through Institutional Transparency (PARITY) Act, legislation to repeal the 90/10 rule in the Higher Education Act. Under current law, the rule applies only to proprietary institutions and requires them to derive at least 10 percent of their revenue from non-federal sources.\n\n“Washington should not pick winners and losers in higher education,” said Congressman Harris. “Career schools give students the opportunity to gain practical skills, pursue in-demand jobs, and choose the education path that best fits their goals. In North Carolina and across the country, these workforce-focused institutions help prepare students for the jobs our communities depend on. By repealing the outdated 90/10 rule, the PARITY Act ends a double standard that singles out career schools and ensures every institution is treated fairly.”\n\nSpecifically, the PARITY Act:\n\nRepeals Section 487(a)(24) of the Higher Education Act, which requires proprietary institutions to derive at least 10 percent of their revenue from non-federal sources; and\n\nRepeals Section 487(d), which governs implementation and enforcement of the non-federal revenue requirement.\n\n“At a time when college costs are still too high, students deserve more options to pursue the education that best fits their goals. The 90/10 rule is an outdated policy that unfairly limits those choices. Repealing it would expand access to high-quality education and career training so every school is held to the same standards. I applaud Rep. Harris for leading this effort. Congress should follow suit and finally retire this outdated policy,” said House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (MI-05).\n\n“Education is not a one-size-fits-all model. Currently, the 90/10 rule singles out vocational and career schools, while letting other colleges play by a different set of standards. This is wrong and it’s time to level the playing field. Thank you to Rep. Harris for joining me in this bicameral effort,” said Senator Jim Banks (IN).\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nTitle IV of the Higher Education Act authorizes federal student aid programs such as Pell Grants and Direct Loans. Institutions seeking to participate in these programs must meet a variety of eligibility requirements.\n\nThe 90/10 rule is one of those eligibility requirements, but it applies only to proprietary institutions. Public and nonprofit institutions that also receive federal student aid are exempt.\n\nThrough the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, Congress enacted a universal earnings and return-on-investment framework tied to Title IV eligibility that applies across institution types. This outcome-based accountability system makes the 90/10 rule redundant and outdated. In the House-passed version, House Republicans repealed 90/10 completely, but the repeal was not included in the Senate’s version that became law.\n\nSenator Jim Banks (R-IN) is leading the Senate companion bill.\n\nThe full text of the bill can be found here.\n\nRead the Daily Signal’s exclusive coverage of the bill here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-press-trump-administration-cancel-ice-detention", "title": "Maryland Delegation Members Press Trump Administration to Cancel ICE Detention Warehouse in Washington County", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "scraper": "mcclaindelaney", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001232", "name": "April McClain Delaney", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congresswoman April McClain Delaney and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks joined by U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Jamie Raskin, Kweisi Mfume, Glenn Ivey, Johnny Olszewski, Sarah Elfreth (all D-Md.) in pressing the Trump Administration to cancel plans for the ICE Detention Warehouse in Washington County due, in part, to the potential environmental impacts and infrastructure deficiencies of the proposed facility. With these concerns in mind and the lack of community input, the members urged the Department of Homeland Security to cancel its plans.\n\n\"As we shared in our March 5 comment letter, the process that the Administration has used to purchase, plan, and develop this site has wrongfully excluded the voices of our constituents and the communities that would be impacted by its operation,\" the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe letter highlights significant concerns about the proposed facility's infrastructure, noting that the warehouse DHS purchased for $102.4 million was originally equipped with only four commercial toilets and would require extensive upgrades to support a detention center housing up to 1,500 people.\n\n\"DHS cannot credibly claim that such sweeping infrastructure deficiencies can be addressed through a superficial assessment while ignoring the significant public safety, infrastructure, environmental, and community impacts that would accompany a detention facility of this scale,\" the lawmakers wrote. \"We call on DHS to conduct a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement, informed by meaningful public participation, before any further development proceeds.\"\n\nThe Maryland Delegation also criticized DHS for continuing to pursue the project despite reports that ICE plans to dispose of seven of the eleven detention warehouses it previously purchased after spending nearly $1 billion on the properties.\n\n\"DHS continues to fail to justify this project, meaningfully engage the public, and answer Congress's oversight inquiries,\" the lawmakers concluded. \"We urge you to terminate this proposal and stand ready to pursue every available avenue to ensure accountability if you do not.\"\n\nThe Members’ letter was also submitted as part of DHS’ public scoping request seeking public feedback on potential environmental issues or concerns.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases/mciver-introduces-bill-to-expand-access-to-summer-meals-for-families", "title": "McIver Introduces Bill to Expand Access to Summer Meals for Families", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mciver.house.gov", "scraper": "mciver", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001229", "name": "LaMonica McIver", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) introduced the Summer Meals Reaching Every Area’s Child Hunger (REACH) Act, a bill to expand access to free summer meals for children by removing barriers that prevent schools and community organizations from serving families where they are. As Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) previously introduced this legislation in the Senate, Rep. McIver is championing this effort in the House.\n\nDuring school breaks, millions of children lose access to the breakfasts and lunches they rely on during the school year, leaving many families struggling to put food on the table. Just 16% of the children who receive free or reduced-price school lunch get lunch during the summer months. The Summer Meals REACH Act would modernize the Summer Food Service Program by permitting grab-and-go meal services and expanding eligibility for more communities to participate.\n\n“Every child deserves access to healthy and nutritious meals, no matter the season,” said Rep. McIver. “For too many families, summertime brings fear of losing the meals their children rely on during the school year. We know what works. Giving summer meal providers the flexibility to offer grab-and-go meals and meal delivery options are common-sense, proven measures to fight summer hunger. Your ZIP Code shouldn’t determine whether young people have enough to eat. That’s why I’m leading the Summer Meals REACH Act with Senator Kim, to cut unnecessary red tape, expand access to summer meals, and ensure no child goes hungry simply because school is out.”\n\n“When schools close for summer break, millions of children lose access to the breakfasts, lunches, and after-school meals they rely on during the academic year,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05). “The Summer Meals REACH Act makes permanent several practical flexibilities within the Summer Food Service Program, allowing local providers to serve more children during this time. Going hungry during summer months is not something a child in the richest country on earth should have to worry about. This legislation will expand access to the nutritious meals children need to stay healthy and ready to learn.”\n\n“For millions of kids, the summer break from school means worrying about where they’ll get their next meal,” said Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ). “We need all of Congress working together to tackle summer hunger – that's why I am grateful for Representatives McIver and Hayes for heading up this legislation in the House and helping take us one step closer to making sure every child has access to nutritious food year-round.”\n\n“Hungry kids are only kids who dread, instead of relishing, summer vacations off school, because the vast majority of U.S. children who receive school meals over the school year don’t receive summer meals when schools are closed,” said Joel Berg, Chief Executive Officer, Hunger Free America. “We applaud Rep. McIver for leading the effort to close that gap.”\n\n“Consistent access to nutritious food is critical year-round, especially for children who rely on school meals during the academic year,” said Tamara Randall, President, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES, FAND. “The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics commends Rep. LaMonica McIver for championing the Summer Meals REACH Act in the House to help ensure more children have access to healthy meals during the summer months. Nutritious meals support children’s growth, well-being and healthy eating habits, helping set them up for success in school and beyond.”\n\n“The summer months can be difficult for food insecure children who lose access to school meals,” said Lisa Pitz, Director, Hunger Free New Jersey. “The Summer Food Service Program is an important way to bridge that gap, but current eligibility rules limit where the program can operate. The Summer Meals REACH Act is a positive step forward that would expand access to summer meals to more children in New Jersey and throughout our nation. Hunger Free New Jersey commends Representative McIver for introducing this legislation to support children and families during summer break when many are struggling to afford food.”\n\n“No child in America should ever go hungry. We know that childhood hunger causes lasting physical and psychological effects on a child’s growth and development,” said Jeremy Haines, MA, Director of Public Policy and Government Relations, The National Association of Social Workers. “Research has shown that childhood hunger is connected to depression in adolescence and young adulthood, as well as mood, behavior, and substance use disorders. Members of Congress have the ability to take a giant step toward ending childhood food insecurity by supporting the Summer Meals REACH Act of 2026”\n\n“CLASP proudly supports the Summer Meals REACH Act because every child deserves access to nutritious meals, regardless of where they live or their family’s circumstances. By expanding eligibility, increasing flexibility through non-congregate meal options, and reducing administrative barriers for providers, this legislation helps ensure that more children can access the food they need when school is out,” said Parker Gilkesson Davis, Senior Policy Analyst, Center for Law and Social Policy. “At a time when families are facing rising costs and growing uncertainty, we should be making it easier—not harder—for children to receive healthy meals. This bill is a commonsense step toward reducing child hunger and ensuring no child falls through the cracks during the summer months.”\n\nThe Summer Meals REACH Act would:\n\nEliminate the area eligibility requirement, allowing all sites to serve free meals.\n\nEliminate the congregate feeding requirement, allowing grab-and-go meal service at all locations.\n\nEliminate the on-site monitoring requirement to allow sponsors flexible, remote monitoring options.\n\nThis bill is endorsed by: Hunger Free America, National Association of Social Workers, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Federation of Teachers, Center for Law and Social Policy, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, Hunger Free New Jersey, and Community FoodBank of New Jersey.\n\nFull text of the The Summer Meals REACH Act can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-menefee-demands-answers-from-epa-on-fifth-ward-and-kashmere-gardens-contamination", "title": "Congressman Menefee Demands Answers from EPA on Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens Contamination", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menefee.house.gov", "scraper": "menefee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001245", "name": "Christian D. Menefee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "HOUSTON, TX — Congressman Christian Menefee (TX-18) today sent a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) demanding answers about the agency’s handling of the contamination investigation in Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens.\n\nLocal officials began pushing for state and federal investigations after state health officials confirmed a cancer cluster in the area. Following years of community advocacy and a legal effort that brought EPA to the table, the agency entered into a binding legal agreement in 2023 requiring a full investigation of the former Houston Wood Preserving Works site, a contaminated rail facility whose creosote pollution spread into the soil and groundwater of surrounding historically Black neighborhoods.\n\n“Community members in Fifth Ward, Kashmere Gardens, and nearby areas have been waiting for answers for years,” said Congressman Menefee. “They have watched family members get sick. They have sat through meeting after meeting. And they still have serious questions about how this process has been run. That is not acceptable.”\n\nResidents and community members on EPA’s own Community Advisory Group have raised ongoing concerns about how EPA conducted the investigation, including how testing locations and depths were determined, which contaminants were included in the protocol, whether the community had a genuine voice in key decisions, and why additional residential sampling recently took place with little explanation. The fact that EPA is not clearly communicating answers to these questions to residents who are closest to this issue is real concern.\n\nIn addition to these process concerns, the final report that EPA told community members would be released by late 2025 or early 2026 has still not come out.\n\n“The community has been waiting for the report,” Congressman Menefee said. “And they have been raising concerns about this process for a long time, and they still don’t have confidence in how things have worked out so far. They deserve better than that.”\n\nThose concerns are compounded by what the Trump administration has done to EPA since taking office. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin eliminated the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and shut down environmental justice offices all throughout the country. The administration ended environmental justice as a consideration in EPA enforcement decisions, froze nearly $3 billion in grants intended for communities burdened by pollution, and proposed cutting the agency’s overall budget by more than 50%.\n\n“This administration has made clear that communities like Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens are not a priority,” Congressman Menefee said. “They eliminated the offices that existed to fight for people in neighborhoods like this. They gutted enforcement. And now a community that has already waited years for answers is left wondering whether anyone at EPA is still in their corner. I am working to make sure the answer is yes.”\n\nThe Congressman requested that EPA brief his office on:\n\nThe current status and expected release date of the Removal Site Evaluation report\n\nThe methodology used for environmental sampling, including testing locations, depths, and contaminants analyzed\n\nThe purpose of recent additional residential sampling\n\nEPA’s plan to communicate findings clearly and promptly to affected residents\n\nAny preliminary conclusions regarding potential health risks and future federal actions", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-honors-queens-art-contest-winner-washington-dc", "title": "MENG HONORS QUEENS ART CONTEST WINNER IN WASHINGTON, D.C.", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "meng.house.gov", "scraper": "meng", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001188", "name": "Grace Meng", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she honored Francis Lewis High School student Cher Shu Yi Li in Washington, D.C. for winning the Congresswoman’s “Sixth Congressional District Art Contest.”\n\nThe annual competition, which consists of entries from high school and middle school students in Queens, is part of “An Artistic Discovery,” the national art contest held by the House of Representatives that showcases the artwork of students in congressional districts all across the nation.\n\nLi’s winning piece – along with the winning artwork from other congressional districts throughout the United States – will now be displayed for one year within the halls of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Li traveled to Capitol Hill late last week to attend the contest’s ceremonies that recognized her exceptional artistic abilities as well as the artistic talents of other congressional art contest winners. She also got to see her artwork officially hung in the Capitol.\n\nLi, who is 17 years old, resides in Auburndale. She will begin her senior year at her high school in Fresh Meadows in September. She won first place in Meng’s contest for her acrylic artwork entitled “Night Meal in Flushing” that depicts people inside a Chinese restaurant in New York City. According to Li, the piece shows how culture exists naturally in routine life.\n\nThis year, there were a total of 58 submissions entered into Meng’s contest.\n\n“I was thrilled to welcome Cher Shu Yi Li to the nation’s capital, and honor her for winning this very competitive competition,” said Congresswoman Meng. “I’m proud to recognize her outstanding talent and I congratulate her for winning this year’s contest. Seeing her artwork displayed on Capitol Hill for a whole year will be very exciting for our borough and I look forward to thousands of people walking through the Capitol seeing it as well. We had so many creative and inspiring submissions for this year’s competition and I thank all the local students who entered. The contest serves as a celebration of young artists and a platform for area students to highlight their artistic skills. I am proud to have once again hosted it here in Queens.”\n\n“I'm honored to win this competition and have my artwork recognized in this amazing way,” said Cher Shu Yi Li. “Thank you to Rep. Meng for this opportunity and thank you to my family, friends and art teacher for the support they've given me, especially as I decided to enter the contest. Going to Washington for the ceremonies and seeing my winning painting displayed was a tremendous experience and I am excited that it will continue to hang in the United States Capitol.”\n\nLi was announced as the winner during a recent reception that Meng sponsored for students who submitted artwork. All of the entries were displayed for the event which took place in May at the Queens Museum in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Several runners-up were announced as well. The reception also included the students’ families, art teachers, principals and school administrators.\n\nThe runners-up, who received special Certificates of Congressional Recognition, included:\n\nSecond Place\n\nSeungran (Ellie) Lim, a student from St. Francis Prepatory High school in Fresh Meadows\n\nThird Place\n\nJhustin Ramirez-Vasquez, a student from Hillside Arts and Letters Academy in Jamaica\n\nThe winner and runners-up were selected by panel of local artists and art educators consisting of:\n\nFaustino Quintanilla, Executive Director of the Queensborough Community College Art Gallery\n\nMaria Cristina Pio, Co-Director of the Godwin-Ternbach Museum at Queens College\n\nJulia del Palacio, Executive Director of Queens Theatre located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park\n\nJoseph Adolphe, Art Professor at St. John’s University\n\nThe Artistic Discovery competition was launched in 1982 for Members of Congress to showcase the artistic work of students from around the nation. Since it began, hundreds of thousands of students from throughout the United States have participated in the contest.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-miller-meeks-bipartisan-alternatives-pain-act-surpasses-100-cosponsors", "title": "Dr. Miller-Meeks' Bipartisan Alternatives to PAIN Act Surpasses 100 Cosponsors", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "millermeeks.house.gov", "scraper": "millermeeks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001215", "name": "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01) today celebrated a major milestone for her bipartisan Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation (PAIN) Act (H.R. 1227), which has surpassed 100 cosponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives. The achievement reflects broad, bipartisan agreement that preventing opioid addiction must begin before the first prescription is written.\n\nThe Alternatives to PAIN Act would expand access to FDA-approved non-opioid pain management therapies for Medicare Part D beneficiaries. It addresses unnecessary coverage barriers, such as high cost-sharing, prior authorization, and step therapy requirements, that too often limit patient choice and steer seniors toward prescription opioids for acute pain following an accident, injury, or surgery.\n\n\"This bill is gaining real momentum because it puts patients over politics,\" said Dr. Miller-Meeks. \"With more than 100 cosponsors and rising, now is the time for Congress to act. Let us get this across the finish line and deliver real help to the millions of Americans suffering from pain.\"\n\nThe milestone comes as Congress continues to examine solutions to the opioid crisis, which still claims more than 120 American lives every single day. In March, the bill was included in a House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee legislative hearing focused on protecting communities from illicit drug threats, where members from both sides of the aisle voiced their support.\n\nThe legislation has earned strong support from patient advocates and prevention organizations across the country. Voices for Non-Opioid Choices, a nonpartisan coalition of more than 20,000 advocates and over 300 member organizations nationwide, has been a leading champion of the bill.\n\n\"Reaching 100 cosponsors sends a clear message: Congress understands that preventing opioid addiction must begin before the first prescription is written,\" said Chris Fox, Executive Director of Voices for Non-Opioid Choices. \"Families in every state have felt the heartbreak of the opioid crisis, and we cannot afford to keep treating prevention as an afterthought.\"\n\nReintroduced in the 119th Congress by Dr. Miller-Meeks alongside Reps. Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), the legislation reflects a shared, cross-party commitment to prevention-focused solutions. It has also been introduced in the Senate as S. 475.\n\nWith overdose deaths continuing to devastate communities nationwide, Dr. Miller-Meeks is calling on House leadership and the committees of jurisdiction to move the Alternatives to PAIN Act forward without delay.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-moolenaar-resolution-recognizes-americas-250th-anniversary", "title": "Bipartisan Moolenaar Resolution Recognizes America's 250th Anniversary, Michigan's Role in National History", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "moolenaar.house.gov", "scraper": "moolenaar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001194", "name": "John R. Moolenaar", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "This week, Congressman John Moolenaar introduced a bipartisan resolution to honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and recognize the State of Michigan's role in our nation's history.\n\n\"Michigan and its residents have played a crucial role in our nation's history, making significant contributions in manufacturing, medicine, government, and more. The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence serves as an important opportunity for us to rededicate ourselves to the principles that make our nation the greatest country on earth and educate young people on the legacy of the Founders and these great Michiganders. As we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, I encourage all Michigan residents to reflect on the ideals set forth by our Founders in the Declaration of Independence,\" said Moolenaar.\n\nMoolenaar was joined in introducing his resolution by every member of the Michigan Congressional delegation including Representatives Jack Bergman (R-MI), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Tom Barrett (R-MI), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), Lisa McClain (R-MI), John James (R-MI), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Shri Thanedar (D-MI).", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2797", "title": "Rep. Moran Recognized for Defending Limited Government", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "moran.house.gov", "scraper": "nathanielmoran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001224", "name": "Nathaniel Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) was announced as a recipient of the Defender of Limited Government Award, a distinguished recognition from the Institute of Legislative Analysis (ILA). The award represents the 2026 Limited Government Index, a legislative analysis of voting records, compiled from 305 roll calls across 10 policy categories and encompassing 89,125 individual lawmaker votes.\n\n“One of my primary goals in Congress is to increase liberty for Americans across the country,” said Rep. Moran. “This recognition underscores the importance of maintaining steadfast support for the principles that have made our country great. I remain committed to fighting for freedom by limiting the role and influence of the federal government.”\n\nRyan McGowan, CEO, Institute for Legislative Analysis: “The Institute for Legislative Analysis is proud to present Congressman Nathaniel Moran with the Defender of Limited Government Award for a voting record aligned with the limited government principles of the U.S. Constitution. Congressman Moran has focused much of his work on issues that matter directly to East Texas families and small businesses, including tax relief, economic growth, and protecting taxpayers from IRS overreach. We especially appreciate his work on the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act, which would help prevent the IRS from using new funding to target middle-class families and small businesses with unnecessary audits. Congressman Moran and his team deserve credit for working to keep Washington accountable, protect working families, and support the employers who help communities thrive.”\n\nRyan McGowan, CEO, Institute for Legislative Analysis; Congressman Nathaniel Moran; and Fred McGrath, President and Chief Economist, Institute for Legislative Analysis", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405744", "title": "Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for July", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Griffith’s Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of July.\n\nJuly 8, 2026\n\nScott County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am\n\nCounty Administrator’s Office\n\nConference Room\n\n190 Beech Street\n\nGate City, VA 24251\n\nLee County: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm\n\nLee County Sheriff’s Office\n\nConference Room\n\n33640 Main Street\n\nJonesville, VA 24263\n\nWise County (Big Stone Gap): 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm\n\nBig Stone Gap Municipal Complex\n\n216 Wood Ave. E\n\nBig Stone Gap, VA 24219\n\nJuly 9, 2026\n\nGiles County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am\n\nTown of Pearisburg Offices\n\nCouncil Chambers\n\n112 Tazewell Street\n\nPearisburg, VA 24134\n\nBland County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am\n\nBland County Courthouse\n\nFirst Floor Conference Room\n\n612 Main Street\n\nBland, VA 24315\n\nWythe County: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm\n\nWythe County Sheriff’s Office\n\nConference Room\n\n245 South 4th Street\n\nWytheville, VA 24382\n\nRadford: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm\n\nRadford Recreation Building\n\n200 George Street\n\nRadford, VA 24141\n\nSmyth County: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm\n\nSmyth County Administrator’s Office\n\nConference Room, Suite 100\n\n121 Bagley Circle\n\nMarion, VA 24354\n\nPulaski County: 2:30 pm – 4:00pm\n\nPulaski County Administration Building\n\nFirst Floor Conference Room\n\n143 3rd Street NW\n\nPulaski, VA 24301\n\nJuly 14, 2026\n\nTazewell County (Richlands): 10:00 am – 11:30 am\n\nTown of Richlands Offices\n\n200 Washington Sq\n\nRichlands, VA 24641\n\nBuchanan County: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm\n\nTown of Grundy Offices\n\n1185 Plaza Dr.\n\nGrundy, VA 24614\n\nJuly 15, 2026\n\nCarroll County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am\n\nCarroll County Administration Building\n\nCounty Administrator’s Office, Conference Room\n\n605 – 1 Pine Street\n\nHillsville, VA 24343\n\nGalax: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm\n\nGalax Municipal Building\n\nConference Room\n\n111 E. Grayson Street\n\nGalax, VA 24333\n\nGrayson County: 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm\n\nGrayson County Administration Building\n\nBoard of Supervisors Room\n\n129 Davis Street\n\nIndependence, VA 24348\n\nJuly 16, 2026\n\nTazewell County (Tazewell): 10:00 am – 11:30 am\n\nAmerican Legion Building\n\n226 Central Avenue\n\nTazewell, VA 24651\n\nRussell County: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm\n\nTown of Lebanon Government Offices\n\n72 Gibson Street\n\nLebanon, VA 24266\n\nJuly 21, 2026\n\nCraig County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am\n\nCraig County Courthouse\n\n108 Court Street\n\nNew Castle, VA 24127\n\nRoanoke County: 11:30am – 1:00pm\n\nSouth County Library\n\nMeeting Room\n\n6303 Merriman Road\n\nRoanoke, VA 24018\n\nJuly 22, 2026\n\nHenry County: 10:00 am – 11:30 am\n\nHenry County Administration Building\n\nSummerlin Room - Board of Supervisors Meeting Chambers\n\n3300 Kings Mountain Rd\n\nMartinsville, VA 24112\n\nPatrick County: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm\n\nPatrick County Administration Building\n\nConference Room\n\n106 Rucker Street\n\nStuart, VA 24171\n\nFloyd County: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm\n\nTown of Floyd Government Offices\n\nCommunity Room\n\n203 East Oxford St\n\nFloyd, VA 24091\n\nJuly 23, 2026\n\nBedford County: 9:00am – 10:30am\n\nTown of Bedford Municipal Building\n\nFirst Floor Conference Room\n\n215 E. Main Street\n\nBedford, VA 24523\n\nFranklin County: 12:00pm – 1:30pm\n\nFranklin County Government Center\n\nConference Room B-23\n\n1255 Franklin Street\n\nRocky Mount, VA 24151\n\nJuly 28, 2026\n\nDickenson County: 10:00 am – 11:30 am\n\nCenter for Education & Research\n\nFirst Floor Conference Room #155\n\n818 Happy Valley Drive\n\nClintwood, VA 24228\n\nNorton: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm\n\nHigh Knob Destination Center, Conference Room\n\n1147 Laurel Ave SW\n\nNorton, VA 24273\n\nWise County (Wise): 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm\n\nWise County Courthouse\n\nLaw Library, Second Floor\n\n206 E. Main Street\n\nWise, VA 24293\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405745", "title": "Griffith Statement on USDA Disaster Action for Ninth District Drought Relief", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is designating Tazewell County as a primary natural disaster area due to recent drought. As part of the designation, the Counties of Bland, Buchanan, Russell and Smyth are set to receive access to drought assistance as well.\n\nIn response to this USDA action, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“This USDA action is necessary to support farmers in Virginia’s Ninth District. Spring frost and freeze events followed by severe drought continue to impact Virginia’s agricultural health.\n\n“This disaster designation sets in motion opportunities for eligible groups to request emergency loan assistance.\n\n“My office is ready to help facilitate access to federal assistance. Additionally, I will continue to advocate for our farming communities as they navigate through growing season challenges and record temperatures.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nCongressman Griffith helped lead federal engagement to secure a separate USDA Secretarial natural disaster declaration for Virginia farmers. In June, Secretary Rollins approved Virginia’s request.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-leads-massachusetts-congressional-delegation-colleagues-urging-omb", "title": "Moulton Leads Massachusetts Congressional Delegation Colleagues Urging OMB to Protect Merit-Based Federal Research Funding", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "moulton.house.gov", "scraper": "moulton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001196", "name": "Seth Moulton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SALEM, MA — Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) today led a group of his colleagues from the Massachusetts congressional delegation in submitting public comments opposing the Trump Administration's proposed changes to the Office of Management and Budget's Uniform Guidance governing federal grants, warning that the revisions would inject politics into scientific research funding and threaten America's global leadership in innovation.\n\nThe letter, signed by Reps. Katherine Clark (MA-05), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), and Bill Keating (MA-09), argues that the proposed rule would allow political appointees to influence grant decisions that have long been based on scientific merit and rigorous peer review.\n\n\"Massachusetts is home to the world's leading research institutions because we've built a system that rewards excellence instead of political loyalty,\" said Congressman Moulton. \"The Trump Administration's proposal would undermine decades of scientific progress by allowing politics to dictate which research gets funded. At a time when we're competing with China and other global rivals for leadership in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and advanced medicine, we should be strengthening America's research enterprise, not sabotaging it.\"\n\nIn their letter, the Members warn that the proposed revisions would give agencies broad discretion to terminate grants and require political review of funding decisions to ensure they align with the President's policy priorities. They argue these changes would discourage scientific innovation, delay lifesaving medical breakthroughs, weaken economic competitiveness, and erode public confidence in the integrity of federally funded research.\n\nThe Members also highlight Massachusetts' role as a global hub for biotechnology, life sciences, advanced medicine, robotics, and clean energy, noting that the Commonwealth's universities, hospitals, research institutions, and innovative companies drive economic growth, create jobs, and produce breakthroughs that strengthen both America's economy and national security.\n\nThe delegation urged OMB to withdraw the proposed revisions and preserve the longstanding principle that federal research funding should be awarded based on scientific merit, expertise, and public benefit—not political considerations.\n\nThe full letter can be read here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-honors-2026-nominees-accepted-us-military-service-academies", "title": "Mrvan Honors 2026 Nominees Accepted into the U.S. Military Service Academies", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mrvan.house.gov", "scraper": "mrvan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001214", "name": "Frank J. Mrvan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Rep. Frank J. Mrvan is pleased to announce the nominees who have accepted their appointments to the U.S. Military Service Academies from Indiana’s First Congressional District.\n\nMilitary Service Academy Nominations are recommended to Congressman Mrvan by his Military Service Academy Board, which includes veterans, community leaders, and active duty and retired servicemembers from across Indiana’s First Congressional District.\n\nMembers of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.\n\nCongressman Mrvan stated, “I am honored to nominate these brave and selfless individuals from Indiana’s First Congressional District to join the United States Military Service Academies. Thank you to all the members of the Military Service Academy Board for their participation in this process, and I encourage all students who are interested in applying in the future to contact my office for additional information.”\n\nThe following students received a nomination from Congressman Mrvan and have accepted their appointment:\n\nCameron Reddick, Lake Central High School - U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nEna Gilliana, Valparaiso High School - U.S. Military Academy at West Point\n\nGrant Best, U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School - U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nHayden Mancilla, Hobart High School - U.S. Naval Academy\n\nJack O'Shea, Marian Catholic High School - U.S. Naval Academy\n\nReagan Jackson, Culver Academy - U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School\n\nTalina Cisnero, U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School - U.S. Naval Academy\n\nStudents in Indiana’s First Congressional District who are interested in seeking a nomination to the U.S. Military Service Academies can find more information on Congressman Mrvan’s website at https://mrvan.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations or by calling (219) 795-1844.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://neal.house.gov/2026/07/02/neal-statement-ahead-of-another-cancelled-celebration-of-the-big-ugly-law/", "title": "Neal Statement Ahead of Another Cancelled Celebration of the Big Ugly Law", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "neal.house.gov", "scraper": "neal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000015", "name": "Richard E. Neal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SPRINGFIELD, MA— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement ahead of tomorrow’s anniversary of the Big Ugly Law passing the House of Representatives:\n\n“One year ago, Republicans twisted arms, cajoled, and ultimately rammed through their signature legislation, siding on the record with the wealthiest few over workers and families. We called it a betrayal then, and now, we know it’s a failure.\n\n“They promised lower costs, stronger growth, and more money in pockets. Every one of those promises has fallen apart, so much so that they are desperately trying to rebrand the toxic law, and for the second time this year, Republicans couldn’t even keep control of the House Floor long enough to commemorate the law.\n\n“Families are paying more for groceries, housing, energy, and health care. Millions have lost their health coverage and so many of those who still have coverage are forced to pay double or triple. Hospitals are closing, workers are being laid off, and the IRS has been hollowed out while the richest among us enjoy another round of handouts they don’t need.\n\n“Republicans own this law, just as they own its consequences. And the American people won’t soon forget who stood with them—and who sold them out.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://neal.house.gov/2026/07/02/neal-statement-on-june-2026-jobs-report/", "title": "Neal Statement on June 2026 Jobs Report", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "neal.house.gov", "scraper": "neal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000015", "name": "Richard E. Neal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SPRINGFIELD, MA—Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the June 2026 jobs report:\n\n“The consequences of the President’s failed economic agenda are catching up with him, and the American people are left paying the price with higher costs and stunted opportunities. His illegal tariff regime has sent manufacturing into stagnation, and their Big, Ugly Law is in the process of gutting the very sector keeping this shaky job market afloat.\n\n“Who the Republican economy works for—and who it leaves behind—could not be starker. Trump is only focused on what’s in it for himself. He balloons his own net worth by billions, parades himself with a plane gifted by a foreign government, and builds himself a gilded ballroom all on the taxpayer dime. Families are still wondering, what’s in it for them? Fewer jobs, cancelled summer vacations, and an even more expensive life, all thanks to a President who brags about not caring about them.\n\n“Americans need leaders who will stop rigging the game for those at the top and start making life better for their families.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/posts/congresswoman-nikema-williams-condemns-the-fbis-reassigning-of-field-agents-to-atlanta-to-investigate-the-2020-election-results-in-georgia", "title": "Congresswoman Nikema Williams Condemns the FBI’s Reassigning of Field Agents to Atlanta to Investigate the 2020 Election Results in Georgia", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/press", "domain": "nikemawilliams.house.gov", "scraper": "nikemawilliams", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000788", "name": "Nikema Williams", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "ATLANTA – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) sent a congressional oversight letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel condemning reports of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s decision to reassign field agents from across the country to Atlanta to investigate the 2020 Election results in Georgia.\n\nCongresswoman Nikema Williams wrote:\n\n“This is another dangerous diversion of resources from the FBI and Department of Justice’s true mission, which is to make sure the American people are safe. This diversion is also playing into the dangerous lie that President Trump won the 2020 Presidential election.”\n\n“This sweeping deployment of FBI agents and resources to Atlanta to investigate the 2020 election results is another troubling sign of a pattern in this administration to attempt to toss out, overturn, or cast doubt on election results that do not fit partisan narratives.”\n\n“This new redeployment of FBI field agents to Atlanta to investigate the 2020 Presidential lection not only represents a massive waste of taxpayer dollars, but also represents a shift in focus in the work that the FBI normally does to make Americans safer. I condemn these efforts in the strongest possible terms and oppose the Department of Justice putting the American people’s safety at risk by taking away our country’s agents to assist in the President’s witch hunt.”\n\nIn the letter, Congresswoman Nikema Williams requested answers to the following questions:\n\nHow much does this massive redeployment of FBI field agents to Atlanta cost taxpayers?\n\nWhat particular aspects of the 2020 Presidential election have you assigned the field agents to investigate?\n\nFrom which divisions, projects, and priorities are these field agents being diverted?\n\nHas the Department of Justice informed local election officials of the FBI field agents’ presence?\n\nDoes your office plan to brief the House Administration and House Judiciary Committees of this new redeployment?\n\nDoes your office plan to disclose the results of this new investigation effort to the House Administration and House Judiciary committees in either a public hearing or a closed door briefing?", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/posts/icymi-congresswoman-nikema-williams-legislation-to-keep-family-homes-in-the-family-passes-unanimously-out-of-committee", "title": "ICYMI: Congresswoman Nikema Williams’ Legislation to Keep Family Homes in the Family Passes Unanimously Out of Committee", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/press", "domain": "nikemawilliams.house.gov", "scraper": "nikemawilliams", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000788", "name": "Nikema Williams", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, the Heirs’ Estate Inheritance Resolution and Succession (HEIRS) Act advanced out of the Financial Services Committee. The HEIRS Act, led by Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05), incentivizes states to adopt the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act and provides grant funds for legal assistance for heirs’ property owners to clear title.\n\nA requirement for a federal survey on heirs properties based on Congresswoman Nikema Williams’ HEIRS Act was included in the bicameral, bipartisan 21st Century Road to Housing Act.\n\nVideo of amendment remarks and Vote:\n\n“Across this country, millions of families: Black families, Indigenous families, rural, Appalachian, and farming communities — are sitting on land they cannot sell, cannot borrow against, and cannot fully call their own.” – Congresswoman Nikema Williams\n\nCongresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) on the introduction of the HEIRS Act:\n\n“Black families face numerous barriers that are intentionally designed to make transferring heirs’ property difficult. I’ve experienced this firsthand, as my family’s land in rural Alabama was informally passed down through generations, including to me. After our property taxes increased, we had to plan how to protect our land, and eventually, we made it work. For far too many Black families, their story doesn’t end that way. This legislative package will equip families with the resources necessary to ensure the family home stays in the family, that assets are legally protected, and help create generational wealth to ultimately close the racial wealth gap.”\n\nThe HEIR Act has received endorsements from the American Land Title Association, Land Loss Prevention Project, National Association of Counties, National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Council of State Community Development Agencies, National Community Development Association, National Community Stabilization Trust, National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), National Fair Housing Alliance, National Housing Law Project, National Housing Resource Center, National Low Income Housing Coalition, and the Texas Appleseed Disaster Recovery and Fair Housing Project.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture has recognized heirs’ property as the leading cause of Black involuntary land loss, having contributed to land loss ranging from 4.7 million to 16 million acres over the last hundred years. Heirs’ property is estimated to make up more than a third of Southern Black-owned land — 3.5 million acres, worth more than $28 billion.\n\nIf enacted, the HEIR Act would permit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist heirs’ property owners with obtaining clear legal title to their properties as part of HUD’s homeownership counseling services. It would also allow alternate forms of ownership documentation to be shown when applying for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency already allows alternate forms of ownership documentation for those applying for disaster relief.\n\nTo read the full text of the HEIR Act, click here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-press-trump-administration-cancel-ice-detention", "title": "Maryland Delegation Members Press Trump Administration to Cancel ICE Detention Warehouse in Washington County", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "olszewski.house.gov", "scraper": "olszewski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000176", "name": "Johnny Olszewski, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Johnny Olszewski and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks was joined by U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Jamie Raskin, Kweisi Mfume, Glenn Ivey, April McClain Delaney, Sarah Elfreth (all D-Md.) in pressing the Trump Administration to cancel plans for the ICE Detention Warehouse in Washington County due, in part, to the potential environmental impacts and infrastructure deficiencies of the proposed facility. With these concerns in mind and the lack of community input, the members urged the Department of Homeland Security to cancel its plans.\n\n\"As we shared in our March 5 comment letter, the process that the Administration has used to purchase, plan, and develop this site has wrongfully excluded the voices of our constituents and the communities that would be impacted by its operation,\" the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe letter highlights significant concerns about the proposed facility's infrastructure, noting that the warehouse DHS purchased for $102.4 million was originally equipped with only four commercial toilets and would require extensive upgrades to support a detention center housing up to 1,500 people.\n\n\"DHS cannot credibly claim that such sweeping infrastructure deficiencies can be addressed through a superficial assessment while ignoring the significant public safety, infrastructure, environmental, and community impacts that would accompany a detention facility of this scale,\" the lawmakers wrote. \"We call on DHS to conduct a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement, informed by meaningful public participation, before any further development proceeds.\"\n\nThe Maryland Delegation also criticized DHS for continuing to pursue the project despite reports that ICE plans to dispose of seven of the eleven detention warehouses it previously purchased after spending nearly $1 billion on the properties.\n\n\"DHS continues to fail to justify this project, meaningfully engage the public, and answer Congress's oversight inquiries,\" the lawmakers concluded. \"We urge you to terminate this proposal and stand ready to pursue every available avenue to ensure accountability if you do not.\"\n\nThe Members’ letter was also submitted as part of DHS’ public scoping request seeking public feedback on potential environmental issues or concerns.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-onder-earns-2025-club-growth-defender-economic-freedom-award", "title": "Rep. Onder Earns 2025 Club for Growth Defender of Economic Freedom Award", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "onder.house.gov", "scraper": "onder", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000177", "name": "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nJuly 2, 2026\n\nContact: Brooke Morgan\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Representative Bob Onder (R-MO) issued the following statement after receiving the 2025 Club for Growth Defender of Economic Freedom Award. The award is based on the Club for Growth's Congressional Economic Scorecard, the gold standard for measuring Members of Congress' voting records on issues related to limited government and economic growth.\n\nThis award required Representatives and Senators to score at least 90% on votes cast during the year, as well as maintain a lifetime rating of at least 90%. Representative Onder earned a 100%, meeting both the annual voting score and lifetime rating requirements.\n\n\"Economic freedom is the foundation of prosperity, opportunity, and innovation. By advancing pro-growth policies that empower Americans to start businesses, invest in their futures, and promote fiscal responsibility, we can build a stronger economy while ensuring taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned money. I am honored to receive this prestigious award and grateful to Club for Growth President David McIntosh for this recognition,\" said Representative Bob Onder.\n\n“We congratulate Rep. Onder for earning Club for Growth’s Defender of Economic Freedom Award for fighting for policies that advance limited government and prosperity,”said Club for Growth President David Mcintosh. “Meanwhile Democrats have become more socialist than ever despite many of them claiming to be ‘moderate.’”\n\nBackground Information\n\nThe Club for Growth is a national network of more than 500,000 pro-growth, limited-government Americans who believe prosperity and opportunity are rooted in economic freedom. Each year, the Club for Growth Foundation publishes its Congressional Economic Scorecard, which tracks how Members of Congress vote on key economic legislation and evaluates votes related to the organization's core policy priorities, as well as legislation that would directly undermine those fiscal goals\n\nMembers of Congress who earn a score of 90 percent or higher in a given calendar year and maintain a lifetime score of at least 90 percent are recognized by the Club for Growth with the \"Defender of Economic Freedom Award.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/pappas-nh-delegation-urge-us-trade-representative-to-include-american-hardwood-lumber-in-us-china-trade-framework", "title": "Pappas, NH Delegation Urge U.S. Trade Representative to Include American Hardwood Lumber in U.S.-China Trade Framework", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pappas.house.gov", "scraper": "pappas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000614", "name": "Chris Pappas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "This week Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a senior member of the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee, Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Representatives GT Thompson (PA-15) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), and a bipartisan, bicameral group of U.S. Senators and Representatives, including the full New Hampshire Congressional Delegation, in a new letter urging United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer to explicitly include American hardwood lumber within the recently established U.S.-China Board of Trade. Due to retaliatory Chinese tariffs on American hardwood lumber, American hardwood manufactures have ceded market share to countries such as China, Russia and Thailand—resulting in a cumulative cost of over $9.5 billion in foregone hardwood sales and a significant decline in domestic hardwood production. The American hardwood industry is critical to local economies across the country, including in New Hampshire. Ensuring hardwood lumber is included in China’s procurement commitments under the new Board of Trade would protect this key industry and boost American manufacturing.\n\nThe members of Congress wrote, in part: “We write to urge the Administration to include American hardwood lumber in the framework for the newly formed U.S.-China Board of Trade and to ensure that any Chinese procurement commitments include American hardwood lumber, not logs, so that domestic lumber manufacturing is not undercut by China. The American hardwood lumber industry is vital to our states and the U.S. economy overall, supporting sawmills, loggers and rural economies across the country. We believe that if the Board of Trade focuses on hardwood lumber, it can provide much needed economic relief for domestic lumber manufacturers and support communities that depend on a competitive American hardwood industry.”\n\nThey continued: “The cumulative cost of lost market access is estimated at $9.882 billion in foregone sales. This loss in sales led to a massive decline in production; domestic hardwood lumber production has dropped 48.3 percent since 2018, capacity was down 6 percent between 2020 and 2022 and output in the first quarter of 2025 declined 19 percent from 2024.”\n\nThe lawmakers concluded: “Historically, China has accounted for roughly 25% of U.S. hardwood lumber production, and restoring this relationship is essential to communities in our states and across the county. We support the Administration’s interest supporting American manufacturing and request that USTR to take the following steps:\n\nExplicitly include American hardwood lumber in the Board of Trade framework;\n\nInclude American hardwood lumber – not logs – in China’s $17 billion procurement commitment; and\n\nInclude enforceable compliance mechanisms with measurable targets specific to hardwood lumber and regularly review hardwood lumber purchases at the Board of Trade to ensure actual purchases are made.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-pat-ryan-launches-america-250-essay-contest-hudson-valley-high", "title": "CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN LAUNCHES AMERICA 250 ESSAY CONTEST FOR HUDSON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AHEAD OF INDEPENDENCE DAY", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "patryan.house.gov", "scraper": "patryan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000579", "name": "Patrick Ryan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Participating high school students can pick between five prompts to reflect on America’s history and explore their hopes and visions for our country’s future\n\nParticipants will be recognized with Congressional Certificates, and the winner will be invited for a Capitol tour and to meet with Congressman Ryan in Washington, DC\n\nEssays can be submitted using this link between July 4th and August 31st\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – In celebration of the country’s 250th birthday this week, Congressman Pat Ryan is announcing the launch of his America 250 Essay Contest for Hudson Valley high school students.\n\nThe contest is open to all Hudson Valley high school students (Grades 9-12) and runs from July 4th to August 31st. Students may choose from five prompts to reflect on America’s history and explore their hopes and visions for our country’s future. Participants will be recognized with Congressional Certificates, and the winner will be invited for a Capitol tour and meeting with Congressman Ryan in Washington, DC.\n\n“The Hudson Valley has a profoundly rich history of Patriotism and service to this great country. Our community was on the forefront of American independence 250 years ago, and that revolutionary spirit lives on today – especially in our next generation of leaders, our young people,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “As we celebrate the first 250 years of American history, we must also look forward to the next 250. That’s why I am so excited to hear from the exceptional future leaders of the Hudson Valley about what America means to them and their hopes for the future. This Independence Day, it’s important to remember what unites us: our kids, our community, and the country that we love.”\n\n“The semiquincentennial is an important opportunity to engage young Americans in thinking about why studying our past is essential to understanding our present and building a better future,” said Ulster County Historian Eddie Moran. “At a time when history is too often overlooked, the 250th anniversary of American independence offers an invaluable chance to inspire young people to explore our nation's story, recognize their place within it, and understand how the lessons of the past continue to shape their lives today.”\n\n“Libraries remind us that all great stories are shaped by many voices. The same is true of democracy,” said Alex Geller, Library Director, Red Hook Public Library. “As we approach our nation's 250th anniversary, we are grateful to Congressman Ryan for creating an opportunity that challenges students to reflect on what American democracy and the Constitution mean. Because the story of America is still being written, and programs like this help young people see that democracy isn't just something to read about but something to participate in.”\n\nNY-18 students in grades 9 through 12 are invited to enter Congressman Ryan’s America 250 Essay Contest. Students will write a 300-500 word essay in response to one of the following prompts:\n\nWhat does America mean to you?\n\nWhat do you value about American Constitutional democracy and what are your hopes for its future?\n\nHow do you view your generation’s role and responsibility as an active participant in America’s democracy?\n\nIf you could create a constitutional Amendment, what would it be and why?\n\nWho is an American Founder you value and why?\n\nThe contest will run from July 4th to August 31st. Participants will be recognized with a Congressional Certificate, and the winner will be invited to Washington, DC for a tour of the United States Capitol and a meeting with Congressman Ryan.\n\nEssays can be submitted between July 4th and August 31st at this link. For more information, please contact Congressman Ryan’s office at (845) 443-2930.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-pat-ryan-raises-alarm-reports-potential-ice-facility-newburgh", "title": "CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN RAISES THE ALARM ON REPORTS OF POTENTIAL ICE FACILITY IN NEWBURGH, SENDS URGENT INQUIRY SEEKING ANSWERS", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "patryan.house.gov", "scraper": "patryan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000579", "name": "Patrick Ryan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Following the awarding of a GSA lease in Newburgh to a Texas-based developer that has previously contracted with DHS, Ryan is urgently seeking answers on if the site will be used for ICE detention\n\nRyan has led the fight against a mass detention center opening in the Hudson Valley for months; his petition opposing the proposed facility in Chester amassed more than 25,000 signatures\n\nToday – especially following Border Czar Tom Homan’s promise of an ICE surge in New York – Ryan is recommitting to the fight to keep ICE out of the Hudson Valley – in Chester, Newburgh, or anywhere else\n\nNEWBURGH, NY – Today, Congressman Pat Ryan is raising the alarm on a potential ICE detention facility leased in Newburgh, NY. The US Government Services Administration (GSA) has awarded a lease on the Newburgh site to a Texas-based developer that has previously contracted with DHS.\n\nIn light of public documents pertaining to the site that state “a dedicated sally port/garage will be required for secure access into the building for deliveries by Government vehicles, including detainee buses and vans,” and Border Czar Tom Homan’s promise of an ICE surge in New York – Ryan is urgently seeking answers on if the site will be used for ICE detention.\n\nFor months, Ryan has led the fight against a mass detention center being built in the Hudson Valley. When reports of a Trump Administration plan to build a mass detention center in Chester broke in January, Ryan immediately joined the community in raising the alarm. His petition opposing the site amassed more than 25,000 signatures, which he submitted directly to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).\n\nNow, Ryan is reigniting his fight to keep ICE out of the Hudson Valley – in Chester, Newburgh, or anywhere else.\n\n“From the very beginning, the Trump Administration – particularly ICE and DHS – have refused to be transparent with our community. We’ve made it clear: we strongly reject a mass detention center or any ICE facility in the Hudson Valley. I’m urgently seeking answers to figure out exactly what their plan is,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Because if the Administration thinks they can quietly build this without the force of our community fighting back, they’ve got another thing coming. When they tried to build a facility in Chester, we rallied with one voice to stop it. Together, the Hudson Valley is standing on the side of justice, accountability, and humanity – and whether in Newburgh, Chester, or anywhere else, we won’t stand idly by while ICE moves into our community, terrorizes our neighbors, and makes us all less safe.”\n\nLed by Congressman Ryan, the Hudson Valley community has made their feelings about ICE detention in their backyards very well known. The Chester proposal received wide, bipartisan backlash, and Ryan’s petition opposing the facility has amassed more than 25,000 signatures.\n\nRyan has been leading the fight against ICE detention in the Hudson Valley for months. He has repeatedly voted against funding DHS, citing the agency’s unconstitutional overreach and their already inflated budget – larger than most countries’ militaries. Ryan also sponsored articles of impeachment against then-DHS Secretary Kristi Noem for her clear violations of the US Constitution and betrayal of the public trust.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3000", "title": "RSC Chairman Pfluger Co-Leads Roundtable Celebrating America's 250th Birthday, One Year of Working Families Tax Cuts", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC), co-led a member roundtable with his colleagues to celebrate America's 250th birthday and the first anniversary of the Working Families Tax Cuts, delivering for hardworking families across the country.\n\nOn America's 250th birthday, RSC members reaffirmed their commitment to the timeless principles forged on the American frontier and across Texas today: limited government, individual liberty, and the unshakable belief that hardworking families, not Washington bureaucrats, know best how to build a life and spend their own money.\n\nDuring the roundtable, RSC Chairman Pfluger said: \"America's story has become one of resilience, one of a people who refused to quit because America was never built by people who played it safe. It was built by those who believed that they must fight for it every single day, and who handed it to the next generation longer than they found it, and that's the legacy we inherited. It's a standard that we are obligated to meet over the next 250 years.\"\n\nA few of the historic wins mentioned during the roundtable included:\n\n· Extending the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts\n\n· Creation of Trump Accounts\n\n· Investing and fully securing the southern border\n\n· Bringing back American manufacturing and restoring American jobs\n\n· $50 billion investment to rural health care through the Rural Health Transformation Program\n\n· Rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in federal programs like Medicaid and Medicare\n\n· Delivering historic investments in our military and national defense\n\n· $12 billion rescissions package to save taxpayer money", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6089", "title": "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT COMMEMORATES EMANCIPATION DAY AND AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "plaskett.house.gov", "scraper": "plaskett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000610", "name": "Stacey E. Plaskett", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nJuly 2, 2026 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT COMMEMORATES EMANCIPATION DAY AND AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) issued the following statement commemorating Virgin Islands Emancipation Day and the 250th Anniversary of American Independence:\n\n\"Two hundred and fifty years ago, this nation declared to the world that all men are created equal, that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. That declaration, signed in Philadelphia on July 3rd, 1776, drove the principal goals of the American Revolution. 72 years later, enslaved men and women of the Danish West Indies rose up for their own freedom from chattel slavery and received their own proclamation of emancipation in Frederiksted on St. Croix, on July 3, 1848.\n\n\"That emancipation did not come from the grace of an empire. It came because our ancestors demanded it. They rose up, refused the conditions of their bondage, and pressed on the gates of freedom until they were opened. The men and women who marched that day did not wait to be given their freedom, they insisted upon it. That is the legacy we inherit and the spirit we carry into every fight.\n\n\"Today, as America celebrates 250 years of independence and Virgin Islanders mark another Emancipation Day, we must recognize that these two anniversaries are inseparable. The Virgin Islands of the United States is inextricably tied to the history of this nation, from Alexander Hamilton, who spent his formative years on St. Croix studying banking and who risked\n\neverything to throw off colonial rule, to our strategic position safeguarding the Caribbean Basin.\n\n\"In 1917, the United States purchased our islands from Denmark, not for the benefit of the people, but for the protection of the Caribbean Basin. The $25 million in gold bullion to purchase the islands was sent to Copenhagen not for the people of the island. And yet, we have fought in every American conflict, produced revolutionaries, statesmen and creators, and carried the full responsibilities of citizenship without the full benefits being extended to us.\n\n\"More than a century later, that inequity persists. My constituents pay federal taxes. They serve in the military at higher rates per capita than most states. They bleed for our flag. And yet they cannot vote for President. They have limited representation in Congress. They are told, in effect, that their consent does not count, that the words etched into the Declaration of Independence do not fully apply to them.\n\n\"On this semiquincentennial, I do not celebrate 250 years of American democracy as if it has been equally shared, but I also refuse to surrender to cynicism. The same spirit that drove our ancestors to the fort at Frederiksted is the spirit that drives me to fight on behalf of every Virgin Islander as their member of Congress. The cause of full equality for the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. It is an American issue. Colonial rule was wrong in 1776, and it remains wrong today.\n\n\"To every Virgin Islander: let Emancipation Day remind you of the courage that runs in your veins. Let the 250th anniversary of this nation remind you that the work of building a more perfect union is not finished. Our people are not a footnote to American history. We are woven into its very foundation, and we will not stop fighting until democracy means what it says.\n\n\"Blessed Emancipation Day and Happy Fourth of July.\"\n\nIn observance of Emancipation and Independence Day, the district offices of Congresswoman Plaskett on St. Croix and St. Thomas, as well as the Washington, D.C. office, will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, and Friday, July 4, 2026. All offices will reopen on Monday, July 6, 2026.\n\nFor assistance, please call 202-225-1790 (Washington, D.C.), 340-778-5900 (St. Croix), or 340-774-4408 (St. Thomas). Messages left will be responded to when the offices reopen on Monday, July 6, 2026.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://pressley.house.gov/2026/07/02/watch-pressley-proposes-amendment-to-allow-states-to-improve-consumer-protections-for-pay-day-loans/", "title": "WATCH: Pressley Proposes Amendment to Allow States to Improve Consumer Protections for Pay Day Loans", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pressley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "pressley.house.gov", "scraper": "pressley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000617", "name": "Ayanna Pressley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Transcript: Pressley Proposes Amendment to Allow States to Improve Consumer Protections for Pay Day Loans\n\nHouse Financial Services Committee\n\nJune 30, 2026\n\nThank you, Mr. Chair.\n\nMy amendment would strike the clause that preempts state action.\n\nIt would ensure consumers are able to be protected by state laws and greater protections for earned wage access products.\n\nMy amendment clarifies that states have the authority to take action to improve consumers’ protections.\n\nH.R. 9330 currently prevent states from calling earned wage access products what they actually are—pay day loans.\n\nWhile these products are marketed as free to consumers, in reality these products function as loans and should follow the same rules.\n\nMany states are taking action.\n\nThis work has been important in districts like my own, where the Attorney General’s office was able to secure more than $600,000 in restitution and debt relief for consumers who were victims of predatory earned wage products.\n\nStates have been leaders in protecting consumers using these products, and we should not stop them from doing this important work, especially when the proposed federal framework provides less protection than many states are offering.\n\n—\n\nFurthermore, when it comes to endorsement, I can’t enumerate every organization that is opposed to this bill.\n\nBut I will tell you there are 225 of them, and they represent labor and civil rights organizations and community groups ranging from the NAACP, to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, to the National Association of Consumer Advocates, to the National Consumer Law Center.\n\n—\n\nOur constituents deserve more protection from predatory EWA, not less.\n\nThis is a commonsense amendment that the federal framework can be a floor, but it should not be a ceiling that hinders states from acting in the best interest of its residents.\n\nI urge all members to vote yes on my amendment.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rutherford-introduces-us-secret-service-police-act-honoring-fallen-officer", "title": "Rutherford Introduces U.S. Secret Service Police Act Honoring Fallen Officer Coffelt", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "rutherford.house.gov", "scraper": "rutherford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000609", "name": "John H. Rutherford", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, U.S. Congressmen John H. Rutherford (FL-05), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Michael Guest (MS-03), and Ed Case (HI-01) introduced the bipartisan Officer Leslie Coffelt U.S. Secret Service Police Act of 2026 to honor fallen U.S. Secret Service Officer Coffelt and rename the “United States Secret Service Uniformed Division” to the “United States Secret Service Police” to better align with their day-to-day work and clarify their duties to the American people.\n\nOn November 1, 1950, Officer Leslie William Coffelt was killed outside the Blair House, near the White House, while defending President Harry S. Truman from an armed attack. Shots were fired outside the Blair House while the President was inside. Officer Coffelt was shot three times in the abdomen, but bravely fired one last round at the assailant, stopping him before he could reach the front door. Sadly, Officer Coffelt lost his life in service to our country. To this day, Officer Coffelt is the only U.S. Secret Service officer or agent to die while protecting a president.\n\nThe U.S. Secret Service Uniform Division is responsible for protecting the White House complex, the Vice President’s residence, the Treasury Department, and other foreign diplomatic missions in the Washington, D.C. area. Officers also travel globally to help establish secure perimeters for the President, Vice President, and other visiting foreign heads of state. Since it was established, the Uniformed Division has grown both in size and scope of responsibility to include specialized teams such as Counter Sniper, Emergency Response, K-9, and more.\n\n“Throughout its history, the Uniformed Division has been comprised of individuals who embody honor and integrity,” said Rutherford. “While the threats that the Secret Service faces have changed, their commitment to protecting and serving our leaders and institutions has not. Officer Leslie Coffelt embodied that commitment to service, and that is why I am proud to be joined by my colleagues in the House to honor his service and sacrifice with this bill. Renaming the Uniformed Division to the U.S. Secret Service Police is a commonsense step as the Service continues to evolve.”\n\n“Renaming the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division as the United States Secret Service Police is a commonsense update that better reflects the law enforcement work these officers carry out every day,” said Moskowitz. “These men and women serve our country honorably, protecting the President, Vice President, our nation’s institutions, and the public. This change will help clarify their duties to the American people and recognize the vital role they play in keeping our country safe.”\n\n“The men and women of the Secret Service Uniformed Division carry out a vital police mission every day, protecting the White House, the Vice President’s residence, foreign diplomatic missions, and securing sites for our nation’s leaders across the country and around the world,” said Guest. “Renaming the division as the U.S. Secret Service Police properly recognizes their mission, professionalism, and service.”\n\n“The men and women of the U.S. Secret Service have long embodied the highest ideals of duty, honor and service, standing ready to protect our leaders, our institutions and our nation,” said Case. “This legislation ensures that the name of the current Uniformed Division reflects the core law enforcement role that its officers perform every day.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-wasserman-schultz-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-make-condos-safer-and", "title": "SALAZAR, WASSERMAN SCHULTZ REINTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO MAKE CONDOS SAFER AND MORE AFFORDABLE", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "salazar.house.gov", "scraper": "salazar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000168", "name": "Maria Elvira Salazar", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – This week, U.S. Representatives María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) reintroduced the bipartisan Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act to help condominium owners afford critical structural and safety repairs. The legislation gives families greater access to financing for required building improvements, helping them stay in their homes while keeping their communities safe.\n\nThe bill expands access to two loan programs guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), allowing condominium owners to finance special assessments required by their homeowners' or condominium associations for structural integrity and life-safety repairs. It also supports compliance with the updated building safety requirements enacted after the tragic Surfside condominium collapse that claimed 98 lives.\n\n“The Surfside tragedy changed our community forever and reminded us that protecting families must always come first. As we honor those we lost, we must take action to help prevent another disaster,” said Salazar. “This bipartisan bill gives condominium associations and homeowners the tools they need to finance critical safety repairs, protect residents, and preserve safe, affordable housing across South Florida.”\n\n“Five years ago, an unimaginable but entirely preventable tragedy rocked our South Florida community with the collapse of Surfside's Champlain Towers, claiming 98 innocent lives. While the cause was finally identified after years of investigations, action is still needed to stop this from happening again,” said Wasserman Schultz. “My bipartisan Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act ensures condominium associations can afford to make pressing repairs and keep residents safe.”\n\nKey Provisions of the Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act:\n\nExpands the FHA 203(k) loan program to allow condominium owners to use these loans to help cover special assessments for critical structural and safety repairs.\n\nStrengthens the Title I Property Improvement Loan program by expanding federal loan insurance for private lenders financing special assessments for individual condominium owners and condominium associations. The bill also raises the maximum insured loan amount to $55,000, with future adjustments for inflation.\n\nSimplifies the loan application process to make it easier for condominium owners and associations to access financing for necessary repairs.\n\nAuthorizes the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to insure condominium association rehabilitation loans under Section 234 of the National Housing Act.\n\nProvides condominium associations with greater financing flexibility by allowing FHA-insured rehabilitation loans to be secured by future assessment income, real property, or a combination of both.\n\nExpands the eligible use of FHA-insured association loans to include the rehabilitation, repair, alteration, improvement, or replacement of a condominium project's common systems, infrastructure, and shared facilities.\n\nProtects taxpayers by limiting FHA insurance to 90 percent of rehabilitation costs, consistent with existing FHA multifamily rehabilitation insurance programs.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by the Community Associations Institute.\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\nRep. Salazar's Housing Record\n\nAs a member of the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. Salazar has advanced bipartisan legislation to expand housing opportunities, strengthen homeownership, improve affordability, and deliver practical solutions to the housing challenges facing South Florida and communities across the country.\n\nHer record includes:\n\nThe RESIDE Act, legislation introduced by Rep. Salazar to help communities convert vacant and underutilized properties into attainable housing. The bill was incorporated into the final bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which passed both the House and Senate and is awaiting the President's signature.\n\nSecuring $3.5 million in federal funding for the Flagler Affordable Senior Housing Project in the City of Miami, helping expand affordable housing opportunities for low-income seniors in South Florida.\n\nThe Home Advantage for American Families Act, legislation to help keep the American Dream of homeownership within reach by limiting the impact of large institutional and foreign investors that drive up housing costs for American families.\n\nThe Shelter Act, bipartisan legislation that provides targeted tax incentives to help homeowners and small businesses strengthen their properties against future natural disasters.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://schmidt.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-derek-schmidt-brad-finstad-bill-would-permanently-strengthen-federal", "title": "Reps. Derek Schmidt, Brad Finstad Bill Would Permanently Strengthen Federal Fraud Enforcement", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://schmidt.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "schmidt.house.gov", "scraper": "schmidt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001228", "name": "Derek Schmidt", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derek Schmidt is co-sponsoring legislation introduced by Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) to permanently establish the National Fraud Enforcement Division within the U.S. Department of Justice, ensuring the federal government maintains a coordinated effort to combat fraud and protect taxpayer dollars across future administrations.\n\nThe legislation would codify the National Fraud Enforcement Division, which was established under President Donald Trump, making it a permanent office under the Attorney General.\n\n\"Fraud against the federal government and American taxpayers costs billions of dollars each year,\" said Rep. Derek Schmidt. \"By making this division permanent, we can strengthen the Department of Justice's ability to investigate and prosecute complex fraud schemes, protect taxpayer-funded programs, and ensure those who steal from the American people are held accountable.\"\n\n“In Minnesota, we’ve seen real accountability come as a result of the numerous federal fraud investigations underway by the DOJ. I’m grateful for the Trump administration’s continued efforts to put an end to the fraud and abuse within our federally funded programs,” said Rep. Finstad. “I’m proud to introduce this important legislation with Rep. Schmidt, which will centralize fraud prevention efforts within federal law enforcement and give the DOJ greater ability to fully investigate and prosecute the fraudsters responsible for stealing Americans’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars.”\n\nThe National Fraud Enforcement Division would lead the Department of Justice's nationwide anti-fraud efforts by coordinating major investigations, working with federal agencies to dismantle organized fraud schemes, and recommending reforms to prevent future abuse.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-members-illinois-congressional-delegation-introduce-resolution", "title": "SCHNEIDER, MEMBERS OF THE ILLINOIS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION INTRODUCE RESOLUTION MARKING FOUR YEARS SINCE JULY 4TH SHOOTING IN HIGHLAND PARK", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "schneider.house.gov", "scraper": "schneider", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001190", "name": "Bradley Scott Schneider", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), together with members of the Illinois delegation, introduced a resolution expressing the condolences of Congress and honoring the memory of the victims of the shooting at the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois, on July 4, 2022. Senators Durbin and Duckworth introduced a Senate companion last week.\n\nSpecifically, the resolution:\n\nExpresses sincere condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of Katherine Goldstein, Irina McCarthy, Kevin McCarthy, Stephen Straus, Jacquelyn Sundheim, Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, and Eduardo Uvaldo, the victims of the devastating shooting along the parade route on July 4, 2022, in Highland Park, Illinois;\n\nHonors the lives and memory of the victims, with gratitude for their selfless dedication to others;\n\nContinues to extend support to the individuals who were injured and subjected to the trauma of the shooting;\n\nExpresses gratitude to the law enforcement officers, medical personnel, and emergency responders who responded to the shooting with professionalism, dedication, and bravery; and,\n\nStands in solidarity with the victims of senseless gun violence in communities across the United States.\n\n“This July 4th marks four years since Katherine Goldstein, Irina and Kevin McCarthy, Jacquelyn Sundheim, Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, Stephen Straus, and Eduardo Uvaldo were tragically murdered in a senseless act of gun violence,” said Schneider. “What was meant to be a day of celebration turned into a devastating tragedy for both Highland Park and the nation. Our community was forever changed but also is forever strong. This resolution ensures we will never forget the seven souls lost that day—nor the survivors and families who live with trauma and grief. Though they will be forever missed, their memory endures today. I am grateful to Senators Durbin and Duckworth for leading this resolution in the Senate and will continue to work alongside them and other like-minded colleagues to advance commonsense gun violence prevention legislation to keep our communities safe and help end the scourge of gun violence gripping our nation.”\n\n“What happened in 2022, as families in Highland Park gathered to celebrate the Fourth of July, was an atrocity. That gunman, who shot off more than 80 rounds in 60 seconds, destroyed families, paralyzed children, and scarred a community for a lifetime,” Durbin said. “My heart still aches for Highland Park, and we owe it to our communities to pass meaningful legislation to address the scourge of gun violence in our nation.”\n\n“When families gathered in Highland Park to observe the Fourth of July four years ago, they were there to celebrate America at its best—and instead, they saw our country at its worst,” Duckworth said. “Four years later, my thoughts remain with my fellow Illinoisans who experienced unimaginable tragedy at the Highland Park parade, a time-honored tradition. Our resolution would honor the seven lives lost that day, along with the countless people and communities too often affected by gun violence in America. We must implement commonsense gun safety legislation to save lives and ensure senseless tragedies like this never happen again.”\n\nThe resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Sean Casten (IL-06), Danny Davis (IL-07), Bill Foster (IL-11), Jesus Chuy Garcia (IL-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), and Lauren Underwood (IL-14).", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-scholten-introduces-two-water-resources-bills", "title": "Congresswoman Scholten Introduces Two Water Resources Bills", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "scholten.house.gov", "scraper": "scholten", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001221", "name": "Hillary J. Scholten", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) announced she has introduced two bills to protect and strengthen water resources in Michigan and across the country. The Water Reservoir Transparency Act–introduced alongside Congresswoman Emilia Sykes (D-OH-13)–would require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to assess how new commercial and industrial users are impacting water reservoirs. As data centers come online in Michigan and across the country, understanding associated impacts to the nation’s water reservoirs is critical to smart water resources planning.\n\nCongresswoman Scholten also introduced the Clean Ports for Commerce Act, which would require the USACE to engage in advanced planning for dredging in areas with known PFAS contamination. PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are widespread contaminants in drinking water, soil, and food. Congresswoman Scholten developed this bill after the Grand Haven Inner Harbor almost missed a dredging cycle due to a lack of advanced planning, and Congresswoman Scholten advocated for a compromise to ensure that the dredging project safely proceeded on time.\n\n\"Water is a way of life in West Michigan; it is crucial that we are proactive in protecting this vital resource,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “As more data centers come online and put new pressure on our reservoirs, and as the lessons from Grand Haven made clear, the Army Corps can't keep operating with outdated planning processes. These bills make sure the Corps is looking ahead and planning operations in places where we know contamination is or will be a factor. We can build a smarter, more transparent system, and these bills get us there.\"\n\n\"As Ohio continues to attract new investment and create jobs, we must also protect the water resources that our communities depend on every day. This legislation will help us better understand how new industrial growth affects our water supply so we can make informed decisions that support both economic opportunity and long-term sustainability,” said Congresswoman Sykes.\n\nThese bills reflect Congresswoman Scholten's ongoing work on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to strengthen water resources and advance environmental resilience in communities in Michigan and across the country.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-scholtens-statement-death-airman-first-class-keon-talik-mcdaniel", "title": "Congresswoman Scholten’s Statement on the Death of Airman First Class Keon Talik McDaniel of Grand Rapids", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "scholten.house.gov", "scraper": "scholten", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001221", "name": "Hillary J. Scholten", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) released a statement on the death of Airman First Class Keon Talik McDaniel of Grand Rapids, who died during the influenza outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.\n\nThe outbreak in Texas has now sickened nearly 300 trainees at Lackland. It followed a decision earlier this year by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to make the flu vaccine optional for U.S. service members rather than required. In light of the outbreak, the Pentagon reversed the policy and reinstated the vaccine requirement last month.\n\n“I am heartbroken by the loss of Airman First Class Keon Talik McDaniel of Grand Rapids,” said Congresswoman Hillary Scholten. “A proud West Michigander, Keon answered the call to serve his country with courage. The brave men and women who wear our nation's uniform risk everything to protect us. We owe Keon, and every service member, our nation’s very best to safeguard their health and well-being. My prayers are with his family, loved ones, and fellow Airmen, especially those who have also been infected by the flu outbreak. I am calling for a full investigation into this outbreak. Keon’s family deserves the truth, and our military deserves leadership that puts their health above politics.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://schweikert.house.gov/2026/07/02/ways-and-means-committee-passes-schweikerts-taxpayer-workforce-modernization-act/", "title": "Ways and Means Committee Passes Schweikert’s Taxpayer Workforce Modernization Act", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://schweikert.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "domain": "schweikert.house.gov", "scraper": "schweikert", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001183", "name": "David Schweikert", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Ways and Means Committee passed H.R. 7972, the Taxpayer Workforce Modernization Act, legislation introduced by Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ) to modernize the IRS workforce and improve tax administration through private-sector data science expertise.\n\nThe bill would require the IRS to establish a fellowship program to recruit qualified data scientists to work alongside tax law specialists on complex and emerging tax administration issues. Fellows would help the agency improve data acquisition, data quality, advanced analytics, statistical modeling and core IRS functions related to taxpayer service and enforcement.\n\n“Taxpayers deserve an IRS that uses modern tools to solve modern problems,” said Congressman Schweikert. “This bill brings data scientists into the agency to help identify complex tax issues, improve customer service and make tax administration smarter, faster and more accountable. We have the technology today. The federal government should be using it to better serve taxpayers.”\n\n“There is no doubt that the IRS can benefit from more private-sector know-how to improve its operations,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO). “The Taxpayer Workforce Modernization Act is a forward-looking approach to attracting more top talent to that agency to take a fresh look at how the IRS is using technology to better serve American taxpayers. I applaud Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Schweikert’s unwavering commitment to modernizing not just the technology infrastructure at the IRS but the level of experience and expertise within its workforce.”\n\nThe Taxpayer Workforce Modernization Act would:\n\nEstablish an IRS fellowship program to recruit qualified data scientists from the private sector.\n\nCreate a task force within the IRS and the Office of Chief Counsel to apply advanced analytics, statistical modeling and machine learning to tax administration.\n\nSupport data-driven improvements to audit case selection, taxpayer service and improper payment prevention.\n\nRequire fellows to help train and mentor IRS employees on the use and limitations of data analytics and emerging technologies.\n\nRequire annual reports to Congress on the program’s effectiveness, return on investment, applicant pool and recommended changes.\n\nThe bill requires the IRS to establish the fellowship program by Sept. 30, 2026. Fellows would serve terms of two, three or four years, and the IRS would have the authority to permanently hire fellows at the end of their service.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available HERE.\n\nBack to News", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://simon.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-simon-demands-protections-workers-disabilities", "title": "Congresswoman Simon Demands Protections for Workers with Disabilities", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simon.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "simon.house.gov", "scraper": "simon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001231", "name": "Lateefah Simon", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, in a letter to the Department of Labor (DOL) Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) demanded answers regarding the DOL’s continued failure to carry out enforcement responsibilities, including ensuring protections for workers with disabilities.\n\nWithin the Department of Labor, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) is responsible for enforcing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits federal contractors from discriminating against workers with disabilities. In September 2025, Congresswoman Simon expressed concern about OFCCP's suspension of disability discrimination investigations and the agency's diminished capacity to enforce Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act following staff reductions and field office closures. Since that initial letter, additional concerns have emerged regarding whether OFCCP is carrying out its remaining enforcement responsibilities.\n\nThis follow-up letter seeks answers regarding OFCCP's current enforcement activities, complaint-processing timelines, and public reporting practices. It also reiterates the Congresswoman’s request for transparency regarding the agency's efforts to protect workers with disabilities.\n\nIn the letter to the DOL, Congresswoman Simon wrote:\n\n“These issues add to existing concerns noted in our September 3, 2025, letter. Our letter raised concerns that the agency suspended investigations and complaint processing for nearly six months, abandoned compliance reviews for more than 2,000 federal contractors, and stopped affirmative action plan monitoring via annual certification. We requested a response to our questions about the impact on workers by October 1, 2025, but have yet to receive a reply.”\n\n“We are deeply concerned that workers with disabilities working for federal contractors are being left without recourse as OFCCP’s enforcement capacity continues to erode. Workers with disabilities waiting for accountability deserve better.”\n\nCongresswoman Simon requested answers to the following questions by July 31, 2026. You can read the full letter text here.\n\nPlease provide a copy of the OFCCP’s reorganization plan.\n\nWhat are the agency’s plans to increase the percentage of complaints processed in the standard time frame?\n\nPlease explain how the OFCCP’s reorganization plan is designed to help ensure that workers with disabilities employed by federal contractors have their rights enforced, including having their complaints processed in the standard time frame.\n\nPlease provide the total number of OFCCP investigators as of May 1, 2026.\n\nPlease provide a list of open OFCCP field offices as of May 1, 2026.\n\nPlease provide copies of the conciliation agreements the agency has entered into since January 2025.\n\nPlease explain why the agency has not posted conciliation agreements to its website in more than a year.\n\nHow many audits has the agency conducted from January 20, 2025 to May 1, 2026?\n\nCongresswoman Simon is the first congenitally blind member to serve in Congress and a leader in the disability policy space. In October 2025, Representatives Simon, McBath and DeSaulnier led their colleagues in a letter to the Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget condemning layoffs in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. Congresswoman Simon has also introduced a number of bills in the disability policy space including: the Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act, the See the Board Act, and the Same Day Paratransit Innovation Act.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402027", "title": "Rep. Simpson Cosponsors Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored H.R. 9535, the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at making key improvements to the accessibility and cost of agricultural labor through the H-2A visa program. This legislation is sponsored by the House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn Thompson.\n\n“Ask any farmer or rancher, especially in the dairy industry, and they will tell you about the labor crisis they face. After years of working to build consensus to address this critical issue, I'm confident that the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act is the legislative fix we need. President Trump has demonstrated the courage to act on this issue and has a proven record of protecting America's farmers while removing violent criminal illegal aliens who have no place in our country. I'm grateful to Chairman Thompson for his leadership and look forward to finally getting this solution across the finish line to bring lasting reform and certainty for our agricultural producers,” said Rep. Simpson, an original cosponsor.\n\n“The Idaho Dairymen’s Association thanks Congressman Mike Simpson for being an original cosponsor of the ‘Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act.’ We are deeply grateful that the Congressman is once again showing that he is willing to lead on securing a workforce for Idaho’s dairy farms. Idaho’s farm families are the backbone of our state and having access to a secure, stable agricultural workforce is key to the economic success of those farms and our rural communities,” said Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association.\n\n“America's farmers and ranchers need a reliable, legal workforce to continue feeding our nation. The Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act is a practical step toward strengthening our agricultural workforce and ensuring the long-term viability of U.S. agriculture,” said Matt Dorsey, President of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation.\n\n“America cannot have food security without a secure agricultural workforce. The Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association strongly supports the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act and thanks Congressman Mike Simpson for his unwavering leadership on this issue. For years, Congressman Simpson has been a relentless champion for agriculture, fighting to ensure farmers have the workforce they need to continue producing food here at home. This legislation is a critical step toward strengthening our nation's food security, supporting family farms, and ensuring American agriculture remains competitive for generations to come,” said Samantha Parrott, Executive Director of the Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association.\n\n“Simplot has operations that touch every aspect of agriculture including seed production, farming and ranching, plant sciences, phosphate mining and fertilizer manufacturing, food processing, commercial product development and distribution. As a true mine-to-plate company we have a unique view of the food and agriculture supply chain that allows us to see what works and what impedes progress. Agricultural labor has presented significant challenges for decades and we are pleased to see bipartisan solutions from the U.S. House of Representatives to address issues long due for updating and modernization. We commend Chairman G.T. Thompson and Congressman Mike Simpson for their strong leadership and hope for the speedy passage of the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act,” said Garrett Lofto, President and CEO, the Simplot Company.\n\n“The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act provides stability and certainty for Idaho onion growers to protect the production of the crop and manage rising costs associated with the current labor program. By streamlining the H-2A program, this common-sense legislation ensures a reliable workforce and keeps our local and rural farms operational,” said Jarom Jemmett, President of the Idaho Onion Growers’ Association.\n\nThis bipartisan legislation is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Western Growers Association, the National Milk Producers Federation, and more than 400 other agricultural groups across the entire industry, including 18 Idaho organizations.\n\nCongressman Simpson recently joined Chairman Thompson, other cosponsors, producers, and stakeholder groups at a press conference to discuss the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act. You can view the full press conference here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-introduces-fraud-act-crack-down-state-leaders-who-fail-report-taxpayer", "title": "Stauber Introduces FRAUD Act to Crack Down on State Leaders Who Fail to Report Taxpayer Theft", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "stauber.house.gov", "scraper": "stauber", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001212", "name": "Pete Stauber", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced the Federal Responsibility and Accountability for Unchecked Dereliction (FRAUD) Act to strengthen accountability when state officials become aware of significant fraud involving federal funds. This legislation comes on the heels of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s bombshell report finding that high-level Minnesota state officials – including Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison – knew of widespread fraud in Minnesota since 2019 and repeatedly failed to act.\n\n“Billions of taxpayer dollars were stolen in Minnesota because state leaders like Tim Walz looked the other way and even threatened to retaliate against state whistleblowers who tried to sound the alarm,\" said Congressman Pete Stauber. \"To this day, none of these so-called leaders have been held accountable for this stunning failure of public trust. My FRAUD Act will change that by ensuring any official who knowingly fails to report fraud faces criminal prosecution and is never able to oversee the distribution of federal funds ever again. Turning a blind eye to fraud is just as bad as committing it, and it’s time the consequences reflect that.”\n\nCongressman Stauber was joined by his Minnesota Republican delegation colleagues in introducing this legislation.\n\n“Fraud is wrong, plain and simple. Unfortunately, we have state leaders who ignored and enabled the problem, resulting in billions of dollars in fraud,\" said Congressman Tom Emmer. “The House Oversight Committee confirmed what we all knew: Governor Walz and other state officials were aware of the fraud and yet did nothing. The FRAUD Act will ensure accountability and protect taxpayer funds.”\n\n“In Minnesota, and across the country, a state’s highest elected officials – those responsible for safeguarding taxpayer dollars – have an obligation to take action against fraud when it’s reported,\" said Congressman Brad Finstad. \"I am committed to bringing accountability to Gov. Walz and Attorney General Ellison for ignoring the rampant fraud that’s robbed our fellow Minnesotans of billions of dollars, and am proud to support the FRAUD Act to restore transparency and accountability in federally funded, state administrated programs.”\n\n\"The scale of fraud we saw in Minnesota is flat-out unacceptable, and it’s infuriating that Governor Walz and other state leaders looked the other way while billions were stolen,\" said Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach. \"They need to be held accountable. We need the FRAUD Act in place so the next Minnesota governor, or any future leader, will never be allowed to let something like this happen again. Taxpayers deserve to know their hard-earned money is actually being protected.\"\n\nSpecifically, the FRAUD Act will do the following:\n\nRequire a Governor, state agency head, or State Inspector General who receives a credible fraud warning involving federal funds to report it to the FBI within 180 days.\n\nRequire states to annually certify compliance with these reporting requirements in order to remain eligible for certain federal funding.\n\nImpose criminal penalties on covered officials who knowingly fail to report fraud or obstruct federal, state, or inspector general investigations.\n\nAllow federal agencies to prohibit or debar convicted officials from overseeing the distribution of federal funds.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steubes-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-taxpayer-rights-unanimously-passes-house-ways-and-means-committe/", "title": "Rep. Steube’s Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Taxpayer Rights Unanimously Passes House Ways and Means Committe", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "domain": "steube.house.gov", "scraper": "steube", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001214", "name": "W. Gregory Steube", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Steube’s Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Taxpayer Rights Unanimously Passes House Ways and Means Committe\n\nWASHINGTON – The House Committee on Ways and Means today unanimously passed H.R. 9498, the Taxpayer Advocate Participation Act (TAPA), bipartisan legislation led by Congressman Greg Steube (R-Fla.) alongside Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) to authorize the National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) to file amicus briefs in federal courts in support of fundamental taxpayer rights, particularly those contained in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.\n\nUnder current law, the National Taxpayer Advocate, often called “the voice of the taxpayer,” is not authorized to submit amicus briefs in federal tax litigation, even in cases that could set precedent affecting the rights of taxpayers nationwide. TAPA closes that gap by amending Section 7803(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code to allow the NTA to present the Advocate’s views in court on issues that may broadly affect the rights described in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.\n\n“When a federal court is deciding a case that may affect the rights of many or all taxpayers, it would benefit all for the National Taxpayer Advocate to submit an amicus brief to share her views as the voice of the taxpayer. This bill is a narrow, common-sense fix. This authority is expected to be used sparingly, similar to the authority exercised by the Small Business Administration’s Chief Counsel for Advocacy,” said Rep. Steube. “This is a bipartisan effort, and I am honored to work with Representative DelBene, because protecting taxpayers and improving their right to representation should not be a partisan issue.”\n\n“The National Taxpayer Advocate exists precisely to defend the rights of taxpayers, whether those rights are threatened by legislation, regulation, or litigation,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “An amicus brief is a common occurrence in judicial proceedings to ensure the court has relevant information pertaining to the case before it. Under the Taxpayer Advocate Participation Act, the National Taxpayer Advocate will no longer be denied the opportunity to use this avenue to impart its expertise – particularly when the interests of taxpayers could be impacted. With this legislation, Representative Steube is building on his personal record as a tireless advocate for American taxpayers, and I applaud his leadership.”\n\n“The National Taxpayers Union (NTU) commends Representative Steube’s leadership in crafting the Taxpayer Advocate Participation Act. This practical reform strengthens taxpayer protections by ensuring courts can benefit from the National Taxpayer Advocate’s expertise in legal proceedings that impact core taxpayer rights,” said Alexander Ciccone, Policy and Government Affairs Manager at NTU. “Allowing the Advocate to provide courts with its input isn’t just a question of promoting a more efficient tax system—it’s fundamentally about restoring trust in government by ensuring the American people have an independent voice that advocates for the fair and consistent application of tax laws.”\n\nTAPA is supported by a broad coalition of taxpayer advocacy and business organizations, including the National Taxpayers Union, Small Business & Entrepreneurship (SBE) Council, Intuit, 60 Plus Association, and National Association of Consumer Advocates.\n\nTAPA is modeled on the National Taxpayer Advocate’s 2026 Purple Book, which recommended granting the NTA amicus authority comparable to that already held by the SBA’s Chief Counsel for Advocacy. The bill’s scope is intentionally limited: it does not authorize the National Taxpayer Advocate to represent individual taxpayers or to replace the Department of Justice or IRS Chief Counsel in litigation. Courts would be required to grant the NTA’s application to appear as amicus curiae for the purposes described in the bill.\n\nThe Office of the Taxpayer Advocate already assists taxpayers in resolving disputes with the IRS, identifies systemic problems in tax administration, and reports annually to Congress on the ten most litigated tax issues. TAPA would allow the Advocate to bring that same expertise directly before federal courts in cases with broad implications for taxpayer rights.\n\nTAPA now heads to the full House of Representatives for consideration. Rep. Steube urged his colleagues to support the bill.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-scholten-lead-water-reservoir-transparency-act-to-improve-water-resource-planning", "title": "Rep. Sykes, Scholten Lead Water Reservoir Transparency Act to Improve Water Resource Planning", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Hilary Scholten (MI-03), who serve together on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, have introduced a bill to protect and strengthen water resources in Ohio and across the country. The Water Reservoir Transparency Act would require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to assess how new commercial and industrial users are impacting water reservoirs. As data centers come online in Ohio and across the country, understanding their impacts on the nation’s water reservoirs is critical to smart water resource planning.\n\n“With the increased concern about data centers’ water usage, this legislation will help us better understand the impact on our clean water supply,” said Rep. Sykes.\n\n“Water is a way of life in West Michigan; it is crucial that we are proactive in protecting this vital resource,” said Rep. Scholten. “As more data centers come online and put new pressure on our reservoirs, the Army Corps can't keep operating with outdated planning processes. We can build a smarter, more transparent system, and this bill gets us there.”\n\nOhio is home to 217 data centers, the fifth most in the nation, including 12 in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. Many of these facilities use evaporative cooling systems, in which water absorbs heat from servers and is then released through evaporation. As a result, water demand can increase significantly during peak summer months. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, depending on a facility’s size and design, a single data center may consume between 300,000 and 5 million gallons of water per day, comparable in some cases to the daily water use of a small city.\n\nThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers already evaluates data centers as part of broader infrastructure planning and environmental compliance efforts, supported by research from its Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). This legislation would formalize a clearer, publicly accessible understanding of how new commercial and industrial water users affect reservoir levels and long-term system capacity.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-welcomes-15-million-epa-grant-for-stark-economic-development-board", "title": "Rep. Sykes Welcomes $1.5 Million EPA Grant for Stark Economic Development Board", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced a $1.5 million federal grant for the Stark Economic Development Board, which will support the acceleration of training local residents for environmental cleanup jobs while helping bring new life to old, contaminated sites. The funding comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).\n\nThe Stark Economic Development Board will conduct 22 environmental site assessments, develop a brownfield site inventory, 10 cleanup plans, and one community involvement plan. The funding will support Northeast Ohio communities’ work to carry out cleanup and redevelopment projects on contaminated brownfield properties.\n\n“This grant is about creating real opportunities for our community,” said Rep. Sykes. “It gives people the skills they need to get good jobs and helps turn old, neglected sites into spaces that benefit everyone. This is a win for workers, neighborhoods, and our local economy. I will continue fighting to bring federal dollars back to Ohio’s 13th Congressional District to ensure my constituents have the skills they need to compete in today’s in-demand fields.”\n\nOnce awarded, the program will have provided more than $3 billion in grant funding to assess and clean up contaminated properties and return blighted properties to productive reuse. Over the years, the relatively small federal investment has helped leverage nearly 230,000 public and private jobs. Rep. Sykes said the grant shows how federal investments can make a tangible difference, strengthening communities, growing local economies, and preparing residents for in-demand careers right here at home.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-taylor-welcomes-2026-congressional-art-competition-winner", "title": "Congressman Taylor Welcomes 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner to Washington, D.C.", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "taylor.house.gov", "scraper": "taylor", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000490", "name": "David J. Taylor", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Dave Taylor and high school artist Emma Spriggs with her winning piece, “Simple Joys”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02) recently welcomed Emma Spriggs, the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Ohio’s Second Congressional District, to Washington, D.C. A senior at Northwest High School in Scioto County, Emma was selected for her piece, “Simple Joys,” which depicts a child enjoying an ice cream sundae and is rendered in colored pencil.\n\n“The creativity displayed by students in this year’s Congressional Art Competition is nothing short of remarkable, and Emma’s piece represents the outstanding talent present right here in southern Ohio,” said Congressman Taylor. “I’m pleased to see her represent Ohio’s Second Congressional District this year as a budding young artist, and look forward to seeing where her talent takes her in the years ahead.”\n\n“Simple Joys” will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year, alongside winning pieces from other congressional districts across the country. “Simple Joys” is available to view digitally here.\n\nEstablished in 1982, the annual Congressional Art Competition highlights the artistic talent of high school artists from around the nation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-about-thompsons-bipartisan-agricultural-labor", "title": "What They Are Saying About Thompson's Bipartisan Agricultural Labor Reform Bill", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "thompson.house.gov", "scraper": "thompson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000467", "name": "Glenn Thompson", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) held a press conference with co-sponsors and stakeholders celebrating the introduction of H.R. 9535, the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026. This legislation is supported by more than 400 stakeholder groups across the entire agricultural supply chain.\n\nKeep reading to see what key groups are saying about this critical legislation and view the full list of all supporters here.\n\nAGRICULTURE WORKFORCE COALTION MEMBERS\n\n“We commend Chairman GT Thompson for his leadership in developing and advancing the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA), a critical step toward addressing the labor challenges facing American farmers, ranchers and growers. SAWA is supported by an unprecedented coalition spanning specialty crops, dairy, row crops and other agricultural sectors, reflecting broad agreement that meaningful workforce reform is urgently needed. By modernizing and streamlining the H-2A program, expanding access to legal agricultural workers and providing greater certainty for farmers and their employees, this legislation will strengthen the nation’s farm economy and help ensure our food security.”\n\nAgriculture Workforce Coalition Members include:American Farm Bureau Federation, AmericanHort, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, International Fresh Produce Association, National Council of Agricultural Employers, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Milk Producers Federation, National Potato Council, Northwest Horticultural Council, U.S. Apple Association, USA Farmers, Western Growers.\n\nU.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE\n\n“The U.S. Chamber of Commerce thanks the sponsors of the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA) for their leadership in advancing a thoughtful, bipartisan approach to modernizing the H-2A visa program. Building on the strong border security achieved during this Administration, the SAWA recognizes that a stable and reliable agricultural workforce is essential to maintaining our nation’s food supply and supporting broader economic and national security. By helping producers meet critical labor needs, SAWA represents an important step toward strengthening America’s resilience and long term growth.”\n\nAMERICAN BUSINESS IMMIGRATION COALITION AGRICULTURAL COUNCIL\n\n\"Today, about 70% of workers in the U.S. farm sector are foreign-born, with nearly 40% being undocumented,\" said Rebecca Shi, American Business Immigration Coalition CEO. \"Farmers are struggling to maintain workforce stability in a sector where a single day's delay can ruin a harvest, and where daily, time-sensitive task cannot wait. As Americans face rising grocery bills, the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act finally opens the door to address the urgent needs of farmers by providing workers a path to legal status to keep food on tables across this nation.\"\n\nU.S. CUSTOM HARVESTERS, INC\n\n“The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act is a significant step toward reforming the H-2A program by reducing costs and improving efficiencies, ensuring that custom harvesters, combiners, and silage cutters can access the workforce needed to support farmers nationwide,” said Raph Jolliffe, president of U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc.\n\nFARM CREDIT COUNCIL\n\n“As I have traveled across the country to visit Farm Credit teams and customer-owners, it is clear that a dependable and consistent workforce is essential for the farmers and ranchers who feed, fuel, and clothe America,” said Christy Seyfert, Farm Credit Council president and CEO. “A modernized H-2A program will ensure producers can access the dependable workforce needed to maintain operations and support a safe, stable food supply. As a member of the Agriculture Workforce Coalition, Farm Credit Council is encouraged by the introduction of the bipartisan Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, and we look forward to its progress through the legislative process.”\n\nAMERICAN BEEKEEPING FEDERATION\n\n“As the National Association which speaks for all Beekeepers in the U.S., this bill is a must for helping keep our industry alive,” said Debbie Seib, American Beekeeping Federation president. “Many of our Commercial Beekeepers are struggling to stay in business and this bill will go a long way to helping them. We need to do all we can to support this bill.\"\n\nMEAT INSTITUTE\n\n“Chairman Thompson has worked hard to address a chronic shortage of ag labor, one of the top concerns facing the meat and poultry industry,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “We thank him for his leadership and his important recognition that the meat and poultry processing sector must have access to labor for the benefit of the entire value chain from livestock producers to consumers. His bill allows meat and poultry processors to participate in the H-2A visa program. This is a good first step to help packers and processors keep the rural economy moving and to ensure American consumers have access to affordable food.”\n\nAGRICULTURAL RETAILERS ASSOCIATION\n\n\"Agricultural retailers cannot serve farmers without a dependable workforce. The Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act (SAWA) provides practical, long-overdue reforms that will strengthen the agricultural supply chain, improve access to labor, and help ensure America's farmers have the products and services they need when they need them,\" said Hunter Carpenter, ARA senior director of government affairs. \"ARA strongly supports this legislation and applauds Chairman Thompson for advancing meaningful agricultural labor reform.\"\n\nLIVESTOCK MARKETING ASSOCIATION\n\n“The Livestock Marketing Association applauds Chairman Thompson and his team for introducing the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act as a meaningful step to address the longstanding labor shortages facing the agriculture sector and especially the livestock industry,” said Mike VanMaanen, owner Eastern Missouri Commission Company, and Livestock Marketing Association's chairman of the board. “By streamlining the H-2A process, providing greater access to the program including allowing livestock auction markets to participate, removing the seasonality requirement, and improving efficiency and certainty for employers, this bipartisan legislation will help ensure a stable, reliable, and legal workforce to feed and fuel our nation.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://timmoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-tim-moore-helped-secure-over-47-million-federal-funding-town", "title": "Congressman Tim Moore Helped to Secure Over $4.7 Million in Federal Funding for the Town of Cornelius", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://timmoore.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "timmoore.house.gov", "scraper": "timmoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001236", "name": "Tim Moore", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) announced the Town of Cornelius has been awarded over $4.7 million for the Westmoreland Road and I-77 Interchange Planning Project through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program.\n\n“I'm proud to have helped secure this grant, which will allow Cornelius to move forward with this important infrastructure project,” said Congressman Moore. “The Westmoreland Road and I-77 interchange is critical to improving traffic flow, expanding access to essential services, and supporting continued economic growth throughout the region. This investment will provide local leaders with the tools they need to develop the best long-term solution.”\n\n“Receiving this BUILD Grant is a tremendous step forward towards our town’s much-needed additional highway exit,\" said Cornelius Mayor Denis Bilodeau. \"We are very appreciative of Congressman Moore’s support, which was instrumental in making this happen.\"\n\nSpecifically, this grant will fund the project’s planning and design phase, a critical first step toward delivering meaningful economic benefits for Cornelius and the broader I-77 corridor.\n\nThis announcement follows a letter of support from Congressman Moore to the U.S. Department of Transportation recommending the Town of Cornelius for the BUILD Grant.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://titus.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5914", "title": "Rep. Dina Titus Introduces Joint Resolution of Disapproval to Stop Sale of Jet Engines to Turkey", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://titus.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "titus.house.gov", "scraper": "titus", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000468", "name": "Dina Titus", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congresswoman Dina Titus today introduced a Joint Resolution of Disapproval to stop the $700 million sale of F110 jet engines to Turkey. Such a sale would undermine regional stability and pose a threat to U.S. allies while rewarding a repressive, dictatorial, and revengeful government led by Recep Tayyip Erdogan.\n\n“The regime of Turkish President Erdogan has made repeated threats of military action against NATO allies and other partner nations throughout the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean,” Congresswoman Titus said. “Sale of these jet engines to Turkey will embolden it to pursue those threats. Turkey already is destabilizing the region with its continued illegal occupation of Cyprus, antagonism toward Greece, close association with designated terrorist organizations, support of Azerbaijan’s campaigns against Armenia, and threats to invade Israel. We should not be rewarding Erdogan’s bad behavior by expanding Turkey’s military might.”\n\nThe Trump administration formally notified Congress of the transaction on June 24, opening a 15-day review period during which lawmakers can move to block the sale. The resolution introduced by Congresswoman Titus provides a platform for Congress to act.\n\nThe F110 jet engines are intended for Turkey’s next-generation KAAN combat aircraft, a project Turkey has pursued as part of its broader effort to expand its military capabilities.\n\nThe Arms Export Control Act (AECA) gives Congress the statutory authority to review major foreign military sales. Through a Joint Resolution of Disapproval, Congress can officially halt or block an arms transfer during the review period.\n\nCongresswoman Titus expressed concern that the Trump administration is committed to further aiding Turkey with advanced platforms like the F-35 in violation of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. “President Trump saying he has a ‘gift’ for Turkey that will make it ‘very happy’ should alarm all of us. Congress needs to act now to stop the administration from aiding an enemy of our allies.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-derek-tran-urges-president-sign-21st-century-road-housing-act", "title": "Representative Derek Tran Urges President to Sign the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "tran.house.gov", "scraper": "tran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000491", "name": "Derek Tran", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) is urging President Trump to sign the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a bipartisan package of legislation that will lower housing costs across the country by streamlining construction review, cutting through red tape, and increasing loan availability for families and Veterans. After passing both the House and the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan majorities, President Trump canceled the signing of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.\n\nSouthern California families face some of the highest housing costs in the nation. The median home price in Orange County has skyrocketed to nearly $1.4 million, more than three times the national median home price of $429,300. Less than one in five Orange County households earn enough to afford a home in the county. Orange County families devote nearly three-quarters of their monthly income to housing, while experts recommend households spend no more than a third of their income on housing.\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will lower housing costs for Southern California residents by:\n\nIncreasing construction of properties built for the sole purpose of renting, boosting the supply of rental properties.\n\nLimiting corporations from purchasing single-family homes, promoting homeownership opportunities for American families.\n\nCutting red tape to empower state, local, and tribal governments to streamline reviews and increase housing development.\n\nIncreasing access to low-cost loan options for California’s 18,000 Veterans.\n\nExpanding access to VA housing benefits for disabled Veterans.\n\n“I am strongly urging President Trump to put people before politics and sign the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. Families want to invest in the American dream and buy a home in their community, but the cost of housing is keeping that dream out of reach,” said Representative Tran. “I was proud to join with my colleagues, Democratic and Republican, to pass this legislation that works for working people and brings down housing costs across the country. There is no question that President Trump should sign this bill.”\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act was introduced by Representative Maxine Waters (CA-43) and Representative French Hill (AR-02) in the House of Representatives and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) in the Senate. The bill includes over 50 provisions that remove barriers to home building and buying. The legislation passed the Senate in an 85-5 vote on June 22, 2026, and passed the House of Representatives on June 23, 2026, in a vote of 358-32.\n\nRepresentative Tran has worked to lower housing costs by building more accessible and affordable housing. Tran secured $250,000 in federal funding to support the construction of 2,700 permanent affordable housing units across Orange County. Tran cosponsored the Saving the American Dream Act to create an interagency task force on the housing crisis and the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to finance the building of more multifamily units.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://turner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-turner-fights-for-delphi-salaried-retirees", "title": "Congressman Turner Fights for Delphi Salaried Retirees", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://turner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "turner.house.gov", "scraper": "turner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000463", "name": "Michael R. Turner", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — On Tuesday, Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) took a major stand in his ongoing fight to deliver justice for Delphi Salaried Retirees, advocating in the House Rules Committee for an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would restore the hard-earned pensions of thousands of Ohio workers.\n\nCongressman Turner has led the bipartisan effort to right the wrong caused by the termination of their pensions following General Motors’ bankruptcy.\n\nAs Congressman Turner told Jake Tapper on CNN Tuesday night, “This is an injustice. The Delphi Salaried Retirees were the only people in the General Motors bankruptcy that had their pensions taken by the government. Never in history has the government reached in and selected one group to take their pensions. And we think they deserve justice.”\n\nWatch the full clip here.\n\nWith strong backing from President Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson, Congressman Turner’s amendment aimed to provide long-overdue relief for thousands of affected Delphi Salaried Retirees in Ohio.\n\nWhile the amendment faced a procedural hurdle, it represented only a temporary setback in Congressman’s Turner’s longstanding mission to do right by these retirees. Congressman Turner remains committed to leveraging his influence to protect and advance the interest of Ohio’s workers and families.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-van-epps-introduces-the-declaration-of-independence-reaffirmation-act", "title": "Rep. Van Epps Introduces the Declaration of Independence Reaffirmation Act", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vanepps.house.gov", "scraper": "vanepps", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000139", "name": "Matt Van Epps", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Read the exclusive from Joseph Buff at the Daily Signal here.\n\nImage\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Van Epps (TN-07) introduced the Declaration of Independence Reaffirmation Act of 2026 in honor of its 250th anniversary. This legislation passes a recognition of our nation’s foremost Founding document into law. Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri introduced this legislation in the Senate, and it passed by unanimous consent.\n\nRep. Van Epps said, “On July 4, 1776, 56 of our Founding Fathers pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor upon signing the Declaration of Independence. They knew that this action would label them as traitors in the eyes of Great Britain, but they believed it was worth the sacrifice. And while many of these brave men did indeed sacrifice their fortunes and lives for this country, I think we can all agree that they not only kept their sacred honor, but greatly added to it. In fact, it is our nation’s privilege to honor them on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.”\n\nHe continued, “The Declaration of Independence isn’t just a historical document; it lays out the fundamental liberties and constitutional principles that our nation was built upon. If we are a city on a hill, it's because the principles of the Declaration set us there in the first place. These principles include the idea that our rights and liberties come from God—not government. It was upon this principle that our Founders set out to prove that a government can be created through reason and choice instead of mere accident and force. Upon this foundation, they built a Republic, and it is our great privilege to work to “keep it.” That is why, on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, I have chosen, along with my colleagues, to introduce a recognition of this great document into law. This is a fitting way to honor this Great Experiment.”\n\nSenator Schmitt said, “On July 4, 1776, fifty-six men crossed a line from which there was no retreat. These men knew the king they defied. They knew the empire that would come for them…They made a bold declaration to the world that never had been made before. It was in fact—revolutionary. Our Rights come from God. Government rests on consent. Citizens are not subjects. America is a nation. Those truths made America possible. And every generation that inherits America must decide whether those truths still command it. That is why I rise today in support of repassing the Declaration of Independence…”\n\nThis bill was cosponsored by Reps. Buddy Carter (GA-01), Barry Moore (AL-01), Tracey Mann (KS-01), Derek Schmidt (KS-02), Celeste Maloy (UT-02), Clay Fuller (GA-14), and Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Gary Palmer (AL-06), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Don Bacon (NE-02), Addison McDowell (NC-06), Mike Haridopolos (FL-08), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Randy Fine (FL-06), and Morgan Luttrell (TX-08).\n\nRead the text of the bill here.\n\nRead Senator Schmitt’s press release here or watch his speech here.\n\nListen to Rep. Van Epps' audio press release here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-van-epps-special-america-250-message", "title": "Rep. Van Epps’ Special America 250 Message", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vanepps.house.gov", "scraper": "vanepps", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000139", "name": "Matt Van Epps", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Rep. Van Epps released the following special message for the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. Also, in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Rep. Van Epps introduced the Declaration of Independence Reaffirmation Act of 2026. You can read more about that here or here.\n\nWatch the video by clicking below\n\nRead excerpts from the video below:\n\nI was recently asked, “Do you think America lived up to what it set out to do 250 years ago?” My answer is a resounding yes!\n\nOur Founding Fathers set out to found a new nation, one built on the principles of freedom, inalienable God-given rights, self-government, consent of the governed, and the right to make your own way—also known as the American Dream.\n\nToday, the United States isn’t only one of the freest nations in the world, but we have also exported that freedom around the globe. This freedom empowers Americans to build and to innovate, to raise a family and to pursue what you’re passionate about. This freedom allows Americans to speak their minds, to worship without fear, and to keep the fruits of their labor.\n\nHere in the United States, freedom isn’t an abstract idea, it's tangible. We see it when we choose where to send our kids to school, we hear it when we express our faith in public, and we taste it when we see our brave men and women fight for our flag wherever it is threatened.\n\n250 years later, the United States continues to be the land of opportunity. And more people than ever before are achieving the American Dream.\n\nSo, Gold bless America and happy America 250th!", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-champions-bipartisan-solutions-protect-new-mexicans-fentanyl", "title": "Rep. Gabe Vasquez Champions Bipartisan Solutions to Protect New Mexicans From Fentanyl Crisis", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vasquez.house.gov", "scraper": "vasquez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000136", "name": "Gabe Vasquez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 2, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) championed two bipartisan bills to protect New Mexicans from the fentanyl crisis, Tyler’s Law (H.R. 2004) and Sammy’s Law (H.R. 2657). Tyler’s Law helps prevent fentanyl overdoses by encouraging hospitals to test for fentanyl more regularly when a patient is experiencing an overdose. Sammy’s Law bolsters youth online safety by giving parents tools to help ensure their children are not using social media platforms to engage in drug deals and other dangerous behaviors.\n\nThese bipartisan solutions come on the heels of reports that federal officials knowingly let hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills flood into New Mexico communities.\n\n“Fentanyl is cutting too many lives short, ripping apart New Mexico families. We need to attack this crisis from every angle: stopping traffickers at the border, holding federal officials accountable when they fail our communities, giving parents tools to keep their kids safe online, and helping hospitals identify fentanyl overdoses faster,” said Vasquez. “Tyler’s Law and Sammy’s Law are bipartisan, commonsense solutions that will help protect families, save lives, and keep this poison off our streets.”\n\nBoth Tyler’s Law and Sammy’s Law have support from Democratic and Republican lawmakers, with Tyler’s Law having endorsements from a host of community organizations, including the American College of Emergency Physicians, Emergency Nurses Association, AIDS United, National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association, Facing Fentanyl, Voices for Awareness, Project Eli, Song for Charlie, End Overdose, High Truths on Drugs and Addiction, Sun Shine on You Foundation, Drug Awareness Foundation, VOID, Victoria’s Voice, and Stop Drug Homicide.\n\nSammy’s Law is named after Sammy Chapman, who, at the age of 16, was approached by a drug dealer on Snapchat and was unknowingly a victim of fentanyl poisoning.\n\nNew Mexico faces one of the most severe drug abuse crises in the nation, with overdose rates almost double the national average and youth drug use rates 50% higher than the national average. Nationwide, fentanyl overdose is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 45.\n\nThese two bipartisan bills build on Vasquez’s longstanding record of fighting for solutions to stop illegal drugs from flowing into New Mexico communities and senselessly claiming lives:\n\nOn June 25, 2026, Vasquez sent a letter to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) alongside his House colleagues Reps. Stansbury and Leger Fernández demanding answers and accountability following reports that “federal agents and prosecutors knowingly allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to reach the streets of Albuquerque and other New Mexico communities in a practice known as ‘walking.’”\n\nEarlier this year, Vasquez cosponsored H.R.1294, the BEST Facilitation Act, and H.R.285, the Advanced Border Coordination Act of 2025 — two bipartisan, commonsense solutions to combat the flow of illegal goods into the country by enhancing U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) cargo scanning capabilities at points of entry and improving coordination between law enforcement agencies at the southern border.\n\nVasquez also introduced theStop COYOTES Act, which improves public safety by imposing harsher penalties against human smugglers and fentanyl traffickers while also improving information sharing and reporting between DHS and local law enforcement along the border.\n\nVasquez has cosponsored the Fight Fentanyl Act, which would reform and reauthorize the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program through FY2030 at $333 million per year. It would also create a $14 million grant program for federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies with a HIDTA presence to improve their fentanyl interdiction efforts.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-applauds-730000-epa-brownfields-grant-stevensville", "title": "Walberg Applauds $730,000 EPA Brownfields Grant to Stevensville", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "walberg.house.gov", "scraper": "walberg", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000798", "name": "Tim Walberg", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new federal funding for U.S. communities through the Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup grant program. The EPA awarded Stevensville a $733,250 grant to clean up and restore the former Anstey Foundry and support community engagement activities.\n\nFollowing the EPA grant notice, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) visited the brownfield site in Stevensville and issued the following statement.\n\n\"The Brownfields Program has delivered millions of dollars to Michigan communities to help with economic development projects,\" said Rep. Walberg. \"After having ongoing discussions with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin regarding priorities in Michigan, I am pleased to see the Trump administration make this targeted investment in Stevensville, which will make a difference for our environment and encourage local job growth, providing more opportunities for hardworking Michigan families.\"\n\nBackground\n\nThe Brownfields Program empowers states, communities, and other stakeholders to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields. Brownfield sites are properties whose expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3514", "title": "Wasserman Schultz Makes Unannounced Miramar ICE Facility Oversight Visit", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "scraper": "wassermanschultz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000797", "name": "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Miramar, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) made an unannounced oversight inspection of the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Field Office in Miramar, where advocates recently shared troubling testimony from people released or transferred from the facility about the conditions and treatment taking place there.\n\nClick here for video of the press conference.\n\nThe Miramar facility is supposed to be an administrative check-in facility but is now functioning as a short-term detention site, holding detainees in crowded areas for 72 hours or more without the same humane detention standards that other ICE facilities are required to meet. There were approximately 150 detainees held at the facility when Wasserman Schultz inspected the site.\n\n“I’ve been to this facility many times alongside my late colleague Alcee Hastings because of reports of a lack of sun cover, water, and toilets for people waiting to check in. Today, I had to do this surprise inspection to see inside for myself, and what I saw were people packed in like sardines, in conditions I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I’ll continue to conduct oversight of South Florida ICE operations and fight to hold them accountable for their brutality.”\n\nWhile in the facility, Wasserman Schultz saw four “holding tanks,” with two for men and two for women, with a single exposed toilet in the corner of each tank. The men’s area was about 15’x15’, with about 70 men crammed in, shoulder-to-shoulder and wall-to-wall, she said. The women’s area was approximately 7’x14’, with about 40 people in the same tight conditions. Individuals were forced to sleep on a hard floor and made to use the toilet in front of others.\n\nDetainees are allowed one water bottle a day, along with 7.5 oz meals. ICE officers told Wasserman Schultz that detainees are allowed to shower once every other day. There is no space for in-person attorney access or family visitation at the facility.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://whitesides.house.gov/2026/07/02/rep-george-whitesides-calls-on-president-to-immediately-sign-bipartisan-housing-bill-to-lower-costs-increase-affordable-housing-supply/", "title": "Rep. George Whitesides Calls on President to Immediately Sign Bipartisan Housing Bill to Lower Costs, Increase Affordable Housing Supply", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://whitesides.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "whitesides.house.gov", "scraper": "whitesides", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000830", "name": "George Whitesides", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The 21st Century Road to Housing Act – which already passed the House and Senate – would increase the housing supply and lower costs for American families.\n\nYesterday, Rep. George Whitesides called on President Trump to sign the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a substantial bipartisan housing package that will increase housing supply and lower costs for American families. Despite Republicans and Democrats coming together to overwhelmingly pass the bill, President Trump has refused to sign it as Americans see their housing costs skyrocket, calling it “unimportant.”\n\n“I’m here because housing is getting more and more out of reach for our neighbors in the Santa Clarita Valley, Antelope Valley, and San Fernando Valley.” said Rep. Whitesides.“Republicans and Democrats came together to pass a bipartisan bill to lower the cost of rent and mortgages while increasing the supply of affordable housing, but the President refuses to sign it into law. That’s unacceptable, and I’ll keep pushing with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring this relief to the hardworking families who need it most.”\n\nThe 21st Century Road to Housing Act includes key provisions to broaden access to homeownership, expedite building of manufactured housing, make available small-dollar mortgages, better protect borrowers and families living in public or assisted housing, enhance federal oversight of housing providers, and lay the groundwork for the development of new homes families can afford across America.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://whitesides.house.gov/2026/07/02/reps-george-whitesides-sean-casten-and-mike-levin-introduce-bill-to-provide-climate-finance-to-countries-in-the-global-south-while-reducing-debt/", "title": "Reps. George Whitesides, Sean Casten, and Mike Levin Introduce Bill to Provide Climate Finance to Countries in the Global South While Reducing Debt", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://whitesides.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "whitesides.house.gov", "scraper": "whitesides", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000830", "name": "George Whitesides", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Reps. George Whitesides, Sean Casten, and Mike Levin introduced the Global Climate Resilience Act, legislation that would create a new debt-for-resilience program to improve the United States’ ability to provide climate finance and debt relief to countries in the Global South. This new program would enhance the United States’ ability to negotiate debt reductions with countries in the Global South that agree to undertake climate resilience initiatives. Rep. Whitesides’ legislation also directs the United States to use its influence with international financial institutions to promote debt reduction for nations at risk of climate damage and advocate for an international climate insurance program. Senators Peter Welch (VT) and Andy Kim (NJ) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.\n\n“I’ve seen the extreme financial impact that natural disasters like wildfires have on my community and state, and that problem exists at scale across the globe,” said Rep. Whitesides. “The Global Climate Resilience Act asserts U.S. leadership in combating climate change, while also addressing widespread debt by creating better pathways for countries in the Global South to invest in resilience measures for natural disasters. By making it easier for countries with developing economies to implement climate resilience initiatives, we can help facilitate a global effort to combat climate change with more nations and international organizations.”\n\n“Climate change is a global crisis that demands a global response,” said Rep. Casten. “The United States has a responsibility to help lead the way towards innovative financial solutions. I’m proud to support this legislation that strengthens climate resilience, supports our own national security, and advances a safer, more secure, and more prosperous future for communities across the Global South.”\n\n“The science is clear: disasters are more intense, sea levels are rising, and climate change is accelerating. Combating these global challenges demands global cooperation,” said Rep. Levin. “Our Global Climate Resilience Act helps the world’s most vulnerable communities protect against the worst effects of climate change. By addressing root causes of poverty, disease, and migration around the world, our bill helps keep Americans safer, healthier, and more secure.“\n\n“This House bill and its Senate companion directly respond to calls from the Global South to address two of its most pressing challenges: relieving crushing debt burdens and bolstering life-saving resilience efforts,” said Brenden Guy, Senior Director of International Climate at the Natural Resource Defense Council. “The climate crisis has eliminated 20% of the wealth of the most vulnerable countries in the world over the last two decades. And make no mistake, this is not charity: it’s a strategic investment in building global resilience that will also keep Americans safer and supply chains more secure from climate-fueled disasters that drive up prices. The bill advances much-needed solutions to build greater global resilience and prosperity that Congress should get behind.”\n\n“One of the biggest barriers to enacting climate action on a global scale is resourcing communities that have been extracted from for generations that want to transition to the clean energy economy but have been let down by Countries failing to meet their commitments to help in this transition,” said Aaron McCall, Federal Advocacy Coordinator, California Environmental Voters. “Oil Companies then fill this gap as primary energy suppliers and continue the cycle of extracting and polluting communities. This bill promises to take a step in the right direction to help communities looking to invest in the health and sustainability of their nation, and global health as a whole.”\n\n“If the United States wants to reclaim its leadership role in addressing the myriad global challenges of the climate crisis, we must truly lead from the front,” said Davis Bates, League of Conservation Voters’ Congressional Champions Campaign Director. “We must not simply renew our previous commitments to international agreements. We also need to support and empower countries around the world to adapt to increasingly disastrous extreme weather and build financial and structural climate resiliency for the future — especially for countries least responsible for the pollution fueling climate change but are most impacted.”\n\n“Countries on the frontlines of climate change, including small island states, shouldn’t have to choose between paying down debt and protecting their communities and ecosystems,” saidDan Whittle, Associate Vice President, Resilient Caribbean, Environmental Defense Fund. “The Global Climate Resilience Act points to a smarter path, linking debt relief with investments that build resilience and stability. This is the kind of climate finance the moment demands.”\n\nJust last year, the Global South was devastated by floods and cyclones in South and Southeast Asia, hurricanes in the Caribbean, extreme heat waves in Middle East and Northern Africa, and rising sea levels which are beginning to submerge small Pacific Islands countries. While some nations have the resources necessary to adapt to the effects of climate change, countries with developing economies often lack resources to meet challenges of a warming world. For many countries in the Global South, this creates a vicious cycle where funds from economic growth service debt from a climate event instead of building resilience.\n\nCollective international action to reduce carbon emissions and build resilience are crucial to combatting the growing impacts of climate change. At the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COPs), global leaders recognized the need to provide climate financing to countries in the Global South. The United States must take further action to help at-risk countries reduce their debt.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-slams-trump-for-cutting-off-support-for-paralyzed-americans", "title": "Baldwin Slams Trump for Cutting Off Support for Paralyzed Americans", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, slammed the Trump Administration for cutting off funding for the National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) that provides services and support for the more than five million Americans living with paralysis and their families. The Trump Administration let the grant for the NPRC expire on June 30th, forcing the program to halt much of its work helping Americans living with paralysis pursue independent and fulfilling lives.\n\n“President Trump is cutting off a lifeline for Americans who are paralyzed – all while he goes full steam ahead building his luxury ballroom and is begging for more money for a war of choice in Iran. To say his priorities are backwards would be an understatement,” said Senator Baldwin. “We are talking about injured veterans or neighbors who got into car accidents who are not getting the support and care they need – all because President Trump and RFK, Jr. said so. This administration needs to stop putting disability programs on the back burner, ensure these services resume as soon as possible, and apologize to the Americans who have been thrown into chaos from their cruelty.”\n\nOn June 30th, the NPRC grant, awarded to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation ended, forcing the services for paralyzed Americans to be significantly reduced.\n\nA new NRPC grant should have been awarded prior to the current one expiring on June 30th. But the Trump administration delayed the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for months and only released the application for funding this week, after the grant funding had already lapsed. This new funding is not slated to be awarded until September 1st, ensuring that the NPRC and resources for paralyzed Americans will remain significantly reduced for at least two months.\n\nThis unnecessary delay is a direct result of Trump administration’s actions to politicize the federal grant making process, while simultaneously firing and forcing out federal employees, including more than half the staff that work at the Administration for Community Living that oversees this program and other programs for Americans with disabilities. Delays like this are happening across HHS, from grants supporting lifesaving biomedical research, to substance use prevention and treatment, to Head Start. These delays are troubling foreshadowing of things to come if the Trump administration moves forward with its new federal financial assistance regulation that would ensure every federal grant is a political tool of the Trump administration while delaying funding and services that Americans rely on.\n\nHHS delaying this grant to provide services for Americans with disabilities comes at the same time the Trump administration is transferring special education programs for children with disabilities from the Department of Education to HHS, casting doubt on RFK, Jr.’s ability to manage programs for people with disabilities or special needs.\n\nThis lapse comes as Congress, on a bipartisan basis, appropriated funding earlier this year to continue the program. The NPRC was established with bipartisan Congressional support in 2001 to provide free, vital resources, care coordination, peer mentoring, and comprehensive information that help Americans living with paralysis navigate life after injury or diagnosis. Congress established the NPRC as a federally supported national resource because living with paralysis requires specialized expertise and coordination that fragmented state and local systems cannot consistently provide. The NPRC ensures that people living with paralysis, regardless of where they live, have access to trusted information, peer support, and specialized resources that no single state can deliver on its own.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/blackburn-schmitt-colleagues-launch-anti-fraud-task-force", "title": "Blackburn, Schmitt, Colleagues Launch Anti-Fraud Task Force", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "domain": "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "scraper": "blackburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001243", "name": "Marsha Blackburn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "This week, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and seven of their Republican colleagues announced the launch of a new Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force that will examine fraud, waste, and abuse across federal programs; identify vulnerabilities in existing systems; and strengthen government accountability to ensure the proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars:\n\n“Over the past year, the Trump administration has done phenomenal work to uncover widespread fraud schemes where criminals have stolen billions of dollars with zero consequences,” said Senator Blackburn. “It is outrageous how long Democrats have looked the other way while fraudsters steal from hardworking American taxpayers. It’s time for oversight and accountability to protect the integrity of federal programs.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B63D6DA7-1EEA-4CAA-97A6-D0745D2AC939", "title": "Boozman Celebrates Summer Interns on Service to Arkansas", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.boozman.senate.gov", "scraper": "boozman", "member": null, "text": "U.S. Senator John Boozman pictured with his Washington, D.C. interns on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.\n\nWASHINGTON— U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) recognized the students who served as interns in his Washington, D.C. office during the first summer session.\n\n“These hardworking students have made valuable contributions in service to the people of Arkansas during their internships,” Boozman said. “I appreciate their commitment to public service and the role they played to help my staff meet the needs of constituents. I am confident this experience provided them with a greater understanding of the legislative process as well as inspired them to continue serving their communities.”\n\nAnna Parker, Eva Dietz, Henry Thompson, Mary Ellis Tedford, Phoebe Harris, Sam Sanders, Sarah Chase Walt and Oliver Liu completed a five-week internship in Boozman’s Capitol Hill office. Their responsibilities included assisting with constituent relations, supporting the legislative and communications teams and contributing to a variety of office projects. Each intern also had the opportunity to shadow the senator for a day, gaining firsthand insight into the work of the U.S. Senate.\n\nAnna Parker is from Jonesboro and graduated from Jonesboro High School in 2023. She is a rising senior at the University of Arkansas studying marketing with minors in supply chain management and business analytics. Anna serves as recruitment chair for the Arkansas Networking Club and is a member of Chi Omega Psi. After graduating, she hopes to return to Washington, D.C. to begin her career.\n\nEva Dietz is from Little Rock and a 2023 graduate of Pulaski Academy. She is a rising senior at the University of Arkansas studying entrepreneurship and innovation. On campus, Eva founded The Flow Foundation, a nonprofit organization, and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue opportunities that combine her passion for entrepreneurship, innovation and impact-driven work.\n\nHenry Thompson is from Paragould and graduated from Paragould High School in 2023. He is a rising senior at the University of Arkansas studying accounting with a minor in finance. On campus, Henry serves as head of law relations for the Arkansas Networking Club and is a member of Sigma Chi. After graduation, he plans to attend law school.\n\nMary Ellis Tedford is from Little Rock and a 2023 graduate of Mount St. Mary Academy. She is a rising senior at the University of Arkansas studying elementary education. Mary Ellis is working toward both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees through the university’s accelerated five-year program. She is an active member of Chi Omega Psi. Mary Ellis hopes to return to Little Rock to begin her teaching career upon graduating.\n\nPhoebe Harris is from Springdale and graduated from Springdale Har-Ber High School in 2023. She is a rising senior at the University of Arkansas studying political science with minors in global studies and legal studies. Phoebe serves as chaplain of her sorority, Kappa Delta. After graduation, Phoebe plans to participate in a residency program through Fellowship Bible Church while preparing to begin a career in public service.\n\nSam Sanders is from Little Rock and a 2023 graduate of Catholic High School for Boys. He is a rising senior at the University of Arkansas studying finance with a minor in marketing. On campus, Sam serves as head of banking relations for the Arkansas Networking Club and is a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. Following graduation, Sam plans to pursue a career in wealth management.\n\nSarah Chase Walt is from Little Rock and graduated from Mount St. Mary Academy in 2023. She is a rising senior at the University of Arkansas studying hospitality management with a minor in event management. She is a member of Pi Beta Phi and has served on the sorority’s leadership team for the past three years. Sarah hopes to begin her career on Capitol Hill upon graduation.\n\nOliver Liu is from Katy, Texas, and a 2026 graduate of Baylor University where he studied mathematics and computer science. While at Baylor, he served as the president of Phi Kappa Chi. Oliver will begin his career as a software engineer with Capital One in Dallas, Texas, in August.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/07/02/budd-releases-statement-after-fema-announces-over-197m-in-federal-aid-to-rebuild-western-north-carolina-after-hurricane-helene/", "title": "Budd Releases Statement After FEMA Announces Over $197M in Federal Aid to Rebuild Western North Carolina After Hurricane Helene", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.budd.senate.gov", "scraper": "budd", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001305", "name": "Ted Budd", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "TOTAL PROJECT COSTFEMA SHAREFEDERAL COST SHAREGRANT TYPESUMMARY$158,798.76 $158,798.76 100%PANOVANT HEALTH, INC.\n\nDeclaration Date: 3/25/2020\n\nThis grant will fund costs related to the Management of PA Grants as a result of FEMA-DR-4487-NC (COVID-19 Pandemic). This funding is authorized under Section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $135,979,522.47 $135,979,522.47 100%PANORTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis award provides $135,979,522.47 in federal funding to North Carolina Emergency Management for state management costs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $292,374.46$263,137.0190%PATOWN OF CROSSNORE Declaration Date: 9/28/2024 This grant will fund water pipe repair or replacement as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $392,026.00 $352,823.4090%PAASHEVILLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis grant will fund water control facilities repair or replacement as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $3,109,144.56 $2,798,230.11 90%PACITY OF MORGANTON – Boardwalk\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis award provides $2,798,230.11 in federal funding to the city of Morganton for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $127,312.72 $114,581.45 90%PAFERN LEAF COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL Declaration Date: 9/28/2024 This grant will fund building exterior and building interior repair or replacement as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $163,981.55 $147,583.40 90%PARUTHERFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS Declaration Date: 9/28/2024 This grant will fund storm water pipe repair or replacement as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $287,679.84 $258,911.86 90%PATOWN OF SPRUCE PINE\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis grant will fund sewer lift station pipes repair or replacement as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $680,787.11 $612,708.40 90%PATOWN OF SPRUCE PINE\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis grant will fund pipes, embankment, other repair or replacement as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $407,251.23 $366,526.11 90%PACHRISTMOUNT CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, INC.\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis grant will fund culvert, wingwalls, guardrails, base, surface repair or replacement as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $285,869.62 $257,282.66 90%PABLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY ACTION, INC.\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis grant will fund building exterior, other repair or replacement as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $4,732,964.22 $4,259,667.80 90%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Yancey County: Division 13 State Route 1336 Jacks Creek Road Declaration Date: 9/28/2024 This award provides $4,259,667.80 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $1,672,730.52 $1,505,457.47 90%PACITY OF ASHEVILLE – Swannanoa River Greenway\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis award provides $1,505,457.47 in federal funding to the city of Asheville for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $291,014.39 $261,912.96 90%PAADVENTIST HEALTH SYSTEM SUNBELT HEALTHCARE CORPORATION Declaration Date: 9/28/2024 This grant will fund building exterior and interior, contents repair or replacement as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $2,007,143.17 $1,806,428.86 90%PANORTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis award provides $1,806,428.86 in federal funding to the North Carolina Emergency Management for debris removal operations as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $16,188,322.06 $14,569,489.86 90%PANORTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis award provides $14,569,489.86 in federal funding to the North Carolina Emergency Management for debris removal operations as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $1,774,242.24 $1,596,818.02 90%PANORTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT\n\nDeclaration Date: 09/28/2024\n\nThis award provides $1,596,818.02 in federal funding to North Carolina Emergency Management for private property debris removal operations as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $1,569,390.21 $1,412,451.19 90%PANORTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT\n\nDeclaration Date: 09/28/2024\n\nThis award provides $1,412,451.19 in federal funding to North Carolina Emergency Management for private property debris removal operations as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $7,501,213.30 $6,751,091.97 90%PANORTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis award provides $6,751,091.97 in federal funding to the North Carolina Emergency Management for debris removal operations as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.$588,947.52 $588,947.52 100%PATOWN OF BEECH MOUNTAIN\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis grant will fund costs related to the management of Public Assistance grants as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $1,205,607.58 $1,085,046.83 90%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Watauga County: Division 11 State Routes 1641, 1559, 1581, 1599, 1617, 1538, 1607, 1508, 1606, 1638, and 1600\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis award provides $1,085,046.83 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for permanent repairs as a direct result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $350,233.07 $350,233.07 100%PAAPPALACHIAN REGIONAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, INC.\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis grant will fund emergency protective measures as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $200,683.68 $200,683.68 100%PACALDWELL COUNTY\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis grant will fund costs related to the management of Public Assistance grants as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $264,260.80 $264,260.80 100%PAVILLAGE OF SUGAR MOUNTAIN\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis grant will fund costs related to the management of Public Assistance grants as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $633,808.13 $475,356.10 75%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/11/2025\n\nThis grant will fund road base, surfaces, culverts, repair or replacement as a result of FEMA-DR-4889-NC (Tropical Depression Chantal). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $837,350.36 $628,012.77 75%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/11/2025\n\nThis grant will fund base, culvert, shoulder, embankment rip rap, and surface repair or replacement as a result of FEMA-DR-4889-NC (Tropical Depression Chantal). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $434,510.30 $325,882.73 75%PATOWN OF YANCEYVILLE\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/11/2025\n\nThis grant will fund emergency protective measures as a result of FEMA-DR-4889-NC (Tropical Depression Chantal). This funding is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $1,049,213.84 $786,910.38 75%PANORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/11/2025\n\nThis grant will fund shoulder, embankment, pipe, other, signage repair or replacement as a result of FEMA-DR-4889-NC (Tropical Depression Chantal). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $435,077.15 $326,307.87 75%PACITY OF BURLINGTON\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/11/2025\n\nThis grant will fund water line repair or replacement as a result of FEMA-DR-4889-NC (Tropical Depression Chantal). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $0.00 $466,777.42 75%PAHYDE COUNTY\n\nDeclaration Date: 10/4/2019\n\nThis grant will fund jurisdiction wide debris removal operations as a result of FEMA-DR-4465-NC (Hurricane Dorian). This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-i-5-bridge-replacement-project-clearing-crucial-federal-milestone", "title": "Cantwell Statement on I-5 Bridge Replacement Project Clearing Crucial Federal Milestone", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Statement on I-5 Bridge Replacement Project Clearing Crucial Federal Milestone\n\nEDMONDS, WA – The Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration announced that they have issued an amended Record of Decision for the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement (IBR) Project, effectively signing off on the environmental review phase and clearing the way for the decadeslong project to move into the construction phase.\n\nU.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement:\n\n“Let’s get building! The signing of the Record of Decision brings the Pacific Northwest one step closer to replacing the aging Interstate Bridge with the modern, resilient crossing our region has needed for decades. This bridge carries one of the Nation's most important freight corridors, with $48 billion in American-made and American-grown goods crossing it each year. With this key federal environmental review complete, it's time to put the $2.1 billion in federal grants to work building a bridge that will serve our region and the Nation for generations.\"\n\nAs the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate committee that oversees transportation and commerce, Sen. Cantwell has been a leading national voice for replacing the I-5 bridge. She created the National Infrastructure Project Assistance program, or Mega program, with the I-5 bridge in mind.\n\nIn December 2023, the project was awarded $600 million, the largest-ever grant through the program. In July 2024, the project received $1.5 billion in federal funds from the Bridge Investment Program (BIP), which was funded through the BIL. Federal grants announced so far for the project account for over $2.1 billion in funding.\n\nA one-pager on Sen. Cantwell’s history of leadership establishing the Mega program in the BIL, as well as championing the I-5 bridge replacement project overall, is available HERE.\n\nIn January 2025, she secured a commitment from U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy during his Commerce Committee nomination hearing to honor the federal funding allocated by the Biden administration to projects already underway, including the I-5 bridge between Vancouver and Portland.\n\nIn August 2024, Sen. Cantwell joined Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt to celebrate the $1.5 billion BIP grant. Video of that press conference is available HERE, audio HERE, photos HERE, and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks HERE.\n\nIn January 2024, Sen. Cantwell held a roundtable discussion with local leaders, stakeholders, and other federal officials. The group toured the I-5 bridge and discussed future funding opportunities for completion of the replacement project. [PRESS RELEASE | PHOTOS]", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-stagnant-june-jobs-and-wages-report", "title": "Cantwell Statement on Stagnant June Jobs & Wages Report", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Statement on Stagnant June Jobs & Wages Report\n\nEDMONDS, WA – Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released new data showing American wages are not keeping up with inflation. Average hourly earnings growth for workers was 3.5% over June of last year, falling short of annual inflation, which is approximately 4%.\n\nThe new BLS data also showed nonfarm payroll employment holding relatively steady between May and June 2026, and that the unemployment rate ticked down slightly -- from 4.3% to 4.2%.\n\nU.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement:", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/crucial-infrastructure-projects-in-bellingham-tacoma-and-spokane-funded-with-519m-from-cantwell-championed-grant-program", "title": "Crucial Infrastructure Projects in Bellingham, Tacoma & Spokane Funded With $51.9M From Cantwell-Championed Grant Program", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Crucial Infrastructure Projects in Bellingham, Tacoma & Spokane Funded With $51.9M From Cantwell-Championed Grant Program\n\nFunds will upgrade the Port of Bellingham, reconstruct a crucial Spokane Valley interchange, & rebuild a bridge connecting Tacoma & Fife\n\nEDMONDS, WA – Today, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) announced $59.1 million for three vital infrastructure projects in Washington state funded by the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program, which provides grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact.\n\nRecipients in Washington state included:\n\nThe Port of Bellingham received $23.5 million for its Bellingham Shipping Terminal Rehabilitation Phase II: North Pier Rehabilitation. This project will rebuild pier infrastructure, strengthen deck loading capacity, and upgrade mooring systems at a public coastal port. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, wrote a letter of support for the project to the DOT.\n\n\"The Port of Bellingham plays a vital role in Washington's maritime economy, and this investment will upgrade critical infrastructure needed to move cargo safely and efficiently for decades to come. The upgraded North Pier will reinforce Northwest Washington's role as a gateway for trade by doubling vessel capacity, reducing vessel time in port by 50 percent, and generating an estimated $11.8 million in annual economic impact for Whatcom County,” Sen. Cantwell said today.\n\nThe City of Spokane Valley received $20.8 million for the Sullivan and Trent Interchange Project. The project will reconstruct the Sullivan Road and Trent Avenue (State Route 290) interchange. Work includes replacing the Sullivan Road bridge over Trent Avenue and extending the bridge over BNSF Railway’s tracks, replacing signalized intersections with two roundabouts, widening Sullivan Road to five lanes at the northerly connection of the Bigelow Gulch Corridor at Wellesley Avenue, adding a shared use pathway on one side, installing improved multi-modal lighting, and reconstructing all ADA facilities. Sullivan Road is home to over 9,000 jobs, 85% of which are directly related to freight. Sen. Cantwell wrote a letter of support for the project.\n\n\"This investment will modernize one of eastern Washington's most important freight corridors by reducing congestion, improving safety, and keeping goods moving through Spokane Valley more efficiently. Upgrading the Sullivan and Trent interchange will improve travel for 30,000 daily commuters, facilitate the movement of 10 million tons of freight each year, support thousands of jobs, strengthen our regional economy, and help businesses move products faster and more reliably,” Sen. Cantwell said today.\n\nThe City of Tacoma received $7.6 million to replace the Fishing Wars Memorial Bridge. The project will fund environmental analysis and design to replace four closed bridges with one bridge that re-connects the City of Tacoma with the City of Fife. Sen. Cantwell wrote a letter of support for the project.\n\n\"Replacing the Fishing Wars Memorial Bridge is essential to restoring a critical freight and commuter connection that supports the Port of Tacoma, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Tribal communities, and thousands of Washington jobs. Before its closure in 2023, more than 15,000 vehicles used the bridge each day. This federal investment will help Tacoma complete the planning needed to reopen the corridor and replace the bridge with a safer, stronger crossing that improves mobility, strengthens our supply chains, and keeps our economy moving,” Sen. Cantwell said.\n\nAs chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation at the time, Sen. Cantwell helped secure $7.5 billion for the BUILD program, at the time called the RAISE program – a 50% annual increase – in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2021. Now, as ranking member, she continues to champion the program and support surface transportation projects across the Pacific Northwest.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-capito-celebrates-americas-250th-birthday", "title": "VIDEO: Capito Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click here or the image above to watch the video.\n\n*Click here to download the video.*\n\nCHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today issued a video statement celebrating the 250th anniversary of America’s independence ahead of the Fourth of July.\n\nFull video transcript included below:\n\n“Wow!\n\n“250 years of America, what an extraordinary milestone in our nation’s history.\n\n“On July 4th, 1776, our Founding Fathers laid the cornerstone of freedom, prosperity, and justice for the United States of America.\n\n“The Declaration of Independence cemented that we are all endowed by our creator with inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.\n\n“As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, we honor the patriots and pioneers who fought to preserve and protect the freedoms we hold dear.\n\n“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our founders and countless generations before us, who have carried forward the American promise.\n\n“On this especially significant anniversary of our nation, my hope is that every American takes a moment to reflect with pride and gratitude for the incredible story we share, and for the extraordinary nation we call home.\n\n“Happy Birthday, America!”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-nearly-20-million-for-eastport-breakwater-and-fish-pier-upgrades", "title": "Senator Collins Announces Nearly $20 Million for Eastport Breakwater and Fish Pier Upgrades", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced today that the Eastport Port Authority will receive $19.7 million through the federal Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program to support the modernization of the city’s breakwater and fish pier.\n\nSpecifically, the funding will be used to rehabilitate and upgrade Eastport’s 45-year-old fish pier, which has deteriorated to a critical condition and is at risk of structural failure, and to complete a 97-foot extension of Eastport’s breakwater, improving wave attenuation, protecting the inner harbor, and helping ensure safe and reliable operations for all users.\n\n“This significant investment will strengthen Eastport’s working waterfront, further protect the harbor from storm damage, and support the individuals and businesses who depend on this critical infrastructure,” said Senator Collins. “I strongly advocated for this project because these upgrades to the fish pier and breakwater will make Eastport’s harbor safer, more resilient, and better able to support the local economy for years to come.”\n\nIn March, Senator Collins sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy in support of the Eastport Port Authority’s BUILD grant application. In her letter, she stressed that the fish pier and breakwater upgrades are needed to meet the safety and economic needs of eastern Maine.\n\nAs Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins included $145 million for BUILD grants in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill. The BUILD program provides federal assistance for important road, rail, transit, and port projects across the country.\n\nSince 2009, when Senator Collins became a member of the Appropriations Committee, she has helped secure more than $1 billion in competitive transportation grants for the State of Maine.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-visits-sierra-nevada-job-corps-discusses-impact-on-the-state-and-region/", "title": "Cortez Masto Visits Sierra Nevada Job Corps, Discusses Impact on the State and Region", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cortez Masto Worked Across the Aisle to Keep Sierra Nevada Job Corps Open After Trump Administration Threatened to Defund Program Last Summer\n\nFTPs for TV stations is available here.\n\nReno, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) visited Sierra Nevada Job Corps (SNJC) and joined SNJC Center Director Rocky Flanary and Deputy Center Director Sheilah Hernandez to discuss the importance of the program to Northern Nevada and its impact on tens of thousands of unprivileged students, staff, and employers from throughout the state.\n\nLast year, Senator Cortez Masto led Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Governor Joe Lombardo (R-Nev.), and Representatives Mark Amodei (R-Nev.-02), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.-04), Dina Titus (D-Nev.-01), and Susie Lee (D-Nev.-03) in demanding that the Department of Labor (DOL) reverse course on its decision to defund and close Nevada’s Job Corps Program. Following their letter to then Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez DeRemer, the Department made the decision to continue funding SNJC.\n\n“Sierra Nevada Job Corps is a lifeline for thousands of young Nevadans across our state, providing them with the education and training they need to land a job and keep it,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I’m proud that our state came together to save this program after the Trump Administration threatened its funding. I will continue fighting to provide government support for the programs that serve both our young Nevadans and the employers looking to hire them.”\n\nSenator Cortez Masto has been consistent in her fights against harmful gutting of support to students and families in need throughout Nevada, including cuts to mental health grant funding and food and nutrition programs. She has also delivered critical support to at-risk youth across Nevada. She helped secure nearly $12 million in funding for the Communities in Schools (CIS) program, which works with local partner organizations to provide eligible students and their families with essential services, including mental health care and access to high-quality afterschool and leadership programs. Cortez Masto’s provision to increase the number of mental health professionals in schools was included in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was signed into law.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/breaking-cramer-announces-mq-9-flyover-for-theodore-roosevelt-presidential-library", "title": "BREAKING: Cramer Announces MQ-9 Flyover for Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "MEDORA, N.D. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced today the North Dakota Air National Guard 119th Wing, known as the Happy Hooligans, will be doing a flyover at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. The Happy Hooligans, based in Fargo, will fly an MQ-9 Reaper, which Air Force Chief of Staff General Kenneth Wilsbach recently referred to as the MVP of Operation Epic Fury.\n\nWhile the original flyover plan was scuttled by the military due to “real-life circumstances,” and with very little time to authorize an alternative, Cramer, who chairs the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, contacted Air Combat Command Commander General Adrian Spain and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.\n\n“You don’t often get to see an MQ-9 Reaper doing a flyover,” said Cramer. “In fact, this might be the first one. But thanks to the leadership of the Department of War, the Air Force, and Air Combat Command, North Dakota’s own Happy Hooligans from the 119th Wing in Fargo will fly one over the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library on the Fourth of July. It’s a fitting tribute to the men and women who serve with excellence and exemplifies their ability to turn on a dime and shift gears and do something never done before. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and we weren’t going to take ‘no’ for an answer.”\n\nIt’s unknown whether an MQ-9 Reaper has ever performed a ceremonial flyover, making this a truly historic tribute to the adaptability and tenacity of the Happy Hooligans and the North Dakota National Guard. For decades, the 119th Wing has proudly carried Theodore Roosevelt’s silhouette on the tails of its aircraft, including the F-16s that helped protect the skies over the U.S. Capitol in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/dot-awards-24-million-to-north-dakota-for-i-94-project", "title": "DOT Awards $24 Million to North Dakota for I-94 Project", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced an award of $24,000,000 to the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) for the I-94 State of Good Repair Project through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program.\n\nThis funding will support the replacement of an approximately 10-mile stretch of westbound I-94 with modern pavement, addressing buckling failures and improving the roadway’s long-term durability. High-tension cable guard rails will be installed in the median and asphalt overlays will be added at existing interchanges and ramps. The projects will also remove and replace all culverts within the project limits and perform subgrade repairs.\n\n“For over 60 years, I-94 has been essential to getting around the state,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “The I-94 corridor is a central part of our state’s economy and our way of life in North Dakota. This grant will ensure efficient transportation for the thousands of people who use this vital transportation corridor each day.”\n\nIn 2021, Cramer helped craft the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and shepherd it through Congress. The BUILD grant program, previously known as Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE), was reauthorized in the BIL. The program helps project sponsors at both the state and local levels, including municipalities, tribal governments, and counties, complete critical freight and passenger transportation infrastructure projects.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/faa-awards-nearly-32-million-to-north-dakota-airports", "title": "FAA Awards Nearly $32 Million to North Dakota Airports", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "FAA Awards Nearly $32 Million to North Dakota Airports\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced $31,968,035 in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants for airports across North Dakota. The funding will be distributed as follows:\n\n$8,818,680 to the Bismarck Municipal Airport to rehabilitate Runway 3/21 and Taxiways D, D1, D2, and D3; reconstruct runway and taxiway lighting; construct runway safety area improvements and a blast pad; and complete associated airfield safety enhancements.\n\n$8,619,121 to the Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport to construct a new terminal apron, new Taxiways H and I, and install new taxiway lighting.\n\n$7,628,531 to the Minot International Airport to rehabilitate Runway 8/26, reconstruct and replace runway end identifier lights, reconstruct runway lighting, realign Taxiway B, and construct the southern portion of taxiway.\n\n$4,000,000 to the Hector International Airport to complete reconstruction of the terminal apron.\n\n$950,000 to the Beach Municipal Airport for lighting, airfield signage, precision approach path indicator, rotating beacon, and lighting vault reconstruction projects.\n\n$519,840 to the Williston Basin International Airport to reseal pavement joints on taxilanes, taxiways, and the commercial apron.\n\n$519,009 to the Mott Municipal Airport to reseal the apron, runway, taxiway, and taxilanes to extend the life of existing pavement.\n\n$375,000 to the Glen Ullin Regional Airport to reseal the runway, taxiway, taxilanes, and general aviation apron.\n\n$310,000 to the Garrison Airport Authority to reconstruct portions of the airport terminal.\n\n$167,854 to the Adams County Airport Authority for design and installation of new taxiway lighting at Hettinger’s J.B. Lindquist Regional Airport.\n\n$60,000 to the Tioga Municipal Airport Authority for design work associated with extending Taxiway A and expanding the airport’s holding bay.\n\nThe FAA AIP provides funding to airports nationwide for planning, capital, and safety enhancement projects.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-encourages-community-lenders-to-apply-for-cdfi-funding-following-omb-release-of-grant-applications", "title": "Crapo Encourages Community Lenders to Apply for CDFI Funding Following OMB Release of Grant Applications", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) encourages Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) lenders in Idaho and across the country to apply promptly for federal funding after the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released long-awaited Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs) and application materials for the CDFI Fund's Bank Enterprise Award (BEA) and Small Dollar Loan (SDL) programs.\n\nThe OMB released application materials Tuesday following a June letter led by Senators Mike Crapo, Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi) and eight additional Senate colleagues urging the Office to make the funding opportunities available without further delay. The notices provide approximately one month for applications. CDFI lenders use BEA and SDL resources to expand access to capital and financial services in rural and underserved communities.\n\n“CDFIs play a vital role in strengthening Idaho's rural communities by providing access to capital for small businesses, homeownership and other local investments that might not otherwise be available through the traditional finance sector,” said Crapo. “The release of these funding opportunities is an important step toward ensuring CDFI lenders can continue serving rural and underserved communities as intended. Eligible Idaho lenders should apply right away so these resources can help support local businesses, families and economic growth.”\n\nEstablished in 1994, the CDFI Fund enables certified lenders to leverage federal dollars with private-sector investment to bring much-needed financial resources to low-income and rural regions. These lenders use public and private partnerships to finance small businesses, affordable housing and essential community services.\n\nCrapo and Hyde-Smith led the June effort urging OMB Director Russell Vought to release BEA and SDL NOFAs. Ten Senators signed the letter noting 80 percent of BEA funds are distributed to rural banks and used to back billions in loans and investments to support small businesses, housing and economic development in underserved areas.\n\n“We cannot express how strongly we believe the failure to immediately release the FY 2025 BEA and SDL NOFAs and application materials will result in the CDFI Fund having insufficient time to process applications and award funds. Such a situation risks preventable harm to the communities that the BEA and SDL were established by Congress to serve,” the Senators wrote.\n\nAdditional letter signatories included Senators Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-Louisiana), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi).\n\nFind 2026 funding opportunity information for the BEA Program here and the SDL Program here.\n\nBackground:\n\nSenator Crapo is the co-chair of the Senate Community Development Finance Caucus. He is the co-lead of the Scaling Community Lenders Act, which would unlock more sources of liquidity and support for CDFIs. He is also a co-sponsor of the Access to Fair Financing for Opportunity and Resilient Development Act, which would strengthen the CDFI Fund and provide added transparency over its operations. Senator Crapo is also the co-sponsor of the CDFI Fund Transparency Act, which would require the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury to testify annually before the Senate Banking and House Financial Services Committees regarding operations of the CDFI Fund during the previous fiscal year.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/idaho-delegation-submits-time-capsule-items-for-americas-250th-anniversary", "title": "Idaho Delegation Submits Time Capsule Items for America’s 250th Anniversary", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—Idaho’s U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, and U.S. Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, submitted a collection of historic items for the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule. As the United States marks 250 years of independence, the selected items reflect the unique ingenuity, productivity and pioneering spirit that shape the Gem State and continue to influence the future of the nation.\n\n\"Idaho is honored to contribute items that tell the story of our state’s rich past and forward-looking leadership,\" said Senator Crapo. \"Together, these symbols represent the enduring efforts of Idahoans to lead our nation into the next 250 years through tribal cultural traditions, agricultural production, scientific research, energy innovation and advanced semiconductor manufacturing.\"\n\n“For generations, Idahoans have embodied the values that make this country great: faith, hard work, grit, and self-reliance. From our potato farmers feeding the nation to our advancements in semiconductors and nuclear energy driving innovation, Idaho is leading the way to a stronger and more prosperous America,” said Senator Risch. “As we celebrate America 250, I’m proud to recognize a few of Idaho’s significant contributions to the United States through this time capsule. We live in the greatest state in the greatest nation in the world, and I am confident that will continue for another 250 years and beyond.”\n\n\"I am thrilled to join my Idaho colleagues in celebrating 250 years of American independence through the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule,” said Representative Fulcher. “From our rich agricultural roots to our leadership in energy innovation and advanced manufacturing, the items we contributed reflect the trailblazing spirit and hardworking communities that define the Gem State. It’s an honor to share them with future generations of Americans 250 years from now.”\n\n“As we prepare to celebrate our nation's 250th birthday, I am honored to participate in the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule alongside my colleagues from Idaho,” said Representative Simpson. “Our contributions include some of the very best that the Gem State has to offer, and I am confident that future generations will appreciate Idaho's rich heritage. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I look forward to celebrating America’s 250th.”\n\n“Participating in this time capsule allows the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes to leave a meaningful message for future generations,” said Shoshone-Bannock Chairwoman Donna Thompson. “The items we selected reflect our culture, history, and community in 2026, from our beadwork to stories preserved in our Tribal newspaper and historical publications. Each piece honors our ancestors and preserves our identity. We hope that when the capsule is opened, people will see a nation proud of its heritage, committed to its traditions, and dedicated to a strong future for our people.”\n\n“The Nez Perce Tribe was honored to contribute a copy of the Nez Perce Treaty of 1855 and a patch featuring our Tribal logo alongside the U.S flag to the time capsule,” said Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee Chairman Samuel N. Penney. “Together, these items demonstrate and symbolize the enduring history, legacy, and the government-to-government relationship between the United States and the Nez Perce Tribe. We hope future generations who open this capsule will recognize and appreciate the significance of this lasting relationship.”\n\n\"The Idaho potato industry is honored that Spuddy Buddy, Idaho's beloved potato mascot, is included in the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule, representing Idaho’s most iconic crop and the rich agricultural heritage of our state,\" said Jamey Higham, CEO, Idaho Potato Commission.\n\n\"Two hundred and fifty years ago, America's founders could not have imagined the atom, let alone its power,” said John Wagner, Director of the Idaho National Laboratory. “The coin in this capsule comes from the high desert of Idaho, where the United States first proved that the atom could power a nation — and where, today, the next chapter of nuclear energy is being written. INL is proud to carry that legacy forward — testing, validating, and demonstrating the advanced reactors that will define the next era of American energy leadership.”\n\n“For more than four decades, Micron has proudly called Idaho home, and our roots in Boise continue to shape who we are as a company,” said Sanjay Mehrotra, Chairman, President, and CEO of Micron Technology. “From this foundation, we are advancing cutting-edge memory and storage innovations that power the AI-driven future and strengthen U.S. technology leadership. It is an honor to contribute to this time capsule and celebrate Idaho’s enduring spirit of innovation as we help build the next 250 years of American ingenuity.”\n\nThe delegation submitted the following items to represent the foundational pillars of Idaho’s identity:\n\nNez Perce, Shoshone-Bannock and Coeur d’Alene Tribal Items: Recognizing that Idaho’s history and identity are inseparable from the Native American Tribes that have called the region home since long before statehood, these items honor the resilience, cultural legacy and continuing contributions of Idaho’s Tribal Nations.\n\n\"Spuddy Buddy\" Plush: Idaho potatoes are synonymous with quality and American farming excellence. As the nation’s leading potato producer, this item symbolizes the hard work, resilience and stewardship of the land that defines Idaho’s vital agricultural sector. Generations of Idahoans work in the agriculture industry, and their work feeds our nation and the world.\n\nIdaho National Laboratory (INL) Challenge Coin: The INL represents Idaho’s longstanding leadership in scientific discovery and energy innovation. The coin highlights a legacy that began with generating the world's first usable nuclear electricity in 1951 and continues today with the recent historic criticality milestone of the Antares microreactor.\n\nMicron HBM4 Chip: As the most advanced memory chip in the world in 2026, this item represents Boise-based Micron Technology’s role in a strategically vital industry: semiconductor manufacturing and research and development. The chip underscores Idaho’s leadership in high-tech innovation, artificial intelligence and national security at a time Micron is making historic investments in its Boise campus.\n\nTogether, these items contribute to the story of Idaho. The Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule will be sealed as part of the nation's 250th-anniversary celebrations, preserving these symbols of Idaho’s past, present and future for generations of Americans to come. The time capsule is not expected to be opened until 2276.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-join-senate-democrats-in-demanding-omb-rescind-rule-giving-president-sweeping-power-to-politicize-federal-grants", "title": "Duckworth, Durbin Join Senate Democrats in Demanding OMB Rescind Rule Giving President Sweeping Power to Politicize Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Patty Murray (D-WA) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) along with the entire Senate Democratic caucus in demanding Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought immediately rescind OMB’s proposed regulation on federal financial assistance. The Senators warned the proposal exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’s constitutional power of the purse and would allow the President to weaponize federal grants for political purposes.\n\n“Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals,” the Senators wrote. “Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs.”\n\nThe proposed rule would dramatically expand agencies’ authority to terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. It would also require political appointees to make funding decisions without deferring to expert peer review. The Senators warn this would inject partisan politics into grantmaking, threaten America’s leadership in scientific and medical innovation and create chaos for communities and organizations that rely on federal funding to deliver critical services.\n\n“Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators also argue that OMB’s proposal would force grant recipients to comply with vague, undefined and political grant conditions that conflict with existing statutes. At the same time, it would weaken transparency and accountability requirements intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars. These changes could discourage qualified organizations from applying for federal grants and increase the risk of waste, fraud and abuse.\n\nThe Senators concluded: “Article I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal.”\n\nAlong with Duckworth, Durbin, Peters, Schumer, Murray and Merkley the letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe full letter is available on the Senator’s Duckworth’s website.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-japan-duckworth-continues-efforts-to-bring-more-agriculture-quantum-and-economic-investments-to-illinois", "title": "In Japan, Duckworth Continues Efforts to Bring More Agriculture, Quantum and Economic Investments to Illinois", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[TOKYO, JAPAN] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—arrived in Japan on a Congressional delegation (CODEL) she arranged to continue her efforts meeting with high-level business leaders and government officials and promoting Illinois abroad. During her official trip, Duckworth plans to meet with businesses and convened leaders in quantum and technology to shore up previous trade commitments and reassure the international leaders that Illinois’s economy is still strong, well-positioned and ready for greater further investments in agriculture and manufacturing.\n\n“Thanks to the chaos and confusion from the Trump Administration, there’s a lot of uncertainty abroad in about investing in America’s economy right now—I’m traveling to Japan to provide another perspective,” Duckworth said. “With our existing investments and strong leadership at the state level, Illinois is as strong as ever and the perfect place for more investments and international business expansion from our partners in Asia. Not only is it a great business opportunity for our partners, but I’ve seen firsthand how these investments help create jobs, support farmers and grow our economy back home. I’m looking forward to building on my work meeting with business leaders in Japan to strengthen existing partnerships, attract new investment and continue promoting Illinois on a global stage.”\n\nDuckworth plans to attend a series of business engagements in Japan, including a:\n\nMeeting with Toshiba business leaders to highlight Illinois’s strength for future investment. Toshiba’s CEO Taro Shimada also leads Q-STAR, Quantum Strategic industry Alliance for Revolution, which is the leading quantum technology consortium that is looking to explore future opportunities in Illinois.\n\nMeeting with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) leaders to build upon significant agricultural and biofuels investments the Senator has secured on previous trips and highlight Illinois as a strong trade partner and producer of soy, corn, ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).\n\nMeeting with IBM leaders to show appreciation for their recent large investment in Illinois’s quantum ecosystem and learn more about their advanced quantum computer (IBM Quantum System One).\n\nMeeting with Komazawa Housing Exhibition Park to connect with top Japanese modular housing manufacturers at Sekisui House and discuss future opportunities for collaboration and exchange on innovative modular housing investments in Illinois. These partnerships would help address housing shortages across our state by increasing the housing supply while expanding manufacturing and creating good-paying jobs for Illinois families.\n\nMeeting with DMG MORI Inc. to recognize business leaders for their recent $40.5 million investment to expand the company’s operations in Illinois—establishing a new advanced manufacturing and R&D facility in the Chicagoland area and creating 74 new full-time jobs. The Senator will also tour their ITAR-compliant facility in Nara, Japan.\n\nMeeting with Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama of Osaka to discuss the sister city relationship between Chicago and Osaka as well as further investment opportunities between the two cities.\n\nAs a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Duckworth has extensively championed Illinois abroad. Following a previous official visit to Japan, Japan announced a regulatory change that will lead to an increase in imports from U.S. biofuel producers, supporting our farmers and growing Illinois’s economy. After a prior visit to Taiwan, she previously helped secure a commitment to purchase an estimated $2.6 billion of Illinois’s corn and soybeans.\n\nSince becoming a member of SFRC, Duckworth has also traveled to Laos and Vietnam, Sweden and the Netherlands, Romania and the United Kingdom and the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-welcomes-60-new-citizens-at-naturalization-ceremony", "title": "Durbin Welcomes 60 New Citizens At Naturalization Ceremony", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "URBANA, IL – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today celebrated the naturalization of 60 new citizens from 25 countries at a ceremony presided over by the Honorable Eric I. Long, United States Magistrate Judge for the Central District of Illinois. Durbin was joined by Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams.\n\n“Today, 60 new Americans from 25 countries took an oath that binds us all—not by birth, but by shared belief in our country's promise. My own mother came to this country as a two-year-old refugee from Lithuania, and I keep her naturalization certificate framed in my office to this day. It reminds me that America has always been strengthened, not weakened like some want us to believe, by those who choose it. To our newest citizens: you now carry both the rights and the responsibilities of this democracy, and I'm counting on you to exercise and defend them. What an incredible way to begin the holiday weekend,” said Durbin.\n\nPhotos of the naturalization ceremony are available here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-democrats-urge-justice-department-to-reject-payouts-for-january-6-rioters", "title": "Senate Democrats Urge Justice Department To Reject Payouts For January 6 Rioters", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Ahead of Todd Blanche’s nomination hearing, Durbin, Padilla, Klobuchar, and Whitehouse lead colleagues in demanding answers to previous letters urging DOJ to abandon any efforts to refund or financially reward convicted January 6 insurrectionists\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee; U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration; and U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) led fourteen of their colleagues in urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to halt any efforts to compensate January 6 rioters and commit to defending taxpayers in any January 6-related lawsuits.\n\nIn their letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Senators expressed concern over the DOJ’s ongoing efforts to reimburse January 6 insurrectionists with taxpayer funds and the reported 600 January 6-related claims filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act(FTCA). The Senators’ fourth letter to the DOJ comes after Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward agreed with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) in a now-deleted social media post that the DOJ should create a weaponization fund based on the FTCA. This letter comes ahead of Blanche’s confirmation hearing for Attorney General, scheduled for July 15.\n\nThe Senators highlighted that since sending their three unanswered letters, the DOJ announced the $1.8 billion slush fund that was intended to pay out alleged victims of DOJ “weaponization,” including January 6 insurrectionists. Following bipartisan backlash and a temporary injunction by a federal court, the DOJ disavowed the slush fund and stated they would not move forward with it.\n\n“Although a federal judge has enjoined the slush fund, there are other plans to undermine the American justice system to pay out January 6 rioters, including those convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers,” wrote the Senators. “According to reporting, approximately 600 January 6 rioters have filed claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), expecting to receive millions of dollars in compensation for alleged injuries they sustained because they were prosecuted for crimes they committed during the attack on the Capitol. Tellingly, one lawyer representing January 6 rioters expressed concern that the $1.8 billion slush fund would result in smaller per-person settlements than settling his clients’ FTCA claims out of the Judgment Fund. Another group of plaintiffs bringing FTCA claims, including a member of the Proud Boys who was charged with assault, has filed a class action in federal court, seeking more than $18 million.”\n\nThe Senators raised concerns over the DOJ’s apparent failure to reject these FTCA claims and over additional lawsuits filed by January 6 insurrectionists against the federal government. The Senators reiterated previously raised questions that had gone unanswered by former Attorney General Pam Bondi, requesting information about any FTCA claims related to the January 6 attack and whether the DOJ had addressed those claims.\n\n“The Department of Justice must end this corrupt money grab by publicly committing that it will not pursue any other such compensation fund and that it will vigorously defend taxpayers in any January 6-related lawsuits,” concluded the Senators.“We request a written response to this letter making these commitments and responding to our questions by no later than July 14, 2026.”\n\nIn addition to Durbin, Padilla, Klobuchar, and Whitehouse, the letter was signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Gary Peters (D-MI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-holds-community-conversation-with-native-veterans/", "title": "Gallego Holds Community Conversation with Native Veterans", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "TUBA CITY – This week, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) hosted a Tribal Veterans Community Conversation in Tuba City, Arizona, to hear directly from Native veterans in Northeastern Arizona.\n\nICYMI: Navajo Times: In Tuba City, Gallego says feds are failing Navajo veterans\n\nFind more photos from the event HERE.\n\nDuring the event, Senator Gallego met with Gold Star families and reflected on his own experience losing friends in war:\n\n“Of the around 200 men to serve in my company, 23 died. About one third of us were either wounded or killed. The average age was probably around 20. And so especially right now when we’re in another war – a war that, by the way, I’ve been against from day one. The reason I was against is because, like the Iraq war, they were just going to send a lot of these young men and women into a war they weren’t ready for. They didn’t think about what was going to happen. They didn’t think about how to get out of this war. And then what happens, obviously, is they send us very quickly to war … but when we need something, when we get back, we need our VA services, we need our pay, we need our assistance, then they’re always very slow, right?”\n\nSenator Gallego has consistently spoken out against and voted to end Trump’s illegal war.\n\nWhen asked about the VA’s restructuring plan and hiring freeze and how it would impact Native American veterans, who already have to travel excessive distances for care:\n\n“We’re trying to stop that, because I’m afraid what they’re going to do is keep firing people or keep letting people go, and then not replace them. And the places that usually get squeezed are the places that are like here, or other rural parts of America. Because it’s always easy to find a doctor who will go to Phoenix, right, or dentist, or anything else like that. Once you lose a doctor, dentist, or nurse from rural Arizona, from Indian country, it’s really hard to replace them.”\n\nSenator Gallego has consistently pushed back on VA staffing cuts. Last year, the VAreversed course on plans to lay off more than 83,000 employees after Senator Gallego placed a blanket hold on all VA nominees in response to the initial plan.\n\nSenator Gallego also spoke about how he’s fighting back against Republican attempts to cut veterans benefits:\n\n“Right now, there’s a bill that’s very dangerous, that wants to go cut veteran benefits … There’s a lot of money in this country. We gave a lot of money to a lot of rich people. We’re going to war right now for big oil corporations. If he wants to expand services to veterans, you don’t need to rob other veterans to pay for that, right? And so, I’m standing against this bill.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/07/02/2026/qanda-farm-bill-update", "title": "Q&A: Farm Bill Update", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Q: How did the Working Families Tax Cut law boost the farm safety net?\n\nA: Exactly one year ago on July 4th, President Trump signed into law the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. During my annual county meetings this week across Northwest Iowa, I heard from Iowans how the tax law put more money in their pockets thanks to tax cuts on tips, overtime and senior income. The Republican-led tax law delivered historic tax relief to the American people and unleashed the promise of prosperity, a founding pillar of the American economy as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday.\n\nThe tax law also strengthened the farm safety net, boosting farm risk management programs by more than $65 billion over the next decade. Family farmers feeling the pinch of high input costs will get much-needed relief if market prices fall below federal baseline prices. The Working Families Tax Cuts Act set the minimum threshold at $4.10/bushel of corn and $10/bushel of soybeans. It also improved the formula used to calculate effective reference prices through the 2031 crop year. USDA also will expand eligibility for these risk management programs to 30 million new acres starting in the 2026 crop year, further strengthening the farm safety net for the 2% of Americans who feed and fuel America. The federal law also boosted the government’s share of crop insurance premiums to help improve affordability for beginning farmers, enabling more producers to qualify for assistance and secure savings on insurance premiums. On the one-year anniversary of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, I’m glad these agriculture policies are the law of the land to deliver peace of mind to Iowans whose livelihoods depend on a strong farm economy. Now, I’m pressing to get the five-year farm bill to the president’s desk.\n\nQ: What policies are you pushing in the Senate Farm Bill?\n\nA: As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I’m glad the chairman of the committee released a bipartisan discussion draft to keep the ball rolling on the overdue farm bill. The House of Representatives passed its five-year farm bill on April 30th. One of my legislative priorities on behalf of Iowa farmers is addressing the high cost of fertilizer. As a lifelong family farmer, I understand how variable costs of seed, fertilizer, fuel and chemicals impact profitability. High fertilizer costs are hammering farmers’ bottom lines across the country, adversely impacting their ability to manage risk and invest in future production. That’s why I’ve been so outspoken to take off the Biden administration’s countervailing duties on fertilizer imports from Morocco. I strongly opposed the Biden Commerce Department raising tariff rates from zero to 18% in 2021, costing farmers an estimated $7 billion in the first four years. On behalf of Iowa farmers, I thank President Trump for listening and eliminating these misguided duties to help lower costs. That’s a big step in the right direction to address affordability for America’s farmers and families, from the farm field to the grocery store.\n\nAs work continues on the farm bill in the Senate, I’m glad the discussion draft includes a number of my bipartisan bills that I’ve introduced or co-sponsored, including:\n\n* Fertilizer Research Act would give farmers a clear-eyed look into market conditions that influence fertilizer costs;\n\n* Farmland Security Act would improve transparency and compliance on reporting requirements of foreign ownership of U.S. farmland;\n\n* Innovative FEED Act would clarify FDA regulation of animal feed substances to reduce foodborne pathogens;\n\n* Farm to Fly Act would foster development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and open a ramp to new markets for farmers and rural economic development;\n\n* U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (U.S. SHIP) would standardize biosecurity, traceability and disease surveillance for pork producers.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/the-combating-organized-retail-crime-act-protects-consumers-and-businesses-from-coast-to-coast", "title": "The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act Protects Consumers and Businesses from Coast to Coast", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – Organized retail crime is harming American consumers, businesses and employees nationwide. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, led by U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) would establish an integrated, commonsense response to this harmful criminal trend. The bill would establish new tools to recover stolen goods, while creating a centralized task force in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to share information and coordinate responses between federal, state and local law enforcement, as well as private industries.\n\nThis bipartisan proposal has garnered massive support from leaders at the national and local levels, including 38 state attorneys general, major law enforcement organizations and a coalition of over 260 impacted businesses. Further, it passed the U.S. House of Representatives by an overwhelming vote of 348-60 and was recently filed as an amendment to the Senate’s must-pass National Defense Authorization Act by Grassley and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).\n\nRead coverage from coast to coast exemplifying the urgent need for Congress to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act:\n\nMICHIGAN\n\nFox 2 Detroit | Former Ford employee ran criminal operation involving car parts stolen off the assembly line, police say\n\n“A former employee of Ford Motor Company is accused of taking millions of dollars in new car parts right off the line. An investigation by Dearborn Police found the alleged thefts going on for more than two years, stretching from plants in Wayne, Dearborn, and Flat Rock.”\n\nKENTUCKY\n\nWKYC | Woman ordered to pay $266K after fraud scheme targeted Home Depot stores in Ohio, Kentucky\n\n“A southern Ohio woman has been sentenced after Medina Township police say she carried out a yearslong organized retail fraud scheme that targeted multiple Home Depot stores across several states… Investigators said the scheme dated back to 2018 and involved more than 1,700 fraudulent transactions at multiple Home Depot stores in Ohio and Kentucky.”\n\nPBS | Crime ring busted for stealing valuable Kentucky bourbon\n\n“200 bottles of valuable Pappy Van Winkle bourbon whiskey were stolen from a locked and secure distillery in Kentucky. On Tuesday, authorities said they found a bourbon crime ring connected with the heist; nine people were indicted for taking more than $100,000 worth of whiskey…”\n\nRHODE ISLAND\n\nFall River Reporter | Woman arrested concerning organized retail theft operation in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, other states after $30,000 in suspected stolen merchandise seized\n\n“The Cranston Police Department is currently investigating a multi-jurisdictional organized retail theft operation involving a Cranston woman accused of stealing merchandise from retail stores across multiple New England states… Investigators estimate 227–250 pieces of clothing were recovered, valued between $10,000–$15,000.”\n\nWPRI | 2 RI men charged in $12M organized retail theft scheme\n\n“Cipriano and Vigneau are accused of raking in nearly $12.3 million by reselling goods stolen from various stores to other retailers and private citizens. The stores that were targeted include Walmart, Stop & Shop, CVS, and The Home Depot… This follows a seizure on Wednesday of approximately 60,000 stolen items.”\n\nILLINOIS\n\nWIXY | Illinois retail workers confront rising violence as organized crime surges\n\n“Illinois retail workers are facing increasing levels of in-store violence, driven in large part by repeat and organized offenders… The data shows that one in seven retail crime incidents in Illinois involve violence, weapons, or threatening behavior.”\n\nChicago Sun Times | Hundreds of thousands of dollars in protein powder, coffee and lobster stolen in Illinois-related thefts\n\n“A string of at least three brazen, large-scale Illinois-related thefts have caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in protein powder, coffee products and lobster to disappear… including 25,000 pounds of Seeq brand protein powder, worth more than $500,000… Roughly 24,000 pounds of stolen coffee products, worth about $100,000… Last week, $400,000 worth of lobster bound for Costco locations in Illinois and Minnesota vanished.”\n\nMISSISSIPPI\n\nThe Mississippi Link | Police: $500K in Nissan plant parts recovered\n\n“A raid on a car restoration business Wednesday uncovered about $500,000 in parts that police believe were stolen from the Nissan North American plant in Canton, authorities said.”\n\nWJTV | Pearl police arrest 3, recover stolen goods in retail theft ring case\n\n“Pearl police announced three suspects were arrested after officers recovered $6,500 in stolen merchandize following an investigation into a retail theft ring that targeted businesses in the city.”\n\nCALIFORNIA\n\nCBS San Francisco | Multiple suspects arrested in CHP operation targeting Northern California organized retail theft ring\n\n“A California Highway Patrol task force this month arrested 13 people and recovered over $800,000 in stolen merchandise in connection with an organized retail theft ring that operated across Northern California.”\n\nNBC4 Los Angeles | 14 arrested in elaborate $10 million Home Depot theft operation\n\n“Fourteen people were arrested in what authorities described as the country's largest organized retail theft case in the history of Home Depot… The highly organized criminal enterprise carried out about 600 heists over the years at Southern California Home Depot stores, including in Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties… Thefts over several years amounted to about $10 million in losses.”\n\nTEXAS\n\nNBC DFW | New data shows organized retail theft hitting North Texas harder than national average\n\n“North Texas retailers experience repeat and organized retail crime at a higher rate than the national average. The company, which works with 265 retailers in North Texas, recorded more than 20,000 retail crime events annually across the region.”\n\nThe Daily News | League City case leads to arrests in $260K retail theft spree\n\n“An investigation that began with the theft of several cameras from a League City Best Buy last summer has led to the arrests of seven Houston-area suspects accused of participating in a statewide organized retail theft ring responsible for more than $260,000 in losses.”\n\nDELAWARE\n\nNBC Philadelphia | Man accused of running organized retail theft operation in Delaware\n\n“A man has been arrested and charged following a months-long organized retail theft investigation involving multiple businesses throughout New Castle County, Delaware… Detectives found around 4,317 items of suspected stolen merchandise with an estimated retail value of $70,292.36.”\n\nWASHINGTON\n\nFox 13 Seattle | ‘Prolific’ Bellevue, WA retail theft suspect back in jail just months after release\n\n“A woman Bellevue police describe as one of the region’s most prolific organized retail theft suspects is back behind bars just months after being released from prison… Authorities accused Downs and Wiley of stealing more than $500,000 worth of merchandise.”\n\nAxios Seattle | King County cracks down on repeat retail theft\n\n“King County prosecutors charged 640 felony economic and property crime cases in 2025, the highest total since 2019, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.”\n\nNEW YORK\n\nABC 7 | Massive Home Depot theft ring busted in Queens, largest retail crew ever prosecuted\n\n“Prosecutors say the crew stole more than $2.2 million worth of tools and construction equipment during 319 separate incidents at 128 Home Depot locations… The amount of merchandise stolen in a single day ranged from about $1,800 to nearly $35,000.”\n\nWWD | Man Arrested for 2024 Chanel New York Store Burglary That Led to Estimated $1.7 Million Loss\n\n“…an elaborate burglary at Chanel‘s East 57th Street store in New York City that amounted to an estimated $1.7 million loss in July 2024.”\n\nNEBRASKA\n\nWOWT | EXCLUSIVE: Brazen shoplifting crew hits Nebraska Crossing\n\n“Four women and a male driver were arrested Dec. 11 after allegedly shoplifting an estimated $3,000 worth of clothing from outlet stores at Nebraska Crossing… The suspects are believed to be part of a larger shoplifting ring consisting of 15-20 females who target retailers across the metro area.”\n\nNEVADA\n\nKSNV | Las Vegas police recover $418K in goods, arrest suspect in months-long retail theft probe\n\n“Police said detectives found more than 900 items, including stolen jewelry, watches, tools, handbags, purses, clothing and accessories, high-end sunglasses, fragrance, cosmetics, alcohol, and toys… which police said totaled over $418,000.”\n\nFLORIDA\n\nNews4Jax | Duval, St. Johns among Florida counties targeted in major Home Depot theft ring, prosecutors say\n\n“Investigators say the criminal enterprise centered around smoke detector thefts at Home Depot stores across 17 Florida counties, with investigators uncovering at least 44 smoke detector thefts statewide. The total estimated loss from this organized retail crime ring exceeds $800,000.”\n\nCBS Miami | Florida authorities arrest 7 people in major retail theft ring, recovering over $900,000 in stolen goods\n\n“The investigation revealed that shoplifters, known as \"boosters,\" targeted major retailers like CVS, Walgreens, Publix, Burlington, Macy's and Ulta stores across 12 different counties… leading to more than $900,000 worth of stolen merchandise recovered.”\n\nNORTH CAROLINA\n\nQueen City News | $250K in stolen goods recovered from organized retail theft ring in Union County\n\n“Detectives with the Union County Sheriff’s Office and agents with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation have investigated an organized retail theft ring operating within the county… Approximately $250,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered.”\n\nABC11 | Police: 2 suspects arrested in Bath & Body Works thefts across Raleigh, Durham\n\n“The suspects are linked to 17 separate larceny incidents… Authorities said more than $8,300 worth of merchandise was stolen.”\n\nNEW HAMPSHIRE\n\nLowell Sun | NYC man accused of stealing hundreds of OTC medications in NH spree\n\n“He carried out a coordinated retail theft operation, stealing 455 containers of over-the-counter medications from Walmart and several Hannaford grocery stores before fleeing from officers.”\n\nWMUR | 2 accused of stealing more than $33,000 worth of products from Ulta stores in New Hampshire, Massachusetts\n\n“The pair were involved in 24 shoplifting incidents at stores in New Hampshire and Massachusetts and stole more than $33,000 in merchandise.”\n\nMISSOURI\n\nFirst Alert 4 | Police: Couple stole over $500K in goods from Home Depot in will-call order scheme\n\n“Court documents said a St. Louis County couple stole $500,000 in merchandise from Home Depot over several years.”\n\nKRGC | Two women charged in multi-state beauty supply thefts and Jefferson City attack\n\n“Two women have been charged, accused of stealing from several beauty supply stores in Missouri and Illinois, and attacking an employee in Jefferson City… The documents state that one of the women then sprayed pepper-spray into the employee’s face.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-faa-awards-32-million-to-north-dakota-airport-projects", "title": "Hoeven: FAA Awards $32 Million to North Dakota Airport Projects", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded $32 million in funding for 11 airport infrastructure projects across North Dakota through the Fiscal Year 2026 Airport Improvement Program (AIP). As a member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has secured funding to advance airport development projects and strong federal investments in transportation infrastructure to benefit communities across North Dakota.\n\nThe funding will support the following projects:\n\nBismarck Municipal Airport – $8.8 million – Rehabilitate runway, taxiways and lighting, and complete runway safety area improvements\n\nDickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport – $8.6 million – Construct terminal apron, new taxiways and taxiway lighting\n\nMinot International Airport – $7.6 million – Rehabilitate runway, reconstruct runway lighting and runway end identifier lights, and realign and extend taxiway\n\nHector International Airport – $4 million – Reconstruct terminal apron\n\nBeach Municipal Airport – $950,000 – Reconstruct runway lighting, taxiway lighting, airfield signage, lighting vault, precision approach path indicator system and rotating beacon\n\nWilliston Basin International Airport – $519,840 – Reseal commercial apron, taxiways and taxilane pavement joints\n\nMott Municipal Airport – $519,009 – Reseal runway, apron, taxiway and taxilane pavements\n\nGlen Ullin Regional Airport – $375,000 – Reseal runway, apron and taxilane pavements\n\nGarrison Municipal Airport – $310,000 – Reconstruct airport terminal\n\nHettinger J.B. Lindquist Regional Airport – $167,854 – Design for taxiway lighting improvements\n\nTioga Municipal Airport – $60,000 – Design for taxiway extension and holding bay expansion\n\n“These investments in our airports are critical to improving safety, increasing efficiency and meeting the growing demand of communities across our state,” said Hoeven. “Reliable airport infrastructure is essential to keeping North Dakota connected, and these projects will help strengthen our transportation network for years to come.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-helps-secure-24-million-for-i-94-reconstruction-east-of-bismarck", "title": "Hoeven Helps Secure $24 Million For I-94 Reconstruction East of Bismarck", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a $24 million grant to the North Dakota Department of Transportation for the I-94 State of Good Repair Project. As a member of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Committee, Hoeven:\n\nWorked to make the funding available under the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program.\n\nAlong with the North Dakota delegation, made the case to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for supporting the project, which will reconstruct 10 miles of Interstate 94 east of Bismarck, improving the safe transportation of people and freight in the region.\n\n“Interstate 94 is a critical corridor for North Dakota, supporting safe travel to communities across the state and helping to move the vast amount of ag and energy commodities our state produces. We worked to secure this $24 million award to enable the reconstruction of this important roadway near our capital city and support a better transportation system for the region,” said Hoeven.\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-celebrates-americas-250th-birthday/", "title": "Husted celebrates America’s 250th birthday", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“For 250 years, America has endured because ordinary people were willing to do extraordinary things for the common good. If we want this nation to remain strong for the next 250 years, we must reignite that spirit.”\n\nView Husted’s remarks here.\n\nWASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) is commemorating America’s 250th birthday with remarks and an op-ed reflecting on our nation’s legacy of service, sacrifice and freedom as the country celebrates this historic milestone.\n\nKey excerpts of the op-ed include:\n\n“As our nation marks its 250th anniversary this summer, it is worth reflecting on the principles that have defined American values and success over those two and a half centuries: freedom, liberty, opportunity, and sacrifice.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Of those, sacrifice may not be what first comes to mind when talking about what makes America prosperous, but it is among the key ingredients to what has made our republic great. Every generation of Americans has sacrificed so that the next generation would be better off.”\n\n“My own life is evidence of that sacrifice.”\n\n. . .\n\n“What I saw growing up in rural Ohio was simple but powerful, and it reflected other communities across America, too. People worked long hours and put aside comfort and leisure so their children could enjoy greater security and prosperity than they had known themselves. It was a quiet but constant commitment to the future.”\n\n. . .\n\n“For nearly two centuries, Americans were focused less on indulgence and more on inheritance. Not inheritance measured in dollars, but inheritance measured in duty—the obligation to leave tomorrow better than today.”\n\n. . .\n\n“That is why it is so important that we teach our children to love this country—not because America is perfect, but because it is ours. It is a nation worthy of gratitude and sacrifice.”\n\n. . .\n\n“This country is still worth our sacrifice because our country is exceptional. It’s a country where a newborn like me can begin life in a foster home in Detroit, grow up in the rural Midwest, and have the honor of serving as a United States Senator.”\n\n. . .\n\n“For 250 years, America has endured because ordinary people were willing to do extraordinary things for the common good. If we want this nation to remain strong for the next 250 years, we must reignite that spirit.”\n\n. . .\n\n“We must once again embrace the values that built this nation: sacrifice, honor, duty, gratitude, and love of country.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-announce-more-than-32-million-in-federal-funding-to-upgrade-8-virginia-airports", "title": "Warner, Kaine Announce More Than $32 Million in Federal Funding to Upgrade 8 Virginia Airports", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $32,463,128 in federal grant funding to modernize infrastructure at eight airports across Virginia. This funding comes from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program for Fiscal Year 2026, which is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the senators helped negotiate and pass.\n\n“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Virginia’s airports continue to receive the investments they need to improve safety, accommodate growing demand, and better serve the travelers that pass through them,” said the senators. “We’re proud to announce more than $32 million to modernize our Commonwealth’s airports, strengthen our transportation infrastructure, and support our economy.”\n\nThe grant awards include:\n\n$22,121,621 for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to construct a new concourse at Washington Dulles International Airport to increase gate capacity and accommodate passenger growth;\n\n$7,922,479 for the Norfolk Airport Authority to construct a new taxilane serving the airport’s cargo area and reconstruct an existing terminal entrance access road that has reached the end of its useful life at Norfolk International Airport;\n\n$856,000 for the Dinwiddie County Airport and Industrial Authority to expand existing terminal apron at Tri Cities Executive/Dinwiddie County Airport;\n\n$538,028 for the Mecklenburg-Brunswick Airport Commission to construct two new aircraft storage hangars at Mecklenburg-Brunswick Regional Airport;\n\n$500,000 for the Cumberland Airport Commission to construct a new snow removal equipment building at Lonesome Pine Airport to bring the airport into conformity with current standards;\n\n$376,000 for the town of Farmville to reconstruct the precision approach path indicator systems for a runway and at both runway thresholds that have reached the end of their useful lives at Farmville Regional Airport;\n\n$114,000 for the county of Accomack to carry out design work to rehabilitate a taxilane that has reached the end of its useful life at Accomack County Airport;\n\n$35,000 for the city of Franklin to carry out design work to reseal existing runway pavement and extend its useful life at Franklin Regional Airport.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-colleagues-demand-answers-as-trump-further-delays-toxic-chemical-cleanups-at-arizona-military-sites/", "title": "Kelly, Colleagues Demand Answers as Trump Further Delays Toxic Chemical Cleanups at Arizona Military Sites", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Trump administration postponed cleanup of toxic PFAS chemicals by 15 years in Tucson, 7 years in Phoenix\n\nPFAS exposure is linked to an array of health problems, including various cancers, reduced immune function, reproductive challenges, birth defects, thyroid issues, and more\n\nRetired Navy captain and Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) joined Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Gary Peters (D-MI), and 21 other Senate Democrats in demanding that the Trump administration answer for its continued unexplained delays of toxic chemical cleanups at military installations nationwide, including decades’ long delays for several critical projects in Arizona. At least 700 military sites in the United States are known or suspected to have per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination from Department of Defense (DoD) activities.\n\n“We remain greatly concerned by the staggering delays at some installations, which include over 170 installations with delays ranging from 1 year to over 20 years,” the senators wrote in a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. “Communities around these installations must not be left behind, and remediation work cannot wait.”\n\nRecently, the DoD quietly updated its timetable for PFAS remediation at military sites across the country. Its new timeline—posted within the last several weeks but dated September 30, 2025—pushed cleanup efforts by over a decade at many installations and even as many as two decades in some cases.\n\nIn Tucson, the DoD now projects the remedial investigation for PFAS contamination at Morris Air National Guard Base—upstream of a water treatment plant that has been offline since 2021— won’t be complete until 2047, a 15-year delay from its previous 2032 estimate. Kelly has been pushing DoD to act on PFAS cleanup in Tucson since 2021, and he has secured additional funding to allow the plant to reopen in the absence of action by DoD.\n\nIn Phoenix, the DoD now projects the remedial investigation for PFAS contamination near Luke Air Force Base, which was previously scheduled to be completed last year, will not be completed until 2032, despite several prominent instances of off-base drinking water exceeding PFAS contamination limits, requiring the Air Force to distribute clean drinking water to West Valley families.\n\nIn total, over 170 sites, including sites in Phoenix, Tucson, Sierra Vista, Yuma, and Flagstaff, were affected by this newest round of delays.\n\nThis comes just months after DoD initially pushed the PFAS remediation timelines for roughly 150 bases late last year. In November, Kelly, Gillibrand, Peters, and 25 other Senate Democrats sent a letter to Secretary Hegseth demanding that he reverse those delays.\n\n“Furthering our concern is the fact that this most recent set of delays is backdated to September 30, 2025, raising the question of whether the Department has further expanded the breadth and extent of its delays in the previous nine months,” the senators wrote in their most recently letter. “The longer DoD takes to complete such remediation efforts, the greater the risk to public health and the environment in impacted communities.”\n\nIn Arizona, groundwater is a primary or secondary source of drinking water for the entire state, and at a time of prolonged drought and the possibility of reductions in the availability of surface water in future years, PFAS contamination in groundwater can limit the options Arizona communities have to respond to long-term drought conditions.\n\nKelly, Gillibrand, and Peters were joined on the letter by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Alex Padilla (D-CA).\n\nBackground:\n\nEarlier this year, Kelly pressed DoD at a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing to stop dragging its feet on PFAS cleanup delays threatening Arizona’s water supply, including at Morris Air National Guard Base and Luke Air Force Base.\n\nKelly has worked for years to protect Tucson’s water supply from PFAS contamination. In 2022, he helped secure $13.5 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address forever chemicals in drinking water across Arizona. He then secured an additional $33.5 million specifically for a new Tucson drinking water treatment facility to replace the one forced offline by PFAS. Earlier last year, Kelly also reintroduced bipartisan legislation to ensure states can use existing federal funding to address PFAS contamination in private wells in small and rural communities.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-colleagues-demand-omb-rescind-rule-giving-trump-power-to-politicize-federal-grants/", "title": "Kelly, Colleagues Demand OMB Rescind Rule Giving Trump Power to Politicize Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Arizona Senator Mark Kelly joined the entire Senate Democratic caucus in demanding the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought immediately rescind OMB’s proposed regulation on federal financial assistance. The senators warned the proposal exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, and would allow the President to weaponize federal grants for political purposes.\n\n“Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals,” wrotethesenators. “Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs.”\n\nThe proposed rule would dramatically expand agencies’ authority to terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. It would also require political appointees to make funding decisions without deferring to expert peer review. The senators warn this would inject partisan politics into grantmaking, threaten America’s leadership in scientific and medical innovation, and create chaos for communities and organizations that rely on federal funding to deliver critical services.\n\n“Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims,” continuedthesenators.\n\nThe senators also argue that OMB’s proposal would force grant recipients to comply with vague, undefined, and political grant conditions that conflict with existing statutes. At the same time, it would weaken transparency and accountability requirements intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars. These changes could discourage qualified organizations from applying for federal grants and increase the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\n“Article I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal,” concluded the senators.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-colleagues-demand-trump-halt-illegal-move-to-undermine-special-education-civil-rights-enforcement/", "title": "Kelly, Colleagues Demand Trump Halt Illegal Move to Undermine Special Education Civil Rights Enforcement", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Arizona Senator Mark Kelly joined the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in demanding the Trump administration follow the law and immediately reverse course on transferring special education programs and civil rights enforcement out of the Department of Education (ED). These latest moves are part of the Trump administration’s explicit effort to dismantle ED, threatening key funding, support and services for students, schools, and families nationwide.\n\n“The administration’s latest attempts to dismantle the Department of Education through the four Interagency Agreements (IAA) announced June 16, 2026, are outrageous and put the educational outcomes of students and their rights in the classroom at risk,” wrote thesenators in a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon.\n\nOn June 16th, 2026, the Trump administration announced four IAAs that would illegally move the administration of special education programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and vocational rehabilitation programs authorized under the Rehabilitation Act from ED to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). They also transfer fundamental civil rights enforcement responsibility away from ED to the Department of Justice (DOJ).\n\nDespite announcing this illegal transfer of programs, this administration has refused to provide information regarding what office within HHS will carry out special education programs, leaving teachers, students, and families with even greater uncertainty about where to turn to ensure their rights are protected.\n\n“Special education and vocational rehabilitation are education programs. Any attempt to move these programs to HHS would fundamentally alter the purposes of these services, upending fifty years of work that took place at the federal, state, and local level to improve educational and employment outcomes for people with disabilities,” wrote thesenators. “It appears the administration values its backward goal of dismantling ED over the faithful execution of the law and improving opportunities and outcomes for children, youth, and students with disabilities.”\n\n“Congress created a clear federal oversight role for ED because of our nation’s ugly history of denying children with disabilities a free appropriate public education. This critical federal enforcement has allowed ED to maintain accountability and find States in violation of IDEA, such as when Texas set an illegal cap on special education identification leading to a deliberate under-identification of children with disabilities and when New Mexico failed to maintain appropriate state special education funding. Clearly, federal oversight is a necessary component of our nation’s special education system. Without it, families and children with disabilities are left to fight alone to secure services they are entitled to when schools and states fail to meet their obligations,” continued the senators.\n\nThese transfers come as the Administration has successfully worked to undermine core functions and statutory responsibilities of ED, following sweeping and unlawful firings, workforce reductions, and reorganization last year that have already undermined the very goals of the Education Department.\n\nMeanwhile, the transfer of the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) out of ED also comes as the Trump administration has failed to uphold the federal government’s obligations to protect students from unlawful discrimination. In 2025, ED’s OCR reached the fewest resolution agreements in over 12 years and failed to reach a single resolution agreement related to sexual harassment, sexual violence, racial harassment, discriminatory school discipline, or the seclusion and restraint of children with disabilities, with over 12,000 pending cases that were under investigation by OCR at the start of this administration.\n\nDespite this backlog, the administration is attempting to illegally transfer OCR’s functions to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division (CRT), which has lost an estimated 75% of its civil rights staff attorneys since January 2025, making it wholly unequipped to handle the over 23,000 complaints OCR receives and evaluates annually.\n\n“We have a simple demand: follow our nation’s education and appropriations laws as Congress wrote them to protect students’ most basic right to a quality education. More than 80 education, disability, parent, and civil rights groups have vocally opposed the recent IAAs and other departmental changes. We call on this administration to immediately cease implementing these IAAs, fully implement IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act as Congressionally directed, and take immediate action to strengthen civil rights enforcement—instead of burying students’ cases behind more bureaucracy. Our students and their families deserve nothing less,” concluded thesenators.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ahead-of-americas-250th-birthday-lankford-celebrates-the-american-experiment/", "title": "Ahead of America’s 250th Birthday, Lankford Celebrates the American Experiment", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.lankford.senate.gov", "scraper": "lankford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000575", "name": "James Lankford", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) is marking America’s 250th birthday by telling the story of our founding, honoring the sacrifices that built the nation, and reminding Oklahomans that the American experiment in freedom is still alive today.\n\nAhead of the semiquincentennial, Lankford launched a video series from the halls of the US Capitol, sharing the moments and people behind the Declaration of Independence. Lankford told the story of June 11, 1776, the day Thomas Jefferson sat down to write the Declaration, the life of John Peter Muhlenberg, the pastor who carried his faith from the pulpit into battle, and June 28, 1776, when Jefferson and the Committee of Five presented their draft to the Continental Congress. The series continues through the Fourth of July weekend with the story of Benjamin Franklin.\n\nLankford also recorded a video tribute celebrating America’s freedom of faith, calling it a radical concept 250 years ago that no one thought would work, but one that Americans make work every day. Earlier this summer, he joined Americans from across the country at the Rededicate 250 prayer gathering on the National Mall. Last week, he penned a column in the Washington Examiner reflecting on 250 years of the Declaration’s promise that all men are created equal and calling on the nation to extend that promise to the unborn.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-lankford-celebrates-launch-of-prison-fellowship-academy-at-fci-el-reno-marking-years-of-work-to-expand-faith-based-rehabilitation-in-federal-prisons/", "title": "ICYMI: Lankford Celebrates Launch of Prison Fellowship Academy at FCI El Reno, Marking Years of Work to Expand Faith-Based Rehabilitation in Federal Prisons", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.lankford.senate.gov", "scraper": "lankford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000575", "name": "James Lankford", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) recently celebrated the launch of the first federal Prison Fellowship Academy at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in El Reno, Oklahoma, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony held earlier this month. Prison Fellowship is the first nonprofit to have a program designated as an evidence-based recidivism reduction program under the First Step Act by the US Department of Justice’s Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The designation marks a milestone in a decades-long effort by Lankford to ensure faith-based organizations have a seat at the table in federal rehabilitation efforts.\n\n“This ribbon-cutting ceremony represents a breakthrough for religious liberty behind bars and a victory for all who affirm the principles of human dignity, accountability and fairness, both inside prison and upon reentry,” said Lankford.\n\n“This partnership with the BOP not only represents major progress in bringing transformational programming to more people in federal prisons, but it also highlights the belief that no person is beyond redemption,” said Heather Rice-Minus, Prison Fellowship president and CEO. “The Prison Fellowship Academy is designed to help participants prepare for a successful future, both inside and outside prison walls. We are honored to work with the BOP to expand its impact nationwide.”\n\nYou can view Lankford’s remarks ahead of the ribbon-cutting ceremony HERE.\n\nBackground\n\nFor years, Senator Lankford has championed the role of faith-based organizations in federal prisons, fighting to ensure they have equal access to rehabilitation work and are not sidelined by federal bureaucracy. His efforts have been instrumental in building the legal and policy framework that made today’s announcement possible.\n\nIn 2018, Lankford voted in favor of the First Step Act, a landmark bipartisan legislation that expanded rehabilitative programming in federal prisons and created the framework for faith-based organizations like Prison Fellowship to partner with the BOP.\n\nLankford successfully amended the First Step Act to explicitly allow faith-based groups to provide job training, social development, and family programming on equal footing with non-faith-based organizations. Prior to this amendment, the Bureau of Prisons had largely shut faith-based groups out of recidivism reduction work in federal facilities. That change directly paved the way for Prison Fellowship’s historic designation as the first nonprofit evidence-based recidivism reduction program under the First Step Act.\n\nLankford co-authored the bipartisan MERCY Act with Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), which was incorporated into the First Step Act and limits the use of solitary confinement for juveniles in federal custody, ensuring young people retain access to rehabilitative and educational programming while incarcerated.\n\nLankford is a cosponsor of the Safer Supervision Act, bipartisan legislation supported by Prison Fellowship that modernizes federal supervised release by tailoring conditions to individual circumstances and reducing barriers to successful reentry.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7E9F3572-A90C-4E9B-AD15-DDB587336849", "title": "Ahead of One-Year Anniversary, Chairman Graham Celebrates Passage of Historic Tax Cuts, Border Security Investments", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "scraper": "graham", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, today made this statement ahead of the one-year anniversary of the One Big Beautiful Bill being signed into law.\n\n“One year ago, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill into law, delivering the largest tax cut for working and middle-class families in American history. As the Senate Budget Chairman, I was proud to lead this effort alongside my Senate and House Republican colleagues. By making the 2017 tax cuts permanent, we stopped a $2,300 tax increase on the average South Carolina family – all without a single Democrat vote. We also ended taxes on tips and overtime and delivered no taxes on Social Security benefits for over 35 million seniors.\n\n“The One Big Beautiful Bill also codified core components of President Trump’s agenda. Through a generational investment in border security, we put an end to Joe Biden’s open border. We also allocated extensive resources for law enforcement, expanded access to school choice, phased out Green New Deal subsidies and delivered billions of dollars for rural hospitals.\n\n“Twelve months later, we are now observing transformational results stemming from this legislation. Working families are keeping more of their hard-earned money, providing relief to the lingering inflation ignited under the Biden era. The border is at its most secure point in history with zero illegals released into the country over the past year. Crime is falling to a record low as police departments receive the tools they need to keep communities safe.\n\n“As we celebrate the past 250 years of American independence, we also recognize the great strides toward a more prosperous and secure future unleashed by this landmark legislation.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-joins-colleagues-in-demanding-omb-rescind-rule-giving-president-sweeping-power-to-politicize-federal-grants", "title": "Markey Joins Colleagues in Demanding OMB Rescind Rule Giving President Sweeping Power to Politicize Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington (July 2, 2026) — Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today joined Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Democratic Leader; Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, and the entire Senate Democratic caucus in demanding Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought immediately rescind OMB’s proposed regulation on federal financial assistance. The Senators warned the proposal exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, and would allow the President to weaponize federal grants for political purposes.\n\n“Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals,” the Senators wrote. “Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs.”\n\nThe proposed rule would dramatically expand agencies’ authority to terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. It would also require political appointees to make funding decisions without deferring to expert peer review. The Senators warn this would inject partisan politics into grantmaking, threaten America’s leadership in scientific and medical innovation, and create chaos for communities and organizations that rely on federal funding to deliver critical services.\n\n“Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators also argue that OMB’s proposal would force grant recipients to comply with vague, undefined, and political grant conditions that conflict with existing statutes. At the same time, it would weaken transparency and accountability requirements intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars. These changes could discourage qualified organizations from applying for federal grants and increase the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\nThe Senators concluded: “Article I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal.”\n\nThe letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nText of the letter is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-statement-on-one-year-since-trump-and-republicans-big-ugly-bill", "title": "Senator Markey Statement on One Year Since Trump and Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Boston (July 2, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement ahead of the one-year anniversary of Donald Trump’s disastrous “One Big Beautiful Bill.”\n\n“Trump and Republicans traded basic needs for billionaire greed,” said Senator Markey. “This was really One Big Ugly Bill to make life harder for working families while making life easier for billionaire CEOs and corporate special interests. Trump cut deals while making cuts to our energy supply. He’s brought in profits for himself, while looting the pockets of hard-working families. Trump has increased healthcare costs and gasoline prices, yet Americans are still having to foot the bill for Trump’s corruption. This fight is far from over. I won’t stop until we roll back all of the cuts to our social safety net and reverse the billionaire tax cuts.”\n\nSince the Big Ugly Bill was enacted:\n\nFive million people, including almost 40,000 in Massachusetts, have dropped their Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance coverage this year due to skyrocketing costs.\n\nIn Massachusetts, people who renewed their ACA health plans saw their annual premiums increase on average by $1,000 compared to 2025.\n\nSince OBBBA went into effect, 175,000 Bay Staters, including almost 62,000 children, have lost their SNAP nutrition assistance.\n\nSince January 2026, due to the OBBBA and other actions from the Trump administration, nearly 144,000 jobs have been lost or stalled in the clean energy sector and more than 34,000 megawatts of clean capacity were canceled or delayed, which could have powered 17 million American homes.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-and-warren-advocate-for-federal-assistance-following-sewer-break-along-merrimack-river", "title": "Senators Markey and Warren Advocate for Federal Assistance Following Sewer Break Along Merrimack River", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Letter (PDF)\n\nBoston (July 2, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee and Ranking Member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, today wrote with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) to four federal agencies regarding the potential need for federal assistance following the sewer line break that released contaminants into the Merrimack River.\n\nIn their letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Senators raise the environmental, public health, and economic concerns for the Merrimack Valley and North Shore following last week’s sewer pipe break in Haverhill.\n\n“Officials are continuously monitoring the contamination levels in the river and on the North Shore to determine when it is safe for people to fish, work, and recreate in the waters. As part of these efforts, the Commonwealth will determine whether federal assistance is necessary in responding to the environmental or economic impacts stemming from the discharge,” wrote Senators Markey and Warren. “Our offices and the Commonwealth have already been in touch with several of your agencies, and we are grateful for your engagement. Should Massachusetts officials determine that the concerns raised by residents, the shellfishing community, and other businesses along the river and the coast exceed the Commonwealth’s ability to respond and require emergency support from the federal government, we respectfully ask that you quickly review any request from Governor Maura Healey and expedite all appropriate federal relief.”\n\nOn June 26, 2026, a significant rainstorm in the Merrimack Valley caused two sewer pipe breaks in Haverhill, sending an estimated 8 million gallons of untreated wastewater a day into the Merrimack River. On July 1, the break was repaired, stopping new flows of wastewater. As a result of this breakage and concerns about the amount of wastewater that has discharged into the river and reached the coast, shellfish growing areas are temporarily closed in several North Shore communities and swimming has been temporarily suspended in some areas. With the ongoing severe heatwave and approaching Fourth of July weekend, Massachusetts officials are monitoring the potential impact the sewer break and associated closures could have on residents’ public health as well as on coastal and riverside communities’ economic vitality. The City of Haverhill is also assessing the short- and long-term costs associated with the emergency response and repairing and replacing the damaged infrastructure.\n\nSenator Markey has also enabled the delivery of key water funding to Massachusetts through his legislative work, including:\n\n$78,089,000 in funding for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund in Fiscal Year 2026\n\n$116,273,000 in funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund in Fiscal Year 2026\n\n$2,927,000 in funding for the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant Program for Fiscal Years 2025-2026\n\n$254,000 in BEACH Act grants for Fiscal Year 2026\n\n$27,366,500 in additional federal funding for key water infrastructure projects throughout Massachusetts in Fiscal Year 2026\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-visits-northwest-kansas-communities/", "title": "Senator Marshall Visits Northwest Kansas Communities", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Selden – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), visited communities across northwest Kansas on Wednesday, meeting with small businesses, manufacturers, health care providers, educators, and local leaders to discuss how recent legislative wins are strengthening rural communities, supporting employers, and expanding opportunities for Kansas families.\n\nHighlights from the visit include:\n\nSelden Lumber Yard\n\nIn Selden, Senator Marshall visited Selden Lumber Yard, a locally owned business that has served northwest Kansas for nearly four decades. During the visit, he discussed challenges facing rural housing development, the importance of keeping building materials affordable, and ways federal policy can support local businesses that serve homeowners.\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nWard Drug Store\n\nIn Oberlin, Senator Marshall met with the owners of Ward Drug Store, an independent community pharmacy serving northwest Kansas. They discussed recent pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reforms, protecting independent pharmacies, and expanding access to health care in rural communities.\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nOberlin Community Summer Meal Program\n\nSenator Marshall also visited the Oberlin Community Summer Meal Program at Decatur Community High School to learn more about the USDA Summer Food Service Program and the district’s efforts to provide nutritious meals for children throughout the summer months.\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nMiltech Manufacturing\n\nIn Norton, Senator Marshall toured Miltech Manufacturing, a precision machining company producing components for the aerospace, defense, medical, and energy industries. He highlighted how the Working Families Tax Cuts support Kansas manufacturers through permanent bonus depreciation, full expensing for domestic R&D, and policies that encourage investment in American manufacturing.\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nPhillipsburg Child Care Center\n\nSenator Marshall visited the Phillipsburg Child Care Center to meet with staff and discuss efforts to expand childcare access in rural America, including the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act and provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts that increase employer-provided childcare tax credits and expand the Child Tax Credit for working families.\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nKirwin National Wildlife Refuge Tour\n\nAt Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge, Senator Marshall met with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials to tour the refuge and discuss ongoing conservation efforts, habitat management, and infrastructure improvements that support Kansas wildlife and outdoor recreation.\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-oregon-delegation-decry-sudden-loss-of-columbia-river-hatchery-funding/", "title": "Merkley, Oregon Delegation Decry Sudden Loss of Columbia River Hatchery Funding", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Dear Administrator Kavulla:\n\nWe write to express our significant concern with the Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) recent decision to end its participation in the Select Area Fisheries Management (SAFE) program. The SAFE program has been operational since 1993, providing reliable stocks of Spring chinook and coho salmon for Pacific Northwest commercial and recreational fisheries. We strongly urge BPA to reconsider its actions and commit to renewing its SAFE program contracts to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and Clatsop County.\n\nThe loss of SAFE program funding from BPA puts the entire program at risk and is anticipated to have devastating, regional impacts on Columbia River native fish populations. Hatcheries are a critical regional resource. Estimates show that approximately 80% of the salmon and steelhead that return to the Columbia River Basin were hatched and reared in fish hatcheries.[1] The SAFE program produces millions of hatchery fish each year, providing relief for stocks of Endangered Species Act-listed fish while also supporting the region’s world class commercial fishing industries and recreational fishers alike.\n\nWhen BPA shared its intent to terminate the SAFE program with its non-federal sponsors, the agency provided its partners with less than four months to accommodate for the loss of this critical stream of funding. However, work to produce next year’s stock of hatchery fish has already begun. BPA’s decision to no longer support the SAFE program will jeopardize seven million fish that are currently being raised to be released into rivers next spring and will no longer be able to be supported by current funding schemes. It is likely that the hatchery will have to be closed and fish may be culled.\n\nFurther, the Northwest Power & Conservation Council, the organization that provides advice to BPA on its activities to mitigate the loss of fish populations, has long supported the SAFE program. In its most recent recommendations to BPA, the Council recommended that BPA renew its contracts for the program to continue to address the loss of salmon populations in the Columbia Basin.[2] It is disappointing that BPA cannot heed the advice of the organization designed to work with partners on this regional issue.\n\nWe urge BPA to reconsider its decision to walk back on its partnership with regional stakeholders to support fish mitigation activities through the SAFE program. Without strong collective action, communication, and trust, the hardworking stakeholders in the region won’t be able to overcome challenges of diminishing salmon populations and energy security. Further, walking back on the SAFE program stands in opposition to the President’s Executive Order 14276 on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. We encourage BPA to fulfill its obligations, and renew its contracts with ODFW, WDFW, and Clatsop County to provide certainty in critical fish stocks in our region.\n\n[1] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2024, August 15). Federal Columbia River Power System Mitigation Actions. NOAA Fisheries. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/endangered-species-conservation/federal-columbia-river-power-system-mitigation-actions", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/peters-schumer-murray-merkley-lead-senate-democrats-in-demanding-omb-rescind-rule-giving-president-sweeping-power-to-politicize-federal-grants/", "title": "Peters, Schumer, Murray & Merkley Lead Senate Democrats in Demanding OMB Rescind Rule Giving President Sweeping Power to Politicize Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Democratic Leader; Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in demanding Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought immediately rescind OMB’s proposed regulation on federal financial assistance. The Senators warned the proposal exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, and would allow the President to weaponize federal grants for political purposes.\n\n“Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals,” the Senators wrote. “Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs.”\n\nThe proposed rule would dramatically expand agencies’ authority to terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. It would also require political appointees to make funding decisions without deferring to expert peer review. The Senators warn this would inject partisan politics into grantmaking, threaten America’s leadership in scientific and medical innovation, and create chaos for communities and organizations that rely on federal funding to deliver critical services.\n\n“Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators also argue that OMB’s proposal would force grant recipients to comply with vague, undefined, and political grant conditions that conflict with existing statutes. At the same time, it would weaken transparency and accountability requirements intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars. These changes could discourage qualified organizations from applying for federal grants and increase the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\nThe Senators concluded: “Article I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal.”\n\nJoining Senators Peters, Schumer, Murray, and Merkley in sending the letter were U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nText of the letter is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-ask-state-data-center-advisory-committee-to-consider-multiple-issues-raised-by-oregonians/", "title": "Wyden, Merkley Ask State Data Center Advisory Committee to Consider Multiple Issues Raised by Oregonians", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Oregon senators: “Several issues have been raised by constituents regarding responsible data center development with our offices, ranging from local to state to federal jurisdiction.”\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today wrote Gov. Tina Kotek’s data center advisory committee to convey concerns both senators have heard from Oregonians as the state panel works on solutions that balance data centers’ economic benefits with their financial impacts on utility consumers and environmental impacts on entire communities.\n\n“Thank you for coming together to tackle the challenges posed by the rapid expansion of data centers in Oregon,” Wyden and Merkley wrote committee members. While we acknowledge that data centers are critical to American national security, can help ensure technological advancement, and create good union jobs, your work to strike a balance between pursuing economic development opportunities in alignment with sustainable utility costs and environmental impacts is critical for Oregon and the Northwest. Several issues have been raised by constituents regarding responsible data center development with our offices, ranging from local to state to federal jurisdiction.”\n\nThe Oregon senators asked the state data center advisory committee to consider the following concerns that accompany the growth of data centers around the state:\n\nIncreasing energy demand to power and cool equipment.\n\nIncreasing electricity costs for consumers because of increased demand.\n\nWater quality and quantity issues because of data centers’ use of large water volumes from surface, ground, municipal or reclaimed water sources to cool servers and prevent overheating.\n\nVisibility issues from steam, and noise pollution from cooling systems and fans.\n\nLand use decisions dealing with the rezoning of productive agricultural land.\n\nTribal rights and consultation that respect treaty rights, including rights to hunt, fish, and gather food and medicine.\n\nTransparency and public accountability that reflect community concerns about environmental and infrastructure impacts that data centers can present for future energy and water needs, as well as impacts to utilities and municipal services.\n\n“We are grateful for your work to embody the ‘Oregon way’ to hear from all perspectives and chart a path forward,” Wyden and Merkley wrote the data center advisory committee. “We stand ready to partner with you on data center policies best for Oregon.”\n\nThe entire letter is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-celebrates-no-tax-on-social-security-tips-and-overtime-ahead-of-anniversary-of-largest-tax-cut-in-u-s-history/", "title": "VIDEO: Senator Moody Celebrates No Tax on Social Security, Tips, and Overtime Ahead of Anniversary of Largest Tax Cut in U.S. History", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BRANDON, Fla.—Senator Ashley Moody is touting wins for Floridians ahead of the first anniversary of the largest tax cut in U.S. history. After just a few months in the U.S. Senate, Senator Moody helped pass the Working Families Tax Cuts Act last year. The historic bill included no tax on Social Security, no tax on tips, and no tax on overtime, and was signed into law on the Fourth of July. Ahead of the anniversary of the tax cuts, Senator Moody joined Floridians who are benefiting from the massive tax relief package.\n\n“It’s not the government’s money. It’s your money, and you should be allowed to keep as much of it as possible. That is why I supported no tax on Social Security, no tax on tips, and no tax on overtime. In the year since the tax cuts became law, it is clear that we delivered for real relief for Floridians, and as your U.S. Senator, I will continue to look for ways to cut taxes, eliminate waste and support economic growth here in the Sunshine State,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nAmerican families and workers have claimed $82 billion in individual relief directly from the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\nThis past tax filing season, 97% of Americans received a tax cut.\n\nMore than 7.5 million have claimed No Tax on Tips.\n\nMore than 29 million have claimed No Tax on Overtime.\n\nMore than 35 million seniors have claimed the Enhanced Deduction for Seniors.\n\nFloridians brought home the largest average federal tax refunds in the country—Florida filers brought home an average refund of nearly $4,500 compared to the national average refund of $3,300.\n\nThe WFTC package also created child-owned investment accounts. For every baby born from 2025 through 2028 whose parents open one of these accounts, the U.S. Treasury will invest $1,000.\n\nMore than 5.5 million child-owned investment accounts have been opened nationwide so far, with 1.4 million eligible for the $1,000 pilot program contribution.\n\n40 million families have taken advantage of the enhanced Child Tax Credit that the WFTC doubled.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-leads-colleagues-in-calling-on-rfk-jr-to-reinstate-50-recently-cancelled-teen-pregnancy-prevention-grants/", "title": "Murray Leads Colleagues in Calling on RFK Jr. to Reinstate 50+ Recently Cancelled Teen Pregnancy Prevention Grants", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "On Friday, Trump admin cancelled vast majority of grants awarded to communities nationwide to prevent teen pregnancy\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. blasting his recent decision to terminate nearly all Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Program grants—and calling on him to immediately reinstate the funding for over 50 grantees nationwide.\n\n“We write to express our outrage over your recent decision to terminate the vast majority of Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program grants, which will deprive teens across the U.S. of vital resources and threaten to unwind decades of progress made in reducing teen pregnancy,” write the senators. “These grants, which were canceled in the middle of their five-year project period, supported evidence-based programs that worked to prevent teen pregnancy and behavioral risk factors underlying teen pregnancy, as is required by law.”\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers note that teen pregnancy in the U.S. has been on a steady decline for decades, thanks in part to successful programs like TPP: “For the last 35 years, the teen birth rate has been declining. According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the teenage birth rate fell by 7% in 2025, reaching another historic low.”\n\nThe senators explain that Congress has appropriated $101 million in fiscal year 2026 for the explicit purpose of making grants to support “medically accurate and age appropriate programs that reduce teen pregnancy,” and state that these cancellations ignore congressional intent for the program, perhaps because the administration simply disagrees with the program’s goals. “[A]llies of the president have increasingly suggested that declining teen birth rates are a ‘problem,’” the senators write. “It appears this administration may agree with that assessment as you cancel funding for these proven programs.”\n\n“We demand that you immediately reverse course and reinstate funding for established grantees of the TPP Program, who are midway through their grants and doing essential work to prevent teen pregnancy,” the lawmakers conclude.\n\nJoining Senator Murray in sending the letter were U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).\n\nThe full letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Secretary Kennedy:\n\nWe write to express our outrage over your recent decision to terminate the vast majority of Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Program grants, which will deprive teens across the U.S. of vital resources and threaten to unwind decades of progress made in reducing teen pregnancy. These grants, which were canceled in the middle of their five-year project period, supported evidence-based programs that worked to prevent teen pregnancy and behavioral risk factors underlying teen pregnancy, as is required by law. This decision to cancel 53 of 66 existing grants follows a pattern of actions the Trump Administration has taken to undermine access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare and put the health and wellbeing of our young people at risk. We call on you to immediately reinstate funding for these grantees who have a proven track record of working to uphold the goals of the program in accordance with the law.\n\nFor the last 35 years, the teen birth rate has been declining. According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the teenage birth rate fell by 7% in 2025, reaching another historic low. In 1991, the number of babies born to mothers ages 15 to 19 was more than five times higher than it is today. Evidence suggests that these declines are driven by several factors, including the use of more effective forms of contraception, greater access to information about pregnancy prevention, and a decline in teen sexual activity, which the TPP Program has supported.\n\nThe very goal of the TPP Program when it was established in 2010 was to support evidence-driven practices that would reduce teen pregnancy, with the majority of funds directed to programs with models whose effectiveness at preventing teen pregnancy had been demonstrated through rigorous evaluation, known as “Tier 1”, and a smaller portion of funds for the development and testing of new prevention programs, or “Tier 2,” which helps to grow the list of approved Tier 1 curricula.\n\nThe bipartisan law that most recently appropriated funding for the program in fiscal year 2026 reiterated the program’s goals—providing $101 million for “making competitive contracts and grants to public and private entities to fund medically accurate and age appropriate programs that reduce teen pregnancy” with 75 percent of funds directed toward “replicating programs that have been proven effective through rigorous evaluation to reduce teenage pregnancy, behavioral risk factors underlying teenage pregnancy, or other associated risk factors.”\n\nThese grants were awarded to state and local health departments, universities, and community organizations across America, like the Boys & Girls Club. These are organizations that know exactly how to reach young people to provide them with the information they need to make smart decisions about their health and futures.\n\nWe know that both Trump Administrations have long sought to destroy the TPP Program. President Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposed to eliminate it, as did his prior budgets, and in 2017, the Trump Administration attempted to cancel every TPP Program grant, a decision that was ultimately struck down by the courts. Now, however, allies of the president have increasingly suggested that declining teen birth rates are a “problem.” It appears this administration may agree with that assessment as you cancel funding for these proven programs. Your decision to terminate this funding squarely aligns with your department’s established pattern of rejecting evidence and science, ignoring Congressional intent, and undermining the ability of people to make their own healthcare decisions.\n\nWe demand that you immediately reverse course and reinstate funding for established grantees of the TPP Program, who are midway through their grants and doing essential work to prevent teen pregnancy.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-peters-schumer-merkley-lead-all-senate-democrats-in-demanding-omb-rescind-rule-giving-president-sweeping-power-to-politicize-federal-grants/", "title": "Murray, Peters, Schumer, & Merkley Lead All Senate Democrats in Demanding OMB Rescind Rule Giving President Sweeping Power to Politicize Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Democratic Leader; and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in demanding Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought immediately rescind OMB’s proposed regulation on federal financial assistance. The senators warned the proposal exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, and would allow the President to weaponize federal grants for political purposes.\n\n“Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals,” the senators wrote. “Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs.”\n\nThe proposed rule would dramatically expand agencies’ authority to terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. It would also require political appointees to make funding decisions without deferring to expert peer review. The senators warn this would inject partisan politics into grantmaking, threaten America’s leadership in scientific and medical innovation, and create chaos for communities and organizations that rely on federal funding to deliver critical services.\n\n“Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims,” the senators wrote.\n\nThe senators also argue that OMB’s proposal would force grant recipients to comply with vague, undefined, and political grant conditions that conflict with existing statutes. At the same time, it would weaken transparency and accountability requirements intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars. These changes could discourage qualified organizations from applying for federal grants and increase the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\nThe senators concluded: “Article I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal.”\n\nEvery member of the Senate Democratic caucus signed the letter. Joining Senators Murray, Peters, Schumer, and Merkley in sending the letter were U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nFull text of the letter is available HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sens-ossoff-rev-warnock-again-urge-dha-to-abandon-reduction-of-services-at-dwight-d-eisenhower-army-medical-center/", "title": "Sens. Ossoff, Rev. Warnock Again Urge DHA to Abandon Reduction of Services at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Fort Gordon, Ga. — U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock are again pushing back on plans to reduce services at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center.\n\nSen. Ossoff and Reverend Warnock are again urging the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to abandon its plan to close all inpatient services at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center (DDEAMC).\n\nThe plan includes permanently closing inpatient care and transitioning the emergency room to an urgent care center, which could disrupt care for patients and add strain on the local health care system.\n\nHowever, despite announcing the closure of all inpatient services at DDEAMC, the DHA has not yet finalized a list of which inpatient services would be closed upon implementation and questions remain unanswered about the transition to an ambulatory care center.\n\n“We write following up on the Defense Health Agency (DHA)’s decision to close all inpatient services at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center (DDEAMC) and transition the facility to an ambulatory care center,” Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock wrote to Assistant Secretary Keith Bass. “We have become increasingly concerned by the information shared thus far regarding DHA’s decision to move forward with these closures absent any clear and adequate plan for servicemembers, their families, veterans, and staff.”\n\n“Any plans to reduce services would come at a great disservice to those who have made the greatest sacrifice to our Nation. We urge DHA to keep these men and women, and their families, at the forefront of any decision that would reduce services at Eisenhower Army Medical Center,” Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock also wrote to Assistant Secretary Bass. “As presented, this plan will only create further chaos and could hinder access to care for servicemembers, their families, and veterans at Fort Gordon and the Augusta region. We therefore urge you to immediately halt all plans for reductions of service at DDEAMC and rescind Congressional notification, while DHA continues to clarify and provide additional information to Congress and the impacted community about this decision.”\n\nSen. Ossoff launched an inquiry last November with the Acting Director of the DHA requesting more information about reported plans to reduce services at the Eisenhower Army Medical Center, which serves between 30,000 to 40,000 active-duty servicemembers, retired servicemembers, their families, and DoD civilians in and around the CSRA.\n\nClick here to read Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock’s inquiry.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-announce-107-million-to-modernize-california-airports/", "title": "Padilla, Schiff Announce $107 Million to Modernize California Airports", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The largest awards include $28.1 million for Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, $27 million for Long Beach Airport, $14.4 million for Fresno Yosemite International Airport, and $11.5 million for San José Mineta International Airport.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) announced that 16 California airports will receive $107 million in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants to modernize airport infrastructure, improve safety, and strengthen the state’s aviation system. Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding will be used to invest in infrastructure projects such as runway and taxiway rehabilitation, lighting and signage upgrades, noise mitigation, and other critical infrastructure improvements.\n\n“Millions of travelers across the country and globe rely on California airports for safe and efficient travel, commerce, and tourism,” said Senator Padilla. “These investments are critical to support and modernize critical airport infrastructure, enhance safety for passengers, and support our state’s economy.”\n\n“From safety improvements to modernizing aging infrastructure, this federal funding will make critical upgrades at California’s airports. These major investments will create more jobs in communities across the Golden State, strengthen our transportation system, and boost our local economies,” said Senator Schiff.\n\nCalifornia airports selected to receive funding include:\n\nOakland San Francisco Bay Airport — $28.1 million: This project rehabilitates 10,520 feet of existing paved Taxiway W to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life.\n\nLong Beach Airport — $27 million: This project reconstructs 4,200 feet of existing paved Taxiway F pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.\n\nFresno Yosemite International Airport — $14.4 million: This project reconstructs 9,539 feet of existing paved Runway 11L/29R that has reached the end of its useful life.\n\nSan Jose Mineta International Airport — $11.5 million: This project constructs a new 6,735 foot paved Taxiway V to allow access to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.\n\nHollywood-Burbank/Bob Hope Airport — $10 million: This project removes an existing terminal and parking structure identified as hazards by the FAA to enhance safety.\n\nOntario International Airport — $7.3 million: This project reconstructs 2,218 feet of existing paved Runway 8L/26R that has reached the end of its useful life.\n\nGillespie Field Airport — $2.9 million: This project rehabilitates 3,160 feet of existing paved Runway 17/35 to maintain the structural integrity to extend its useful life.\n\nBig Bear Airport — $1.3 million: This project acquires two plows snow removal equipment to enhance the airport’s ability to clear the priority areas of the airfield during adverse weather conditions.\n\nMarch Air Reserve Base — $1.3 million: This project reconstructs 7,100 square yards of the existing Cargo Apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.\n\nBlythe Airport — $905,667.00: This project installs new lighting on the Primary Apron to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This project constructs 90 feet of perimeter fencing and two gates not required by 49 CFR 1542 to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.\n\nColumbia Airport — $570,000.00: This project updates the existing airport master plan study.\n\nReedley Municipal Airport — $509,733.00: This project constructs a new fuel farm at a nonprimary airport by adding three fuel tanks to assist the airport to be as self-sustaining as possible by generating revenue. The sponsor has adequately financed the airside needs of the airport.\n\nBrawley Municipal Airport-BWC — $275,000.00: This project reseals 215,000 feet of existing Taxiway A pavement and joints at a nonprimary airport to extend its useful life. An additional project reseals 66,889 square yards of existing SE Apron pavement and joints at a nonprimary airport to extend its useful life.\n\nUniversity Airport — $156,750.00: This project reconstructs 10,300 square yards of the existing West Apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.\n\nCalifornia City Airport — $150,321.00: This project resurfaces 6,025 feet of existing Runway 6/24 pavement at a nonprimary airport to extend its useful life.\n\nEastern Sierra Regional Airport — $138,940.00: This project conducts an airport wildlife hazard assessment.\n\nA complete list of AIP awards for California airports included in this round of funding is available here.\n\nPadilla and Schiff have consistently secured federal investments to modernize California’s aviation infrastructure. Last year, Padilla and Schiff announced that 46 California airports were awarded a combined $168.85 million in grant funding from AIG program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In August, they announced that an additional 72 California airports were awarded a combined $158.4 million in grant funding. In July, they announced that 18 California airports were awarded a combined $81.3 million from the AIP to bolster aviation infrastructure. Padilla also announced $219.5 million in grant funding from the FAA through the AIP last year to upgrade aviation infrastructure.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-senate-democrats-demand-omb-rescind-rule-granting-trump-sweeping-power-to-politicize-federal-grants/", "title": "Padilla, Senate Democrats Demand OMB Rescind Rule Granting Trump Sweeping Power to Politicize Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and the entire Senate Democratic caucus in demanding Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought immediately rescind OMB’s proposed regulation on federal financial assistance. The Senators warned the proposal exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’ constitutional power of the purse, and would give the President sweeping new authority to weaponize federal grants for political purposes.\n\n“Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals,” wrote the Senators. “Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs.”\n\nThe proposed rule would dramatically expand agencies’ authority to terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. It would also require political appointees to make funding decisions without deferring to expert peer review.\n\n“Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims,” wrote the Senators.\n\nThe Senators also argued that OMB’s proposal would force grant recipients to comply with vague, undefined terms that conflict with existing statutes. It would simultaneously weaken transparency and accountability requirements intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars. These changes could discourage qualified organizations from applying for federal grants and increase the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\n“Article I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives,” concluded the Senators. “OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal.”\n\nIn addition to Padilla, Schumer, Peters, Murray, and Merkley, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nPadilla pressed OMB Deputy Director nominee Hal Duncan on this proposed rule during his confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Budget Committee on June 16, 2026. He raised concerns about the far-reaching impacts of this overhaul to the federal grants process echoed in this letter and about the motivations behind the rulemaking, suggesting it was intended to provide cover for the Trump Administration’s illegal withholding and cancellation of thousands of federal grants. He asked Duncan for a commitment that OMB would not use this or any future change to the Uniform Guidance to circumvent congressional spending decisions, which the nominee refused to provide. Padilla also submitted several questions for the record asking about the legal authority OMB is relying on to override congressional authorization, the impact on multi-year funding projects, OMB’s process for meaningfully considering public comments, the bypassing of statutorily required expert review, and more.\n\nThe full letter is available here.\n\nVideo of Padilla’s remarks is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-celebrates-americas-250th-anniversary", "title": "Reed Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, in honor of America’s semiquincentennial on July 4, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement:\n\n“Happy 4th of July and happy 250th anniversary, America!\n\n“In the summer of 1776, over 50 individuals – including two Rhode Islanders – risked everything to sign the Declaration of Independence.\n\n“From 13 original colonies a united collection of spirited states came together, defeated the British, and achieved independence.\n\n“Through national triumphs, challenges, and tragedies -- our great democratic experiment has proven that a system of government where power flows from the people to the state, not the other way around, can succeed.\n\n“Today, we as Americans are bound to one another and called upon individually and collectively to help author America’s next chapter.\n\n“Unlike the signers of the Declaration of Independence, we needn’t risk being charged with treason in order to do our part.\n\n“But keeping America strong requires an engaged citizenry and active participation in civic life. As Americans, we have different views and ideas and vigorously debate and peacefully contest them. But we must never lose sight of the fact that we are a nation of laws and we have a shared responsibility to uphold the law and our constitutional principles.\n\n“Our allegiance is to the Constitution, not a king. We stand for freedom of speech and religion, and the freedom to petition our government for a redress of our grievances. We carry forth the torch our founders lit and continue working to uphold the promise of equality and liberty for all.\n\n“Our nation’s 250th birthday is also a time to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of our Armed Forces. From Continental Army volunteers to our professional, all-volunteer forces today, we honor those who have stood a post for freedom, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice.\n\n“Inspired by their example -- and the example of first responders who rush to help others and serve the community -- it is our duty as citizens to help build a more perfect union and defend and advance the rights and core values for which our forbearers fought. We must ensure America lives up to its promise as a place where all men and women are equal and everyone has the right to live with freedom and dignity.\n\n“We must defend America -- not just against foreign foes but from apathy, cynicism, and corruption from within and from those who would seek to divide us.\n\n“Despite the fact that we are a big, diverse nation with a healthy spirit of individualism, we share a commitment to our founding truths: that we are all created equal and endowed with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.\n\n“While fiercely independent, we must remain connected and tightly woven together like the broad stripes and bright stars stitched upon our flag (and with a healthy dose of HOPE emblazoned across the Rhode Island state flag too).\n\n“Just as the American flag has evolved over time, so too has our country. It has gotten bigger, stronger and more inclusive. The American experience has changed, the challenges we face evolve, but our ability as Americans to come together remains a constant. From revolutions to world wars to pandemics to national tragedies: Americans have always united and sacrificed for the common good.\n\n“That is the patriotic spirit and heritage we celebrate today and pass along to future generations. That is how the American experiment will continue flourishing. Together, our work continues. Far and wide, let freedom ring!”", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/trumps-polices-are-making-america-unaffordable-and-sticking-workers-with-higher-bills-and-smaller-paychecks", "title": "Trump’s Polices Are Making America Unaffordable & Sticking Workers with Higher Bills and Smaller Paychecks", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC -- Two-hundred and fifty years ago, the unfair imposition of tariffs and levies by King George III -- who was seeking to pay off his empire’s massive war debts -- ignited the American revolution.\n\nToday, President Trump is imposing costly, unauthorized tariffs on the American people, cutting away the social safety net, and forcing them to pay higher prices. He also started a disastrous war with Iran that has fed inflation, made America less secure, and is demanding that taxpayers provide him with billions of dollars to fund a military campaign they did not support that has empowered Iran’s hardline regime.\n\n“As we get ready to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, President Trump would do well to remember that Americans don’t take kindly to those who abuse their power, undermine the rule of law and common good, and try to ignore the judicial system and enrich themselves at the expense of hardworking people,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.\n\nEarlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the Trump Administration’s blanket tariffs unlawful and a lower court ordered refunds. As the high court ends its term this week, the President continues to flout the law: Only around $21 billion of the $166 billion owed has been paid and virtually none of it has gone back into the pockets of working families, small businesses, and family farmers who were hit hardest by Trump’s unconstitutional tariffs.\n\nWith recent reports showing weak job numbers (including downward revisions from previous months) and persistent inflation, Senator Reed warns that President Trump’s policies and actions are betraying American workers and causing financial hardships for families and businesses.\n\n“By imposing tariffs, dismantling health care, defunding public education, cutting away the social safety net, spiking electricity costs, and weakening unions, President Trump has launched a thinly disguised assault on American workers and working families. People are feeling the effects of Trump’s policies. While most Americans are working longer hours and falling deeper into debt, Trump’s personal income has soared by over $1.4 billion while in office. Trump only seems to care about Wall Street metrics, but Main Street is clearly hurting. People across the country in cities, towns and rural areas are all having a harder time paying for necessities as they struggle with Trumpflation and higher costs from tariffs and the Iran war,” said Reed.\n\nRecent Federal Reserve data shows that under the Trump Administration, American workers’ share of the economic pie has fallen to its lowest level ever recorded. According to research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as of early 2026, American workers received just 54.1 percent of national income. That is down from 57.7 percent in 2020 and well below the level of 65 percent in 1947, when the federal government first began tracking the data.\n\nAnd today, another weak jobs report showed the U.S. economy added just 57,000 jobs last month with labor force participation dropping to a five-year low, and wage growth tracked below inflation for a third consecutive month.\n\nAt the same time, Trump’s policies are contributing to higher mortgage rates that are keeping home ownership beyond the reach of many Americans. Earlier this month Congress passed the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to help build more housing, lower costs, streamline construction regulations, and curb private equity’s ability to buy up single-family homes and drive up housing prices. Instead of signing the law, which passed with veto-proof majorities, President Trump is sitting on it.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-senate-republicans-launch-anti-fraud-task-force/", "title": "Ricketts, Senate Republicans Launch Anti-Fraud Task Force", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "domain": "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "scraper": "ricketts", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000618", "name": "Pete Ricketts", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) joined U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) in announcing the launch of a new Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force. The Anti-Fraud Task Force will examine fraud, waste, and abuse across federal programs. It will also identify vulnerabilities in existing systems and strengthen government accountability to ensure the proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars.\n\nThe U.S. Government Accountability Office released a report estimating that the government lost between $233 billion to $521 billion annually to fraud from 2018-2022.\n\n“We are days away from celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Preserving this great nation for another 250 years will require us to recommit to protecting Americans, our tax dollars, and our values. This includes combatting fraudsters that are stealing from Americans and driving up the cost of living. I am proud to join the Anti-Fraud Task Force and continue my efforts to fight waste, fraud, and abuse across our country,” said Senator Ricketts.\n\n“The fraud epidemic burdening our country is one of the most pressing issues facing Americans today. It’s organized theft on a national scale, and the Americans paying the price are the ones swinging the hammer and driving the trucks, working their tails off to make ends meet. The fraudsters taking advantage of America’s generosity to the tune of billions and billions of dollars should be exposed and held accountable. Our Task Force will go after the fraud rings and bad actors exploiting our systems and robbing Americans. Following President Trump’s lead, we’re declaring war on fraud,” said Senator Schmitt.\n\nRicketts and Schmitt were joined by Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Ron Johnson (R-WI).", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-fights-for-florida-farmers-facing-foreign-crop-dumping", "title": "Sen. Rick Scott Fights for Florida Farmers Facing Foreign Crop Dumping", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, U.S Senator Rick Scott called on Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to investigate suspected illegal dumping of Mexican strawberries into U.S. markets during peak winter harvest and sale season.\n\nFlorida produces 15 percent of America’s strawberries, and the industry has a $1.1 billion impact on Hillsborough County alone. Crop dumping distorts the market and pushes prices down – cheating American farmers and their families out of their livelihood.\n\nSCOOP: Smuggled Strawberries: Sen. Rick Scott Demands Probe Into Mexican Imports Squeezing Florida Farms\n\nSenator Rick Scott wrote, “The facts of this case are clear. During the most recent winter season, more than 200 million kilograms of fresh strawberries from Mexico, valued at nearly $1 billion, flooded the U.S. market, much of it priced at a fraction of the cost of production.[1] These dumped imports arrive precisely during the November-through-March window when Florida’s growers harvest their crop, undercutting our farmers at the only time of year they can sell.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nOn December 31, 2025, the Strawberry Growers for Fair Trade (SGFT), a coalition of domestic growers, filed a petition with the Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) alleging that fresh winter strawberries from Mexico are being sold in the United States at less than fair value.\n\nThe scope of the investigation covers fresh and chilled strawberries imported between November 1 and March 31, the same window in which Florida growers harvest and sell their crops. During the November 2024 to March 2025 season, imports of Mexican strawberries exceeded 200 million kilograms, valued at $933 million.\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below:\n\nDear Secretary Lutnick:\n\nI write in strong support of Florida’s strawberry growers in the ongoing antidumping investigation regarding Fresh Winter Strawberries from Mexico (A-201-869).[2] For decades, Mexico has used heavy subsidies and unfairly priced exports in a deliberate scheme to displace American growers of seasonal and perishable produce from our own domestic market.[3] Florida’s strawberry growers are the latest target of this scheme, and they deserve the full protection of U.S. trade law.\n\nThe facts of this case are clear. During the most recent winter season, more than 200 million kilograms of fresh strawberries from Mexico, valued at nearly $1 billion, flooded the U.S. market, much of it priced at a fraction of the cost of production.[4] These dumped imports arrive precisely during the November-through-March window when Florida’s growers harvest their crop, undercutting our farmers at the only time of year they can sell. This is not competition - it is a targeted effort to drive American family farms out of business, and it follows the same playbook Mexico has used against Florida’s tomato, blueberry, bell pepper, and many other specialty crop growers for nearly 30 years.\n\nI have seen the toll of these unfair trade practices firsthand. I have visited Plant City, the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, many times as both Governor and Senator, and I have sat down with the family farmers who grow nearly all of America’s domestic winter strawberries. Many of these are multigenerational operations - parents and grandparents who built their farms from a few acres and hope to pass them on to their children. After fighting through Hurricanes Helene and Milton[5] and this most recent winter freeze[6], these families now face a flood of dumped Mexican strawberries that threatens to take everything they have rebuilt. When a family farm in Plant City shuts down, it doesn’t come back, and the jobs, the rural communities and the food security that depend on it disappear with it.\n\nMexico’s dumping of seasonal and perishable agricultural products directly injures U.S. growers, and I encourage Commerce to calculate the maximum dumping rate consistent with U.S. law as it completes its investigation. I also urge Commerce to issue its preliminary determination without delay. It is my understanding that certain companies opposed to relief for U.S. growers have made repeated requests for extensions of time in this proceeding. These extensions prejudice the domestic industry and - as the time remaining for Commerce to conduct its investigation shrinks - impede Commerce’s ability to properly analyze the data in a timely manner. I support Commerce in rejecting future requests for extensions from those entities seeking to deny relief to American growers and their workers. Florida’s farmers cannot afford another lost season while foreign producers and importers run out the clock.\n\nFood security is national security, and we cannot allow our nation’s ability to feed itself to depend on the trade practices of a foreign government. I encourage you to give full and fair consideration to the facts presented by the Strawberry Growers for Fair Trade and to provide the fullest relief against unfairly priced imports consistent with U.S. law. I will never stop fighting for Florida’s farmers, and I stand ready to work with you to ensure they get the level playing field they deserve.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/02/in-celebration-of-americas-250-years-of-independence-rosen-visits-hoover-dam/", "title": "In Celebration of America’s 250 Years of Independence, Rosen Visits Hoover Dam", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Rosen Also Visited the Boulder City Airport, Met with Small Business Leaders at the Chamber of Commerce, and Watched the USA World Cup Game at a Local Brewery\n\nWatch her video at the Hoover Dam HERE\n\nBOULDER CITY, NV – Yesterday, as part of the America 250 celebrations, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen visited the Hoover Dam and toured various spots around Boulder City, highlighting local small businesses and the importance of tourism to the region. Senator Rosen met with various leaders and small business owners across the city to discuss her efforts to address economic instability and the decline in international tourism. The visit included stops at the iconic Hoover Dam, the Boulder City Airport, the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, and a local brewery.\n\nSenator Rosen started the day off by visiting the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce with President and CEO Jill Rowland-Lagan, where they discussed Senator Rosen’s efforts to support tourism and small businesses in Boulder City. Senator Rosen has helped introduce legislation to increase tax deductions for new businesses, to allow nonprofit child care providers to access SBA loan programs, and to establish exemptions for small businesses from tariffs.\n\nSenator Rosen, along with Mayor Joe Hardy, later toured the Boulder City Airport, the third-most used airport in Nevada. Senator Rosen has helped secure critical funding for the Boulder City Airport. In May, she helped secure $10 million in federal funding for the Boulder City Airport to support the construction and operation of a new air traffic control tower.\n\nSenator Rosen then visited the Hoover Dam, which generates power to support 1.3 million people and is a testament to American ingenuity. With recent drops in water levels, the Hoover Dam will face significant reductions in hydropower capacity – potentially impacting millions who rely on this power and may increase electricity prices. Senator Rosen helped secure $52 million for critical operations, maintenance, and improvement projects at the Hoover Dam through the Help Hoover Dam Act, which was included in the government funding bill signed into law this year.\n\nSenator Rosen also went to dinner at Boulder Dam Brewing Co., where she met the owner and cheered on the US Men’s National Team in their first knockout game of the World Cup.\n\n“A symbol of American ingenuity, unity, and success, the Hoover Dam serves as both a reminder of everything the U.S. can accomplish, and it’s an inspiration for American generations to come,” said Senator Rosen. “I was so excited to celebrate America’s 250th birthday at the Hoover Dam and in Boulder City. I will continue working across the aisle to secure federal funding for local industries, such as tourism and hospitality, and will continue to support small businesses across Nevada.”\n\nSenator Rosen has helped secure critical projects in Boulder City through federal funding. This includes $32 million in disaster funding for Lake Mead National Recreation Area to address the effects of drought and ensure that Lake Mead’s boat ramps remain operational.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-joins-peters-schumer-murray-merkley-senate-democrats-in-demanding-omb-rescind-rule-giving-president-sweeping-power-to-politicize-federal-grants/", "title": "NEWS: Schiff, Padilla Join Peters, Schumer, Murray, Merkley & Senate Democrats in Demanding OMB Rescind Rule Giving President Sweeping Power to Politicize Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, DC — U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) joined Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Democratic Leader; Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, and the entire Senate Democratic caucus in demanding Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought immediately rescind OMB’s proposed regulation on federal financial assistance. The Senators warned the proposal exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, and would allow the President to weaponize federal grants for political purposes.\n\n“Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals,” the Senators wrote. “Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs.”\n\nThe proposed rule would dramatically expand agencies’ authority to terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. It would also require political appointees to make funding decisions without deferring to expert peer review. The Senators warn this would inject partisan politics into grantmaking, threaten America’s leadership in scientific and medical innovation, and create chaos for communities and organizations that rely on federal funding to deliver critical services.\n\n“Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators also argue that OMB’s proposal would force grant recipients to comply with vague, undefined, and political grant conditions that conflict with existing statutes. At the same time, it would weaken transparency and accountability requirements intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars. These changes could discourage qualified organizations from applying for federal grants and increase the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\nThe Senators concluded: “Article I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal.”\n\nJoining Senators Schiff, Padilla, Peters, Schumer, Murray, and Merkley in sending the letter were U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai’i), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-padilla-announce-107-million-to-modernize-california-airports/", "title": "NEWS: Schiff, Padilla Announce $107 Million to Modernize California Airports", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The largest awards include $28.1 million for Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, $15 million for Long Beach Airport, $14.4 million for Fresno Yosemite International Airport, and $11.5 million for San José Mineta International Airport.\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) announced that 16 California airports will receive $107 million in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants to modernize airport infrastructure, improve safety, and strengthen the state’s aviation system. Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding will be used to invest in infrastructure projects such as runway and taxiway rehabilitation, lighting and signage upgrades, noise mitigation, and other critical infrastructure improvements.\n\n“From safety improvements to modernizing aging infrastructure, this federal funding will make critical upgrades at California’s airports. These major investments will create more jobs in communities across the Golden State, strengthen our transportation system, and boost our local economies,” said Senator Schiff.\n\n“Millions of travelers across the country and globe rely on California airports for safe and efficient travel, commerce, and tourism,” said Senator Padilla. “These investments are critical to support and modernize critical airport infrastructure, enhance safety for passengers, and support our state’s economy.”\n\nCalifornia airports selected to receive funding include:\n\nOakland San Francisco Bay Airport — $28.1 million: This project rehabilitates 10,520 feet of existing paved Taxiway W to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life.\n\nLong Beach Airport — $27 million: This project reconstructs 4,200 feet of existing paved Taxiway F pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.\n\nFresno Yosemite International Airport — $14.4 million: This project reconstructs 9,539 feet of existing paved Runway 11L/29R that has reached the end of its useful life.\n\nSan Jose Mineta International Airport — $11.5 million: This project constructs a new 6,735 foot paved Taxiway V to allow access to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.\n\nOntario International Airport — $7.3 million: This project reconstructs 2,218 feet of existing paved Runway 8L/26R that has reached the end of its useful life.\n\nGillespie Field Airport — $2.9 million: This project rehabilitates 3,160 feet of existing paved Runway 17/35 to maintain the structural integrity to extend its useful life.\n\nHollywood-Burbank/Bob Hope Airport — $10 million: This project removes an existing terminal and parking structure identified as hazards by the FAA to enhance safety.\n\nBig Bear Airport — $1.3 million: This project acquires two plows snow removal equipment to enhance the airport’s ability to clear the priority areas of the airfield during adverse weather conditions.\n\nMarch Air Reserve Base — $1.3 million: This project reconstructs 7,100 square yards of the existing Cargo Apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.\n\nBlythe Airport — $905,667.00: This project installs new lighting on the Primary Apron to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This project constructs 90 feet of perimeter fencing and two gates not required by 49 CFR 1542 to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.\n\nColumbia Airport — $570,000.00: This project updates the existing airport master plan study.\n\nReedley Municipal Airport — $509,733.00: This project constructs a new fuel farm at a nonprimary airport by adding three fuel tanks to assist the airport to be as self-sustaining as possible by generating revenue. The sponsor has adequately financed the airside needs of the airport.\n\nBrawley Municipal Airport-BWC — $275,000.00: This project reseals 215,000 feet of existing Taxiway A pavement and joints at a nonprimary airport to extend its useful life. An additional project reseals 66,889 square yards of existing SE Apron pavement and joints at a nonprimary airport to extend its useful life.\n\nUniversity Airport — $156,750.00: This project reconstructs 10,300 square yards of the existing West Apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.\n\nCalifornia City Airport — $150,321.00: This project resurfaces 6,025 feet of existing Runway 6/24 pavement at a nonprimary airport to extend its useful life.\n\nEastern Sierra Regional Airport — $138,940.00: This project conducts an airport wildlife hazard assessment.\n\nA complete list of AIP awards for California airports included in this round of funding is available here.\n\nSchiff and Padilla have consistently secured federal investments to modernize California’s aviation infrastructure. Last year, Schiff and Padilla announced that 46 California airports were awarded a combined $168.85 million in grant funding from AIG program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In August, they announced that an additional 72 California airports were awarded a combined $158.4 million in grant funding. In July, they announced that 18 California airports were awarded a combined $81.3 million from the AIP to bolster aviation infrastructure. Padilla also announced $219.5 million in grant funding from the FAA through the AIP last year to upgrade aviation infrastructure.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-devastating-gop-snap-cuts-are-set-to-shift-cost-of-critical-food-assistance-to-states-and-counties-and-increase-hunger-schumer-launches-push-to-delay-snap-cost-shifts-to-save-rochester-finger-lakes-county-budgets-from-footing-a-56-million-bill-every-year-to-make-up-for-devastating-food-cuts", "title": "AS DEVASTATING GOP SNAP CUTS ARE SET TO SHIFT COST OF CRITICAL FOOD ASSISTANCE TO STATES AND COUNTIES AND INCREASE HUNGER, SCHUMER LAUNCHES PUSH TO DELAY SNAP COST SHIFTS TO SAVE ROCHESTER-FINGER...", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.schumer.senate.gov", "scraper": "schumer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000148", "name": "Charles E. Schumer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Last Year Trump And Republicans Made The Largest Cut To SNAP In History – NEARLY $200 BILLION; In New York, SNAP Is Administered By Counties – Meaning The Rochester-Finger Lakes Region Will Need To Find A Whopping $5.6+ MILLION To Keep Nutrition Assistance Flowing To Families and Veterans In Need, Including $250,000 For Orleans County And $3 MILLION For Monroe County\n\nHouse And Senate GOP Have Refused To Reverse Cruel SNAP Cuts; Schumer Calls On Republicans To Work With Democrats To Write A Farm Bill That Restores SNAP & Helps Families Put Food On The Table For 135,000 New Yorkers In The Rochester-Finger Lakes Region\n\nSchumer: No Child Should Go Hungry – Any Farm Bill Must Protect SNAP\n\nAs New York counties scramble to find funding to keep SNAP alive after Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill made the largest program cuts in history, and Congressional Republicans refuse to act, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today stood at Community Action of Orleans and Genesee with families and local officials to launch his push for a two-year delay in cost shifts. In New York, counties administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and $5.6 million in new annual costs will fall directly on county budgets in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region, forcing counties to choose between raising local taxes or cutting food assistance for New Yorkers in need. As Congress works on the upcoming Farm Bill, Schumer urged Republicans to work with Democrats to meet the needs of families across the country suffering from skyrocketing costs of living and called on New York House Republicans to stand with New York families and local legislators against these cuts.\n\n“135,000 New York families, kids, and seniors across the Rochester-Finger Lakes region depend on SNAP to put food on the table. But last year, Republicans passed the largest cut to SNAP in history, forcing Rochester-Finger Lakes counties and their taxpayers to pick up the tab,” said Senator Schumer. “Now, Republicans want to move forward with a Farm Bill that would do nothing for hungry families or the counties. The Republicans’ plan will immediately blow a $250,000 bill in the Orleans County budget, and counties across the country will be forced to choose between raising local taxes and cutting food assistance for hungry kids, seniors, veterans, and families. It’s just plain cruel.”\n\nSchumer added, “That’s why I’m here today to announce that I will NOT support a Farm Bill that does not at least provide more time for states and counties to prepare to shoulder the cost of SNAP. A Republican Farm Bill that abandons hungry families is not a serious proposal. I urge Republicans, especially New York House Republicans, to come back to the table and write a Farm Bill that actually meets the moment: supporting farmers, strengthening rural America, protecting families, and ensuring Americans have enough to eat by reversing SNAP cuts.”\n\nThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States and a lifeline for nearly 3 million NY children, seniors, veterans, and families who rely on the critical funding to purchase groceries. Last year, Trump and Congressional Republicans rushed to pass a nearly $200 billion cut to SNAP, ripping away food from thousands of hungry kids and families across America.\n\nSince SNAP is administered by counties in New York State, counties will be forced to shoulder the burden of increased SNAP costs, using more local dollars to administer the program because less federal funding will be coming in. During recessions or economic downturns, these impacts will be even more acute, as more people apply for benefits and state revenue declines, more children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and more will be turned away from this vital program due to insufficient funding. As Congress works on a five-year Farm Bill, which governs federal agricultural, food, and conservation programs, Schumer has said Democrats cannot support a Farm Bill until Republicans agree to include the two-year delay to the SNAP cost shift.\n\nJust last week, Senate Republicans released the text of a five-year Farm Bill that fails to address SNAP cuts. In April, House Republicans passed a five-year Farm Bill that also failed to address SNAP cuts. Democrats stand united against any Farm Bill that does not include a two-year cost shift delay for SNAP, which would provide parity for New York with other states, like Alaska, which do not have to begin shouldering the cost of SNAP for another two years. There have been strong bipartisan calls to reverse course from governors, mayors, and state legislatures to support the cost-shift. Schumer is calling on New York House Republicans to join Democrats and their constituents in the fight against these cruel food assistance cuts.\n\nOrleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson said, “We appreciate Senator Schumer’s push for our county’s work to effectively deliver the nutrition program supports that our residents rely on. The SNAP cost shifts that are set to hit New York counties this fall are a threat to Orleans County’s budget, forcing reductions in staffing and delaying critical nutrition assistance for vulnerable residents. Under current law, some other states are granted a two-year delay from this cost shift, which is why we join Senator Schumer in calling for the upcoming Farm Bill to grant all states and counties, including New York State and Orleans County, the same two-year extension before any new cost obligations are triggered. We are committed to operating a strong and accurate SNAP program, and urge Congress to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill that extends this delay to all states, treating SNAP agencies equally while providing the necessary time to invest in the staffing, training, and technology needed to best serve our residents.”\n\nRenee Hungerford, Executive Director and CEO at Community Action of Orleans & Genesee said, “Every day, we see how critical programs like SNAP are to the families we serve. Here at the Holley Center, each year we provide nearly 6,000 prepared meals for community members and serve as a vital site for food distribution—meeting people where they are. As the cost of basic goods continues to rise, the need for food assistance in our community only grows. Programs like SNAP, shaped through the Farm Bill, don’t just help families put food on the table—they also support our local farmers, grocery stores, and rural economy. And when federal proposals shift more of those program costs onto states, it puts real pressure on counties like Orleans, where local resources are already stretched, increasing the strain on food pantries, community programs, and the families who rely on them every day.”\n\n\"For decades, SNAP has served as our nation's first line of defense against food insecurity, and we have already seen the local impact of how federal legislation has removed thousands of people from this critical program,\" said Julia Tedesco, President and CEO of Foodlink. \"Shifting costs to states and counties will further reduce enrollment and put an overwhelming and untenable strain on the emergency food system. We fully support a delay in this cost-sharing policy, and a Farm Bill that helps put food on the table for those that need it most.\"\n\nAccording to a report from the New York State Association of Counties, 4,836 New Yorkers in Orleans County receive nearly $11 million in annual benefits through SNAP. The planned cost shift is expected to leave Orleans County with an additional $251,765 in annual budget costs, at the same time as the county is already managing state and federal mandates, workforce shortages, rising service demands, and the property tax cap. The 2026 Orleans County budget said that Republican cuts to SNAP will reduce federal government assistance for the county, impacting individuals served by SNAP.\n\nAcross the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region, more than 135,000 New Yorkers receive $345 million in annual SNAP benefits. The planned cost shift is expected to shift more than $5.6 million in costs to counties in New York. The 2026 Monroe County budget said Trump’s Medicaid and SNAP cuts will lead to a loss of federal funding and programmatic cuts that will severely impact the county’s future. A breakdown of annual benefits paid, individuals served, and county cost increases for counties in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region can be found below:\n\nCounty\n\nAnnual Benefits Paid\n\nIndividuals Served\n\nCounty Cost Increase\n\nGenesee\n\n$9,852,766\n\n4,382\n\n$380,348\n\nLivingston\n\n$11,595,947\n\n4,824\n\n$362,665\n\nMonroe\n\n$262,789,720\n\n99,149\n\n$3,013,240\n\nOntario\n\n$20,510,074\n\n9,140\n\n$460,965\n\nOrleans\n\n$10,980,049\n\n4,836\n\n$251,765\n\nSeneca\n\n$7,449,664\n\n3,327\n\n$570,125\n\nWayne\n\n$17,855,915\n\n7,507\n\n$503,004\n\nYates\n\n$4,206,443\n\n1,928\n\n$140,983\n\nTOTAL\n\n$345,240,578\n\n135,093\n\n$5,683,095\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-devastating-gop-snap-cuts-are-set-to-shift-cost-of-critical-food-assistance-to-states-and-counties-and-increase-hunger-schumer-launches-push-to-delay-snap-cost-shifts-to-save-western-new-york-county-budgets-from-footing-a-98-million-bill-every-year-to-make-up-for-devastating-food-cuts", "title": "AS DEVASTATING GOP SNAP CUTS ARE SET TO SHIFT COST OF CRITICAL FOOD ASSISTANCE TO STATES AND COUNTIES AND INCREASE HUNGER, SCHUMER LAUNCHES PUSH TO DELAY SNAP COST SHIFTS TO SAVE WESTERN NEW YORK...", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.schumer.senate.gov", "scraper": "schumer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000148", "name": "Charles E. Schumer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Last Year Trump And Republicans Made The Largest Cut To SNAP In History – NEARLY $200 BILLION; In New York, SNAP Is Administered By Counties – Meaning Western New York Will Need To Find A Whopping $9.8+ MILLION To Keep Nutrition Assistance Flowing To Families and Veterans In Need, Including $211,000 For Wyoming County And $6.3 MILLION For Erie County\n\nHouse And Senate GOP Have Refused To Reverse Cruel SNAP Cuts; Schumer Calls On Republicans To Work With Democrats To Write A Farm Bill That Restores SNAP & Helps Families Put Food On The Table For 193,000 New Yorkers In Western New York\n\nSchumer: No Child Should Go Hungry – Any Farm Bill Must Protect SNAP\n\nAs New York counties scramble to find funding to keep SNAP alive after Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill made the largest program cuts in history, and Congressional Republicans refuse to act, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today stood at Warsaw Food Pantry at the United Church of Warsaw with families and local officials to launch his push for a two-year delay in cost shifts. In New York, counties administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and $9.8 million in new annual costs will fall directly on county budgets in Western New York, forcing counties to choose between raising local taxes or cutting food assistance for New Yorkers in need. As Congress works on the upcoming Farm Bill, Schumer urged Republicans to work with Democrats to meet the needs of families across the country suffering from skyrocketing costs of living and called on New York House Republicans to stand with New York families and local legislators against these cuts.\n\n“198,000 New York families, kids, and seniors across Western New York depend on SNAP to put food on the table. But last year, Republicans passed the largest cut to SNAP in history, forcing Western New York counties and their taxpayers to pick up the tab,” said Senator Schumer. “Now, Republicans want to move forward with a Farm Bill that would do nothing for hungry families or the counties. The Republicans’ plan will immediately blow a $211,000 bill in the Wyoming County budget, and counties across the country will be forced to choose between raising local taxes and cutting food assistance for hungry kids, seniors, veterans, and families. It’s just plain cruel.”\n\nSchumer added, “That’s why I’m here today to announce that I will NOT support a Farm Bill that does not at least provide more time for states and counties to prepare to shoulder the cost of SNAP. A Republican Farm Bill that abandons hungry families is not a serious proposal. I urge Republicans, especially New York House Republicans, to come back to the table and write a Farm Bill that actually meets the moment: supporting farmers, strengthening rural America, protecting families, and ensuring Americans have enough to eat by reversing SNAP cuts.”\n\nThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States and a lifeline for nearly 3 million NY children, seniors, veterans, and families who rely on the critical funding to purchase groceries. Last year, Trump and Congressional Republicans rushed to pass a nearly $200 billion cut to SNAP, ripping away food from thousands of hungry kids and families across America.\n\nSince SNAP is administered by counties in New York State, counties will be forced to shoulder the burden of increased SNAP costs, using more local dollars to administer the program because less federal funding will be coming in. During recessions or economic downturns, these impacts will be even more acute, as more people apply for benefits and state revenue declines, more children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and more will be turned away from this vital program due to insufficient funding. As Congress works on a five-year Farm Bill, which governs federal agricultural, food, and conservation programs, Schumer has said Democrats cannot support a Farm Bill until Republicans agree to include the two-year delay to the SNAP cost shift.\n\nJust last week, Senate Republicans released the text of a five-year Farm Bill that fails to address SNAP cuts. In April, House Republicans passed a five-year Farm Bill that also failed to address SNAP cuts. Democrats stand united against any Farm Bill that does not include a two-year cost shift delay for SNAP, which would provide parity for New York with other states, like Alaska, which do not have to begin shouldering the cost of SNAP for another two years. There have been strong bipartisan calls to reverse course from governors, mayors, and state legislatures to support the cost-shift. Schumer is calling on New York House Republicans to join Democrats and their constituents in the fight against these cruel food assistance cuts.\n\nWyoming County Board of Supervisors Chairman James Brick said, “Effective October 1, 2026, the federal share for SNAP administrative costs will be reduced from 50% to 25%, which will increase the State/Local share from 50% to 75% which will mean Wyoming County will lose over $211,000 in federal funding every year at the same time that county staffs will have to shoulder new costs to administer new expanded requirements in order to efficiently deliver critical nutrition assistance to vulnerable residents. The current law grants some other states a two-year delay from this cost shift which is why we appreciate Senator Schumer’s push to extend this delay to all states and counties, including New York State and Wyoming County. This will create an equal footing for all states and counties and provide the necessary time that counties need to best serve our residents.”\n\nVictoria Tiebor, CEO Wyoming County Community Action, Inc. said, “As the Director of Wyoming County Community Action, we try to meet people’s needs for services, giving them a needed lift on their way back to independence. With new qualification parameters for SNAP nutritional benefits or changes in Medicaid regulations, we have been inundated with community members coming into our agency desperately needing help to feed their families or be able to provide medical coverage for themselves or their dependents. For many, the new guidelines make it much more difficult for those in need of obtaining the items and services of the very basics of humanity, food and care. We appreciate and thank Senator Schumer for caring about our rural area.\n\n\"For decades, SNAP has served as our nation's first line of defense against food insecurity, and we have already seen the local impact of how federal legislation has removed thousands of people from this critical program,\" said Julia Tedesco, President and CEO of Foodlink. \"Shifting costs to states and counties will further reduce enrollment and put an overwhelming and untenable strain on the emergency food system. We fully support a delay in this cost-sharing policy, and a Farm Bill that helps put food on the table for those that need it most.\"\n\nAccording to a report from the New York State Association of Counties, 2,548 New Yorkers in Wyoming County receive nearly $5 million in annual benefits through SNAP. The planned cost shift is expected to leave Wyoming County with an additional $211,764 in annual budget costs, at the same time as the county is already managing state and federal mandates, workforce shortages, rising service demands, and the property tax cap. The 2026 Wyoming County budget said that losing $211,000 in federal funding is a threat to the county budget.\n\nAcross Western New York, more than 193,000 New Yorkers receive $472 million in annual SNAP benefits. The planned cost shift is expected to shift more than $5.6 million in costs to counties in New York. A breakdown of annual benefits paid, individuals served, and county cost increases for counties in Western New York can be found below:\n\nCounty\n\nAnnual Benefits Paid\n\nIndividuals Served\n\nCounty Cost Increase\n\nCattaraugus\n\n$21,982,900\n\n9,915\n\n$720,143\n\nChautauqua\n\n$52,904,202\n\n22,653\n\n$983,868\n\nErie\n\n$331,965,951\n\n132,985\n\n$6,384,494\n\nNiagara\n\n$61,135,075\n\n25,656\n\n$1,555,489\n\nWyoming\n\n$4,922,455\n\n2,548\n\n$211,764\n\nTOTAL\n\n$472,910,583\n\n193,757\n\n$9,855,758\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-after-delivering-1-million-in-fed-funding-cuts-ribbon-on-binghamton-universitys-new-cleanroom-for-microelectronic-packaging-research_and-announces-new-legislation-to-rebuild-american-manufacturing-lower-costs-and-create-good-paying-jobs-in-the-southern-tier", "title": "SCHUMER, AFTER DELIVERING $1 MILLION IN FED FUNDING, CUTS RIBBON ON BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY’S NEW CLEANROOM FOR MICROELECTRONIC PACKAGING RESEARCH – AND ANNOUNCES NEW LEGISLATION TO REBUILD AMERICAN...", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.schumer.senate.gov", "scraper": "schumer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000148", "name": "Charles E. Schumer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "New Schumer Legislation Will Rebuild American Manufacturing Capacity In Industries Critical To Our Economy, Including Microelectronics, While Reducing Dependence On Foreign Manufacturers\n\nSchumer Additionally Delivered $1 Million For Binghamton University’s Nanofabrication Laboratory, Which Provides Hands-On Training For Students To Secure Jobs In Fast-Growing Chip Industry Across Upstate NY And In Other High-Demand Industries That New Schumer Legislation Will Boost\n\nSchumer: New Legislation Would Bring Critical Manufacturing And Good-Paying Jobs Back Home To Areas Like The Southern Tier\n\nAfter delivering $1 million in federal funding for Binghamton University to purchase equipment for advanced microelectronics packaging, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today joined Binghamton University President Anne D'Alleva and Watson School of Engineering Dean Atul Kelkar to cut the ribbon for the state-of-the-art facility. This new facility will help students learn the fundamentals of the semiconductor manufacturing process and prepare a workforce to fill critical microelectronics manufacturing jobs Schumer seeks to bring back to the Southern Tier from overseas.\n\nSchumer said this is a major step forward to cement Binghamton University’s status as a leader in emerging advanced electronics innovation. Today, he also announced his new legislation, the Make More In America Act, which will expand American manufacturing capacity in industries like microelectronics and battery manufacturing, critical to protecting national supply chains, driving down the cost of everyday products, and supporting the Southern Tier economy.\n\n“With well over $100 billion in new major chip projects starting across Upstate New York, it’s more important than ever for students to receive hands-on training for jobs in the semiconductor industry. I was thrilled to deliver $1 million in federal funding for Binghamton University to purchase new equipment for a state-of-the-art cleanroom facility. Investments like this will help grow Upstate New York’s semiconductor ecosystem, but more is needed to strengthen our domestic supply chains,” said Senator Schumer. “That’s why I’m proud to announce my new legislation—the Make More in America Act—to expand American manufacturing capacity in critical industries that China is trying to control. This legislation will provide vital new investment to bring manufacturing in critical industries like microelectronics and batteries back from overseas to communities like the Southern Tier, creating new jobs and helping prevent cost spikes that Americans are often struggling with when global supply chains are disrupted.”\n\nSchumer delivered $1 million in federal funding in the FY2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education budget bill, enabling Binghamton University to purchase new equipment for its microelectronics packaging cleanroom. The technology is essential for critical semiconductor and electronics packaging research because it provides measures such as extreme air filtration to ensure no dust or other microscopic particulates can contaminate or damage components during the microchip manufacturing process. The new cleanroom, made possible by the federal investment Schumer secured, will also help Binghamton University provide job training for more than 100 students every year, providing a pipeline of talent for Upstate New York’s growing chip manufacturing industry, including the over $100 billion Micron memory chip project and TTM’s expansion in Central NY, GlobalFoundries’ multibillion expansion in the Capital Region, Corning Incorporated’s Expansion in Rochester and the North Country, and Menlo Micro’s investment in the Southern Tier.\n\n“Binghamton University is deeply grateful for Senator Schumer’s leadership in securing significant funding for the Watson College Cleanroom and the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator,” said President Anne D’Alleva. “These facilities provide students with hands-on research experience that prepares them for careers in semiconductor and battery storage industries and many more, while also supporting start-ups and strengthening entrepreneurship across the region. Binghamton University is committed to driving economic growth in the Southern Tier and throughout the state through research, workforce development, and business innovation. Senator Schumer’s Make More in America Act would further strengthen domestic manufacturing and deliver meaningful benefits for American workers and consumers. We are proud to advance research and entrepreneurship initiatives that align with the Senator’s vision for expanding production and innovation here in the United States\n\nSchumer also announced his new Make More In America Act, which will expand on investments in microelectronics and battery research in the Southern Tier by rebuilding American manufacturing capacity in these critical industries. The legislation will allow the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) to provide financing and other support to build or expand a manufacturing facility in the U.S., so more manufacturing of critical technologies happens in America. This new investment will reduce the country's dangerous dependence on foreign supply chains, especially in China, and create good-paying jobs across the country. Projects supported under this new program will directly benefit American workers and communities. To qualify, projects must demonstrate support for American jobs, pay prevailing wages for construction, protect existing collective bargaining agreements, remain neutral in union organizing, and include commitments to workforce training and education. The legislation provides support targeted at building American manufacturing in strategic industries in which there is evidence of subsidies or production support by other countries that creates an overreliance, foreign chokepoints, or other risks for U.S. supply chains, including batteries and microelectronics. This new bill will provide critical investment capital to enable technologies that come out of research institutions, like Binghamton University, to scale up to production domestically, building American jobs and bringing costs of products for Americans down.\n\nSchumer has long recognized that Binghamton University’s pivotal role in the region’s economy and its potential to advance broader efforts to onshore critical industries like chip manufacturing, and batteries, and as a result has a strong record of delivering federal investments to boost Binghamton and Upstate NY’s profile in both manufacturing and R&D. In 2022, Schumer delivered $63.7 million in federal funding for Binghamton University’s New Energy New York (NENY) proposal to make the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes a national hub for battery research and manufacturing. In 2023, Schumer secured for NENY the prestigious Tech Hubs designation, a program he authored as part of his CHIPS & Science Law, accelerating the Southern Tier’s emergence as America’s next battery tech hub. In 2024, Schumer delivered a $500,000 Consortium Accelerator Award through the federal Tech Hubs program to boost their ongoing work.\n\nIn 2024, Schumer additionally announced another major milestone for the Binghamton University-led consortium: NENY was one of the winners of the esteemed U.S. National Science Foundation’s Regional “Innovation Engines” Competition (NSF Engines), also created by his CHIPS & Science Law, bringing an initial $15 million in federal funding. Earlier this year, Schumer announced an additional $45 million award for the Engine, with potential for up to another $100 million total over the entirety of the program.\n\nSchumer delivered $1 million in federal funding in the FY2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development budget bill earlier this year toward a new effort to expand capacity at Binghamton University’s Koffman Southern Tier Incubator, to support the Southern Tier’s growing innovation ecosystem, continue to attract cutting-edge technology companies and startups, and create even more good-paying local jobs. The Koffman Incubator, which opened in 2017, began with $2 million in federal funding Schumer secured from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). Since then, it has supported more than 130 companies in creating 667 full-time jobs in the Southern Tier, creating a more than $400 million economic impact. Schumer said his legislation could also boost the work of the incubator and companies that rely on it by supporting their projects.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-standing-with-union-workers-at-dfas-rome-slams-trump-admin-decision-to-strip-union-rights-from-thousands-of-department-of-defense-union-workers-across-ny_including-1100-at-dfas-and-afrl-in-rome--and-launches-renewed-push-for-legislation-to-restore--protect-collective-bargaining-rights", "title": "SCHUMER, STANDING WITH UNION WORKERS AT DFAS ROME, SLAMS TRUMP ADMIN DECISION TO STRIP UNION RIGHTS FROM THOUSANDS OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE UNION WORKERS ACROSS NY – INCLUDING 1,100 AT DFAS & AFRL IN...", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.schumer.senate.gov", "scraper": "schumer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000148", "name": "Charles E. Schumer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Trump Administration Terminated Collective Bargaining Agreements For Nearly All Federal Employees, Including 1,100 DoD Civilian Employees At DFAS & AFRL In Rome And Thousands More Across NY\n\nSchumer Advances Effort To Protect DoD Federal Employees’ Collective Bargaining Rights By Prohibiting Use Of Fed $$ In Annual National Defense Bill To Implement Trump Executive Order Terminating Rights For Federal Labor Unions\n\nSchumer: Hands Off DFAS & Rome Labs Workers’ Union Rights!\n\nAfter the Trump administration stripped union protections and collective bargaining rights from more than 1,100 U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees at DFAS and AFRL in Rome, and thousands more across New York State, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer stood with a bipartisan group of public officials, community leaders, and union members to fight this decision and launch his renewed push to pass legislation in the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) rescinding President Trump's executive order and restoring the union protections that DoD’s civilian workers depend on.\n\n“Attacking union rights is a slap in the face to hardworking civilian employees here in the Mohawk Valley DFAS and AFRL and across New York. For decades, workers at DFAS Rome have worked tirelessly to support our national security interests by managing financial operations essential to the Department of Defense. Now, the Trump administration is attacking one of the freedoms core to our country’s values – Americans’ right to organize and to form unions to bargain for fair wages and benefits,” said Senator Schumer. “After more than a year of decimating the federal workforce, ripping up contracts for DoD workers makes it harder to retain our top-notch civilian workforce. Stripping these devoted civil servants of their collective bargaining rights undermines not only their workplace protections, but also the stability and morale of the civilian workforce that underpins our national defense. The Trump administration must stop its attack on our hardworking federal employees immediately. I will be fighting nonstop for my legislation in this year’s NDAA to roll back President Trump’s executive order and to restore and protect our federal workforce’s right to collectively bargain.”\n\nLast year, the Trump administration moved to terminate most collective bargaining agreements for federal employees, stripping union protections from more than one million civilian employees across the federal government. His executive order nullified existing federal employee unions from dozens of federal agencies and agency subdivisions, effectively revoking their collective bargaining rights.\n\nEarlier this year, the DoD became the latest agency to terminate collective bargaining rights when Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a notice to terminate most of the department’s collective bargaining agreements, impacting approximately 300 workers at AFRL Rome, 800 workers at DFAS Rome, thousands of other DoD civilian employees across New York, and hundreds of thousands of across the country who directly serve and contribute to our national defense and serve our military servicemembers and families. The 300,000 civilian employees at the Department of Defense include the largest population of veterans of any federal agency and make up a significant share of the department’s workforce.\n\nSchumer said, “Because so many DoD civilian employees are veterans themselves, ending collective bargaining at the department effectively leaves a workforce that previously served in uniform with fewer tools to advocate for fair treatment in their civilian roles. That is not how we should treat our vets.”\n\nNow, 1,100 civilian employees at DFAS and AFRL in Rome are being affected, and thousands across the state, including 600 workers at Fort Drum. With these protections stripped away, employees will no longer have a voice to file grievances, negotiate workplace conditions or assignments, or advocate for fair treatment on issues like work hours, promotions, parental leave, and meal allowances.\n\n“This administration’s decision to terminate our collective bargaining agreement flies in the face of established law, and has unfairly stripped union rights and protections from more than 800 employees at DFAS and 300 employees at AFRL here in Rome. As a result, 1,100 devoted federal civil servants and AFGE members are being denied access to their contractually agreed upon rights and protections for everything from addressing workplace expectations and goal setting to the use and approval of PTO and sick leave, requests for medical accommodations, and more,” said Mary Sharp, President, AFGE Local 2612. “The elimination of our collective bargaining rights, combined with the loss of over 200 employees from the administration’s buyouts, reductions in-force and hiring freezes, have caused dramatic changes the workforce and mission readiness at both DFAS and AFRL. We need our elected and community leaders to stand and fight alongside us now more than ever. So, on behalf of all 1,100 members of AFGE Local 2612, I would like to thank Senator Schumer for leading the charge in Congress to restore our collective bargaining rights, and for always fighting to protect our workforce here at DFAS and AFRL in Rome.”\n\n“Whenever this many employees across any industry lose their right to collective bargaining it creates uncertainty in the workforce. 1,100 local individuals who are part of our Utica and Rome community are caught in the cross-fire. As a former employee at Rome Lab who understands the value of these rights, I would like to see that this drastic change be reconsidered,” said Michael P. Galime, Mayor, City of Utica. “I would like to thank Senator Schumer for coming to our community to fight for the right to collectively bargain, and I am proud to stand with the Senator in support of bipartisan cooperation to protect that right for DFAS and Rome Lab workers living in Utica and throughout the Mohawk Valley.”\n\n“The employees at AFRL and DFAS have supported those that serve in our military as union members for many years. Some of these employees are veterans themselves who have already answered the call to serve before and have returned to serve our nation in a different capacity. I want to thank Senator Schumer for putting forward legislation to protect our neighbors that are working at these local facilities. Their hard work and dedication to all those that keep our great nation safe is commendable, said Marianne Buttenschon, Member of the New York State Assembly, 119th District.\n\nSchumer pledged to lead the fight against this attack on union rights and announced that he will file the Protect America's Workforce Act as an amendment to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would protect workers' collective bargaining rights. Schumer explained that his amendment would prohibit the use of federal funding authorized in the NDAA for DoD to be used for implementing Trump’s executive order.\n\nSchumer has been the leading champion in Congress to protect union jobs at DFAS Rome. Most recently, after securing key language in both the FY 2023 and FY 2024 NDAA, Schumer successfully safeguarded 600 jobs at DFAS Rome imperiled by automation. Thanks to the Senator’s years-long effort, the AFGE union representing DFAS Rome received a commitment from DFAS management that no Rome employees would lose their jobs due to automation, and DFAS would adopt 19 workforce training recommendations made by AFGE to retrain and upskill employees for new roles.\n\nIn 2020, Schumer secured language in the FY 2021 NDAA increasing Congressional oversight over DFAS personnel changes and adding additional protection for DFAS employees by requiring DoD to justify that proposed changes would yield significant cost savings before transitioning any functions that would result in the reduction or transfer of DFAS employees. In 2018, Schumer went to bat for DFAS in the Senate and saved 200 jobs by successfully ensuring that a House NDAA provision containing a 25% cut to agencies that employ civilian workers was rejected in the Senate NDAA. In 2017, after years of direct advocacy to former Army Secretary John McHugh, Schumer announced that a US Army pilot program jeopardizing over 1000 DFAS Rome jobs had concluded and there would be no changes or layoffs. In 2014, Schumer visited DFAS Rome to announce that DFAS would stay in Rome.\n\nThe Defense Finance and Accounting Service was created in 1991 to standardize and improve accounting and financial operations for DoD. They provide payroll services for DoD military and civilian personnel, retirees, and other major contractors and vendors. DFAS operates as a separate and unique entity in DoD to ensure transparency and accountability on behalf of DoD financing and accounting. Schumer and Gillibrand are praising the effort to advance DFAS’s current workforce so they can either stay in their current jobs or be trained in new skills to move to different roles.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-to-introduce-legislation-ending-the-birth-tourism-industry/", "title": "Sen. Tim Scott to introduce legislation ending the “birth tourism” industry", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.scott.senate.gov", "scraper": "timscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001184", "name": "Tim Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“American citizenship is to be cherished, not cheapened”\n\nCHARLESTON, S.C. — Following Tuesday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding the 14th Amendment and birthright citizenship (Trump v. Barbara), U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) announced he will be introducing new legislation to end the “birth tourism” industry once and for all.\n\n“The cheapening of American citizenship must end,” said Sen. Scott. “It is a privilege and an honor to be a citizen of this nation, so the insanity of the birth tourism industry must end.”\n\nSen. Scott continued, “For too long, wealthy adversaries and those who have no interest in seeing the United States flourish have perverted our system. A whole industry exists in China that has assisted more than 1 million Chinese nationals in obtaining American citizenship and passports. The fact that this is allowed to continue is insane.”\n\nSen. Scott concluded, “This is not a partisan issue, and I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle rally to this urgent matter, especially as we honor the sacrifice, significance, and opportunity on our 250th birthday. American citizenship is to be cherished, not cheapened.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-press-trump-administration-to-cancel-ice-detention-warehouse-in-washington-county", "title": "Maryland Delegation Members Press Trump Administration to Cancel ICE Detention Warehouse in Washington County", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, joined by U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney, Steny Hoyer, Jamie Raskin, Kweisi Mfume, Glenn Ivey, Johnny Olszewski, and Sarah Elfreth (all D-Md.) pressed the Trump Administration to cancel plans for the ICE Detention Warehouse in Washington County due, in part, to the potential environmental impacts and infrastructure deficiencies of the proposed facility. With these concerns in mind and the lack of community input, the members urged the Department of Homeland Security to cancel its plans.\n\n\"As we shared in our March 5 comment letter, the process that the Administration has used to purchase, plan, and develop this site has wrongfully excluded the voices of our constituents and the communities that would be impacted by its operation,\" the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe letter highlights significant concerns about the proposed facility's infrastructure, noting that the warehouse DHS purchased for $102.4 million was originally equipped with only four commercial toilets and would require extensive upgrades to support a detention center housing up to 1,500 people.\n\n\"DHS cannot credibly claim that such sweeping infrastructure deficiencies can be addressed through a superficial assessment while ignoring the significant public safety, infrastructure, environmental, and community impacts that would accompany a detention facility of this scale,\" the lawmakers wrote. \"We call on DHS to conduct a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement, informed by meaningful public participation, before any further development proceeds.\"\n\nThe Maryland Delegation also criticized DHS for continuing to pursue the project despite reports that ICE plans to dispose of seven of the eleven detention warehouses it previously purchased after spending nearly $1 billion on the properties.\n\n\"DHS continues to fail to justify this project, meaningfully engage the public, and answer Congress's oversight inquiries,\" the lawmakers concluded. \"We urge you to terminate this proposal and stand ready to pursue every available avenue to ensure accountability if you do not.\"\n\nThe Members’ letter was also submitted as part of DHS’ public scoping request seeking public feedback on potential environmental issues or concerns.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-warner-colleagues-press-trump-administration-to-reverse-course-on-rule-restricting-federal-whistleblowers-congressional-oversight", "title": "Van Hollen, Warner, Colleagues Press Trump Administration to Reverse Course on Rule Restricting Federal Whistleblowers, Congressional Oversight", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) along with more than 15 of their colleagues are pushing back on the Trump Administration’s Office of Personnel Management (OPM) proposed rule on government-wide nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) for all federal employees. The Senators noted concerns that the proposed rule would prohibit the discussion of nearly all non-public government information despite existing regulations that already protect confidential information – creating uncertainty regarding federal employees’ rights under federal whistleblower laws and their obligations to provide information to Congressional oversight entities. The Senators stressed that the proposed NDAs are especially dangerous as employees already fear retaliation for reporting wrongdoing amid the Trump Administration’s attacks on the federal workforce.\n\n“The proposal defines \"Confidential Government Information\" expansively to include virtually any non-public information relating to agency operations, personnel matters, procurement activities, or deliberative processes. This definition is considerably broader than categories of information traditionally subject to specific statutory protections. The breadth and ambiguity of the definition may leave employees uncertain about what information can be discussed, shared with oversight entities and Congress, or disclosed through lawful whistleblower channels,” the lawmakers began.\n\n“The proposed NDA arrives during a period of significant concern among federal employees regarding retaliation for reporting misconduct. According to 2025 survey data from the Partnership for Public Service, when federal employees were asked, ‘How confident are you that you can report a suspected violation of a law, rule or regulation without experiencing retaliation?’ less than a quarter of respondents reported feeling confident, representing a dramatic decrease from recent years. By contrast, in OPM's 2024 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, nearly 75 percent of respondents agreed with the statement, ‘I can disclose a suspected violation of any rule, law, or regulation without fear of reprisal,’” the Senators wrote.\n\n“Additionally, federal employees are already subject to extensive legal and ethical obligations governing the handling of nonpublic information. Existing statutes, regulations, and ethics requirements already prohibit the improper disclosure of protected information, including the Privacy Act of 1974, the Federal Records Act of 1950, the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch, and additional agency-specific policies,” they continued.\n\nThe lawmakers concluded, “At a time when many federal employees already fear retaliation for reporting wrongdoing, the proposed NDA risks further chilling lawful disclosures and undermining the transparency and accountability that Congress depends upon. For these reasons, we respectfully urge OPM to withdraw the proposed NDA and instead focus on strengthening existing confidentiality requirements and whistleblower protections.”\n\nIn addition to Senators Van Hollen and Warner, the letter was signed by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Angus King (I-Maine), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.).\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Director Kupor:\n\nThank you for the opportunity to comment on the Office of Personnel Management's proposed \"Confidential Government Information Nondisclosure Agreement.\" We respectfully oppose the proposal and urge OPM to withdraw it.\n\nThe proposal defines \"Confidential Government Information\" expansively to include virtually any non-public information relating to agency operations, personnel matters, procurement activities, or deliberative processes. This definition is considerably broader than categories of information traditionally subject to specific statutory protections. The breadth and ambiguity of the definition may leave employees uncertain about what information can be discussed, shared with oversight entities and Congress, or disclosed through lawful whistleblower channels.\n\nAlthough OPM states that the proposed nondisclosure agreement (NDA) for federal employees does not create new confidentiality obligations beyond those already imposed by law, regulation, ethics requirements, and agency policies, the practical effect of implementing a government-wide NDA would be to further discourage federal employees from reporting wrongdoing and to create confusion regarding their rights and obligations under federal whistleblower laws.\n\nThe proposal is particularly troubling when considered alongside OPM's recent efforts to revise federal suitability and fitness regulations. The notice explicitly links the NDA to existing suitability standards, determinations, and appeals. Employees may reasonably perceive that alleged violations of the NDA or even disagreements regarding its interpretation could have consequences affecting employment eligibility, suitability determinations, or future federal service.\n\nThese concerns are amplified by ongoing proposals to modify suitability procedures and appeals processes including the push to strip federal employees of their civil service protections via Schedule Policy Career. Taken together, these initiatives risk creating an environment in which employees believe that raising concerns, challenging agency actions, or refusing to sign a broadly worded NDA could jeopardize their careers in federal service.\n\nAt a time when confidence in whistleblower protections is declining,[1] OPM should be focused on strengthening employees' understanding of their rights and reinforcing a culture of lawful disclosure and accountability not introducing broad new agreements that risks chilling protected activity.\n\nThe proposed NDA arrives during a period of significant concern among federal employees regarding retaliation for reporting misconduct. According to 2025 survey data from the Partnership for Public Service, when federal employees were asked, \"How confident are you that you can report a suspected violation of a law, rule or regulation without experiencing retaliation?\" less than a quarter of respondents reported feeling confident, representing a dramatic decrease from recent years. By contrast, in OPM's 2024 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, nearly 75 percent of respondents agreed with the statement, \"I can disclose a suspected violation of any rule, law, or regulation without fear of reprisal.\"\n\nOPM should be deeply concerned by any indication that employees increasingly fear retaliation for reporting wrongdoing. Congress has long relied on federal whistleblowers to expose waste, fraud, and abuse. Any diminished ability of federal employees to report misconduct and mismanagement directly impacts Congress’ oversight efforts and can have a grave impact on everything from government efficiency to dangerous or illegal activity going unaddressed.\n\nAdditionally, federal employees are already subject to extensive legal and ethical obligations governing the handling of nonpublic information. Existing statutes, regulations, and ethics requirements already prohibit the improper disclosure of protected information, including the Privacy Act of 1974, the Federal Records Act of 1950, the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch, and additional agency-specific policies.\n\nFederal employees receive ethics training and are routinely instructed regarding their responsibilities to safeguard sensitive information. OPM has not demonstrated that existing authorities are insufficient or identified a systemic problem that necessitates a government-wide NDA applicable to all federal employees.\n\nIn conclusion, federal employees already operate under extensive legal obligations governing confidential information. OPM has not demonstrated a need for a government-wide NDA, nor has it adequately addressed the substantial concerns regarding whistleblower protections, employee confidence, suitability implications, post-employment restrictions, and enforcement mechanisms.\n\nAt a time when many federal employees already fear retaliation for reporting wrongdoing, the proposed NDA risks further chilling lawful disclosures and undermining the transparency and accountability that Congress depends upon. For these reasons, we respectfully urge OPM to withdraw the proposed NDA and instead focus on strengthening existing confidentiality requirements and whistleblower protections.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-kaine-announce-more-than-32-million-in-federal-funding-to-upgrade-8-virginia-airports/", "title": "Warner, Kaine Announce More Than $32 Million in Federal Funding to Upgrade 8 Virginia Airports", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warner.senate.gov", "scraper": "warner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000805", "name": "Mark R. Warner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $32,463,128 in federal grant funding to modernize infrastructure at eight airports across Virginia. This funding comes from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program for Fiscal Year 2026, which is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the senators helped negotiate and pass.\n\n“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Virginia’s airports continue to receive the investments they need to improve safety, accommodate growing demand, and better serve the travelers that pass through them,” said the senators. “We’re proud to announce more than $32 million to modernize our Commonwealth’s airports, strengthen our transportation infrastructure, and support our economy.”\n\nThe grant awards include:\n\n$22,121,621 for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to construct a new concourse at Washington Dulles International Airport to increase gate capacity and accommodate passenger growth;\n\n$7,922,479 for the Norfolk Airport Authority to construct a new taxilane serving the airport’s cargo area and reconstruct an existing terminal entrance access road that has reached the end of its useful life at Norfolk International Airport;\n\n$856,000 for the Dinwiddie County Airport and Industrial Authority to expand existing terminal apron at Tri Cities Executive/Dinwiddie County Airport;\n\n$538,028 for the Mecklenburg-Brunswick Airport Commission to construct two new aircraft storage hangars at Mecklenburg-Brunswick Regional Airport;\n\n$500,000 for the Cumberland Airport Commission to construct a new snow removal equipment building at Lonesome Pine Airport to bring the airport into conformity with current standards;\n\n$376,000 for the town of Farmville to reconstruct the precision approach path indicator systems for a runway and at both runway thresholds that have reached the end of their useful lives at Farmville Regional Airport;\n\n$114,000 for the county of Accomack to carry out design work to rehabilitate a taxilane that has reached the end of its useful life at Accomack County Airport;\n\n$35,000 for the city of Franklin to carry out design work to reseal existing runway pavement and extend its useful life at Franklin Regional Airport.\n\nSens. Warner and Kaine have long championed efforts to modernize and improve Virginia’s airports. Since Fiscal Year 2022, the senators have secured nearly $173 million for Virginia airports. In May, the senators announced more than $73 million in federal funding to improve three Virginia airports, $21 million to upgrade eight Virginia airports, and more than $5 million to modernize four Virginia airports. Last year, the senators announced almost $106 million in federal funding for airports across the Commonwealth. Many of these grants were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation that has secured billions in federal funding for airport infrastructure since 2021.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-van-hollen-colleagues-press-trump-administration-to-reverse-course-on-rule-restricting-federal-whistleblowers-congressional-oversight/", "title": "Warner, Van Hollen, Colleagues Press Trump Administration to Reverse Course on Rule Restricting Federal Whistleblowers, Congressional Oversight", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warner.senate.gov", "scraper": "warner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000805", "name": "Mark R. Warner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) along with more than 15 of their colleagues are pushing back on the Trump administration’s Office of Personnel Management (OPM) proposed rule on government-wide nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) for all federal employees. The senators noted concerns that the proposed rule would prohibit the discussion of nearly all non-public government information despite existing regulations that already protect confidential information – creating uncertainty regarding federal employees’ rights under federal whistleblower laws and their obligations to provide information to Congressional oversight entities. The senators stressed that the proposed NDAs are especially dangerous as employees already fear retaliation for reporting wrongdoing amid the Trump administration’s attacks on the federal workforce.\n\n“The proposal defines “Confidential Government Information” expansively to include virtually any non-public information relating to agency operations, personnel matters, procurement activities, or deliberative processes. This definition is considerably broader than categories of information traditionally subject to specific statutory protections. The breadth and ambiguity of the definition may leave employees uncertain about what information can be discussed, shared with oversight entities and Congress, or disclosed through lawful whistleblower channels,” the lawmakers began.\n\n“The proposed NDA arrives during a period of significant concern among federal employees regarding retaliation for reporting misconduct. According to 2025 survey data from the Partnership for Public Service, when federal employees were asked, ‘How confident are you that you can report a suspected violation of a law, rule or regulation without experiencing retaliation?’ less than a quarter of respondents reported feeling confident, representing a dramatic decrease from recent years. By contrast, in OPM’s 2024 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, nearly 75 percent of respondents agreed with the statement, ‘I can disclose a suspected violation of any rule, law, or regulation without fear of reprisal,’” the senators wrote.\n\n“Additionally, federal employees are already subject to extensive legal and ethical obligations governing the handling of nonpublic information. Existing statutes, regulations, and ethics requirements already prohibit the improper disclosure of protected information, including the Privacy Act of 1974, the Federal Records Act of 1950, the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch, and additional agency-specific policies,” they continued.\n\nThe lawmakers concluded, “At a time when many federal employees already fear retaliation for reporting wrongdoing, the proposed NDA risks further chilling lawful disclosures and undermining the transparency and accountability that Congress depends upon. For these reasons, we respectfully urge OPM to withdraw the proposed NDA and instead focus on strengthening existing confidentiality requirements and whistleblower protections.”\n\nIn addition to Sens. Warner and Van Hollen, the letter was signed by Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).\n\nRead the full letter here and below.\n\nDear Director Kupor:\n\nThank you for the opportunity to comment on the Office of Personnel Management’s proposed “Confidential Government Information Nondisclosure Agreement.” We respectfully oppose the proposal and urge OPM to withdraw it.\n\nThe proposal defines “Confidential Government Information” expansively to include virtually any non-public information relating to agency operations, personnel matters, procurement activities, or deliberative processes. This definition is considerably broader than categories of information traditionally subject to specific statutory protections. The breadth and ambiguity of the definition may leave employees uncertain about what information can be discussed, shared with oversight entities and Congress, or disclosed through lawful whistleblower channels.\n\nAlthough OPM states that the proposed nondisclosure agreement (NDA) for federal employees does not create new confidentiality obligations beyond those already imposed by law, regulation, ethics requirements, and agency policies, the practical effect of implementing a government-wide NDA would be to further discourage federal employees from reporting wrongdoing and to create confusion regarding their rights and obligations under federal whistleblower laws.\n\nThe proposal is particularly troubling when considered alongside OPM’s recent efforts to revise federal suitability and fitness regulations. The notice explicitly links the NDA to existing suitability standards, determinations, and appeals. Employees may reasonably perceive that alleged violations of the NDA or even disagreements regarding its interpretation could have consequences affecting employment eligibility, suitability determinations, or future federal service.\n\nThese concerns are amplified by ongoing proposals to modify suitability procedures and appeals processes including the push to strip federal employees of their civil service protections via Schedule Policy Career. Taken together, these initiatives risk creating an environment in which employees believe that raising concerns, challenging agency actions, or refusing to sign a broadly worded NDA could jeopardize their careers in federal service.\n\nAt a time when confidence in whistleblower protections is declining,[1] OPM should be focused on strengthening employees’ understanding of their rights and reinforcing a culture of lawful disclosure and accountability not introducing broad new agreements that risks chilling protected activity.\n\nThe proposed NDA arrives during a period of significant concern among federal employees regarding retaliation for reporting misconduct. According to 2025 survey data from the Partnership for Public Service, when federal employees were asked, “How confident are you that you can report a suspected violation of a law, rule or regulation without experiencing retaliation?” less than a quarter of respondents reported feeling confident, representing a dramatic decrease from recent years. By contrast, in OPM’s 2024 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, nearly 75 percent of respondents agreed with the statement, “I can disclose a suspected violation of any rule, law, or regulation without fear of reprisal.”\n\nOPM should be deeply concerned by any indication that employees increasingly fear retaliation for reporting wrongdoing. Congress has long relied on federal whistleblowers to expose waste, fraud, and abuse. Any diminished ability of federal employees to report misconduct and mismanagement directly impacts Congress’ oversight efforts and can have a grave impact on everything from government efficiency to dangerous or illegal activity going unaddressed.\n\nAdditionally, federal employees are already subject to extensive legal and ethical obligations governing the handling of nonpublic information. Existing statutes, regulations, and ethics requirements already prohibit the improper disclosure of protected information, including the Privacy Act of 1974, the Federal Records Act of 1950, the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch, and additional agency-specific policies.\n\nFederal employees receive ethics training and are routinely instructed regarding their responsibilities to safeguard sensitive information. OPM has not demonstrated that existing authorities are insufficient or identified a systemic problem that necessitates a government-wide NDA applicable to all federal employees.\n\nIn conclusion, federal employees already operate under extensive legal obligations governing confidential information. OPM has not demonstrated a need for a government-wide NDA, nor has it adequately addressed the substantial concerns regarding whistleblower protections, employee confidence, suitability implications, post-employment restrictions, and enforcement mechanisms.\n\nAt a time when many federal employees already fear retaliation for reporting wrongdoing, the proposed NDA risks further chilling lawful disclosures and undermining the transparency and accountability that Congress depends upon. For these reasons, we respectfully urge OPM to withdraw the proposed NDA and instead focus on strengthening existing confidentiality requirements and whistleblower protections.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-meets-with-health-care-leaders-in-bennington-to-discuss-future-of-rural-health-care-improving-access-to-affordable-care-statewide/", "title": "Welch Meets with Health Care Leaders in Bennington to Discuss Future of Rural Health Care, Improving Access to Affordable Care Statewide", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BENNINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, this week hosted a roundtable on rural health care innovation, featuring local health care leaders, medical experts, and community members. The Senator discussed challenges faced by health care providers and patients in Vermont.\n\nWhile at the Bennington Firehouse, he highlighted the Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-scene Care and Support (EMS ROCS) Act, his legislation that would require the government to pay for vital EMS services provided to individuals on Medicare.\n\n“The state of health care in rural America is more than concerning: communities lack access to critical services they need, insurance costs are skyrocketing, and people are suffering. President Trump’s reckless tax bill, which was signed one year ago this week, made it even more expensive to live in rural America and pushed affordable care further out of reach through cuts to Medicaid funding and our state’s rural hospitals and clinics,” said Senator Welch. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to sit down with Bennington’s leading health care experts to hear about innovative changes that will improve and expand access to health care services in our rural communities. I’ll take their insight to Washington and continue to fight to improve access to care in rural America.”\n\nSenator Welch is a champion for rural health care, and has worked across the aisle to lead legislation to improve access to care, including the Rural Hospital Support Act, Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act, Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program Act, Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act, Multigenerational Home Caregiver Credit Act, and the CONNECT for Health Act.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-renews-probe-into-cop-beaters-slush-fund-and-trump-family-tax-fraud-amnesty-deal/", "title": "Whitehouse Renews Probe into Cop-Beaters Slush Fund and Trump Family Tax Fraud Amnesty Deal", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release", "domain": "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", "scraper": "whitehouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000802", "name": "Sheldon Whitehouse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Whitehouse demands answers ahead of nomination hearing for Todd Blanche, who greenlighted the purported settlement and whose DOJ is being scrutinized for potentially committing a “fraud on the court” in Florida\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), the Ranking Member of Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, sent a letter yesterday to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and IRS CEO Frank Bisignano seeking outstanding answers on President Trump and the Department of Justice’s attempted creation of a massive taxpayer-funded slush fund to reward the President’s political allies and the related tax amnesty and legal immunity agreement for the Trump family and their business associates.\n\n“Although Acting AG Blanche subsequently told a House subcommittee that DOJ would not move forward with the Fund, DOJ lawyers recently refused to submit a sworn declaration providing that assurance to a federal court. Acting AG Blanche also said during the House hearing that the Trump family tax amnesty and legal immunity addendum will remain in effect even if DOJ is not moving forward with the Fund,” wrote Whitehouse.\n\nThe Senator added, “DOJ may have deliberately disregarded defenses readily available to the IRS in order to orchestrate the purported ‘Settlement Agreement,’ and potentially—as alleged by thirty-five former federal judges in their motion to reopen the [Trump v. IRS] case—‘the parties used the proceedings before [the] Court as a legal pretext,’ constituting a fraud on the court. Despite the seriousness of these allegations, DOJ has chosen not to respond to the court’s inquiry regarding the matter.”\n\nIn May, the MAGA Department of Justice announced that President Trump had agreed to drop a $10 billion lawsuit he initiated against his own Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax information in exchange for the creation of an unprecedented $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund.” The commission overseeing the fund would have the authority to dole out the nearly $1.8 billion in taxpayer funds to settle claims brought by anyone who believed they were harmed by the “weaponization” of the justice system, including participants convicted of assaulting law enforcement and other crimes related to the January 6 insurrection.\n\nOne day after the settlement agreement was announced, the Department of Justice announced an addendum that would purportedly prohibit the IRS from pursuing audits against Trump, his family, and their business associates for any previous tax offenses, and shield them from any other “lawfare and/or weaponization” as part of a bizarre side deal to the Department’s compensation fund agreement.\n\nA federal judge in Florida opened an inquiry into whether DOJ and Trump’s personal lawyers committed “fraud on the court,” an allegation unprecedented in DOJ history, in Trump v. Internal Revenue Service. Thirty-five former federal judges signed a filing saying that “corruption of the judicial process is exactly what happened here” and describing the purported settlement as an “unprecedentedly fraudulent scheme.” The judge called the allegations “grievous” and invited a response, which DOJ subsequently failed to provide.\n\nSenators Whitehouse and Dick Durbin, the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, wrote a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche in late May requesting that the Department of Justice preserve all records related to the proposed “Anti-Weaponization Fund” and the purported “Settlement Agreement” in Trump v. Internal Revenue Service.\n\nIn the most recent letter, Whitehouse requested answers to the following questions by July 14, 2026:\n\nPlease provide a copy of all memoranda prepared by the IRS discussing defenses against the plaintiffs’ claims in Trump v. Internal Revenue Service, No. 1:26-cv-20609 (S.D. Fla.).\n\nPlease provide a copy of IRS’s referral policy regarding referral of cases and legal defense to DOJ.\n\nPlease provide all correspondence between DOJ and IRS personnel regarding Trump v. Internal Revenue Service, No. 1:26-cv-20609 (S.D. Fla.).\n\nPlease provide all memoranda prepared in response to the ongoing inquiry regarding whether there was “fraud on the court” in Trump v. Internal Revenue Service, No. 1:26-cv-20609 (S.D. Fla.).\n\nWhich DOJ personnel negotiated the tax amnesty and legal immunity provisions in the May 19, 2026, addendum? Please name all DOJ personnel involved in these negotiations.\n\nFull text of the letter is below and a PDF is available here.\n\nJuly 1, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Todd Blanche\n\nActing Attorney General\n\nU.S. Department of Justice\n\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, DC 20530\n\nThe Honorable Scott Bessent\n\nSecretaryU.S. Department of the Treasury\n\n1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\n\nWashington, DC 20220\n\nFrank Bisignano\n\nChief Executive Officer\n\nInternal Revenue Service\n\n1111 Constitution Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, DC 20224\n\nDear Acting Attorney General Blanche, Secretary Bessent, and IRS Chief Executive Officer Bisignano:\n\nI write to request that the Department of Justice and the Internal Revenue Service provide documents and responses regarding outstanding questions about the proposed $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” (the “Fund”) and the purported “Settlement Agreement” in Trump v. Internal Revenue Service, No. 1:26-cv-20609 (S.D. Fla.).\n\nOn May 18, 2026, DOJ announced the creation of the Fund “to provide a systematic process to hear and redress claims of others who suffered weaponization and lawfare.”[1] Additionally, on May 19, 2026, DOJ released an addendum to the purported “Settlement Agreement” stating that the U.S. government would be “forever barred” from pursuing “examinations” of President Trump, his family, “related or affiliated individuals,” and related trusts and businesses, for any matter involving previously filed tax returns or “Lawfare and/or Weaponization.”[2] Although Acting AG Blanche subsequently told a House subcommittee that DOJ would not move forward with the Fund, DOJ lawyers recently refused to submit a sworn declaration providing that assurance to a federal court.[3] Acting AG Blanche also said during the House hearing that the Trump family tax amnesty and legal immunity addendum will remain in effect even if DOJ is not moving forward with the Fund.[4]\n\nAs the court noted in its May 29, 2026, order in Trump v. Internal Revenue Service,[5] the Internal Revenue Service reportedly prepared a memorandum outlining ways to challenge President Trump’s claims in that case.[6] The reporting further indicated that the twenty-five-page IRS memorandum advised DOJ to move to dismiss the lawsuit.[7] The existence of the memorandum indicates that DOJ may have deliberately disregarded defenses readily available to the IRS in order to orchestrate the purported “Settlement Agreement,” and potentially—as alleged by thirty-five former federal judges in their motion to reopen the case—“the parties used the proceedings before [the] Court as a legal pretext,” constituting a fraud on the court.[8] Despite the seriousness of these allegations, DOJ has chosen not to respond to the court’s inquiry regarding the matter.\n\nGiven the grave concerns raised by these facts, I request timely responses to the following questions:\n\nPlease provide a copy of all memoranda prepared by the IRS discussing defenses against the plaintiffs’ claims in Trump v. Internal Revenue Service, No. 1:26-cv-20609 (S.D. Fla.).\n\nPlease provide a copy of IRS’s referral policy regarding referral of cases and legal defense to DOJ.\n\nPlease provide all correspondence between DOJ and IRS personnel regarding Trump v. Internal Revenue Service, No. 1:26-cv-20609 (S.D. Fla.).\n\nPlease provide all memoranda prepared in response to the ongoing inquiry regarding whether there was “fraud on the court” in Trump v. Internal Revenue Service, No. 1:26-cv-20609 (S.D. Fla.).\n\nWhich DOJ personnel negotiated the tax amnesty and legal immunity provisions in the May 19, 2026, addendum? Please name all DOJ personnel involved in these negotiations.\n\nPlease provide a response by July 14, 2026. I look forward to your prompt response.\n\n[1] Dep’t of Justice, Press Release, Justice Department Announces Anti-Weaponization Fund (May 18, 2026), https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-anti-weaponization-fund.\n\n[2] Office of the Attorney General, Addendum (May 19, 2026), https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1441216/dl.\n\n[3] Tierney Sneed, DOJ rebuffs judge’s request for Blanche to declare in court that anti-weaponization fund is dead, CNN (June 19, 2026), https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/19/politics/doj-anti-weaponization-fund-judge-request.\n\n[4] Hannah Rabinowitz & Holmes Lybrand, Takeaways from Blanche’s House testimony: ‘Anti-weaponization’ fund is over, ban on Trump tax audits remains, CNN (June 3, 2026), https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/02/politics/blanche-house-testimony-trump-fund-takeaways.\n\n[5] Order 3 n.3, Trump v. Internal Revenue Service, No. 1:26-cv-20609 (S.D. Fla. May 29, 2026), ECF No. 65.\n\n[6] Andrew Duehren, The I.R.S. Thought It Could Fight Trump’s Lawsuit, but It Struck a Deal Anyway, N.Y. Times(May 19, 2026), https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/19/admin/irs-trump-lawsuit-deal.html.\n\n[7] Id.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-oregon-delegation-decry-sudden-loss-of-columbia-river-hatchery-funding", "title": "Merkley, Oregon Delegation Decry Sudden Loss of Columbia River Hatchery Funding", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and the Oregon Congressional Delegation members Senator Ron Wyden, and Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) decried the decision of Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to abruptly end its participation in the Safe Area Fisheries Enhancement (SAFE) program. The SAFE program has been operational since 1993, and provides reliable stocks of hatchery raised fish including Spring chinook and coho salmon for Pacific Northwest commercial and recreational fisheries in the Lower Columbia River Basin.\n\n“The loss of SAFE program funding from BPA puts the entire program at risk and is anticipated to have devastating, regional impacts on Columbia River native fish populations. Hatcheries are a critical regional resource. Estimates show that approximately 80% of the salmon and steelhead that return to the Columbia River Basin were hatched and reared in fish hatcheries. The SAFE program produces millions of hatchery fish each year, providing relief for stocks of Endangered Species Act-listed fish while also supporting the region's world class commercial fishing industries and recreational fishers alike,” write the lawmakers.\n\nBPA’s decision to end SAFE, that has provided hatchery funding for over 30 years, came with minimal notice and will create a nearly $2.4 million shortfall to be shared by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and Clatsop County. According to ODFW, more than 7 million hatchery salmon currently in production are at immediate risk. Without this funding, ODFW may be forced to close SAFE funded hatcheries and potentially cull the millions of salmon and eggs the agency will no longer be able to support.\n\n“When BPA shared its intent to terminate the SAFE program with its non-federal sponsors, the agency provided its partners with less than four months to accommodate for the loss of this critical stream of funding. However, work to produce next year’s stock of hatchery fish has already begun,” emphasized the Oregon Congressional Delegation.\n\nThe lawmakers concluded, “We urge BPA to reconsider its decision to walk back on its partnership with regional stakeholders to support fish mitigation activities through the SAFE program. Without strong collective action, communication, and trust, the hardworking stakeholders in the region won’t be able to overcome challenges of diminishing salmon populations and energy security. Further, walking back on the SAFE program stands in opposition to the President’s Executive Order 14276 on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. We encourage BPA to fulfill its obligations, and renew its contracts with ODFW, WDFW, and Clatsop County to provide certainty in critical fish stocks in our region.”\n\nFull text of the letter sent by the Oregon Congressional delegation can be found by clicking here and follows below:\n\nDear Administrator Kavulla:\n\nWe write to express our significant concern with the Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) recent decision to end its participation in the Select Area Fisheries Management (SAFE) program. The SAFE program has been operational since 1993, providing reliable stocks of Spring chinook and coho salmon for Pacific Northwest commercial and recreational fisheries. We strongly urge BPA to reconsider its actions and commit to renewing its SAFE program contracts to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and Clatsop County.\n\nThe loss of SAFE program funding from BPA puts the entire program at risk and is anticipated to have devastating, regional impacts on Columbia River native fish populations. Hatcheries are a critical regional resource. Estimates show that approximately 80% of the salmon and steelhead that return to the Columbia River Basin were hatched and reared in fish hatcheries.[1] The SAFE program produces millions of hatchery fish each year, providing relief for stocks of Endangered Species Act-listed fish while also supporting the region's world class commercial fishing industries and recreational fishers alike.\n\nWhen BPA shared its intent to terminate the SAFE program with its non-federal sponsors, the agency provided its partners with less than four months to accommodate for the loss of this critical stream of funding. However, work to produce next year’s stock of hatchery fish has already begun. BPA’s decision to no longer support the SAFE program will jeopardize seven million fish that are currently being raised to be released into rivers next spring and will no longer be able to be supported by current funding schemes. It is likely that the hatchery will have to be closed and fish may be culled.\n\nFurther, the Northwest Power & Conservation Council, the organization that provides advice to BPA on its activities to mitigate the loss of fish populations, has long supported the SAFE program. In its most recent recommendations to BPA, the Council recommended that BPA renew its contracts for the program to continue to address the loss of salmon populations in the Columbia Basin.[2] It is disappointing that BPA cannot heed the advice of the organization designed to work with partners on this regional issue.\n\nWe urge BPA to reconsider its decision to walk back on its partnership with regional stakeholders to support fish mitigation activities through the SAFE program. Without strong collective action, communication, and trust, the hardworking stakeholders in the region won’t be able to overcome challenges of diminishing salmon populations and energy security. Further, walking back on the SAFE program stands in opposition to the President’s Executive Order 14276 on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. We encourage BPA to fulfill its obligations, and renew its contracts with ODFW, WDFW, and Clatsop County to provide certainty in critical fish stocks in our region.\n\n[1] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2024, August 15). Federal Columbia River Power System Mitigation Actions. NOAA Fisheries. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/endangered-species-conservation/federal-columbia-river-power-system-mitigation-actions\n\n[2] Independent Scientific Review Panel for the Northwest Power & Conservation Council. (2022, February 10). Final Report: Review of Anadromous Fish Habitat and Hatchery. P.88-91.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-ask-state-data-center-advisory-committee-to-consider-multiple-issues-raised-by-oregonians", "title": "Wyden, Merkley Ask State Data Center Advisory Committee to Consider Multiple Issues Raised by Oregonians", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Oregon senators: “Several issues have been raised by constituents regarding responsible data center development with our offices, ranging from local to state to federal jurisdiction.”\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today wrote Gov. Tina Kotek’s data center advisory committee to convey concerns both senators have heard from Oregonians as the state panel works on solutions that balance data centers’ economic benefits with their financial impacts on utility consumers and environmental impacts on entire communities.\n\n“Thank you for coming together to tackle the challenges posed by the rapid expansion of data centers in Oregon,” Wyden and Merkley wrote committee members. While we acknowledge that data centers are critical to American national security, can help ensure technological advancement, and create good union jobs, your work to strike a balance between pursuing economic development opportunities in alignment with sustainable utility costs and environmental impacts is critical for Oregon and the Northwest. Several issues have been raised by constituents regarding responsible data center development with our offices, ranging from local to state to federal jurisdiction.”\n\nThe Oregon senators asked the state data center advisory committee to consider the following concerns that accompany the growth of data centers around the state:\n\nIncreasing energy demand to power and cool equipment.\n\nIncreasing electricity costs for consumers because of increased demand.\n\nWater quality and quantity issues because of data centers’ use of large water volumes from surface, ground, municipal or reclaimed water sources to cool servers and prevent overheating.\n\nVisibility issues from steam, and noise pollution from cooling systems and fans.\n\nLand use decisions dealing with the rezoning of productive agricultural land.\n\nTribal rights and consultation that respect treaty rights, including rights to hunt, fish, and gather food and medicine.\n\nTransparency and public accountability that reflect community concerns about environmental and infrastructure impacts that data centers can present for future energy and water needs, as well as impacts to utilities and municipal services.\n\nWyden is a cosponsor of the AI Environmental Impacts Act and has pressed Google, Apple, Meta, and Amazon for answers about the impact of their data centers on water usage. He is also developing legislation to ensure that data centers pay their fair share in taxes to address the various stresses they create on local infrastructure.\n\n“We are grateful for your work to embody the ‘Oregon way’ to hear from all perspectives and chart a path forward,” Wyden and Merkley wrote the data center advisory committee. “We stand ready to partner with you on data center policies best for Oregon.”\n\nThe entire letter is here.\n\nRelated Files", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://youngkim.house.gov/2026/07/02/rep-young-kim-introduces-healthy-mothers-healthy-babies-act-to-strengthen-u-s-leadership-support-american-jobs-and-help-families-globally/", "title": "Rep. Young Kim Introduces Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Act to Strengthen U.S. Leadership, Support American Jobs, and Help Families Globally", "date": "2026-07-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://youngkim.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "youngkim.house.gov", "scraper": "youngkim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000397", "name": "Young Kim", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) introduced the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Act to deploy proven, American-made interventions that reduce maternal and child mortality around the globe while supporting U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.\n\nEach year, nearly 260,000 women die from preventable pregnancy-related complications. Evidence-based solutions like Multiple Micronutrient Supplement (MMS) prenatal vitamins, skilled birth attendants, and basic infection treatment can dramatically reduce these deaths, yet too often they remain out of reach for women in the world’s most vulnerable communities. The Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Act directs targeted U.S. global health assistance to scale these interventions in select partner countries, prioritizing results, accountability, and American-made solutions.\n\n“As a mom and grandma, I know nothing matters more than the health of our children,” said Rep. Young Kim. “The Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Act is a smart, targeted, and cost-effective approach that saves lives while strengthening America’s leadership abroad. By scaling proven interventions, supporting American manufacturing, and partnering with countries committed to better outcomes, we are advancing U.S. interests and building a more stable world.”\n\nMMS prenatal vitamins and other interventions supported by the bill are powered by American innovation and manufacturing, putting U.S. innovation to work while reinforcing supply chains at home. By reducing maternal and child mortality, the United States can help foster more stable, prosperous partner nations, strengthen diplomatic ties, and counter global instability.", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-politico-article-below-titled-trump-cashed-big-crypto-trump-loving", "title": "ICYMI: The Politico article below, titled “Trump cashed in big on crypto. Trump-loving crypto traders are still struggling.\"", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "algreen.house.gov", "scraper": "algreen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000553", "name": "Al Green", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The Politico article below, titled “Trump cashed in big on crypto. Trump-loving crypto traders are still struggling,” speaks for itself.\n\nYou can access the article by clicking the link here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://baumgartner.house.gov/2026/07/03/one-year-of-putting-working-families-first/", "title": "One Year of Putting Working Families First", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "baumgartner.house.gov", "scraper": "baumgartner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001322", "name": "Michael Baumgartner", "party": "Republican", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Celebrating the anniversary of ‘The Working Families Tax Cuts’ – delivering results for Washington’s 5th District.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) commemorates the one-year anniversary of ‘The Working Families Tax Cuts’ becoming law. On the eve of our nation’s 250th anniversary, we reflect on the results Congress has delivered for hard working Americans.\n\n“One year ago, we delivered historic tax relief for working families, seniors, and small businesses,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “By lowering taxes, we helped families keep more of what they earn, encouraged businesses to invest and create jobs, invested in rural healthcare, and border security. While there’s still more work to do, this was an important step toward making life more affordable and expanding economic opportunity. I’ll keep fighting to lower costs, protect family farms, and make sure families in Eastern Washington keep more of what they earn,” he said.\n\nWhat the law has done to help Eastern Washington:", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/eagle-scout-connor-pribula-honored-exeter-boro-250-celebration", "title": "Eagle Scout Connor Pribula honored at Exeter Boro 250 celebration", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "domain": "bresnahan.house.gov", "scraper": "bresnahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001327", "name": "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "EXETER — Town residents and officials, as well as local political leaders, gathered at Exeter Town Hall on Thursday afternoon to not only honor America’s 250th birthday but also to congratulate Eagle Scout Connor Pribula for completing his Eagle Scout project of purchasing and installing 54 American Flags on Wyoming Avenue in the borough.\n\n...\n\nThe main event was to honor Pribula for his effort to raise money, install hardware, and American flags on telephone poles on Rt. 11 in the borough.\n\nU.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, State Sen. Lisa Baker, and State Reps. Brenda Pugh and Jim Haddock were all present to comment on Pribula’s accomplishment and to offer proclamations from the U.S. House of Representatives, the state Senate, and the state House of Representatives.\n\n“As our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, communities across Pennsylvania are finding meaningful ways to reflect on the values that have shaped the United States,” Bresnahan commented on Pribula’s accomplishment. “Today, Exeter joins that effort by celebrating the borough’s new American flag installation in celebration of our nation.”\n\n...\n\nEagle Scout Pribula was humbled and overwhelmed on the response from community leaders as well as local residents.\n\n“I knew there would be a good amount of people here, but I didn’t expect to be as many people,” Pribula said. “It’s pretty exciting.”\n\nWith the completed Eagle Scout project, Pribula said he would look forward to the Scout board to review is paperwork to apply for his Eagle Scout award.\n\nThe program ended with Cassidy Graham singing “God Bless America.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/legislative-roundup-226m-headed-376000-pennsylvanians-through-property-taxrent", "title": "LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP: $226M headed to 376,000 Pennsylvanians through Property Tax/Rent Rebate program", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "domain": "bresnahan.house.gov", "scraper": "bresnahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001327", "name": "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WILKES-BARRE — The Shapiro Administration has announced the expanded Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program will deliver $226.4 million to nearly 376,000 Pennsylvanians starting this week.\n\nThis initial round of rebates began being distributed on Wednesday, July 1, to seniors, widows and widowers, and residents with disabilities who applied for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2025.\n\nThe expansion increased the maximum standard rebate to $1,000 (up from the prior $650 max), raised income eligibility limits for homeowners and renters, and tied the income limits to cost-of-living adjustments. Thanks to this change, the income limit for rebate applicants is now $48,110 — up more than $1,500 from last year.\n\n...\n\nU.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-Dallas Township, introduced legislation this week to strengthen coordination between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).\n\nThrough this coordination, Bresnahan said the Protect Seniors and Veterans from Healthcare Fraud Act would prevent duplicative billing, reduce waste, and better protect taxpayer dollars.\n\nBresnahan first spoke about his legislation during a House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee Hearing this week.\n\n“Veterans who have served our country deserve a healthcare system that works for them, not bad-faith providers taking advantage of the system,” said Bresnahan. “This legislation protects taxpayer dollars and makes sure healthcare resources are being used the way they were intended to.”\n\nMany veterans receive healthcare through the VA while also being enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid. Although the federal government currently shares limited information to help prevent duplicate payments under traditional Medicare, Bresnahan said gaps remain for Medicare Advantage and Medicaid, leaving taxpayer dollars vulnerable to improper payments.\n\nBresnahan said the Protect Seniors and Veterans from Healthcare Fraud Act would require the VA and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a two-year data-sharing agreement that expands coordination across Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid. He said the legislation would direct the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and CMS to share relevant enrollment, billing, and diagnostic information to identify instances of duplicate or improper payments and submit a report to Congress evaluating the effectiveness of the partnership.\n\nBresnahan said the Protect Seniors and Veterans from Healthcare Fraud Act supports ongoing efforts to modernize the VA, strengthen accountability, and ensure federal health care programs operate more efficiently for veterans, seniors, and taxpayers alike.\n\n...", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3501", "title": "Carbajal Statement Ahead of America’s 250th Anniversary", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "carbajal.house.gov", "scraper": "carbajal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001112", "name": "Salud O. Carbajal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) issued the statement below ahead of the United States Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.\n\n“This Fourth of July marks our nation’s 250th birthday. It is a milestone worthy of celebration and a moment that calls for reflection.\n\n“For over two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have worked to build the more perfect Union envisioned by our Founders. That work has never been simple or straightforward, but the American people have always persisted.\n\n“Today, some of us might feel like our country is sliding backwards, and I believe it is important to acknowledge the seriousness of the challenges in front of us. Yet our history reminds us of something important: America has faced difficult periods before. We have endured civil war, economic crises, terror attacks, natural disasters, and other defining struggles. Each time, we have met the moment and emerged stronger — together.\n\n“We do so because in difficult times the American people have always united to defend our core values of freedom, equality, and opportunity. As we gather with friends and loved ones this week, let’s celebrate the Fourth of July by recommitting ourselves to the values that have guided our nation toward a more perfect Union for 250 years.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreths-reflections-celebrating-our-nations-250th-anniversary-philadelphia", "title": "Elfreth's Reflections on Celebrating Our Nation's 250th Anniversary in Philadelphia, Our Community, and Across the Nation", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "elfreth.house.gov", "scraper": "elfreth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000301", "name": "Sarah Elfreth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "\"Yesterday I had one of the most profound experiences in 18 months as your Representative in Congress: traveling to Philadelphia with a bipartisan group of colleagues to be in the “room where it happened” 250 years to the day of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. A day of reflection later, and I still struggle to put into words what it means to have stood in the very room in Independence Hall where the Continental Congress gathered and officially declared independence from Great Britain. But here is my most earnest attempt:\n\nWhile we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, the document pledging \"our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor\" of the 56 signers – the very members of the body that was the precursor to the Congress I now serve in – was signed on July 2nd. We should all be struck by the courage that act required. We should all reflect on the values of liberty, freedom, and opportunity that were outlined on that day in a radical and profound document that changed the course of world history. I hope we all, including and especially my colleagues in Congress, can be inspired by that courage and those values today.\n\nThe signing of the Declaration of Independence was just the beginning of the experiment. The inception of the idea. The foundation of the promise that is our American republic.\n\nTomorrow in communities across the nation, we’ll hold parades, throw barbeques, and set off fireworks in celebration of 250 years of this promise. In between, I hope you will join me in taking ten minutes to read the Declaration. I’ve spent a significant amount of time this Congress reflecting on the most famous of sentences “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” AND what came after: “That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”\n\nFrom the 14th Amendment to the 19th Amendment to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the experiment we are all a part of has expanded, slowly and sometimes painfully, what “consent of the governed” means. The very fact that I stood in “the room where it happened” in Independence Hall yesterday as a Congresswoman – when I would not have even been allowed in the same room 250 years ago – is a profound testament to this radical experiment in self-determination.\n\nBut like any good experiment, idea, and promise…there is yet more to do. So I will leave you with President Gerald Ford’s address at Independence Hall on the Bicentennial:\n\n“It is fitting that we ask ourselves hard questions even on a glorious day like today. Are the institutions under which we live working the way they should? Are the foundations laid in 1776 and 1789 still strong enough and sound enough to resist the tremors of our times? Are our God-given rights secure, our hard-won liberties protected?”\n\nThese questions are just as relevant 50 years later. I am determined to ask them of my colleagues in Congress when we return to Washington after the holiday. But I think even Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin would agree: these questions are not for Congress alone to answer. What the Declaration began and later our Constitution further avowed, our Founders intentionally built a system of self-governance where all of us have a part to play in determining the future of our nation.\n\nThis Independence Day, I hope you are able to beat the heat and celebrate with your loved ones and neighbors – but I hope you also take some time to reflect on the fact that the last 250 years have been built by people like you. Continue to lean in. Continue to show up. And continue to participate in this great experiment so that it can continue for the next 250 years.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=645", "title": "Leger Fernández Has Delivered More Than $6.7 Billion for New Mexico Communities, Water Infrastructure, Disaster Recovery Since Coming to Office", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "fernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000273", "name": "Teresa Leger Fernandez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Santa Fe, N.M. — Since taking office, Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández has helped deliver more than $6.74 billion in federal funding to strengthen New Mexico communities, invest in critical infrastructure, and help families recover from devastating natural disasters.\n\nThe funding includes:\n\n$5.48 billion for disaster relief, including compensation and recovery efforts for survivors of the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and flooding in Chaves County.\n\n$738.45 million for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, bringing reliable, clean drinking water to Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and northwestern New Mexico.\n\n$398.75 million for the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System, securing long-term water access for about 73,000 people in Clovis, Portales, Texico, Elida and Cannon Air Force Base.\n\n$124.4 million through Community Project Funding, supporting dozens of locally driven projects across New Mexico’s third Congressional District, including improvements for roads, water systems, fire fighters, sheriffs, housing, schools, community centers, health care facilities, tribal infrastructure, and economic development in our cities, rural and Tribal communities. See a full list of these projects here.\n\nIn total, these investments amount to $6,742,683,785 delivered for New Mexico.", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-announces-558-million-easton-airport-runway-improvement", "title": "Congressman Harris Announces $5.58 Million for Easton Airport Runway Improvement Project", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "harris.house.gov", "scraper": "harris", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001052", "name": "Andy Harris", "party": "Republican", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded $5,580,000 to Easton Airport in Talbot County through the Airport Improvement Program.\n\nThe awards include $3,396,293 for runway paving and expansion of the Runway 4/22 safety area and $2,183,707 for additional runway paving and a 900-foot extension of Runway 4/22. Together, the projects will improve safety and bring the runway into conformity with current FAA standards.\n\nStatement from Congressman Harris:", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases/comisionado-residente-llama-al-gobierno-y-sector-privado-formar-una-alianza", "title": "Comisionado Residente llama al gobierno y sector privado a formar una alianza para mover la economía de Puerto Rico", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "hernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001103", "name": "Pablo José Hernández", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, afirmó hoy que el gobierno y el sector privado deben ser aliados para impulsar el desarrollo económico del país, durante un mensaje ofrecido en la juramentación de Che Julio Aparicio como presidente de la Cámara de Comercio de Puerto Rico, celebrada en el Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino, en el Distrito de Convenciones.\n\nEl Comisionado Residente sostuvo que Puerto Rico no puede avanzar si el gobierno y los sectores productivos trabajan de espaldas unos a otros, y destacó que esa colaboración debe traducirse en resultados concretos para la Isla.\n\n\"Hay quienes insisten en pintar al sector público y al sector privado como enemigos. No tiene por qué ser así. No somos adversarios. Somos, y debemos ser, aliados cada vez que nuestros intereses apuntan en la misma dirección\", expresó.\n\nComo ejemplo, señaló los esfuerzos que su oficina ha impulsado en el Congreso junto a distintos sectores para defender los incentivos contributivos, lograr un mejor trato para Medicare Advantage, evitar el precipicio fiscal de Medicaid y adelantar la transición del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional (PAN) al Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP).\n\nEl Comisionado Residente compartió su visión sobre el desarrollo económico y afirmó que el bienestar de las personas más vulnerables y el crecimiento de las empresas no son objetivos opuestos. Además, sostuvo que el progreso económico depende de instituciones sólidas, reglas claras y un entorno que fomente la inversión y el emprendimiento.\n\n\"El bienestar del más vulnerable y la fortaleza del que emprende no compiten. Se necesitan. La incertidumbre y la injusticia limitan el desarrollo económico. Impiden invertir a largo plazo. Impiden confiar en el sistema. Defender las instituciones es defender el suelo mismo sobre el que ustedes construyen. El desarrollo económico es para el progreso integral de todo un pueblo: para que seamos más educados, más saludables y más completos cultural y espiritualmente. Es para construir un país de primer orden mundial\", concluyó.\n\nEl Comisionado Residente destacó el conocimiento y la experiencia del sector privado, y reiteró su disposición de continuar trabajando junto a la Cámara de Comercio y otros sectores productivos del país para impulsar iniciativas que fortalezcan la economía de Puerto Rico, promuevan la inversión y amplíen las oportunidades para los trabajadores, los comercios y las empresas de la Isla.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/07/03/leader-jeffries-in-philadelphia-we-are-a-country-of-citizens-not-subjects/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES IN PHILADELPHIA: “WE ARE A COUNTRY OF CITIZENS, NOT SUBJECTS”", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, alongside Members of Congress and other leaders, delivered remarks at Independence National Historical Park to mark the birth of the United States as part of America250, the bipartisan national celebration of our nation’s Semiquincentennial.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Governor Shapiro, Members of Congress, all those assembled.\n\nIt is a high honor and a distinct privilege to be marked present today at the birthplace of our democracy, where 250 years ago, the Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence, decreeing that all men are created equally and entitled to certain unalienable rights, such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.\n\nThe Declaration of Independence formally severed us from the tyrannical reign of King George III, who the signatories accuse of obstructing the administration of justice, cutting off trade with the rest of the world, sending officers to harass the people, obstructing efforts to naturalize citizens and trying to render the military superior to civilian authority.\n\nIndependence Hall, right across the way, is the birthplace of the Constitution, where the Framers decided that the Congress would be separate and coequal, never subservient or coopted. So let us never forget that we don’t work for any other branch of government. There are no kings in the United States of America. We work exclusively for the American people.\n\nIndeed, the House was set up to be the institution that the Framers envisioned to be the closest to the people—to reflect the hopes, the dreams, the aspirations, the fears, the concerns, the anxieties, the life experiences and the passions of the people. James Madison once observed that the House should be in intimate sympathy with the people that we are privileged to represent. Intimate sympathy.\n\nLet us use this moment to reflect on these principles and recommit to bringing them to life not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans. We’re not a perfect nation, and America has indeed struggled at times, beginning with the horrors of chattel slavery and the oppression of Native Americans, to live up to our highest ideals, but the high-minded principles upon which this great country was born have served as an eternal lamppost for us to continue to strive and march toward a more perfect union.\n\nAmerica is an exceptional nation, and to this day, as President Lincoln once observed, we remain the last best hope on Earth. We are a country of citizens, not subjects. A nation of patriots, not patsies. And a republic whose fate will be determined by voters, not victims.\n\nWe must never abandon the principles that have brought us this far—liberty and justice for all, equal protection under the law, free and fair elections, government of the people by the people and for the people, the land of the free and the home of the brave. These are the values that define the best of who we are as a nation. Let us all recommit to them today so we can ensure that the next 250 years are even better than the first.\n\nGod bless all of you, God bless the Congress and may God continue to bless the United States of America.\n\nFull event can be watched here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/07/03/leader-jeffries-on-npr-donald-trump-is-destroying-the-country-in-real-time-2/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES ON NPR: “DONALD TRUMP IS DESTROYING THE COUNTRY IN REAL TIME”", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on NPR’s Morning Edition, where he made clear that upon the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, Democrats are focused on lowering the high cost of living, protecting access to healthcare, cleaning up corruption and winning back the House of Representatives to hold Donald Trump and Republicans accountable for their extremism.\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: Among the Democrats hoping to flip control of Congress back to their party in the midterms is Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic Leader, who represents a district in New York, and he’s on the line with us now. Good morning, Leader Jeffries, thanks for joining us.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Good morning. Great to be with you.\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: As you just heard, you backed two Democratic incumbents against Democratic Socialists who had the backing of New York’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani. If Democrats win back the House with the help of people who opposed your picks, how do you plan to work with them?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we have to win back the House by actually flipping seats that are currently held by Republicans. And we’re going to continue to do everything we can to do just that. And we’ve got great candidates running all across the country, challenging Republicans who’ve been nothing but a reckless rubber stamp to Donald Trump’s extreme agenda, while at the same period of time focusing on issues like driving down the high cost of living, fixing our broken healthcare system and cleaning up the corruption that Donald Trump has unleashed on America in real time.\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: To my—my question was how do you plan to work with these folks if they do achieve, well if they win their seats, which they are expected to do. They’re in deep blue districts, but they’ve opposed the people that you supported, so how do you plan to work with them?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I plan to continue to support every single House Democratic incumbent. And that certainly was the case with Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Diana DeGette—who had an incredible career over the last 30-plus years championing reproductive freedom—and, of course, Dan Goldman, who’s been a fighter challenging the Trump administration. At the same period of time, primaries are a way of life in the House of Representatives, specifically because the Framers wanted our institution to be the closest to the American people, which was the primary reason that we have to stand for election every other year. And within the House Democratic Caucus family, there will be a wide variety of different perspectives—progressives, New Dems, Blue Dogs. I’ve worked with sort of the ideologically diverse group of Members up until this point, and will continue to do so. But what unifies House Democrats, and we’ll see what happens in terms of as we transition into a new Caucus, but obviously the overwhelming majority of folks who will be part of that Caucus are going to be focused on stopping MAGA extremism on the one hand, while, most importantly, doing everything we can to make life better for the everyday Americans we’re privileged to represent on the other.\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: You know, President Trump is already workshopping attack lines against some of these nominees. He’s calling them communists. He’s saying he’s not going to allow them to destroy the country. Do Democrats have an answer for that?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Donald Trump is destroying the country in real time right now. He promised to lower the high cost of living on day one. Costs haven’t gone down, they’ve gone up. Donald Trump promised to ‘love and cherish Medicaid’ and turned around and signed the One Big Ugly Bill, which ripped away Medicaid from more than 10 million Americans, including many in rural parts of the country. And Donald Trump is the one who promised not to start wars in the Middle East, but to stop them and then turned around and launched a reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East, which is raising gas prices on the American people. That’s why House Democrats have strongly opposed this war, and we will continue to do so until it finally comes to an end.\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: You know, he hasn’t signed that housing affordability bill that passed with a large bipartisan majority in both houses, pressuring Congress to pass a bill that would require proof of citizenship to vote because he says that that is his priority. And he says, using his words, that these other bills are a yawn. To your knowledge, has that bill actually been presented to the President?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: It’s my understanding that the bill has been sent over by Speaker Johnson earlier this week. And the President has up to 10 days to take action on it. If he fails to take any action, of course, Michel, as you know, it will become law. This is an extraordinary thing that Donald Trump is playing games with a bipartisan housing bill that is designed to make sure that we are building housing that the American people can actually afford. It’s part of the work of legislating and House Democrats committed to getting things done. In this instance, we’re—\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: Do you think the bill is going to become law? Do you think it is going to become law?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: I do think it will become law. And there’s been great leadership by Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Senator Elizabeth Warren helping to lead the charge around this bill as part of our continuing effort as Democrats to address the cost of living crisis that Donald Trump and Republicans have made worse during their time in office over the last 18 months.\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: Obviously, President Trump is obviously very concerned about the midterms. This is one of the reasons he’s so concerned about this election bill, what he calls the SAVE America Act. I want to ask you, an FBI memo obtained by the Associated Press indicates a surge of more than 200 personnel in Fulton County, Georgia, as part of an investigation, an ongoing investigation, into the 2020 election. The FBI declined a request for comment. What do you make of that? I mean, do you think this could be a fair deployment of government resources if it puts to rest once and for all the President’s unproven claims of election fraud? Or do you think there could be some other outcome?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the notion that Donald Trump is wasting FBI resources, along with Kash Patel, on a conspiracy theory connected to the 2020 presidential election that has long been invalidated is extraordinary. But again, Donald Trump is not focused on the issues that matter. He’s made clear he thinks the affordability crisis is a hoax. He loves inflation. He said to the American people he does not give a damn about the personal financial situation that they’re in. Everyday Americans are drowning right now as it relates to the Trump-Republican economy. And Donald Trump is focused on trying to rig the midterm elections. We have embarked on the largest voter protection effort in the history of modern-day America because we’re determined to make sure, as Democrats, that there is a free and fair election in November, so that it’s the American people who are actually the ones who get to decide who serves in the majority in the Congress after these midterms, not Donald Trump and MAGA extremists.\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: Let me quickly turn to a fun fact about your background. I think you’re the only Member of Congress with roots from Cape Verde. Your grandfather, your great-grandfather, was from Cape Verde. The tiny nation’s soccer team is facing off against world champions Argentina today. Are you watching?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: I’ll definitely be watching. It’s an incredible story. It’s an underdog story. And it demonstrates the resilience of the nation of Cape Verde. And Cape Verdeans, of course, have a long history here in the United States of America, particularly in the New England states. It was my great-grandfather, Manuel Gomes, who immigrated into this country to New Bedford, Massachusetts in 1915.\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: Okay, before we let you go, how are you celebrating America’s 250th birthday this weekend?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: I’ll be spending time at home in the district at a variety of different celebrations, including potentially one that’s held every year in Coney Island that this year will be spectacular because it is our 250th birthday. I had an opportunity yesterday to be in Philadelphia, the birthplace of our democracy, at a bipartisan session commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago, and we’ll continue to celebrate throughout the year.\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: That is the House Democratic Leader, Hakeem Jeffries. Leader Jeffries, thank you so much for joining us, and happy birthday to the United States.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Happy 4th of July, everyone. Thank you.\n\nFull interview can be listened to here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/07/03/leader-jeffries-on-npr-donald-trump-is-destroying-the-country-in-real-time/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES ON NPR: “DONALD TRUMP IS DESTROYING THE COUNTRY IN REAL TIME”", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on NPR’s Morning Edition, where he made clear that upon the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, Democrats are focused on lowering the high cost of living, protecting access to healthcare, cleaning up corruption and winning back the House of Representatives to hold Donald Trump and Republicans accountable for their extremism.\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: Among the Democrats hoping to flip control of Congress back to their party in the midterms is Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic Leader, who represents a district in New York, and he’s on the line with us now. Good morning, Leader Jeffries, thanks for joining us.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Good morning. Great to be with you.\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: As you just heard, you backed two Democratic incumbents against Democratic Socialists who had the backing of New York’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani. If Democrats win back the House with the help of people who opposed your picks, how do you plan to work with them?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we have to win back the House by actually flipping seats that are currently held by Republicans. And we’re going to continue to do everything we can to do just that. And we’ve got great candidates running all across the country, challenging Republicans who’ve been nothing but a reckless rubber stamp to Donald Trump’s extreme agenda, while at the same period of time focusing on issues like driving down the high cost of living, fixing our broken healthcare system and cleaning up the corruption that Donald Trump has unleashed on America in real time.\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: To my—my question was how do you plan to work with these folks if they do achieve, well if they win their seats, which they are expected to do. They’re in deep blue districts, but they’ve opposed the people that you supported, so how do you plan to work with them?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I plan to continue to support every single House Democratic incumbent. And that certainly was the case with Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Diana DeGette—who had an incredible career over the last 30-plus years championing reproductive freedom—and, of course, Dan Goldman, who’s been a fighter challenging the Trump administration. At the same period of time, primaries are a way of life in the House of Representatives, specifically because the Framers wanted our institution to be the closest to the American people, which was the primary reason that we have to stand for election every other year. And within the House Democratic Caucus family, there will be a wide variety of different perspectives—progressives, New Dems, Blue Dogs. I’ve worked with sort of the ideologically diverse group of Members up until this point, and will continue to do so. But what unifies House Democrats, and we’ll see what happens in terms of as we transition into a new Caucus, but obviously the overwhelming majority of folks who will be part of that Caucus are going to be focused on stopping MAGA extremism on the one hand, while, most importantly, doing everything we can to make life better for the everyday Americans we’re privileged to represent on the other.\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: You know, President Trump is already workshopping attack lines against some of these nominees. He’s calling them communists. He’s saying he’s not going to allow them to destroy the country. Do Democrats have an answer for that?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Donald Trump is destroying the country in real time right now. He promised to lower the high cost of living on day one. Costs haven’t gone down, they’ve gone up. Donald Trump promised to ‘love and cherish Medicaid’ and turned around and signed the One Big Ugly Bill, which ripped away Medicaid from more than 10 million Americans, including many in rural parts of the country. And Donald Trump is the one who promised not to start wars in the Middle East, but to stop them and then turned around and launched a reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East, which is raising gas prices on the American people. That’s why House Democrats have strongly opposed this war, and we will continue to do so until it finally comes to an end.\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: You know, he hasn’t signed that housing affordability bill that passed with a large bipartisan majority in both houses, pressuring Congress to pass a bill that would require proof of citizenship to vote because he says that that is his priority. And he says, using his words, that these other bills are a yawn. To your knowledge, has that bill actually been presented to the President?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: It’s my understanding that the bill has been sent over by Speaker Johnson earlier this week. And the President has up to 10 days to take action on it. If he fails to take any action, of course, Michel, as you know, it will become law. This is an extraordinary thing that Donald Trump is playing games with a bipartisan housing bill that is designed to make sure that we are building housing that the American people can actually afford. It’s part of the work of legislating and House Democrats committed to getting things done. In this instance, we’re—\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: Do you think the bill is going to become law? Do you think it is going to become law?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: I do think it will become law. And there’s been great leadership by Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Senator Elizabeth Warren helping to lead the charge around this bill as part of our continuing effort as Democrats to address the cost of living crisis that Donald Trump and Republicans have made worse during their time in office over the last 18 months.\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: Obviously, President Trump is obviously very concerned about the midterms. This is one of the reasons he’s so concerned about this election bill, what he calls the SAVE America Act. I want to ask you, an FBI memo obtained by the Associated Press indicates a surge of more than 200 personnel in Fulton County, Georgia, as part of an investigation, an ongoing investigation, into the 2020 election. The FBI declined a request for comment. What do you make of that? I mean, do you think this could be a fair deployment of government resources if it puts to rest once and for all the President’s unproven claims of election fraud? Or do you think there could be some other outcome?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the notion that Donald Trump is wasting FBI resources, along with Kash Patel, on a conspiracy theory connected to the 2020 presidential election that has long been invalidated is extraordinary. But again, Donald Trump is not focused on the issues that matter. He’s made clear he thinks the affordability crisis is a hoax. He loves inflation. He said to the American people he does not give a damn about the personal financial situation that they’re in. Everyday Americans are drowning right now as it relates to the Trump-Republican economy. And Donald Trump is focused on trying to rig the midterm elections. We have embarked on the largest voter protection effort in the history of modern-day America because we’re determined to make sure, as Democrats, that there is a free and fair election in November, so that it’s the American people who are actually the ones who get to decide who serves in the majority in the Congress after these midterms, not Donald Trump and MAGA extremists.\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: Let me quickly turn to a fun fact about your background. I think you’re the only Member of Congress with roots from Cape Verde. Your grandfather, your great-grandfather, was from Cape Verde. The tiny nation’s soccer team is facing off against world champions Argentina today. Are you watching?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: I’ll definitely be watching. It’s an incredible story. It’s an underdog story. And it demonstrates the resilience of the nation of Cape Verde. And Cape Verdeans, of course, have a long history here in the United States of America, particularly in the New England states. It was my great-grandfather, Manuel Gomes, who immigrated into this country to New Bedford, Massachusetts in 1915.\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: Okay, before we let you go, how are you celebrating America’s 250th birthday this weekend?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: I’ll be spending time at home in the district at a variety of different celebrations, including potentially one that’s held every year in Coney Island that this year will be spectacular because it is our 250th birthday. I had an opportunity yesterday to be in Philadelphia, the birthplace of our democracy, at a bipartisan session commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago, and we’ll continue to celebrate throughout the year.\n\nMICHEL MARTIN: That is the House Democratic Leader, Hakeem Jeffries. Leader Jeffries, thank you so much for joining us, and happy birthday to the United States.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Happy 4th of July, everyone. Thank you.\n\nFull interview can be listened to here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/2026/07/03/whip-clark-statement-marking-one-year-of-republicans-big-ugly-law/", "title": "Whip Clark Statement Marking One Year of Republicans’ Big Ugly Law", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "katherineclark.house.gov", "scraper": "clark", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001101", "name": "Katherine M. Clark", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "MALDEN, MA — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) released the following statement marking one year since House Republicans passed their Big Ugly Law:\n\n“One year ago, House Republicans passed their singular legislative goal: Donald Trump’s Big Ugly Law. This devastating budget has made life more expensive and difficult for families across the country.\n\n“After promising to lower costs, Donald Trump and the GOP abandoned working people in favor of the billionaire class — enacting the largest-ever cuts to food assistance and healthcare in our nation’s history while handing massive tax cuts to the Trump family and their billionaire donors.\n\n“Americans are barely making it under Republican control of the White House and Congress. More than 440 hospitals are at risk of closure in our communities. More than 15 million people are losing their healthcare coverage. More than 4 million people have lost their food assistance — including more than 770,000 children. And families are struggling to afford groceries, gas, rent, and other necessities.\n\n“Working people are struggling under high costs while Republicans cater to the rich and the connected. We are fighting with every tool we have to take back the House and deliver the lower costs, security, and peace of mind Americans deserve.”\n\nIn Massachusetts, Republicans’ Big Ugly Law has:\n\nEnded food assistance for more than 175,000 people — including nearly 62,000 kids.\n\nKicked more than 53,000 people off Medicaid.\n\nPushed more than 40,000 people off ACA coverage.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-nick-langworthy-response-buffalo-mayor-ryans-comments", "title": "Statement from Congressman Nick Langworthy in Response to Buffalo Mayor Ryan’s Comments", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "langworthy.house.gov", "scraper": "langworthy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000600", "name": "Nicholas A. Langworthy", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "\"Sean Ryan can call me whatever he wants. I’m not backing down.\n\n\"I believe a city as great as Buffalo should proudly celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Instead, the Mayor canceled that celebration while presiding over a ceremony honoring a foreign flag. It was an enormous disappointment to the thousands upon thousands of Buffalo residents who were looking forward to celebrating this historic milestone with their families and neighbors.\n\n\"Those were his priorities. Mine are clear: I’ll always stand for America, celebrate our flag, honor our history, and never apologize for believing that America should come first.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/one-year-largest-tax-cuts-american-history-are-delivering-iowa", "title": "One Year In, the Largest Tax Cuts in American History Are Delivering for Iowa", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "millermeeks.house.gov", "scraper": "millermeeks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001215", "name": "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "July 3, 2026\n\nIOWA - Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) today marked the one-year anniversary of the Working Families Tax Cuts becoming law, highlighting the real savings and tax relief the legislation has delivered for Iowa families, workers, farmers, seniors, and small businesses.\n\nSigned into law one year ago, the Working Families Tax Cuts have lowered taxes, increased take-home pay, and helped hardworking Americans keep more of what they earn.\n\n\"One year later, the Working Families Tax Cuts are delivering exactly what they promised: lower taxes, bigger paychecks, stronger family budgets, and real savings for hardworking Americans,\" said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. \"Whether it is tax relief for seniors, workers earning overtime, families raising children, or farmers passing their operations on to the next generation, these policies are making a real difference. I will continue fighting for policies that put Iowans first.\"\n\nBackground\n\nOne year after becoming law, the Working Families Tax Cuts continue to provide meaningful relief for millions of Americans through provisions including No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, tax relief for seniors, permanent protections for family farms, incentives to strengthen American manufacturing, and new $1,000 Baby Investment Accounts for eligible newborns.\n\nSince enactment, the Working Families Tax Cuts have delivered:\n\nTax refunds increased by 11%, putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans.\n\nNo Tax on Tips: More than 7.5 million Americans have claimed the deduction, with an average tax benefit of over $7,000. By allowing workers to deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tip income, servers, bartenders, hospitality workers, and others who rely on tips are keeping more of what they earn.\n\nNo Tax on Overtime: More than 29 million Americans have claimed the deduction, saving an average of over $3,100. This provision helps police officers, firefighters, nurses, EMTs, corrections officers, and countless other workers keep more of their overtime pay.\n\nSocial Security Tax Deduction: More than 35 million seniors have claimed the new deduction, receiving an average tax benefit of over $7,500. Eligible seniors can claim a $6,000 deduction, while married couples can receive up to $12,000, helping them afford everyday necessities and enjoy greater peace of mind after a lifetime of hard work.\n\nEnhanced Child Tax Credit: Nearly 40 million families have claimed the expanded $2,200 Child Tax Credit, helping parents cover the costs of raising children and providing additional financial stability.\n\nDoubled Standard Deduction: The law preserves the doubled standard deduction, benefiting over 90% of taxpayers and allowing families to keep more of their hard-earned income.\n\nProtection for Family Farms: Delivered permanent relief from the 'Death Tax' and helps protect family farms ensuring there farms are passed down to kids and grandkids not sold to pay the IRS.\n\nNo Tax on Car Loan Interest: Allows eligible Americans to deduct interest on qualifying loans for new American-made vehicles.\n\nSmall Business Tax Deduction: Makes the 20% small business deduction permanent, giving Main Street businesses the certainty they need to invest, hire, and grow.\n\n$1,000 Baby Investment Accounts: Provides eligible newborns with a $1,000 investment account, helping families begin building long-term financial security from the start of their child’s life.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2798", "title": "Tyler Morning Telegraph: Moran: Our moral foundations are our greatest inheritance", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "moran.house.gov", "scraper": "nathanielmoran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001224", "name": "Nathaniel Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Two hundred and fifty years ago, a handful of colonial delegates staked their lives on a set of ideas. Not political ideas—moral ones. The truth that the rights of every person come not from a king, but from God, and that no man is above the law. They also believed virtue, not power, is the true cornerstone of self-governance. And, they were right!\n\nIn 1831, a young French writer named Alexis de Tocqueville traveled across this country studying our penal system. In the process he discovered America. He witnessed people animated by something deeper than self-interest—a society shaped by moral conviction and voluntary associations that bound citizens together for the common good.\n\nThat conviction was baked into the architecture of this nation from the start. Our legal traditions drew directly from Judeo-Christian moral codes: due process, judicial impartiality, the proportionality of punishment, the principle that leaders must be subject to the same laws as everyone else. These ideas weren’t invented in Philadelphia in 1776. They were inherited—from a tradition that understood human dignity as something given by God, not granted by men.\n\nOur founders knew this. John Adams wrote “the only foundation of a free Constitution is pure virtue.” George Washington called morality “a necessary spring of popular government.” A republic, they understood, could not sustain itself on institutions alone. It requires a people of character to breathe life into those institutions.\n\nThe celebration of this anniversary must be more than fireworks and ceremony. It must be a renewal of commitment to virtue.\n\nNational character isn’t shaped in Washington; it’s shaped in homes, schools, houses of worship, and local civic life. It starts in our family institutions, buoyed by individuals who seek righteousness aligned with the natural laws of God.\n\nOur laws are only as good as the moral foundations beneath them. Our institutions hold only as long as people inside them hold to something higher than themselves.\n\nThe men who gathered in Philadelphia in 1776 were not perfect—but, they built the incredible country we call home today. They gave us a republic rooted not in the will of a monarch, but in the dignity of every person and the authority of a moral order above any government institution.\n\nBecause of what they built, generations of Americans have had the freedom to worship, to speak, to work, to dream, and to correct the nation’s wrongs over time. Because of their courage, we have had 250 years to grow—imperfectly, but always with the tools to do better embedded in the very documents our Founders left us.", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405746", "title": "Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 7.3.26", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The Republican Congress continues to use the reconciliation process to produce conservative wins for the American people.\n\nNot only were the Working Families Tax Cuts (WFTC) done in a reconciliation bill, but earlier this June, Congress passed another reconciliation bill to fully fund federal immigration enforcement agencies through the rest of President Trump’s term.\n\nThis had to happen after “open borders” Democrats refused to fund the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Because of their obstruction, the DHS shutdown was the longest agency shutdown in U.S. history.\n\nWith Republicans’ passage of this immigration enforcement reconciliation package, we blocked Democrats from defunding the federal agencies responsible for removing criminal illegal aliens.\n\nI will continue to support policies that protect American communities from Biden-Harris “open borders” policies.\n\nA potential reconciliation package is also being discussed to help with things ranging from defense funding to voter ID policies. As of right now, a final draft of a potential reconciliation bill has yet to be produced.\n\nDelivering conservative wins through the reconciliation process is evident from the Working Families Tax Cuts that President Trump signed into law on July 4, 2025.\n\nI was proud to back this transformative package, which prevented tax hikes on working families and delivered other meaningful tax relief reforms.\n\nData is now available on how these reforms are helping Americans.\n\nAccording to the U.S. Department of Treasury, 97% of tax filers accessed these tax cut benefits. The Ways and Means Committee in Congress notes that IRS data shows Americans received an average refund of nearly $3,300, marking a greater than 11% increase in average individual refunds year over year.\n\nBy passing this legislation, the Ways and Means committee notes that we stopped a tax increase of 22% for the average taxpayer.\n\nAdditionally, tax filers took advantage of new opportunities.\n\nMore than 7 million Americans claimed a deduction for tips. This follows on President Trump’s “No Tax on Tips” promise.\n\nBut Republican lawmakers did not stop there.\n\nWe also created a deduction for those who work hourly overtime. This tax season, nearly 30 million filers claimed this deduction.\n\nFurther, an enhanced senior bonus deduction allowed seniors on social security to keep more of their money. The $6,000 bonus is in place for single filers and $12,000 for joint filers.\n\nWhile we strengthen economic prospects for working families through this tax relief, Republicans also advance businesses with a focus on ‘Made in America.’\n\nJohnson & Johnson, a pharmaceutical manufacturer, is one company expanding domestic operations in the United States.\n\nThe company’s CEO, Mr. Joaquin Duato, credited Republicans’ legislation for his company moving forward with the $55 billion expansion.\n\nThe reconciliation bill also delivers vital health care funding to rural communities through the Rural Health Transformation Program.\n\nVirginia is the recipient of more than $189 million thanks to the Rural Health Transformation Program.\n\nThis pot of money helps rural hospital providers in Virginia’s Ninth District. That includes Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon, to which Virginia awarded its first Program grant.\n\nThis award will help the College expand health care workforce training opportunities. As medical deserts threaten health care access, grants like these can help close the provider gap, develop a pipeline of rural health care workers and better serve rural patients.\n\nAs more Rural Health Transformation Program awards flow to our region, I will continue to advocate for tax policies that help our region.\n\nSuch policies include the New Markets Tax Credit, which we permanently extended in the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\nThis tax credit has been credited for the construction of a new medical office building in Tazewell County!\n\nThis facility is creating new options for health care, which in turn is helping Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital.\n\nFurther, I believe that the reconciliation package’s boosted tax incentives for Opportunity Zones in rural areas can unlock more potential health care opportunity. A tax structure that promotes investments in rural communities can produce dividends!\n\nThese ideas show that the tax policies we advanced in the Working Families Tax Cuts support our economic prospects.\n\nFurther, I will continue to consider reconciliation ideas that produce prosperity, opportunity and freedom for the American people.\n\nIf you have ideas, please feel free to contact our office.\n\nIf you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at https://morgangriffith.house.gov/. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-panetta-ross-delauro-introduce-bill-deliver-faster-relief", "title": "Representatives Panetta, Ross, DeLauro Introduce Bill to Deliver Faster Relief for Taxpayers", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "panetta.house.gov", "scraper": "panetta", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000613", "name": "Jimmy Panetta", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined Rep. Deborah Ross (NC-02) and House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) in introducing a bill to improve transparency between taxpayers and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax refund claims.\n\nCurrently, there is no requirement that the IRS pay or deny refund claims within a set timeframe. As a result, claims can spend years in the IRS’ queue without a decision, leaving taxpayers with no clear answers or recourse. The bill requires the IRS to respond to tax refund claims within one year of receiving a taxpayer’s return. It also ensures that any refund paid after that period is adjusted for inflation and includes interest to compensate taxpayers for the delay.\n\nIRS employees work diligently to serve taxpayers and process refund claims, but their work has been undermined by staffing cuts under the Trump administration. Thousands of IRS employees have been laid off, resulting in fewer claims processed and growing backlogs. Since 2019, the number of backlogged tax claims has doubled to more than two million. This bill will create a clear process to ensure refund claims are paid or denied in a timely manner, with taxpayers guaranteed a sufficient explanation for any IRS decision.\n\n“The backlog in cases at the IRS has left way too many hardworking taxpayers waiting way too long for their hard-earned refunds,” said Rep. Panetta. “Our RETURN Act would help restore accountability, efficiency, and transparency by requiring the IRS to respond to refund requests within one year and explain the reasoning behind any denial. This legislation would help ensure a more responsive tax system so that all Americans can efficiently and effectively receive their tax returns.”\n\n“Americans in North Carolina and across the country work hard for every dollar they earn, and they deserve prompt responses when they file their tax returns,” said Rep. Ross. “At a time when too many families are stretched thin by rising costs, they should not be left wondering whether they will receive the money they are owed. This bill will help ensure tax refunds are processed in a timely manner and require the IRS to provide clear explanations of its decisions to the American taxpayers.”\n\n“We are in a cost-of-living crisis,” said Rep. DeLauro. “Americans are living paycheck to paycheck – if the government is responsible for a late refund, they should ensure that Americans are made whole because of it. I am fighting to put more money in working and middle-class Americans' pockets – to help them get ahead and thrive.”\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://pressley.house.gov/2026/07/03/for-the-first-time-in-history-pressley-delivers-frederick-douglasss-famous-speech-what-to-the-slave-is-the-fourth-of-july-on-house-floor/", "title": "For the First Time in History, Pressley Delivers Frederick Douglass’s Famous Speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” on House Floor", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pressley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "pressley.house.gov", "scraper": "pressley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000617", "name": "Ayanna Pressley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Transcript: For the First Time in History, Pressley Delivers Frederick Douglass’s Famous Speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” on House Floor\n\nU.S. House of Representatives\n\nJune 30, 2026\n\nIn 1852 Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist, orator, and formerly enslaved man, delivered one of America’s most famous speeches, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”\n\nHe addressed a nation celebrating freedom while denying it to millions.\n\nWith moral clarity and urgency, he exposed the stark contradiction between America’s founding ideals and the lived reality of Black people, calling out a democracy that had excluded those it claimed to liberate.\n\nAs our nation celebrates its 250-year anniversary, that tension still resonates.\n\nBlack Americans continue to confront systemic inequities that have been legislated and codified.\n\nDouglass’s words endure as both a mirror and a mandate, revealing uncomfortable truths while urging us to fight for an America as good as its promise.\n\nBefore I begin, I want to recognize and thank Mass Humanities for sustaining this vital tradition through public readings of Douglass’s speech across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, ensuring that its message continues to educate, challenge, and to inspire new generations.\n\nAnd now, I invite you to listen and to consider these words not as distant history, but as a call to action today.\n\n—–\n\nWhat to the Slave is the Fourth of July?\n\nMr. President, Friends and Fellow Citizens:\n\nThe task before me is one which requires much previous thought and study for its proper performance. The papers and placards say, that I am to deliver a 4th [of] July oration.\n\nThis certainly sounds large, and out of the common way, for it is true that I have often had the privilege to speak in this beautiful Hall, and to address many who now honor me with their presence, the fact is, ladies and gentlemen, the distance between this platform and the slave plantation, from which I escaped, is considerable—and the difficulties to be overcome in getting from the latter to the former, are by no means slight.\n\nThat I am here to-day is, to me, a matter of astonishment as well as of gratitude.\n\nThis, for the purpose of this celebration, is the 4th of July. It is the birthday of your National Independence, and of your political freedom.\n\nThis, to you, is what the Passover was to the emancipated people of God. It carries your minds back to the day, and to the act of your great deliverance.\n\nThis celebration also marks the beginning of another year of your national life; and reminds you that the Republic of America is now 76 years old.\n\nI am glad, fellow citizens, that your nation is so young. You are, even now, only in the beginning of your national career, still lingering in the period of childhood. I repeat, I am glad this is so.\n\nThere is hope in the thought, and hope is much needed, under the dark clouds which lower above the horizon.\n\nFellow-citizens, the simple story is that, 76 years ago, the people of this country were British subjects.\n\nThe style and title of your ‘sovereign people’ (in which you now glory) was not then born. You were under the British Crown.\n\nYour fathers esteemed the English Government as the home government.\n\nEngland as the fatherland, although a considerable distance from your home, impose, in the exercise of its parental prerogatives, upon its colonial children, such restraints, burdens and limitations, as, in its mature judgment, it deemed wise, right and proper.\n\nBut your fathers, who had not adopted the idea of the infallibility of government, and the absolute character of its acts, presumed to differ from the home government in respect to the wisdom and the justice of some of those burdens and restraints.\n\nThey went so far as to pronounce the measures of government unjust, unreasonable, and oppressive, and altogether such as ought not to be quietly submitted to.\n\nI scarcely need say, fellow-citizens, that my opinion of those measures fully accords with that of your fathers.\n\nFeeling themselves harshly and unjustly treated by the home government, your fathers, like men of honesty, and men of spirit, earnestly sought redress.\n\nThey petitioned and remonstrated; they did so in a decorous, respectful, and loyal manner.\n\nThis, however, did not answer the purpose.\n\nThey saw themselves treated with sovereign indifference, coldness and scorn.\n\nOppression makes a wise man mad. Your fathers became restive under this treatment.\n\nThey felt themselves the victims of grievous wrongs, wholly incurable in their colonial capacity.\n\nWith brave men there is always a remedy for oppression. Just here, the idea of a total separation of the colonies from the crown was born!\n\nIt was a startling idea, much more so, than we, at this distance of time, regard it.\n\nThe timid and the prudent of that day, were, of course, shocked and alarmed by it.\n\nTheir opposition to the then-dangerous thought was earnest and powerful; but, amid all their terror and affrighted vociferations against it, the alarming and revolutionary idea moved on, and the country with it.\n\nOn the 2d of July, 1776, the old Continental Congress, to the dismay of the lovers of ease, and the worshipers of property, clothed that dreadful idea with all the authority of national sanction.\n\nThey did so in the form of a resolution.\n\nWe seldom hit upon resolutions, drawn up in our day whose transparency is at all equal it: ‘Resolved, That these united colonies are, and of right, ought to be free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown.’\n\nCitizens, your fathers made good that resolution.\n\nThey succeeded; and to-day you reap the fruits of their success. The freedom gained is yours; and you, therefore, may properly celebrate this anniversary.\n\nThe 4th of July is the first great fact in your nation’s history – the very ring-bolt in the chain of your yet undeveloped destiny.\n\nMY business, if I have any here to-day, is with the present. The accepted time with God and his cause is the ever-living now.\n\nWe have to do with the past only as we can make it useful to the present and to the future. Now is the time, the important time.\n\nYour fathers have lived, died, and have done their work, and have done much of it well. You live and must die, and you must do your work.\n\nYou have no right to enjoy a child’s share in the labor of your fathers, unless your children are to be blest by your labors.\n\nYou have no right to wear out and waste the hard-earned fame of your fathers to cover your indolence.\n\nFellow-citizens, pardon me, allow me to ask, why am I called upon to speak here to-day? What have I, or those I represent, to do with your national independence?\n\nAre the great principles of political freedom and of natural justice, embodied in that Declaration of Independence, extended to us?\n\nAnd am I, therefore, called upon to bring our humble offering to the national altar, and to confess the benefits and express devout gratitude for the blessings resulting from your independence to us?\n\nThe blessings in which you, this day, rejoice, are not enjoyed in common.\n\nThe rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me.\n\nThe sunlight that brought life and healing to you, has brought stripes and death to me.\n\nThis Fourth [of] July is yours, not mine.\n\nYou may rejoice, I must mourn.\n\nTo drag a man in fetters into the grand illuminated temple of liberty, and call upon him to join you in joyous anthems, were inhuman mockery and sacrilegious irony.\n\nDo you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak to-day?\n\nFellow-citizens; above your national, tumultuous joy, I hear the mournful wail of millions!\n\nWhose chains, heavy and grievous yesterday, are, to-day, rendered more intolerable by the jubilee shouts that reach them.\n\nMy subject, then fellow-citizens, is American slavery.\n\nI shall see this day from the slave’s point of view. Standing, here, identified with the American bondman, making his wrongs mine, I do not hesitate to declare, with all my soul, that the character and conduct of this nation never looked blacker to me than on this 4th of July!\n\nWhether we turn to the declarations of the past, or to the professions of the present, the conduct of the nation seems equally hideous and revolting. America is false to the past, false to the present, and solemnly binds herself to be false to the future.\n\nStanding with God and the crushed and bleeding slave on this occasion, I will, in the name of humanity which is outraged, in the name of liberty which is fettered, in the name of the constitution and the Bible, which are disregarded and trampled upon, dare to call in question and to denounce, with all the emphasis I can command, everything that serves to perpetuate slavery-the great sin and shame of America!\n\n“I will not equivocate; I will not excuse;” I will use the severest language I can command; and yet not one word shall escape me that any man, whose judgment is not blinded by prejudice, or who is not at heart a slaveholder, shall not confess to be right and just.\n\nI fancy I hear some one of my audience say, it is just in this circumstance that you and your brother abolitionists fail to make a favorable impression on the public mind.\n\nWould you argue more, and denounce less, would you persuade more, and rebuke less, your cause would be much more likely to succeed.\n\nBut, I submit, where all is plain there is nothing to be argued. What point in the anti-slavery creed would you have me argue?\n\nMust I undertake to prove that the slave is a man?\n\nThe slaveholders themselves acknowledge it in the enactment of laws for their government. They acknowledge it when they punish disobedience on the part of the slave.\n\nThere are seventy-two crimes in the State of Virginia, which, if committed by a black man, subject him to the punishment of death; while only two of the same crimes will subject a white man to the like punishment.\n\nWhat is this but the acknowledgement that the slave is a moral, intellectual and responsible being?\n\nSouthern statute books are covered with enactments forbidding, under severe fines and penalties, the teaching of the slave to read or to write.\n\nWhen you can point to any such laws, in reference to the beasts of the field, then I may consent to argue the manhood of the slave.\n\nWhen the dogs in your streets, when the fowls of the air, when the cattle on your hills, when the fish of the sea, and the reptiles that crawl, shall be unable to distinguish the slave from a brute, then will I argue with you that the slave is a man!\n\nFor the present, it is enough to affirm the equal manhood of the Negro race.\n\nIs it not astonishing that, while we are ploughing, planting and reaping, using all kinds of mechanical tools, erecting houses, constructing bridges, building ships, working in metals of brass, iron, copper, silver and gold;\n\nThat, while we are reading, writing and cyphering, acting as clerks, merchants and secretaries, having among us lawyers, doctors, ministers, poets, authors, editors, orators and teachers;\n\nThat, while we are engaged in all manner of enterprises common to other men, digging gold in California, capturing the whale in the Pacific, feeding sheep and cattle on the hill-side, living, moving, acting, thinking, planning, living in families as husbands, wives and children, and, above all, confessing and worshipping the Christian’s God, and looking hopefully for life and immortality beyond the grave, we are called upon to prove that we are men!\n\nWould you have me argue that man is entitled to liberty? That he is the rightful owner of his own body?\n\nYou have already declared it.\n\nMust I argue the wrongfulness of slavery?\n\nIs it to be settled by the rules of logic and argumentation, as a matter beset with great difficulty, involving a doubtful application of the principle of justice, hard to be understood?\n\nHow should I look to-day, in the presence of Americans, to show that men have a natural right to freedom?\n\nTo do so, would be to make myself ridiculous, and to offer an insult to your understanding.\n\nThere is not a man beneath the canopy of heaven, that does not know that slavery is wrong for him.\n\nWhat, am I to argue that it is wrong to make men brutes, to rob them of their liberty, to work them without wages, to keep them ignorant of their relations to their fellow men, to beat them with sticks, to flay their flesh with the lash, to load their limbs with irons, to hunt them with dogs, to sell them at auction, to sunder their families, to knock out their teeth, to burn their flesh, to starve them into obedience and submission to their masters?\n\nMust I argue that a system thus marked with blood, and stained with pollution, is wrong?\n\nNo! I will not.\n\nI have better employments for my time and strength than such arguments would imply.\n\nWhat, then, remains to be argued?\n\nIs it that slavery is not divine; that God did not establish it; that our doctors of divinity are mistaken?\n\nThere is blasphemy in the thought.\n\nThat which is inhuman, cannot be divine! Who can reason on such a proposition?\n\nI cannot. The time for such argument is past.\n\nAt a time like this, scorching irony, not convincing argument, is needed.\n\nO! had I the ability, and could I reach the nation’s ear, I would, to-day, pour out a fiery stream of biting ridicule, blasting reproach, withering sarcasm, and stern rebuke.\n\nFor it is not light that is needed, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder.\n\nWe need the storm, the whirlwind, and the earthquake.\n\nThe feeling of the nation must be quickened; the conscience of the nation must be roused; the propriety of the nation must be startled; the hypocrisy of the nation must be exposed; and its crimes against God and man must be proclaimed and denounced.\n\nWhat, to the American slave, is your 4th of July?\n\nI answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim.\n\nTo him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciations of tyrants, brass fronted impudence; your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade, and solemnity, are, to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy – a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages.\n\nThere is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices, more shocking and bloody, than are the people of these United States, at this very hour.\n\nGo where you may, search where you will, roam through all the monarchies and despotisms of the old world, search out every abuse, and when you have found the last, lay your facts by the side of the everyday practices of this nation, and you will say with me, that, for revolting barbarity and shameless hypocrisy, America reigns without a rival.\n\nYou declare, before the world, and are understood by the world to declare, that you ‘hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal; and are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; and that, among these are, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness’;\n\nAnd yet, you hold securely, in a bondage which, according to your own Thomas Jefferson, “is worse than ages of that which your fathers rose in rebellion to oppose,” a seventh part of the inhabitants of your country.\n\nFellow-citizens! I will not enlarge further on your national inconsistencies.\n\nThe existence of slavery in this country brands your republicanism as a sham, your humanity as a base pretence, and your Christianity as a lie.\n\nIt destroys your moral power abroad; it corrupts your politicians at home. It saps the foundation of religion; it makes your name a hissing, and a by word to a mocking earth.\n\nBe warned! a horrible reptile is coiled up in your nation’s bosom; the venomous creature is nursing at the tender breast of your youthful republic; for the love of God, tear away, and fling from you the hideous monster, and let the weight of twenty millions crush and destroy crush and destroy it forever!\n\nAllow me to say, in conclusion, notwithstanding the dark picture I have this day presented of the state of the nation, I do not despair of this country.\n\nThere are forces in operation, which must inevitably work the downfall of slavery. I, therefore, leave off where I began, with hope.\n\nWhile drawing encouragement from the Declaration of Independence, the great principles it contains, and the genius of American Institutions, my spirit is cheered by the obvious tendencies of the age.\n\nNations do not now stand in the same relation to each other that they did ages ago. No nation can now shut itself up from the surrounding world, and trot round in the same old path of its fathers without interference.\n\nThe time was when such could be done. But a change has now come over the affairs of mankind. Walled cities and empires have become unfashionable.\n\nThe arm of commerce has borne away the gates of the strong city. Intelligence is penetrating the darkest corners of the globe Wind, steam, and lightning are its chartered agents. Oceans no longer divide, but link nations together.\n\nFrom Boston to London is now a holiday excursion. Space is comparatively annihilated. Thoughts expressed on one side of the Atlantic are, distinctly heard on the other.\n\nIn the fervent aspirations of William Lloyd Garrison, I say, and let every heart join in saying it:\n\nAll God speed the day when human blood\n\nShall cease to flow!\n\nIn every clime be understood,\n\nThe claims of human brotherhood,\n\nAnd each return for evil, good,\n\nNot blow for blow;\n\nThat day will come all feuds to end,\n\nAnd change into a faithful friend\n\nEach foe.", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://robertgarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-robert-garcia-announces-over-27-million-taxiway-reconstruction", "title": "Congressman Robert Garcia Announces Over $27 Million for Taxiway Reconstruction at Long Beach Airport", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://robertgarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "robertgarcia.house.gov", "scraper": "robertgarcia", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000598", "name": "Robert Garcia", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LONG BEACH, CA – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42), senior member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, announced the Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded over $27 million in federal funding for Long Beach Airport for taxiway reconstruction. The grant will fund the full reconstruction of Taxiway F, ensuring safe and efficient operations at one of the busiest and highest-ranked airports in the country.\n\n“This $27 million is going straight to the infrastructure that keeps Long Beach Airport running,” said Congressman Robert Garcia. “As the former Mayor of Long Beach, improving this airport has always been important to me. Upgrading our airport’s infrastructure keeps flights safe, operations running smoothly, and our airport modernized.”\n\n“Investments like this keep Long Beach moving. Reconstructing Taxiway F strengthens the infrastructure that supports one of the nation’s premier airports, protects the travel experience residents and visitors have come to expect, and positions our airport for continued growth,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “We’re thankful to Congressman Garcia for delivering another significant federal investment that benefits our community today and prepares Long Beach for tomorrow.”\n\nCongressman Garcia has always fought to improve our community’s transportation infrastructure. In August 2025, Congressman Garcia announced that the DOT awarded over $24 million in federal funding for Long Beach Airport to expand key parts of the terminal and improve areas to make it easier and more comfortable for passengers to get through the airport. In 2024, Congressman Garcia led the Los Angeles County delegation to advocate for funding for Metro’s Southeast Gateway Line Project. Congressman Garcia also helped secure over $283 million in federal grant money for the completion of the North Rail Yard Expansion and the South Rail Yard Expansion at the Port of Long Beach, which is estimated to create over 13,000 jobs nationwide. Congressman Garcia led efforts to secure funding for Los Angeles and Long Beach transit systems in preparation for the 2028 Olympics. As Mayor of the City of Long Beach, his signature ballot initiative, Measure A, launched the largest infrastructure repair program in a generation, promoting good-paying union jobs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/one-year-after-passage-republican-tax-law-hr-1-rep-vasquez-underscores-ongoing", "title": "One Year After Passage of Republican Tax Law (H.R. 1), Rep. Vasquez Underscores Ongoing Harm to New Mexicans", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vasquez.house.gov", "scraper": "vasquez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000136", "name": "Gabe Vasquez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LAS CRUCES, N.M. – On July 3, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) marked the one-year anniversary of the passage of the Republican tax law (also referred to as H.R. 1 or the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”), releasing the following statement:\n\n“A year ago today, MAGA extremists sold out hardworking Americans to pay for tax cuts for a small group of wealthy elites, but Americans don’t need to be told that — they’ve felt it every single day with their wallets. From health insurance to food to utilities, so many of the things that have gotten more expensive this past year can be traced back to this devastating tax law. I will keep fighting every step of the way to restore vital funding for healthcare, food assistance, and more so hardworking New Mexicans aren’t left out to dry by the very government that is supposed to help make their lives better.”\n\nVasquez is also slated to meet with members of the Las Cruces community at El Caldito Soup Kitchen and Roadrunner Food Bank in the coming days to hear their firsthand accounts of how the cuts enacted one year ago under the Republican tax law are impacting them today.\n\n“The New Mexico HealthCare Authority reports that over 10,000 children have lost food assistance through SNAP since H.R. 1 was enacted in July 2025, and the number of people accessing services from Roadrunner Food Bank and our partners is now at levels we have not seen since the start of the pandemic,” said Jason Riggs, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Roadrunner Food Bank. “SNAP can provide nine times the number of meals as the national network of food banks. Cuts to SNAP inevitably increases need. The cost of food and fuel has not only impacted the people we serve, but it has also affected Roadrunner Food Bank’s operational budget. We are doing our best to meet the increased need in our communities.”\n\nThe numbers speak for themselves:\n\nFood Cuts: The Republican tax law slashed $180 billion from SNAP and nutrition assistance benefits — the largest cut in history — and expanded red tape for veterans, children, and folks with disabilities.\n\nIn New Mexico, where one in four people rely on food assistance, SNAP enrollment has already dropped by 5% — or about 21,000 people — due to the new red tape.\n\nHealthcare Cuts: Nationally, the $1 trillion dollar Medicaid cuts made by the Republican tax law are projected to result in 7.6 million Americans losing access to their healthcare coverage by 2034, with millions of others already seeing sharp spikes in their healthcare premiums due to the Republican tax law.\n\nIn New Mexico, by 2028, monthly Medicaid enrollment is expected to drop by 87,000 people due to the new burdensome work requirements imposed under the Republican tax law (which activate in January 2027).\n\nEight Rural Hospitals Serving Residents of NM-02 at Risk of Closing: Carlsbad Medical Center, Socorro General Hospital, Mimbres Memorial Hospital, Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital, Lincoln County Medical Center, and three other nearby hospitals that serve residents of Rep. Vasquez’s district are at risk of having to reduce services or close their doors completely due to health care provisions in the Republican tax law. Expectant mothers in Hatch will go without critical prenatal support, grandparents in Silver City will lose access to long-term care, and kids in Hobbs will need to travel farther for emergency surgeries.\n\nRising Utility Costs: The cuts to energy tax credits imposed by this bill are projected to force New Mexicans to pay more than $500 more per year to keep the lights on.\n\nAll these cuts were made to pay for the single-largest transfer of wealth from the working class to the rich in history, and the Republican tax law is projected to increase the national debt by $3.4 trillion.\n\nLast year, Vasquez voted against the Republican tax law, opposing cuts that were made to programs hardworking New Mexicans rely on to pay for tax cuts for wealthy elites. Since then, Vasquez has consistently worked to make sure the government is working for hardworking New Mexicans, including:\n\nFighting to protect access to SNAP for hardworking New Mexicans, including by championing an amendment to the Farm Bill that would eliminate new red tape imposed on veterans with his Feed Our Veterans Act.\n\nWorking to shield New Mexicans from the healthcare rate hikes imposed by the Republican tax law, including by cosponsoring the Protecting Healthcare and Lowering Costs Act to reverse devastating health care cuts in the Republican tax law and permanently extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits.\n\nSupporting legislation that would combat soaring utility bills for New Mexicans by restoring energy tax credits cut under the Republican tax law, enacting smart permitting reform, and cutting red tape to bring more affordable energy online faster.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=410867", "title": "From the Front: July 3, 2026", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://womack.house.gov/news", "domain": "womack.house.gov", "scraper": "womack", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000809", "name": "Steve Womack", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "From the Front Newsletters\nFrom the Front: July 3, 2026\nShare on Facebook\nShare on X\nPrint this Page\nShare by Email\nWashington,\r\n      July 3, 2026\nClick here to read this edition.\nRead more.\nJOIN MY EMAIL LIST\nSUBSCRIBE", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-blunt-rochester-commemorates-250-years-of-american-independence/", "title": "Senator Blunt Rochester Commemorates 250 Years of American Independence", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) today released the following statement celebrating America’s historic 250thanniversary.\n\n“This week we mark 250 years since our founders established a system of governance rooted in the ideals of freedom and opportunity. The nation they created has ushered in eras of immense progress and withstood times of incredible turmoil.\n\n“On the Fourth of July, I am celebrating the persevering spirit of America, the tenacity of our communities, the unifying faith in our democracy, and a vision of a future that is brighter for everyone who calls the United States home.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-walks-in-jay-livermore-and-livermore-falls-tri-town-independence-day-parade", "title": "Senator Collins Walks in Jay, Livermore, and Livermore Falls Tri-Town Independence Day Parade", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.\n\nJAY, ME – Tonight, U.S. Senator Susan Collins walked in the Tri-Town Independence Day Parade, celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence with the communities of Jay, Livermore, and Livermore Falls.\n\n“It was great to kick off a weekend of celebrating America’s 250th birthday at the Tri-Town Parade with residents of Jay, Livermore, and Livermore Falls,” said Senator Collins. “Thank you to the first responders, organizers, and, of course, the many families who came out and made tonight so special!”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-gillibrand-discuss-roosevelts-legacy-in-government-at-trpl-fireside-chat", "title": "Cramer, Gillibrand Discuss Roosevelt’s Legacy in Government at TRPL Fireside Chat", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "MEDORA, N.D. – As part of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (TRPL) grand opening celebration, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) participated in a fireside chat today in the library’s auditorium. The auditorium’s panoramic views overlooking the national park named in Teddy Roosevelt’s honor was a fitting backdrop to the senators’ conversation on Roosevelt’s legacy in government, conservation, and the principle of multiple use. Cramer and Gillibrand have served together in the Senate since 2019 and work closely together as members of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\n\nTogether, Cramer and Gillibrand represent states that deeply shaped Roosevelt, who was born and spent the majority of his career in New York while also ranching in the North Dakota Badlands. While Roosevelt cut his teeth in the New York State Assembly and later served as the state’s governor, he would famously remark, “I have always said I would not have been President had it not been for my experience in North Dakota.”\n\nCramer and Gillibrand discussed Roosevelt’s legacy in government, one characterized by decisive leadership and populism. The conversation focused on restoring trust in government institutions, following Roosevelt’s example. They discussed how as president, Roosevelt focused on earning the public’s trust by reflecting the will of the people.\n\nClick here for video\n\n“Theodore Roosevelt came to North Dakota to heal during a very dark point in his life and that same healing power has an impact today on everyone who visits this special place,” said Cramer. “As North Dakota Senator and former Tourism Director, I am honored to have played a small role in the creation of this historic library, especially the display of Roosevelt’s original diary and the Congressional Medals of Honor awarded to him and his son.”\n\nAhead of the official opening of the library Saturday, Cramer announced an addition to the agenda: the first known flyover of an MQ-9 Reaper. The Department of War had abruptly cancelled the flyover, but Cramer worked with Air Combat Command Commander General Adrian Spain and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to ensure the Reaper, operated by Fargo’s own Happy Hooligans—would be in the skies above Medora. Prior to the discussion with Senator Gillibrand, Cramer spent the week in Medora, which he visited countless times as the state’s Tourism Director and spoke with people about President Roosevelt’s history in the region—which was spurred by the tragic death of his mother and his wife on the same day. Seeking solace, he traveled to Medora after writing in his diary a single large X, followed by the line, “The light has gone out of my life.”Visitors can view that very page thanks to Cramer’s work to secure the display of artifacts from various locations around the country. Cramer’s efforts to secure artifacts also ensured visitors can see both the Congressional Medal of Honor awarded to President Roosevelt and the one awarded to his son, Theodore Roosevelt Jr. on display together, a unique memorial to a unique president. The library itself is located upon land transferred through the efforts of Cramer and the North Dakota Congressional delegation.", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/celebrating-one-year-of-republican-tax-relief", "title": "Celebrating One Year of Republican Tax Relief", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.—One year ago, Republicans enacted the landmark Working Families Tax Cuts that not only provided historic tax relief for working-class Americans but also made permanent critical pro-growth tax policies that have increased domestic investment and boosted economic growth. The landmark legislation is helping small businesses grow; rewarding the working class; delivering relief for tipped workers and seniors; investing in rural health care and communities; expanding educational opportunities; helping the next generation build wealth; and so much more.\n\nRead on to see how hardworking Americans are benefiting from the Working Families Tax Cuts one year after enactment.\n\nClick HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\nPost Register: One year of Republican tax relief\n\nOpinion by U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho)\n\nFrom our nation’s beginning, taxes have played a critical role in Americans’ daily lives. Indeed, a series of disputes over unfair taxes contributed to our American Revolution. As we celebrate our independence, Idahoans can also celebrate more opportunities and greater economic prosperity thanks to the enactment of the Working Families Tax Cuts on July 4 last year.\n\nWhen crafting this legislation, my Republican colleagues and I had several goals. Preventing a more-than $4 trillion tax hike on virtually every American was non-negotiable. However, we also wanted to provide new tax relief to families and seniors, and we needed to unleash the productivity of the private sector by providing certainty in our tax code.\n\nOne year in, the Working Families Tax Cuts are working. This tax filing season, over 62 million Americans—more than 40 percent of all filers—took advantage of President Trump’s signature new tax relief provisions. Over 7.5 million workers claimed no tax on tips, more than 29 million workers benefited from no tax on overtime, and more than 35 million seniors received an average additional deduction of over $7,500.\n\nAdditionally, 6 million children and counting are registered for Trump Accounts, with 1.4 million qualifying for an initial government-funded $1,000 contribution, offering an entire generation an opportunity to build financial security and learn about personal finance.\n\nAltogether, hardworking Americans kept more of their money this tax filing season, and millions of people got more money back. Over $320 billion was refunded to taxpayers—an 18 percent increase from the last filing season—with an average refund of nearly $3,300.\n\nAnd even the average refund amount does not tell the whole story; many working-class Idahoans who owed money when filing in prior years instead received a refund this year.\n\nIn addition to helping people keep more of what they earn, the law is helping them earn more by encouraging economic growth. More than 150,000 Idaho small businesses now have increased confidence thanks to a permanent, pro-growth 20 percent tax deduction and millions more nationwide. Estimates find permanence will create 1.2 million jobs annually and boost small-business GDP by $750 billion over the next decade.\n\nThe permanent restoration of full expensing for U.S. research and development is supporting domestic innovation and growth. The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council recently reported that over three-quarters of small businesses are already directly benefiting from the law. Investment in new equipment and facilities has accelerated and businesses are hiring.\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cuts also achieved a historic $1.5 trillion in savings by eliminating waste, fraud and abuse from mandatory spending programs. Commonsense, past-due reforms to Medicaid, like work requirements for able-bodied adults and protections against non-citizens receiving taxpayer-subsidized coverage, will ensure funds are available for those who truly need them.\n\nOf course, health coverage is only helpful when you can access care providers, which can be difficult in communities dealing with low patient volumes, staff shortages and outdated technologies. The $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program is helping state and local leaders make targeted investments that will allow rural providers to keep serving our communities for years to come. Idaho already received $186 million this year and could receive almost $930 million over the life of the program.\n\nThe law is helping Americans build a stronger future, as the initial results—more money in Idahoans’ pockets, a booming economy and increased access to health care—are making clear. As we remember our past this Independence Day, we can also look ahead with increased optimism thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-calls-to-ban-trump-and-elected-officials-from-issuing-memecoins/", "title": "Gillibrand Calls To Ban Trump And Elected Officials From Issuing Memecoins", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Following new reporting on President Trump’s personal financial disclosures — which show that his single largest source of income in 2025, $636 million, came from issuing a memecoin — U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand renewed her call for Congress to bar all elected officials, and their spouses, from issuing or sponsoring their own digital assets. Under the proposal Senator Gillibrand has championed alongside a group of colleagues, it would be illegal for President Trump to issue or sponsor any digital asset, including memecoins. The First Lady also issued her own memecoin and separately reported $6 million in income from NFTs and other digital collectibles.\n\n“This is a commonsense requirement that should get broad bipartisan support – public officials and their spouses should not be issuing memecoins. We cannot let self-dealing destroy an opportunity to strengthen consumer protections, crack down on illicit finance, and expand economic opportunity for the millions of Americans our financial system has left behind,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The time to act is now — and that must include ethics reforms that prohibit members of Congress, the president, and their spouses from cashing in on their office.”\n\nEarlier this year, speaking from the main stage at a conference of industry insiders, Senator Gillibrand declared that no bill would pass without an ethics provision that captures the president’s own activity. She has spent years working to regulate a crypto industry that today operates with little to no consumer protection and increasingly offshore, beyond the reach of U.S. law. Earlier this year, she also led a bipartisan bill to crack down on the newly created prediction markets and has been a longtime leader in efforts to ban all members of Congress and their spouses from owning or trading stocks while in office.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-grassley-in-wall-street-journal-on-what-it-means-to-be-from-iowa", "title": "ICYMI: Grassley in Wall Street Journal on What It Means to Be from Iowa", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – As Americans gather to celebrate the nation on the 250th anniversary of its founding, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) shared what being an Iowan means to him in a Free Expression opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal. The symposium-style feature includes just one contributor from each of the 50 states, with Grassley representing Iowa.\n\nFrom Sea to Shining Sea\n\nWSJ Free Expression\n\nJuly 3, 2026\n\nWhat’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about what it means to be from Iowa?\n\nTrue grit. Iowans have a steely grip on our prized liberties, an inheritance shaped by civic responsibility to maintain our rights and pursue the promise of prosperity, equality and justice.\n\nThe understated “Iowa Nice” mindset guides our tireless work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, common sense fiscal and environmental stewardship, bone-deep patriotism and neighbor-helping-neighbor way of life that makes the Hawkeye State the best place to put down roots and raise a family.\n\nAs a lifelong family farmer, I’m proud to call Iowa home.\n\nU.S. Senator Chuck Grassley\n\nNew Hartford, Iowa", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.justice.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-justice-celebrates-americas-250th-birthday/", "title": "Senator Justice Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.justice.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.justice.senate.gov", "scraper": "justice", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000312", "name": "James C. Justice", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV – Today,Senator Jim Justice released a statement commemorating America’s 250th birthday and celebrating Independence Day:\n\n“Independence Day is a day every American ought to be proud of. For 250 years, the United States of America has stood as the greatest beacon of freedom, opportunity, and hope. As we celebrate this historic milestone, let us honor the brave men and women who have answered the call to defend our nation—from the Revolutionary War to the service members who continue to protect the homeland; their courage and sacrifice have shaped our country. I hope every West Virginian enjoys time with family, flies Old Glory with pride, and remembers just how blessed we are to live in the greatest nation the world has ever known. Happy Fourth of July, God bless West Virginia, and God bless the United States of America,” said Senator Jim Justice.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-06T08:59:18Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-06T09:01:25Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-one-year-later-virginia-families-are-paying-the-price-for-trumps-billionaire-tax-giveaway", "title": "Warner & Kaine: One Year Later, Virginia Families Are Paying the Price \r\nFor Trump’s Billionaire Tax Giveaway", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Trump-Vance administration’s billionaire tax giveaway megabill becoming law, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statement highlighting the devastating impact the law has had on Virginia families:\n\n“One year ago, President Trump and Republicans in Congress made a choice. They chose to slash health care and nutrition assistance for working families in order to pay for massive tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans and the biggest corporations. Today, Virginians are living with the consequences. Across the Commonwealth, families are paying more for health care, Virginians are losing coverage, and hospitals and health care providers – especially in our rural communities – are facing growing financial strain. Republicans also passed the largest cuts to SNAP in the program's history, making it harder for families to put food on the table and forcing Virginia to prepare for costly new burdens on a program that helps children, seniors, veterans, and working families afford groceries.\n\n“We warned that this would happen. Instead of protecting affordable coverage and helping families afford basic necessities, Republicans chose to take health care away from millions of Americans and reduce food assistance for those who need it most – all to help finance another round of tax giveaways for the richest Americans.\n\n“One year later, it’s clear this law has made life harder for too many Virginia families while delivering its biggest benefits to those who needed them least. We’ll keep fighting to protect Virginians’ access to affordable health care, defend nutrition assistance for families, and build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the very top.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-statement-on-americas-250th-anniversary/", "title": "Kelly Statement on America’s 250th Anniversary", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly released the following statement ahead of the 250th anniversary of the United States:\n\n“For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have stepped up to build this country, defend it, and move us closer to our founding ideals. We haven’t always gotten it right, but each generation has worked to leave our country stronger than they found it.\n\n“That spirit has made America the most innovative and successful country in the world. It’s the reason a kid who grew up the son of two police officers, went to public schools, and served in the Navy had the opportunity to fly in space and now serves as a United States senator. Opportunities like that exist because generations before us built a country where big things are possible.\n\n“As we celebrate this milestone, we should also remember that democracy isn’t something we inherit and forget about. It depends on each generation doing its part to protect it, strengthen it, and create more opportunity for those who come next.\n\n“The next 250 years will be defined by the choices we make today. If we continue building on the principles that have always made America strong and work together toward common goals, I know our best days are still ahead.\n\n“Happy 250th birthday, America.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-visits-all-105-kansas-counties-for-the-tenth-time-kicking-off-new-tour/", "title": "Senator Marshall Visits All 105 Kansas Counties for the Tenth Time, Kicking Off New Tour", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Graham County – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), spent Thursday marking a milestone stop in Graham County, having now visited all 105 counties in Kansas for the tenth time as part of his ongoing commitment to hear directly from Kansans in every corner of the state. Throughout his travels, he’s met with Kansans from all walks of life — from farmers to healthcare professionals — to learn more about the challenges they face and the ways they are finding success. Senator Marshall’s stop in Penokee included a day of meetings with educators, agricultural stakeholders, and healthcare professionals, and he’s already looking ahead to his next round of county visits.\n\nHighlights from the day include:\n\nPalco Junior Senior High School\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nSenator Marshall’s first stop of the day was at the high school in Palco to learn more about their Ag-Focused School model and their new Northwest Kansas Agriculture Education Center, which provides hands-on training in agriculture, skilled trades, ag business, and technology to area students. Senator Marshall highlighted his support for Workforce Pell and Pell Grant funding to make sure Kansas students, and particularly trade students, are supported once they start college courses.\n\nKeith Spraying\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nNext, Senator Marshall stopped at Keith Spraying in Graham County, a family-operated agricultural spraying and fertilizer business that has served producers in northwest Kansas for more than 20 years. They discussed how Senator Marshall’s Homegrown Fertilizer Act will help bring down high fertilizer costs and decrease dependence on foreign agricultural inputs.\n\nHigh Plains Mental Health\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nNext, Senator Marshall visited High Plains Mental Health to tour their new Crisis Intervention Center and celebrate their grant award of $1,660,879 from the Rural Health Transformation Fund (RHTF) to deploy mobile mental health clinic vans across Northwestern Kansas counties, with school liaison services and community health worker outreach through LiveWell Northwest Kansas. Senator Marshall highlighted his support for the RHTF, which was authorized by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act last year to restore rural healthcare.\n\nPurefield Ingredients\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nSenator Marshall finished the day at Purefield Ingredients in Russell, which produces both ethanol and gluten. The company supports Kansas farmers through the purchase of more than 20 million bushels of wheat and sorghum annually and recent finalized its carbon capture project, which will reduce the facilities carbon footprint. Senator Marshall highlighted his ongoing commitment to supporting year-round E15 and the new 45Z guidance to provide affordable, American-made energy to the nation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-supports-the-patriots-who-have-served-and-defended-america/", "title": "VIDEO: Senator Moody Supports the Patriots Who Have Served and Defended America", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Ashley Moody is a strong supporter of our nation’s military and Florida’s veterans. Senator Moody is a member of a military family and serves on the Senator Armed Services Committee—supporting many bills to help Florida’s veterans. Recently, Senator Moody spoke at the state conventions of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars to thank the veterans for their service.\n\n“As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4th, we must never forget that our freedom isn’t free—it was secured and defended by generations of patriots who have fought for it,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody is a proud supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, and military families. Since becoming a United States Senator, Moody has:\n\nCosponsored the Veterans Bill of Rights Act, which would require the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans are clearly informed of their existing rights regarding VA-administered health care, benefits, and services;\n\nCosponsored the Military Spouse Hiring Act to address difficulties servicemembers’ families face when looking for work;\n\nCosponsored the Major Richard Star Act, which seeks to fix unjust disability policies for retired combat veterans;\n\nIntroduced Drone Espionage Act to crack down on espionage through video surveillance of military installations;\n\nSupported the Veterans Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act, which would expand educational benefits for veterans;\n\nSupported the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025, which would help ensure that only the most dedicated individuals can serve veterans;\n\nHeld a town hall with VA Secretary Collins in Tampa to discuss issues facing veterans;\n\nRequested President Trump to send F-35As to Homestead Air Reserve Base;\n\nRecognized 200 years of U.S. Navy presence in Pensacola and discussed the critical importance of the Navy and Coast Guard’s presence in the Florida Panhandle; and more.\n\nLast year, Senator Moody secured major funding for Florida’s military bases through her work on the National Defense Authorization Act, totaling over $851 million aimed to support shipbuilding, delivery of next-generation aircraft, and construction of Golden Dome missile defense.\n\nSenator Moody recently joined the Senate Armed Services Committee.\n\nSenator Moody has long fought for Florida’s military members. As Florida Attorney General, Moody oversaw the Military and Veterans Assistance Program to assist servicemembers, veterans and their families who encounter scams or fraud.\n\nSenator Moody is proud to be part of a military family.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/ahead-of-america-250th-anniversary-senator-murray-celebrates-this-historic-milestone-and-delivers-patriotic-message-to-washington-state/", "title": "Ahead of America 250th Anniversary, Senator Murray Celebrates this Historic Milestone and Delivers Patriotic Message to Washington State", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Murray: “So as we celebrate America 250—and there’s a LOT to celebrate—remember: it IS patriotic to stand up for our freedoms and our values. You better believe I’m proud to be an American. Here’s to another 250 years of America.”\n\n***WATCH: Senator Murray Delivers Patriotic Message to Washington State***\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered a message of patriotism—celebrating this historic occasion. In a new video, she expresses her pride in being an American and underscores that true patriotism means standing up for American values.\n\nSenator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below:\n\n“This year we are celebrating 250 years of the American experiment—that is momentous. This is something all of us should be proud of. People from around the world have been inspired by the American experiment, our fight for freedom and democracy—the novel idea that ordinary people should govern themselves, not kings or the very richest among us.\n\n“It’s the idea that someone who was ‘just a mom in tennis shoes’ could run for the United States Senate and win, becoming one of just a handful of women to join the Senate. It’s the idea that a whole lot of other moms and dads in tennis shoes could run for office and represent the incredible diversity of this great nation.\n\n“The American experiment has not been perfect. Our country has been through dark times: the decimation of so many Native American Tribes, slavery, Jim Crow, McCarthyism, Nixon’s corruption, and now Trump’s corruption. Look, don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t love America if you criticize it. I criticize our current government precisely because I love America.\n\n“I want an America where we honor and defend our Constitution and the ideals that made us the freest nation in the world.\n\n“I believe that America’s diversity and our willingness to welcome immigrants from across the world is a genuine superpower—a strength that no other nation can claim. I mean, we are a nation founded by immigrants looking for opportunity. It’s so engrained in our history, it’s engraved into our Statue of Liberty.\n\n“Let me be clear: today I am celebrating America. I am celebrating the values that make America great: free speech, equal rights under the law—a great society that believes if you work hard, you deserve to retire with dignity, that if you get sick, your country should help take care of you.\n\n“I am so proud of the country that established Social Security. Medicare and Medicaid. The Civil Rights Act. The Voting Rights Act. The Affordable Care Act. And so much more that has made America a little more free and more fair for the people that call it home.\n\n“Passing trillions of dollars in tax cuts for billionaires and giant corporations who don’t need the help, while millions of Americans lose their health care? Enriching your friends and family with absolutely historic acts of blatant corruption? Launching expensive and deadly foreign wars the people of this country simply do not support?\n\n“That’s downright unAmerican to me—so you can absolutely count on me continuing to speak out.\n\n“I know a lot of us are concerned about the direction our country is headed in, but the truth is every one of us—as Americans—decides the future of this nation with our voices and our votes.\n\n“So as we celebrate America 250—and there’s a lot to celebrate—remember: it is patriotic to stand up for our freedoms and our values.\n\n“You better believe I’m proud to be an American. Here’s to another 250 years of America.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-senator-peters-releases-statement-ahead-of-the-250th-anniversary-of-the-founding-of-the-united-states-of-america", "title": "VIDEO: Senator Peters Releases Statement Ahead of the 250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States of America", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.peters.senate.gov", "scraper": "garypeters", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000595", "name": "Gary C. Peters", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, released a video statement ahead of the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation.\n\n“This is an incredible milestone that speaks to the strength of our democracy and the American people,” said Senator Peters. “Our founding fathers took an incredible risk by standing up to a king. In signing the Declaration of Independence, they sent a profound and revolutionary message that the world had not yet heard: that all people are created equal, and are guaranteed a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”\n\nClick here for unedited video of his remarks and see below the text as delivered:\n\n“Hello, I’m U.S. Senator Gary Peters. Happy 4th of July and 250th birthday to this great nation that we call home.\n\n“This year, on July 4th, Michiganders and Americans across the country will gather together to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation. This is an incredible milestone that speaks to the strength of our democracy and the American people.\n\n“Our founding fathers took an incredible risk by standing up to a king.\n\n“In signing the Declaration of Independence, they sent a profound and revolutionary message that the world had not yet heard: that all people are created equal and are guaranteed a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.\n\n“250 years later, that document continues to serve as our guiding light. And throughout our nation’s entire history, we’ve worked to live up to those founding ideals.\n\n“I believe that understanding our history is critical to understanding how we can move forward and chart a new course for the next 250 years.\n\n“My hope for this anniversary is that we all take the time to reflect on the long and complex history of this nation, which includes the stories of every single American.\n\n“Here in Michigan, that history includes the autoworkers and manufacturers who put the world on wheels, powered the industrial revolution, and created the American middle class.\n\n“It includes visionaries like Berry Gordy and the founders of Motown, who created the iconic music that defined a generation and shaped the culture of Detroit.\n\n“And it includes the generations of Michigan veterans and servicemembers who throughout our history have answered the call to defend our democracy, our freedoms, and the American ideals that we hold so dear. Their service is a debt that we will never be able to repay.\n\n“So, while we should all take a moment to celebrate this incredible milestone, may this anniversary serve as a reminder of the work that we must do together to fulfill the promise of America for our children and grandchildren to come.\n\n“God bless you, God bless all of our troops, and God bless the United States of America.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-announces-33m-in-federal-build-grants-for-new-providence-transit-center-and-mt-hope-bridge-renovations", "title": "RI Delegation Announces $33M in Federal BUILD Grants for New Providence Transit Center & Mt. Hope Bridge Renovations", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "PROVIDENCE, RI -- In an effort to upgrade Rhode Island’s transportation infrastructure and improve connectivity and mobility, Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation today announced $33 million in new federal funding is coming to the Ocean State in the form of Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants.\n\nToday, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo announced that Rhode Island is getting $25 million for the Providence Transit Center and $8 million for the Mount Hope Bridge Rehabilitation Project. These federal investments will help fund necessary transportation improvements.\n\nThe Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is seeking to build a state of the art transportation center in downtown Providence, adjacent to the Amtrak station, that will serve as the hub of RIPTA’s statewide bus service, enhance connectivity to regional rail services, and support multimodal transportation. The Providence Transportation Center would centralize bus hub operations for three million transit trips annually and provide direct access and connection to Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter rail. The modernized facility would include an indoor concourse with passenger amenities and 36,000 square feet of bus berth space to support the needs of the statewide bus system. It could also serve as a catalyst for transit-oriented housing and economic development.\n\nAs part of the ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the Mount Hope Bridge, which is approaching nearly a century of service connecting Bristol and Portsmouth, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) will get an infusion of $8 million to design the rehabilitation of the bridge’s deck system. This project will incorporate new technologies and prepare the project to be bid for construction while limiting disruption of transit once in active construction. In tandem with an ongoing cable dehumidification project, a new bridge deck would extend the life of the bridge for another half century or more.\n\n“I am committed to delivering for the state’s transportation priorities and I am pleased we were able to get these BUILD grants across the finish line so they can be put to work upgrading Rhode Island’s infrastructure. This is another federal investment in Rhode Island’s transportation infrastructure that will enhance connectivity, improve safety, and benefit residents, businesses, and taxpayers for years to come. I will continue working to direct federal funding toward Rhode Island’s highways, bridges, transit, rail and safety programs,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD).\n\n“I am delighted to join the delegation in announcing another major step forward in the restoration of the majestic Mount Hope Bridge – a high priority for me. We’re also making a significant investment in the future of RIPTA and transit in the Ocean State,” said Senator Whitehouse. “As the top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, I am working hard to secure additional strategic investments in upgrading Rhode Island’s infrastructure.”\n\n“This funding is a major win for Rhode Island commuters,” said Congressman Magaziner. “A modern transit center will make it easier for Rhode Islanders to get to travel across our state and region. At the same time, this funding will help maintain the Mount Hope Bridge for the next generation. I am proud to work alongside my colleagues in the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation to fight and bring federal infrastructure funding home to Rhode Island.”\n\n“This BUILD Grant will improve connectivity through the Providence Transportation Center and extend the life of the Mount Hope Bridge, an iconic symbol of Rhode Island, making commuting for work, play, or school safer and easier for countless Rhode Islanders,” said Congressman Amo. “I’m proud to work with our federal delegation to deliver funding to connect Ocean State communities and provide safe, reliable transportation for years to come.”\n\nThe BUILD Grant program -- previously known as RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) and TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery), was established under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Over the years, the program has awarded more than $18 billion in 18 rounds to local governments and entities. Administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, BUILD grants provide competitive federal funding for transportation projects that improve safety, mobility, and economic opportunity of significant local or regional impact.\n\nIn 2026, Congress allocated $1.5 billion for BUILD grants.", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-launches-idaho-service-spotlight-to-recognize-outstanding-idahoans/", "title": "Risch Launches Idaho Service Spotlight to Recognize Outstanding Idahoans", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.risch.senate.gov", "scraper": "risch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000584", "name": "James E. Risch", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today, on the 136thanniversary of Idaho statehood, announced the launch of the Idaho Service Spotlight, a new biweekly recognition of individuals whose exceptional courage, leadership, and sacrifice make a lasting difference in their communities.\n\n“Idaho is the greatest state in the nation because of the outstanding people who call it home,” said Risch. “Whether they are a veteran, first responder, community leader, or volunteer, these Idahoans embody the values that have defined our state for 136 years. I am proud to launch the Idaho Service Spotlight and recognize the individuals and organizations who keep the Gem State a special place to live and raise a family.”\n\nHonorees will be recognized for their contributions to the Gem State in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate and highlighted on Senator Risch’s social media accounts. Follow @SenatorRisch on X/Twitter and Instagram and @SenatorJimRisch on Facebook.\n\nSenator Risch’s office partners with community members to identify potential awardees. Awardees must reside in and serve Idaho with emphasis placed on those with significant or longstanding records of service.\n\nTo nominate an individual for the Idaho Service Spotlight, please contact one of Senator Risch’s regional offices at www.risch.senate.gov.\n\n​", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/03/one-big-beautiful-report-how-washington-republicans-betrayed-working-families/", "title": "ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL REPORT: How Washington Republicans Betrayed Working Families", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – One year after Republicans in Congress passed Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the office of Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released a report outlining the legislation’s impact on Nevada. The extreme partisan bill, which Republicans forced through Congress in the middle of the night with no Democratic votes, gives a tax cut worth more than $1 trillion to the top one percent of taxpayers, paid for by the largest cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in history. Senator Rosen was outspoken in her opposition to the legislation and voted against it in the Senate.\n\n“One year after Washington Republicans forced their cruel budget through Congress, the devastating impacts are becoming even clearer,” said Senator Rosen. “As working families were being crushed by rising costs, Washington Republicans took away health care and SNAP benefits from tens of thousands of Nevadans so they could pay for tax handouts to the ultra-wealthy. This bill was a shameful betrayal of hardworking Americans, and a clear demonstration of where Trump and Congressional Republicans’ priorities lie.”\n\n“We’re also seeing the unique impacts this bad bill is having on Nevada, like the unfair change to the gambling tax deduction that charges gamblers tax on non-existent winnings and could discourage visitors from playing and placing bets in Nevada’s casinos,” Senator Rosen continued. “Despite bipartisan calls to fix this provision, Republicans in Congress have blocked our attempts to get it done while continuing to rubber stamp Trump’s policies that are hurting our tourism economy across the board.”\n\nBelow are new estimates of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s impact:\n\nHealth Care Cuts\n\nWashington Republicans’ bill cut Medicaid by more than $900 billion, and Nevada’s Medicaid budget is projected to decrease by over $10 billion, or 16%, by 2034.\n\nOver 28,000 Nevadans have lost Medicaid coverage in the year since Washington Republicans forced their Medicaid cuts through Congress.\n\nAs deeper cuts continue to go into effect, more Americans are projected to lose their Medicaid. In the next two years alone, up to 145,000 Nevadans – nearly 20% of those currently covered – could lose their Medicaid coverage.\n\nAs of May 2025, prior to the passage of Republicans’ bill, Medicaid covered more than one in five Nevadans and over 40% of births in the state.\n\nRepublicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act also failed to extend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, which expired at the end of 2025 due to Trump and Congressional Republicans’ refusal to work with Democrats to extend them. As a result, an estimated6,400 Nevadans have dropped their ACA coverage so far in 2026.\n\nNationwide, the average monthly premium payment rose 58% from $113 to $178. A record proportion of ACA Marketplace enrollees chose bronze plans, which offer a lower premium in exchange for high deductibles.\n\nFood Assistance\n\nThe bill made the largest cut to SNAP in U.S. history and took away benefits from 4 million Americans – a 10% decline in enrollment.\n\nNevada was hit significantly harder than the national average, with a 15% reduction in enrollment. 70,965 Nevadans have lost their SNAP benefits.\n\nTo put Nevada’s SNAP enrollment numbers into context, in 2022, children accounted for nearly 40% of SNAP recipients, and Nevadans over the age of 60 accounted for 17%.\n\nAs millions of Americans lose their food assistance, grocery prices are up nearly three percent since last summer due to Trump’s tariffs and reckless actions abroad.\n\nIn some categories, like fresh produce, prices are up over six percent.\n\nTaxing Gaming Losses\n\nA change to the tax code included in the bill limits gamblers to a 90% deduction of their gambling losses rather than the previous 100%, meaning gamblers could have to pay taxes on money they lost.\n\nProminent industry leaders have urged Trump and Congress to rectify the issue, expressing concerns about its effect on the legal gaming industry and potential to push players to offshore casinos and sportsbooks. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) has called the provision in the bill he and Republicans jammed through Congress a “mistake” that needs to be undone, but one year after its passage, the Republican tax hike on gamblers still stands.\n\nSenator Rosen and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) tried to pass their bipartisan FULL HOUSE Act to fix this tax issue, but were blocked by Senate Republicans.\n\nNational Debt\n\nWashington Republicans’ legislation will add $4.7 trillion to the national debt by 2035.\n\nAccording to the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, the national debt is now larger than the U.S. economy and is nearing its all-time record ratio, which was reached in the immediate aftermath of World War II.\n\nCombining the first year of Trump’s second term with his first term, he has added more to the national debt than any other president.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-welcomes-presidential-pardon-for-wasilla-diesel-mechanic-unjustly-prosecuted-by-the-epa", "title": "Sullivan Welcomes Presidential Pardon for Wasilla Diesel Mechanic Unjustly Prosecuted by the EPA", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "scraper": "sullivan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001198", "name": "Dan Sullivan", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Spurlock’s Shop was Target of Armed EPA Raid in 2022\n\nANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee, today welcomed an announcement that Mackenzie “Mac” Spurlock, a diesel mechanic and small business owner from Wasilla, has received a presidential pardonafter being convicted by overzealous federal prosecutors for modifying emissions systems on diesel engines for Alaska businesses to keep their vehicles operational in the state’s extreme cold climate conditions. Sen. Sullivan, who has led the fight in Congress against the misguided Obama-era Clean Air Act diesel regulations, sent a letter to President Donald Trump on March 12 requesting a full and unconditional pardon for Spurlock.\n\nIn June 2022, the Biden administration EPA raided Spurlock’s shop, Matanuska Diesel LLC, with dozens of armed agents and personnel from other federal agencies who were flown in from California, Washington, and Oregon. Spurlock is a veteran who served six years in the Alaska Air National Guard as an aerospace propulsion technician.\n\n“Four years ago, about 30 armed EPA agents conducted a military-style tactical raid of Matanuska Diesel, owned by Mac Spurlock—a devoted husband and father, small business owner, and veteran of the Alaska Air National Guard,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Mac’s supposed crime? His shop had assisted trucking businesses by modifying several diesel emissions-control systems mandated by a one-size-fits-all Obama-era emissions regulation, ensuring the vehicles wouldn’t shut down in Alaska’s harsh, subzero conditions.\n\n“In addition to Mac, I’ve heard from countless Alaska truckers, equipment operators, and small business owners who rely on diesel equipment about just how unworkable and dangerous these rules can be in a state with temperatures that regularly dip far below the freezing point of diesel exhaust fluid. As Alaska’s Senator, I’ve led hearings to shine a light on this challenge, introduced legislation to bring common sense to these onerous and unworkable EPA rules, and worked closely with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to loosen these regulations in the near term and end the overzealous prosecutions.\n\n“While my focus is on fixing this issue once and for all, I’m not forgetting the patriots like Mac, who were unjustly caught up in this madness and who have literally had their freedoms taken away. Mac just wanted to help business owners keep Alaskans safe on the highways in the winter. Instead, Mac became a felon, was hit with a $32,000 fine, was restricted from traveling, and couldn’t own a gun or even reenlist in the Alaska Air National Guard, something he had planned to do. This morning, on the eve of the Fourth of July, President Trump called me to let me know he had issued a full and unconditional pardon, grantingMac his freedom back and righting a grave injustice.”\n\nUnder current EPA regulations, diesel trucks and heavy equipment are required to use emissions systems that can trigger engine shutdowns if the system detects a fault. In cold weather, these emissions components—including but not limited to diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)—often struggle to reach or maintain proper operating temperatures, causing the system to register faults even when the engine itself is running normally. These systems have created life-threatening situations for truckers, including one trucker whose vehicle shut down in a blizzard on the Dalton Highway, a 400-mile stretch of road leading to Prudhoe Bay with only one gas station.\n\nIn November 2025, Sens. Sullivan and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) introduced the Cold Weather Diesel Reliability Act, which would direct the EPA to update its regulations to account for how diesel engines actually operate in cold-weather states, like Alaska, to prevent the automatic shutdowns caused by cold-related emissions faults. The legislation would also provide year-round exemptions from DEF system requirements for vehicles and equipment that operate primarily in cold-weather climates.\n\nOn March 11, 2026, Sen. Sullivan participated in aSenate EPW hearing on the diesel engine emissions regulation issue and Sen. Sullivan’s Cold Weather Diesel Reliability Act.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-kaine-statement-one-year-later-virginia-families-are-paying-the-price-for-trumps-billionaire-tax-giveaway/", "title": "Warner & Kaine Statement: One Year Later, Virginia Families Are Paying the Price for Trump’s Billionaire Tax Giveaway", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warner.senate.gov", "scraper": "warner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000805", "name": "Mark R. Warner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Trump-Vance administration’s billionaire tax giveaway megabill becoming law, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statement highlighting the devastating impact the law has had on Virginia families:\n\n“One year ago, President Trump and Republicans in Congress made a choice. They chose to slash health care and nutrition assistance for working families in order to pay for massive tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans and the biggest corporations. Today, Virginians are living with the consequences. Across the Commonwealth, families are paying more for health care, Virginians are losing coverage, and hospitals and health care providers – especially in our rural communities – are facing growing financial strain. Republicans also passed the largest cuts to SNAP in the program’s history, making it harder for families to put food on the table and forcing Virginia to prepare for costly new burdens on a program that helps children, seniors, veterans, and working families afford groceries.\n\n“We warned that this would happen. Instead of protecting affordable coverage and helping families afford basic necessities, Republicans chose to take health care away from millions of Americans and reduce food assistance for those who need it most – all to help finance another round of tax giveaways for the richest Americans.\n\n“One year later, it’s clear this law has made life harder for too many Virginia families while delivering its biggest benefits to those who needed them least. We’ll keep fighting to protect Virginians’ access to affordable health care, defend nutrition assistance for families, and build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the very top.”\n\n###\n\n* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for download here *\n\nPhotos may be used online and in print, and can be attributed to ‘The Office of Sen. Mark R. Warner’", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/ri-delegation-announces-33m-in-federal-build-grants-for-new-providence-transit-center-mt-hope-bridge-renovations/", "title": "RI Delegation Announces $33M in Federal BUILD Grants for New Providence Transit Center & Mt. Hope Bridge Renovations", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release", "domain": "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", "scraper": "whitehouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000802", "name": "Sheldon Whitehouse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Providence, RI — In an effort to upgrade Rhode Island’s transportation infrastructure and improve connectivity and mobility, Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation today announced $33 million in new federal funding is coming to the Ocean State in the form of Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants.\n\nToday, U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Jack Reed (D-RI) and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner (D-RI) and Gabe Amo (D-RI) announced that Rhode Island is getting $25 million for the Providence Transit Center and $8 million for the Mount Hope Bridge Rehabilitation Project. These federal investments will help fund necessary transportation improvements.\n\nThe Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is seeking to build a state of the art transportation center in downtown Providence, adjacent to the Amtrak station, that will serve as the hub of RIPTA’s statewide bus service, enhance connectivity to regional rail services, and support multimodal transportation. The Providence Transportation Center would centralize bus hub operations for three million transit trips annually and provide direct access and connection to Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter rail. The modernized facility would include an indoor concourse with passenger amenities and 36,000 square feet of bus berth space to support the needs of the statewide bus system. It could also serve as a catalyst for transit-oriented housing and economic development.\n\nAs part of the ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the Mount Hope Bridge, which is approaching nearly a century of service connecting Bristol and Portsmouth, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) will get an infusion of $8 million to design the rehabilitation of the bridge’s deck system. This project will incorporate new technologies and prepare the project to be bid for construction while limiting disruption of transit once in active construction. In tandem with an ongoing cable dehumidification project, a new bridge deck would extend the life of the bridge for another half century or more.\n\n“I am delighted to join the delegation in announcing another major step forward in the restoration of the majestic Mount Hope Bridge – a high priority for me. We’re also making a significant investment in the future of RIPTA and transit in the Ocean State,” said Whitehouse. “As the top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, I am working hard to secure additional strategic investments in upgrading Rhode Island’s infrastructure.”\n\n“I am committed to delivering for the state’s transportation priorities and I am pleased we were able to get these BUILD grants across the finish line so they can be put to work upgrading Rhode Island’s infrastructure. This is another federal investment in Rhode Island’s transportation infrastructure that will enhance connectivity, improve safety, and benefit residents, businesses, and taxpayers for years to come. I will continue working to direct federal funding toward Rhode Island’s highways, bridges, transit, rail and safety programs,” said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD).\n\n“This funding is a major win for Rhode Island commuters,” said Magaziner. “A modern transit center will make it easier for Rhode Islanders to get to travel across our state and region. At the same time, this funding will help maintain the Mount Hope Bridge for the next generation. I am proud to work alongside my colleagues in the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation to fight and bring federal infrastructure funding home to Rhode Island.”\n\n“This BUILD Grant will improve connectivity through the Providence Transportation Center and extend the life of the Mount Hope Bridge, an iconic symbol of Rhode Island, making commuting for work, play, or school safer and easier for countless Rhode Islanders,” said Amo. “I’m proud to work with our federal delegation to deliver funding to connect Ocean State communities and provide safe, reliable transportation for years to come.”\n\nThe BUILD Grant program — previously known as RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) and TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery), was established under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Over the years, the program has awarded more than $18 billion in 18 rounds to local governments and entities. Administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, BUILD grants provide competitive federal funding for transportation projects that improve safety, mobility, and economic opportunity of significant local or regional impact.\n\nIn 2026, Congress allocated $1.5 billion for BUILD grants.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-calls-for-investigation-into-dojs-avoidance-of-accountability-for-misconduct-in-rhode-island-hospital-case/", "title": "Whitehouse Calls for Investigation into DOJ’s Avoidance of Accountability for Misconduct in Rhode Island Hospital Case", "date": "2026-07-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release", "domain": "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", "scraper": "whitehouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000802", "name": "Sheldon Whitehouse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "New letter questions why Civil Division was allowed to investigate its own lawyers – typically the role of the independent OPR\n\nConflict arose after Rhode Island Hospital was subpoenaed for providing gender-affirming care\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Courts Subcommittee, sent a letter to Acting Inspector General William Blier requesting an investigation into why the Department of Justice’s Civil Division, rather than the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), reviewed the conduct of its own attorneys after a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island accused those lawyers of serious misconduct.\n\nWhitehouse wrote, “As you know, DOJ’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has long been a disinterested arbiter of misconduct complaints against Department attorneys precisely to avoid the inherent conflict of interest that arises when a component investigates its own personnel. The highly unusual action by the Civil Division in this instance—and the inaction by OPR—deserves scrutiny.”\n\nLast July, DOJ’s Civil Division subpoenaed Rhode Island Hospital for the sensitive medical information of every minor patient receiving gender-affirming care as part of a nationwide investigation into alleged “health care fraud.” In April 2026, after DOJ stopped responding to the Hospital for two months, the Department filed a petition to enforce the subpoena in a federal court in Texas—with no notice to the Hospital. DOJ lawyers failed to disclose to the Texas court that DOJ had ceased communications with the Hospital, instead implying that the Hospital refused to comply with the subpoena. The Texas court granted DOJ’s petition and ordered the Hospital to comply, without giving it the chance to correct the misrepresentation.\n\nRhode Island Hospital and the Child Advocate for the State of Rhode Island filed an emergency motion to quash the subpoena in the District of Rhode Island. Lawyers from DOJ’s Civil Division once again failed to disclose to the judge in Rhode Island that they ceased communications in February 2026. That judge granted the motion to quash, condemning the DOJ lawyers’ conduct as “misleading,” “deceptive,” and a “reckless disregard for the duty of candor.” The judge has referred the matter to the full District Court in Rhode Island for further review of any misconduct.\n\nIn response to the judge’s ruling, DOJ issued a statement that its Civil Division reviewed the Rhode Island judge’s statements regarding the Civil Division attorneys’ conduct and “concluded that they are without merit.”\n\n“Not only is the Civil Division’s response to the court’s concerns insufficient, but its review of misconduct allegations concerning its own attorneys is highly unusual and rife with the potential for conflicts of interest,” Whitehouse continued. “Precisely to avoid such conflicts, OPR has long had ‘exclusive jurisdiction to investigate allegations of misconduct made against Department attorneys and law enforcement personnel that relate to the attorneys’ exercise of their authority to investigate, litigate, or provide legal advice.’ OPR’s traditional function as an independent arbiter of such matters inside the Department has been essential to maintaining the integrity of attorney investigations.”\n\nThe Civil Division did not explain why it reviewed these allegations instead of OPR or the process by which the Civil Division determined the allegations were without merit.\n\n“This incident only compounds questions about whether OPR remains a viable avenue for holding Department lawyers accountable given that in March 2025 President Trump fired the career attorney who was the Director of OPR and still has not named a replacement, as well as the recent radio silence from OPR in response to misconduct complaints,”Whitehouse concluded.\n\nWhitehouse requested an immediate investigation into why the Civil Division, rather than OPR, reviewed the Rhode Island District Court’s serious allegations of misconduct against Civil Division lawyers practicing before the court – including an examination of whether the OPR is still operational and capable of conducting independent, reliable investigations of DOJ attorneys accused of misconduct.\n\nWhitehouse has repeatedly called on OPR to investigate allegations of prosecutorial misconduct, political interference, and ethics violations within the corrupt and chaotic MAGA DOJ. In November, Senators Whitehouse, Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Adam Schiff (D-CA)submitted a FOIA request to OPR regarding Emil Bove’s multiple ethics violations after receiving no response to their formal complaint.\n\nFull text of the letter is below and a PDF is available here.\n\nJune 25, 2026\n\nActing Inspector General William Blier\n\nOffice of the Inspector General\n\nUnited States Department of Justice\n\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20530\n\nDear Acting Inspector General Blier:\n\nI write to request that the Office of the Inspector General investigate why the Justice Department’s Civil Division reviewed the conduct of its own attorneys after a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island accused those lawyers of serious misconduct. As you know, DOJ’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has long been a disinterested arbiter of misconduct complaints against Department attorneys precisely to avoid the inherent conflict of interest that arises when a component investigates its own personnel. The highly unusual action by the Civil Division in this instance—and the inaction by OPR—deserves scrutiny.\n\nThis matter arises from the Civil Division’s ongoing nationwide investigation of alleged health care fraud related to gender-affirming care. As part of that investigation, in July 2025, the Department issued a “broad and sweeping administrative subpoena” to Rhode Island Hospital (RIH) for the sensitive medical information of every minor patient to whom the hospital provided gender-affirming care.[1] RIH furnished an initial production of documents and continued to negotiate with DOJ about the subpoena’s applicability and scope. In February 2026, DOJ stopped responding to RIH. On April 28, 2026, DOJ reinitiated contact with RIH and requested a party conference that week regarding the hospital’s next production.\n\nTwo days later, with no notice to RIH, DOJ filed a petition to enforce the subpoena in the Northern District of Texas. In that petition, DOJ lawyers failed to disclose to the Texas court that they had ceased communications with RIH in February, implying that RIH refused to comply or work with DOJ regarding the subpoena.[2] The Texas court summarily granted DOJ’s petition without notice to or response from RIH, ordering RIH to comply.[3]\n\nRIH and the Child Advocate for the State of Rhode Island filed an emergency motion to quash the subpoena in the District of Rhode Island. DOJ lawyers then misled the Rhode Island court by again failing to disclose that the Department stopped responding to RIH in February 2026, instead representing to the court that RIH never complied with the subpoena or moved to quash.[4] The Rhode Island court granted the motion to quash, rebuking the conduct of the Justice Department lawyers:\n\nDOJ has proven unworthy of this trust at every point in this case. It has misrepresented and withheld information to both this Court and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. . . . It did so in an obvious effort to shield its recent investigative tactics—previously rejected by every other court to review them—from this Court’s review, in favor of a distant forum that DOJ deems friendly to its political positions.[5]\n\nThe Rhode Island court condemned the Department lawyers’ actions and representations to the court as “misleading,” “subterfuge,” “patently untrue,” and “deceptive.”[6] The court concluded, “[t]his reckless disregard for the duty of candor owed to a federal court is appalling.”[7]\n\nIn response, on June 3, 2026, DOJ issued a statement that the Civil Division—not OPR—had reviewed the Rhode Island district court’s accusations and “concluded that they are without merit.”[8] The Civil Division asserted, “[o]ur attorneys did not misrepresent facts, withhold relevant information, or otherwise mislead the Court. The Department stands behind its attorneys without reservation and has appealed the District Court’s erroneous order.”[9]\n\nUnderscoring the seriousness of the potential misconduct, and the inadequacy of DOJ’s response, the Rhode Island District Court entered the following order two days later: “Because of the representations made to this Court by the respondents’ attorneys, as well as the findings of the Court in its order of May 14, 2026, this matter is referred for further proceedings under R.I. Dist. Ct. Local Rule 210(b).” That review is ongoing.[10]\n\nNot only is the Civil Division’s response to the court’s concerns insufficient, but its review of misconduct allegations concerning its own attorneys is highly unusual and rife with the potential for conflicts of interest. Precisely to avoid such conflicts, OPR has long had “exclusive jurisdiction to investigate allegations of misconduct made against Department attorneys and law enforcement personnel that relate to the attorneys’ exercise of their authority to investigate, litigate, or provide legal advice.”[11] OPR’s traditional function as an independent arbiter of such matters inside the Department has been essential to maintaining the integrity of attorney investigations.\n\nIn this case, the Civil Division did not explain why it deviated from this well-established practice, OPR’s apparent lack of involvement in the investigation, or the process by which the Civil Division reached the self-serving conclusion that its attorneys did not violate their duty of candor as detailed in the court’s order. This incident only compounds questions about whether OPR remains a viable avenue for holding Department lawyers accountable given that in March 2025 President Trump fired the career attorney who was the Director of OPR and still has not named a replacement,[12] as well as the recent radio silence from OPR in response to misconduct complaints.[13]\n\nAccordingly, I urge your office to open an immediate investigation into why the Civil Division, rather than OPR, reviewed the Rhode Island district court’s serious allegations of misconduct against Civil Division lawyers practicing before that court. This investigation should include an examination of whether OPR is still operational and capable of conducting independent, reliable investigations of DOJ attorneys accused of misconduct. Should your office find that OPR is unable to perform its duties, I urge OIG to take it upon itself to investigate the underlying allegations of attorney misconduct in this case.\n\nI appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your findings.\n\n[1] Mem. and Order at 1-2, In Re: Administrative Subpoena 25-1431-032 to Rhode Island Hospital, C.A. No. 1:26-mc-00007-MSM-AEM (D. R.I. May 13, 2026).\n\n[2] Id. at 5.\n\n[3] Id. at 6.\n\n[4] Id. at 3-4.\n\n[5] Id. at 1.\n\n[6] Id. at 4-6.\n\n[7] Id. at 6.\n\n[8]Statement from the Civil Division on U.S. District Court Ruling in Rhode Island, Office of Public Affairs U.S. Department of Justice (Jun. 3, 2026), https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/statement-civil-division-us-district-court-ruling-rhode-island; see also Katie Mulvaney, Feds clear their own lawyers of wrongdoing in RI Hospital subpoena case, The Providence J. (Jun. 8, 2026), https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/politics/courts/2026/06/08/doj-clears-its-own-attorneys-of-wrongdoing-after-ri-judges-accusations/90405117007/.\n\n[9] Id.\n\n[10] Text Order, In Re: Administrative Subpoena 25-1431-032 to Rhode Island Hospital, C.A. No. 1:26-mc-00007-MSM-AEM (D. R.I. Jun. 5, 2026), https://www.bloomberglaw.com/public/desktop/document/InReMotiontoQuashAdministrativeSubpoenatoRhodeIslandHospitalDocke/2?doc_id=X1Q6OVF8N582.\n\n[11] Jurisdiction and Relationship to the Office of the Inspector General, Office of Professional Responsibility U.S. Department of Justice (Jun. 5, 2019), https://www.justice.gov/opr/jurisdiction-and-relationship-office-inspector-general.\n\n[12] Christine Berger & Joe Gaeta, The Department of Justice’s Broken Accountability System, Brennan Center for Justice (Oct. 20, 2025), https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/department-justices-broken-accountability-system.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://bera.house.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-rep-bera-recognizes-winner-of-his-congressional-essay-contest-celebrating-america-s-250th-birthday", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Bera Recognizes Winner of His Congressional Essay Contest Celebrating America's 250th Birthday", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bera.house.gov/news", "domain": "bera.house.gov", "scraper": "bera", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001287", "name": "Ami Bera", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SACRAMENTO, CA —U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) recently recognized Sacramento County student and Inderkum High School senior Juhie Parikh on the House floor after she won his office's congressional essay contest celebrating America's 250th birthday. Juhie's award-winning essay was also featured on KFBK News Radio and published as a guest op-ed in The Sacramento Bee.\n\nStudents across California's Sixth Congressional District were invited to respond to the prompt, \"What does America mean to you?\" and reflect on the values, experiences, and hopes that shape their understanding of our country as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Juhie's essay stood out for its thoughtful reflection on community, belonging, and unity, offering a deeply personal reminder of the promise of America.\n\n\"You can learn a lot about our country by listening to the next generation,\" said Representative Bera. \"Juhie's essay reminds us that America's strength has always come from our ability to build community across our differences. Her story captures the optimism, compassion, and sense of belonging that continue to define our nation as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday.”\n\nYou can read Juhie’s winning essay here and below:\n\nAs I look out onto my street in a Sacramento suburb I see a lovely Chinese family with two daughters achieving their dreams in college, a Black family with two daughters in high school with me, a Mexican family with three children that love playing soccer, college students renting a house, three generations of a white family and their cute dog named Liesel who pass out homemade cinnamon rolls every Christmas to each house, and my own Indian immigrant family. This isn’t just a show of diversity, but unity.\n\nTo me, America is this street.\n\nIt’s easy to look at a country and only see its fractures and divisions. America might have many imperfections, but that’s not all it is. What I see from my window tells a different story, one that feels personal to me.\n\nWhat strikes me most about my neighborhood isn’t our differences. It’s that we don’t care about how different we are. The kids kick their soccer ball into the street and everyone navigates around it without complaint. The college students wave. Liesel trots over to anyone who will scratch her ears, noticing their kindness first before their backgrounds. At Christmas, cinnamon rolls arrive at every door, not just ones that look familiar. These little details, repeated daily, are what a culture is actually made of.\n\nMy dad came to America first, alone, for his job, building the foundation to raise a family here. My mom followed him, leaving behind everything familiar to join him in a country still new to both of them. This risk is not unique to us. Nearly every family on my street has their own version: a sacrifice made, a life turned upside down, a bet placed on this country. And somewhere along the way, all of those separate stories merged into one shared street.\n\nThis shared life revealed itself most clearly on the day Liesel passed away. I had once been small enough that the Great Dane and I were nearly the same size, the two of us growing up together. She had belonged to one family, but in truth she belonged to all of us. When she was gone, every family came to the door. Some brought food, some simply came to honor her memory. An entire street grieved together, and I understood that what we had built was not just proximity. It was genuine care.\n\nThis care is the truest thing I know about America. We are so defined by our differences, our backgrounds, our languages, or our histories. But on my street those things are only the beginning of the story, not the end of it. Similarly, America’s story is not finished either. To me, America means possibility. The possibility that people from every corner of the world can land on the same street and become part of each other’s lives. It is not a perfect country. But it keeps producing diverse streets like mine. And that is enough to believe in.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-05T07:55:27Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-05T07:56:42Z"}
{"url": "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-america-250", "title": "Scott Statement on America 250", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "bobbyscott.house.gov", "scraper": "bobbyscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000185", "name": "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "NEWPORT NEWS - Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement on America 250:\n\n\"As we commemorate America 250, we have an opportunity to reflect not only on how far our nation has come, but also on the work that remains to ensure the promise of America is available to everyone.\n\n\"Throughout our history, our country has moved forward because ordinary people refused to accept that freedom, opportunity, and justice should belong only to a select few. Generation after generation, Americans have challenged our nation to live up to its founding ideals: that all people are created equal, that justice should be impartial, and that one’s opportunity should not depend on one’s race, wealth, or circumstance.\n\n\"From the abolition of slavery and Reconstruction to Brown v. Board of Education, the Civil Rights Act, and the Voting Rights Act, our nation has taken important steps toward fulfilling those ideals. Each of these milestones expanded opportunity, strengthened our democracy, and brought us closer to becoming the nation we aspire to be. But none of this progress was inevitable. It was achieved because Americans organized, marched, advocated, voted, and never stopped believing that our country could do better.\n\n\"As we look ahead to our next 250 years, we must also be honest about the challenges before us. Across the country, rights and opportunities that generations fought to secure are being challenged. Access to the ballot box, equal educational opportunity, reproductive freedom, and long-standing protections against discrimination are no longer issues we can take for granted. Progress that took decades to achieve can be weakened if we fail to defend it.\n\n\"But America's history also shows us that when our nation falls short of its ideals, Americans rise to meet the moment. Every major advance in our history was achieved because people refused to accept setbacks as permanent and worked together to move our country forward. The responsibility to protect our democracy and expand opportunity now belongs to us, just as it belonged to those who came before us.\n\n\"That is why I remain optimistic about America's future. Our story has never been one of perfection. It has been a story of progress, sometimes painfully won. If we remain committed to equal justice, democratic participation, and opportunity for all, then future generations will inherit a nation that is stronger, more inclusive, and closer to the promise of a more perfect Union. That work continues today, and together, we can ensure that America's best days remain ahead.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-05T07:55:27Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-05T07:56:42Z"}
{"url": "https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-celebrates-fourth-july-and-historic-gathering-congress", "title": "Boyle Celebrates the Fourth of July and Historic Gathering of Congress in Philadelphia", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "boyle.house.gov", "scraper": "boyle", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001296", "name": "Brendan F. Boyle", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "PHILADELPHIA, PA – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) released the following statement on the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. To mark 250 years since the Second Continental Congress voted for American independence on July 2nd, 1776, Boyle convened a historic ceremonial gathering of Congress at Independence Hall in his district.\n\n“Two hundred fifty years ago, Philadelphia was home to one of the most significant events in human history,” said Congressman Boyle. “Our city gave birth to the United States of America and to the declaration that all people are created equal. For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have fought to make that promise of liberty and equality real for every American. On this anniversary, let us come together as Americans to live up to the promise of the greatest nation on earth — and give our children an America that is freer, fairer, and stronger than the one we inherited.”\n\nBoyle worked for years to bring the United States Congress back to Philadelphia for America’s semiquincentennial celebration. A video of Boyle’s remarks at Independence Hall on July 2nd can be viewed here. A recording of the full event is available here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-05T07:55:27Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-05T07:56:42Z"}
{"url": "https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-celebrates-250-years-of-american-independence/", "title": "CLARKE CELEBRATES 250 YEARS OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "domain": "clarke.house.gov", "scraper": "clarke", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001067", "name": "Yvette D. Clarke", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nJuly 4, 2026\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.913.0126\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement:\n\n“Over the last quarter-millennium and day-by-day, our nation has ceaselessly evolved on its persistent march towards a more perfect union. Indeed, much in America has changed since those courageous revolutionaries, whom we rely upon for guidance and leadership even centuries past their lifetimes, first rejected their tyrant’s commands and embraced the majority’s will. But often for better, and too often for worse, much has remained the same since that distant time.\n\n“The sins of colonialism, the wretchedness of racism, and obstinate inequities not only survive, but persist in excluding too many from the experience of the American Dream that, today, belongs to far too few among us. Painful steps backward have followed difficult, hard-battled steps forward – but our destination has always remained the same: a nation by, for, and of the people, where no child is unfed, no family is unhoused, and no person is unequal. Ours is a land of limitless possibilities and untold opportunities, of which there is no parallel in the world. Truly, we are all blessed to be Americans – because America blesses each and every one of us with the promise to be whoever we want to be.\n\n“Through centuries of protest, an unwavering belief in the rule of law, and unadulterated patriotism for our nation, we the people have prevailed. And so, I pray the next 250 years in this special experiment in self-governance and representative democracy only see the expansion and growth of our capacity to enjoy all that is inherent in the diversity of our people. I pray they allow us to continue to respect and freely exercise the power of our right to vote, and celebrate the inclusive innovation and talent of our people.\n\n“Together, may we push on, and boldly produce a nation that never rests in its transformational struggle towards its foundational destiny – one that continues to build upon our history as a nation of freedom fighters, and continues to make us proud, inspire our best selves, and strive for the promise of its purpose.\n\n“Happy Independence Day! May God bless these United States and all those who call them home in this generation, and future generations to come.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-05T07:55:27Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-05T07:56:42Z"}
{"url": "https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases/harshbarger-statement-one-year-anniversary-working-families-tax-cuts", "title": "Harshbarger Statement on One-Year Anniversary of the Working Families Tax Cuts", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "harshbarger.house.gov", "scraper": "harshbarger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001086", "name": "Diana Harshbarger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) today released the following statement celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Working Families Tax Cuts, the historic tax relief law President Trump signed on July 4, 2025:\n\n“As America turns 250, the Working Families Tax Cuts are keeping the promise of 1776,” said Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger. “Our Founding Fathers fought a revolution against taxation without representation because they believed Americans deserved a government that respected their freedoms and the fruits of their labor. One year after this landmark law took effect, East Tennesseans are seeing what that promise looks like in action. I was proud to help deliver meaningful tax relief for hardworking families, seniors, and small business owners, allowing them to keep more of what they earn and invest in their futures. As we commemorate our nation’s 250th birthday, there's no better way to honor our founding principles than by protecting the freedom to earn, save, and build a better life.”\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cuts made permanent the lower tax rates from President Trump's 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, preventing what would have been the largest tax increase in American history.\n\nAccording to a U.S. Department of the Treasury analysis, in its first year, American families and workers claimed $82 billion in individual tax relief under the Working Families Tax Cuts through the April filing deadline. The analysis found that 97% of filers received a tax cut, with 96% of those earning under $200,000 and nearly 70% earning less than $100,000.\n\nCLICK HERE to learn more about the Working Families Tax Cuts.", "collected_at": "2026-07-05T07:55:27Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-05T07:56:42Z"}
{"url": "https://horsford.house.gov/media/press-releases/horsford-sign-the-housing-bill-nevadans-have-waited-long-enough", "title": "Horsford “Sign the Housing Bill.  Nevadans Have Waited Long Enough.”", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://horsford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "horsford.house.gov", "scraper": "horsford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001066", "name": "Steven Horsford", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) is urging President Trump to sign the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act into law. The bill passed both the House and Senate and was sent to the President's desk five days ago. Under the Constitution, he now has five days remaining to sign it.\n\n\"People have been waiting years for the growing housing crisis to be addressed. Now that the largest housing package in decades has finally reached his desk, the President is holding it hostage. This bill passed both chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support. Now, he is sitting on it to use for his own political bargaining chip. The American people have waited long enough. It is time to sign this into law.\"\n\nKey provisions of Congressman Horsford’s Housing Oversight and Mitigating Exploitation Act (HOME) Act were included in 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act\n\nClick here for a one-pager on how the HOME Act shaped the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-commemorating-americas-250th-independence-day", "title": "Hoyer Statement Commemorating America's 250th Independence Day", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "domain": "hoyer.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000874", "name": "Steny H. Hoyer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, known as Independence Day:\n\n“As we mark this milestone anniversary of our nation’s independence, let us do so as our Framers intended: ‘out of many, one.’\n\n“Born in defiance, nurtured through revolution, and tempered in our upbringing by challenge after challenge, America at 250 nevertheless remains a young nation, ever focused on the open horizon ahead. Much we have overcome, much we will surely still face. Our democracy, while imperfect, continues to be history’s greatest experiment in striving for a more perfect society.\n\n“I have had the honor of serving in state and federal elected office for nearly a quarter of our history as an independent nation. During that time, I have seen our republic at its best and at its most strained. I have seen moments of bipartisan unity and bitter division. No matter what we faced in our politics, however, so far we have met Benjamin Franklin’s challenge to his fellow Americans. We have kept our republic, which was no small task.\n\n“As we look to America’s next 250 years and beyond, let us renew our resolve to keep fighting for our Constitution and the ideals espoused by our Declaration of Independence. We are better served by standing together than apart, by finding commonality with our neighbors than by highlighting our disagreements. Let us embrace what I call the psychology of consensus - not only in Congress but in our daily interactions as fellow Americans - and seek foremost what we can achieve through unity of purpose.\n\n“May God bless America, this land that we love, and all who defend and sustain it.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-05T07:55:27Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-05T07:56:42Z"}
{"url": "https://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406819", "title": "Latta Statement on America's Semiquincentennial", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://latta.house.gov/news", "domain": "latta.house.gov", "scraper": "latta", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000566", "name": "Robert E. Latta", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) released the following statement on the United States of America's 250th anniversary of independence:\n\n\"As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation's independence, we reflect on the extraordinary courage and conviction of the patriots who gathered in Philadelphia to declare that all people are created equal and endowed by their Creator with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.\n\n“For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have worked to preserve and strengthen the freedoms established by our Founding Fathers. From the brave men and women who have defended our nation in uniform to the countless Americans who have contributed to their communities, each generation has helped carry forward the promise of the American dream.\n\n“The United States of America is the longest lasting, freely elected government in the world. As we commemorate this historic milestone, we honor our nation's rich history, celebrate the enduring principles that unite us, and further liberty and opportunity for future generations. As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, it is a tremendous honor to represent the people of Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District and continue working to preserve the freedoms and opportunities that have made out nation the best nation in the world. May God continue to bless the United States of America, and happy Independence Day.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sanchez-celebrates-250th-independence-day-calls-renewed-commitment", "title": "Sánchez: Celebrates 250th Independence Day, calls for renewed commitment to America’s ideals", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "lindasanchez.house.gov", "scraper": "lindasanchez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001156", "name": "Linda T. Sánchez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WHITTIER, Calif. – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) released the following statement on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence:\n\n“Our country was founded on an enduring promise: that all people are created equal and have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. For 250 years, we have strived to live up to that promise, working to build a more perfect union even in the face of extraordinary challenges.\n\n“Like millions of immigrants before them, my parents came to this country believing in that promise and instilled that faith in my siblings and me. It has guided my career fighting for working families, defending our democracy and expanding opportunity for everyone.\n\n“Today, we celebrate our nation’s founding, honor those who came before us and recommit ourselves to building a future that lives up to our highest ideals.\n\n“Happy Independence Day! May the next 250 years bring us ever closer to fulfilling the promise of America.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-05T07:55:27Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-05T07:56:42Z"}
{"url": "https://magaziner.house.gov/media/press-releases/magaziner-statement-americas-250th-independence-day", "title": "Magaziner Statement on America’s 250th Independence Day", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://magaziner.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "magaziner.house.gov", "scraper": "magaziner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001223", "name": "Seth Magaziner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WARWICK, RI – Today, U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) released the below statement on the 250th Anniversary of American Independence:\n\n“Two hundred and fifty years later, America remains the most exceptional nation in the world. We are fortunate to live in a country where power lies with the people, and freedom is central to who we are.\n\nI wish all Rhode Islanders a safe and joyful Fourth of July as we celebrate this historic milestone together.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-pens-op-ed-marking-250-years-american-independence", "title": "Miller-Meeks Pens Op-Ed Marking 250 Years of American Independence", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "millermeeks.house.gov", "scraper": "millermeeks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001215", "name": "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "IOWA — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) authored an op-ed in the Quad-City Times commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence, reflecting on the sacrifices that secured the nation's freedoms and the enduring spirit she sees in Iowa today.\n\nIn the piece, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks reflects on the founding and the cost it carried:\n\n\"Two hundred and fifty years ago, in a sweltering hall in Philadelphia, a group of farmers, lawyers, printers, and merchants did something the world had never seen. They signed their names to a document that declared a simple but revolutionary truth: that all men are created equal, endowed by their Creator with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. They knew what that signature could cost them... But they believed an idea was worth the risk. That idea became America.\"\n\nShe connects that legacy to her own service and to the people of Iowa:\n\n\"For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have answered the call to defend those ideals. I am one of them. As a 24-year Army veteran, married to a 30-year Army veteran, I have seen up close that our freedoms have never been guaranteed. They have been earned and preserved by the courage of the men and women who wear our nation's uniform, by the quiet sacrifices of the military families who hold the home front together, and by the everyday citizens who believe America is always worth fighting for.\"\n\nShe reflects on the founding spirit that endures in the Heartland:\n\n\"Here in the Heartland, that same founding spirit is alive in the way we live. Our farmers rise before dawn to feed not just their neighbors but the world. Our manufacturers build the things that keep this country strong. Our small business owners pour their savings and their souls into Main Streets that hold our communities together. And our families still teach the values of hard work, faith, and responsibility around the kitchen table... These are the principles that have made Iowa, and America, exceptional.\"\n\nAnd she closes with a call to honor the nation's legacy:\n\n\"This Independence Day, let us fly the Stars and Stripes proudly. Let us gather with family and friends beneath the fireworks. And let us remember those who gave the last full measure of devotion so that we could stand here, free, 250 years later. May we honor their legacy not only in celebration, but by rededicating ourselves to the values that have guided this nation since 1776.\"\n\nRead the full op-ed in the Quad-City Times HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://norton.house.gov/media/press-releases/norton-says-250-years-taxation-without-representation-dc-residents-enough", "title": "Norton Says 250 Years of Taxation Without Representation for D.C. Residents is Enough", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://norton.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "norton.house.gov", "scraper": "norton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000147", "name": "Eleanor Holmes Norton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said that, as the nation today celebrates its milestone 250th anniversary of declaring independence from Great Britain in part because of taxation without representation, Congress must take the nation's founding slogan to heart and pass her D.C. statehood bill.\n\n\"Forcing the nearly 700,000 Americans who live in the nation's capital to continue to live as second-class citizens doesn't just violate a main pillar of the revolution that sent our Founders to war, it betrays the very spirit of July 4th itself,” Norton said. “On no other holiday is our nation’s inequitable treatment of D.C. residents more deeply felt or more at odds with the nation's democratic values than on July 4th. District residents not only pay federal taxes without voting representation in Congress, they pay more federal taxes per capita than the residents of any state in the nation.\n\n“July 4th doesn't allow us to look away. It summons our moral outrage to continue our fight for statehood, for equality, and for the full benefits of citizenship that these 700,000 Americans have always deserved.\n\n\"As my time representing D.C. comes to a close, I carry both frustration and hope. Statehood will not come on my watch; not under this Congress and not under this White House. But I know the fight I've waged for the last three decades has not been in vain. Every injustice I've named and every wrong I've brought to light related to statehood is a stone laid in the foundation for those who come after me. My hope is that the next generation of D.C.'s leaders will finish what we started, finally delivering the full measure of American citizenship to the 700,000 people who live in our nation's capital.\"\n\nUnder Norton’s leadership the House passed the D.C. statehood bill twice, for the first two times in history. D.C. pays more federal taxes than 26 states and more federal taxes per capita than any state.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-05T07:55:27Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-05T07:56:42Z"}
{"url": "https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-250th-anniversary-declaration-independence", "title": "Pelosi Statement on the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "pelosi.house.gov", "scraper": "pelosi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000197", "name": "Nancy Pelosi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "San Francisco — Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the 250th anniversary of the Second Continental Congress adopting the Declaration of Independence:\n\n“250 years ago, brave patriots gathered to declare independence with the ideals that all are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights. Their work was unfinished, but they entrusted future generations with the sacred responsibility of democracy—of constantly striving to build a more perfect Union. Today, it is our turn to accept that responsibility as we continue to conduct the great American experiment.\n\n“As America celebrates our 250th anniversary, let us remember that our founders believed democracy would succeed because of the goodness of the American people. Their faith has sustained our nation across centuries and through moments of both triumph and trial. It reminds us that America is strongest when we are guided by faith and charity—which gives us hope.\n\n“After 250 years, it is my hope that We the People remain committed to ensuring our Flag is still there with liberty and justice for all—because the work of democracy is never finished. It requires courage, participation and an unwavering belief that tomorrow can be better than today. That has always been America's promise, and it must be our resolve for the next 250 years and beyond. Happy Independence Day!”", "collected_at": "2026-07-05T07:55:27Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-05T07:56:42Z"}
{"url": "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-honors-lives-lost-one-year-after-devastating-central-texas-floods", "title": "Rep. Roy Honors the Lives Lost One Year After the Devastating Central Texas Floods", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "roy.house.gov", "scraper": "roy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000614", "name": "Chip Roy", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) released the following statement marking one year since the devastating July 4, 2025 floods that claimed more than 100 lives in Kerr and Kendall Counties and forever changed the Texas Hill Country.\n\n\"One year ago, the people of the Texas Hill Country endured unimaginable loss as catastrophic flooding swept through our communities before dawn on Independence Day. We remember the children, parents, neighbors, and friends whose lives were taken far too soon, and we continue to pray for every family carrying that loss today.\n\n\"In the face of overwhelming tragedy, we also witnessed the very best of Texas and America. First responders, volunteers, churches, charities, and neighbors answered the call with extraordinary courage and compassion. Their selfless service reminded us that the strength of our communities comes from people helping people.\n\n\"While the scars of the flood remain, so does the resilience of the Hill Country. As we honor those we lost, may we continue to pray for every affected family and ask God to bless the Texas Hill Country with strength, healing, and peace,” said Rep. Roy.", "collected_at": "2026-07-05T07:55:27Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-05T07:56:42Z"}
{"url": "https://sewell.house.gov/2026/7/rep-sewell-marks-america-s-250th-birthday-with-independence-day-video-message", "title": "Rep. Sewell Marks America's 250th Birthday with Independence Day Video Message", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sewell.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "sewell.house.gov", "scraper": "sewell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001185", "name": "Terri A. Sewell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Birmingham, AL – Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released a video message celebrating America's 250th birthday and honoring the generations of Americans who have fought to bring our nation closer to its highest ideals.\n\nWatch Rep. Sewell's Independence Day message here.\n\nRep. Sewell: Happy Fourth of July, Alabama! Today, as we celebrate America's 250th birthday, we honor the centuries of Americans who dreamed big, sacrificed greatly, and worked to build a more perfect union.\n\nFor 250 years, each generation has been called to move America closer to the ideals set forth in our founding documents. We haven't always lived up to those ideals, but time and time again, ordinary Americans have answered that call, expanding freedom, widening opportunity, and making our union stronger along the way.\n\nThat's what makes this anniversary so meaningful. But it also explains why this moment feels different for so many Americans.\n\nAs we celebrate our nation's remarkable journey, many of us are also uneasy about the challenges facing our democracy and the attacks on so many of our hard-fought rights and freedoms. This milestone reminds us that the work of building a better America is never finished.\n\nHistory shows us that the greatest progress has always been driven by ordinary people refusing to accept the status quo. And when we march, and when we pray, and when we vote, and when we stand united against the forces of hate, there is nothing, absolutely nothing we cannot achieve.\n\nThat same spirit will carry us forward today.\n\nAnd while some in positions of power may try to make this moment about themselves, America's 250th birthday is a reminder that this country is bigger than any one person or political party. The promise of America is shared by all of us, regardless of our race, our gender, or the amount of wealth or power we hold.\n\nOn this historic celebration, let us recommit ourselves to the values that have guided our nation for two and a half centuries: liberty, equality, justice and opportunity. Let's continue to work on building an America that lives up to those ideals, not just for some, but for everyone.\n\nMay we never stop believing in the promise of our country or in our ability to build a brighter future together.\n\nHappy Independence Day! God bless you and God bless the United States of America.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/sorensen-marks-america-250-reflects-nations-history-and-future", "title": "Sorensen Marks America 250, Reflects on Nation's History and Future", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sorensen.house.gov", "scraper": "sorensen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001225", "name": "Eric Sorensen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) today released a video message commemorating America's 250th anniversary and celebrating the people and communities that continue to shape our nation's future.\n\n“America's story has always been written by hardworking people, strong communities, and neighbors looking out for one another,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “As we celebrate this historic milestone, we also recognize the responsibility we share to keep building a stronger future for the next generation.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-04T07:41:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-04T07:42:45Z"}
{"url": "https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-statement-on-250th-anniversary-of-the-united-states-of-america", "title": "Rep. Summer Lee Statement on 250th Anniversary of the United States of America", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "summerlee.house.gov", "scraper": "summerlee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000602", "name": "Summer L. Lee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 4, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) released the following statement on the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.\n\n“America's story has always been shaped by a promise of a country built by and for the people. Every step toward freedom and equality was fought for by folks who organized, marched, voted, and died so that this country could live up to its ideals.\n\n“250 years later, however, our democracy is failing. Attacks on voting rights, growing political extremism, and the outsized influence of billionaires and corporations are pushing us further into authoritarianism. Too many families in Western Pennsylvania and across the country are still fighting for affordable housing, healthcare, good-paying jobs, clean air and water, and the basic dignity that every person deserves. Black, brown, indigenous, immigrant, LGBTQ+, disabled, and working-class communities continue to bear the weight of systems that were never built to serve us all. Instead of working towards a more equitable and affordable country, this administration is patting itself on the back with disruptive flyovers and makeovers of the White House.\n\n“If we want our country to see another 250 years, we must push ourselves to protect our freedoms, strengthen our democracy, and build a country where everyone—not just the wealthy and well-connected—can thrive. That's the unfinished promise of America, and it's our responsibility to keep fighting for it. I believe we can get there.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/07/04/vindman-statement-on-americas-250th-anniversary-of-independence/", "title": "Vindman Statement on America’s 250th Anniversary of Independence", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Vindman: “Only in America can someone arrive as a refugee and, within a single lifetime, serve in the United States Congress. That is the American Dream, and it is why I love this country and believe it remains the greatest nation in the world.”\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today released the following statement on the United States of America’s 250th anniversary of independence.\n\n“As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, I’ve been reflecting on what this country has meant to me and my family.\n\n“When I was four years old, my family came to the United States as refugees from Soviet Ukraine. My father had the opportunity to start over in many different countries, but he chose America because he believed this nation offered something no other place could: the chance that if you worked hard and played by the rules, your children could build a better life than you had. He was right.\n\n“I spent 25 years serving in the United States Army because I wanted to give something back to the country that welcomed us. Today, I have the privilege of continuing that service in Congress, where I represent more than 72,000 veterans.\n\n“Only in America can someone arrive as a refugee and, within a single lifetime, serve in the United States Congress. That is the American Dream, and it is why I love this country and believe it remains the greatest nation in the world.\n\n“But the American Dream is not something we can take for granted. Every generation has a responsibility to strengthen it for the next.\n\n“That’s why my mission in Congress is straightforward: lower costs for working families, expand opportunity, root out corruption, and make sure our children inherit an even brighter future than the one we did. I believe the promise of America is still alive in communities across Virginia and throughout our country, and it’s our responsibility to protect it.\n\n“As we mark 250 years of our nation’s history, we should recommit ourselves to the ideals that have always made America exceptional and continue striving to build a more perfect union. If we do, I have no doubt that America’s best days are still ahead — and that the next 250 years will be even stronger than the first.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6B6B1978-0163-44C4-AEDC-EEE2BA7F3528", "title": "Webster Celebrates 250 Years of American Independence", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://webster.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "webster.house.gov", "scraper": "webster", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000806", "name": "Daniel Webster", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, released the following statement commemorating America’s semiquincentennial.\n\n\"250 years ago today, a group of patriots pledged their lives, fortunes, and their honor to establish a new nation founded on a revolutionary idea: that our rights do not come from the government, but from God, and that every person is endowed with the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.\n\nFrom that bold declaration in 1776 grew the greatest experiment in self-government the world has ever known. For two and a half centuries, the United States has stood as a beacon of freedom and opportunity – a nation that has inspired countless people with the promise that free men and women can govern themselves.\n\nThe American story is also one of boundless ingenuity and determination. The United States is a nation of pioneers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and risk-takers. From securing our God-given rights in the Constitution to connecting our nation through railroads and highways, harnessing the power of flight, putting man on the moon, preserving our national treasures with the National Parks system, and pioneering the birth of the internet and leading the world in technological innovation, Americans have continued to push the boundaries of what is possible. Time and again, Americans have proven that there is no challenge too great and no horizon beyond our reach when freedom and opportunity are allowed to flourish.\n\nYet none of these blessings and achievements would have endured were it not for the generations of Americans who answered the call to serve. From the patriots who secured our independence to the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Airmen, and Guardians who defend our nation today, millions have worn the uniform of the United States to preserve the liberties we too often take for granted. Our freedom is not merely inherited but secured and protected by those willing to sacrifice for it. We owe all our nation’s veterans a debt we can never repay.\n\nAs we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, let us recommit ourselves to the ideals that built this nation: faith, liberty, personal responsibility, and service to one another. Let us honor those who came before us by preserving the blessings of freedom and passing on to our children and grandchildren a country that is stronger, freer, and more faithful to the principles that first stirred in Philadelphia 250 years ago.\n\nThe story of the United States of America is still being written. May we continue to be good stewards of this great nation and continue to celebrate, defend, and preserve it for generations of Americans to come.\n\nHappy 250th Birthday America.\n\nMay God bless our troops, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-05T07:55:27Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-05T07:56:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/blackburn-celebrates-250-years-of-america", "title": "Blackburn Celebrates 250 Years of America", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "domain": "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "scraper": "blackburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001243", "name": "Marsha Blackburn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“As we mark the 250th celebration of our nation’s independence, it’s important to remember that we’ve gotten here as a country because we believe in faith, family, freedom, hope, and opportunity,” said Senator Blackburn. “These values have carried us through challenges that seemed insurmountable, and they are the only thing that will ensure our nation endures another 250 years. This is a time for Americans across the country to unite behind these shared values and celebrate the blessing of freedom. From the Blackburn family to yours, happy Independence Day.”\n\nClick here to download Senator Blackburn’s Fourth of July video.", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/on-nations-250th-anniversary-cantwell-celebrates-with-252-new-citizens-at-july-4-naturalization-ceremony-in-seattle", "title": "On Nation’s 250th Anniversary, Cantwell Celebrates With 252 New Citizens At July 4 Naturalization Ceremony in Seattle", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "On Nation’s 250th Anniversary, Cantwell Celebrates With 252 New Citizens At July 4 Naturalization Ceremony in Seattle\n\n“We are asking you to leave this ceremony and go register to vote […] You took the test. You know what it's about. Let's go put it into action.”\n\nSEATTLE, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) delivered a speech at a naturalization ceremony celebrating 252 new United States citizens immigrating from 55 different nations hosted by the Seattle Center and the U.S. District Court.\n\nVideo of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks are HERE; photos of the event are HERE; and a transcript is HERE and below:\n\n“We have 252 new US citizens who are going to cheer on the United States on Monday. I know Belgium will let you have a break.\n\n“It's such an honor to be here today in the naturalization ceremony, and to do it on our nation's 250th anniversary. Each year, we come here to celebrate, to strengthen the United States of America by strengthening our immigration. I want to thank Alma, Maria, Chelsea, the Seattle Center, the Spirit of We the People, and Josephine for another wonderful, wonderful celebration.\n\n“250 is not just an anniversary; it's a milestone. It's an opportunity to reflect on the past and create a sense of purpose for the future. 250 years ago today, our Founding Fathers declared independence and constructed a vision for a new nation based on ideas and reason. Every step of the way, immigrants shared our values, upheld our constitutional rights, and forged new laws protecting those civil rights.\n\n“So today, as part of that celebration, we are here to remember those words of the Declaration of Independence: that all men are created equal. And throughout our nation's history, we have often found ourselves struggling with the meaning of those words.\n\n“Less than a century after that Declaration of Independence, we found ourselves in a Civil War. More than 2 million Americans would fight to end slavery and approximately 500,000 immigrants would serve in the Union Army to save our Union. President Lincoln would take notice of those contributions at the height of the war and urged Congress [for], quote, “The expediency of establishing a system of immigration” for the United States of America, because President Lincoln viewed immigration not as a burden but as essential to our nation's future, and he called immigrants, quote, “A source of national wealth and strength.”\n\n“Congress answered this call by passing the first piece of federal legislation to encourage – not to discourage, but to encourage – immigration in the United States, an act to encourage immigration, signed into law by President Lincoln on this symbolic day, July 4, 1864. So, today, 250 years [since the Declaration of Independence], we must continue the role. We must recognize that immigrants have been there at our founding and our preservation. American exceptionalism is that we are a melting pot, and that melting pot makes us stronger. I am confident that each and every one of you who took the oath today will join us in this fight.\n\n“Seattle has long [had] the strength of diversity. We have one of the most diverse zip codes in the nation, 98118 in Rainier Valley, where over 59 languages are spoken. So now, today, we must preserve our Constitution. We are asking you to leave this ceremony and go register to vote. We are asking you to be mindful of what preserves those constitutional rights. Trust me: we not only want you to register, but we want you to vote. And if you have to stick it in a ballot box instead of [counting on] the Postmaster General, do it, because I guarantee you, we are going to uphold the Constitution of America, and you, our newest citizens, are helping us celebrate 250 years.", "collected_at": "2026-07-05T07:55:27Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-05T07:56:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-walks-in-eastport-independence-day-parade", "title": "Senator Collins Walks in Eastport Independence Day Parade", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.\n\nEASTPORT, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins walked in the Eastport Independence Day Parade, celebrating 250 years of American independence.\n\n“It was wonderful to celebrate Independence Day in Eastport today with so many Mainers, the sailors of the USS Lassen, and proud Americans from near and far,” said Senator Collins. “Eastport’s Fourth of July celebration is one of Maine’s great traditions and today was a powerful reminder of the patriotism and community spirit that make our state and nation the greatest place to live.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-05T07:55:27Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-05T07:56:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-walks-in-machias-independence-day-parade", "title": "Senator Collins Walks in Machias Independence Day Parade", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.\n\nMACHIAS, ME – U.S. Senator Susan Collins walked in the Machias Independence Day Parade today, celebrating 250 years of American independence.\n\n“Machias has a proud place in America’s Revolutionary story, and it was an honor to join neighbors from across Washington County for this evening’s parade,” said Senator Collins. “From the marchers to the spectators lining the route to a great band, this Independence Day celebration showed the pride Downeast Maine takes in our country and in the traditions that bring us together.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-06T08:59:18Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-06T09:01:25Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-statement-in-celebration-of-america-250/", "title": "Cortez Masto Statement in Celebration of America 250", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Reno, Nev. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement celebrating 250 years of American independence:\n\n“250 years ago, our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and decided our nation would be governed by and for the people. Our democratic ideals have led the United States to become a global powerhouse – not just because of our wealth and our strength, but also because of our unwavering belief in freedom and opportunity.\n\n“In this country, a baker originally from Chihuahua, Mexico can bring his family to Las Vegas for a better life, and his granddaughter can become the first woman from Nevada and the first Latina ever to be elected to the United States Senate. That is the American Dream, and that is part of what makes the United States the greatest nation on Earth.\n\n“As Nevadans and Americans across the country come together in celebration, now is the time to remind ourselves that we have much more in common than we think. We share a deep love for this country, we believe in hard work, and we want our families to find success. Those shared values guide me as a representative for all Nevadans, and I hope they continue to guide future generations of Americans through our next 250 years.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-05T07:55:27Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-05T07:56:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-praises-gods-master-plan-divine-healing-power-of-badlands-at-presidential-library-grand-opening-today", "title": "Cramer Praises God’s Master Plan, Divine Healing Power of Badlands at Presidential Library Grand Opening Today", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "MEDORA, N.D. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) recognized God’s master plan and the healing power of the Badlands at the ceremony officially opening the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. He joined Roosevelt family members, state and federal officials and hundreds of citizens, capping off a week of activities in this historic Western North Dakota town.\n\nClick here to watch Cramer's remarks\n\n“God put it all here first,” said Cramer. “Do you think when he made the Badlands with their healing power, that he knew there would one day be a grieving president who one day might need healing in a place like this? I think he did. And I think he knew a lot of us might.”\n\nThe ceremony also included an MQ-9 flyover from the North Dakota Air National Guard 119th Wing, known as the Happy Hooligans. Cramer worked with Air Combat Command Commander General Adrian Spain and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to secure authorization for the flyover. The 119th Wing has proudly carried Roosevelt’s silhouette on the tails of its aircraft for decades, including the F-16s which helped protect the skies over the U.S. Capitol in the aftermath of the September, 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.\n\nOn Wednesday, ahead of the opening, Cramer welcomed another populist president to Medora: the nation’s 45th and 47th President Donald Trump, who reflected upon Roosevelt’s legacy and the beauty of the Badlands. Cramer also spoke with different members of the media about commemorating Roosevelt’s contributions to the region.\n\n“I was honored President Trump took the time to remind us of Theodore Roosevelt's legacy and contributions to our nation during the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library,” said Cramer. “Thank you to President Trump for visiting North Dakota again!”\n\nWhile much of the festivities celebrating Roosevelt were in Medora, Cramer stopped by the Dickinson State University’s dress rehearsal of Teddy & Alice, a Broadway musical highlighting Roosevelt’s relationship with his daughter Alice. The free show runs through July 6.\n\nPhoto credit: Dickinson State University\n\nOn Thursday, Cramer met with Bank of America President Brian Moynihan, who was in Medora for the opening of the library. The two talked about the strong economy and the goodness of America as reflected in the many good FIFA World Cup stories.\n\nA reception on Thursday evening brought together many people who helped make the library. In an X post, Cramer said he was “grateful for their many contributions.”\n\nAs senators representing distinct eras of Roosevelt’s life, Cramer teamed up with U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) for a conversation on Roosevelt’s legacy in public service, conservation, and stewardship on Friday morning.\n\n“Theodore Roosevelt came to North Dakota to heal during a very dark point in his life and that same healing power has an impact today on everyone who visits this special place,” said Cramer. “As North Dakota Senator and former Tourism Director, I am honored to have played a small role in the creation of this historic library, especially the display of Roosevelt’s original diary and the Congressional Medals of Honor awarded to him and his son.”\n\nPrior to the museum’s opening, Cramer and his family toured the 96,000 square foot library.\n\n“I was honored to help bring this powerful display to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library,” Cramer wrote on X. “Roosevelt’s actual diary on the original paper in his handwriting depicts the profound grief he endured on the day his first wife and mother passed away.”\n\nThroughout his weekend in Medora, Cramer joined national and North Dakota media to discuss Roosevelt, his contribution to the nation, and the library’s opening.\n\nCramer kicked off his time by joining Martha MacCallum live from Medora as they waited for President Trump to take the stage for the library dedication.\n\n“The Medora Musical amphitheater has honored Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy for nearly 60 years—making it the perfect place to celebrate both our nation’s history and the opening of a library dedicated to one of its greatest conservationists and leaders,” said Cramer.\n\nClick here for video\n\nOn Wednesday, Cramer joined Bobby Falat from Valley News Live following President Trump’s remarks.\n\n“North Dakota is at the heart of what makes America great. It was an honor to celebrate the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in the very landscape that shaped Roosevelt’s legacy and continues to heal generations today.”\n\nClick here for video\n\nCramer spoke with Jamie Dickerman from the Red River Farm Network after President Trump’s remarks. The two discussed expanding export opportunities for producers and the administration’s focus on prioritizing farmers.", "collected_at": "2026-07-05T07:55:27Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-05T07:56:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-250th-anniversary-of-american-independence", "title": "Heinrich Statement on 250th Anniversary of American Independence", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON– U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement to mark America's 250th celebration of Independence Day:\n\n“250 years ago, a group of Americans declared that government exists to serve people—not the other way around. That radical idea became the foundation of this nation, and it’s one worth fighting for in every generation.\n\n“The path to achieving America’s promise has been fraught. From slavery to the forced removal of Native peoples, to our ongoing struggle to make freedoms written on paper real for everyone, the work remains. But we’ve also proven, time and again, that we can do better—that we can expand opportunity, strengthen the protections every American deserves, and move closer to fulfilling our founding promise.\n\n“This Fourth of July, that work feels more urgent than ever. There are those in power who would sell off our public lands to the highest bidder, strip health care from working families, silence the voices of voters, and replace the rule of law with the rule of one man.\n\n“The answer isn’t nostalgia. It’s recommitment. To a democracy that answers to the people, not the powerful. To communities where everyone can get ahead. To the public servants, military families, and veterans who remind us that patriotism is measured by service to our country and one another—not by serving ourselves. To the wild places that belong to every American, not just the wealthy few.\n\n“The story of America has always been one of people who believed our country could better live up to its founding promise—and rolled up their sleeves to make it happen. That's the work ahead of us, and it's work I'll never stop fighting for. Happy Fourth of July.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-honoring-teddy-roosevelts-life-legacy-as-we-celebrate-250-years-of-freedom", "title": "Hoeven: Honoring Teddy Roosevelt’s Life & Legacy as We Celebrate 250 Years of Freedom", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "MEDORA, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today celebrated America’s 250th birthday with the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Hoeven delivered remarks as part of the ceremony, honoring Roosevelt’s life and legacy while outlining the critical role that his time in North Dakota played in shaping his presidency. Hoeven further acknowledged the hard work that went into establishing the presidential library, thanking his colleagues at the federal, state and local levels for their advocacy and efforts to move this project forward. Through his role in the U.S. Senate, Hoeven has worked to bolster these efforts and advance the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. This includes:\n\nIntroducing and securing passage of legislation to secure the library’s 93-acre site. Hoeven authored the bill enabling the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation to purchase the land from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).\n\nThe senator worked with local and state officials and the Medora Grazing Association to negotiate the legislation and find an agreement for the land purchase.\n\nThe agreement ensured the availability of acres for grazing and included a written commitment from the USFS to maintain the Medora Grazing Association’s contract for its full 10-year term.\n\nHoeven also passed legislation in the Interior appropriations bill to support loans of historic artifacts for display at the library.\n\nMost recently, the senator secured Senate passage of his bipartisan legislation to provide up to $50 million in federal matching grants for the library and authorization for the library to display artifacts and materials from Theodore Roosevelt’s life, and Hoeven is working to advance its approval in the House.\n\nHoeven’s bill follows the model used for establishing and funding the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, located in Springfield, Ill.\n\n“Today, we not only celebrate 250 years of American history, reflecting on the blessings and freedoms we enjoy as citizens of this great nation, but we also take time to honor Teddy Roosevelt, one of our most iconic Presidents. As North Dakotans, we should feel immense pride in the important role our state played in shaping his character, helping him overcome great loss and charting his course in life. It is fitting then that our state is now home to both a national park and a presidential library that bear his name,” said Hoeven.\n\n“Accomplishments like this don’t just happen. We’ve been hard at work to make this library a reality, and we appreciate the efforts of everyone involved. Your support was vital as we worked to secure this 93-acre site for the library, which required both reaching agreement with our grazers and other local stakeholders and passing my legislation to make this former Forest Service land available for purchase. We also have secured authorization in appropriations legislation to make artifacts available to the library, and we’re now advancing a bill to supply those materials on a permanent basis while also providing matching funds for the library, like Congress did for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. That bill has passed the Senate, and we continue working to move it through the House as well.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-on-the-250th-anniversary-of-american-independence/", "title": "Risch on the 250th Anniversary of American Independence", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.risch.senate.gov", "scraper": "risch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000584", "name": "James E. Risch", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Risch (R-Idaho) shared the following statement on the 250th anniversary of American independence:\n\n“America is the greatest nation in the world. Not by a little bit, but by a whole lot. For 250 years, the United States has stood as a beacon of freedom, opportunity, perseverance, and innovation. This American spirit is alive and well, especially in my home state of Idaho,” said Risch. “As we celebrate 250 years of Independence, we must remember the sacrifices made to secure it and recommit ourselves to the ideals that have defined our great nation for centuries: freedom, faith, hard work, equality, and the Rule of Law.\n\n“Vicki and I wish Idahoans and all Americans a safe and joyful Independence Day!”\n\nWatch Sen. Risch’s message to Idahoans celebrating America 250 here.\n\n​", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-hassan-celebrate-americas-250th-anniversary-at-new-hampshire-state-house", "title": "Shaheen, Hassan Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary at New Hampshire State House", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(Concord, NH) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the U.S. Semiquincentennial?Commission, and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) today celebrated the founding of the United States of America and marked the nation’s semiquincentennial at the New Hampshire 250th Independence Day Celebration at the state house in Concord. Photos from today’s event can be found HERE.\n\n“The women who were working the farms, the men who marched off to fight, [...] none of them knew how the fight against Britain would end. They simply believed that the future was worth betting on. And today, as we know, the legislature still meets behind us in the oldest continuously operating capitol in the country, but the greatest measure of what they built isn't behind us. It's right here, it’s in front of us. It is all of you, on this lawn, all of the families, all of the citizens of this country who are celebrating today. Free people, still governing ourselves, 250 years later,” Senator Shaheen said in prepared remarks.\n\n“America has endured for 250 years because generation after generation of Americans chose to stand up for freedom and move our country forward. It’s an honor to commemorate this milestone in the heart of the Live Free or Die State,” said Senator Hassan. “All of us must continue to build a stronger, more perfect Union and protect the freedoms that generations of Americans have fought to defend.”\n\nThe ceremony marked Shaheen’s final Fourth of July celebration as New Hampshire’s senior senator. Shaheen and Hassan were joined by state officials, including Mayor of Concord Byron Champlin, State Senate President Sharon Carson, State House Speaker Sherman Packard, Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald and Secretary of State David Scanlan.\n\nShaheen was appointed to serve on the United States Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016 by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid. In 2023, she championed legislation to authorize the Architect of the Capitol to create a time capsule as part of the nation’s planned Semiquincentennial celebration and have it buried on the west lawn of the Capitol, to remain sealed until July 4, 2276, the nation’s 500th Anniversary. Last week, Shaheen delivered remarks at the unveiling of the time capsule.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-06T08:59:18Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-06T09:01:25Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-statement-on-the-historic-250th-anniversary-of-america", "title": "Shaheen Statement on the Historic 250th Anniversary of America", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, released the following statement on America’s historic 250th anniversary:\n\n“Today signifies a remarkable milestone in our nation’s history, and I join with Americans everywhere in coming together to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.\n\n“250 years ago, our forefathers took a bold risk. None of them knew how the fight against Britain would end, but they believed the future was worth betting on. The greatest measure of what they built is evident in all of us: A free people, still governing ourselves, 250 years later.\n\n“This moment?isn’t?about one party, one part of America’s history or even one person,?it’s?about what unites us. It’s about living up to our founding principles, and the purely American spirit of striving to make our union more perfect.\n\n“So today let’s show our national pride by setting aside what divides us and celebrating the shared history and values that bring us together. Happy Fourth of July and here’s to another 250 years of this great nation.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://yakym.house.gov/posts/yakym-marks-one-year-anniversary-of-working-families-tax-cuts-largest-tax-cut-in-american-history", "title": "Yakym Marks One-Year Anniversary of Working Families Tax Cuts, Largest Tax Cut in American History", "date": "2026-07-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://yakym.house.gov/press", "domain": "yakym.house.gov", "scraper": "yakym", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000067", "name": "Rudy Yakym III", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02) recognized one year since the Working Families Tax Cuts became law, the largest tax cut in American history for hardworking families.\n\n“As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I had a front-row seat to building this bill. My job, every step of the way, was making sure Hoosiers weren’t an afterthought,” Rep. Yakym said. “When I’m out at the grocery store, walking a factory floor in Nappanee, or shaking hands after church, people stop me and tell me their refund was bigger this year, that they caught up on a bill, that they finally had a little left over. These aren’t data points. These are Hoosiers doing everything they can to provide for their families, and they deserve to feel the relief.”\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cuts Act put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Hoosiers by including:\n\n• Prevented the largest tax hike in American history: By making the 2017 tax cuts permanent and locking in the doubled standard deduction, a family of four now pays zero federal income tax on their first $35,900 of earnings.\n\n• No tax on tips: Providing relief for service workers who depend on gratuity. No tax on overtime: More than 25 million workers nationwide have claimed the provision, giving factory workers, linemen, police officers, nurses, and more a new break on their hard-earned extra hours.\n\n• A $2,220 Child Tax Credit: More than 34 million families have claimed the provision.\n\n• A bigger refund: The average tax refund is up 11% this year. 97% of filers got a tax cut, and 96% of those filers earn under $200,000.\n\nThis law also gave Indiana manufacturers the certainty they needed to invest, expand, and hire by:\n\n• Allowing immediate expensing for research and development.\n\n• Allowing full expensing for new capital investments.\n\n• Allowing full expensing for the construction of new factories.\n\n• Delivering more tax relief to the manufacturing industry than any other sector, according to the Tax Foundation.", "collected_at": "2026-07-05T07:55:27Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-05T07:56:42Z"}
{"url": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-al-green-msnow-weekend-discuss-white-nationalists-maj-jason-watson", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Al Green on MSNOW “The Weekend” to Discuss White Nationalists, Maj. Jason Watson, and Impeachment.", "date": "2026-07-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "algreen.house.gov", "scraper": "algreen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000553", "name": "Al Green", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Al Green on MSNOW “The Weekend” to Discuss White Nationalists, Maj. Jason Watson, and Impeachment.\n\nYou can access the news segment by clicking the link here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-06T08:59:18Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-06T09:01:25Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415740", "title": "Pastor Jin’s daughter, Grace, testified before China CommissionSmith welcomes release of Pastor Ezra Jin", "date": "2026-07-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), issued the following statement welcoming the release of Pastor Ezra Jin after his unjust detention by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP):\n\n“I am profoundly grateful that Pastor Ezra Jin has been released and reunited with his family. I especially thank President Trump for personally raising Pastor Jin’s case with CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping and for ensuring that U.S. diplomats remained committed in pressing for his freedom.\n\n“Pastor Jin should never have spent a single day behind bars for peacefully living out his Christian faith. His release is a joyous answer to countless prayers, and an important reminder that sustained and principled American engagement on behalf of religious and political prisoners can make a difference—including for the eight additional leaders of the Zion Church and the many others detained from across China’s diverse religious communities, such as Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, and Falun Gong practitioners.\n\n“I also want to express gratitude for the work of Secretary Rubio, Ambassador David Perdue, and the dedicated professionals at the White House and State Department, whose steadfast persistence helped bring Pastor Jin home.\n\n“Today, we celebrate Pastor Jin’s freedom, and tomorrow, we renew our commitment to securing the release of every prisoner of conscience still suffering under the cruel hands of the Chinese Communist Party—including and especially Jimmy Lai.”\n\nAhead of President Trump’s trip to Beijing in May, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed Smith’s legislation—by a margin of 414 to 0–to support the President’s initiative to raise the cases and call for the release of political prisoners in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The resolution (H.Res.1259) specifically highlighted Pastor Jin’s case; before the House voted on the legislation, Smith met with Pastor Jin’s daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, and the family members of other prisoners of conscience in China.\n\nThe CECC has made Pastor Jin's case a sustained priority. In recent months, the Commission has urged President Trump to personally raise Pastor Jin's imprisonment with General Secretary Xi Jinping, highlighted his case in bipartisan advocacy letters, and featured powerful testimony from Grace Jin Drexel during a CECC hearing that examined the CCP’s escalating assault on religious freedom.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-06T08:59:18Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-06T09:01:25Z"}
{"url": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-religious-liberty-relies-on-civility-mutual-respect", "title": "Curtis: Religious Liberty Relies on Civility, Mutual Respect", "date": "2026-07-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.curtis.senate.gov", "scraper": "curtis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001114", "name": "John R. Curtis", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The Senator’s remarks were delivered prior to Fourth of July celebrations and his 250-mile walk to commemorate the United States’ semiquincentennial.\n\nVideo can be found here, and the remarks as prepared for delivery can be found below:\n\nAlmost two hundred and fifty years ago, fifty-six delegates to the Second Continental Congress affixed their signatures to the most influential document in the history of human rights—the American Declaration of Independence. Over succeeding generations, more than one hundred other nations would model their own declarations of independence with statements that followed the American pattern of 1776.\n\nIt proclaimed liberty as an inalienable right, in what Walter Isaacson has called “the greatest sentence ever written.” Among our inalienable rights, the document declared, are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Defining “liberty,” giving definition, substance and legal guarantees of that right, has been one of America’s greatest ongoing commitments to the betterment of humanity.\n\nAnd at the forefront of that pantheon of liberties the Declaration affirms has been the right to believe and practice religion according to the sacred dictates of conscience. Four decades ago, 160 of 170 international constitutions were modeled, in whole or in part, on the American model. Freedom of religion is guaranteed—in principle if not in fact—in 97% of constitutions.\n\nWhen the first colonists arrived in the New World, religious freedom existed in theory (like that of John Locke) but not in political practice. Roger Williams founded Rhode Island on the principle of “soul conscience” in 1636, and 150 years later, in 1786, Thomas Jefferson authored the pioneering Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. “Almighty God hath created the mind free,” he wrote, “and manifested his supreme will that free it shall remain.” The state legislation he proposed therefore decreed that no person “shall … suffer on account of his religious opinions or beliefs … But … all [persons] shall be free to profess … their opinion in matters of religion.”\n\nIt was a long journey from Jamestown and Plymouth Rock to that Virginia Statute, the U. S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. America has made great progress, but the road has been at times harrowing for those people at the margins of our mainstream. Quakers were hanged in Massachusetts in 1659; Baptists were imprisoned in Virginia in the 1770s; Catholic convents and schools were burned in 1834; my own people, the Latter-day Saints, were mobbed and murdered in Missouri and Illinois in the decade to follow; and Jewish people have been the victims of discrimination and violence from the founding to the present.\n\nOne of the lessons to be learned from this history is that you can legislate religious protections, but you cannot legislate respect or compassion or bonds of charity. Yet religious freedom hinges on these virtues. Our public discourse, however, has never tipped so precariously into what Arthur Brooks has called “a culture of contempt.” If you think you sense something alarming in the air, the statistics say you are correct. A March 2026 Pew Survey reveals the distressing fact that Americans view their fellow Americans with “more hostility and suspicion than is the case in any democracy surveyed.” The United States is the only place … surveyed where more adults describe the morality and ethics of others living in the country as bad (53%) than as good (47%).\n\nWe can do better. We can be better.\n\nYes, as members of this national community, we have the right to espouse our values—religious, moral, or political—without hindrance or constraint. That also means we must accord to others the right to espouse their values, without hindrance or constraint. Religious freedom is distinctly entwined with pluralism, because the free exercise of religion presupposes a mosaic of differing values and life orientations. The words “kindness,” “civility,” and “charity” nowhere appear in our Constitution or our Declaration of Independence, whose anniversary we will commemorate next week.\n\nThat is because those values were presupposed by the Founders. This grand experiment in democracy required for its organization, and requires for its continuation, a willingness to build bridges of understanding as well as defend principles to which we are committed. Dr. Matthew Holland has written of how “civic charity” was deeply embedded in the thought of John Winthrop, leader of the Massachusetts Bay Colony; of Thomas Jefferson, America’s “apostle of religious liberty;” and of Abraham Lincoln, who so powerfully invoked the “better angels of our nature” at a time of national crisis.\n\nWe will never achieve consensus on the particulars of our religious commitments—or our lack of religious commitments. Nor should we.\n\nOur pluralism is a source of our strength and should be a source of pride. However, we can honor our founding principles by returning to a particular kind of faith they did have in common. Faith in the essential goodness of one another. The psychologist Jamil Zaki has written, “Cynicism is the lack of faith in people; skepticism is the lack of faith in our assumptions.” Charity is the only way whereby we flourish in our differences even as we work together for a more perfect union.", "collected_at": "2026-07-06T08:59:18Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-06T09:01:25Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-the-democrats-will-do-anything-to-tear-down-donald-trump/", "title": "Senator Marshall: The Democrats Will Do Anything to Tear Down Donald Trump", "date": "2026-07-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Marshall Joins Fox News, Sunday Morning Futures\n\nGreat Bend – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Cheryl Castone on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures to discuss passing the SAVE America Act to secure election integrity, the Democrats’ continued refusal to support voter ID, and the possibility of a reconciliation bill passing with year-round E15 and funding for farmers hit hard by fertilizer prices.\n\nClick HERE to download the full video.\n\nOn passing the SAVE America Act:\n\n“Well, good morning Cheryl. I don’t think the Republicans are avoiding anything — the challenge in the Senate is it takes 60 votes to do most anything. On the Save America Act there’s nothing more important than election integrity — our elections need to be trustworthy. The question might be is why can’t we get 10 Democrats to agree that voter ID is important as well as proof of citizenship? That’s the real question here. The Democrats would do anything to tear down Donald Trump — they’d rather have depression; they’d rather have a war, anything other than Donald Trump, to make progress here. So I think that’s the challenge — how do we get 10 Democrats to get this across the finish line? We have 50 Republicans that would vote for some form of this Save America Act.”\n\nOn passing another reconciliation bill:\n\n“You know, it is through this reconciliation process of 50 votes that we could probably fund states that want to check ID. Maybe we can take some of the federal election money that we give states if they’re not checking for IDs. But again, I go back to this: 80-90% of Americans, including a super majority of Democrat voters, want election integrity, they want voter ID, they want proof of citizenship. The question is, why isn’t the legacy media asking the Democrats? You can bring any Democrat on board your show, and they’re never going to say they’re in favor of voter ID — I think that’s way out of the mainstream. So, I’d be all for a reconciliation bill to pass the President’s supplemental that’s going to include, by the way, year-round E15 and some extra funding for farmers who are bearing the brunt of fertilizer prices right now, so maybe we do need to do that through reconciliation. My suggestion is let’s bring these one piece at a time, let’s get the Democrats on the record. Let’s vote just specifically on voter ID, then let’s vote specifically on proof of citizenship at time of registration. Let’s get these Democrats on the record, and let the American people put pressure on them on each one of these votes individually.”\n\n“Well, without Reconciliation 3.0, I’m not sure what we’re going to get across the finish line, and that’s why I think we need to walk and chew gum — we need to be going down a couple roads. Let’s get a vote on the record on the voter ID, and then the proof of citizenship, and then let’s go on to a reconciliation bill that at least nips at the edges on the funding portion of the SAVE America Act, and get the president’s supplemental legislation to him that would fund the military and take care of our farmers as well.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-06T08:59:18Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-06T09:01:25Z"}
{"url": "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-adams-mcbath-introduce-landmark-legislation-address-extreme", "title": "Reps. Adams, McBath, Introduce Landmark Legislation to Address Extreme Temperatures in Prisons", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "adams.house.gov", "scraper": "adams", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000370", "name": "Alma S. Adams", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), and Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-6) introduced the Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act, landmark legislation to protect incarcerated people and prison staff from dangerous temperatures in facilities across the country managed by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).\n\nThis bill is a continuation of work that Congresswomen Adams and McBath began last year. In March 2026, they successfully launched a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) study to further understand how the BOP currently tracks and addresses instances of extreme temperatures in their facilities. They also sent a letter of inquiry to the BOP in August 2025 regarding current conditions in their facilities, which informed this bill. In their response letter, the BOP stated that 18,736 incarcerated individuals reported symptoms of heat-related illness and 42 were diagnosed with heat stroke between January 2022 and September 2025.\n\nExtreme temperatures inside federal prisons can pose life-threatening risks. Incarcerated individuals have limited ability to insulate themselves and staff face occupational hazards that are routinely unregulated. Many BOP facilities lack basic climate control, leaving people in cells where temperatures can reach deadly levels during record heat waves and winter freezes. The Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act would establish the first comprehensive, mandatory federal standards to address this crisis.\n\n“The conditions in our federal prisons are unacceptable,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Across all 122 BOP facilities, there are more than 138,000 incarcerated people and roughly 34,000 BOP employees who live and work in these conditions every day. No one should be forced to endure dangerous, life-threatening temperatures because of aging infrastructure. The federal government has both a moral and constitutional responsibility to maintain safe and humane conditions for those in its custody.”\n\n\"Incarcerated persons do not lose their rights to basic standards of living and safety in federal prison,\"Congresswoman McBath said. \"As states across the country face record breaking temperatures this summer, it is common sense to require standardized installation and maintenance of HVAC systems in all federal prison facilities. This legislation is another important step towards improving our federal prison system.”\n\nThe Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act will:\n\nAuthorize funding for climate control system installation and upgrades in all federal prisons within five years, with temperature monitors in every cell and workspace.\n\nSet clear health and safety standards for extreme heat and cold across work, recreational activities, and housing.\n\nDirect the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to research how extreme temperatures harm incarcerated individuals and staff and develop extra protections for elderly, pregnant, and immunocompromised individuals.\n\nProvide free cooling and warming supplies — like cold water, fans, warm clothing, and blankets — when temperatures reach dangerous levels.\n\nImplement accountability measures regarding staff training for recognizing and responding to heat and cold emergencies\n\nRequire regular public reports on HVAC progress, temperature-related illness and deaths, and annual safety inspections.\n\n\"Incarcerated individuals deserve to live in safe and humane conditions that are conducive to rehabilitation,\" said Kevin Hagan, Esq., Federal Legislative Affairs Director with FAMM (formerly Families Against Mandatory Minimums). \"Unfortunately, too many live in deplorable conditions, facing extreme temperatures that can prove to be life-threatening. FAMM is proud to endorse the Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act. This much needed legislation is a step in the right direction towards accountability and reform within America's prisons.\"\n\n“As temperatures across the country rise to deadly levels, people in prisons are left without access to air conditioning and with few heat mitigation options,\" said Sarah Staudt, Director of Policy and Advocacy with Prison Policy Initiative. \"Even the most vulnerable are routinely forced to survive the sweltering conditions as best they can. Some will not make it.” Staudt adds, prison Policy Initiative strongly supports the Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act. This urgently needed legislation will ensure that people in prisons have access to air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. Among other things, it also compels the Bureau of Prisons to regularly monitor the temperatures incarcerated people are forced to endure, to develop standards around heat and cold stress, and to ensure that people in federal prisons have access to potentially life-saving temperature mitigation options. Ultimately, a heatwave should not be a death sentence.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-announces-upcoming-mobile-office-hour-banner-county", "title": "Smith Announces Upcoming Mobile Office Hour for Banner County", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "adriansmith.house.gov", "scraper": "adriansmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001172", "name": "Adrian Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) announced today that his staff will hold a mobile office hour for constituents in Banner County on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. This office hour is an opportunity for constituents to meet directly with a member of Smith's staff about federal issues, receive assistance with a federal agency, or take advantage of the services available through his office.\n\nSmith, who has offices in Grand Island, Scottsbluff, and Nebraska City, will provide a staff member at the following time and location:\n\nTuesday, July 21, 2026\n\nBanner County Courthouse\n\n2204 State Street\n\nHarrisburg, NE 69345\n\n10:00 am - 11:00 am MT", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-announces-upcoming-mobile-office-hour-hitchcock-county", "title": "Smith Announces Upcoming Mobile Office Hour for Hitchcock County", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "adriansmith.house.gov", "scraper": "adriansmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001172", "name": "Adrian Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) announced today that his staff will hold a mobile office hour for constituents in Hitchcock County on Monday, July 20, 2026. This office hour is an opportunity for constituents to meet directly with a member of Smith's staff about federal issues, receive assistance with a federal agency, or take advantage of the services available through his office.\n\nSmith, who has offices in Grand Island, Scottsbluff, and Nebraska City, will provide a staff member at the following time and location:\n\nMonday, July 20, 2026\n\nHitchcock County Courthouse\n\n229 East D Street\n\nTrenton, NE 69044\n\n12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CT", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-business-times-article-below-titled-nearly-million-investors-lost-total", "title": "ICYMI: The Business Times article below, titled “Nearly a million investors lost a total of US$3.8 billion on Trump crypto coin.\"", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "algreen.house.gov", "scraper": "algreen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000553", "name": "Al Green", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The Business Times article below, titled “Nearly a million investors lost a total of US$3.8 billion on Trump crypto coin,” speaks for itself.\n\nYou can access the article by clicking the link here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-al-green-joy-reid-show-discuss-major-watson-trumps-cryptocurrency", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Al Green on “The Joy Reid Show” to Discuss Major Watson, Trump’s Cryptocurrency Scam, and More.", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "algreen.house.gov", "scraper": "algreen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000553", "name": "Al Green", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Al Green on “The Joy Reid Show” to Discuss Major Watson, Trump’s Cryptocurrency Scam, and More.\n\nYou can access the news segment by clicking the link here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-reps-auchincloss-peters-joyce-unveil-landmark-bill-to-improve-discount-drug-pricing-program", "title": "Release: Reps. Auchincloss, Peters, Joyce Unveil Landmark Bill to Improve Discount Drug Pricing Program", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "auchincloss.house.gov", "scraper": "auchincloss", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000148", "name": "Jake Auchincloss", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nContact: Georgina.Burros@mail.house.gov (Auchincloss)\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Scott Peters (D-CA) and Dr. John Joyce (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Strengthening the Exercise of Controls and Upgrading Requirements for Efficiency (SECURE) in 340B Act, the first-ever comprehensive, bipartisan proposal to modernize the 340B Drug Pricing Program since its creation in 1992. This bill is also co-sponsored by Reps. Nanette Barragán (D-CA) and Dan Crenshaw (R-TX).\n\n“Employees' health premiums are too high, and the growth of the 340B program is one driver of that inflation,” said Congressman Auchincloss. “Instead of pointing fingers, it's time to fix the problems. This bill tackles the hard issues and asks every stakeholder to compromise for the common good.”\n\n\"For nearly a decade, I’ve fought to protect the 340B program for the safety-net providers and low-income patients in San Diego who depend on it to afford their prescription drugs. I’ve also pushed to make sure those savings actually reach the people for whom they’re intended. This bill does both,” Congressman Peters said. “The SECURE 340B Act closes the loopholes that have allowed the program to drift from its mission, stops the legal chaos that plagues the program today, and puts in place the kind of transparency and accountability that will keep 340B strong for decades to come.\"\n\n“Since its establishment, the 340B program has served as a critical lifeline for low-income patients to access lifesaving medications,” said Congressman John Joyce, M.D. “The statute has long needed additional clarity to reflect the way the program operates today and ensure that access to treatment remains available to patients most in need and the healthcare facilities that serve them. This bill, a bipartisan solution that I am proud to have worked on with my colleague Representative Scott Peters, seeks to close loopholes that have compromised the integrity of the program while ensuring a stable path forward for the many hospitals and patients in my district that rely on it.”\n\nThe 340B Program, the nation's second-largest federal prescription drug program, was created to help safety-net providers stretch limited resources through discounted drug prices. It allows these providers to purchase outpatient drugs at significantly reduced prices. The discounts have historically been applied upfront at the point of purchase.\n\nHowever, since federal law never defined who qualifies as a 340B “patient,” the program became ambiguous, and was misused. In the absence of a legal “patient” definition, manufacturers attempted their own rebate verification systems. Courts have tried to block these rebate pilot programs, but only on procedural grounds. To this day, the federal government still has no uniform way to prevent discounted medicines from going to ineligible patients or duplicate discounts, or to validate pricing data across federal programs.\n\nThe SECURE 340B Act addresses these gaps. It pauses manufacturer rebate models for four years while a new patient definition is created and standards for contract pharmacies, data sharing, and transparency take effect. It establishes a clear, statutory definition of “patient” based on previous federal guidance. The bill also directs the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to use an independent, conflict-free clearinghouse to securely manage prescription-level data, verify claims, and protect privacy. It also strengthens HRSA's authority and provides transparency and federal guardrails.\n\n“We support legislation that strengthens, stabilizes, and preserves this critical program for eligible hospitals and federally qualified health centers who care for our most vulnerable communities and patients. At BMC Health System, 340B savings are reinvested directly into services that expand access to care, improve health outcomes, and strengthen the healthcare safety net for underserved communities. We recognize that advancing and sustaining the 340B program, inclusive of addressing the rebate model, requires balancing the needs of patients, providers, and manufacturers. Establishing long-term regulatory certainty through durable, bipartisan solutions will help providers plan for the future and continue delivering high-quality, affordable care to those who need it most.” — David Twitchell, PharmD, MBA, SVP and Chief Innovation Officer, Boston Medical Center Health System\n\n\"The 340B program is vital to Community Health Centers (CHCs) and the 52 million people — one in seven Americans, including one in three in rural communities — who rely on CHCs for affordable, comprehensive, and high-quality care. We commend Representatives Joyce, Crenshaw, Peters, and Auchincloss for their bipartisan leadership in advancing this comprehensive legislation. Key provisions addressing contract pharmacies, providing a four-year delay of any potential rebate model, and establishing and evaluating a neutral clearinghouse are especially important. We look forward to working with these leaders and Members on both sides of the aisle to build upon the bill being introduced today and advance legislation that preserves and strengthens access to 340B for CHCs and their patients.” — Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, President and CEO, National Association of Community Health Centers\n\n“Recent polling shows that while most voters are unfamiliar with the 340B program, once they learn what it is, an overwhelming 91 percent say Congress should increase transparency and accountability. That tells us something important: even without getting everything they want, stakeholders and voters agree on the core reforms needed to protect patients and strengthen the program. Congressman Peters’ SECURE 340B Act reflects those areas of consensus; a clear patient definition, transparency without rigid spending mandates, and guardrails that keep the program focused on patient benefit.” — Scott Suckow, Chair of Patient Advocates United in San Diego and Executive Director of the Liver Coalition.\n\n“The SECURE 340B Act is an important and much-needed step toward bringing real guardrails, transparency, and accountability to a program that has grown well beyond its original design, and employers and other healthcare purchasers strongly support the introduction of this legislation. The bill provides a meaningful framework to help ensure the 340B program better serves patients and the communities it was intended to benefit, while creating a serious foundation for bipartisan policymaking. We look forward to working with policymakers to further strengthen the legislation, ensuring real accountability for 340B covered entities and drug makers alike while protecting flexibility for plan sponsors to ensure they can purchase affordable medications for working families.” — Shawn F. Gremminger, MPP, President and CEO, National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions\n\n“Advocates for Community Health is deeply grateful for the work of Representatives Peters, Joyce, Auchincloss, and Crenshaw to advance commonsense 340B program reform. ACH is a longstanding advocate for legislation that would stabilize and clarify the 340B program, and we are encouraged that SECURE reflects many of our members' core principles for reform, including the piloting of a claims clearinghouse before we rush into a rebate model. We look forward to continuing to advance this legislation, including refinements to the patient definition that reflects current health center operating procedures, as soon as possible.” — Amanda Pears Kelly, CEO, Advocates for Community Health\n\n“The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) appreciates the leadership of Representatives Peters, Joyce, Auchincloss, and Crenshaw for recognizing that the 340B program urgently needs bipartisan reform. The SECURE 340B Act includes important steps toward transparency, accountability, clearer patient eligibility, stronger oversight of child sites, and patient affordability protections. Those are reforms that COA has long called for to be urgently addressed. At the same time, Congress must ensure that any final legislation does not lock in the very abuses that have distorted 340B—particularly arrangements that allow PBMs from being contract pharmacies and hospital systems from capturing savings that should benefit vulnerable patients. We look forward to working with the sponsors to strengthen the legislation so that 340B discounts help patients in need, not profit PBMs and hospitals.” — Ted Okon, Executive Director, Community Oncology Alliance", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-condemns-rescission-affirmative-action-guidance", "title": "Scott Condemns Rescission of Affirmative Action Guidance", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "bobbyscott.house.gov", "scraper": "bobbyscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000185", "name": "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, Ranking Member Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) rescinded the 1979 rule that establishes affirmative action guidelines for employers.\n\n“The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) decision to rescind its long-standing guidelines on affirmative action in the workplace is another step in the Trump Administration’s campaign to dismantle civil rights and equal opportunity for workers. For nearly 50 years, the rule has established clear guidelines for employers on when and how to implement strategies to address race and gender imbalances and protect Americans from workplace discrimination.\n\n“Even without this guidance, employers are still required to follow Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Although the Supreme Court has limited the use of race in the admissions process to increase diversity in higher education, its earlier decisions, United Steelworkers v. Weber (1979) and Johnson v. Transportation Agency (1987), that guide the use of affirmative action in the private sector have not been overturned and remain the law of the land.As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, I am committed to fighting back against the Trump Administration's attacks on workers and to ensuring that all Americans are given an equal chance to get ahead.”\n\nBackground: Following Donald Trump’s unprecedented firing of two of the three Democratic Commissioners on the five-seat Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the elevation of Andrea Lucas as Chair of the Commission, the EEOC has taken numerous actions that undermine rather than advance equal opportunity for workers.\n\nOn September 22, 2025, Ranking Member Scott condemned the EEOC after it was reported that it would end investigations where an employee alleges solely disparate impact workplace discrimination charges.\n\nOn January 23, 2026, Ranking Member Scott expressed his concern that the EEOC had taken numerous actions at the direction of Chair Andrea Lucas that undermined the EEOC’s mission to protect workers from discrimination. In his letter to Chair Lucas, Ranking Member Scott noted that the Commission has abandoned cases alleging disparate impact, singled out white men as a group that should reach out to the EEOC with discrimination claims, and rescinded guidance that served as an important resource for both workers and employers regarding prohibitions against discrimination, including harassment.\n\nOn June 29, 2026, Ranking Member Scott condemned the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold President Trump’s firing of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, a decision that also undermines the independence of the EEOC.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/members-oregon-delegation-oppose-sudden-loss-columbia-river-hatchery-funding", "title": "Members of the Oregon Delegation Oppose Sudden Loss of Columbia River Hatchery Funding", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "bonamici.house.gov", "scraper": "bonamici", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001278", "name": "Suzanne Bonamici", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and the Oregon Congressional Delegation members Senator Ron Wyden, and Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) decried the decision of Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to abruptly end its participation in the Safe Area Fisheries Enhancement (SAFE) program. The SAFE program has been operational since 1993, and provides reliable stocks of hatchery raised fish including Spring chinook and coho salmon for Pacific Northwest commercial and recreational fisheries in the Lower Columbia River Basin.\n\n“The loss of SAFE program funding from BPA puts the entire program at risk and is anticipated to have devastating, regional impacts on Columbia River native fish populations. Hatcheries are a critical regional resource. Estimates show that approximately 80% of the salmon and steelhead that return to the Columbia River Basin were hatched and reared in fish hatcheries. The SAFE program produces millions of hatchery fish each year, providing relief for stocks of Endangered Species Act-listed fish while also supporting the region’s world class commercial fishing industries and recreational fishers alike,” write the lawmakers.\n\nBPA’s decision to end SAFE, that has provided hatchery funding for over 30 years, came with minimal notice and will create a nearly $2.4 million shortfall to be shared by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and Clatsop County. According to ODFW, more than 7 million hatchery salmon currently in production are at immediate risk. Without this funding, ODFW may be forced to close SAFE funded hatcheries and potentially cull the millions of salmon and eggs the agency will no longer be able to support.\n\n“When BPA shared its intent to terminate the SAFE program with its non-federal sponsors, the agency provided its partners with less than four months to accommodate for the loss of this critical stream of funding. However, work to produce next year’s stock of hatchery fish has already begun,” emphasized the Oregon Congressional Delegation.\n\nThe lawmakers concluded, “We urge BPA to reconsider its decision to walk back on its partnership with regional stakeholders to support fish mitigation activities through the SAFE program. Without strong collective action, communication, and trust, the hardworking stakeholders in the region won’t be able to overcome challenges of diminishing salmon populations and energy security. Further, walking back on the SAFE program stands in opposition to the President’s Executive Order 14276 on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. We encourage BPA to fulfill its obligations, and renew its contracts with ODFW, WDFW, and Clatsop County to provide certainty in critical fish stocks in our region.”\n\nFull text of the letter sent by the Oregon Congressional delegation can be found by clicking here and follows below:\n\nDear Administrator Kavulla:\n\nWe write to express our significant concern with the Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) recent decision to end its participation in the Select Area Fisheries Management (SAFE) program. The SAFE program has been operational since 1993, providing reliable stocks of Spring chinook and coho salmon for Pacific Northwest commercial and recreational fisheries. We strongly urge BPA to reconsider its actions and commit to renewing its SAFE program contracts to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and Clatsop County.\n\nThe loss of SAFE program funding from BPA puts the entire program at risk and is anticipated to have devastating, regional impacts on Columbia River native fish populations. Hatcheries are a critical regional resource. Estimates show that approximately 80% of the salmon and steelhead that return to the Columbia River Basin were hatched and reared in fish hatcheries.[1] The SAFE program produces millions of hatchery fish each year, providing relief for stocks of Endangered Species Act-listed fish while also supporting the region’s world class commercial fishing industries and recreational fishers alike.\n\nWhen BPA shared its intent to terminate the SAFE program with its non-federal sponsors, the agency provided its partners with less than four months to accommodate for the loss of this critical stream of funding. However, work to produce next year’s stock of hatchery fish has already begun. BPA’s decision to no longer support the SAFE program will jeopardize seven million fish that are currently being raised to be released into rivers next spring and will no longer be able to be supported by current funding schemes. It is likely that the hatchery will have to be closed and fish may be culled.\n\nFurther, the Northwest Power & Conservation Council, the organization that provides advice to BPA on its activities to mitigate the loss of fish populations, has long supported the SAFE program. In its most recent recommendations to BPA, the Council recommended that BPA renew its contracts for the program to continue to address the loss of salmon populations in the Columbia Basin.[2] It is disappointing that BPA cannot heed the advice of the organization designed to work with partners on this regional issue.\n\nWe urge BPA to reconsider its decision to walk back on its partnership with regional stakeholders to support fish mitigation activities through the SAFE program. Without strong collective action, communication, and trust, the hardworking stakeholders in the region won’t be able to overcome challenges of diminishing salmon populations and energy security. Further, walking back on the SAFE program stands in opposition to the President’s Executive Order 14276 on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. We encourage BPA to fulfill its obligations, and renew its contracts with ODFW, WDFW, and Clatsop County to provide certainty in critical fish stocks in our region.\n\n[1] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2024, August 15). Federal Columbia River Power System Mitigation Actions. NOAA Fisheries. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/endangered-species-conservation/federal-columbia-river-power-system-mitigation-actions", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-statement-arson-northeast-philadelphia-islamic-center", "title": "Boyle Statement on Arson at Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "boyle.house.gov", "scraper": "boyle", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001296", "name": "Brendan F. Boyle", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "PHILADELPHIA, PA — Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) released the following statement after police said they are investigating an arson at the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center on Tyson Avenue:\n\n“I am deeply disturbed by the apparent arson at the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center. Houses of worship must be places of peace and safety, not targets for violence or intimidation. I am grateful that no one was injured, but the fear caused by this attack is very real. I urge anyone with information to come forward immediately. Our Muslim community deserves our full support.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-announces-50-million-riverside-county-transportation-projects", "title": "Rep. Calvert Announces $50 Million for Riverside County Transportation Projects", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "calvert.house.gov", "scraper": "calvert", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000059", "name": "Ken Calvert", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded a total of $50 million to two Riverside County transportation projects from the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. Rep. Calvert led efforts to advocate for the grant applications submitted by Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and the City of Lake Elsinore, including sending letters of support and outreach to DOT officials.\n\nThe following projects were awarded funding:\n\n$25 Million - State Route 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project\n\nRecipient: Riverside County Transportation Commission\n\nProject summary: This project will implement an operational lane for approximately three miles in the eastbound direction on State Route 91 from the State Route 241 general purpose connector to the State Route 71 connector auxiliary lane. Other improvements include widening bridges, constructing retaining walls, constructing a two-lane exit ramp, replacing overhead signs, lowering Coal Canyon access road, and constructing debris and rockfall mitigation measures.\n\n$25 Million - I-15/SR 74 (Central Avenue) Interchange Improvement Project\n\nRecipient: City of Lake Elsinore\n\nProject summary: The project will make improvements to the I-15/SR-74 (Central Avenue) Interchange in the City of Lake Elsinore, California. Improvements include interchange reconfiguration, widening of a segment of SR-74 (Central Avenue), Dexter Avenue, upgraded on- and off-ramps, new traffic signals and freeway signage, ADA-compliant pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and drainage improvements.\n\n“The $50 million being awarded to Riverside County highway projects will make a significant impact by easing congestion and improving safety for drivers,” said Rep. Calvert. “By working together with Riverside County Transportation Commission and the city of Lake Elsinore, I’m proud to once again help return tax dollars back to our region to make a difference for the constituents I represent. Our region remains one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, which means we must continue to invest in infrastructure improvements to keep people moving and protect their quality of life. I will continue to work with our local communities to support the projects that are necessary to achieve those goals.”\n\n“With more than 300,000 vehicles traveling SR-91 between Riverside and Orange Counties each day, continued investment in the corridor is needed to keep our communities moving,” said RCTC Chair Raymond Gregory. “RCTC is grateful to Representative Ken Calvert for his help to secure $25 million in BUILD grant funding for the 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project, which will help improve traffic operations.”\n\n\"On behalf of the City of Lake Elsinore and my City Council colleagues, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to Congressman Ken Calvert and his team for his steadfast leadership and unwavering support in securing this transformative BUILD Grant,” said Lake Elsinore Mayor Bob Magee. “His commitment to improving infrastructure throughout Southwest Riverside County has helped make one of Lake Elsinore's highest-priority transportation projects a reality. This investment will significantly improve the I-15/SR-74 (Central Avenue) Interchange through a comprehensive reconfiguration of the interchange and also widen parts of SR-74 (Central Avenue) and Dexter Avenue, improving safety, reducing traffic congestion, strengthening regional connectivity, and providing more efficient access for residents, businesses, emergency responders, and the thousands of visitors who travel through our community each day. As one of the fastest-growing communities in California, Lake Elsinore depends on strategic infrastructure investments to support economic development, attract new businesses, create jobs, and, more importantly, improve our residents' quality of life. This project is not simply about improving an interchange—it is about investing in our community's future and ensuring our transportation network can support the opportunities ahead. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Calvert for his partnership, leadership, and unwavering commitment to bringing federal resources home to Lake Elsinore.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-whitesides-levin-introduce-bill-to-provide-climate-finance-to-countries-in-the-global-south-while-reducing-debt", "title": "Casten, Whitesides, Levin Introduce Bill to Provide Climate Finance to Countries in the Global South While Reducing Debt", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "casten.house.gov", "scraper": "casten", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001117", "name": "Sean Casten", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Reps. Sean Casten, George Whitesides, and Mike Levin introduced the Global Climate Resilience Act, legislation that would create a new debt-for-resilience program to improve the United States’ ability to provide climate finance and debt relief to countries in the Global South. This new program would enhance the United States’ ability to negotiate debt reductions with countries in the Global South that agree to undertake climate resilience initiatives. The legislation also directs the United States to use its influence with international financial institutions to promote debt reduction for nations at risk of climate damage and advocate for an international climate insurance program. Senators Peter Welch (VT) and Andy Kim (NJ) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.\n\n“Climate change is a global crisis that demands a global response,” said Rep. Casten. “The United States has a responsibility to help lead the way towards innovative financial solutions. I’m proud to support this legislation that strengthens climate resilience, supports our own national security, and advances a safer, more secure, and more prosperous future for communities across the Global South.”\n\n“I’ve seen the extreme financial impact that natural disasters like wildfires have on my community and state, and that problem exists at scale across the globe,” said Rep. Whitesides. “The Global Climate Resilience Act asserts U.S. leadership in combating climate change, while also addressing widespread debt by creating better pathways for countries in the Global South to invest in resilience measures for natural disasters. By making it easier for countries with developing economies to implement climate resilience initiatives, we can help facilitate a global effort to combat climate change with more nations and international organizations.”\n\n\"The science is clear: disasters are more intense, sea levels are rising, and climate change is accelerating. Combating these global challenges demands global cooperation,\" said Rep. Levin. \"Our Global Climate Resilience Act helps the world’s most vulnerable communities protect against the worst effects of climate change. By addressing root causes of poverty, disease, and migration around the world, our bill helps keep Americans safer, healthier, and more secure.\"\n\n“This House bill and its Senate companion directly respond to calls from the Global South to address two of its most pressing challenges: relieving crushing debt burdens and bolstering life-saving resilience efforts,” said Brenden Guy, Senior Director of International Climate at the Natural Resource Defense Council. “The climate crisis has eliminated 20% of the wealth of the most vulnerable countries in the world over the last two decades. And make no mistake, this is not charity: it’s a strategic investment in building global resilience that will also keep Americans safer and supply chains more secure from climate-fueled disasters that drive up prices. The bill advances much-needed solutions to build greater global resilience and prosperity that Congress should get behind.”\n\n“One of the biggest barriers to enacting climate action on a global scale is resourcing communities that have been extracted from for generations that want to transition to the clean energy economy but have been let down by Countries failing to meet their commitments to help in this transition,” said Aaron McCall, Federal Advocacy Coordinator, California Environmental Voters. “Oil Companies then fill this gap as primary energy suppliers and continue the cycle of extracting and polluting communities. This bill promises to take a step in the right direction to help communities looking to invest in the health and sustainability of their nation, and global health as a whole.”\n\n“If the United States wants to reclaim its leadership role in addressing the myriad global challenges of the climate crisis, we must truly lead from the front,” said Davis Bates, League of Conservation Voters’ Congressional Champions Campaign Director. “We must not simply renew our previous commitments to international agreements. We also need to support and empower countries around the world to adapt to increasingly disastrous extreme weather and build financial and structural climate resiliency for the future -- especially for countries least responsible for the pollution fueling climate change but are most impacted.”\n\n“Countries on the frontlines of climate change, including small island states, shouldn’t have to choose between paying down debt and protecting their communities and ecosystems,” said Dan Whittle, Associate Vice President, Resilient Caribbean, Environmental Defense Fund. “The Global Climate Resilience Act points to a smarter path, linking debt relief with investments that build resilience and stability. This is the kind of climate finance the moment demands.”\n\nJust last year, the Global South was devastated by floods and cyclones in South and Southeast Asia, hurricanes in the Caribbean, extreme heat waves in Middle East and Northern Africa, and rising sea levels which are beginning to submerge small Pacific Islands countries. While some nations have the resources necessary to adapt to the effects of climate change, countries with developing economies often lack resources to meet challenges of a warming world. For many countries in the Global South, this creates a vicious cycle where funds from economic growth service debt from a climate event instead of building resilience.\n\nCollective international action to reduce carbon emissions and build resilience are crucial to combatting the growing impacts of climate change. At the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COPs), global leaders recognized the need to provide climate financing to countries in the Global South. The United States must take further action to help at-risk countries reduce their debt.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415742", "title": "OSV News article featuring Smith's commentary'Ezra Jin Mingri, Chinese prisoner of conscience, released to US'", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Kate Scanlon\n\nPublished July 6, 2026 at 3:35 PM\n\nWASHINGTON (OSV News) — Ezra Jin Mingri, founder and pastor of an underground church in China and a prisoner of conscience in that country, was released from imprisonment and reunited with his family in the U.S. shortly before Independence Day, U.S. officials said.\n\nAt a May summit in China, President Donald Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to release political prisoners of interest to the U.S., including Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong’s prominent Catholic and pro-democracy campaigner, and Jin, founder and pastor of Zion Church. Both cases presented grave religious freedom concerns from U.S. officials. Lai remains in prison, where he is serving a 20-year sentence.\n\nIn 2018, Jin, the founder of Zion Church, and his family moved to the U.S. amid pressure on the church from Chinese officials. But Jin later returned and was prohibited from leaving the country. He was among dozens of members imprisoned in a crackdown by Chinese authorities on his Church in October 2025.\n\nEzra Jin Mingri, founder and pastor of an underground church in China and a prisoner of conscience in that country until his release, is pictured in a 2018 file photo in Beijing. Mingri arrived in Los Angeles July 3, 2026, after he was released from imprisonment and reunited with his family in the U.S. shortly before Independence Day, U.S. officials said. (OSV News photo/Thomas Peter, Reuters)\n\nCongressional-Executive Commission on China\n\nRep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., a Catholic, who is a longtime lawmaker and co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, said in a July 5 statement, “Pastor Jin should never have spent a single day behind bars for peacefully living out his Christian faith.”\n\n“His release is a joyous answer to countless prayers, and an important reminder that sustained and principled American engagement on behalf of religious and political prisoners can make a difference — including for the eight additional leaders of the Zion Church and the many others detained from across China’s diverse religious communities, such as Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, and Falun Gong practitioners,” Smith said.\n\nSmith thanked Trump and other U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for their efforts to secure Jin’s release.\n\n“Today, we celebrate Pastor Jin’s freedom, and tomorrow, we renew our commitment to securing the release of every prisoner of conscience still suffering under the cruel hands of the Chinese Communist Party — including and especially Jimmy Lai,” Smith said.\n\nUSCIRF 2026 annual report\n\nIn its 2026 annual report, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom said Chinese officials detained “more than 20 members of Zion Church, including its pastor Ezra Jin, for ‘unlawfully using online information.’” That report also cited pressure faced by underground Catholic clergy in that country.\n\nAs of July 6, USCIRF listed 896 total victims of China on its Frank R. Wolf Freedom of Religion or Belief Victims List for violations against people of multiple faith traditions.\n\nBefore his departure from the U.S. for his visit to China in May, religious freedom advocates urged Trump to seek the release of Chinese political prisoners during the trip. Trump told reporters at the White House that he planned to mention both Lai and Jin to Xi.\n\nHowever, on his return trip to the U.S., Trump on May 15 told reporters that Lai’s case was a “tough one.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415743", "title": "EWTN News article featuring Smith's commentary'China releases detained Christian pastor Ezra Jin Mingri'", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Madalaine Elhabbal\n\nPublished July 6, 2026 at 4:00 PM\n\nChina has freed underground Christian pastor Ezra Jin Mingri about two months after President Donald Trump publicly called for his release.\n\nJin, who was arrested by Chinese authorities on Oct. 10, 2025, was reunited with his family in Los Angeles on July 3 ahead of America 250 celebrations.\n\n“I am profoundly grateful that Pastor Ezra Jin has been released and reunited with his family,” Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, a Catholic, said in a July 5 statement. “I especially thank President Trump for personally raising Pastor Jin’s case with CCP [Chinese Communist Party] General Secretary Xi Jinping and for ensuring that U.S. diplomats remained committed in pressing for his freedom.”\n\nTrump said following his visit to China in May that President Xi Jinping was “giving very serious consideration to the pastor,” referring to Jin. Congress had urged Trump to use the U.S.-China summit to advocate for Jin’s release alongside Jimmy Lai, the jailed Catholic media tycoon and democracy advocate. Trump noted China’s president was less likely to release Lai.\n\nPastor Ezra Jin, who was detained on Oct. 10, 2025, by the Chinese communist government. | Credit: Photo courtesy of Grace Jin Drexel\n\nA statement issued to reporters by the pastor’s family said: “We truly witnessed a miracle and we are feeling so overwhelmed with joy. We thank God for this tremendous miracle. We also thank President Trump and his administration for their tremendous leadership. We hope this is a signal of a positive turn for people of faith in China and relations between our two nations.”\n\nJin was among nearly 30 people arrested by Chinese Communist Party authorities during a sweeping crackdown across nine cities on the underground Zion Church, of which he is the founder.\n\nFrances Hui, policy and advocacy manager at the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, wrote on social media: “Incredible to hear that [Jin] is free, has just arrived in L.A., and is finally reunited with his family.” Hui was among advocates who rallied on behalf of those imprisoned in China ahead of Trump’s visit.\n\nHui described standing beside Jin’s daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, as “a privilege,” noting that she and her husband, Bill Drexel, had advocated for Jin’s release while preparing for the birth of their third child.\n\nSenate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, said in a statement: “Despite months of imprisonment, Pastor Jin stayed true to his faith. Yet again, President Trump has demonstrated his ability to stand up for persecuted Christians worldwide.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415744", "title": "Daily Wire article featuring Smith's commentary'China Releases Influential Christian Prisoner In \"Miracle\" Move After Trump Pressured Xi'", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Leif Le Mahieu\n\nPublished July 6, 2026\n\nA Christian pastor imprisoned for months reunited with his family after the Chinese Communist Party released him following pressure from President Donald Trump.\n\nPastor Mingri “Ezra” Jin, the leader of one of the largest underground church networks in China, landed in the United States on the Fourth of July and was greeted by his family. Trump pushed Chinese President Xi Jinping to release Jin during his trip to China in May.\n\n“We truly witnessed a miracle and we are feeling so overwhelmed with joy. We thank God for this tremendous miracle,” Jin’s family said in a statement. “We also thank President Trump and his administration for their tremendous leadership.”\n\nJin and a number of other church leaders connected to Zion Church, an independent Protestant church, were rounded up and thrown into a detention center in southern China in October 2025. In January 2026, more Christians associated with Early Rain Covenant Church, an evangelical Presbyterian church, were targeted by the CCP.\n\nCredit: FRED DUFOUR/AFP via Getty Images.\n\nJin was accused of disseminating illegal information online.\n\nGrace Jin Drexel, who has fought for months to raise awareness about her father’s case, previously told The Daily Wire her father became a Christian after the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre.\n\n“When the country betrayed them in such a brutal way, it really was shocking, and they lost a sense of direction for my dad,” Grace said. “He then found the sense of purpose and direction in Christianity, and he turned to Christ, and he realized that was the firm foundation that he needed in order to build his life upon.”\n\nIn 2007, Jin started Zion after years of theological training in the United States. By 2018, the government had cracked down on Zion by closing its physical location and freezing the church’s assets.\n\nDuring his trip to China, Trump pressed Xi on the imprisonment of Jin and Hong Kong businessman Jimmy Lai.\n\n“I think he’s giving very serious consideration to the pastor,” Trump said after the trip. “He said he’s giving very serious consideration to that.”\n\nLawmakers praised Trump for advocating for Jin’s release.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415746", "title": "Zeale article on Smith's new legislation'Rep. Chris Smith introduces resolution condemning China's \"ethnic unity\" law'", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Elizabeth Ervin\n\nPublished July 6, 2026\n\nRep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., introduced a House resolution June 30 condemning a new Chinese Communist Party (CCP) law that he says gives the Chinese government unprecedented legal authority to replace distinct ethnic and religious identities with a single party-defined national identity.\n\nIn a July 1 press release, Smith, co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, said House Resolution1400 condemns the CCP's Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress, which took effect July 1. Jointly introduced with Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., the resolution argues Beijing is \"unjustly claiming\" the authority to punish lawful speech, advocacy, and religious practice beyond China's borders.\n\nAccording to the release, the Smith-McGovern resolution asserts that the CCP’s law threatens outside minority groups, including Uyghurs, Chinese dissidents, journalists, religious leaders, and former political prisoners.\n\n\"Beijing's message is chilling,\" Smith said in the release. \"Abandon your faith, forget your language, obey the Party — or face punishment, even abroad.\"\n\nThe measure also calls for sanctions and visa restrictions on Chinese officials and entities responsible for what lawmakers describe as the forced assimilation of ethnic and religious minorities, according to the release.\n\nSmith urged Congress to respond by condemning what he described as the CCP's campaign of “cultural and religious erasure.”\n\n\"This is not unity,\" Smith said. \"It is tyranny — and it turns cultural and religious erasure into official policy. Congress must act decisively to condemn the CCP's atrocities and protect Americans and diaspora communities from transnational repression.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/ciscomani-applauds-house-passage-landmark-kids-internet-safety-legislation", "title": "Ciscomani Applauds House Passage of Landmark Kids Internet Safety Legislation", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ciscomani.house.gov", "scraper": "ciscomani", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001133", "name": "Juan Ciscomani", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) is commending House passage of the Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act, which passed with bipartisan support in a 267-117 vote. Representative Ciscomani is proud to have voted in favor of this legislation to fight for the protection and safety of children using online platforms.\n\n\"As a father of six, my children’s safety is my number one concern. I want to know that they are safe, especially when using the internet,\" said Rep. Ciscomani. \"I am deeply committed to supporting legislation that protects our most vulnerable. That is why I am proud to have voted in favor of the KIDS Act and applaud its bipartisan passage in the House. I now urge the Senate to pass this bill because ensuring the safety of our children is not a partisan issue. It is simply common sense.\"\n\nAs minors have increased access to the internet and social media, it is imperative to put adequate protections in place to ensure those under 18 are safe while using these platforms. Statistics show that 44% of parents are concerned about their teen’s mental health and argue that social media is the biggest negative influence on this age group.\n\nIn addition to a negative impact on mental health, there has been an influx of harmful behaviors online in recent years such as cyberbullying and grooming, as well as kids experiencing increased exposure to explicit content such as pornography. Children online often encounter content they should not see because safeguards are too lax.\n\nThe KIDS Act, a sweeping legislative package, seeks to improve the safety of minors who use online platforms by combining 12 individual bills aiming to ensure the safety and privacy of children online. This package includes:\n\nThe SCREEN Act\n\nKids Online Safety Act (KOSA)\n\nSafe Messaging for Kids Act\n\nSPY KIDS Act\n\nSafer Gaming Act\n\nSAFE Bots Act\n\nSafe Social Media Act\n\nNo Fentanyl on Social Media Act\n\nAssessing Safety Tools for Parents and Minors Act\n\nPromoting a Safe Internet for Minors Act\n\nAWARE Act\n\nKids Internet and Safety Partnership Act\n\nIndividually, these bills seek to tackle specific internet safety issues but combined they deliver tangible steps to ensure more widespread protection of minors using the internet, including strengthened provisions for age verification, safeguards against exposure to harmful content such as pornography and grooming attempts from adults, and increased access for parents to oversee their child’s internet activity. Families deserve to have the proper tools and increased transparency that allows them to know their children are safe online.\n\nRep. Ciscomani remains dedicated to working towards ensuring there are proper protections put in place to keep children safe online. He strongly encourages his colleagues in the Senate to pass the KIDS Act so the President can eventually sign this crucial legislation into law.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2026/07/06/higgins-announces-lafayette-student-as-winner-of-the-2026-congressional-art-competition/", "title": "Higgins Announces Lafayette Student as Winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "clayhiggins.house.gov", "scraper": "clayhiggins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001077", "name": "Clay Higgins", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that Kristian Richard, a Lafayette homeschool student, is the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Louisiana’s 3rd District.\n\nDownload the full image here.\n\nKristian’s piece, titled “With God All Things Are Possible”, captures the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette. Congressman Higgins hosted Kristian and her family at the U.S. Capitol last week, where her artwork will remain on display for a year.", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/crow-statement-on-anniversary-of-trump-s-big-ugly-bill", "title": "Crow Statement on Anniversary of Trump's Big Ugly Bill", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://crow.house.gov/news", "domain": "crow.house.gov", "scraper": "crow", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001121", "name": "Jason Crow", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO) released the following statement one year since Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans pushed through their One Big Ugly Bill:\n\n“Americans won’t forget that Republicans cut healthcare to pass a massive tax cut for big corporations and the wealthiest Americans.\n\n“As Republicans pad the pockets of the elite and Donald Trump personally profits billions of dollars off the presidency, working families can’t afford healthcare, housing, and groceries.\n\n“The corruption under this Republican Congress and reckless Administration is staggering and completely unacceptable. The American people are rightfully angry and want accountability. Colorado families deserve better.”\n\nCongressman Crow voted against H.R. 1, Republicans’ One Big Ugly Bill. This law cut healthcare coverage for millions of Americans, is bankrupting rural hospitals, and is adding trillions of dollars to the national debt. In one year alone, thousands of Coloradans who had healthcare under Medicaid, CHIP, and the Affordable Care Act have lost it. As working Americans saw their healthcare and food assistance slashed because of it, the One Big Ugly Bill provided a massive tax cut to giant corporations and the top 1 percent.", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://dean.house.gov/2026/7/congresswoman-dean-announces-25-million-for-colebrookdale-railroad-preservation-trust-restorations", "title": "Congresswoman Dean Announces $25 Million for Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust Restorations", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://dean.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "dean.house.gov", "scraper": "dean", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000631", "name": "Madeleine Dean", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "POTTSTOWN, Pa. — Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) announced $25 million for the Colebrook Railroad Preservation Trust to expand its rail yard, modernize storm-resistant infrastructure, and rehabilitate the High Street bridge. Spanning Boyertown and Pottstown, the Colebrookdale Railroad is a mobile museum, offering a scenic and historic route through Pennsylvania’s industrial past.\n\nThis federal funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. BUILD grants are support regional and local surface transportation infrastructure projects across the country. The Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust will use the funding to support major restorations, prioritizing railway safety. Additionally, the project will connect the High Street bridge to the Schuylkill River Trail, West High Street sidewalk, and SEPTA transit hub via secure pedestrian walkways.\n\n“The Colebrookdale Railroad is an economic and tourist engine for the region, connecting us to our strong industrial past while looking creatively to our future,” Rep. Dean said. “I am thrilled that Colebrookdale will receive $25 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to increase accessibility, enhance railway safety, and grow recreational and educational offerings in our region.”\n\nCongresswoman previously helped Redevelopment Authority of the County of Berks secure $16 million for railroad crossing safety improvements. Recently, Congresswoman Dean secured $800,000 in FY26 Community Project Funding for Colebrookdale Railroad trains to reach Pottstown.\n\nRep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-america-turns-250-dexter-announces-effort-capture-and-preserve-oregon", "title": "ICYMI: As America Turns 250, Dexter Announces Effort to Capture and Preserve Oregon Veterans' Stories", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "dexter.house.gov", "scraper": "dexter", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000635", "name": "Maxine Dexter", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "GRESHAM, OR — Last week, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) announced her office will participate in the Veterans History Project, an initiative created in 2000 by the Library of Congress to collect and preserve the firsthand recollections of U.S. military veterans who served from World War I through more recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions. Through recorded interviews and donated materials such as photographs, letters, and journals, the project creates a lasting historical record of veterans' sacrifices in the permanent collection of the Library of Congress.\n\n“As we reflect on 250 years of American history, the story of this nation is a story of the people, including the men and women who fought for its freedom,” said Dexter. \"It is a profound privilege to help capture and preserve these stories and make them accessible for generations to come.\"\n\nDexter launched the project at an event on June 22 with veterans and the Oregon Historical Society at Gresham's VFW Post 180.\n\nVeterans in attendance shared extraordinary stories of service. One Korean War veteran recalled saving a child during an evacuation of a village after his entire family was killed. Decades later, the son of the child wrote the veteran thanking him for his courage and kindness, and the lives he created. Another veteran recalled being pinned down by enemy fire during the Vietnam War's Tet Offensive with dwindling supplies. Footage of the event can be found here.\n\nIf you are an Oregon veteran or Gold Star family member and are ready to share your story, please contact Congresswoman Dexter’s office or visit her website to get started.", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3248", "title": "Congresswoman Escobar Statement on Estrella del Paso Funding", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement in response to news that the Trump administration was withholding funds from Estrella del Paso:\n\n\"Estrella del Paso has been a lifeline for immigrant families in our community, providing the legal support that makes our justice system fairer and more accessible. The Trump Administration's decision to withhold funding for unaccompanied minors has placed that mission in jeopardy, created unnecessary uncertainty for the people who depend on it, and deliberately attacked due process. Every day these funds remain frozen puts essential legal services for children and the future of Estrella del Paso at greater risk - reimbursements should be released now.\"\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://gabeevans.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gabe-evans-leads-congressional-effort-address-daca-renewal-delays", "title": "Congressman Gabe Evans Leads Congressional Effort to Address DACA Renewal Delays Affecting Workers in CO-08", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gabeevans.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "gabeevans.house.gov", "scraper": "gabeevans", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000300", "name": "Gabe Evans", "party": "Republican", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Gabe Evans sent aletter joined by several Republican Members of Congress urging the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to expedite the timely processing of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal applications and employment authorizations for individuals who filed their paperwork on time but are now facing months-long delays.\n\nWhile the delays are impacting communities across the country, Congressman Evans has made the issue a priority after hearing directly from constituents throughout Colorado's Eighth Congressional District. In recent months, his office has worked extensively with USCIS to help constituents whose work authorizations were nearing expiration while their renewal applications remained pending.\n\nThose efforts resulted in several delayed renewals being approved, but other DACA applicants have yet to hear back on their visas.\n\n\"We are grateful for the partnership between USCIS and our offices’ caseworkers to process applications for our constituents most at-risk to employment termination. However, the current delays are leaving otherwise eligible workers at risk of lapses in authorization, lost wages, and job separation….We stand ready to partner with USCIS and DHS to legislatively address any barriers to the timely processing of visa renewals. To best inform Congressional oversight and support, please provide answers to the following questions within 10 businesses days so we can work together to expedite the reviews of DACA renewals and help American industries thrive.\"\n\nThe letter further requests DHS and USCIS to work alongside Congress to identify the causes of the growing backlog, improve transparency surrounding processing times, and provide Congress with recommendations necessary to restore predictable, timely adjudication of DACA renewal applications. The Members also requested information regarding current processing times, staffing needs, and the Department's plan to reduce backlogs and prevent future employment disruptions.\n\nCurrent delays have left many workers waiting as long as six months for renewals despite filing within USCIS's recommended timeline, placing them at risk of losing their employment through no fault of their own. The Members note that these delays not only affect workers and their families, but also employers in industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and hospitality that rely on legally authorized employees.\n\nThe letter requests that DHS provide Congress with a response within ten business days so lawmakers can work collaboratively with the Department to address the backlog and prevent future disruptions for legally authorized workers and the businesses that depend on them.", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perez-urges-senate-to-fund-the-independent-watchdog-chemical-safety-board", "title": "Gluesenkamp Perez Urges Senate to Fund the Independent Watchdog Chemical Safety Board", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "domain": "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "scraper": "gluesenkampperez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000600", "name": "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Early this week, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez sent a letter to Senate Appropriations leaders urging them to include robust funding for the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazards Investigations Board (CSB) in the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez championed CSB funding in the House draft of this appropriations bill. Her efforts resulted in raising the budget – which had been cut entirely in the Administration’s proposal – back to its FY26 enacted level of $14 million.\n\nThe CSB is an independent, nonregulatory federal agency created by Congress. In the wake of chemical disasters, CSB is tasked with investigating the circumstances and cause of the incident and providing recommendations to prevent similar disasters from ever happening again. It is through this work that families, communities, and victims get the truth and assurances they need to move forward in the wake of world altering tragedies.\n\n“Last month, when millworkers in Longview faced the worst industrial accident in modern Washington history, a team from the CSB arrived at the site the next day, ready to get to work,” Said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, “I’m really proud of my work, and the bipartisan work of my colleagues in the House, ensuring that the agency is fully funded and able to continue keeping jobsites safe. We need the Senate to build on this momentum and ensure strong, sustained funding for the CSB in this and all future appropriations bills.”\n\nThe letter, which was addressed to Senate Appropriations Chair Collins, Vice Chair Murray, Chair Murkowski, and Ranking Member Merkley, can be read HERE.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/photo-release-gottheimer-celebrates-250th-independence-day-with-fifth-district-families-veterans-and-first-responders-in-ridgefield-park", "title": "PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Celebrates 250th Independence Day with Fifth District Families, Veterans, and First Responders in Ridgefield Park", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Above: Congressman Gottheimer at 4th of July Celebration Parade in Ridgefield Park.\n\nRIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ — Today, Saturday, July 4, 2026, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined North Jersey families, veterans, first responders, and local elected officials to commemorate America’s 250th birthday at celebrations at Ridgefield Park’s annual July 4th, Independence Day Parade.\n\n“There’s no better way to celebrate 250 years of American independence than surrounded by North Jersey families, veterans, and first responders — the people who make our communities, and this country, worth fighting for,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Seeing our neighbors come together like this reminds me why, right here in the greatest country in the world, our best days are always still ahead of us.”\n\nBelow: Congressman Gottheimer at 4th of July Celebration Parade in Ridgefield Park.\n\n###\n\n###\n\nJul 6, 2026\n\nPress\n\nPHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Celebrates Independence Day with Fifth District Families, Veterans, and First Responders in Ridgewood\n\nAbove: Congressman Gottheimer at 4th of July Celebration Parades in Ridgewood. RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Today, July 4, 2026, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined Fifth District families, veterans, first responders, and local elected officials to commemorate America’s 250th birthday at celebrations in Ridgewood. “It was an honor to mark America’s 250th birthday alongside North Jersey families, […]\n\nJul 2, 2026\n\nPress\n\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Ahead of 4th of July and America’s 250th, Gottheimer Announces Summer Safety Plan\n\nAbove: Gottheimer announces Summer Safety Plan. TEANECK, N.J. — Today, Thursday, July 2, 2026, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) unveiled his “Summer Safety Plan” at the Teaneck Community Pool, announcing new federal action on pool safety, sun exposure, and grill safety ahead of the July 4th holiday and America’s 250th anniversary. “A massive heat wave is coming […]\n\nJul 1, 2026\n\nPress\n\nRELEASE: Gottheimer Announces Bipartisan Legislation to Require Labels on AI-Generated Content\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, July 1, 2026, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Co-Chair of the Democratic AI Commission, joined with Congressmen. Tom Kean Jr. (NJ-7) and Sam Liccardo (CA-16) to announce bipartisan legislation requiring that all AI-generated content carry a built-in label embedded in its metadata — giving consumers, platforms, and regulators a reliable way to […]", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/photo-release-gottheimer-celebrates-independence-day-with-fifth-district-families-veterans-and-first-responders-in-ridgewood", "title": "PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Celebrates Independence Day with Fifth District Families, Veterans, and First Responders in Ridgewood", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Above: Congressman Gottheimer at 4th of July Celebration Parades in Ridgewood.\n\nRIDGEWOOD, NJ — Today, July 4, 2026, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined Fifth District families, veterans, first responders, and local elected officials to commemorate America’s 250th birthday at celebrations in Ridgewood.\n\n“It was an honor to mark America’s 250th birthday alongside North Jersey families, veterans, and first responders, and to pay tribute to those who have fought, and continue to fight, for our freedom,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Days like today, in communities like ours, are why I know our best days are always still to come, right here in the greatest country on Earth.”\n\nWatch speech and b-roll here.\n\nBelow: Congressman Gottheimer at 4th of July Celebration Parades in Ridgewood.\n\n###\n\nJul 6, 2026\n\nPress\n\nPHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Celebrates 250th Independence Day with Fifth District Families, Veterans, and First Responders in Ridgefield Park\n\nAbove: Congressman Gottheimer at 4th of July Celebration Parade in Ridgefield Park. RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ — Today, Saturday, July 4, 2026, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined North Jersey families, veterans, first responders, and local elected officials to commemorate America’s 250th birthday at celebrations at Ridgefield Park’s annual July 4th, Independence Day Parade. “There’s no better […]\n\nJul 2, 2026\n\nPress\n\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Ahead of 4th of July and America’s 250th, Gottheimer Announces Summer Safety Plan\n\nAbove: Gottheimer announces Summer Safety Plan. TEANECK, N.J. — Today, Thursday, July 2, 2026, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) unveiled his “Summer Safety Plan” at the Teaneck Community Pool, announcing new federal action on pool safety, sun exposure, and grill safety ahead of the July 4th holiday and America’s 250th anniversary. “A massive heat wave is coming […]\n\nJul 1, 2026\n\nPress\n\nRELEASE: Gottheimer Announces Bipartisan Legislation to Require Labels on AI-Generated Content\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, July 1, 2026, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Co-Chair of the Democratic AI Commission, joined with Congressmen. Tom Kean Jr. (NJ-7) and Sam Liccardo (CA-16) to announce bipartisan legislation requiring that all AI-generated content carry a built-in label embedded in its metadata — giving consumers, platforms, and regulators a reliable way to […]", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-announces-93-million-build-grant-sullivan-county-and-city-milan", "title": "Graves Announces $9.3 Million BUILD Grant for Sullivan County and the City of Milan", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "graves.house.gov", "scraper": "graves", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000546", "name": "Sam Graves", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that Sullivan County and the City of Milan has received a $9.3 million BUILD (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development) Grant to improve their infrastructure.\n\nThe $9,369,473 grant will fund a full reconstruction of Grand Avenue and improvements along the Market Street and 3rd Street connection. The project will strengthen connections between the new Sullivan County Memorial Hospital, Milan C-2 School District campus, downtown square, and other major employers.\n\n“These much-needed infrastructure improvements in Milan are critical to the future of the community,” Graves said. “This BUILD grant will help provide safe access for the new hospital, as well as the school district and other employers and businesses. Congratulations to the City of Milan, Sullivan County, and all the folks who have worked hard to secure this grant. I’m grateful to President Trump and Secretary Duffy for awarding this funding and working with me to make major infrastructure improvements in rural North Missouri.”\n\nThe project will include milling, striping, overlay, and the installation of medians, stormwater systems, and ADA-compliant traffic controls as well as the construction of sidewalks, water and sewer line relocations, and roadway capacity enhancements.", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=F6A33610-3287-433D-AB77-DE734EAE27E3", "title": "Hayes, Booker Lead Bicameral Legislation to Strengthen Environmental Education and Sustainability Literacy in Schools", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "hayes.house.gov", "scraper": "hayes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001081", "name": "Jahana Hayes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced the Green Ribbon Act, bicameral legislation designed to expand environmental education, promote health and wellness, and strengthen sustainability literacy in schools nationwide. The bill builds on the success of the ED-Green Ribbon Schools Program at the Department of Education, first established in 2011.\n\nThe ED-Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) Program is a federal recognition initiative highlighting schools, districts, postsecondary institutions, and early learning centers that implement cost-saving, health-promoting, and performance-enhancing sustainability practices. Since its launch, ED-GRS has honored more than 700 awardees—over 40 percent of whom serve resource-constrained communities—helping drive the adoption of environmentally responsible practices across the nation’s education system.\n\nThe program last issued awards in 2024. The Trump Administration quietly wound down the program last year, ending more than a decade of recognitions.\n\n“Expanding the Green Ribbon Schools program would encourage more students, faculty, and administrators to incorporate sustainable practices in schools, especially those in underserved communities,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “I am pleased to introduce the Green Ribbon Act with Senator Booker to strengthen environmental education and sustainability initiatives in schools.”\n\n“Schools across the country are demonstrating that sustainability initiatives can lower costs, improve student health, and strengthen educational outcomes,” said Senator Booker. “This bicameral legislation builds on the success of the ED-Green Ribbon Schools Program by helping more schools—especially in underserved communities—adopt sustainable practices that improve air quality, reduce energy costs, expand environmental learning opportunities, and create healthier environments where students and communities can thrive.”\n\nThe Green Ribbon Act includes three major components:\n\nGive the current program greater impact by strengthening the pipeline of school applicants for the award through greater engagement by participating states.\n\nProvide federal award winners with a modest honorarium, which would further encourage more applicants while enabling winners to join their peers in Washington, D.C. for the annual award ceremony.\n\nExtend the program to include awards for non-formal learning institutions (museums, libraries, zoos, aquaria, etc.), with the award program managed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.\n\nThe Green Ribbon Act is endorsed by endorsed by 21st Century School Fund, Action for the Climate Emergency, American Federation of Teachers, Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, Campaign for Climate Literacy, Captain Planet FoundationCenter for Green Schools at U.S. Green Building Council, EcoRise, Go Green Initiative, Green Schools National Network, Green Schoolyards America, International WELL Building Institute, National Center for Science Education, National Education Association, National Wildlife Federation, New Buildings Institute, North American Association for Environmental Education, SEI (Strategic Energy Innovations), State Education and Environment Roundtable, The Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education, The Wild Center, Ten Strands, UndauntedK12, US Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development, and Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-announces-new-communications-director-0", "title": "Hudson Announces New Communications Director", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hudson.house.gov", "scraper": "hudson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001067", "name": "Richard Hudson", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) announced he has named Colin O’Brien as his Communications Director. O’Brien will be based in the Washington, DC office.\n\n“Colin is a talented and motivated communications professional, and will serve the people of North Carolina's 9th district well,” said Rep. Hudson.\n\nPrior to joining Rep. Hudson’s office, Colin served as Deputy Press Secretary and Press Assistant in Senator Bill Cassidy’s office and as a Political Director for Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Jason Smith (MO-08).\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-rep-peters-lead-bipartisan-proposal-restore-clarity-340b-program", "title": "Dr. Joyce, Rep. Peters Lead Bipartisan Proposal to Restore Clarity to the 340B Program", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "johnjoyce.house.gov", "scraper": "johnjoyce", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000302", "name": "John Joyce", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "July 6, 2026\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) and Congressman Scott Peters (CA-50) introduced H.R. 9599, the SECURE 340B Act, the first-ever comprehensive, bipartisan proposal to modernize the 340B Drug Pricing Program since its creation in 1992.\n\nThe legislation would update statutory language to address misuse of the drug pricing program through clarified eligibility standards and guardrails to prevent further abuse.\n\n“Since its establishment, the 340B program has served as a critical lifeline for low-income patients to access lifesaving medications,” said Congressman Joyce. “The statute has long needed additional clarity to reflect the way the program operates today and ensure that access to treatment remains available to patients most in need and the healthcare facilities that serve them. This bill, a bipartisan solution that I am proud to have worked on with my colleague Representative Scott Peters, seeks to close loopholes that have compromised the integrity of the program while ensuring a stable path forward for the many hospitals and patients in my district that rely on it.”\n\n\"For nearly a decade, I’ve fought to protect the 340B program for the safety-net providers and low-income patients in San Diego who depend on it to afford their prescription drugs. I’ve also pushed to make sure those savings actually reach the people for whom they’re intended. This bill does both,” said Congressman Peters. “The SECURE 340B Act closes the loopholes that have allowed the program to drift from its mission, stops the legal chaos that plagues the program today, and puts in place the kind of transparency and accountability that will keep 340B strong for decades to come.\"\n\nThe SECURE 340B Act is also cosponsored by Reps. Jake Auchincloss (MA-4), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), and Dan Crenshaw (TX-2).\n\nBackground\n\nThe 340B Program has greatly expanded since its creation over three decades ago.\n\nDespite the expansion and changes in administration of the program, statutory language has not been meaningfully modernized.\n\nSeveral recent lawsuits have highlighted the need to clarify the boundaries of the program.\n\nWithout Congressional action, the long-term stability of the program is in jeopardy.\n\nIssues:CongressHealth", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-huffman-raskin-introduce-resolution-reaffirming-church-state-separation-ahead-of-americas-250th-anniversary/", "title": "Brownley, Huffman, Raskin Introduce Resolution Reaffirming Church-State Separation Ahead of America’s 250th Anniversary", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://juliabrownley.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "juliabrownley.house.gov", "scraper": "juliabrownley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001285", "name": "Julia Brownley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Last week, Congresswoman Brownley (CA-26), Congressman Huffman (CA-02), and Congressman Raskin (MD-08), alongside other democratic colleagues, introduced a resolution in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. As the United States prepares to celebrate its Semiquincentennial, the resolution recognizes the nation’s long tradition of protecting religious liberty through a secular government, celebrates America’s growing religious diversity, and rejects efforts to use the power of government to impose any one religious belief on the American people.\n\nThis resolution comes at a pivotal moment for religious freedom in America. Last week, Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission released a dangerous 224-page draft report proposing policies that would expand the role of religion in government and weaken safeguards that have protected religious freedom for generations. The commission is stacked with mostly right-wing Christian nationalists, and one conservative Jewish member, all of whom endorse claims that America was founded as a Chrisian nation.\n\n“Last week Trump’s so called Religious Liberty Commission released an absurd report launching a direct attack on one of America’s greatest constitutional achievements: the separation of church and state,” said Rep. Jared Huffman. “The Constitution doesn’t belong to Christian nationalists, and it doesn’t belong to Donald Trump. It belongs to all of us, and its promise of religious freedom protects every American, regardless of what they believe. No president, no matter how determined to erode our constitutional freedoms, can change what has always been at the heart of this country: a belief in liberty and freedom for all. That includes the freedom to worship as you choose, or not at all, without government interference or religious coercion. That’s the America worth celebrating after 250 years, and it’s the America we must continue to defend.”\n\n“Our Founders rebelled against centuries of state-controlled churches, religious warfare, Crusades, inquisitions, witchcraft trials, and other expressions of religious authoritarianism to create a secular Constitution,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin. “As we mark America’s 250th anniversary, our resolution is a necessary reminder to guard religious freedom, one of our nation’s founding principles, from those seeking to destroy it by using the government to impose white Christian nationalism. Mr. President, read the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses of our Constitution.”\n\nThe resolution draws on the writings of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Washington, and other Founders, as well as longstanding constitutional precedent, to underscore that religious freedom flourishes when government remains neutral in matters of faith. It also recognizes that the First Amendment’s Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses have safeguarded Americans of every religion, and those of no religion, for nearly 250 years.\n\nA full copy of the resolution can be found here.\n\nIn addition to Brownley, Huffman, and Raskin, the resolution is cosponsored by Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Sean Casten (IL-06), Emily Randall (WA-06), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Robert Garcia (CA-42).\n\nThe resolution is endorsed by Americans United for Separation of Church and State, American Humanist Association, Freedom From Religion Foundation, Secular Coalition, The Center for Inquiry, and Interfaith Alliance, and Baptist Joint Committee, Ex-Muslims of North America, Muslim Public Affairs Council, Jews for Secular Democracy, Society for Humanistic Judaism, Emgage, Vote Common Good, Sikh Coalition.\n\nA full list of quotes from endorsed organizations can be found here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/2026/07/06/the-swellesley-report-500000-for-climate-resilience-in-wellesley-and-charles-river-watershed/", "title": "The Swellesley Report: $500,000 for climate resilience in Wellesley and Charles River Watershed", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "katherineclark.house.gov", "scraper": "clark", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001101", "name": "Katherine M. Clark", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Malden, Everett, Revere Advocate: CHA Birth Center to reopen on July 6\n\nCambridge Health Alliance (CHA), a community health system serving Cambridge, Somerville and Boston’s metro-north...\n\nWhip Clark Statement Marking One Year of Republicans’ Big Ugly Law\n\nMALDEN, MA — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) released the following statement marking one year since...\n\nNBC Boston: ‘If you’re born in America, you’re American’: Reaction to birthright citizenship ruling\n\nMassachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and other prominent New England Democrats are celebrating the U.S. Supreme Court's...\n\nWBUR: Mass. politicians and immigrant advocates praise Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling\n\nElected leaders and immigration advocates in Massachusetts applauded the Supreme Court's decision to uphold...\n\nCambridge Day: Supreme Court says gov’t can end protections for Haitian and Syrian nationals\n\nThe United States Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling in Mullin v. Doe, which allows the Trump Administration to terminate...\n\nWhip Clark Slams Supreme Court TPS Decision: “Horrendous, Racist Policy”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA-7), Sen. Ed...\n\nWhip Clark Urges Action on Gun Violence Prevention: “Congress Has the Power To Save Lives\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chair...\n\nThe Hill: Democrats condemn ‘cruel and lawless’ Supreme Court decision allowing Trump to end deportation protections\n\nDemocrats on Capitol Hill railed against a Supreme Court decision on Thursday that found the Trump administration...\n\nWhip Clark Slams GOP’s “Moral Rot” After Housing Betrayal\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined House and Senate Democrats to denounce...\n\nWhip Clark on Dobbs Anniversary: Democrats Fighting for “A Future Worthy of Our Daughters\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8),...", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-mackenzie-bynum-mcguire-introduce-bipartisan-bill-expand", "title": "Krishnamoorthi, Mackenzie, Bynum, McGuire Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Federal Job Opportunities for Qualified Workers Without Bachelor's Degrees", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (D-OR), and Congressman John McGuire (R-VA) introduced the bipartisan Federal Jobs for STARs Act today, legislation to modernize federal hiring by reducing unnecessary bachelor's degree requirements for many federal jobs and helping ensure qualified workers who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) can compete for federal jobs based on their skills and experience.\n\nNearly two-thirds of American adults do not have a bachelor's degree, yet millions have developed valuable skills through military service, apprenticeships, community college, career and technical education, and on-the-job training. The Federal Jobs for STARs Act would help ensure the federal government recruits talent based on skills and experience while preserving bachelor's degree requirements for positions where they are genuinely necessary.\n\n\"Qualified Americans should not be denied a fair opportunity to compete for federal jobs simply because they don't have a bachelor's degree,\" said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. \"For millions of Americans, that unnecessary barrier has become a 'paper ceiling' separating them from federal jobs they are fully qualified to perform. The federal government should lead by example by evaluating applicants based on whether they have the skills and experience to do the job—not simply whether they have a four-year degree. This bipartisan bill will help recruit the best talent into public service while expanding opportunity for qualified Americans.\"\n\n“College degrees aren’t the only way that workers gain valuable skills and experience. Through apprenticeships, military service, and on-the-job experience, Americans are building the skills our federal workforce needs. Unfortunately, excessive degree requirements are preventing countless workers from putting that experience to work on behalf of taxpayers. That’s why the Federal Jobs for STARs Act opens the door for talented workers who built their skills outside the classroom — helping to ensure that federal hiring is based on merit, not just credentials,\" said Congressman Mackenzie.\n\n“Hiring practices that require traditional educational experience mean that both employers and employees miss out”, said Rep. Bynum. “Talented workers can emerge from military service, technical education, apprenticeships, or certification programs – not just four-year degree programs.”\n\n\"Our country is home to some of the best and brightest workers,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “Yet, too often, talented men and women are blocked from joining the federal workforce due to the lack of a college degree. There are many ways to gain relevant experience, including military service, on the job training, and apprenticeships. Qualified candidates should be able to apply for jobs, despite lacking educational degree attainment. This bill ensures the most qualified applicants are given a chance to play a role in our nation’s success and recognizes that education shouldn’t be a barrier for an otherwise qualified individual to join the federal workforce.”\n\n“One of the core principles of our government is that hiring in the civil service is based on merit. The Federal Jobs for Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) Act advances this principle by removing unnecessarily restrictive degree requirements, opening opportunities for qualified applicants and creating the largest hiring pool. By expanding the talent pipeline, this legislation ensures the federal government can address workforce shortages and hire the best candidates possible, while respecting educational or licensing requirements when necessary. Thank you to Representatives Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Mackenzie (R-PA), Bynum (D-OR), and McGuire (R-VA) for their leadership in supporting the federal workforce,” said Randy Erwin, National President of the National Federation of Federal Employees.\n\n\"The Federal Jobs for STARs Act is an important step toward ensuring that federal hiring reflects what matters most: the skills, experience, and ability to do the job,\" said Blair Corcoran de Castillo, Senior Vice President of Public Sector & Policy at Opportunity@Work. \"More than 70 million Americans are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs), having developed valuable skills through military service, apprenticeships, community college, workforce training, and years of experience. This bipartisan legislation will help ensure that all workers with the skills for the job can compete for federal careers.\"\n\nThe Federal Jobs for STARs Act would:\n\nReduce unnecessary bachelor's degree requirements for many federal jobs while preserving degree requirements where they are genuinely necessary.\n\nDirect the Office of Personnel Management to establish skills-based qualifications that recognize military service, apprenticeships, community college, career training, and other alternative pathways.\n\nCreate a dedicated hiring pathway on USAJobs for STARs.\n\nRequire a government-wide study on additional training, education, and career development opportunities for STAR employees.\n\nOriginal cosponsors include: Representatives Troy Downing (R-MT), Shomari Figures (D-AL), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), and Josh Walkinshaw (D-VA).", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-larson-washington-post-now-bipartisan-make-wealthy-pay", "title": "Ranking Member Larson in the Washington Post: “Now Bipartisan – Make the Wealthy Pay into Social Security”", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "larson.house.gov", "scraper": "larson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000557", "name": "John B. Larson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "East Hartford, CT – House Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01) penned a letter to the editor in the Washington Postapplauding Senator Elizabeth Warren’sbipartisan breakthrough on Social Security, who recently led a call with Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) to prevent automatic benefit cuts by lifting the cap, so the wealthy pay their fair share into Social Security. Ranking Member Larson’s Social Security 2100 Act would scrap the cap to protect Social Security and enhance benefits so that no one can work all their lives and retire into poverty in the United States of America.\n\nLarson’s letter to the editor was endorsed by a broad coalition of labor and Social Security advocates from across the country, including Jessica LaPointe, President of AFGE Council 220; and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), a member of the AFL-CIO; as well as Social Security Works, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, the Alliance for Retired Americans, and EPI Action.\n\nRead Ranking Member Larson’s letter here:\n\nRegarding the June 28 editorial, “How to make Social Security worse”:\n\nSens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) should be applauded for their bipartisan breakthrough. The wealthy should pay their fair share.\n\nThe recent Trustees Report highlighted the need to act. Benefit cuts are six years away. The average senior could lose $500 per month.\n\nThe Editorial Board is correct that the wealthiest would pay more; failure to act would be far worse. 1.9 million Ohioans Moreno represents would lose approximately $448 per month and Ohio communities would lose more than $850 million. Republican proposals to raise the retirement age would be a similar cut. Meanwhile, lifting the $184,500 cap affects only those earning above that, protecting working families and small businesses from paying more while protecting against benefit cuts.\n\nSocial Security keeps more than 23 million people out of poverty, including over 1 million children. Leaders with solutions to strengthen our nation’s most effective anti-poverty program shouldn’t be attacked. They should be rallied around.\n\nCongress can protect this earned benefit and enhance it to provide children, seniors and veterans with the relief they deserve. Candidates for Congress and president cannot be allowed to avoid Social Security. They must show us their plans to strengthen it now.", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6174", "title": "Lawler, Gottheimer Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand EXIM Support for U.S. Quantum Leadership", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 7/6/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) introduced the Advancing American Quantum Leadership Act of 2026, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to expand American leadership in quantum information science and technology and strengthen U.S. export competitiveness. Companion legislation was also introduced in the Senate by Senators Andy Kim (NJ-D) and Mike Rounds (SD-R).\n\nThe legislation amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to expand the definition of quantum under the Export-Import Bank of the United States’ (EXIM) China and Transformational Exports Program (CTEP). Specifically, the bill broadens the current definition of “quantum computing” to “quantum information science and technology.”\n\nThis change would expand EXIM’s authority to support the full quantum ecosystem, including quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communications, as well as enabling technologies.\n\n“When it comes to emerging technologies like quantum, the United States must lead, not follow. This legislation would allow for the Export-Import Bank’s ability to support the full quantum ecosystem, helping American companies compete globally, expand exports, and maintain our technological edge over adversaries like China,” said Congressman Lawler.\n\n“China is gunning for quantum dominance, and we’re not about to roll over and let them win,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “This bill is simple: we back our companies and make sure the future of this technology is made in America. This is about who controls the next century of innovation — and America needs to be at the front of the pack.”\n\nThe full bill text can be found HERE.\n\nCongressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6175", "title": "Lawler Introduces Bill to Redirect Unused Housing Voucher Funds to Families in Need", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 7/6/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Housing Voucher Reallocation Act, requiring the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to reallocate unused voucher funding to public housing agencies that have fully utilized their available resources, helping ensure continued rental assistance for eligible families and maximizing the impact of existing federal housing dollars.\n\nThis legislation would require HUD to recapture unobligated tenant-based assistance funds from PHAs at the end of each fiscal year and redistribute them to PHAs that have exhausted their available voucher funding. By redirecting unused dollars to communities with a strong need, the bill would maximize the effectiveness of existing federal housing assistance without increasing overall spending.\n\n“Families waiting for housing assistance shouldn’t be left behind while funding sits unused elsewhere. This legislation ensures we’re making the most of every taxpayer dollar by redirecting unused voucher funding to public housing agencies that can put it to work right away, helping more eligible families access safe, stable, and affordable housing,” said Congressman Lawler.\n\nThe full bill text can be found HERE.\n\nCongressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6176", "title": "Lawler Urges Senate to Immediately Pass Bipartisan Bill Extending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 7/6/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune urging the Senate to immediately take up and pass H.R. 1689, bipartisan legislation that would extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians following the recent Supreme Court decision allowing the Administration to terminate the program.\n\nReps. Lawler and Laura Gillen introduced H.R. 1689 early in 2025 after the Administration’s initial announcement that they would push to end the TPS designation for Haiti. Rep. Lawler later signed a discharge petition to force consideration on the House floor, and it passed the House with a bipartisan majority vote. Unfortunately, the legislation has remained pending in the Senate for months without a vote.\n\nApproximately one-third of the roughly 350,000 Haitians currently protected under TPS work in the healthcare sector as nurses, home health aides, direct support professionals, and other essential caregivers.\n\nRemoving these workers would deepen existing healthcare staffing shortages while disrupting care for patients nationwide. Lawler also emphasized that conditions in Haiti remain unsafe due to widespread violence, kidnappings, and an ongoing humanitarian emergency, making the country ill-equipped to safely receive individuals whose protected status is terminated.\n\nRep. Lawler has consistently supported the Haitian community here in the Hudson Valley and joins them in their call for the Senate to take immediate action.\n\nThe full letter can be found HERE.\n\nCongressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-releases-statement-july-4th-attack-north-charleston-police", "title": "Rep. Nancy Mace Releases Statement on July 4th Attack on North Charleston Police Officers", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mace.house.gov", "scraper": "mace", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000194", "name": "Nancy Mace", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "CHARLESTON, S.C. (July 6, 2026) - Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) released the following statement after two North Charleston Police officers were assaulted at a July 4th block party in the Chicora-Cherokee community:\n\n\"What was supposed to be a day of celebration for 250 years of American freedom turned into a horrifying sight in North Charleston.\n\n\"Attacks on law enforcement are unacceptable. Every person responsible must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We stand with the North Charleston Police Department and are relieved both officers are back on duty.\n\n\"Our law enforcement leave their homes every single day knowing they may not come home. On the Fourth of July, they left their families behind to protect their community. They were met with violence.\n\n\"Such a disgrace. God bless our men and women in blue. Protect them at all costs.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/federal-assistance-now-available-michigan-residents-affected-flooding", "title": "Federal Assistance Now Available to Michigan Residents Affected by Flooding", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "moolenaar.house.gov", "scraper": "moolenaar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001194", "name": "John R. Moolenaar", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Last week, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration in the State of Michigan in response to severe flooding, storms, and tornadoes which impacted the state in April. Congressman John Moolenaar supports the President's announcement and joined his colleagues from Michigan in Congress in urging him to approve Governor Gretchen Whitmer's request for federal assistance.\n\n\"I am grateful President Trump stepped in to approve the major disaster declaration in our state,\" said Congressman Moolenaar. \"April's flooding and storms devastated communities across the Second District, and now FEMA will be able to assist residents and local organizations as they continue to recover. I encourage all Michigan families who were affected by the flooding to apply for assistance before the August 31 deadline.\"\n\nThe President's declaration includes direct federal assistance for homeowners and renters affected by the flooding in the following counties in Michigan's Second Congressional District: Barry, Gratiot, Manistee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Wexford.\n\nMichigan residents who experienced property loss or damage from the flooding in these counties may apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. FEMA requires homeowners and renters seeking individual assistance to file an insurance claim prior to submitting an application.\n\nFEMA's declaration also includes Public Assistance to reimburse local governments, tribal agencies, and certain non-profit organizations for response costs, infrastructure repair, and debris removal in Eaton, Gratiot, Lake, Manistee, Mecosta, Newaygo, Osceola, and Wexford counties.", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://neal.house.gov/2026/07/06/neal-mourns-the-passing-of-chairman-bill-archer/", "title": "Neal Mourns the Passing of Chairman Bill Archer", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "neal.house.gov", "scraper": "neal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000015", "name": "Richard E. Neal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SPRINGFIELD, MA— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement...\n\nSPRINGFIELD, MA—Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement...\n\nWASHINGTON, DC—Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement...\n\nFirst things, let’s talk about this bill doesn’t do. It doesn’t lower hospital costs, reduce drug prices, address...\n\n(As prepared for delivery) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This next bill is championed by Congressman Horsford, and I...\n\n(As prepared for delivery) As we consider another assortment of tax administration bills, tomorrow marks one year...\n\n(As prepared for delivery) The limits of the affordability crisis in America know no bounds, and this hearing comes...\n\nWashington, D.C.— Congressman Richard E. Neal released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled in...\n\nSPRINGFIELD, MA— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following...\n\nWith stunning new executive overreach, the Trump Administration is finding new ways to politicize the cures of...\n\nBy Claire Overton, 22 News SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A memorandum outlining an agreement between the U.S. and...", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/neguse-bennet-hickenlooper-urge-usda-bolster-screwworm-preparedness-actions", "title": "Neguse, Bennet, Hickenlooper Urge USDA to Bolster Screwworm Preparedness Actions", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "neguse.house.gov", "scraper": "neguse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000191", "name": "Joe Neguse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — As New World Screwworm (NWS) cases continue to spread through New Mexico and Texas, raising concerns across Western states, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse and Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper penned a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) imploring the agency to swiftly expand surveillance and response activities to prevent the pest's further spread.\n\nThe New World Screwworm is a destructive pest that threatens livestock, wildlife and rural economies. It’s been nearly 60 years since the last outbreak of NWS on U.S. soil, and recent confirmed cases in states bordering Colorado have increased concerns for local farmers and ranchers.\n\n“[W]e urge the USDA to take additional swift actions to expand surveillance and response activities and resources to prevent further spread, protecting ranchers and livestock across both Colorado and the country. As you know, NWS pose a serious threat to our wildlife, farmers, and ranchers, and overarching impacts to rural economies. We are concerned by the spread of cases from Texas to New Mexico, and encourage you to take strong steps to prevent further spread. Screwworm infestations can cause severe injury, illness, and even death in cattle and other livestock—causing significant economic losses for agricultural producers and disruptions to animal health,” wrote Neguse, Bennet, and Hickenlooper.\n\nIn their letter, the Colorado lawmakers request USDA take steps to bolster surveillance activities and inspections across the state, noting that an infestation could be catastrophic for rural and ranching communities.\n\n“Protecting Colorado’s agricultural economy from New World Screwworm is intrinsically tied to our nation’s food security. Preventing the northward spread of this pest shields supply chains, maintains system stability, and ensures that our ranchers remain resilient. It must be noted that if this parasite breaches Colorado borders, the financial and operational burden of response and mitigation activities would be catastrophic to our producers and our state.”\n\nColorado agriculture officials have already activated measures to prevent and control a potential outbreak, including coordinating the release of sterile flies to carry out the sterile insect technique. The letter from Neguse, Bennet, and Hickenlooper encourages continued cooperation between state and federal agencies.\n\nThe lawmakers concluded, “[W]e urge the USDA to take swift action to enhance surveillance and response efforts, expand available resources, and plan for necessary state support to keep our nation and our agricultural communities safe from further infestations.”\n\nRead the full letter HERE and below:\n\nThe Honorable Brooke Rollins\n\nSecretary\n\nU.S. Department of Agriculture\n\n1400 Independence Avenue, SW\n\nWashington, DC 20250\n\nDear Secretary Rollins,\n\nWe write to express our growing concern regarding the recent New World Screwworm (NWS) outbreak in the United States. As members of the Colorado congressional delegation, we urge the USDA to take additional swift actions to expand surveillance and response activities and resources to prevent further spread, protecting ranchers and livestock across both Colorado and the country.\n\nAs you know, NWS pose a serious threat to our wildlife, farmers, and ranchers, and overarching impacts to rural economies. We are concerned by the spread of cases from Texas to New Mexico, and encourage you to take strong steps to prevent further spread. Screwworm infestations can cause severe injury, illness, and even death in cattle and other livestock—causing significant economic losses for agricultural producers and disruptions to animal health.\n\nWe urge the USDA to bolster surveillance activities, enhance animal inspections, ensure animal traceability, and prioritize expanding sterile fly production capabilities. Concurrently, we request collaboration with producers, veterinarians, and other stakeholders in Colorado to provide clear guidance and technical assistance on NWS prevention, detection, treatment, and reporting. Robust outreach, surveillance, and coordinated response efforts are essential to limiting the spread of infestations. We also support USDA's continued use of sterile fly releases, coordination with the State of Colorado’s animal health officials, and assistance to Colorado and other states to enhance prevention and response efforts. Further, improving early detection can help animal recovery and help minimize potential losses for producers.\n\nProtecting Colorado’s agricultural economy from New World Screwworm is intrinsically tied to our nation’s food security. Preventing the northward spread of this pest shields supply chains, maintains system stability, and ensures that our ranchers remain resilient. It must be noted that if this parasite breaches Colorado borders, the financial and operational burden of response and mitigation activities would be catastrophic to our producers and our state. In the event of an outbreak, Colorado would need immediate and significant USDA financial assistance to execute a successful response and recovery effort. Therefore, we urgently request that USDA establish emergency cooperative agreements to ensure the necessary state financial aid.\n\nIn sum, we urge the USDA to take swift action to enhance surveillance and response efforts, expand available resources, and plan for necessary state support to keep our nation and our agricultural communities safe from further infestations.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3003", "title": "Rep. Pfluger Celebrates Launch of Trump Accounts for America's Next Generation", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) celebrated the historic launch of Trump Accounts, made possible by Congressional Republicans passing the Working Families Tax Cuts Act last year.\n\nA Trump Account is a new tax-advantaged investment account created for American children, established under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Every eligible child born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, receives a $1,000 seed deposit from the U.S. Treasury to kick-start their account, with contributions from family, friends, and employers helping the fund grow tax-deferred over time.\n\nAhead of President Trump's State of the Union address earlier this year, Congressman Pfluger penned a timely op-ed in the San Angelo Standard-Times, shining a spotlight on the creation of Trump Accounts.\n\nRead the piece HERE or by clicking the image below.", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6090", "title": "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT'S LEGISLATION TO HONOR VIRGIN ISLANDS MUSIC LEGEND PETER G. THURLAND, SR. ADVANCES IN HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "plaskett.house.gov", "scraper": "plaskett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000610", "name": "Stacey E. Plaskett", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 6, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT'S LEGISLATION TO HONOR VIRGIN ISLANDS MUSIC LEGEND PETER G. THURLAND, SR. ADVANCES IN HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) announced today that the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federals Lands held a hearing on H.R. 8121, legislation to designate the Christiansted Bandstand in Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, as the “Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand.” The hearing marks a significant step forward for legislation that would permanently honor one of St. Croix’s cultural figures and cement his legacy in the very landmark he helped build.\n\n“Last week’s hearing before the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands is an important milestone in our effort to ensure that Peter G. Thurland, Sr.’s contributions to the Virgin Islands are never forgotten,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “Mr. Thurland helped construct the Christiansted Bandstand with his own hands, performed there in service to his country, and then spent decades pouring his talents back into the community by training generations of young Virgin Islands musicians. I am hopeful this legislation will continue moving through the process so that we can deliver this long-overdue recognition.”\n\nH.R. 8121 honors the life and legacy of Peter Gregory Thurland, Sr., born on February 19, 1892, in Christiansted, St. Croix. Shortly after the transfer of the Virgin Islands from Denmark to the United States, Mr. Thurland enlisted in the United States Navy on June 12, 1917, serving as a member of the Navy Band. He was instrumental in the construction and design of the Christiansted Bandstand and performed there with the Christiansted Naval Band until his honorable discharge in September 1921.\n\nIn 1938, Mr. Thurland founded the St. Croix Community Band, training generations of young musicians who performed free monthly concerts at the Christiansted Bandstand for three decades. He led the band until 1968, when he passed the baton to his son. Beyond music, he was known across the Virgin Islands as a master craftsman and skilled cabinetmaker whose contributions to St. Croix’s civic and cultural life remain immeasurable.\n\n“The Thurland family is honored with the naming of the Christiansted Bandstand for our grandfather Peter G. Thurland Sr.,” said Karen Thurland, granddaughter of Mr. Peter G. Thurland, Sr. “Not only was he part of the building of the bandstand with the Christiansted enlisted U.S. Navy men, he also played with the Christiansted Industrial Brass Band at the transfer ceremony on the Christiansted Wharf on March 31, 1917. Peter G. Thurland Sr., besides being a musician, was a master joiner, educator, and family man who made many contributions to the St. Croix community.”\n\nThe legislation was first championed by Congressman Ron de Lugo in the 103rd Congress. The hearing held last week represents the furthest the bill has advanced in its history.\n\n“Our story as Virgin Islanders is not only written in textbooks, it is woven into the places we gather, the music we play, and the people who gave so much of themselves to build the communities we live in today. Peter G. Thurland, Sr. is one of those people,” Congresswoman Plaskett concluded. “Preserving and honoring stories like his is how we ensure that the next generation of Virgin Islanders knows where they come from and who stood before them.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-takano-investigate-lapse-ices-medical-reimbursement-claims-va", "title": "Ramirez, Takano Investigate Lapse in ICE’s Medical Reimbursement Claims by VA", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ramirez.house.gov", "scraper": "ramirez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000617", "name": "Delia C. Ramirez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC —Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Ranking Member of the Veterans Affairs’ Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee and Ranking Member in one of the Homeland Security Subcommittees, joined Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39), Ranking Member of the Veterans Affairs House Committee, to open an investigation into the reports that the Department of the Veterans Affairs (VA) delayed processing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) medical reimbursement claims since October 3. ICE’s failure to pay its bills for months caused medical providers to deny services to ICE detainees.\n\nIn the letter directed to VA Secretary Doug Collins and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, members also questioned the departments' unreliable public information. While the VA claimed that it had continued processing reimbursement claims, the assertions were disputed by VA employees. And while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims adjudications restarted in May 2026, members remain unclear about the backlog of unprocessed claims.\n\n“VA Financial Services Center (VA-FSC) has processed claims for reimbursement for necessary medical treatment provided to individuals detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for over twenty years. ICE paid VA for its claim processing services. On October 3, 2025, VA suddenly and instantly terminated its agreement with ICE to process these claims, leaving ICE with no capabilities to continue paying for off-site medical care for detainees. This also left ICE unable to procure prescription medications for individuals in ICE custody,” wrote the members.\n\nAccording to CBS reports, the VA processed $246 million in medical claims for ICE detainees in 2024. In 2025, despite an 82% increase in the detained population, only $157 million in claims were processed, indicating a gap of nearly $300 million between needed medical care and what was actually paid. The shortfall reflects both unpaid bills and detainees who may never have received treatment.\n\nThe secretaries must provide answers to the inquiry by July 17, 2026. Additionally, the members have requested a briefing to the House Veterans Affairs Committee staff no later than July 24, 2026.\n\nTo read the full letter,CLICK HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://rulli.house.gov/2026/07/06/rulli-introduces-bill-to-fight-frivolous-lawsuits/", "title": "Rulli Introduces Bill to Fight Frivolous Lawsuits", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://rulli.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "rulli.house.gov", "scraper": "rulli", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000619", "name": "Michael A. Rulli", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congressman Michael Rulli (OH-06) introduced the Stop Serial Litigation Act of 2026 (H.R. 9295), legislation designed to end predatory litigation schemes filed under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA).\n\nEAJA, first passed in 1980, was designed to provide everyday citizens with the opportunity to challenge federal government actions without racking up huge legal bills. Unfortunately, this well-meaning legislation has been hijacked by radical special-interest groups with exorbitant budgets and massive legal teams, exploiting loopholes in exchange for taxpayer-funded payouts. The Stop Serial Litigation Act of 2026 puts an end to these schemes while maintaining the right of average Americans to fight back against government overreach and incompetence, as EAJA originally intended.\n\n“Frivolous litigation makes every aspect of our lives worse,” said Congressman Mike Rulli. “These baseless lawsuits slow our courtrooms to a crawl, cause insurance rates and other costs to skyrocket, and make a mockery of our justice system while predatory lawyers and radical interest groups laugh all the way to the bank. The Equal Access to Justice Act is an important tool for redressing wrongs committed by the federal government, and my bill strengthens that mission to ensure we remain a government by the people, for the people.”\n\nThe Stop Serial Litigation Act is endorsed by Safari Club International and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.\n\n“SCI strongly supports EAJA reform. This bill addresses several existing problems by limiting the fees payable to litigious non-profits, equipping the Department of Justice to contest questionable EAJA claims, and preventing courts from awarding fees well above the statutory limit. SCI thanks Representative Rulli for introducing legislation that corrects issues with EAJA implementation and ensures this law is not just a windfall for non-profits with activist agendas,” said Safari Club International CEO W. Laird Hamberlin.\n\nWhat the Stop Serial Litigation Act does:\n\nCreates a $300,000 annual cap on fee awards for any single entity suing the federal government.\n\nCuts additional award fee rates in half when an agency disputes the fee as unjustified.\n\nStrikes the “special factor” language groups use to obtain hourly rates far above the statutory limit.\n\nRequires attorneys to itemize and document the hours they submit for reimbursement.\n\nRaises the base hourly rate from $125 to $175 and adjusts it annually for inflation.\n\nExempts the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs from any changes the bill makes.", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://scottpeters.house.gov/press-releases/peters-joyce-unveil-landmark-bill-to-improve-discount-drug-pricing-program", "title": "Peters, Joyce Unveil Landmark Bill to Improve Discount Drug Pricing Program", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scottpeters.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "scottpeters.house.gov", "scraper": "scottpeters", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000608", "name": "Scott H. Peters", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Scott Peters (CA-50) and Dr. John Joyce (PA-13) introduced the bipartisan SECURE 340B Act, the first-ever comprehensive, bipartisan proposal to modernize the 340B Drug Pricing Program since its creation in 1992. This bill is also cosponsored by Reps. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), and Nanette Barragán (D-CA).\n\n\"For nearly a decade, I’ve fought to protect the 340B program for the safety-net providers and low-income patients in San Diego who depend on it to afford their prescription drugs. I’ve also pushed to make sure those savings actually reach the people for whom they’re intended. This bill does both,” Congressman Peters said. “The SECURE 340B Act closes the loopholes that have allowed the program to drift from its mission, stops the legal chaos that plagues the program today, and puts in place the kind of transparency and accountability that will keep 340B strong for decades to come.\"\n\n“Since its establishment, the 340B program has served as a critical lifeline for low-income patients to access lifesaving medications,” said Congressman John Joyce, M.D. “The statute has long needed additional clarity to reflect the way the program operates today and ensure that access to treatment remains available to patients most in need and the healthcare facilities that serve them. This bill, a bipartisan solution that I am proud to have worked on with my colleague Representative Scott Peters, seeks to close loopholes that have compromised the integrity of the program while ensuring a stable path forward for the many hospitals and patients in my district that rely on it.”\n\n“Employees' health premiums are too high, and the growth of the 340B program is one driver of that inflation. Instead of pointing fingers, it's time to fix the problems. This bill tackles the hard issues and asks every stakeholder to compromise for the common good,” said Congressman Auchincloss.\n\nThe 340B Program, the nation's second-largest federal prescription drug program, was created to help safety-net providers stretch limited resources through discounted drug prices. These discounts have historically been assessed upfront at the point of purchase.\n\nHowever, since federal law never defined who qualifies as a 340B \"patient,\" the program became ambiguous, and has been misused. In the absence of a legal “patient\" definition, manufacturers attempted their own rebate verification systems. Courts have tried to block these rebate pilot programs, but only on procedural grounds. To this day, the federal government still has no uniform way to prevent discounted medicines from going to ineligible patients or duplicate discounts, or to validate pricing data across federal programs.\n\nThis is particularly significant for California as world class health care frequently coexists with rising prescription drug burdens—especially in cities like San Diego. In 2023, 20% of Californians did not fill a prescription, and 16% reported cutting pills or skipping doses due to cost.\n\nThe SECURE 340B Act addresses these gaps. It pauses manufacturer rebate models for four years while a new patient definition is created and standards for contract pharmacies, data sharing, and transparency take effect. It establishes a clear, statutory definition of \"patient\" based on previous federal guidance. And the bill directs the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to use an independent, conflict-free clearinghouse to securely manage prescription-level data, verify claims, and protect privacy. It also strengthens HRSA's authority and provides the transparency and federal guardrails the program has lacked for more than three decades.\n\n“Recent polling shows that while most voters are unfamiliar with the 340B program, once they learn what it is, an overwhelming 91% say Congress should increase transparency and accountability. That tells us something important: even without getting everything they want, stakeholders and voters agree on the core reforms needed to protect patients and strengthen the program. Congressman Peters’ SECURE 340B Act reflects those areas of consensus; a clear patient definition, transparency without rigid spending mandates, and guardrails that keep the program focused on patient benefit.” — Scott Suckow, Chair of Patient Advocates United in San Diego and Executive Director of the Liver Coalition.\n\n\"We support legislation that strengthens, stabilizes, and preserves this critical program for eligible hospitals and federally qualified health centers who care for our most vulnerable communities and patients. At BMC Health System, 340B savings are reinvested directly into services that expand access to care, improve health outcomes, and strengthen the healthcare safety net for underserved communities. We recognize that advancing and sustaining the 340B program, inclusive of addressing the rebate model, requires balancing the needs of patients, providers, and manufacturers. Establishing long-term regulatory certainty through durable, bipartisan solutions will help providers plan for the future and continue delivering high-quality, affordable care to those who need it most.” — David Twitchell, PharmD, MBA, SVP and Chief Innovation Officer, Boston Medical Center Health System\n\n“The SECURE 340B Act is an important and much-needed step toward bringing real guardrails, transparency, and accountability to a program that has grown well beyond its original design, and employers and other healthcare purchasers strongly support the introduction of this legislation. The bill provides a meaningful framework to help ensure the 340B program better serves patients and the communities it was intended to benefit, while creating a serious foundation for bipartisan policymaking. We look forward to working with policymakers to further strengthen the legislation, ensuring real accountability for 340B covered entities and drug makers alike while protecting flexibility for plan sponsors to ensure they can purchase affordable medications for working families.” — Shawn F. Gremminger, MPP, President and CEO, National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions\n\n“Advocates for Community Health is deeply grateful for the work of Representatives Peters, Joyce, Auchincloss, and Crenshaw to advance commonsense 340B program reform. ACH is a longstanding advocate for legislation that would stabilize and clarify the 340B program, and we are encouraged that SECURE reflects many of our members' core principles for reform, including the piloting of a claims clearinghouse before we rush into a rebate model. We look forward to continuing to advance this legislation, including refinements to the patient definition that reflects current health center operating procedures, as soon as possible.” — Amanda Pears Kelly, CEO, Advocates for Community Health\n\n\"The 340B program is vital to Community Health Centers (CHCs) and the 52 million people — 1 in 7 Americans, including 1 in 3 in rural communities — who rely on CHCs for affordable, comprehensive, and high-quality care. We commend Representatives Joyce, Crenshaw, Peters, and Auchincloss for their bipartisan leadership in advancing this comprehensive legislation. Key provisions addressing contract pharmacies, providing a four-year delay of any potential rebate model, and establishing and evaluating a neutral clearinghouse are especially important. We look forward to working with these leaders and Members on both sides of the aisle to build upon the bill being introduced today and advance legislation that preserves and strengthens access to 340B for CHCs and their patients.” — Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, President and CEO, National Association of Community Health Centers\n\n“The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) appreciates the leadership of Representatives Peters, Joyce, Auchincloss, and Crenshaw for recognizing that the 340B program urgently needs bipartisan reform. The SECURE 340B Act includes important steps toward transparency, accountability, clearer patient eligibility, stronger oversight of child sites, and patient affordability protections. Those are reforms that COA has long called for to be urgently addressed. At the same time, Congress must ensure that any final legislation does not lock in the very abuses that have distorted 340B—particularly arrangements that allow PBMs from being contract pharmacies and hospital systems from capturing savings that should benefit vulnerable patients. We look forward to working with the sponsors to strengthen the legislation so that 340B discounts help patient in need, not profit PBMs and hospitals.” — Ted Okon, Executive Director, Community Oncology Alliance\n\nRead full bill texthere.\n\n###\n\nBackground:\n\nRep. Peters has been one of the more persistent voices in Congress pushing to reform the 340B drug discount program. Throughout his time in Congress, he’s led letters to House leadership, Energy and Commerce Committee leadership, and California Governor Gavin Newsom to encourage action and continue efforts to reform the program.\n\nCongress created the 340B Drug Discount Program in 1992 through the Veteran’s Health Care Act. Under the 340B Program, covered entities (like children’s hospitals, hospitals with a disproportionate share of low-income patients, and critical access hospitals), Ryan White HIV/AIDS program grantees, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and specialized clinics may purchase outpatient drugs at large discounts. Covered entities save an average of 25 percent to 50 percent off of the cost of covered drugs purchased through 340B.\n\nSince 1992 though, the program has grown rapidly. Discounted purchases under 340B reached $81.4 billion in 2024, a 22.8% increase over the $66.3 billion recorded in 2023. Measured at list-price value according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), 340B drugs now total nearly $147.8 billion, making 340B the second-largest federal drug program. This makes 340B the second-largest federal prescription drug program. Independent analyses and CBO attribute this growth not to rising drug prices but to behavioral changes by covered entities.\n\nDespite the program’s growth, federal courts have repeatedly held that the Department of Health and Human Services lacks regulatory authority for the program. This has caused the Health Resources and Services Administration to rely on non-binding guidance to run the program. This has left the program open to abuse.\n\nFor example, the New York Times found that Bon Secours Health System, in Virginia, used those funds to expand services in affluent neighborhoods at the expense of patients who really needed it. A Senate HELP Committee investigation found that the health system generated more than $276 million in savings and revenue from a single Richmond hospital between September 2018 and September 2023 — Richmond Community Hospital, located in a low-income, majority-Black neighborhood. Investigative reporting documented that Bon Secours hollowed out that hospital, closing its intensive care unit and maternity ward, while channeling resources to facilities in wealthier neighborhoods and creating legal links between the hospital and clinics in affluent areas so those clinics could access 340B discounts.\n\nIn other cases, low-income patients were hounded by hospitals to pay for health care that should have been free at the point of service.", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://sewell.house.gov/2026/7/rep-sewell-announces-july-2026-mobile-office-hours-across-alabama-s-7th-congressional-district", "title": "Rep. Sewell Announces July 2026 Mobile Office Hours Across Alabama’s 7th Congressional District", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sewell.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "sewell.house.gov", "scraper": "sewell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001185", "name": "Terri A. Sewell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Birmingham, AL — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced that her office will continue hosting mobile office hours throughout Alabama’s 7th Congressional District during the month of July 2026. These events are designed to bring constituent services directly into local communities, offering residents the opportunity to meet with congressional staff and receive assistance with federal programs and services.\n\n“Our mobile office hours are an important way for our team to connect directly with the people we serve,” said Rep. Sewell. “Whether you need help with a federal agency or simply want to learn more about the services my office provides, I encourage you to stop by and meet with Team Sewell. We are here to help!”\n\nDuring each session, members of Rep. Sewell’s staff will be available to assist constituents with a wide range of issues, including Social Security, Veterans’ benefits, Medicare and Medicaid, passport services, and more. Rep. Sewell will not be present.\n\nThe July 2026 Mobile Office Hours schedule is as follows:\n\nJefferson County\n\nDate: Wednesday, July 8, 2026\n\nTime: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM\n\nLocation: Fultondale City Hall, Council Chambers\n\n1210 Old Walker Chapel Rd\n\nFultondale, AL 35068\n\nLowndes County\n\nDate: Wednesday, July 15, 2026\n\nTime: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM\n\nLocation: Hayneville/Lowndes County Public Library\n\n215 E Tuskeena St\n\nHayneville, AL 36040\n\nJefferson County\n\nDate: Wednesday, July 22, 2026\n\nTime: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM\n\nLocation: Midfield Senior Center\n\n904 9th Ave\n\nMidfield, AL 35228\n\nConstituents are encouraged to bring any relevant documentation to help staff better assist with their concerns. Appointments are not required.\n\nFor more information, please visit www.sewell.house.gov or call the Birmingham District Office at (205) 254-1960.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-shares-fema-storm-damage-resources-for-wisconsin-families", "title": "Steil Shares FEMA Storm Damage Resources for Wisconsin Families", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "steil.house.gov", "scraper": "steil", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001213", "name": "Bryan Steil", "party": "Republican", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "July 6, 2026\n\nJANESVILLE, WI – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) shared additional details regarding FEMA resources for families and affected communities following storm damage in Wisconsin this past April. This follows President Trump’s approval of a Major Disaster Declaration for Wisconsin and approval of $22.6 million in funding for Wisconsin families.\n\n\"This is an important step towards helping Wisconsin families impacted by the severe weather and damaging flooding in April,\" said Steil. \"Thank you, President Trump for working to provide critical resources to Wisconsin families. I look forward to working with FEMA to help Wisconsin families impacted by these storms.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nOn June 30, President Trump approved an initial $22.6 million in funding assistance for Wisconsin families following storm damage in April.\n\nThe approval includes Individual Assistance Funding for families in Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine, Rock Counties and Public Assistance funding for Rock Counties in WI-01, as well as other counties throughout Wisconsin.\n\nFamilies can apply for assistance online at the link here.\n\nMore funding and additional determinations may be made available according to FEMA.\n\nThe timeline to receive FEMA funding for the most recent storm in April is following a similar timeline to the over $200 million disbursed to support recovery efforts from storms that occurred in August 2025.\n\nAugust 2025 Storms\n\nInitial amount approved: $29.8 million\n\nFinal amount disbursed: $208.2 million\n\nApril 2026 Storms\n\nInitial amount approved: $22.6 million\n\nFinal amount disbursed: TBD\n\nIn September 2025, President Trump announced the approval of $29.8 million and ultimately disbursed over $200 million to support recovery efforts in Wisconsin following historic flooding caused by severe rainfall in the Milwaukee region on August 9th and 10th.\n\nIn April, storms caused tornadoes and widespread flooding and damage across Wisconsin.\n\nOn May 1, 2026, Rep. Steil and Wisconsin Republican Congressional Delegation sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) thanking the agency for their prompt response to the State of Wisconsin's request for FEMA to conduct a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment to determine whether the damage meets the thresholds for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration.\n\nOn May 28, 2026, Rep. Steil and the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation sent a letter to President Trump to support the State of Wisconsin's request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration.\n\nIn June, President Trump announced the approval of a Major Disaster Declaration providing $22.6 million dollars to Wisconsin to support recovery efforts.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://strickland.house.gov/2026/07/06/strickland-announces-2026-stem-program-winner/", "title": "Strickland Announces 2026 STEM Program Winner", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "strickland.house.gov", "scraper": "strickland", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001159", "name": "Marilyn Strickland", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Lacey, WA – Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) announced Suhaas Meka, as the winner of the inaugural 2026 Congressional STEM Award Program for Washington’s 10th Congressional District.\n\n“After considering many outstanding submissions, I am proud to announce Suhaas as the winner of the Congressional STEM Award Program,” said Strickland. “Congratulations to all students who participated, and thank you to our judges.”\n\n“I am honored to be selected as the winner of Congresswoman Strickland’s 2026 STEM Award Program. Through my project, GRIP-CTS, I wanted to explore how technology can help prevent injuries before they occur and encourage healthier habits for people who use digital devices every day. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my work and hope it inspires other students to use STEM to solve real-world problems,” said Suhaas Meka, Grade 7, at Nova Middle School.\n\n“I was impressed by Suhaas Meka’s ability to take a real-world health concern and develop a practical engineering solution. His GRIP-CTS project combined hardware design, programming, and data analysis to investigate how different devices affect wrist posture and potential carpal tunnel syndrome risk. The project demonstrated creativity, strong technical skills, and a clear focus on solving a problem that is increasingly relevant for students and technology users,” said Dr. Travis Knowles, Professor of Chemistry at South Puget Sound Community College.\n\n“This year’s winner impressed me with a prototype that tracks hand positioning in real time across phones, tablets, and laptops to flag carpal tunnel risk—creative, practical, and aimed at making people’s lives better. It’s remarkable work from a middle school student, and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next” said Dr. Radana Dvorak, St. Martins University Chair of Computer Science and competition judge.\n\n“Suhaas Meka’s combination of a very creativity problem choice and the technological know-how to put forth a solution was very impressive,” said Professor Thad O’Dell, Professor of Mathematics at South Puget Sound Community College.\n\n“GRIP-CTS (Glove Risk Index for Posture – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) is an incredible example of how STEM innovation can be applied to real-world problems. Prolonged smartphone and device usage among students and younger generations has been linked to wrist strain and early CTS symptoms, with warning signs that go unnoticed until pain sets in. GRIP-CTS shifts the focus toward prevention through the creation of a low-cost device that integrates sensors into a wearable glove to monitor a user’s full range of wrist motion with real-time visualization of risk levels. By turning strain we can’t feel into something we can see and correct, it’s a brilliant step forward in protecting the long-term health of a digital-first generation,” said Dr. Dave Song, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Pacific Lutheran University.\n\nThis year is the first year Congresswoman Strickland created and hosted the Congressional STEM Award Program, creating a new tradition for students in STEM-related fields to explore their passions and encourage creativity in the computer science field. To learn more about the winner, visit here.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-presents-675000-for-new-whitaker-borough-public-works-facility", "title": "Rep. Summer Lee Presents $675,000 for New Whitaker Borough Public Works Facility", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "summerlee.house.gov", "scraper": "summerlee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000602", "name": "Summer L. Lee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Photos (Dropbox)\n\nPITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 6, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) joined Whitaker Borough officials to present a ceremonial check for $675,000 in federal funding she secured for the construction of a new Department of Public Works facility.\n\nThe new facility will house critical municipal vehicles and equipment and provide indoor space for borough employees to perform maintenance and repairs. By protecting equipment from weather damage and allowing more maintenance work to be completed in-house, the project will help Whitaker reduce long-term costs and strengthen essential public services, including street maintenance, snow removal, and emergency response.\n\n“Families rely on their public works employees every day, especially in times of need,” said Rep. Lee. “When snow and ice make roads dangerous, when severe weather hits, or when an emergency threatens the community, residents deserve to know their borough has the equipment, resources, and facilities needed to respond quickly. This $675,000 investment will help protect critical equipment, keep essential services running, and ensure workers are ready to show up when it matters most. I am incredibly proud to deliver these federal funds back home and to invest directly in the safety and well-being of this community.”\n\nDuring the event, Congresswoman Lee presented the check alongside Whitaker Mayor Kathy Asson, Whitaker Borough Council, and Alleghany County Executive Sara Innamorato.The Congresswoman toured the project site with borough leaders.\n\nThe $675,000 award will support the construction of a modern public works facility at 200 Connections Street in Whitaker. The project is expected to improve the borough’s ability to maintain municipal equipment, respond to severe weather and emergencies, and reliably deliver services to residents.\n\nCongresswoman Lee secured the funding through the federal Community Project Funding process, which allows members of Congress to direct federal investments toward locally identified projects that meet pressing community needs.\n\nThrough her Community Project Funding efforts, Rep. Lee has secured direct investments for community-based organizations, including a $1 million CPF award to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, $450,000 to the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, over $1.5 million in federal support for the Tree of Life rebuilding and healing initiatives, $1 million in Community Project Funding for historic renovations at the Carnegie Library of Homestead, more than $1 million in federal funding to combat blight and revitalize housing in North Braddock, and $1 million to help turn vacant office space into affordable homes, create good-paying jobs, and bring new life to downtown Pittsburgh.\n\nThese projects are part of more than $24.9 million in Community Project Funding secured during her time in Congress. Rep. Lee’s office has consistently directed federal dollars to historically overlooked communities to ensure equitable access to opportunities and long-term regional growth and stability.\n\nCongresswoman Summer Lee serves on the House Committee on Judiciary and the Committee on Education and Workforce. Since taking office in January 2023, she has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $2.7 Billion brought back to Western PA, including over $580 million for infrastructure, over $110 million for affordable transit, over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania, and over $55 million on clean energy efforts in and around schools to help keep our kids and communities safe. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 4,000 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-secures-nearly-200000-for-artificial-intelligence-research-at-the-university-of-akron", "title": "Rep. Sykes Secures Nearly $200,000 For Artificial Intelligence Research at the University of Akron", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "AKRON, OH — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced that the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded the University of Akron $199,413 for research on engineering and workforce development related to artificial intelligence (AI). The funding will be used to develop faster and more efficient computing methods for AI systems. This research will help improve the performance of advanced technologies.\n\n“Research institutions like the University of Akron are driving innovation that strengthens our economy, advances scientific discovery, and improves lives. This federal investment will support groundbreaking artificial intelligence research that could lead to more efficient computing technologies while creating valuable opportunities for students and emerging scientists. I am proud to help secure resources that keep Akron at the forefront of innovation and prepare the next generation of researchers and problem-solvers,” said Rep. Sykes.\n\n“We are grateful to the National Science Foundation and Congresswoman Emilia Sykes for support that enables The University of Akron to advance more reliable and efficient large-scale computing systems, helping address critical challenges in artificial intelligence and cloud computing while preparing the next generation of researchers,” said Suzanne B. Bausch, Vice President of Research & Business Engagement, and President of the Research Foundation at the University of Akron.\n\nThe funds awarded through this grant will be used to support new research that makes large computer systems faster and more reliable. The systems are used in AI, science, and healthcare, and they often rely on many computers running at once. When some computers slow down or fail, the entire system can be delayed. This project will develop methods that help the system finish its tasks more efficiently and will test these improvements on real cloud-based systems.\n\nFederal investments in research help Ohio universities attract top talent, strengthen partnerships with industry leaders, and create new opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in emerging fields. Rep. Sykes has consistently advocated for federal investments that expand research capacity and workforce development opportunities across Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. Support for research institutions like the University of Akron helps ensure that the region remains competitive in rapidly growing technology sectors while fostering economic growth and innovation.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-tenney-introduces-canada-act-hold-canada-accountable-unfair", "title": "Congresswoman Tenney Introduces CANADA Act to Hold Canada Accountable for Unfair Provincial Trade Practices Targeting American Alcohol Producers", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "tenney.house.gov", "scraper": "tenney", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000478", "name": "Claudia Tenney", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced the Combating Attacks on our National Alcoholic Drinks by Allies (CANADA) Act, legislation directing the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate a Section 301 investigation into the Canadian provinces’ discriminatory restrictions on the importation and distribution of American alcoholic beverages through provincial liquor boards. The legislation requires the U.S. Trade Representative to begin the investigation within 30 days of enactment to determine whether the Canadian provinces’ actions are actionable under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.\n\nNearly all of Canada's provincial liquor boards have prohibited or restricted the importation and distribution of American alcoholic beverages, harming U.S. producers and limiting their access to an important export market. The CANADA Act builds on comments from U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, who stated that resolving the Canadian provinces’ discriminatory treatment of American alcohol producers would likely require an enforcement action. During a House Ways and Means Committee hearing, Ambassador Greer noted that only two countries had retaliated economically against the United States over the past year: the People's Republic of China and Canada. The legislation requires the U.S. Trade Representative to consult with affected manufacturers, industry stakeholders, and federal agencies throughout the investigation while providing regular reports to Congress on the status of the enforcement effort.\n\n“Canadian provinces cannot be allowed to hold American wineries, breweries, and distilleries hostage and attempt to ransom them,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “American wineries, breweries, distilleries, and other beverage producers deserve fair access to Canadian markets, not discriminatory treatment from one of our closest trading partners. Nearly all of Canada’s provincial liquor boards have unfairly targeted U.S. producers and harmed hardworking American businesses due to unrelated policy issues. Beyond the harm they’ve caused to American businesses, these prohibitions are an active impediment to a productive and smooth USMCA renegotiation process. Given that the Canadian provinces have refused to act in a constructive manner, I introduced the CANADA Act to ensure the United States takes the necessary steps to hold Canada accountable until the provinces decide to drop their unjustifiable import bans. America must always stand up for our producers, our workers, and fair trade.”\n\nThis legislation is also supported by the Wine Institute, American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), and Wine America:\n\n\"For too long, America's craft distillers have been caught in the middle of a trade dispute that has nothing to do with them. We appreciate Congresswoman Tenney's leadership in bringing renewed attention to the discriminatory treatment of U.S. craft spirits in Canada and hope this legislation encourages serious negotiations that restore fair market access for American producers.\" - ACSA CEO Emily Pennington\n\n\"WineAmerica greatly appreciates Congresswoman Tenney's steadfast support of the American wine industry\" said Executive Director Michael Kaiser. \"Losing the Canadian market for our products has hurt wineries from Willamette Valley in Oregon to the Finger Lakes in New York. The CANADA Act is a good step to re-opening that market to American wines\". - WineAmerica\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases/press-advisory-congressmen-shri-thanedar-bennie-g-thompson-lou-correa-to-host-7/7-press-conference-on-the-need-to-open-gordie-howe-bridge-town-hall-on-trumps-attacks-on-voting-rights", "title": "PRESS ADVISORY: Congressmen Shri Thanedar, Bennie G. Thompson, Lou Correa to Host 7/7 Press Conference on the need to open Gordie Howe Bridge, Town Hall on Trump’s Attacks on Voting Rights", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "thanedar.house.gov", "scraper": "thanedar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000488", "name": "Shri Thanedar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Detroit, MI - Congressman Shri Thanedar (MI-13) along with Congressmen Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, and Lou Correa (CA-46) will host a site visit in Detroit, Michigan which will include a press conference urging Trump to open the new Gordie Howe Bridge, a bridge that President Trump has unilaterally kept closed, despite it being ready to open and operate today. Opening the bridge as a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Port of Entry will facilitate efficient travel and trade between the U.S.A and Canada and improve the economies of both nations. This event will be open press (please RSVP below).\n\nAfterward, Congressmen Thanedar, Thompson, and Correa will host a panel town hall to discuss how to combat Trump’s attack on the voting rights of the American people. This event is open to the media and public.\n\nGordie Howe Bridge Press Conference:\n\nWho: U.S. Representatives Shri Thanedar, Bennie G. Thompson and Lou Correa\n\nWhen: Tuesday, July 7th, 3:30pm-4:00pm\n\nWhere: Riverside Park, 8W69+PX, Detroit, MI 48216, 3085 W Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48216. Parking is available near the intersection of 24th St and W Grand Blvd.\n\nRSVP: Media interested in attending must RSVP to: Jared.Perkowski@mail.house.gov. For day of questions, please contact Kathryn Pena at 202-981-3265\n\nVoting Rights Town Hall:\n\nWhen: Tuesday, July 7th, 4:30pm-5:30pm\n\nWhere: Frank Hayden Community Room, Room 236 at the Wayne County Community College Downtown Campus at 801 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48226.\n\nRSVP: This event is open to the media and public. Media interested in attending the town hall must RSVP to: Jared.Perkowski@mail.house.gov. Public interested in attending the town hall are encouraged to RSVP at: https://thanedar.house.gov/rsvp For day of questions, please contact Kathryn Pena at 202-981-3265\n\nCongressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-semafor-exclusive-representatives-tran-luna-want-rideshare-liability", "title": "ICYMI: Semafor Exclusive: Representatives Tran, Luna Want Rideshare Liability Shield Dropped", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "tran.house.gov", "scraper": "tran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000491", "name": "Derek Tran", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – In case you missed it, Semafor published an exclusive article highlighting U.S. Representatives Derek Tran (D-CA-45) and Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13) leading 25 members in a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries raising the alarm about a section in the surface transportation reauthorization bill, the BUILD America 250 Act (H.R. 8870), that would give rideshare companies immunity from any injury, sexual assault, or fatality that happens during a ride.\n\nREAD MORE IN SEMAFOR\n\n“Congress should ensure that Americans retain their right to seek a remedy in court if a rideshare company fails to protect its customers or drivers. Uber alone received a report of sexual assault or sexual misconduct every 8 minutes over a 5-year period. Now they are facing more than 3,000 sexual assault claims in Federal and State Courts nationwide from passengers who claim they were sexually assaulted or harassed by Uber drivers. Our constituents deserve better,” wrote the members.\n\nIntroduced by Representative Fong (CA-20), the relevant section of the BUILD America 250 Act would ensure that rideshare companies “shall not be liable under the law of any State or political subdivision thereof [...] for any harm to persons or property that results or arises out of the use, operation, or possession of a motor vehicle by an app-based driver,” protecting companies from legal liability even when presented with concerning information about a driver in a criminal background check, motor vehicle background check, customer complaint, safety test, or internal complaint.\n\nSemafor: Lawmakers Want Liability Shield Dropped\n\nBy Nicholas Wu\n\nA bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing Hill leadership to strip out a provision from a surface transportation bill that could provide rideshare companies a legal shield from injuries, sexual assaults, or fatalities that occur during rides.\n\n“Congress should ensure that Americans retain their right to seek a remedy in court if a rideshare company fails to protect its customers or drivers,” the group of 21 lawmakers, led by Reps. Derek Tran, D-Calif., and Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., wrote in a letter shared first with Semafor.\n\nThey’re objecting to an amendment sponsored by Rep. Vince Fong, R-Calif., that would limit the rideshare companies’ vicarious liability, with exceptions for gross negligence or criminal wrongdoing.\n\nFong previously promoted it as reducing rideshare costs for consumers by tamping down litigation and noted that companies would still be responsible for their own negligence or misconduct.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-improve-access-addiction-treatment", "title": "Underwood Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Access to Addiction Treatment for Seniors", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "underwood.house.gov", "scraper": "underwood", "member": {"bioguide_id": "U000040", "name": "Lauren Underwood", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Representative Lauren Underwood, a registered nurse, introduced bipartisan legislation to improve access to substance use disorder treatment for seniors. The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act would require Medicare to cover high-quality residential addiction treatment programs. The legislation is co-led by Reps. Paul Tonko (NY-20), Carol Miller (WV-01), and David Valadao (CA-22).\n\n“Substance use disorders among seniors are on the rise, and I've heard from so many families who have lost older relatives to addiction,” said Representative Lauren Underwood. “We cannot accept this as a new normal. Our bipartisan legislation will make sure seniors in our communities can get help when they need it and have access to the high-quality recovery care that they deserve.”\n\n“The disease of addiction has touched every corner of our communities, so our response addressing this crisis must be equally extensive,” said Congressman Paul Tonko. “Given the alarming rise in substance use disorder among our seniors, making sure they have the treatment and care they need is of particular importance. Our Residential Recovery for Seniors Act delivers that lifesaving care for older adults and people with disabilities. I’m proud to join my colleagues in pushing this commonsense, compassionate bill, that delivers the support needed to those on the path to recovery.”\n\n“In a state where seniors represent more than 20 percent of the population, substance use disorders among older adults remain a serious yet frequently overlooked challenge. This bill is an important step to expand access to recovery care for seniors and support families facing addiction. By allowing Medicare to cover residential addiction treatment programs, we are strengthening the continuum of care and ensuring seniors have access to structured, medically appropriate recovery services when they need them most,” said Congresswoman Carol Miller.\n\n“Substance use disorder can affect anyone, and over the last two decades, overdose deaths among older Americans have increased at an alarming rate,” said Congressman Valadao. “While Medicaid covers residential addiction treatment, too many seniors who rely on Medicare are left without access to these critical services or forced to pay out-of-pocket for expensive services they can’t afford. In the Central Valley, we’ve seen the devastating impact of the opioid crisis firsthand, and we need to ensure every American has the care they need to recover. I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan bill to expand access to lifesaving treatment and better support seniors struggling with substance use disorder.”\n\nAround 7 million seniors have a substance use disorder, but accessing addiction treatment is difficult for many seniors because Medicare does not cover the residential treatment many patients require. This gap in coverage can cause delays in care, seriously worsening their condition or even leading to hospitalization.\n\nThe Residential Recovery for Seniors Act would expand Medicare coverage for residential treatment options for older adults, and people with disabilities, by creating a new benefit under Medicare Part A.\n\nThe Residential Recovery for Seniors Act is endorsed by the following organizations: American Society of Addiction Medicine, Legal Action Center, Pyramid Healthcare, Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, Smart Recovery, The Kennedy Forum, Treatment Communities of America, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addictions Agencies Inc., National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Addiction Professionals of North Carolina, HIV Alliance, Shatterproof, Gaudenzia, Faces & Voices of Recovery, Powell Recovery Center, Inc, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, and the Mental Health Association of Maryland.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3912", "title": "Congressman Valadao Works to Lower Substance Use Disorder Rates Among Older Americans", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "valadao.house.gov", "scraper": "valadao", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000129", "name": "David G. Valadao", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Carol Miller (WV-01), and Paul Tonko (NY-20) to reintroduce the Residential Recovery for Seniors Act. This bipartisan bill would help lower the rate of drug overdoses among older adults by authorizing residential and in-patient treatment of opioid-use disorder under Medicare.\n\n“Substance use disorder can affect anyone, and over the last two decades, overdose deaths among older Americans have increased at an alarming rate,” said Congressman Valadao. “While Medicaid covers residential addiction treatment, too many seniors who rely on Medicare are left without access to these critical services or forced to pay out-of-pocket for expensive services they can’t afford. In the Central Valley, we’ve seen the devastating impact of the opioid crisis firsthand, and we need to ensure every American has the care they need to recover. I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan bill to expand access to lifesaving treatment and better support seniors struggling with substance use disorder.”\n\n“Substance use disorders among seniors are on the rise, and I've heard from so many families who have lost older relatives to addiction,” said Rep. Underwood. “We cannot accept this as a new normal. Our bipartisan legislation will make sure seniors in our communities can get help when they need it and have access to the high-quality recovery care that they deserve.”\n\n“In a state where seniors represent more than 20 percent of the population, substance use disorders among older adults remain a serious yet frequently overlooked challenge,” said Rep. Miller. “This bill is an important step to expand access to recovery care for seniors and support families facing addiction. By allowing Medicare to cover residential addiction treatment programs, we are strengthening the continuum of care and ensuring seniors have access to structured, medically appropriate recovery services when they need them most.”\n\n“The disease of addiction has touched every corner of our communities, so our response addressing this crisis must be equally extensive,” said Rep. Tonko. “Given the alarming rise in substance use disorder among our seniors, making sure they have the treatment and care they need is of particular importance. Our Residential Recovery for Seniors Act delivers that lifesaving care for older adults and people with disabilities. I’m proud to join my colleagues in pushing this commonsense, compassionate bill, that delivers the support needed to those on the path to recovery.”\n\nSupporting organizations include the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Legal Action Center, Pyramid Healthcare, Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, Smart Recovery, The Kennedy Forum, Treatment Communities of America, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addictions Agencies Inc., National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Addiction Professionals of North Carolina, HIV Alliance, Shatterproof, Gaudenzia, Faces & Voices of Recovery, Powell Recovery Center, Inc, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, and the Mental Health Association of Maryland.\n\nThe Residential Recovery for Seniors Act would:\n\nCreate a new Medicare benefit to cover residential and inpatient treatment for opioid use disorder according to American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) standards.\n\nInclude coverage for:\n\nLow-intensity residential treatment for individuals who need ongoing support in a structured setting.\n\nHigh-intensity residential treatment for individuals requiring more comprehensive clinical care.\n\nMedically managed residential treatment for patients with more complex medical and addiction treatment needs.\n\nEstablish a predictable Medicare payment system that reimburses treatment providers through a fixed payment amount, helping improve access to care and encourage provider participation.\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/07/06/vindman-hears-from-more-than-780-virginians-in-support-of-his-legislation-to-ban-members-of-congress-from-lobbying-after-leaving-office/", "title": "Vindman Hears from More Than 780 Virginians in Support of His Legislation to Ban Members of Congress from Lobbying after Leaving Office", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Vindman Statement on America’s 250th Anniversary of Independence\n\nVindman: “Only in America can someone arrive as a refugee and, within a single lifetime, serve in the United States...\n\nVindman Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Staffing at VA Health Clinics, Improve Care Offered to Vets\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) and Abe Hamadeh...\n\nFollowing Vindman Push, USDA Declares Disaster Designation for Virginia Farmers Impacted by Frost and Freeze Damage\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a Secretarial Disaster...\n\nVindman-Led Bill to Protect Americans and Combat Deadly Nitazenes Passes Out of Health SubCommittee\n\nIn August 2025, Vindman Introduced the First-Ever Bill in Congress to Combat the Alarming Rise of...\n\nVindman Votes For Bipartisan Housing Package to Lower Costs Including His Rural Housing Regulatory Relief Act\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) celebrated final congressional passage...\n\nICYMI: Vindman Hosts Second Annual Job & Resource Fair in Stafford\n\nWashington, D.C. — On Thursday, June 18, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) hosted a...\n\nVindman, Mackenzie Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Lower Grocery Costs & Expand Food Access in America’s Food Deserts\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) and Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pa.-07) introduced...\n\nVirginia Delegation Invites Virginians to Submit Photos for a Congressional Time Capsule Celebrating America 250\n\nSubmitted Photographs Will Be Considered for the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule...\n\nVindman Applauds Federal Funding to Strengthen Head Start Programs in Culpeper\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today celebrated that the U.S. Department of...\n\nVindman Secures Key NDAA Wins for Virginia Service Members & Military Families\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), a U.S. Army veteran and member of the House...\n\nVindman Condemns Republican Move to Block Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Military Families\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today released the following statement after Republicans who...", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-colleagues-demand-trump-admin-rescind-rule-giving-president-sweeping-power-to-politicize-federal-grants", "title": "Baldwin, Colleagues Demand Trump Admin Rescind Rule Giving President Sweeping Power to Politicize Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her colleagues are demanding that the Trump Administration immediately rescind its proposed policy that will allow the President to weaponize federal grants for political purposes and terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. The rule from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, and inserts partisan politics in a process that should be driven by merit and expertise.\n\n“This proposal dramatically expands agencies' authority to the point where the President could terminate or suspend any grant at any time for any reason and without any notice,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators continued, “OMB’s proposal also transforms federal grants from policy tools that Congress uses to promote the public good into a political cudgel that the President plans to use to punish his perceived political foes while rewarding himself and his friends. President Trump’s administration has already begun to do this.”\n\nThe proposed rule would dramatically expand agencies’ authority to terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. It would also require political appointees to make funding decisions without deferring to expert peer review. In a letter to OMB Director Russel Vought, the Senators warn this would inject partisan politics into grantmaking, threaten America’s leadership in scientific and medical innovation, and create chaos for communities and organizations that rely on federal funding to deliver critical services.\n\nThe Senators also argue that OMB’s proposal would force grant recipients to comply with vague, undefined, and political grant conditions that conflict with existing statutes. At the same time, it would weaken transparency and accountability requirements intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars. These changes could discourage qualified organizations from applying for federal grants and increase the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\nThe letter was led by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and was co-signed by the entire Senate Democratic Caucus.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nWe write to express our strong opposition to your proposed regulation on federal financial assistance (Fed. Reg. Vol. 91, No. 103, Friday May 29, 2026) and to insist you rescind it immediately. Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals. Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs. And contrary to the regulation’s justification of fiscal transparency, the changes also weaken the oversight and effective stewardship of taxpayer funds.\n\nThe proposed rule undermines federal agencies’ and grant recipients’ ability to faithfully carry out the programs enacted by Congress. When Congress authorizes and appropriates money for federal grants, it does so with the understanding that all Administrations will distribute those grants consistent with Congressional intent and the funding instructions articulated in law. The type of discretion the President intends to bestow upon himself through this proposed rule is counter to all past precedent and ignores the reality of how appropriations and authorizing laws are drafted.\n\nThis proposal dramatically expands agencies' authority to the point where the President could terminate or suspend any grant at any time for any reason and without any notice. The Trump administration’s actions over the last year and a half have already shown how these types of arbitrary cancellations create chaos and new costs, making it harder for grant recipients to provide the intended public benefit. In one instance, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Agency cancelled over $2 billion of grants to mental health and addiction programs without notice, only to reinstate those grants within 24 hours. In another instance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency unilaterally cancelled nearly $4.5 billion of natural disaster mitigation funding without notice, only to claim in court that they had never really cancelled those grants at all. This boundless power to terminate federal funding creates whiplash and erodes grant recipients’ trust in the grant agreements they sign. Ultimately, it makes it less likely that deserving and capable organizations and communities would apply for federal grants and risk tying their work to grants that could be upended with no rhyme, reason, or even advance notice.\n\nThe proposed rule would also require and empower political appointees to decide which grants do and do not get funded, explicitly directing them to not defer to expert peer review. This would have far reaching consequences, including but not limited to scientific research. For example, over decades the United States has built a biomedical research enterprise, led by investments in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), that is the envy of the world and makes us the world leader in medical innovation. It has led to new cures and treatments for devastating diseases that decades ago would have been considered miracles. This was built on the foundation that investments in biomedical research would be allocated based on a strictly non-partisan, rigorous, scientific review process to determine which specific research projects to fund. This proposed rule would fundamentally undermine that, and direct political appointees to substitute their own independent opinions over those of panels of experts.\n\nOMB’s proposal also transforms federal grants from policy tools that Congress uses to promote the public good into a political cudgel that the President plans to use to punish his perceived political foes while rewarding himself and his friends. President Trump’s administration has already begun to do this. Although multiple requests for information have gone unanswered, we estimate that at the Department of Transportation alone, at least 45 grants totaling $5.3 billion have been terminated, withdrawn, or cancelled by the Trump Administration. This includes nearly $109 million in five grants slated for Colorado, $679 million in 12 port related grants, and $54 million in transportation research conducted by universities. Meanwhile grantees in California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota continue to wait in limbo as OMB instructed DOT to cancel more than $943 million in grants in early February. With the threat of termination hanging over every grant recipient, presidents will be able to substitute their personal and partisan policy positions for federal spending directives, undermining Congress’s constitutional power of the purse.\n\nThe proposal also injects vague, burdensome, and potentially unlawful terms and conditions that give the president pretext to pick winners and losers among grant recipients. Contrary to OMB claims that the proposal will bring “regulatory clarity” to the administration of federal grants, the proposal would create limits on funding based on undefined terms, making it impossible for grant recipients to comply. In the proposal OMB explains that these undefined terms will ensure that federal funds are “not diverted to . . . radical political ideologies,” without further elaboration. Grant recipients must instead “demonstrably advance the President’s policy priorities,” whatever they happen to be. Terms like “anti-American values,”9\\ “gold-standard science,” and “diversity, equity, and inclusion” are not defined and, in some cases, are the subject of ongoing litigation. Further, Congress has passed specific statutes requiring agencies like the NIH to conduct health disparities research, including research on maternal mortality, cardiovascular disease in minority populations, and cancer screening equity. This rule’s prohibition on “diversity, equity, and inclusion” research would complicate compliance with those statutes. Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims. Ultimately, many grant recipients will decide it is too costly and confusing to try to keep up with shifting priorities of each new administration and give up on seeking federal grants altogether, frustrating Congress’s purpose to help the intended beneficiaries of the program.\n\nAs OMB seeks to consolidate power over federal funds, it also seeks to undermine transparency and accountability of the use of taxpayer dollars. The proposal removes the requirement that grant recipients follow financial internal control standards established by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). However, Congress required that GAO issue standards for financial internal controls and that agencies follow these standards in the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act of 1982. Allowing recipients to disregard independent financial risk management standards required by statute jeopardizes the faithful stewardship of taxpayer dollars and increases the risk of fraud or abuse.\n\nOMB’s grantmaking power grab is not only bad policy; it is also unlawful. OMB lacks the legal authority to issue binding regulations about how to cancel federal grants for each agency. In its proposal, OMB points to the Chief Financial Officers Act (CFO Act) for its sweeping assertion of power. However, the CFO Act in no way delegates to OMB the power to tell federal agencies that they can cancel grants at any time for any reason. Courts in Rhode Island and the District of Columbia have already rejected OMB’s claim that it can indiscriminately pause or terminate grants, holding that the CFO Act does not give OMB “the power to halt all finances, full-stop, on a moment's notice.” By dictating policy for grant recipients, OMB is attempting to supplant Congress’s primary role in appropriating funds and directing their purpose.\n\nArticle I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-demands-rfk-jr-restore-abruptly-cancelled-teen-pregnancy-prevention-funding", "title": "Baldwin Demands RFK, Jr. Restore Abruptly Cancelled Teen Pregnancy Prevention Funding", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her colleagues are sounding the alarm on the Trump administration’s recent decision to terminate nearly all Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Program grants and are calling upon Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to immediately reinstate the funding for over 50 grantees nationwide, including the $1.2 million that was used to prevent teen pregnancy in Wisconsin. The $1.2 million was used to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually-transmitted infections among young people, educate teens on how to navigate the healthcare system, and train medical providers on effectively communicating with teens.\n\n“We write to express our outrage over your recent decision to terminate the vast majority of Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program grants, which will deprive teens across the U.S. of vital resources and threaten to unwind decades of progress made in reducing teen pregnancy,” wrote Baldwin and the Senators.\n\nIn their letter to Secretary Kennedy, the lawmakers note that teen pregnancy in the U.S. has been on a steady decline for decades, thanks in part to successful programs like Teen Pregnancy Prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the teenage birth rate fell by 7% in 2025, reaching another historic low.\n\nThe Senators also note that the abrupt termination of these grants aligns with the Trump Administration’s pattern of rejecting evidence and science, ignoring Congressional intent and authority, and undermining the ability of people to make their own healthcare decisions. President Trump has long sought to destroy the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, including trying to fully eliminate it in his fiscal year 2026 budget, as did his prior budgets.\n\n“We demand that you immediately reverse course and reinstate funding for established grantees of the TPP Program, who are midway through their grants and doing essential work to prevent teen pregnancy,” the lawmakers conclude.\n\nThe letter was led by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and also co-signed by 17 Senate colleagues.\n\nThe full letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Kennedy:\n\nWe write to express our outrage over your recent decision to terminate the vast majority of Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Program grants, which will deprive teens across the U.S. of vital resources and threaten to unwind decades of progress made in reducing teen pregnancy. These grants, which were canceled in the middle of their five-year project period, supported evidence-based programs that worked to prevent teen pregnancy and behavioral risk factors underlying teen pregnancy, as is required by law. This decision to cancel 53 of 66 existing grants follows a pattern of actions the Trump Administration has taken to undermine access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare and put the health and wellbeing of our young people at risk. We call on you to immediately reinstate funding for these grantees who have a proven track record of working to uphold the goals of the program in accordance with the law.\n\nFor the last 35 years, the teen birth rate has been declining. According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the teenage birth rate fell by 7% in 2025, reaching another historic low. In 1991, the number of babies born to mothers ages 15 to 19 was more than five times higher than it is today. Evidence suggests that these declines are driven by several factors, including the use of more effective forms of contraception, greater access to information about pregnancy prevention, and a decline in teen sexual activity[1], which the TPP Program has supported.\n\nThe very goal of the TPP Program when it was established in 2010 was to support evidence-driven practices that would reduce teen pregnancy, with the majority of funds directed to programs with models whose effectiveness at preventing teen pregnancy had been demonstrated through rigorous evaluation, known as “Tier 1”, and a smaller portion of funds for the development and testing of new prevention programs, or “Tier 2,” which helps to grow the list of approved Tier 1 curricula.\n\nThe bipartisan law that most recently appropriated funding for the program in fiscal year 2026 reiterated the program’s goals—providing $101 million for “making competitive contracts and grants to public and private entities to fund medically accurate and age appropriate programs that reduce teen pregnancy” with 75 percent of funds directed toward “replicating programs that have been proven effective through rigorous evaluation to reduce teenage pregnancy, behavioral risk factors underlying teenage pregnancy, or other associated risk factors.”\n\nThese grants were awarded to state and local health departments, universities, and community organizations across America, like the Boys & Girls Club. These are organizations that know exactly how to reach young people to provide them with the information they need to make smart decisions about their health and futures.\n\nWe know that both Trump Administrations have long sought to destroy the TPP Program. President Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposed to eliminate it, as did his prior budgets, and in 2017, the Trump Administration attempted to cancel every TPP Program grant, a decision that was ultimately struck down by the courts. Now, however, allies of the president have increasingly suggested that declining teen birth rates are a “problem.” It appears this administration may agree with that assessment as you cancel funding for these proven programs. Your decision to terminate this funding squarely aligns with your department’s established pattern of rejecting evidence and science, ignoring Congressional intent, and undermining the ability of people to make their own healthcare decisions.\n\nWe demand that you immediately reverse course and reinstate funding for established grantees of the TPP Program, who are midway through their grants and doing essential work to prevent teen pregnancy.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/banks-introduces-stop-the-sexualization-of-children-act/", "title": "Banks Introduces Stop the Sexualization of Children Act", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jim Banks introduced the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act. This legislation would prohibit federal funding from being used by K-12 schools to develop, implement, facilitate, or promote programs, activities, or literature featuring sexually oriented content for minors.\n\nThe Stop the Sexualization of Children Act is cosponsored by Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) and has received the support of the Family Research Council, Independent Women’s Forum, American Principles Project, Eagle Forum, Family Policy Alliance, Parental Rights Foundation, and Moms for America.\n\nRep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) is leading the House companion of the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act, which passed the House Education and Workforce Committee with a vote of 18-13.\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “The American taxpayer should not be funding sexually explicit content for minors, it’s that simple. I’m proud to lead this bicameral effort in the Senate to ensure children aren’t exposed to explicit, sexual themes in the classroom.”\n\nRep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.): “As the sponsor of the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act, I am encouraged to see Senator Banks advancing this effort in the Senate. Our taxpayer-funded schools exist to educate children, not expose them to sexually explicit material or promote the false idea that a child can be born in the wrong body.”\n\nRead more about the bill here.\n\nFull bill text can be found here.\n\nKey Provisions of the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act:\n\nProhibits the use of federal funds provided under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act for development, implementation, facilitation or promotion of literature or materials containing depictions or descriptions of sexually explicit content.\n\nProhibits federal funding for programs or materials promoting concepts related to gender dysphoria and transgenderism.\n\nPreserves funding for standard coursework.\n\nEstablishes clear guardrails to ensure federal education dollars are used for legitimate education purposes, rather than the sexualization of minors\n\nBackground:\n\nResearch has shown that exposure to sexual content at a young age can increase the risk of early sexual activity, unsafe sexual practices, and other risky sexual behaviors. In recent years, concerns have grown among parents regarding sexually explicit materials, activities, and themes being introduced in schools. Federal tax dollars should not be uses to expose minors to content that lacks educational value or is inappropriate for minors. The Stop the Sexualization of Children Act would prohibit federal funding from these supporting programs, while preserving instruction in core academic subjects.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-commemorates-america-250-with-tour-of-the-first-state/", "title": "NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Commemorates America 250 with Tour of the First State", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click here to watch a recap of Senator Blunt Rochester’s tour\n\nU.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) recently commemorated America’s 250th anniversary with a tour across Delaware. With visits to more than 20 different locations up and down the state, Senator Blunt Rochester highlighted Delaware’s diverse communities and the unique role the First State played in American history, illustrating the theme of the tour: “The American Story Starts Here.”\n\n“This Fourth of July we marked the 250th anniversary of the great American experiment. In the days leading up to this historic moment, I felt a need to go back to ‘we the people’ and a journey through our state was born. After all, the American story starts here in Delaware,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “I met farmers, learned from historians, thanked veterans, shared pain and pride with leaders of the Nanticoke and Lenape tribes, marveled at a small business who enabled the Artemis mission, saw what the future holds through the eyes of young campers, and received wisdom from two sheroes — 99 and 108 years old. And what I know for sure is the American spirit endures.”\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester’s stops included the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover, where Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution; a full-scale replica of the Kalmar Nyckel ship in Wilmington, which carried Swedish settlers to Delaware in 1638; and the site in Seaford where Harriet Tubman helped an enslaved woman named Tilly escape to freedom. From young children at a New Castle County camp to a pair of centenarians at Whatcoat United Methodist Church, Senator Blunt Rochester asked Delawareans what America 250 means to them. Their responses included:\n\n“America 250 means to me, opportunity. This country has opportunity beyond anything, any place in the world.”\n\n“Celebration. Gratitude. Democracy. The future. [A time to] remind ourselves the work we have to put in today to make sure we’re around for another 250.”\n\n“A time of renewal. A new opportunity for us to rededicate ourselves to the Constitution and what it really means to love neighbors as ourselves.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-colleagues-demand-answers-after-hegseths-dod-denies-promotions-to-qualified-military-officers", "title": "Booker, Colleagues Demand Answers After Hegseth’s DoD Denies Promotions to Qualified Military Officers", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and a group of Senate colleagues sent a letter to Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding answers following reports that several military officers had been denied promotions for political reasons.\n\nAccording to reports, Hegseth personally blocked the promotions of eight Navy captains — including two female officers and two Black officers — who were up for promotion to one-star admiral. In their letter, the senators pressed for details on how these decisions were made and whether political factors, including the Administration’s rollback of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs, influenced personnel decisions that are supposed to rest solely on merit and qualifications.\n\n\"We write concerning reports of your unprecedented decision to personally remove qualified officers from consideration for promotion to brigadier general, major general, and flag officer positions. These actions raise concerns regarding the criteria, process, and authorities used to make changes to promotion recommendations after completion of the highly regulated military promotion board process,\" wrote the senators.\n\nThe senators warned that these actions threaten the military’s longstanding tradition of remaining apolitical and could take a toll on morale throughout the ranks.\n\n\"We recognize the importance of having the most qualified officers serving in these positions of great responsibility. While there are valid reasons to remove officers from consideration for promotion for reasons that often involve sensitive or adverse information, public reports indicate your actions may be politically motivated, disregard the many achievements of these officers, and undermine the principle of an apolitical military. Additionally, there are reports that your decisions are affecting morale among all ranks of officers,\" continued the senators.\n\nBooker and Ossoff were joined in the letter by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Durbin (D-IL), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-the-reopening-of-irs-taxpayer-assistance-centers-in-augusta-and-bangor", "title": "Senator Collins Announces the Reopening of IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers in Augusta and Bangor", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BANGOR, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) CEO Frank Bisignano announced that Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) in Augusta and Bangor have reopened as of Monday, July 6, 2026, with current IRS staff assigned to each location. This announcement follows Senator Collins' questioning of Secretary Bessent about TAC closures in Maine at a recent Senate Appropriations Committee hearing. The IRS is also seeking permanent staff for each TAC to provide assistance to Mainers.\n\n“Today’s announcement is welcome news for Mainers who rely on in-person assistance to navigate our tax system. Reopening the Taxpayer Assistance Centers in Augusta and Bangor will make an enormous difference for our seniors, rural residents, and other Mainers who should not have to travel hundreds of miles simply to get help from the IRS,” said Senator Collins. “I appreciate Secretary Bessent’s responsiveness to my concerns and will continue working to better ensure that Mainers have access to the federal services they need and deserve.”\n\n“Treasury and the IRS remain committed to delivering efficient, accessible services to taxpayers across the country. Reopening the Taxpayer Assistance Centers in Augusta and Bangor is an important step toward improving access for Maine taxpayers to support closer to home,” said Treasury Secretary Bessent. “I appreciate Senator Collins’ leadership in bringing this issue to my attention and her partnership as we expand in-person services in the great State of Maine.”\n\n“The Internal Revenue Service is committed to serving taxpayers in communities in Maine and across the country,” said IRS CEO Bisignano. “Taxpayer Assistance Centers like the offices re-opening in Bangor and Augusta provide essential, face-to-face support to Americans seeking guidance and assistance with tax-related issues. Whether in-person, online or on the phone, the IRS is dedicated to meeting taxpayers where they need help.”\n\nBackground\n\nTACs are physical offices that offer assistance to individuals who lack stable internet access, need help navigating technology, or otherwise need in-person assistance with their taxes. The State of Maine has the oldest population by median age in the country and a large rural population, and ensuring convenient access to these services remains especially important.\n\nReopening the Augusta and Bangor TACs expands access to these essential services, allowing more Mainers to receive IRS services closer to home and providing more options for taxpayers across the state to get the help they need.\n\nIn addition to questioning Secretary Bessent on this issue at the Treasury Department’s budget review hearing in April, Senator Collins, with members of the Maine delegation, sent a letter to Secretary Bessent in March requesting that the IRS reopen the TACs in Augusta and Bangor.\n\nIRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers in Maine\n\nAugusta\n\n68 Sewall St.\n\nSummer Hours: July 6 – September 30, 2026\n\nMonday: 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.\n\nTuesday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: CLOSED\n\nRegular business hours commence in the early fall.\n\nBangor\n\n202 Harlow St., Suite 20300\n\nSummer Hours: July 6 – September 30, 2026:\n\nMonday: 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.\n\nTuesday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.\n\nRegular business hours commence in the early fall.\n\nSouth Portland\n\n440 Western Ave.\n\nRegular Hours:\n\nMonday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.\n\nPresque Isle (Virtual Service Delivery location)\n\n39 Second St. – Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library\n\nRegular virtual assistance available by appointment only on Tuesday and Thursday by calling 844-545-5640.\n\nIRS Virtual Service Delivery allows taxpayers to meet virtually with an IRS assistor using secure video technology to receive many of the same services available at a TAC.\n\n+++\n\nTaxpayers are reminded to make an appointment before visiting all TACs. To schedule an appointment at a local office, call 844-545-5640 from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.\n\nTaxpayers should bring two original forms of ID, including a current government-issued photo ID. Other acceptable forms of ID can be found on the contact your local office page. The IRS contact your local office page has more information on IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers, including addresses, phone numbers and hours.\n\nClick here to read more about this announcement from the IRS.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/trump-accounts-create-financial-opportunity", "title": "Trump Accounts Create Financial Opportunity", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.—Trump Accounts were officially activated over the weekend, allowing parents, guardians, friends and employers to begin contributing to these tax-advantaged savings accounts for enrolled children. As part of the launch, eligible children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, will receive an initial $1,000 seed contribution from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.\n\nEstablished under the Working Families Tax Cuts law, Trump Accounts provide a tax-advantaged way for families to save for a child’s future. About 6 million children have already been enrolled, with 1.4 million who qualify for the initial $1,000 Treasury contribution. Through an initiative championed by First Lady Melania Trump, foster children in participating states, including Idaho, may also have accounts opened on their behalf, helping expand their financial opportunities.\n\n“Trump Accounts will give a generation of Idaho children a stronger financial start, helping them prepare for major milestones like attending college, buying their first home or building retirement savings,” said U.S. Senate Finance Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). “Importantly, these accounts encourage financial literacy from an early age, equipping young people with the knowledge and habits to make smart financial decisions, achieve greater independence and contribute to Idaho’s economic success.”\n\nHow it works:\n\nParents or guardians create the accounts through the Trump Accounts website or app, or when filing their taxes\n\nEligible accounts receive $1,000 from the U.S. Treasury, plus any eligible philanthropic and other governmental contributions\n\nFriends, families and employers can contribute up to $5,000 per year, adjusted for inflation\n\nThe money is invested in low-cost index funds that typically grow year after year\n\nWhen the child turns 18, they can continue saving for retirement or make withdrawals for eligible purposes, like furthering their education or purchasing a first home\n\nWhat they are saying:\n\n“Trump Accounts represent a significant national effort to strengthen the financial future of America’s children, and Idaho is proud to support that priority. This program gives families, employers, and communities another way to invest in long-term financial success and build a stronger foundation for Idaho’s next generation.” – Idaho Governor Brad Little\n\n“As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, this investment is about helping children build a strong foundation for future opportunity while supporting the workforce and communities that will shape U.S. semiconductor leadership. We appreciate President Trump and Secretary Bessent for establishing these accounts, which give Micron another meaningful way to support children and families as they plan for the future.” – Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra\n\n“Fostering the Future Accounts give foster children the same chance for asset ownership and long-term wealth building as every other American child. By investing in our foster youth now, we help strengthen America’s workforce, communities, and economic future.” – First Lady Melania Trump\n\nClick HERE to read Chairman Crapo’s recent column on Trump Accounts.\n\nClick HERE to learn more about the Working Families Tax Cuts’ creation of Trump Accounts.\n\nClick HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-arrives-in-taiwan-the-first-senator-to-visit-long-time-partner-after-disastrous-trump-xi-summit", "title": "Duckworth Arrives in Taiwan, the First Senator to Visit Long-Time Partner After Disastrous Trump-Xi Summit", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The Senator reaffirms steady vision for supporting Taiwan’s self-defense, strengthening U.S. national security and promoting stability in the region\n\n[TAIPEI, TAIWAN] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—traveled to Taiwan, the first Senator to do so after the disastrous Trump-Xi summit. After Donald Trump kowtowed to President of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Xi Jinping and waffled on delivering a critical bipartisan arms package to Taiwan, the Senator plans to meet with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and other leaders to underscore the United States’ unwavering support for Taiwan’s democracy and discuss her work to ensure our vital partnership remains strong long-term, no matter who sits in the White House.\n\n“As a Pacific nation, we must remain reliable partners to Taiwan—for the sake of their security and our own,” said Duckworth. “Our friendship with Taiwan is bigger than any one President. No matter who sits in the Oval Office, Congress must have a steady vision for supporting Taiwan’s democracy and self-defense for the long haul. My message is clear: I will always work hand-in-hand with Taiwan and our other partners throughout the region to tackle our shared challenges, strengthen security and build a more prosperous future.”\n\nThe Senator’s arrival in Taiwan immediately follows her trip to Japan, where she met with high-level business leaders to promote Illinois’ economic ties in the region. In addition to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, the Senator will also meet with President of the Legislative Yuan Han Kuo-yu, Minister of National Defense Koo Li-hsiung and Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin, among other leaders, in Taiwan.\n\nDuckworth is a proven leader when it comes to strengthening our relations with Indo-Pacific nations and improving security in the region—which she has done while successfully securing significant international investments in Illinois. In May, Duckworth led a bipartisan Congressional delegation (CODEL) to the Philippines and Singapore to discuss her efforts to redouble U.S. collaboration with our Indo-Pacific partners and ensure security in the region. Last month, two of the Senator’s bills to enhance crisis management strategy and to improve diplomatic engagement in the Indo-Pacific both advanced out of committee and now await a full Senate vote.\n\nFour months ago, Duckworth slammed Donald Trump’s reckless Iran war for being a gift to the PRC and for undermining our military readiness and security in the Indo-Pacific. Duckworth’s Indo-Pacific Medical Readiness program—a program she championed in the FY2025 NDAA and continues to implement through provisions in this year’s NDAA—will help ensure our nation’s servicemembers as well as their families have access to quality patient care throughout the Indo-Pacific region, where they often must travel long distances to receive care.\n\nLast year, Duckworth led official visits to South Korea and Japan to meet with government and economic leaders and discuss how the U.S. can better collaborate with our Indo-Pacific partners to enhance American shipbuilding capabilities and mutually strengthen each other’s economies. As a member of SFRC, Duckworth has extensively championed Illinois abroad. In a previous trip to Taiwan, she helped secure a commitment from Taiwan to purchase an estimated $2.6 billion of Illinois’s corn and soybeans, and following an official visit to Japan, Japan announced a regulatory change that will lead to an increase in imports from U.S. biofuel producers, supporting our farmers and growing Illinois’s economy.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-joins-bipartisan-bicameral-congressional-delegation-to-the-nato-summit-in-turkiye", "title": "Durbin Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Congressional Delegation To The NATO Summit In Türkiye", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) is joining a bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegation to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in Ankara, Türkiye. The purpose of the summit is to discuss congressional support for the transatlantic relationship as President Trump continues to weaken our foreign relationships abroad, the war in Iran, as well as continued Russian aggression and interference in western democracies.\n\n“The United States has been a proud member of NATO for decades—a united group that formed from the ashes of two horrific wars in Europe, with many newer members eventually joining after decades of Soviet oppression,” said Durbin. “I fear the President’s foreign policy positions and past comments on NATO have damaged our longstanding transatlantic relationship. This summit is an opportunity for us, in the United States Congress, to reiterate we stand with the alliance.”\n\nDurbin will also travel to Germany to receive intelligence and military briefings at U.S. DoW installations in Germany and engage with the Defense Industry Forum in Ankara. Following the NATO summit, Durbin will travel to Budapest, Hungary to discuss bilateral opportunities and mutual defense challenges in the region.\n\nDurbin will be joined on the trip by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Foreign Relations Committee, Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and U.S. Representative Mike Turner (R-OH-10).\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-champions-smarter-regulation", "title": "Ernst Champions Smarter Regulation", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) introduced the Strengthening Manufactured Appliance Requirements towards Thoughtful Energy Efficiency Standards (SMART Energy Efficiency Standards) Act to modernize federal energy efficiency standards for furnaces, central air conditioners, and heat pumps. The bill replaces the current installation-date compliance standard with a manufacturing date standard, aligning these products with others covered by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.\n\n\"There’s no reason heating and cooling equipment should be treated differently from virtually every other product,” said Ernst. “My bill uses the date it is manufactured to provide a fair, predictable standard that helps distributors, gives contractors certainty, and keeps equipment available for American families.”\n\n\"We want to thank Senator Ernst for championing this critical legislation. Distributors work hard to manage inventory responsibly, but using an installation-date deadline creates severe uncertainty for distributors and the contractors we serve. This bill replaces that confusion with a much more practical standard that brings predictability back to the marketplace,” said Steven Roe, President of Heating and Cooling Supply in Waterloo, Iowa.\n\n“Senator Ernst has been a tremendous supporter of Lennox, our employees, and our Iowa manufacturing roots. This common-sense legislation provides regulatory certainty, reduces inventory risk, and helps prevent supply-chain disruptions. Not only will this bill strengthen our factory in Marshalltown, it will also benefit HVAC manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and consumers across the United States,” said Eric Zito, Head of Government Affairs & Sustainability at Lennox.\n\n“We are grateful to Senator Ernst for introducing this bill making a long-overdue technical correction to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. This simple change will reduce confusion, ease the burden on manufacturers and distributors. It will allow for a smooth transition from the previous energy efficiency standard to the new standard, all while preventing millions of dollars’ worth of inventory from being unable to be installed every time standards change,” said Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) President and CEO Stephen Yurek.\n\n\"HARDI has long advocated for aligning regional standards with the date of manufacture, and the SMART Energy Efficiency Standards Act does exactly that. This legislation makes compliance clearer, protects distributors from liability they cannot control, and ultimately supports a smoother transition to higher-efficiency equipment across the supply chain,” said Alex Ayers, Vice President of Government Affairs at HARDI.\n\nErnst also thanked U.S. Representative Bob Latta (R-Ohio) for previously spearheading this common-sense legislation in the House and for his efforts to provide certainty for manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and consumers.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-statement-on-one-year-anniversary-of-the-one-big-beautiful-bill/", "title": "Gallego Statement on One-Year Anniversary of the One Big Beautiful Bill", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "PHOENIX – Following the one-year anniversary of President Trump’s so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) on July 4th, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is highlighting how Trump and Republicans in Congress have caused Arizonans to lose healthcare, food assistance, and jobs – all so the ultra-wealthy can get bigger tax breaks.\n\n“Right now, Arizonans are working harder than ever and getting less in return. And instead of trying to make life easier and cut costs, like they promised to do on day one, Trump and Republicans in Congress ripped away the services Arizonans rely on so they could give tax breaks to billionaires,” said Senator Gallego. “The so-called One Big Beautiful Bill is stealing from the poor to give to the rich, and Arizonans are already feeling the pain.”\n\nBy the Numbers\n\nFood Assistance:\n\nOver 450,000 Arizonans have lost SNAP benefits since last July. The 50% decline is the worst in the country.\n\nFood banks across Arizona have reported a surge in demand as Arizonans seek help putting food on the table.\n\nHealthcare:\n\nOver 65,000 Arizonans dropped their ACA marketplace coverage – a 16% drop from 2025.\n\n327,400 Arizonans are projected to lose Medicaid coverage by 2034.\n\nArizona’s State Medicaid Fund is expected to decrease by nearly $43 billion – or almost 20% – by 2034.\n\nJobs and Energy Prices:", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-fema-denying-major-disaster-declaration-for-new-york-state-for-february-blizzard/", "title": "Gillibrand Statement On FEMA Denying Major Disaster Declaration For New York State For February Blizzard", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) made the following statement on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) decision to deny Governor Kathy Hochul’s Major Disaster Declaration request in response to the February blizzard that brought record snowfall, high wind speeds, and coastal flooding to New York:\n\n“FEMA’s decision to deny Governor Hochul’s request is a massive blow to New York State’s recovery efforts. In the wake of February’s record-breaking blizzard, our local governments stepped up to protect residents and save lives. Our municipal partners shouldn’t be penalized for doing the right thing. The federal government must pay its fair share to support New York’s full recovery, and I urge the administration to reconsider this short-sighted decision.”\n\nIn April, Senators Gillibrand and Schumer called on President Trump to approve Governor Kathy Hochul’s Major Disaster Declaration request. The governor made the request for Public Assistance for Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties, along with Snow Assistance for Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties, and Hazard Mitigation for the entire state. Tragically, the blizzard resulted in the death of five people across the state of New York.\n\nGovernor Hochul’s Major Disaster Declaration request under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act would authorize FEMA aid to help New Yorkers recover and rebuild.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-this-weekends-gun-violence-and-the-trump-administrations-gun-safety-rollbacks/", "title": "Gillibrand Statement On This Weekend’s Gun Violence And The Trump Administration’s Gun Safety Rollbacks", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) released the following statement after a violent Fourth of July weekend in New York City left over a dozen people shot, including several children and one NYPD detective:\n\n“This weekend, a family barbecue in Coney Island turned into a crime scene. Eight people were shot, four of them children as young as six. Hours later, one of our own detectives took a bullet doing his job to keep New Yorkers safe. More than a dozen people shot in two days, in a city that had just posted a record low for gun violence this year. That is not progress we can afford to lose, and it is exactly the moment the federal government should be doing more to keep guns out of the wrong hands – not less.\n\n“Instead, the Trump administration has spent the past year and a half dismantling the very safeguards that make moments like this rarer. They’ve gutted the ATF’s ability to shut down dealers who repeatedly break the law. They’re restoring gun access to people flagged for serious mental illness. They’re rolling back scrutiny of dangerous accessories like stabilizing braces. And they are actively suing states to strike down limits on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. All of these actions defy common sense and make our communities less safe.\n\n“New Yorkers just watched what happens when a gun ends up in the wrong hands on a summer night. The Trump administration’s answer is to make that easier, not harder. I will keep fighting in the Senate for the background checks, dealer accountability, and commonsense restrictions this administration is determined to tear down. The safety of our kids, our families, and our police officers should never be a partisan afterthought.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/in-response-to-gillibrand-request-watchdog-releases-report-revealing-the-need-for-federal-oversight-of-assisted-living-facilities/", "title": "In Response To Gillibrand Request, Watchdog Releases Report Revealing The Need For Federal Oversight Of Assisted Living Facilities", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Government Accountability Office Review Identifies $12 Billion Annually in Federal Medicare and Medicaid Spending in Assisted Living Facilities\n\nRead The Report Here.\n\nToday, in response to an inquiry by Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and other Democrats on the Senate Aging Committee, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report underscoring the need for enhanced federal oversight of assisted living facilities that are being paid billions of federal Medicare and Medicaid dollars each year.\n\nThe new report reveals that assisted living facilities are becoming an increasingly important part of the Medicare and Medicaid systems, billing them for at least $12 billion annually. GAO also revealed that because the programs do not track spending at these facilities accurately, the spending figures are most likely an underestimate.\n\nGAO and other investigations have identified widespread problems with quality of care in assisted living facilities, including thousands of “critical incidents” such as sexual abuse, unauthorized use of restraints, patient injuries, and even deaths.\n\n“Seniors and their families deserve protection and peace of mind when seeking care in assisted living facilities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Though these facilities receive at least $12 billion a year in taxpayer funding, they are subject to little federal oversight to guarantee resident safety. That’s unacceptable. As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, I’ll keep fighting to strengthen regulation and expand access to quality, affordable care for our seniors.”\n\n“This report identifies a huge federal oversight gap. Assisted living facilities receive billions in federal dollars, but there is no federal role in ensuring that they are providing high quality care,” said Senator Warren. “Residents of these facilities deserve better, and that starts by making sure that assisted living facilities are making good use of taxpayer dollars and are not leaving our seniors out to dry.”\n\n“Assisted living facilities provide care to millions of Americans. We must ensure the federal government carries out its critical role in promoting accountability for proper care as well as for the billions of federal dollars going to assisted living facilities. Our seniors deserve access to affordable, adequate care, and our government must prioritize Americans’ health and well-being and do its job to increase transparency and ensure that access,” said Senator Blumenthal.\n\nAssisted living facilities, including memory care centers, are state-regulated residences that provide housing, meals, and other services to enable people to live independently. They can be a valuable alternative to nursing homes for thousands of older adults. But currently, despite the high cost to live in assisted living facilities, residents in these facilities have suffered avoidable injuries and death. And despite Medicare and Medicaid paying for services at these facilities, there has historically been a lack of oversight of these assisted living facilities.\n\nThis new GAO report reveals that:\n\nIn 2024, Medicare and Medicaid spent at least $12 billion for services provided in assisted living facilities.\n\nCombined, approximately 900,000 Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries receive care at these facilities.\n\nMost of the Medicaid spending was on Hospice and Home Health care – two programs that are known to have problems with fraud.\n\nOther federal agencies – including Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs – also pay for room and board and other costs in these facilities.\n\nMedicare and Medicaid do not adequately track spending at these facilities and estimates are likely an undercount because there is no uniformly defined provider type that can be linked to these facilities.\n\nDemand for assisted living services is likely to grow because of the aging population.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-colorado-colleagues-urge-usda-to-bolster-screwworm-preparedness-actions/", "title": "Hickenlooper, Colorado Colleagues Urge USDA to Bolster Screwworm Preparedness Actions", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and U.S. Representative Joe Neguse wrote a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) demanding the agency expand surveillance and response activities to prevent the spread of New World Screwworm (NWS). The increasing number of NWS cases in New Mexico and Texas is raising concerns across Western states, including Colorado.\n\n“[W]e urge the USDA to take additional swift actions to expand surveillance and response activities and resources to prevent further spread, protecting ranchers and livestock across both Colorado and the country,” wrote Hickenlooper, Bennet, and Neguse. “As you know, NWS pose a serious threat to our wildlife, farmers, and ranchers, and overarching impacts to rural economies.”\n\nIt’s been nearly 60 years since the last outbreak of New World Screwworm on U.S. soil. Recent confirmed cases in states bordering Colorado have increased concerns for local farmers and ranchers. In the letter, Colorado lawmakers note that an infestation could be catastrophic for rural and ranching communities.\n\n“Protecting Colorado’s agricultural economy from New World Screwworm is intrinsically tied to our nation’s food security. Preventing the northward spread of this pest shields supply chains, maintains system stability, and ensures that our ranchers remain resilient,” wrote the lawmakers. “It must be noted that if this parasite breaches Colorado borders, the financial and operational burden of response and mitigation activities would be catastrophic to our producers and our state.”\n\nColorado agriculture officials have already activated measures to prevent and control a potential outbreak, including coordinating the release of sterile flies. The letter from Hickenlooper, Bennet, and Neguse encourages continued cooperation between state and federal agencies.\n\nThe letter can be found HERE and below:\n\nDear Secretary Rollins,\n\nWe write to express our growing concern regarding the recent New World Screwworm (NWS) outbreak in the United States. As members of the Colorado congressional delegation, we urge the USDA to take additional swift actions to expand surveillance and response activities and resources to prevent further spread, protecting ranchers and livestock across both Colorado and the country.\n\nAs you know, NWS pose a serious threat to our wildlife, farmers, and ranchers, and overarching impacts to rural economies. We are concerned by the spread of cases from Texas to New Mexico, and encourage you to take strong steps to prevent further spread. Screwworm infestations can cause severe injury, illness, and even death in cattle and other livestock—causing significant economic losses for agricultural producers and disruptions to animal health.\n\nWe urge the USDA to bolster surveillance activities, enhance animal inspections, ensure animal traceability, and prioritize expanding sterile fly production capabilities. Concurrently, we request collaboration with producers, veterinarians, and other stakeholders in Colorado to provide clear guidance and technical assistance on NWS prevention, detection, treatment, and reporting. Robust outreach, surveillance, and coordinated response efforts are essential to limiting the spread of infestations. We also support USDA’s continued use of sterile fly releases, coordination with the State of Colorado’s animal health officials, and assistance to Colorado and other states to enhance prevention and response efforts. Further, improving early detection can help animal recovery and help minimize potential losses for producers.\n\nProtecting Colorado’s agricultural economy from New World Screwworm is intrinsically tied to our nation’s food security. Preventing the northward spread of this pest shields supply chains, maintains system stability, and ensures that our ranchers remain resilient. It must be noted that if this parasite breaches Colorado borders, the financial and operational burden of response and mitigation activities would be catastrophic to our producers and our state. In the event of an outbreak, Colorado would need immediate and significant USDA financial assistance to execute a successful response and recovery effort. Therefore, we urgently request that USDA establish emergency cooperative agreements to ensure the necessary state financial aid.\n\nIn sum, we urge the USDA to take swift action to enhance surveillance and response efforts, expand available resources, and plan for necessary state support to keep our nation and our agricultural communities safe from further infestations.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.justice.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-justice-joins-first-settlement-physical-therapy-in-support-of-the-safe-act/", "title": "Senator Justice Joins First Settlement Physical Therapy in Support of the SAFE Act", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.justice.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.justice.senate.gov", "scraper": "justice", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000312", "name": "James C. Justice", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BECKLEY, WV – Today, Senator Jim Justice joined First Settlement Physical Therapy to discuss his bill, the SAFE Act.\n\n“This bill is about prevention, plain and simple. If we can help seniors stay steady on their feet, stay active, and stay independent longer, that’s better for them, better for their families, and better for taxpayers too. I appreciate all the work the great therapists here at First Settlement and all across West Virginia are doing. They are helping seniors live safer, healthier, and more independent lives,” said Senator Jim Justice.\n\n“On behalf of the physical therapy community, I can’t say enough about Senator Justice’s help with the SAFE Act. He’s been front and center on this idea, and we really couldn’t ask for a better advocate. This is the type of practical, commonsense idea that saves money and helps seniors stay as independent as possible. Senator Justice, as do physical therapists, believes when you have the right kind of care at the right time, you can unlock a win-win for both patients and the budget,” said Simon Hargus, PT, DPT, OCS, MBA, Owner and CEO, First Settlement Physical Therapy.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Justice introduced the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act on July 31, 2025.\n\nThe SAFE Act allows seniors on Medicare to receive a no-cost fall risk assessment from a physical or occupational therapist as a part of their annual wellness visit so they can detect problems before someone gets hurt.\n\nHe spoke in detail about the SAFE Act during a Senate Aging Committee hearing this past May.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-announce-more-than-76-million-in-federal-funding-for-virginia-transportation-infrastructure-projects", "title": "Warner, Kaine Announce More Than $76 Million In Federal Funding for Virginia Transportation Infrastructure Projects", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $76,095,720 in federal grant funding for four transportation infrastructure projects that will expand passenger rail, reduce traffic congestion, and strengthen infrastructure across Virginia.\n\n“From passenger rail services to roads and waterways, countless travelers and goods move through the Commonwealth every day, and Virginia commuters and businesses deserve infrastructure that can keep up,” said the senators. “We’re proud to have secured this funding that will modernize transportation, ease congestion, support economic growth, and create a stronger infrastructure system that can help Virginians move quickly and safely.”\n\nThis funding is awarded through the Department of Transportation (DOT)’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program, which is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the senators helped negotiate and pass. This funding also follows Warner’s support for Middlesex County’s application for the Broad Creek-Chesapeake Bay Access Project and the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s application for the Richmond Layover Facility.\n\nThe grant awards include:\n\n$25,000,000 for the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission’s L’Enfant Station and Fourth Track Project to improve the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) L’Enfant rail station and add a fourth main track in the adjacent railroad corridor between the L’Enfant and Virginia interlockings, increasing capacity for commuter and intercity passenger rail services.\n\n$25,000,000 for the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority to complete final design and construction of the Richmond Layover Facility, which will provide overnight storage and servicing space needed to support existing and future passenger rail service. The project includes three storage tracks, one maintenance platform, a service pit covered by a canopy, upgrades to the existing railroad signal system for entering and exiting the site, roadway improvements for access into the facility, a parking lot for staff, and a site building for equipment storage and staff facilities.\n\n$24,500,000 for the city of Lynchburg’s US 501/US 221 Intersection Improvements Project to design and construct a split one-way pair intersection that would divide existing two-way traffic on US 501 on two separate roadways at the intersection with US 221, as well as additional through lanes and turn lanes on US 501 and US 221, sidewalks, ADA improvements, a shared-use path, pedestrian crossing signals, a new flyover bridge that will eliminate an existing signal to the north of the proposed split pair, landscaping, stormwater improvements, roadway lighting, and a new transit stop. The project will ease congestion while improving safety and accessibility for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users.\n\n$1,595,720 for Middlesex County’s Broad Creek-Chesapeake Bay Access Project to complete construction-ready designs for the redevelopment of the Broad Creek working waterfront, strengthening critical connections between the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia’s freight network.\n\nSens. Warner and Kaine have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding for infrastructure improvements across the Commonwealth, many of the grants made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – a transformative investment in American infrastructure needs. In June, the senators announced a $1 million investment in affordable, transit-accessible housing in Norfolk, more than $310 million to reduce traffic congestion in Hampton Roads, and more than $32 million to modernize eight airports across Virginia.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-colleagues-demand-trump-vance-administration-release-affordable-housing-construction-funds", "title": "Warner, Kaine, Colleagues Demand Trump-Vance Administration Release Affordable Housing Construction Funds", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, a former fair housing attorney, (both D-VA) joined Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and several colleagues in a letter urging the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to unlock community development tools and promptly release $750 million in federal housing construction funds.\n\nEarlier this month, Congress passed the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to help build more housing, lower costs, streamline construction regulations, preserve affordable homes in rural areas, help reduce homelessness, and curb private equity’s ability to buy up single-family homes and drive up housing prices.\n\nThe bill incorporates provisions from several pieces of legislation that Warner and Kaine championed, including provisions to improve transparency of mortgage loans for veteran homebuyers, create a pilot grant program to support new housing and community development activities, create a down payment assistance fund for first-time homebuyers, end tax breaks for large institutional investors that buy single-family homes, create a program to help communities convert vacant buildings into affordable homes, implement reforms to help preserve affordable housing in rural areas, and make it easier for community and regional banks to lend money for housing projects.\n\nInstead of signing the law, which passed with veto-proof majorities, President Donald Trump is sitting on it.\n\nWith housing prices near record highs, the Trump-Vance Administration is also sitting on approximately $750 million in housing construction funds available under the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Housing Production-Financial Assistance Awards (HP-FA) programs. These federal funds can be leveraged by state and local organizations to develop, preserve, rehabilitate, and increase the supply of affordable housing. Together, these programs strengthen communities, revitalize neighborhoods, create jobs, and ensure more Americans can afford a high-quality home at a decent price that fits their budget.\n\nThe housing affordability crisis is compounded by the fact that President Trump’s policies – including his tariffs and reckless war with Iran – have increased the cost of construction and slowed the pace of building new affordable housing units nationwide.\n\n“We write to urge you to immediately direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of the Treasury to release approximately $750 million in housing construction funds available under the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Housing Production-Financial Assistance Awards (HP-FA) programs,” the senators wrote.\n\n“Today, Americans are suffering through a housing affordability crisis. Single-family home prices and the average age of first-time homebuyers hit record highs last year, while more households are paying unsustainable amounts of rent than ever before. This crisis is nationwide: home prices have surged 40% in Texas, 43% in Iowa, 54% in Georgia, and 65% in Maine over the past six years – far outpacing wages and overall inflation. You have the ability to increase our nation’s housing supply and help address this crisis. With that in mind, we urge you to direct the release of these funds without any further delay,” the senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Warner and Kaine, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nWe write to urge you to immediately direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of the Treasury to release approximately $750 million in housing construction funds available under the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Housing Production-Financial Assistance Awards (HP-FA) programs.\n\nThese funds, which are derived from the profits of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and revenue from the Emergency Capital Investment Program, could pay to build or rehabilitate over 63,000 homes at no cost to American taxpayers. OMB has never failed to ensure annual CMF and HTF funds are released, even during President Trump’s first term. Regrettably, the Trump Administration has now withheld some of these funds for over a year.\n\nToday, Americans are suffering through a housing affordability crisis. Single-family home prices and the average age of first-time homebuyers hit record highs last year, while more households are paying unsustainable amounts of rent than ever before. This crisis is nationwide: home prices have surged 40% in Texas, 43% in Iowa, 54% in Georgia, and 65% in Maine over the past six years – far outpacing wages and overall inflation. You have the ability to increase our nation’s housing supply and help address this crisis. With that in mind, we urge you to direct the release of these funds without any further delay.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-urges-coast-guard-to-select-maine-as-homeport-for-new-arctic-security-cutter", "title": "King Urges Coast Guard to Select Maine as Homeport for New Arctic Security Cutter", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "domain": "www.king.senate.gov", "scraper": "angusking", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000383", "name": "Angus S. King, Jr.", "party": "Independent", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Co-Chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus, is urging the U.S. Coast Guard to select Maine as the homeport for one of its new Arctic Security Cutters. In a letter to U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday, King highlighted Maine's unique advantages as the Coast Guard evaluates homeports for the next generation of icebreakers.\n\nArctic Security Cutters will anchor a modernized icebreaker fleet built for the most demanding conditions, ensuring the United States is equipped to defend its interests and meet emerging challenges in the Arctic for decades to come. In his letter, Senator King makes the point that as sea ice continues to recede in the Arctic, Maine’s unique location and infrastructure is ideally suited to position the next generation sea vessels to leverage America’s leadership as an Arctic Nation.\n\n“I write to urge that the State of Maine be selected as a homeport for the Service’s new Arctic Security Cutters,” Senator King began. “The decision to build out an 11-ship fleet is a generational investment in American presence in the high latitudes, and Maine offers the Coast Guard an ideal Atlantic homeport from which to project that presence.”\n\n“Geography makes the case on its own. Maine is the closest point in the continental United States to the Arctic, giving an Atlantic-based cutter the shortest transit to its operating areas. The state’s deep-water harbors offer reliable year-round access—from Portland, with its established working waterfront and supporting infrastructure, to Eastport, the deepest natural seaport on the East Coast. Either provides the Coast Guard strong options, and I would of course defer to the Service on the specific siting that best fits operational needs,” Senator King continued.\n\n“As the Coast Guard makes homeporting decisions for the cutters still to come, I urge you to make Maine a top choice. No other state offers this combination of Arctic proximity, deep-water access, shipbuilding and repair capacity, and Arctic expertise, and Maine is ready to deliver for the Service and its crews. I stand ready to assist however I can, and I thank you for your continued leadership of the Coast Guard,” Senator King concluded.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, Senator King has been a steadfast supporter of the Navy and Coast Guard. He recently secured key provisions in the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support the maritime forces and ensure that America’s military can continue providing best-in-class services and defense of the homeland. Earlier this year, Senator King and his U.S. Senate Arctic Caucus Co-Chair Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) traveled to Greenland to project America’s leadership and voice in the Arctic. During the visit, they met with the Prime Minister, members of the Greenland parliament, and toured the U.S. Pituffik Space Base inside the Arctic Circle.\n\n+++\n\nDear Admiral Lunday:\n\nAs co-chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus and a longtime advocate for the Coast Guard, I write to urge that the State of Maine be selected as a homeport for the Service’s new Arctic Security Cutters. The decision to build out an 11-ship fleet is a generational investment in American presence in the high latitudes, and Maine offers the Coast Guard an ideal Atlantic homeport from which to project that presence.\n\nGeography makes the case on its own. Maine is the closest point in the continental United States to the Arctic, giving an Atlantic-based cutter the shortest transit to its operating areas. The state’s deep-water harbors offer reliable year-round access—from Portland, with its established working waterfront and supporting infrastructure, to Eastport, the deepest natural seaport on the East Coast. Either provides the Coast Guard strong options, and I would of course defer to the Service on the specific siting that best fits operational needs.\n\nMaine is a strong Coast Guard state, more than ready and capable to serve as a homeport. Sector Northern New England is headquartered in South Portland, and stations along Maine’s coast maintain close, longstanding ties to the communities they serve—a foundation of infrastructure, personnel, and local goodwill the Service can build on. Maine also brings an ecosystem built to sustain these vessels over their decades of service. The state’s deep shipbuilding heritage and skilled maritime workforce stand ready to support the construction, repair, and maintenance of complex platforms. That industrial base is complemented by genuine Arctic and maritime expertise: the University of Maine is a national leader in Arctic research, and Maine Maritime Academy offers deep expertise in maritime operations and a natural link to the Service’s Arctic mission. Together they reflect a statewide maritime culture the Coast Guard can draw on for partnership, training, and regional support.\n\nAs the Coast Guard makes homeporting decisions for the cutters still to come, I urge you to make Maine a top choice. No other state offers this combination of Arctic proximity, deep-water access, shipbuilding and repair capacity, and Arctic expertise, and Maine is ready to deliver for the Service and its crews. I stand ready to assist however I can, and I thank you for your continued leadership of the Coast Guard.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-independence-day-king-celebrates-americas-250th-birthday", "title": "On Independence Day, King Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "domain": "www.king.senate.gov", "scraper": "angusking", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000383", "name": "Angus S. King, Jr.", "party": "Independent", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on Independence Day, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement to commemorate America’s 250th birthday:\n\n“Each Fourth of July, Americans gather with family and friends to celebrate with barbecues, parades, and fireworks. But beneath those traditions lies one of the most remarkable moments in human history. When the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, it introduced a revolutionary idea: that government derives its power from the consent of the governed, and that every person is endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Those principles challenged centuries of inherited power exercised by kings, pharaohs, emperors, and monarchs, and forever changed the course of history.\n\n“As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we're reminded that the promise of our nation has always depended on each generation's willingness to preserve and strengthen those founding ideals. Independence Day is not only a celebration of our past, but a renewal of our shared responsibility to uphold our founding values that remain at the heart of the American experiment.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-applauds-more-than-25-million-for-safer-roads-in-massachusetts", "title": "Senator Markey Applauds More Than $25 Million for Safer Roads in Massachusetts", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Boston (July 6, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today celebrated more than $25 million in Fiscal Year 2026 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) funds from the Department of Transportation (DOT) for Massachusetts. The funds will be used to improve road safety along high traffic corridors by building roundabouts, widening sidewalks, and adding traffic signals at dangerous intersections. Senator Markey was instrumental in advocating for the BUILD program which was authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\n“Massachusetts is leading the nation addressing the road safety crisis,” said Senator Markey. “These investments will make our roads safer and our communities more livable. I’m proud to have fought for this funding as a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”\n\nYarmouth-Barnstable Route 28 Improvements\n\nTown of Yarmouth\n\n$25,000,000\n\nThis project will construct a new multilane roundabout and a new traffic signal installation, along with three other traffic signal upgrades along the Route 28 corridor.\n\nCity of Malden Broadway Reconstruction Project\n\nCity of Malden\n\n$1,584,000\n\nThe project will advance the Broadway roadway reconstruction from 25 percent design to final design. The project will include a consistent two-lane roadway with appropriate turn lanes at intersections, upgraded sidewalks, a new signalized intersection at Taylor and Grover Streets, drainage improvements, stormwater control measures, updated signage, and a suite of safety countermeasures.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-urges-kansas-families-to-enroll-in-new-trump-accounts/", "title": "Senator Marshall Urges Kansas Families to Enroll in New Trump Accounts", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Great Bend – Today, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), celebrated the official launch of Trump Accounts, which were activated over the weekend and now allow parents, guardians, friends, and employers to begin contributing to these tax-advantaged savings accounts for eligible children. As part of the launch, children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, will receive an initial $1,000 seed contribution from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.\n\nEstablished under the Working Families Tax Cuts law, Trump Accounts provide a tax-advantaged way for families to save for a child’s future. Eligible children across Kansas can now begin building long-term financial security with support from family members, employers, and their communities. Through an initiative championed by First Lady Melania Trump, foster children in participating states may also have accounts opened on their behalf, helping expand financial opportunities for some of our nation’s most vulnerable children.\n\n“President Trump is investing in America’s future by giving our nation’s children a financial head start,” said Senator Marshall. “Trump Accounts encourage a lifetime of saving, investing, and personal responsibility, helping young Americans prepare to achieve the American Dream—whether that’s a college degree, purchasing their first home, launching a business, or building financial independence. This is about creating more opportunities and ensuring every generation has the chance to build a better life than the one before it.”\n\nHow it works:\n\nParents or guardians create the accounts through the Trump Accounts website or app, or when filing their taxes\n\nEligible accounts receive $1,000 from the U.S. Treasury, plus any eligible philanthropic and other governmental contributions\n\nFriends, families, and employers can contribute up to $5,000 per year, adjusted for inflation\n\nThe money is invested in low-cost index funds that typically grow year after year\n\nWhen the child turns 18, they can continue saving for retirement or make withdrawals for eligible purposes, like furthering their education or purchasing a first home\n\nSenator Marshall encourages Kansas families to visit the Trumpaccounts.gov today to learn more about the program, enroll eligible children, and start saving for their future.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/new-report-after-expiration-of-aca-tax-credits-georgians-are-delaying-necessary-care-paying-thousands-more-for-insuranceclick-here-to-read-sen-ossoffs-new-report-on-loss-of-aca-tax/", "title": "NEW REPORT: After Expiration of ACA Tax Credits, Georgians Are Delaying Necessary Care & Paying Thousands More for Insurance", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click here to read Sen. Ossoff’s new report on loss of ACA Tax Credits\n\nWashington, D.C. — Georgians are delaying necessary care and paying thousands more for health insurance after ACA tax credits expired, a new report from U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff found.\n\nEarly this year, Sen. Ossoff launched an investigation into the impacts of rising health care costs and cuts to health care services after Republicans in Congress gutted Medicaid and failed to extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits that millions of Georgians rely upon to afford health care.\n\nToday, Sen. Ossoff released a new report with stories of Georgians who report they have been delaying necessary care and are paying thousands more for care after the loss of the ACA tax credits, with some saying they’ve lost insurance altogether because of the high costs.\n\nRecent analysis from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution found that after the ACA tax credits expired at the end of last year, roughly 350,000 Georgians have already lost health care.\n\n“The failure of Republicans to extend ACA tax credits has inexplicably hurt Georgia families, leading to hundreds of thousands going without health care, and more seeing huge increases in their premiums. I will continue working to restore these tax credits and to lower health care costs for Georgia families,” Sen. Ossoff said.\n\nSince the enhanced ACA tax credits expired at the end of 2025, Georgia patients on exchange plans are facing increased monthly premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and medication costs, forcing them to cut back on other items to keep their health insurance and to pay higher costs for less coverage. In some cases, Georgians have lost their insurance altogether. As detailed in the report:\n\nDeborah Tolson, based in Alpharetta, reported that her monthly health insurance premium in 2025 was $63 for three people: herself, her husband, and her daughter. As of January 2026, that same plan’s monthly premium reportedly increased to $1200—a 1,804% increase—for only her and her daughter. Her husband disenrolled from the plan and has been uninsured since January, since covering all three family members would have reportedly increased their monthly premium to over $2,000. He became eligible for Medicare in March, but his coverage will not begin until June. “All this stress for a basic plan,” Mrs. Tolson reported, “which doesn’t even cover routine screenings, like colonoscopies or mammograms, with doctors in our area.” Mrs. Tolson and her husband have “indefinitely” delayed their retirement plans due to rising health care costs.\n\nGeorgia patients also reported that narrowing coverage and benefits on exchange plans has forced them to forgo medically necessary health care or has delayed their urgent tests, appointments, and treatments. For example:\n\nNicole Kelly, based in Atlanta, is diagnosed with lupus, Raynaud’s disease, and scleroderma. She reported that her physician referred her to a rheumatologist for urgent testing in December 2025 after she suddenly lost feeling in her left hand. However, her monthly premium under her exchange plan reportedly rose from $254 to $1,571 in January 2026, a 518.5% increase. Because she would be unable to afford this new premium, she disenrolled from her plan and switched to a cheaper, new plan. However, her physician was no longer covered under her new plan, and the earliest she would be able to see a rheumatologist would be five months later in May 2026. Additionally, she would need to travel to Jonesboro or Kennesaw to see a rheumatologist covered by her new plan. “I’d be paying just as much as the old plan premium for transportation, time spent in traffic, and the premium on the new plan,” she reported. Ms. Kelly tried to switch back to her old plan in mid-February, but the premium had shot up to $2,458.\n\nLast year, Sen. Ossoff fought repeatedly to extend the ACA tax credits and protect Georgians’ health care.\n\nIn December 2025, Sen. Ossoff spoke on the U.S. Senate Floor urging Republicans in the U.S. Senate to put politics aside and extend ACA tax credits before they expire, but Republicans refused to extend the credits.\n\nIn August 2025, Sen. Ossoff sounded the alarm about the impact of losing the tax credits and urged for them to be extended.\n\nIn June 2025, Sen. Ossoff offered an amendment to the Trump budget bill to extend key Affordable Care Act tax credits, but Republicans blocked Sen. Ossoff’s amendment.\n\nIn February 2025, Sen. Ossoff introduced an amendment to protect children’s and maternal care through Medicaid that Senate Republicans blocked.\n\nClick here to read Sen. Ossoff’s new report: Loss of ACA Tax Credits: Georgians Getting Sicker, Higher Costs, & Loss of Health Care.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-lawmakers-blast-trump-for-politicizing-disaster-aid-and-denying-ris-request-for-blizzard-recovery-assistance", "title": "RI Lawmakers Blast Trump for Politicizing Disaster Aid & Denying RI’s Request for Blizzard Recovery Assistance", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "PROVIDENCE, RI -- Between February 22-23, 2026, Rhode Island was struck by a record-breaking blizzard that dumped 37.9 inches of snow in a 24-hour period and the state experienced wind gusts of 74 miles per hour. The winter storm hit Rhode Island with the intensity of a Category 2 hurricane, caused severe power outages for tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders, and tragically resulted in two fatalities and hundreds of emergency room visits. The storm created immense challenges for local businesses, which faced prolonged closures due to storm-related damage and disruptions to transportation, utilities, and public services and resulted in over $19 million worth of damage.\n\nStates hit by severe weather may request a federal declaration in order to activate federal technical and financial assistance to offset the cost of recovery, rebuilding, and reducing future risks. On February 22, Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation sent a letter requesting that the Trump Administration grant the state a disaster delegation if need be. The decision to issue a disaster declaration rests with the president.\n\nAfter months of inaction, on July 2, President Trump denied Rhode Island’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration related to the record snowfall and cold temperatures on the same day that he approved more than $846 million in disaster relief funds for nine Republican-leaning states. In addition to rejecting Rhode Island, the Trump Administration also nixed a disaster declaration for New York for the same blizzard.\n\nRhode Island’s Congressional delegation believes the Trump Administration improperly rejected the Ocean State’s request, pointing out that President Trump has politicized disaster assistance for states over the last year and made it exponentially harder for so-called ‘blue states’ to get disaster funding under the highly partisan Trump Administration than it is for so-called ‘red states.’\n\nAccording to the Urban Institute, roughly 84 percent of disaster requests from states that voted for Trump in 2024 have been approved by his administration, compared to just 42 percent from states that voted for Kamala Harris. And Politico reporting uncovered that Republican-led states have waited 39 days on average for a decision compared to the 80-day average for Democratic-led states.\n\n“When extreme weather strikes, helping people stay safe and helping communities recover shouldn’t be a partisan issue. The President’s denial is part of a pattern of extreme partisanship as he tries to shift a heavier economic burden onto blue states. Disaster aid should be merit-based, not politicized. This is a petty move that hurts people across the political spectrum. We will fight it and work to reverse it,” said U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo in a joint statement.\n\nThe federal lawmakers are urging the state to appeal the decision, which must be done within 30 days of notification, and are calling on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to explain in detailed writing why the state’s request for assistance was denied.\n\nThe delegation sent a letter to President Trump stating: “We write to demand you immediately reverse the July 2, 2026 denial of the State of Rhode Island’s request for a major disaster declaration under the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for its historic February 2026 blizzard. After months of waiting, on the same day you approved major disaster declarations for several Republican-led states, you chose to leave Rhode Islanders out in the cold. It is unacceptable to politicize the disaster declaration process when Rhode Islanders’ health, safety, and businesses were severely impacted by this historic storm.”\n\nThe July 3 letter notes that Rhode Island officials worked with FEMA to develop a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment, which was submitted with the state’s request on April 7, 2026. The extensive review found over $19 million in validated damages, an amount that greatly exceeds the threshold for a major disaster declaration.\n\nUnder the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, snowstorms have historically been listed among the natural events that qualify for federal assistance. Earlier this year, Congressional appropriators from both parties affirmed in a report accompanying the 2026 Department of Homeland Security appropriations package, that the bill: “reaffirms Congress’ intent … that snowstorms shall be eligible for Federal relief.”\n\nFull text of the delegation’s letter follows:\n\nDear President Trump:\n\nWe write to demand you immediately reverse the July 2, 2026 denial of the State of Rhode Island’s request for a major disaster declaration under the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for its historic February 2026 blizzard. After months of waiting, on the same day you approved major disaster declarations for several Republican-led states, you chose to leave Rhode Islanders out in the cold. It is unacceptable to politicize the disaster declaration process when Rhode Islanders’ health, safety, and businesses were severely impacted by this historic storm.\n\nBetween February 22-23, 2026, Rhode Island was struck by a record-breaking blizzard that produced up to 37.9 inches of snow and up to 74-mile-per-hour winds. The storm hit the state with the intensity of a Category 2 hurricane, caused severe power outages for tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders, and tragically resulted in two fatalities and hundreds of emergency room visits. The storm created immense challenges for local businesses, which faced prolonged closures due to storm-related damage and disruptions to transportation, utilities, and public services.\n\nThe State of Rhode Island worked with FEMA to develop a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment, which was submitted with the state’s request on April 7, 2026. The extensive review found over $19 million in validated damages, an amount that greatly exceeds the threshold for a major disaster declaration. Given the impact this storm had on the local economy, public services, and infrastructure, you should immediately approve any appeal submitted by the State of Rhode Island to reverse the denial of its request. This will ensure that Rhode Island can access the funding it needs to fully recover from this historic storm.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/06/rosen-joins-senate-colleagues-in-protecting-state-and-tribal-rights-to-regulate-prediction-markets/", "title": "Rosen Joins Senate Colleagues in Protecting State and Tribal Rights to Regulate Prediction Markets", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined Senate colleagues in urging the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee to prohibit the use of federal funds to prevent states and Tribal nations from regulating online prediction markets. In the last few months, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has sued several states for attempting to put proper safeguards on and regulating prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket. In March, the Nevada Gaming Control Board banned popular online prediction market sites Kalshi and Polymarket from operating in Nevada.\n\n“Recent lawsuits filed by the CFTC against states regulating online prediction markets will only fuel a gambling public health crisis and interfere with states’ and Tribes’ longstanding prerogative to regulate or even restrict gambling,” wrote the Senators. “Online prediction markets, which have rapidly grown in popularity, are drastically different from the original intent of event contracts, which those companies claim to offer. Serving to hedge against financial risks, event contracts were largely limited to the agricultural sector and economic matters. Prediction markets, however, have distorted this purpose and infiltrated the world of sports, politics, and even foreign affairs.\n\n“Further, as prediction markets have sought to circumvent state safeguards, their products have led to underage gambling, gambling addiction, and serious financial losses.” the Senators continued. “Through engaging in this campaign of litigation and intimidation, the CFTC risks becoming an instrument and enabler of online prediction markets’ efforts to bypass states’ consumer protections and oversight, creating a race-to-the-bottom in gambling.”\n\nYou can read the full letter HERE.\n\nSenator Rosen has been vocal about the need for more regulation on online prediction markets at the federal level. In April, she joined senate colleagues in a letter urging the CFTC to crack down on insider trading and political event contracts on prediction markets. During a May hearing in the Senate Commerce Committee, Senator Rosen raised significant concerns about the risks of unregulated prediction markets circumventing consumer protection rules. Senator Rosen has also said on record that prediction markets “should not be allowed to continue offering prediction contracts that clearly violate state consumer protections and gaming laws.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-pushes-to-end-quebec-restrictions-on-california-wine-restore-american-imports/", "title": "NEWS: Sen. Schiff Pushes to End Québec Restrictions on California Wine, Restore American Imports", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is fighting to end Québec’s current restrictions on the importation and sale of wines from California and other parts of the United States.\n\nSchiff wrote to Québec Premier Christine Fréchette acknowledging the impacts of President Trump’s harmful trade policies but emphasizing Québec’s long-standing relationship built on mutual economic benefit and unrestricted trade.\n\n“Québec consumers have historically enjoyed access to a wide variety of American wines, and their absence limits choice in the marketplace, while cutting off a $434 million market. Unfortunately, the restriction on American wine has had damaging consequences for regional consumers, businesses, and producers who have no influence over national policies. In fact, I have repeatedly voiced my opposition to and voted against the President’s harmful trade policies, including as they pertain to Canada,” the Senator wrote.\n\nSenator Schiff also highlighted the significant impact of Québec’s restrictions on consumer choice and California wineries.\n\n“Reopening the market to American wine would restore consumer choice and signal a commitment to restoring fair and balanced trade for Québecois consumers and American wineries who have no connection to the underlying trade disputes,” the Senator continued.\n\nBackground:\n\nSchiff is the first senator from California to serve on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry in over 30 years.\n\nTo support California’s winemakers, he is also pushing USDA to provide emergency funding to address the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter in California, which threatens wine grapes and table grapes.\n\nRecently, Senator Schiff introduced two pieces of bipartisan legislation to strengthen resilience in our domestic food supply chains and expand markets for producers. He also introduced legislation to increase food banks’ access to fresh produce to provide nutritious food for families and support specialty crop farmers.\n\nIn June, the Senator introduced six new pieces of legislation aimed at expanding support and market access for specialty crop farmers and to level the playing field for California growers in the upcoming Farm Bill.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Premier Fréchette:\n\nThank you for your recent visit to Washington and your work to promote U.S.-Québec trade relations. I am writing today to express my strong support for lifting Québec’s current restrictions on the importation and sale of American wine.\n\nThe United States and Québec share a long-standing relationship grounded in trade, cultural exchange, and mutual economic benefit. As you know, the U.S. is the top export market for Québec and received 73.5 percent of Québec’s exports in 2024, worth $91.2 billion. The United States is also Québec’s largest supplier, accounting for 33.3 percent of total imports in past years.\n\nQuébec consumers have historically enjoyed access to a wide variety of American wines, and their absence limits choice in the marketplace, while cutting off a $434 million market. Unfortunately, the restriction on American wine has had damaging consequences for regional consumers, businesses, and producers who have no influence over national policies. In fact, I have repeatedly voiced my opposition to and voted against the President’s harmful trade policies, including as they pertain to Canada. As a U.S. Senator on the Senate Agriculture Committee, I have had the great fortune of spending time with and learning about the challenges and opportunities of California’s winegrowers. They take great pride in their work, are essential to the state and national economy, and have brought tremendous value – in culture and in taste – to Americans and Canadians alike.\n\nReopening the market to American wine would restore consumer choice and signal a commitment to restoring fair and balanced trade for Québecois consumers and American wineries who have no connection to the underlying trade disputes. I hope to visit with you and other Canadian leaders about this and other issues during an official visit to Canada in October of this year. I welcome the opportunity to engage in dialogue and work collaboratively toward a resolution.\n\nThank you for your time and consideration.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-sen-schiff-tours-san-diego-affordable-housing-complex-urges-trump-to-sign-landmark-legislation-to-increase-housing-supply-across-the-country-lower-costs-for-families/", "title": "PHOTOS: Sen. Schiff Tours San Diego Affordable Housing Complex, Urges Trump to Sign Landmark Legislation to Increase Housing Supply Across the Country, Lower Costs for Families", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "San Diego, CA – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) toured Harrington Heights, an affordable housing development in downtown San Diego, where he discussed his efforts in Congress to tackle the housing affordability crisis.\n\nDuring the roundtable, Schiff emphasized the urgent need for President Trump to sign the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the largest housing package in over 30 years designed to increase the supply of housing across the country and lower costs for families.\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes provisions which Senator Schiff has pushed for to authorize the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program to get housing-related disaster assistance to communities recovering from natural disasters – this funding will be essential to families rebuilding following last year’s devastating Los Angeles wildfires.\n\nLast year, Schiff unveiled the Housing BOOM Act to spur a new boom in housing construction across the United States and help address the root causes of the housing affordability crisis. Earlier this month, the United States Conference of Mayors voted to endorse multiple housing bills written by Senator Schiff including the Housing BOOM Act and his bipartisan FIREWALL Act which would help lower disaster risks to homes. The endorsements were secured by the Conference’s new head, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.\n\nView photos from the visit below:\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-celebrates-new-designation-cycle-for-opportunity-zones/", "title": "Sen. Tim Scott celebrates new designation cycle for Opportunity Zones", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.scott.senate.gov", "scraper": "timscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001184", "name": "Tim Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) issued the following statement following the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s announcement that the agency is opening its next round of nominations for communities to be labeled as Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs). During this nomination period, governors can submit communities to be considered for designation as Opportunity Zones.\n\n“I am proud of the work done to make Opportunity Zones a reality, but I am even prouder of the lives changed, communities strengthened, and small businesses revived as an outcome of this innovative tool,” said Sen. Scott. “I am confident that through the partnership with local and federal leaders, these new designations will continue to bring billions of dollars in private investment to overlooked communities in South Carolina and across the country. When we make sure no community is left behind, America wins, South Carolina wins, and the American Dream once again becomes a reality for millions of families.”\n\nSen. Scott created the Opportunity Zones program as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 with the goal of encouraging private investments in low-income and overlooked communities through targeted tax incentives. Under the Working Families Tax Cuts, Opportunity Zones were made permanent, supporting families, small businesses, and communities across the country.\n\nKey facts about Opportunity Zones:\n\n8,764 census tracts have been designated as Opportunity Zones.\n\n31.5 million people currently live in Opportunity Zones; 57% of residents are non-white minorities.\n\nThe average poverty rate is nearly 28%, and the average median family income is around $47,000—nearly $27,000 below the national figure.\n\nNearly one in five zones face rising poverty along with declining median family income and home values.\n\nOpportunity Zones include 2,225 food deserts, 47 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and 16 tribal colleges.\n\nRead more about Opportunity Zones here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-celebrates-the-release-of-pastor-ezra-jin-from-prison-in-china/", "title": "Sen. Tim Scott celebrates the release of Pastor Ezra Jin from prison in China", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.scott.senate.gov", "scraper": "timscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001184", "name": "Tim Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) issued the following statement following the release of Pastor Ezra Jin from prison in China. Jin had been abducted and imprisoned by the Chinese Communist Party in October of 2025 alongside other members of Zion Church, one of China’s largest underground congregations.\n\n“The Chinese Communist Party attempted to thwart Zion Church’s God-given right to worship, but by the grace of God and strong diplomatic pressure, Pastor Jin is free,” said Sen. Scott. “America will always stand as a beacon for faith, freedom, and religious liberty. Every human has a right to praise his or her creator and no nation on God’s green Earth can take that away.”\n\nSen. Scott has been a staunch advocate for religious freedom, joining Sen. Risch (R-Idaho) this past January to introduce a resolution calling for America’s continued leadership on religious liberty and the right for all people to worship freely and without fear of retribution.\n\nBackground:\n\nOn Oct. 10, 2025, the Chinese Communist Party conducted the largest coordinated crackdown on a Christian urban house church in over four decades. At least 22 pastors and church members from Zion Church were arrested, which included Pastor “Ezra” Jin Mingri.\n\nSen.Scott, alongside his Senate colleagues, introduced a resolution condemning Jin’s abduction, calling for his release.\n\nIn March, Sen. Scott signed onto a bipartisan letter urging President Trump to advocate for Jin’s release during his meeting with China’s leader, Xi Jinping. President Trump later met with Xi Jinping and called for Jin’s release.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-kaine-announce-more-than-76-million-in-federal-funding-for-virginia-transportation-infrastructure-projects/", "title": "Warner, Kaine Announce More Than $76 Million in Federal Funding for Virginia Transportation Infrastructure Projects", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warner.senate.gov", "scraper": "warner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000805", "name": "Mark R. Warner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $76,095,720 in federal grant funding for four transportation infrastructure projects that will expand passenger rail, reduce traffic congestion, and strengthen infrastructure across Virginia.\n\n“From passenger rail services to roads and waterways, countless travelers and goods move through the Commonwealth every day, and Virginia commuters and businesses deserve infrastructure that can keep up,” said the senators. “We’re proud to have secured this funding that will modernize transportation, ease congestion, support economic growth, and create a stronger infrastructure system that can help Virginians move quickly and safely.”\n\nThis funding is awarded through the Department of Transportation (DOT)’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program, which is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the senators helped negotiate and pass. This funding also follows Warner’s support for Middlesex County’s application for the Broad Creek-Chesapeake Bay Access Project and the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s application for the Richmond Layover Facility.\n\nThe grant awards include:\n\n$25,000,000 for the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission’s L’Enfant Station and Fourth Track Project to improve the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) L’Enfant rail station and add a fourth main track in the adjacent railroad corridor between the L’Enfant and Virginia interlockings, increasing capacity for commuter and intercity passenger rail services.\n\n$25,000,000 for the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority to complete final design and construction of the Richmond Layover Facility, which will provide overnight storage and servicing space needed to support existing and future passenger rail service. The project includes three storage tracks, one maintenance platform, a service pit covered by a canopy, upgrades to the existing railroad signal system for entering and exiting the site, roadway improvements for access into the facility, a parking lot for staff, and a site building for equipment storage and staff facilities.\n\n$24,500,000 for the city of Lynchburg’s US 501/US 221 Intersection Improvements Project to design and construct a split one-way pair intersection that would divide existing two-way traffic on US 501 on two separate roadways at the intersection with US 221, as well as additional through lanes and turn lanes on US 501 and US 221, sidewalks, ADA improvements, a shared-use path, pedestrian crossing signals, a new flyover bridge that will eliminate an existing signal to the north of the proposed split pair, landscaping, stormwater improvements, roadway lighting, and a new transit stop. The project will ease congestion while improving safety and accessibility for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users.\n\n$1,595,720 for Middlesex County’s Broad Creek-Chesapeake Bay Access Project to complete construction-ready designs for the redevelopment of the Broad Creek working waterfront, strengthening critical connections between the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia’s freight network.\n\nSens. Warner and Kaine have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding for infrastructure improvements across the Commonwealth, many of the grants made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – a transformative investment in American infrastructure needs. In June, the senators announced a $1 million investment in affordable, transit-accessible housing in Norfolk, more than $310 million to reduce traffic congestion in Hampton Roads, and more than $32 million to modernize eight airports across Virginia.\n\n###\n\n* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for download here *\n\nPhotos may be used online and in print, and can be attributed to ‘The Office of Sen. Mark R. Warner", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-kaine-colleagues-demand-trump-vance-administration-release-affordable-housing-construction-funds/", "title": "Warner, Kaine, Colleagues Demand Trump-Vance Administration Release Affordable Housing Construction Funds", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warner.senate.gov", "scraper": "warner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000805", "name": "Mark R. Warner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) and several colleagues in a letter urging the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to unlock community development tools and promptly release $750 million in federal housing construction funds.\n\nEarlier this month, Congress passed the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to help build more housing, lower costs, streamline construction regulations, preserve affordable homes in rural areas, help reduce homelessness, and curb private equity’s ability to buy up single-family homes and drive up housing prices.\n\nThe bill incorporates provisions from several pieces of legislation that Warner and Kaine championed, including provisions to improve transparency of mortgage loans for veteran homebuyers, create a pilot grant program to support new housing and community development activities, create a down payment assistance fund for first-time homebuyers, end tax breaks for large institutional investors that buy single-family homes, create a program to help communities convert vacant buildings into affordable homes, implement reforms to help preserve affordable housing in rural areas, and make it easier for community and regional banks to lend money for housing projects.\n\nInstead of signing the law, which passed with veto-proof majorities, President Donald Trump is sitting on it.\n\nWith housing prices near record highs, the Trump-Vance administration is also sitting on approximately $750 million in housing construction funds available under the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Housing Production-Financial Assistance Awards (HP-FA) programs. These federal funds can be leveraged by state and local organizations to develop, preserve, rehabilitate, and increase the supply of affordable housing. Together, these programs strengthen communities, revitalize neighborhoods, create jobs, and ensure more Americans can afford a high-quality home at a decent price that fits their budget.\n\nThe housing affordability crisis is compounded by the fact that President Trump’s policies – including his tariffs and reckless war with Iran – have increased the cost of construction and slowed the pace of building new affordable housing units nationwide.\n\n“We write to urge you to immediately direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of the Treasury to release approximately $750 million in housing construction funds available under the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Housing Production-Financial Assistance Awards (HP-FA) programs,” the senators wrote.\n\n“Today, Americans are suffering through a housing affordability crisis. Single-family home prices and the average age of first-time homebuyers hit record highs last year, while more households are paying unsustainable amounts of rent than ever before. This crisis is nationwide: home prices have surged 40% in Texas, 43% in Iowa, 54% in Georgia, and 65% in Maine over the past six years – far outpacing wages and overall inflation. You have the ability to increase our nation’s housing supply and help address this crisis. With that in mind, we urge you to direct the release of these funds without any further delay,” the senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Warner and Kaine, the letter is signed by U.S. Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nWe write to urge you to immediately direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of the Treasury to release approximately $750 million in housing construction funds available under the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Housing Production-Financial Assistance Awards (HP-FA) programs.\n\nThese funds, which are derived from the profits of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and revenue from the Emergency Capital Investment Program, could pay to build or rehabilitate over 63,000 homes at no cost to American taxpayers. OMB has never failed to ensure annual CMF and HTF funds are released, even during President Trump’s first term. Regrettably, the Trump Administration has now withheld some of these funds for over a year.\n\nToday, Americans are suffering through a housing affordability crisis. Single-family home prices and the average age of first-time homebuyers hit record highs last year, while more households are paying unsustainable amounts of rent than ever before. This crisis is nationwide: home prices have surged 40% in Texas, 43% in Iowa, 54% in Georgia, and 65% in Maine over the past six years – far outpacing wages and overall inflation. You have the ability to increase our nation’s housing supply and help address this crisis. With that in mind, we urge you to direct the release of these funds without any further delay.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/vermont-delegation-secures-more-than-19-million-in-bipartisan-infrastructure-funding-for-u-s-route-7-reconstruction/", "title": "Vermont Delegation Secures More than $19 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Funding for U.S. Route 7 Reconstruction", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BURLINGTON, VT–July 6, 2026–The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-Vt.) today announced $19,719,310 in federal funding to complete the reconstruction of U.S. Route 7 from Pittsford to Brandon, Vermont. The funding for the Vermont Agency of Transportation was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program and made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)—better known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\n“We’re proud to announce more than $19 million in federal funds to support the State of Vermont’s work on the Ethan Allen Highway. This project will make one of the most traveled highways in our state safer and more reliable, from Pittsford to Brandon and beyond,” said Sanders, Welch, and Balint.\n\n“Investments like these are critical to maintaining our infrastructure for years to come,” said Governor Phil Scott. “I’m appreciative of the Agency of Transportation’s work as well as the congressional delegation for their work in bringing this funding back home to Vermont.”\n\nThe project includes roadway reconstruction, widening, shoulder improvements, drainage and culvert replacement, bridge upgrades, safety enhancements, and wildlife crossing improvements. Senator Sanders is a senior member on the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, which oversees this funding.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-all-senate-democrats-in-demanding-trump-halt-illegal-move-to-undermine-special-ed-civil-rights-enforcement/", "title": "Welch Joins All Senate Democrats in Demanding Trump Halt Illegal Move to Undermine Special Ed, Civil Rights Enforcement", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ranking Member on the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in demanding the Trump administration put students first, follow the law, and immediately reverse course on transferring special education programs and civil rights enforcement out of the Department of Education (ED).\n\nOn June 16, 2026, the Trump Administration announced four Interagency Agreements (IAA) that would illegally move the administration of special education programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and vocational rehabilitation programs authorized under the Rehabilitation Act from the ED to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These IAA also transfer fundamental civil rights enforcement responsibility away from ED to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and come as the Trump Administration has successfully worked to undermine core functions and statutory responsibilities of ED, following sweeping and unlawful firings, workforce reductions, and reorganization last year that have already undermined the very goals of the Education Department. At the same time, ED moved almost all programs supporting elementary and secondary education to multiple agencies with limited capacity and expertise administering similar programs.\n\nIn their letter to ED Secretary Linda McMahon, the Senators outline how the Trump Administration’s latest moves are part of the president’s explicit effort to dismantle ED, threatening key funding, support and services for students, schools, and families nationwide. The Senators also emphasize that wasting time and resources to scatter education programs all over the federal government does nothing to help children and families while only making it more complicated for states and school districts to administer important federal funding.\n\nThe Senators underscore that isolating special education programs away from all other federal K-12 programs risks isolating students with disabilities themselves: “The administration’s latest attempts to dismantle the Department of Education through the four Interagency Agreements (IAA) announced June 16, 2026, are outrageous and put the educational outcomes of students and their rights in the classroom at risk…The administration’s actions fly in the face of what Congress has required, directly undermine every child’s right to a quality public education in this country, and must be immediately reversed.”\n\nDespite announcing this illegal transfer of programs, the Trump Administration has refused to provide information regarding what office within HHS will carry out special education programs, leaving teachers, students, and families with even greater uncertainty about where to turn to ensure their rights are protected. The Senators emphasize that burying special education programs in a sprawling HHS with significant other responsibilities, instead of at a Department of Education a fraction of the size solely focused on education, will jeopardize outcomes for students with disabilities.\n\n“Special education and vocational rehabilitation are education programs. Any attempt to move these programs to HHS would fundamentally alter the purposes of these services, upending fifty years of work that took place at the federal, state, and local level to improve educational and employment outcomes for people with disabilities. It appears the administration values its backward goal of dismantling ED over the faithful execution of the law and improving opportunities and outcomes for children, youth, and students with disabilities,” the Senators continued. “This lack of forethought demonstrates how little concern it has for students with disabilities and their learning. The administration couldn’t possibly know that this will be in the best interest of children and families because it doesn’t even know where and how these programs will be administered in the future.”\n\nThe most recent reauthorization of IDEA passed by Congress reiterates that the responsibility for administering the law is clearly vested with ED, along with various duties vested in the Secretary of Education, including allotting funds to States and carrying out oversight among other activities. However, the law does not contain any provisions that would permit ED to offload its responsibilities for special education or vocational rehabilitation programs to another agency. Additionally, the annual bipartisan appropriation bills approved by Congress do not provide affirmative authority to ED to transfer special education funding or vocational rehabilitation services to HHS, nor ED’s civil rights enforcement responsibilities to DOJ CRT.\n\nThe Senators reiterated that Congress appropriates annual funding to ED to help States and local educational agencies carry out programs and ensure children, youth, students, and families are served in accordance with federal law: “We have a simple demand: follow our nation’s education and appropriations laws as Congress wrote them to protect students’ most basic right to a quality education. More than 80 education, disability, parent, and civil rights groups have vocally opposed the recent IAAs and other departmental changes. We call on this administration to immediately cease implementing these IAAs, fully implement IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act as Congressionally directed, and take immediate action to strengthen civil rights enforcement—instead of burying students’ cases behind more bureaucracy. Our students and their families deserve nothing less.”\n\nMeanwhile, the transfer of the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) out of ED also comes as the Trump Administration has failed to uphold the federal government’s obligations to protect students from unlawful discrimination. In 2025, ED’s OCR reached the fewest resolution agreements in over 12 years and failed to reach a single resolution agreement related to sexual harassment, sexual violence, racial harassment, discriminatory school discipline, or the seclusion and restraint of children with disabilities, with over 12,000 pending cases that were under investigation by OCR at the start of this Administration.\n\nDespite this backlog, the Trump Administration is attempting to illegally transfer OCR’s functions to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division (CRT), which has lost an estimated 75% of its civil rights staff attorneys since January 2025, making it wholly unequipped to handle the over 23,000 complaints OCR receives and evaluates annually. The Senators also raised concerns that while OCR is currently required to evaluate every single complaint it receives, DOJ CRT can pick and choose the cases it takes to court. Under this IAA, students whose complaints are not prioritized by DOJ CRT may never see their rights vindicated.\n\nIn addition to Senators Welch, Baldwin, Murray, and Sanders, the letter is cosigned by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Angus King (I-Maine), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).\n\nRead and download the Senators’ full letter to Secretary McMahon.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/ri-lawmakers-blast-trump-for-politicizing-disaster-aid-denying-ris-request-for-blizzard-recovery-assistance/", "title": "RI Lawmakers Blast Trump for Politicizing Disaster Aid & Denying RI’s Request for Blizzard Recovery Assistance", "date": "2026-07-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release", "domain": "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", "scraper": "whitehouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000802", "name": "Sheldon Whitehouse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Providence, R.I. — Between February 22-23, 2026, Rhode Island was struck by a record-breaking blizzard that dumped 37.9 inches of snow in a 24-hour period and the state experienced wind gusts of 74 miles per hour. The winter storm hit Rhode Island with the intensity of a Category 2 hurricane, caused severe power outages for tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders, and tragically resulted in two fatalities and hundreds of emergency room visits. The storm created immense challenges for local businesses, which faced prolonged closures due to storm-related damage and disruptions to transportation, utilities, and public services and resulted in over $19 million worth of damage.\n\nStates hit by severe weather may request a federal declaration in order to activate federal technical and financial assistance to offset the cost of recovery, rebuilding, and reducing future risks. On February 22, Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation sent a letter requesting that the Trump Administration grant the state a disaster delegation if need be. The decision to issue a disaster declaration rests with the president.\n\nAfter months of inaction, on July 2, President Trump denied Rhode Island’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration related to the record snowfall and cold temperatures on the same day that he approved more than $846 million in disaster relief funds for nine Republican-leaning states. In addition to rejecting Rhode Island, the Trump Administration also nixed a disaster declaration for New York for the same blizzard.\n\nRhode Island’s Congressional delegation believes the Trump Administration improperly rejected the Ocean State’s request, pointing out that President Trump has politicized disaster assistance for states over the last year and made it exponentially harder for so-called ‘blue states’ to get disaster funding under the highly partisan Trump Administration than it is for so-called ‘red states.’\n\nAccording to the Urban Institute, roughly 84 percent of disaster requests from states that voted for Trump in 2024 have been approved by his administration, compared to just 42 percent from states that voted for Kamala Harris. And Politico reporting uncovered that Republican-led states have waited 39 days on average for a decision compared to the 80-day average for Democratic-led states.\n\n“When extreme weather strikes, helping people stay safe and helping communities recover shouldn’t be a partisan issue. The President’s denial is part of a pattern of extreme partisanship as he tries to shift a heavier economic burden onto blue states. Disaster aid should be merit-based, not politicized. This is a petty move that hurts people across the political spectrum. We will fight it and work to reverse it,” said U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jack Reed (D-RI) and and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner (D-RI) and Gabe Amo (D-RI) in a joint statement.\n\nThe federal lawmakers are urging the state to appeal the decision, which must be done within 30 days of notification, and are calling on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to explain in detailed writing why the state’s request for assistance was denied.\n\nThe delegation sent a letter to President Trump stating: “We write to demand you immediately reverse the July 2, 2026 denial of the State of Rhode Island’s request for a major disaster declaration under the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for its historic February 2026 blizzard. After months of waiting, on the same day you approved major disaster declarations for several Republican-led states, you chose to leave Rhode Islanders out in the cold. It is unacceptable to politicize the disaster declaration process when Rhode Islanders’ health, safety, and businesses were severely impacted by this historic storm.”\n\nThe July 3 letter notes that Rhode Island officials worked with FEMA to develop a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment, which was submitted with the state’s request on April 7, 2026. The extensive review found over $19 million in validated damages, an amount that greatly exceeds the threshold for a major disaster declaration.\n\nUnder the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, snowstorms have historically been listed among the natural events that qualify for federal assistance. Earlier this year, Congressional appropriators from both parties affirmed in a report accompanying the 2026 Department of Homeland Security appropriations package, that the bill: “reaffirms Congress’ intent … that snowstorms shall be eligible for Federal relief.”\n\nFull text of the delegation’s letter follows:\n\nDear President Trump:\n\nWe write to demand you immediately reverse the July 2, 2026 denial of the State of Rhode Island’s request for a major disaster declaration under the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for its historic February 2026 blizzard. After months of waiting, on the same day you approved major disaster declarations for several Republican-led states, you chose to leave Rhode Islanders out in the cold. It is unacceptable to politicize the disaster declaration process when Rhode Islanders’ health, safety, and businesses were severely impacted by this historic storm.\n\nBetween February 22-23, 2026, Rhode Island was struck by a record-breaking blizzard that produced up to 37.9 inches of snow and up to 74-mile-per-hour winds. The storm hit the state with the intensity of a Category 2 hurricane, caused severe power outages for tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders, and tragically resulted in two fatalities and hundreds of emergency room visits. The storm created immense challenges for local businesses, which faced prolonged closures due to storm-related damage and disruptions to transportation, utilities, and public services.\n\nThe State of Rhode Island worked with FEMA to develop a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment, which was submitted with the state’s request on April 7, 2026. The extensive review found over $19 million in validated damages, an amount that greatly exceeds the threshold for a major disaster declaration. Given the impact this storm had on the local economy, public services, and infrastructure, you should immediately approve any appeal submitted by the State of Rhode Island to reverse the denial of its request. This will ensure that Rhode Island can access the funding it needs to fully recover from this historic storm.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"}
{"url": "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-statement-death-doug-leafgreen", "title": "Smith Statement on Death of Doug Leafgreen", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "adriansmith.house.gov", "scraper": "adriansmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001172", "name": "Adrian Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) released the following statement after learning of the death of Doug Leafgreen, former Mayor of Gering and Nebraska Highway Commissioner.\n\n“An avid outdoorsman and servant leader, Doug will be deeply missed by all who knew him. I am grateful to have called him a friend. He will be remembered for his strong faith, his leadership in local government, and his dedicated service as a Nebraska Highway Commissioner. Please join Andrea and I, in extending our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Melody, their children, grandchildren, and the entire Leafgreen family.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-secretary-duffy-announce-more-125-million-funding-real-infrastructure", "title": "Barrett, Secretary Duffy Announce More Than $12.5 Million In Funding For Real Infrastructure In Mid-Michigan", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "barrett.house.gov", "scraper": "barrett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001321", "name": "Tom Barrett", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) celebrated the announcement of more than $12.5 million in U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funding for real infrastructure improvements in Ingham County and the City of Lansing through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program.\n\n“I'm grateful to Secretary Duffy and the Trump administration for recognizing the need for these investments that will significantly improve the roads that mid-Michigan families and businesses rely on every day,” said Barrett. “These projects will make our communities safer, reduce congestion, and lay the groundwork for future economic growth. I look forward to seeing these investments move our transportation infrastructure forward.”\n\n“America is fortunate to have a Builder in the White House who knows America is only as great as our infrastructure,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “That’s why this Department is investing in repairing critical roads and bridges that connect Americans to job opportunities, port infrastructure that bolsters our national security, and aviation and transit projects that move American families. The impact of these dollars will be felt in communities nationwide for years to come.”\n\nThe newly awarded funding includes:\n\n$11,352,306 for Ingham County to reconstruct sections of Okemos Road, including turn lanes, sidewalks, stormwater and sewer infrastructure, traffic signal modernization, and more.\n\n$1,200,000 for the City of Lansing to advance planning and preliminary engineering for roadway and intersection improvements, develop corridor-level concepts, evaluate alternatives, and more to create safer and more efficient streets.\n\nThe Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant is a longstanding U.S. DOT program that supports investments in surface transportation projects with significant local or regional impact. Originally created in 2009 as the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program, BUILD grants help fund projects that improve safety, mobility, economic competitiveness, and quality of life in communities across the country.\n\nBarrett supports extending funding for this critical program for local and regional infrastructure projects. The bipartisan BUILD America 250 Act, which Barrett and his colleagues approved this spring in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, would authorize the key program for another five years.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://baumgartner.house.gov/2026/07/07/baumgartner-announces-20-8-million-dot-award-for-spokane-valleys-sullivan-trent-interchange-project/", "title": "Baumgartner Announces $20.8 Million DOT Award for Spokane Valley’s Sullivan & Trent Interchange Project", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "baumgartner.house.gov", "scraper": "baumgartner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001322", "name": "Michael Baumgartner", "party": "Republican", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) announces that the City of Spokane Valley will receive $20,835,419 through the Fiscal Year 2026 BUILD (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development) program for the Sullivan & Trent Interchange Project.\n\n“This is a major win for Spokane Valley and for freight mobility across Eastern Washington,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “Congratulations to the City of Spokane Valley and its transportation team, whose responsible planning and hard work put this project in a strong position to compete for federal funding. Earlier this year, I supported Spokane Valley’s BUILD application and made the Sullivan and Trent Interchange project one of my FY26 transportation priorities. This $20.8 million reward will help replace aging infrastructure, improve safety, reduce congestion, and strengthen one of the region’s most important freight corridors,” he said.\n\nUpgrades to this interchange are long overdue. State Route 290 (Trent Avenue) is over 60 years old, has been rated as “structurally deficient,” “high risk,” and in “poor” condition. Further, the low-clearance bridge over Trent Avenue has been struck at least six times in the last ten years.\n\nThis project will improve a critical regional connection linking the Bigelow Gulch Corridor, the North Spokane Corridor, Spokane Valley, and the Spokane Business & Industrial Park. It will support safer and more efficient movement for commuters, freight traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists throughout the corridor, while alleviating congestion getting to Interstate 90 and through Spokane’s downtown core.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1534", "title": "ICYMI: President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Michigan", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "bergman.house.gov", "scraper": "bergman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001301", "name": "Jack Bergman", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Michigan to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 10-21, 2026.\n\nThe President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Manistee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Washtenaw and Wexford counties.\n\nAssistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and families recover from the effects of the disaster.\n\nFederal funding is also available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Alcona, Alpena, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Eaton, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iron, Kalkaska, Lake, Manistee, Marquette, Mecosta, Menominee, Missaukee, Montmorency, Newaygo, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Presque Isle, Tuscola and Wexford counties.\n\nBrian F. Schiller has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.\n\nIndividuals and families who sustained losses in the designated areas should first file claims with their insurance providers and then apply for assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App.\n\nIf you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-celebrates-one-year-anniversary-working-families-tax-cuts", "title": "Congressman Biggs Celebrates the One-Year Anniversary of Working Families Tax Cuts Act", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "biggs.house.gov", "scraper": "biggs", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001302", "name": "Andy Biggs", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – One year ago, on July 4, 2025, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act was signed into law, giving tens of millions of Americans more tax relief and economic breathing room to pay their bills and save for their children’s futures.\n\nAccording to government data, more than 60 million filers claimed at least one new tax cut during the legislation's first year of operation. The average refund (approximately $3,300) put 11 percent more money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans than the previous year. The vast majority of filers receiving a tax cut (96%) reported yearly earnings of less than $200,000. Millions of filers claimed the new No Tax on Tips and No Tax on Overtime deductions.\n\nAdditionally, the bill made the 20% pass-through deduction permanent and renewed immediate expensing, giving entrepreneurs the certainty to invest, hire, and grow. Those reforms were projected to create over one million new Main Street jobs and generate $750 billion in economic growth. With more earnings in hand, business owners can raise wages, expand operations, and build stronger local economies.\n\nArizonans benefited greatly from the historic tax cuts bill. Thanks to this legislation, many Arizonans have seen a substantial wage increase, and 133,000 jobs have been protected. Well over a million Arizona seniors were eligible to benefit from the provision eliminating taxes on Social Security. Roughly two-thirds of workers across the state are employed in overtime-eligible occupations, allowing them to use the no-tax-on-overtime provision. Many Arizona laborers were eligible for the provision exempting tips from taxes.\n\n“In the first filing deadline under the Working Families Tax Cuts era, tens of millions of Americans, including many across Arizona, celebrated higher wages and lower tax bills,” said Congressman Biggs. “President Trump and congressional Republicans were motivated to build on the successful 2017 tax cuts, giving more certainty to families and business owners – and we accomplished our mission with flying colors. As I travel around my district, I’m pleased to hear the positive stories of how this legislation improved lives and created opportunities for business growth. Americans deserve to keep more of their money, and this bill has done—and will continue to do—just that in the years to come.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://budzinski.house.gov/posts/video-budzinski-helps-il-13-constituent-recover-394000-in-delayed-social-security-benefits", "title": "VIDEO: Budzinski Helps IL-13 Constituent Recover $394,000 in Delayed Social Security Benefits", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://budzinski.house.gov/press", "domain": "budzinski.house.gov", "scraper": "budzinski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001315", "name": "Nikki Budzinski", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SPRINGFIELD, IL — Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski’s (IL-13) office helped an Illinois resident recover $394,000 in long-delayed Social Security benefits after years of navigating a complex and frustrating process with the Social Security Administration. To listen to the full story, click HERE.\n\nAfter Lisa Ash lost her sister, she stepped up to become the legal guardian of her nephew. While her sister was terminally ill, Lisa was notified by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that a payment would be issued through a government debit card. Despite informing SSA of her sister’s condition, the payment was processed in a way that left Lisa unable to access the funds intended to support her nephew.\n\nLisa turned to Congresswoman Budzinski’s constituent services team, who worked directly with the SSA to advocate on Lisa’s behalf, and ensure that she and her nephew received the full amount of benefits they were owed. Ultimately, the Budzinski team helped Lisa recover more than $394,000 in overdue Social Security payments. To learn more about Lisa’s experience, click HERE.\n\nCongresswoman Budzinski’s office assists constituents with issues involving federal agencies, including Social Security, veterans’ services, Medicare, passports, and other federal programs. Constituents in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District can contact her office for assistance.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/bynum-introduces-bipartisan-bill-expand-federal-job-opportunities-qualified", "title": "Bynum Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand Federal Job Opportunities for Qualified Workers", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "bynum.house.gov", "scraper": "bynum", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001326", "name": "Janelle S. Bynum", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (D-OR), Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), and Congressman John McGuire (R-VA) introduced the bipartisan Federal Jobs for STARs Act yesterday, to modernize federal hiring by reducing unnecessary bachelor's degree requirements for many federal jobs and helping ensure qualified workers who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) can compete for federal jobs based on their skills and experience.\n\nNearly two-thirds of American adults do not have a bachelor's degree, yet millions have developed valuable skills through military service, apprenticeships, community college, career and technical education, and on-the-job training. The Federal Jobs for STARs Act would help ensure the federal government recruits talent based on skills and experience while preserving bachelor's degree requirements for positions where they are genuinely necessary.\n\n“Hiring practices that require traditional educational experience leave talent and opportunity on the table for employers and employees,” said Congresswoman Janelle Bynum. “Skilled workers can come from military service, technical education, apprenticeships, or certification programs – not just four-year degree programs.”\n\n\"Qualified Americans should not be denied a fair opportunity to compete for federal jobs simply because they don't have a bachelor's degree,\" said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. \"For millions of Americans, that unnecessary barrier has become a 'paper ceiling' separating them from federal jobs they are fully qualified to perform. The federal government should lead by example by evaluating applicants based on whether they have the skills and experience to do the job—not simply whether they have a four-year degree. This bipartisan bill will help recruit the best talent into public service while expanding opportunity for qualified Americans.\"\n\n“College degrees aren’t the only way that workers gain valuable skills and experience. Through apprenticeships, military service, and on-the-job experience, Americans are building the skills our federal workforce needs. Unfortunately, excessive degree requirements are preventing countless workers from putting that experience to work on behalf of taxpayers. That’s why the Federal Jobs for STARs Act opens the door for talented workers who built their skills outside the classroom — helping to ensure that federal hiring is based on merit, not just credentials,\" said Congressman Mackenzie.\n\n\"Our country is home to some of the best and brightest workers,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “Yet, too often, talented men and women are blocked from joining the federal workforce due to the lack of a college degree. There are many ways to gain relevant experience, including military service, on the job training, and apprenticeships. Qualified candidates should be able to apply for jobs, despite lacking educational degree attainment. This bill ensures the most qualified applicants are given a chance to play a role in our nation’s success and recognizes that education shouldn’t be a barrier for an otherwise qualified individual to join the federal workforce.”\n\n“One of the core principles of our government is that hiring in the civil service is based on merit. The Federal Jobs for Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) Act advances this principle by removing unnecessarily restrictive degree requirements, opening opportunities for qualified applicants and creating the largest hiring pool. By expanding the talent pipeline, this legislation ensures the federal government can address workforce shortages and hire the best candidates possible, while respecting educational or licensing requirements when necessary. Thank you to Representatives Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Mackenzie (R-PA), Bynum (D-OR), and McGuire (R-VA) for their leadership in supporting the federal workforce,” said Randy Erwin, National President of the National Federation of Federal Employees.\n\n\"The Federal Jobs for STARs Act is an important step toward ensuring that federal hiring reflects what matters most: the skills, experience, and ability to do the job,\" said Blair Corcoran de Castillo, Senior Vice President of Public Sector & Policy at Opportunity@Work. \"More than 70 million Americans are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs), having developed valuable skills through military service, apprenticeships, community college, workforce training, and years of experience. This bipartisan legislation will help ensure that all workers with the skills for the job can compete for federal careers.\"\n\nThe Federal Jobs for STARs Act would:\n\nReduce unnecessary bachelor's degree requirements for many federal jobs while preserving degree requirements where they are genuinely necessary.\n\nDirect the Office of Personnel Management to establish skills-based qualifications that recognize military service, apprenticeships, community college, career training, and other alternative pathways.\n\nCreate a dedicated hiring pathway on USAJobs for STARs.\n\nRequire a government-wide study on additional training, education, and career development opportunities for STAR employees.\n\nOriginal cosponsors include: Representatives Troy Downing (R-MT), Shomari Figures (D-AL), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), and James Walkinshaw (D-VA).", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-kat-cammack-joins-first-responders-att-launch-new-firstnet", "title": "Congresswoman Kat Cammack Joins First Responders, AT&T to Launch New FirstNet Coverage Site in Horseshoe Beach", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "cammack.house.gov", "scraper": "cammack", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001039", "name": "Kat Cammack", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "HORSESHOE BEACH, Fla. — Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) today joined AT&T, the FirstNet Authority, and local first responders to cut the ribbon on a new FirstNet coverage site in Horseshoe Beach, expanding dedicated public safety communications to a Dixie County community hit by three hurricanes in just over a year.\n\n\"When Helene hit, the men and women protecting Horseshoe Beach couldn't get a signal. In a storm, that's the difference between a rescue and a recovery. I took the problem to AT&T and FirstNet, and today this new site goes on the air,\" said Congresswoman Kat Cammack. \"This town has rebuilt twice in three years. Nobody here quits, and neither will we. This site is the start, and we are going to keep building until every first responder on this coast can count on a signal.\"\n\nHorseshoe Beach took direct hits from Hurricane Idalia in August 2023, Hurricane Debby in August 2024, and Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm with storm surge estimated at more than 15 feet across the Big Bend. Between Idalia and Helene alone, the town lost roughly 175 of its 365 homes, according to Mayor Jeff Williams.\n\nCongresswoman Cammack worked directly with AT&T FirstNet and the town of Horseshoe Beach to bring the new coverage site to the community after emergency communications failures during those storms left first responders without reliable connectivity when they needed it most.\n\nThe new site connects Horseshoe Beach to FirstNet, America's public safety network, built by AT&T in partnership with the FirstNet Authority. FirstNet gives police, fire, and EMS priority and preemption on the network, meaning first responder traffic goes through even when commercial networks are overloaded during a disaster. Nearly 30,600 public safety agencies and organizations nationwide use FirstNet, according to AT&T's January 2026 congressional testimony.\n\nThe Horseshoe Beach site is part of a nationwide FirstNet expansion. In January 2026, the FirstNet Authority directed AT&T to deploy more than 135 new cell sites targeting rural coverage gaps identified by public safety agencies, a deployment backed by more than $2 billion in coverage enhancement investment.\n\nCongresswoman Cammack serves on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, which holds jurisdiction over FirstNet. The subcommittee held a hearing on FirstNet performance and reauthorization in February 2026, and the House passed FirstNet Authority reauthorization legislation in April 2026 ahead of the program's February 2027 sunset.\n\n###\n\nCongresswoman Kat Cammack proudly serves Florida's Third Congressional District, covering 12 counties in North Central Florida. She serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Committee on Agriculture.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-urges-eu-president-von-der-leyen-to-maintain-eu-methane-regulation-standards", "title": "Casten Urges EU President von der Leyen to Maintain EU Methane Regulation Standards", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "casten.house.gov", "scraper": "casten", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001117", "name": "Sean Casten", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Sean Casten led four House Democrats in urging European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to maintain the European Union Methane Regulation.\n\n“As elected United States representatives committed to protecting our climate and maintaining strong transatlantic collaboration on environmental issues, we write to express our strong support for maintaining integrity and ambition of the European Union Methane Regulation (EUMR),” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to President von der Leyen. “...At a time when the EUMR is facing increasing pressure to be delayed or weakened by fossil fuel interests, maintaining clear, consistent rules for all suppliers is essential to strengthening Europe’s energy security, while also reducing highly potent greenhouse gas emissions.”\n\nTheEuropean Union Methane Regulation is the EU’s first binding law focused on reducing methane emissions from oil, gas, and coal. This includes emissions from both EU-based producers and fossil fuel imports into the EU.\n\nRep. Casten recently returned from a Congressional delegation in Brussels and Strasbourg, where he met with Members of the European Parliament and heard first-hand about the Trump Administration’s increased efforts to derail the EUMR and demands that the U.S. be exempt from the regulation.\n\n“Preserving the integrity of the EUMR will reinforce Europe’s leadership at a moment when climate ambition is increasingly inseparable from security, competitiveness, and geopolitical resilience,” the lawmakers concluded.\n\nIn addition to Rep. Casten, the letter was signed by Reps. Conaway, Dexter, Kamlager-Dove, and Ross, who also joined the Congressional delegation.\n\nText of the letter can be found below. A copy of the letter can be foundhere.\n\nDear President von der Leyen,\n\nAs elected United States representatives committed to protecting our climate and maintaining strong transatlantic collaboration on environmental issues, we write to express our strong support for maintaining integrity and ambition of the European Union Methane Regulation (EUMR). As such, we urge the European Commission to ensure timely implementation and, above all, to preserve its ambition. We offer our support to work together with the Trump Administration, the European Union, industry, and relevant experts to ensure robust implementation.\n\nAt a time when the EUMR is facing increasing pressure to be delayed or weakened by fossil fuel interests, maintaining clear, consistent rules for all suppliers is essential to strengthening Europe’s energy security, while also reducing highly potent greenhouse gas emissions. According to new analysis from Rystad Energy, there is “no credible evidence that the EUMR is contributing to current oil and gas price increases or supply pressures affecting Europe.”1 Rather, the EUMR has established the European Union as a global leader in methane mitigation, and its continued robust implementation will reinforce regulatory certainty, encourage investment in proven methane reduction technologies, and demonstrate that market-based environmental standards can advance both economic and strategic interests.\n\nMethane is the primary constituent of natural gas. Today, and for the immediate future, natural gas will be a vital national security and economic resource for the EU. The EUMR is therefore fundamentally a waste prevention measure in that it prevents the waste of this vital resource. The International Energy Agency estimates “that nearly 100 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas could be made available annually through a global effort to cut methane from oil and gas operations, with a further 100 bcm unlocked through the elimination of nonemergency flaring worldwide,”2 which is roughly twice the volume lost due to disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.3 Because methane is also a global warming pollutant with more than 80 times the potency of carbon dioxide, LNG can be worse for the climate than even the coal it replaces – let alone the zero-emission energy sources which must replace it in the coming years. The EUMR is therefore additionally a critical climate protection measure, beyond its energy security benefits.\n\nOur recent meetings as a congressional delegation in Strasbourg and Brussels reinforced these convictions. During meetings with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera, Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, and Members of the European Parliament responsible for energy, environment, and trade policy, we heard a remarkably consistent message: the EUMR has become a defining test of Europe’s ability to maintain ambitious climate and energy policies in the face of mounting geopolitical and commercial pressure. Across nearly every engagement, climate policy was discussed not as a standalone environmental issue, but as a matter of industrial competitiveness, energy security, economic resilience, and democratic cooperation.\n\nWe share this perspective because the EUMR represents far more than a single environmental policy. Alongside initiatives such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the Clean Industrial Deal, it reflects a broader strategy that recognizes climate policy as industrial policy and national security policy. Together, these frameworks reward innovation, strengthen resilient supply chains, and create durable incentives for cleaner production and greater transparency across global markets.\n\nDecisions regarding EUMR will therefore be viewed beyond methane policy itself – they will signal whether the European Union intends to maintain predictable long-term market rules that encourage investment in emissions measurement, monitoring, and reporting, as well as other low-emission innovations. Just as the CBAM is encouraging governments and industries to improve emissions performance, the EUMR is creating incentives for producers to invest in transparent practices. We believe this approach will continue to encourage technological investment and reinforce Europe’s leadership in a more secure and sustainable economy.\n\nFor these reasons, we respectfully encourage the European Commission to stay the course and are committed to working with key partners to support implementation. Preserving the integrity of the EUMR will reinforce Europe’s leadership at a moment when climate ambition is increasingly inseparable from security, competitiveness, and geopolitical resilience. We appreciate the Commission’s continued leadership and stand ready to support continued US-EU cooperation to ensure that implementation is both technically robust and strategically durable. By maintaining the EUMR’s core requirements and ambition, the European Union can continue demonstrating that a principled climate policy strengthens our shared prosperity and transatlantic partnership.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-chu-and-morrison-lead-democratic-womens-caucus-demand-trump-admin", "title": "Reps. Chu and Morrison Lead Democratic Women’s Caucus to Demand Trump Admin Reinstate Terminated Funds for Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program Grants", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "chu.house.gov", "scraper": "chu", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001080", "name": "Judy Chu", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. —On Thursday, July 2, Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Reproductive Healthcare Task Force Co-Chairs, led 79 members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) and the Democratic Caucus in sending a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, demanding the immediate reversal of the administration’s cancellation of 53 active Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPP) grants, totaling to $68 million in funding. In addition to reversing the cancellation of funds, the letter calls on HHS to provide the rationale behind each cancellation, justifications for canceling the grants, and explanations for redirecting the funding to programs not previously authorized by Congress.\n\nTPP grants authorized by Congress are used to lead evidence-based programs that reduce teen pregnancy, STIs, and other health risks for young people and have long been appropriated in a bipartisan manner. Since the enactment of TPP, millions of women and girls across the country have positively benefited from increased health-education and support programs.\n\nIn their letter, the Members explain that TPP is critical to helping young people make health decisions that lead to reduced sexual risk:\n\n“In fact, the contributions of the TPP Program were also acknowledged in a September 2017 unanimously-agreed-to-report from the Bipartisan Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking, who highlighted the TPP Program as an example of a federal program developing increasingly rigorous portfolios of evidence. Rigorous evaluation and evidence-based practices are essential to the continued success of teen pregnancy prevention efforts for which millions of dollars have already been invested.”\n\nThe Members highlight the impact TPP’s resources and education has had on reducing teen birth rates in the U.S. and helping young people thrive:\n\n“The teen birth rate has fallen 81% since 1991 and 72% since 2007. The outcomes of this program save lives as teenage pregnancies are at high risk for health complications. Specifically, teenagers 16-19 years old face increased risk of preterm birth, and teens 15 years old and younger are even more vulnerable to health complications. Overall, the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program has an established history of investing in community-driven strategies, identifying new curricula that work through rigorous evaluation, and supporting their implementation with fidelity.”\n\nThe Members also emphasize the harm of removing and redirecting funds from TPP programs, which will undermine the program's ability to help young people and disrupt critical research:\n\n“Redirecting funding from the TPP program jeopardizes access to the high-quality health education, support, and resources that Congress intended. Abrupt and arbitrary disruptions on grounds unrelated to the core aims of the TPP program undermine the ability of the program to serve its congressionally intended purpose of giving young people the knowledge and tools needed to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes and promote positive experiences, relationships, and environments that help our nation’s youth thrive.”\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\nIn addition to letter leads, the letter was signed by Reps. Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), April McClain Delaney (MC-06), Suzan K. DelBene (WA-01), Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Valerie P. Foushee (NC-04), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Jesús G. \"Chuy\" García (IL-04), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Julie Johnson (TX-32), William R. Keating (MA-09), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam T. Liccardo (CA-16), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Jennifer L. McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen S. Moore (WI-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Emily Randall (WA-06), Deborah K. Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Haley M. Stevens (MI-11) Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (MS-02), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Marc A. Veasey (TX-33), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-highlights-olathe-manufacturers-role-historic-artemis-ii-mission-moon", "title": "Davids Highlights Olathe Manufacturer’s Role in Historic Artemis II Mission to the Moon", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "davids.house.gov", "scraper": "davids", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000629", "name": "Sharice Davids", "party": "Democrat", "state": "KS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "OLATHE, KS — Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited Mid-State Aerospace in Olathe, a small Kansas manufacturer whose components helped make NASA’s Artemis II mission possible — the first crewed flight to travel around the Moon in more than 50 years.\n\nDuring the visit, Davids highlighted her successful efforts earlier this year to push the Trump Administration to reverse funding cuts to a manufacturing program that provides critical technical assistance to Kansas manufacturers.\n\n“Mid-State Aerospace is exactly what Kansas manufacturing looks like — skilled workers, a small team doing big things, and products that end up supporting some of the most complex missions our country undertakes,” said Davids. “When I visited this company a few years ago, I saw firsthand the kind of precision and pride that goes into their work. I’m glad I got to come back and see how that same work helped power a mission around the Moon. It’s a reminder that Kansas manufacturing is part of America’s story.”\n\n\"At Mid-State Aerospace, we believe that the next giant leap for mankind begins with precision manufacturing right here at home,” said Robert Somers, Vice President of Operations, Mid-State Aerospace. “By serving as a Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier for the Artemis mission, our local team is proving that the road to the Moon runs directly through our community's hard work and dedication. We aren't just building aerospace components; we are manufacturing the future of space exploration.\"\n\nDavids first visited Mid-State Aerospace in 2022 with former U.S. Small Business Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. Today, Davids once again met with company leadership and employees to tour the facility and highlight the role Kansas manufacturers play in advanced aerospace supply chains and national space exploration efforts.\n\nArtemis II marks a major milestone in NASA’s efforts to return humans to deep space exploration, and Kansas companies like Mid-State Aerospace played a role in building key components used in both the rocket and spacecraft systems that supported the mission.\n\nLast year, the Trump Administration cut off Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) funding, forcing Kansas Manufacturing Solutions (KMS) to lay off nearly half its staff and putting local jobs and economic growth at risk. In response, Davids introduced the Defend American Manufacturing Act, legislation to restore and protect critical funding for MEP programs — the primary source of support for KMS. Following Davids’ advocacy and bipartisan pressure from Congress, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) restored funding to the MEP program.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7082", "title": "Dingell, Colleagues Lead Legislation to Ban PFAS in Cosmetics", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Laura Friedman (D-CA-30), introduced the bipartisan No PFAS in Cosmetics Act, which would ban the use of harmful forever chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics. The legislation would require the Food and Drug Administration to ban the use of PFAS in cosmetic products within 270 days of the bill’s enactment.\n\n“PFAS chemicals are in products that we use every single day, including cosmetics and personal care products. Too often these dangerous chemicals are not disclosed on packaging and labels, meaning most Americans don’t even know they’re using them,” Congresswoman Dingell said. “Studies have linked PFAS chemicals to a variety of health hazards, and we need a strong, bipartisan effort to address this crisis. The No PFAS in Cosmetics Act takes important steps to protect consumers and prevent the continued proliferation of forever chemicals.”\n\n“We know the risks posed by PFAS, and we have a responsibility to act wherever exposure can be prevented. Real progress means not only cleaning up contamination after the fact, but stopping unnecessary exposure before it happens. Americans deserve confidence in the products they bring into their homes and use every day. The No PFAS in Cosmetics Act is a practical, bipartisan step to protect consumers and continue moving these toxic forever chemicals out of our products and our communities,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan PFAS Task Force.\n\n\"Americans shouldn't need a chemistry degree to know if their shampoo and makeup are safe, yet toxic forever chemicals are hiding in products in nearly every bathroom in the country, often with no label to warn us,\" said Congresswoman Laura Friedman. \"In the Assembly, I wrote California's law banning PFAS from cosmetics, but every American deserves that same peace of mind. I'm proud to work with Rep. Dingell, a leader on forever chemicals, to take that fight nationwide with this commonsense, bipartisan bill.\"\n\nThe No PFAS in Cosmetics Act is endorsed by Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Buen Vecino, CleanEarth4Kids.org, ENVmedicine, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, Center for Environmental Health, Beyond Pesticides, Plastic Free Future, California Black Health Network, LA Water Keeper, The Oregon Environmental Council, Breast Cancer Over Time, Mamavation.com, Innersense Beauty, Green America, Credo Beauty, California Healthy Nail Salons, Environmental Defense Action Fund.\n\n\"The science is clear: PFAS chemicals are linked to breast and other cancers, birth defects, hormone disruption, and organ damage — yet they're still hiding in the products we use every single day,” said Suzanne Price, CEO at Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. \"We applaud Representatives Dingell, Fitzpatrick, and Friedman for stepping up where industry hasn't. The No PFAS in Cosmetics Act builds on the bipartisan momentum states have already built to phase PFAS out of consumer goods — protecting people from health harms no matter where they live, shop, or work.\"\n\n“Using the science-based definition of PFAS, these bills would ban the entire class of PFAS in food packaging and personal care products. Despite industry claims that not all PFAS are the same, there are no 'safer' PFAS. All PFAS are persistent and toxic, and we must eliminate all non-essential uses as soon as possible. There is no reason to allow the continued use of PFAS in packaging that can leach into our food or in personal care products that we put directly on our bodies,” said Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon, Senior Director, Toxic Exposures and Pollution Prevention, Center for Environmental Health.\n\nPFAS chemicals are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic—and can be found at some level in 98% of Americans today. These chemicals have been linked to harmful human health effects, increased cholesterol levels, changes in liver enzymes, decreases in infant birth weights, and increased risk of certain cancers.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7083", "title": "Dingell, Fitzpatrick Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Ban PFAS in Food Containers", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), co-chairs of the Congressional PFAS Task Force, reintroduced the bipartisan Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act, which would prohibit intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – hazardous forever chemicals – in food packaging.\n\nThese harmful substances are frequently used to greaseproof, waterproof, and give nonstick properties to food containers, cookware, and consumer products. And it has been proven that the PFAS in those containers can contaminate the food, causing liver disease, thyroid dysfunction, and several forms of cancer. The Environmental Working Group found that as many as 40 percent of fast-food wrappers and paper products tested positive for fluorine chemicals.\n\n“You shouldn’t have to worry about chemicals seeping from containers into your food,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “PFAS chemicals are in products that we use every single day, and most Americans don’t even know the risks or daily exposure they face. Several states have already passed laws banning PFAS in food packaging, now we need strong federal legislation to ensure hazardous chemicals are not allowed near the food we eat.”\n\n“Every day, Americans bring home takeout containers, wrappers, and food packaging that can contain intentionally added PFAS—putting toxic forever chemicals far too close to the food we eat. That is an unnecessary risk, and it is one we have the responsibility to eliminate. The Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act takes these chemicals out of the equation by setting a clear national standard and stopping avoidable exposure at the source. We know enough about the dangers of PFAS to act with urgency, and protecting the health of the American people must come first,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan PFAS Task Force.\n\nThe bill is supported by Buen Vecino, CleanEarth4Kids.org, ENVmedicine, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, Center for Environmental Health, Beyond Pesticides, Plastic Free Future, California Black Health Network, The Oregon Environmental Council, Center for Science in the Public Interest, Breast Cancer Over Time, Mamavation.com, Innersense Beauty, Green America, and Environmental Defense Action Fund.\n\n“Families should not have to worry about PFAS entering our food supply via food packaging,” said Thomas Galligan, Principal Scientist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. “Congress should support the Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act to stop companies from intentionally adding these harmful substances to food packaging.”\n\n\"The science is clear: PFAS chemicals are linked to breast and other cancers, birth defects, hormone disruption, and organ damage — yet they're still hiding in the products we use every single day,” said Suzanne Price, CEO at Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. \"We applaud Representatives Dingell and Fitzpatrick for stepping up where industry hasn't. The No PFAS in Food Packaging Act builds on the bipartisan momentum states have already built to phase PFAS out of consumer goods — protecting people from health harms no matter where they live, shop, or work.\"\n\n“Using the science-based definition of PFAS, these bills would ban the entire class of PFAS in food packaging and personal care products. Despite industry claims that not all PFAS are the same, there are no ‘safer’ PFAS. All PFAS are persistent and toxic, and we must eliminate all non-essential uses as soon as possible. There is no reason to allow the continued use of PFAS in packaging that can leach into our food or in personal care products that we put directly on our bodies,” said Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon, Senior Director, Toxic Exposures and Pollution Prevention, Center for Environmental Health.\n\nScientific studies have linked PFAS chemicals to a variety of health hazards, including various cancers, increases in cholesterol levels, reproductive problems, as well as low birth weight and weakened childhood immunity. People are at higher risk for these health impacts when repeatedly exposed to PFAS, given that they bioaccumulate and do not degrade in the environment.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://finstad.house.gov/2026/07/07/finstad-announces-2026-service-academy-nominees/", "title": "Finstad Announces 2026 Service Academy Nominees", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "domain": "finstad.house.gov", "scraper": "finstad", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000475", "name": "Brad Finstad", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "NEW ULM, MN – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) announced that he has nominated four southern Minnesota students to the nation’s service academies, all of whom have accepted appointments to their respective institutions. Individuals nominated by Rep. Finstad include:\n\nBrady Arneson, Minnesota Connections Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nAidan Moeller, Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial Secondary School, U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nEvan Jenkins, Rochester Century High School, U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nDayton Clobes, Mankato East High School, U.S. Military Academy\n\n“It is a privilege to nominate this group of outstanding students from Minnesota’s First District to attend our great service academies,” said Rep. Finstad. “We live in the greatest country in the world because of young leaders like these who are willing to put service before self to support and defend our freedom. I know Brady, Aidan, Evan, and Dayton will represent southern Minnesota with pride and will go on to serve our nation well.”\n\nStudents accepted into U.S. service academies will earn a four-year university education with the commitment of serving in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Congressman Finstad recently met with three of the 2026 nominees and their families to congratulate them on their achievements.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://fischbach.house.gov/2026/7/rep-fischbach-introduces-the-securing-agriculture-s-workforce-act-to-deliver-long-overdue-relief-to-western-minnesota-farmers", "title": "Rep. Fischbach Introduces the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act to Deliver Long-Overdue Relief to Western Minnesota Farmers", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "fischbach.house.gov", "scraper": "fischbach", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000470", "name": "Michelle Fischbach", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) joined House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn \"GT\" Thompson last week as an original cosponsor of the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act. This legislation modernizes the H-2A agricultural worker program, delivering labor flexibility and financial predictability to agricultural producers.\n\n\"Our hard-working farmers should not have to fight through mountains of federal red tape just to feed and fuel our country,\" said Rep. Fischbach. \"Rigid and outdated H-2A program requirements have ignored the realities of modern farming, leaving our local ag economy without a strong workforce. This producer-backed bill answers the calls of our farmers by cutting compliance costs and establishing a stable, predictable framework so our agricultural community can thrive.\"\n\n“There is no greater national security threat than disruptions to our food supply,” Rep. Thompson said. “The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026 makes the practical, commonsense reforms required to prevent these disruptions by providing a workforce that meets agriculture’s needs—now and in the future.”\n\nThe Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act includes several reforms specifically designed to alleviate the agriculture workforce constraints by:", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://friedman.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-friedman-unveils-federal-investments-upgrade-la-metro-metrolink-ahead", "title": "RELEASE: Friedman Unveils Federal Investments to Upgrade LA Metro & Metrolink Ahead of 2028 Olympics", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://friedman.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "friedman.house.gov", "scraper": "friedman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000483", "name": "Laura Friedman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Above: Friedman announces federal transit investments at the Glendale Metrolink station.\n\nGLENDALE, CA — Today, July 7, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) announced a pair of federal investments she secured to upgrade the day-to-day rider experience across two of Los Angeles’ largest transit systems, one for LA Metro’s buses and one for Metrolink’s rail stations in the district. The investments come as LA prepares to welcome millions of visitors for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.\n\nA recording of the press announcement can be found here.\n\nLos Angeles County has more than 13,000 bus stops, and a large share offer no shade, no seating, and no way for riders to know when the next bus is coming. Additionally, at many rail stations, the technology that tells riders when their train will arrive is outdated, leaving first-time riders, visitors, and non-native English speakers at risk of missing their train.\n\nWHAT FRIEDMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY:\n\n$250,000 for LA Metro’s regional Bus Stop Enhancement Program, which will help bring:\n\nReal shade and shelter that actually protect riders from the sun and heat\n\nSeating, lighting, and accessibility upgrades\n\nReal-time arrival information so riders know when the next bus is coming\n\n$250,000 for Metrolink’s Customer Information System upgrade, which will help bring:\n\nNew, modern displays showing every arrival and departure, and whether a train is on time, delayed, or canceled\n\nAn upgraded public-address system and real-time service alerts so riders aren’t left guessing when service changes\n\nA better experience for riders, especially those riding for the very first time\n\nThe announcement builds on Friedman’s work to make public transit safer, more reliable, and more affordable, including the bipartisan Safe and Affordable Transit Act, commonsense legislation gaining momentum in the House to improve safety for the riders who depend on public transit and the workers who operate it.\n\nFriedman was joined today by Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian, Glendale City Councilmember Dan Brotman, Metrolink Chief Strategy Officer Paul Hubler, and LA Metro Chief Planning Officer Ray Sosa.\n\nBELOW: Friedman announces federal transit investments at the Glendale Metrolink station.\n\nBELOW: Mockups of bus station and shade.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gillen-joins-hempstead-village-police-patrol-ride-along-reiterates-support", "title": "Rep. Gillen Joins Hempstead Village Police Patrol Ride-Along, Reiterates Support for Local Law Enforcement", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "gillen.house.gov", "scraper": "gillen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000602", "name": "Laura Gillen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "HEMPSTEAD, NY — Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) met with Village of Hempstead Police Chief Richard Holland and joined Sergeant Adam Wade and Officer Amin on a patrol ride-along to see the Hempstead Police Department’s work firsthand and discuss how the federal government can further support local police departments. During the ride-along, Rep. Gillen was briefed on the department’s daily operations, community initiatives and public safety challenges facing the Village of Hempstead.\n\n“Thank you to Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr., Police Chief Richard Holland, the brave officers and staff for their service to our community and their warm welcome,” said Rep. Gillen. “It was great to learn more about the Village’s policing operations and to discuss how my office can further support and secure funding for our local law enforcement.”\n\n“It is our pleasure to welcome Congresswoman Laura Gillen for a ride-along with the Hempstead Village Police Department,” said Village of Hempstead Chief of Police Richard Holland. “Opportunities like this allow our elected officials to see firsthand the dedication, professionalism, and challenges our officers face every day while serving the community. We appreciate the Congresswoman taking the time to engage directly with our officers, observe our operations, and learn more about the public safety issues impacting the Village of Hempstead. Building strong partnerships between law enforcement and our elected officials is essential to ensuring we have the resources and support needed to keep our community safe.”\n\nThis visit follows Rep. Gillen’s meetings and ride-alongs with the Freeport and Lynbrook Police Departments and continues her efforts to meet directly with first responders across the district.\n\nSince taking office, Rep. Gillen has been a strong advocate for law enforcement, bringing millions in new federal public safety funding to Nassau County. As a member of the bipartisan Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, Gillen introduced the Officer Wellness and Peer Support Act and has cosponsored the Protect and Serve Act, Invest to Protect Act and the HERO Act, which aims to improve the detection, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues among public safety officers.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6138", "title": "Rep. Jimmy Gomez Delivers Air Purifiers and Essential Supplies to Families Impacted by the Lineage Logistics Fire", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gomez.house.gov", "scraper": "gomez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000585", "name": "Jimmy Gomez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Watch Rep. Gomez's video here\n\nLOS ANGELES, CA – Today, U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) joined residents at Estrada Courts in Boyle Heights to distribute air purifiers, N95 masks, and other essential supplies to families still dealing with the health impacts of the Lineage Logistics fire. The event continued Rep. Gomez's ongoing efforts to connect residents with immediate relief while securing long-term federal investments to strengthen the community.\n\n\"Today, we were here at Estrada Courts making sure families have air purifiers and masks to help protect their lungs after the Lineage Logistics fire spread smoke across Boyle Heights,\" said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. \"Our job isn't finished when the flames go out. We're helping people get through this crisis today while also investing in the long-term improvements this community deserves. That's why I've secured federal funding for air conditioning, building upgrades, and now additional investments to keep making Estrada Courts a healthier, safer place to call home. We're going to keep showing up, keep delivering, and keep fighting for Boyle Heights.\"\n\nEstrada Courts, home to more than 1,000 low-income residents and located roughlyone mile from the warehouse fire, was among the neighborhoods hardest hit by smoke and poor air quality. In addition to providing emergency supplies, Rep. Gomez has secured federal Community Project Funding to improve living conditions at Estrada Courts, including funding for air conditioning, housing renovations, and additional upgrades, while proposing another $1 million for the next phase of the community's cooling project.\n\nRep. Gomez has made supporting communities impacted by the Lineage Logistics fire a top priority, working alongside local partners to distribute air purifiers, masks, water, and other essential resources while advocating for a full recovery effort and long-term investments that improve public health and quality of life for Boyle Heights families.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-vicente-gonzalez-secures-850000-city-mercedes-expand-stormwater", "title": "Congressman Vicente Gonzalez Secures $850,000 for City of Mercedes to Expand Stormwater Management System", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "gonzalez.house.gov", "scraper": "gonzalez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000581", "name": "Vicente Gonzalez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Contact: Alexis Torres\n\nMercedes, Texas — Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) was joined by City of Mercedes’s City Manager Alberto Perez and other local leaders to announce $850,000 that he secured in Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding to upgrade, repair, and increase the drainage capacity of their storm sewer system. Specifically, the funding will be used to improve the collection and safe discharge of stormwater segments of the stormwater system, including the expansions and installations of reinforced concrete pipes, manholes, inlets and roadway reconstruction near South Vermont Street and South Washington Street as well as along Willacy Street, Heindrick Avenue, and North Street. It also includes an expansion and new storm sewer infrastructure and roadway restoration along West Third Street and South Colorado Avenue.\n\n“Improving public safety and strengthening our local economy requires resilient infrastructure that can withstand the frequent challenges of extreme weather in South Texas,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “I proudly fought in Congress for this federal investment to help improve the City’s stormwater system and ensure our homes and businesses are protected from heavy rainfall and reduce the risk of flooding. Together, alongside the City of Mercedes and all our neighbors, we will continue to build a safer, more prosperous community.”\n\n“On behalf of the Mayor, City Commission, and the residents of Mercedes, we sincerely thank Congressman Vicente Gonzalez for recognizing the importance of investing in our community's infrastructure. These federal funds represent a significant investment in public safety, flood mitigation, and the long-term resilience of our City. Stormwater infrastructure is one of the most critical investments a community can make. These improvements will help protect neighborhoods, businesses, public facilities, and transportation corridors while improving our ability to respond to increasingly intense rainfall events experienced throughout the Rio Grande Valley,” said City Manager Perez.\n\nAccording to the City of Mercedes, the total estimated project costs approximately $2.08 million. The $850,000 Community Project Funding delivered by Congressman Gonzalez today will be put toward construction costs.\n\nAs a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Gonzalez successfully secured $12.6 million in federal funds for 15 community projects this past year, including improvements to the City of Mercedes’ stormwater management system, to directly support the needs of the 34th Congressional District of Texas.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/photo-release-josh-on-the-job-gottheimer-visits-haus-cafe-in-fair-lawn-to-meet-with-small-business-owners-employees-and-customers", "title": "PHOTO RELEASE: “Josh on the Job” — Gottheimer Visits Haus Cafe in Fair Lawn to Meet with Small Business Owners, Employees, and Customers", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Above: Gottheimer with staff at Haus Cafe.\n\nFAIR LAWN, NJ — Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) visited Haus Cafe in Fair Lawn to meet with local owners and employees, working alongside their team and hearing first-hand from Jersey customers as part of his “Josh on the Job” series highlighting small, locally owned businesses across Northern Jersey.\n\nDuring his visit, Gottheimer joined staff behind the counter, speaking with employees and customers from across the community about the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses today.\n\n“Small businesses like Haus Cafe are the heart of our communities, and it’s the hard-working men and women who show up every day who keep them running,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Spending time on the job gives me a first-hand look at what our workers and small business owners are up against. I’ll keep fighting to lower costs, cut red tape, and make sure both our workers and local businesses have the support they need to succeed.”\n\nGottheimer regularly visits small businesses across New Jersey’s Fifth District as part of his Josh on the Job series to hear directly from workers, owners, and customers about the issues impacting their jobs and their communities.\n\nBelow: Gottheimer at Haus Cafe in Fair Lawn.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/statement-gottheimer-renews-call-for-platner-to-exit-maine-senate-race-as-new-allegations-surface", "title": "STATEMENT: Gottheimer Renews Call for Platner to Exit Maine Senate Race as New Allegations Surface", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Tuesday, July 7, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement:\n\n“The new allegations of sexual assault against Graham Platner are alarming and beyond unacceptable for any individual — regardless of whether they’re running for elected office. I have been calling for Platner to leave the race since abuse allegations first surfaced at the beginning of June. Graham’s Nazi tattoo alone was disqualifying enough.\n\nLet me be very clear: there’s no room in the Democratic Party or Congress for Graham Platner.\n\nWe should always stand up to hate and condemn abuse, not make excuses for it. I’ve said it from the start: Platner needs to get off the ballot and make room for a candidate who can represent Maine with the integrity this seat and its constituents deserve.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=936", "title": "Congressman Hamadeh Introduces Articles of Impeachment Against Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "hamadeh.house.gov", "scraper": "hamadeh", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001098", "name": "Abraham J. Hamadeh", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - This week, Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) introduced a resolution to remove Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia for abuse of her judicial authority.\n\nCongressman Hamadeh alleges that Sooknanan abused the power entrusted to her when she issued an injunction that halted President Trump’s SAVE program, \"substituting the judgment of a single unelected judge for that of the duly elected Executive Branch.\"\n\n\"Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan’s egregious overreaching ruling blocking President Trump’s common-sense effort to verify the citizenship of those who want to vote in our elections was the final straw,\" stated Congressman Hamadeh. \"This is a blatant and unlawful subversion of the President’s executive authority and a direct assault on election integrity.\"\n\n\"Judges who weaponize their bench to interfere with the President’s constitutional duties must be held accountable,\" Congressman Hamadeh concluded.\n\nSooknanan, who holds dual citizenship in the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, is an appointee to the bench by President Joe Biden. Judge Sooknanan's ruling against the Trump administration prevents the federal government from assisting states in ensuring that only U.S. citizens vote in U.S. elections.\n\nCongressman Hamadeh's resolution, which introduces the articles of impeachment, reads in part:\n\n\"Through this extraordinary intervention, Judge Sooknanan elevated personal legal and policy preferences above the constitutional powers vested in the President. Article III grants judges’ life tenure during \"good behavior,\" not lifetime immunity from accountability.\n\nThe Framers did not establish the judiciary as a super-legislature empowered to veto executive actions based on policy disagreements. Judge Sooknanan’s actions represent a dangerous expansion of judicial power at the expense of the constitutional balance among the branches of government.\n\nFederal judges are empowered to decide cases and controversies, not to dictate national policy. Judge Sooknanan’s sweeping injunction exceeded the limited authority granted under Article III and transformed the court into an instrument for imposing policy outcomes.\n\nBy obstructing a program intended by its supporters to strengthen election integrity, Judge Sooknanan fostered the perception that federal courts are increasingly acting as political actors rather than impartial arbiters. Public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary is undermined when judges appear to place ideological preferences above constitutional limits.”\n\nCongressman Hamadeh is introducing the articles of impeachment to restore the rule of law.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnson-judiciary-democrats-urge-judicial-conference-ban", "title": "Congressman Johnson, Judiciary Democrats Urge Judicial Conference to Ban Prediction Market Participation for the Federal Judiciary", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "hankjohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "hankjohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000288", "name": "Henry C. \"Hank\" Johnson, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Ranking Members Hank Johnson, Jamie Raskin Call for Strong Safeguards Against Insider Trading and Ethical Conflicts By Federal Judges, Clerks, And Staff\n\nWashington, D.C. (July 7, 2026) — Today, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Rep. Hank Johnson, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet, sent a letter to the Honorable Robert J. Conrad Jr., Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, urging the Judicial Conference to prohibit federal judges, clerks, and judicial staff from participating in online prediction markets.\n\n“Federal officials in all three branches of government often have advance knowledge of, if not direct influence or control over, the prospective outcome of a wager related to public policy events and decisions. It is no surprise that, in this setting, prediction markets appear rife with insider trading and other abuses,” wrote the Ranking Members.\n\nThe growing use of prediction markets—platforms that allow users to wager on future events—poses serious ethical risks to the federal judiciary. These markets enable betting on matters directly related to the courts, including case outcomes, the length of judicial opinions, and even the timing of a Supreme Court Justice’s retirement.\n\nPrediction markets such as Kalshi, Polymarket, and PredictIt currently operate largely outside of state gambling restrictions and, under the Trump Administration, have faced limited federal oversight. Because judges and court personnel may have access to nonpublic information or influence over judicial outcomes, their participation in such markets raises significant concerns about insider trading, conflicts of interest, and the appearance of impropriety.\n\nWhile existing judicial ethics rules may address some aspects of this conduct, a clear, categorical ban is needed to eliminate ambiguity and fully safeguard the integrity of the courts.\n\n“We respectfully urge the Judicial Conference to take prompt action to prohibit participation in prediction markets by the entire federal judiciary and their staff. Establishing this rule now will help protect the integrity of judicial decision-making, prevent the appearance of impropriety, and reinforce public confidence in the judicial branch,” wrote the Ranking Members.\n\nJudiciary Democrats are calling on the Judicial Conference to act swiftly to implement a comprehensive prohibition on prediction market participation for all members of the federal judiciary and their staff.\n\nClick here to read the letter.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-announces-faa-grant-salisbury-regional-airport-runway", "title": "Congressman Harris Announces FAA Grant for Salisbury Regional Airport Runway Rehabilitation", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "harris.house.gov", "scraper": "harris", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001052", "name": "Andy Harris", "party": "Republican", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), announced that the Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport has been awarded a $1,710,000 grant through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program.\n\nThe grant will fund the final phase of a project to rehabilitate approximately 1,200 feet of Runway 14/32, to maintain the runway's structural integrity and improve its long-term reliability.\n\nStatement from Congressman Harris:", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases/comisionado-residente-revivira-tradicional-peregrinaje-en-honor-luis-munoz", "title": "Comisionado Residente revivirá tradicional peregrinaje en honor a Luis Muñoz Rivera con mensaje “El pueblo contra la claque”", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "hernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001103", "name": "Pablo José Hernández", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "TOA BAJA, Puerto Rico — El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, visitó hoy el municipio de Toa Baja para dar seguimiento a proyectos prioritarios de seguridad, desarrollo comunitario y acceso a fondos federales, incluyendo la asignación de $1,429,032.80 anunciada en marzo para avanzar el diseño y las actividades de Fase 1 de dos estructuras elevadas de evacuación vertical por tsunami en Levittown y Palo Seco.\n\nLas estructuras propuestas tendrían una capacidad combinada para hasta 850 personas y buscan fortalecer la preparación de comunidades costeras vulnerables ante una emergencia de tsunami. Durante su visita, el Comisionado Residente sostuvo una reunión de trabajo con el alcalde Bernardo Márquez García para discutir el estado de esta y otras iniciativas municipales, así como los próximos pasos para maximizar recursos federales en beneficio de Toa Baja.\n\n“Los fondos federales tienen que traducirse en resultados concretos. En Toa Baja, anunciamos más de $1.4 millones para estructuras de evacuación vertical representan un paso importante para proteger vidas ante un tsunami. Ese mismo enfoque debe guiar nuestro trabajo con el municipio: apoyar proyectos que respondan a necesidades reales, desde la seguridad costera hasta mejores servicios para nuestros adultos mayores y sus familias,” expresó el Comisionado Residente.\n\nComo parte de la visita, el Comisionado Residente recorrió junto al alcalde las facilidades de la Escuela Elemental Antonia Sáez Irizarry, adquirida por el Municipio de Toa Baja con el propósito de desarrollar una iniciativa comunitaria dirigida a apoyar a personas con Alzheimer y sus familias. Durante el recorrido, el Comisionado Residente conoció los planes del municipio para el espacio y discutió posibles recursos federales que puedan respaldar el desarrollo del proyecto.\n\nLa visita en Toa Baja también refleja una prioridad que el Comisionado Residente ha llevado al Congreso: fortalecer la atención a personas con Alzheimer. El Comisionado Residente es coauspiciador del AADAPT Act (H.R 3747), legislación federal dirigida a mejorar la capacitación de proveedores de salud para atender estas condiciones. Proyectos como el que propone el municipio ayudan a acercar ese apoyo a las comunidades, adultos mayores y familias que lo necesitan.\n\nPor su parte, el alcalde Bernardo Márquez García presentó las prioridades del municipio y destacó la importancia de continuar trabajando junto a la oficina del Comisionado Residente para identificar oportunidades y recursos federales que apoyen iniciativas de impacto para los residentes de Toa Baja.\n\nLa visita forma parte de la agenda de trabajo distrital del Comisionado Residente y de sus esfuerzos para mantener una comunicación directa con los municipios, conocer sus necesidades de primera mano y asegurar que las prioridades de Puerto Rico estén representadas en el Congreso.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-celebrates-opening-of-new-elevate-textiles-facility-in-raeford", "title": "Hudson Celebrates Opening of New Elevate Textiles Facility in Raeford", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hudson.house.gov", "scraper": "hudson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001067", "name": "Richard Hudson", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) joined Elevate Textiles and local leaders in Raeford to celebrate the opening of Elevate’s new dye house facility, which will support the production of U.S.-made military uniforms.\n\n“North Carolina textiles have helped build our state and keep America strong for generations,” said Rep. Hudson. “This facility means good paying jobs for our community and it means our troops have high quality American uniforms.”\n\nElevate Textiles’ Raeford facility produces military dress uniforms and plays an important role in North Carolina’s textile economy. Hudson has continued to advocate for policies that strengthen domestic manufacturing, protect American jobs, and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://james.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1300", "title": "John James recovers $20 million for constituents", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://james.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "james.house.gov", "scraper": "james", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000307", "name": "John James", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. John James announced his office recently hit a milestone: more than $20 million recovered for constituents during his two terms in office.\n\nJames’ team has recovered a total of $20,657,956 for constituents who contacted his office for help dealing with the federal government. This includes money that was owed to people who were having trouble getting their tax refund from the IRS, denied veteran disability benefits, or who had problems getting their Social Security payments, among other issues.\n\nThe tally does not include money James brought back to the district through legislative funding requests, such as money for local roadways or the $162 million that the U.S. House of Representatives recently approved to upgrade and improve Selfridge Air National Guard Base to prepare for the new fighter mission.\n\n“Constituent service is a top priority, and I’m proud that my team was able to return more than $20 million to our friends and neighbors,” James said. “My team can help cut through red tape – if you need assistance dealing with the federal government, please do not hesitate to reach out.”\n\nJohn James represents Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, which includes portions of Oakland County and Macomb County. Residents may contact his office by visiting james.house.gov or calling 586-498-7122.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-murray-call-omb-rescind-proposed-rule-would-politicize-doe", "title": "Kaptur, Murray Call on OMB to Rescind Proposed Rule That Would Politicize DOE Grants, Scare Off Private Investment", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "kaptur.house.gov", "scraper": "kaptur", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000009", "name": "Marcy Kaptur", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC — Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, sent a letter to White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought calling on him to rescind OMB’s proposed rule governing all federal grants and financial assistance.\n\nIn the letter, the top Democratic energy appropriators underscore how OMB’s proposed rule would politicize grants and loans made by the Department of Energy (DOE) and enable political appointees to terminate grants for virtually any reason they please, which will put critical energy projects on the chopping block and scare private investment away from projects that lower Americans’ costs. Moody’s recently warned that the proposed rule would be “credit negative for entities with high dependence on competitive federal funding because it would materially weaken the reliability of multi-year discretionary funding commitments.”\n\n“We write to express our unequivocal and strong opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed changes to the rules governing the Federal grants system,” write Kaptur and Murray. “We urge immediate withdrawal of this proposed rule. This proposal represents dangerous executive overreach designed to usurp Congress’s constitutional power of the purse and replace objective, merit-based grantmaking with a system highly vulnerable to government corruption and political cronyism.”\n\n“By allowing an Administration to arbitrarily terminate or withhold awarded grant funds based on shifting political whims, this proposed rule would freeze critical energy and water investments needed to lower everyday costs for Americans and improve affordability for working families,” they continue. “Furthermore, turning grant funding meant to support reliable Federal partnerships into a political ‘slush fund’ will drive away private capital, stifle domestic innovation, and severely undermine America’s global competitiveness—ceding our Nation’s technological leadership to foreign adversaries at the worst possible time.”\n\nKaptur and Murray underscore that the proposed changes will significantly impact DOE programs and undermine congressional intent.\n\n“These concerns are particularly acute at the Department of Energy, which administers billions of dollars in grants, cooperative agreements, and formula funding enacted through annual appropriations acts and major energy-related statutes,” they write. “DOE award recipients often make long-term hiring, contracting, and investment decisions based on Federal awards. If recipients cannot rely on those awards being administered according to congressional intent, participation in DOE programs will decline and Congress's objectives will be frustrated.”\n\nThe full letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nWe write to express our unequivocal and strong opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed changes to the rules governing the Federal grants system as printed in the Federal Register on May 29, 2026 (91 FR 32198; “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance”). We urge immediate withdrawal of this proposed rule. This proposal represents dangerous executive overreach designed to usurp Congress’s constitutional power of the purse and replace objective, merit-based grantmaking with a system highly vulnerable to government corruption and political cronyism.\n\nBy allowing an Administration to arbitrarily terminate or withhold awarded grant funds based on shifting political whims, this proposed rule would freeze critical energy and water investments needed to lower everyday costs for Americans and improve affordability for working families. Furthermore, turning grant funding meant to support reliable Federal partnerships into a political “slush fund” will drive away private capital, stifle domestic innovation, and severely undermine America’s global competitiveness – ceding our Nation’s technological leadership to foreign adversaries at the worst possible time.\n\nUnder our constitutional system of government, Congress appropriates funds for specific purposes and directs agencies to carry out those programs consistent with statute. Appropriations laws are deliberately written to provide clear direction regarding how taxpayer funds are to be used and are intended to be administered according to law, not according to the political preferences of any particular Administration. The Federal grant process works because applicants can rely on the expectation that once Congress has enacted funding and established eligibility requirements, awards will be made and administered by the Executive Branch based on those statutory criteria as a matter of public law rather than shifting political considerations. For the system to work well and Federal grants to have the maximum impact possible, recipients must be able to trust that they will receive funds based on fair and transparent criteria and that their grants will not be ripped up suddenly because an Administration has a political disagreement.\n\nThe proposed rule would dismantle this system and breaks faith with the American people. It would provide agencies broad discretion to terminate, condition, or otherwise withhold grants and cooperative agreements based on ever-changing Executive Branch priorities rather than Congressional direction. The practical effect of this change would be to create uncertainty for States, local governments, universities, nonprofits, utilities, and private-sector entities considering whether to apply for Federal assistance. Organizations are far less likely to invest the time and resources required to pursue Federal funding if they believe an award can be terminated at any time for reasons unrelated to organizational integrity, program performance, or statutory requirements, and without required justification.\n\nThese concerns are particularly acute at the Department of Energy (DOE), which administers billions of dollars in grants, cooperative agreements, and formula funding enacted through annual appropriations acts and major energy-related statutes. DOE award recipients often make long-term hiring, contracting, and investment decisions based on Federal awards. If recipients cannot rely on those awards being administered according to congressional intent, participation in DOE programs will decline and Congress's objectives will be frustrated.\n\nThe proposal raises serious concerns that agencies would violate the Impoundment Control Act (ICA). Congress enacted the ICA to prevent the Executive Branch from unilaterally withholding appropriated funds. Yet OMB’s proposal appears designed to expand agencies’ ability to accomplish indirectly what they cannot do directly: prevent congressionally appropriated funds from reaching recipients through broad termination authorities and subjective policy-based conditions. Agencies should not be given tools that effectively allow them to substitute presidential priorities for enacted spending laws. DOE has previously been found to have withheld congressionally appropriated funds in violation of the ICA, as determined by a US Government Accountability Office legal decision issued in July 2025.[1]\n\nWe are particularly concerned by OMB’s proposed revisions to Federal regulations codified in Section 200.340 of Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 C.F.R. §200.340), which significantly expand agencies’ ability to terminate Federal awards for just about any reason they like. OMB, under the current Administration, has repeatedly pointed to this provision to justify widespread politically motivated grant cancellations and funding freezes across the Federal Government. The proposed changes would further broaden this authority and make it easier for agencies to terminate awards based on vague and subjective policy considerations rather than clear statutory requirements. Such an approach undermines funding certainty, discourages participation in Federal programs, and weakens Congress’s constitutional power of the purse. Several courts have ruled DOE’s prior attempt to terminate projects on political grounds by targeting “blue” States, Cities, and Congressional Districts to be illegal and ordered Federal funding to be reinstated.\n\nThe proposed rule raises additional concerns about due process and fair competition in Federal funding allocation. Under current rules, DOE discretionary grants must be awarded through a merit-based competitive selection process unless a formal Determination for Noncompetitive Financial Assistance (DNFA) is provided. The proposed 2 C.F.R. §200.204 revision would carve out a “national interest” exception to public posting of funding opportunities on Grants.gov, effectively removing the requirement of formal justification for non-competitive award selections. Additionally, OMB’s proposed revisions to 2 C.F.R. §200.205 would require pre-issuance review of all discretionary awards by senior political appointees to ensure that awards advance the President’s policy priorities in line with Executive Order 14332. The insertion of such a political filter compromises the merit-based foundation of award selection.\n\nThe proposed rule would also drive-up costs for the businesses, investors, and startups that help build America’s energy future. These companies rely on Federal awards to secure financing, bring in private investment, and commit to projects that take years to complete. When the government can pull an award at any moment for political reasons, lenders and investors have no choice but to treat every dollar as if it could disappear. That makes capital more expensive, discourages private partners, and can leave high-quality, strategic energy projects unbuilt. The Federal award recipients that do move forward will have to track and comply with vague, shifting conditions – a burden that lands hardest on the small firms and new companies least able to afford it. The result is less private money behind every Federal dollar and fewer energy projects coming online, which ultimately means higher energy costs for American families.\n\nFederal grants should not be transformed from effective vehicles for implementing laws enacted by Congress into mechanisms for advancing or withholding funding based on political preferences and priorities. The certainty, predictability, and technical, merit-based governance of Federal assistance programs is essential to ensuring that qualified applicants continue to seek Federal funding and carry out activities consistent with the laws enacted by Congress.\n\nFor these reasons, we urge OMB to withdraw the proposal.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kean-accepting-applications-fall-2026-internship-program", "title": "Congressman Kean Accepting Applications for Fall 2026 Internship Program", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "kean.house.gov", "scraper": "kean", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000398", "name": "Thomas H. Kean, Jr.", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(July 7, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) announced that his offices in Washington, D.C. and Lebanon Borough, NJ are now accepting applications for the fall 2026 Internship Program. This competitive program offers college students the chance to gain firsthand experience in the fast-paced environment of a congressional office.\n\nInterns play an essential role in the daily operations of the office, working closely with staff members on a range of responsibilities, including legislative research, constituent services, communications, and more. Participating students will also gain valuable insight into the legislative process and the ways in which a Member of Congress serves the residents of their district.\n\n“Interns in my offices—both in Lebanon Borough and Washington, D.C.—play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the office and take an active role in serving the people of New Jersey,” said Congressman Kean. “This is a meaningful opportunity to develop real-world skills and experience, and I look forward to welcoming a new intern class in the fall.”\n\nInterested students must be currently enrolled in college and should complete the online application form at kean.house.gov/services/internships. The deadline to apply is Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Positions are available in both the Washington, D.C. and District offices.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-demands-answers-regarding-prolonged-power-outages", "title": "Kean Demands Answers Regarding Prolonged Power Outages", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "kean.house.gov", "scraper": "kean", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000398", "name": "Thomas H. Kean, Jr.", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(July 7, 2026) LEBANON BOROUGH, N.J. – Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) sent a letter to the Presidents of PSE&G and JCP&L demanding answers regarding the prolonged power outages that occurred over the weekend across New Jersey.\n\nIn his letter, Congressman Kean called for the power companies to explain why the power restoration has taken so long, what preparations were made in advance of the heat wave and severe weather, and how they plan to mitigate the effects of these events in the future.\n\nDue to severe thunderstorms over the weekend, trees and branches fell, flood warnings were issued, temperatures exceeded 100 degrees, and widespread power outages occurred, creating dangerous situations for many families and businesses. The consequences of the heat wave and storms caused 29 fatalities.\n\nCongressman Kean wrote, “New Jerseyans are shouldering an increasingly unsustainable financial burden from rising electric costs - facing a nearly 79% increase over the last 20 years with a 16.9% increase between 2024 and 2025 alone - yet New Jersey’s power grid continues to fail miserably. The people of New Jersey deserve reliable power at affordable prices. On behalf of the thousands who endured lengthy outages, I ask that you immediately take action to remedy these failures.”\n\nAs a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Kean has supported legislation like the GRID Power Act, which would help maintain grid reliability during capacity shortages and expand availability of dependable, always-on power for New Jersey households. With eight NJ power plants closing over the past decade, Congressman Kean believes that it is critical to give greater flexibility to prioritize the most reliable energy projects so New Jersey businesses and households can access affordable, dependable, and resilient energy.\n\nRead the full letter below and HERE:\n\nDear PSE&G President Hanemann and JCP&L President Mokoid:\n\nI am writing on behalf of the constituents of New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, and all New Jersey families and businesses harmed by the widespread and prolonged power outages, to demand answers.\n\nDuring this period of extreme heat and severe thunderstorms, many of my constituents have been or are without power for extended durations, beginning as early as Thursday, July 2nd and continuing through Tuesday, July 7th. Public reporting indicates that power may not be restored until Wednesday, July 8th or Thursday, July 9th. Families - including seniors, the ill, and those with small children - were without air conditioning for days in deadly heat, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees. Food spoiled, medical equipment failed, and businesses were forced to close during the holiday weekend. These outages are wreaking havoc on public health and safety. Tragically, this crisis caused 29 fatalities across the state amid the heat wave and storms.\n\nSince Thursday, I have received numerous calls from constituents in rural areas, where power outages instantly halted their water supply. Thousands have been unable to access drinking water from their faucets, cook, bathe, etc. in the scorching heat, all while being unable to leave their houses due to the danger of flood warnings and falling trees.\n\nAdditionally, for the majority of New Jerseyans without landlines, the inability to charge their devices or access the internet completely isolates them from communicating with the outside world or report their own outages. This was unacceptable in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy and is even more unacceptable now. In light of this, I request that you provide answers to the following questions:\n\nIn detail, please explain exactly what went wrong.\n\nWhy is restoration taking as long as it is in certain areas?\n\nWhat, if any, warnings or preparations did your companies make in advance of the forecasted storms and heat?\n\nWhat steps have JCP&L and PSE&G previously taken to strengthen the grid’s resilience against extreme weather events, and what steps will they take moving forward to prevent similar outages?\n\nWhat communication and cooperation did you receive from New Jersey government agencies and leadership to prepare for and respond to this crisis?\n\nNew Jerseyans are shouldering an increasingly unsustainable financial burden from rising electric costs - facing a nearly 79% increase over the last 20 years with a 16.9% increase between 2024 and 2025 alone - yet New Jersey’s power grid continues to fail miserably. The people of New Jersey deserve reliable power at affordable prices. On behalf of the thousands who endured lengthy outages, I ask that you immediately take action to remedy these failures.\n\nThank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to your prompt response.\n\nSincerely,\n\nThomas Kean, Jr.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://kiggans.house.gov/2026/07/07/kiggans-introduces-legislation-to-honor-americas-service-animals-with-national-mall-monument/", "title": "Kiggans Introduces Legislation to Honor America’s Service Animals with National Mall Monument", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kiggans.house.gov/feed/", "domain": "kiggans.house.gov", "scraper": "kiggans", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000399", "name": "Jennifer A. Kiggans", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced the National Service Animals Monument Location Act, a bill that would authorize a location for future construction of a monument on the National Mall honoring animals who have served the United States.\n\nCongresswoman Kiggans said, “Our nation is forever indebted to the generations of extraordinary military working animals that have served our country. As Co-Chair of the Working Dog Caucus, I’m proud to recognize the horses, dogs, and other animals that have served alongside the Armed Forces in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. Their loyalty, courage, and dedication have helped protect our troops and strengthen our national security. I’d like to thank Congressman Davis for his continued partnership and I’m honored to introduce this legislation to ensure their lasting contributions will never be forgotten.”\n\n“Together, these animals and their handlers have protected lives and communities, defended freedom, expanded independence, and embodied enduring American values of courage, sacrifice, loyalty, and compassion,” said Susan Bahary, founder and sculptor of the National Service Animals Monument. “As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we have an opportunity to ensure future generations remember not only the heroes who served our nation, but also the remarkable service animals who stood beside them every step of the way.”\n\nDr. Bonnie Bergin, founder of Paws for Purple Hearts, creator of the service dog concept, and founder of the Bergin College of Canine Studies said, “For generations, animals have stood beside Americans in times of war, service, and healing. Service dogs, in particular, have transformed the lives of countless veterans, helping them regain confidence, independence, and connection after injury and trauma. This legislation represents an important step toward creating a national monument that honors not only the extraordinary contributions of service animals, but also the enduring bond between humans and animals that has strengthened our nation since its founding. We are proud to support this effort to ensure their legacy is recognized and remembered for generations to come.”\n\n“Dogs have long been trusted partners, helping people live safer, more independent lives. From military and law enforcement canines to service dogs that empower people with disabilities, their contributions have transformed countless lives,” states Canine Companions CEO Paige Mazzoni. “Canine Companions pioneered the modern service dog movement, and we’re proud to support legislation honoring the extraordinary service and devotion of working dogs. This monument will stand as a lasting tribute to their impact, ensuring future generations recognize and celebrate the unique bond between humans and dogs and the life-changing support these remarkable animals provide every day.”\n\n“America’s VetDogs and the Guide Dog Foundation are proud to support the National Service Animals Monument, a powerful tribute to the extraordinary animals who serve our nation alongside America’s heroes during and after their life of service. The vision brings both authenticity and emotional depth to this important initiative. We are honored to stand behind a project that recognizes the life-changing impact of service animals and ensures their legacy is remembered for generations to come,” said John Miller, President and CEO, America’s VetDogs and Guide Dog Foundation, member of the NSAM Service Animals Advisory Committee.\n\nChris Willingham, President of the US War Dogs Association, said “This legislation marks an important step toward realizing the National Service Animals Monument’s mission of honoring service animals and their contributions to our nation. As passionate advocates for the military working dog community, we are thrilled to see their service and sacrifice recognized as part of this historic project and preserved for future generations.”\n\nThe National Service Animals Monument Location Act is endorsed by the National Service Animals Monument, Paws for Purple Hearts, Canine Companions, America’s VetDogs, Guide Dog Foundation, and US War Dogs Association.\n\nRead a one-pager here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-and-morelle-demand-usps-publicly-commit-following-court-order", "title": "Krishnamoorthi and Morelle Demand USPS Publicly Commit to Following Court Order Blocking Trump Mail Voting Restrictions", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle (D-NY) demanded Postmaster General David Steiner make an immediate, public commitment that the United States Postal Service will fully comply with a federal court injunction blocking implementation of President Trump's executive order restricting mail voting. They also requested that Steiner appear voluntarily before Congress to testify regarding the Postal Service's compliance with the court's order, advising that if he declines, Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi will pursue a congressional subpoena.\n\n“Yet despite that unequivocal ruling, serious questions remain about whether USPS intends to continue advancing policies that would condition the delivery of election mail on states turning over voter registration and absentee ballot data to the federal government. Accordingly, we are demanding your immediate, unambiguous, and public commitment that USPS will fully comply with the court's order,” wrote Krishnamoorthi and Morelle.\n\nThe letter follows Steiner's June 24 Senate testimony that USPS would not continue delivering mail ballots to states that refused to provide absentee voter data to the federal government—a position the lawmakers argue is incompatible with the federal court's subsequent ruling.\n\nAccordingly, Krishnamoorthi and Morelle requested written responses by July 16, 2026, to the following questions:\n\nWill USPS fully comply with the June 25, 2026, federal court injunction and immediately halt all implementation of the executive order blocked by that ruling?\n\nAre you willing to appear voluntarily before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability to testify under oath regarding USPS's compliance with the injunction and its operational plans for the delivery of election mail?\n\n“The law is clear: USPS has no authority to regulate mail-in voting, dictate how states conduct elections, or condition the delivery of ballots on states surrendering sensitive voter data to the federal government. No president can override the law with an executive order. A federal court has now reaffirmed those limits. Any effort to transform the Postal Service from a neutral carrier of election mail into an instrument of voter suppression will be met with immediate congressional action,” the lawmakers concluded.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4218", "title": "Larsen, Gluesenkamp Perez Applaud Important Milestone in I-5 Bridge Replacement Project", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "larsen.house.gov", "scraper": "larsen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000560", "name": "Rick Larsen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) celebrated the news that the I-5 Bridge Replacement project has concluded the environmental review process and can now begin construction on a replacement bridge connecting Washington and Oregon.\n\n“Today, the I-5 Bridge Replacement project reached an important milestone, bringing it closer to completion,” said Ranking Member Larsen. “You can’t have a big league economy with little league infrastructure. This is a legacy investment that will create good jobs for the women and men of the Pacific Northwest while safely and efficiently connecting Washington and Oregon. Thank you to all of my colleagues on the state and federal level for keeping this game-changing project moving.”\n\n“Getting the green light on construction of the new I-5 bridge is a massive step towards ensuring we have durable transportation and interstate access for generations. Families, truckers, and commuters across Southwest Washington depend on this roadway for the strength of our local economy,” said Rep Gluesenkamp Perez. “Getting funding for projects like this is where the rubber meets the road on delivering for working families. I’m so proud to see this project get closer to becoming a reality.”\n\nToday, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) published the final Record of Decision for the I-5 Bridge Replacement project, concluding the federal environmental review process and allowing Washington and Oregon to move toward construction on the project.\n\nThe I-5 Bridge Replacement project will construct a new pair of Columbia River bridges, one northbound and one southbound, as well as develop enhanced parking capacity, bus service improvements, and various interchange/auxiliary lane modifications on the I-5 bridge.\n\nIn 2024, Rep. Larsen and Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez held a roundtable discussion together to hear from labor unions, commuters and local transportation businesses about their priorities for the I-5 Bridge Replacement project.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6181", "title": "Lawler Leads Bipartisan Letter Urging Protection of the Land and Water Conservation Fund", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 7/7/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) led a bipartisan letter to House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman urging him to reject any effort to amend the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) as the Committee considers legislation to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund.\n\nThanks to President Trump’s leadership, Chairman Westerman’s support, and strong bipartisan support in Congress, the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) permanently funded LWCF, fulfilling a 60-year promise by ensuring that $900 million in annual offshore oil and gas receipts are dedicated to conservation and outdoor recreation purposes. The lawmakers noted that LWCF has supported conservation and recreation projects in every state and nearly every county across the country for more than 60 years.\n\nJoining Rep. Lawler in sending the letter were Reps. Jack Bergman (MI-01), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Nick LaLota (NY-01), Kevin Kiley (CA-03), Rob Bresnahan Jr. (PA-08), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Thomas Kean Jr. (NJ-07), Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02), Michael Turner (OH-10), Chris Smith (NJ-04), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), Carol Miller (WV-01), Mike Simpson (ID-02), David Joyce (OH-14), Ryan Zinke (MT-01), and Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06).\n\nThe full letter can be found HERE.\n\nCongressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-supports-235-million-federal-grant-replace-18-aging-south", "title": "Rep. Nancy Mace Supports $23.5 Million Federal Grant To Replace 18 Aging South Carolina Bridges", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mace.house.gov", "scraper": "mace", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000194", "name": "Nancy Mace", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "CHARLESTON, S.C. (July 7, 2026) - Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $23.5 million through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program to support the South Carolina Department of Transportation's Bridge Package 22 project.\n\nThis project will replace 18 bridges across nine counties in South Carolina, including multiple bridges in SC-01. Rep. Mace wrote a letter of support for the application.\n\n\"This is a major win for South Carolina,\" said Congresswoman Mace. \"Our state is growing fast, and our infrastructure has to keep up. This investment will replace aging bridges, improve public safety, support local businesses, and strengthen the connections our communities rely on every day. These new bridges are built to last more than 70 years, giving South Carolinians safer, stronger, and more reliable infrastructure for generations to come.\"\n\nBridge Package 22 will replace 18 aging bridges across Berkeley, Colleton, Darlington, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Marion, and Williamsburg counties. Many of the bridges are more than 100 years old, with nearly 40 percent in poor condition and subject to weight restrictions or closures.\n\nAs South Carolina continues to experience rapid population growth, especially along the coast, modernizing this critical infrastructure is essential to keeping residents, businesses, and visitors safely connected. The project will bring each bridge up to modern design standards, add roadside barriers and accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists where appropriate, and strengthen resilience against extreme weather. Designed to last at least 75 years, the new bridges will provide safe, reliable infrastructure for generations to come.\n\n\"When South Carolinians send their hard-earned tax dollars to Washington, they deserve to see results back home,\" Mace added. \"We will always fight to make sure South Carolina gets its fair share and the investments our communities deserve.\"\n\nSEE LETTER OF SUPPORT BELOW:\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://magaziner.house.gov/media/press-releases/magaziner-secures-more-1-million-federal-funding-help-prevent-flooding", "title": "Magaziner Secures More Than $1 Million of Federal Funding to Help Prevent Flooding in Cranston", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://magaziner.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "magaziner.house.gov", "scraper": "magaziner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001223", "name": "Seth Magaziner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "CRANSTON, RI – Today, U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) joined Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins, Cranston City Council President Daniel Wall, and other local leaders to announce that he has secured $1,092,000 of federal funding to prevent flooding in Cranston's Garden Street area.\n\nThe funding will support infrastructure improvements in a low-lying neighborhood that has experienced chronic flooding for decades. The project will install stormwater retention basins designed to capture and treat runoff during heavy rainfall, reducing flooding and helping protect nearby homes and businesses.\n\nView or download photos from the event here.\n\nView or download full remarks from the event here.\n\n\"Flooding is a major concern for the residents and business owners of Cranston,” said Magaziner. \"This funding will help modernize Cranston's stormwater infrastructure to reduce flooding in one of the city's most vulnerable neighborhoods. I am proud to announce over $1 million of funding to help protect Cranston residents from future floods.\"\n\n“Residents expect government to solve problems, and that’s exactly what this investment will do,” said Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins. “I’m grateful to Congressman Magaziner for partnering with the City of Cranston to secure these federal dollars. This project addresses a flooding issue that has challenged this neighborhood for years and reflects our commitment to making smart infrastructure investments that improve quality of life for our residents,” said Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins.\n\n\"I sincerely want to thank Congressman Magaziner for listening and more importantly acting on behalf of the residents of the Garden Street area,\" said Cranston Town Council President Daniel Wall.\n\nThe project will improve stormwater infrastructure throughout the Garden Street watershed, including the areas around Garden Street, Laurens Street, Grace Street, and other nearby low-lying neighborhoods that are prone to flooding during heavy rainfall.\n\nThe improvements include new underground stormwater collection systems, stormwater retention basins, upgrades to drainage channels, and other measures to better capture and manage runoff before it floods streets and nearby properties.\n\nOnce complete, the project will reduce the frequency and severity of flooding, helping protect homes, improve public safety, and lower the cost of flood-related damage for residents.\n\nRep. Magaziner secured the funding through the Fiscal Year 2026 government appropriations process.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://mcclain.house.gov/2026/7/chairwoman-mcclain-hosts-trump-accounts-forum-to-help-families-plan-for-the-future", "title": "Chairwoman McClain Hosts Trump Accounts Forum to Help Families Plan for the Future", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "mcclain.house.gov", "scraper": "mcclain", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001136", "name": "Lisa C. McClain", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) hosted a Trump Accounts forum at the Oxford Public Library with parents and grandparents from Michigan’s 9th District to discuss how families can start building long-term financial security for their children.\n\n“Trump Accounts give the next generation a head start on the American Dream,” Chairwoman McClain said. “House Republicans and President Trump believe families should have more tools to save, invest, and plan for their children’s future. This is a powerful way to help parents put their kids on a stronger financial path from the very beginning.”\n\nChairwoman McClain discussed how Trump Accounts were created through the Working Families Tax Cuts and explained the one-time $1,000 seed contribution available for eligible children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028. Families also received information on how to enroll, including IRS Form 4547, and had the opportunity to ask questions.\n\nTrump Accounts are federally authorized, tax-advantaged investment accounts for children under 18. Parents and guardians manage the accounts until their children reach adulthood to help build long-term financial security.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-menefee-statement-on-the-fatal-shooting-of-lorenzo-salgado-araujo-during-an-ice-operation", "title": "Congressman Menefee Statement on the Fatal Shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo During an ICE Operation", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menefee.house.gov", "scraper": "menefee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001245", "name": "Christian D. Menefee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "HOUSTON, TX — Today, Congressman Christian D. Menefee (TX-18) issued the following statement after reports that Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was fatally shot by an ICE officer during a targeted enforcement operation in Houston's East End.\n\n\"I have seen the reports that an ICE officer fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo Tuesday morning in Houston.\n\nI fully support an independent and transparent investigation into this shooting, and all information learned must be made public. ICE’s actions across the country have caused them to lose the faith and confidence of communities. We must ensure transparency in this investigation.\n\nMy heart is with everyone impacted by this fatal shooting. I will continue to follow this case.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases/menendez-pou-and-guy-announce-3-million-in-federal-funding-for-pedestrian-and-cyclist-safety-improvements", "title": "Menendez, Pou, and Guy Announce $3 Million in Federal Funding for Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Improvements", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menendez.house.gov", "scraper": "menendez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001226", "name": "Robert Menendez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "KEARNY, NJ – Today, Congressman Rob Menendez, Congresswoman Nellie Pou, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, East Newark Mayor Dina Grilo, Harrison Mayor James Fife, and Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle announced $3,000,000 in federal funding for pedestrian and cyclist safety improvements along Passaic Avenue in East Newark, Harrison, and Kearny.\n\n“I am proud to have secured this critical funding to make our West Hudson communities safer and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists,” said Congressman Menendez. “I am grateful to Congresswoman Pou, County Executive Guy, and Mayors Grilo, Fife, and Doyle for their partnership on this project, and I look forward to continuing to deliver more federal funding to benefit our communities.”\n\n“The best projects begin with a simple question: ‘what will make people's lives better?'” said Congresswoman Pou. “This funding will improve one of Kearny's busiest corridors, making it safer for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. It’s exactly the kind of practical work people expect from their government, and I’m proud that Congressman Menendez and I were able to help deliver these federal dollars right to our community.”\n\n“This $3 million federal investment is a significant step toward making Hudson County’s streets safer for everyone who lives, works, and travels here,” said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. “I want to sincerely thank Congresswoman Nellie Pou and Congressman Rob Menendez for their leadership and steadfast advocacy in bringing these critical federal dollars back to Hudson County. I also want to thank Mayor Carol Jean Doyle, Mayor Dina Grilo, and Mayor James Fife for their partnership and commitment to improving safety and quality of life throughout our West Hudson communities. As a key transportation and commercial corridor that strengthens connectivity across West Hudson and links residents to our Passaic River waterfront parks and open spaces, Passaic Avenue is vital to our communities. This funding advances our Vision Zero initiative by helping deliver meaningful safety improvements along the Passaic Avenue corridor, making our communities safer for residents, commuters, and visitors alike.”\n\n“Passaic Avenue is a critical corridor for East Newark, and this project will make meaningful safety improvements for our residents who navigate it by bike, foot, or in their vehicles,” said East Newark Mayor Dina Grilo. “I am grateful to Congressman Menendez and Hudson County Executive Guy for securing this important funding.”\n\n“This project will benefit every resident of Harrison who uses Passaic Avenue by improving safety and road conditions,” said Harrison Mayor James Fife. “We are honored to have partnered with Congressman Menendez and County Executive Guy on this project and to be delivering these critical improvements for our community.”\n\n“I want to thank Congressmembers Pou and Menendez for helping secure this federal money. This funding will be critical in helping increase safety on Passaic Avenue and will protect commuters and pedestrians alike in Kearny and across Hudson County,” said Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle.\n\nThe project will include physically separated bike lanes, variable speed limits, new pedestrian hybrid beacon traffic control devices, high-visibility crosswalks, intersection signalization and lighting improvements, and other safety and operational upgrades. The improvements are intended to reduce crashes, support safer pedestrian and cyclist access, and improve mobility along a corridor traveled by an estimated 15,000 vehicles per day in an area with 42,000 residents. This project is part of Hudson County’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate roadway deaths by 2034.\n\nCongressmembers Menendez and Pou secured $3,000,000 for this project through the appropriations process. This funding is part of $19,142,000 in federal funding that Congressman Menendez is delivering for our communities this fiscal year.\n\nCongressman Menendez will continue working to bring federal funding and resources home to support projects that improve the quality-of-life for residents and strengthen local communities.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405747", "title": "Griffith Appears on “The Deciders” to Discuss Issues Facing U.S. Rural Communities", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, appeared on the latest edition of “The Deciders.” During his appearance, Congressman Griffith outlined policies and actions needed to protect America’s rural communities.\n\nClick here or below to watch the full episode featuring Congressman Griffith.\n\nChairman Griffith on helping draft policies to combat the synthetic opioid crisis:\n\n“The one that I think probably had the most impact in the early years was the Drug Prescription Monitoring Program…I was very proud we got that included in the [SUPPORT ACT]. And then my bill, the HALT Fentanyl bill, that I did with Bob Latta. So we scheduled all the analogues, there’s about 4,300 of them, as Schedule I.”\n\nChairman Griffith on efforts to lower drug costs in the United States:\n\n“You’ve got to have that balance. You want the medical pharmaceutical companies to do the research, to find the new medicine, to find the breakthrough. We want to keep the jobs here in the U.S. instead of sending them to China. At the same time, it’s not fair and President Trump’s been all over this. It’s not fair that other countries in the world use our breakthroughs at a much lower cost. So he’s working hard and I agree with him. They have to pay for some of the research costs too. It should not just be the American consumer.”\n\nChairman Griffith on the impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data centers:\n\n“The right answer is to figure out a way that [data centers] pay all of [their] own upgrade costs to the electric system. [They] pay for [their] own substation, or as the case is with a facility that is being built in Wise County, Virginia. They are building a natural gas generator as a part of the data center, and that I think is the right answer.”\n\n“That doesn’t mean there won’t be individuals who are negatively impacted and we have to work to make sure we lessen that impact. But I think there are going to be so many new jobs created from the new technologies…history tells us that every time there is a new technology, there are new jobs that follow. We need to make sure that we are the first to engage these new technologies, but we have to make sure that the people who are the working poor and economically distressed are not left behind. That's our job: is to make sure they are not left behind.”\n\n“We need to embrace [AI]. If we do not embrace it, then the Chinese will lead and they will be the world superpower and we will be relegated to a secondary role.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405748", "title": "Griffith Announces More Than $4.4 Million HHS Grant to People Incorporated of Virginia", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded People Incorporated of Virginia, based in Abingdon, Virginia, a $4,446,323 grant. The funding supports head start and early head start projects. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“People Incorporated helps serve communities in Southwest Virginia.\n\n“This grant for more than $4.4 million helps People Incorporated deliver head start and early head start services to local families in our region.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAccording to its website, People Incorporated of Virginia offers early head start services to Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Washington Counties as well as the City of Bristol.\n\nPeople Incorporated lists four head start centers based in Southwest Virginia.\n\nIn 2024, Congressman Griffith entered formal remarks in the Congressional Record to celebrate the organization’s 60thanniversary.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405753", "title": "ICYMI: Chairman Griffith Tours Clinch Valley Medical Center in Richlands", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, visited Clinch Valley Medical Center in Richlands, Virginia. In conversations with Clinch Valley Health President & CEO Peter Mulkey as well as hospital officials and staff, Chairman Griffith received updates on the hospital, services to local patients and rural health care.\n\n“As Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, I collect perspectives from medical professionals on rural health care access. My tour of the Clinch Valley Medical Center helped me gather such input from dedicated rural health care providers that serve our region. I remain committed in Congress to strengthen rural health care relationships for the benefit of patients in Southwest Virginia.” – U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith, Virginia’s Ninth District\n\n“It was great to have Congressman Griffith here in the community. We continued dialogue around issues with rural health care and how we can work together to improve the outlook for the best health care possible for the communities we all serve in rural America.” – Peter Muley, Clinch Valley Health President & CEO\n\nNOTE: Press release and photos from visit also available on Congressman Griffith’s website here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-congratulates-lucas-foster-american-samoa-s-first-ever-fccla", "title": "Amata Congratulates Lucas Foster for American Samoa’s First-Ever FCCLA National Scholarship and Leadership Roles", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "radewagen.house.gov", "scraper": "radewagen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000600", "name": "Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen", "party": "Republican", "state": "AS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is delighted to congratulate Lucas “Hoss” Tafesilafa’i Foster of Samoana High School, American Samoa’s first-ever representative at this week’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.\n\nLucas and Chief Executive Officer Sandy Spavone\n\nLucas, of Pago Pago and Futiga villages, was selected in April as one of only 12 recipients nationwide of the 2026 FCCLA National Leadership Conference Scholarship, as he takes part in this year’s national conference with more than 10,000 students and educators.\n\nAdditionally, while traveling from Pago Pago to Washington, Lucas learned FCCLA administrators selected him as American Samoa’s 2026 Election Voting Delegate. He also served as the territory’s flag bearer during the national conference, and will walk across the platform to accept a membership increase award on behalf of American Samoa FCCLA, with his family looking on. Each of these honors are first-time milestones for American Samoa’s participation in FCCLA.\n\n“Congratulations to Lucas Foster on these outstanding achievements, and thank you for representing American Samoa with excellence,” said Congresswoman Amata. “We’re so proud of his selection as one of only 12 FCCLA national scholarship recipients, serving as our territory’s Election Voting Delegate, and carrying our flag at a national conference, all in honor of American Samoa. On this stage, Lucas is showing the wonderful leadership, responsibility, and promise that our young people bring to every opportunity, and opening the door for our students in FCCLA.”\n\nFCCLA is a national Career and Technical Student Organization for students in Family and Consumer Sciences education. Their mission is to promote personal growth and leadership development while helping students build skills for life through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation.\n\nAs American Samoa’s Election Voting Delegate, Lucas takes an official role in FCCLA’s national governance process. His responsibilities include reviewing national officer candidate materials, attending election activities, evaluating speeches, and casting American Samoa’s official vote for National Officers. He will also participate in the National Business Session, where voting delegates consider by-law amendments and other official FCCLA business.\n\n“I am very grateful to Heavenly Father for this amazing opportunity,” said Lucas. “I am humbled because I never thought I would receive the scholarship, and I was surprised to learn on the way to Washington, D.C., that I had also been selected as the Voting Delegate for American Samoa. I am honored to represent our people and my peers at this year’s FCCLA National Leadership Conference. I am learning, enjoying my time here, meeting new people, and trying my best to advocate for and represent American Samoa.”\n\n“What a great job by Lucas at this exciting event, with support from all of American Samoa and I know how proud of him his family and Samoana High School are,” Congresswoman Amata concluded. “When our students gain opportunities to be seen, heard, and represented nationally, they stand out and make our islands proud. This kind of educational experience helps students develop practical skills for real life, future careers, and service to our people.”\n\nSee more pictures\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://rivas.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luz-rivas-urges-dhs-secretary-mullin-extend-tps-designation", "title": "Congresswoman Luz Rivas Urges DHS Secretary Mullin to Extend TPS Designation for Salvadoran Migrants", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://rivas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "rivas.house.gov", "scraper": "rivas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000620", "name": "Luz M. Rivas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LOS ANGELES — Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) is urging Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin to extend the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for migrants from El Salvador by July 11, 2026, 60 days before the expiration on September 9, 2026, for 18 months.\n\n“TPS holders from El Salvador have lived continuously in the United States for at least 25 years and have undergone rigorous security and background checks as part of the TPS process,” wrote Congresswoman Rivas. “Salvadoran TPS holders have spent the majority of their lives in the United States, with many likely having no solid connection to El Salvador.”\n\nThe current TPS designation from 2001 has protected over 170,000 Salvadoran migrants from the effects of two earthquakes, gang violence, and political instability.\n\nCongresswoman Rivas continued: “TPS holders are deeply woven into the fabric of communities across the country as small business owners, public servants, and essential workers. The potential disruption in TPS status for over 170,000 Salvadorans will cause significant harm to local economies and communities around the country. Salvadoran TPS holders contribute an estimated $5.4 billion to every corner of the U.S. economy. Salvadoran TPS holders have almost a 90 percent participation rate in the U.S. labor force, with 10 percent being self-employed small business owners.”\n\nA full copy of the letter can be found here.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe current TPS designation was given to Salvadorans on March 9, 2001, in response to the earthquakes that occurred in January 2001 and February 2001. Multiple extensions have been given to Salvadoran TPS holders since 2001. The current extension expires on September 9, 2026. The Secretary of Homeland Security must determine whether to extend a TPS designation at least 60 days before the expiration of the current TPS designation. If the Secretary does not decide whether a country still qualifies for TPS at least 60 days before its expiration, the TPS designation is extended for six months. Congresswoman Rivas is calling on the Secretary of Homeland Security to extend El Salvador’s TPS designation by 18 months – the maximum allowed under law.\n\nSalvadorans are the third largest group of TPS holders, at approximately 170,000. Approximately 49,100 Salvadoran TPS holders are living in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-scholten-introduces-quiet-skies-act-finalize-ban-flight-cell", "title": "Congresswoman Scholten Introduces the Quiet Skies Act to Finalize Ban on In-Flight Cell Phone Calls", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "scholten.house.gov", "scraper": "scholten", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001221", "name": "Hillary J. Scholten", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Rick Crawford (R-AR-01), Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), and Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-08) introduced H.R. 9530, the Quiet Skies Act. The bipartisan legislation would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to finalize a ban on in-flight calls on commercial planes within 180 days of enactment.\n\n“The bottom line is simple: a disruptive cabin is a distraction, and distractions put safety at risk,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “Back in 2018, Congress passed a law requiring the FAA to ban voice calls on commercial flights, and eight years later, that still hasn't happened. Our bipartisan bill gives the FAA 180 days to finally finish the job and protect passenger safety as well as passenger sanity.”\n\n“Millions of Americans are flying to be with family and friends for the Fourth of July. The last thing anyone wants on a stressful travel weekend is to be trapped next to a passenger on a phone call for hours. It's annoying for passengers, and it's a dangerous distraction for flight attendants. Our bill gives the FAA a firm deadline to finish what Congress already directed,” said Congressman Stanton.\n\n“As Congress continues our work to make flying as safe as possible, we should also look at ways to make it as enjoyable as possible as well,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “No one wants to be stuck next to a stranger's phone call for three hours at thirty thousand feet. Congress told DOT to take care of this back in 2018, and this bill will make sure the job finally gets finished.”\n\n“It is vital to the comfort and security of all personnel on board that the cabin is free from distraction. In 2018, my colleagues and I worked to pass common-sense public safety legislation that prohibits the in-flight use of mobile devices for voice communication. After eight years of the FAA failing to implement regulations, it is time for Congress to act again. The Quiet Skies Act gives the FAA a firm but generous 180-day deadline to bring current regulations into compliance,” said Congressman Crawford.\n\n“Our members manage travel for millions of employees, and they have been clear with us that the cabin should remain a place to work, rest and think, and not become a group phone booth for dozens of simultaneous private conversations at 35,000 feet,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). “We heard that feedback, brought it to Washington and are grateful to Representatives Scholten, Crawford, Stanton and Bresnahan for turning it into action. Congress directed this ban in 2018 with overwhelming bipartisan support. The Quiet Skies Act simply tells the Department of Transportation to finish the job before a quiet cabin becomes a thing of the past.”\n\nThis bill reflects Rep. Scholten's ongoing work on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to strengthen aviation safety for travelers and crews across Michigan's Third Congressional District and the country. Rep. Scholten has been a consistent advocate for commonsense aviation safety reforms, including by introducing her bipartisan Fatigued Pilot Protection Act to ensure all commercial pilots operate under the same rest standards.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-congresswoman-schrier-joins-king-county-sheriff-councilmembers-celebrate", "title": "ICYMI: Congresswoman Schrier Joins King County Sheriff, Councilmembers to Celebrate Federal Funding for Air Support Unit", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "schrier.house.gov", "scraper": "schrier", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001216", "name": "Kim Schrier", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SEATTLE, WA – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) joined the King County Sheriff’s Office and King County Councilmembers to celebrate the over $1,000,000 in federal funding that she helped secure to upgrade a rescue helicopter. Congresswoman Schrier’s visit showcased the importance of supporting public safety infrastructure and emergency response operations.\n\nCongresswoman Schrier was joined by King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall, King County Council Chair Sarah Perry, King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, and members of the King County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit.\n\nView the press conference HERE.\n\n“As wildfires become an increased threat across Washington state and outdoor recreation picks up, we need to make sure our communities can always get the help they need during an emergency,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “I’m proud of my work in Congress to bring home federal dollars to upgrade a King County Sheriff’s Office rescue helicopter to respond to major disasters, help with firefighting operations, and transport personnel to emergencies. These dollars, as part of the $14 million I am proud to have secured in federal funding this year, will improve the safety of our communities across the Eighth District and will ultimately help save lives.”\n\n“The King County Sheriff’s Office is extremely grateful to Congresswoman Schrier’s continued encouragement of our Air Support Unit and commitment to helping us improve our Search & Rescue efforts,” said King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall. “As the largest Air Support Unit in the Pacific Northwest, this grant will allow us to continue our dedicated mission of lifesaving operations and maintain our place as a vital and instrumental resource to this region.”\n\n“The King County Sheriff’s Office’s Air Support Unit is a critical element to our region’s ability to respond to emergencies, with the only full-time patrol and rescue helicopters in Washington state. As outdoor recreation picks up and wildfires become an increased risk, this much needed funding to restore the helicopter’s performance, safety, and reliability for all mission types comes at a crucial time. This funding, secured by Congresswoman Schrier, will help ensure that the Air Support Unit can continue to maintain the highest level of response for King County and our regional partners,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-subramanyam-statement-pwc-board-supervisors-vote-dulles-cloud-south", "title": "Rep. Subramanyam Statement on PWC Board of Supervisors’ Vote on Dulles Cloud South Project", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "subramanyam.house.gov", "scraper": "subramanyam", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001230", "name": "Suhas Subramanyam", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LEESBURG, VA – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) released the following statement after the Prince William Board of County Supervisors unanimously rejected the Dulles Cloud South project:\n\n“I commend the Prince William County Board of Supervisors for making the right decision to reject the Dulles Cloud South project. This data center project would have been one of the largest in the world, encompassing the space of almost 750 football fields. Our community made it clear that the energy costs and water usage for a project of this size would be a disaster. The fight isn't over in our region when it comes to data center overreach, but the community has made it clear: when it comes to data centers, enough is enough.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-subramanyam-urges-scc-not-raise-dulles-greenway-tolls", "title": "Rep. Subramanyam Urges SCC to Not Raise Dulles Greenway Tolls", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "subramanyam.house.gov", "scraper": "subramanyam", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001230", "name": "Suhas Subramanyam", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) is urging the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) to not allow a proposed toll hike on the Dulles Greenway, a 14-mile privately-owned, limited-access highway. The SCC recently held a hearing about increasing tolls from $5.80 to $6.75 during peak times and from $5.25 to $5.60 during off-peak hours.\n\n“The Dulles Greenway is already too expensive because of price gouging and failed policies of the past. At a time when working families are facing rising costs, it’s vital that we continue to prevent toll operators from hiking prices on commuters and that we not render the road unusable. This request would materially discourage people from using the road,” Rep. Subramanyam said.\n\nThis is not the first time Toll Road Investors Partnership II (TRIP II) has attempted to raise tolls on the Dulles Greenway. The SCC denied a previous attempt to hike tolls, which would have cost Northern Virginia commuters an additional $1,150 annually. When Rep. Subramanyam served in the Virginia General Assembly, he passed legislation, HB 1832, which gave the SCC the authority to prevent toll increases that materially discourage use of the roadway. HB 1832 has been cited as a reason for the Commission denying toll increases.\n\nRep. Subramanyam is also the author of the Affordable Commutes Act, federal legislation to protect commuters from unreasonable toll prices and to lower costs for everyday drivers. The legislation directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to investigate the pricing practices of private toll roads and assess the potential for the federal government to purchase and transfer ownership of these roads to states.\n\nYou can read Rep. Subramanyam’s full letter to the SCC here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-sykes-hosts-america-250-event-on-womens-contributions-to-history", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Sykes Hosts America 250 Event on Women's Contributions to History", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "CANTON, OH — This morning, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) hosted her signature America 250 event, From Founding to the Future: Women's Fight for Freedom in the USA. This event was held in conjunction with the Democratic Women’s Caucus’ Conversations Across America mobilization in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Rep. Sykes is the Vice Chair of the caucus.\n\n“America’s story cannot be told without the women who have led, served, and strengthened our communities from our nation’s founding to today,” said Rep. Sykes. “As we celebrate 250 years of our country, we have a responsibility to honor the women whose leadership, courage, and determination have helped shape our history while inspiring the next generation of changemakers. I’m proud to bring together incredible leaders from Ohio’s 13th Congressional District to reflect on our shared history, celebrate the lasting impact of women, including our country’s remarkable first ladies, and continue building a stronger future for all.”\n\nThe event featured Rep. Sykes and fellow leaders from Ohio's 13th Congressional District for a breakfast and panel discussion celebrating women's leadership, cultural impact, and community building in both Ohio’s 13th Congressional District and across the nation. The program highlighted the contributions our nation’s first ladies have made, including the eight first ladies from Ohio. Guests were invited to tour the First Ladies National Historic Site immediately following the program.\n\nRep. Sykes was joined for the panel discussion by Theresa Carter, President of Synthomer and Vice President of the Women’s Endowment Fund; Jane Christyson, CEO of the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio; Stephanie Bohnak, Director of Education & Curatorial Services at the National First Ladies Library & Museum; and Dr. Tameka Ellington, Author and Curator of Black History at the Stark County Black History Museum.\n\n“From our nation's founding to its future, the pursuit of freedom has always depended on courageous women willing to lead, serve, and build community. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, may we honor their legacy by continuing to invest in women and girls so that opportunity, equity, and hope become the inheritance of every generation,” said Theresa Carter, President of Synthomer and Vice President of the Akron Community Foundation.\n\n“For 250 years, women have risen, led, and shaped their own futures. Studying these historical struggles, failures, and victories equips today's girls with the confidence and character they need to tackle modern challenges. As Girl Scouts, we know that democracy is not passive; it requires active stewardship and community leadership,” said Jane Christyson, CEO of the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio.\n\n“Even after the 250th, it's important to highlight lesser-known narratives and that's the vision of National First Ladies Library & Museum — to share the American story through the eyes of the women who've shaped it. We can't talk about American history without including all women's history,” said Stephanie Bohnak, Director of Education & Curatorial Services at the National First Ladies Library & Museum.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-derek-tran-delivers-250000-safer-streets-fullerton", "title": "Representative Derek Tran Delivers $250,000 for Safer Streets in Fullerton", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "tran.house.gov", "scraper": "tran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000491", "name": "Derek Tran", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Fullerton, CA – U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) delivered $250,000 in federal funding for the City of Fullerton to fix deteriorated roadway pavement, repair damaged sidewalks, construct accessible curb ramps, and improve roadway drainage.\n\n“I’m proud to deliver $250,000 in federal funding to improve roadways and sidewalks in Fullerton. Whether you're driving to work, walking your child to school, using a wheelchair, or simply taking a stroll through the neighborhood, Orange County families deserve to see their tax dollars build safe and accessible infrastructure. I’ll keep fighting to ensure that Southern California is the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Representative Tran.\n\n”Maintaining and improving our streets is one of the City’s highest priorities, and we are grateful to Congressman Derek Tran for his support and commitment to investing in Fullerton’s infrastructure. This funding will help us make important street improvements that will enhance quality of life for our community,” said Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung.\n\nThis funding is part of an over $14 million package Representative Tran delivered for LA and Orange Counties, funding 15 community projects to make life safer, healthier, and easier for Southern California residents.\n\nThrough Community Project Funding (CPF), Members of Congress can request direct funding for specific local projects that benefit the communities they represent. The House Appropriations Committee considers up to 15 Community Project Funding requests from each member of Congress, and, once approved by the House and Senate and signed into law by the President, community projects are funded using federal tax revenue. Community Project Funding is subject to strict public transparency and accountability requirements, is only available to nonprofit and government entities (for-profit grantees are not eligible), and must demonstrate evidence of compelling community support. In addition, each Member of Congress must certify in writing that there is no financial interest in the project for them and their immediate family. All projects will be audited by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to ensure sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-van-epps-announces-applications-for-service-academy-nominations-are-open", "title": "Rep. Van Epps Announces Applications for Service Academy Nominations are Open", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vanepps.house.gov", "scraper": "vanepps", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000139", "name": "Matt Van Epps", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.- Rep. Van Epps is honored to announce that applications for Service Academy nominations are now open.\n\nThe honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.\n\nRep. Van Epps with U.S. Naval Academy nominees\n\nRep. Van Epps said, “As a proud graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, I understand the hard work and determination needed to apply and attend the service academies. Although it is no easy task, my time at West Point is one of my greatest accomplishments, and it truly prepared me to understand the fight for freedom. I wish each applicant the best of luck throughout this process.”\n\nThe deadline to apply is Thursday, October 30th, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.\n\nFor more information about the nomination process, visit Rep. Van Epps’ Service Academy FAQ page here, or you can call his Franklin District office at (629) 223-6050.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-calls-usps-restore-permanent-reliable-mail-service-mule-creek", "title": "Rep. Gabe Vasquez Calls on USPS to Restore Permanent, Reliable Mail Service in Mule Creek After Two Years Of Temporary Solutions", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vasquez.house.gov", "scraper": "vasquez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000136", "name": "Gabe Vasquez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 7, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to the United States Postal Service (USPS) demanding immediate action and permanent solutions to restore reliable mail service for Mule Creek residents. After the Mule Creek postal office was damaged back in 2024, the landlord declined to make repairs, leaving USPS to locate a new property to continue operations.\n\nWhile USPS quickly established a mobile office, this temporary solution has turned into a two-year saga as Mule Creek residents continue to lack a permanent postal office and must cope with the reduced hours and services offered by the mobile unit. Currently, residents can only access services at the mobile unit from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on weekdays, limiting accessibility and raising the threat of potential permanent closure.\n\n“It has been over two years since USPS has taken any action to help the residents of Mule Creek. This saga has taken too long,” wrote Vasquez in the letter. “That is why, I am requesting a detailed explanation as to why there has been a delay in finding a new postal office location and the restoration of full mail service in Mule Creek, as well as a timeline of an estimated reopening of the office.”\n\nResidents of rural communities like Mule Creek, especially seniors, veterans, and small businesses, depend on reliable USPS services. On average, residents in rural counties travel 8.2 miles to reach a post office, and in 10 percent of those counties, that distance exceeds more than 16.2 miles. If this location were to close, it would leave Mule Creek residents nearly 20 miles away from the nearest USPS location, forcing them to deal with major hurdles when paying bills, receiving life-saving prescriptions, sending packages, and receiving Social Security checks in areas where internet access may be limited.\n\nRep. Vasquez has continued to fight for essential, affordable, and reliable postal services in rural communities.\n\nSince the beginning of this Administration, Vasquez has opposed efforts to privatize the postal services.\n\nIn January, Vasquez sent a letter raising concerns about USPS changes to postmarking mail, which could unfairly penalize New Mexicans who rely on USPS to send time-sensitive mail such as tax returns, rent payments, and Social Security or Medicare documents.\n\nIn March, Vasquez led a letter opposing USPS proposal to impose a temporary “fuel surcharge\" on consumers, passing the cost of the Administration’s reckless war in Iran and spiking gas prices on to Americans.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-welcomes-constituents-washington-americas-250th-birthday", "title": "Walberg Welcomes Constituents to Washington for America's 250th Birthday", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "walberg.house.gov", "scraper": "walberg", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000798", "name": "Tim Walberg", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Last week, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) welcomed constituents from across southern Michigan to our nation's capital in honor of our nation's 250th anniversary. During their visits, Congressman Walberg led families on tours of the U.S. Capitol Building to share our country's history with them. He released the following statement reflecting on the tours.\n\n\"It was an honor to spend time with families from across southern Michigan and join them in reflecting on America's rich history and storied heritage,\" said Rep. Walberg. \"As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding, it is important to remember the freedoms our nation was founded on and the values that continue to unite us. I hope that these families' visits to our nation's capital help deepen their appreciation for the resilience, ideals, and aspirations that have carried our nation through 250 years. Michigan residents like them will continue to play an integral role in driving America forward and helping us preserve the traditional values and spirit of freedom that have defined our nation.\"\n\nYou can view pictures and videos from the tours here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-urges-commerce-department-to-protect-american-innovation-from-chinese-patent-scraping/", "title": "Sen. Banks Urges Commerce Department to Protect American Innovation from Chinese Patent Scraping", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) sent a letter to Commerce Sec. Howard Lutnick urging the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to protect American innovation from Chinese companies that are using AI to scrape U.S. patent applications and accelerate the theft of American intellectual property.\n\nThe letter warns that Chinese companies are increasingly leveraging AI to analyze biotechnology patent information, develop derivative technologies, and file competing patents before American innovators can bring their products to market. This practice threatens U.S. competitiveness, weakens incentives for research and development, and further exposes the American biotechnology sector to Chinese Communist Party exploitation.\n\nRead the full letter hereor below:\n\nDear Secretary Lutnick:\n\nSince the 1980s, the Chinese Communist Party has prioritized biotechnology as a strategic sector, investing heavily in research infrastructure and training while streamlining regulations to speed product development and approvals. Too many U.S. companies were lured into China as a hub for manufacturing cheap active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and generic drugs and, consequently, the U.S. has become increasingly dependent on China’s biotech industry. In a 2024 Biotechnology Innovation Organization survey, 79% of American biotech companies reported at least one contract or product agreement with a China-based or Chinese-owned manufacturer. This reliance not only creates vulnerabilities in our domestic supply chains but further exposes America’s biotech sector to a country that actively seeks to undercut and exploit our industries.\n\nChina’s efforts to steal U.S. intellectual property are well documented and increasingly sophisticated. Chinese companies routinely examine U.S. pharmaceutical patents to identify promising compounds and accelerate the development of their own drug candidates. They are appropriating American innovators’ work without bearing the underlying R&D costs. Compounding this, Chinese companies are now leveraging artificial intelligence to rapidly mine patent applications and research disclosures and file derivative patents before the original innovators can even bring their pharmaceuticals to market.\n\nPatent scraping is intensifying the Chinese IP threat and risks undercutting American R&D investment, particularly given China’s rapid drug approval process. When competitors can appropriate an invention, make minor modifications, and obtain regulatory approval before the original innovator, the incentives for investing in R&D are fundamentally weakened. Moreover, low-quality, AI-generated filings can burden patent systems. Machine-scale applications with little or no meaningful human contribution may further strain USPTO by worsening examination backlogs and complicating prior-art analysis.\n\nI appreciate USPTO’s attention to the patent scraping problem and engagement so far. I respectfully urge you and Under Secretary Squires to continue prioritizing reform and protecting innovations that are vulnerable to AI-enabled duplication.\n\nThank you for your leadership on this important issue.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A3E08B4A-C6A4-4FDB-B25F-054A5A9285CB", "title": "Boozman, Scott, Coons Champion Effort to Modernize HBCU Campuses", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.boozman.senate.gov", "scraper": "boozman", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Chris Coons (D-DE) in introducing the Institutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education (IGNITE) for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Excellence Act. The bipartisan legislation would help rebuild and modernize aging campus infrastructure at HBCUs across the country by establishing a competitive federal grant program within the Department of Education.\n\n“Arkansas is the proud home to four HBCUs that provide quality, unique educational opportunities to thousands of students. I am proud to help recognize their historical significance and positive impact on aspiring college graduates from a variety of backgrounds. The IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act will ensure these institutions’ infrastructure is able to continue preparing students for successful careers in the years to come,” Boozman said.\n\n“HBCUs have long been engines of opportunity, but for far too long, too many have been asked to do more with less. The IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act will help modernize campuses, expand research and workforce training opportunities, and ensure students are prepared to succeed in a 21st-century economy,” said Scott, co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus.\n\n“Historically Black Colleges and Universities like Delaware State University have long been institutions that create opportunity and academic excellence for future generations of community leaders, innovators, educators, and freedom fighters,” said Coons, co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. “Funding for HBCUs is critical to providing educational resources for low-income students, first generation college students, and those most at risk of not entering college. Congress needs to take up and pass the IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act to modernize campuses across the country so that HBCUs have the technology, facilities, and resources they need to educate the next generation.”\n\nIn addition to Boozman, Scott and Coons, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Cory Booker (D-NJ). Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives French Hill (R-AR) and Alma Adams (D-NC).\n\nThe IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act is supported by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the United Negro College Fund, the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the Office of Management and Budget.\n\nBackground\n\nThe IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act would:\n\nEstablish a competitive federal grant program to fund long-term infrastructure improvements at HBCUs.\n\nPrioritize funding for institutions with the greatest financial need, aging or unsafe facilities, limited fundraising capacity and high enrollment of low-income students.\n\nAllow grant funding to be used for:\n\nConstruction, modernization, repair and deferred maintenance of campus facilities;\n\nCampus safety improvements; and\n\nCreation of AI Workforce Development Hubs to prepare students for high-demand careers.\n\nProvide technical assistance to help HBCUs apply for and manage federal grants.\n\nEnsure accountability through federal reporting, evaluation and oversight requirements.\n\nProvide capital financing relief to institutions left out of prior federal assistance programs.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-highlights-affordability-focus-taxpayer-funded-housing-oversight-safe-financial-innovation-in-senate-banking-nomination-hearing/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Highlights Affordability Focus, Taxpayer-Funded Housing Oversight, Safe Financial Innovation in Senate Banking Nomination Hearing", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee and Chair of the Housing, Transportation, and Community Development Subcommittee, attended a nomination hearing to question Mr. John Crews, nominee to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), Dr. Christopher Phelan, nominee to Chair the Council of Economic Advisors, and Mr. Jeffrey Ledbetter to serve as Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).\n\nSenator Britt addressed her first question to Mr. Crews: “As financial services continue to evolve and credit unions are adopting new technologies to make sure that they’re meeting their customers’ needs, expanding their digital offerings, and serving increasingly diverse communities in different places, how are you going to make sure that you keep them safe … that you’re giving them the most up to date technology that allows them to meet the needs in front of them, but that we’re doing it in a way that it remains safe and sound and well positioned for the future?”\n\nMr. Crews responded: “I think you’re absolutely right to highlight this issue. Consumers expect and need new and innovative financial services products, including new technology. When it comes to credit unions, many of them are uniquely small and have limited resources. And because of that, they often work together to access some of these services. From my perspective, at NCUA, we need to support their efforts to … adapt with technological innovation. But absolutely, that is a risk factor. Cyber risk is a serious threat.”\n\nThe Senator then questioned Mr. Ledbetter on efforts to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in taxpayer-funded housing assistance programs: “HUD administers billions of dollars … across housing assistance and community development homelessness programs. I certainly believe in being able to help people get back on their feet and find their pathway to the American Dream. What we have seen, though, has been a lot of bloat in certain areas with inefficiencies. Look, if you’re confirmed as inspector general, what would your priorities be for ensuring that these taxpayer dollars that people work really hard for are being used wisely and efficiently, that we are rooting out where there is waste, fraud, and abuse, so that the people who do need help, we still have the resources to be able to do that?”\n\nMr. Ledbetter responded, saying, “If confirmed, I would look forward to first meeting with the professional staff at HUD and learning the people and the programs and continuing the good work that they’ve been doing. And then once I … accomplish the first 90 to 180 days, if there’s room for improvement that, those are the things we will look at …”\n\nIn her last line of questioning, Senator Britt discussed her priority of addressing affordability concerns with Dr. Phelan: “… [F]amilies across Alabama and our country … continue to cite affordability as obviously one of the top concerns, whether that’s housing or whether that’s childcare or groceries or energy costs. What are the most important factors driving affordability challenges today, in your opinion, and what policies do you believe can expand economic opportunity for citizens and improve (the) standard of living for people in the state of Alabama?”\n\nMr. Phelan responded, “I firmly believe that the best policy for affordability is a good job. A good job with good wages and good benefits, and I would … advocate for policies or advise policies which make that most likely to happen.”\n\nYou can watch the Senator’s full remarks here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-shaheen-urge-ustr-to-include-american-hardwood-lumber-in-us-china-trade-framework", "title": "Capito, Shaheen Urge USTR to Include American Hardwood Lumber in U.S.-China Trade Framework", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) led a bipartisan, bicameral group of U.S. Senators and Representatives, in a new letter urging United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer to explicitly include American hardwood lumber within the recently established U.S.-China Board of Trade. Representatives GT Thompson (R-Pa.-15) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.-03) led the letter in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n“We write to urge the Administration to include American hardwood lumber in the framework for the newly formed U.S.-China Board of Trade and to ensure that any Chinese procurement commitments include American hardwood lumber, not logs, so that domestic lumber manufacturing is not undercut by China. The American hardwood lumber industry is vital to our states and the U.S. economy overall, supporting sawmills, loggers and rural economies across the country. We believe that if the Board of Trade focuses on hardwood lumber, it can provide much needed economic relief for domestic lumber manufacturers and support communities that depend on a competitive American hardwood industry,” the members wrote.\n\n“The cumulative cost of lost market access is estimated at $9.882 billion in foregone sales. This loss in sales led to a massive decline in production; domestic hardwood lumber production has dropped 48.3 percent since 2018, capacity was down 6 percent between 2020 and 2022 and output in the first quarter of 2025 declined 19 percent from 2024,” the members continued.\n\n“Historically, China has accounted for roughly 25% of U.S. hardwood lumber production, and restoring this relationship is essential to communities in our states and across the county. We support the Administration’s interest supporting American manufacturing and request that USTR to take the following steps: explicitly include American hardwood lumber in the Board of Trade framework; include American hardwood lumber – not logs – in China’s $17 billion procurement commitment; and include enforceable compliance mechanisms with measurable targets specific to hardwood lumber and regularly review hardwood lumber purchases at the Board of Trade to ensure actual purchases are made,” the members concluded.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-rosen-celebrate-1-million-in-federal-funding-for-las-vegas-metro-police-departments-air-unit/", "title": "Cortez Masto, Rosen Celebrate $1 Million in Federal Funding for Las Vegas Metro Police Department’s Air Unit", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "North Las Vegas, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) visited the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s (LVMPD) Air Support Unit to celebrate the $1 million in federal funding they secured for the unit in the FY2026 government funding law. LVMPD is the only agency in Southern Nevada with a full-scale manned helicopter unit, which assists with routine patrols, search & rescue operations, and security for big events.\n\n“The men and women of LVMPD put their lives on the line to protect our families – it’s my job to deliver for them at the federal level,”said Senator Cortez Masto. “That’s why I’m proud to have secured $1 million to help Metro secure our skies, protect large-scale events, and continue search-and-rescue operations. I’ll never stop fighting to provide Nevada’s law enforcement officers with the tools, resources, and funding they need to keep our communities safe.”\n\n“The Las Vegas Metro Police Department works overtime to keep Clark County safe – protecting major events and the tourists that come to visit Southern Nevada,” said Senator Rosen. “The Air Support Unit is the only one of its kind in Southern Nevada, and is one of LVMPD’s critical tools for patrolling the skies. I am proud we were able to secure this federal funding for our law enforcement, and I promise to continue prioritizing safety across Nevada.\n\nSenators Cortez Masto and Rosen have worked across party lines to ensure Nevada gets its fair share of funding. They recently secured more than $35.6 million for essential services in rural counties in Nevada and have in recent years secured millions of dollars for law enforcement throughout the state.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-secures-over-6-million-in-funding-for-affordable-housing-in-nevada/", "title": "Cortez Masto Secures Over $6 Million in Funding for Affordable Housing in Nevada", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) applauded news that that the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) of San Francisco has awarded $6.2 million in funding to help build affordable housing units throughout Nevada. Senator Cortez Masto has consistently encouraged the FHLBank of San Francisco to invest in housing for Nevadans, and she is proud to have secured these Affordable Housing Program Nevada Targeted Fund grants to create or preserve 218 housing units across six projects.\n\n“Every family in Nevada deserves to have a safe, affordable place to call home. This critical funding gets us one step closer to achieving that goal,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I look forward continuing to work with Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco to invest in communities throughout the Silver State.”\n\n“We are proud to support projects that strengthen communities and increase access to stable, affordable housing throughout Nevada,” said Tom Dapice, community investment officer at FHLBank San Francisco. “Through our collaboration with Senator Cortez Masto, our member financial institutions, and affordable housing developers across the state, these grants will help create and preserve affordable homes for Nevada families, seniors, and other residents who need them most.”\n\nRecently, the FHLBank of San Francisco has been making historic investments in affordable housing throughout Nevada. This year, the FHLBank invested 20 percent of its income in affordable housing and other voluntary programs, double the required 10 percent. In addition to these six grants, the FHLBank also invested $27 million in Nevada Housing Division bonds so far this year. It has also provided Nevadans more than five million dollars in grants for downpayment assistance and Tribal investments. Senator Cortez Masto will continue to collaborate with her partners at the FHLBank and its members and stakeholders to increase the supply of homes available to working Nevadans.\n\nMore detailed information about the projects receiving the FHLBank funding can be found hereand here.\n\nFor years, Senator Cortez Masto has encouraged the nation’s 11 FHLBanks use their resources to invest in housing and community development. Following her push, banks, credit unions, state housing finance agencies, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), and other similar organizations have sought more opportunities to benefit from this government-sponsored enterprise. Thanks to Cortez Masto’s efforts, the FHLBanks have invested more than 90 million dollars in affordable housing in Nevada. Cortez Masto has also introduced legislation to enable CDFIs and credit unions to finance more community development investments.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-delivers-remarks-at-broadband-association-of-north-dakotas-conference", "title": "Cramer Delivers Remarks at Broadband Association of North Dakota’s Conference", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined broadband providers and industry leaders at the Broadband Association of North Dakota’s Summer Conference today, highlighting North Dakota’s position as a national leader in expanding high-speed internet access and its path toward becoming the first state in the nation with universal broadband coverage.\n\nAddressing attendees in Bismarck, Cramer credited years of strategic investment in fiber infrastructure—stretching back to his days serving on the Public Service Commission—for bringing reliable, high-speed internet to communities across the state. Today, an estimated 95% of North Dakota households—including nearly 80% of farms—have access to broadband speeds of at least 100 Mbps, while nearly 70% can access gig-speed fiber service.\n\n“Thank you for being part of this association, and congratulations on nearing 100 percent broadband connectivity across North Dakota,” said Cramer. “Your leadership has created a culture that embraces innovation, and your vision and foresight have helped make our state a national model for broadband expansion.”\n\nThe conference brought together telecommunications providers, innovators, policymakers, and industry partners to discuss the future of broadband infrastructure, emerging technologies, and efforts to ensure every North Dakotan has access to reliable, high-speed internet.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hhs-announces-more-than-47-million-in-grants-to-north-dakota-recipients", "title": "HHS Announces More Than $4.7 Million in Grants to North Dakota Recipients", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced eight grant awards totaling $4,778,002 for projects related to maternal and child health, mental health services, nursing education, and biomedical research in North Dakota. The funding will be distributed as follows:\n\n$1,012,517 to the University of North Dakota for biomedical research regarding disease epigenomics.\n\n$763,614 to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians under the Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program.\n\n$738,154 to Sanford Bismarck to support work under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance program.\n\n$734,608 to the University of North Dakota to support the North Dakota Rural and Tribal Suicide Care Project.\n\n$519,914 to the Spirit Lake Tribe to support work under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance program.\n\n$396,925 to the University of North Dakota to support the Recruitment/Retention of American Indians Into Nursing (RAIN) Program.\n\n$362,500 to North Dakota State University to advance biomedical research through a project examining the co-evolutionary dynamics between transposable elements and their hosts.\n\n$249,770 to the Turtle Mountain Tribe to support the Turtle Mountain Native Connections program, strengthening community mental health services.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-cruz-lankford-file-amicus-brief-defending-religious-liberty-in-supreme-court-school-choice-case", "title": "Sens. Cruz, Lankford File Amicus Brief Defending Religious Liberty in Supreme Court School Choice Case", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.cruz.senate.gov", "scraper": "cruz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001098", "name": "Ted Cruz", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights, and James Lankford (R-Okla.) were joined by six Senators and 35 Representatives in filing an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to protect the constitutional rights of faith-based schools participating in school choice programs. The brief warns that allowing the Tenth Circuit’s decision to stand could undermine Congress’s tax credit scholarship program established under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.\n\nExcerpts from the amicus brief are below, and the full text of the brief can be viewed here.\n\n“Many Members of Congress have championed school choice and been longtime advocates of religious liberty. That is why Congress passed the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) last year to provide taxpayers with a means to fund scholarships for children to attend and receive services at public, private secular, or religious schools. Congress enacted ECCA to maximize choice and religious freedom for Americans throughout the country.\n\n“If states like Colorado can attach nondiscrimination conditions to universal preschool programs that effectively exclude religious schools from the benefit program without violating the Free Exercise Clause, then states can attach nondiscrimination conditions to ECCA participation to effectively exclude religious schools. Indeed, states like Vermont have already attached such conditions to ECCA participation. Such state-imposed limitations will jeopardize Congress's landmark education scholarship program—the latest in a long line of Congressional actions that bolster school choice and support religious liberty. Congress enacted ECCA to provide choices to families and to advance religious liberty, not religious discrimination.\n\n“The Free Exercise Clause prohibits government-driven religious discrimination. In Colorado, the government disapproved of Petitioners’ religion and excluded them from a public preschool program for which they otherwise qualified. Should Colorado’s end run around this Court’s Free Exercise Clause jurisprudence be allowed to stand, the tactics employed by that state will not end in Colorado preschools. Efforts are already underway in Vermont, Colorado, and elsewhere to impose similar nondiscrimination requirements with the goal of excluding religious schools from ECCA, a program Congress specifically built to include them.”\n\nJoining Sens. Cruz and Lankford in filing this amicus brief were Sens. Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.); and Representatives Tim Walberg (R-Mich.-05), Robert B. Aderholt (R-Ala.-04), Rick W. Allen (R-Ga.-12), Tom Barrett (R-Mich.-07), Michael Baumgartner (R-Wash.-05), Aaron Bean (R-Fla.-04), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.-05), Sheri Biggs (R-S.C.-03), Mike Bost (R-Ill.-12), Jeff Crank (R-Colo.-05), Byron Donalds (R-Fla.-19), Gabe Evans (R-Colo.-08), Randy Fine (R-Fla.-06), Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.-05), H. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.-09), Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.-06), Mark Harris (R-N.C.-08), Clay Higgins (R-La.-03), Julia Letlow (R-La.-05), John McGuire (R-Va.-05), Mark Messmer (R-Ind.-08), Mary Miller (R-Ill.-15), John Moolenaar (R-Mich.-02), Riley M. Moore (R-W.Va.-02), Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.-05), Bob Onder (R-Mo.-03), Burgess Owens (R-Utah-04), August Pfluger (R-Texas-11), John Rose (R-Tenn.-06), Michael A. Rulli (R-Ohio-06), John Rutherford (R-Fla.-05), Adrian Smith (R-Neb.-03), Chris Smith (R-N.J.-04), Daniel Webster (R-Fla.-11), and Joe Wilson (R-S.C.-02).", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-names-small-business-of-the-week-corner-market-and-greenhouse", "title": "Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Corner Market & Greenhouse", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Corner Market & Greenhouse of Fayette County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.\n\n“Corner Market and Greenhouse is an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies their un-be-leaf-able American entrepreneurial spirit by generously planting roots in the community through flower donations and greenhouse tours,” said Chair Ernst. “For over three decades, Paul and Linda have built the business from the ground up, branching out, and pruning away inefficiency by modernizing their greenhouses with cutting-edge agricultural technology.”\n\nFounded in 1994 by Paul and Linda Manske to provide families with a community-focused store to meet every gardening need, Corner Market & Greenhouse has grown to become a beloved local institution within the Oelwein community. The business is renowned for its small-town hospitality and big-city variety. For 32 years, Paul and Linda Manske have worked to bring every Iowan’s backyard to life, carrying seasonal flowers, plants, and décor.\n\nStay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=0557C8D1-8EA4-4C12-83FD-15D1E475FAAF", "title": "Fischer Applauds $22M Grant for Gage County Infrastructure Improvement", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.fischer.senate.gov", "scraper": "fischer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000463", "name": "Deb Fischer", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Comes after Fischer secured over $4.7 million for project last year and urged Transportation Secretary to award the grant\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) issued the following statement on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) awarding of a $22.6 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to Gage County for Clatonia-DeWitt Road and Hickory Road improvements.\n\n“This project is important to the safety of travelers along the highway and will help the local ag industry move their products,” Fischer said. “I was proud to take the hard work of our local leaders to Secretary Duffy and convince DOT of the immediate need for this investment.”\n\nEmily Haxby, Gage County Supervisor, said, “We are incredibly excited to receive this BUILD grant. Thank you to our community volunteers, the public, the NDOT Infrastructure Hub, and Nebraska's federal delegation for helping make this project possible. This award shows what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal partners work together.”\n\nBackground\n\nThis BUILD grant funding will be used for roadway improvements and bridge replacements on Clatonia-DeWitt Road and Hickory Road. Clatonia-DeWitt Road begins in Clatonia, Nebraska, travels south on SW 100th Road, then west on W Chestnut Road to DeWitt, Nebraska. Hickory Road provides a connection between U.S. Highway 77 and Nebraska Highway 103.\n\nFischer secured $4,733,354 for the project in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development appropriations bill.\n\nIn February of this year, Fischer wrote to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy urging DOT to award Gage County a BUILD grant.\n\nSee the DOT announcement here and a full list of grant awards here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-colleagues-press-hegseth-on-pentagon-gutting-civilian-protection-efforts-amid-war-in-iran/", "title": "Gillibrand, Colleagues Press Hegseth On Pentagon Gutting Civilian Protection Efforts Amid War In Iran", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Pentagon’s independent watchdog found that Trump administration defunded and blocked reforms to protect civilians during war, potentially violating federal law\n\nU.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, joined nine other members of Congress in pressing Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the Department of Defense’s (DoD) defunding and deprioritizing of programs that prevent and respond to civilian harm in war. The letter follows a new report by the DoD Inspector General (DoD IG), which found that under Hegseth’s leadership, DoD has potentially violated the law and put service members and civilians at risk. It also follows reports of recent U.S. military strikes that hit Iranian water treatment facilities, which impacted thousands of civilians’ access to drinking water.\n\n“Secretary Hegseth gutting our military’s ability to prevent harm to civilians demonstrates blatant carelessness and a severe lack of the moral fitness his position demands,” said Senator Gillibrand. “His incompetent leadership has endangered our troops, jeopardized our national security and threatened civilian lives. I will not stop fighting until the Trump administration fully restores the programs and public servants that mitigate civilian harm.”\n\nIn addition to Senator Gillibrand, the letter was signed by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), as well as Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO) and Sara Jacobs (D-CA).\n\n“The Trump administration’s military adventurism overseas, combined with its obvious disregard for civilians, do not make the American people or our service members safer. We [] request clarification about the steps the Department is taking to address these deficiencies and to protect civilians in line with the Department’s strategic, legal, and moral obligations,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\nIn May, the DoD IG released a review of DoD’s implementation of its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) Action Plan (CHMR-AP), which outlined critical steps to prevent, mitigate, and respond to civilian harm. The DoD IG’s report found that the Trump administration may have violated federal law by defunding and blocked civilian protection efforts.\n\nThe DoD IG report confirms that all of the objectives of the plan – including training for assessing and investigating civilian harm – are “at risk” under Hegseth’s leadership. The report also found that the Trump administration’s failure to implement the plan means DoD is failing to comply with congressionally-mandated obligations to protect civilians during armed conflict.\n\n“These revelations make real the concerns that we have previously raised about your complete ‘disregard for the strategic, legal, and moral imperative to minimize civilian harm,’” the lawmakers said.\n\nDuring the DoD IG’s investigation, the Joint Staff and combatant commands warned that eliminating CHMR funding and personnel “harms readiness” and “increases risk to military personnel and objectives and mission success.”\n\n“The Department’s failure to implement the CHMR-AP has profound consequences for civilians in conflict zones and makes service members’ jobs harder and riskier,” the lawmakers continued.\n\nThe report also revealed that DoD failed to cooperate with the office’s investigation, including by blocking investigators’ attempts to observe an implementation meeting and withholding access to DoD’s implementation tracking tools.\n\nThe lawmakers pressed Secretary Hegseth to explain DoD’s failure to implement civilian protection policies, account for changes in resourcing and staffing for civilian protection efforts, explain what DoD is doing to comply with federal law requiring civilian protection policies and institutions, and provide any analysis DoD has done on the impact of recent strikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran.\n\nSenator Gillibrand continues to fight to ensure the U.S. military protects civilians, particularly during President Trump’s war in Iran. She previously joined her colleagues in opening an investigation into Secretary Hegseth’s role in dismantling the military’s civilian harm prevention programs, which he gutted ahead of a war that has reportedly killed more than 1,700 civilians. After a U.S. strike destroyed an Iranian girls’ elementary school, she demanded a bipartisan investigation and pressed Hegseth and top military leaders for answers on how the target was chosen. Additionally, she introduced the Secure and Accountable Military AI Act to keep human commanders in control of life-and-death decisions and ban AI from choosing lethal targets.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-welcomes-over-71-million-in-federal-funding-to-replace-iowa-bridges-and-improve-highway-safety", "title": "Grassley Welcomes Over $71 Million in Federal Funding to Replace Iowa Bridges and Improve Highway Safety", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) welcomed news that over $71 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is headed to communities across Iowa to replace numerous bridges and improve efficiency and safety on roadways. The projects will benefit Iowans traveling in Black Hawk, Boone, Butler, Clinton, Humboldt, Jackson, Lucas, Sioux and Johnson Counties. Funding will be administered through DOT’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program, which was reauthorized as part of the Grassley-backed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).\n\n“Iowa families rely on our bridges and roads to travel safely and bring their farm and manufacturing goods to market. Unfortunately, too many of those bridges and roadways are in need of repair. I voted for the bipartisan infrastructure law to fix this problem, and that’s why I’m glad to see this money flowing to replace bridges and bolster infrastructure in communities across our state. By reauthorizing the BUILD program, this law continues to deliver for our state and ensure communities can stay connected and keep our economy moving,” Grassley said.\n\nDetails on the DOT awards follow:\n\nAvenue of the Saints Rural Safety and Freight Mobility Project\n\nApplicant: Iowa Department of Transportation\n\nLocality: Black Hawk County\n\nDescription: $24,000,000 to convert the current at-grade signalized intersection at Iowa Highway 58 (IA 58) and Greenhill Road into a “double-teardrop” roundabout interchange, with IA 58 passing under Greenhill Road. The project also includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant crosswalks with rectangular rapid flashing beacons, lighting, noise barriers and reconstructed stormwater and detention infrastructure.\n\nCritical Connections: Strengthening Iowa's Link in the National Supply Chain\n\nLead Applicant: Butler County\n\nCounties Benefiting: Boone, Butler, Clinton, Humboldt, Jackson, Lucas and Sioux Counties\n\nDescription: $24,000,000 to fund the construction phase to replace seven bridge structures in Boone, Butler, Clinton, Humboldt, Jackson, Lucas and Sioux Counties.\n\nBurlington Street Bridge: Building Better Connections Project\n\nApplicant: City of Iowa City\n\nLocality: Johnson County\n\nDescription: $23,481,600 to replace two aging, deficient Iowa River crossings on Highway 1 with a single multimodal bridge and associated intersection, roadway and active transportation upgrades.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/law-enforcement-and-retail-industry-leaders-call-on-congress-to-pass-the-combating-organized-retail-crime-act-through-the-ndaa", "title": "Law Enforcement and Retail Industry Leaders Call on Congress to Pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act Through the NDAA", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – Law enforcement organizations and retail industry leaders – including Amazon, The Home Depot, Ulta Beauty, American Eagle Outfitters, UPS and DHL – are calling on Congress to advance the bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act as part of the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation, led by U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), was filed as an amendment to the NDAA as part of a bipartisan package offered by Grassley and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) to reduce violent crime.\n\nThe Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would establish a multi-agency response to organized retail crime, which affects American consumers and businesses nationwide. The legislation would create a centralized task force in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to combat organized retail crime, while establishing new tools to recover stolen goods and enhance coordination between retail industry representatives and law enforcement.\n\nThe commonsense proposal, cosponsored by 47 bipartisan senators and overwhelmingly passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, has garnered massive support from leaders at the national and local levels, including 38 state attorneys general, major law enforcement organizations and a coalition of over 260 impacted businesses.\n\nHere’s what they’re saying:\n\nAmazon, Vice President of Public Policy Brian Huseman:\n\n\"Amazon supports the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. Including CORCA in NDAA is critical to establish a national coordination center, combining expertise and resources from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and retail industry representatives to build stronger cases to hold these criminal rings accountable. CORCA goes to the heart of the issue by creating a national structure to investigate and prosecute bad actors. Through continued collaboration with law enforcement worldwide, Amazon remains committed to pursuing and prosecuting organized retail crime wherever it occurs.\"\n\nThe Home Depot, Vice President of Asset Protection Scott Glenn:\n\n“This is a significant milestone in a long journey to protect our people and our communities. Organized retail crime isn't petty shoplifting—it is theft for greed, heavily orchestrated by sophisticated criminal enterprises that operate across state and national lines. As these criminal networks have grown more brazen, our absolute priority remains the safety of our associates and customers. By attaching CORCA to the NDAA, Chairman Grassley, Ranking Member Durbin and Senator Cortez Masto are delivering on much needed law enforcement tools urgently needed to disrupt these groups and shut down the resale of stolen goods. We urge Congress to keep this momentum moving and finally pass this bipartisan bill into law.”\n\nUlta Beauty, Senior Vice President of Asset Protection Dan Petrousek:\n\n“Organized retail crime is not solely a retail issue – it is a community safety issue that is best addressed through a coordinated response. Ulta Beauty has been a longstanding supporter of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act because it would strengthen collaboration and information sharing among law enforcement agencies and help combat criminal networks operating across jurisdictions. We view CORCA’s advancement as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act as a constructive step toward creating safer environments for retail associates, guests and communities.”\n\nAmerican Eagle Outfitters, Chief Global Asset Protection Officer Scott McBride:\n\n“Transnational criminal organizations are orchestrating large-scale retail thefts and poly-criminal activities that inflict both economic damage and physical violence on our communities. By securing the inclusion of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act in the National Defense Authorization Act, Congress is taking a decisive, powerful step to dismantle these illicit networks. This critical legislation provides the necessary tools to protect American businesses, safeguard our frontline workers, and ultimately, help protect every American. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Senate Judiciary Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Durbin for their steadfast leadership, as well as members in the U.S. House for their vital bipartisan support of CORCA.”\n\nUPS, President of Global Public Affairs Michael Kiely:\n\n“UPS applauds the advancement of the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act as part of the NDAA, a decisive step to protect and strengthen the flow of commerce throughout our nation’s supply chain from rail to road to retail.”\n\nDHL, Head of Corporate Public Affairs Americas Roger Libby:\n\n\"DHL applauds Chairman Chuck Grassley and Ranking Member Dick Durbin for advancing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act as part of the FY2027 NDAA. Organized retail crime poses a growing threat to supply chains, businesses, and the employees who keep commerce moving. This bipartisan legislation will strengthen coordination among law enforcement agencies, improve coordination with the private sector, and help disrupt the sophisticated international criminal networks that drive these crimes. We urge Congress to enact CORCA and take an important step toward protecting American businesses, workers, and consumers.\"\n\nThe National Association of Attorneys General:\n\n“On behalf of the bipartisan coalition of 38 attorneys general and territories that urged congressional action on organized retail crime, the National Association of Attorneys General welcomes the inclusion of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act within the National Defense Authorization Act. Organized retail crime affects communities across the country and requires a coordinated response among law enforcement agencies at all levels of government. Advancing CORCA will strengthen information sharing and collaboration among federal, state, local, Tribal and territorial partners and enhance efforts to bring organized criminal enterprises to justice.”\n\nThe National District Attorneys Association, Executive Director Nelson Bunn:\n\n“The NDAA strongly supports the bipartisan package lead by Senate Judiciary Chair Grassley and Ranking Member Durbin to advance legislation that will keep our communities safe as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. NDAA strongly supports the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) and has testified twice this congress in favor of the bill. CORCA would improve the federal response to organized retail crime and provide prosecutors the necessary tools to dismantle organized crime rings. Collectively this package addresses several of NDAA’s top legislative priorities and we urge it to be included in this year’s [National] Defense Authorization Act.”\n\nThe National Insurance Crime Bureau, President and CEO David J. Glawe:\n\n“The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) strongly supports the advancement of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Today’s cargo theft schemes are often carried out by sophisticated crime rings and serve as vectors for transnational criminal activity, including drug and weapons trafficking and terrorism. These stolen goods also lead to pain for businesses and consumers alike through higher prices. CORCA will provide the critical reforms necessary to improve information-sharing, coordinate law enforcement capabilities and confront interstate and transnational organized theft. NICB applauds Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Durbin and urges the passage of this important legislation.”\n\nThe Major County Sheriffs of America, Executive Director Megan Noland:\n\n“The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) strongly supports efforts to combat organized retail and supply chain crime, and we appreciate the strong bipartisan support behind this legislation. By strengthening federal tools to investigate and prosecute organized criminal networks and improving coordination and information sharing across all levels of law enforcement, this bill is an important step toward addressing a growing public safety threat. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress to advance this important legislation.”\n\nThe National Retail Federation, Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French:\n\n“NRF applauds the continued leadership from Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Ranking Member Dick Durbin, D-Ill., on seeking paths for passage of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. CORCA overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives on a strong bipartisan vote. We believe adding the bill to the National Defense Authorization Act is the right approach since organized retail crime (ORC) and supply chain theft have clear connections to transnational criminal organizations that threaten the U.S. economy. ORC remains a priority issue for NRF members, especially as we see a continued rise in violence tied to these crimes which threaten retail workers and customers. We urge the Senate to accept the amendment and pass the bill.”\n\nThe American Trucking Association, President and CEO Chris Spear:\n\n“Cargo theft is an escalating national security threat. The federal response has failed to keep pace, leaving a dangerous gap that transnational criminal organizations are exploiting. These sophisticated groups are stealing $18 million every day from the trucking industry and using the illicit proceeds to finance drug trafficking, organized crime and potentially terrorism. CORCA will give law enforcement the tools it needs to fight back. Senators Grassley and Durbin deserve enormous credit for leading a bipartisan effort to attach this critical legislation to the NDAA.”\n\nThe Association of American Railroads, President and CEO Ian Jefferies:\n\n\"Rail cargo theft is worsening in scale, cost, and sophistication. In 2025, preliminary data showed that U.S. Railroads reported more than 75,000 theft incidents totaling over $200 million in losses. Often driven by organized criminal networks operating across state and national borders, these thefts are not only a threat to our national security and railroaders' safety, but also a direct hit on Americans' wallets at a time when families simply cannot afford it. Advancing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) through the National Defense Authorization Act is a critical next step in the push to safeguard our nation's supply chain.\"\n\nThe Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), President and CEO Anne Reinke:\n\n\"IANA applauds the inclusion of CORCA in the crime-fighting package proposed for the National Defense Authorization Act by Senators Grassley and Durbin. These Senators’ efforts demonstrate the bipartisanship that has defined this legislation. CORCA is both a critical and common-sense solution to supply chain security, providing much-needed federal enforcement and intelligence support to combat cargo theft and freight fraud that impacts IANA members.\"\n\nThe Retail Industry Leaders Association, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Evan Armstrong:\n\n“The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act is critical legislation for retailers, employees, consumers and communities facing the growing threat of organized retail crime. By improving federal coordination and giving law enforcement additional tools to target sophisticated criminal networks, CORCA will help protect stores, supply chains and the customers we serve. Retailers applaud Senators Grassley and Durbin for their leadership on this issue and urge swift approval and adoption of this amendment into the NDAA to move CORCA one step closer to becoming law.”\n\nThe International Council of Shopping Centers, President and CEO Tom McGee:\n\n“Organized retail crime poses a serious threat to public safety, fuels sophisticated criminal networks and disrupts economic growth across the country. ICSC has proudly worked alongside lawmakers, industry partners and law enforcement to advance the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act since its introduction in 2022. As Congress continues to focus on strengthening public safety and combating criminal activity, we strongly support advancing CORCA and appreciate its inclusion in the Senate’s 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation will provide critical tools and resources to help law enforcement better investigate, deter and dismantle organized retail crime operations. We urge Congress to act swiftly to ensure this bipartisan, commonsense measure is enacted into law.”\n\nWorld Shipping Council, President and CEO Joe Kramek:\n\n“The World Shipping Council, as the global voice of liner shipping, applauds Senator Grassley’s efforts to advance CORCA. Organized cargo and retail theft is not limited to store shelves. It targets goods across the supply chain, including trucks, rail, warehouses and distribution centers after cargo has moved through U.S. ports. For ocean carriers and their customers, these crimes undermine supply chain security, disrupt the movement of goods and ultimately raise costs for consumers. CORCA provides law enforcement, transportation partners and other stakeholders the comprehensive national response this problem demands. By creating an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center, the bill will connect federal, state and local law enforcement and establish relationships with private-sector experts to share intelligence, coordinate investigations and dismantle the networks driving this surge in theft.”\n\nThe International Downtown Association, President & CEO David Downey, IOM, CAE:\n\n\"Organized retail crime is a serious challenge for many downtowns and main streets, affecting local businesses, workers, visitors and the sense of confidence that supports vibrant commercial districts. A coordinated challenge requires a coordinated response. We commend Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Durbin for their leadership in advancing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which would strengthen collaboration among law enforcement, prosecutors, retailers and local partners working to keep America’s downtowns safe, welcoming and economically strong. IDA is proud to support this legislation and looks forward to seeing it signed into law.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-join-peters-schumer-murray-merkley-senate-democrats-in-demanding-omb-rescind-rule-giving-president-sweeping-power-to-politicize-federal-grants", "title": "Heinrich, Luján Join Peters, Schumer, Murray, Merkley, Senate Democrats in Demanding OMB Rescind Rule Giving President Sweeping Power to Politicize Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, and the entire Senate Democratic caucus to demand that Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought immediately rescind OMB’s proposed regulation on federal financial assistance. The senators warned the proposal exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, and would allow the President to weaponize federal grants for political purposes.\n\n“Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals,” the senators wrote to OMB Director Vought. “Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs.”\n\nThe proposed rule would dramatically expand agencies’ authority to terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. It would also require political appointees to make funding decisions without deferring to expert peer review. The Senators warn this would inject partisan politics into grantmaking, threaten America’s leadership in scientific and medical innovation, and create chaos for communities and organizations that rely on federal funding to deliver critical services.\n\n“Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims,” the senators continued.\n\nThe senators also argue that OMB’s proposal would force grant recipients to comply with vague, undefined, and political grant conditions that conflict with existing statutes. At the same time, it would weaken transparency and accountability requirements intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars. These changes could discourage qualified organizations from applying for federal grants and increase the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\n“Article I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal,” the senators concluded.\n\nAlongside Heinrich, Luján, Peters, Schumer, Murray, and Merkley, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn/), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nThe full text of the letter is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-colleagues-demand-omb-rescind-rule-giving-trump-power-to-politicize-federal-grants/", "title": "Hickenlooper, Colleagues Demand OMB Rescind Rule Giving Trump Power to Politicize Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper joined the entire Senate Democratic caucus to demand Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought immediately rescind OMB’s proposed regulation on federal financial assistance. The senators warned the proposal exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, and would allow the President to weaponize federal grants for political purposes.\n\n“Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals,” the senators wrote.\n\nThe proposed rule would dramatically expand agencies’ authority to terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. It would also require political appointees to make funding decisions without deferring to expert peer review. The senators warn this would inject partisan politics into grantmaking, threaten America’s leadership in scientific and medical innovation, and create chaos for communities and organizations that rely on federal funding to deliver critical services.\n\n“Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs,” the senators continued.\n\nThe senators also argue that OMB’s proposal would force grant recipients to comply with vague, undefined, and political grant conditions that conflict with existing statutes. At the same time, it would weaken transparency and accountability requirements intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars. These changes could discourage qualified organizations from applying for federal grants and increase the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\nHickenlooper recently called out a similar proposed rule by the Trump administration which would hurt American scientific research. He’s also been a vocal critic of the Trump admin’s politicization of federal funding, including the termination of $600 million in public health grants and the withholding of disaster relief funding for Colorado and other blue states.\n\nFull text of the letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nWe write to express our strong opposition to your proposed regulation on federal financial assistance (Fed. Reg. Vol. 91, No. 103, Friday May 29, 2026) and to insist you rescind it immediately. Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals. Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs. And contrary to the regulation’s justification of fiscal transparency, the changes also weaken the oversight and effective stewardship of taxpayer funds.\n\nThe proposed rule undermines federal agencies’ and grant recipients’ ability to faithfully carry out the programs enacted by Congress. When Congress authorizes and appropriates money for federal grants, it does so with the understanding that all Administrations will distribute those grants consistent with Congressional intent and the funding instructions articulated in law. The type of discretion the President intends to bestow upon himself through this proposed rule is counter to all past precedent and ignores the reality of how appropriations and authorizing laws are drafted.\n\nThis proposal dramatically expands agencies’ authority to the point where the President could terminate or suspend any grant at any time for any reason and without any notice. The Trump administration’s actions over the last year and a half have already shown how these types of arbitrary cancellations create chaos and new costs, making it harder for grant recipients to provide the intended public benefit. In one instance, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Agency cancelled over $2 billion of grants to mental health and addiction programs without notice, only to reinstate those grants within 24 hours. In another instance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency unilaterally cancelled nearly $4.5 billion of natural disaster mitigation funding without notice, only to claim in court that they had never really cancelled those grants at all. This boundless power to terminate federal funding creates whiplash and erodes grant recipients’ trust in the grant agreements they sign. Ultimately, it makes it less likely that deserving and capable organizations and communities would apply for federal grants and risk tying their work to grants that could be upended with no rhyme, reason, or even advance notice.\n\nThe proposed rule would also require and empower political appointees to decide which grants do and do not get funded, explicitly directing them to not defer to expert peer review. This would have far reaching consequences, including but not limited to scientific research. For example, over decades the United States has built a biomedical research enterprise, led by investments in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), that is the envy of the world and makes us the world leader in medical innovation. It has led to new cures and treatments for devastating diseases that decades ago would have been considered miracles. This was built on the foundation that investments in biomedical research would be allocated based on a strictly non-partisan, rigorous, scientific review process to determine which specific research projects to fund. This proposed rule would fundamentally undermine that, and direct political appointees to substitute their own independent opinions over those of panels of experts.\n\nOMB’s proposal also transforms federal grants from policy tools that Congress uses to promote the public good into a political cudgel that the President plans to use to punish his perceived political foes while rewarding himself and his friends. President Trump’s administration has already begun to do this. Although multiple requests for information have gone unanswered, we estimate that at the Department of Transportation alone, at least 45 grants totaling $5.3 billion have been terminated, withdrawn, or cancelled by the Trump Administration. This includes nearly $109 million in five grants slated for Colorado, $679 million in 12 port related grants, and $54 million in transportation research conducted by universities. Meanwhile grantees in California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota continue to wait in limbo as OMB instructed DOT to cancel more than $943 million in grants in early February. With the threat of termination hanging over every grant recipient, presidents will be able to substitute their personal and partisan policy positions for federal spending directives, undermining Congress’s constitutional power of the purse.\n\nThe proposal also injects vague, burdensome, and potentially unlawful terms and conditions that give the president pretext to pick winners and losers among grant recipients. Contrary to OMB claims that the proposal will bring “regulatory clarity” to the administration of federal grants, the proposal would create limits on funding based on undefined terms, making it impossible for grant recipients to comply. In the proposal OMB explains that these undefined terms will ensure that federal funds are “not diverted to . . . radical political ideologies,” without further elaboration. Grant recipients must instead “demonstrably advance the President’s policy priorities,” whatever they happen to be. Terms like “anti-American values,” “gold-standard science,” and “diversity, equity, and inclusion” are not defined and, in some cases, are the subject of ongoing litigation. Further, Congress has passed specific statutes requiring agencies like the NIH to conduct health disparities research, including research on maternal mortality, cardiovascular disease in minority populations, and cancer screening equity. This rule’s prohibition on “diversity, equity, and inclusion” research would complicate compliance with those statutes. Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims. Ultimately, many grant recipients will decide it is too costly and confusing to try to keep up with shifting priorities of each new administration and give up on seeking federal grants altogether, frustrating Congress’s purpose to help the intended beneficiaries of the program.\n\nAs OMB seeks to consolidate power over federal funds, it also seeks to undermine transparency and accountability of the use of taxpayer dollars. The proposal removes the requirement that grant recipients follow financial internal control standards established by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). However, Congress required that GAO issue standards for financial internal controls and that agencies follow these standards in the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act of 1982. Allowing recipients to disregard independent financial risk management standards required by statute jeopardizes the faithful stewardship of taxpayer dollars and increases the risk of fraud or abuse.\n\nOMB’s grantmaking power grab is not only bad policy; it is also unlawful. OMB lacks the legal authority to issue binding regulations about how to cancel federal grants for each agency. In its proposal, OMB points to the Chief Financial Officers Act (CFO Act) for its sweeping assertion of power. However, the CFO Act in no way delegates to OMB the power to tell federal agencies that they can cancel grants at any time for any reason. Courts in Rhode Island and the District of Columbia have already rejected OMB’s claim that it can indiscriminately pause or terminate grants, holding that the CFO Act does not give OMB “the power to halt all finances, full-stop, on a moment’s notice.” By dictating policy for grant recipients, OMB is attempting to supplant Congress’s primary role in appropriating funds and directing their purpose.\n\nArticle I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-colleagues-urge-white-house-to-rescind-political-rule-that-hurts-american-science-research/", "title": "Hickenlooper, Colleagues Urge White House to Rescind Political Rule That Hurts American Science, Research", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators: “We cannot afford to export American innovation and American jobs because of partisan games.”\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper led 10 of his Senate colleagues in submitting public comment to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought to demand OMB rescind a proposed rule, broadly titled “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” that could alter how nearly all federal agencies administer grants and financial agreements. The proposed change would give more political control over these awards by the White House, which could enable corruption, undermine U.S. scientific investments and competitiveness, and block funding for critical life-saving research and collaboration.\n\n“The proposed changes solidify federal grant-making as an unprecedented partisan power-grab that eliminates transparency of how taxpayer dollars are spent. This rule would derail American innovation and competitiveness at the local and national levels, kill good-paying American jobs, drive up costs for families, and halt essential projects in local communities,” wrote the senators. “Instead of supporting data-driven investments that pay dividends for the American people, this guidance facilitates partisan ideals and cronyism, leaving Americans in the dark.”\n\nThe senators continued: “We share the goals of improved transparency, accountability, and oversight; clarification of regulatory structure; and reducing recipient burden–all in pursuit of continuing America’s global leadership in science and innovation. However, these regulations would act in opposition to these goals. They would undermine our country’s competitiveness, erode our scientific ecosystem, increase unwanted bureaucracy, enable corruption, and perpetuate uncertainty across our local communities. We strongly urge you to withdraw this proposed rule.”\n\nOMB has proposed sweeping changes to the rules governing how federal agencies award and administer grants and cooperative agreements. These are the primary mechanisms through which the country funds basic research, applied science, and scientific workforce development. These agencies also fund a wide array of grants for local projects including but not limited to infrastructure, public health, resource conservation, and rural development. The proposed rules formalize an August 7, 2025, Executive Order that directed OMB to expand political oversight over all federal awards.\n\nHickenlooper’s public comment was joined by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen, Mark Warner, Tammy Duckworth, Angela Alsobrooks, Peter Welch, Angus King, Chris Coons, Jeanne Shaheen, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Kristen Gillibrand.\n\nAs the only peer-reviewed scientist in the U.S. Senate, Hickenlooper continues to fight efforts by the Trump administration to undermine settled science, vocalizing the importance of science in our day-to-day lives and demanding full funding for research institutions like the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Hickenlooper also introduced the Scientific Integrity Act alongside 20 of his colleagues to protect public scientific research and reports from the influence of political and special interests. Hickenlooper is a member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and a former geologist.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-epa-administrator-zeldin-visit-technology-manufacturing-facilities-in-columbus-chillicothe/", "title": "Husted, EPA Administrator Zeldin visit technology, manufacturing facilities in Columbus, Chillicothe", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“The facilities Administrator Zeldin and I visited today are prime examples of how Ohio innovation and manufacturing are driving our economy forward.”\n\nCOLUMBUS – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today joined U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin for a visit to Revive Environmental Technology in Columbus and Kenworth Truck Manufacturing in Chillicothe.\n\n“Ohio makes the things the world needs, from technologies that help clean our water to the trucks that move goods across America. The facilities Administrator Zeldin and I visited today are prime examples of how Ohio innovation and manufacturing are driving our economy forward. I was honored to meet with the workers and leaders who make these industries possible, and I will continue fighting to ensure Ohio remains the best place in the country to build, innovate and create jobs,” said Husted.\n\n“It was great to be back in Ohio with Senator Jon Husted. From Revive Enviornmental’s innovative PFAS destruction efforts to PACCAR’s Kenworth plant assembling many of America’s heavy-duty trucks, Ohio is truly on the frontlines of the effort to Power the Great American Comeback. I look forward to continue working alongside Senator Husted to protect our environment and grow the economy in Ohio,” said Zeldin.\n\nRevive Environmental Technology operates the PFAS Annihilator®, which is a technology that destroys per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater, landfill leachate and firefighting foams. Husted and Zeldin received a briefing on the company’s technology and operations before touring the facility.\n\nAt Kenworth Truck Manufacturing, Husted and Zeldin met with workers during a plant tour and town hall discussion to hear directly about their experiences and priorities. Rep. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio) also participated in the visit. Founded in 1923, Kenworth Truck Company specializes in the design and manufacture of heavy- and medium-duty trucks.\n\nThe visit builds on Husted’s support for strengthening American manufacturing and supporting Ohio workers. Husted supported the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which:\n\nCreates better-paying jobs and supporting Made-in-America manufacturing.\n\nMakes the 20% small business deduction permanent.\n\nAllows full expensing for machinery, research and development and new factories.\n\nReduces taxes for more than 12 million small business owners by an average of $7,000.\n\nExpands write-offs for interest costs.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-va-secretary-collins-in-dayton-at-va-medical-center/", "title": "Husted, VA Secretary Collins in Dayton at VA Medical Center", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“Ohio is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country, and I was honored to host Secretary Collins to show firsthand how our state supports our troops during and after their service.”\n\nDAYTON, Ohio – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) joined U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins at the Dayton VA Medical Center for a meeting with hospital leadership on supporting veterans’ health care and a tour of the facility.\n\n“Our veterans put their lives on the line for our country and deserve access to high-quality health care. Facilities like the Dayton VA Medical Center are helping deliver on that promise. Ohio is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country, and I was honored to host Secretary Collins to show firsthand how our state supports our troops during and after their service,” said Husted.\n\n“The Dayton VA Medical Center is a standout performer when it comes to quality healthcare, customer service and convenience. Under President Trump and thanks to the support of strong leaders like Sen. Husted, we are bringing that same level of excellence to VA facilities across the nation,” said Collins.\n\nThis visit builds on Husted’s work to support veterans and their access to health care. Husted is leading the Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act. This bill would ensure veterans living in rural communities have permanent, cross-state access to certified health care providers for their required disability claim exams.\n\nHusted is also backing the Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act. This bill would ensure the consistent implementation of the VA Community Care Program and streamline veteran access to mental health and addiction treatment.\n\nAs Lt. Governor of Ohio, Husted strongly supported efforts to expand reciprocity for professional licenses for military spouses. This program helps military families quickly find work when they relocated for their service.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.justice.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-justice-visits-elkins-vfw-for-veterans-mobile-offices-hours/", "title": "Senator Justice Visits Elkins VFW for Veterans Mobile Offices Hours", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.justice.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.justice.senate.gov", "scraper": "justice", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000312", "name": "James C. Justice", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ELKINS, WV – Today, Senator Jim Justice released a statement following a visit to his Veterans Mobile Office Hours at the Elkins VFW.\n\n“As we continue to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we also ought to remember the folks who fought to protect it. Our veterans have given so much for this country, and the very least we can do is make sure they get the benefits they’ve earned. If you’re having trouble with the VA, waiting on benefits, or need help with Social Security, Medicare, military records, or any federal agency, my team is here to go to work for you. You shouldn’t have to fight red tape after you’ve already fought for America. At my office, we will continue to do everything we can to help our veterans every step of the way because they’ve always been there for us, and now it’s our turn to be there for them,” said Senator Jim Justice.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Justice has made it a priority since he was Governor to advocate for those who served, especially through his work with the Medal of Honor Foundation.\n\nThe first bill Senator Justice introduced in the Senate was the Hershel “Woody” Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, which authorizes the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to establish a permanent National monument on the National Mall.\n\nSenator Justice also received the Medal of Honor Foundation’s first Champion of Honor award for his work to pass the Act in the Senate.\n\nAdditionally, Senator Justice has made numerous stops during recess periods to talk to veterans, return their medals, and speak at veteran memorials.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-announce-nearly-6-million-in-federal-funding-to-modernize-9-virginia-airports", "title": "Warner, Kaine Announce Nearly $6 Million In Federal Funding to Modernize 9 Virginia Airports", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $5,819,548 in federal grant funding to revitalize infrastructure, improve air travel safety, and support the long-term viability of nine local and regional airports across Virginia. This funding comes from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for Fiscal Year 2026, which the senators have supported robust funding for.\n\n“From connecting families to supporting businesses and tourism, Virginia’s airports are critical to communities across the Commonwealth,” said the senators. “We’re proud to announce this funding that will improve safety, modernize infrastructure, and ensure these airports can continue serving travelers, businesses, and local economies for years to come.”\n\nThe grant awards include:\n\n$2,927,304 for the Virginia Tech/Montgomery Regional Airport Authority to rehabilitate taxiway and apron pavement at Virginia Tech/Montgomery Executive Airport, extending the life of critical infrastructure and enhancing the safety and reliability of operations;\n\n$598,500 for Virginia Aviation Associates, L.L.C. to update the existing airport master plan study at Hampton Roads Executive Airport, supporting long-term planning for future development and operational needs;\n\n$586,000 for the Dinwiddie County Airport and Industrial Authority to expand terminal apron at Tri Cities Executive/Dinwiddie County Airport, increasing capacity and accommodating a broader range of aircraft;\n\n$470,250 for the Virginia Highlands Airport Commission to carry out design work to rehabilitate taxiway and upgrade lighting at Virginia Highlands Airport, replacing infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life;\n\n$380,000 for the Twin County Airport Commission to carry out design work to rehabilitate paved runway at Twin County Airport, preserving structural integrity, reducing foreign object debris, and supporting safe operations;\n\n$300,000 for the Mecklenburg-Brunswick Airport Commission to construct two new non-exclusive use hangars at Mecklenburg-Brunswick Regional Airport, increasing aircraft storage capacity and supporting the airport’s long-term financial stability;\n\n$286,900 for the Emporia-Greensville Airport Commission to carry out design work to reconstruct runway end identifier lights, precision approach path indicator systems, and runway signage at Emporia-Greensville Regional Airport, improving airfield safety and replacing infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life;\n\n$146,392 for the Cumberlands Airport Commission to construct a new snow removal equipment building at Lonesome Pine Airport, bringing the airport into conformity with current standards;\n\n$124,202 for the town of Farmville to reconstruct the precision approach path indicator system for a runway and at both runway thresholds at Farmville Regional Airport, replacing infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life.\n\nSens. Warner and Kaine have been strong supporters of efforts to modernize Virginia’s airports. Last week, the senators announced more than $32 million for eight Virginia airports, and in May, they celebrated more than $73 million in federal funding to improve three Virginia airports, $21 million to upgrade eight Virginia airports, and more than $5 million to modernize four Virginia airports. In 2025, the senators announced almost $106 million in federal funding for airports across the Commonwealth. Many of these grants were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation the senators helped pass that has secured billions in federal funding for airport infrastructure since 2021.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-walberg-lead-amicus-brief-defending-religious-liberty-in-supreme-court-school-choice-case/", "title": "Lankford, Walberg Lead Amicus Brief Defending Religious Liberty in Supreme Court School Choice Case", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.lankford.senate.gov", "scraper": "lankford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000575", "name": "James Lankford", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI-05) led 43 Members of Congress–35 Representatives and eight Senators–in filing an amicus brief in St. Mary Catholic Parish in Littleton, CO, et al. v. Lisa Roy, et al., a case the US Supreme Court will hear during its October 2026 Term.\n\nThe brief urges the Court to protect the constitutional rights of faith-based schools participating in school choice programs and warns that allowing the 10th Circuit’s decision to stand could undermine Congress’s tax credit scholarship program established under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.\n\n“In Oklahoma, we believe parents know what’s best for their kids, including what school fits their family’s faith,” said Lankford. “Colorado decided Catholic preschools didn’t get the same shot as everyone else, just because of their beliefs. That’s not religious liberty, that’s discrimination. I’m proud to join this brief and ask the Court to protect every family’s right to choose a school that reflects who they are.”\n\n“Every family deserves the freedom to choose the school that’s right for their child, including a faith-based school,” said Walberg. “When parents have more educational options, students have a better chance to learn in an environment where they can thrive. That’s exactly what Congress worked to expand through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. States shouldn’t be able to shut faith-based schools out of school choice programs. That’s not religious liberty, and it’s not what the Constitution requires. We urge the Supreme Court to reverse the 10th Circuit’s decision.”\n\nBackground\n\nColorado’s universal preschool program gives families funding to send their children to the public or private preschool of their choice. But while the state made exceptions for some secular schools, it excluded Catholic preschools from participating because those schools ask families to support Catholic teachings on sex and gender.\n\nIn September 2025, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Colorado could exclude Catholic preschools from its universal preschool program. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case next term.\n\nThe Members’ brief argues that if the 10th Circuit’s decision is allowed to stand, states could adopt similar policies that effectively exclude faith-based schools from participating in the federal tax credit scholarship program established under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which Congress enacted in 2025, undermining the religious freedom protected by the First Amendment.\n\nJoining Lankford and Walberg are US Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Jim Justice (R-WV), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE); and Representatives Robert B. Aderholt (R-AL-04), Rick W. Allen (R-GA-12), Tom Barrett (R-MI-07), Michael Baumgartner (R-WA-05), Aaron Bean (R-FL-04), Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05), Sheri Biggs (R-SC-03), Mike Bost (R-IL-12), Jeff Crank (R-CO-05), Byron Donalds (R-FL-19), Gabe Evans (R-CO-08), Randy Fine (R-FL-06), Virginia Foxx (R-NC-05), H. Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09), Glenn Grothman (R-WI-06), Mark Harris (R-NC-08), Clay Higgins (R-LA-03), Julia Letlow (R-LA-05), John McGuire (R-VA-05), Mark Messmer (R-IN-08), Mary Miller (R-IL-15), John Moolenaar (R-MI-02), Riley M. Moore (R-WV-02), Andy Ogles (R-TN-05), Bob Onder (R-MO-03), Burgess Owens (R-UT-04), August Pfluger (R-TX-11), John Rose (R-TN-06), Michael A. Rulli (R-OH-06), John Rutherford (R-FL-05), Adrian Smith (R-NE-03), Chris Smith (R-NJ-04), Daniel Webster (R-FL-11), and Joe Wilson (R-SC-02).\n\nYou can find the full text of the brief HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-join-peters-schumer-murray-merkley-senate-democrats-in-demanding-omb-rescind-rule-giving-president-sweeping-power-to-politicize-federal-grants/", "title": "Heinrich, Luján Join Peters, Schumer, Murray, Merkley, Senate Democrats in Demanding OMB Rescind Rule Giving President Sweeping Power to Politicize Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, and the entire Senate Democratic caucus in demanding Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought immediately rescind OMB’s proposed regulation on federal financial assistance. The Senators warned the proposal exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, and would allow the President to weaponize federal grants for political purposes.\n\n“Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals,” the Senators wrote. “Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs.”\n\nThe proposed rule would dramatically expand agencies’ authority to terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. It would also require political appointees to make funding decisions without deferring to expert peer review. The Senators warn this would inject partisan politics into grantmaking, threaten America’s leadership in scientific and medical innovation, and create chaos for communities and organizations that rely on federal funding to deliver critical services.\n\n“Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators also argue that OMB’s proposal would force grant recipients to comply with vague, undefined, and political grant conditions that conflict with existing statutes. At the same time, it would weaken transparency and accountability requirements intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars. These changes could discourage qualified organizations from applying for federal grants and increase the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\nThe Senators concluded: “Article I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal.”\n\nJoining Senators Heinrich, Luján, Peters, Schumer, Murray, and Merkley in sending the letter were U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nText of the letter is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/joint-statement-from-senators-markey-and-warren-representatives-lynch-and-pressley-mayor-wu-on-nurses-strike", "title": "Joint Statement from Senators Markey and Warren, Representatives Lynch and Pressley, Mayor Wu on Nurses Strike", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Boston (July 7, 2026) - Today, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with Representatives Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Stephen Lynch (MA-08), and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu released the following statement urging the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) and Mass General Brigham (MGB) to return to the bargaining table and resume negotiations:\n\n“Nurses are the backbone of our health care system, and we rely on their skills, compassion, and tireless work ethic to care for our loved ones. The nurses at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Mass General Brigham Homecare deserve a fair contract that reflects the essential contributions they make each and every day.\n\n“We urge all parties to return to the bargaining table and reach a good faith agreement that provides stability for this critical workforce, Mass General Brigham, and the patients in their collective care.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-applauds-62-7-million-awarded-to-kansas-communities-in-build-infrastructure-grants/", "title": "Senator Marshall Applauds $62.7 Million Awarded to Kansas Communities in BUILD Infrastructure Grants", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Great Bend – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), celebrated the awarding of $62.7 million in BUILD grant infrastructure funding to four Kansas communities to support construction, reconstruction, and evaluation projects with significant local impact. Senator Marshall advocated for the BUILD grant funding through letters of support for all four projects.\n\n“I’m always glad to see federal infrastructure dollars come home to Kansas, and I was proud to support all four of these projects,” said Senator Mashall. “Each one solves a real, specific problem — safer freight access for our ag producers in Pawnee County, better flood protection and sidewalks in Junction City, smarter interchanges in Lenexa and Wichita. This is what good infrastructure investment looks like: targeted, practical, and built around what our communities actually need.”\n\nProjects which received federal BUILD Grant dollars:\n\n$20,255,000 to Pawnee County: Reconstruction and pavement of roadway and main access roads to Pawnee Feedlot to widen the road and increase turn radii for freight access.\n\n$23,996,000 to Junction City: Reconstruction of Grant Avenue with increased safety improvements, resilient floodplain design, and sidewalks and street crossings.\n\n$16,000,000 to Lenexa: Construction of new interchange at K-10 and Lone Elm Road, auxiliary lanes between K-7 and Woodland Road, and a north-south connection across K-10 with shared-use paths.\n\n$2,400,000 to Wichita: Evaluation and engineering design of new intersection configurations, roundabout interchanges, and pedestrian infrastructure on the US 54/400 and Eisenhower Airport Parkway interchange.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-seeks-to-propel-u-s-space-program-to-new-heights-with-space-ready-2-0-act/", "title": "VIDEO: Senator Moody Seeks to Propel U.S. Space Program to New Heights with Space Ready 2.0 Act", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "SPACE COAST, Fla.—Senator Ashley Moody is seeking to propel the U.S. Space Program to new heights through her new Space Ready 2.0 Act. Launch cadence and activity on Florida’s Space Coast are rapidly increasing—launches have increased by more than 500% since 2016—while NASA is using 60-year-old infrastructure. In order to keep the U.S. a leader in the space domain, Senator Moody’s legislation would allow for voluntary private contributions for infrastructure improvement projects at NASA centers—including Kennedy Space Center on Florida’s Space Coast.\n\n“Florida is leading America’s next great chapter of space exploration, but if we want to remain the world’s leader in space, our infrastructure must keep pace with the incredible growth we’re seeing on the Space Coast,” said Senator Ashley Moody. “The Space Ready 2.0 Act is a commonsense solution that empowers NASA and its commercial partners to modernize aging facilities without creating new spending programs, ensuring we remain competitive and mission-ready. I’ll continue fighting to strengthen our nation’s space capabilities and keep the Sunshine State the launchpad for American innovation and exploration.”\n\n“We’re grateful to Senator Moody for her leadership and putting into action real solutions for the space industry. The Space Ready 2.0 Act takes the space infrastructure challenges head-on, bringing everyone together to modernize the Cape. Florida built the model for a thriving commercial space industry, and with leaders like Senator Moody, we’ll keep Florida and our nation first in the space economy,” said Rob Long, Col. USSF (Ret.), president and CEO, Space Florida\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Space Ready 2.0 Act would establish a NASA-wide pilot program allowing the agency to accept voluntary private contributions for infrastructure improvement projects at NASA centers. The proposal does not create a new spending program, establish a new Treasury fund, or authorize new federal spending. Rather, it builds upon NASA’s existing authority and allows private-sector partners to voluntarily invest in infrastructure improvements that directly support the missions they rely upon.\n\nIn June of this year, the NASA Office of Inspector General released a report on the overall state of NASA’s launch infrastructure, finding that Kennedy Space Center is utilizing infrastructure from the 1960s—dating back to the Apollo mission era—and that the facilities lack the capacity to meet the demands of the current climate. The report estimates that NASA needs $1 billion in upgrades for Artemis launches.\n\nSenator Moody is committed to supporting Florida’s Space Coast.\n\nSenator Moody secured the passage of her Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act, to ensure the U.S. remains competitive and at the forefront of space innovation and exploration. The legislation bolsters public-private partnerships by making spaceport facility bonds tax-exempt, treating spaceports the same as airports and seaports.\n\nSenator Moody also introduced the CAPE Canaveral Act to relocate NASA headquarters to Florida’s Space Coast where it belongs.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trumps-luxury-jet-corruption-murphy-leads-senate-democrats-in-demanding-answers-on-misuse-of-federal-resources-after-rushed-costly-retrofit-job", "title": "Trump’s Luxury Jet Corruption: Murphy Leads Senate Democrats In Demanding Answers On Misuse Of Federal Resources After Rushed, Costly Retrofit Job", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.murphy.senate.gov", "scraper": "chrismurphy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001169", "name": "Christopher Murphy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, on Tuesday led twelve of his Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Troy E. Meink, Secretary of the U.S. Air Force, and Christopher Kubasik, CEO of L3Harris, demanding transparency into the taxpayer-funded modification of the $400-million luxury jet gifted to President Trump by the government of Qatar. Since Trump announced the gift in May 2025, the Trump administration has refused to provide Congress with basic details about the costs to taxpayers, national security risks, diversion of federal resources, and questionable decision-making process associated with sprinting to upgrade President Trump’s new luxury plane.\n\nIn the letter, Murphy, along with U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), note that available public reporting indicates the Trump administration dedicated as much as $1 billion dollars to rushing the sensitive Air Force One modification process, with hundreds working around the clock to condense a yearslong process into just ten months. The Senators’ letter demands answers on this irresponsible use of federal resources.\n\n“Americans deserve answers on how the administration has decided to spend their taxpayer dollars and assume new national security risks with the VC-25B Bridge aircraft and the rushed retrofit program contracted to L3Harris – all in service to President Trump’s interest in having a pretty, luxurious plane for himself,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators called out the Trump administration for withholding information from Congress, preventing oversight of the luxury jet and its upgrade program: “For over a year, the administration has stonewalled congressional requests for information about Qatar’s luxury jet gift to President Trump. Congress and the American public have expressed due outrage about this corrupt, illegal exchange, but Pentagon officials have mostly deflected questions or claimed inability to share classified details about the luxury jet, the memorandum of understanding with Qatar, and the program to modify it for use by the President. The Trump administration has refused to share the information Congress needs to conduct oversight of this foreign gift and the estimated $1 billion in taxpayer dollars spent to upgrade and outfit the luxury jet for President Trump’s use during – and reportedly after – his term in office.”\n\nThey highlighted new reporting that indicates the luxury jet project has been another hotbed for corruption and misuse of taxpayer dollars: “After months of limited public information about the jet, new reporting has deepened concerns about the administration’s irresponsible management of U.S. national security funding to prioritize President Trump’s personal interest in this jet. In a Breaking Defense interview on June 23, L3Harris executive Jason Lambert reported that the company was contracted by the Air Force to oversee the jet’s modifications, with a deadline of July 4, 2026, from the White House. This timeline drove L3Harris to scale back the usual Air Force One upgrade package while committing 400 employees to working around the clock to complete in ten months a process that would normally take years. This accelerated luxury jet upgrade required other large expenses, including building a 3D mockup of the plane’s interior and the leasing and purchase of additional 747 aircraft for pilot and crew training.”\n\nThe Senators objected strongly to the Trump administration decision to shift resources away from national security priorities just so President Trump could enjoy luxury flying as soon as possible: “The Air Force seems to have committed to a rushed, expensive aircraft modification program in order to meet President Trump’s demand to fly on ‘the world’s most luxurious plane,’ with his favored paint job, during Independence Day festivities. Trump’s own statements – including his celebration of ‘a level of luxury that nobody’s ever seen before’ – make it clear that these decisions prioritized Trump’s personal comfort and tastes over U.S. national security.”\n\nThe Senators concluded by calling for a congressional briefing and demanding full transparency from the Secretary of the Air Force and the Pentagon contractor responsible for the project: “Congress needs full information about program costs, the diversion of resources away from other Pentagon priorities, and the national security and funding implications of upgrades skipped during the rush. The American public deserves transparency into this costly and questionable modification work – conducted with their taxpayer dollars on a luxury jet that President Trump reportedly plans to take with him after he leaves office.”\n\nA full transcript of the letter is available below. The full letter is available here.\n\nDear Secretary Meink and Mr. Kubasik:\n\nWe write to ask the U.S. Air Force and L3Harris to provide Congress full information on the modification work recently completed on the $400-million Boeing 747-8 luxury jumbo jet gifted by the Government of Qatar to President Donald Trump. Americans deserve answers on how the administration has decided to spend their taxpayer dollars and assume new national security risks with the VC-25B Bridge aircraft and the rushed retrofit program contracted to L3Harris – all in service to President Trump’s interest in having a pretty, luxurious plane for himself.\n\nFor over a year, the administration has stonewalled congressional requests for information about Qatar’s luxury jet gift to President Trump. Congress and the American public have expressed due outrage about this corrupt, illegal exchange, but Pentagon officials have mostly deflected questions or claimed inability to share classified details about the luxury jet, the memorandum of understanding with Qatar, and the program to modify it for use by the President. The Trump administration has refused to share the information Congress needs to conduct oversight of this foreign gift and the estimated $1 billion in taxpayer dollars spent to upgrade and outfit the luxury jet for President Trump’s use during – and reportedly after – his term in office.\n\nAfter months of limited public information about the jet, new reporting has deepened concerns about the administration’s irresponsible management of U.S. national security funding to prioritize President Trump’s personal interest in this jet. In a Breaking Defense interview on June 23, L3Harris executive Jason Lambert reported that the company was contracted by the Air Force to oversee the jet’s modifications, with a deadline of July 4, 2026, from the White House. This timeline drove L3Harris to scale back the usual Air Force One upgrade package while committing 400 employees to working around the clock to complete in ten months a process that would normally take years. This accelerated luxury jet upgrade required other large expenses, including building a 3D mockup of the plane’s interior and the leasing and purchase of additional 747 aircraft for pilot and crew training.[ii]\n\nThe Air Force seems to have committed to a rushed, expensive aircraft modification program in order to meet President Trump’s demand to fly on “the world’s most luxurious plane,” with his favored paint job, during Independence Day festivities. Trump’s own statements – including his celebration of “a level of luxury that nobody’s ever seen before” – make it clear that these decisions prioritized Trump’s personal comfort and tastes over U.S. national security.\n\nCongress needs full information about program costs, the diversion of resources away from other Pentagon priorities, and the national security and funding implications of upgrades skipped during the rush. The American public deserves transparency into this costly and questionable modification work – conducted with their taxpayer dollars on a luxury jet that President Trump reportedly plans to take with him after he leaves office.\n\nTo this end, we request that the Air Force and L3Harris coordinate to provide written answers to the following questions no later than July 27, 2026. Recognizing that some of this information is classified, we also request a joint classified briefing for all U.S. Senators no later than August 6, 2026, to discuss your answers and the upgrade program in greater detail.\n\nWhat was the total cost of preparing the VC-25B Bridge aircraft for delivery? Provide a comprehensive breakout of costs of L3Harris’s upgrade work, as well as associated expenses by the Air Force (including new equipment, mockups, and training).\n\nHow were the work schedule and timeframe for this aircraft modification program developed? What were the Air Force’s stated priorities for this program? Who, formally or informally, played a role in setting requirements and finalizing the contract? Describe the contract negotiations in detail and release the contract text for review.\n\nHow did the surge of Air Force and L3Harris personnel and resources to support the program’s accelerated schedule impact overall cost?\n\nHow did the surge of Air Force and L3Harris personnel and resources to support the program’s accelerated schedule impact other Air Force efforts or other Pentagon work being conducted at L3Harris? How were resources diverted from other programs?\n\nHow would the Air Force and L3Harris have adjusted the program’s schedule and cost structure have changed without a July 4, 2026, deadline?\n\nHow did the program’s accelerated schedule impact the scope of the Air Force One upgrade package? Detail capabilities that were not added to the VC-25B Bridge aircraft and describe the national security implications.\n\nWhat additional resources, personnel, and equipment will be necessary to make up for the neglected upgrades when operating the aircraft as Air Force One? What will the cost be?\n\nHow did the aircraft modification program account for President Trump’s stated plan to transfer the VC-25B Bridge aircraft to his Presidential library upon leaving office?\n\nWe urge you to answer these questions and arrange the briefing as soon as possible to shed much-needed light on Trump’s luxury jet upgrade program. We look forward to the opportunity to finally deliver answers to the American people about Trump’s foreign-gifted luxury jet and the federal resources poured into upgrading and delivering it in time for his July 4 celebrations.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-kaptur-call-on-omb-to-rescind-proposed-rule-that-would-politicize-doe-grants-scare-off-private-investment/", "title": "Murray, Kaptur Call on OMB to Rescind Proposed Rule That Would Politicize DOE Grants, Scare Off Private Investment", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, sent a letter to White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought calling on him to rescind OMB’s proposed rule governing all federal grants and financial assistance.\n\nIn the letter, the top Democratic energy appropriators underscore how OMB’s proposed rule would politicize grants and loans made by the Department of Energy (DOE) and enable political appointees to terminate grants for virtually any reason they please, which will put critical energy projects on the chopping block and scare private investment away from projects that lower Americans’ costs. Moody’s recently warned that the proposed rule would be “credit negative for entities with high dependence on competitive federal funding because it would materially weaken the reliability of multi-year discretionary funding commitments.”\n\n“We write to express our unequivocal and strong opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed changes to the rules governing the Federal grants system,” write Murray and Kaptur. “We urge immediate withdrawal of this proposed rule. This proposal represents dangerous executive overreach designed to usurp Congress’s constitutional power of the purse and replace objective, merit-based grantmaking with a system highly vulnerable to government corruption and political cronyism.”\n\n“By allowing an Administration to arbitrarily terminate or withhold awarded grant funds based on shifting political whims, this proposed rule would freeze critical energy and water investments needed to lower everyday costs for Americans and improve affordability for working families,” they continue. “Furthermore, turning grant funding meant to support reliable Federal partnerships into a political ‘slush fund’ will drive away private capital, stifle domestic innovation, and severely undermine America’s global competitiveness—ceding our Nation’s technological leadership to foreign adversaries at the worst possible time.”\n\nMurray and Kaptur underscore that the proposed changes will significantly impact DOE programs and undermine congressional intent.\n\n“These concerns are particularly acute at the Department of Energy, which administers billions of dollars in grants, cooperative agreements, and formula funding enacted through annual appropriations acts and major energy-related statutes,” they write. “DOE award recipients often make long-term hiring, contracting, and investment decisions based on Federal awards. If recipients cannot rely on those awards being administered according to congressional intent, participation in DOE programs will decline and Congress’s objectives will be frustrated.”\n\nThe full letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nWe write to express our unequivocal and strong opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed changes to the rules governing the Federal grants system as printed in the Federal Register on May 29, 2026 (91 FR 32198; “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance”). We urge immediate withdrawal of this proposed rule. This proposal represents dangerous executive overreach designed to usurp Congress’s constitutional power of the purse and replace objective, merit-based grantmaking with a system highly vulnerable to government corruption and political cronyism.\n\nBy allowing an Administration to arbitrarily terminate or withhold awarded grant funds based on shifting political whims, this proposed rule would freeze critical energy and water investments needed to lower everyday costs for Americans and improve affordability for working families. Furthermore, turning grant funding meant to support reliable Federal partnerships into a political “slush fund” will drive away private capital, stifle domestic innovation, and severely undermine America’s global competitiveness – ceding our Nation’s technological leadership to foreign adversaries at the worst possible time.\n\nUnder our constitutional system of government, Congress appropriates funds for specific purposes and directs agencies to carry out those programs consistent with statute. Appropriations laws are deliberately written to provide clear direction regarding how taxpayer funds are to be used and are intended to be administered according to law, not according to the political preferences of any particular Administration. The Federal grant process works because applicants can rely on the expectation that once Congress has enacted funding and established eligibility requirements, awards will be made and administered by the Executive Branch based on those statutory criteria as a matter of public law rather than shifting political considerations. For the system to work well and Federal grants to have the maximum impact possible, recipients must be able to trust that they will receive funds based on fair and transparent criteria and that their grants will not be ripped up suddenly because an Administration has a political disagreement.\n\nThe proposed rule would dismantle this system and breaks faith with the American people. It would provide agencies broad discretion to terminate, condition, or otherwise withhold grants and cooperative agreements based on ever-changing Executive Branch priorities rather than Congressional direction. The practical effect of this change would be to create uncertainty for States, local governments, universities, nonprofits, utilities, and private-sector entities considering whether to apply for Federal assistance. Organizations are far less likely to invest the time and resources required to pursue Federal funding if they believe an award can be terminated at any time for reasons unrelated to organizational integrity, program performance, or statutory requirements, and without required justification.\n\nThese concerns are particularly acute at the Department of Energy (DOE), which administers billions of dollars in grants, cooperative agreements, and formula funding enacted through annual appropriations acts and major energy-related statutes. DOE award recipients often make long-term hiring, contracting, and investment decisions based on Federal awards. If recipients cannot rely on those awards being administered according to congressional intent, participation in DOE programs will decline and Congress’s objectives will be frustrated.\n\nThe proposal raises serious concerns that agencies would violate the Impoundment Control Act (ICA). Congress enacted the ICA to prevent the Executive Branch from unilaterally withholding appropriated funds. Yet OMB’s proposal appears designed to expand agencies’ ability to accomplish indirectly what they cannot do directly: prevent congressionally appropriated funds from reaching recipients through broad termination authorities and subjective policy-based conditions. Agencies should not be given tools that effectively allow them to substitute presidential priorities for enacted spending laws. DOE has previously been found to have withheld congressionally appropriated funds in violation of the ICA, as determined by a US Government Accountability Office legal decision issued in July 2025.\n\nWe are particularly concerned by OMB’s proposed revisions to Federal regulations codified in Section 200.340 of Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 C.F.R. §200.340), which significantly expand agencies’ ability to terminate Federal awards for just about any reason they like. OMB, under the current Administration, has repeatedly pointed to this provision to justify widespread politically motivated grant cancellations and funding freezes across the Federal Government. The proposed changes would further broaden this authority and make it easier for agencies to terminate awards based on vague and subjective policy considerations rather than clear statutory requirements. Such an approach undermines funding certainty, discourages participation in Federal programs, and weakens Congress’s constitutional power of the purse. Several courts have ruled DOE’s prior attempt to terminate projects on political grounds by targeting “blue” States, Cities, and Congressional Districts to be illegal and ordered Federal funding to be reinstated.\n\nThe proposed rule raises additional concerns about due process and fair competition in Federal funding allocation. Under current rules, DOE discretionary grants must be awarded through a merit-based competitive selection process unless a formal Determination for Noncompetitive Financial Assistance (DNFA) is provided. The proposed 2 C.F.R. §200.204 revision would carve out a “national interest” exception to public posting of funding opportunities on Grants.gov, effectively removing the requirement of formal justification for non-competitive award selections. Additionally, OMB’s proposed revisions to 2 C.F.R. §200.205 would require pre-issuance review of all discretionary awards by senior political appointees to ensure that awards advance the President’s policy priorities in line with Executive Order 14332. The insertion of such a political filter compromises the merit-based foundation of award selection.\n\nThe proposed rule would also drive-up costs for the businesses, investors, and startups that help build America’s energy future. These companies rely on Federal awards to secure financing, bring in private investment, and commit to projects that take years to complete. When the government can pull an award at any moment for political reasons, lenders and investors have no choice but to treat every dollar as if it could disappear. That makes capital more expensive, discourages private partners, and can leave high-quality, strategic energy projects unbuilt. The Federal award recipients that do move forward will have to track and comply with vague, shifting conditions – a burden that lands hardest on the small firms and new companies least able to afford it. The result is less private money behind every Federal dollar and fewer energy projects coming online, which ultimately means higher energy costs for American families.\n\nFederal grants should not be transformed from effective vehicles for implementing laws enacted by Congress into mechanisms for advancing or withholding funding based on political preferences and priorities. The certainty, predictability, and technical, merit-based governance of Federal assistance programs is essential to ensuring that qualified applicants continue to seek Federal funding and carry out activities consistent with the laws enacted by Congress.\n\nFor these reasons, we urge OMB to withdraw the proposal.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sen-ossoff-pushing-usda-to-support-georgia-farmers-impacted-by-high-winds-from-hurricane-helene/", "title": "Sen. Ossoff Pushing USDA to Support Georgia Farmers Impacted by High Winds from Hurricane Helene", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is pushing to support Georgia farmers impacted by high winds from Hurricane Helene.\n\nSen. Ossoff is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) to ensure Georgia farmers and growers still struggling to recover from damage from high winds during Hurricane Helene receive the support they deserve.\n\nDespite experiencing crop and production damages due to Hurricane Helene, producers who purchased Hurricane Insurance Protection – Wind Index (HIP-WI) coverage through USDA in Screven, Effingham, Chatham, Bryan, Evans, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Wayne, Glynn, and Camden Counties did not receive indemnity payments, which are payments made to farmers after they face qualified losses like from natural disasters.\n\nThese indemnity payments are made if the National Hurricane Center (NHC) determines that a county (or adjacent county) was impacted by sustained hurricane-force winds. According to a new report published by the NHC in February 2026, “wind gusts in the 70-79 knots (kt) range were measured by weather stations in Towns, Chatham, and Echols Counties,” meaning more farmers in these counties should be eligible for indemnity payments.\n\nSen. Ossoff is urging USDA to evaluate all available NHC data and take “all possible actions within your authorities to ensure that growers who purchased HIP-WI crop insurance policies from the Federal Crop Insurance Program receive the maximum support possible from USDA.”\n\n“In September 2024, Hurricane Helene caused devastation to rural Georgia, including $5.5 billion in agricultural and timber losses. That is why I worked with congressional colleagues to pass disaster funding for Georgia farmers less than 90 days after Hurricane Helene devastated Georgia. However, some Georgia farmers have yet to be made whole,” Sen. Ossoff wrote to USDA Risk Management Agency Administrator Pat Swanson. “I ask for your commitment that RMA will re-evaluate the available data produced by the NHC during and since Hurricane Helene to reconsider the HIP-WI eligibility determinations for Screven, Effingham, Chatham, Bryan, Evans, Liberty, Long, Mclntosh, Wayne, Glynn, and Camden counties. Ensuring that our farmers receive the support they planned for and invested in is the very least USDA can do.”\n\nSen. Ossoff continues working to help Georgia agriculture recover from Hurricane Helene.\n\nSen. Ossoff introduced the Farm Disaster Tax Cut Act to provide farmers with a temporary tax cut on crop insurance payments in the event their crop yields or revenues fall below their guaranteed level due to natural disasters such as droughts, floods, and diseases.\n\nIn March, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock announced more than $531 million in Hurricane Helene Federal relief for Georgia’s farmers after Sen. Ossoff successfully fought to pass a bipartisan disaster relief package in December 2024 that included $21 billion in agricultural disaster funding to help Georgia farmers recovering from the disastrous impacts of Hurricane Helene and farmers nationwide impacted by natural disasters.\n\nClick here to read Sen. Ossoff’s full letter.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-announce-over-53-million-to-repair-highways-roads-across-california/", "title": "Padilla, Schiff Announce Over $53 Million to Repair Highways, Roads Across California", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) announced that four road and highway repair projects in Amador, Kern, Riverside, and Orange counties were awarded a combined $53.8 million from the Department of Transportation (DOT). The funding comes through the DOT’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program, which provides grants for locally and regionally significant surface transportation infrastructure projects.\n\nThis federal investment in California was made possible through Padilla and Schiff’s championing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\n“For millions of Californians, a safer road can mean a shorter commute, a faster emergency response, or a more reliable evacuation route,” said Senator Padilla. “These federal investments will make a real difference for communities across our state, and I’m proud to have helped deliver this funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”\n\n“These grants will fund critical projects that help construct and improve bridges, roadways, off-ramps, bikeways, pedestrian crossings and other transportation infrastructure,” said Senator Schiff. “This federal investment will also support local economic growth and construction jobs, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact on communities in Amador, Kern, Riverside, and Orange counties.”\n\nThe four projects receiving funding are:\n\nRiverside County’s I-15/SR 74 (Central Avenue) Interchange Improvement Project — $25 million: This project will improve the I-15/SR-74 interchange in the City of Lake Elsinore, California in Riverside County including upgrades to on and off-ramps, new traffic signals and freeway signage, ADA-compliant pedestrian and bicycle facilities, drainage improvements, and reconfiguration of the interchange.\n\nRiverside County’s State Route 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project — $25 million: This project will add an operational eastbound lane on State Route 91 from the State Route 241 general purpose connector to the State Route 71 connector lane in Riverside County. It will also widen bridges, construct retaining walls, replace overhead signs, among other improvements.\n\nAmador County’s Fiddletown Road Rural Resilience and Safety Rehabilitation Project — $2.5 million: This project will rebuild approximately 3.12 miles of a structurally deficient roadway that serves as an evacuation route in Amador County.\n\nKern County’s I-40 Corridor Extension Project — $1.37 million: This project will invest in studying the feasibility, safety and economic benefits of a potential extension of the I-40 corridor along State Route 58 in Kern County.\n\nSince voting to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021, Senator Padilla has secured billions for California infrastructure improvements. Last year, Padilla announced over $258 million for nine transportation infrastructure projects across California through the DOT’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program, the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Grant Program, and the Rural Surface Transportation Grant (Rural) Program.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-strongly-oppose-trump-ombs-plan-to-politicize-federal-grantmaking", "title": "Reed & Whitehouse Strongly Oppose Trump-OMB’s Plan to Politicize Federal Grantmaking", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC -- The Trump Administration’s latest attack on America’s scientific and educational research as well as health, transportation, and education programs could be its most damaging yet: injecting hyper-partisanship into how federal agencies assess, select, and oversee federal grants and cooperative agreements. If enacted, a merit-based, largely independent, peer review process for grantmaking decisions would be tossed out and political appointees at federal agencies would effectively get to decide who gets grant funding and whose grants may be cancelled mid-project without justification.\n\nAs the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities notes: “Federal grantmaking processes are designed to be open, fair, reliable, and free of political influence, favoritism, or retaliation. But since the first days following President Trump’s inauguration, his Administration has upended every stage of the federal grantmaking process. That effort began with an unprecedented (albeit short-lived) government-wide grant freeze, followed by a set of presidential directives, ad hoc cancellations, and delays seeking to politicize the grantmaking process.\n\n“Then on May 29, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a proposed rule that seeks to modify government-wide grants guidance to operationalize and enforce the Administration’s approach to grantmaking across federal agencies. The proposed rule would radically transform how grant award decisions are made, allowing them to be based on purely political calculations — including who receives funds, what is required of grantees, and when grants can be cancelled — introducing an enormous risk of capriciousness, abuse, and corruption.”\n\nU.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse issued a joint statement of opposition: “We strongly oppose the Trump Administration’s attempt to circumvent Constitutional checks and balances in order to seize more power for President Trump and use federal grants as a hyper-partisan tool to reward supporters and punish critics. That is illegal and immoral and puts American innovation, research, patients, and infrastructure at risk. We will continue working to prevent the abuse of power and hold the president and his administration accountable.”\n\nReed and Whitehouse say the stakes for Rhode Island are massive: In 2024, the federal government sent $1.1 trillion in federal grants to state and local governments nationwide to support a wide range of programs, including healthcare, infrastructure, education, nutrition assistance, and housing and economic development, according to data from the Congressional Research Service.\n\nGiven that the Trump Administration’s proposed rule could stunt scientific progress and weaken America’s global competitiveness and national security, Reed and Whitehouse teamed up with their Democratic colleagues in demanding that Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought immediately rescind OMB’s proposed regulation on federal financial assistance.\n\nThe U.S. Senators warned the Trump Administration’s misguided proposal exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, and would allow President Trump and all future presidents to weaponize federal grants for political purposes.\n\n“Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals,” the 47 U.S. Senators wrote. “Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs.”\n\nThe proposed rule would dramatically expand agencies’ authority to terminate federal grants at any time and without notice. It would also require political appointees to make funding decisions without deferring to expert peer review. The Senators warn this would inject partisan politics into grantmaking, threaten America’s leadership in scientific and medical innovation and create chaos for communities and organizations that rely on federal funding to deliver critical services.\n\n“Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators also argue that OMB’s proposal would force grant recipients to comply with vague, undefined and political grant conditions that conflict with existing statutes. At the same time, it would weaken transparency and accountability requirements intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars. These changes could discourage qualified organizations from applying for federal grants and increase the risk of waste, fraud and abuse.\n\nThe Senators concluded: “Article I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal.”\n\nAlong with Reed and Whitehouse, the letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nRhode Islanders who wish to submit comments to OMB on their proposed rule must do so before the public comment closes on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.\n\nFull text of the letter follows:\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nWe write to express our strong opposition to your proposed regulation on federal financial assistance (Fed. Reg. Vol. 91, No. 103, Friday May 29, 2026) and to insist you rescind it immediately. Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals. Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs. And contrary to the regulation’s justification of fiscal transparency, the changes also weaken the oversight and effective stewardship of taxpayer funds.\n\nThe proposed rule undermines federal agencies’ and grant recipients’ ability to faithfully carry out the programs enacted by Congress. When Congress authorizes and appropriates money for federal grants, it does so with the understanding that all Administrations will distribute those grants consistent with Congressional intent and the funding instructions articulated in law. The type of discretion the President intends to bestow upon himself through this proposed rule is counter to all past precedent and ignores the reality of how appropriations and authorizing laws are drafted.\n\nThis proposal dramatically expands agencies' authority to the point where the President could terminate or suspend any grant at any time for any reason and without any notice. The Trump administration’s actions over the last year and a half have already shown how these types of arbitrary cancellations create chaos and new costs, making it harder for grant recipients to provide the intended public benefit. In one instance, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Agency cancelled over $2 billion of grants to mental health and addiction programs without notice, only to reinstate those grants within 24 hours.\n\nIn another instance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency unilaterally cancelled nearly $4.5 billion of natural disaster mitigation funding without notice, only to claim in court that they had never really cancelled those grants at all.\n\nThis boundless power to terminate federal funding creates whiplash and erodes grant recipients’ trust in the grant agreements they sign. Ultimately, it makes it less likely that deserving and capable organizations and communities would apply for federal grants and risk tying their work to grants that could be upended with no rhyme, reason, or even advance notice.\n\nThe proposed rule would also require and empower political appointees to decide which grants do and do not get funded, explicitly directing them to not defer to expert peer review. This would have far reaching consequences, including but not limited to scientific research. For example, over decades the United States has built a biomedical research enterprise, led by investments in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), that is the envy of the world and makes us the world leader in medical innovation. It has led to new cures and treatments for devastating diseases that decades ago would have been considered miracles. This was built on the foundation that investments in biomedical research would be allocated based on a strictly non-partisan, rigorous, scientific review process to determine which specific research projects to fund. This proposed rule would fundamentally undermine that, and direct political appointees to substitute their own independent opinions over those of panels of experts.\n\nOMB’s proposal also transforms federal grants from policy tools that Congress uses to promote the public good into a political cudgel that the President plans to use to punish his perceived political foes while rewarding himself and his friends. President Trump’s administration has already begun to do this. Although multiple requests for information have gone unanswered, we estimate that at the Department of Transportation alone, at least 45 grants totaling $5.3 billion have been terminated, withdrawn, or cancelled by the Trump Administration. This includes nearly $109 million in five grants slated for Colorado, $679 million in 12 port related grants, and $54 million in transportation research conducted by universities. Meanwhile grantees in California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota continue to wait in limbo as OMB instructed DOT to cancel more than $943 million in grants in early February. With the threat of termination hanging over every grant recipient, presidents will be able to substitute their personal and partisan policy positions for federal spending directives, undermining Congress’s constitutional power of the purse.\n\nThe proposal also injects vague, burdensome, and potentially unlawful terms and conditions that give the president pretext to pick winners and losers among grant recipients. Contrary to OMB claims that the proposal will bring “regulatory clarity” to the administration of federal grants, the proposal would create limits on funding based on undefined terms, making it impossible for grant recipients to comply. In the proposal OMB explains that these undefined terms will ensure that federal funds are “not diverted to . . . radical political ideologies,” without further elaboration. Grant recipients must instead “demonstrably advance the President’s policy priorities,” whatever they happen to be. Terms like “anti-American values,” “gold-standard science,” and “diversity, equity, and inclusion” are not defined and, in some cases, are the subject of ongoing litigation. Further, Congress has passed specific statutes requiring agencies like the NIH to conduct health disparities research, including research on maternal mortality, cardiovascular disease in minority populations, and cancer screening equity. This rule’s prohibition on “diversity, equity, and inclusion” research would complicate compliance with those statutes. Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims. Ultimately, many grant recipients will decide it is too costly and confusing to try to keep up with shifting priorities of each new administration and give up on seeking federal grants altogether, frustrating Congress’s purpose to help the intended beneficiaries of the program.\n\nAs OMB seeks to consolidate power over federal funds, it also seeks to undermine transparency and accountability of the use of taxpayer dollars. The proposal removes the requirement that grant recipients follow financial internal control standards established by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). However, Congress required that GAO issue standards for financial internal controls and that agencies follow these standards in the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act of 1982.Allowing recipients to disregard independent financial risk management standards required by statute jeopardizes the faithful stewardship of taxpayer dollars and increases the risk of fraud or abuse.\n\nOMB’s grantmaking power grab is not only bad policy; it is also unlawful. OMB lacks the legal authority to issue binding regulations about how to cancel federal grants for each agency. In its proposal, OMB points to the Chief Financial Officers Act (CFO Act) for its sweeping assertion of power.15 However, the CFO Act in no way delegates to OMB the power to tell federal agencies that they can cancel grants at any time for any reason. Courts in Rhode Island and the District of Columbia have already rejected OMB’s claim that it can indiscriminately pause or terminate grants, holding that the CFO Act does not give OMB “the power to halt all finances, full-stop, on a moment's notice.”16 By dictating policy for grant recipients, OMB is attempting to supplant Congress’s primary role in appropriating funds and directing their purpose.\n\nArticle I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-in-the-washington-examiner-nato-is-stronger-because-trump-demanded-more", "title": "Sen. Rick Scott in the Washington Examiner: NATO is Stronger Because Trump Demanded More", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Senator Rick Scott published an op-ed in the Washington Examiner highlighting how NATO has grown stronger because President Trump leaned on alliance members to make good on their defense commitments.\n\nAs NATO meets in Turkey for an alliance-wide summit, Senator Scott argues that, because member nations are now seriously investing in their own defense, the alliance is stronger than the sum of its parts.\n\nSenator Scott wrote, “Here’s the deal: For many years, NATO was about charity. The United States and a select few European countries provided for the alliance. However, NATO can and should be a hard-nosed security arrangement that advances American and the other members’ interests, and it only works when every ally carries its fair share of the burden.\n\n…\n\n“Trump did what his predecessors could not. He made it clear that every NATO ally must live up to its commitments, including Article 3 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which requires every member to build and maintain its own capacity to defend itself first.\n\n…\n\n“NATO remains the strongest military alliance in history, bringing together 32 countries committed to defending themselves and one another. At a time when communist China is expanding its military and Putin’s Russia continues its aggression in Europe, projecting decisive strength matters more than ever.”\n\nRead the full op-ed HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/07/senators-rosen-cortez-masto-celebrate-1-million-in-federal-funding-for-las-vegas-metro-police-departments-air-unit/", "title": "Senators Rosen, Cortez Masto Celebrate $1 Million in Federal Funding for Las Vegas Metro Police Department’s Air Unit", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) visited the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s (LVMPD) Air Support Unit to celebrate the $1 million in federal funding they secured. The federal funding is part of the Community Project Funding both senators secured in the Fiscal Year 2026 government funding law. LVMPD is the only agency in Southern Nevada with a full-scale manned helicopter unit, which assists with routine patrols, search & rescue operations, and security for big events.\n\n“The Las Vegas Metro Police Department works overtime to keep Clark County safe – protecting major events and the tourists that come to visit Southern Nevada,” said Senator Rosen. “The Air Support Unit is the only one of its kind in Southern Nevada, and is one of LVMPD’s critical tools for patrolling the skies. I am proud we were able to secure this federal funding for our law enforcement, and I promise to continue prioritizing safety across Nevada.\n\n“The men and women of LVMPD put their lives on the line to protect our families – it’s my job to deliver for them at the federal level,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “That’s why I’m proud to have secured $1 million to help Metro secure our skies, protect large-scale events, and continue search-and-rescue operations. I’ll never stop fighting to provide Nevada’s law enforcement officers with the tools, resources, and funding they need to keep our communities safe.”\n\nSenators Rosen and Cortez Masto have worked across party lines to ensure Nevada gets its fair share of funding. They recently secured more than $35.6 million for essential services in rural counties in Nevada and have in recent years secured millions of dollars for law enforcement throughout the state.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-padilla-announce-over-53-million-to-repair-highways-roads-across/", "title": "NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla Announce Over $53 Million to Repair Highways, Roads Across", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schiff and Padilla secured these critical infrastructure investments in California through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) announced that four road and highway repair projects in Amador, Kern, Riverside, and Orange counties were awarded a combined $53.8 million from the Department of Transportation (DOT). The funding comes through the DOT’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program, which provides grants for locally and regionally significant surface transportation infrastructure projects.\n\nThis federal investment in California was made possible through Senator Schiff and Padilla’s championing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\n“These grants will fund critical projects that help construct and improve bridges, roadways, off-ramps, bikeways, pedestrian crossings and other transportation infrastructure,” said Senator Schiff. “This federal investment will also support local economic growth and construction jobs, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact on communities in Amador, Kern, Riverside, and Orange counties.”\n\n“For millions of Californians, a safer road can mean a shorter commute, a faster emergency response, or a more reliable evacuation route,” said Senator Padilla. “These federal investments will make a real difference for communities across our state, and I’m proud to have helped deliver this funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”\n\nThe four projects receiving funding are:\n\nAmador County’s Fiddletown Road Rural Resilience and Safety Rehabilitation Project — $2.5 million: This project will rebuild approximately 3.12 miles of a structurally deficient roadway that serves as an evacuation route in Amador County.\n\nKern County’s I-40 Corridor Extension Project — $1.37 million: This project will invest in studying the feasibility, safety and economic benefits of a potential extension of the I-40 corridor along State Route 58 in Kern County.\n\nRiverside County’s I-15/SR 74 (Central Avenue) Interchange Improvement Project — $25 million: This project will improve the I-15/SR-74 interchange in the City of Lake Elsinore, California in Riverside County including upgrades to on and off-ramps, new traffic signals and freeway signage, ADA-compliant pedestrian and bicycle facilities, drainage improvements, and reconfiguration of the interchange.\n\nRiverside County’s State Route 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project — $25 million: This project will add an operational eastbound lane on State Route 91 from the State Route 241 general purpose connector to the State Route 71 connector lane in Riverside County. It will also widen bridges, construct retaining walls, replace overhead signs, among other improvements.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senator-schmitt-highlights-massive-federal-investment-in-missouri-transportation-infrastructure/", "title": "Senator Schmitt Highlights Massive Federal Investment in Missouri Transportation Infrastructure", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Following His Advocacy on Behalf of Missourians, Schmitt Celebrates New Funds for State and Local Transportation Projects\n\nU.S. SENATE — Today U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) highlighted funds awarded to Missouri as part of the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) 2026 BUILD Awards, which are providing $61 million in funding to key transportation infrastructure projects across the state. These grants are a result of Schmitt’s push for DOT to deliver critical funds to support Missouri communities.\n\n“Missourians depend on strong and reliable transportation infrastructure to go to work, provide for their families, and grow their businesses. This funding will help connect Missouri to more major roadways across the nation, reduce traffic delays, and promote economic development and tourism. Additionally, this year’s BUILD Awards are doing exactly what federal funding is meant to do: help Americans and strengthen our communities. Instead of funding fraud and illegal scams, Missourians’ tax dollars are actually being reinvested into their own state and communities. This is an enormous win for the people of Missouri, and I’m thankful for the Trump Administration’s continued support for the Show Me State,” said Senator Schmitt.\n\n$1,200,000 for Poplar Bluff South Connector in Butler County\n\n$18,000,000 for Belton to America in Cass County\n\n$9,055,200 for I-29 Corridor Improvement Project in Clay County\n\n$23,500,000 for Phase II of Route MM Widening from I-44 to Haile St in Greene County\n\n$9,369,473 for Multimodal Transportation, Connectivity Restoration, and Stormwater Mitigation in Sullivan County\n\nDOT’s 2026 BUILD Awards will provide cities and counties across Missouri with $61 million in funding for a variety of projects, including expanding roadways, connecting key infrastructure and major roadways, and making safety and quality-of-life improvements.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-after-delivering-800000-in-fed-funding-visits-new-broome-tioga-boces-satellite-campus-for-workforce-development-training-in-owego", "title": "SCHUMER, AFTER DELIVERING $800,000+ IN FED FUNDING, VISITS NEW BROOME-TIOGA BOCES SATELLITE CAMPUS FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING IN OWEGO", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.schumer.senate.gov", "scraper": "schumer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000148", "name": "Charles E. Schumer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Thanks To Schumer-Secured Funding, New BOCES Satellite Campus In Owego Will Help Local Workforce Prepare For Jobs In Manufacturing, Hospitality, Agriculture, And More\n\nTioga Regional Career And Technical Education Center Can Provide Training To 150 High School Students During The Day And 50 Adult Community Members At Night\n\nSchumer: New Facility Is A Win-Win For Workforce Development And Tioga County Economy\n\nAfter delivering $811,000 in federal funding for Broome-Tioga BOCES to expand onto a campus in Tioga County, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer last week visited the new satellite campus in Owego. The Schumer-secured funding will help meet Tioga County’s need for preparing more local workers to address the demand from local employers in priority industries, including emerging technologies in energy storage, and hospitality. The new Tioga Regional Career and Technical Education Center will provide career and technical training to 150 high school students during the day and 50 adult community members at night.\n\n“New Yorkers in the Southern Tier deserve access to the training programs they need to get a good-paying job. I was proud to deliver $811,000 in federal funding so New Yorkers in Tioga County can secure in-demand skills closer to home,” said Senator Schumer. “The new education center will help hundreds of students of all ages gain the hands-on training they need without having to commute hours every day to Binghamton. Boosting our local workforce is essential to creating a pipeline of skilled workers in important industries like manufacturing, energy, hospitality, agriculture, and more. This federal investment is a win-win for workforce development and the Tioga County economy. I will never stop fighting to boost workforce development programs in the Southern Tier and across Upstate New York so young people can land good-paying jobs close to home and local businesses can grow and hire local workers.”\n\nBroome-Tioga BOCES helps public school districts in Broome and Tioga Counties provide workforce development training to students and members of the local community. Currently, students traveling to Broome-Tioga BOCES in Binghamton lose up to 2 hours of learning time per day due to commute time, compete with larger school districts for class slots, and complete class projects outside their home communities. As a result, Broome-Tioga BOCES has prioritized businesses closer to its facilities in Broome County, and there have been fewer opportunities for students and local businesses in Tioga County.\n\nSchumer explained that, currently, career and technical education programs in electricity, agriculture science, and heavy equipment repairs are offered at the Owego Apalachin Central School District. With the federal funding that Schumer secured, the Owego Apalachin Central School District will convert a building currently used as a maintenance facility into a BOCES satellite campus that meets New York State standards for educational facilities and expands its program offerings in emerging technologies in energy storage, hospitality, and healthcare. The new regional education and training center will provide career and technical training to 150 high school students from three Tioga County school districts during the day and 50 adult community members at night. Community members will develop new skills for in-demand industries identified by local economic development organizations, including Advanced Manufacturing, Hospitality, and Agriculture.\n\nSchumer secured this federal funding in the FY2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration budget bill that was signed into law earlier this year.\n\nDr. Corey Green, Superintendent of the Owego Apalachin Central School District said, \"We are incredibly thankful to Senator Schumer for his advocacy and support of our district and the Southern Tier. This investment, combined with our strong partnership with Broome-Tioga BOCES, allows us to expand opportunities for both our students and adult learners. These federal resources will fuel continued innovation and growth within our Career Technical Education Center, ensuring learners have access to the cutting-edge training needed for today's workforce. This funding is a tremendous win for our region, strengthening our ability to build a skilled local talent pipeline and support the long-term growth of Tioga County and the Southern Tier.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-demands-trump-administration-omb-director-vought-release-affordable-housing-construction-funds", "title": "Shaheen Demands Trump Administration, OMB Director Vought Release Affordable Housing Construction Funds", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and a number of her Senate colleagues are pressing the Trump Administration and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought to unlock community development tools and promptly release $750 million in federal housing construction funds. This effort is particularly important as President Trump continues his refusal to sign the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which Congress passed last month to help build more housing, lower costs, streamline construction regulations and curb private equity’s ability to buy single-family homes and drive up housing prices.\n\nThe Trump Administration is sitting on approximately $750 million in housing construction funds available under the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF), Housing Trust Fund (HTF) and Housing Production-Financial Assistance Awards (HP-FA) programs. These federal funds can be leveraged by state and local organizations to develop, preserve, rehabilitate and increase the supply of affordable housing. Together, these programs strengthen communities, revitalize neighborhoods, create jobs and ensure more Americans can afford a high-quality home at a decent price that fits their budget. Senator Shaheen and 22 of her colleagues demanded OMB Director Vought release these housing construction funds without further delay.\n\nThe Senators wrote, in part: “We write to urge you to immediately direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of the Treasury to release approximately $750 million in housing construction funds available under the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Housing Production-Financial Assistance Awards (HP-FA) programs.”\n\nThey continued: “These funds, which are derived from the profits of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and revenue from the Emergency Capital Investment Program, could pay to build or rehabilitate over 63,000 homes at no cost to American taxpayers.”\n\nThe Senators concluded: “Today, Americans are suffering through a housing affordability crisis. Single-family home prices and the average age of first-time homebuyers hit record highs last year, while more households are paying unsustainable amounts of rent than ever before. This crisis is nationwide: home prices have surged 40% in Texas, 43% in Iowa, 54% in Georgia, and 65% in Maine over the past six years – far outpacing wages and overall inflation. You have the ability to increase our nation’s housing supply and help address this crisis. With that in mind, we urge you to direct the release of these funds without any further delay.”\n\nA full copy of the letter can be found HERE.\n\nIn addition to Shaheen, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mark Warner (D-VA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).\n\nShaheen is leading efforts in the Senate to lower housing costs and increase the supply of affordable units in the Granite State. Earlier this year, Senator Shaheen secured three commonsense provisions—the Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act, Streamlining Rural Housing Act and the Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative in Community Enhancement (PRICE) Act in the landmark 21st Century Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act to expand supply of affordable housing, streamline construction and lower costs in the Granite State and across the country. In the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, Shaheen secured upwards of $9 million in federal funding for affordable housing in New Hampshire. Recently, Senator Shaheen visited Franconia, West Lebanon and Laconia to discuss policy solutions to lower housing costs for communities across the state.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/2026/07/07/slotkin-ossoff-demand-answers-after-hegseth-denied-military-officers-promotions-for-political-reasons/", "title": "Slotkin, Ossoff Demand Answers After Hegseth Denied Military Officers’ Promotions for Political Reasons", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "www.slotkin.senate.gov", "scraper": "slotkin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001208", "name": "Elissa Slotkin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and colleagues are demanding answers after reports that Secretary Hegseth denied military officers’ promotions for political reasons.\n\nSecretary Hegseth reportedly blocked the promotion of eight Navy captains to be one-star admirals –– including the promotions of two female officers and two Black officers.\n\n“We write concerning reports of your unprecedented decision to personally remove qualified Officers from consideration for promotion to Brigadier General, Major General and Flag Officer. These actions raise concerns regarding the criteria, process, and authorities utilized to make changes to promotion recommendations after completion of the highly regulated military promotion board process,” the Senators wrote to Secretary Hegseth.\n\n“We recognize the importance of having the most qualified Officers serving in these positions of great responsibility. While there are valid reasons to remove Officers from consideration for promotion for reasons that often involve sensitive or adverse information; public reports indicate your actions may be politically motivated, disregards the many achievements of these Officers, and shirks the idea of an apolitical military. Additionally, there are reports that your decisions are affecting morale among all ranks of Officers,”the Senators continued.\n\nSlotkin and Ossoff are joined by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Jeffrey Merkley (D-OR).\n\nClick here to read the full letter.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/trumps-luxury-jet-corruption-van-hollen-joins-murphy-senate-democrats-in-demanding-answers-on-misuse-of-federal-resources-after-rushed-costly-retrofit-job", "title": "Trump’s Luxury Jet Corruption: Van Hollen Joins Murphy, Senate Democrats in Demanding Answers on Misuse of Federal Resources After Rushed, Costly Retrofit Job", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), both members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, and eleven of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Troy E. Meink, Secretary of the U.S. Air Force, and Christopher Kubasik, CEO of L3Harris, demanding transparency into the taxpayer-funded modification of the $400-million luxury jet gifted to President Trump by the government of Qatar. Since Trump announced the gift in May 2025, the Trump administration has refused to provide Congress with basic details about the costs to taxpayers, national security risks, diversion of federal resources, and questionable decision-making process associated with sprinting to upgrade President Trump’s new luxury plane.\n\nIn the letter, Van Hollen and Murphy, along with U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), note that available public reporting indicates the Trump administration dedicated as much as $1 billion dollars to rushing the sensitive Air Force One modification process, with hundreds working around the clock to condense a yearslong process into just ten months. The Senators’ letter demands answers on this irresponsible use of federal resources.\n\n“Americans deserve answers on how the administration has decided to spend their taxpayer dollars and assume new national security risks with the VC-25B Bridge aircraft and the rushed retrofit program contracted to L3Harris – all in service to President Trump’s interest in having a pretty, luxurious plane for himself,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators called out the Trump administration for withholding information from Congress, preventing oversight of the luxury jet and its upgrade program: “For over a year, the administration has stonewalled congressional requests for information about Qatar’s luxury jet gift to President Trump. Congress and the American public have expressed due outrage about this corrupt, illegal exchange, but Pentagon officials have mostly deflected questions or claimed inability to share classified details about the luxury jet, the memorandum of understanding with Qatar, and the program to modify it for use by the President. The Trump administration has refused to share the information Congress needs to conduct oversight of this foreign gift and the estimated $1 billion in taxpayer dollars spent to upgrade and outfit the luxury jet for President Trump’s use during – and reportedly after – his term in office.”\n\nThey highlighted new reporting that indicates the luxury jet project has been another hotbed for corruption and misuse of taxpayer dollars: “After months of limited public information about the jet, new reporting has deepened concerns about the administration’s irresponsible management of U.S. national security funding to prioritize President Trump’s personal interest in this jet. In a Breaking Defense interview on June 23, L3Harris executive Jason Lambert reported that the company was contracted by the Air Force to oversee the jet’s modifications, with a deadline of July 4, 2026, from the White House. This timeline drove L3Harris to scale back the usual Air Force One upgrade package while committing 400 employees to working around the clock to complete in ten months a process that would normally take years. This accelerated luxury jet upgrade required other large expenses, including building a 3D mockup of the plane’s interior and the leasing and purchase of additional 747 aircraft for pilot and crew training.”\n\nThe Senators objected strongly to the Trump administration decision to shift resources away from national security priorities just so President Trump could enjoy luxury flying as soon as possible: “The Air Force seems to have committed to a rushed, expensive aircraft modification program in order to meet President Trump’s demand to fly on ‘the world’s most luxurious plane,’ with his favored paint job, during Independence Day festivities. Trump’s own statements – including his celebration of ‘a level of luxury that nobody’s ever seen before’ – make it clear that these decisions prioritized Trump’s personal comfort and tastes over U.S. national security.”\n\nThe Senators concluded by calling for a congressional briefing and demanding full transparency from the Secretary of the Air Force and the Pentagon contractor responsible for the project: “Congress needs full information about program costs, the diversion of resources away from other Pentagon priorities, and the national security and funding implications of upgrades skipped during the rush. The American public deserves transparency into this costly and questionable modification work – conducted with their taxpayer dollars on a luxury jet that President Trump reportedly plans to take with him after he leaves office.”\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Meink and Mr. Kubasik:\n\nWe write to ask the U.S. Air Force and L3Harris to provide Congress full information on the modification work recently completed on the $400-million Boeing 747-8 luxury jumbo jet gifted by the Government of Qatar to President Donald Trump. Americans deserve answers on how the administration has decided to spend their taxpayer dollars and assume new national security risks with the VC-25B Bridge aircraft and the rushed retrofit program contracted to L3Harris – all in service to President Trump’s interest in having a pretty, luxurious plane for himself.\n\nFor over a year, the administration has stonewalled congressional requests for information about Qatar’s luxury jet gift to President Trump. Congress and the American public have expressed due outrage about this corrupt, illegal exchange, but Pentagon officials have mostly deflected questions or claimed inability to share classified details about the luxury jet, the memorandum of understanding with Qatar, and the program to modify it for use by the President. The Trump administration has refused to share the information Congress needs to conduct oversight of this foreign gift and the estimated $1 billion in taxpayer dollars spent to upgrade and outfit the luxury jet for President Trump’s use during – and reportedly after – his term in office.\n\nAfter months of limited public information about the jet, new reporting has deepened concerns about the administration’s irresponsible management of U.S. national security funding to prioritize President Trump’s personal interest in this jet. In a Breaking Defense interview on June 23, L3Harris executive Jason Lambert reported that the company was contracted by the Air Force to oversee the jet’s modifications, with a deadline of July 4, 2026, from the White House. This timeline drove L3Harris to scale back the usual Air Force One upgrade package while committing 400 employees to working around the clock to complete in ten months a process that would normally take years. This accelerated luxury jet upgrade required other large expenses, including building a 3D mockup of the plane’s interior and the leasing and purchase of additional 747 aircraft for pilot and crew training.\n\nThe Air Force seems to have committed to a rushed, expensive aircraft modification program in order to meet President Trump’s demand to fly on “the world’s most luxurious plane,” with his favored paint job, during Independence Day festivities. Trump’s own statements – including his celebration of “a level of luxury that nobody’s ever seen before” – make it clear that these decisions prioritized Trump’s personal comfort and tastes over U.S. national security.\n\nCongress needs full information about program costs, the diversion of resources away from other Pentagon priorities, and the national security and funding implications of upgrades skipped during the rush. The American public deserves transparency into this costly and questionable modification work – conducted with their taxpayer dollars on a luxury jet that President Trump reportedly plans to take with him after he leaves office.\n\nTo this end, we request that the Air Force and L3Harris coordinate to provide written answers to the following questions no later than July 27, 2026. Recognizing that some of this information is classified, we also request a joint classified briefing for all U.S. Senators no later than August 6, 2026, to discuss your answers and the upgrade program in greater detail.\n\nWhat was the total cost of preparing the VC-25B Bridge aircraft for delivery? Provide a comprehensive breakout of costs of L3Harris’s upgrade work, as well as associated expenses by the Air Force (including new equipment, mockups, and training).\n\nHow were the work schedule and timeframe for this aircraft modification program developed? What were the Air Force’s stated priorities for this program? Who, formally or informally, played a role in setting requirements and finalizing the contract? Describe the contract negotiations in detail and release the contract text for review.\n\nHow did the surge of Air Force and L3Harris personnel and resources to support the program’s accelerated schedule impact overall cost?\n\nHow did the surge of Air Force and L3Harris personnel and resources to support the program’s accelerated schedule impact other Air Force efforts or other Pentagon work being conducted at L3Harris? How were resources diverted from other programs?\n\nHow would the Air Force and L3Harris have adjusted the program’s schedule and cost structure have changed without a July 4, 2026, deadline?\n\nHow did the program’s accelerated schedule impact the scope of the Air Force One upgrade package? Detail capabilities that were not added to the VC-25B Bridge aircraft and describe the national security implications.\n\nWhat additional resources, personnel, and equipment will be necessary to make up for the neglected upgrades when operating the aircraft as Air Force One? What will the cost be?\n\nHow did the aircraft modification program account for President Trump’s stated plan to transfer the VC-25B Bridge aircraft to his Presidential library upon leaving office?\n\nWe urge you to answer these questions and arrange the briefing as soon as possible to shed much-needed light on Trump’s luxury jet upgrade program. We look forward to the opportunity to finally deliver answers to the American people about Trump’s foreign-gifted luxury jet and the federal resources poured into upgrading and delivering it in time for his July 4 celebrations.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-hickenlooper-colleagues-in-urging-white-house-to-rescind-political-rule-that-hurts-american-science-research", "title": "Van Hollen Joins Hickenlooper, Colleagues in Urging White House to Rescind Political Rule That Hurts American Science, Research", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen joined Senator John Hickenlooper and 9 of thier Senate colleagues in submitting public comment to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought to demand OMB rescind a proposed rule, broadly titled “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” that could alter how nearly all federal agencies administer grants and financial agreements. The proposed change would give more political control over these awards by the White House, which could enable corruption, undermine U.S. scientific investments and competitiveness, and block funding for critical life-saving research and collaboration.\n\n“The proposed changes solidify federal grant-making as an unprecedented partisan power-grab that eliminates transparency of how taxpayer dollars are spent. This rule would derail American innovation and competitiveness at the local and national levels, kill good-paying American jobs, drive up costs for families, and halt essential projects in local communities,” wrote the senators. “Instead of supporting data-driven investments that pay dividends for the American people, this guidance facilitates partisan ideals and cronyism, leaving Americans in the dark.”\n\nThe senators continued: “We share the goals of improved transparency, accountability, and oversight; clarification of regulatory structure; and reducing recipient burden–all in pursuit of continuing America’s global leadership in science and innovation. However, these regulations would act in opposition to these goals. They would undermine our country’s competitiveness, erode our scientific ecosystem, increase unwanted bureaucracy, enable corruption, and perpetuate uncertainty across our local communities. We strongly urge you to withdraw this proposed rule.”\n\nOMB has proposed sweeping changes to the rules governing how federal agencies award and administer grants and cooperative agreements. These are the primary mechanisms through which the country funds basic research, applied science, and scientific workforce development. These agencies also fund a wide array of grants for local projects including but not limited to infrastructure, public health, resource conservation, and rural development. The proposed rules formalize an August 7, 2025, Executive Order that directed OMB to expand political oversight over all federal awards.\n\nAlso joining the public comment were Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Angus King (I-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-warren-wyden-lofgren-lead-new-probe-into-cantor-fitzgerald-usar-after-16-billion-trump-administration-deal", "title": "Van Hollen, Warren, Wyden, Lofgren Lead New Probe Into Cantor Fitzgerald, USAR After $1.6 Billion Trump Administration Deal", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ranking Member on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee, and Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, pressed Cantor Fitzgerald (Cantor) — led by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s sons — and USA Rare Earth (USAR) on ethics concerns following their recent $1.6 billion agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce).\n\nUSAR’s reported engagement with Secretary Lutnick and financial arrangement with Cantor in conjunction with the Commerce deal — an agreement that potentially resulted in a multi-million-dollar payout to a firm led by the Secretary’s sons — raises glaring red flags.\n\n“It is imperative your compan(ies) provide complete transparency about the substantive conflict of interest concerns raised by the circumstances of this investment,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\nIn January 2026, USAR and Commerce announced a tentative $1.6 billion deal in which the federal government agreed to take a 10% stake in USAR. To close the deal, USAR raised $1.5 billion in a private offering for the company’s stock and selected Cantor, Secretary Lutnick’s former financial firm, as the deal’s placement agent. Cantor is currently led by Secretary Lutnick’s son, Brandon Lutnick.\n\nSecretary Lutnick appears to have played a key role in securing the lucrative deal. USAR’s CEO attested to Secretary Lutnick’s decisive and personal involvement after a meeting in November, describing how he opened doors to influential agency staff that manage billions in CHIPS Act funding and officials at other federal agencies. The lawmakers sounded the alarm on potential bribery concerns surrounding the deal, both in relation to Secretary Lutnick and company officials.\n\n“The circumstances around how this deal came together raise serious questions about Secretary Lutnick’s exposure to federal conflicts of interest and bribery laws,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\n“If USAR selected Cantor as its broker as a way to induce, reward, or otherwise curry favor with the Department of Commerce, Secretary Lutnick, or other government officials, it would raise serious questions about USAR’s exposure to federal anti-bribery or gratuity laws,” continued the lawmakers.\n\nSenator Van Hollen has previously joined Senator Warren and members of Congress in raising concerns over the Commerce Department’s investment in USAR. In response, USAR’s CEO said: “(o)ur best move was to go with the team who knew us.” Following Secretary Lutnick's refusal to provide answers, the lawmakers expanded their investigation to press Cantor and USAR directly.\n\nThe lawmakers pushed Cantor Fitzgerald and USA Rare Earth to provide answers regarding the circumstances around this deal and transaction documents by July 23, 2026.\n\nThe full text of the letter to Cantor Fitzgerlad is available here. The full text of the letter to USA Rare Earth is available here. The full text of both letters are available below.\n\nLetter to Cantor Fitzergerald\n\nMr. Lutnick:\n\nWe write regarding ongoing ethics and corruption concerns in light of the June 3, 2026 announcement that the U.S Department of Commerce (Commerce) has finalized a $1.6 billion definitive agreement with USA Rare Earth (USAR). Given the massive investment by the American public in USAR, and USAR’s fiduciary responsibility to its shareholders as a publicly traded company, it is imperative your company provide complete transparency about the substantive conflict of interest concerns raised by the circumstances of this investment.\n\nIn February of this year, we wrote to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in regard to our concerns about the January 2026 announcement that USAR and Commerce had reached a tentative $1.6 billion deal in which the federal government tentatively agreed to take a 10% stake in USAR. To close the deal, USAR set a $1.5 billion-dollar private offering for the company’s stock and selected Secretary Lutnick’s former financial firm, Cantor Fitzgerald (Cantor), as the deal’s placement agent. The deal likely benefited two of Secretary Lutnick’s adult sons, who now operate the firm. Secretary Lutnick has refused to provide answers, and we are expanding our investigation to seek information regarding any knowledge you may have involving Secretary Lutnick’s role or the role of Cantor Fitzgerald.\n\nUnder the terms of the January 2026 deal, Commerce would offer “up to $277 million in direct funding and up to $1.3 billion in loans” to USAR. In conjunction with this investment agreement, the US government also took a direct 10% stake in USAR, tentatively agreeing to purchase 16.1 million shares.\n\nCommerce’s $1.6 billion investment in USAR was predicated on a capital matching requirement that mandated USAR raise its own private funds. To meet Commerce’s conditions, USAR raised $1.5 billion in a “private investment in public equity” (PIPE) transaction, in which the company sold 69.8 million USAR shares—offering around one-third of its outstanding stock—at a discounted price to private investors through a financial broker. USAR chose Cantor as “lead placement agent,” alongside Moelis, and the two were ultimately successful in securing the requisite investors, including several prominent donors to President Trump.\n\nSecretary Lutnick appears to have played a part in facilitating USAR’s deal with Commerce. USAR’s CEO Barbara Humpton attested to Secretary Lutnick’s decisive and personal involvement after meeting with him in November, describing how he opened doors to influential agency staff that manage billions in CHIPS Act funding and officials at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Defense (DoD). The USAR CEO claimed that Secretary Lutnick was especially interested in USAR, and recounted that Secretary Lutnick asked: “[w]hat would it take to go faster and scale further?”\n\nUltimately, the deal was likely lucrative for the Lutnick family. Secretary Lutnick led Cantor for decades, before transferring his stake in the company to his sons last year. Though no estimate of the fee Cantor collected has been released publicly, previous SEC disclosures and industry estimates indicate that fees for placement agents in PIPE transactions can range between 2.5-10%. USAR’s public filings indicate that the company incurred approximately $50 million in PIPE financing costs. Even a conservative estimate, therefore, indicates that USAR may have paid Cantor millions—if not tens of millions—in its quest to secure a $1.6 billion government contract from a government agency led by Cantor’s former CEO. The circumstances around how this deal came together raise serious questions about Secretary Lutnick’s exposure to federal conflicts of interest and bribery laws.\n\nSecretary Lutnick’s Ethics Commitments & Exposure to Federal Conflict of Interest Laws\n\nWe and other members of Congress previously raised concerns about the conflicts of interest posed by this deal. In response, USAR’s CEO explained USAR’s selection of Cantor by saying: “[o]ur best move was to go with the team who knew us.”\n\nIndeed, USAR and Cantor’s relationship appears to date back to when Secretary Lutnick was still CEO and Chairman of Cantor. In August 2024, USAR announced that it would become a publicly traded company via a business combination with Inflection Point Acquisition Corp II, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) with ties to Cantor dating back to May 2023 when Cantor served as the representatives of the underwriters for the SPAC’s initial public offering. Since then, Mr. Lutnick became Secretary of Commerce but the relationship between Cantor and USAR continued. USAR’s CEO confirmed that Cantor helped USAR go public in March, and Cantor led USAR’s first post-merger PIPE in the following months.\n\nThis history raises questions about the degree to which Secretary Lutnick was aware of the preexisting business relationship and connection between USAR and Cantor when USAR’s CEO met with him November and strengthens the arguments that Secretary Lutnick should have recused himself from any particular involvement in the USAR deal. Notably, Secretary Lutnick agreed in his federal ethics agreement that pursuant to the impartiality regulation at 5 C.F.R. § 2635.502, he would “not participate personally and substantially in any particular matter involving specific parties in which I know Cantor Fitzgerald L.P., or its subsidiaries, is a party or represents a party” for a period of one year following his resignation from the company. If Lutnick was personally involved in negotiating or approving Commerce’s side of the deal— which included the capital matching requirement that ultimately involved and benefitted Cantor —Lutnick’s involvement would likely be a textbook conflict of interest.\n\nAccordingly, we seek clarity as to Lutnick’s direct involvement in the USAR-Cantor deal, including whether and to what degree USAR or Cantor representatives met with Secretary Lutnick with regards to the Department of Commerce’s negotiations or tentative investment agreement with USAR.\n\nUSAR’s Exposure to Federal Anti-Bribery Laws\n\nEven if Secretary Lutnick was not aware of USAR’s relationship to Cantor, the deal may implicate federal bribery and gratuity laws and regulations concerning use of public office for private gain.\n\nFederal laws forbid bribing or rewarding federal public officials. Anyone who “directly or indirectly, corruptly gives, offers or promises anything of value to any public official” with the intent to influence any official act or decision may be in violation of bribery laws. Even without a direct quid pro quo, federal law also prohibits anyone who “directly or indirectly gives, offers, or promises anything of value to any public official . . . for or because of any official act performed or to be performed by such public official.” If USAR selected Cantor as its broker as a way to induce, reward, or otherwise curry favor with the Department of Commerce, Secretary Lutnick, or other government officials, it would raise serious questions about USAR’s exposure to federal anti-bribery or gratuity laws. USAR’s reported personal engagement with Secretary Lutnick and financial arrangement with Cantor in the pursuit of the Commerce deal— an agreement that potentially resulted in a multi-million-dollar payout to a firm led by the Secretary’s sons—raises glaring red flags.\n\nThough Secretary Lutnick may no longer hold a direct stake in Cantor, the direct financial interest of his family members is a central legal consideration in this matter. Legal experts and federal courts have determined that a “thing of value need not go to the public official himself” for an action to be considered germane under bribery law. The multi-million dollar fundraising fee Cantor may have collected on USAR’s requisite private stock transaction, which was needed to secure the Commerce investment, could reasonably be considered a tangible “thing of value.” USAR should disclose at what point it notified US government officials that Cantor would be acting on its behalf in this transaction.\n\nYour actions and the involvement of Cantor may also expose Secretary Lutnick to federal antibribery laws. Federal law applies equal scrutiny to those soliciting bribes as to those offering them. Any government official who “directly or indirectly, corruptly demands, seeks, receives, accepts, or agrees to receive or accept anything of value” in order to be influenced in the performance of an official act, such as approving a government contract, may also be subject to federal anti-bribery laws.\n\nLikewise, 5 C.F.R. § 2635.702 prohibits federal employees from using public office for their own private gain or for the private gain of relatives. Specifically, employees “may not use or permit the use of their Government position or title, or any authority associated with their public office, in a manner that is intended to coerce or induce another person . . . to provide any benefit, financial or otherwise, to the employee or to . . . relatives.” The extent of Lutnick’s involvement in the USAR-Commerce deal, therefore, could raise additional red flags.\n\nCantor should immediately report if any US government representatives, including Secretary Lutnick, Commerce employees, or other Trump administration officials, suggested that Cantor be involved or chosen as the broker in USAR’s private fundraising round.\n\nQuestions\n\nIn order to better inform our legislative responsibilities as they relate to rooting out corruption and securing critical minerals supply chains, we ask that you answer the following questions by July 20, 2026:\n\n1. Have any employees or representatives of Cantor Fitzgerald met with any members of the Department of Commerce regarding critical mining investments or CHIPS and Science Act funding? If so, please provide a log with the date of any meeting, list of meeting attendees, meeting notes, and any correspondence between Commerce officials and Cantor.\n\na. Have any employees or representatives of Cantor Fitzgerald met with Secretary Lutnick, or any other representative from the Office of the Secretary regarding USAR?\n\nb. Have Cantor Fitzgerald employees or representatives met with the CHIPS and Science team?\n\nc. Have Cantor Fitzgerald employees or representatives met with Commerce officials regarding the Department’s potential investment in USAR?\n\nd. Have Cantor Fitzgerald employees or representatives met with Commerce officials with regards to Cantor’s role as the lead placement agent in USAR’s PIPE transaction?\n\n2. How was Cantor chosen as the lead placement agency in the USAR PIPE?\n\na. When and how did Cantor become aware of the PIPE?\n\nb. With whom at USAR did Cantor negotiate with over its role as lead placement agency?\n\nc. When did these negotiations begin, and when were they finalized?\n\nd. When and how did Cantor inform Commerce Department officials of its role?\n\ne. How was Cantor compensated for its role as the lead placement agent in the USAR PIPE?\n\nf. Did Cantor collect a placement agent fee for its role in the PIPE? If so, what was the rate it charged USAR?\n\ng. How much was Cantor compensated for its services in the PIPE transaction?\n\n3. What internal policies, trainings, and procedures, does Cantor have, if any, as they relate to engagement with federal employees and compliance with federal bribery and ethics laws?\n\na. What processes does USAR have in place to address potential breaches of such ethics policies?\n\nSincerely,\n\nLetter to USA Rare Earth\n\nMs. Humpton: We write regarding ongoing ethics and corruption concerns in light of the June 3, 2026 announcement that the U.S Department of Commerce (Commerce) has finalized a $1.6 billion definitive agreement with USA Rare Earth (USAR). Given the massive investment by the American public in USAR, and USAR’s fiduciary responsibility to its shareholders as a publicly traded company, it is imperative your company provide complete transparency about the substantive conflict of interest concerns raised by the circumstances of this investment.\n\nIn February of this year, we wrote to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in regard to our concerns about the January 2026 announcement that USAR and Commerce had reached a tentative $1.6 billion deal in which the federal government tentatively agreed to take a 10% stake in USAR. To close the deal, USAR set a $1.5 billion-dollar private offering for the company’s stock and selected Secretary Lutnick’s former financial firm, Cantor Fitzgerald (Cantor), as the deal’s placement agent. The deal likely benefited two of Secretary Lutnick’s adult sons, who now operate the firm. Secretary Lutnick has refused to provide answers, and we are expanding our investigation to seek information regarding any knowledge you may have involving Secretary Lutnick’s role or the role of Cantor Fitzgerald.\n\nUnder the terms of the January 2026 deal, Commerce would offer “up to $277 million in direct funding and up to $1.3 billion in loans” to USAR. In conjunction with this investment agreement, the US government also took a direct 10% stake in USAR, tentatively agreeing to purchase 16.1 million shares.\n\nCommerce’s $1.6 billion investment in USAR was predicated on a capital matching requirement that mandated USAR raise its own private funds. To meet Commerce’s conditions, USAR raised $1.5 billion in a “private investment in public equity” (PIPE) transaction, in which the company sold 69.8 million USAR shares—offering around one-third of its outstanding stock—at a discounted price to private investors through a financial broker. USAR chose Cantor as “lead placement agent,” alongside Moelis, and the two were ultimately successful in securing the requisite investors, including several prominent donors to President Trump.\n\nSecretary Lutnick appears to have played a part in facilitating USAR’s deal with Commerce. You attested to Secretary Lutnick’s decisive and personal involvement after meeting with him in November, describing how he opened doors to influential agency staff that manage billions in CHIPS Act funding and officials at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Defense (DoD). You claimed that Secretary Lutnick was especially interested in USAR, and recounted that Secretary Lutnick asked: “[w]hat would it take to go faster and scale further?”\n\nUltimately, the deal was likely lucrative for the Lutnick family. Secretary Lutnick led Cantor for decades, before transferring his stake in the company to his sons last year. Though no estimate of the fee Cantor collected has been released publicly, previous SEC disclosures and industry estimates indicate that fees for placement agents in PIPE transactions can range between 2.5-10%. USAR’s public filings indicate that the company incurred approximately $50 million in PIPE financing costs. Even a conservative estimate, therefore, indicates that USAR may have paid Cantor millions—if not tens of millions—in its quest to secure a $1.6 billion government contract from a government agency led by Cantor’s former CEO.\n\nThe circumstances around how this deal came together raise serious questions about Secretary Lutnick’s exposure to federal conflicts of interest and bribery laws.\n\nSecretary Lutnick’s Ethics Commitments & Exposure to Federal Conflict of Interest Laws\n\nWe and other members of Congress previously raised concerns about the conflicts of interest posed by this deal. In response, you have explained USAR’s selection of Cantor by saying: “[o]ur best move was to go with the team who knew us.”\n\nIndeed, USAR and Cantor’s relationship appears to date back to when Secretary Lutnick was still CEO and Chairman of Cantor. In August 2024, USAR announced that it would become a publicly traded company via a business combination with Inflection Point Acquisition Corp II, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) with ties to Cantor dating back to May 2023 when Cantor served as the representatives of the underwriters for the SPAC’s initial public offering. Since then, Mr. Lutnick became Secretary of Commerce but the relationship between Cantor and USAR continued. You confirmed that Cantor helped USAR go public in March, and Cantor led USAR’s first post-merger PIPE in the following months.\n\nThis history raises questions about the degree to which Secretary Lutnick was aware of the preexisting business relationship and connection between USAR and Cantor when you met in November and strengthens the arguments that Secretary Lutnick should have recused himself from any particular involvement in the USAR deal. Notably, Secretary Lutnick agreed in his federal ethics agreement that pursuant to the impartiality regulation at 5 C.F.R. § 2635.502, he would “not participate personally and substantially in any particular matter involving specific parties in which I know Cantor Fitzgerald L.P., or its subsidiaries, is a party or represents a party” for a period of one year following his resignation from the company. If Secretary Lutnick was personally involved in negotiating or approving Commerce’s side of the deal— which included the capital matching requirement that ultimately involved and benefited Cantor —Lutnick’s involvement would likely be a textbook conflict of interest.\n\nAccordingly, we seek clarity as to Lutnick’s direct involvement in the USAR-Cantor deal, including whether and to what degree USAR or Cantor representatives met with Secretary Lutnick with regards to the Department of Commerce’s negotiations or tentative investment agreement with USAR.\n\nUSAR’s Exposure to Federal Anti-Bribery Laws\n\nEven if Secretary Lutnick was not aware of USAR’s relationship to Cantor, the deal may implicate federal bribery and gratuity laws and regulations concerning use of public office for private gain.\n\nFederal laws forbid bribing or rewarding federal public officials. Anyone who “directly or indirectly, corruptly gives, offers or promises anything of value to any public official” with the intent to influence any official act or decision may be in violation of bribery laws. Even without a direct quid pro quo, federal law also prohibits anyone who “directly or indirectly gives, offers, or promises anything of value to any public official . . . for or because of any official act performed or to be performed by such public official.” If USAR selected Cantor as its broker as a way to induce, reward, or otherwise curry favor with the Department of Commerce, Secretary Lutnick, or other government officials, it would raise serious questions about USAR’s exposure to federal anti-bribery or gratuity laws. USAR’s reported personal engagement with Secretary Lutnick and financial arrangement with Cantor in the pursuit of the Commerce deal — an agreement that potentially resulted in a multi-million-dollar payout to a firm led by the Secretary’s sons—raises glaring red flags.\n\nThough Secretary Lutnick may no longer hold a direct stake in Cantor, the direct financial interest of his family members is a central legal consideration in this matter. Legal experts and federal courts have determined that a “thing of value need not go to the public official himself” for an action to be considered germane under bribery law. The multi-million dollar fundraising fee Cantor may have collected on USAR’s requisite private stock transaction, which was needed to secure the Commerce investment, could reasonably be considered a tangible “thing of value.” USAR should disclose at what point it notified US government officials that Cantor would be acting on its behalf in this transaction.\n\nYour actions and the involvement of Cantor may also expose Secretary Lutnick to federal antibribery laws. Federal law applies equal scrutiny to those soliciting bribes as to those offering them. Any government official who “directly or indirectly, corruptly demands, seeks, receives, accepts, or agrees to receive or accept anything of value” in order to be influenced in the performance of an official act, such as approving a government contract, may also be subject to federal anti-bribery laws.\n\nLikewise, 5 C.F.R. § 2635.702 prohibits federal employees from using public office for their own private gain or for the private gain of relatives. Specifically, employees “may not use or permit the use of their Government position or title, or any authority associated with their public office, in a manner that is intended to coerce or induce another person . . . to provide any benefit, financial or otherwise, to the employee or to . . . relatives.” The extent of Lutnick’s involvement in the USAR-Commerce deal, therefore, could raise additional red flags.\n\nUSAR should immediately report if any US government representatives, including Secretary Lutnick, Commerce employees, or other Trump administration officials, suggested that Cantor be involved or chosen as the broker in USAR’s private fundraising round.\n\nQuestions\n\nIn order to better inform our legislative responsibilities as they relate to rooting out corruption and securing critical minerals supply chains, we ask that you answer the following questions by July 20, 2026:\n\n1. Was Secretary Lutnick involved in USAR’s PIPE transaction in which Cantor acted as a placement agent?\n\na. What was the nature of your meeting with Secretary Lutnick in November, 2025? Please provide the date, list of attendees, and any transcripts, notes, or agendas, from your meeting with Secretary Lutnick and any correspondence between USAR and government officials related to the meeting.\n\ni. Did you discuss any role for Cantor Fitzgerald in the USAR transaction at that meeting?\n\nb. Have you met or spoken with Secretary Lutnick since November, 2025?\n\nc. Was USAR in any way pressured or solicited to choose Cantor as its placement agent by officials at the Department of Commerce?\n\n2. Did the Department of Commerce have any involvement in USAR’s PIPE transaction?\n\na. Did USAR notify the Department of Commerce about its intention to proceed with a PIPE transaction to raise matching funds during its negotiations with the Department?\n\nb. Did USAR notify the Department of Commerce that Cantor Fitzgerald would represent USAR as its lead placement agent in the PIPE transaction? If so, when? Please provide all correspondence between USAR and Commerce officials related to the PIPE transaction.\n\nc. Did representatives of Cantor meet with Commerce officials in relation to the PIPE transaction?\n\n3. What was the nature of the interagency meeting between USAR and the Departments of Defense, Commerce, and Energy at the Pentagon?\n\na. Please provide the date, list of attendees, and any transcripts, notes, or agendas, from the meeting and any correspondence between USAR and government officials related to the meeting.\n\n4. Please provide a copy of USAR’s negotiated agreement with the Department of Commerce, including any negotiated milestones, cost-sharing agreements, and reporting requirements for the duration of the contract.\n\na. Please provide a copy of the negotiated agreement between USAR and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory.\n\n5. Please describe the history between USAR and Cantor Fitzgerald.\n\na. Identify the date on which USAR first engaged, retained, or otherwise entered into any business relationship with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. or any Cantor Fitzgerald affiliate, including any relationship or role in connection with the August 2024 business combination agreement with Inflection Point & Acquisition Corp. II.\n\nb. Describe the process by which USAR selected Cantor as lead placement agent for both the April-May 2025 $75 million PIPE and the January 2026 $1.5 billion PIPE, including whether competing proposals from other entities were solicited, reviewed, or considered for the transactions.\n\n6. Have you or anyone else at USAR communicated with Brandon Lutnick or Kyle Lutnick regarding the $1.5 billion PIPE anchored by Cantor?\n\na. Please provide a copy of any and all correspondence between Brandon and Kyle Lutnick, and USAR with regards to the January 2026 PIPE transaction.\n\n7. USAR’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ending March 31, 2026 states that the financing costs for the January 2026 PIPE reached approximately $50 million. Please provide a breakdown of that $50 million.\n\na. How did USAR compensate Cantor for its role as the lead placement agent in the $1.5 billion PIPE transaction? What was the negotiated fee between Cantor and USAR for Cantor’s role in the PIPE transaction? i. How much was Cantor compensated for its services in the PIPE transaction?\n\nb. How much did USAR pay—in fees, commissions or other compensation—to other agents involved in the USAR-Commerce deal and PIPE, including Moelis & Company.\n\n8. What internal policies, trainings, and procedures, does USAR have, if any, as they relate to engagement with federal employees and compliance with federal bribery laws?\n\na. What processes does USAR have in place to address potential breaches of such ethics policies?\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-hickenlooper-colleagues-urge-white-house-to-rescind-political-rule-that-hurts-american-science-research/", "title": "Warner, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Urge White House to Rescind Political Rule That Hurts American Science, Research", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warner.senate.gov", "scraper": "warner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000805", "name": "Mark R. Warner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and 9 of their Senate colleagues submitted public comment to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought demanding OMB rescind a proposed rule, broadly titled “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” that could alter how nearly all federal agencies administer grants and financial agreements. The proposed change would give more political control over these awards by the White House, which could enable corruption, undermine U.S. scientific investments and competitiveness, and block funding for critical life-saving research and collaboration.\n\n“The proposed changes solidify federal grant-making as an unprecedented partisan power-grab that eliminates transparency of how taxpayer dollars are spent. This rule would derail American innovation and competitiveness at the local and national levels, kill good-paying American jobs, drive up costs for families, and halt essential projects in local communities,” wrote the senators. “Instead of supporting data-driven investments that pay dividends for the American people, this guidance facilitates partisan ideals and cronyism, leaving Americans in the dark.”\n\nThe senators continued, “We share the goals of improved transparency, accountability, and oversight; clarification of regulatory structure; and reducing recipient burden–all in pursuit of continuing America’s global leadership in science and innovation. However, these regulations would act in opposition to these goals. They would undermine our country’s competitiveness, erode our scientific ecosystem, increase unwanted bureaucracy, enable corruption, and perpetuate uncertainty across our local communities. We strongly urge you to withdraw this proposed rule.”\n\nOMB has proposed sweeping changes to the rules governing how federal agencies award and administer grants and cooperative agreements. These are the primary mechanisms through which the country funds basic research, applied science, and scientific workforce development. These agencies also fund a wide array of grants for local projects including but not limited to infrastructure, public health, resource conservation, and rural development. The proposed rules formalize an August 7, 2025, Executive Order that directed OMB to expand political oversight over all federal awards.\n\nIn addition to Sen. Warner, the public comment was submitted by U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angus King (I-ME), Chris Coons (D-MD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-kaine-announce-nearly-6-million-in-federal-funding-to-modernize-9-virginia-airports/", "title": "Warner, Kaine Announce Nearly $6 Million in Federal Funding to Modernize 9 Virginia Airports", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warner.senate.gov", "scraper": "warner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000805", "name": "Mark R. Warner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $5,819,548 in federal grant funding to revitalize infrastructure, improve air travel safety, and support the long-term viability of nine local and regional airports across Virginia. This funding comes from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for Fiscal Year 2026, which the senators have supported robust funding for.\n\n“From connecting families to supporting businesses and tourism, Virginia’s airports are critical to communities across the Commonwealth,” said the senators. “We’re proud to announce this funding that will improve safety, modernize infrastructure, and ensure these airports can continue serving travelers, businesses, and local economies for years to come.”\n\nThe grant awards include:\n\n$2,927,304 for the Virginia Tech/Montgomery Regional Airport Authority to rehabilitate taxiway and apron pavement at Virginia Tech/Montgomery Executive Airport, extending the life of critical infrastructure and enhancing the safety and reliability of operations;\n\n$598,500 for Virginia Aviation Associates, L.L.C. to update the existing airport master plan study at Hampton Roads Executive Airport, supporting long-term planning for future development and operational needs;\n\n$586,000 for the Dinwiddie County Airport and Industrial Authority to expand terminal apron at Tri Cities Executive/Dinwiddie County Airport, increasing capacity and accommodating a broader range of aircraft;\n\n$470,250 for the Virginia Highlands Airport Commission to carry out design work to rehabilitate taxiway and upgrade lighting at Virginia Highlands Airport, replacing infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life;\n\n$380,000 for the Twin County Airport Commission to carry out design work to rehabilitate paved runway at Twin County Airport, preserving structural integrity, reducing foreign object debris, and supporting safe operations;\n\n$300,000 for the Mecklenburg-Brunswick Airport Commission to construct two new non-exclusive use hangars at Mecklenburg-Brunswick Regional Airport, increasing aircraft storage capacity and supporting the airport’s long-term financial stability;\n\n$286,900 for the Emporia-Greensville Airport Commission to carry out design work to reconstruct runway end identifier lights, precision approach path indicator systems, and runway signage at Emporia-Greensville Regional Airport, improving airfield safety and replacing infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life;\n\n$146,392 for the Cumberlands Airport Commission to construct a new snow removal equipment building at Lonesome Pine Airport, bringing the airport into conformity with current standards;\n\n$124,202 for the town of Farmville to reconstruct the precision approach path indicator system for a runway and at both runway thresholds at Farmville Regional Airport, replacing infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life.\n\nSens. Warner and Kaine have been strong supporters of efforts to modernize Virginia’s airports. Last week, the senators announced more than $32 million for eight Virginia airports, and in May, they celebrated more than $73 million in federal funding to improve three Virginia airports, $21 million to upgrade eight Virginia airports, and more than $5 million to modernize four Virginia airports. In 2025, the senators announced almost $106 million in federal funding for airports across the Commonwealth. Many of these grants were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation the senators helped pass that has secured billions in federal funding for airport infrastructure since 2021.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-report-finds-average-georgia-families-pay-2400-more-due-to-trump-policies/", "title": "New Report Finds Average Georgia Families Pay $2,400 More Due to Trump Policies", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "A new report from the Joint Economic Committee highlights the higher prices Georgia families have been forced to pay for everyday essentials, including gas and groceries, since Donald Trump took office\n\nSenator Warnock: “This report puts in numbers what so many Georgians already know: Donald Trump has failed to make their lives better or more affordable since he’s returned to the White House”\n\nWashington, D.C. – A new report from the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) highlights the higher prices Georgia families have been forced to pay for everyday essentials since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in 2025. Despite promises from President Trump to bring down the cost of living, the average Georgia family has pad $2,400 more a year for items like gas, groceries, rent, and electricity due to economic policy decisions that have raised prices and the president’s war in Iran.\n\nOn average, Georgians are paying $532 more for housing costs, including rent and mortgage payments; $310 more for groceries; $350 more for gas; and $120 more for electricity.\n\n“This report puts in numbers what so many Georgians already know: Donald Trump has failed to make their lives better or more affordable since he’s returned to the White House,” said Senator Warnock. “In fact, he’s made things worse. I urge my colleagues to join me in centering the concerns of ordinary people and work to make life more affordable for all Americans.”\n\nSince assuming office in January 2025, President Trump’s policies and domestic agenda have raised costs for American families. Washington Republicans’ signature legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, forced millions of Americans off their health care due to premium price hikes in Affordable Care Act health plans. The Republican tax and spending legislation is also responsible for $186 billion in nutrition cuts from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) a cut in the program have resulted in SNAP participation already falling by more than 4.3 million people, including 808,000 children, with more cuts yet to come. Republican policies have put an enormous strain on American families trying to make ends meet.", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-meets-with-columbus-technical-college-students-preparing-for-high-demand-careers/", "title": "Warnock Meets with Columbus Technical College Students Preparing for High Demand Careers", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock joined students at Columbus Technical College to hear how they are preparing to compete in an increasingly competitive economy\n\nAs artificial intelligence reshapes the job market, and four-year degree programs increase in price, trade schools, technical and community colleges are seeing an uptick in student enrollment\n\nSenator Warnock highlighted his bipartisan Pathways to Prosperity Act, legislation that incentivizes business and technical colleges to partner to create high-wage career pathways and scale apprenticeship programs for students\n\nWhile on campus, Senator Warnock participated in a welding tutorial with students\n\nSenator Reverend Warnock: “Work gives people purpose—it gives you a reason to get up in the morning—and it’s the only thing that’s going to give us a competitive edge in the 21st Century”\n\nAbove: Senator Warnock at Columbus Technical College\n\nWashington, D.C. – On Monday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) joined students at Columbus Technical College to hear how they are preparing to compete in an increasingly competitive economy. The Senator’s visit follows an uptick in student enrollment at trade schools, technical and community colleges as artificial intelligence reshapes the job market and four-year degree programs increase in price. During his visit, Senator Warnock joined students for a welding tutorial, highlighting the hands-on training at Columbus Technical College that is preparing Georgians for high demand careers.\n\n“Work gives people purpose—it gives you a reason to get up in the morning,” said Senator Warnock. “And it’s the only thing that’s going to give us a competitive edge in the 21st Century.”\n\nIn addition to the students, Senator Warnock was joined by representatives from Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business and leading aerospace and defense manufacturer, and Columbus Water Works, a local utility, both of which have partnered with Columbus Technical College. These types of partnerships would be expanded nationwide through Senator Warnock’s bipartisan Pathways to Prosperity Act. The legislation would allow students at Columbus Tech to ‘earn while they learn’ by creating high-wage career pathways between the college and local businesses. The program will provide students invaluable real-world experience while they earn their degrees, allowing them to move more easily into the job market post-graduation.\n\nAbove: Senator Warnock joins students in a welding tutorial\n\nSenator Warnock has championed workforce development since coming to the Senate. In May 2024, he successfully bolstered workforce development pipelines for aviation workers in Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization legislation. Additionally, Senator Warnock has introduced legislation to address shortages in education professionals to staff Head Start classrooms.\n\nAs a proud alum of programs like Head Start, TRIO, and Pell Grants, Senator Warnock knows firsthand the power of federal investments that help students achieve economic mobility and professional success. That experience guides his work to ensure that the tens of thousands of technical college students across Georgia have the resources they need to gain skills, build careers, and make better lives for themselves and their families.\n\nThe Pathways to Prosperity Act has earned strong backing from a diverse coalition of national and regional organizations committed to strengthening America’s workforce. Supporters include Jobs for the Future, the National Skills Coalition, the Council for Professional Recognition, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-announces-nearly-2-million-in-new-fema-funding-to-lamoille-and-washington-counties/", "title": "Welch Announces Nearly $2 Million in New FEMA Funding to Lamoille and Washington Counties", "date": "2026-07-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "MORRISVILLE, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today announced the delivery of over $1.79 million in federal funding, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to repair catastrophic damage to the Morrisville Water & Light and the Town of Marshfield caused by severe flooding in July 2023.\n\nThe federal funding grants announced include $1.32 million to Morrisville Water & Light in Lamoille County to restore their water supply system back to pre-disaster function and capacity, including repairing building exterior and interior elements, replacing major electrical, mechanical, and chemical feed components, including the well pump motor and controls, and installing a new standby generator. Additionally, the Town of Marshfield in Washington County will receive $471,242 to support flood recovery and resiliency efforts.\n\n“Flood and disaster-impacted communities depend on support from the federal government—our towns and counties need to know FEMA will be there after a disaster hits, and as they strengthen their flood resiliency efforts. I’m proud this federal funding is coming back to our state and will continue to fight for communities hit by the July 2023 and 2024 floods,” said Senator Welch.\n\nSenator Welch has advocated for disaster aid funding throughout Vermont’s catastrophic back-to-back flooding in July 2023 and July 2024. On the anniversaries of Vermont’s catastrophic floods, Senator Welch introduced the Disaster Assistance Improvement and Decentralization (AID) Act, which would cut red tape and support hazard mitigation efforts, make the delivery of disaster aid more efficient and effective, provide technical assistance to small towns and communities impacted by natural disasters, and block the White House from withholding funding for disaster response. The bill was inspired and shaped by the disaster recovery experience of communities across Vermont. The Senator also introduced the Rural Recovery Act, which would create a new program at USDA Rural Development (RD) to provide RD state offices with automatic funding for emergency recovery technical assistance after disasters take place in their jurisdiction.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://aguilar.house.gov/2026/07/08/rep-aguilar-highlights-impact-of-republican-food-assistance-cuts-in-the-big-ugly-bill-on-californians/", "title": "Rep. Aguilar Highlights Impact of Republican Food Assistance Cuts in the Big Ugly Bill on Californians", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "domain": "aguilar.house.gov", "scraper": "aguilar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000371", "name": "Pete Aguilar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Press Releases\n\nRep. Aguilar Highlights Impact of Republican Food Assistance Cuts in the Big Ugly Bill on Californians\n\nRep. Aguilar joined the Family Service Association of Redlands during their monthly food box distribution day, which provides over 100 meals to Inland Empire residents dealing with food insecurity\n\nREDLANDS, CA – Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) held a press conference at the Family Service Association of Redlands to highlight the one-year anniversary of Donald Trump’s and Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill. This legislation made the largest funding cut to food assistance programs in U.S. history and took away SNAP from more than 4 million Americans to give billionaires and corporations a tax cut. In California, more than 300,000 people lost their CalFresh food assistance, forcing families to go hungry or rely on no-cost community food assistance organizations like the Family Service Association to get by. You can watch the full video of the press conference here.\n\n“One year after Trump’s and Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill cut food assistance programs like CalFresh and took food off the tables of millions of Americans, California families are paying the price,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “For many Inland Empire families who lost their CalFresh benefits, these cuts mean they may not know where their next meal will come from. I’m grateful for organizations like the Family Service Association of Redlands that help ensure people in our community don’t go hungry. But in the wealthiest nation on earth, there’s no reason that should even be a possibility. I’ll keep fighting back against Republican cuts to food assistance programs and work to bring down costs so that every California family can afford the healthy meals they need to thrive.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-calls-immediate-investigation-and-congressional-0", "title": "Congressman Al Green Calls for Immediate Investigation and Congressional Oversight Following Fatal ICE-Involved Shooting in Houston", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "algreen.house.gov", "scraper": "algreen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000553", "name": "Al Green", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Houston, TX) – On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Congressman Al Green, a member of the Homeland Security Committee, demands immediate transparency, independent oversight, and congressional action following the fatal ICE-involved shooting in Houston. In addition to his public call for accountability, Congressman Green is sending a communique to the leadership of the House Committee on Homeland Security requesting that the Committee promptly exercise its oversight responsibilities by convening a congressional hearing on the incident and the circumstances surrounding it. A copy of the letter is accessible by clicking here or by visiting Congressman Green’s website at https://algreen.house.gov/.\n\nCongressman Al Green is also demanding the immediate release of all available body-worn camera footage and other relevant evidence, an independent investigation by the appropriate authorities, and a thorough local investigation to ensure public confidence in the findings. He further notes that the deaths of Rene Good and Alex Pretti raised serious concerns regarding transparency and accountability that continue to resonate when questions remain unanswered following fatal encounters involving federal law enforcement.\n\nCongressman Al Green stated, “My heart goes out to the family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. Whenever deadly force is used by federal law enforcement, the American people deserve a complete, transparent, and independent examination of the facts. Public confidence in our institutions depends upon the willingness of government to subject itself to meaningful oversight. I have been in communication with ranking member Bennie Thompson and will keep him informed of any further developments.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-al-green-joins-rep-sylvia-garcia-demanding-immediate-investigation", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Al Green Joins Rep. Sylvia Garcia Demanding Immediate Investigation and Congressional Oversight Following Fatal ICE-Involved Shooting in Houston", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "algreen.house.gov", "scraper": "algreen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000553", "name": "Al Green", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Al Green Joins Rep. Sylvia Garcia, Roman Palomares-LULAC, Johnny Mata-Greater Houston Justice Coalition, Bishop James Dixon, II-NAACP, FIEL, Community Leaders, and the Family of Laurenzo Salgado Araujo, Demanding Immediate Investigation and Congressional Oversight Following Fatal ICE-Involved Shooting in Houston.\n\nYou can access the Rep. Al Green’s remarks at the press conference by clicking the link here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/beatty-statement-on-trump-administration-abandoning-effort-to-put-harriet-tubman-on-the-twenty-dollar-bill", "title": "BEATTY STATEMENT ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ABANDONING EFFORT TO PUT HARRIET TUBMAN ON THE TWENTY-DOLLAR BILL", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "beatty.house.gov", "scraper": "beatty", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001281", "name": "Joyce Beatty", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration abandoning the effort to put Harriet Tubman on the twenty-dollar bill:\n\n“In all my years, I’ve never seen an Administration so hell-bent on erasing Black excellence from American history.”\n\n“Harriet Tubman was an American hero. She risked her life for freedom and shaped our nation.”\n\n“We’re seeing another attack on Black history and the generations of Black Americans whose courage built this country.”\n\n“This is the same playbook—from removing the portrait of the first Black four-star general, Daniel “Chappie” James Jr., to attempts to erase the history of slavery from our national parks.”\n\n“We cannot rewrite history, and we cannot ignore it.”\n\n“We must confront our history, learn from it, and ensure we never repeat its darkest chapters.”\n\n“I’ve fought for years through my Woman on the Twenty Act to ensure our nation’s currency reflects the full story of America.”\n\n“My fight doesn’t end today.”\n\n“Donald Trump may try to delay progress, but he cannot stop it.”\n\n“Harriet Tubman’s place in the American story is permanent, and I will fight with every breath until her face is on the $20 bill.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-more-16-million-federal-mental-health", "title": "Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces More Than $1.6 Million in Federal Mental Health Funding for Mississippi", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "benniethompson.house.gov", "scraper": "benniethompson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000193", "name": "Bennie G. Thompson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "BOLTON, MS — Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded more than $1.6 million to Mississippi organizations to strengthen children's mental health services and expand behavioral health initiatives across the state.\n\nThe grant awards include:\n\nHinds County Mental Health Commission\n\n$710,256 for the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED) program.\n\nMississippi State Department of Mental Health\n\n$641,713 for the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED) program.\n\nMississippi State Department of Mental Health\n\n$315,783 for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance.\n\nThe funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support evidence-based behavioral health services, improve access to care, and strengthen community-based mental health programs for children and families.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-recovers-over-21-million-east-valley-constituents-2026", "title": "Congressman Biggs Recovers Over $2.1 Million for East Valley Constituents in 2026", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "biggs.house.gov", "scraper": "biggs", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001302", "name": "Andy Biggs", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "GILBERT, ARIZONA – Today, Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) announced the recovery of over $2,100,000 through 508 cases since January 1, 2026, for the people of Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District.\n\n“It is my honor to assist the hardworking men and women of the East Valley with their issues with federal agencies,” said Congressman Biggs. “I have a stellar team that is dedicated to serve this district's interests every day. We will not rest until every dollar possible is recovered for our constituents.”\n\nOver the course of Congressman Biggs’s 5-term tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, his office has recovered approximately $13.5 million for East Valley residents, comprising more than 5,100 cases.\n\nRecently, a constituent, whose family had no income, contacted Congressman Biggs’s office for assistance on an application with a federal agency. After Team Biggs made a congressional inquiry on his behalf, the man’s application was approved, and he was able to return to work. The constituent stated,“I am very grateful for your support and assistance during this process. Your office’s help provided reassurance and guidance during a difficult and uncertain time for my family. Please extend my appreciation to everyone involved in assisting with our case. Thank you again for your service to our community and for your help.”\n\nIf you have an issue with a federal agency and would like assistance navigating the bureaucracy, please do not hesitate to reach out to Congressman Biggs’s office.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/07/08/buchanan-applauds-trump-administrations-make-hospital-food-healthier-pledge/", "title": "Buchanan Applauds Trump Administration’s Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "domain": "buchanan.house.gov", "scraper": "buchanan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001260", "name": "Vern Buchanan", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "ICYMI: Buchanan Celebrates 250 Years of the American Dream in Sarasota Herald-Tribune Op-Ed\n\n“The American Dream is Still Alive” WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan penned an op-ed in the Sarasota...\n\nBuchanan Bill to Encourage Use of AI Tools to Detect Tax Fraud Advanced by House Ways and Means Committee\n\nEstablishes Pilot Program to Use AI to Identify Fraudulent Tax Returns, Requires Report to Congress on Results...\n\nBuchanan, Barragán, Bilirakis, Sanchez Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing June 2026 as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month\n\nAdvocates Passage of Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act to Support Early Detection of...\n\nBuchanan Bill to Support Health Care Providers Passes House in Unanimous Vote\n\nHealthcare Efficiency Through Flexibility Act Eases Burdens on ACOs, Encourages Value-Based Care...\n\nBuchanan Praises Trump Administration Suspending Export of Live Horses to Mexico\n\nUrges President Trump to Permanently Ban Export of American Horses for Slaughter WASHINGTON — Today,...\n\nBuchanan, Colleagues Lead Call to Trump Administration to Ensure Foreign Nations Pay Their Fair Share for American Pharmaceutical Innovation\n\nLead Letter to USTR Greer, Secretary Lutnick Urging Section 301 Investigation to Support American Patients and...\n\nBuchanan Applauds Passage of Secure America Act to Fully Fund ICE and Border Patrol, Combat Fentanyl\n\nDelivers Resources Needed to Secure the Border, Combat Human Trafficking, Keep Communities Safe WASHINGTON — Today,...\n\nBuchanan Initiative to Strengthen Enforcement of Animal Welfare Laws Passes House\n\nAmendment Provides $2 Million to Investigate and Enforce Animal Welfare Statutes WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman...\n\nICYMI: Buchanan Questions Treasury Sec. Bessent on Support for Small Businesses, Seniors\n\nApplauds Working Families Tax Cuts and Bessent’s Leadership WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice...\n\nBuchanan, Thompson Lead Landmark Bill to Transform U.S. Cycling Industry\n\nThe America Bikes Act Bolsters Safety, Increases Access to Bikes, Onshores Bike Manufacturing WASHINGTON —...\n\nICYMI: Buchanan Makes Case for Locking the Clock for Good in Sarasota Herald-Tribune Op-Ed\n\n“After Nearly a Decade of Work, With the Support of the President and Growing Momentum in Both Chambers, We Have a...", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T09:25:45Z"}
{"url": "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-announces-roundtable-strategic-competition-china", "title": "Burlison Announces Roundtable on Strategic Competition with China", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "burlison.house.gov", "scraper": "burlison", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001316", "name": "Eric Burlison", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) announced a roundtable on “Winning the Economic Competition with China: Working Families, the AI Race, and Energy.” China has been increasingly leveraging threats against American energy dominance and economic strength to boost their own competitiveness. During the roundtable, members will examine the competition between the United States and China on AI, manufacturing, and energy and how the Working Families Tax Cuts Act (WFTCA) has made the U.S. more competitive. Members will also review China’s asymmetrical and unconventional means of competing with the U.S. and the importance of maintaining American dominance.\n\n“China has long sought to undermine American competitiveness in economics, manufacturing, and artificial intelligence by stealing American intellectual property, leveraging critical minerals, and controlling pharmaceutical supply chains. Congress must not allow the U.S. to fall behind China and risk losing our leadership and dominance in the global arena. I look forward to hearing from participants on how the WFTCA can better position the U.S. to counter China’s efforts and strengthen national security,” said Subcommittee Chairman Burlison.\n\nWHAT: “Winning the Economic Competition with China: Working Families, the AI Race, and Energy”\n\nDATE: Tuesday, July 14, 2026\n\nTIME: 1:00p.m. CT\n\nLOCATION: 2154 Rayburn House Office Building\n\nWITNESSES:\n\nThe Honorable Joshua Hodges, Commissioner, U.S.––China Economic and Security Review Commission\n\nMr. Piero Tozzi, Senior Director for China Policy, America First Policy Institute\n\nDr. Glenn Tiffert, Distinguished Research Fellow, Hoover Institution\n\nMr. Alex Epstein, President and Founder, Center for Industrial Progress", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-presses-cia-and-fbi-records-related-1996-brazil-uap-incident", "title": "Burlison Presses CIA and FBI for Records Related to 1996 Brazil UAP Incident", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "burlison.house.gov", "scraper": "burlison", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001316", "name": "Eric Burlison", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Eric Burlison (R-MO), a member of the Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, sent letters to Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel requesting an accounting of U.S. government records and potential investigative equities related to the January 1996 Varginha/Campinas, Brazil unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) incident.\n\nWhile the letters do not ask the CIA or FBI to validate any particular public claim, recent public statements attributed to former Brazilian Defense Minister Aldo Rebelo concerning the 1996 Varginha case underscore the need for Congress to determine whether U.S. government records, flight records, liaison reporting, contractor records, or material-transfer documentation exist—and whether any continued restriction of those records remains legally justified.\n\nThe CIA letter requests that the agency review and produce to Congress records responsive to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Reference No. F-2023-00442, which sought records concerning U.S. government flights, transfers of materials, and coordination with Brazilian authorities during the period of January 14, 1996, through January 28, 1996, including activity in or near Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil. In its January 10, 2025, response to that private FOIA request, the CIA neither confirmed nor denied the existence of responsive records, citing FOIA exemptions (b)(1) and (b)(3).\n\nThe FBI letter requests that the bureau determine whether investigative equities exist, preserve relevant records, conduct appropriate records searches, and provide Congress with a briefing concerning whether it possesses records, legal attaché reporting, domestic investigative equities, or information involving U.S.-government personnel, U.S. persons, federal contractors, U.S.-registered aircraft, or other federal interests connected to the same matter.\n\nRep. Burlison has previously requested that federally funded research and development centers, including MITRE and MIT Lincoln Laboratory, identify and preserve legacy UAP-related records. These letters to the CIA and FBI apply the same basic principle to a decades-old international incident that agencies and contractors should not be able to place historically significant records beyond congressional review through classification, contract structures, mis-indexing, or custody transfers.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-kat-cammack-host-veterans-town-hall-ocala-friday-congressman", "title": "Congresswoman Kat Cammack to Host Veterans Town Hall in Ocala This Friday with Congressman Morgan Luttrell", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "cammack.house.gov", "scraper": "cammack", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001039", "name": "Kat Cammack", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "OCALA, Fla. — Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) will host a Veterans Town Hall this Friday, July 10, at the College of Central Florida, joined by special guest Congressman Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), a decorated Navy SEAL who serves on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and chairs its Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.\n\nThe two will sit down for a fireside conversation on the issues facing veterans, followed by an audience question-and-answer session. The program will open with a presentation of the Colors, a reading of \"Old Glory,\" the Pledge of Allegiance, and a recognition of local veterans.\n\n\"We're lucky to represent so many incredible veterans in this district, and they deserve real answers about the issues they're facing,\" said Rep. Cammack. \"Morgan is coming to Ocala to talk about the work he's leading on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and to hear directly from our veterans. I want every one of them in that room Friday night.\"\n\nEvent details:\n\nWhen: Friday, July 10, 2026. Doors open at 5:15 PM; program runs 6:00 PM to 7:05 PM.\n\nWhere: Harvey R. Klein Conference Center, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474 (SR 200 campus).\n\nRSVP: veterans-town-hall.eventbrite.com — seating is limited to 350 and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Veterans will be admitted and seated first. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows.\n\nThe event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and have their Eventbrite confirmation ready at check-in. Free parking is available on campus. Questions for the Q&A will be submitted by card at check-in and answered as time permits. Outside food and drinks are not permitted; bottled water will be provided. The venue is accessible and service animals are welcome; attendees needing accommodations such as ADA seating or ASL interpretation should contact the Ocala district office at (352) 421-9052 in advance.\n\nMembers of the media planning to attend should contact Rafael Struve at Rafael.struve@mail.house.gov. The event is open press.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3502", "title": "Carbajal Statement on Latest Federal Actions to Advance Oil and Gas Leases in California", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "carbajal.house.gov", "scraper": "carbajal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001112", "name": "Salud O. Carbajal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the statement below following the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) opening a 30-day public scoping period to receive public input on potential oil and gas lease sales across California, including in San Luis Obispo County.\n\n“The Trump administration continues to favor Big Oil at the expense of our environment and public health. While this 30-day public scoping period does not mean new oil wells will spring up tomorrow, it represents yet another reckless step toward handing public lands over to the oil industry. Californians have been clear from the start: we do not want any more oil drilling on public lands – especially areas close to our state’s natural treasures such as the Carrizo Plain National Monument.\n\n“The administration claims expanding oil drilling is necessary for California's energy security, yet just last month it blocked a wind energy project in Morro Bay that would have provided the state with a new source of clean power. These actions reveal a pattern of favoritism toward Big Oil rather than any genuine commitment to California’s long‑term energy needs.\n\n“I remain strongly opposed to the Bureau of Land Management’s actions and will continue working with state and local partners to stop any attempt to build new oil wells on our public lands.”\n\nCarbajal has long opposed the expansion of oil and gas drilling in California.\n\nIn August 2025, Carbajal reintroduced his Central Coast Heritage Protection Act, which would designate approximately 250,000 acres of public land in the Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument as wilderness, the highest form of federal protection available. A wilderness designation would protect the land from future oil or gas drilling.\n\nIn April 2026, Carbajal asked the BLM to continue the pre-existing moratorium on new oil and gas leases, citing the environmental, economic, and public health risks that new drilling could pose to California communities in response to BLM’s Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS), released on January 12, 2026.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4953", "title": "Case, Moylan Introduce Measure To Counter Transnational Crime In The Indo-Pacific", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "domain": "case.house.gov", "scraper": "case", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001055", "name": "Ed Case", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) -- U.S. Congressmen Ed Case (D-HI-01) and James Moylan (R-Guam) have introduced a measure in the U.S. House to boost U.S. efforts to counter growing transnational crime in the Indo-Pacific.\n\n“Our Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative Act addresses the growing use of Pacific Island nations as transit hubs for cross-Pacific illegal drug trade by transnational criminal networks, particularly narcotics traffickers,” said Case, a founder and Co-Chair of the House Pacific Islands Caucus, a bipartisan Member group focused on the Pacific (https://pacificislandscaucus-case.house.gov).\n\n“Our fellow Pacific Island nations which are being victimized as stop-offs in this Pacific drug highway are now suffering from related domestic crisis including addiction broader public health, such as an HIV epidemic in Fiji primary spread by unsafe injecting practices,” said Case. “Our Pacific ‘ohana (family) have clearly prioritized this crisis and asked for our continued partnership in both reducing the trade to start with and addressing its consequences.”\n\n“Guam sits at the crossroads of the Indo-Pacific, and we understand better than most that transnational crime does not stop at borders,” said Moylan. “Strengthening law enforcement partnerships throughout the Pacific protects our communities, reinforces our alliances, and advances America’s strategic interests in the region. The Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative is a smart investment in regional security, and I’m proud to support efforts that ensure Guam continues to play a leading role in keeping the Indo-Pacific safe, secure, and resilient.”\n\nCase and Moylan noted that while much attention has focused on precursor chemicals moving eastward across the Pacific to illicit drug producers in the Western Hemisphere, a lesser-known trafficking route moves cocaine and methamphetamine westward from the Americas through Oceania to Australia and New Zealand, where significantly higher street prices generate enormous profits for criminal organizations.\n\nIn 2017, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Homeland Security Investigations division (HSI) spearheaded the Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative by establishing internal policies and procedures for coordination among HSI Honolulu, HSI Domestic Operations, and HSI International Operations to disrupt and deter transnational criminal organizations that exploit Pacific Island nations as transit points for the movement and concealment of illicit contraband bound for the United States, Australia and New Zealand.\n\nCase, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security which oversees and funds DHS including HSI, said, “This is not just a regional challenge for the Pacific Islands.\n\n“Those inflated profits flow right back to transnational criminal organizations in the Western Hemisphere, strengthening the networks that threaten communities throughout the U.S.\n\n“Our Pacific partners and allies have also been working tirelessly on this issue, including by coordinating with U.S. government agencies like HSI and the Joint Interagency Task Force – West, but they need more support and our measure is part of that answer.”\n\nThe Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative Act would:\n\n· Establish in statute HSI’s Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative;\n\n· Require four full-time HSI personnel at HSI Honolulu and HSI Guam to oversee the Initiative;\n\n· Require an annual report to Congress on the activities of the Initiative; and\n\n· Specifically authorize $5 million a year for the Initiative.\n\no Text of the Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative Act is here\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-statement-on-fatal-ice-shooting-of-houston-father", "title": "Castro Statement on Fatal ICE Shooting of Houston Father", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "castro.house.gov", "scraper": "castro", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001091", "name": "Joaquin Castro", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SAN ANTONIO, TX — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement:\n\n“Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was a husband and father, living and working in Houston for 35 years. Yesterday, an ICE agent shot and killed him.\n\n“I join the family in demanding a full investigation and have urged ICE to release all body-camera and dash-camera footage, as well as any communications from agents before and after the shooting.\n\n“My prayers are with the family and the entire Houston community grieving this tragic loss. His family and Texans deserve answers, accountability, and justice.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chu-torres-sherman-lofgren-lead-ca-democratic-delegation-demanding", "title": "Chu, Torres, Sherman & Lofgren Lead CA Democratic Delegation in Demanding Disaster Aid for January 2025 LA Wildfires", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "chu.house.gov", "scraper": "chu", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001080", "name": "Judy Chu", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "President Trump’s June 24, 2026, supplemental request included $67.1 billion for the Iran War, ignoring the $34 billion needed by CA and the billions more desperately needed by over 30 other States, Tribes, and Territories to rebuild their communities after natural disasters.\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Judy Chu (CA-28), Norma Torres (CA-35), Brad Sherman (CA-32), and California Democratic Congressional Delegation Chair Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) led the California Democratic Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to congressional leadership urging that no supplemental funding package move forward until Congress passes long overdue federal disaster assistance for California communities devastated by the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires and other communities across the country recovering from major disasters.\n\nMore than 100,000 Californians were displaced by the January 2025 wildfires, which destroyed more than 13,000 homes and properties, claimed more than two dozen lives, and caused an estimated $275 billion in economic damage. Despite the scale of the devastation, the Administration has not taken a single step to submit a supplemental disaster funding request to Congress. This inaction is on top of the Trump Administration delaying or denying Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) emergency aid, with FEMA’s own data showing that the Trump Administration is making it harder to access disaster aid and moving more slowly than previous Administrations to help disaster-hit communities.\n\nIn the letter, the members wrote:\n\n\"It is deeply disappointing that since January 2025, not a single step has been taken by the White House to submit a request for federal disaster aid, not just for California, but also for the over 30 States, Tribes, or Territories with major disaster declarations.\"\n\n\"President Trump's Administration is prioritizing the war in Iran over helping American communities recover from devastating disasters... Instead of taking up the June 24, 2026, Iran War supplemental request, we believe that Congress should immediately draft a federal disaster aid supplemental to help Americans rebuild their communities from the most deadly and costly wildfires in recent history.\"\n\nThe letter notes that while the Administration requested more than $67 billion for military operations related to President Trump's costly war of choice in Iran, it has failed to request the federal disaster assistance needed for California's wildfire recovery, along with billions more needed by disaster-impacted states, Tribes, and territories across the country.\n\nThe California Democratic Congressional Delegation reaffirmed its commitment to working on a bipartisan disaster relief package that ensures American families receive the support they need to rebuild their homes, businesses, and communities.\n\nRead the full letter Here.\n\nAdditional signers of the letter include Reps. Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Ami Bera (CA-06), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Laura Friedman (CA-30), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Josh Harder (CA-09), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Dave Min (CA-47), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Scott Peters (CA-50), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Mark Takano (CA-39), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Norma Torres (CA-35), Derek Tran (CA-45), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Maxine Waters (CA-43), and George Whitesides (CA-27).", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://cloud.house.gov/posts/rep-cloud-to-newsmax-senate-must-pass-save-america-act", "title": "Rep. Cloud to Newsmax: Senate Must Pass SAVE America Act", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cloud.house.gov/press", "domain": "cloud.house.gov", "scraper": "cloud", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001115", "name": "Michael Cloud", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Newsmax\n\nSolange Reyner | July 8th, 2026\n\nRep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, urged the Senate on Wednesday to quickly pass the SAVE America Act, arguing lawmakers should not allow procedural hurdles to delay what he called one of the nation’s most popular pieces of legislation.\n\nAppearing on Newsmax’s “Ed Henry The Big Take,” Cloud criticized the Senate’s reliance on longstanding procedural rules, including the 60-vote threshold often required to advance legislation.\n\n“We need to get the SAVE America Act passed,” Cloud said.\n\n“It’s the most popular bill in the country right now. It needs to be done,” he said.\n\nCloud argued senators should not allow procedural traditions to stand in the way of advancing the measure.\n\n“The Senate looking at past procedures, self-inflicted benchmarks of 60 votes, and the like is not the way to go,” he said.\n\nThe Texas Republican also pushed back against arguments that the legislation would require extended debate before a vote.\n\n“We see them every time it gets brought up. ‘Well, it’s going to take a lot of work. It might take a few weeks of debate,'” Cloud said.\n\nInstead, he urged senators to move the legislation forward without prolonged delays.\n\nCloud compared the Senate’s responsibility to act with the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. military, recalling his travels through Arlington National Cemetery during the Independence Day holiday weekend.\n\n“I was in the area for the July 4th weekend, and every day my family passed Arlington Cemetery,” he said. “And you see the price to pay to save our country.”\n\nHe said lawmakers should demonstrate a similar commitment in carrying out their legislative responsibilities.\n\n“The Senate certainly should be willing to do the same,” Cloud said.\n\nSupporters of the SAVE America Act have argued the legislation is needed to strengthen election security and safeguard the integrity of federal elections.\n\nOpponents have raised concerns about some of its provisions and the potential impact on voter access, though Cloud did not address those criticisms during the interview.\n\nThe measure remains under consideration in the Senate, where supporters have sought to build enough backing to advance the legislation.\n\nSenate rules generally require 60 votes to invoke cloture on most legislation, although lawmakers can sometimes pursue alternative procedural paths depending on the measure under consideration.\n\nCloud said the Senate should set aside procedural obstacles and move quickly to approve the bill, arguing the country cannot afford further delays.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-cnn-courtney-amendment-would-block-air-force-one-bridge-plane", "title": "ICYMI on CNN: Courtney Amendment Would Block Air Force One “Bridge” Plane from Entering Trump’s Presidential Library", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "courtney.house.gov", "scraper": "courtney", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001069", "name": "Joe Courtney", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "NORWICH, CT – In case you missed it on CNN, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, is working to block President Trump from moving the Qatari-gifted Air Force One “Bridge” aircraft, which has been retrofitted using roughly $400 million in taxpayer dollars, to his presidential library after leaving office.\n\n“Having invested all of this money in a plane that the President himself described as practically ‘brand new’ – it has less than 1,000 flight hours – the notion that in two years’ time, it’s going to be decommissioned and retired, makes absolutely no sense,” Courtney said on CNN. “If we pass my amendment, there’s no question that it clearly states such a transfer would be against the law.”\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, Courtney filed an amendment to the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act to prohibit the Qatari-gifted Boeing 747-8i, now the VC-25B Bridge aircraft serving as Air Force One, from being transferred to any individual or entity outside of the Department of the Air Force. Last week, House Republican leadership blocked Courtney’s amendment from receiving a vote on the House floor.\n\nOn Sunday, the Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump “wants the Boeing 747 jumbo jet to eventually form the centerpiece of his planned presidential library in downtown Miami.”\n\n“Since the delivery of this aircraft, which has only approximately 1,000 flight hours, the U.S. taxpayer has made significant investment into the plane, and any notion that it will be retired in 2028 and divested in completely unacceptable,” Courtney said when introducing his NDAA amendment last month.\n\nRead the full text of Rep. Courtney’s amendment here.\n\nExecutive airlift programs, including Air Force One, fall under the jurisdiction of the House Seapower and Projection Force Subcommittee.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://crane.house.gov/2026/07/08/rep-crane-applauds-usda-drought-disaster-designations-for-arizona-counties/", "title": "Rep. Crane Applauds USDA Drought Disaster Designations for Arizona Counties", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://crane.house.gov/media/", "domain": "crane.house.gov", "scraper": "crane", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001132", "name": "Elijah Crane", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued two designations naming several Arizona counties as primary natural disaster areas due to drought conditions. Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) applauded the decisions given the historic dry conditions impacting the Southwest.\n\nThe determinations were made under 7 CFR 759.5(a), based on U.S. Drought Monitor data showing the affected counties experienced either D2 (Severe) drought for eight or more consecutive weeks, or D3 (Extreme) to D4 (Exceptional) drought, during the growing season.\n\nOn June 29, 2026, the USDA Office of the Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation designated Coconino and Maricopa counties as primary natural disaster areas. Gila, La Paz, Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Yavapai, and Yuma counties also qualify as contiguous counties.\n\nThe USDA issued a second designation on Monday for the same underlying drought, with Gila, Pinal, and Yuma counties elevated to primary status. Coconino, Graham, La Paz, Maricopa, Navajo, Pima, and Yavapai counties were listed as contiguous counties. The shift of Gila, Pinal, and Yuma from contiguous to primary status since the initial decision suggests worsening drought conditions across the region.\n\nUnder Section 321(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, the USDA is authorized to extend a disaster designation beyond the counties that meet the drought criteria directly, naming neighboring Arizona counties as contiguous disaster areas. Both a primary and a contiguous classification make farm operators eligible to be considered for USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loan assistance.\n\nFarmers and ranchers in the affected counties have eight months from the date of their county’s listing to apply. Applicants should contact their local FSA office, which can help them navigate the application and required documentation.\n\nFor questions, applicants can also email FPAC.BC.Congressional@usda.gov, referencing disaster designation number 2026N00000369 for the June 29 announcement or 2026N00000419 for Monday’s announcement.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://davidson.house.gov/2026/7/davidson-exim-bank-chairman-jovanovic-tour-ge-aerospace-in-evendale", "title": "Davidson, EXIM Bank Chairman Jovanovic Tour GE Aerospace in Evendale", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://davidson.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "davidson.house.gov", "scraper": "davidson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000626", "name": "Warren Davidson", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nEVENDALE. – Today, July 8, 2026, U.S. Representative Warren Davidson (OH-08) joined Export-Import Bank of the United States President and Chairman John Jovanovic for a visit to GE Aerospace’s Evendale facility.\n\nThe visit was part of a larger EXIM initiative to bring the bank’s leadership directly to American manufacturers to hear how it can better support U.S. companies competing in global markets. During the visit, Davidson and Chairman Jovanovic toured GE Aerospace’s facility, met with company leaders, and discussed the role of export financing in supporting American manufacturing, aviation leadership, and jobs in Greater Cincinnati.\n\n“GE Aerospace has helped make Southwest Ohio a center of American aviation and advanced manufacturing,” said Davidson. “I was glad to be joined by Chairman Jovanovic today to see that work firsthand and discuss how EXIM can support Ohio exporters and manufacturers. GE’s work supports thousands of local jobs and strengthens America’s ability to compete around the world. As Chairman of the subcommittee overseeing EXIM, I’m focused on making sure American companies have the tools they need to take on subsidized foreign competitors and win.”\n\n“Today, Representative Davidson and I saw firsthand the power of American manufacturing at GE Aerospace in Ohio’s 8th district. Industry leaders like GE Aerospace demonstrate the innovation, skill, and industrial strength that keep America’s manufacturing sector strong and competitive,” said Jovanovic. “Under President Trump’s leadership, EXIM is going back to the basics: strengthening supply chain security, revitalizing American industry, and putting American workers first so they can compete and win around the globe.”\n\nBackground:\n\nDavidson chairs the House Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, which oversees EXIM. Earlier this year, the subcommittee held an oversight hearing with Chairman Jovanovic focused on strengthening the Bank’s operations and ensuring American exporters can compete against foreign competitors backed by state subsidies.\n\nGE Aerospace has a long history in the region. Its Evendale facility opened in 1949 and became a major center for jet engine production, helping establish Greater Cincinnati as a hub for aviation manufacturing.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-responds-president-trumps-declaring-memorandum-understanding", "title": "DeLauro Responds to President Trump’s Declaring Memorandum of Understanding between United States and Iran “Over”", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "delauro.house.gov", "scraper": "delauro", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000216", "name": "Rosa L. DeLauro", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, responded to President Trump’s assertion that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) – the deal his administration struck with Iran to end the ongoing war – was over.\n\n“There was no reason this war should have started. While Americans struggled with the high cost of groceries, rent and other basics, President Trump launched a war of choice with no clear goals and no off-ramp to ending the conflict. Iran is also doing little to advance peace, as they continue to violate the MOU by attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.\n\n“This is a mess of President Trump’s own making. Instead of showing leadership and working hard to end the conflict that he created himself, he is now seemingly throwing up his hands and giving up. His inaction will only prolong conflict in the region, further threatening the lives of American service members and innocent civilians while keeping costs high because of an unending war that no one asked for. It must end. President Trump is responsible for bringing this conflict to a close.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-hamas-dissolving-gaza-government", "title": "DeLauro Statement on Hamas Dissolving Gaza Government", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "delauro.house.gov", "scraper": "delauro", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000216", "name": "Rosa L. DeLauro", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement regarding Hamas’ announcement that it would dissolve its governing arms in Gaza in preparation to hand over governance to the committee of Palestinian leaders selected under the current 20-point peace plan:\n\n“Hamas’ announcement that it would dissolve its quasi-government in Gaza and hand over control to Palestinian leaders selected under the peace plan is an encouraging step in the process, but much more needs to be done for the 20-point plan to move forward. Hamas must commit to laying down its weapons and allowing humanitarian aid to enter all parts of the territory it controls. Israel must also cease its attacks in Gaza that are in violation of the ceasefire agreement, and allow a massive surge of aid into Gaza. The people of Gaza are still in desperate need of food, medicine, and shelter supplies.\n\n“Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza must be the first priority of all parties before any meaningful process can be made toward peace. That requires Hamas to lay down their arms, and Israel to abide by the ceasefire.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-deluzio-holds-town-hall-veterans-beaver-county", "title": "Congressman Deluzio Holds Town Hall with Veterans in Beaver County", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "deluzio.house.gov", "scraper": "deluzio", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000530", "name": "Christopher R. Deluzio", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "BEAVER COUNTY, PA — Last night, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) held a town hall with veterans in Beaver County, PA. This continues Congressman Deluzio’s pace of regularly holding open-question town hall events, with more than twenty events held during the current session of Congress (2025-2026).\n\nThe town hall gave Western Pennsylvania veterans the chance to talk directly with their Congressman about issues ranging from the Iran War to funding and staffing levels at local VA hospitals to current legislation that impacts veterans benefits. Congressman Deluzio also shared updates on his work in Washington—including recently fighting back against the proposed benefit cuts for veterans with tinnitus and sleep apnea in the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, which prompted House leadership to cancel the vote on the bill for now.\n\n“There is so much going on down in Washington these days—especially impacting my fellow veterans—that it can be hard to keep up. I’m glad to bring the conversation directly to folks here at home,” said Congressman Deluzio. “One of my top priorities in Congress is to make sure America keeps its sacred promise to my fellow veterans: when our service ends, the care and benefits that we earned should be there when we get home—no exceptions. This conversation doesn’t stop here—my office is always ready to help with the VA or any federal agency, and I’ll keep fighting any bad bill down in Washington that pits veterans against veterans.”\n\nPhotos from the event are available here for use by the press.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases/members-oregon-delegation-oppose-sudden-loss-columbia-river-hatchery-funding", "title": "Members of the Oregon Delegation Oppose Sudden Loss of Columbia River Hatchery Funding", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "dexter.house.gov", "scraper": "dexter", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000635", "name": "Maxine Dexter", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and the Oregon Congressional Delegation members Senator Ron Wyden, and Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) decried the decision of Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to abruptly end its participation in the Safe Area Fisheries Enhancement (SAFE) program. The SAFE program has been operational since 1993, and provides reliable stocks of hatchery raised fish including Spring chinook and coho salmon for Pacific Northwest commercial and recreational fisheries in the Lower Columbia River Basin.\n\n“The loss of SAFE program funding from BPA puts the entire program at risk and is anticipated to have devastating, regional impacts on Columbia River native fish populations. Hatcheries are a critical regional resource. Estimates show that approximately 80% of the salmon and steelhead that return to the Columbia River Basin were hatched and reared in fish hatcheries. The SAFE program produces millions of hatchery fish each year, providing relief for stocks of Endangered Species Act-listed fish while also supporting the region’s world class commercial fishing industries and recreational fishers alike,” write the lawmakers.\n\nBPA’s decision to end SAFE, that has provided hatchery funding for over 30 years, came with minimal notice and will create a nearly $2.4 million shortfall to be shared by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and Clatsop County. According to ODFW, more than 7 million hatchery salmon currently in production are at immediate risk. Without this funding, ODFW may be forced to close SAFE funded hatcheries and potentially cull the millions of salmon and eggs the agency will no longer be able to support.\n\n“When BPA shared its intent to terminate the SAFE program with its non-federal sponsors, the agency provided its partners with less than four months to accommodate for the loss of this critical stream of funding. However, work to produce next year’s stock of hatchery fish has already begun,” emphasized the Oregon Congressional Delegation.\n\nThe lawmakers concluded, “We urge BPA to reconsider its decision to walk back on its partnership with regional stakeholders to support fish mitigation activities through the SAFE program. Without strong collective action, communication, and trust, the hardworking stakeholders in the region won’t be able to overcome challenges of diminishing salmon populations and energy security. Further, walking back on the SAFE program stands in opposition to the President’s Executive Order 14276 on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. We encourage BPA to fulfill its obligations, and renew its contracts with ODFW, WDFW, and Clatsop County to provide certainty in critical fish stocks in our region.”\n\nFull text of the letter sent by the Oregon Congressional delegation can be found by clicking here and follows below:\n\nDear Administrator Kavulla:\n\nWe write to express our significant concern with the Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) recent decision to end its participation in the Select Area Fisheries Management (SAFE) program. The SAFE program has been operational since 1993, providing reliable stocks of Spring chinook and coho salmon for Pacific Northwest commercial and recreational fisheries. We strongly urge BPA to reconsider its actions and commit to renewing its SAFE program contracts to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and Clatsop County.\n\nThe loss of SAFE program funding from BPA puts the entire program at risk and is anticipated to have devastating, regional impacts on Columbia River native fish populations. Hatcheries are a critical regional resource. Estimates show that approximately 80% of the salmon and steelhead that return to the Columbia River Basin were hatched and reared in fish hatcheries.[1] The SAFE program produces millions of hatchery fish each year, providing relief for stocks of Endangered Species Act-listed fish while also supporting the region’s world class commercial fishing industries and recreational fishers alike.\n\nWhen BPA shared its intent to terminate the SAFE program with its non-federal sponsors, the agency provided its partners with less than four months to accommodate for the loss of this critical stream of funding. However, work to produce next year’s stock of hatchery fish has already begun. BPA’s decision to no longer support the SAFE program will jeopardize seven million fish that are currently being raised to be released into rivers next spring and will no longer be able to be supported by current funding schemes. It is likely that the hatchery will have to be closed and fish may be culled.\n\nFurther, the Northwest Power & Conservation Council, the organization that provides advice to BPA on its activities to mitigate the loss of fish populations, has long supported the SAFE program. In its most recent recommendations to BPA, the Council recommended that BPA renew its contracts for the program to continue to address the loss of salmon populations in the Columbia Basin.[2] It is disappointing that BPA cannot heed the advice of the organization designed to work with partners on this regional issue.\n\nWe urge BPA to reconsider its decision to walk back on its partnership with regional stakeholders to support fish mitigation activities through the SAFE program. Without strong collective action, communication, and trust, the hardworking stakeholders in the region won’t be able to overcome challenges of diminishing salmon populations and energy security. Further, walking back on the SAFE program stands in opposition to the President’s Executive Order 14276 on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. We encourage BPA to fulfill its obligations, and renew its contracts with ODFW, WDFW, and Clatsop County to provide certainty in critical fish stocks in our region.\n\n[1] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2024, August 15). Federal Columbia River Power System Mitigation Actions. NOAA Fisheries. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/endangered-species-conservation/federal-columbia-river-power-system-mitigation-actions", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-welcomes-new-superintendent-carl-sandburg-home-national-historic-site", "title": "Edwards Welcomes New Superintendent at Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "edwards.house.gov", "scraper": "edwards", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000246", "name": "Chuck Edwards", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) joined the National Park Service today for the assumption ceremony welcoming Ashley Pipkin as the new superintendent of the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in Flat Rock.\n\nCongressman Edwards raised the need to fill the superintendent vacancy during a meeting with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum last July, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership to support park staff, protect the site's historic resources, and enhance visitors’ experience.\n\nCongressman Edwards congratulated Ashley Pipkin on her appointment as superintendent, highlighting the park's importance to Western North Carolina, its economic impact, and the need for continued federal investment in restoration and preservation. He also welcomed Pipkin back to the region and expressed his commitment to working with her to support the site's future.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2156", "title": "Ezell Announces More Than $27 Million in Federal BUILD Grants for Mississippi's Fourth District", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "ezell.house.gov", "scraper": "ezell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000235", "name": "Mike Ezell", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) announced that more than $27 million in Federal Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants have been awarded to two critical infrastructure projects in Mississippi's Fourth Congressional District.\n\nThe grants include $22.1 million for the Mississippi Department of Transportation to expand truck parking and improve freight technology along the Interstate 10 corridor in Hancock County, as well as $5 million for the City of D'Iberville to improve the Mallett Road Multimodal Corridor in Harrison County.\n\n\"These investments are a major win for South Mississippi and will strengthen our transportation infrastructure, improve public safety, and support continued economic growth across the Fourth District,\" Ezell said. \"As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I understand the importance of keeping goods moving efficiently through our ports, highways, and freight corridors. These projects will help reduce congestion, improve safety for commercial drivers and the traveling public, and ensure our communities are well-positioned for future growth.\"\n\nThe $22.1 million BUILD grant awarded to the Mississippi Department of Transportation will fund the Mississippi I-10 Freight Corridor TPAS and Truck Parking Expansion project at the Hancock County Welcome Center. The project will increase truck parking capacity from 20 spaces to approximately 74 while deploying advanced Truck Parking Availability System (TPAS) technology, dynamic parking availability signs, and fiber-optic infrastructure to improve freight movement and driver safety along one of the Gulf Coast's busiest transportation corridors.\n\nThe $5 million BUILD grant awarded to the City of D'Iberville will support the Mallett Road Multimodal Corridor Improvements project. The project includes widening Mallett Road, improving intersections, enhancing traffic flow, upgrading utilities and traffic signals, constructing new turn lanes, and adding a six-foot sidewalk to improve mobility and safety for both motorists and pedestrians.\n\n\"Mississippi's Gulf Coast continues to experience tremendous growth, and these investments will help ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with that progress,\" Ezell continued. \"I appreciate the work of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, the City of D'Iberville, and our local leaders who helped make these projects possible. I will continue working to secure federal resources that improve the quality of life for our communities while strengthening Mississippi's economy.\"\n\nThe BUILD Grant Program supports investments in surface transportation infrastructure that improve safety, mobility, economic competitiveness, and quality of life in communities across the country.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://fields.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cleo-fields-releases-statement-passing-state-senator-larry-selders", "title": "CONGRESSMAN CLEO FIELDS RELEASES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF STATE SENATOR LARRY SELDERS:", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fields.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fields.house.gov", "scraper": "fields", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000110", "name": "Cleo Fields", "party": "Democrat", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "BATON ROUGE, L.A. – Congressman Cleo Fields released the following statement mourning the passing of Louisiana State Senator Larry Selders, who passed away Tuesday evening. Senator Selders represented Louisiana's 14th Senate District and served in the Louisiana Legislature since 2021:\n\n\"Larry Selders was my friend, and Louisiana was better for every day he served it.\n\nI knew Larry a long time. I watched him come up, and I watched him become one of the most genuine leaders our state has produced. He was a Southern University man, like me, and he carried everything that institution stands for into every room he walked into. He never forgot where he came from, and he never stopped working for the people who sent him to the Legislature.\n\nWhen I was elected to Congress, I left behind the state Senate seat I had held for much of my career, a seat that means a great deal to me and to the people of Baton Rouge. There was never a question in my mind about who should carry it forward. I supported Larry because I knew his heart. He didn't see public office as a title; he saw it as a responsibility. And he proved me right every single day he held it.\n\nLarry was a social worker at heart, in his profession and in his politics. He spent his life caring for people struggling with mental health and addiction, and then he went to the State Capitol and wrote that care into law. He expanded mental health services, protected survivors of domestic violence, fought for working families, and opened doors for young people all across our state. He never asked for credit, because credit was never the point, people were.\n\nBut if you asked Larry what he was proudest of, he wouldn't have said any of that. He would have told you about Kendra, LJ, and Luke. Anyone who knew him knew that his family came first, always.\n\nKendra, the boys, and everyone who loved Larry remain in my prayers. Baton Rouge lost a champion, and I lost a brother in service. Rest well, my friend.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://fischbach.house.gov/2026/7/rep-fischbach-co-leads-fraud-act-to-crack-down-on-state-leaders-who-fail-to-report-taxpayer-theft", "title": "Rep. Fischbach Co-Leads FRAUD Act to Crack Down on State Leaders Who Fail to Report Taxpayer Theft", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "fischbach.house.gov", "scraper": "fischbach", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000470", "name": "Michelle Fischbach", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) joined the Minnesota Congressional Republican Delegation in introducing the Federal Responsibility and Accountability for Unchecked Dereliction (FRAUD) Act to strengthen accountability when state officials become aware of fraud involving federal funds. This legislation follows a House Oversight Committee report that found that high-level Minnesota state officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison, had known about the fraud in Minnesota since 2019 and repeatedly failed to act.\n\n\"The scale of fraud we saw in Minnesota is flat-out unacceptable, and it’s infuriating that Governor Walz and other state leaders looked the other way while billions were stolen,\" said Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach. \"They need to be held accountable. We need the FRAUD Act in place so the next Minnesota governor, or any future leader, will never be allowed to let something like this happen again. Taxpayers deserve to know their hard-earned money is actually being protected.\"\n\nHere's what the rest of the delegation had to say about this legislation:\n\n“Billions of taxpayer dollars were stolen in Minnesota because state leaders like Tim Walz looked the other way and even threatened to retaliate against state whistleblowers who tried to sound the alarm,\" said Congressman Pete Stauber. \"To this day, none of these so-called leaders have been held accountable for this stunning failure of public trust. My FRAUD Act will change that by ensuring any official who knowingly fails to report fraud faces criminal prosecution and is never able to oversee the distribution of federal funds ever again. Turning a blind eye to fraud is just as bad as committing it, and it’s time the consequences reflect that.”\n\n“Fraud is wrong, plain and simple. Unfortunately, we have state leaders who ignored and enabled the problem, resulting in billions of dollars in fraud,\" said Congressman Tom Emmer. “The House Oversight Committee confirmed what we all knew: Governor Walz and other state officials were aware of the fraud and yet did nothing. The FRAUD Act will ensure accountability and protect taxpayer funds.”\n\n“In Minnesota, and across the country, a state’s highest elected officials – those responsible for safeguarding taxpayer dollars – have an obligation to take action against fraud when it’s reported,\" said Congressman Brad Finstad. \"I am committed to bringing accountability to Gov. Walz and Attorney General Ellison for ignoring the rampant fraud that’s robbed our fellow Minnesotans of billions of dollars, and am proud to support the FRAUD Act to restore transparency and accountability in federally funded, state administrated programs.”\n\nSpecifically, the FRAUD Act will:", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-foushee-calls-for-national-park-service-review-of-belmont-paul-womens-equality-national-monument-exhibits", "title": "Rep. Foushee Calls for National Park Service Review of Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument Exhibits", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "foushee.house.gov", "scraper": "foushee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000477", "name": "Valerie P. Foushee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "DURHAM, NC (July 8, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) sent a letter to the National Park Service (NPS) requesting information on the maintenance and modernization needs of the exhibits at the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument in Washington, D.C. and emphasizing that the site should reflect the significance of the history it preserves.\n\nIn her letter, Congresswoman Foushee says the monument “plays an important role in preserving a defining chapter of our nation’s story,” and notes its exhibits must reflect that legacy in a “professional, engaging, and well-maintained manner.”\n\n“For example, concerns have been raised regarding the materials displayed above a desk belonging to Elizabeth Cady Stanton, where a handwritten note currently functions as a plaque. I find this presentation inconsistent with the significance of the site and the standards visitors expect at a national monument,” writes Congresswoman Foushee.\n\nThe letter requests an audit or formal review of the site by a National Park Service curator or appropriate staff to assess the current condition of exhibits and identify areas for enhancement or repair. Congresswoman Foushee also requested an estimate of the costs associated with any needed improvements and asked whether those costs can be covered by the NPS National Mall and Memorial Parks budgetary fund or other applicable funds. Because the Monument offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the promise of equality in the United States, the Congresswoman urged NPS to ensure the site is equipped to educate the public at the highest standard.\n\nRead the full letter here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://friedman.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-congresswoman-friedman-convenes-2nd-meeting-housing-advisory-committee", "title": "RELEASE: Congresswoman Friedman Convenes 2nd Meeting of Housing Advisory Committee", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://friedman.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "friedman.house.gov", "scraper": "friedman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000483", "name": "Laura Friedman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Above: Friedman speaking to members of her Housing Advisory Committee.\n\nGLENDALE, CA — Today, July 8, 2026, U.S. Representative Laura Friedman (CA-30) convened the 2nd meeting of her Housing Advisory Committee with leaders from governmental housing agencies and local stakeholders. They discussed the Congresswoman's efforts to create more housing, at lower costs for both families and builders.\n\n“I’m proud that much of the language and spirit of the housing bills I’ve introduced in this Congress have found their way upstream, but there is still so much left to be done,” said Representative Laura Friedman (CA-30). “I’ll never stop rallying to cut costs and the red tape holding Angelenos back from being able to afford a roof over their heads.”\n\nFriedman has spent much of her first term laser focused on cutting the red tape around building housing and lowering prices for families. She was recently selected to lead the House Democrats' Housing Affordability Working Group by Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Language from her Cut Red Tape for Housing Act to eliminate costly red tape around urban infill projects was included in the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act currently on President Trump’s desk. She is also helping lead the bipartisan and bicameral Build HUBS Act, which will unlock federal investment programs for housing production that have long been mired by government red tape.\n\nAt this meeting, Friedman was joined by Home Again LA CEO Albert Hernandez, EAH Housing Director of Business Development Jose Torres, West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation Director of Asset Management Rachel Bacola, Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Regional Housing Trust Manager Dima Galkin, New Economics for Women CEO Leticia Andueza, Ascencia Executive Director Laura Duncan, Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency Chief Engagement and Intergovernmental Relations Officer Seyron Foo, Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing Senior Association of Housing and Land Use Policy Emy Farrow-German, and LA Family Housing President and CEO Stephanie Klasky-Gamer.\n\nBelow: Rep. Friedman with members of her Housing Advisory Committee.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://gabeevans.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gabe-evans-calls-gov-polis-ease-burdens-colorado-small-businesses", "title": "Congressman Gabe Evans Calls on Gov. Polis to Ease Burdens on Colorado Small Businesses After Hearing Concerns from Employers Across CO-08", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gabeevans.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "gabeevans.house.gov", "scraper": "gabeevans", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000300", "name": "Gabe Evans", "party": "Republican", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Gabe Evans sent a letter to Colorado Governor Jared Polis calling on him to reverse the growing number of taxes, fees, mandates, and regulations that are making it increasingly difficult for Colorado's small businesses to hire workers, expand operations, and keep their doors open.\n\nThe letter comes after Congressman Evans spent months meeting with small business owners, entrepreneurs, and local chambers of commerce throughout Colorado's Eighth Congressional District. During those conversations, employers consistently shared the same message: rising state regulations and compliance costs are making it harder to grow their businesses, create jobs, and serve their communities.\n\nAn excerpt from the letter reads:\n\n\"While I am working hard in Washington to pass legislation to help small business owners in my district, you are partnering with ruling Democrats in the State Legislature to overwhelm those same businesses with higher fees, rising labor costs, increased compliance mandates, and endless red tape that make it harder to hire workers, expand operations, and keep their doors open.\"\n\nIn the letter, Congressman Evans outlines several state laws signed by Governor Polis that employers say have increased labor costs, expanded compliance requirements, and created additional financial burdens for Colorado businesses. The Congressman also contrasts those policies with recent federal efforts to lower taxes and provide greater certainty for small businesses through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.\n\nCongressman Evans notes that small businesses make up 99.5 percent of all Colorado businesses and employ nearly half of the state's workforce, making them essential to the state's economy and the livelihoods of hardworking Colorado families. The letter also highlights the importance of Colorado's Hispanic-owned businesses, which continue to play a vital role in creating jobs and strengthening local communities.\n\nThe Congressman is urging Governor Polis to work alongside Colorado's job creators by reducing unnecessary regulations, lowering costs, and pursuing policies that allow entrepreneurs and small businesses to grow instead of burdening them with additional government mandates.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gillen-presents-recovered-national-defense-service-medal-nassau-county", "title": "Rep. Gillen Presents Recovered National Defense Service Medal to Nassau County Veteran’s Family", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "gillen.house.gov", "scraper": "gillen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000602", "name": "Laura Gillen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "GARDEN CITY, NY — Yesterday, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) presented Robert Schildkraut with the National Defense Service Medal that his late father, Marvin Schildkraut, earned in recognition of his honorable service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following Marvin’s passing, the medal was lost, leaving a meaningful piece of the family’s history missing. The National Defense Service Medal was awarded to Marvin Schildkraut upon his honorable discharge in June 1955.\n\n“Our veterans make extraordinary sacrifices in service to our nation and their legacy deserves to be honored,” said Rep. Gillen. “It was a privilege to help reunite Robert Schildkraut with his late father’s National Defense Service Medal which he earned for his bravery and exceptional service during the Korean War. We owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who has worn the uniform and it is my honor to help our veterans and their families receive the recognition they have earned.”\n\n“My father, Marvin, received the National Defense Medal for honorable service, given by the Commanding Officer at Camp Gordon, Georgia. For our family, the medal represents recognition, not only for his military service, but for the 50 plus years of design work he performed for multiple Long Island avionics and defense contractors,” said Robert Schildkraut, son of Marvin Schildkraut.\n\nWhen Robert reached out for assistance, Rep. Gillen’s office immediately worked with him to navigate the National Archives and Records Administration and recover the medal.\n\nThe National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during periods of national emergency or armed conflict, including the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Global War on Terrorism.\n\nRep. Gillen’s office is committed to helping residents of New York’s Fourth congressional district navigate federal agencies and access the benefits and services they are owed. Contact Rep. Gillen’s office for assistance with veterans' benefits, replacing or obtaining lost military service medals, Social Security, immigration matters, IRS issues or other issues with federal agencies.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://gimenez.house.gov/2026/7/congressman-carlos-a-gimenez-withdraws-as-co-chair-of-congressional-friends-of-spain-caucus", "title": "CONGRESSMAN CARLOS A. GIMENEZ WITHDRAWS AS CO-CHAIR OF CONGRESSIONAL FRIENDS OF SPAIN CAUCUS", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gimenez.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "gimenez.house.gov", "scraper": "gimenez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000593", "name": "Carlos A. Gimenez", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "MIAMI, FL – Today, Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez (FL-28) announced that he has withdrawn as Co-Chair of the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus following the Spanish government’s actions undermining our bilateral relationship & its increasingly hostile actions against America’s closest ally, the Jewish State of Israel.\n\nIn a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Congressman Gimenez said Spain’s recent policies against Israel and the Israel Defense Forces are incompatible with the democratic values the caucus was created to promote.\n\n“Spain has long been an important ally of the United States, but Prime Minister Sánchez’s government has chosen political posturing over moral clarity,” said Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez. “I cannot continue serving as Co-Chair of a caucus dedicated to strengthening ties with a government that is actively undermining one of America’s closest allies. I stand firmly with Israel and with every democracy fighting terrorism.”\n\nCongressman Gimenez concluded his letter by expressing hope that Spain will one day return to a foreign policy rooted in support for democratic allies, the defense of freedom, and moral clarity.\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perez-bill-stops-scammers-from-preying-on-small-businesses-with-bogus-workplace-posters", "title": "Gluesenkamp Perez Bill Stops Scammers from Preying on Small Businesses With Bogus Workplace Posters", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "domain": "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "scraper": "gluesenkampperez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000600", "name": "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON D.C. — Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) recently took aim at attempts by companies to exploit government regulations at the expense of small businesses.\n\nHer effort comes amid a larger bipartisan effort to force employers to do more to make sure that workers know their labor rights and new employees are told about their legal protections as soon as they are hired.\n\nThe Know Your Labor Rights Act is aimed at ensuring workers are aware of all their rights. It was introduced with House and Senate members earlier this month.\n\nSeparately, the Congresswoman says many current guidelines for small businesses are needlessly complicated, expensive and cumbersome.\n\n“As a small business owner, and a member of Congress who’s actually clocked into work, I know that small businesses are regularly scammed by fraudsters pretending to be federal agencies. They exploit the patchwork of federal bureaucracy to charge mom and pop operations hundreds of dollars for posters available for free.” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, “I’m encouraged that this bill takes a step towards ensuring the information is available free on the Department of Labor’s website.”\n\nThe Know Your Labor Rights Act would:\n\nRequire employers to post and maintain notices to employees of their rights under Section 7 of the NLRA.\n\nRequire employers to notify each new employee of the information in the notice.\n\nImpose penalties on employers for non-compliance.\n\nThe bill has support of organized labor: “Greedy corporations and corrupt managers in nearly every sector of the economy put in overtime trying to stop working people from organizing,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “But the right to organize is sacred, and American workers should be informed of their legal right to do so. The Know Your Labor Rights Act would help put power back in the hands of working people. It would mandate that employers post information about labor rights in an easily accessible place so that workers remain informed and empowered.”\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6139", "title": "Rep. Gomez Statement on Fatal ICE Shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gomez.house.gov", "scraper": "gomez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000585", "name": "Jimmy Gomez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was shot and killed by ICE. This is horrifying. It is infuriating. Every single American should be outraged that a father left for work and never came home,” said Rep. Gomez. “I’m calling for a full, independent investigation into Lorenzo’s death. His family deserves a full accounting of what ICE did, and if misconduct occurred, those responsible must be held accountable.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6141", "title": "VIDEO: Rep. Gomez Updates Estrada Courts Seniors on $7 Million Federal Investments Improving Their Homes", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gomez.house.gov", "scraper": "gomez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000585", "name": "Jimmy Gomez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Watch Rep. Gomez's full video here\n\nLOS ANGELES, CA – Today, U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) met with seniors at Estrada Courts in Boyle Heights to hear directly from residents, provide updates on federal investments improving their community, and discuss ongoing efforts to protect programs seniors rely on, including Social Security and Medicare.\n\n\"Coming back to Estrada Courts is always one of my favorite parts of the job because the seniors here never hesitate to tell me what's on their minds. Today, they had a chance to talk to me about social security and money coming into Estrada Courts to help maintain their units, to get brand new windows, painting everything.” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez in video. \"These conversations remind me why I fight every day in Washington to make sure seniors have the resources, dignity, and security they've earned after a lifetime of hard work.\"\n\nEstrada Courts is home to more than 1,000 residents and has been the recipient of significant federal Community Project Funding secured by Rep. Gomez, including:\n\n- $999,500 (FY2023) to preserve Estrada Courts as affordable housing through exterior painting, critical repairs, and other improvements.\n\n- $2 million (FY2026) to install air conditioning units and ceiling fans in all apartments at Estrada Courts.\n\n- $500,000 proposed (FY2027) to continue Phase II of the Estrada Courts Air Conditioner and Ceiling Fan Project, building on previous investments to help residents adapt to extreme heat.\n\n- $650,000 (FY2022) for Project SOAR, expanding college, career, and workforce advising opportunities for youth and adult residents living in public housing communities, including Estrada Courts.\n\nThe visit comes a day after Rep. Gomez and his team partnered with local organizations to distribute air purifiers and other emergency supplies to Estrada Courts residents impacted by the nearby Lineage Logistics fire. While supporting residents through immediate emergencies remains a priority, Rep. Gomez continues working to secure long-term federal investments that strengthen affordable housing and quality of live for Estrada Courts residents.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases/comisionado-residente-anuncia-mas-de-19-millones-de-fema-para-generadores-de", "title": "Comisionado Residente anuncia más de $1.9 millones de FEMA para generadores de emergencia en Puerto Rico", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "hernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001103", "name": "Pablo José Hernández", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, anunció hoy la otorgación de $1,929,115.85 en fondos federales de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA) para proyectos de generadores de emergencia en Puerto Rico.\n\n“Cuando una emergencia llega, los municipios necesitan que sus instalaciones sigan funcionando. Estos fondos ayudan a que Patillas cuente con respaldo eléctrico en espacios que ofrecen servicios directos a la gente,” expresó el Comisionado Residente.\n\nEstas otorgaciones están autorizadas bajo la Sección 404 de la Ley Stafford y forman parte de los esfuerzos federales para reducir riesgos futuros y fortalecer la capacidad de respuesta ante desastres. Entre las otorgaciones se encuentran:\n\nGeneradores de emergencia para instalaciones municipales en Patillas\n\nFEMA otorgó $1,000,000 al Municipio de Patillas para la compra e instalación de cuatro generadores fijos. El proyecto incluye dos generadores de 60 kilovatios, uno para la biblioteca municipal y otro para la alcaldía; un generador de 180 kilovatios para el Centro de Usos Múltiples; y un generador de 30 kilovatios para la Oficina de Apoyo al Ciudadano. Cada instalación contará con base y cubierta para proteger los equipos.\n\nFEMA también otorgó $50,000 adicionales al Municipio de Patillas para cubrir costos administrativos asociados al manejo del proyecto durante su periodo de ejecución.\n\nCentro de Gobierno Rafael Nicolau Tormenteras\n\nFEMA otorgó $368,147.95 para un proyecto de generador en el Centro de Gobierno Rafael Nicolau Tormenteras, como parte de los esfuerzos de mitigación relacionados con la declaración de desastre del huracán María.\n\nGeneradores de emergencia bajo la declaración de desastre por los terremotos\n\nFEMA otorgó $510,967.90 para otro proyecto de generadores de emergencia bajo la declaración de desastre de los terremotos de 2020.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases/comisionado-residente-revivira-tradicional-peregrinaje-en-honor-luis-munoz-0", "title": "Comisionado Residente revivirá tradicional peregrinaje en honor a Luis Muñoz Rivera con mensaje “El pueblo contra la claque”", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "hernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001103", "name": "Pablo José Hernández", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "CAGUAS, Puerto Rico — El Comisionado Residente Pablo José Hernández Rivera revivirá este domingo, 19 de julio de 2026, el tradicional peregrinaje en honor a Luis Muñoz Rivera con una ceremonia conmemorativa en el Mausoleo de la Familia Muñoz Rivera en Barranquitas, donde ofrecerá el mensaje titulado “El pueblo contra la claque”.\n\nInspirado en la tradición de reflexión honesta y liderazgo atrevido que caracterizaba los antiguos discursos del Día de Muñoz Rivera, Hernández Rivera expondrá la evolución de su pensamiento político y su visión sobre los retos que enfrenta Puerto Rico.\n\nDurante el mensaje, el Comisionado Residente abordará lo que denomina “la claque”: un grupo arraigado que trasciende partidos y que, según Hernández Rivera, se vende por contratos, calla por auspicios y perpetúa la mediocridad, la corrupción y la politiquería en Puerto Rico.\n\n“Luis Muñoz Rivera pertenece a una tradición de líderes que entendían que la política no podía ser un ejercicio de conveniencia ni de silencio ante los problemas del país. Honrar esa tradición requiere hablar con honestidad, enfrentar los retos de nuestro tiempo y poner siempre al pueblo por encima de cualquier interés”, expresó Hernández Rivera.\n\nLuis Muñoz Rivera fue periodista, poeta, líder político y comisionado residente de Puerto Rico en Washington. Su trayectoria estuvo marcada por la defensa de la dignidad puertorriqueña, la búsqueda de mayor gobierno propio y una vida pública dedicada a adelantar los intereses del pueblo de Puerto Rico.\n\nLa ceremonia, que será abierta al público, se llevará a cabo a las 9:00 a.m.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-members-huffman-and-heinrich-lead-call-for-investigation-into-trump-admins-plan-to-merge-offshore-energy-agencies", "title": "Ranking Members Huffman and Heinrich Lead Call for Investigation into Trump Admin's Plan to Merge Offshore Energy Agencies", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "huffman.house.gov", "scraper": "huffman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001068", "name": "Jared Huffman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Lawmakers warn the proposed Marine Minerals Administration could weaken independent safety oversight established after Deepwater Horizon and leave workers, communities, and taxpayers more vulnerable to another preventable disaster\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), urging the agency to investigate whether a proposed agency consolidation within the Department of the Interior (DOI) would undermine the independent offshore safety oversight Congress established after Deepwater Horizon and leave workers, communities, and taxpayers at greater risk.\n\nThe letter follows an announcement from the Trump administration in April that DOI is consolidating the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (OEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to create the new Marine Minerals Administration (MMA), while proposing draconian cuts to the Interior in its Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget request.\n\n\"The April 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster was one of the worst environmental catastrophes in our nation's history, killing 11 workers and releasing millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico... In response, in October 2011, the Department of the Interior dissolved MMS and established the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to separate offshore leasing and resource development responsibilities from independent safety and environmental enforcement functions. The reorganization was intended to address the very regulatory failures that contributed to the Deepwater Horizon disaster by ensuring that offshore safety and environmental protection would not be subordinated to industry pressure or revenue generation,\" the lawmakers began.\n\n\"Sixteen years later, offshore oil and gas development has only increased. U.S. oil production remains near record highs, with approximately 95 percent of offshore production now occurring in deepwater environments that present substantially greater technical, operational, and environmental risks... At the same time, the Trump administration and congressional Republicans are aggressively pursuing expanded offshore leasing, opening additional areas to drilling, and reducing royalty rates that shortchange taxpayers while incentivizing further fossil fuel extraction,\" the lawmakers continued.\n\n\"Interior's April 2026 announcement that it intends to reconsolidate BOEM and BSEE into a new Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) raises serious concerns about whether Interior is collapsing the firewall between resource development and independent safety oversight that was established after Deepwater Horizon,\" the lawmakers noted. \"These concerns are compounded by the fact that Interior is pursuing this reorganization amid significant workforce reductions, including staffing losses resulting from the 2025 Deferred Resignation Program and additional proposed cuts in the fiscal year 2027 budget request. The Department is simultaneously expanding the scope of its responsibilities to include offshore critical minerals leasing and other new activities.\"\n\nThe lawmakers concluded the letter by requesting GAO to investigate the creation of the new Marine Minerals Administration, and the steps that the Trump administration is taking to ensure that the agency can properly oversee deep-sea mining efforts to prevent another disaster like Deepwater Horizon.\n\nThe letter, led by Huffman in the U.S. House of Representatives and Heinrich in the U.S. Senate, is also signed by U.S. Representative Luz Rivas (D-Calif.) and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.).\n\nRead the full letter here and below:\n\nDear Ms. Brown,\n\nThe April 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster was one of the worst environmental catastrophes in our nation’s history, killing 11 workers and releasing millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. In the aftermath of the spill, multiple investigations identified regulatory failures and deeply entrenched ethical issues and conflicts of interest within the former Minerals Management Service (MMS), which simultaneously prompted offshore development, collected royalties, and conducted oversight. In response, in October 2011, the Department of the Interior (Interior) dissolved MMS and established the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to separate offshore leasing and resource development responsibilities from independent safety and environmental enforcement functions. The reorganization was intended to address the very regulatory failures that contributed to the Deepwater Horizon disaster by ensuring that offshore safety and environmental protection would not be subordinated to industry pressure or revenue generation.\n\nSixteen years later, offshore oil and gas development has only increased. U.S. oil production remains near record highs, with approximately 95 percent of offshore production now occurring in deepwater environments that present substantially greater technical, operational, and environmental risks. New frontier projects, including the recently approved Kaskida development, are pushing into ultra-deepwater conditions characterized by extreme pressures, temperatures, and operational complexity. At the same time, the Trump administration and congressional Republicans are aggressively pursuing expanded offshore leasing, opening additional areas to drilling, and reducing royalty rates that shortchange taxpayers while incentivizing further fossil fuel extraction. Interior has also expanded its focus on cataloging offshore critical mineral deposits in anticipation of future seabed mining activities that carry poorly understood, but likely significant, environmental risks.\n\nAgainst this backdrop, Interior’s April 2026 announcement that it intends to reconsolidate BOEM and BSEE into a new Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) raises serious concerns about whether Interior is collapsing the firewall between resource development and independent safety oversight that was established after Deepwater Horizon. Interior has asserted that the reorganization will improve coordination, but the Department has provided little detail explaining how combining these functions would strengthen independent environmental review and safety enforcement, particularly at a time when offshore development activities are becoming increasingly complex and risky.\n\nThese concerns are compounded by the fact that Interior is pursuing this reorganization amid significant workforce reductions, including staffing losses resulting from the 2025 Deferred Resignation Program and additional proposed cuts in the fiscal year 2027 budget request. The Department is simultaneously expanding the scope of its responsibilities to include offshore critical minerals leasing and other new activities. Together, these developments raise significant questions about whether the proposed consolidation would undermine the independent oversight and institutional capacity necessary to protect offshore workers, coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and taxpayers from another preventable disaster.\n\nTo help Congress better understand the potential implications of establishing MMA, we request that GAO examine the following:\n\nTo what extent has Interior defined specific, measurable objectives that support its broader goals for reconsolidating BOEM and BSEE into MMA?\n\nTo what extent has Interior engaged in transition planning to ensure that MMA meets its specific objectives while also maintaining the resources needed to maintain the oversight functions currently managed by BOEM and BSEE?\n\nTo what extent has the agency taken steps to ensure it will have the needed resources and capacity, including the scientific expertise, for effective oversight of the development of the nation’s offshore energy and marine mineral resources?\n\nTo what extent did Interior take steps to ensure that the new agency’s processes and decision-making—including as they pertain to permitting—will be based on sound science that is independent of undue outside influence?\n\nWhat steps did Interior take to ensure the new agency has developed a framework for consultation and stakeholder engagement, specifically, on the agency’s expanded scope of authorities for offshore minerals leasing? How will MMA’s processes uphold Tribal trust responsibilities and states’ authorities for consistency review under the Coastal Zone Management Act?\n\nSincerely,\n\nWatch Ranking Member Huffman discuss the report's findings.\n\n“Donald Trump’s hijacking of America's 250th birthday will go down as one of the most corrupt, brazen abuses of public trust in presidential history, even by the dubious standards of this administration. As our country prepared to celebrate a milestone that belongs to every American, Trump and his operatives launched a hostile takeover of the bipartisan commission established by Congress to lead the celebration. When that failed, they sidelined the commission, siphoned its resources, and infiltrated a beloved national charity under cover of a shadow corporation that shielded them from public scrutiny. Then they proceeded to deceive donors, solicit foreign money, sell access to the President, award no-bid contracts to Trump loyalists, harvest Americans’ personal data, and push a white-washed, Christian nationalist version of history,” said Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif).\n\n“But they didn’t account for us. Over the past year, our investigation has pursued the truth about the machinations, schemes and abuses of trust they’ve tried to hide. We’ve uncovered extensive evidence of corruption, self-enrichmentand potential crimes. The Republican majority in Congress, which has far more investigative tools and power than we do, could have joined us in conducting serious oversight and demanding answers. Instead, they’ve used their power to shield the individuals and entities involved.\n\n“The American people deserve to know the truth about how the official national celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary was stolen, along with a large – and so far unaccounted for – sum of their taxpayer dollars. So, today – against the obstruction and resistance of our Republican colleagues – we are dragging this fiasco out of the shadows and shining a bright light on the corruption and fraud surrounding Freedom 250. We can’t stop from tarnishing the country’s July 4th celebration, but we can stop it from ever happening again – we can protect the next government program, the next fund, the next thing that's supposed to work for all of us, from being exploited and misused this way. That’s why we must confront this grift and corruption now. From our earliest days, America has stood for government by the people, not powerful tyrants. We will fight to keep it that way.”\n\nWhen the nonpartisan, congressionally chartered America250 Commission refused to bend to the President's demands, the White House built a replacement - Freedom 250 LLC – and declared it the central platform for the national celebration. The White House lodged this shadow organization inside the National Park Foundation so it could exploit the credibility and donor relationships of a beloved public charity while operating outside the transparency rules Congress wrote into law for the commission.\n\nKey Findings\n\nThe President put himself at the center of the nation's birthday. Trump issued an executive order making himself and the Vice President Chair and Vice Chair of a White House task force, then staged his own birthday as a national event twice: the Army's 250th military parade on June 14, 2025, and a UFC fight on the White House South Lawn on June 14, 2026, run under the Freedom 250 banner.\n\nThe White House built Freedom 250 on deceit. Musical performers, among others, were misled about programming and connections to Trump’s political machine. Fundraisers may have misled donors who intended to support America250 and handed them Freedom 250's banking information, routing contributions meant for the nonpartisan foundation to the President's substitute entity instead. The report finds that, if true, this could constitute wire fraud and charitable solicitation fraud under federal and District of Columbia law.\n\nFreedom 250 sold access to the President and courted foreign money in America's name. The organization circulated sponsorship packages starting at $500,000 and climbing above $10 million, backed by a \"historic photo opportunity\" with President Trump. Its CEO solicited foreign governments, corporations, and individuals at the World Economic Forum in Davos to fund the President’s priorities. If foreign funds reach the President's vanity projects, the report finds the conduct would clearly violate the Constitution's Foreign Emoluments Clause.\n\nTrump and his operatives cashed in. Event Strategies, Inc., the firm that helped plan the January 6th rally, has collected tens of millions in federal contracts connected to the anniversary, including a master contract worth up to $100 million. Trump traded in the stock of companies that donated to Freedom 250 and staged a White House UFC fight that shamelessly promoted his own investments and business ventures. Freedom 250's event registration process was run through Campaign Nucleus, the firm founded by Trump campaign operative Brad Parscale, which uses artificial intelligence to score visitors and target \"persuadable\" voters. Thousands of unwitting fans handed over their personal information at a free FIFA World Cup Fan Zone on the National Mall. Freedom 250’s official merchandise is sold by the Trump campaign’s official merchandise vendor, Ace Specialties, and agencies have purchased the merchandise and required employees to wear it.\n\nThe White House imposed a false, Christian nationalist history. Federally funded \"Freedom Trucks\" carried revisionism and outright falsehoods to schoolchildren, including an AI rendering of George Washington claiming, \"our rights are a gift from God,\" a statement Washington is not documented to have made. The Interior Department also urged employees to wear Freedom 250 pins and threatened discipline against those who refused the pin, which anonymous employees took to calling their \"Vichy pin,\" a reference to World War II-era lapel pins that served as loyalty and propaganda badges.\n\nFreedom 250 created a blueprint for corruption. The report concludes Freedom 250 is \"a blueprint, not a one-time abuse,\" already test-driven at the Department of Agriculture, where the administration steered companies with business before the government to donate through a conservation charity into a fund the Secretary controls.\n\nThe investigation drew on confidential disclosures from sources interviewed by Committee Democrats, internal Freedom 250 documents and talking points obtained by the Committee, sworn testimony from two Committee hearings, and written responses from the National Park Foundation and the National Forest Foundation.\n\nRepublicans on the Committee refused to conduct any oversight to hold the administration accountable, even when Democrats repeatedly raised evidence of wrongdoing at Republicans’ own hearing entitled, “All in for America250: Public-Private Partnerships Supporting America’s Semiquincentennial on our Public Lands.” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum testified he was \"not aware of the final decisionmaker\" behind Freedom 250, and the Department has refused to provide that information since.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-launches-salute-service-initiative", "title": "Kean Launches Salute to Service Initiative", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "kean.house.gov", "scraper": "kean", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000398", "name": "Thomas H. Kean, Jr.", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(July 8, 2026) LEBANON BOROUGH, NJ – This weekend, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) announced the launch of his Salute to Service initiative to recognize exceptional veterans in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District and celebrate their service to our nation.\n\n“Our veterans represent the very best of America,” said Congressman Kean. “They answered the call to serve, defended our freedoms, and sacrificed on behalf of a grateful nation. Through the Salute to Service program, we will honor local veterans in our community and ensure their courage, service, and patriotism receive the recognition they have earned.”\n\nCongressman Kean invited nominations from members of local war veterans service organizations, including Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Over the next few months, Congressman Kean will be recognizing each nominee in his newsletter to constituents, as well as on his social media platforms.\n\nTo kick off the 2026 initiative, Congressman Kean recognized Michael A. DeCicco, a U.S. Army veteran of 22 years. View the social media post HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-blumenthal-murphy-courtney-and-delauro-statement-white-house", "title": "Larson, Blumenthal, Murphy, Courtney and DeLauro Statement on White House Helipad Project", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "larson.house.gov", "scraper": "larson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000557", "name": "John B. Larson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Hartford, CT — Today, Reps. John B. Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), and Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), and Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, released a statement following reports that Sikorsky is building a new helipad at the White House.\n\n“The men and women of Sikorsky produce the world’s finest helicopters, and their top-notch craftsmanship and innovation deserve to be celebrated. The issue of Marine One engine exhaust burning the White House South Lawn goes back years and must be addressed to bring Sikorsky’s next-generation Marine One helicopters into service. But once again, President Trump is rushing to complete yet another White House project without providing the American people with the transparency they deserve. It’s a slap in the face to workers who’ll have to work overtime and the taxpayers who may end up footing the bill,” the delegation said.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://lucas.house.gov/posts/rep-lucas-applauds-vance-air-force-bases-selection-as-home-for-new-usaf-training-system", "title": "Rep. Lucas Applauds Vance Air Force Base’s Selection as Home for New USAF Training System", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lucas.house.gov/press", "domain": "lucas.house.gov", "scraper": "lucas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000491", "name": "Frank D. Lucas", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Representative Frank D. Lucas (OK-03) applauded the announcement of Vance Air Force Base (AFB) as the fourth T-7A Main Operating Base. The Air Force will replace T-38C aircraft at Vance AFB with T-7A deliveries.\n\nThe Department of the Air Force (DAF) will support all aspects of the T-7A recapitalization, including the construction and upgrades to operations, support, and maintenance facilities to support pilot training and aircraft operation and maintenance. In aircraft alone, this decision represents an investment of up to $2 billion at Vance AFB.\n\n“I’m pleased to see Vance Air Force Base’s selection as home for the new T-7A, which is an investment into the community of Enid,” said Representative Lucas. “With the largest military operating area, cheapest pilot training pipeline cost, and a fourth runway, Vance Air Force Base is a seamless partner for the Air Force to integrate the T-7A. I thank our community that has worked for decades at the local, state, and federal level of government to ensure that Vance Air Force Base is best equipped to best support the next generation of USAF pilots and their loved ones.”\n\n“We very much appreciate being selected as the premier location for the maximum deployment of the new T-7A aircraft,” said Michael Cooper, Chairman of the Vance Development Authority. “Due to our excellent community and base relationship, we continue to be successful in our efforts to enhance the base, bringing support from all levels to assist with increasing mission capabilities. With this decision and new personnel it brings to Vance AFB, Enid will need to continue our efforts to develop more affordable available homes and expand our efforts to create water resiliency and alternative energy options for the base.”\n\n“I was very pleased to learn that Vance AFB will be receiving the T-7A,” said David Mason, Mayor of Enid, OK. “I think this shows the trust and relationship the Air Force has for Enid and the relationship Enid has for Vance and its continued mission to train the best pilots in the Air Force. Our community will continue to diligently work towards providing all the Infrastructure and Quality of life needs for Vance AFB to increase and enhance its mission capabilities. I’m proud to live in Enid, home of Vance AFB.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThe U.S. Air Force T-7A Recapitalization Program replaces the aging T-38C fleet with a modern advanced trainer designed to better prepare pilots for 4th-, 5th-, and future 6th-generation aircraft. It fields a new training system that integrates the T-7A aircraft with advanced simulators, ground-based training, and updated infrastructure across key pilot training bases. The decision is intended to provide the Air Force with operational flexibility, and inclusion of this alternative in this EIS provides analysis to evaluate future capacity needs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-morano-ask-doj-review-streaming-platforms-diminishing-access", "title": "Malliotakis, Morano Ask DOJ to Review Streaming Platforms & Diminishing Access for Sports Fans", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "malliotakis.house.gov", "scraper": "malliotakis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000317", "name": "Nicole Malliotakis", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(NEW YORK, NY) — Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis and New York City Councilman Frank Morano are asking the U.S. Department of Justice to review the growing number of professional sports games being moved from free, over-the-air television to paid streaming platforms, forcing fans to pay more to watch their hometown teams.\n\nThe lawmakers raised concerns that fans are increasingly forced to subscribe to multiple streaming services to watch their favorite teams, despite many sports facilities being supported by taxpayer dollars. They noted that New York fans have experienced this firsthand, with Yankees and Mets games periodically placed exclusively on Apple TV+ and some NFL games now requiring subscriptions to services like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Peacock.\n\nIn their letter, Malliotakis and Morano call on the DOJ to examine whether these exclusive streaming arrangements are consistent with the Sports Broadcasting Act, which gives professional sports leagues a limited exemption from federal antitrust laws for certain broadcasting agreements.\n\n“Americans shouldn’t have to spend hundreds every season on streaming subscriptions just to watch their hometown teams,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “Making professional sports accessible again for New Yorkers and all fans is a priority of mine, especially when taxpayers help fund the stadiums where these games are played. More and more games are being moved off regular television and placed behind paid streaming services, forcing fans to sign up for multiple platforms just to follow one team. That’s why Councilman Frank Morano and I are calling on the Department of Justice to review whether sports leagues are using their special antitrust exemption as Congress intended, or if today’s exclusive streaming deals are unfairly limiting access for fans.”\n\n\"For a lot of working-class families, following your hometown team used to mean turning on the TV after dinner, not pulling out a credit card for yet another streaming subscription. When taxpayers are helping finance stadiums and sports leagues enjoy special treatment under federal law, it’s fair to ask whether ordinary fans are still getting a fair shake. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Malliotakis in calling for a closer look at whether these broadcast arrangements are serving the public or just squeezing it,\" said Councilman Frank Morano.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-rep-diaz-balart-fox-news-we-are-stopping-cuba-trafficking-doctors", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Díaz-Balart in Fox News: \"We are stopping Cuba from trafficking doctors for profit\"", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "scraper": "mariodiazbalart", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000600", "name": "Mario Diaz-Balart", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Fox News\n\nOp-ed: REP MARIO DIAZ-BALART: We are stopping Cuba from trafficking doctors for profit\n\nJuly 5, 2026\n\nRead the full op-ed here:\n\nA new law authored by me and passed by Congress in February 2026 punishes countries that are complicit in the human trafficking of Cuban doctors by way of the Castro regime’s medical missions abroad. The same law for the fiscal year 2027 is expected to be voted on in the House soon.\n\nFor decades, the Cuban dictatorship has made billions by coercing its medical professionals to work in places no one wants to go, under the worst labor conditions.\n\nBut the doctors themselves see very little of that money. The regime on the island earns an estimated $4-8 billion per year from the program, and regime operatives keep 75-95% of what the doctors are paid.\n\nThe U.S. State Department says the regime confiscates the doctors’ passports, forces their families to stay in Cuba as leverage, assigns handlers to watch them and punishes families if a doctor defects.\n\nSince 2010, State Department reports have called the program exploitative. Appropriately, State labeled the practice \"human trafficking\" or \"forced labor\" run by the Cuban regime in 2020.\n\nA new provision in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 targets countries that pay the authoritarian dictatorship for these exploited medical workers. The State Department must now list every country or group that pays for these personnel and notify them they’re on the list.\n\nIf a country stays on the list for two years in a row, it loses all U.S. foreign aid. Foreign officials involved can be banned from entering the United States, and their finances and property here may also be frozen.\n\nThe law is already obtaining results. Guatemala, Jamaica, Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Paraguay and Honduras are reducing or outright ending their use of Cuban doctors.\n\nSome, like the Bahamas, are changing terms by trying to pay doctors directly instead of paying the regime – something the dictatorship has rejected before. Consequently, the Trump administration has enforced this law by imposing visa restrictions on officials from Brazil, Grenada and some African countries tied to the program.\n\nThis legislation ensures accountability, something that past Democratic administrations were willing to overlook. It exposes those who benefit from the program and hits them with real punitive consequences: the loss of U.S. aid, travel bans and financial sanctions. The law also strongly supports the oppressed Cuban people by protecting Cuban doctors from exploitation and abuse, while cutting off a critical financial lifeline to the regime.\n\nRep. Mario Díaz-Balart serves as vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee and chairs its Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State and Related Programs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://mcbath.house.gov/2026/07/08/mcbath-adams-introduce-landmark-legislation-to-address-extreme-temperatures-in-prisons/", "title": "McBath, Adams Introduce Landmark Legislation to Address Extreme Temperatures in Prisons", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcbath.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "mcbath.house.gov", "scraper": "mcbath", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001208", "name": "Lucy McBath", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — This week, Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-6) and Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12),introduced the Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act, landmark legislation to protect incarcerated people and prison staff from dangerous temperatures in facilities across the country managed by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).\n\nThis bill is a continuation of work that Congresswomen McBath and Adams began last year. In March 2026, they successfully launched a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) study to further understand how the BOP currently tracks and addresses instances of extreme temperatures in their facilities. They also sent a letter of inquiry to the BOP in August 2025 regarding current conditions in their facilities, which informed this bill. In their response letter, the BOP stated that 18,736 incarcerated individuals reported symptoms of heat-related illness and 42 were diagnosed with heat stroke between January 2022 and September 2025.\n\nExtreme temperatures inside federal prisons can pose life-threatening risks. Incarcerated individuals have limited ability to insulate themselves and staff face occupational hazards that are routinely unregulated. Many BOP facilities lack basic climate control, leaving people in cells where temperatures can reach deadly levels during record heat waves and winter freezes. The Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act would establish the first comprehensive, mandatory federal standards to address this crisis.\n\n“Incarcerated persons do not lose their rights to basic standards of living and safety in federal prison,” Congresswoman McBath said. “As states across the country face record breaking temperatures this summer, it is common sense to require standardized installation and maintenance of HVAC systems in all federal prison facilities. This legislation is another important step towards improving our federal prison system.”\n\n“The conditions in our federal prisons are unacceptable,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Across all 122 BOP facilities, there are more than 138,000 incarcerated people and roughly 34,000 BOP employees who live and work in these conditions every day. No one should be forced to endure dangerous, life-threatening temperatures because of aging infrastructure. The federal government has both a moral and constitutional responsibility to maintain safe and humane conditions for those in its custody.”\n\nThe Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act will:\n\nAuthorize funding for climate control system installation and upgrades in all federal prisons within five years, with temperature monitors in every cell and workspace.\n\nSet clear health and safety standards for extreme heat and cold across work, recreational activities, and housing.\n\nDirect the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to research how extreme temperatures harm incarcerated individuals and staff and develop extra protections for elderly, pregnant, and immunocompromised individuals.\n\nProvide free cooling and warming supplies — like cold water, fans, warm clothing, and blankets — when temperatures reach dangerous levels.\n\nImplement accountability measures regarding staff training for recognizing and responding to heat and cold emergencies\n\nRequire regular public reports on HVAC progress, temperature-related illness and deaths, and annual safety inspections.\n\n“Incarcerated individuals deserve to live in safe and humane conditions that are conducive to rehabilitation,” said Kevin Hagan, Esq., Federal Legislative Affairs Director with FAMM (formerly Families Against Mandatory Minimums). “Unfortunately, too many live in deplorable conditions, facing extreme temperatures that can prove to be life-threatening. FAMM is proud to endorse the Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act. This much needed legislation is a step in the right direction towards accountability and reform within America’s prisons.”\n\n“As temperatures across the country rise to deadly levels, people in prisons are left without access to air conditioning and with few heat mitigation options,” said Sarah Staudt, Director of Policy and Advocacy with Prison Policy Initiative. “Even the most vulnerable are routinely forced to survive the sweltering conditions as best they can. Some will not make it.” Staudt adds, “Prison Policy Initiative strongly supports the Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act. This urgently needed legislation will ensure that people in prisons have access to air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. Among other things, it also compels the Bureau of Prisons to regularly monitor the temperatures incarcerated people are forced to endure, to develop standards around heat and cold stress, and to ensure that people in federal prisons have access to potentially life-saving temperature mitigation options. Ultimately, a heatwave should not be a death sentence.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-menefee-joins-family-of-lorenzo-salgado-araujo-community-leaders-to-demand-full-investigation-and-accountability-following-fatal-ice-shooting", "title": "Rep. Menefee Joins Family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Community Leaders to Demand Full Investigation and Accountability Following Fatal ICE Shooting", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menefee.house.gov", "scraper": "menefee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001245", "name": "Christian D. Menefee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "HOUSTON, TX — Today, Congressman Christian D. Menefee (TX-18) joined the family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and Houston community leaders to honor Salgado Araujo, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer during an enforcement operation on Tuesday, while calling for a full, transparent investigation into the incident and those responsible to be held accountable.\n\nDuring the press conference, Congressman Menefee stressed that any use of deadly force by law enforcement must be met with complete transparency, an independent investigation, and full public oversight. He also reaffirmed that Houston is a city built by immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, who are an essential part of the community.\n\nCongressman Menefee further condemned what he described as a pattern of increasingly aggressive and militarized immigration enforcement, arguing that ICE has lost the trust of the communities it is meant to serve. He pledged to continue fighting for answers, justice, and transparency for Salgado Araujo and his family.\n\nFull Transcript:\n\n\"I'll be incredibly brief because my colleague, Congresswoman Garcia, said everything that needs to be said.\n\nI want to be clear: somebody being killed by law enforcement is a big deal. No matter the circumstances, no one should take lightly the power to take someone's life in the middle of a street.\n\nMeanwhile, this administration is in court fighting to make sure people like Ronaldo and Lorenzo Jr. (Lorenzo Salgado Araujo sons) can't be citizens in this country.\n\nWe need a full and transparent investigation into what happened here, and all of the evidence needs to be released to the public.\n\nThere's an old saying that in Houston you can ask a room full of people—doesn't matter if they're blue collar or white collar—to raise their hand if they know an immigrant, and everybody will raise their hand. Ask them to keep their hand up if they know that person beyond a passing conversation, and they'll keep it up. Ask them to keep it up if that person is undocumented, and people will continue to keep their hands up.\n\nWe are a city of undocumented immigrants. They are our neighbors. They are our family. They are business owners, and they deserve to be treated with humanity and dignity.\n\nWe've seen what happened to Alex Pretti. We've seen what happened to Renee Good. We've seen the habits of ICE. They have lost the trust of the American people.\n\nAnd as a member of the House Oversight Committee, let me tell you: when Democrats take back the House, ICE, you better buckle up, because we will be investigating you day after day after day until this lawlessness and this militarism stop.\n\nWe've seen this across the country, and now we're seeing it in Houston. I want to see all the evidence. But regardless of what the evidence shows, we should not have these folks in our city taking people's lives.\n\nLorenzo should be here with us today. This is awful. This is an abomination. And we need ICE out of our city.\"\n\nClick HERE or the below to see the Congressman’s full remarks", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-marks-departure-rmscs-hillary-olson-house-floor", "title": "CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE MARKS DEPARTURE OF RMSC’S HILLARY OLSON FROM HOUSE FLOOR", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "morelle.house.gov", "scraper": "morelle", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001206", "name": "Joseph D. Morelle", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced he delivered remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives in honor of outgoing Rochester Museum and Science Center (RMSC) President and CEO, Hillary Olson.\n\nCongressman Morelle’s remarks, available below, will also appear in the Congressional Record. Video footage is available and can be viewed here.\n\n“I rise today to recognize an extraordinary leader, a cherished friend, and someone whose impact on Rochester will be felt for generations to come: Hillary Olson.\n\n“Since arriving at the Rochester Museum & Science Center in 2018, Hillary has helped strengthen one of the cornerstones of our community. Through enormous challenges, including the pandemic, she guided the RMSC with vision, determination, and grace, helping ensure it emerged stronger than ever.\n\n“Hillary cares deeply about this community, about its history, about its future, and the people who call it home.\n\n“She brings warmth, curiosity, and an unwavering belief that institutions like the [Rochester] Museum and Science Center can inspire young people, connect communities, and open minds.\n\n“Because of her leadership, countless families, students, and visitors have experienced the wonder of science, culture, and discovery.\n\n“While we are sad to see her leave Rochester, we are proud to see her take on this next chapter, knowing she will bring with it that same remarkable leadership wherever she goes.\n\n“I wish her nothing but success, happiness, and continued impact in the new role and the years ahead.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405754", "title": "Griffith Announces $432,132 HHS Grant to Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, a $432,132 grant. The funding supports research into medicines that enhance brain fluid flow and alleviate neuroinflammation. In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Blacksburg campus leads an institution in Virginia’s Ninth District to advance research and improve human health.\n\n“This HHS grant for more than $432,000 helps the College develop research for medicines that help patients with neuroinflammation.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAs a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-kelly-morrison-leads-colleagues-demanding-trump-admin-reinstate", "title": "U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Leads Colleagues in Demanding Trump Admin Reinstate Canceled Teen Pregnancy Prevention Grants", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "morrison.house.gov", "scraper": "morrison", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001234", "name": "Kelly Morrison", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) led nearly 80 members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) and the Democratic Caucus in demanding the immediate reversal of the Trump Administration’s cancellation of 53 active Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPP) grants, totaling $68 million in funding — including one awarded in Hennepin County, Minnesota.\n\n“As an OB-GYN, I’m deeply troubled that the Trump Administration is defunding programs that keep our kids safe,” said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. “This program funds rigorously studied, evidence-based practices that have been proven to help prevent infections and disease, reduce risky behavior, decrease teen pregnancies, and save lives. Canceling this work is indefensible and dangerous. HHS must reverse these cancellations immediately.”\n\nThe Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Program provides grants to organizations working to prevent teen pregnancy across the country. TPP has reached more than 1.4 million teens across the United States.\n\nCongress has long appropriated funds for this program in a bipartisan manner, recognizing the importance of helping young people make healthy decisions and sustaining a program that leads to reduced sexual risk behavior, decreased sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and fewer unintended teen pregnancies.\n\nIn their letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Members explain that TPP is critical to helping young people make health decisions that lead to reduced sexual risk, and highlight the impact this program has had on reducing teen birth rates in the U.S. and helping young people thrive:\n\n“The teen birth rate has fallen 81% since 1991 and 72% since 2007. The outcomes of this program save lives as teenage pregnancies are at high risk for health complications. Specifically, teenagers 16-19 years old face increased risk of preterm birth, and teens 15 years old and younger are even more vulnerable to health complications. Overall, the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program has an established history of investing in community-driven strategies, identifying new curricula that work through rigorous evaluation, and supporting their implementation with fidelity.”\n\nThe Members also emphasize the harm of removing and redirecting funds from TPP programs, which will undermine the program's ability to help young people and disrupt critical research:\n\n“Redirecting funding from the TPP program jeopardizes access to the high-quality health education, support, and resources that Congress intended. Abrupt and arbitrary disruptions on grounds unrelated to the core aims of the TPP program undermine the ability of the program to serve its congressionally intended purpose of giving young people the knowledge and tools needed to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes and promote positive experiences, relationships, and environments that help our nation’s youth thrive.”\n\nIn addition to reversing the cancellation of funds, the letter calls on HHS to provide the rationale behind each cancellation, justifications for canceling the grants, and explanations for redirecting the funding to programs not previously authorized by Congress.\n\nRead the full letter HERE and below:\n\nDear Secretary Kennedy:\n\nWe, as members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus and Democratic Caucus, are disturbed by the\n\ncancellation of 53 of the 66 active grants, approximately $68 million dollars of grant funding, in the Teen\n\nPregnancy Prevention Program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Population Affairs. We request an immediate reversal of the termination of these funds and responses to the inquiries included below.\n\nThe HHS Office of Population Affairs (OPA) Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Program is a tiered, evidence-based program that provides competitive grants to diverse organizations working to prevent teen pregnancy across the United States and its territories. Millions of young people across the country have positively benefited from the programs funded by TPP funds. The teen birth rate has fallen 81% since 1991 and 72% since 2007. The outcomes of this program save lives as teenage pregnancies are at high risk for health complications. Specifically, teenagers 16-19 years old face increased risk of preterm birth, and teens 15 years old and younger are even more vulnerable to health complications. Overall, the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program has an established history of investing in community-driven strategies, identifying new curricula that work through rigorous evaluation, and supporting their implementation with fidelity.\n\nCongress has long appropriated the funds for this program in a bipartisan manner recognizing the importance of helping young people make healthy decisions and sustaining a program that leads to reduced sexual risk behavior, decreased sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and fewer unintended teen pregnancies. Congress has specifically designated the majority of funds (Tier 1) to be appropriated for “replicating programs that have been proven effective through rigorous evaluation to reduce teenage pregnancy, behavioral risk factors underlying teenage pregnancy, or other associated risk factors.” A smaller percentage of funds (Tier 2) are dedicated to the development and testing of new programs. Together, Tier 1 and Tier 2 grantees have served millions of young people and expanded a growing body of evidence of what works to prevent teen pregnancy. In fact, the contributions of the TPP Program were also acknowledged in a September 2017 unanimously agreed-to report from the Bipartisan Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking, who highlighted the TPP Program as an example of a federal program developing increasingly rigorous portfolios of evidence. Rigorous evaluation and evidence-based practices are essential to the continued success of teen pregnancy prevention efforts for which millions of dollars have already been invested.\n\nMost recently, Congress passed and the President signed into law H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, on February 3, 2026, which reauthorized the funds for the TPP program and maintained the program’s focus on replicating programs that have been proven effective through rigorous evaluation, for research and demonstration grants to develop, replicate, refine, and test additional models and innovative strategies for preventing teenage pregnancy, and to carry out evaluations (including longitudinal evaluations) of teenage pregnancy prevention approaches. Redirecting funding from the TPP program jeopardizes access to the high-quality health education, support, and resources that Congress intended. Abrupt and arbitrary disruptions on grounds unrelated to the core aims of the TPP program undermine the ability of the program to serve its congressionally intended purpose of giving young people the knowledge and tools needed to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes and promote positive experiences, relationships, and environments that help our nation’s youth thrive.\n\nWe urge HHS to immediately reverse the grant terminations and request a response to the following inquiries by July 10, 2026.\n\n1. Please explain the rationale for each of the 53 cancellations clarifying how each program \"no longer effectuates agency priorities.\"\n\n2. Please provide justification as to why each of the 53 terminated grants do not align with the direction given under the language appropriating these funds as outlined in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026.\n\n3. Please explain the rationale for issuing two new notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs) with intentions not outlined in the authority granted under law by under Division B, Title II of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://neal.house.gov/2026/07/08/neal-announces-599000-earmark-for-new-charlemont-fire-truck/", "title": "Neal Announces $599,000 Earmark for New Charlemont Fire Truck", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "neal.house.gov", "scraper": "neal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000015", "name": "Richard E. Neal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Charlemont, MA – Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Charlemont Town Administrator Sarah Reynolds, Interim Fire Chief Dennis Annear, and members of the Select Board to announce $599,000 in federal funding for a new fire truck for the town of Charlemont. This allocation was made possible through community project funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Communities Facilities Program. Congressman Neal included funding for this project in the Fiscal Year 2026 spending bill.\n\n“I am proud to join with Administrator Reynolds and the Charlemont community to announce this important funding for a new pumper fire truck. With this investment, we are enhancing the safety of multiple communities and ensuring the fire department meets modern standards required for effective and strong public service,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “Being able to support our rural communities through this kind of investment is exactly the kind of work Congress should be doing to improve the lives of our neighbors and make our communities stronger. I’m proud to have secured this funding for the town of Charlemont and am grateful to those who continue to serve our communities and keep them safe. ”\n\nThe town of Charlemont currently has one pumper which was originally purchased in 1996. This vehicle alone services the 1,185 residents of Charlemont, as well as four other communities, totaling 4,320 residents served. Additionally, Charlemont serves as the second alarm for two other communities, servicing an additional 3,552 residents. This funding secured by Congressman Neal will allow for the acquisition of a new truck that meets current National Fire Protection Association standards, will replace the current pumper, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the Fire Department.\n\n“On behalf of the Town of Charlemont, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Congressman Neal for securing this $599,000 federal earmark for our new fire truck. For a small rural community like ours, replacing a critical piece of emergency equipment is simply beyond what our local taxpayers can reasonably afford. This investment ensures that our firefighters have the reliable, modern apparatus they need to protect our residents, visitors, and neighboring communities through mutual aid,” Charlemont Town Administrator Sarah Reynolds said. “This new truck will serve our community for decades to come, improving firefighter safety, emergency response, and regional cooperation. We are deeply appreciative of Congressman Neal’s continued support for rural communities and his recognition of the unique challenges towns like Charlemont face.”\n\nThe new vehicle will have features such as an engine equipped with a Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS), a “deck gun” to be in conjunction with the CAFS for exposure protection, a 35-foot extension ladder, and a 16-foot roof ladder. The vehicles’ increased communication capabilities will contribute to a more coordinated and efficient multi-jurisdictional response.\n\nUnder guidelines issued by the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, members of Congress requested community project funding for projects in their state for Fiscal Year 2026. Requests were restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments, and eligible non-profit entities, were permitted to receive CDS funding. This project is one of fifteen projects submitted by Congressman Neal, investing in a variety of initiatives throughout the First Congressional District of Massachusetts.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-neguse-and-obernolte-launch-bipartisan-space-weather-caucus", "title": "Congressmen Neguse and Obernolte Launch Bipartisan Space Weather Caucus", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "neguse.house.gov", "scraper": "neguse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000191", "name": "Joe Neguse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse and Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA) announced the launch of the Bipartisan Space Weather Caucus, which aims to advance scientific research on space weather, address security risks, and develop strategies to protect critical infrastructure from space weather-related disruptions. As Co-Chairs Neguse and Obernolte will coordinate with members from across the political spectrum on efforts to ensure resilience against disruptions to GPS systems, emergency response networks, electrical grids, and satellites vital for weather forecasting and telecommunications.\n\nThe Caucus also recognizes that space weather poses serious risks to astronauts in space. The group will support improvements in space weather forecasting to help usher in a new era of American space exploration, enabling astronauts to safely venture beyond Earth’s magnetic field for the first time in generations.\n\n“Colorado is a hub for aerospace, space weather forecasting and scientific research—with folks across our state making ground-breaking advancements in our understanding of how space weather affects different technologies on Earth, including satellite electronics, radio communications, GPS signals, spacecraft orbits, and even electrical power grids. All systems and infrastructure we rely on daily,” said Congressman Neguse. “As our national security and economy become more dependent on these systems and advanced telecommunication networks, it’s important that we stay ahead of new challenges and enhance our understanding of the constantly changing conditions in the environment in space. And the Bipartisan Space Weather Caucus aims to do exactly that—ensuring our nation is prepared and ready to lead in the 21st century and beyond.”\n\n“Space weather can disrupt the communications, GPS, electric grid, and satellite systems Americans rely on every day,” said Congressman Obernolte. “As our economy and national security become increasingly dependent on space-based technology, Congress has an important role to play in supporting better forecasting, research, and preparedness. I am proud to launch the Bipartisan Space Weather Caucus with Congressman Neguse to help strengthen our resilience and support the future of American space exploration.”\n\nOther members of the Caucus include Representatives George Whitesides (D-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Nick Begich (R-AK), and Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-neguse-host-longmont-town-hall", "title": "Rep. Neguse to Host Longmont Town Hall", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "neguse.house.gov", "scraper": "neguse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000191", "name": "Joe Neguse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Longmont, CO — On Thursday, July 9, Congressman Joe Neguse will host an in-person town hall meeting in Longmont, Colorado. Neguse will give a legislative update and take live questions from audience members.\n\nThis will be his 26th public town hall of the 119th Congress—more than all members of Colorado’s House delegation combined.\n\nWhat: Longmont Town Hall\n\nWhen: Thursday, July 9 @ 6:00 p.m. MT\n\nWhere: To Be Announced\n\nRSVP for this community gathering HERE.\n\nCongressman Neguse has represented Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2019. Covering more than 12,000 square miles, the district is one of Colorado’s largest and most rural, spanning twelve counties: Boulder, Weld, Clear Creek, Eagle, Gilpin, Grand, Jefferson, Larimer, Summit, Jackson, Routt, and Broomfield.\n\nIn 2025 alone, Neguse visited 50 cities and towns across the district.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://norton.house.gov/media/press-releases/norton-introduces-bill-preserve-dc-region-civil-war-defenses", "title": "Norton Introduces Bill to Preserve D.C. Region Civil War Defenses", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://norton.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "norton.house.gov", "scraper": "norton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000147", "name": "Eleanor Holmes Norton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a bill to recognize and preserve the Civil War Defenses of Washington, located in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland, by redesignating them as a national historic park.\n\n“This bill would redesignate the 22 Defenses of Washington currently under National Park Service jurisdiction as a national historical park, and allow other sites associated with the Defenses of Washington that are owned by D.C. or a unit of a state government to be affiliated with the national historical park through cooperative agreements,” Norton said. “This bill would also require the Secretary of the Interior to facilitate the history of the Civil War, including the history of the Defenses of Washington and the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864, being assembled, arrayed and conveyed for the benefit of the public for the knowledge, education and inspiration of this and future generations.”\n\nNorton's introductory statement follows.\n\nStatement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on the Introduction of the Civil War Defenses of Washington National Historical Park Act\n\nJuly 6, 2026\n\nToday, I introduce the Civil War Defenses of Washington National Historical Park Act, which would recognize and preserve the Civil War Defenses of Washington located in the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland. The Defenses of Washington, including forts, unarmed batteries and rifle trenches, created a ring of protection for the nation’s capital during the Civil War.\n\nThis bill would redesignate the 22 Defenses of Washington currently under National Park Service jurisdiction as a national historical park, and allow other sites associated with the Defenses of Washington that are owned by D.C. or a unit of a state government to be affiliated with the national historical park through cooperative agreements. This bill would also require the Secretary of the Interior to facilitate the history of the Civil War, including the history of the Defenses of Washington and the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864, being assembled, arrayed and conveyed for the benefit of the public for the knowledge, education and inspiration of this and future generations.\n\nThe Defenses of Washington were constructed at the beginning of the war as a ring of protection for the nation’s capital and for President Abraham Lincoln. By the end of the war, the Defenses of Washington included 68 forts, 93 unarmed batteries, 807 mounted cannons, 13 miles of rifle trenches and 32 miles of military roads. The major test of the Defenses of Washington was the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864, when Confederate Lieutenant General Jubal Early, directed by Confederate General Robert E. Lee, sought to attack the nation’s capital from the north, causing Union forces threatening to attack Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy, to be withdrawn. General Early was delayed by Union Major General Lew Wallace at the Battle of Monocacy on July 9, 1864, and was stopped at the northern edge of Washington at the Battle of Fort Stevens on July 11-12, 1864. The Shenandoah Valley Campaign ended when Union Lieutenant General Philip Sheridan defeated General Early at the Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia on October 19, 1864.\n\nNearly all the individual forts in the Defenses of Washington—on both sides of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers—were involved in stopping General Early’s attack, and the Battle of Fort Stevens was the second and last attempt by the Confederate Army to attack Washington.\n\nTaken together, these battles were pivotal to the outcome of the war and the freedom and democracy that the war represented for this country. It is therefore fitting to recognize the Defenses of Washington by redesignating them as a national historical park.\n\nI urge my colleagues to support this bill.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://nunn.house.gov/2026/07/08/nunn-demands-wnba-protect-west-des-moines-hometown-hero-caitlin-clark/", "title": "Nunn Demands WNBA Protect West Des Moines Hometown Hero Caitlin Clark", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "domain": "nunn.house.gov", "scraper": "nunn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000193", "name": "Zachary Nunn", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "DES MOINES, IA — Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) is demanding the WNBA better protect West Des Moines native Caitlin Clark, arguing that the league has failed to adequately safeguard one of the biggest stars in professional sports and the face of women’s basketball. In a letter led by Republican Study Committee (RSC) Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11), Nunn and fellow RSC colleagues urged WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to strengthen player safety and ensure all athletes are protected on and off the court.\n\n“Caitlin Clark is one of West Des Moines’ own, and she’s a hero to millions of young girls — including my daughters,” said Rep. Nunn. “She carried women’s basketball to new heights, and she’s earned the right to compete without being unfairly punched, shoved, and targeted while the league that makes a billion dollars off her name looks the other way. Iowa has your back, keep the faith Caitlin!”\n\nClark absorbs more physical contact than almost anyone in the league. This season she has drawn an average of 6.7 fouls per game, the fourth-most in the WNBA. Those repeated hits come against the player widely credited with driving unprecedented growth for women’s basketball: a valuation by Indiana University finance professor Ryan Brewer credited Clark with 26.5% of all WNBA economic activity — including merchandise, ticket sales, and television viewership — with an overall economic impact approaching $1 billion.\n\nIn the letter, Rep. Nunn and his colleagues highlight multiple incidents this season in which Clark has been hip-checked, poked in the eye, and struck in the throat. They argue the league’s response has been inconsistent and warn that a continued failure to address repeated on-court violence could raise questions under federal workplace safety and civil rights protections.\n\nThe lawmakers are requesting answers on the WNBA’s policies for reviewing excessive physical play, disciplining players for dangerous conduct, protecting athletes, like Clark, from repeated targeting, and addressing online harassment and off-court threats. They requested a response from the league by July 24, 2026.\n\nThe full letter can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T09:25:45Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3004", "title": "Rep. Pfluger Announces 2026 Congressional App Challenge", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) announced his office is accepting submissions for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge. This competition offers middle and high school students the opportunity to further develop their skills in computer science and STEM fields.\n\nStudents will have until October 26, 2026, to submit their app. Information about the Congressional App Challenge, including how to apply, can be found on the Congressman's website by clicking here.\n\n\"Each year, I am incredibly impressed by the creativity and technical talent displayed by students across Texas-11 in the Congressional App Challenge,\" said Rep. Pfluger. \"This competition not only highlights the next generation of innovators but also showcases the real-world problems our students are passionate about solving through technology. I look forward to seeing what I know will be another year of fantastic submissions and new ideas. Texas-11 remains the best place to live and raise a family, and I am incredibly blessed to represent so many talented students and wonderful families.\"\n\nPRIZES\n\n· The winning student's app will be displayed on the U.S. House of Representatives website, House.gov, as well as on CongressionalAppChallenge.us\n\n· The app will be unveiled at a Congressional Reception in Washington, D.C., in late December (date TBD).\n\n· Additional prizes may be announced.\n\nRULES\n\n· There are no limits to what students can create. Apps can be coded in any language, for any platform, using any tools.\n\n· The competition is open to students in middle and high school.\n\n· Students may work individually or in teams made up of no more than four.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-pou-supports-patriot-missile-systems-ukraine", "title": "Congresswoman Pou Supports Patriot Missile Systems to Ukraine", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pou.house.gov", "scraper": "pou", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000621", "name": "Nellie Pou", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) today reacted positively to statements by President Donald Trump at the NATO summit that the United States would grant Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot missiles\n\n“I welcome the President’s statements at NATO. America providing Ukraine with patriot missile technology is long overdue and should have been done some time ago,” said Congresswoman Pou. “Now we must follow through. After nearly five years of horrific war, against all odds, Ukraine is clearly winning. Ukraine’s courage and resilience against Russia’s brutality is incredible. America must give our Ukrainian allies whatever resources they need to finish the job and get the best terms they can obtain to preserve their country. At the same time, Congress should take up and pass our new sanctions packages to put even more pressure on Vladimir Putin to end his war.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://raskin.house.gov/2026/7/raskin-spartz-introduce-legislation-directing-interior-secretary-doug-burgum-to-advance-plans-for-dazzling-national-memorial-honoring-american-patriot-thomas-paine", "title": "Raskin, Spartz Introduce Legislation Directing Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to Advance Plans for “Dazzling National Memorial” Honoring American Patriot Thomas Paine", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "raskin.house.gov", "scraper": "raskin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000606", "name": "Jamie Raskin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Victoria Spartz (IN-05)introduced bipartisan legislation to direct the U.S. Department of the Interior to place the forthcoming memorial honoring the indispensable American political writer and philosopher Thomas Paine in “Area 1” of the National Mall, which is reserved for memorials of the highest national significance.\n\nThe Common Sense 250 Actwould require Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to place the memorial in the central section of the National Mall between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. Raskin previously introduced and secured passage of legislation to create this national memorial to the often unsung patriot and the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission (NCMAC) recommended that the memorial be placed in “Area 1” in 2024.\n\n“Tom Paine, the extraordinary and indispensable patriot of the American Revolution and spellbinding exponent of democratic freedom, catalyzed our emerging nation to rise up against tyranny, monarchy and taxation without representation to conceive of a new nation based on religious liberty, freedom of thought, and democratic self-governance in service of the common good,”said Rep. Raskin.“On the 250th anniversary of the publication of Common Sense, our legislation finally brings the great Tom Paine from the attics and libraries of history to a place of shining prominence on our National Mall, establishing the dazzling national memorial he deserves.”\n\n“As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we remember Thomas Paine’s timeless words: ‘These are the times that try men’s souls,’ which helped rally General Washington’s army before the crossing of the Delaware - a pivotal moment that changed the course of the Revolution,”said Rep. Spartz.“Their sacrifices should remind us of the price so many Americans paid to secure our freedom - a precious gift we have a solemn duty to preserve for future generations.”\n\n“Thomas Paine gave the American Revolution its voice,”said Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president, Freedom From Religion Foundation. “Without 'Common Sense' there is no independence, and without 'The American Crisis' the Continental Army may not have survived Valley Forge. As the nation celebrated its 250th anniversary this Independence Day, we owe a debt to the man whose words helped make that first Fourth of July possible. Every American inherits the world Paine set in motion. A monument to Paine in the heart of the nation's capital is 250 years overdue. This is the right moment to welcome Paine home among the founders.”\n\n“Thomas Paine gave this country its argument for independence and then took up a musket in the Continental Army to help win it,”said Margaret Downey, president, Thomas Paine Memorial Association.“He sold half a million copies of 'Common Sense' when the nation was still an idea, and George Washington had 'The American Crisis' read aloud to the troops before they crossed the Delaware. Paine opposed slavery, called for the education of every child, and imagined a brotherhood of free nations long before the world was ready for it. Paine was a hero to Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. For 250 years the capital he helped bring into being has had no memorial to him. We intend to correct that, and Area 1 is exactly where he belongs.”\n\nThe lawmakers’ legislation requires that the previously approved Paine memorial be placed in “Area 1” of the National Mall. “Area 1” is perhaps the most iconic section of the National Mall, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Tidal Basin and the Washington Monument. “Area 1” also contains monuments and memorials honoring significant American figures and events, like the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the World War II Memorial.\n\nRep. Raskin’s 2023 law authorized the Thomas Paine Memorial Association to establish a memorial to Paine in the District of Columbia. Rep. Spartz cosponsored the 2023 law. In September 2024, NCMAC recommended that the memorial be placed in “Area 1” of the National Mall.\n\nThe Paine memorial is fully funded with private contributions from admirers of Paine and his work. The Thomas Paine Memorial Association plans to commission renowned sculptor Zenos Frudakis to build the memorial.\n\nPaine is best known for writing the pamphletCommon Sensein 1776 which galvanized support for the American revolution. His ideals of democratic self-government, guarding human rights and the application of reason and science are still enshrined in society today.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, the Thomas Paine Memorial Association and the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason & Science/the Center for Inquiry.\n\nRead the full bill texthere.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/dignity-act-news-250-stories-leading-national-conversation-immigration-reform", "title": "DIGNITY Act in the News: 250+ Stories Leading the National Conversation on Immigration Reform", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "salazar.house.gov", "scraper": "salazar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000168", "name": "Maria Elvira Salazar", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — The DIGNITY Act continues to drive the national conversation on immigration reform, generating sustained coverage from national, state, and local media outlets across the country.\n\nFeatured in more than 250 news stories and media mentions nationwide, the DIGNITY Act has become a leading voice in the debate over the future of America's immigration system. The growing body of favorable coverage from a wide range of sources reflects increasing recognition that America needs a serious legislative solution to fix its broken immigration system.\n\nAs the only viable bipartisan immigration reform proposal before Congress, the DIGNITY Act has brought together faith communities, families, farmers, manufacturers, small businesses, educators, economists, builders, mayors, veterans, think tanks, trade associations, policymakers, community leaders, and patriotic Americans around a common goal: fixing America's broken immigration system in a way that prioritizes the American economy, our national security, and our faith and family\n\nvalues through lasting legislation. Below is a collection of news coverage highlighting that growing national conversation.\n\n250+ News Stories and Media Mentions\n\n1. Texas Border Business - Bipartisan Push for Immigration Reform Gains Momentum\n\n2. Miami Herald - Miami Republican has ‘simple’ plan to stop mass deportations. Trump should listen\n\n3. American Enterprise Institute - The Surprising New Consensus on Asylum Reform\n\n4. DC Journal - To Save Our Churches, Pass the Dignity Act Instead of Funding Deportations\n\n5. ABIC - American Business Immigration Coalition, National Business Leaders Urge Passage of Dignity Act.\n\n6. Washington Post - Latino GOP lawmakers voice worry about Trump’s mass deportation campaign\n\n7. Forbes - America Is Shrinking Its Workforce At The Worst Possible Time\n\n8. Cato Institute - Immigrants Reduce America’s Deficit. Congress Should Take Notice.\n\n9. Brookings - How immigration reforms could bolster Social Security and Medicare solvency and address direct care workforce issues\n\n10. Manufacturing Dive - Immigration bill picks up steam with manufacturing endorsement\n\n11. National Catholic Reporter - Catholics in Congress form majority behind bipartisan 'Dignity Act' immigration bill\n\n12. NYT - Texas Restaurants Are Forcing a Reckoning Over Immigrant Labor\n\n13. Washington Examiner - The Dignity Act is not amnesty — history proves it\n\n14. Reuters - Trump’s deportation push could cost Republicans in midterm elections, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds\n\n15. Small Business Majority - Immigration Reform\n\n16. The Oklahoman - GOP can keep America First and still be a welcoming party\n\n17. U.S. Chamber of Commerce - U.S. Chamber Statement: DIGNITY Act of 2025\n\n18. Problem Solvers - Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses the Dignity Act\n\n19. National Restaurant Association - National Restaurant Association Supports Passage of the Dignity Act of 2025\n\n20. NAHB - NAHB Endorses Dignity Act to Modernize America’s Immigration System\n\n21. City Journal - Republicans Shouldn’t kill the Dignity Act- They Should Make It Tougher\n\n22. NBC News - Bipartisan duo introduces bill to give some migrant workers protected status amid Trump's crackdown\n\n23. The Way of Improvement Leads Home - Evangelicals Support the Bipartisan Dignity Act\n\n24. Good Morning America - Advocates decry Targeting of Migrants as Thousands of US citizens Spouses, parents caught up in crackdown.\n\n25. Forbes - Immigrants Are Founders Of Most U.S. Billion-Dollar Companies\n\n26. Archbishop Jose Gomez - After Minneapolis, we need a way forward.\n\n27. Slate - The Public is losing Patience With Trump on Immigration. Your Move, Congress.\n\n28. Los Angeles Times - Seeking the elusive path for immigrants to come to U.S. legally: ‘People are dying in line’\n\n29. Fox News - Bipartisan Bill would grant legal status to certain illegal immigrant workers.\n\n30. Fox Business - Rep. Mike Lawler on the 'Dignity Act': This is an earned pathway to legal status\n\n31. Washington Examiner - The case for the Dignity Act: Amnesty or not, it’s a fair compromise.\n\n32. Punchbowl News - HFC member supports bipartisan immigration bill\n\n33. Third Way - Third Way Endorses the Bipartisan Dignity Act to Bring Order and Fairness to America’s Immigration System\n\n34. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops - Bipartisan Collaboration on Immigration Reform is Still Possible, says Bishop Seitz\n\n35. The Texas Tribune - U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar’s bipartisan immigration bill draws GOP support — and backlash\n\n36. Christianity Today - ICE is devastating some Latino Churches\n\n37. Miami Herald - Wife of detained immigrant joins lawmakers in D.C. to push for immigration reform\n\n38. CBS News - Neighbors welcome man home to Downingtown, Pennsylvania, after months in ICE detention\n\n39. Miami Herald - U.S. Citizen has fought seven months to free husband; ICE claims “flight Risk”\n\n40. Religion News Service - The Dignity Act challenges Americans to choose cooperation on immigration\n\n41. The Sacramento Bee - America can have ICE raids or immigration reform. It’s up to Trump and the GOP\n\n42. Congressman Mike Lawler - Reps. Lawler, Salazar, and Escobar Introduce Historic Bipartisan DIGNITY Act to Finally Fix America's Broken Immigration System\n\n43. CBS News - GOP Rep. María Salazar explains her immigration reform bill\n\n44. Business Roundtable - Business Roundtable Applauds Congresswomen Salazar and Escobar\n\n45. The Hill - Sudden GOP infighting explodes over bipartisan immigration reform bill\n\n46. Univision - \"Estatus legal para inmigrantes indocumentados, no amnistía\": representantes introducirán nueva propuesta de reforma migratoria\n\n47. Telemundo - Dos congresistas latinas presentan proyecto de ley para dar estatus legal temporal a ciertos trabajadores\n\n48. ABIC - Republican and Democratic Lawmakers, Business, and Faith Leaders Unite Behind Dignity Act, Launch National Dignity Tour at DC Press Conference\n\n49. Florida Press - María Elvira Salazar’s DIGNITY Act Secures 35 Bipartisan Cosponsors\n\n50. ABIC - Lawmakers, Business, Veterans, and American Spouses Warn Congress: Inaction on Immigration Is Driving Up Costs, Threatening Workforce, and Tearing Apart Millions of American Families\n\n51. American Senior Housing Association - AHSA Sends Letter to Representatives Salazar and Escobar in Support of the Dignity Act\n\n52. Medical Economics - Immigration reform meets primary care: How the Dignity Act of 2025 could help ease the workforce shortage\n\n53. Texas GOP Vote - Nation’s Top Scientists Endorse the Dignity Act\n\n54. Libero - ¡Nuevo proyecto en EE. UU.! La Ley Dignidad podría traer esperanza a millones de inmigrantes\n\n55. Florida Phoenix - GOP Rep. Maria Salazar introduces legislation that includes protections for certain migrants\n\n56. Miami Herald - Salazar introduces ‘Dignity’ bill in House to grant some migrants legal status\n\n57. El Imparcial - “Ley de Dignidad”: Presentan propuesta en EEUU que daría estatus legal a migrantes indocumentados bajo estos estrictos requisitos\n\n58. National Association of Manufacturers - Manufacturers, Lawmakers Discuss How to Make Immigration Work for America\n\n59. The Floridian - Salazar Introduces Bipartisan “Dignity Act of 2025”\n\n60. CiberCuba - María Elvira Salazar presents her \"Dignity Law of 2025\" to legalize immigrants with no criminal records\n\n61. Diario Las Américas - Ley DIGNIDAD 2025, con mejoras que tendrían efecto en el Congreso\n\n62. The San Diego Union-Tribune - Presentan en el congreso el proyecto de ley “Dignidad” para legalizar la situación de algunos migrantes\n\n63. MSN - Ley Dignidad 2025 | La reforma migratoria que podría cambiar la vida de millones de personas en Estados Unidos: ¿de qué se trata?\n\n64. Lassen County Times - Small businesses endorse bipartisan immigration bill — Dignity Act offers better path forward on immigration\n\n65. National Association of Evangelicals and World Relief - Joined Together, Torn Apart: How U.S. Immigration Policies are Separating Families\n\n66. Telemundo Washington DC - Proyecto de ley bipartidista ofrecería estatus legal a ciertos inmigrantes indocumentados\n\n67. Heraldo USA - “Dignity Law”: así es el proyecto de ley bipartidista que busca regular el estado migratorio\n\n68. Semana - Proyecto de ley promete una solución para que inmigrantes indocumentados normalicen su estatus en Estados Unidos\n\n69. The Episcopal Church - Support Immigration Reform\n\n70. El Colombiano - “Ley Dignidad”: el proyecto con el que dos congresistas latinas buscan darle estatus legal a migrantes en EE. UU.\n\n71. Telemundo Houston - Proyecto “Ley Dignidad” genera esperanza y preocupación a activistas de Houston\n\n72. Telemundo Miami - La Ley Dignidad es clave para María Elvira Salazar y sus ideas sobre una reforma migratoria\n\n73. La Azuca - María Elvira Salazar presenta “Ley Dignidad de 2025” para legalizar a inmigrantes indocumentados\n\n74. The Kansas City Star - As an evangelical Kansas pastor, I know immigrants deserve this protection\n\n75. El Diario - “Ley Dignidad” bipartidista introducida en el Congreso busca otorgar estatus legal a millones de indocumentados trabajadores\n\n76. AS - Estatus legal por 7 años para inmigrantes indocumentados en EE.UU.: Estas personas serían elegibles bajo la Ley de Dignidad\n\n77. La Patilla - “Ley Dignidad”: ¿De qué trata el proyecto bipartidista que busca otorgar estatus legal a indocumentados?\n\n78. NTN24 - ¿En qué consiste la Ley Dignidad 2025 promovida por las congresistas María Elvira Salazar y Verónica Escobar?\n\n79. Mario Vallejo - Ley de Dignidad: Propuesta que busca protección para inmigrantes indocumentados en EEUU\n\n80. Roofing Contractor - What the Dignity Act of 2025 Could Mean for the Roofing Industry’s Workforce\n\n81. Centro Tampa - La congresista republicana María Elvira Salazar presenta proyecto de ley que incluye protecciones para ciertos migrantes\n\n82. El Tiempo - La nueva ley que le daría estatus legal a miles de migrantes: la hicieron representantes de Florida y Texas\n\n83. Restaurant Business - Why the Texas Restaurant Association Is Leading the Conversation on Immigration Reform\n\n84. Spectrum Noticias Florida - Congresistas presentan propuesta de reforma migratoria\n\n85. Hispano New Jersey - Congresistas presentan proyecto migratorio Dignidad\n\n86. Proceso Digital - “Ley Dignidad”, un salvavidas en medio de tempestad para migrantes hondureños\n\n87. NDTV World - What Is The US Dignity Act Of 2025 And How It Will Help Indians With Visas\n\n88. Texas GOP Vote - Lawmakers, Business, Veterans, and American Spouses Warn Congress: Inaction on Immigration Is Driving Up Costs, Threatening Workforce, and Tearing Apart Millions of American Families\n\n89. El Nuevo Herald - Activistas promueven proyecto de ley que daría residencia a inmigrantes indocumentados\n\n90. The Economic Times - The Dignity Act of 2025: Faster green cards, dual-intent student visas proposed in bipartisan US bill\n\n91. The Times of India - A Turning Point for Student Mobility: How the DIGNITY Act could redefine America's Academic Gateways\n\n92. National Immigration Forum - The Dignity Act of 20205: Bill Summary\n\n93. Money Control - Will paying Rs 17.5 lakh fast-track your US Green Card? Breaking down the Dignity Act of 2025\n\n94. First Post - Will the wait for US green cards reduce with a $20,000 fee?\n\n95. The Orange County Register - Bipartisan immigration reform package? Some California lawmakers back it, but will Congress pass it?\n\n96. Denver 7 - Rep. Gabe Evans introduces bill to provide legal status for some undocumented immigrants\n\n97. Telemundo Colorado - Legisladores bipartidistas presentan nueva versión de la ‘ley dignidad’: propuesta de reforma migratoria\n\n98. Telemundo Kansas City - «Ley Dignidad» agrada a inmigrantes y esperan se haga realidad\n\n99. American Families United - Collateral Damage, How Immigration Policy Harms U.S. Citizens in Mixed-Status Marriages\n\n100. Puente Libre - ¿Qué es la Ley Dignidad? Reforma Migratoria Bi-partidista en EE. UU\n\n101. La Cronista - Ley Dignidad 2025 | La reforma migratoria que podría cambiar la vida de millones de personas en Estados Unidos: ¿de qué se trata?\n\n102. VisaVerge - What Is the Dignity Act 2025 and Its Impact on US Immigration?\n\n103. Shepelsky Law Group - Immigration Dignity Act 2025: Who It Helps & What to Know\n\n104. The Washington Post - Rahm Emanuel would like to talk about immigration\n\n105. The LIBRE Initiative - Meaningful Immigration Reform Requires Us To Lead With Dignity\n\n106. POLITICO - Why MAGA has a problem with Maria\n\n107. VisaServe - Dignity Act of 2025: A New $20,000 Fast Lane to Green Cards for Long-Waiting Immigrants\n\n108. Nation’s Restaurant News - Here’s what the Dignity Act could mean for restaurants\n\n109. CPR News - ‘It gives them a path’: Rep. Gabe Evans says The Dignity Act will bring reform and opportunity to immigration policies\n\n110. NewsNation - Immigration bill gives chance to noncriminal migrants: Florida Rep.\n\n111. El Paso Times - What is Dignity Act 2025? How will it change US immigration system?\n\n112. Denver 7 - Colorado Congressman Gabe Evans picks up support for immigration reform bill\n\n113. Voz - 'It's not amnesty': Gabe Evans defends the Dignity Act\n\n114. Financial Express - 7-year Dignity Program aimed at undocumented immigrants to work legally in America proposed\n\n115. RN Law Group - The Dignity Act of 2025: What Employers and High-Skilled Immigrants Need to Know\n\n116. Marti Noticias - Piden a Trump que apoye ley que protege a inmigrantes sin récord criminal (VIDEO)\n\n117. Chugh - The Dignity Act of 2025\n\n118. Yahoo Español - Ley Dignidad 2025: de qué va proyecto de ley otorgaría estatus legal a algunos migrantes en EU\n\n119. American Immigration Lawyers Association - Policy Brief: The Dignity Act of 2025\n\n120. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar - What They’re Saying\n\n121. Edhat Santa Barbara - Carbajal Co-Leads Bipartisan Immigration Reform Bill\n\n122. El Observador - ¿Hay posibilidades de que se apruebe una reforma migratoria?\n\n123. Santa Barbara Independent - Carbajal Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Immigration Reform Bill in U.S. House of Representatives\n\n124. Times of India - $20,000 to fast-track green card applications: What is the provision of the proposed Dignity Act?\n\n125. Current Affairs - US Green Card: Dignity Act 2025 may Benefit Indian Americans\n\n126. PBS - GOP Rep. Salazar calls for pathway to citizenship for some undocumented immigrants\n\n127. VisaVerge - Dignity Act 2025 Proposal to Increase Green Card Numbers and Caps\n\n128. Enlace Conexión Entre Culturas - Ley Dignidad 2025: Una opción migratoria entre lo posible y lo insuficiente\n\n129. CPR News - As GOP Rep. Gabe Evans seeks reelection, he’ll have to contend with his voters’ complex views on immigration\n\n130. The San Diego Union-Tribune - Michael Smolens: Bipartisan support builds for migrant legal status. Don’t hold your breath.\n\n131. Alvelo Immigration - Qué es la Ley de Dignidad? ¿Qué es la Ley de Dignidad? Una guía completa para inmigrantes\n\n132. La Nación - Qué dice la “Ley de la Dignidad”: el proyecto que busca devolverle un estatus legal a miles de migrantes en EE.UU.\n\n133. EWTN News - Rep. Salazar promotes legislation to update ‘archaic’ immigration laws\n\n134. America’s Voice - America’s Voice Reacts to Bipartisan Introduction of “The Dignity Act of 2025”\n\n135. Miami Herald - Rep. Salazar: I don’t belong in letter claiming inaction on immigration in Miami-Dade\n\n136. Florida Voice - U.S. Rep. Maria Salazar sides with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, says immigration policy must move to ‘next step’\n\n137. National Law Review - The DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2025 Seeks to Transform U.S. Immigration\n\n138. State Business Executives - State Business Executives Endorse Bipartisan Dignity Act\n\n139. LeadingAge - Dignity Act: Bipartisan Immigration Reform Bill Introduced\n\n140. Mualem Firm - Understanding the Proposed Dignity Act of 2025: Key Takeaways for Employers\n\n141. Santa Barbara Independent - Santa Barbara City Council Approves $500,000 to Immigrant Support Services\n\n142. Design News - The Dignity Act: A Practical Workforce Fix for Advanced Manufacturing\n\n143. UnitedAg - Immigration Reform and Ag Labor: Mauel Cunha on the Dignity Act\n\n144. The Packer - What Workers Think of the Dignity Act\n\n145. The Business Journal - Industry Leaders Form Alliance to Protect Undocumented workers.\n\n146. AgWeb - America’s Farm Labor Crisis: Can Immigration Reform Save Agriculture?\n\n147. Congressman David Valadao - Valadao, Costa Host Bipartisan Immigration Roundtable\n\n148. NewsWeek - Number of Green Cards To Increase Under New Proposal\n\n149. National Catholic Register - Archbishop Gomez Shows Openness to Immigration Bill to Create Legal Protections\n\n150. Denver Catholic - A Pastoral Call to Peace from Archbishop Aquila\n\n151. World Relief - Oppose Deportation Policies that Separate Families; Support the Dignity Act\n\n152. United States Hispanic Business Council - Javier Palomarez, President & CEO of the USHBC, Endorses Dignity Act of 2025\n\n153. Border Report - Dignity Act will hurt cartels, stop raids, Democrats say\n\n154. American Immigration Council - Bipartisan Group of Legislators Keep Dream of Immigration Reform Alive with Reintroduced ‘DIGNIDAD’ Act\n\n155. Clean Link - Dignity Act Could Relieve U.S. Work Visa Backlogs\n\n156. FWD - FWD.us Statement on Reintroduction of the Bipartisan Dignity Act\n\n157. La Opinión - ¿En qué consiste la reforma migratoria bipartidista que buscan que Trump apoye?\n\n158. AgNet West - Immigration Reform and Ag Labor: Manuel Cunha on the Dignity Act\n\n159. Hotel Investment Today - How the Dignity Act offers labor relief\n\n160. CiberCuba - María Elvira Salazar presenta su “Ley Dignidad de 2025” para legalizar a inmigrantes sin antecedentes\n\n161. The Capistrano Dispatch - THE LEVIN LETTER: Congress Must Act to Fix Broken Immigration System\n\n162. NAFSA - Dignity Act of 2025 Includes Key International Education Provisisons\n\n163. CEDA - Explainer: The Dignity Act of 2025\n\n164. Hindustan Times - Dignity Act of 2025: Fast-track route to permanent residency for documented dreamers\n\n165. WFMZ - TV- Reading Town Hall Focuses on Dignity Act immigration proposal\n\n166. McKnights Senior Living - Bipartisan immigration reform bill aims to provide ‘earned opportunity … to stay here and work’\n\n167. The Economic Times - US bill may end tax break for foreign students on OPT\n\n168. Periódico Cubano - María Elvira Salazar promete acabar “muy pronto” con el problema migratorio en EE.UU.\n\n169. Washington Examiner - House lawmakers make urgent plea to pass immigration reform with Dignity Act\n\n170. The Epoch Times - Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce Dignity Act, Seeking Legal Status for Some Illegal Immigrant Workers\n\n171. Florida Politics - María Elvira Salazar believes Donald Trump could still warm up to Dignity Act, path to legal residency\n\n172. Niskanen Center - Niskanen Center endorses the Dignity Act\n\n173. The Hill - An immigration reform bill focused on dignity has bipartisan support\n\n174. KCCI Des Moines - Zach Nunn hears from Iowa employers on workforce needs, immigration reform\n\n175. Texas GOP Vote - Evangelical Leaders Commend Bipartisan Dignity Act as a Way Forward on Immigration\n\n176. The News - Small businesses endorse bipartisan immigration bill\n\n177. Catholic Standard - Amid shift in public opinion on immigration, Catholic advocates praise bipartisan attempt at reform\n\n178. Brown Immigration Law - Immigration News\n\n179. The Fresno Bee - Trump says border is secure. If so, GOP can work on immigration reform\n\n180. CBS - Lawmakers on Capitol Hill reintroduce The Dignity Act\n\n181. The Times of India - OPT Students may soon lose tax exemption under US lawmakers proposal\n\n182. President’s Alliance - Latest Developments Impacting Undocumented Students and Higher Ed: What Campuses Need to Know\n\n183. Niskanen Center - Niskanen backs the reintroduction of the Bipartisan Dignity Act\n\n184. The American Bazaar - Dignity Act could end the 10-year green card wait\n\n185. ABIC - Primary Election Victories for Dignity Act Cosponsors in Indiana Prove Bipartisan Immigration Solutions are a Winning Formula\n\n186. Straight Arrow News - Dignity Act aims to soften blow of deportations, faces growing opposition\n\n187. La Hora - Qué es la «Ley Dignidad», por la cual, criminales guatemaltecos que cometieron delitos en EE. UU. regresarían a Guatemala\n\n188. The Orange County Register - Legalize the peaceful—but also rethink the immigration system\n\n189. Greeley Tribune - Gabe Evans and Ryan Gonzalez: A fork in the road — Fixing the immigration system the right way\n\n190. La Prensa Newspaper - Estafas y esperanzas de inmigrantes\n\n191. Tax Scan - International Students on OPT May Face Higher US Taxes Under Proposed DIGNITY Act\n\n192. The Detroit News - Castro: Our country deserves a better immigration system\n\n193. LeadingAge - Immigration Policy Reform: LeadingAge Joins Farmers—and More\n\n194. Greenberg Traurig - The DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2025 Seeks to Transform U.S. Immigration\n\n195. Forbes - New Immigration Policy Likely To Block Many Family Immigrants\n\n196. El País - Dos congresistas latinas presentan una ambiciosa propuesta bipartidista de reforma migratoria\n\n197. Construction Citizen - Dignity Act Secures New National Endorsements as First Major Poll Shows Most Americans Support the Plan\n\n198. Diario La Tribuna - Salvador Nasralla respalda la Ley Dignidad: Una apuesta por los migrantes hondureños\n\n199. Austin Kocher Substack - Is the Dignity Act “Amnesty”? My Conversation with Ashley DeAzevedo and Rebecca Shi\n\n200. Florida Politics - Maria Elvira Salazar Warns ICE directives could produce largest exodus of Christians ever from U.S.\n\n201. Texas GOP Vote - State of Immigration in America: Salazar, Senior Pastors Warn of Impact on Churches and Families\n\n202. Newt Gingrich 360 - Episode 935: The DIGNITY Act\n\n203. Stewardverse - If You’re Losing Your Workforce, What Are You Supposed to Do?\n\n204. El Nuevo Herald - Salazar presenta en la Cámara de Representantes el proyecto de ley “Dignidad” para legalizar la situación de algunos migrantes\n\n205. ABIC - Know This Now: U.S. Citizens in Mixed-Status Marriages Face Growing Crisis\n\n206. Texas GOP Vote - DIGNITY Act Surpasses 75 Stakeholder Endorsements as National Support Grows\n\n207. Mid Valley Times - Parlier Puts Support behind bipartisan immigration reform\n\n208. Construction Dive - How a Simple Fix to the EB-3 Visa Program Could Be a Win for Contractors\n\n209. Texas GOP Vote - New Survey Exposes Growing Crisis for U.S. Citizens in Mixed Immigration Status Marriages\n\n210. Miami Herald - Conservative groups urge Congress to pass María Elvira Salazar’s immigration bill\n\n211. South Kern Sol News - Mcfarland City Council Voices Support for Dignity Act Immigration Reform bill\n\n212. CubaNet - Salazar y líderes del sur de Florida impulsan el proyecto de Ley Dignidad con mucha esperanza\n\n213. AgNet West Radio Network - Dignity Act and Labor Reform Take Center Stage in AgNet News Hour Interview\n\n214. Commercial Carrier Journal - The Dignity Act could help fill trucking's labor gap\n\n215. La Noticia - Ley Dignidad: ¿Qué ofrece este nuevo plan de reforma migratoria?\n\n216. Cleanfax - DIGNITY Act Surpasses 75 Stakeholder Endorsements\n\n217. Long Island Business News - LI business leaders hear from Congress\n\n218. Dairy Herd Management - Dairy’s Last Shot: Why Industry Leaders Are Demanding Action on Immigration Reform\n\n219. WATT Global Media - Dignity Act offers ag industry hope for immigration reform\n\n220. Farm Progress - Congress’ ICE Debate a Perfect Opportunity for Immigration Reform\n\n221. Fox 4 KDFW - Dignity Act: Dallas business owner spurs effort to protect working immigrants\n\n222. ABIC - Bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus Members and Dignity Act Sponsors Join the Structural Building Components Association and American Business Immigration Coalition To Endorse the Dignity Act, Launch Housing Affordability Tour\n\n223. Miami Herald - Miami congresswoman: On immigration and Pretti’s death, I have never been silent\n\n224. Dallas Observer - Food Industry Lobbies for More Temporary Work Permits for Immigrants\n\n225. Fox 4 News - North Texas food leaders back Dignity Act to solve immigration labor shortage\n\n226. Conexion Migrante - Presentan una nueva reforma migratoria: La Ley Dignidad\n\n227. Spectrum News 1 Texas - Texas restaurant leaders endorse 'Dignity Act' to address immigration workforce shortages\n\n228. VKM Law Group - Dignity Act of 2025: A Potential $20,000 Fast Lane to Green Cards\n\n229. The Gateway Pundit - Minnesota GOP Senate Candidate Michele Tafoya Signals Openness to ‘DIGNIDAD Act’ Amnesty Pathway for Illegal Aliens\n\n230. Semafor - 'Be realistic': Republicans feud over immigration — again\n\n231. Diario La Tribuna - Miles de hondureños en EE. UU. se beneficiarían con la Ley Dignidad\n\n232. Punchbowl - The Problem Solvers backs the Dignity Act.\n\n233. Christopher Aldana - The Dignity Act Is Not Amnesty. It Is a Serious Immigration Solution.\n\n234. Texas GOP Vote - Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar Joins Bipartisan Leaders to Launch National Dignity Coalition and Nationwide “Dignity Tour”\n\n235. Van Nuys News Press - The Problem Solvers Endorse the Dignity Act.\n\n236. Restaurant Business - Restaurant operators need to keep immigration reform top of mind\n\n237. LeadingAge Wisconsin - Bipartisan House Caucus Endorses Dignity Act Immigration Reform\n\n238. STI/SPFA - Workforce Development & Its Impact on the Steel Industry\n\n239. Texas GOP Vote - Pastors Bring Immigration Debate to Congress as New Report Warns of Mass Family Separation\n\n240. Structural Building Components Association - SBCA Endorses Dignity Act of 2025, Launches Housing Affordability Tour\n\n241. Miami Courant - GROW Coalition Announces Support for DIGNITY Act to Strengthen STEM Workforce\n\n242. Secure Growth Initiative - Dignity Act Receives Strong Support from Business Organizations\n\n243. Texas GOP Vote - Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses the Dignity Act\n\n244. El Nacional - \"Dignidad\": las claves del proyecto de ley que María Elvira Salazar presentó para proteger a indocumentados\n\n245. Kirsten Day Substack - People Over Politics: End Mass Detention\n\n246. Calle Ocho News - Ley DIGNIDAD: La representante María Elvira Salazar lidera un impulso histórico para reformar la inmigración con soluciones bipartidistas\n\n247. CiberCuba - Ley Dignidad: la propuesta de María Elvira Salazar\n\n248. The American Bazaar - Immigrants behind 59% of America’s billion-dollar companies, research shows\n\n249. MSN - Trump’s Immigration Enforcement Tactics are Backfiring on Republicans.\n\n250. Construction Citizen - NAHB Endorses Dignity Act to Modernize America’s Immigration System\n\n251. UTPSN - UTPSN Endorses the Dignity Act\n\n252. Forum Daily - Spouses and parents of US citizens are suffering from tightened immigration policies: only 3% of those detained are dangerous criminals\n\n253. Straight Arrow News - Why are Daca renewals taking up to six months?\n\n254. Bloomberg Opinion - Democrats Still Need Their Own Immigration Plan. This Could Help.\n\n255. Politico - DACA renewal delays fuel worries Trump is quietly undermining Dreamers\n\n256. Woodpack Global - Woodpack Global Members Take Workforce Message to Capitol Hill at 2026 Washington Fly-In", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/scalise-voters-face-a-clear-choice-as-the-democrat-party-moves-further-left", "title": "Scalise: Voters Face a Clear Choice as the Democrat Party Moves Further Left", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "scalise.house.gov", "scraper": "scalise", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001176", "name": "Steve Scalise", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "NEW ORLEANS, La.—Last night, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News's Hannity to discuss how the Democrat Party is increasingly nominating far-left candidates with out-of-touch policies. Leader Scalise also highlighted how Republicans' Working Families Tax Cuts are expanding opportunity for hardworking families through lower taxes, Trump accounts, and the first-ever nationwide school choice tax credit.\n\nImage\n\nClick here or the image above to view Leader Scalise's full remarks.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/schrier-alsobrooks-demand-action-infant-mortality-due-rising-rate-vitamin-k", "title": "Schrier, Alsobrooks Demand Action on Infant Mortality Due to Rising Rate of Vitamin K Refusal", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "schrier.house.gov", "scraper": "schrier", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001216", "name": "Kim Schrier", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC– As reported today in The New York Times, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) demanded immediate action to address a growing and preventable public health crisis: the rising rate of vitamin K refusal at birth and resulting vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) among newborns in a letter to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya.\n\n“The vaccine misinformation and confusion that RFK Jr. has championed for years has now created a ‘spillover effect’ that is causing parents to refuse the vitamin K shot and other routine care, putting their babies at risk of life-threatening hemorrhage,” said Congresswoman Kim Schrier. “As a pediatrician and member of Congress, I am focused on doing all I can to hold RFK Jr. accountable for every preventable death and illness of our nation’s children. That is why I am proud to join Senator Alsobrooks in this effort to demand the CDC follow and publicly release data on the burden of vitamin K refusal rates.”\n\n“RFK Jr. has spewed lies and dangerous rhetoric about vaccines, and now we are seeing the devastating consequences. Newborns are dying because their parents are refusing to give them a shot of vitamin K, an essential nutrient. We need leadership and action right now. Rep. Schrier and I are calling on the CDC to monitor and understand the burden of vitamin K refusal rates, and the related deaths – and then to make that information publicly available. This is objective information that the public deserves to see,” said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n“More than 60 years ago, scientists discovered that a simple injection of vitamin K administered shortly after childbirth could protect newborn babies from potentially deadly bleeding disorders. This was a game changer and is why the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended a vitamin K injection as part of a newborn “safety bundle” since the 1960s. But false and misleading claims have led to increased rates of refusal, putting the youngest and most vulnerable babies at unnecessary risk, and now we’re seeing the devastating impacts,” said AAP President Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP. “I want to thank Representative Schrier and Senator Alsobrooks for bringing attention to this important issue and calling on HHS to take action to protect children, and I encourage parents with questions about vitamin K or any aspect of newborn care to speak with their child’s doctor.”\n\nRead full text of the letter HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sherman-torres-chu-lofgren-lead-ca-democratic-delegation-demanding", "title": "Sherman, Torres, Chu & Lofgren Lead CA Democratic Delegation in Demanding Disaster Aid for January 2025 LA Wildfires", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "sherman.house.gov", "scraper": "sherman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000344", "name": "Brad Sherman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Brad Sherman (CA-32), Norma Torres (CA-35), Judy Chu (CA-28), and California Democratic Congressional Delegation Chair Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) led the California Democratic Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to congressional leadership urging that no supplemental funding package move forward until Congress passes long overdue federal disaster assistance for California communities devastated by the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires and other communities across the country recovering from major disasters.\n\nMore than 100,000 Californians were displaced by the January 2025 wildfires, which destroyed more than 13,000 homes and properties, claimed more than two dozen lives, and caused an estimated $275 billion in economic damage. Despite the scale of the devastation, the Administration has not taken a single step to submit a supplemental disaster funding request to Congress. This inaction is on top of the Trump Administration delaying or denying Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) emergency aid, with FEMA’s own data showing that the Trump Administration is making it harder to access disaster aid and moving more slowly than previous Administrations to help disaster-hit communities.\n\nIn the letter, the members wrote:\n\n\"It is deeply disappointing that since January 2025, not a single step has been taken by the White House to submit a request for federal disaster aid, not just for California, but also for the over 30 States, Tribes, or Territories with major disaster declarations.\"\n\n\"President Trump's Administration is prioritizing the war in Iran over helping American communities recover from devastating disasters... Instead of taking up the June 24, 2026, Iran War supplemental request, we believe that Congress should immediately draft a federal disaster aid supplemental to help Americans rebuild their communities from the most deadly and costly wildfires in recent history.\"\n\nThe letter notes that while the Administration requested more than $67 billion for military operations related to President Trump's costly war of choice in Iran, it has failed to request the approximately $34 billion in federal disaster assistance needed for California's wildfire recovery, along with billions more needed by disaster-impacted states, Tribes, and territories across the country.\n\nThe California Democratic Congressional Delegation reaffirmed its commitment to working on a bipartisan disaster relief package that ensures American families receive the support they need to rebuild their homes, businesses, and communities.\n\nAdditional signers of the letter include: Aguilar, Pete; Barragán, Nanette; Bera, Ami; Brownley, Julia; Carbajal, Salud; Chu, Judy; Cisneros, Gilbert; Correa, J.; Costa, Jim; DeSaulnier, Mark; Friedman, Laura; Garamendi, John; Garcia, Robert; Gomez, Jimmy; Harder, Josh; Huffman, Jared; Jacobs, Sara; Kamlager-Dove, Sydney; Khanna, Ro; Levin, Mike; Liccardo, Sam; Lieu, Ted; Lofgren, Zoe; Matsui, Doris; Min, Dave; Mullin, Kevin; Panetta, Jimmy; Pelosi, Nancy; Peters, Scott; Rivas, Luz; Ruiz, Raul; Sánchez, Linda; Sherman, Brad; Simon, Lateefah; Takano, Mark; Thompson, Mike; Torres, Norma; Tran, Derek; Vargas, Juan; Waters, Maxine; Whitesides, George.\n\nFull letter\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/brown-blasts-catastrophic-loss-health-care-coverage-ohio", "title": "Brown Blasts Catastrophic Loss of Health Care Coverage in Ohio", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "shontelbrown.house.gov", "scraper": "shontelbrown", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001313", "name": "Shontel M. Brown", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Cleveland, OH – According to the latest official federal data, over 160,000 Ohioans have lost Affordable Care Act health care coverage following cuts enacted by the Trump Administration. From February 2025 to February 2026 (the latest month with official date available) the number of Ohioans enrolled in Affordable Care Act exchange plans dropped from 497,443 to 336,058, meaning 161,385 Ohioans lost their ACA health care coverage.\n\nThe 32.4% drop in enrollment in Ohio is the largest decline for any state in the country. Nationwide, 2.6 million Americans have lost coverage. Ohio enrollment has dropped in each of the last eight monthly reports.\n\n“Over 161,000 Ohioans have lost their health care coverage because of Donald Trump and his Republican allies. This is an absolute catastrophe. While Trump builds a ballroom to himself and hands out millions to millionaires, thousands of Ohioans can no longer get the basic health care they need. These are real people who are now one illness or one emergency away from financial ruin because Republicans chose to gut health care to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest among us. I am worried that these numbers will only get worse as the Trump cuts cause health care costs to skyrocket. It is time for Republicans in Congress to work with us to restore the Affordable Care Act – the stakes are too high,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.\n\nThis loss of coverage follows the implementation of President Trump’s budget bill that included cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act and allowed ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits to expire. House Democrats forced a vote on extending these credits in January, but despite the legislation passing the House, Senate Republicans have blocked the bill and President Trump threatened a veto.\n\nInstead of making health care more affordable, President Trump’s budget bill included over $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act, provided over $300,000 in annual tax cuts to the wealthiest 0.1%, and gave ICE a $75 billion dollar slush fund – increasing the national debt by over $3 trillion.\n\nCongresswoman Brown voted to extend ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits in 2022 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Last fall, Brown and Ohioans who were losing their health care coverage due to Republican cuts spoke out in Cleveland.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://simon.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-simon-secures-federal-funding-laney-college-and-college-alamedas", "title": "Congresswoman Simon Secures Federal Funding for Laney College and College of Alameda’s Fabrication Labs, Helping Bay Area Students Develop Practical Skills and Prepare for High Demand Careers", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simon.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "simon.house.gov", "scraper": "simon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001231", "name": "Lateefah Simon", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "OAKLAND, CA – Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) recently secured $250,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF) for the Peralta Community College District, specifically the Manufacturing and Fabrication Pathway Lab (FabLab) facilities at Laney College and the College of Alameda. The FabLabs serve as essential experiential learning spaces where students, local entrepreneurs, and makers utilize advanced technologies—such as 3D printers, CNC routers, laser cutters, and robotics tools—to bring their designs to life. This federal funding will be used to purchase new equipment and implement structured training programs for students to enhance their digital fabrication skills and prepare for high-demand careers in fields like manufacturing, construction, biomedical, and healthcare. The federal funding will expand educational and job training opportunities for Oakland’s young people as they enter the local workforce and prepare to give back to their communities and the local economy.\n\nToday, the Congresswoman announced the funding at Laney College alongside Peralta Community College District (PCCD) Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson, Laney College President Rebecca Opsata, and College of Alameda President Melanie Dixon. She also toured the FabLab facilities at both colleges to discuss the planned facilities upgrades.\n\nThis Community Project Funding (CPF) is a part of the $11.2 million dollars that Congresswoman Simon secured for 15 projects across the East Bay in Fiscal Year 2026. Each fiscal year, members of Congress can submit Community Project Funding requests for consideration with the House Committee on Appropriations.You can read about the 15 projects that Congresswoman Simon secured funding for in her first year here.\n\n“Education is one of the most important tools we can give our young people to set them on a path to success.” said Congresswoman Simon. “It is critical our local colleges have adequate resources to provide students with the education they deserve. This funding will help prepare the next generation of Oaklanders for successful careers so they can continue to support themselves and their families and thrive in the city. I look forward to seeing the facilities and program upgrades this funding will support, and all the doors it will open for our students.”\n\n\"We are incredibly thrilled about this investment in our students, faculty, and programs,\" said PCCD Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson. \"Congresswoman Simon's advocacy and support directly strengthen our ability to provide top-tier, accessible technical education. This funding underscores a shared commitment to building strong, equitable pathways to career success right here in our communities, and we are deeply grateful for her partnership.\"\n\n\"Laney College is honored to welcome Representative Simon to our campus to witness firsthand the innovative spirit of our students,\" said Laney College President Dr. Becky Opsata. \"The Fab Lab is a cornerstone of our career technical education, allowing students to put their classroom learning to use by making things in the lab. This vital federal funding ensures our facility remains state-of-the-art and fully equipped to prepare students for the modern workforce.\"\n\n\"This funding represents a major boost for student access and technological literacy at the College of Alameda,\" said College of Alameda President Melanie Dixon. \"By investing in our Fab Lab, Congresswoman Simon is helping us break down barriers to STEM and advanced manufacturing fields. We look forward to showing her how these resources will directly uplift our diverse student body and fuel economic mobility in the region.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/spartz-sponsors-bipartisan-bill-honor-thomas-paine", "title": "Spartz Sponsors Bipartisan Bill to Honor Thomas Paine", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "spartz.house.gov", "scraper": "spartz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000929", "name": "Victoria Spartz", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05), with Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08), introduced bipartisan legislation to direct the U.S. Department of the Interior to place the Thomas Paine Memorial in “Area 1” of the National Mall, as recommended by the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission (NCMAC).\n\n“As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we remember Thomas Paine’s timeless words: ‘These are the times that try men’s souls,’ which helped rally General Washington’s army before the crossing of the Delaware - a pivotal moment that changed the course of the Revolution,” Spartz said. “Their sacrifices should remind us of the price so many Americans paid to secure our freedom - a precious gift we have a solemn duty to preserve for future generations.”\n\n“Tom Paine, the extraordinary and indispensable patriot of the American Revolution and spellbinding exponent of democratic freedom, catalyzed our emerging nation to rise up against tyranny, monarchy and taxation without representation to conceive of a new nation based on religious liberty, freedom of thought, and democratic self-governance in service of the common good,” said Rep. Raskin. “On the 250th anniversary of the publication of Common Sense, our legislation finally brings the great Tom Paine from the attics and libraries of history to a place of shining prominence on our National Mall, establishing the dazzling national memorial he deserves.”\n\n“Thomas Paine gave this country its argument for independence and then took up a musket in the Continental Army to help win it,” said Margaret Downey, President, Thomas Paine Memorial Association. “He sold half a million copies of 'Common Sense' when the nation was still an idea, and George Washington had 'The American Crisis' read aloud to the troops before they crossed the Delaware. Paine opposed slavery, called for the education of every child, and imagined a brotherhood of free nations long before the world was ready for it. Paine was a hero to Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. For 250 years the capital he helped bring into being has had no memorial to him. We intend to correct that, and Area 1 is exactly where he belongs.”\n\nRep. Spartz also sponsored the 2023 law that authorized the Thomas Paine Memorial Association to establish a memorial in Washington D.C.. The Paine memorial is fully funded with private contributions from admirers of Paine and his work. Paine is best known for writing the pamphlet Common Sense in 1776 which galvanized support for the American revolution.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-joins-vp-vance-and-cms-administrator-oz-in-wisconsin-to-discuss-combatting-waste-fraud-and-abuse-in-government-programs", "title": "Steil Joins VP Vance and CMS Administrator Oz in Wisconsin to Discuss Combatting Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Government Programs", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "steil.house.gov", "scraper": "steil", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001213", "name": "Bryan Steil", "party": "Republican", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "July 8, 2026\n\nMILWAUKEE, WI. – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), Vice President JD Vance, and Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), highlighted their work to eliminate fraud within critical federal programs. According to US Department of Justice (DOJ), fraudsters cost Wisconsin Medicaid more than $15.5 million between 2019 and 2022 and more than $6.5 billion nationwide.\n\nImage\n\n“Inadequate fraud prevention standards have opened the door to criminal actors and harmed American families and children,\" said Steil. \"Program resources should go to those in need, not fraudsters and criminals. I'm proud to work alongside VP Vance and the Trump Administration to protect vulnerable Americans and root out waste, fraud, and abuse.”\n\nBackground:\n\nAccording to US DOJ, fraudsters cost Medicaid more than $6.5 billion including more than $15.5 million in Wisconsin between 2019 and 2022.\n\nUS DOJ filed charges against 455 defendants including:\n\nA Milwaukee funeral home owner who is facing 14 felony counts of fraud for stealing nearly $1 million from Medicaid.\n\nA Milwaukee prenatal care company owner who is accused of stealing more than $5.4 million from Medicaid.\n\nOther recent WI Medicaid fraud charges include:\n\nA Milwaukee prenatal care company owner who was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for stealing more than $2.3 million from Medicaid.\n\nA Milwaukee business owner accused of defrauding Medicaid of more than $2 million for personal care services that were never delivered.\n\nIn July 2025, the Working Family Tax Cuts (WFTC) was signed into law. The bill helps fight waste, fraud, and abuse and strengthens critical programs like Medicaid to protect them for who they were designed to serve: children, pregnant women, and disabled Americans:\n\nWork requirements - requires able-bodied adults without young children to work 20 hours per week to receive benefits\n\nEligibility integrity - Strengthens eligibility integrity to remove deceased individuals, remove duplicate enrollees, and perform eligibility verification two times per year\n\nIncreases Medicaid spending by more than $100 billion over the next 10 years\n\nListen to Rep. Steil's remarks here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-sen-moody-secure-1-8-billion-in-fema-reimbursements-to-florida-64-million-to-charlotte-county/", "title": "Rep. Steube, Sen. Moody Secure $1.8 Billion in FEMA Reimbursements to Florida, $64 Million to Charlotte County", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "domain": "steube.house.gov", "scraper": "steube", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001214", "name": "W. Gregory Steube", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Steube, Sen. Moody Secure $1.8 Billion in FEMA Reimbursements to Florida, $64 Million to Charlotte County\n\nPUNTA GORDA, FL — Rep. Greg Steube joined Senator Ashley Moody today in Punta Gorda to announce the recovery of $1.8 billion in delayed FEMA disaster reimbursements statewide, including approximately $64 million headed to Charlotte County. This historic achievement is largely possible thanks to the Trump Administration’s efforts to clear FEMA’s disaster reimbursement backlog.\n\n“Charlotte County has waited years for the money FEMA already agreed to pay. That’s not how disaster recovery is supposed to work,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “I’m grateful to President Trump, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, and FEMA for helping cut through the bureaucracy and get these long-overdue dollars moving.”\n\n“Florida has been waiting on essential disaster assistance funds for hurricane recovery since 2017— I’ve been in the Senate for less than a year and a half and have worked hard to bring nearly $2 billion of outstanding FEMA funds back home to Florida. I’ll continue fighting to deliver the federal support Floridians need while making the disaster recovery process more transparent, efficient, and accountable,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\n“This reflects our ongoing partnership with state and local leaders with more than $1.2 billion to Florida communities in the last 90 days,” said Rob Ashe, FEMA Region 4 Regional Administrator. “Our FEMA team in Florida continues to fulfill President Trump and Secretary Mullin’s promise to deliver effective federal assistance to the state. Thank you to Rep. Steube for being a valued partner in supporting ongoing recovery efforts.”\n\nThe funds reimburse eligible disaster recovery projects that FEMA had already approved but left unpaid for years, forcing state and local governments to carry the costs. Thanks to the leadership of President Trump, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, and FEMA, these long-overdue reimbursements are finally reaching Florida communities. In Charlotte County, much of the delayed funding stems from Hurricane Ian recovery projects. Some of the longest outstanding reimbursements date back to Hurricane Irma in 2017.\n\nToday’s announcement builds on recent momentum at the federal level to accelerate disaster recovery funding for Florida communities. On July 2, FEMA announced an additional $124 million in funding for 70 disaster recovery and hazard mitigation projects across Florida, bringing the agency’s total support to the state to more than $1.2 billion over the past 90 days. That funding has supported communities recovering from Hurricanes Helene, Milton, and other recent natural disasters.\n\nRep. Steube will continue working with President Trump, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, FEMA, and local leaders to ensure Southwest Florida communities receive every disaster recovery dollar they are owed as quickly as possible.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://strong.house.gov/media/press-releases/strong-announces-21-north-alabama-students-appointed-us-service-academies-prep", "title": "Strong announces 21 North Alabama students appointed to U.S. service academies, prep schools", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://strong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "strong.house.gov", "scraper": "strong", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001220", "name": "Dale W. Strong", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Dale W. Strong (AL-05) announced the appointments of 21 students from Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District to attend U.S. service academies or their respective preparatory schools.\n\n“It is my honor to nominate students across the Tennessee Valley to attend our nation’s prestigious service academies. I am confident that these young men and women will represent North Alabama well and serve our nation with distinction. The Fifth District never fails to produce skilled, patriotic student leaders, and this year’s class is no exception,” said Representative Dale Strong.\n\nA nomination from a member of Congress is required before a student can receive an appointment to a service academy. To be considered for a nomination, candidates must meet certain academic, leadership, and character standards.\n\nFifth District students who have accepted appointments to U.S. service academies:\n\nU.S. Military Academy\n\nMark Andrzejewski, St. John Paul Catholic High School\n\nStephen Case, Excalibur Christian School\n\nAlexander Cothren, Huntsville High School\n\nWilliam Crocker, Randolph High School\n\nJudd Lunsford, Marion Military Institute/Randolph High School\n\nJacob Plitsch, Lindsey Lane Christian Academy\n\nRichard Raleigh, Huntsville High School\n\nU.S. Naval Academy\n\nMatthew Kimmett, Decatur High School\n\nMaria Sands-Pingot, St. John Paul Catholic High School\n\nFrank Vegerita, Huntsville High School\n\nU.S. Naval Academy Prep School\n\nHarrison Lockett, Bob Jones High School\n\nU.S. Naval Academy Foundation Scholarship\n\nMatthew Matkin, Brewer High School\n\nU.S. Air Force Academy\n\nKristianna Berger, Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering\n\nKatherine Boyer, Sparkman High School\n\nEleanor Dykema, Georgia Military College\n\nAntonio Little, U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School/James Clemens High School\n\nIsabelle Park, Bob Jones High School\n\nCaleb Shultz, Huntsville High School\n\nGeorge Youngblood, Decatur High School\n\nU.S. Air Force Academy Prep School\n\nJacob Parks, Bob Jones High School\n\nU.S. Merchant Marine Academy\n\nBrennan Bowling, St. John Paul Catholic School\n\nRepresentative Strong hosts an Academy Day annually with recruiters from military organizations, collegiate ROTC, and admissions representatives from each service academy.\n\nInformation for Representative Strong’s 2026 Academy Day:\n\nWHERE: Auburn University Research and Innovation Campus\n\n345 Voyager Way, Huntsville, AL 35806\n\nWHEN: Saturday, August 22 from\n\n9:00 AM – 12:00 PM\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-shri-thanedar-demands-trump-opens-gordie-howe-international-bridge-immediately", "title": "Congressman Shri Thanedar Demands Trump Opens Gordie Howe International Bridge Immediately", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "thanedar.house.gov", "scraper": "thanedar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000488", "name": "Shri Thanedar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congressman Shri Thanedar (MI-13) hosted a press conference and town hall on July 7, 2026, alongside Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) and Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46), demanding Donald Trump open the Gordie Howe International Bridge.\n\n“The Gordie Howe Bridge is complete, ready to operate, and should be open,” said Rep. Thanedar. “It was supposed to open in June, but Matthew Moroun, the million dollar MAGA donor and owner of the competing Ambassador Bridge, met with Commerce Secretary Lutnick, and hours later, Trump said he would not let the bridge open. Now Trump is standing in the way of a bridge that would create jobs and strengthen Michigan’s economy.\n\nThis kind of corruption is the norm for President Trump. Michigan workers, small businesses, and families should not be punished because Trump wants to reward his wealthy friends. There is no reason why the Gordie Howe Bridge remains closed. Mr. Trump, open up the Gordie Howe Bridge!”\n\nThe Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, was originally expected to open in June 2026. Although the bridge is ready, Trump has continued to delay its opening, damaging Michigan’s economy and weakening our relationship with Canada.\n\nCongressman Thanedar has been a vocal advocate for the bridge and its importance to Michigan’s economy. He thanks Congressman Thompson and Congressman Correa for coming to Detroit and standing with Michigan workers, businesses, and families against Trump’s corruption.\n\nCongressmen Shri Thanedar, Lou Correa and Bennie G. Thompson host a press conference at the Gordie Howe International Bridge.\n\nA full album of photos from the events can be accessed here.\n\nCongressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/torres-chu-sherman-and-lofgren-lead-ca-democratic-delegation-in-demanding-disaster-aid-for-january-2025-la-wildfires", "title": "Torres, Chu, Sherman & Lofgren Lead CA Democratic Delegation in Demanding Disaster Aid for January 2025 LA Wildfires", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "torres.house.gov", "scraper": "torres", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000474", "name": "Norma J. Torres", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "President Trump’s June 24, 2026, supplemental request included $67.1 billion for the Iran War, ignoring the $34 billion needed by CA and the billions more desperately needed by over 30 other States, Tribes, and Territories to rebuild their communities after natural disasters.\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Norma Torres (CA-35), Judy Chu (CA-28), Brad Sherman (CA-32), and California Democratic Congressional Delegation Chair Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) led the California Democratic Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to congressional leadership urging that no supplemental funding package move forward until Congress passes long overdue federal disaster assistance for California communities devastated by the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires and other communities across the country recovering from major disasters.\n\nMore than 100,000 Californians were displaced by the January 2025 wildfires, which destroyed more than 13,000 homes and properties, claimed more than two dozen lives, and caused an estimated $275 billion in economic damage. Despite the scale of the devastation, the Administration has not taken a single step to submit a supplemental disaster funding request to Congress. This inaction is on top of the Trump Administration delaying or denying Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) emergency aid, with FEMA’s own data showing that the Trump Administration is making it harder to access disaster aid and moving more slowly than previous Administrations to help disaster-hit communities.\n\nIn the letter, the members wrote:\n\n\"It is deeply disappointing that since January 2025, not a single step has been taken by the White House to submit a request for federal disaster aid, not just for California, but also for the over 30 States, Tribes, or Territories with major disaster declarations.\"\n\n\"President Trump's Administration is prioritizing the war in Iran over helping American communities recover from devastating disasters... Instead of taking up the June 24, 2026, Iran War supplemental request, we believe that Congress should immediately draft a federal disaster aid supplemental to help Americans rebuild their communities from the most deadly and costly wildfires in recent history.\"\n\nThe letter notes that while the Administration requested more than $67 billion for military operations related to President Trump's costly war of choice in Iran, it has failed to request the approximately $34 billion in federal disaster assistance needed for California's wildfire recovery, along with billions more needed by disaster-impacted states, Tribes, and territories across the country.\n\nThe California Democratic Congressional Delegation reaffirmed its commitment to working on a bipartisan disaster relief package that ensures American families receive the support they need to rebuild their homes, businesses, and communities.\n\nAdditional signers of the letter include: Aguilar, Pete; Barragán, Nanette; Bera, Ami; Brownley, Julia; Carbajal, Salud; Chu, Judy; Cisneros, Gilbert; Correa, J.; Costa, Jim; DeSaulnier, Mark; Friedman, Laura; Garamendi, John; Garcia, Robert; Gomez, Jimmy; Harder, Josh; Huffman, Jared; Jacobs, Sara; Kamlager-Dove, Sydney; Khanna, Ro; Levin, Mike; Liccardo, Sam; Lieu, Ted; Lofgren, Zoe; Matsui, Doris; Min, Dave; Mullin, Kevin; Panetta, Jimmy; Pelosi, Nancy; Peters, Scott; Rivas, Luz; Ruiz, Raul; Sánchez, Linda; Sherman, Brad; Simon, Lateefah; Takano, Mark; Thompson, Mike; Torres, Norma; Tran, Derek; Vargas, Juan; Waters, Maxine; Whitesides, George.\n\nFull letter\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3808", "title": "Trahan Statement on Mass General Brigham Nurses Strike", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "trahan.house.gov", "scraper": "trahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000482", "name": "Lori Trahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, issued the following statement regarding the Mass General Brigham nurses strike:\n\n“Nurses are the unsung heroes in our broken healthcare system. The nurses and caregivers at Mass General Brigham have shown up for their patients through a pandemic, through staffing shortages, and through impossibly long shifts. They deserve a contract that respects their work and their commitment to families across our Commonwealth.”\n\n“No one wants to see nurses on a picket line instead of at the bedside, least of all nurses themselves. It’s imperative that Mass General Brigham and the Massachusetts Nurses Association return to the table and negotiate in good faith until they reach a contract that honors the lifesaving work these nurses do day in and day out.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://turner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-turner-advocates-for-and-president-trump-authorizes-patriot-missile-interceptor-licensure-in-ukraine", "title": "Congressman Turner Advocates for and President Trump Authorizes Patriot Missile Interceptor Licensure in Ukraine", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://turner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "turner.house.gov", "scraper": "turner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000463", "name": "Michael R. Turner", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — July 8, 2026. In June, Congressman Mike Turner sent a letter to President Trump, highlighting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s request for additional Patriot missile interceptors and supporting Ukraine’s production of those interceptors domestically. Today, President Donald Trump’s announced that the United States will grant Ukraine a production license to build Patriot missiles on their own soil.\n\nIn his letter, Congressman Turner said:\n\n“Ukraine has shown extraordinary adaptability in countering Russia’s evolving aerial threats, but it does not have the domestic production capacity to replace the high-end interceptors required to defeat Russia’s most advanced missiles systems.”\n\n“The Patriot systems, and particularly the PAC-3 interceptor, has proven to be one of the most effective capabilities available to Ukraine against Russian ballistic missile attacks. As Russia increases the scale and frequency of these strikes, Ukraine’s ability to defend its population and critical infrastructure depends on a reliable and sustained supply of interceptors.”\n\nSpeaking alongside President Zelenskyy during today’s NATO Summit in Ankara, President Trump said: “We’re going to give a license to you to make ‌Patriots. That’s pretty cool.”\n\nThe Patriot missile system is a state-of-the-art air defense network, capable of shooting down high-speed ballistic and cruise missiles.\n\nAs Ukraine suffers from a critical shortage of air defense interceptors, domestic Patriot missile production will be pivotal for Ukraine’s defensive capabilities — especially amid intensified Russian ballistic missile attacks, including devastating recent strikes on Kyiv.\n\nWith Putin at his weakest position in years, sustained pressure and bolstered Ukrainian air defense will be key to finally ending this war.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://vanduyne.house.gov/2026/7/congresswoman-beth-van-duyne-to-host-fifth-north-texas-job-fair-on-august-6th-at-globe-life-field", "title": "Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne to Host Fifth North Texas Job Fair on August 6th at Globe Life Field", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vanduyne.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "vanduyne.house.gov", "scraper": "vanduyne", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000134", "name": "Beth Van Duyne", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Addison, TX – U.S. Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24) announced her fifth North Texas Job Fair will be held on Thursday, August 6th from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, at Globe Life Field (home of the Texas Rangers) in Arlington, TX. Since launching in 2021, the North Texas Job Fair has grown into one of the largest workforce and hiring events in the country, last year alone drawing more than 35,000 attendees. This year, over 530 employers and organizations are registered to recruit for over 30,000 positions across North Texas.\n\n“Over the past decade, North Texas has led the nation in job growth because of our dynamic and diverse economic expansion from defense manufacturing, financial services that evolved into “Y’all Street”, healthcare, high tech, semiconductors, energy development, and virtually every other sector of the economy,\" said Congresswoman Van Duyne. “In 2021, we started the North Texas Job Fair as a way to help Texans get back to work following COVID shutdowns. Now, the North Texas Job Fair has become the largest single day, multi-industry hiring event in the nation. The growth and importance of this event says everything about the strength of the North Texas economy and the people and companies powering our region. Whether folks are looking for an entry-level job, a skilled trade, or a C-suite level position, opportunities will span industries and experience levels to offer better careers, stronger benefits, and a new direction for North Texans to empower their lives.”\n\n“We're ?proud ?to ?continue growing our ?presence at this event as ?we seek ?out ?both ?new and experienced candidates to join American. We're grateful to ?Congresswoman Van ?Duyne for hosting this event and ?creating ?opportunities ?to connect job seekers with employers. Participating here reflects our ?investment ?in the people ?who live ?and ?work in our ?communities, ?and each year, it ?leads to ?new team members joining us at ?the airport, ?in our hangars and ?at ?headquarters.” – Elizabeth Nieto, Senior Vice President of Talent and Culture, American Airlines\n\n“North Texas continues to be one of the most dynamic economies in the country, and we are proud to be growing alongside it. At Bank of America, our employees are our greatest strength, and we are committed to investing in talent and creating opportunities for individuals to build rewarding, long-term careers. The North Texas Job Fair plays an important role in connecting job seekers with employers and helping ensure our region's workforce remains strong, competitive and prepared for future growth.” – Jennifer Chandler, President, Bank of America Dallas\n\n“Citi is proud to participate in the North Texas Job Fair once again,” said Jason Cramer, Managing Director and Citi Dallas Site Head. “As one of North Texas' largest employers, we are committed to investing in local talent and creating opportunities for meaningful careers. This event gives us the opportunity to connect with exceptional candidates and has helped us fill critical roles across our technology teams and many of the 68 Citi business groups represented in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The job fair is a powerful example of how employers and community partners can work together to strengthen the region's workforce.”\n\n“At Global Medical Response, our mission depends on the people behind it, and that’s why we continue to hire at a strong pace. In North Texas, our organization has grown over 15% the last two years, and we expect that to continue as North Texas expands,” said GMR Chief Operating Officer Ted Van Horne. \"As one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, North Texas is exactly where we want to invest—building lasting careers and strengthening the care we provide to the communities we serve. We’re proud to return for our fourth year at Congresswoman Van Duyne’s job fair to connect with the talent that powers our work every day.”\n\n“The North Texas Job Fair is a great opportunity to meet outstanding talent and share what makes Vistra such a special place to grow your career. We’re excited to be back this year and support the continued strength of the North Texas economy.” – Rebekah Kay, Director, Government Affairs, Vistra Corp\n\nWith 530 businesses confirmed to attend and more expected to be added to the North Texas Job Fair, visit MyNTXJobs.com for updates to the list of participants. More than 100,000 North Texans have been connected with regional employment opportunities through the four previous North Texas Job Fairs. Employer registration is open until July 15th and admission is free to all North Texans.\n\nTo review the success of the 2025 North Texas Job Fair a wrap up video can be seen HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-backs-law-enforcement-leaders-border-and-rural-communities", "title": "Rep. Gabe Vasquez Backs Law Enforcement Leaders from Border and Rural Communities, Working to Strengthen Public Safety Across Southern New Mexico", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vasquez.house.gov", "scraper": "vasquez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000136", "name": "Gabe Vasquez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SUNLAND PARK, N.M. – On July 8, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) joined Sunland Park Police Chief Kiri Daines for a border ride-along and convened a regional meeting with rural law enforcement leaders to hear directly about the unique needs and challenges facing officers serving New Mexico's border communities.\n\nThe conversations focused on strengthening border security, combating cartels and fentanyl trafficking, supporting recruitment and retention for rural departments, and ensuring local law enforcement has the funding, technology, and federal partnerships needed to keep communities safe.\n\n“Local law enforcement in border counties face unique public safety challenges that require our attention and investment,” said Vasquez. “I’ve been working with Sheriffs and local police along the U.S.-Mexico border for years, and I know firsthand the resources they need to combat cartels, drug trafficking, and human smuggling, all while working with staff shortages and limited resources. That's why I'm working across the aisle with Democrats and Republicans to make sure all New Mexico law enforcement — including those in rural and small communities — have the funding, tools, and support they need to keep both themselves and members of our communities safe.”\n\nDuring the morning border ride-along, Chief Daines provided an on-the-ground look at the latest trends and realities of policing a border community, where local officers coordinate daily with federal, state, and neighboring law enforcement agencies to respond to public safety incidents, cartel activity, emergency calls, and cross-border challenges.\n\nFollowing the ride-along, Vasquez met with Chief Daines, Doña Ana County Sheriff Kim Stewart, Hidalgo County Sheriff William Chadborn, Luna County Sheriff-Elect Glenn Chadborn, Chief of Police Sergio Lara of Deming, and other regional law enforcement leaders to discuss how the Congressman can best continue to support the unique needs of small and rural departments, including recruitment and retention challenges, equipment needs, information sharing, and strategies to combat fentanyl trafficking and transnational criminal organizations.\n\nVasquez has a long record of working across the aisle to advance legislation supporting law enforcement and strengthening public safety, including:\n\nHis bipartisan No More Narcos Act and Stop COYOTES Act, endorsed by the Sunland Park Police Department, to crack down on cartels, protect children from criminal recruitment, increase penalties for human traffickers and fentanyl smugglers, and improve coordination between federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement.\n\nHis bipartisan Secure Our Skies Drone Safety Act, endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, to help law enforcement better respond to criminal drone activity used by cartels.\n\nThe Invest to Protect Act, which expands federal funding for recruitment, retention, and training officers at small law enforcement agencies who have under 175 officers like the Deming Police Department, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, Luna County Sheriff’s Office, and others throughout New Mexico’s 2nd district.\n\nThe Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act, which provides protective equipment for officers responding to dangerous fentanyl-related incidents.\n\nBipartisan efforts to strengthen High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) programs and improve information sharing among law enforcement agencies combating drug trafficking. Vasquez has condemned the Administration’s push to cut funding for HIDTA by 35 percent.\n\nVasquez has also championed Community Project Funding requests to bring millions of dollars of federal investment home to help local police departments modernize facilities, purchase patrol vehicles and public safety technology, and improve emergency response capabilities across southern New Mexico. In FY26 alone, Vasquez secured over $1.8 million for public safety priorities from Albuquerque to Carlsbad.\n\n“I appreciate Chief Daines and the border sheriffs and local police who took the time to meet with me and share the latest on conditions on the ground, challenges they’re up against, and stalled federal funding,” Vasquez said. “Since taking office, I’ve always had a proactive stance when it comes to strengthening public safety, listening and taking action to provide the funding and tools our law enforcement officers need to protect New Mexico families, stop organized crime, disrupt drug trafficking, and keep our communities safe. That work will continue.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/07/08/vindman-introduces-legislation-to-cut-red-tape-and-lower-housing-costs-for-veterans/", "title": "Vindman Introduces Legislation to Cut Red Tape and Lower Housing Costs for Veterans", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) and Abe Hamadeh (Ariz.-08) today announced the introduction of their bipartisan legislation to protect veterans’ hard-earned housing benefits and expand access to affordable homeownership for those who have served our nation.\n\nThe Affordable Homes for Veterans Act would modernize and streamline the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan assumption process, helping veterans, homebuyers, and lenders complete transactions more efficiently while reducing costly delays that can put home purchases at risk\n\n“Owning a home is dream that has become unaffordable for far too many military families,” said Vindman. “As a 25-year Army veteran, I will always fight for veterans to get the benefits they have earned without delay. I’m proud to lead bipartisan legislation that would cut red tape, strengthen accountability, and help make homeownership more accessible and affordable for veterans and military families across Virginia and the United States.”\n\nBy establishing clear processing timelines, strengthening accountability, and cutting unnecessary red tape, the Affordable Homes for Veterans Act would make it easier for families to take advantage of assumable VA loans, helping lower housing costs and providing greater certainty for veterans, military families, and homebuyers nationwide.\n\nSpecifically, the Affordable Homes for Veterans Act would:\n\nCodify into federal law the VA’s existing guidance requiring lenders to complete loan assumption processing within 45 days, transforming a non-binding standard into an enforceable requirement;\n\nA loan assumption allows a prospective homebuyer to take over the seller’s existing mortgage with its current interest rate, balance, and terms. With loans from the VA, the benefit of an assumption is often greater than private loans as original rates are often much lower than the current market rate, giving veteran sellers an advantage in the market. Additionally, assumption fees are typically lower than the fees associated with a new mortgage.\n\nProtect veterans and homebuyers from unnecessary delays that can jeopardize home sales and increase costs; and\n\nRequire the VA Inspector General to assess lender and servicer compliance with the law and provide findings and enforcement recommendations to Congress.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nVindman has long been working to lower costs for veterans, service members, and military families in Congress.\n\nIn May 2026, Vindman introduced the MISSION Rx Act, a bill that would lower prescription drug costs for service members, military families, and veterans while saving taxpayers billions.\n\nHe also introduced the Military Family GI Bill Promise Act in July 2025. This bipartisan bill would fix an outdated Department of Defense (DoD) policy that prevents many service members from transferring their earned Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to dependents — particularly children born or adopted later in their military careers.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/alsobrooks-schrier-demand-action-on-infant-mortality-due-to-rising-rate-of-vitamin-k-refusal/", "title": "ALSOBROOKS, SCHRIER DEMAND ACTION ON INFANT MORTALITY DUE TO RISING RATE OF VITAMIN K REFUSAL", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.alsobrooks.senate.gov", "scraper": "alsobrooks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000382", "name": "Angela D. Alsobrooks", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "July 8, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – As reported today in the New York Times, Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Congresswoman Kim Schrier (D-Wash.-08) demanded immediate action to address a growing and preventable public health crisis: the rising rate of vitamin K refusal at birth and resulting vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) among newborns in a letter to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya.\n\n“RFK Jr. has spewed lies and dangerous rhetoric about vaccines, and now we are seeing the devastating consequences. Newborns are dying because their parents are refusing to give them a shot of vitamin K, an essential nutrient. We need leadership and action right now. Rep. Schrier and I are calling on the CDC to monitor and understand the burden of vitamin K refusal rates, and the related deaths – and then to make that information publicly available. This is objective information that the public deserves to see,” said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n“The vaccine misinformation and confusion that RFK Jr. has championed for years has now created a ‘spillover effect’ that is causing parents to refuse the vitamin K shot and other routine care, putting their babies at risk of life-threatening hemorrhage,” said Congresswoman Kim Schrier. “As a pediatrician and member of Congress, I am focused on doing all I can to hold RFK Jr. accountable for every preventable death and illness of our nation’s children. That is why I am proud to join Senator Alsobrooks in this effort to demand the CDC follow and publicly release data on the burden of vitamin K refusal rates.”\n\n“More than 60 years ago, scientists discovered that a simple injection of vitamin K administered shortly after childbirth could protect newborn babies from potentially deadly bleeding disorders. This was a game changer and is why the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended a vitamin K injection as part of a newborn “safety bundle” since the 1960s. But false and misleading claims have led to increased rates of refusal, putting the youngest and most vulnerable babies at unnecessary risk, and now we’re seeing the devastating impacts,” said AAP President Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP. “I want to thank Representative Schrier and Senator Alsobrooks for bringing attention to this important issue and calling on HHS to take action to protect children, and I encourage parents with questions about vitamin K or any aspect of newborn care to speak with their child’s doctor.”\n\nRead full text of the letter here or below:\n\nDear Dr. Bhattacharya:\n\nWe write to urge the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to take immediate action to address a growing and preventable public health crisis: the rising rate of vitamin K refusal at birth and resulting vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) among newborns. Specifically, we call on the CDC to establish ways to monitor and understand the burden of vitamin K refusal rates, VKDB and VKDB-related deaths, and to make that information publicly available.\n\nVitamin K is an essential nutrient which helps blood clot. Because infants are born with very low levels of vitamin K, they are at high risk for developing dangerous bleeding disorders, including internal bleeding. A single vitamin K shot is a highly effective newborn intervention to help prevent bleeding until babies can absorb sufficient vitamin K when they typically begin eating solid foods containing the nutrient and their gut microbiomes develop. Without it, babies are 81 times more likely to develop late VKDB, which can cause bleeding in the brain. According to CDC data, 1 in every 5 babies who develop VKDB will die. There are no warning signs in most cases of VKDB: a baby can be bleeding into their intestines or brain before their parents know anything is wrong. Some parents are requesting oral vitamin K instead, which is not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or CDC. Babies don’t absorb oral vitamin K consistently, and research shows oral drops are ineffective.\n\nUnfortunately, as medical misinformation grows, it appears that more American parents are declining the vitamin K shot for their newborns. A December 2025 study of more than 5 million births found that more than 5 percent of U.S. babies did not receive the vitamin K shot at birth in 2024, a 77 percent increase from 2017. Recent informal pulse surveys of pediatricians across the country also show that doctors are seeing parents and caregivers refuse routine preventative care for newborns, including vitamin K shots, erythromycin eye ointment, and hepatitis B vaccination, according to AAP. Pediatricians are also reporting that vitamin K refusal often occurs alongside vaccine hesitancy.\n\nRecent reporting from ProPublica has highlighted a major problem: the federal government does not currently track vitamin K shot refusal, vitamin K deficiency bleeding, or the preventable deaths related to vitamin K deficiency.\n\nWithout a good understanding of the scope of these issues, we cannot assess the true toll of refusal, identify trends, or develop targeted public health campaigns. Since vitamin K became a part of standard newborn care in 1961, there was previously no need for robust monitoring systems to track incidences of VKDB in infants. However, rising vitamin K refusal rates justify investing in modern diagnostic tests to better assess the scope and impact of VKDB in babies who do not receive the vitamin K shot. This will help clinicians gain the information they need to effectively counsel families. The CDC has the tools to better understand the burden of vitamin K shot refusal, VKDB, and VKDB-related deaths. We urge you to use them, and to share that data with the public, so that we can prevent tragic illness and death in infants and VKDB-related deaths. We urge you to use them, and to share that data with the public, so that we can prevent tragic illness and death in infants.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-and-sec-collins-join-bianca-across-the-nation-on-newsmax/", "title": "ICYMI: Sen. Banks and Sec. Collins Join Bianca Across the Nation on Newsmax", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, joined Bianca Across the Nation on Newsmax to discuss Steak ‘n Shake’s new public-private partnership to promote VA benefits and services and make it easier for veterans to become business owners.\n\nClick the image above for full discussion.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Right now we have the most pro-veteran president that we’ve ever had in the White House with Donald Trump. And I think Steak ‘n Shake, what they have done here today, they made a historic, national announcement and commitment to veterans right her in my hometown in Fort Wayne, Indiana about what they are doing to bring veterans more opportunities to work here but also to own and operate their own business. I too hope that other business will follow suit. Steak ‘n Shake is the most pro-Veteran business in America.”\n\n“Secretary Collins and I are both veterans, ourselves. So, knowing what our fellow veterans are going through, what they experienced when they served and life after service, I something we both take very seriously. What Secretary Collins and President Trump have done to address veteran suicide and those rates is really historic in so many ways. Theres always more that we can do but I am very proud of what the Trump administration has done to support our veterans in big ways.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-joins-sec-collins-steak-n-shake-to-announce-new-opportunities-for-veterans/", "title": "Sen. Banks Joins Sec. Collins, Steak ‘n Shake to Announce New Opportunities for Veterans", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, Steak ‘n Shake, and Northeast Indiana veterans to announce a new public-private partnership to promote VA benefits and services and make it easier for veterans to become business owners.\n\nAs part of the public-private partnership the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Steak ’n Shake have signed a memorandum of understanding under which:\n\nSteak ‘n Shake will waive its $10,000 fee under its Franchise Partner Program for veterans seeking to run their own Steak ‘n Shake franchise.\n\nSteak ‘n Shake restaurants across the nation will promote awareness of the VA healthcare and benefits through in-restaurant signage and on its website.\n\nSteak ‘n Shake will prioritize hiring veterans, their family members, caregivers, and survivors for leadership positions across the country.\n\nClick image above to watch full speech\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “We are making national news right here in Fort Wayne, Indiana today. Steak ‘n Shake is the most pro-veteran restaurant here in America. And they have proven it with this announcement that they’ve made to waive their franchise fees so that veterans, our American heroes, get the chance to start a business, own a business and be a part of this great company: Steak ‘n Shake, which is headquartered here in Indiana. As Hoosiers, we can be very proud.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThe partnership builds upon ongoing efforts by the Trump administration and the VA to improve access to healthcare, benefits, and economic opportunity for veterans. Since January 2025, VA has opened 38 new healthcare facilities, reduced the disability claims backlog by 74%, enrolled more than 180,000 new veterans in VA healthcare, and delivered record levels of direct care and community care.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/blackburn-smith-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-prevent-veteran-suicide-by-victims-of-military-sexual-trauma", "title": "Blackburn, Smith Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Veteran Suicide by Victims of Military Sexual Trauma", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "domain": "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "scraper": "blackburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001243", "name": "Marsha Blackburn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) introduced the Improving Personal Risk Assessments to Prevent Suicide Act to help save veterans’ lives by requiring a federal study to examine the relationship between service members and veterans’ experiences of military sexual trauma (MST) and suicide risk:\n\n“It is absolutely unacceptable that veterans are 50% more likely to die by suicide than the civilian population, and we must do everything in our power to protect and care for those who have risked their lives for this country,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Improving Personal Risk Assessments to Prevent Suicide Act is an important step in saving service members’ lives and supporting them as they heal from unimaginable trauma.”\n\n“It is our solemn duty to provide the highest quality care for those who serve our country,” said Senator Smith. “That includes making sure servicemembers who endured military sexual trauma have access to the best clinical care and suicide prevention tools available as they work to heal. I’m proud to introduce this bill to incorporate what we know about the relationship between experiencing military sexual trauma and the risk of suicide into clinical practice, improving the care that helps save lives.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nMST refers to the sexual assault or threatening sexual harassment service members may experience during service. Many service members choose not to report MST until after their service because they fear retaliation or threats from their superiors.\n\nVeterans are around 50% more likely to die by suicide than civilians, and the link between service members who experienced MST and higher risk of suicide is well-established, making this bill essential to overall veteran suicide prevention efforts.\n\nThe Improving Personal Risk Assessments to Prevent Suicide Act would require the U.S. Department of War and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to publish a study on the links between MST, intimate partner violence, and the risk of suicide.\n\nThe bill would also require the Departments to incorporate those findings into clinical assessments for identifying and treating patients at risk of suicide – the first time military sexual trauma has been included in those official clinical tools. This would improve clinical risk assessment for patients and help the Department of War, VA, and clinicians recognize MST-related risk factors before someone attempts or dies by suicide.\n\nClick here for bill text.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-murphy-larson-courtney-and-delauro-statement-on-white-house-helipad-project", "title": "Blumenthal, Murphy, Larson, Courtney, & DeLauro Statement on White House Helipad Project", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, U.S. Representative John Larson, U.S. Representative Joe Courtney, and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro today released a statement following reports that Sikorsky is building a new helipad at the White House.\n\n“The men and women of Sikorsky produce the world’s finest helicopters, and their top-notch craftsmanship and innovation deserve to be celebrated. The issue of Marine One engine exhaust burning the White House South Lawn goes back years and must be addressed to bring Sikorsky’s next-generation Marine One helicopters into service. But once again, President Trump is rushing to complete yet another White House project without providing the American people with the transparency they deserve. It’s a slap in the face to workers who’ll have to work overtime and the taxpayers who may end up footing the bill,” the delegation said.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/op-ed-u-s-senators-katie-britt-tommy-tuberville-president-trump-is-delivering-for-alabama-and-the-gulf-coast/", "title": "OP-ED: U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Tommy Tuberville – ‘President Trump Is Delivering for Alabama and the Gulf Coast’", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, AL.com published a column penned by U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) celebrating President Trump’s steadfast commitment to complete the critical Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project.\n\nIn the op-ed, the Senators outline how crucial this infrastructure project is for Alabama’s economy, workforce, and transportation routes, along with the project’s impact to the entire Southeast. Thanks to President Trump, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Susie Wiles, and Governor Kay Ivey’s leadership, the Senators announce this major breakthrough for the Mobile River Bridge and how this Administration cleared the final obstacles to complete the project.\n\nExcerpts from the column are below, and you can read the full piece here.\n\n“Now, in his second term, President Trump is delivering again in the same city where that historic movement found its earliest and strongest support. Thanks to his leadership, we can inform the people of Alabama that the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project is finally moving toward construction after 30 years of discussion, delay and doubt.”\n\n…\n\n“The Wallace Tunnel and Bayway are part of one of the most important transportation corridors in America, touching a major port, airport, naval shipbuilding facility and hundreds of thousands of workers, families, visitors, businesses, military assets and supply chains across the Gulf Coast and the entire country.\n\n“Major infrastructure projects are complex, and this one has been the most challenging in Alabama’s history. Over the years, the project was burdened by rising costs, changing plans, bureaucratic red tape and unnecessary extras. All made it harder to deliver the core infrastructure Alabama actually needs.”\n\n…\n\n“He knows infrastructure is about building roads and bridges that serve the American people, not funding wish lists that just make projects more expensive and harder to complete. So, his administration is stepping in, cutting through red tape and helping Alabama clear the final obstacles standing in the way of this transformational project.\n\n“Let us describe what the White House is committing to do:\n\n“First, the Trump administration is selecting the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway as the first project to ever qualify for the Interstate System Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Pilot Program. This is a major breakthrough. It gives Alabama the ability to use toll revenue in the most effective and responsible way possible to help finance the project, ensuring it moves forward as a complete solution.\n\n“Second, President Trump is clearing mounds of red tape surrounding the previously awarded $550 million Bridge Investment Program grant. That flexibility will allow Alabama to use those funds more quickly as the state prepares to begin construction.\n\n“Third, President Trump’s administration is cutting unnecessary bureaucratic requirements and commitments from the project scope, creating hundreds of millions of dollars in cost savings. That is exactly the kind of common-sense leadership taxpayers deserve.\n\n“None of this happens by accident. It follows months – even years – of serious, high-level discussions among Alabama’s congressional delegation, local leaders from Mobile and Baldwin counties, Gov. Kay Ivey, the Alabama Department of Transportation, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and senior federal transportation officials – all with the active participation and support of President Trump.”\n\n…\n\n“There will be more details to share in the weeks ahead as the final pieces are completed, and we look forward to inviting President Trump to the groundbreaking ceremony and a triumphant return to Mobile.\n\n“Alabama is ready to build this bridge. The finish line is now in sight and President Donald J. Trump, state officials and the local MPOs deserve enormous credit for getting us here.”\n\nThis announcement is the culmination of years of support from Senator Britt. She repeatedly used her role on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development to advocate for the I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project and received commitments from Secretary Duffy to prioritize this important infrastructure project. Earlier this year, she sent a letter to Secretary Duffy requesting the Department’s continued partnership in seeing this project completed. Outside of committee hearings, Senator Britt also met with Secretary Duffy several times to discuss Alabama infrastructure priorities, including the Mobile Bay Bridge and Bayway.\n\nLast year, Senator Britt applauded Secretary Duffy’s announcement finalizing the $550 million in federal funding. “This strategic investment is exactly how federal transportation and infrastructure funds should be spent, and I am proud we worked together to bring these Alabama taxpayer dollars home,” she stated in part.\n\nIn the 118th Congress, Senator Britt twice led the entire Alabama Congressional delegation in advocating on behalf of investing federal funds in this project.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-attends-91st-missile-wing-change-of-command-ceremony-at-minot-air-force-base", "title": "Cramer Attends 91st Missile Wing Change of Command Ceremony at Minot Air Force Base", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***Click here for media resources.***\n\nMINOT, N.D. – Defense leaders and U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee, joined Airmen and families today at Minot Air Force Base for a 91st Missile Wing change of command ceremony. During the ceremony, Col. George Chapman assumed command of the 91st Missile Wing, succeeding Col. Jimmy Schlabach.\n\nAs commander, Chapman will lead more than 1,800 Airmen and civilians responsible for the nation’s land-based nuclear deterrence mission. The wing operates, maintains, and secures 150 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) across 15 missile alert facilities and 150 remote launch sites spanning roughly 8,500 square miles in central North Dakota. It is one of three operational ICBM wings in the U.S. Air Force.\n\n“The 91st Missile Wing is at the heart of America’s nuclear deterrent, standing watch every day to keep our nation safe,” said Cramer. “The Airmen who serve this mission perform one of the most crucial jobs in national defense. Thank you, Col. Jimmy Schlabach, for your dedicated service to our country. Your leadership has strengthened the 91st Missile Wing and left a lasting mark on Minot, our state, and the men and women you have led. It’s also great to welcome Col. George Chapman back home to the 91st Missile Wing. He knows this mission, he knows these Airmen, he knows this incredible Minot community, and I have every confidence he’ll continue the wing’s tradition of excellence while serving North Dakota and our nation with distinction.”\n\nChapman previously served as deputy commander of the 91st Missile Wing from June 2023 to June 2025 and as deputy commander of the 20th Air Force at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, where he helped oversee another portion of the nation’s ICBM force and sustain global nuclear deterrence operations. A career missile officer, Chapman was commissioned in 2003 through ROTC at Brigham Young University and has held key operational, instructional, and staff roles across the nuclear enterprise, including assignments at U.S. Strategic Command, U.S. Central Command, the Air Force Warfare Center, and the Pentagon’s Joint Staff.\n\nSchlabach relinquished command after assuming leadership of the wing in 2024. A Purdue University graduate, Schlabach has held multiple operational and command roles within the ICBM community, including command of the 319th Missile Squadron and the 91st Operations Group. His career includes extensive nuclear operations experience and more than 7,000 hours of strategic alert duty. Highlights of his major operations service include Operation Olympic Rampart during COVID-19 and post-9/11 deterrence posture operations.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/dot-awards-24-million-for-red-river-bridge-replacements", "title": "DOT Awards $24 Million for Red River Bridge Replacements", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced an award of $24 million to replace three bridges over the Red River of the North through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program.\n\nThese bridges span North Dakota and Minnesota, linking the two states. This cooperative project will include replacing three Parker steel high truss bridges with clear-span designs and 850-foot abutments. These bridge replacements will ensure safety, remove barriers and increase economic competitiveness and opportunity, and improve quality of life for residents in nearby rural communities.\n\n“The Red River divides North Dakota and Minnesota, and the bridges joining them are essential to these rural sister communities,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “After years of local work this investment will help replace three aging bridges to keep communities safe and ensure the efficient transportation of goods and services across state lines.”\n\nIn 2021, Cramer helped craft the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and shepherd it through Congress. The BUILD grant program, previously known as Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE), was reauthorized in the BIL. The program helps project sponsors at both the state and local levels, including municipalities, tribal governments, and counties, complete critical freight and passenger transportation infrastructure projects.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/07/08/daines-lauds-3-million-dot-grant-to-repair-the-glacier-creek-bridge/", "title": "Daines Lauds $3 Million DOT Grant to Repair the Glacier Creek Bridge", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.daines.senate.gov", "scraper": "daines", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000618", "name": "Steve Daines", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Daines Sent Letter of Support for Grant in 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded a recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Transportation on the “Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development” (BUILD) Grant that was awarded to Missoula County to repair the Glacier Creek Bridge in Condon.\n\n“Big news for Missoula County- the U.S. Department of Transportation has granted over $3 million to repair the Glacier Creek Bridge in Condon. Safe and reliable infrastructure is a necessity, which is why I sent a letter to Secretary Duffy urging this action. This is a huge win and I’m grateful to see the administration prioritizing the needs of Montanans,” said Daines.\n\nDaines wrote a letter of support for the grant in February 2026 – read it HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-joins-hickenlooper-colleagues-in-urging-white-house-to-rescind-political-rule-that-hurts-american-science-research", "title": "Duckworth Joins Hickenlooper, Colleagues in Urging White House to Rescind Political Rule That Hurts American Science, Research", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and nine of their Senate colleagues in submitting public comment to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought to demand OMB rescind a proposed rule, broadly titled “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance”, that could alter how nearly all federal agencies administer grants and financial agreements. The proposed change would give more political control over these awards by the White House, which could enable corruption, undermine U.S. scientific investments and competitiveness and block funding for critical life-saving research and collaboration.\n\n“The proposed changes solidify federal grant-making as an unprecedented partisan power-grab that eliminates transparency of how taxpayer dollars are spent,” wrote the Senators. “This rule would derail American innovation and competitiveness at the local and national levels, kill good-paying American jobs, drive up costs for families, and halt essential projects in local communities. Instead of supporting data-driven investments that pay dividends for the American people, this guidance facilitates partisan ideals and cronyism, leaving Americans in the dark.”\n\nThe Senators continued: “We share the goals of improved transparency, accountability, and oversight; clarification of regulatory structure; and reducing recipient burden–all in pursuit of continuing America’s global leadership in science and innovation. However, these regulations would act in opposition to these goals. They would undermine our country’s competitiveness, erode our scientific ecosystem, increase unwanted bureaucracy, enable corruption, and perpetuate uncertainty across our local communities. We strongly urge you to withdraw this proposed rule.”\n\nOMB has proposed sweeping changes to the rules governing how federal agencies award and administer grants and cooperative agreements. These are the primary mechanisms through which the country funds basic research, applied science and scientific workforce development. These agencies also fund a wide array of grants for local projects including but not limited to infrastructure, public health, resource conservation and rural development. The proposed rules formalize an August 7, 2025, Executive Order that directed OMB to expand political oversight over all federal awards.\n\nIn addition to Duckworth and Hickenlooper, the public comment was joined by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angus King (I-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY).\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bipartisan-codel-statement-after-meeting-with-ukrainian-president-zelenskyy", "title": "Bipartisan Codel Statement After Meeting With Ukrainian President Zelenskyy", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ANKARA, TÜRKIYE – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Mike Rounds (R-SD), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chris Coons (D-DE), and U.S. Representative Mike Turner (R-OH) issued the following statement after their meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the 2026 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit:\n\n“Meeting with President Zelenskyy was a powerful reminder of what is at stake as Ukraine continues to defend its people, its sovereignty, and the principles that underpin transatlantic security.\n\n“It is abundantly clear that Russia is not winning this war. 35,000 Russian soldiers are being killed or wounded each month for no territorial gain, the Russian economy is showing huge economic strain, and successful Ukrainian strikes deep into Russian territory underscore both Russia’s weakness and Ukraine’s aptitude on the battlefield.\n\n“Putin is at his weakest position in years and real sustained pressure can finally bring this war to a close. It is critical that the United States follows through on the commitments President Trump agreed to as part of the G7 Leaders Summit communique last month, including providing additional security assistance to Ukraine—particularly air defense interceptors—and tightening sanctions on Russia’s war machine.\n\n“We couldn’t agree more with President Zelenskyy: Putin is not acting in good faith. In our meetings with Allied officials this week, there is widespread agreement that Putin is negotiating for time, not negotiating for peace, while Ukraine has consistently demonstrated a willingness to advance President Trump’s efforts to bring an end to this brutal war. On a bipartisan and bicameral basis, Congress is prepared to help President Trump apply the necessary pressure on Putin to get him to the negotiating table and end the killing once and for all.”\n\nPhotos of the meeting can be found here.\n\nDurbin is part of a bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegation to the NATO Summit in Ankara, Türkiye. The purpose of the summit is to discuss congressional support for the transatlantic relationship as President Trump continues to weaken our foreign relationships abroad, the war in Iran, as well as continued Russian aggression and interference in western democracies. Following the NATO summit, Durbin will travel to Budapest, Hungary to discuss bilateral opportunities and mutual defense challenges in the region.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-attends-launch-of-aurora-interfaith-food-pantrys-mobile-meals-program", "title": "Durbin Attends Launch Of Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry’s Mobile Meals Program", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Durbin secured a $700,000 earmark for the food pantry to purchase a mobile van to deliver hot meals\n\nAURORA – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined Aurora Mayor John Laesch at the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry for the launch of its Mobile Meals Program. Durbin played an instrumental part in launching the program by securing $700,000 in federal funding through Congressionally Directed Spending in the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding bill for the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry. With this funding, the food pantry was able to add a commercial kitchen to prepare hot meals, in addition to purchasing a mobile van to expand their services to deliver hot meals to those in need. The mobile van will deliver meals to seniors without access to transportation and immigrant communities that are fearful of visiting the food pantry as a result the increased presence of federal agents during the President’s cruel mass deportation campaign.\n\nFurther, more Illinoisans are relying on food pantries due to the increased cost of groceries, utilities, and gasoline during the Trump Administration. This includes vulnerable families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities, who need help from food pantries after congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration slashed $200 billion from the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) in what was the largest cut to the program in history. As a result of the Republican legislation, up to 150,000 Illinoisans already are believed to have lost their SNAP benefits because of OBBBA’s new work requirements. Additionally, 23,000 Illinoisans who are unhoused, veterans, or youth aging out of foster care will lose assistance, and roughly 16,000 lawfully present asylees, refugees, and visa-holding victims of torture, trafficking, and domestic violence, lost benefits as of April 1 because of OBBBA.\n\n“Today, the number of Americans experiencing hunger is higher than it was during the worst point of the pandemic. Our communities are relying on our food banks even more,” Durbin said. “In a time of need, the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry has stepped up to feed our neighbors and friends because serving a hot meal really does make a difference.”\n\nPhotos of the event can be found here.\n\nFounded in 1981, the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry is one of the largest food pantries in northern Illinois—serving nearly 1,500 families a week and annually distributing about four million pounds of food. In addition to weekly food distributions, the pantry expands its reach through several programs, including door-to-door food deliveries to seniors, a dedicated pantry at a nearby middle school for students, and an emergency clothing program that provides gently used clothing to families in need.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-attends-osce-parliamentary-assembly-in-the-hague/", "title": "Gallego Attends OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in The Hague", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Introduces Amendment on AI & Autonomous Weapons\n\nTHE HAGUE – U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), a member of the Helsinki Commission, participated in a congressional delegation (CODEL) trip to the 33rd Annual Session of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) in The Hague, Netherlands.\n\nOn Monday, Senator Gallego introduced an amendment to setting international standards for the responsible military use of artificial intelligence and autonomy.\n\n“I served as an infantry Marine in Iraq. I know firsthand what it’s like to be on a battlefield where life-and-death decisions have to be made in a split second,” said Senator Gallego. “War is inherently chaotic, but it requires human judgment, conscience, and accountability. We must ensure that human beings—not algorithms—remain fundamentally accountable for lethal decisions.”\n\nClick here for a full video of his remarks.\n\nSenator Gallego’s amendment calls on participating states to ensure that all deployment of military AI capabilities remain fully consistent with international humanitarian law. The measure mandates that autonomous capabilities remain subject to a human chain of command and requires appropriate legal reviews, rigorous testing, and proactive safeguards to mitigate the risks of civilian harm.\n\nThe amendment passed and was included in The Hague Declaration in chapter 1, #46.\n\nSenator Gallego also met with senior European leaders and reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to transatlantic security and the defense of democratic allies. He met with the Dutch Prime Minister, Rob Jetten; the Ukrainian delegation, including Head of Delegation Mykyta Poturaiev and Deputy Head Artur Gerasymov; the Norwegian delegation; the Moldovan delegation; the Polish delegation; and the OSCE PA President Pere Joan Pons Sampietro and OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-backs-legislation-to-protect-firefighters-from-harmful-chemicals/", "title": "Gallego Backs Legislation to Protect Firefighters from Harmful Chemicals", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is backing the Protecting Firefighters and Advancing State-of-the-Art (PFAS) Alternatives Act, legislation to support the development of next-generation, PFAS-free protective gear to better protect firefighters from the dangers of their work.\n\n“Firefighters run towards danger to keep Arizonans safe – the gear they wear and the equipment they use should never put them at risk,” said Senator Gallego. “I’m proud to back this bill to ensure we’re doing everything we can to protect our brave first responders from harmful forever chemicals.”\n\nFirefighters are exposed to carcinogens when they respond to virtually every type of fire or incident. This includes PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, which can be found in firefighters’ turnout gear, firefighting foams, and in the smoke and air firefighters breathe. Exposure to PFAS is linked to an array of health problems, including various cancers, kidney disease, reduced immune function, and reproductive challenges.\n\nTragically, cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty death in the fire service. Because of their occupational exposure to carcinogens, including PFAS chemicals and other toxins in their own protective gear, firefighters are nearly 10% more likely to develop cancer and almost 15% more likely to die from cancer than the general population. And despite advances in research and materials science, there is no protective gear currently available to firefighters that is proven to be completely hazard-free.\n\nThe PFAS Alternatives Act helps address this by creating a new grant program dedicated to the research, development, and testing of turnout gear that maintains effectiveness while improving firefighter safety.\n\nSpecifically, the PFAS Alternatives Act will:\n\nEstablish a grant program within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to fund the research, development, and testing of next-generation, toxin-free turnout gear;\n\nEnsure that such research is done by, and in collaboration with, firefighters and entities that understand the unique demands that firefighters face;\n\nAuthorize up to $25 million in Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) through FY31 for that research, development, and testing; and\n\nAuthorize an additional $2 million for FY28-FY32 for the development and dissemination of best practices and trainings to ensure that firefighters are equipped with the knowledge to ensure that the next-generation turnout gear is as effective as possible at reducing their risk of potentially harmful exposures.\n\nThe PFAS Alternatives Act is led by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Peter Welch (D-VT), and John Curtis (R-UT).\n\nThe PFAS Alternatives Act is endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).\n\n“The science is clear. Toxic PFAS chemicals are contributing to alarming rates of cancer in the fire service, and we must do everything we can to reduce fire fighters’ exposure to these carcinogens – including in the gear we wear that is supposed to keep us safe. The PFAS Alternatives Act will accelerate the development of next-generation, toxin-free gear, and make sure fire fighters – not corporate interests – are at the center of research into the products we rely on for our safety. The 366,000 members of the IAFF are proud to support this bipartisan legislation, and we thank Sens. Curtis, Welch, Fischer, and Heinrich for their leadership on this critical issue,”said Edward Kelly, General President, International Association of Fire Fighters.\n\nA one-page summary of the bill is HERE.\n\nThe full text of the bill is HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-push-trump-administration-to-release-affordable-housing-construction-funds/", "title": "Gallego, Colleagues Push Trump Administration to Release Affordable Housing Construction Funds", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – As President Trump continues to slow-walk a bipartisan housing affordability bill that already passed through Congress, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), a member of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee and the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, joined a group of colleagues in urging the president to unlock community development tools and promptly release$750 million in federal housing construction funds.\n\nLast month, Congress passed the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to boost the nation’s housing supply, improve housing affordability, and strengthen oversight and efficiency of federal housing programs and regulators. Instead of signing the law, which passed with veto-proof majorities, President Trump is sitting on it.\n\nWith housing prices near record highs, the Trump administration is also sitting on approximately $750 million in housing construction funds available under the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Housing Production-Financial Assistance Awards (HP-FA) programs. These federal funds can be leveraged by state and local organizations to develop, preserve, rehabilitate, and increase the supply of affordable housing. Together, these programs strengthen communities, revitalize neighborhoods, create jobs, and ensure more Americans can afford a high-quality home at a decent price that fits their budget.\n\nThe housing affordability crisis is compounded by the fact that President Trump’s policies – including his reckless tariffs and war with Iran – have increased the cost of construction and slowed the pace of building new affordable housing units nationwide.\n\nSenator Gallego and 22 of his colleagues, led by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), sent a letter to White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought demanding that the Trump Administration release housing construction funds without further delay.\n\n“We write to urge you to immediately direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of the Treasury to release approximately $750 million in housing construction funds available under the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Housing Production-Financial Assistance Awards (HP-FA) programs,” the Senators wrote, noting that release of the funds could help build or rehabilitate over 63,000 homes at no cost to American taxpayers.\n\n“Today, Americans are suffering through a housing affordability crisis. Single-family home prices and the average age of first-time homebuyers hit record highs last year, while more households are paying unsustainable amounts of rent than ever before. This crisis is nationwide: home prices have surged 40% in Texas, 43% in Iowa, 54% in Georgia, and 65% in Maine over the past six years – far outpacing wages and overall inflation. You have the ability to increase our nation’s housing supply and help address this crisis. With that in mind, we urge you to direct the release of these funds without any further delay,” the letter continued.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/biden-doj-personnel-exposed-classified-materials-while-special-counsel-jack-smith-prosecuted-trump-records-show", "title": "Biden DOJ Personnel Exposed Classified Materials While Special Counsel Jack Smith Prosecuted Trump, Records Show", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – Messages obtained by U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) show personnel at the Biden U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), including personnel assigned to Jack Smith’s Special Counsel Office (SCO), potentially mishandled classified materials themselves amid Smith’s own investigation into President Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents.\n\nThe messages, provided by DOJ in response to Grassley’s oversight requests, reveal:\n\nAn individual was given access to classified materials without confirming they had the requisite “need to know.”\n\nThere was at least one instance in which the potential movement of classified materials housed in a DOJ sensitive compartment information facility (SCIF) was unaccounted for.\n\nA “violation and incident” occurred when a SCIF accessible to SCO personnel was left open at least overnight and potentially longer.\n\n“Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. According to these messages, Biden DOJ personnel may have committed the very offense for which Jack Smith was prosecuting President Trump,” Grassley said. “These records expose yet another double standard of justice. While Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden escaped accountability for mishandling highly classified information, Jack Smith and the Biden DOJ set out to paint President Trump as a felon and ruin him politically. These and other records I’ve made public show the Biden Justice Department was unquestionably careless, not to mention highly hypocritical.”\n\nRead Grassley’s letter HERE and view the messages below.\n\nA. Concerns that individuals were provided access to classified materials without confirming they had the appropriate “need to know,” and material housed in a SCIF may have been moved.\n\nCVR - Carli Rodriguez-Feo; JAE - Julie Edelstein:\n\nB. A SCIF accessible to SCO personnel was left open overnight and potentially longer, creating “a violation and incident,” and there was limited help with oversight to secure the SCIF.\n\nWGO - William O’Neil; CVR - Carli Rodriguez-Feo:\n\nC. SLV - Stephanie Van Buskirk was identified in the messages above as opening the SCIF “the day before,” resulting in the “violation and incident,” and she appears to have been an assistant to Jack Smith.\n\nMGG - Molly Gaston; TPW - Thomas Windom", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-7-08-26", "title": "Capitol Hill Report, 7-08-26", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Audio from this morning’s call is available HERE.\n\nTopics include: Sen. Grassley’s 99 county meetings, the Farm Bill, $71 million to improve Iowa bridges, recent FEMA relief to Iowa and Sen. Mitch McConnell.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-welcomes-stars-of-valor-veterans-fellow-to-us-senate-staff", "title": "Grassley Welcomes Stars of Valor Veterans Fellow to U.S. Senate Staff", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) announced Johnathon Remster of Marshalltown has joined his state staff as a veterans fellow under the U.S. Senate’s Stars of Valor Veterans Fellowship program.\n\nRemster, an Iowa Army National Guard veteran is based out of Grassley’s Des Moines office. He works directly with Iowa veterans and serves as a liaison with Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and other veterans service providers. In addition to attending local events, Remster helps Iowa veterans navigate federal agencies and facilitates connections with healthcare services, employment opportunities and other community resources.\n\nClayton Brown of Bondurant served as Grassley’s first veterans fellow and the Senate’s first-ever participant of the program.\n\n“At my 99 county meetings, I hear from veterans who are facing challenges as they reintegrate into civilian life or try to access the services they’ve earned. That’s why the Stars of Valor program is such an important resource for Iowans. With a dedicated community outreach officer like Johnathon, my office can better support the needs and concerns of Iowa veterans,” Grassley said. “I’m thankful to have Johnathon join my team to help ensure the government fulfills its promises to those who have honorably served our nation. Deployed under Operation Spartan Shield, Johnathon served as a mechanic for seven years and brings an important perspective to this new role as he honors Iowa’s hometown heroes.”\n\n“Coming from the Iowa Veterans Home, I gained a new appreciation for why we take care of our veterans. I am honored to be able to serve our veterans and grateful for the opportunity to represent Senator Grassley,” Remster said.\n\nBackground:\n\nMore than a decade ago, Grassley created veterans fellow positions to strengthen the process of representative government and focus on Iowa veterans’ unmet needs. Grassley’s office was the first in the U.S. Senate to utilize the Stars of Valor Veterans Fellowships program authorized in the 117th and 118th Congresses.\n\nThe Stars of Valor Fellowship Program provides two-year, paid fellowship opportunities in the U.S. Senate for qualifying veterans, eligible wounded or disabled veterans, active-duty military spouses and Gold Star families.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-bennet-colleagues-reintroduce-bill-to-help-small-farms-access-federal-support", "title": "Heinrich, Luján, Bennet, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Help Small Farms Access Federal Support", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and nine Senate colleagues reintroduced legislation that will help small farms access federal conservation programs delivered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).\n\n“Small farms are the backbone of our rural communities, but they often struggle to compete with big farms in accessing important USDA conservation funding. We need to do all that we can to ensure that small farms have the resources they need to build soil health, conserve natural resources, and sustain their way of life,” said Heinrich. “This legislation aims to provide much-needed support for small farmers in New Mexico and across the country by unlocking financial resources, all while growing our economy and protecting our environment. As the Senate Agriculture Committee moves forward with marking up a new Farm Bill, policies that support small farms must be included.”\n\n“Growing up on my family’s small farm in Nambé, I saw firsthand the hard work it takes to keep a farm running,” said Luján. “Farmers and ranchers deserve access to federal conservation programs that work for them, especially as the climate crisis worsens. This legislation will help ensure that small farms have the support they need to strengthen their operations and protect New Mexico’s land and water.”\n\n“After hearing from farmers and ranchers across Colorado, especially those who are just getting started or facing barriers to accessing federal resources, it is clear our conservation programs are falling short of their promise. By making these programs more accessible to smaller operations, we can help producers adopt soil health practices, strengthen local food systems, and protect our environment,” said Bennet.\n\nUSDA’s EQIP is a voluntary conservation program that offers farmers and ranchers financial cost-share and technical assistance to implement conservation practices on working agricultural lands. Small farms and ranches often find it difficult to navigate federal conservation programs and, because payment rates are based on acreage, they face meaningful pay discrepancies compared to larger agricultural operations. Small farmers who wish to undertake soil health practices have to dedicate the same time and effort as larger farms to access EQIP while only receiving a fraction of the benefit.\n\nThe Small Farm Conservation Act modifies EQIP to create a new subprogram dedicated to helping small farmers and ranchers access and receive adequate financial and technical assistance.\n\nSpecifically, the Small Farm Conservation Act would:\n\nCreate a subprogram within EQIP tailored to support small farms and ranches;\n\nEstablish a national subprogram coordinator and one in each state;\n\nStreamline the application and approval processes for small farmers and ranches;\n\nCreate a bonus payment for farms under 50 acres employing soil health practices;\n\nAllow small farms to enroll on a continuous basis instead of waiting for the annual ranking period; and\n\nRequire the Natural Resources Conservation Service to train field staff on conservation tailored for small-scale agriculture and to conduct outreach to small-scale farmers and ranchers.\n\nIn addition to Heinrich, Luján, and Bennet, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Angus King (I-Maine) cosponsored this legislation.\n\nThe text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ranking-members-heinrich-and-huffman-lead-call-for-investigation-into-trump-admins-plan-to-merge-offshore-energy-agencies", "title": "Ranking Members Heinrich and Huffman Lead Call for Investigation into Trump Admin’s Plan to Merge Offshore Energy Agencies", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), urging the agency to investigate whether a proposed agency consolidation within the Department of the Interior (DOI) would undermine the independent offshore safety oversight Congress established after Deepwater Horizon and leave workers, communities, and taxpayers at greater risk.\n\nThe letter follows an announcement from the Trump administration in April that DOI is consolidating the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (OEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to create the new Marine Minerals Administration (MMA), while proposing draconian cuts to the Interior in its Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget request.\n\n“The April 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster was one of the worst environmental catastrophes in our nation’s history, killing 11 workers and releasing millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico... In response, in October 2011, the Department of the Interior dissolved MMS and established the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to separate offshore leasing and resource development responsibilities from independent safety and environmental enforcement functions. The reorganization was intended to address the very regulatory failures that contributed to the Deepwater Horizon disaster by ensuring that offshore safety and environmental protection would not be subordinated to industry pressure or revenue generation,”the lawmakers began.\n\n“Sixteen years later, offshore oil and gas development has only increased. U.S. oil production remains near record highs, with approximately 95 percent of offshore production now occurring in deepwater environments that present substantially greater technical, operational, and environmental risks... At the same time, the Trump administration and congressional Republicans are aggressively pursuing expanded offshore leasing, opening additional areas to drilling, and reducing royalty rates that shortchange taxpayers while incentivizing further fossil fuel extraction,” the lawmakers continued.\n\n“Interior’s April 2026 announcement that it intends to reconsolidate BOEM and BSEE into a new Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) raises serious concerns about whether Interior is collapsing the firewall between resource development and independent safety oversight that was established after Deepwater Horizon,” the lawmakers noted. “These concerns are compounded by the fact that Interior is pursuing this reorganization amid significant workforce reductions, including staffing losses resulting from the 2025 Deferred Resignation Program and additional proposed cuts in the fiscal year 2027 budget request. The Department is simultaneously expanding the scope of its responsibilities to include offshore critical minerals leasing and other new activities.”\n\nThe lawmakers concluded the letter by requesting GAO to investigate the creation of the new Marine Minerals Administration, and the steps that the Trump administration is taking to ensure that the agency can properly oversee deep-sea mining efforts to prevent another disaster like Deepwater Horizon.\n\nThe letter, led by Heinrich in the U.S. Senate and Huffman in the U.S. House of Representatives, is also signed by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and U.S. Representative Luz Rivas (D-Calif.).\n\nRead the full letter here and below:\n\nDear Ms. Brown,\n\nThe April 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster was one of the worst environmental catastrophes in our nation’s history, killing 11 workers and releasing millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. In the aftermath of the spill, multiple investigations identified regulatory failures and deeply entrenched ethical issues and conflicts of interest within the former Minerals Management Service (MMS), which simultaneously prompted offshore development, collected royalties, and conducted oversight. In response, in October 2011, the Department of the Interior (Interior) dissolved MMS and established the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to separate offshore leasing and resource development responsibilities from independent safety and environmental enforcement functions. The reorganization was intended to address the very regulatory failures that contributed to the Deepwater Horizon disaster by ensuring that offshore safety and environmental protection would not be subordinated to industry pressure or revenue generation.\n\nSixteen years later, offshore oil and gas development has only increased. U.S. oil production remains near record highs, with approximately 95 percent of offshore production now occurring in deepwater environments that present substantially greater technical, operational, and environmental risks. New frontier projects, including the recently approved Kaskida development, are pushing into ultra-deepwater conditions characterized by extreme pressures, temperatures, and operational complexity. At the same time, the Trump administration and congressional Republicans are aggressively pursuing expanded offshore leasing, opening additional areas to drilling, and reducing royalty rates that shortchange taxpayers while incentivizing further fossil fuel extraction. Interior has also expanded its focus on cataloging offshore critical mineral deposits in anticipation of future seabed mining activities that carry poorly understood, but likely significant, environmental risks.\n\nAgainst this backdrop, Interior’s April 2026 announcement that it intends to reconsolidate BOEM and BSEE into a new Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) raises serious concerns about whether Interior is collapsing the firewall between resource development and independent safety oversight that was established after Deepwater Horizon. Interior has asserted that the reorganization will improve coordination, but the Department has provided little detail explaining how combining these functions would strengthen independent environmental review and safety enforcement, particularly at a time when offshore development activities are becoming increasingly complex and risky.\n\nThese concerns are compounded by the fact that Interior is pursuing this reorganization amid significant workforce reductions, including staffing losses resulting from the 2025 Deferred Resignation Program and additional proposed cuts in the fiscal year 2027 budget request. The Department is simultaneously expanding the scope of its responsibilities to include offshore critical minerals leasing and other new activities. Together, these developments raise significant questions about whether the proposed consolidation would undermine the independent oversight and institutional capacity necessary to protect offshore workers, coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and taxpayers from another preventable disaster.\n\nTo help Congress better understand the potential implications of establishing MMA, we request that GAO examine the following:\n\nTo what extent has Interior defined specific, measurable objectives that support its broader goals for reconsolidating BOEM and BSEE into MMA?\n\nTo what extent has Interior engaged in transition planning to ensure that MMA meets its specific objectives while also maintaining the resources needed to maintain the oversight functions currently managed by BOEM and BSEE?\n\nTo what extent has the agency taken steps to ensure it will have the needed resources and capacity, including the scientific expertise, for effective oversight of the development of the nation’s offshore energy and marine mineral resources?\n\nTo what extent did Interior take steps to ensure that the new agency’s processes and decision-making—including as they pertain to permitting—will be based on sound science that is independent of undue outside influence?\n\nWhat steps did Interior take to ensure the new agency has developed a framework for consultation and stakeholder engagement, specifically, on the agency’s expanded scope of authorities for offshore minerals leasing? How will MMA’s processes uphold Tribal trust responsibilities and states’ authorities for consistency review under the Coastal Zone Management Act?\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/icymi-hickenlooper-tours-northwest-colorado-on-wildfire-recovery-drought-and-quarry-expansion-fight/", "title": "ICYMI: Hickenlooper Tours Northwest Colorado on Wildfire Recovery, Drought, and Quarry Expansion Fight", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "In case you missed it, last week U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper traveled across Northwest Colorado to address the West’s historic drought and a wildfire season already breaking records for size and damage. On Monday, he joined Governor Polis, Senator Bennet, and first responders in Fruita for an update on the Snyder Fire—Colorado’s fifth-largest wildfire—and to honor the three firefighters who tragically lost their lives, as well as the two others who were injured.\n\nOn Thursday, he hosted a discussion overlooking the Yampa River in Steamboat Springs on the Western drought emergency and its toll on agriculture and our economy.\n\nOn Friday, he met with ranchers impacted by last summer’s Lee and Elk fires who were denied FEMA aid after the Trump administration put politics ahead of disaster relief. He then toured three projects he helped support — the 1st street revitalization project in Parachute, Rifle’s Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting, and Silt’s water treatment facility — before joining Glenwood Springs officials and community leaders to oppose the proposed limestone quarry expansion above town.\n\nCheck out what they’re saying:\n\nThe Daily Sentinel: Officials recognize sacrifice of firefighters killed in Mesa County at Monday press conference\n\nAt a Monday press conference in Fruita, Director of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Brian Fennessy recognized the service and sacrifice of the three firefighters that were killed responding to the Knowles Fire in western Mesa County Saturday.\n\nFennessy spoke alongside Governor Jared Polis, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, as well as other federal, state and local officials, and called the loss of the firefighters “heartbreaking.”\n\n…Hickenlopper later released a statement on the five firefighters.\n\n“Our hearts are with the families of those lost, with those who were injured, and with everyone still on the front lines,” Hickenlooper said. “Colorado is facing another difficult wildfire season and our firefighters are doing everything they can to protect our communities. It’s time for every level of government to match their service with solutions that make everyone safer.”\n\nColorado Sun: Chief of new Wildland Fire Service confident in “unified response” to wildfire threat despite deaths of 3 firefighters\n\nDespite losing three firefighters in the beginning of what is promising to be a very active fire year, Brian Fennessy, director of the newly created U.S. Department of Interior’s Wildland Fire Service, said he has confidence in the new agency. He said he anticipates it will result in a more robust ability to attack fires with unified resources.\n\n…Polis was joined by U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, who also expressed their gratitude to the fallen firefighters.\n\nKJCT News 8: Colorado leaders gather in Fruita to address growing wildfire crisis\n\nColorado Gov. Jared Polis joined U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, along with state and federal fire personnel, June 29 in Fruita to provide the latest information on fire suppression efforts in western Colorado and across the state.\n\nThe briefing came as wildfires continued to spread, threatening communities including Glade Park, Ouray, Leadville, and Beulah.\n\n…Senator Hickenlooper noted that snowpack has provided little protection against fire conditions this season. “The snowpack’s effect in creating conditions that aren’t hospitable to wildfires is almost nil, almost nothing,”he said.\n\nWestern Slope Now: Officials mourn firefighters, Fruita Snyder Mesa Fire\n\nGov. Jared Polis, U.S. Sens. John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, along with fire officials and other leaders, gathered Monday in Fruita to discuss the Snyder Mesa Fire and to reflect on the deaths of three wildland firefighters.\n\n…Hickenlooper added, “Our hearts are with the families of those lost, with those who were injured, and with everyone still on the front lines. Colorado is facing another difficult wildfire season, and our firefighters are doing everything they can to protect our communities. It’s time for every level of government to match their service with solutions that make everyone safer.”\n\nSteamboat Radio: Senator Hickenlooper Talks Water with Local Leaders\n\nUnited States Senator John Hickenlooper was in Routt County Thursday to meet with local leaders and officials to hear about issues with water, such as the drought emergency across the West, and how it affects things like ranching, outdoor recreation and wildfire mitigation\n\n“As difficult as democracies are, they’re based on getting people together and letting everyone tell you what you need to know. This afternoon, the people of Routt County are free with their thoughts and happy to share and I can walk away from here with all kinds of arguments I can take back to Washington and fight to get more money.”\n\nPost Independent: Hickenlooper, Glenwood officials speak out against proposed RMI Quarry expansion\n\nU.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper joined Glenwood Springs city councilors, Garfield County commissioners and members of the Citizens Alliance on Transfer Trail on Friday to speak out against Rocky Mountain Industrials’ (RMI) latest quarry expansion proposal.\n\n…After listening to short speeches from Glenwood Springs Mayor Marco Dehm, Glenwood Springs Mayor Pro-Tem Erin Zalinksi, Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky, and Glenwood Springs Citizens’ Alliance President Jeff Peterson, Sen. Hickenlooper said the nonpartisan support shown in the Glenwood Springs community will translate into higher levels of state and federal government.\n\n“A lot of these people working for Western states and smaller communities really don’t like the idea of some corporation coming in and strong-arming the community and overwhelming the state,” he said on Friday.\n\n…The initial proposal would allow RMI to mine 447 acres of public land and extract up to 5 million tons of material per year. To transport that material, RMI would have to send more than 500 trucks up and down Transfer Trail every day and have an idling train ready to move material to the Front Range.\n\n…“You can’t overturn a whole community. I can’t even conceive of all that pollution, even just from 100 trucks daily. They’ll put human roadblocks to keep that from happening,” he said.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-24-million-build-grant-awarded-for-bridge-replacements-in-traill-cass-counties", "title": "Hoeven: $24 Million Build Grant Awarded for Bridge Replacements in Traill & Cass Counties", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded a $24 million grant to replace three bridges spanning the Red River, including two bridges in Traill county and one bridge in Cass County. Currently, the bridges are severely deteriorated, with one bridge being closed and the other two subject to weight restrictions. This has significantly restricted transportation in the region, particularly for freight transit and farming operations, while slowing emergency service response times and impacting the local quality of life. Accordingly, Hoeven has been working as a member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Committee to advance the three-bridge repair project, having:\n\nWorked to make the funding available under the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program.\n\nRepeatedly made the case for the project to (DOT) officials, including in a letter he recently sent with the North Dakota congressional delegation to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.\n\nThe project is expected to finish the design phase this year and begin construction in 2027, with a goal of completing the effort in 2029.\n\n“Replacing these bridges is an important priority for communities on both sides of the Red River, especially farmers in this region. That’s why we worked to secure this $24 million award, which will restore access to these important corridors that connect our two states. Doing so will not only support economic activity by better enabling the movement of freight and commercial goods, but it will improve the quality of life for local residents,” said Hoeven.\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.justice.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-justice-visits-marshall-health-network-hoops-family-childrens-hospital/", "title": "Senator Justice Visits Marshall Health Network – Hoops Family Children’s Hospital", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.justice.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.justice.senate.gov", "scraper": "justice", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000312", "name": "James C. Justice", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "HUNTINGTON, WV – Today, Senator Jim Justice visited Marshall Health Network – Hoops Family Children’s Hospital, where he met with patients, families, and caregivers to hear firsthand about their experiences and learn more about the specialized care the hospital provides.\n\n“It was really special getting to spend time with these kids and their families today. You hear their stories, see the strength they’ve got, and it reminds you just how important places like Hoops Family Children’s Hospital are. These doctors, nurses, and caregivers do incredible work every single day, and I’m grateful for all they do to take care of West Virginia’s children and give families hope when they need it most,” said Senator Jim Justice.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Justice met with staff from Marshall Health Network and a former patient from Hoops Family Children’s Hospital last month.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-bennet-colleagues-reintroduce-bill-to-help-small-farms-access-federal-support/", "title": "Heinrich, Luján, Bennet, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Help Small Farms Access Federal Support", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and nine Senate colleagues reintroduced legislation that will help small farms access federal conservation programs delivered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).\n\n“Small farms are the backbone of our rural communities, but they often struggle to compete with big farms in accessing important USDA conservation funding. We need to do all that we can to ensure that small farms have the resources they need to build soil health, conserve natural resources, and sustain their way of life,” said Senator Heinrich. “This legislation aims to provide much-needed support for small farmers in New Mexico and across the country by unlocking financial resources, all while growing our economy and protecting our environment. As the Senate Agriculture Committee moves forward with marking up a new Farm Bill, policies that support small farms must be included.”\n\n“Growing up on my family’s small farm in Nambé, I saw firsthand the hard work it takes to keep a farm running,” said Senator Luján. “Farmers and ranchers deserve access to federal conservation programs that work for them, especially as the climate crisis worsens. This legislation will help ensure that small farms have the support they need to strengthen their operations and protect New Mexico’s land and water.”\n\n“After hearing from farmers and ranchers across Colorado, especially those who are just getting started or facing barriers to accessing federal resources, it is clear our conservation programs are falling short of their promise. By making these programs more accessible to smaller operations, we can help producers adopt soil health practices, strengthen local food systems, and protect our environment,” said Senator Bennet.\n\nUSDA’s EQIP is a voluntary conservation program that offers farmers and ranchers financial cost-share and technical assistance to implement conservation practices on working agricultural lands. Small farms and ranches often find it difficult to navigate federal conservation programs and, because payment rates are based on acreage, they face meaningful pay discrepancies compared to larger agricultural operations. Small farmers who wish to undertake soil health practices have to dedicate the same time and effort as larger farms to access EQIP while only receiving a fraction of the benefit.\n\nThe Small Farm Conservation Act modifies EQIP to create a new subprogram dedicated to helping small farmers and ranchers access and receive adequate financial and technical assistance.\n\nSpecifically, the Small Farm Conservation Act would:\n\nCreate a subprogram within EQIP tailored to support small farms and ranches;\n\nEstablish a national subprogram coordinator and one in each state;\n\nStreamline the application and approval processes for small farmers and ranches;\n\nCreate a bonus payment for farms under 50 acres employing soil health practices;\n\nAllow small farms to enroll on a continuous basis instead of waiting for the annual ranking period; and\n\nRequire the Natural Resources Conservation Service to train field staff on conservation tailored for small-scale agriculture and to conduct outreach to small-scale farmers and ranchers.\n\nIn addition to Heinrich, Luján, and Bennet, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Angus King (I-Maine) cosponsored this legislation.\n\nThe text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-america-is-not-the-worlds-babysitter-europe-needs-to-step-up/", "title": "Senator Marshall: America is Not the World’s Babysitter: Europe Needs to Step Up", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Marshall Joins Pete Mundo on KCMO Radio\n\nSalina – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Pete Mundo on KCMO Radio to discuss the heightened tensions in Iran and what a path to peace looks like, the rise of socialism and Marxism in the Democrat party, and how the Middle East and Europe need to step up and do their part in the world.\n\nClick HERE to download the full video.\n\nOn increased tensions with Iran:\n\n“Hey, Pete. Yeah, good morning — I’m catching my breath here. I still think that’s Trump negotiating. I had a saying that started nine years ago: ‘Take everything he says seriously, but not literally.’ I’m still locked in on a couple goals as I look forward to the future years: number one, no nukes for Iran; number two, no boots on the ground; number three, keep the Strait open, pay attention to the price of gas and groceries. We may have to bomb the heck out of them some more. Pete, I hate war, and you know that we talked about this before. ‘I hate war as only a soldier who lived it can,’ that’s what President Eisenhower said as well. So, you know, every year we take a step forward, we take two steps backwards. These people are extremists, they’re impossible to deal with, but we cannot let them have nukes. So, we’ll see what the next chapter is — and it’s just literally day by day. Hope that makes sense.”\n\nOn the future of the war:\n\n“Well, certainly I think that the midterms will be decided by the price of gasoline in October. So, I think if we’re going to do something, we got to rip the bandage off and just go in there. And again, I’m not the warmonger — I wish people could get to know me for 20 minutes here. But, if they don’t come back to the table here, there’s going to be an extreme bombing. But I don’t think it’s going to take a week — maybe two weeks — for that to happen, and then we’ll be done with it and go from there. But we don’t want to do that, you know — we don’t want to destroy their infrastructure, and then there’ll be civilians killed as well. I still think that this is negotiating, the president saying, ‘Look, Iran, I’m not sure how many times we’ve got to play this game with you.’ But these are religious fanatics, and they’re impossible to deal with. You know, these other countries here — we’ve defanged Iran — these other Gulf countries need to step up and figure out what they’re going to do to manage Iran. It should not be the United States’ responsibility.”\n\nOn whether the U.S. underestimated Iran:\n\n“Yeah, and that’s a really hard question for me to answer, because you know I wasn’t ‘inside, inside’ the White House. I think that we maybe underestimated their resolve, if that would be an accurate way to say this. They’re just so irrational that they’re willing to have their country totally destroyed, and they haven’t given up yet — it doesn’t make any sense. Anybody with any common sense would have said, ‘Okay, we give up, we yield, and what’s next in life?’ So, if we underestimated something, it was how fanatical these people are — it’s so hard for Americans to appreciate how crazy these people are.”\n\nOn the rise of socialism in the Democrat party:\n\n“Yeah Pete, I think it’s just shocking to see the people that are in the Democrat party that are the voice now of the Democrat party — these are radical Marxists and they’re certainly left of socialism. I’m not going to call them communists today, but they’re certainly Marxist. They want to destroy everything, they hate America, they want to end capitalism. The typical socialist just wants to regulate socialism, and then redistribute the money — higher taxes, and more social programs — but these people want to abolish capitalism, they want to abolish ICE, they want open borders, those types of things. And they’re the tail wagging the dog at the Democrat party — this is who Chuck Schumer is kowtowing to right now is his far-left people in his party. So, I think it’s pretty concerning.”\n\nOn moderate Democrats in the Senate:\n\n“Well, they’ll talk to us privately. I mean, I’ve been part of this bipartisan prayer breakfast now for, gosh, three years — there’s about 12 Democrats, 12 Republicans and we get to know each other really well. And they truly are, a lot of them that go to that Bible study, are very much the moderates of the party. But they’re afraid to be photographed with us, they’re afraid to let people even know that they’re communicating with us, that they’ll be excised from the Democrat party. So yeah, in private it scares them to death, but you know, they’re just afraid to say that publicly, because they’ll be excommunicated from the party.”\n\nOn Adam Hamilton performance in the Democrat Primary:\n\n“Well, it’s not surprising — you recall the last election Chuck Schumer contributed about $30 million. We were outspent three-to-one, four-to-one dollars, and still won by double digits as well. You know, I think we’re actually rooting for Adam Hamilton to win that primary. We think he is going to be a horrible general candidate for them — I think he’s going to have a really hard time playing his wokeism across the rest of the state. Anything outside of Johnson County and outside of Lawrence — I just don’t think his focus on DEI and being woke and those types of things are going to play well across the rest of Kansas. So, we’re kind of quietly rooting for him, and we’ll see what happens. I think he’s going to have a harder time getting out of that primary, though, than he ever imagined.”\n\nOn what America needs from the NATO Summit:\n\n“I want Europe to stand up for themselves. Why do we have to babysit them? Why do we have to have 100,000 troops in Europe? Look, World War II is over with. How long ago did that all happen and they still expect us to be their military over there. They talk about going to 4-5% of their GDP on military, and not even half of them reached the 2% goal yet. So, they’re all talk. I would be embarrassed if I was a Frenchman and would talk to my wife and daughter and say, ‘Hey, honey, we’re going to depend on America to protect us.’ So, I think that this is tough love from the President — NATO needs to stand up and have somebody besides America paying for everything. If you put all the European countries together, their GDP approaches ours. We’ve got plenty of problems, we’ve got plenty of challenges — we’ve got China to babysit, Russia to babysit from a nuclear standpoint, we have our own borders to protect. So, I’m just looking forward to Trump continuing to push those European countries to stand up for themselves and make a bigger investment in their own military.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-secures-nearly-2-billion-in-fema-recovery-assistance-for-florida-communities-hit-by-major-hurricanes/", "title": "VIDEO: Senator Moody Secures Nearly $2 Billion in FEMA Recovery Assistance for Florida Communities Hit by Major Hurricanes", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "PUNTA GORDA, Fla.—Senator Ashley Moody continues working to secure long-sought FEMA assistance funds for Florida communities recovering after being hit by major hurricanes. Senator Moody has now secured nearly $2 billion in total funds statewide. Senator Moody secured more than $64 million for Charlotte County covering 28 restoration projects and broke the news today at the county EOC.\n\n“Florida has been waiting on essential disaster assistance funds for hurricane recovery since 2017— I’ve been in the Senate for less than a year and a half and have worked hard to bring nearly $2 billion of outstanding FEMA funds back home to Florida. I’ll continue fighting to deliver the federal support Floridians need while making the disaster recovery process more transparent, efficient, and accountable,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody secured more than $64 million for 28 projects in Charlotte County. The projects support the restoration of essential infrastructure, including waterways, roads, traffic signal systems, debris removal, and improvements to the Port of Charlotte. These federal investments have played a critical role in the recovery from the impacts of Hurricanes Debby, Helene, Milton, Idalia, and Ian. Additionally, more than $14.4 million has been secured in joint projects including Charlotte County and other counties in the Southwest region.\n\nSenator Moody also announced today that more than $57 million has been secured for nearby Lee County and more than $4.2 million for Collier County.\n\nStatewide, Senator Moody has secured more than $1.8 billion in FEMA public assistance funding.\n\nThese grants will be distributed along with the previously announced funds through FEMA’s Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs to support more than 500 recovery projects across the state. This money is disbursed to the state and local communities for disaster recovery projects.\n\nThese projects include repairs to educational facilities, restoration of critical infrastructure, debris removal, and costs incurred during emergencies to protect life and property.\n\nSenator Moody introduced the TRACK Act (Transparency in Recovery Assistance & Claims Knowledge Act) to bring more transparency to the FEMA disaster aid process, which has now been passed into law.\n\nThe TRACK Act mandates a status tracker on the FEMA website, so victims of a disaster have easily available knowledge and insight of their claim’s progress.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-demands-trump-halt-illegal-move-to-undermine-civil-rights-enforcement-special-education-services", "title": "Murphy Demands Trump Halt Illegal Move To Undermine Civil Rights Enforcement, Special Education Services", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.murphy.senate.gov", "scraper": "chrismurphy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001169", "name": "Christopher Murphy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, joined the Senate Democratic Caucus in demanding the Trump administration put students first and follow the law by immediately reversing course on the transfer of civil rights enforcement and special education programs out of the Department of Education (ED) and into the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), respectively. These latest moves are part of the Trump administration’s explicit effort to dismantle ED, threatening key funding and support services for students, schools, and families nationwide.\n\n“The administration’s latest attempts to dismantle the Department of Education through the four Interagency Agreements (IAA) announced June 16, 2026 are outrageous and put the educational outcomes of students and their rights in the classroom at risk,” wrote the Senators in a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.\n\nIn the letter, the Senators emphasized that Congress appropriates annual funding to ED to help states and local educational agencies carry out programs and ensure children, and families are served in accordance with federal law. The annual bipartisan appropriation bills approved by Congress do not provide ED with the authority to transfer mission critical programs to outside agencies.\n\n“We have a simple demand: follow our nation’s education and appropriations laws as Congress wrote them to protect students’ most basic right to a quality education. More than 80 education, disability, parent, and civil rights groups have vocally opposed the recent IAAs and other departmental changes. We call on this administration to immediately cease implementing these IAAs… and take immediate action to strengthen civil rights enforcement—instead of burying students’ cases behind more bureaucracy. Our students and their families deserve nothing less,” the Senators continued.\n\nIn April, Murphy questioned Secretary of Education Linda McMahon on the Trump administration’s attempted dismantling of ED’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) during a HELP subcommittee hearing. Murphy pressed Secretary McMahon over her contradictory statements regarding the Trump administration’s plans to gut OCR and mass firings of OCR attorneys investigating civil rights complaints. The Trump administration’s announced transfer of civil rights enforcement from ED to DOJ’s Civil Rights Division (CRT), which has lost an estimated 75% of its civil rights staff attorneys since 2025 and is unequipped to handle the over 23,000 complaints OCR receives and evaluates annually, will only compound this ongoing crisis for vulnerable students.\n\nMeanwhile, this Administration has refused to provide information regarding what office within HHS will carry out special education programs, leaving teachers, students, and families with even greater uncertainty about where to turn. Burying special education programs in a sprawling HHS with significant other responsibilities, instead of at the ED, will jeopardize outcomes for students with disabilities.\n\n“Special education and vocational rehabilitation are education programs. Any attempt to move these programs to HHS would fundamentally alter the purposes of these services, upending fifty years of work that took place at the federal, state, and local level to improve educational and employment outcomes for people with disabilities,” wrote the Senators. “It appears the administration values its backward goal of dismantling ED over the faithful execution of the law and improving opportunities and outcomes for children, youth, and students with disabilities.”\n\nThe letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Angus King (I-Maine), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.),Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.). Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Patty Murray (D-Wash.).\n\nA full version of this letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Secretary McMahon:\n\nThe administration’s latest attempts to dismantle the Department of Education (“ED”) through the four Interagency Agreements (IAA) announced June 16, 2026 are outrageous and put the educational outcomes of students and their rights in the classroom at risk. These actions illegally move the administration of special education programs authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), vocational rehabilitation programs authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehabilitation Act), and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) from ED to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). They also transfer fundamental civil rights enforcement responsibility away from ED’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division (DOJ CRT). Congress authorized these programs to be carried out by ED, and Congress annually appropriates funding to ED to carry out these authorized programs, including most recently in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. The administration’s actions fly in the face of what Congress has required, directly undermine every child’s right to a quality public education in this country, and must be immediately reversed.\n\nSince ED was established, Congress charged it with the responsibility of carrying out special education and vocational rehabilitation programs and authorized the administration of these programs under the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). Similarly, Congress assigned civil rights enforcement responsibilities to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at OCR. The Department of Education Organization Act of 1979 explicitly prohibits the Secretary from abolishing any offices established under ED and from altering any assigned delegation of functions. You have also acknowledged in congressional testimony that only Congress can determine whether to dismantle ED and its programs. Make no mistake – the IAAs rolled out by this administration dismantle ED and illegally circumvent Congress. While ED’s purported position is that these are “proofs of concept” for Congress to codify, other statements from ED and White House staff contradict the alleged “temporary” nature of these moves. Last year, the White House even claimed that ED was “abolished.” ED has not been abolished, and it is not within the administration’s authority to move the administration of these programs to any other agency. In fact, Congress affirmed on a bipartisan, bicameral basis earlier this year, “that no authorities exist for the Department of Education to transfer its fundamental responsibilities under numerous authorizing and appropriations laws, including through procuring services from other Federal agencies…” and that these agreements will “create inefficiencies, result in additional costs to the American taxpayer, and cause delays and administration challenges in Federal funding reaching States, school districts, and schools.”\n\nSpecial education and vocational rehabilitation are education programs. Any attempt to move these programs to HHS would fundamentally alter the purposes of these services, upending fifty years of work that took place at the federal, state, and local level to improve educational and employment outcomes for people with disabilities. It appears the administration values its backward goal of dismantling ED over the faithful execution of the law and improving opportunities and outcomes for children, youth, and students with disabilities. This administration has refused to provide information regarding what office within HHS will carry out these weighty responsibilities under this agreement because it has not been determined. This lack of forethought demonstrates how little concern it has for students with disabilities and their learning. The administration couldn’t possibly know that this will be in the best interest of children and families because it doesn’t even know where and how these programs will be administered in the future.\n\nThe most recent reauthorization of IDEA passed by Congress, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, reiterates that the responsibility for administering the law is clearly vested with ED. The law also vests the Secretary of Education with various duties, including allotting funds to States; carrying out monitoring and oversight of States’ implementation; reviewing and approving State performance plans required under the law; subsequently reviewing and making annual determinations of State compliance under law; and furnishing technical assistance to States; among other activities. However, the law does not contain any provisions that would permit ED to offload its responsibilities to another agency.\n\nCongress created a clear federal oversight role for ED because of our nation’s ugly history of denying children with disabilities a free appropriate public education. This critical federal enforcement has allowed ED to maintain accountability and find States in violation of IDEA, such as when Texas set an illegal cap on special education identification leading to a deliberate under-identification of children with disabilities and when New Mexico failed to maintain appropriate state special education funding. Clearly, federal oversight is a necessary component of our nation’s special education system. Without it, families and children with disabilities are left to fight alone to secure services they are entitled to when schools and states fail to meet their obligations.\n\nAdditionally, Congress authorized the Secretary of Education to carry out vocational rehabilitation programs in Titles I, III, V, and VI of the Rehabilitation Act. Congress directed the Secretary to undertake various responsibilities in administering the vocational rehabilitation programs, including awarding grants to designated State agencies; approving unified State plans; establishing performance standards and indicators required under the law; and supporting designated State agencies in the provision of preemployment transition services including highlighting best state practices and consulting with other federal agencies; among other activities. Unsurprisingly, the Rehabilitation Act does not contain any provisions that would permit ED to offload its responsibilities to another agency.\n\nThese important responsibilities support nearly ten million individuals with disabilities and their families throughout our nation. ED’s actions have already caused them significant harm and uncertainty. This arrangement is the latest callous attack on Americans with disabilities who need quality services and rely on federal support. It follows the sweeping and unlawful firing of 121 employees at OSERS during the government shutdown—an action Congress ultimately had to reverse. This administration’s workforce reductions and reorganization last year also eviscerated ED’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), costing taxpayers up to $38 million, as mounting backlogs in OCR’s critical work left parents of students with disabilities in the dark about the status of their civil rights complaints. At the same time, ED moved almost all programs supporting elementary and secondary education to multiple agencies with limited capacity and expertise administering similar programs, segregating these programs from those supporting our youth with disabilities and compromising decades of progress toward inclusive education. Each of these actions has undermined ED’s ability to fulfill its obligations under IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act. ED is now illegally transferring responsibilities to HHS—an agency undergoing major disruptions and whose principal subagency charged with supporting individuals with disabilities was proposed for elimination by the administration—and DOJ—an agency that this administration is weaponizing against the American people. This is in addition to the responsibilities unlawfully assigned to other agencies through interagency agreements for which this administration still has not explained full costs, potential benefits, and operational details.\n\nUnder this administration, OCR has failed to uphold the federal government’s obligations to protect students from unlawful discrimination. ED’s decision to transfer fundamental civil rights enforcement responsibilities to DOJ CRT will only make things worse. In 2025, ED’s OCR reached the fewest resolution agreements in over 12 years and failed to reach a single resolution agreement related to sexual harassment, sexual violence, racial harassment, discriminatory school discipline, or the seclusion and restraint of children with disabilities. ED has repeatedly refused to answer basic questions regarding the status of over 12,000 pending cases that were under investigation by OCR at the start of this Administration.\n\nInstead of correcting OCR’s disastrous track record under this administration and working to rebuild OCR after taking a hatchet to it, this administration has chosen to waste taxpayer funds attempting to illegally transfer OCR’s functions to DOJ CRT. Under this administration, DOJ CRT has lost an estimated 75% of its civil rights staff attorneys since January 2025. DOJ CRT is not equipped nor designed to handle the over 23,000 complaints OCR receives and evaluates annually. While OCR is required to evaluate every single complaint it receives, DOJ CRT uses prosecutorial discretion to pick and choose the cases it takes to court. Under this IAA, students whose complaints are not prioritized by DOJ CRT may never see their rights vindicated, meaning thousands of students facing discrimination are likely to be ignored by the federal government. This is an unacceptable outcome for the millions of students and families across the country.\n\nCongress appropriates annual funding to ED to help States and local educational agencies carry out programs and ensure children, youth, students, and families are served in accordance with federal law. The annual bipartisan appropriation bills approved by Congress do not provide affirmative authority to ED to transfer special education funding or vocational rehabilitation services to HHS, nor ED’s civil rights enforcement responsibilities to DOJ CRT. In fact, the only transfer authority provided to ED by the annual appropriations bill is the authority to transfer one percent of discretionary funds between education appropriations accounts, so long as no such appropriation is increased by more than three percent by any such transfer. Such a limited transfer within ED is not what is contemplated here. Moreover, transfers of any other type, including the type contemplated by this IAA, are prohibited by section 512 of Division B of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, which states, “None of the funds made available in this Act may be transferred to any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States Government, except pursuant to a transfer made by, or transfer authority provided in, this Act or any other appropriation Act.”\n\nAs with the authorizing statutes, the annual appropriations process clearly requires ED to carry out both IDEA and Rehabilitation Act programs and to operate OCR at ED. ED has the expertise in working with state educational agencies, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, and local school districts in the administration of special education and vocational rehabilitation programs and for resources and oversight in complying with federal civil rights laws. Schools in local communities and state educational agencies rely on the guidance and technical expertise from the educational experts at ED to carry out these programs. Congress recognizes the expertise that specific agencies provide and deliberately decides which agency to vest authority with when passing laws. Congress was clear when it vested ED with the authority to carry out special education programs in 2004, and vocational rehabilitation programs in 2014, and did not provide any mechanism in the law for ED to transfer that authority to another agency. The June 16th IAAs fly in the face of laws enacted by Congress, annual appropriations requirements, and practice in states.\n\nWe have a simple demand: follow our nation’s education and appropriations laws as Congress wrote them to protect students’ most basic right to a quality education. More than 80 education, disability, parent, and civil rights groups have vocally opposed the recent IAAs and other departmental changes. We call on this administration to immediately cease implementing these IAAs, fully implement IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act as Congressionally directed, and take immediate action to strengthen civil rights enforcement—instead of burying students’ cases behind more bureaucracy. Our students and their families deserve nothing less.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-sounds-alarm-on-trumps-reorganization-of-usfs-usda-amidst-wildfire-season/", "title": "Murray Sounds Alarm on Trump’s Reorganization of USFS & USDA Amidst Wildfire Season", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "In Everett, Murray vocally opposes Trump’s so-called reorganization and rejects funding cuts to Forest Service and Critical USDA programs\n\n***B-ROLL HERE***\n\nEverett, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a roundtable discussion with local leaders and stakeholders about the disastrous reorganization of USFS and USDA and what this means for the state of Washington in the midst of wildfire season. Senator Murray was joined by: Jody Weil, former Mount Baker-Snoqualmie Forest Supervisor; Tom Uniack, Executive Director of Washington Wild; Tom O’Keefe, Senior Director of Policy and Science at American Whitewater; Jamie Loucky, CEO of Washington Trails Association; Dan Rankin, Mayor of Darrington; Dan Brown, Director of the School of Environmental; Forest Sciences at the University of Washington and Chairman Hazen Shopbell, Tulalip Tribes.\n\nThe Trump administration has pushed out thousands of USFS staff, frozen federal funding, and may shutter USFS research stations in Wenatchee and Seattle. Washington state has already experienced numerous destructive wildfires this season, and is expected to have an above average wildfire risk across the state this year.\n\n“We are in the middle of what could be the most dangerous wildfire season we’ve seen in a long time. And sadly, we’ve already seen homes demolished and lives lost this year due to fires in Chelan and Spokane,” said Senator Murray. “Over the last year, the Trump administration has seriously weakened the Forest Service’s ability to do its job by pushing out thousands of critical staff, blocking funding for crucial programs, and chaotically changing rules and procedures on a dime. Not only that, but this administration’s so-called reorganization of the Forest Service and USDA is nothing more than an attack on America’s public lands. Here in Washington state, they want to shut down labs that conduct necessary research, tracking the warning signs for wildfires, and providing guidance for forest managers. When we invest in fire preparedness, we save lives, we save businesses, we save farms, and we save communities. Trump wants to also cut funding for the Forest Service and critical USDA programs, so I’m tearing his budget up and throwing it in the trash. I will not stop pushing back hard for Washington state, our public lands, and for wildfire preparedness, prevention, and safety.”\n\n“Throughout my career, I’ve seen how Forest Service scientists provide the research that makes management of our national forests successful—from reconnecting salmon habitat and improving watershed resilience to managing outdoor recreation,” said Tom O’Keefe, Senior Director of Policy and Science at American Whitewater. “Weakening the agency’s regional research capacity risks losing decades of scientific expertise and partnerships that help ensure investments in restoration, forest stewardship, and recreation are guided by the best available science. The Pacific Northwest’s forests and rivers deserve scientists who live, work, and build knowledge in the landscapes and communities they serve.”\n\n“I appreciate Senator Murray highlighting the impacts of changes at USDA and the Forest Service that were made in Washington DC but have real impacts locally here in Washington State,” said Tom Uniack, Executive Director of Washington Wild. “Significant reductions in staff at the Forest Service have limited the agency’s ability to provide adequate public safety, wildfire response, resource protection and honoring tribal treaty rights and lifeways.”\n\nAs Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, in the Interior and Environment appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2026, which Senator Murray negotiated and helped pass into law, Murray worked to include essential investments in wildfire preparedness and suppression. In FY26, she secured $6.13 billion for the U.S. Forest Service, with separate additional funding for the Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve. The bill rejected the steep $1.4 billion cut to the Forest Service’s non-fire budget proposed by President Trump and provides funding for the Forest Service to improve forest restoration and fire risk reduction efforts on federal lands. The FY26 bill also fully funds essential wildfire preparedness and suppression efforts by providing $4.25 billion for wildfire suppression, of which $2.85 billion is for the Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve Fund and continues to support the increased pay for federal firefighters enacted into law last year. Senator Murray continues to push back against Trump’s FY27 budget request, to protect our public lands.\n\nSenator Murray has been a leading voice raising the alarm on how the Trump administration’s funding freezes, punishing cuts to the workforce, and mass reorganization at the U.S. Forest Service and other key agencies are seriously undermining wildfire preparedness and response in Washington state. Earlier this year, Senator Murray fought back against Trump’s proposed cuts to key programs and reorganization at USDA that could threaten resources for wildland firefighting, and pressed USFS Chief Schultz for more information on reports noting National Forest Trails were understaffed following widespread firings. Last year in a Senate hearing, Senator Murray pressed Schultz on how the mass layoffs and funding freezes were putting wildfire preparedness in jeopardy. Senator Murray also joined forces with Senator Merkley and wildfire officials to lay out how the Trump administration’s cuts and layoffs are threatening wildfire preparedness across the Pacific Northwest. Last year, Senator Murray also released a report on how the Trump administration’s cuts to the National Park Service hurt Washington state and threaten wildfire response in the parks.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sens-ossoff-rev-warnock-delivering-resources-to-strengthen-student-safety-at-morehouse-college/", "title": "Sens. Ossoff, Rev. Warnock Delivering Resources to Strengthen Student Safety at Morehouse College", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Atlanta, Ga. — U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock are delivering new Federal resources to strengthen student safety at Morehouse College.\n\nThese new resources will help Morehouse strengthen campus security by installing motorized gates at entrances to campus, cameras at dorm entrances, and proximity locks on classrooms and offices throughout the campus.\n\nSens. Ossoff and Reverend Warnock are delivering $556,000 for the project through bipartisan government funding legislation that became law on January 23.\n\n“I have worked to secure investments in Georgia’s HBCUs since the day I took office. Senator Reverend Warnock and I built a bipartisan coalition of support in the Senate to invest in Morehouse College with new resources to strengthen student safety,” Sen. Ossoff said.\n\n“As a 1991 graduate of Morehouse, I know how important this institution is not only to its students and staff but to the HBCU community,” said Senator Warnock. “We must ensure our HBCU campuses continue to be a place of safe and secure learning. I am proud to have secured these federal funds with Senator Ossoff to make sure Morehouse College remains that.”\n\n“Enhancing the security infrastructure that protects the Morehouse community is a critical investment in the future of our campus,” said Dr. F. DuBois Bowman ’92, the 13th president of Morehouse College. “We are grateful to Senator Jon Ossoff and Senator-alumnus Raphael Warnock for their continued commitment to the safety and well-being of Morehouse and the broader Atlanta community that engages with the institution every day.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-heinrich-huffman-demand-investigation-into-trump-plan-to-roll-back-offshore-drilling-safety-protections/", "title": "Padilla, Heinrich, Huffman Demand Investigation into Trump Plan to Roll Back Offshore Drilling Safety Protections", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Lawmakers warn the proposed Marine Minerals Administration could weaken independent safety oversight established after Deepwater Horizon and leave workers, communities, and taxpayers more vulnerable to another preventable disaster\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) urged the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate the Trump Administration’s proposed agency consolidation within the Department of the Interior (DOI). The lawmakers demanded answers about whether the consolidation would undermine the independent offshore safety oversight Congress established after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and leave workers, communities, and taxpayers at greater risk.\n\nThe letter follows an announcement from the Trump Administration in April that DOI is consolidating the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (OEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to create the new Marine Minerals Administration (MMA), while proposing draconian cuts to the Interior Department in its Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget request.\n\n“The April 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster was one of the worst environmental catastrophes in our nation’s history, killing 11 workers and releasing millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico,” wrote the lawmakers. “In response, in October 2011, the Department of the Interior dissolved MMS and established the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to separate offshore leasing and resource development responsibilities from independent safety and environmental enforcement functions. The reorganization was intended to address the very regulatory failures that contributed to the Deepwater Horizon disaster by ensuring that offshore safety and environmental protection would not be subordinated to industry pressure or revenue generation.”\n\n“Sixteen years later, offshore oil and gas development has only increased,” continued the lawmakers. “U.S. oil production remains near record highs, with approximately 95 percent of offshore production now occurring in deepwater environments that present substantially greater technical, operational, and environmental risks… At the same time, the Trump administration and congressional Republicans are aggressively pursuing expanded offshore leasing, opening additional areas to drilling, and reducing royalty rates that shortchange taxpayers while incentivizing further fossil fuel extraction.”\n\n“Interior’s April 2026 announcement that it intends to reconsolidate BOEM and BSEE into a new Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) raises serious concerns about whether Interior is collapsing the firewall between resource development and independent safety oversight that was established after Deepwater Horizon,” wrote the lawmakers. “These concerns are compounded by the fact that Interior is pursuing this reorganization amid significant workforce reductions, including staffing losses resulting from the 2025 Deferred Resignation Program and additional proposed cuts in the fiscal year 2027 budget request. The Department is simultaneously expanding the scope of its responsibilities to include offshore critical minerals leasing and other new activities.”\n\nThe lawmakers concluded the letter by requesting GAO investigate the creation of the new Marine Minerals Administration, and the steps that the Trump Administration is taking to ensure that the agency can properly oversee deep-sea mining efforts to prevent another disaster like Deepwater Horizon.\n\nIn addition to Padilla, Heinrich, and Huffman, the letter was signed by U.S. Representative Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29).\n\nPadilla has fought to protect California from the Trump Administration’s efforts to destroy renewable energy projects and promote new oil drilling off the coast. Last month, Padilla and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) slammed the Trump Administration’s efforts to undo Invenergy’s offshore wind projects, including the Even Keel wind project off California’s central coast. In June, Padilla and Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced legislation to establish strict standards for offshore oil and gas operators and set requirements to hold them responsible for decommissioning and cleanup efforts off the coast. In May, Padilla and Schiff launched an investigation into Sable Offshore Corp.’s politicized efforts to restart oil drilling operations off the Santa Barbara coast and demanded answers about the company’s collaboration with the Trump Administration to invoke the Defense Production Act (DPA) in relation to this project. In April, Padilla pressed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, highlighting that the Trump Administration’s plans to drill off of California’s coast coupled with proposed cuts to funding for environmental programs and enforcement will endanger the coastline, the people who live there, and coastal economies. Last year, Padilla introduced the West Coast Protection Act to permanently prohibit new oil and gas leases for offshore drilling off the coast of California, Oregon, and Washington.\n\nThe full letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Ms. Williams Brown,\n\nThe April 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster was one of the worst environmental catastrophes in our nation’s history, killing 11 workers and releasing millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. In the aftermath of the spill, multiple investigations identified regulatory failures and deeply entrenched ethical issues and conflicts of interest within the former Minerals Management Service (MMS), which simultaneously prompted offshore development, collected royalties, and conducted oversight. In response, in October 2011, the Department of the Interior (Interior) dissolved MMS and established the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to separate offshore leasing and resource development responsibilities from independent safety and environmental enforcement functions. The reorganization was intended to address the very regulatory failures that contributed to the Deepwater Horizon disaster by ensuring that offshore safety and environmental protection would not be subordinated to industry pressure or revenue generation.\n\nSixteen years later, offshore oil and gas development has only increased. U.S. oil production remains near record highs, with approximately 95 percent of offshore production now occurring in deepwater environments that present substantially greater technical, operational, and environmental risks. New frontier projects, including the recently approved Kaskida development, are pushing into ultra-deepwater conditions characterized by extreme pressures, temperatures, and operational complexity. At the same time, the Trump administration and congressional Republicans are aggressively pursuing expanded offshore leasing, opening additional areas to drilling, and reducing royalty rates that shortchange taxpayers while incentivizing further fossil fuel extraction. Interior has also expanded its focus on cataloging offshore critical mineral deposits in anticipation of future seabed mining activities that carry poorly understood, but likely significant, environmental risks.\n\nAgainst this backdrop, Interior’s April 2026 announcement that it intends to reconsolidate BOEM and BSEE into a new Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) raises serious concerns about whether Interior is collapsing the firewall between resource development and independent safety oversight that was established after Deepwater Horizon. Interior has asserted that the reorganization will improve coordination, but the Department has provided little detail explaining how combining these functions would strengthen independent environmental review and safety enforcement, particularly at a time when offshore development activities are becoming increasingly complex and risky.\n\nThese concerns are compounded by the fact that Interior is pursuing this reorganization amid significant workforce reductions, including staffing losses resulting from the 2025 Deferred Resignation Program and additional proposed cuts in the fiscal year 2027 budget request. The Department is simultaneously expanding the scope of its responsibilities to include offshore critical minerals leasing and other new activities. Together, these developments raise significant questions about whether the proposed consolidation would undermine the independent oversight and institutional capacity necessary to protect offshore workers, coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and taxpayers from another preventable disaster.\n\nTo help Congress better understand the potential implications of establishing MMA, we request that GAO examine the following:\n\nTo what extent has Interior defined specific, measurable objectives that support its broader goals for reconsolidating BOEM and BSEE into MMA?\n\nTo what extent has Interior engaged in transition planning to ensure that MMA meets its specific objectives while also maintaining the resources needed to maintain the oversight functions currently managed by BOEM and BSEE?\n\nTo what extent has the agency taken steps to ensure it will have the needed resources and capacity, including the scientific expertise, for effective oversight of the development of the nation’s offshore energy and marine mineral resources?\n\nTo what extent did Interior take steps to ensure that the new agency’s processes and decision-making—including as they pertain to permitting—will be based on sound science that is independent of undue outside influence?\n\nWhat steps did Interior take to ensure the new agency has developed a framework for consultation and stakeholder engagement, specifically, on the agency’s expanded scope of authorities for offshore minerals leasing? How will MMA’s processes uphold Tribal trust responsibilities and states’ authorities for consistency review under the Coastal Zone Management Act?\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-wages-war-on-scammers-amid-nationwide-fraud-crackdown", "title": "Sen. Rick Scott Wages War on Scammers Amid Nationwide Fraud Crackdown", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C – Amid President Trump’s broader federal efforts to fight fraud, U.S Senator Rick Scott is calling on Congress to pass a series of bills aimed at scammers who defraud and exploit Americans.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, “Whether it’s in the form of phone calls or sophisticated cybercrime, scammers are running rampant through our country. Criminals are weaponizing new technologies like artificial intelligence to swindle Americans out of their life savings. These criminals must be stopped and held accountable. These bills will go a long way to turn the tide on the scam epidemic. These are all commonsense solutions to a glaring problem; let’s get to work.”\n\nThese bills include:\n\nStrengthening Targeting of Organized Predatory Scammers (STOP Scammers) Act\n\nDirects the Secretary of the Treasury to identify and designate foreign entities engaged in financial fraud against U.S. citizens as ‘Foreign Financial Threat Organizations.’ Once designated, these organizations would be subject to asset freezes and restrictions similar to those imposed on global terrorist groups.\n\nSecure America’s Finance Exchanges (SAFE) Act\n\nRequires the SEC to implement specific disclosure requirements for Chinese-based companies seeking access into U.S.-based Exchanges through Initial Public Offering (IPOs).\n\nTrusted Foreign Auditing Act\n\nRequires Chinese companies to use independent auditors not controlled by the Communist Party to protect U.S. investors and capital.\n\nReportScams.gov Act\n\nCreates the first centralized online hub for Americans to report scams and get assistance after being targeted by fraudsters.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nAs Chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, Senator Rick Scott issued an annual fraud report, detailing how scams, many leveraging artificial intelligence, have cost seniors over $4.8 billion in 2024 alone. In response, Senator Rick Scott and his colleagues sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, and U.S. Secret Service Director Sean Curran encouraging their agencies to prioritize coordinated efforts to dismantle any and all foreign networks behind international financial scams.\n\nReporting scams and fraud has become increasingly complicated, as there is currently no comprehensive strategy by the federal government to prevent and curb the massive rates of cybercrime and fraud. Instead, fraud reports are spread across 13 different agencies, leaving victims without a clear path to assistance and unsure of next steps.\n\nSenator Rick Scott has been at the forefront of holding Communist China accountable for exploiting U.S. financial markets and protecting investors from bad CCP-linked actors. In April 2025, he released a bill package targeted at closing sanction loopholes and implementing disclosure requirements to keep Americans’ dollars out of the hands of Communist China.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-24-million-heading-to-hawaii-to-replace-bridges-on-hna-highway", "title": "Schatz: $24 Million Heading To Hawai‘i To Replace Bridges On Hāna Highway", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.schatz.senate.gov", "scraper": "schatz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001194", "name": "Brian Schatz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation will receive $24 million in federal funding to rehabilitate and replace approximately six bridges within the Hana Highway Historical District with modern, resilient structures.\n\n“This funding will help modernize our aging infrastructure and help people in East Maui get to where they need to go,” said Senator Schatz.\n\nAs a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Schatz has worked to ensure Hawai‘i receives its fair share of federal funding to improve infrastructure statewide.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-schiff-talks-recent-supreme-court-rulings-cost-of-trumps-corruption-and-democrats-path-forward-on-lovett-or-leave-it/", "title": "ICYMI: Sen. Schiff Talks Recent Supreme Court Rulings, Cost of Trump’s Corruption, and Democrats’ Path Forward on Lovett or Leave It", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Los Angeles, CA — In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined Jon Lovett’s Lovett or Leave It for a wide-ranging discussion on recent Supreme Court rulings empowering President Trump, Trump’s repeated self-enrichment schemes and brazen corruption at the cost of the American people, and the consequences of the Trump administration’s abuse and politicization of agencies – including the Department of Justice and the office of the Director of National Intelligence.\n\nSchiff also spoke about the Democratic Party’s path forward – emphasizing the need to hold the Trump administration accountable, work to bring down the cost of living for Americans, and reform the Supreme Court.\n\nView the full interview here.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nOn the Supreme Court’s rulings and the partisanship of the Roberts Court:\n\n[…] I think it continues a dangerous trend of empowering a president, the president, any president. And the president was already hugely powerful, the office was. But this Court has made it even more so, and it has also taken down so many of the guardrails. I think, yes, it’s because they believe – many of these justices – in what had been a fringe theory of unitary executive power. But I also think that maybe even more than the president’s power, this is about the power of the Court itself, and it’s about the power of the chief justice. You can’t tell me that John Roberts didn’t understand how damaging his immunity decision would be. But I think, like I have seen with so many other people during the era of Trump, Roberts made the decision that it was more important to him to be at the center of power on that Court than to do the right thing by the country and the Constitution.\n\n[…] It is interesting to parse the different decisions in all these cases, where there is concurrence and dissent. But one trend to me of all these decisions, which again I don’t find the least bit surprising, they track the money. They go where the money is. This is really the strongest common bond of this right-wing Court, is to go where the money is. So, I fully expected they would give the president the power to fire commissioners, except for the Federal Reserve, because that’s where the money is. And likewise, the Supreme Court decision to allow big donors to give to parties, and those parties to coordinate with campaigns, just unleashing more money. That’s also in big money’s interest. That’s the common denominator with this Court. And yeah, they’re partisan, mostly partisan, not conservative anymore, because they’ll throw out precedent at a drop of a hat. But the real glue that holds them together is big money. The money behind the Federalist Society, money behind their expensive trips and vacations, that is, I think, what unites this right-wing Court.\n\nOn the Democratic Party’s midterm agenda:\n\n[…] I am squarely in the camp that thinks there has to be accountability. Because if we don’t hold the president and others accountable for their lawlessness, they will simply do it again whenever they take power back. And they will believe, and not without reason, that the Democrats are too weak and feckless to do anything about their abuses. It’s a get out of jail free forever card. So, there has to be accountability. Now, what that accountability should look like – should it include impeachment? We’ll have to make that kind of a tactical judgment at the time. An impeachment isn’t going to be successful in the Senate. Nevertheless, the president’s conduct certainly rises well beyond impeachable offenses. So, I think we’ll have to make a sort of a game-time decision.\n\n[…] We do need to learn this from what Republicans have done: and that is, if you have the courage of your convictions, you can move the country far and fast in a particular direction. Now they’ve taken it in a horrible direction. But we should take it in the right direction. And both by holding the miscreants accountable, but also by proposing things that are bold. That are not just going back to the status quo before all this mess, that are willing to use all the tools of power to make that happen, including when it comes to the Supreme Court – expanding the Court, term limiting the Court, an enforceable code of ethics for the Court. We need to be prepared to outlaw gerrymandering, do whatever is necessary to get that done. We should have got that done in the first years of the Biden administration. So, we need to move far and fast.\n\nOn the cost of Trump’s corruption:\n\n[…] You’re president 24 hours a day, although this guy spends a lot of time on the golf course after criticizing his predecessors for spending far less time on the golf course but never mind. There are limited time and attention as president to a lot of problems the country faces. When this president is spending so much time on the ballroom, on the State Fair, on a UFC fight, it means he’s not focused on the things that really matter to people. People can’t afford to fill up their gas tank right now. What is he doing about that? He’s not doing anything about that.\n\n[…] The cost of this corruption – if these bribe payments or extortionary payments were paid to Trump in this litigation he had against CBS and ABC, etc. The cost of the corruption is that you have mergers going forward which may result in thousands of people losing their jobs, may result in consumers having to pay a lot more for what they stream and having fewer choices. This is the cost of that potential corruption. But whether it’s the crypto deals or meme coin stuff, or tungsten deal in Kazakhstan that the kids are profiting off of, or these sole source contracts, no-bid contracts – they’re wasting the money, the resources of the country to enrich Trump, his kids, their friends in true oligarchic fashion, while the rest of the country suffers.\n\nOn the politicization of intelligence at DNI under Bill Pulte and Tulsi Gabbard:\n\n[…] In terms of Pulte, the Director of National Intelligence, the whole purpose behind that office – and what happens to our national security with people like Pulte and Kash Patel leading the bureau, and Tulsi Gabbard, while she was there at the DNI – it means you’re incompetent. It means that you, as Kash Patel often does, you shoot off your mouth, and you compromise investigations. It means that you fire a lot of the most experienced people. A lot of the people that Pulte is apparently firing are focused on national counterterrorism when we’re at war, it seems like kind of a stupid thing to do.\n\nIt means that Tulsi Gabbard is spending time in Fulton County, Georgia, looking at ballot boxes from an election that took place years ago. Bill Pulte, likely to do very much the same. It means that Pulte will carry on and perhaps make worse what Tulsi Gabbard was doing which is when the intelligence community came up with an analysis that contradicted one of the president’s false narratives, Gabbard basically told him to rewrite it through her chief of staff. To rewrite it or fired them. So, this is what we can expect. Now, when that happens it means that policymakers don’t get good information. It means that we’re unaware of threats we should be aware of because the intelligence is being politicized. We saw the politicization of intelligence in the run up to the Iraq War and the disastrous consequences there. There may be very well tragic consequences here if policymakers, including the president, don’t get good information.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-joins-murphy-senate-dems-in-demanding-answers-on-misuse-of-federal-resources-after-rushed-costly-retrofit-jet-job/", "title": "NEWS: Sen. Schiff Joins Murphy, Senate Dems in Demanding Answers on Misuse of Federal Resources After Rushed, Costly Retrofit Jet Job", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Senate colleagues in demanding transparency from Troy E. Meink, Secretary of the U.S. Air Force, and Christopher Kubasik, CEO of L3Harris, into the taxpayer-funded modification of the $400-million luxury jet gifted to President Trump by the government of Qatar. Since Trump announced the gift in May 2025, the Trump administration has refused to provide Congress with basic details about the costs to taxpayers, national security risks, diversion of federal resources, and questionable decision-making process associated with sprinting to upgrade President Trump’s new luxury plane.\n\nIn their letter, the Senators note that available public reporting indicates the Trump administration dedicated as much as $1 billion dollars to rushing the sensitive Air Force One modification process, with hundreds working around the clock to condense a yearslong process into just ten months. The Senators also demand answers on this irresponsible use of federal resources.\n\n“Americans deserve answers on how the administration has decided to spend their taxpayer dollars and assume new national security risks with the VC-25B Bridge aircraft and the rushed retrofit program contracted to L3Harris – all in service to President Trump’s interest in having a pretty, luxurious plane for himself,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators called out the Trump administration for withholding information from Congress, preventing oversight of the luxury jet and its upgrade program: “For over a year, the administration has stonewalled congressional requests for information about Qatar’s luxury jet gift to President Trump. Congress and the American public have expressed due outrage about this corrupt, illegal exchange, but Pentagon officials have mostly deflected questions or claimed inability to share classified details about the luxury jet, the memorandum of understanding with Qatar, and the program to modify it for use by the President. The Trump administration has refused to share the information Congress needs to conduct oversight of this foreign gift and the estimated $1 billion in taxpayer dollars spent to upgrade and outfit the luxury jet for President Trump’s use during – and reportedly after – his term in office.”\n\nThey highlighted new reporting that indicates the luxury jet project has been another hotbed for corruption and misuse of taxpayer dollars: “After months of limited public information about the jet, new reporting has deepened concerns about the administration’s irresponsible management of U.S. national security funding to prioritize President Trump’s personal interest in this jet. In a Breaking Defense interview on June 23, L3Harris executive Jason Lambert reported that the company was contracted by the Air Force to oversee the jet’s modifications, with a deadline of July 4, 2026, from the White House. This timeline drove L3Harris to scale back the usual Air Force One upgrade package while committing 400 employees to working around the clock to complete in ten months a process that would normally take years. This accelerated luxury jet upgrade required other large expenses, including building a 3D mockup of the plane’s interior and the leasing and purchase of additional 747 aircraft for pilot and crew training.”\n\nThe Senators objected strongly to the Trump administration’sdecision to shift resources away from national security priorities just so President Trump could enjoy luxury flying as soon as possible: “The Air Force seems to have committed to a rushed, expensive aircraft modification program in order to meet President Trump’s demand to fly on ‘the world’s most luxurious plane,’ with his favored paint job, during Independence Day festivities. Trump’s own statements – including his celebration of ‘a level of luxury that nobody’s ever seen before’ – make it clear that these decisions prioritized Trump’s personal comfort and tastes over U.S. national security.”\n\nThe Senators concluded by calling for a congressional briefing and demanding full transparency from the Secretary of the Air Force and the Pentagon contractor responsible for the project: “Congress needs full information about program costs, the diversion of resources away from other Pentagon priorities, and the national security and funding implications of upgrades skipped during the rush. The American public deserves transparency into this costly and questionable modification work – conducted with their taxpayer dollars on a luxury jet that President Trump reportedly plans to take with him after he leaves office.”\n\nThe letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Meink and Mr. Kubasik:\n\nWe write to ask the U.S. Air Force and L3Harris to provide Congress full information on the modification work recently completed on the $400-million Boeing 747-8 luxury jumbo jet gifted by the Government of Qatar to President Donald Trump. Americans deserve answers on how the administration has decided to spend their taxpayer dollars and assume new national security risks with the VC-25B Bridge aircraft and the rushed retrofit program contracted to L3Harris – all in service to President Trump’s interest in having a pretty, luxurious plane for himself.\n\nFor over a year, the administration has stonewalled congressional requests for information about Qatar’s luxury jet gift to President Trump. Congress and the American public have expressed due outrage about this corrupt, illegal exchange, but Pentagon officials have mostly deflected questions or claimed inability to share classified details about the luxury jet, the memorandum of understanding with Qatar, and the program to modify it for use by the President. The Trump administration has refused to share the information Congress needs to conduct oversight of this foreign gift and the estimated $1 billion in taxpayer dollars spent to upgrade and outfit the luxury jet for President Trump’s use during – and reportedly after – his term in office.\n\nAfter months of limited public information about the jet, new reporting has deepened concerns about the administration’s irresponsible management of U.S. national security funding to prioritize President Trump’s personal interest in this jet. In a Breaking Defense interview on June 23, L3Harris executive Jason Lambert reported that the company was contracted by the Air Force to oversee the jet’s modifications, with a deadline of July 4, 2026, from the White House. This timeline drove L3Harris to scale back the usual Air Force One upgrade package while committing 400 employees to working around the clock to complete in ten months a process that would normally take years. This accelerated luxury jet upgrade required other large expenses, including building a 3D mockup of the plane’s interior and the leasing and purchase of additional 747 aircraft for pilot and crew training.\n\nThe Air Force seems to have committed to a rushed, expensive aircraft modification program in order to meet President Trump’s demand to fly on “the world’s most luxurious plane,” with his favored paint job, during Independence Day festivities. Trump’s own statements – including his celebration of “a level of luxury that nobody’s ever seen before” – make it clear that these decisions prioritized Trump’s personal comfort and tastes over U.S. national security.\n\nCongress needs full information about program costs, the diversion of resources away from other Pentagon priorities, and the national security and funding implications of upgrades skipped during the rush. The American public deserves transparency into this costly and questionable modification work – conducted with their taxpayer dollars on a luxury jet that President Trump reportedly plans to take with him after he leaves office.\n\nTo this end, we request that the Air Force and L3Harris coordinate to provide written answers to the following questions no later than July 27, 2026. Recognizing that some of this information is classified, we also request a joint classified briefing for all U.S. Senators no later than August 6, 2026, to discuss your answers and the upgrade program in greater detail.\n\nWhat was the total cost of preparing the VC-25B Bridge aircraft for delivery? Provide a comprehensive breakout of costs of L3Harris’s upgrade work, as well as associated expenses by the Air Force (including new equipment, mockups, and training).\n\nHow were the work schedule and timeframe for this aircraft modification program developed? What were the Air Force’s stated priorities for this program? Who, formally or informally, played a role in setting requirements and finalizing the contract? Describe the contract negotiations in detail and release the contract text for review.\n\nHow did the surge of Air Force and L3Harris personnel and resources to support the program’s accelerated schedule impact overall cost?\n\nHow did the surge of Air Force and L3Harris personnel and resources to support the program’s accelerated schedule impact other Air Force efforts or other Pentagon work being conducted at L3Harris? How were resources diverted from other programs?\n\nHow would the Air Force and L3Harris have adjusted the program’s schedule and cost structure have changed without a July 4, 2026, deadline?\n\nHow did the program’s accelerated schedule impact the scope of the Air Force One upgrade package? Detail capabilities that were not added to the VC-25B Bridge aircraft and describe the national security implications.\n\nWhat additional resources, personnel, and equipment will be necessary to make up for the neglected upgrades when operating the aircraft as Air Force One? What will the cost be?\n\nHow did the aircraft modification program account for President Trump’s stated plan to transfer the VC-25B Bridge aircraft to his Presidential library upon leaving office?\n\nWe urge you to answer these questions and arrange the briefing as soon as possible to shed much-needed light on Trump’s luxury jet upgrade program. We look forward to the opportunity to finally deliver answers to the American people about Trump’s foreign-gifted luxury jet and the federal resources poured into upgrading and delivering it in time for his July 4 celebrations.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-curtis-to-unveil-bipartisan-legislation-to-modernize-small-business-technology-support-small-business-owners/", "title": "NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Curtis to Unveil Bipartisan Legislation to Modernize Small Business Technology, Support Small Business Owners", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and John Curtis (R-Utah), members on the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, will introduce bipartisan legislation to improve the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s ability to develop, implement, and manage future IT modernization projects – strengthening SBA operations to support entrepreneurs and small business owners.\n\n“Small businesses are the engine of our economy, and we must ensure they can easily use the SBA resources and tools they need to succeed. My bill with Senator Curtis would support SBA’s efforts to modernize its technology and make it much simpler for small business owners to access the services SBA can provide,” said Senator Schiff.\n\n“For too long, SBA has struggled with outdated and ineffective IT systems that are critical to helping small businesses compete for federal contracting opportunities,” said Senator Curtis. “This commonsense, overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation ensures the agency follows through on practical recommendations from the Government Accountability Office and helps modernize SBA operations to better serve the small businesses that drive our economy.”\n\nThe SBA IT Modernization Reporting Act requires:\n\nThe SBA Administrator to implement 11 recommendations made in the 2024 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on SBA IT Modernization; and\n\nProvide Congress with a detailed implementation plan and briefing regarding each SBA office’s actions and timelines for each recommendation within 180 days of the bill’s enactment.\n\nU.S. House Representatives Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.-31) and Brian Jack (R-Ga.-03) introduced companion legislation, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in December 2025.\n\nThe full text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-acting-ice-director-thanks-senator-schmitt-for-championing-350m-ice-fund-to-arrest-deport-criminal-illegal-aliens-in-sanctuary-cities/", "title": "ICYMI: Acting ICE Director Thanks Senator Schmitt for Championing $350M ICE Fund to Arrest, Deport Criminal Illegal Aliens in Sanctuary Cities", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The Secure America Act Included the Schmitt-Authored Provision to Give ICE Additional Resources to Protect American Communities\n\nU.S. SENATE —Following President Donald J. Trump’s signing of the Secure America Act, Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director David J. Venturella thanked Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) for championing a $350 million fund in the bill that will help ICE agents arrest and deport criminal illegal aliens in sanctuary cities.\n\nActing ICE Director Venturella released the following statement on the initiative and Sen. Schmitt’s bold leadership:\n\n“The Secure America Act provides ICE with critical resources to strengthen immigration enforcement, enhance public safety and support our officers as they carry out the agency’s mission. We appreciate Senator Schmitt’s leadership in securing $350 million to help ICE address one of the most persistent challenges facing immigration enforcement and thank him for his commitment to ensuring our officers have the resources they need to protect American communities.\n\n“Sanctuary jurisdictions refuse to honor ICE detainers or coordinate safe transfers from local custody to federal custody. As a result, criminal illegal aliens who could have been transferred directly to ICE are instead released into our communities, forcing our officers to locate and arrest them in neighborhoods, businesses and other public locations. Taking custody of criminal illegal aliens in secure correctional environments is safer for everyone involved. It reduces the risk of flight, minimizes the potential for violence, and allows law enforcement to operate in a controlled setting rather than in an unpredictable public space. When jurisdictions refuse to cooperate, they force ICE to devote significant resources to tracking and locating criminal illegal aliens who were already in custody and could have been transferred safely and efficiently.\n\n“The funding from this legislation will help ICE increase its capacity to monitor releases and arrest removable criminal aliens when sanctuary jurisdictions refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. We look forward to using these resources to strengthen public safety, support our workforce, and advance the Secure America Act’s broader goals.”\n\nRead ICE’s full release HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Schmitt-authored Fund provides dedicated ICE resources for detainer management, release monitoring, custodial transfer, transportation, arrests, and detention connected to criminal aliens released from local custody.\n\nSenator Schmitt joined President Trump in the Oval Office for the signing of his provision and the Secure America Act. The Schmitt-authored Fund passed the Senate and the House as part of the reconciliation bill in early June.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-honors-leo-finn-of-cullman-as-july-veteran-of-the-month/", "title": "Tuberville Honors Leo Finn of Cullman as July “Veteran of the Month”", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released a video honoring U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Leo Finn as the July “Veteran of the Month.”\n\nExcerpts of Sen. Tuberville’s remarks can be found below, and complete remarks can be found here.\n\n“The Book of Proverbs tells us that ‘without a vision, people perish.’ For Sergeant Leo Finn of Cullman, Alabama—he’s had a clear vision for his life from day one. Leo feels he was ‘born to serve in the military,’ and spent 36 years serving our country in the Army and Army National Guard. Leo’s conviction to serve has been an asset to our country during some of the most troubling times—including the Vietnam War and War on Terror.\n\nShortly after finishing college in Cullman, Leo enlisted in the Army. He quickly deployed to Vietnam where he spent the next two years in the fight against communism in Southeast Asia. Upon returning home, he married his wife of 54 years, Sandra, and relocated back to Cullman where they have spent the last five decades working and raising their family. […]\n\nHe deployed a second time in the early 2000s to Afghanistan where he served as a Platoon Sergeant—sharing this same sense of purpose with those in his company. From Alabama to Vietnam to Afghanistan, Leo has made the Yellowhammer State proud. Now, he stays involved in the Cullman community through his membership at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and his local VFW Post.\n\nOver the last few years, Leo has faced cancer head-on, but it hasn’t slowed him down or made him lose his vision. He faced his diagnosis with the same philosophy he faced our enemies abroad: with bravery and without fear. […]\n\nI am thankful for Leo’s calling to serve our state and country through all the challenges he’s faced. It is my honor to recognize him as the July ‘Veteran of the Month.’”\n\nConstituents can nominate an Alabama veteran and submit their information to Sen. Tuberville’s office for consideration in the 2026 “Veteran of the Month” series by emailing press_office@tuberville.senate.gov.\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/ahead-of-2023-and-2024-flood-anniversaries-welch-highlights-importance-of-flexible-flood-recovery-funding-for-vermont/", "title": "Ahead of 2023 and 2024 Flood Anniversaries, Welch Highlights Importance of Flexible Flood Recovery Funding for Vermont", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Following push by Welch and the Congressional Delegation, Vermont has been awarded nearly $68 million in flexible Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Relief funds\n\nMONTPELIER – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today convened community and state leaders in Montpelier to highlight the importance of the Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) program, flexible disaster recovery funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) dedicated to supporting housing reconstruction and rehabilitation, infrastructure redevelopment, and flood mitigation efforts. While in Montpelier, Senator Welch visited the location of a new housing project funded by the CDBG-DR program and discussed the importance of flexible funding for Vermont’s flood recovery.\n\nIn the aftermath of the 2023 and 2024 floods, Senator Welch championed a comprehensive disaster relief bill which provided more than $100 billion in relief for disaster-impacted states like Vermont. This bill included $12 billion in flexible CDBG-DR funds to help communities across the country recover from natural disasters. Vermont has received nearly $68 million in CDBG-DR funding.\n\n“So many of FEMA’s recovery programs are too rigid—that’s why after the 2023 and 2024 floods I fought hard to secure dedicated funding for the flexible Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Relief program. This grant program puts more power in the hands of state and local leaders as they build back smarter, and that’s the key to true resilience. It’s only one tool in our toolbox, but this program will help us take a big step toward ensuring our communities are safer, stronger, and more prepared for whatever the future holds,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud we secured more than $67 million in CDBG-DR funding for Vermont, and today we can see this funding at work. I look forward to touring this new housing and renovation project soon.”\n\nSenator Welch was joined by Doug Farnham, State of Vermont’s Chief Recovery Officer; Nate Formalarie, Deputy Commissioner of DHCD; Angie Harbin, Executive Director of Downstreet Housing; Gus Seelig, Executive Director of VHCB; and Beth Sightler, CEO of Washington County Mental Health Services.\n\nIn December 2023, Senator Welch testified before a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee and advocated for the inclusion of CDBG-DR funding in the comprehensive disaster supplemental package. The comprehensive disaster relief bill, signed by President Biden in 2024, provided more than $100 billion total in disaster relief, and contained many of Senator Welch’s top priorities for Vermont: flexible spending through the Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery fund; support for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund (DRF); dedicated help for flood-impacted farmers; and low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help businesses and homeowners recover, among many other resources.\n\nLearn more about HUD’s Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) program here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-returns-from-bipartisan-bicameral-delegation-to-osce-parliamentary-assembly-in-the-hague/", "title": "Whitehouse Returns from Bipartisan, Bicameral Delegation to OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in The Hague", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release", "domain": "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", "scraper": "whitehouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000802", "name": "Sheldon Whitehouse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), the Senate Ranking Member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (the “Helsinki Commission”), returned today to the United States after co-leading a bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly’s 33rd Annual Meeting in The Hague, Netherlands.\n\nIn The Hague, Whitehouse participated in committee meetings of the OSCE Parliament, where he introduced and passed two amendments, one to encourage OSCE member states to adopt a tougher stance on the maritime service providers that support the “shadow fleet” vessels that Russia uses to illegally export oil in violation of international sanctions, and one to condemn Russia’s policy of incentivizing its citizens to move into illegally-occupied areas of Ukraine.\n\nWhitehouse also co-hosted a side event at the conference with other members of the American delegation entitled: “Prioritizing the Human Dimension of the Ukraine Ceasefire Talks: People First.” The event featured the esteemed Russian dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza, as well as Nobel laureates from Ukraine and Belarus. Whitehouse and the American delegation also huddled with delegations from Moldova and the Nordic and Baltic countries\n\nWhitehouse released the following statement at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting:\n\n“Despite being left for dead by Putin-loving Trump and the self-dealing ‘diplomats’ Witkoff and Kushner, Ukraine is winning the war against the murderous Russian invaders. Brave Ukraine’s response to Russian aggression makes me proud to be a human being.\n\n“There is bipartisan consensus at home and among parliamentarians abroad that the pressure in negotiations should be on Russia’s war criminals, not Ukraine’s patriots. I’m very pleased the OSCE Assembly overwhelmingly adopted my amendments to crack down on the Russian Shadow Fleet and spotlight the systemic and illegal Russian resettlement operation in occupied Ukraine.”\n\nOther members of the bipartisan, bicameral American delegation included Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), the Senate Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC-2), the House Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, and Reps. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37), Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD-1), Marc Veasey (D-TX-33), Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC-6), and Jake Ellzey (R-TX-6).\n\nIn February, Senators Whitehouse and Wicker participated in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Winter Meeting in Vienna, Austria, where they pushed the U.S. and our European allies to cooperate to shut down Russia’s shadow fleet that fuels the Russian oil and gas economy.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-announces-more-than-57-million-for-transportation-infrastructure-projects-across-indiana/", "title": "Young Announces More Than $57 Million for Transportation Infrastructure Projects Across Indiana", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.young.senate.gov", "scraper": "toddyoung", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000064", "name": "Todd Young", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) announced more than $57.8 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program for four transportation infrastructure projects across Indiana.\n\nThe funding will support projects in Fort Wayne, Jeffersonville, Noblesville, and Whiting, improving roads, bridges, freight infrastructure, and transportation safety while supporting economic growth across the state. Senator Young wrote letters of support for each of the projects.\n\n“These investments will strengthen Indiana’s infrastructure, improve safety, support commerce and help communities prepare for future growth,” said Senator Young. “From modernizing critical bridges and freight facilities to improving major transportation corridors, these projects will benefit Hoosiers for decades to come while keeping Indiana’s transportation network strong and our economy growing. I appreciate Secretary Duffy’s partnership in helping make these investments possible.”\n\nIndiana BUILD Grant Awards:\n\nJeffersonville – Crane Terminal Project\n\nAward: $25,000,000\n\nConstructs a new dock at the Ports of Indiana – Jeffersonville.\n\nBuilds a 300-ton crane, a 25,000-square-foot craneway, warehouse, and supporting infrastructure.\n\nExpands freight capacity and strengthens Indiana’s riverport infrastructure.\n\nFort Wayne – Ewing Street Bridge and Road Project\n\nAward: $15,660,000\n\nRepairs and reconfigures two compromised bridges over the St. Marys river.\n\nAdds multi-use paths to improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity.\n\nReconstructs approximately four blocks of Ewing Street between Jefferson Boulevard and Main Street to modern engineering and downtown design standards.\n\nNoblesville – Revolutionize State Road 37 Project\n\nAward: $12,000,000\n\nCompletes final design for reconstruction of a 1.6-mile segment of State Road 37.\n\nConverts the corridor into a grade-separated highway.\n\nReplaces three signalized intersections with continuous-flow roundabout interchanges featuring pedestrian facilities.\n\nIncludes an overpass bridge, bridge replacement, and additional access improvements.\n\nWhiting – Rail Corridor Overpass Project\n\nAward: $5,163,200", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-op-ed-the-hidden-danger-chinas-ships-could-bring-to-our-shores/", "title": "Young Op-Ed: The hidden danger China’s ships could bring to our shores", "date": "2026-07-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.young.senate.gov", "scraper": "toddyoung", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000064", "name": "Todd Young", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — The following op-ed by U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) was published by FOX News on July 8, 2026.\n\nBy Todd Young\n\nChinese vessels carry appliances, clothing, and household goods to our ports. But what if they also brought, without notice, missile launchers concealed in shipping containers? This is not merely a hypothetical question, but a possibility America’s leaders must prepare for.\n\nAs technology evolves, enterprising nations are getting creative about how to project power far away from their borders and shores. Just last year, Ukraine destroyed a third of Russia’s strategic-bomber force even though those aircraft were kept on protected bases deep in the heart of Russian territory.\n\nHow? They hid swarms of drones inside shipping containers carried on trucks and infiltrated Russia’s domestic transportation networks. Russia was clearly unprepared for a clever adversary to exploit its highways.\n\nThe impact to Russia’s military power was striking, but the attack also exposed to the world the vulnerabilities inherent in everyday commerce.\n\nThat development should prompt American officials to consider what risks we face here in the United States. As a maritime nation protected by two oceans and friendly countries to our north and south, we’ve grown accustomed to a high level of safety. But we are also a major destination of global shipping, bringing most of the goods that we purchase every day to our shores.\n\nA large percentage of those ships coming in and out of our ports are owned and operated by Chinese firms with direct ties to the Chinese Communist Party. This creates acute risk.\n\nNaval analysts confirm China is retrofitting cargo ships with deadly weapons – long range strike and surface-to-air missiles, drone launching systems, as well as radar and tracking systems.\n\nWhat if one of these ships arrived in Houston, home to America’s largest port in terms of tonnage and one of the country’s economic hubs?\n\nThe “best” case scenario: our Intelligence Community would detect the weapons, enabling the Coast Guard to intercept and seize the Chinese ship. However, this could potentially require shutting down the port and halting trade and LNG exports worth billions.\n\nThe far more alarming possibility: the armed Chinese cargo carriers slip into the Port of Houston undetected and launch devastating attacks on the port, destroying vital infrastructure and killing hundreds, and possibly many more.\n\nThe Port of Houston is home to the world’s largest petrochemical complexes and a quarter of America’s refining capacity. The explosions caused by a Chinese attack on the port would send clouds of carcinogens into the air and over nearby communities. Meanwhile, America’s energy supply would be devastated, causing painful shortages and draining the economy of millions of dollars a day.\n\nThis disaster could play out at any of our other major ports – Los Angeles, our hub for trans-Pacific trade, or Norfolk, Virginia, the East Coast’s deepest harbor and home to America’s largest naval base.\n\nNeither of these situations are inevitable, but we must act now to rebuild America’s rusted Maritime Industrial Base and end our reliance on Chinese-flagged vessels. That is why I am working with congressional colleagues and the Trump administration to make American ships again.\n\nThe U.S. was once home to the world’s largest commercial fleet, numbering nearly 4,000 ships. But in the years following World War II, priorities shifted and international competition increased. Today, the United States manufactures a handful of commercial vessels per year while China builds over a thousand.\n\nIn total, the U.S. has fewer than 100 oceangoing commercial vessels. China has nearly 6,000, the largest fleet in the world. This imbalance is a tremendous risk, giving China control over global supply chains, economic levers to constrain American policy options, and, at worst, countless opportunities every day to sneak weapons into our cities.\n\nWhat commercial shipping fleet we have is in disrepair. Our sealift capacity is diminished. America is in danger.\n\nI am leading a bipartisan coalition in Congress that clearly sees the grave risks to our people and economy. We are working to achieve a revival of American shipbuilding. To accomplish this, we have written the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure and Security Act, or SHIPS Act. The bill, which I introduced in the Senate last year, will launch a new fleet of American-made ships.\n\nThe SHIPS Act will encourage the construction of new ships and shipyards through tax incentives. It will deliver deregulation and permitting reform to reduce costs and speed the delivery of new vessels. It also will modernize training programs at our maritime academies and recruit a new generation of mariners.\n\nAnd the bill will establish a Maritime Security Trust Fund to finance these programs, plus an expansion of the U.S.-flagged international fleet to 250 ships by 2035.\n\nWe have a strong champion in President Trump, whose Maritime Action Plan is consistent with our bill, mobilizing the whole of government to restore America’s maritime dominance.\n\nChina is retrofitting its commercial ships into covert warships. The evidence is clear. So too is the risk of allowing these vessels to dominate global trade and fill our ports because we have no ships of our own.\n\nBut we have a plan to protect our ports and people, to build and launch a new fleet, manned by Americans mariners, flying the Stars and Stripes. Congress should pass the SHIPS Act without delay.\n\nRepublican Todd Young represents Indiana in the United States Senate.", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://aguilar.house.gov/2026/07/09/rep-aguilar-highlights-importance-of-the-randolph-sheppard-program-for-the-blind/", "title": "Rep. Aguilar Highlights Importance of the Randolph-Sheppard Program for the Blind", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "domain": "aguilar.house.gov", "scraper": "aguilar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000371", "name": "Pete Aguilar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Press Releases\n\nRep. Aguilar Highlights Importance of the Randolph-Sheppard Program for the Blind\n\nThrough the Randolph-Sheppard Program, Rep. Aguilar’s grandfather managed and operated the cafeteria in the historic San Bernardino County Courthouse for years\n\nSAN BERNARDINO, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) visited the San Bernardino County Courthouse and met with Gloria Blanco, a participant in the Randolph-Sheppard Program for the Blind, to highlight the program’s importance. Enacted in 1936, the Randolph-Sheppard Act created a program to help blind individuals gain employment and economic independence through managing food facilities on federal property, such as vending machines, snack bars and cafeterias. Rep. Aguilar’s grandfather operated the cafeteria at the San Bernardino County Courthouse through the Randolph-Sheppard Program, where Rep. Aguilar worked bussing tables.\n\nA 20-year participant in the Randolph-Sheppard Program managing several successful facilities throughout Southern California, Gloria Blanco credits the program with transforming her life and providing the opportunity to build a successful business while serving her community. You can find photos from the visit above and here.\n\n“The Randolph-Sheppard Program for the Blind has benefited my own family and thousands of other families across the country for decades,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “Beyond employment, this incredible program gives blind entrepreneurs like Gloria freedom, dignity and financial independence to build their lives and businesses. I’m a proud supporter of the Randolph-Sheppard Program, and I’ll keep advocating for it in Congress to ensure it continues to benefit blind individuals for generations to come.”\n\n“For 90 years, the Randolph-Sheppard Act has changed the lives of thousands of blind Americans by replacing dependence with opportunity,” said Max Duarte, Chair, California Vendors Policy Committee (CVPC). “For the past 24 years, this program has allowed me to provide for my family, build a successful business, and give back by advocating for other blind entrepreneurs. I am deeply grateful to the generations of leaders who fought to protect this law, and I hope we continue to strengthen it so future generations have the same opportunity to achieve the American dream.”\n\nIn Congress, as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, Rep. Aguilar is helping ensure Randolph-Sheppard merchants continue to receive technical support when applying for federal grants.\n\nOn the 90th anniversary of the Randolph-Sheppard Act, Rep. Aguilar sent a letter in braille to the National Federation of the Blind honoring the program and affirming his continued advocacy for programs that give every individual, regardless of disability, impairment, or life circumstance, the tools they need to succeed.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/houston-democrats-demand-independent-investigation-and-full-video-footage", "title": "Houston Democrats Demand Independent Investigation and Full Video Footage After ICE Officer Kills Lorenzo Salgado Araujo", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "algreen.house.gov", "scraper": "algreen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000553", "name": "Al Green", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "HOUSTON, T.X. – This week, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29), Congressman Al Green (D-TX-09), Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07), and Congressman Christian Menefee (D-TX-18) sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director David J. Venturella demanding an immediate, fully independent, and transparent investigation into the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE agent in Houston’s Magnolia Park neighborhood.\n\nThe full letter can be viewed HERE.\n\nOn Tuesday, July 7, an ICE officer shot Araujo during an immigration enforcement operation in the 6800 block of Canal Street. Araujo later died at the hospital. His family learned of his death through news reports and social media. Three men who were in the vehicle, including Araujo’s brother, remain detained.\n\nIn the letter, the Members demand that DHS and ICE provide written confirmation within 48 hours that all evidence related to Araujo’s killing and the detention of the three men has been preserved. They are also demanding the complete, unedited body camera footage from the agent who fired the fatal shot, complete and unedited body camera footage from every officer present, all dash camera footage from both ICE vehicles involved, and confirmation of whether DHS and ICE will work with state and local agencies in the investigation.\n\nThe Members are also demanding answers related to why Araujo was targeted, whether ICE had an administrative warrant, who authorized the operation, and how many federal officers were present. They are also demanding a full account of what led to the shooting, whether body cameras were activated, why Araujo’s name was released before his family was notified he was deceased, and what DHS and ICE are doing to prevent another tragedy.\n\n“ICE killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in our community. Then his family had to find out through the news and social media. That is cruel. That is unacceptable. And DHS and ICE do not get to investigate themselves behind closed doors and call it accountability,” said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. “We are demanding the full truth, the full footage, and a real independent investigation. Lorezno’s family deserves answers. Houston deserves answers. And we will not let DHS or ICE bury this, stall for time, or hide behind the same tired lies.”\n\n“My heart goes out to the family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. Whenever deadly force is used by federal law enforcement, the American people deserve a complete, transparent, and independent examination of the facts. Public confidence in our institutions depends upon the willingness of government to subject itself to meaningful oversight,” said Congressman Al Green. “I have been in communication with the ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, the Honorable Bennie Thompson, and will keep him informed of any further developments, and have made a request for a congressional oversight hearing of the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo to address issues of transparency and accountability.”\n\n“Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s family and our community deserve an independent investigation,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “Time and again, the Trump administration has asked us to accept its version of events without question, and time and again, it has broken that trust. Last year, Democrats called for real ICE accountability, including mandating stricter use-of-force standards. Congressional Republicans and President Trump refused. Had those reforms been in place, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo might be alive today. The troubling recent history makes clear that we cannot simply accept ICE’s version of events at face value. We deserve more, and I am joining my colleagues in the Houston Democratic Congressional Delegation in demanding more, starting with answers.”\n\n\"Houston has always been strengthened by its immigrant communities, including undocumented immigrants. The fear the Trump administration has created has already taken an immeasurable toll on families across the country. Now, that tragedy has reached our own community. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo's death demands answers,\" said Congressman Christian Menefee. \"Every piece of evidence, including body camera footage, witness statements, and any other relevant records, must be preserved, reviewed, and made available through a truly independent investigation. Lorenzo's family deserves the truth. The people of Houston deserve the truth. I stand firmly with my colleagues in continuing to demand full transparency and accountability until the facts are uncovered and those responsible are held accountable.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-celebrates-78-million-federal-investment-secured-lansing-airport", "title": "Barrett Celebrates $7.8 Million Federal Investment Secured For Lansing Airport", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "barrett.house.gov", "scraper": "barrett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001321", "name": "Tom Barrett", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Lansing, Mich. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) joined President and CEO Nicole Noll-Williams and other leadership of the Capital Region International Airport to review the airport’s outdated passenger boarding bridges, which he secured federal funding to replace through a bipartisan appropriations bill in February. The $7.823 million investment to replace the aging passenger boarding bridges is part of the $146 million Barrett has secured for mid-Michigan projects since taking office last year.\n\n“The Lansing airport connects mid-Michigan families and our economy with the world,” said Barrett. “I was proud to secure $7.8 million to replace the outdated passenger boarding bridges and make traveling in and out of our community an even better experience. The new jet bridges will not only allow the airport to accommodate passengers more efficiently, but they will also ensure mid-Michiganders and visitors can safely and conveniently Fly Lansing for years to come.”\n\n“This nearly $8 million in federal funding is a critical infrastructure investment for the Capital Region International Airport (LAN). Replacing our passenger boarding bridges is a necessary upgrade that directly supports the safety, efficiency, and reliability of our facilities for our tenants, airline partners and passengers,” said Nicole Noll-Williams, president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Authority (CRAA). “We are grateful for the continued support of our federal legislative partners whose advocacy helps ensure LAN remains a safe, modern and competitive gateway for the Mid-Michigan region.”\n\nThe $7.823 million Barrett secured will help replace five of the airport’s six passenger boarding bridges. The current bridges are outdated and require constant repair, and one of them is inoperable. The new bridges will be energy efficient and meet the most up-to-date accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act.\n\nAt the airport, Barrett met with Nicole Noll-Williams, president and CEO; Rob Benstein, vice president and chief operating officer; Rob O’Neil, director of infrastructure, facilities, and environmental management; Steve Ball, manager of facilities maintenance; and Steve Gonzalez, chief of public safety.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-welcomes-secretary-collins-back-mid-michigan-discusses-work-improve", "title": "Barrett Welcomes Secretary Collins Back to Mid-Michigan, Discusses Work to Improve Services for Veterans", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "barrett.house.gov", "scraper": "barrett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001321", "name": "Tom Barrett", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Lansing, Mich. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett welcomed U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins to mid-Michigan to discuss ongoing efforts and progress by Congress and the Trump administration to support veterans and improve access to the benefits and care they’ve earned.\n\nThe officials met with staff at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic in Lansing, visited the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Home in Eaton Rapids, and held a roundtable discussion with local veteran leaders. Following the roundtable, Barrett presented Vietnam veteran Sgt. Robert Haywood with Purple Heart and service ribbons that Barrett obtained to replace the originals that were stolen from Haywood’s residence.\n\n“The men and women who honorably served our country shouldn’t have to jump through hoops when they come home to get the benefits they earned,” said Barrett. “I’m grateful to Secretary Collins for visiting mid-Michigan again to hear directly from local veterans and dedicated VA staff about additional steps we can take to continue improving service at the VA. I’m eager to continue working to ensure all our nation’s heroes can access the support they deserve.”\n\n“Congressman Barrett has been a champion for Veterans, and it was inspiring to see how the improvements we’re making at VA are helping Michiganders who wore the uniform,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “We’re putting Veterans first by expanding access to care, shrinking the backlog of Veterans waiting for benefits, repairing VA facilities at a record pace, and listening to Veterans on visits like this one so we can keep finding ways to improve.”\n\nBarrett and Collins first visited the VA’s Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Lansing to hear from health care professionals and other staff about their work serving veterans, the implementation of the VA’s new electronic health record system, and possible improvements to better serve veterans.\n\nThe officials then visited the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids, which provides housing, child care, and other support services to veteran and military families, especially those transitioning to civilian life. After touring the campus, they met with VFW National Home leaders, veteran service officers, and other Michigan veterans to discuss how the VA can continue strengthening support, reducing delays, and improving service for the men and women who have served in the military.\n\n“We are grateful to welcome Congressman Tom Barrett and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins to the VFW National Home and appreciate the opportunity to share our mission firsthand,” said Dr. Jerred Johnson, Executive Director of the VFW National Home. “For more than a century, the VFW National Home has been dedicated to helping military, veteran, and service families build new beginnings, and visits like this help shine a light on the importance of ensuring those who have served our nation have the support they deserve.”\n\n“We're proud to welcome the Secretary to Ingham County and appreciate the opportunity to highlight the needs, successes, and resilience of our local veterans,” said Amy Pocan, director of the Ingham and Clinton County Department of Veterans Affairs. “Our veterans deserve leaders who are willing to listen. The Secretary's visit provides an important opportunity to engage directly with the County Veteran Service Officers of Ingham County, whose firsthand experience and working knowledge can help identify challenges, develop practical solutions, and strengthen services for the veterans we serve.”\n\n“VETLIFE is honored to welcome Congressman Barrett and Secretary Collins as they take the time to hear directly from organizations serving veterans across Michigan,” said Joshua Parish, President & CEO of VETLIFE. “Every day, we see veterans and their families working to navigate a system that can be difficult to access, especially for those living in rural communities or facing barriers to care. As our veteran population and workforce continue to evolve, we have an opportunity to modernize how veterans connect with the benefits, healthcare, and support they have earned—making access simpler, more responsive, and available before challenges become crises. We appreciate Congressman Barrett’s leadership on veterans’ issues and Secretary Collins’ willingness to engage with organizations on the front lines. Together, government, nonprofits, and community partners can build a stronger, more connected system that empowers veterans and their families to thrive.”\n\n“The opportunity to sit down with Congressman Barrett and Secretary Collins to discuss the MWTEC Veterans Academy is monumental,” said Jason Peterson, Director of Veteran Academy MWTEC. “Together, we have an opportunity to strengthen the systems that connect veterans to education, meaningful careers, and the support they need to build successful futures in Michigan.”\n\n“It isn't every day that the staff from a community college veteran support office gets to meet directly with their U.S. Representative AND the Secretary of the VA,” said Andrew Cosgrove, Veteran Services Director at Lansing Community College. “We are honored to have the opportunity Rep. Barrett’s office has provided us to meet with Secretary Collins to discuss some of the issues our veterans and dependents face when transitioning out of the military and into higher education and utilizing their GI Bill benefits. Our Veterans have sacrificed so much for us and our country; we, the staff of LCC’s Center for Veteran and Family Support, do what we can to provide assistance and support so our veterans can be successful at LCC and move on to the next chapter of their lives, whether that’s transferring to a university or entering the workforce.”\n\n“We trust that Rep. Barrett and Secretary Collins will work to ensure our veterans and dependents are taken care of and provide veteran support offices around the country with the tools they need to assist veterans seeking better opportunities for themselves and their families,” Cosgrove continued.\n\nParticipants in today’s roundtable included:\n\nDr. Jerred Johnson, Executive Director of the VFW National Home\n\nDave Lewis, COO of the VFW National Home\n\nTodd Butler, deputy director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency\n\nMike Reeve, director of veteran affairs at the Shiawassee County Veterans Affairs Department\n\nAmy Pocan, director of veteran services at the Ingham and Clinton County Department of Veterans Affairs\n\nJohn Taylor, deputy director of veteran services at the Ingham and Clinton County Department of Veterans Affairs\n\nDenise Formolo, president of the Michigan Association of County Veteran Counselors\n\nKatrina Golab, enlisted corps representative at the National Guard Association of Michigan\n\nIan Knapp, coordinator of the Center for Veteran and Military-Affiliated Students at Michigan State University\n\nAndrew Cosgrove, director of veteran services at Lansing Community College\n\nRebecca Allen, veteran coordinator at Lansing Community College\n\nJason Peterson, director of the veteran academy at the Michigan Workforce Training and Education Collaborative\n\nJosh Parish, president and CEO of Vetlife\n\nMatthew Leach, partnership coordinator at VETLIFE", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://bera.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-bera-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-accelerate-breakthroughs-in-pediatric-cancer-by-leveraging-ai", "title": "Rep. Bera Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Accelerate Breakthroughs in Pediatric Cancer by Leveraging AI", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bera.house.gov/news", "domain": "bera.house.gov", "scraper": "bera", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001287", "name": "Ami Bera", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA-06), co-chair of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, introduced the Accelerating Innovation (AI) for Kids Act alongside fellow caucus co-chairs Michael McCaul (R-TX-10) and Mike Kelly (R-PA-16). This bipartisan legislation would accelerate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve and transform pediatric cancer research, treatment options, and data storage.\n\n“Pediatric cancer remains one of the most heartbreaking diagnoses any family can face, and we have a responsibility to use every tool available to improve outcomes for children,” said Representative Bera. “The bipartisan Accelerating Innovation in Medicine for Kids with Cancer Act would leverage cutting-edge AI and data tools to transform pediatric cancer research, improve clinical trial design and access, and deliver more personalized treatment options for young patients. I am proud to support this effort to accelerate innovation, strengthen the Childhood Kelly Data Initiative, and move us closer to ending cancer as we know it.”\n\n\"Since I founded the Childhood Cancer Caucus 17 years ago, advancements in technology have radically expanded the frontiers of healthcare,\" said Representative McCaul. \"We owe it to our nation's children to leverage cutting-edge AI to improve their care and treatment options. I'm proud to introduce this bill, which codifies and builds on President Trump's executive order to unlock cures for pediatric cancer patients. By empowering AI to continuously drive research forward, we move one step closer to beating this heartbreaking disease once and for all.\"\n\n“Congress should always consider new, initiative ways not only to treat cancer, but to defeat cancer. This legislation would leverage artificial intelligence to strengthen patient care and patient outcomes,” said Representative Kelly. “I’m proud to sponsor the bipartisan Accelerating Innovation in Medicine for Kids with Cancer Act as we work to ensure pediatric cancer patients and their families have every tool at their disposal to receive the care and cures they deserve.”\n\nRead the full text of the Accelerating Innovation (AI) for Kids Act here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-makes-important-eastern-mediterranean-policy-speech-athens", "title": "Bilirakis Makes Important Eastern Mediterranean Policy Speech in Athens", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "bilirakis.house.gov", "scraper": "bilirakis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001257", "name": "Gus M. Bilirakis", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Athens, Greece – Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic-Israel Alliance and one of the leading voices in Congress on U.S.-Greece relations, participated this week as a featured speaker at the 30th Annual Government Roundtable hosted by The Economist in Greece. The internationally recognized forum brings together government officials, policymakers, business executives, and thought leaders from around the world to discuss the most pressing geopolitical and economic challenges facing Europe and the international community. During his remarks, Congressman Bilirakis highlighted the enduring strategic partnership between the United States and Greece, emphasizing the shared democratic values that have united the two nations for generations. He discussed the importance of strengthening transatlantic cooperation, enhancing regional security and energy resilience, expanding economic opportunities, and promoting stability throughout the Eastern Mediterranean.\n\n\"The relationship between the United States and Greece has never been stronger,\" said Bilirakis. \"As two nations founded upon the principles of freedom and democracy, we have an obligation to work together to confront today's global challenges while creating new opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and security. Our partnership serves as a cornerstone for stability in an increasingly complex world.\"\n\nBilirakis also underscored the critical role Greece plays as a trusted NATO ally and regional leader, noting the importance of continued cooperation on defense, trade, energy diversification, and emerging technologies.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bilirakis-announces-136-million-federal-investment-strengthen", "title": "Congressman Bilirakis Announces $13.6 Million Federal Investment to Strengthen Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "bilirakis.house.gov", "scraper": "bilirakis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001257", "name": "Gus M. Bilirakis", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "BROOKSVILLE, FL — Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) today announced that Hernando County has been awarded $13.6 million in federal grant funding to support critical infrastructure improvements at the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport. This significant investment will enhance airport operations, strengthen regional connectivity, support economic growth, and help attract new businesses and good-paying jobs to the community. The funding is in addition to the $87.6 million in federal grants Congressman Bilirakis has sponsored and secured through the annual appropriations process for Florida’s 12th Congressional District. These investments reflect his ongoing commitment to delivering federal resources that address local priorities and improve the quality of life for residents throughout the district.\n\n“I am proud to have supported Hernando County’s application for this important project and to help deliver federal resources that will make a lasting impact on our community,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “The Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport plays a vital role in our region’s economy, and this investment will help ensure it has the infrastructure needed to grow, compete, and create new opportunities for businesses and families throughout the Tampa Bay area.”\n\nThe Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport serves as an important economic asset for Hernando County and the surrounding region, supporting aviation, commerce, workforce development, and future economic expansion. Upgrading critical infrastructure will help position the airport for continued growth while enhancing its ability to support local industries and attract new investment.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://bost.house.gov/2026/7/bost-announces-13-million-for-southern-illinois-truck-parking", "title": "BOST ANNOUNCES $13 MILLION FOR SOUTHERN ILLINOIS TRUCK PARKING", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "bost.house.gov", "scraper": "bost", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001295", "name": "Mike Bost", "party": "Republican", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the Illinois Department of Transportation more than $13 million in BUILD grant funding to expand truck parking at two Southern Illinois rest areas. The Fort Massac Rest Area in Massac County will be reconstructed to increase truck parking from 19 to as many as 64 stalls and add up to four family-assist restrooms and ADA-compliant stalls. The Salt Kettle Rest Area in Vermilion County will gain up to 41 new truck stalls, including four ADA-compliant stalls, along with additional road improvements.\n\n\"I grew up in a family trucking business, so I know what it means when a driver is running on fumes with nowhere safe to pull over,\" said Bost. \"This investment builds accessible parking right here in Southern Illinois and gives our truck drivers a safe place to rest. I was glad to back this project and work with federal officials to increase federal funding for this public safety improvement.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/07/09/icymi-buchanan-questions-sports-experts-on-health-and-tax-impacts-on-college-athletes/", "title": "ICYMI: Buchanan Questions Sports Experts on Health and Tax Impacts on College Athletes", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "domain": "buchanan.house.gov", "scraper": "buchanan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001260", "name": "Vern Buchanan", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Advocates For Collegiate Athletes’ Health and Wellbeing\n\nWASHINGTON — During a House Ways and Means Committee hearing on federal tax policy’s impact on college and professional athletes, Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, questioned a panel of sports, tax and economic experts on the health impacts on athletes and the need for financial planning guidance.\n\nThe panel included former NFL linebacker Sam Acho, ESPN Analyst and Director of Human Capital at AWM Capital; Dennis Coates, Ph.D., Professor at University of Maryland, Baltimore County; Thad Madden, NIL Tax Consultant and former IRS Revenue Officer and Fraud Analyst; and Robert Raiola, CPA, Director, Sports and Entertainment Practice, PKF O’Connor Davis, LLP.\n\nHere’s what Buchanan said about athletes and the impact of tax policy on their athletic and professional careers:\n\nOn the health impacts on college athletes and the risk athletes assume:\n\nBuchanan: “Mr. Acho, I was going to mention to you … as a player. … I had two sons who played Division I football, for Bobby Bowden at Florida State and at Stanford. One of the things I don’t think gets talked enough about, but it needs to be said, is the risk these kids take on the field every day.\n\n“And there needs to be as much consideration we can give them as possible. I’ve seen it. … And the reality of it really hit home with me. … I read a book on Penn State. … They had followed these kids from their freshman year through a period of five years, and there was like one or two left. … There are a few kids getting rich. They’re doing pretty good, but there’s a lot of kids putting themselves at risk.\n\n“In my situation, my son had a concussion for two months. He couldn’t go out of the house. He had to stay inside. But that happened with a lot of these kids, and we just must keep that in mind. As people are making billions of dollars on the other side, what are we doing for the kids? We should have a way of making sure they get taken care of. … What’s your thought?”\n\nAcho: “Thank you, Mr. Buchanan. I spent several years as part of the NFL Players Association fighting for players’ rights. I sat down in front of the billionaire owners’ negotiating a collective bargaining agreement, and so this idea of player safety means very much to me. I also currently sit on the side as an ESPN analyst. And so I understand that TV contracts are also helping to increase the revenue for these teams. And the problem with these TV contracts is, well, how do you make more money? Well, you need more games. Well, that means players have to play in these games. And now players are accepting the brute of not just a 10 or a 12-game season. …\n\n“Well, now all of a sudden, with the new expanded college football playoff, a team could play in 17 games. … That’s five extra games for possibly five years. That’s another season-plus that these players are subject to potentially being injured. These young people have chances for concussions, lower extremity injuries and a very limited idea of [whether there is] health insurance for these players that have a short earning window.\n\n“And so I do think there needs to be someone speaking up on behalf of players. Everyone gets all caught up in NIL and transfer portal and ‘these players are making all this money.’ But you rarely hear about, number one, the players who are getting kicked off of teams in order to make room for the other players. Nor do you hear about the players who are getting injured and not able to continue their career both athletically and also academically.”\n\nOn the need for tax withholding for NIL money for college athletes to encourage smart financial planning:\n\nBuchanan: “Let me just say – one big thing is that they need to give these kids a net number. When they pay them, let the big guys pay the taxes. … Take care of that so they don’t get buried in this. … A lot of them get caught up. Someone talks them into this business deal, and before they know it, they’ve lost most of their money. That’s what I’ve seen. … I just want to make sure we don’t leave the players out of the discussion because they’re the ones making the opportunities to build these big facilities. And the minimum thing we should do is take care of their taxes as it relates so they get a net number, at least for the first few years, and put it in some kind of a fund that will be there for them going forward.”\n\nBuchanan is a respected leader in Florida’s business community and has created thousands of jobs over the course of his career. He previously chaired both the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Buchanan currently serves as Vice Chairman of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee and sits on the Joint Committee on Taxation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T09:23:40Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415747", "title": "Calling for stronger DOJ-FBI response to transnational repressionSmith, Moolenaar urge DOJ to probe vandalism of June Fourth Massacre Memorial Museum as potential act of transnational repression", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), and John Moolenaar (R-MI), Chairman of the House Select Committee on China, sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche urging the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the recent vandalism of the June Fourth Massacre Memorial Museum in El Monte, California, as a potential act of transnational repression.\n\nAccording to public reporting, unknown individuals broke into the Museum shortly before the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre—which occurred on June 4th, 1989—where they spray-painted walls and exhibits, damaged property, and interfered with the museum’s surveillance system.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers request that the DOJ, including the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office and the National Security Division, work closely with local authorities to determine whether the attack was connected to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), or individuals acting in sympathy with Beijing’s campaign to silence critics abroad.\n\n“The Museum preserves the irrefutable, brutal truth about the Tiananmen Massacre—the same truth that the CCP has spent nearly four decades actively denying and trying to bury,” said Smith. “That is why the DOJ must treat this attack with the seriousness it deserves and determine whether it was more than ordinary vandalism.\n\n“If this attack was planned, supported, or carried out by anyone acting on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party, it would be an attack on free speech, historical memory, and the safety of Chinese democracy advocates living in the United States.\n\n“America must be a place where survivors, dissidents, and diaspora communities can speak the truth without fear, and we must all work to ensure that foreign intimidation has no safe harbor here,” concluded Smith.\n\n“The CCP is the biggest oppressor of Chinese people in the world, and it is constantly trying to silence its critics in the United States through its campaign of transnational repression,” said Moolenaar. “The DOJ and FBI should investigate the vandalism at the June 4 Massacre Memorial Museum to protect the inalienable rights of the Chinese diaspora seeking freedom in the United States, as well as patriotic Chinese Americans who dare to speak out against the CCP.”\n\nThe Smith-Moolenaar letter points to a string of attacks in California, including the destruction of sculptures and surveillance targeting connected to Liberty Sculpture Park and dissident artist Chen Weiming; violence and intimidation directed at anti-CCP protesters during the 2023 APEC summit in San Francisco; and the federal charges against former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang for acting as an illegal agent of the PRC.\n\n“California has seen a troubling pattern of incidents that should sharpen our attention [and]…raises broader questions about whether front-line law enforcement officials have the training, resources, and support they need to identify transnational repression when they encounter it,” the Republican lawmakers write.\n\nSmith and Moolenaar further urge the DOJ and FBI to strengthen their training and coordination with state and local law enforcement to identify, investigate, and prosecute acts of transnational repression. Their letter notes that police officers and prosecutors are often the first to encounter incidents that may appear to be local or isolated, but could, in fact, be connected to a foreign government or its proxies.\n\nThe lawmakers concluded their letter by requesting that the DOJ provide a written response and briefing addressing:\n\nWhat guidance, training, or threat briefings FBI field offices currently provide to local police departments and prosecutors on recognizing signs of transnational repression;\n\nWhether the DOJ will conduct additional training and outreach in California, including in Los Angeles County, the San Gabriel Valley, San Francisco, and other communities where PRC-linked intimidation or influence activities have been alleged or charged;\n\nWhat reporting mechanisms exist for victims, museums, civil-society organizations, and diaspora communities that suspect they are being targeted by transnational repression, especially when they fear retaliation against themselves or relatives abroad; and\n\nWhat additional statutory authority, resources, or congressional action the DOJ believes would help prevent, investigate, and prosecute transnational repression more effectively.\n\nSmith and Moolenaar have supported and led congressional efforts to combat transnational repression, including the Transnational Repression Policy Act (HR 4829), bipartisan legislation to strengthen U.S. government training, outreach, reporting, and accountability tools to counter foreign governments that harass, intimidate, surveil, or coerce people inside the United States.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415749", "title": "Armenian Weekly article on Smith's Cyprus hearing'Congressional panel calls out Turkey's aggression and denial'", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By ANCA\n\nPublished July 9, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission convened back-to-back hearings on June 3 and June 30 documenting Turkey’s political imprisonment of dissidents, its denial of the Armenian Genocide, and its continued occupation of areas in the north of Cyprus. Witnesses called on Congress and the administration to expand Global Magnitsky sanctions against Turkish officials, designate Turkey a Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom violations, place Turkey on the Financial Action Task Force blacklist and reject Turkey’s reintegration into the F-35 program along with a ban on its\n\npending purchase of American-made jet engines.\n\n“These hearings draw into the bright sunlight the sins that Erdogan spends millions trying to hide in the shadow — the mass jailing of Turkey’s journalists and political opposition, the colonization of occupied Cyprus, and a century of obstructing justice for the Armenian Genocide,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “Congress needs to act now — sanctioning responsible Turkish officials, blacklisting the networks bankrolling terror out of occupied Cyprus, and refusing to arm Erdogan with F-35s and jet engines he will surely use against Armenia, Greece, Cyprus and other U.S. allies.”\n\nMembers of Congress and witnesses testify at Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission hearings on Turkey.\n\nPolitical prisoners and religious freedom: The case for Magnitsky Sanctions and CPC status\n\nAt the June 3 hearing, “Can Turkey Find Its Way Back to Freedom?,” Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission co-chair Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) reported that Turkey now holds more than 10,000 political prisoners, including journalists, lawyers, elected officials and civil society leaders, jailed under increasingly abusive counterterrorism laws — repression that has deepened over Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s 23 years in power, first as prime minister beginning in 2003 and then as president since 2014, atop his Justice and Development Party (AKP).\n\nThat same repression extends to religious minorities, Michael Rubin testified. The Middle East Forum’s director of policy analysis told the commission that Erdogan and his officials use religious minorities, including Turkey’s dwindling Jewish and Christian communities, as targets of state-tolerated incitement and pointed to the treatment of Armenian and Greek religious sites in Istanbul as part of the same pattern. “Just as Erdogan now seeks a say in Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem,” Rubin testified, “so too should that model now [be] applied to Greek and Armenian sites in Istanbul.”\n\nRep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) details Turkey’s imprisonment of more than 10,000 political prisoners at the June 3 hearing.\n\nMichael Rubin testifies on Turkey’s response to U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide at the June 3 hearing.\n\nRubin also cited the Armenian Genocide as proof that Turkey’s threats of retaliation rarely materialize. “We saw this with both the Biden administration’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide and that of all 50 states and the District of Columbia,” Rubin testified. “Those recognitions happened and Turkey didn’t do a damn thing.”\n\nGiven this record, Smith called for both individual accountability and a formal religious freedom designation. “I believe the Magnitsky sanctions need to be used far more robustly everywhere, not just in Turkey, and religious freedom CPC status ought to be meted out for Turkey,” Smith said. The Global Magnitsky Act allows the United States to freeze the assets of and bar entry to specific foreign officials responsible for human rights abuses or corruption, targeting individuals rather than the country as a whole. Country of Particular Concern, or CPC, status is a State Department designation for governments that engage in or tolerate systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom and can trigger sanctions under U.S. law.\n\nCyprus occupation and genocide denial\n\nThe June 30 hearing, “Human Rights in Occupied Cyprus,” turned to Turkey’s 52-year occupation of the island ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara. Republic of Cyprus Ambassador Evangelos Savva testified that Turkey continues to block access to mass graves holding the remains of Cypriots killed during the 1974 invasion, including at least five American citizens, and refuses to cooperate with the Committee on Missing Persons investigating their fate. “This is a particular stain on Turkey, not allowing people to finally have closure on the fate of their loved ones,” Savva testified.\n\nTurkey’s refusal to reckon with the past is not limited to Cyprus, Chairman Smith noted, recalling that a Turkish ambassador once threatened U.S. access to Incirlik Air Base in retaliation for a congressional hearing on the Armenian Genocide. “You like your base in Incirlik? Well, it may be gone if you recognize the genocide committed against the Armenians,” Smith recounted the ambassador saying. “I said, what a weak partner you are in NATO when you threaten our base because we’re calling you out.” Rubin testified that Erdogan proved himself “an empty suit” on that threat, since the United States and all 50 states recognized the Armenian Genocide without Turkey following through on the retaliation it had promised.\n\nAmbassador Evangelos Savva testifies on Turkey’s blocking of access to 1974 invasion mass graves.\n\nRep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) recalls Turkey’s threat over Armenian Genocide recognition.\n\nA military buildup aimed at NATO allies: The case against F-35s and engine sales\n\nThe same hearing turned to Turkey’s military ambitions. Witnesses testified that Turkey’s pursuit of F-35 reintegration and a proposed $700 million purchase of GE F-110 jet engines is not aimed at Russia, despite Ankara’s framing of the deals as NATO-aligned. Savas Tsivicos of the International Coordinating Committee — Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA) testified that Turkey’s own posture toward Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, not Russia, reveals the true purpose of the weapons. “Those F-35s and jet engines are not going to go against Russia,” Tsivicos testified. “After all, Erdogan is in bed with Putin. Those weapons will be used against the three strategic allies of the United States: Israel, Greece, and Cyprus.”\n\nSinan Ciddi of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies added that F-35 reintegration would let Turkey project its “Blue Homeland” maritime claims, which he described as a violation of international maritime law, backed by advanced military platforms.\n\nCongress is already moving to block both transfers: Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) told the commission she is introducing a joint resolution of disapproval to block the F-110 engine sale and leading a letter to House leadership opposing any attempt to readmit Turkey into the F-35 program. “By rewarding Erdogan with arms sales that he wants so badly, we are perpetuating the horrific policies of a government that has flouted international law with respect to Cyprus,” Titus said.\n\nANCA is working alongside Hellenic American organizations, including PSEKA, the Hellenic American Leadership Council, the American Hellenic Institute and AHEPA, to oppose both Turkey’s F-35 reintegration and the engine sale.\n\nRep. Dina Titus (D-NV) warns against arming Turkey.\n\nSinan Ciddi warns that F-35 reintegration would advance Turkey’s “Blue Homeland” project.\n\nTerror finance and money laundering: The case for a FATF blacklist\n\nTurkey’s ambitions abroad are matched by financial abuses at home, Rubin testified, describing occupied northern Cyprus as a hub for money laundering and terror finance, with casinos and universities operating there that fund terrorism and facilitate human trafficking.\n\nOn that basis, Rubin called for formal financial accountability measures. “The United States should link Turkey’s inclusion on the Financial Action Task Force blacklist with its behavior in Northern Cyprus,” Rubin testified. The Financial Action Task Force is an intergovernmental body that identifies countries whose financial systems pose a risk of enabling money laundering and terror financing; blacklisting can trigger enhanced due diligence and restrictions from banks and governments worldwide.\n\nSavas Tsivicos testifies that F-35s sold to Turkey could be used against U.S. allies.\n\nMichael Rubin calls for placing Turkey on the Financial Action Task Force blacklist.\n\nBringing the record to Congress: Who testified\n\nBoth hearings drew testimony from a range of witnesses and members of Congress. The June 3 hearing, “Can Turkey Find Its Way Back to Freedom? Authoritarian Consolidation versus the Defense of Turkish Democracy,” was chaired by Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission co-chairs Rep. Chris Smith and Rep. James P. McGovern. Witnesses included Henri Barkey, adjunct senior fellow for Middle East Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations; Michael Rubin, director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum; Serkan Golge, senior research scientist and former political prisoner in Turkey; and Andrew O’Donohue, Carl J. Friedrich fellow at Harvard University and nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415750", "title": "Military.com article on Smith-Moolenaar letter to DOJ'Lawmakers Press DOJ to Investigate Tiananmen Square Museum Vandalism, China Ties'", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Nick Mordowanec\n\nPublished July 9, 2026 at 12:36 PM EDT\n\nTwo House lawmakers are calling on the federal government to step in following reported vandalism of a California museum.\n\nReps. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), and John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), chair of the House Select Committee on China, sent a letter on Wednesday to acting Attorney General Todd Blanche calling on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the recent vandalism of the June Fourth Massacre Memorial Museum in El Monte, Calif., as a potential act of transnational repression involving the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or People’s Republic of China (PRC).\n\nThe museum honors the Tiananmen Square Massacre, which occurred on June 4,1989. A report last month from Domino Theory claimed that unknown individuals broke into the museum shortly before the 37th anniversary of the event, spray-painting walls and exhibits, damaging property, and interfering with the museum’s surveillance system.\n\nFILE - Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., speaks during the House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing on the administration foreign policy priorities on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, in Washington. (Ken Cedeno/Pool via AP, File)\n\n“The museum preserves the irrefutable, brutal truth about the Tiananmen Massacre—the same truth that the CCP has spent nearly four decades actively denying and trying to bury,” Smith said in a statement. “That is why the DOJ must treat this attack with the seriousness it deserves and determine whether it was more than ordinary vandalism.\n\n“If this attack was planned, supported, or carried out by anyone acting on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party, it would be an attack on free speech, historical memory, and the safety of Chinese democracy advocates living in the United States.\"\n\nParticipants attend a candlelight vigil at Democracy Square to mark the 37th anniversary of the Chinese military crackdown on the pro-democracy movement in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, in Taipei, Taiwan, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)\n\nThe joint letter alludes to \"a troubling pattern of incidents\" in California, referencing the destruction of sculptures and surveillance targeting connected to Liberty Sculpture Park and dissident artist Chen Weiming; violence and intimidation directed at anti-CCP protesters during the 2023 APEC summit in San Francisco; and federal charges against former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang.\n\nMilitary.com previously reported on Wang, who resigned from her seat in May and later that month pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal agent of the PRC.\n\n“The CCP is the biggest oppressor of Chinese people in the world, and it is constantly trying to silence its critics in the United States through its campaign of transnational repression,” Moolenaar said in a statement. “The DOJ and FBI should investigate the vandalism at the June 4 Massacre Memorial Museum to protect the inalienable rights of the Chinese diaspora seeking freedom in the United States, as well as patriotic Chinese Americans who dare to speak out against the CCP.”\n\nIncident Shows 'Serious Threat to US Sovereignty'\n\nThe Smith-Moolenaar letter insists caution be adhered to for incidents such as these, connecting the vandalism to potentially more nefarious activity as a broader \"serious threat to U.S. sovereignty.\"\n\nThey are calling on the DOJ, the FBI's Los Angeles field office, and the National Security Division to determine whether this attack was planned, encouraged, supported or carried out by individuals acting on behalf of, at the direction of, or in sympathy with the PRC or CCP.\n\nA Pro-Beijing market at the Victoria Park, the city's venue for the annual 1989 Tiananmen massacre vigil, on the 37th anniversary of China's Tiananmen Square crackdown, in Hong Kong, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)\n\n\"What may first appear to be vandalism, assault, harassment or political disruption can sometimes be part of a broader effort by a foreign adversary to silence critics and intimidate diaspora communities inside the United States,\" the letter states. \"We are also aware that the first officials to respond to some of these incidents—local police officers, local prosecutors, and FBI field agents—may not have fully appreciated the possibility that these acts were connected to a foreign government or its proxies.\n\n\"That possibility raises broader questions about whether front-line law enforcement officials have the training, resources and support needed to identify transnational repression when they encounter it. State attorneys general and other elected officials have testified before Congress about the need for additional training, stronger federal-state cooperation, and improved information-sharing on this issue.\"\n\nLawmakers: DOJ Has to Provide These Answers\n\nThe lawmakers outlined a list of their main questions for Blanche and DOJ, requesting a written response to the following inquiries:\n\nWhat guidance, training, or threat briefings FBI field offices currently provide to local police departments and prosecutors on recognizing signs of transnational repression.\n\nWhether DOJ will conduct additional training and outreach in California, including in Los Angeles County, the San Gabriel Valley, San Francisco, and other communities where PRC-linked intimidation or influence activities have been alleged or charged.\n\nWhat reporting mechanisms exist for victims, museums, civil-society organizations, and diaspora communities that suspect they are being targeted by transnational repression, especially when they fear retaliation against themselves or relatives abroad.\n\nWhat additional statutory authority, resources, or congressional action DOJ believes would help prevent, investigate, and prosecute transnational repression more effectively.\n\nSmith and Moolenaar also encouraged federal authorities to follow in the footsteps of the FBI Philadelphia Field Office’s creation of the bureau’s first operational task force dedicated to transnational repression threats, acknowledging it as \"an important step in the right direction\" while adding that \"more needs to be done.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ciscomani-joins-effort-urging-protection-lwcf", "title": "Rep. Ciscomani Joins Effort Urging for Protection of the LWCF", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ciscomani.house.gov", "scraper": "ciscomani", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001133", "name": "Juan Ciscomani", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Tucson, AZ - U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) has joined an effort to preserve the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) as it currently stands, opposing any future amendments to the Fund that would jeopardize conservation and critical outdoor recreation needs.\n\nRepresentative Ciscomani joined other House members dedicated to protecting the LWCF in writing a letter to the House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman, urging him to ensure the LWCF is not amended in any of the Committee’s current or future consideration of this or any other legislation.\n\n\"Public lands and water conservation efforts are crucial for the communities of southeastern Arizona. I am a strong advocate for the Land and Water Conservation Fund as it directly supports the unique needs of our region and ensures that we have the funding needed to protect our most vital resources,\" said Rep. Ciscomani. \"I am proud to join my colleagues in advocating for the continued conservation efforts included in the LWCF and remain committed to supporting this critical fund.\"\n\nFunds from the LWCF directly advance crucial projects that support our land, water, and wildlife across the United States. In 2020, under the leadership of President Trump and Chairman Westerman’s support, Congress passed the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), permanently funding LWCF. This landmark legislation carried out a long-overdue promise to ensure that the $900 million deposited into the LWCF from offshore oil and gas receipts will truly be used for the purposes intended. This action, in addition to passage of the 2019 John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act received strong bipartisan support in the House and were signed into law by President Trump.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers write, \"As you know, LWCF is a foundational conservation and recreation commitment that works extremely well as authorized to support our public lands and local economies, and the commitments we made to LWCF in GAOA and the Dingell Act are settled law. We appreciate that this vital program now allocates the full $900 million in annual LWCF funding guaranteed by statute to the suite of 10 authorized LWCF federal, state, and local conservation subprograms. In that context, we appreciate your efforts in the recent bipartisan legislation on America’s Legacy Restoration Fund, and urge you to ensure that LWCF is not amended as the Committee moves forward with consideration of this and any other legislation, so that LWCF’s dedicated funds continue to address conservation and outdoor recreation access needs, including for sportsmen’s access.\"\n\nLocal leaders have expressed strong support for Rep. Ciscomani’s effort to protect the Fund.\n\n\"We appreciate Congressman Juan Ciscomani's leadership in standing up for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and its long-standing promise to Arizona's hunters, anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and local communities. LWCF has helped conserve wildlife habitat, expand public access, and strengthen Arizona's outdoor recreation economy. By supporting this effort to protect the integrity of LWCF, Congressman Ciscomani is helping ensure this critical program continues to benefit current and future generations,\" said Michael Cravens, Advocacy and Conservation Director, Arizona Wildlife Federation.\n\n\"Thank you, Congressman Ciscomani. Your support sends a strong message: conserving our public lands and outdoor heritage remains a priority for communities across America,\"said Christian Stumpf, Director of External Affairs, The Nature Conservancy in Arizona.\n\nRepresentative Ciscomani remains a dedicated advocate for the LWCF and the essential support for conservation it provides.\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-fema-funding-125791-tipton-county-road-and", "title": "Congressman Cohen Announces FEMA Funding of $125,791 to Tipton County for Road and Embankment Repairs", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cohen.house.gov", "scraper": "cohen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001068", "name": "Steve Cohen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced Tipton County will receive funding of $125,791 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to repair roads and embankments damaged in the straight-line winds and tornadoes of April 2025. The figure represents 75 percent of the total of costs incurred.\n\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\n\n“Tipton County received serious damage in the April 2025 storms that lashed our region. I am pleased to see Tipton County reimbursed for much of the expense it incurred getting roads back in good shape.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-correa-presents-1-million-in-federal-funding-for-orange-real-time-crime-center", "title": "REP. CORREA PRESENTS $1 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ORANGE REAL TIME CRIME CENTER", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "correa.house.gov", "scraper": "correa", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001110", "name": "J. Luis Correa", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "ORANGE, CA — Today, Representative Lou Correa (D-CA) presented a check for $1,031,000 in federal funding to the City of Orange to establish a Real Time Crime Center. Funding will be used to purchase updated technology that will allow for real-time intelligence gathering, predictive crime analytics, and enhanced deployment strategies. The center will equip the Orange Police Department with real-time information so they may respond to calls more efficiently, with more operational intelligence, and a proactive emphasis on officer and community safety.\n\n“It’s important that our public safety officers have tools to help them respond to emergencies more safely and efficiently,” said Rep. Correa. “This funding will equip the Orange Police Department with real-time information so they can respond to calls more efficiently and in a way that enhances their safety and the safety of our community.”\n\n“We are extremely grateful to Congressman Correa for his continued championing of our City. Our new Real Time Crime Center will be an investment in the safety and quality of life for every resident and business owner in Orange,” said Mayor Dan Slater. “By equipping our Police Department with immediate and accurate situational awareness, this Center will help our officers work smarter and more efficiently, protect our businesses, and keep our neighborhoods safe for generations to come.”\n\nRep. Correa secured funds for this project through the FY26 community project funding process, during which the congressman secured $14.4 million for CA-46 projects.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craigs-office-puts-more-10-million-back-minnesotans-pockets-through", "title": "Rep. Craig's Office Puts More Than $10 Million Back into Minnesotans’ Pockets Through Constituent Services", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "craig.house.gov", "scraper": "craig", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001119", "name": "Angie Craig", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "EAGAN, MN – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig announced that her office has officially returned more than $10 million to constituents in Minnesota’s Second Congressional District. Through her office’s constituent services operation, Rep. Craig’s team has put $10,014,233 wrongfully withheld by the federal government back into the pockets of Minnesotans.\n\nSince Rep. Craig came to Congress in 2019, her office has completed 6,937 constituent cases. Her constituent services team has successfully completed 1,811 cases this Congress alone.\n\n“My number one priority in Congress is serving my constituents back in Minnesota’s Second Congressional District,” said Rep. Craig. “That means helping folks recoup their hard-earned money and ensuring that they get the benefits they are entitled to. I am so proud of the work my team has done to make Minnesotans whole, and we’ll keep working to put every penny we can back into the pockets of folks in CD2.”\n\nLast month, the Congressional Management Foundation awarded Rep. Craig’s office a “Certificate of Excellence in Constituent Service” for its exceptional work serving Minnesotans navigating issues with federal agencies. Earlier this year – during the height of Operation Metro Surge – Rep. Craig’s constituent services team secured the release of 12 constituents wrongfully detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).\n\nRep. Craig's office has resolved cases involving the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Department of State, the Department of Education, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Small Business Administration (SBA) and other federal agencies.\n\nConstituents seeking help with a federal agency can contact Rep. Craig's constituent services team via phone at (651) 846-2120 or email at RepCraigCasework@mail.house.gov. More information on Rep. Craig’s constituent services can be found at https://craig.house.gov/casework.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/crow-warren-demand-answers-on-dismantling-of-civilian-protections-by-defense-department", "title": "Crow, Warren Demand Answers on Dismantling of Civilian Protections by Defense Department", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://crow.house.gov/news", "domain": "crow.house.gov", "scraper": "crow", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001121", "name": "Jason Crow", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), a former paratrooper and Army Ranger who serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Armed Services Committee, along with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), pressed the U.S. Department of Defense for answers about why they are defunding and deprioritizing programs that protect civilians during armed conflict. This has jeopardized the safety of servicemembers and civilians and potentially violated federal law.\n\nTheir letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth follows a new report by the DoD Inspector General that the Trump Administration defunded congressionally-mandated programs that are meant to protect civilians in combat. It finds that under Hegseth’s leadership, DoD has put both servicemembers and civilians at risk and has potentially violated federal law. The letter also follows what could be one of the largest civilian casualty events in modern U.S. military history, the strike on an Iranian girls’ elementary school that killed at least 175 civilians, many of them children. Since then, additional U.S. military strikes targeted Iranian water treatment facilities, damaging civilian infrastructure.\n\nJoining Crow and Warren on the letter were Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA).\n\n“The Trump administration’s military adventurism overseas, combined with its obvious disregard for civilians, do not make the American people or our service members safer. We, therefore, request clarification about the steps the Department is taking to address these deficiencies and to protect civilians in line with the Department’s strategic, legal, and moral obligations,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\nThe DoD’s Inspector General report includes a review of DoD’s implementation of its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP), which outlines what steps will be taken to prevent, mitigate, and respond to civilian harm. The report confirms that all of the objectives of the plan are “at risk” under Hegseth’s leadership. The report states that the Trump administration’s failure to implement the plan means that the administration may have violated federal law by defunding and blocking civilian protection efforts. The report also revealed that DoD failed to cooperate with the OIGs investigation, including by blocking investigators from observing meetings and withholding access to DoD’s implementation tracking tools.\n\n“These revelations make real the concerns that we have previously raised about your complete ‘disregard for the strategic, legal, and moral imperative to minimize civilian harm,’” the lawmakers said. “The Department’s failure to implement the CHMR-AP has profound consequences for civilians in conflict zones and makes service members’ jobs harder and riskier,” they continued.\n\nThe lawmakers pressed Secretary Hegseth to explain DoD’s failure to implement civilian protection policies, account for changes in resourcing and staffing for civilian protection efforts, explain what DoD is doing to comply with federal law requiring civilian protection policies and institutions, and provide any analysis DoD has done on the impact of recent strikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran by July 19, 2026.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be viewed here.\n\nCrow, Co-Chair of the Protection of Civilians in Conflict Caucus, previously led 120 House colleagues demanding answers on civilian deaths during the Trump Administration’s Operation Epic Fury. His time in Iraq and Afghanistan informs much of his work in Congress aimed at increasing civilian protection in combat. He helped pass legislation codifying the creation of the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence, and has passed major portions of his Protection of Civilians in Military Operations Act and Department of Defense Civilian Harm Transparency Act.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-leads-pennsylvania-delegation-members-petition-us-air-force-base-new", "title": "Deluzio Leads Pennsylvania Delegation Members to Petition U.S. Air Force to Base New Squadron in Moon Township", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "deluzio.house.gov", "scraper": "deluzio", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000530", "name": "Christopher R. Deluzio", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) led five of his colleagues in the Pennsylvania congressional delegation in a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Michael J. Borders, requesting that the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) base the new 33rd Combat Communications Squadron at the Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station in Moon Township, Pennsylvania.\n\nSenators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA), and Congressmembers Mike Kelly (PA-16), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) signed the letter to Assistant Secretary Borders.\n\n“Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station is the right operational fit for AFRC’s new squadron,” wrote the Members of Congress. “Co-location with AFRC’s 911th Airlift Wing and its C-17 airlift mission would allow communications forces and airlift crews to train, load, and deploy together as a unified capability.”\n\nThe lawmakers argued that AFRC would benefit from Western Pennsylvania’s abundance of educational institutions, technical talent, and cutting-edge companies: “Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, and a dense ecosystem of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and robotics companies stand ready to partner directly with AFRC—reducing acquisition costs and timelines through co-development, and positioning the command at the leading edge as communications technology rapidly evolves.”\n\n“Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station offers the operational foundation, talent pipeline, innovation partnerships and strategic positioning the 33rd Combat Communication Squadron needs,” they concluded.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-announces-additional-helene-recovery-funding-1", "title": "Edwards Announces Additional Helene Recovery Funding", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "edwards.house.gov", "scraper": "edwards", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000246", "name": "Chuck Edwards", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "July 9, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) announced the release of more than $23 million in FEMA Public Assistance funds to support ongoing hurricane recovery efforts in North Carolina. Funding secured for Western North Carolina includes:\n\n$2,504,272 to Mitchell County to repair park facilities along Cane Creek.\n\n$10,259,743 to North Carolina Emergency Management for emergency protective measures following Hurricane Helene.\n\n$933,168 to Henderson County for emergency protective measures following Hurricane Helene.\n\n$2,395,861 to the City of Asheville for disaster management costs following Hurricane Helene.\n\n$231,506 to Christmount Christian Assembly for road and retaining wall repairs following Hurricane Helene.\n\n$7,391,400 to North Carolina Emergency Management for debris removal operations.\n\n$236,098 to Haywood Electric Membership Corporation for disaster management costs following Hurricane Helene.\n\n“Securing these funds is critical to finally moving from recovery to rebuilding,” said Congressman Edwards.“These resources allow us to get to work restoring our roads, rebuilding our bridges, and repairing the infrastructure Western North Carolina depends on every single day to keep communities connected and moving forward.”\n\nCongressman Edwards has continued working with federal, state, and local officials to ensure Western North Carolina communities receive the resources needed to support long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Helene.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3247", "title": "Congresswoman Escobar Demands More Information on  La Tuna Closure from BOP", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) sent a letter to Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Director William K. Marshall voicing her concerns about the announced closure of La Tuna. In her letter, she includes a list of 18 questions she requests the BOP to answer.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here or below:\n\nDirector Marshall:\n\nI write regarding the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) July 1, 2026, announcement that La Tuna FCI, Federal Satellite Low, and Satellite Camp in Anthony, Texas will be permanently closed. Despite the direct impact the closure of La Tuna will have on my constituents and the surrounding community who are employed by the BOP, my office was not given prior notice of the decision.\n\nBOP cited extended infrastructure and staffing challenges as the basis for these closures. However, BOP acknowledges a deferred maintenance backlog exceeding $4 billion, while also receiving $5 billion in from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and retaining billions in FY 2026 spending authority. If the agency has billions of dollars available to address infrastructure, maintenance, staffing, and operational needs, my constituents deserve to know why BOP is choosing permanent closure and layoffs at La Tuna rather than using available resources to preserve federal jobs and support a carceral system that is already strained.\n\nThis decision affects real people. It affects the federal employees whose livelihoods are now at risk, the families who rely on those jobs, and the surrounding communities that would economically suffer as a result of such massive layoffs. It also impacts the people detained at these facilities who are now facing relocation to other sites, away from their legal representation and resources. Detainees who are local to the region and will need to be relocated are also facing further separation from their local family and support systems.\n\nThese closures also affect public safety. If BOP truly believes that they are an “agency like no other” that ensures “federal offenders serve their sentences of imprisonment in facilities that are safe, human, cost-efficient, and appropriately secure..,” then it cannot simultaneously allow federal prison capacity, jobs, and infrastructure to deteriorate without explanation. After receiving an unprecedented budget influx, cutting jobs and resources from a prison system already facing dire staffing and infrastructure challenges does not demonstrate a serious governing strategy to keep our communities safe.\n\nAt a minimum, my constituents deserve the answers to the following questions:", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/7/fitzpatrick-expands-national-pfas-fight-leads-bipartisan-push-to-remove-forever-chemicals-from-food-packaging-and-cosmetics", "title": "Fitzpatrick Expands National PFAS Fight, Leads Bipartisan Push to Remove Forever Chemicals from Food Packaging and Cosmetics", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "scraper": "fitzpatrick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000466", "name": "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan PFAS Task Force and one of Congress’s leading voices in the fight against forever chemicals, is leading a new bipartisan push to eliminate PFAS from products Americans use every day.\n\nThe legislation targets two common pathways of exposure: cosmetics and personal care products used directly on the body, and food packaging that can place PFAS in close contact with the food Americans eat.\n\nTogether, the bills are part of Fitzpatrick’s larger effort to change the way America confronts PFAS: clean up what has already been contaminated, stop unnecessary exposure at the source, and demand accountability from those responsible.\n\n“Since entering Congress, I have worked with affected families, local leaders, scientists, and advocates to force action on PFAS—and that fight has made one thing clear: we cannot wait for contamination to spread before we act,” said Fitzpatrick. “We have pushed for stronger drinking water protections, faster cleanup, greater transparency, and real accountability. Now we are taking the next step by cutting off unnecessary exposure at the source. Americans should be able to trust the products in their homes and the packaging around their food, and I will keep leading this fight until every community has the clean water, safe products, and accountability it deserves.”\n\nTargeting PFAS in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products\n\nFitzpatrick was joined by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), his fellow PFAS Task Force Co-Chair, and Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) in introducing the bipartisan No PFAS in Cosmetics Act.\n\nThe legislation would require the Food and Drug Administration to ban the intentional use of PFAS in cosmetic products within 270 days of enactment.\n\n“Americans should not have to wonder whether the products they use every day are exposing them to toxic chemicals,” said Fitzpatrick. “When dangerous substances can be removed from consumer products, there is no excuse for inaction. The No PFAS in Cosmetics Act is a clear, bipartisan step to protect families, strengthen consumer trust, and put public health first, ”said Fitzpatrick.\n\n“PFAS chemicals are in products that we use every single day, including cosmetics and personal care products. Too often these dangerous chemicals are not disclosed on packaging and labels, meaning most Americans don’t even know they’re using them,” said Dingell. “Studies have linked PFAS chemicals to a variety of health hazards, and we need a strong, bipartisan effort to address this crisis. The No PFAS in Cosmetics Act takes important steps to protect consumers and prevent the continued proliferation of forever chemicals.”\n\n\"The science is clear: PFAS chemicals are linked to breast and other cancers, birth defects, hormone disruption, and organ damage — yet they're still hiding in the products we use every single day,” said Suzanne Price, CEO at Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. \"We applaud Representatives Dingell, Fitzpatrick, and Friedman for stepping up where industry hasn't. The No PFAS in Cosmetics Act builds on the bipartisan momentum states have already built to phase PFAS out of consumer goods — protecting people from health harms no matter where they live, shop, or work.\"\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\nKeeping Forever Chemicals Out of the Food Americans Eat\n\nFitzpatrick and Dingell also introduced the bipartisan Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act, which would prohibit intentionally added PFAS in food packaging, including wrappers and containers designed to resist grease, water, and oil.\n\n“Every day, families bring home takeout containers, wrappers, and food packaging that can contain intentionally added PFAS—putting toxic forever chemicals far too close to the food we eat. That is an unnecessary risk, and it is one we have the responsibility to eliminate. This bill takes these chemicals out of the equation by setting a clear national standard and stopping avoidable exposure at the source. We know enough about the dangers of PFAS to act with urgency, and protecting the health of the American people must always come first,” said Fitzpatrick.\n\n“You shouldn’t have to worry about chemicals seeping from containers into your food,” said Dingell. “PFAS chemicals are in products that we use every single day, and most Americans don’t even know the risks or daily exposure they face. Several states have already passed laws banning PFAS in food packaging, now we need strong federal legislation to ensure hazardous chemicals are not allowed near the food we eat.”\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\nBuilding on a National Record of PFAS Leadership\n\nFor Fitzpatrick, the latest legislation builds on years of bipartisan work shaped by the experiences of communities in Bucks and Montgomery Counties that have lived with the consequences of PFAS contamination firsthand.\n\nAs Co-Chair of the Bipartisan PFAS Task Force, Fitzpatrick has helped make Pennsylvania’s First District a driving force in the national response to forever chemicals—bringing together impacted families, scientists, veterans, water authorities, local leaders, and advocates to push for stronger federal standards, faster remediation, greater transparency, and real accountability.\n\nHis work has included:", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-foushee-casar-introduce-legislation-to-protect-children-and-americans-privacy-from-ai-chatbot-harms-and-require-chatbot-safety-assessments", "title": "Reps. Foushee, Casar Introduce Legislation to Protect Children and Americans’ Privacy from AI Chatbot Harms and Require Chatbot Safety Assessments", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "foushee.house.gov", "scraper": "foushee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000477", "name": "Valerie P. Foushee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The People-First Chatbot Act is endorsed by: Alliance for Secure AI, Dr. Alondra Nelson, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Security Fund (ASF), Bria, Becca Schmill Foundation, Buckets Over Bullying, Citizens for Decency, Dr. Cynthia Rudin, Common Sense Media, Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America (CFA), Data & Society Research Institute, David’s Legacy Foundation, Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), Erik’s Cause, Fairplay, Institute for Family Studies, Matthew E. Minor Awareness Foundation, Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA), National Consumers League (NCL), Not on Our Watch (NOWTX), Open Markets Institute (OMI), Oregon Consumer Justice, Oregon Consumer League, ParentsSOS, Human Trafficking Survivor and Awareness Advocate Robin Levasseur, Shield North Carolina, SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education), Sharon Winkler, Survivor Parent and Mother of Alex Peiser, Forever 17, Talk More. Tech Less., Trafficking Law Center, UltraViolet, and Virginia Citizens Consumer Council.\n\n“Parents deserve to know how and when their children interact with an AI chatbot and that the chatbot is not collecting data to be used against users. The People-First Chatbot Act sets sensible and necessary safeguards to prevent AI companies’ chatbots from targeting children and blurring the line between AI and human interaction,” said Brendan Steinhauser, CEO of The Alliance for Secure AI. “Rep. Foushee has taken an important step to address this issue. By setting clear rules on data privacy and safety, users will have greater trust in how AI chatbots collect and handle their information. Congress must act quickly to give users — especially children — real protection, and a real remedy when AI chatbots and Big Tech fail to meet these standards.”\n\n“The pace of the AI revolution has been blisteringly fast, and kids and parents are getting burned. Right now, our students are drowning in tech, and predatory ‘social companion chatbots’ are exploiting isolation and loneliness to foster toxic virtual relationships. Relationships are a deeply human endeavor; there is simply no algorithm for real trust or empathy. The People-First Chatbot Act builds on the protections in the GUARD Act and establishes the enforceable guardrails we desperately need. By forcing companies to dismantle manipulative design features, requiring strict safety checks for compulsive usage and banning the harvesting of kids’ private data, this bill draws a clear line in the sand,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).\n\n“The People-First Chatbot Act is the guardrail this moment demands. AI chatbots are products, not platforms — and like all other products, they should be liable when they hurt people. Through liability, as well as transparency and privacy, Rep. Foushee is setting crucial floors for child safety and consumer protection in the age of AI,” said Meredith Potter, Executive Director, American Security Fund.\n\n“We require a label on imitation crab and on soda that only tastes like fruit, so no one is misled about what they are consuming. Whether the voice answering you is a human or a machine is as important as knowing what is in your drink, and it deserves at least the same honesty. Bria builds this technology, and we are asking Congress to require the disclosure. Trust is the only thing that turns AI from a novelty into an economy,” said Vered Horesh, Chief AI Strategy Officer, Bria.\n\n“This bill puts control back in users’ hands when interacting with a chatbot,” said Ruth Susswein, Director of Consumer Protection, Consumer Action. “It reins in use of our personal data, with extra protection for kids, and gives consumers the right to access human assistance when seeking help from a company.”\n\n“The People-First Chatbot Act rightfully focuses on privacy, safety, and accountability,” said Ben Winters, Director of AI and Privacy, Consumer Federation of America. “It draws clear lines in the sand, cuts off rampant data abuses by most of the big chatbot providers, and critically has straightforward enforcement mechanisms that allow people to act when they are harmed by careless AI companies putting profit over people.”\n\n“As the deployment of chatbots has already led to devastating harms, it is time for Congress to establish clear safeguards to rein in this technology,” EPIC Counsel Kara Williams said. “The People-First Chatbot Act tackles the root of the chatbot problem by protecting users from exploitative data practices and establishing a clear framework to hold companies accountable for the harms their products cause. EPIC applauds the bill sponsors for advancing strong legislation that centers privacy and civil rights by putting people—not tech companies—first.”\n\n“The People-First Chatbot Act is the legislation kids and adults urgently need. AI chatbots can pose a risk of severe harms to young people, including suicide, AI psychosis, compulsive use, and unhealthy emotional dependency. They can also impede children’s healthy development by replacing vital human relationships with parents, teachers, and friends. If we don’t force AI companies to stop designing chatbots for addiction and unhealthy emotional attachment, we could see an unprecedented disaster for the health and well-being of young people in this country,” said Brendan Bouffard, Fairplay Staff Attorney. “Fairplay thanks Rep. Foushee for her amazing leadership in introducing the People-First Chatbot Act. We look forward to working with her and her colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure this legislation becomes law.”\n\n“The People-First Chatbot Act represents a pro-human, pro-family approach to AI governance that is needed more than ever today. This bill protects Americans and their families from AI chatbot providers that would prey upon their attention, their personal data, and their emotional vulnerability for profit. We applaud these efforts and Rep. Foushee’s leadership on AI safety,” said Jared Hayden, Policy Analyst, Family First Tech Initiative, The Institute for Family Studies.\n\n“Parents agree: a product encouraging children to harm themselves or others is entirely unacceptable. That’s why Rep. Foushee's People-First Chatbot Act is so important,” said Julie Scelfo, founder and Executive Director of Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA). “We applaud her commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of North Carolina's kids and urge all state leaders to ensure the swift passage of this critical bill.”\n\n“Like any other product, safety should come first for chatbots,” said Eden Iscil, Senior Public Policy Manager, National Consumers League. “And just like any other product, AI developers should be held liable when they harm the public. This bill presents one of the strongest and most comprehensive approaches for AI safety to date. NCL is proud to support the measure.”\n\n“Passing legislation to ensure chatbots are not designed with the same perverse incentives to manipulate people for profit and establishing clear liability standards for injuries caused by products these corporations are rushing to market are essential steps toward ensuring safer and human-centric AI and helping mitigate the power that big tech firms have to render human emotions into data for profit,” said Dr. Courtney Radsch, Director of the Center for Media & Digital Governance at Open Markets Institute (OMI).\n\n“Shield North Carolina is proud to support the introduction of the People-First Chatbot Act, a timely federal proposal that ensures human safety, privacy, and accountability are central to AI chatbot development. As an organization dedicated to preventing exploitation and strengthening community safety, we recognize how quickly unsafe chatbot interactions can escalate risk, especially for minors, individuals in crisis, and those experiencing isolation. This legislation takes meaningful steps to prevent those harms,” said Niki Miller, Executive Director, Shield North Carolina. “By requiring chatbots to be safe-by-design, the Act would help reduce risks such as suicide, compulsive use, emotional dependence, and would better protect users from undue influence. We support this Act’s commitment to safeguarding users, particularly minors, as AI technologies evolve.”\n\n“At SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, we hear from parents whose children turned to a chatbot in their darkest moment and got engagement instead of help. Rep. Foushee's People-First Chatbot Act meets this crisis head on. It requires safety by design, shuts off features that put minors at risk of suicide, and gives injured users and their families the right to hold chatbot providers accountable in court. It also protects state laws and the families already fighting these companies. This is the accountability framework we have been demanding, and SAVE endorses it wholeheartedly,” said Erich Mische, CEO, SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education.\n\n“The People-First Chatbot Act puts user safety and privacy first. Talk More. Tech Less. is a digital wellness and safety organization working to combat online harms, especially to minors. We have seen an increase in Artificial Intelligence chatbot design manipulating and causing the most tragic harms to users and their loved ones. We endorse this bill because there is no doubt that it will mitigate harms as it requires companies to disable harmful AI chatbot design features for minors. As innovation moves forward, we must require these companies to have commonsense safety and privacy protections for its users. It’s past time to put people ahead of corporate interests,” said Dawn Wible, Founder, Talk More. Tech Less.\n\n“Consumers need the protections this legislation provides. It’s past time to put these protections in place. Among the strengths of this legislation is the requirement for safe-by-design, a strategy all should use,” said Irene E. Leech, Ph.D., President, Virgina Citizens Consumer Council.\n\n“The People-First Chatbot Act responds in a forceful way to the concerns many Americans rightly have about this powerful technology as generative AI has moved from novelty to infrastructure over the last four years. The bill's boldness rests on a careful foundation. It is built squarely on the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, produced after more than a year of public input and consensus-building across the federal government, academia, and industry, which has held up as a standard as the technology has become omnipresent. The legislation would bring the tools of both federal and state enforcement to protections that should not depend on either alone. And it would clearly articulate the value of human agency: Safe and Effective Systems; Algorithmic Discrimination Protections; Data Privacy; Notice and Explanation; and Human Alternatives, Consideration, and Fallback. Together these describe what it should feel like to live alongside this technology as a person with rights, rather than as a data point in someone else's model,” said Dr. Alondra Nelson, former Acting Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.\n\n“North Carolina Central University appreciates Representative Foushee's leadership in advancing important conversations around responsible artificial intelligence, transparency, and consumer privacy. As home to the nation's first artificial intelligence institute at a historically Black college or university, NCCU is committed to advancing AI innovation while promoting ethical, secure, and trustworthy AI that serves the public good and builds public trust,” said Dr. Siobahn Day Grady, Founding Director, Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research.\n\n“I am happy to endorse this important online safety legislation for children and teens. This bill provides critical privacy guardrails and requires essential, timely, safety assessments that are critical to ensuring that ongoing development of these models do not create unintended harms,” said Sharon Winkler, Survivor Parent, Mother of Alex Peiser, Forever 17.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://friedman.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-friedman-applauds-la28-decision-move-international-broadcast-center", "title": "RELEASE: Friedman Applauds LA28 Decision to Move International Broadcast Center to Warner Bros. Lot", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://friedman.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "friedman.house.gov", "scraper": "friedman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000483", "name": "Laura Friedman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "BURBANK, CA – Today, Thursday July 9, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) celebrated the announcement that the International Broadcast Center for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be located at the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, placing the media hub for the entire Games in the heart of her district.\n\nThe International Broadcast Center is the home for every broadcaster carrying the Games to the world. That means Olympic coverage to billions of viewers across the globe will all be based in Burbank, making the city the nerve center of the most-watched sporting event on Earth.\n\n“For decades, Burbank has been one of the media capitals of the world, and now the entire planet will see how our community offers the best technology, sets, and crews,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “Every broadcast, every replay, every moment the world watches in 2028 is going to run through our district. From set designers to caterers, this move will support countless jobs in our community. I’m going to keep fighting to make sure our families have the transit, the infrastructure, and the federal partnership to welcome the world and to deliver for the families who live here long after the Games are over.”\n\nBurbank is already home to the studios, soundstages, and post-production talent that power the entertainment industry.\n\nFriedman’s district will also host some of the most-watched competitions of the Olympics. At the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, hosting its third Olympic Games, the world will watch the Gold Medal Semifinals and Finals for both men’s and women’s Olympic Soccer. Next door, the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center will stage Olympic diving. With the International Broadcast Center now coming to Burbank, CA-30 will be home to both marquee competition and the global broadcast that carries it to the world.\n\nFRIEDMAN SECURED FEDERAL INVESTMENTS TO PREPARE CA-30 FOR LA28:\n\n$1,092,000 to modernize the Rose Bowl Stadium – replacing nearly 100-year-old water and wastewater infrastructure so America’s Stadium is ready to host Olympic Soccer on the world stage.\n\n$250,000 for LA Metro’s regional Bus Stop Enhancement Program – bringing real shade and shelter, seating, lighting, accessibility upgrades, and real-time arrival information to bus stops in transit-reliant communities.\n\n$250,000 for Metrolink’s Customer Information System upgrade – delivering modern arrival and departure displays, an upgraded public-address system, and real-time service alerts so riders, especially first-time riders and visitors, aren’t left guessing.\n\nFriedman also secured a public commitment from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to partner with her and Los Angeles on transit and infrastructure ahead of the Games, telling her during a House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee hearing that he stood “willing and ready to partner” to deliver a successful Olympics.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://friedman.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-rep-friedman-celebrates-california-made-shows-dominating-2026-emmy", "title": "RELEASE: Rep. Friedman Celebrates California-Made Shows Dominating 2026 Emmy Nominations", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://friedman.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "friedman.house.gov", "scraper": "friedman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000483", "name": "Laura Friedman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "20 California-filmed productions earned 193 nominations\n\nLOS ANGELES, CA – Today, July 9, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) celebrated the dominant showing of California-made television at the 78th Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Twenty productions filmed at least partly in California earned a combined 193 nominations. The two most nominated shows were both filmed in Friedman’s district: The Pitt (25 nominations) was filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, and Hacks (24 nominations, an all-time record for a comedy in a single season) was filmed at Universal Studios.\n\nThis year's nominations are the first announced since California expanded its Film & Television Tax Credit Program to $750 million annually. In the program's first year, it supported 170 projects generating $6.6 billion in direct production investments in California. At least four of this year's California-filmed nominees, The Pitt, Fallout, Margo's Got Money Troubles, and The Muppet Show, received state tax credits, and Fallout relocated its entire production from New York to Santa Clarita and North Hollywood through the program.\n\n“It’s no coincidence that the two most nominated shows on television were made right here, on sound stages in Burbank and streets across Los Angeles, by the best crews, the best technicians, and the best cast in the entire world,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “This is what happens when we invest in our signature industry. Fallout moved home from New York, Margo's Got Money Troubles traded a planned New York shoot for Fullerton and Los Angeles, and tens of thousands of Angelenos went to work telling the stories the whole world watched this year. California's expanded film tax credit is working, and now Congress needs to do its part. I won't stop fighting for a national film tax credit until every production that can be made in America is made in America.”\n\nCALIFORNIA-FILMED 2026 EMMY NOMINEES:\n\nThe Pitt (25) – Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank & a state tax credit recipient.\n\nHacks (24) – Universal Studios.\n\nBeef (16) – Radford Studio Center, Studio City, with locations in Camarillo and Santa Barbara.\n\nSpider-Noir (11) – Los Angeles, including 1930s New York built on the Warner Bros. backlot in Burbank.\n\nThe Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny (9) – Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara.\n\nFallout (9) – Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio in Santa Clarita and at the old Valley Plaza Strip in North Hollywood. Relocated from New York for the California state tax credit.\n\nThe Oscars (9) – Dolby Theatre, Hollywood.\n\nRuPaul's Drag Race (9) – Sunset Las Palmas Studios in Los Angeles.\n\nShrinking (9) – Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank and the Pasadena and Altadena area.\n\nMargo's Got Money Troubles (8) – Fullerton and Los Angeles, and a California state tax credit recipient.\n\nPalm Royale (8) – Paramount Studios soundstages and locations across Los Angeles.\n\nAbbott Elementary (7) – Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank.\n\nEuphoria (7) – Sony Pictures Studios and Los Angeles.\n\nMonster: The Ed Gein Story (7) – Los Angeles sound stages and location in Illinois\n\nParadise (7) – Paramount Studios, Hollywood and Santa Clarita.\n\nJimmy Kimmel Live! (6) – El Capitan Entertainment Centre, Hollywood.\n\nThe Muppet Show (6) – Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank and a recipient of the California state tax credit.\n\nWicked: One Wonderful Night (6) – Dolby Theatre, Hollywood.\n\nDancing With the Stars (5) – Television City, Los Angeles.\n\nLove on the Spectrum (5) – Filmed across the country, including Los Angeles.\n\nFriedman is leading the bipartisan push for a national film tax credit to keep American productions from fleeing overseas.\n\nFriedman represents California's 30th Congressional District, which includes Burbank, Glendale, La Crescenta, Pasadena, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities, home to the heart of the entertainment industry.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://fry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1128", "title": "Rep. Fry Slams South Carolina National Guard Investigation Into Salute From the Shore Apache Helicopter Pilots", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fry.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "fry.house.gov", "scraper": "fry", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000478", "name": "Russell Fry", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SUFSIDE BEACH, S.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Russell Fry (SC-07) sent a letter to Major General Robin B. Stilwell, Adjutant General of the South Carolina National Guard (SCNG), demanding SCNG to drop their investigation into the eight Apache helicopter pilots who participated in the 2026 Salute from the Shore. During the event, the pilots conducted flyovers along the South Carolina coast from Cherry Grove to Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, and Pawleys Island in the Seventh Congressional District. The flyovers continued from Charleston down to Beaufort. According to reports, as soon as the pilots landed, they received a message notifying them of their suspension.\n\nRep. Fry promptly called on the South Carolina National guard to drop the review and restore the pilots immediately. The full content of the letter can be found here:\n\nDear Major General Stilwell,\n\nI write to you regarding an incident that has been brought to my attention involving the suspension of eight South Carolina National Guard Apache helicopter pilots following their participation in the 17th Annual Salute From The Shore event on July 4, 2026, celebrating our Nation's 250th birthday, after a frivolous complaint was filed against them.\n\nOn July 4, 2026, eight pilots of the South Carolina Army National Guard conducted a flyover along the South Carolina coast, demonstrating the capabilities of the South Carolina Army National Guard and the strength of America's military to countless South Carolinians and visitors celebrating Independence Day. By all accounts, the flyover was conducted safely and professionally, with no injuries or property damage reported.\n\nReports suggest that following the flight, the eight crew members were suspended from flight duties pending an internal investigation. While I understand they remain assigned to other responsibilities, I am concerned that an extended suspension from flight status could unnecessarily disrupt critical training and readiness at a time when our military must remain fully prepared to deter and respond to threats facing our Nation.\n\nI recognize and respect all the work you and the entire South Carolina National Guard contribute to the state and the security of our country. That said, I believe this is a misguided decision and misuse of resources. I respectfully urge that these service members be returned to flight status so they are not kept from their training or mission responsibilities any longer than necessary.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued leadership in support of the men and women of the South Carolina National Guard.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/garbarino-leads-bipartisan-bicameral-letter-urging-reappointment-dr-john", "title": "Garbarino Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Letter Urging Reappointment of Dr. John Howard to Lead World Trade Center Health Program", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "garbarino.house.gov", "scraper": "garbarino", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000597", "name": "Andrew R. Garbarino", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), today led a bipartisan, bicameral letter urging Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reappoint Dr. John Howard to another six-year term as Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Administrator of the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).\n\nThe letter, which Garbarino led alongside Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), was signed by 26 bipartisan members of Congress ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. In the letter, the lawmakers highlight Dr. Howard's leadership of the World Trade Center Health Program and note that Congress recently secured lifetime funding for the program, ensuring responders and survivors continue receiving the care they have earned.\n\n\"Twenty-five years after September 11th, New Yorkers know our responsibility to the responders and survivors who answered the call has never ended,\" said Congressman Andrew Garbarino. \"Congress recently secured funding for the World Trade Center Health Program for the lifetime of the program, ensuring those who continue to suffer from the health effects of 9/11 will receive the care they have earned for years to come. Dr. Howard has dedicated more than two decades to serving the 9/11 community, and we owe him our sincere thanks for that commitment. As we approach the 25th anniversary of the attacks, reappointing Dr. Howard will provide the continuity and stability the Program deserves.”\n\n\"Honoring our promise to ‘never forget’ means protecting healthcare for 9/11 first responders and survivors,\" said Senator Gillibrand. \"Dr. Howard has dedicated his career to ensuring that 9/11 heroes get the specialized care they need to cope with the long-term health effects of toxic exposure. Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attacks, the Trump administration must reappoint Dr. Howard to guarantee that survivors keep the care and stability that they deserve.\"\n\n“Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act want to thank Congressman Garbarino and Senator Gillibrand for leading this strong bi partisan effort and all of the members of Congress who joined with them in urging Secretary Kennedy to show he fully supports the WTC Health Program and its work in providing health care to over 140,000 9/11 responders and survivors by reappointing Dr. Howard as the program Administrator before the upcoming 25th Anniversary of 9/11 this September,” said Ben Chevat, executive director of the Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act.\n\nThe World Trade Center Health Program provides critical medical services to more than 140,000 9/11 responders and survivors across all 50 states. Earlier this year, Congress secured funding for the lifetime of the Program, permanently addressing its projected funding shortfall and providing long-term certainty for responders, survivors, healthcare providers, and researchers.\n\nIn their letter, the Members recognized recent steps taken by the Department of Health and Human Services to address staffing shortages, delayed research grants, and pending petitions for additional covered conditions. They also emphasized that maintaining experienced leadership will help ensure the Program continues operating effectively as it enters its next chapter. The Members urged Secretary Kennedy to reappoint Dr. Howard before the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.\n\nRead the Full Letter\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-urges-us-board-geographic-names-listen-local-leaders-and", "title": "Congressman Gonzalez Urges U.S. Board on Geographic Names to Listen to Local Leaders and Reject Unnecessary Proposal to Rename Boca Chica Beach", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "gonzalez.house.gov", "scraper": "gonzalez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000581", "name": "Vicente Gonzalez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Contact: Alexis Torres\n\nBrownsville, Texas – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) urged the U.S. Board on Geographic Names’ Domestic Names Committee to oppose a proposal to rename Boca Chica Beach to “Cyber Beach.” The federal naming committee provided less than a 24-hours-notice of a vote that would take place today, July 9, at 2 p.m. The lack of transparency is nothing more than an attempt to silence the people of Cameron County and erase our region’s history.\n\nIn the letter, Congressman Gonzalez said, “I understand that the Committee conducts its due diligence before moving forward with name change proposals. Submitted proposals must be evaluated for local usage, historical precedence, and community support. However, I am disappointed to see a federal entity not notify federal representatives of activity happening in their district. Due to the lack of transparency, my constituents, and my community, must be afforded ample time to properly review the proposal and formally submit their input before any final decision is made. For the aforementioned reasons, I urge the Domestic Names Committee to reject this proposal and retain Boca Chica Beach’s historic name.”\n\nDating back to at least 1936, Boca Chica Beach, often referred to as “the People’s Beach,” has long served as a cultural, historical, and communal landmark in South Texas. According to reports, the request to rename the beach is being driven by an individual from Mississippi and faces unanimous opposition from local officials and SpaceX itself.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-responds-to-measles-outbreak-at-florence-calls-for-delay-in-deportation-proceedings-of-infected-individuals", "title": "Rep. Grijalva Responds to Measles Outbreak at Florence; Calls for Delay in Deportation Proceedings of Infected Individuals", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Tucson, AZ – Rep. Grijalva released the following statement responding to the measles outbreak at the Florence Detention Center. One of the infected individuals is a person who Rep. Grijalva’s constituent services team has been assisting and who faces imminent deportation in the coming weeks according to his wife.\n\n“This latest measles outbreak is the predictable outcome of Trump's mass deportation agenda, which has fueled dangerous overcrowding at detention facilities and created the conditions for preventable diseases to spread. This outbreak has infected people like Vlad, who faces the prospect of being drafted into the war in Ukraine if he is deported to his home country of Russia. ICE must delay his deportation proceedings – and those of all other impacted individuals – so that they are able to pursue all legal avenues, which will inevitably be delayed by this outbreak.”\n\n“For ICE to say this is the “best healthcare” these individuals have ever received while simultaneously presiding over a measles outbreak at one of its own facilities demonstrates how willfully blind or blatantly indifferent the agency is to the inhumane conditions right under its nose. ICE must also communicate closely with the appropriate state and federal authorities to ensure this outbreak doesn’t spread to other facilities or the broader community.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://hageman.house.gov/media/press-releases/hageman-demands-answers-meta-over-data-center-water-contamination", "title": "Hageman Demands Answers from Meta Over Data Center Water Contamination", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hageman.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hageman.house.gov", "scraper": "hageman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001096", "name": "Harriet M. Hageman", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) is seeking answers on the contamination of Cheyenne’s water system by Meta’s data center.\n\nIn March, the Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities revoked industrial discharge privileges for the data center’s contractor, Goat Systems, following the discovery of the bacterium Cupriavidus gilardii in the wastewater system. The discharge of this rare bacterium into water supplies has led to months of cleanup and taken Cheyenne’s reuse water system offline. Concerningly, Cheyenne residents were not made aware of the contamination until the end of June, nor was Meta identified as the polluter until July.\n\nWhile local utility officials have stressed the bacteria presented no threat to residential drinking water, the contamination has raised serious concerns about data center construction throughout the region. Rep. Hageman sent a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg demanding answers around the discharge of Cupriavidus gilardii into Cheyenne’s municipal reuse water system by the tech giant’s $800 million data center.\n\n“Wyoming residents have the right to be informed as soon as contaminations occur to make informed decisions surrounding their own health and safety. Water is a precious resource in our state, so it is of immense concern to learn the system marketed to reduce a data center’s water consumption caused this contamination,” said Rep. Harriet Hageman. “Residents deserve to know\n\ntheir water remains safe as the tech industry attempts to expand the data center footprint in Wyoming.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases/harshbarger-introduces-bill-refocus-nuclear-safety-reviews-advanced-reactors", "title": "Harshbarger Introduces Bill to Refocus Nuclear Safety Reviews on Advanced Reactors", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "harshbarger.house.gov", "scraper": "harshbarger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001086", "name": "Diana Harshbarger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“As the next generation of nuclear technology approaches rapid deployment at scale, it is critical that our nation’s nuclear licensing process does not mistake procedure for safety,” said Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger. “Every application must complete NRC’s full safety review. My bill ensures ACRS’ independent secondary review is concentrated where it counts—with novel, safety-significant issues—and codifies provisions of President Trump's Executive Order. We cannot commit to protecting Americans if our top nuclear safety experts spend their time duplicating NRC reviews instead of providing meaningful oversight on reactor designs that demand closer scrutiny. We need to get this right so safety is never compromised, and we can get advanced reactors built here at home instead of ceding that ground to Communist China.”\n\nImportantly, the bill would codify provisions of President Trump's Executive Order 14300 directing ACRS to focus its reviews on issues that are \"truly novel and noteworthy.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases/comisionado-residente-destaca-en-yabucoa-inversion-federal-para-reparar", "title": "Comisionado Residente destaca en Yabucoa inversión federal para reparar carreteras rurales afectadas por Fiona", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "hernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001103", "name": "Pablo José Hernández", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "YABUCOA, Puerto Rico - El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, destacó la otorgación de $2,261,795 en fondos federales de USDA Rural Development para reparar y mejorar carreteras rurales en Yabucoa, durante una reunión con el alcalde Rafael Surillo Ruiz enfocada en infraestructura, desarrollo económico y prioridades municipales.\n\nDurante el encuentro, ambos discutieron el progreso de este proyecto, los próximos pasos para garantizar su ejecución efectiva y nuevas oportunidades de inversión federal para atender necesidades de infraestructura y resiliencia en el municipio. Además, visitaron el Parque Félix Millán, el nuevo Centro Head Start en la Urbanización Méndez y Playa Lucía, donde dialogaron sobre oportunidades para fortalecer la infraestructura recreativa, ampliar servicios para la niñez e impulsar el desarrollo económico y turístico de Yabucoa.\n\n“Estos fondos se traducen en mejoras concretas para comunidades que dependen de estas carreteras todos los días”, expresó el Comisionado Residente. “Nuestro enfoque es asegurarnos de que los recursos federales lleguen a los municipios, se ejecuten correctamente y se conviertan en resultados reales para la gente.”\n\nEl mes pasado, se anunció una inversión de $2,261,795 de USDA Rural Development para el Municipio de Yabucoa, dirigida a reparar y mejorar carreteras rurales existentes que sufrieron daños como resultado de la tormenta Fiona en 2022. Estas vías son esenciales para la movilidad segura, la recuperación ante desastres, el acceso a servicios y el desarrollo económico de las comunidades rurales del municipio.\n\nEl Comisionado Residente también resaltó sus gestiones ante el Comité de Asignaciones, donde abogó directamente por mayores recursos para el Community Facilities Grant Program y aseguró $11.4 millones para el programa, más del doble de la asignación actual. Este es el mismo programa que financia proyectos esenciales como el de Yabucoa, así como otras iniciativas de infraestructura, servicios comunitarios y desarrollo rural a través de Puerto Rico.\n\n“Cuando fortalecemos programas como el de Facilidades Comunitarias de USDA, estamos abriendo más puertas para que municipios como Yabucoa puedan reparar infraestructura, mejorar servicios y prepararse mejor para futuros eventos atmosféricos”, añadió el Comisionado Residente.\n\nPor su parte, el alcalde Rafael Surillo Ruiz presentó una actualización sobre las prioridades del municipio y agradeció la visita del Comisionado Residente, destacando la importancia de mantener una comunicación directa para impulsar proyectos que apoyen el desarrollo económico, la seguridad y la calidad de vida de las comunidades de Yabucoa.\n\n“Agradezco al comisionado residente su compromiso, apoyo y colaboración con la administración municipal. Seguiremos trabajando y aunando esfuerzos en conjunto para adelantar una agenda de bienestar para el país”, manifestó el alcalde de Yabucoa.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-hosts-verizon-officials-in-moore-county-to-see-cell-service-gaps-firsthand", "title": "Hudson Hosts Verizon Officials in Moore County to See Cell Service Gaps Firsthand", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hudson.house.gov", "scraper": "hudson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001067", "name": "Richard Hudson", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SOUTHERN PINES, NC – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, brought Verizon officials to Moore County to see areas with poor cell service and hear directly from Southern Pines Mayor Taylor Clement about the need for better coverage.\n\n“Too many folks in Moore County have to deal with dropped calls, weak signal, and unreliable cell service,” said Rep. Hudson. “Mayor Taylor Clement reached out to me for help. As Telecom Subcommittee Chairman, I contacted our region’s primary providers to come to our community and see these problems firsthand and work with us to fix them. I appreciate Verizon’s quick response and plans to expand and upgrade services in our community. I look forward to hearing about plans for upgrades from more service providers in our area.”\n\nHudson and Mayor Clement began the visit at a small cell site in Aberdeen before holding a sit-down conversation with Verizon officials at Casino Guitars on Broad Street in Southern Pines. During the meeting, Hudson and Clement discussed places across the community where residents, businesses, and visitors continue to have trouble getting reliable service, which causes delays or inability to use payment systems in businesses, unreliable access to emergency and food services, and other everyday frustrations for residents. The visit concluded at a cell tower site near Moore County Airport, where Hudson highlighted why better cell service matters for local businesses, public safety, economic growth, and travelers coming through the region.\n\nHudson previously met with Verizon officials in December 2025 to push for better service in Moore County and across the Ninth District. Hudson has also worked with Mayor Clement to identify specific problem areas, including neighborhoods, major roads, local businesses, and areas near Moore County Airport.\n\nHudson looks forward to continuing to work with Verizon and other providers to ensure that the Moore County community has the reliable, high-speed service it needs.\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://jack.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-brian-jack-celebrates-10-million-federal-investment-aviation", "title": "Congressman Brian Jack Celebrates $10 Million in Federal Investment in Aviation Safety at Atlanta Regional Airport", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jack.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "jack.house.gov", "scraper": "jack", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000311", "name": "Brian Jack", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Regan Hinson\n\nFAYETTE COUNTY, GA – Today, Congressman Brian Jack (GA-03) visited the Atlanta Regional Airport (FFC), also known as Falcon Field, to celebrate a federal investment in a new air traffic control tower, which is expected to become operational in 2028.\n\nCongressman Brian Jack advocated for and delivered a $9,925,000 federal investment from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support the construction of the new air traffic control tower.\n\nCongressman Brian Jack said, “Atlanta Regional Airport is one of the best airports for general aviation in the country, and I am proud to be its champion in Congress. Also known as Falcon Field, this airport has long been a catalyst for economic growth in my hometown of Peachtree City and this investment from our federal government will improve safety, optimize operational efficiency, and create jobs across Fayette County and Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District.”\n\nDuring his visit, Congressman Jack also met with Atlanta Regional Airport Aviation Director Hope Macaluso and addressed airport staff.\n\nDirector Hope Macaluso said, “This investment represents a major milestone for Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field and the communities we serve. The new air traffic control tower will significantly improve operational capabilities and position Falcon Field to better meet aviation demands while continuing to serve as an economic engine for our region. We are especially grateful to Congressman Brian Jack for his efforts in advocating for this important project. His support was instrumental in helping bring this critical infrastructure investment to our community. This funding will have lasting benefits for aviation safety, economic growth, and regional connectivity for decades to come.”\n\nCongressman Jack represents Georgia's 3rd Congressional District, which includes parts of Fayette County. If Congressman Jack may be of service to you and your family, please visit jack.house.gov.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/07/09/jayapal-statement-on-killing-of-lorenzo-salgado-araujo/", "title": "Jayapal Statement on Killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "jayapal.house.gov", "scraper": "jayapal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000298", "name": "Pramila Jayapal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SEATTLE, WA — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, released the following statement on the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo.\n\n“Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was simply on his way to work when ICE shot and killed him. He had lived in Houston for 35 years, working construction, helping to build the city and take care of his family. His U.S. citizen children learned of his death through a social media video. The cruelty is unimaginable.\n\n“We absolutely cannot trust ICE to conduct a fair and impartial investigation. ICE has consistently lied about similar incidents with Renee Good and Alex Pretti. They have refused to share information with local law enforcement to properly investigate what happened. ICE officials drive in unmarked cars with masks on to hide their identity, acting like a rogue militia and causing fear and confusion in those they target. This is not how any law enforcement should operate, much less those who are tasked with enforcing civil immigration law.\n\n“There must immediately be a thorough and independent investigation. And we must immediately institute real accountability on this rogue agency that is killing innocent civilians in the streets, kidnapping and disappearing people of all immigration statuses and inflicting terror on our cities across the country. This is exactly why I refused to give ICE another cent of funding, and it is why we will not rest until we rein in this completely unaccountable agency.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/07/09/racine-county-residents-pack-town-hall-to-discuss-affordability-healthcare-gun-violence/", "title": "Racine County Residents Pack Town Hall to Discuss Affordability, Healthcare, & Gun Violence", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "jayapal.house.gov", "scraper": "jayapal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000298", "name": "Pramila Jayapal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Racine, WI — July 8, 2026\n\nThe Racine community gathered in Racine Memorial Hall on Wednesday night for the latest Progress for the People town hall. Held in partnership with Families Over Billionaires’ “Who Pays” National Bus Tour, the event allowed the audience to ask questions of special guest Members of Congress, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04), Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02), Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02), Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03). The audience also heard from Kristen Crowell, Executive Director, Families Over Billionaires, and Racine Mayor Cory Mason, while Former Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler moderated the conversation.\n\nThe event was organized by 350 Wisconsin Action, Better Taxes Action Fund, Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Family Friendly Wisconsin, Families Over Billionaires, For Our Future Wisconsin Action Fund, Hands Off Kenosha, IBEW Wisconsin State Conference, Main Street Action, Opportunity Wisconsin, Our Wisconsin Revolution, Progressive Caucus Action Fund, Voces de la Frontera Action, Wisconsin Education Association Council, and Working Families Power. The Progressive Caucus Action Fund, Families Over Billionaires, and Better Taxes Action Fund sponsored this event.\n\nPresident Trump and Republicans in Congress have cut essential services and driven up the cost of health care, groceries, utilities, and student loans—all while handing massive tax breaks to corporations and the ultra-wealthy. Audience questions highlighted these concerns, as well as health care cuts, funding for endless wars, ICE activity in Wisconsin, and ending gun violence.\n\nSpeakers and local organizers stressed what is at stake for families across Wisconsin and the importance of gatherings like this to preserve democracy and bring about a future in which everyone can thrive.\n\n“I want to thank my colleagues in Congress, Ben Wikler, Kristen Crowell, Mayor Cory Mason, and everyone who helped make this town hall possible,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore. “Democracy is strongest when people come together to listen, ask tough questions, and hold their elected leaders accountable. That’s why we’re in Rep. Steil’s district, my birthplace, to highlight how Republican policies have made life harder and more expensive for Wisconsinites. While Republicans provided tax handouts to billionaires, Wisconsinites are losing their food assistance and are struggling to afford health care. Wisconsinites deserve to know which lawmakers are making these harmful decisions, and our town hall supported those critical conversations.”\n\n“If the last 18 months have shown us anything, it’s that Trump and Congressional Republicans don’t give a damn about regular people,” Congressman Mark Pocan said. “Costs have skyrocketed, from healthcare to gas to groceries, yet Republicans’ top priority was handing millionaires and billionaires another massive tax break. Democrats are committed to putting working people first, not just those who can afford to be members of Mar-a-Lago. That’s why we’re here in Racine, to listen, to organize, and to keep fighting alongside the people who deserve a government that works for them, not just the wealthy and well-connected.”\n\n“The people we spoke with at today’s town hall are doing everything right but still getting crushed by higher food prices, higher health care costs, stagnant wages, and a lousy economy built for billionaire profits and corporate greed,” said Congressman Jim McGovern. “Folks in Racine and across America deserve a hell of a lot better than politicians who vote against their interests and then try to hide from the consequences. Bryan Steil ought to be listening to the people hurt by his pro-inflation voting record. Instead, he’s done the opposite—rubber stamping Trump’s tariff and reckless war in Iran, and raising healthcare costs by refusing to extend ACA subsidies. Democrats will keep showing up to listen because we are fighting for an economy that puts working people first.”\n\n“I was proud to join my colleagues in Racine, WI to talk to people about the issues that they are dealing with every single day,” said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. “The American people are hurting under Trump and Republicans as prices skyrocket on everything from gas to groceries to electricity. And the juxtaposition could not be clearer as we held this event to hear directly from working people, at the same time that Vice President Vance was hosting a $10,000 per couple fundraiser just a few miles away in Milwaukee. While they pander to multi-millionaires and billionaires, Democrats are showing up in every corner of this country to hear directly from the people.”\n\n“The Trump administration, aided by Republicans in Congress, has prioritized benefits for large corporations and billionaires at the expense of working people. As working families face a crisis of rising costs, Trump’s disastrous policies are making life unaffordable, ripping our families apart, and attacking our fundamental rights,” said Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez. “I am committed to ensuring a government that works for working people, not a government that ensures corporations and the fascists in the administration profit from our pain.”\n\n“Tonight, Racine showed what democracy actually looks like: neighbors packing a room, asking hard questions, and refusing to let the powerful write the rules for everyone else,” said Ben Wikler, former Chair, Wisconsin Democratic Party. “When working families organize together, we don’t just protect our democracy, we make it stronger. That’s how we win.”\n\n“What we heard in Racine tonight is what I hear at every town hall across the country,” said Kristen Crowell, Executive Director, Families Over Billionaires. “People are working hard, doing everything right, and still falling behind. Not because of anything they did, but because of choices being made in Washington. Last week marked one year since the One Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law. Republicans called it a gift to working families. The people I met tonight, many of whom I’ve known for decades, know better. Wisconsinites are not fooled. They know when their leaders are choosing handouts for corporations and billionaires over the working families who built this state. They feel it in their rising grocery costs, their health care bills, their kids’ schools. Every time billionaires get a break, the rest of us get a bill. That is why events like this matter. When people get to stand up and tell their story in their own words, something shifts. Policy stops feeling abstract, and becomes undeniable. Families Over Billionaires is proud to stand with every partner who made tonight possible, and we are not stopping until these voices are heard.”\n\n“Racine residents have been working harder but falling further behind,” said Racine Mayor Cory Mason. “So many things that were once affordable–like housing and health care—now seem so far out of reach for too many working families. What we need are partners in Washington who put the needs of everyday people ahead of the desires of billionaires.”\n\n“The stories we heard tonight in Racine make clear that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was never about helping working families,” said Sarah Pray, Executive Director, Better Taxes Action Fund. “One year later, people are living with the consequences of a law that cut health care and other essential services to finance another round of tax breaks for billionaires and large corporations. Those weren’t unavoidable choices—they were political choices about who counts and whose voices matter. Americans are demanding something different: a tax code that reflects our values, asks the wealthiest to pay their fair share, and invests in the health, opportunity, and economic security that every family deserves.”\n\nLocal organizers stressed what is at stake for families across Wisconsin—particularly in districts where Republican representatives have avoided accountability.\n\n“Tonight, we heard from people who are struggling to keep up with rising costs on everything from groceries to gas to child care,” said Brita Olsen of Family Friendly Wisconsin. “These stories are not unique – families across Wisconsin and across the country are being forced to cut back more and more. Instead of addressing this affordability crisis head on, Republicans in Congress are giving tax breaks to billionaires. The stories we heard tonight underscore the urgent need for elected leaders to stand with the people they represent and finally take action to lower costs.”\n\n“Tonight wasn’t just about hearing from elected officials—it was about building community,” said Brittany Nikolai, Operations Coordinator, Hands Off Kenosha. “When people come together to learn, ask questions, and share their experiences, we strengthen our democracy. Hands Off Kenosha is grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered, and helped make this event possible. We hope this is just the beginning of even more civic engagement across our region.”\n\n“Small business owners in Racine and across Wisconsin are the ones absorbing the fallout from the big, ugly law,” said Shawn Phetteplace, National Campaigns Director, Main Street Action. “They watch their customers cut back on essentials, they watch their employees lose coverage, and they watch their own costs climb because of tariffs and a health care system this law made more expensive, not less. This wasn’t tax reform, it was a transfer of wealth from Main Street to Wall Street, and small business owners are done staying quiet about it.”\n\n“Across Wisconsin, across the United States, working-class people, families, and communities are facing the same problems,” said William Walter, Executive Director of Our Wisconsin Revolution. “The cost of living has skyrocketed while wages have stagnated. For too many Americans, the possibility of getting ahead again, the promise that better is possible through hard work, has become the daily struggle just to keep up. Everyday necessities are no longer affordable; luxuries long taken for granted have become as much of an illusion as the American Dream itself. The rich continue getting richer; the rest of us fall further and further behind. This is no coincidence…this is deliberate.\n\n“Republican policies directly benefiting the ultrawealthy, while attacking protections for American workers, have turned an economy that was once the globe’s gold standard for opportunity on its head. The working class has been devastated, their economic power and quality of life decimated, by the Republican Party’s malicious and methodical efforts to funnel the wealth and resources of the United States into the hands of an increasingly elite few. Corrupt politicians, their families, friends, and campaign donors flourish while regular folks flounder. Americans deserve a country that serves the needs of the many rather than the will of an elite few. We are a nation of, by, and for the people… not of, by, and for the billionaires and the corporations. We will continue to organize our communities to fight for the fruits of our labor, and we will not rest until this nation fulfills its promise: a nation where hard work is rewarded, opportunity is real, and people do not struggle to survive, but are free to thrive. Better is possible; it’s time we the people demand it.”\n\n“Everyone I talked to in the room tonight is leaving feeling more hopeful and more energized for the work ahead,” said Catherine Rowland, Director of Government Affairs and Access, Progressive Caucus Action Fund. “Tonight was an incredible example of what democracy ought to look like: elected officials listening to the people, answering their candid questions, and sharing their vision for a country where every person has what they need to thrive.”\n\n“We hear the same thing in every classroom and community across Wisconsin: educators and families are working hard, doing everything right and still falling behind. Not because they failed, but because of decisions made far from our schools,” said Peggy Wirtz-Olsen, teacher and President, Wisconsin Education Association Council. “As a teacher, I see how rising costs and underfunded classrooms affect students every day. Listening sessions like this matter because they turn stories into action. When we listen to each other, we build the will to put students and working families first again in our state and nation and ensure public schools get the resources our children deserve right now together.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/2026/07/09/malden-everett-revere-advocate-cha-birth-center-to-reopen-on-july-6/", "title": "Malden, Everett, Revere Advocate: CHA Birth Center to reopen on July 6", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "katherineclark.house.gov", "scraper": "clark", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001101", "name": "Katherine M. Clark", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), a community health system serving Cambridge, Somerville and Boston’s metro-north communities, will reopen CHA Birth Center on July 6, 2026, after a six-year hiatus. CHA Birth Center closed in March 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. It reopened for prenatal care later in 2020 but remained closed for deliveries due to staffing shortages, operational challenges and infrastructure concerns. Recognizing the need for increased maternal health access in our communities and data from the Commonwealth showing the strong benefits of midwifery and birth center care, CHA engaged a leading consulting firm to support reopening planning.\n\nCHA Birth Center’s reopening means more growing families will have an opportunity to receive the type of highly personalized and culturally appropriate care they deserve. At a time when many maternity units and birth centers are under strain, CHA is committed to providing maternal health access for its diverse communities. As part of its commitment to maternal health equity, and to ensure patients feel seen and heard, CHA has 19 doulas who speak 13 different languages to support birthing people before, during and after labor.\n\n“We are proud to offer the CHA Birth Center as part of our excellent options for childbirth and maternal health services,” said CHA CEO Assaad Sayah, MD. “It responds to community-identified needs and expands our high quality maternal health options for our communities.”\n\n“This is a milestone achievement for Cambridge and a signal to women everywhere that we can and will keep making progress on maternal health,” said Congresswoman Katherine Clark. “I’m so grateful to all of our state and local leaders who helped make this day possible. We’re going to keep fighting for a healthcare system worthy of every mother in this community and a future worthy of the children who will begin their lives at CHA.”\n\nLocated in a Victorian home, CHA Birth Center includes amenities like large walk-in showers and soaking tubs for water births. The first floor of the completely renovated CHA Birth Center has a reception area, three exam rooms, a living room and a kitchen for patients and families. Families are welcome and encouraged to be part of the birth process. The second floor features three renovated birthing rooms, with new soaking tubs for waterbirths in two rooms. Waterbirths offer advantages like warmth and pain management, deeper relaxation and faster labor times. CHA’s certified nurse midwives are trained in the latest waterbirth best practices and techniques. Across the street from the birth center, CHA operates its hospital maternity service — recognized on Newsweek’s 2026 list of best maternity hospitals.\n\nWhile the CHA Birth Center welcomes everyone, there will be a special focus on vulnerable and underserved populations who will benefit most from midwifery care and a birth center experience. CHA Birth Center expects to welcome more than 100 new babies in the first year, increasing to about 300 by the fourth year.\n\nOn June 17, CHA held an open house to celebrate the Birth Center reopening, with a robust speaking program featuring many local legislators: Congresswoman Clark, State Representative Marjorie Decker, State Senator Sal DiDomenico, Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and Cambridge City Councillor Patty Nolan. Mass. Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD spoke alongside CHA Board of Trustees Vice Chair Claire Laporte and Mount Auburn Hospital President Ed Huang, MD, on behalf of Beth Israel Lahey Health. More than 200 people attended the open house, which was led by CHA Chief of Obstetrics & Gynecology Tara Singh, MD and CHA Director of Midwifery & CHA Birth Center Kim Amsley-Camp, DM, CNM, MHA. CHA midwives and doulas gave tours of CHA Birth Center.\n\nReopening the CHA Birth Center would not have been possible without a $1 million state appropriation sponsored by Representative Decker. Thanks to legislators’ efforts, CHA received a DPH grant to support necessary and major facility renovations. CHA also received a grant from Beth Israel Lahey Health to assist with training, equipment and community education and outreach.\n\n“I’m deeply grateful to have been part of the effort to save the Cambridge Birth Center, especially during the uncertain moments when it wasn’t clear we would reach this point,” said Representative Decker. “I’m thankful to the CHA community and the many advocates who never stopped fighting for it. I was also proud to secure $1 million in state funding for the birth center, as so many recognized the importance of preserving families’ autonomy and access to a model of care that supports safe, compassionate birth experiences and strong outcomes.”\n\n“Too often we are talking about the closure of maternity services, but today we get to celebrate a spectacular rebirth – and one that I hope will be followed by many more. Expanding access to community-based, relationship-centered care is key in advancing health equity,” said Commissioner Goldstein.\n\n“I am proud to be a longtime supporter and partner of Cambridge Health Alliance, and it was a privilege to witness the reopening of their critical birth center,” said Senator DiDomenico. “This essential health care facility will provide needed access to delivery services for expectant mothers in my district and the region.”\n\n—", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-applauds-medicares-new-coverage-glp-1-medications-help-american-seniors", "title": "Kelly applauds Medicare's new coverage of GLP-1 medications to help American seniors lead healthier, more fulfilling lives", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "kelly.house.gov", "scraper": "kelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000376", "name": "Mike Kelly", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) applauded news from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing eligible Medicare beneficiaries may now get certain GLP-1 medications for $50 per month through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge. The new CMS initiative is designed to expand access to innovative treatments and test the impacts of increased access to GLP-1 drugs for weight management on the Medicare program\n\nKelly leads theTreat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation aims to combat the obesity crisis in the United States by expanding coverage of new health care specialists and chronic weight management medications for Medicare recipients.\n\n\"This latest news from CMS provides American seniors with an affordable and accessible option to live healthier lives,\" said Rep. Kelly, who serves as a member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health and also as a member of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus. \"I want to applaud CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz and the Trump administration for establishing this critical pathway for these life-changing medications.\"\n\nKelly's legislation has 82 co-sponsors in the House.\n\nThrough the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, eligible individuals enrolled in Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage can obtain certain GLP-1 medications to lose weight or maintain weight reduction at a predictable and affordable cost of $50 per month. The initiative will remain available through December 31, 2027, and reflects CMS’ continued focus on improving access to innovative treatments that support better long-term health outcomes.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2458", "title": "Standing with Western New York Leaders, Kennedy Calls on Full House to Pass the NEXUS for Families Act", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "kennedy.house.gov", "scraper": "kennedy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000402", "name": "Timothy M. Kennedy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Following Unanimous Committee Approval, a Broad Coalition of Tourism, Business, and Cultural Organizations Urge Immediate Action to Cut Bureaucratic Red Tape for Border Communities\n\nBUFFALO, N.Y. – Today, standing alongside a diverse coalition of some of Western New York’s top economic, cultural, and tourism leaders at the foot of the Peace Bridge crossing to Canada, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) called on the House of Representatives to immediately pass H.R. 9382, the NEXUS for Families Act. The push comes on the heels of the legislation successfully passing unanimously through the House Committee on Homeland Security last month.\n\nSurrounded by endorsing organizations in Buffalo, Kennedy emphasized the urgent need to eliminate the bureaucratic hurdles families currently face when applying for NEXUS passes, a vital tool that currently helps over 2.2 million vetted travelers cross the border between the United States and Canada.\n\n“Standing here today with the leaders who drive Western New York’s cultural and economic engines, the message to Washington is clear: it is time to pass the NEXUS for Families Act,” said Congressman Kennedy. “Traveling with a family is difficult enough even without adding the burden of multiple visits to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities for individual NEXUS interviews. In our region, visits to and from Canada are a routine activity that fuels our local economy. By streamlining the application and interview process, we’re cutting red tape and encouraging the cross-border travel and tourism that our local businesses and attractions rely on. This is common-sense legislation, and the House must bring it to a vote.”\n\nUnder current regulations, parents must submit a separate application for each family member. This leads to a dysfunctional system where a child might receive approval while a parent is delayed, or vice versa. Families cannot currently interview together and must bring even young children to CBP facilities for individual screening, resulting in multiple, highly inconvenient trips to enrollment centers.\n\nThe NEXUS for Families Act modernizes the process by requiring CBP to:\n\nLink family applications together, ensuring households are processed as a unit.\n\nAllow joint scheduling, so agents can conduct interviews for the entire household concurrently.\n\nExempt children under age 14 from the interview process when appropriate, expediting approvals for all participating family members.\n\n\"Our partnership with Canada is fundamental to Buffalo's economy and to the everyday lives of many Western New Yorkers,\" Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan said. \"Whether people are crossing the border for work, shopping, recreation, or to visit family, making that experience more efficient strengthens the ties that have long benefited communities on both sides of the border. I commend Congressman Kennedy for his leadership on this common-sense legislation to reduce unnecessary barriers for families participating in the NEXUS program.\"\n\nNew York State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, “Every day, thousands of Western New Yorkers cross the border to visit family and friends, travel for work, attend sporting events and concerts, or simply enjoy everything our Canadian neighbors have to offer. The NEXUS for Families Act is a commonsense improvement that will make travel easier for families while preserving the security standards that travelers expect and continuing the strong cross-border relationship that has long been vital to Western New York.”\n\n“For Western New York families and our neighbors to the north, the border is part of everyday life,” said New York State Senator Jeremy Zellner. “NEXUS helps keep our communities connected, and this commonsense legislation makes the program more accessible for parents and children while maintaining strong border security. I thank Congressman Kennedy for his leadership and urge Congress to move this bill forward.”\n\nAssemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “For families in Western New York, crossing the border into Canada isn’t just an occasional trip. Whether visiting relatives, attending events, shopping, or supporting local tourism, families deserve a NEXUS application process that works for them, not against them. Congressman Kennedy’s legislation takes a common-sense approach by reducing unnecessary paperwork, streamlining interviews, and making it easier for families to enroll and travel together. As someone who represents a community with deep ties to Canada, I applaud Congressman Kennedy for advancing this bipartisan effort to strengthen cross-border connectivity and support the economic and cultural relationship that has long united Western New York and our Canadian neighbors.”\n\n“As a current nexus pass holder, I understand the benefits for me and my family’s travel,” said Common Councilmember Rasheed N.C. Wyatt. “To expand this service to exempt children could be a game changer for families traveling trying to navigate the borders and TSA check points more expeditiously.”\n\n“We are excited to see tangible action being taken to make cross-border travel to Buffalo easier,” said Michelle Urbanczyk, President & CEO, Explore & More Children’s Museum. “We rely heavily on tourism in Western New York and hope that the passage of this bill will incentivize Canadian families to visit us more often.”\n\n“Employers across the Buffalo and Niagara regions rely on efficient cross-border movement every day to reach customers, manage supply chains, support tourism and hospitality, and maintain strong relationships with partners in Southern Ontario and beyond,” said Grant Loomis, President and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. “The NEXUS for Families Act is a commonsense step that would make trusted traveler enrollment more affordable for families, ease pressure at our border crossings, and help keep people, goods, and opportunity moving. The Buffalo Niagara Partnership urges the House to pass this legislation and support the border communities and employers that depend on a modern, efficient crossing system.”\n\n“The Canadian American Business Council (CABC) is pleased to endorse the NEXUS for Families Act,” said Beth Burke, CEO of the Canadian American Business Council. “This legislation helps reduce hurdles for families, strengthens U.S.-Canada connectivity and enhances the security that underpins our bilateral relationship. By streamlining the NEXUS program for families, this legislation encourages greater cross-border mobility and reinforces connectivity, benefiting communities on both sides of the border. We look forward to working with policymakers to continue modernizing cross-border travel and encourage Congress to move this legislation forward.”\n\n\"As a family-oriented attraction located on the U.S.-Canadian border, we are grateful to Rep. Kennedy for his leadership in facilitating cross-border travel for Canadian families,\" said Chad Fifer, President & CEO, Aquarium of Niagara. \"We join him in urging the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the NEXUS for Families Act and to send a clear message that Canadian families are always welcome to enjoy all that Niagara Falls and Western New York have to offer. Their visits strengthen tourism, support our regional economy, and foster connections between communities on both sides of the border.\"\n\nThe bill is cosponsored by Representatives Mannion, Tenney, and LaLota. Endorsing organizations of the bill include: The AKG Art Gallery, Aquarium of Niagara, Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, Buffalo Bisons, Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Buffalo Sports Commission, Canadian American Business Council, Destination Niagara, Explore and More, Graycliff, the Mayor of Niagara Falls, New York State Restaurant Association, Niagara Aerospace Museum, Niagara Chamber of Commerce, Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Historic Site, The Richardson Complex, U.S. Travel, and Visit Buffalo.\n\nCongressman Kennedy is a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, co-chair of the Northern Border Caucus, and serves as the Ranking Member on the Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/2026/07/09/mullin-seeks-to-avoid-delays-in-medical-advancements-during-government-shutdowns/", "title": "Mullin Seeks to Avoid Delays in Medical Advancements During Government Shutdowns", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "kevinmullin.house.gov", "scraper": "kevinmullin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001225", "name": "Kevin Mullin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – To prevent unnecessary delays in the development of potentially lifesaving medications and medical devices during a government shutdown, Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) introduced the Getting Innovations to Patients During Shutdown Act.\n\nThis legislation would ensure the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can continue reviewing applications for new drugs and medical devices even if there is a lapse in government funding – a so-called government shutdown. The bill was inspired by a company based in Rep. Mullin’s district that was working on a rare disease treatment that became stalled as a result of the most recent, and longest in U.S. history, shutdown in October 2025 because, under existing law, the FDA could not process the company’s fees to begin reviewing its application.\n\n“It is absolutely unacceptable that lifesaving medicines, treatments, and medical devices are needlessly delayed from reaching patients,” said Rep. Mullin. “During a government shutdown, it is essential that the FDA can continue doing its job reviewing new medicines and medical devices so patients have access to promising treatments without unnecessary interruptions. This critical legislation is an essential step toward ensuring political gridlock and partisan dysfunction doesn’t stand in the way of medical innovation or patient care.”\n\nUnder current law, during a federal government shutdown the FDA is unable to accept the required fees from companies applying for review of new drugs or medical devices. Without the fee, the FDA is unable to begin review of the application, delaying ultimate approval. Patients are left waiting while products that could improve – or save – their lives are delayed during a shutdown.\n\nThe Getting Innovations to Patients During Shutdown Act would allow for the review of new human drug and device applications during a federal government shutdown by:\n\nTemporarily waiving the requirement that manufacturers pay a user fee before the FDA may begin reviewing a new drug or medical device application\n\nRequiring that any fee waived during the shutdown be paid within 7 days after the shutdown ends\n\nThe full bill text can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6180", "title": "Lawler, Gottheimer Urge Federal Agencies to Coordinate Against AI Threats Ahead of 2026 Midterm Elections", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 7/9/26… This week, Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Co-Chair of the Democratic AI Commission, are continuing their bipartisan effort to strengthen safeguards around artificial intelligence and protect the integrity of the 2026 elections, this week urging federal agencies to coordinate their response to emerging AI-related risks.\n\nIn a letter sent to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Election Commission (FEC), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the lawmakers called on the agencies to work together to ensure AI-driven technologies do not undermine voters' access to accurate, neutral, and reliable election information.\n\nMillions of Americans increasingly rely on AI-powered tools to research candidates, policies, and voting information; protecting the accuracy and integrity of those systems is critical to maintaining public confidence in America's elections.\n\n“Providing voters with accurate, neutral, and verifiable information is not optional, but a democratic imperative. For two hundred and fifty years, the American experiment has rested on a simple but powerful idea: that free people, when given the facts, can be trusted to choose their own path. Today, the way our fellow citizens receive those facts is changing rapidly. As we approach the midterms, this transformation must not undermine the public’s confidence in the democratic process,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\nThe full letter can be found HERE.\n\nCongressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lieu-presents-1040000-federal-check-city-manhattan-beach-ensure", "title": "REP LIEU PRESENTS $1,040,000 FEDERAL CHECK TO THE CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH TO ENSURE CYBERSECURITY OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "lieu.house.gov", "scraper": "lieu", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000582", "name": "Ted Lieu", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — On Tuesday, July 7, The City of Manhattan Beach in partnership with Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D – Los Angeles County) hosted a ceremonial check presentation recognizing $1,040,000 in federal funding secured for the Ensuring Cybersecurity of Critical Infrastructure Project.\n\n“I am pleased to have secured over $1 million to support the Ensuring Cybersecurity of Critical Infrastructure Project,” Congressman Lieu said. “This project will help protect our essential infrastructure from cyberattacks. I’m thankful for the partnerships of local officials to get federal dollars where our community needs them.”\n\nIn light of increased threats to water system cybersecurity, this funding will enable Manhattan Beach to make necessary upgrades to its Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system, to protect it from cyberattacks. These upgrades will include installing fiber optic cables at sites where needed, upgrading programmable logic controllers, as well as adding new switches and more robust firewalls. The investment reflected continued collaboration across federal and local partners.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-issues-statement-after-fifth-arrest-made-hilton-head-island", "title": "Rep. Nancy Mace Issues Statement After Fifth Arrest Made in Hilton Head Island July 4 Shooting", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mace.house.gov", "scraper": "mace", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000194", "name": "Nancy Mace", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "BEAUFORT, S.C. (July 9, 2026) – Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace released the following statement after a fifth arrest was made in connection with the July 4 shooting at Coligny Beach, which left eight people injured:\n\n\"On what should have been a day of celebration, eight people were shot. Violence shattered an American holiday.\n\n\"We commend the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office and all law enforcement for their swift response.\n\n\"We are sending a clear message: the Lowcountry will not tolerate violence. Ever.\n\n“Those responsible must face the full force of the law.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mackenzie-secretary-turner-highlight-local-projects-wftc-0", "title": "Congressman Mackenzie & Secretary Turner Highlight Local Projects, WFTC Benefits in Bethlehem", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mackenzie.house.gov", "scraper": "mackenzie", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001230", "name": "Ryan Mackenzie", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Bethlehem, PA — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, joined Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner for two stops in Bethlehem to highlight local investments, efforts to expand housing supplies, and benefits from the Working Families Tax Cuts (WFTC). Housing affordability and supply have become important topics in the Lehigh Valley in recent years. Rent prices in Allentown rose 45% from 2019-2024 while Bethlehem experienced a 40% increase from 2019-2023.\n\nCongressman Mackenzie and Secretary Turner first visited Brinker Lofts in Bethlehem, which was built with the help of a federal opportunity zone — a tax tool which facilitates investments in economically distressed neighborhoods. Federal opportunity zones were first created by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and were expanded and made permanent through the 2025 Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\nFollowing the visit to Brinker Lofts, Congressman Mackenzie and Secretary Turner hosted a press conference at the site of the future Gateway on Fourth project in Bethlehem. This project, which is funded with the help of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), will provide over 100 mixed-income apartments upon its completion. Expansions to LIHTC in the WFTC are expected to result in over 1 million new affordable housing units over the next decade. At the press conference, Congressman Mackenzie also announced that he had successfully steered $1 million in funding for the project through committee markup, setting it up for inclusion in an upcoming appropriations bill.\n\n“Our communities here in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos deserve access to high-quality housing that fits within our budgets,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “In Washington, Sec. Turner and I are tackling the housing shortage that emerged following the pandemic — embracing policies that expand the housing supply and bring down costs for the American people. We’re grateful to Sec. Turner for working with us to deliver long-term housing solutions for our communities.”\n\n\"Opportunity Zones in the Lehigh Valley and across the Keystone State are expanding economic opportunity, revitalizing neighborhoods, and increasing homeownership opportunities,\" said HUD Secretary Turner. \"Seeing the success of the Brinker Lofts project with Congressman Mackenzie is a testament to the innovative work that increased affordable housing in the Bethlehem community. Thanks to President Trump signing the Working Families Tax Cuts Act into law and making Opportunity Zones permanent, the revitalization I saw can continue to take root for generations, so more families across Pennsylvania can achieve the American Dream.”\n\nPhotos available HERE\n\nPhoto credit: Office of U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mackenzie-secretary-turner-highlight-local-projects-wftc-benefits", "title": "Congressman Mackenzie & Secretary Turner Highlight Local Projects, WFTC Benefits in Bethlehem", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mackenzie.house.gov", "scraper": "mackenzie", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001230", "name": "Ryan Mackenzie", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Bethlehem, PA — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, joined Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner for two stops in Bethlehem to highlight local investments, efforts to expand housing supplies, and benefits from the Working Families Tax Cuts (WFTC). Housing affordability and supply have become important topics in the Lehigh Valley in recent years. Rent prices in Allentown rose 45% from 2019-2024 while Bethlehem experienced a 40% increase from 2019-2023.\n\nCongressman Mackenzie and Secretary Turner first visited Brinker Lofts in Bethlehem, which was built with the help of a federal opportunity zone — a tax tool which facilitates investments in economically distressed neighborhoods. Federal opportunity zones were first created by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and were expanded and made permanent through the 2025 Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\nFollowing the visit to Brinker Lofts, Congressman Mackenzie and Secretary Turner hosted a press conference at the site of the future Gateway on Fourth project in Bethlehem. This project, which is funded with the help of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), will provide over 100 mixed-income apartments upon its completion. Expansions to LIHTC in the WFTC are expected to result in over 1 million new affordable housing units over the next decade. At the press conference, Congressman Mackenzie also announced that he had successfully steered $1 million in funding for the project through committee markup, setting it up for inclusion in an upcoming appropriations bill.\n\n“Our communities here in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos deserve access to high-quality housing that fits within our budgets,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “In Washington, Sec. Turner and I are tackling the housing shortage that emerged following the pandemic — embracing policies that expand the housing supply and bring down costs for the American people. We’re grateful to Sec. Turner for working with us to deliver long-term housing solutions for our communities.”\n\n\"Opportunity Zones in the Lehigh Valley and across the Keystone State are expanding economic opportunity, revitalizing neighborhoods, and increasing homeownership opportunities,\" said HUD Secretary Turner. \"Seeing the success of the Brinker Lofts project with Congressman Mackenzie is a testament to the innovative work that increased affordable housing in the Bethlehem community. Thanks to President Trump signing the Working Families Tax Cuts Act into law and making Opportunity Zones permanent, the revitalization I saw can continue to take root for generations, so more families across Pennsylvania can achieve the American Dream.”\n\nPhotos available HERE\n\nPhoto credit: Office of U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://markharris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-introduces-two-bills-cut-bureaucracy-department-education", "title": "Harris Introduces Two Bills to Cut Bureaucracy at the Department of Education", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://markharris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "markharris.house.gov", "scraper": "markharris", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001102", "name": "Mark Harris", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08) introduced the Less Bureaucracy, Better K-12 Education Act and the Less Bureaucracy, Better Higher Education Act, two bills to transfer the administration of certain federal education programs to the Department of Labor and help codify President Trump’s plan to right-size the Department of Education.\n\nThe bills are part of the House Committee on Education and Workforce’s “Less Bureaucracy, Better Education” legislative package, a 10-bill effort led by Chairman Tim Walberg (MI-05) to reduce federal education bureaucracy, ensure responsibilities are carried out by agencies better positioned to administer them, and keep the focus where it belongs: on students, families, and taxpayers.\n\n“Across America, our schools and colleges are preparing the next generation of leaders,” said Rep. Harris. “With educators in my own family, I know the heart they have for helping students reach their full potential. The federal government should support that work, not get in the way with unnecessary bureaucracy. I am proud to introduce these two bills to ensure K-12 and higher education programs are administered by an agency better positioned to serve students and families.”\n\n“For decades, Washington has measured success by how much government grows instead of how well students do. The legislative package reflects a simple principle: education policy should be focused on helping students succeed—not preserving a federal bureaucracy for its own sake. Rather than allowing unnecessary layers of Washington bureaucracy to stand between families and the services they rely on, the bills would transfer key statutory authorities to agencies better equipped to carry them out while maintaining continuity for students,” said House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (MI-05).\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nIn March 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Secretary of Education, to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law, to take steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to states and local communities while ensuring the continued delivery of services, programs, and benefits on which Americans rely.\n\nAs part of the administration’s effort to reduce federal education bureaucracy, the Department of Education and the Department of Labor have established partnerships involving the administration of elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education programs. Under these partnerships, the Department of Labor has taken a greater role in administering certain federal education programs.\n\nThe Less Bureaucracy, Better K-12 Education Act and the Less Bureaucracy, Better Higher Education Act would build on these efforts by transferring responsibility for administering specified federal education programs to the Department of Labor while preserving the statutory authorities and funding purposes governing those programs.\n\nRead the full text of the Less Bureaucracy, Better K-12 Education Act here.\n\nRead the full text of the Less Bureaucracy, Better Higher Education Act here.\n\nRead the Washington Examiner’s exclusive coverage of Rep. Harris’s legislation here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-introduces-legislation-accelerate-breakthroughs-pediatric-cancer", "title": "McCaul Introduces Legislation to Accelerate Breakthroughs in Pediatric Cancer by Leveraging AI", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "mccaul.house.gov", "scraper": "mccaul", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001157", "name": "Michael T. McCaul", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — founder and co-chair of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus — introduced the Accelerating Innovation (AI) for Kids Act with caucus co-chairs Ami Bera, M.D. (D-Calif.) and Mike Kelly (R-Penn.). The legislation will accelerate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve and transform pediatric cancer research, treatment options, and data storage.\n\n\"Since I founded the Childhood Cancer Caucus 17 years ago, advancements in technology have radically expanded the frontiers of healthcare,\" said McCaul. \"We owe it to our nation's children to leverage cutting-edge AI to improve their care and treatment options. I'm proud to introduce this bill, which codifies and builds on President Trump's executive order to unlock cures for pediatric cancer patients. By empowering AI to continuously drive research forward, we move one step closer to beating this heartbreaking disease once and for all.\"\n\n“Pediatric cancer remains one of the most heartbreaking diagnoses any family can face, and we have a responsibility to use every tool available to improve outcomes for children,” said Bera. “The bipartisan Accelerating Innovation in Medicine for Kids with Cancer Act would leverage cutting-edge AI and data tools to transform pediatric cancer research, improve clinical trial design and access, and deliver more personalized treatment options for young patients. I am proud to support this effort to accelerate innovation, strengthen the Childhood Kelly Data Initiative, and move us closer to ending cancer as we know it.”\n\n“Congress should always consider new, initiative ways not only to treat cancer, but to defeat cancer. This legislation would leverage artificial intelligence to strengthen patient care and patient outcomes,” said Kelly.“I’m proud to sponsor the bipartisan Accelerating Innovation in Medicine for Kids with Cancer Act as we work to ensure pediatric cancer patients and their families have every tool at their disposal to receive the care and cures they deserve.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mcgarvey-opposes-camp-ground-road-data-center-in-letter-to-lgande-dont-raise-louisvilles-rates-to-pay-for-it", "title": "Rep. McGarvey Opposes Camp Ground Road Data Center in Letter to LG&E: Don’t Raise Louisville’s Rates to Pay for It", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mcgarvey.house.gov", "scraper": "mcgarvey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001220", "name": "Morgan McGarvey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“For generations, working class Kentuckians have powered this nation’s growth. Our coal has lit homes, built cities, fueled factories, and helped create enormous wealth for those far outside the communities that made it possible.”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. (July 9, 2026) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) sent a letter to LG&E President John R. Crockett III, opposing the hyperscale data center planned for Camp Ground Road in Louisville and demanding Louisville families aren’t forced to pay for the development or expected surge in electricity demand.\n\nDespite widespread community opposition, the Louisville Planning Commission fast-tracked site approval for construction of the data center in June 2025, and phase one of the project is expected to come online in October.\n\nThe single facility is expected to use 400 megawatts of power – a 63% increase in demand on the grid, or the equivalent of adding roughly 280,000 households. To meet the rising energy demand of hyperscale data centers, utility companies have ramped up operations.\n\nMcGarvey argues Kentuckians shouldn’t be forced to shoulder the long-lasting costs again. “We sacrificed miners, their families, and our land for the benefit of industry and have never been made whole,” he wrote. “We must not repeat the mistakes of the past and again gamble with our community’s long term economic and environmental health.”\n\nIn the letter, McGarvey points to the explosion in data center electricity use nationwide – citing a 267% increase in electricity prices over the past five years in areas with high concentrations of data centers – and warns that “the companies that own, develop, and profit from these data centers often do not pay for this increased usage or bear the costs of bringing necessary capacity online.”\n\n“LG&E must ensure that this hyper-scale data construction and the development of infrastructure required to serve it do not increase costs for existing ratepayers,” McGarvey concluded.\n\nThe letter demands answers to a series of questions about how LG&E will protect existing customers, including:\n\nWhat new infrastructure is required to serve the Camp Ground Road data center, how much will it cost, and who will pay for these upgrades?\n\nWhat costs will be passed on to residential and small business ratepayers?\n\nWill current customers face higher risks of outages?\n\nWill the data center get priority over existing ratepayers during extreme heat or weather?\n\nRead the full letter to LG&E here.\n\n###\n\nCongressman Morgan McGarvey represents Kentucky’s Third Congressional District, including Louisville and Jefferson County. He serves on the House Veterans Affairs, Small Business, and Budget Committees.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://mcguire.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-john-mcguire-introduces-birthright-citizenship-clarification-act-2026", "title": "Rep. John McGuire introduces the Birthright Citizenship Clarification Act of 2026", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcguire.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mcguire.house.gov", "scraper": "mcguire", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001239", "name": "John J. McGuire III", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "July 9, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative John McGuire (VA-05) introduced the Birthright Citizenship Clarification Act of 2026 to reaffirm what it means to be an American citizen and protect our country from those who seek to cheat the citizenship process.\n\n“American citizenship is a privilege, and an honor that must be protected,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “For too long, foreign nationals have exploited the process of birthright citizenship through loopholes like birth tourism, devaluing what it means to be an American. My Birthright Citizenship Clarification Act of 2026 safeguards the privilege of being a citizen of our great nation. Republicans are committed to securing our borders and ensuring the people coming to our great country value and follow the ideals that make America so special.”\n\n“As Justices Thomas, Alito and Gorsuch made clear, President Trump’s executive order was consistent with the Citizenship Clause and the Supreme Court’s 1898 decision in United States v. Wong Kim Ark,” said Fred McGrath, President of the Institute for Legislative Analysis. “Justice Kavanaugh noted that Congress has the authority to resolve the statutory conflict, and the Birthright Citizenship Clarification Act directly answers that concern. We are confident the Court’s six conservative justices would find that it meets the constitutional standard if challenged.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Birthright Citizenship Clarification Act of 2026 reserves in federal statutory law the historical exceptions to citizenship at birth for children of foreign sovereigns or their ministers, persons born on foreign public ships, and children of enemies within and during a hostile occupation of part of the territory of the United States.\n\nAmends section 301(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1401(a)) in the manner identified by Justice Kavanaugh by establishing statutory exceptions for persons born in the United States to foreign citizens unlawfully or temporarily present in the United States\n\nDefines lawful, but temporary presence by reference to temporary presence categories reflected in Executive Order 14160, including the Visa Waiver Program and student, work, tourist, and other non-immigrant visas\n\nA person born in the United States shall not be considered born subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and shall not be a national or citizen of the United States at birth if, at the time of such person’s birth—\n\nThe person is a child of a foreign sovereign or a minister of a foreign sovereign\n\nThe person is born on a foreign public ship\n\nThe person is a child of an enemy within and during a hostile occupation of any part of the territory of the United States\n\nThe person’s mother is an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States, and the person's father is not, at the time of such person's birth, a citizen or national of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence\n\nOr, the person's mother is an alien whose presence in the United States is lawful but temporary and the person's father is not, at the time of such person's birth, a citizen or national of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence\n\nA copy of the bill can be found here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://mejia.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mejia-to-lead-task-force-to-defend-the-14th-amendment-as-trump-administration-continues-its-assault-on-civil-liberties", "title": "Rep. Mejia to Lead Task Force to Defend the 14th Amendment as Trump Administration Continues Its Assault on Civil Liberties", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mejia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mejia.house.gov", "scraper": "mejia", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001246", "name": "Analilia Mejia", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, on the 158th anniversary of the 14th Amendment’s ratification on July 9th, 1868, House Democratic Caucus announced Representative Analilia Mejia (NJ-11) as co-chair of the Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force. The task force will engage experts and convene Members to defend the Constitution, coordinate oversight, legislation, and public education campaigns, and respond to actions by the Trump Administration that undermine the rights and protections guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. Congresswoman Mejia will be co-chairing alongside Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Emily Randall (WA-06), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10).\n\n“We are witnessing a coordinated campaign by the Trump administration and a radicalized Supreme Court to dismantle the fundamental freedoms forged in the aftermath of slavery and protected by the 14th Amendment, including the right to vote, equal protection and due process under the law, and the citizenship of every child born on this soil. This is a deliberate strategy to silence the communities who fought hardest to build this democracy and to strip them of the rights they bled for,” said Representative Analilia Mejia (NJ-11). “I formed the Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force with my colleagues because these rights have never been self-executing — they have been won through struggle, defended through sacrifice, and they will be defended again. Democracy is only possible with equality, and equality is only made possible by the 14th Amendment.”\n\n“The 14th Amendment reminds us that the promise of the Constitution belongs to all of us. It serves as the basis for the civil rights movement and ensures that every American has equal rights in this country, no matter who they are or where they come from. As Trump and Republicans attempt to undermine these liberties, House Democrats stand united in fighting for equal opportunity and equal protection under the law, and I’m grateful to Reps. Mejia, Cleaver, Randall, Simon and Subramanyam for their leadership in this fight,” said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar.\n\n“Throughout my ministry, my public service, and my work in Congress, I have believed that our nation is strongest when we expand the promise of freedom, not when we narrow it,” said Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. “The 14th Amendment embodies that promise. It has served as the constitutional bedrock for equal protection, civil rights, and the belief that every person deserves equal dignity under the law. As new efforts emerge to undermine these protections, we cannot afford to be silent. I am proud to co-chair this task force and join my colleagues in defending one of the Constitution’s most enduring guarantees so that future generations inherit a nation that is more just, more equal, and more faithful to its founding ideals.”\n\n“Last week's decision affirmed the actual words in the constitution — that if you are born in this country, you are a citizen of this country — but the fact the 4 justices dissented shows that we’re not safe from these continuous attacks from Donald Trump, his administration, and what is an activist and extremist conservative Supreme Court. We have to continue fighting to ensure that the citizens of the United States are protected and that nothing erodes that constitutional protection,” said Representative Emily Randall (WA-06)\n\n\"The 14th Amendment granted citizenship BOTH to formerly enslaved people and all persons born in this nation. While the Supreme Court did their basic job in affirming the Constitution, threats to our constitutional and civil rights remain,\" said Representative Lateefah Simon (CA-12). “Republicans are hell bent on redrawing this nation in their image. The 14th Amendment was fought for - not given, and I join my colleagues as leaders of this Task Force and the continued effort to fight for and defend the 14th Amendment.”\n\n“Birthright citizenship continues to be under attack by the President Trump and his administration. I am excited to join my colleagues as we push to protect the 14th Amendment and make sure we uphold it for generations to come. It is a core principle that belonging in this country is a right you are born with, not a gift that can be taken away,” said Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-menefee-joins-houston-democrats-in-demanding-an-investigation-after-ice-officer-kills-lorenzo-salgado-araujo", "title": "Rep. Menefee Joins Houston Democrats in Demanding an Investigation After ICE Officer Kills Lorenzo Salgado Araujo", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menefee.house.gov", "scraper": "menefee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001245", "name": "Christian D. Menefee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "HOUSTON, TX — Today, Congressmembers Christian Menefee (TX-18), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Congressman Al Green (TX-09), and Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director David J. Venturella demanding an immediate, fully independent, and transparent investigation into the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE agent in Houston’s Magnolia Park neighborhood.\n\nOn Tuesday, July 7, an ICE officer shot Araujo during an immigration enforcement operation in the 6800 block of Canal Street. Araujo later died at the hospital. His family learned of his death through news reports and social media. Three men who were in the vehicle, including Araujo’s brother, remain detained.\n\nIn the letter, the Members demand that:\n\nDHS and ICE provide written confirmation within 48 hours that all evidence related to Araujo's killing and the detention of the three men has been preserved.\n\nDHS and ICE release the complete, unedited body camera footage from the agent who fired the fatal shot, the complete, unedited body camera footage from every officer present, and all dash camera footage from both ICE vehicles involved.\n\nDHS and ICE confirm whether they will cooperate with state and local agencies conducting the investigation.\n\nDHS and ICE provide answers regarding why Araujo was targeted, whether ICE had an administrative warrant, who authorized the operation, how many federal officers were present, what led to the shooting, and whether body cameras were activated.\n\nDHS and ICE explain why Araujo's name was released before his family was notified of his death.\n\nDHS and ICE explain what steps they are taking to prevent another tragedy.\n\n\"Houston has always been strengthened by its immigrant communities, including undocumented immigrants. The fear the Trump administration has created has already taken an immeasurable toll on families across the country. Now, that tragedy has reached our own community. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo's death demands answers,\" said Congressman Christian Menefee. \"Every piece of evidence, including body camera footage, witness statements, and any other relevant records, must be preserved, reviewed, and made available through a truly independent investigation. Lorenzo's family deserves the truth. The people of Houston deserve the truth. I stand firmly with my colleagues in continuing to demand full transparency and accountability until the facts are uncovered and those responsible are held accountable.”\n\n“ICE killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in our community. Then his family had to find out through the news and social media. That is cruel. That is unacceptable. And DHS and ICE do not get to investigate themselves behind closed doors and call it accountability,” said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. “We are demanding the full truth, the full footage, and a real independent investigation. Lorezno’s family deserves answers. Houston deserves answers. And we will not let DHS or ICE bury this, stall for time, or hide behind the same tired lies.”\n\n“My heart goes out to the family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. Whenever deadly force is used by federal law enforcement, the American people deserve a complete, transparent, and independent examination of the facts. Public confidence in our institutions depends upon the willingness of government to subject itself to meaningful oversight,” said Congressman Al Green. “I have been in communication with the ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, the Honorable Bennie Thompson, and will keep him informed of any further developments, and have made a request for a congressional oversight hearing of the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo to address issues of transparency and accountability.”\n\n“Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s family and our community deserve an independent investigation,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “Time and again, the Trump administration has asked us to accept its version of events without question, and time and again, it has broken that trust. Last year, Democrats called for real ICE accountability, including mandating stricter use-of-force standards. Congressional Republicans and President Trump refused. Had those reforms been in place, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo might be alive today. The troubling recent history makes clear that we cannot simply accept ICE’s version of events at face value. We deserve more, and I am joining my colleagues in the Houston Democratic Congressional Delegation in demanding more, starting with answers.”\n\nThe full letter can be found HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-menefee-reacts-to-dhs-s-failure-to-equip-agents-who-killed-a-houston-man-with-body-cameras", "title": "Rep. Menefee Reacts to DHS's Failure to Equip Agents Who Killed a Houston Man with Body Cameras", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menefee.house.gov", "scraper": "menefee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001245", "name": "Christian D. Menefee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "HOUSTON, TX — Today, Congressman Christian D. Menefee (TX-18) issued the following statement in response to reports that the ICE agents involved in the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo were not equipped with body-worn cameras, and to the Department of Homeland Security's attempt to blame Democrats for that failure.\n\n“If these ICE agents didn’t have cameras, it’s because Trump and Republicans didn’t want them to have them.\n\nICE is the highest funded law enforcement agency in America. Their own director testified to Congress that they got $75 billion in surge funding alone last year, on top of their annual budget. They hired thousands of new agents last year. They found money for detention centers, for signing bonuses, for a hiring spree, and for enhanced enforcement operations. But they refused to spend that money on body worn cameras for all their officers.\n\nThat was by design. ICE doesn’t want Americans to have evidence of its crimes. Democrats fought to make body cameras a condition of DHS getting any funding at all. Trump and Republicans said no. And Trump’s tried to cut ICE’s camera funding from $20 million to $5 million. Republicans backed the cut. Democrats fought to stop it.\n\nICE killed a man in Houston. He got pulled over going to his job and he never came home. His family deserves the truth, and Houstonians aren’t buying ICE’s lies cooked up in Washington Give us the names of every ICE officer on scene and make clear whether any had cameras. Tell us which ICE officers doing enforcement operations in Houston did have cameras. Tell us who approved this operation.\n\nHouston is done accepting excuses from an agency that has more money than it knows what to do with and still can’t manage basic accountability,” said Rep. Menefee.\n\nTo watch more, click HERE, or below.\n\nImage", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405755", "title": "Griffith Announces $652,113 in HHS Grants to Virginia Tech", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, three research related grants worth $652,113. The funding breakdown of the grants is as follows:\n\n$385,103 to support research related to biomedical research and research training\n\n$169,983 to support alcohol research\n\n$97,027 to support animal model research for veterinarians\n\nIn response to these grant notices, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“Virginia Tech is a leading visionary across diverse fields of scientific research.\n\n“These HHS grants for more than $652,000 help Virginia Tech’s world-class research team expand investigations into scientific topics.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAs a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"}
{"url": "https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-kelly-morrison-introduces-bill-support-ranked-choice-voting", "title": "U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Introduces Bill in Support of Ranked Choice Voting", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "morrison.house.gov", "scraper": "morrison", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001234", "name": "Kelly Morrison", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) introduced the Voter Choice Act, which makes it easier for states and local governments to implement ranked choice voting.\n\nRanked choice voting has been proven to lower election costs, reduce polarization, and drive voter turnout across the country — and more and more cities, states, and counties are choosing ranked choice voting in their elections.\n\nIn Minnesota, five cities (Bloomington, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, St. Louis Park, and St. Paul) have already implemented ranked choice voting for their elections, and have seen historic voter turnout since switching to ranked choice voting.\n\nRep. Morrison’s Voter Choice Act will help incentivize more states and local governments to adopt ranked choice voting by providing $40 million in federal grants to governments who make the switch.\n\nThe Voter Choice Act is endorsed by more than 30 voting rights advocacy and nonprofit organizations, including Better Ballot NC, Better Ballot SC, Black Voters Matter Fund, Clearinghouse on Women's Issues, Divided We Fall, FairVote Action, FairVote Illinois Action, FairVote Minnesota, Feminist Majority Foundation, Free Speech For People, Georgia Coalition for the Peoples Agenda, Indivisible Howard County, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC), National Organization For Women, National Voter Corps, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, New Jersey Appleseed Public Interest Law Center, People Power United, Rank The Vote, Ranked Choice Voting Resource Center, Represent Women, Secure Elections Network, Task Force for Democracy, Texas Civil Rights Project, Third Way, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, Vote Nevada, Voter Choice Massachusetts, and VoterChoice NJ.\n\n“Over the years, we’ve seen concrete evidence that ranked choice voting is one of the best tools we have to increase voter turnout and give Americans more choice at the ballot box. In Minnesota, we’ve seen the historic voter turnout that ranked choice voting has spurred, and it’s clear that more and more voters across the country want to implement ranked choice voting,” said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. “Should they choose to, the Voter Choice Act simplymakes it easier for state and local governments to switch to ranked choice voting. Especially as we face increased polarization in our country, ranked choice voting will help bridge divides and allow voters to focus on the issues that matter most to them — not partisan attacks.”\n\n“Ranked choice voting empowers voters and ensures elected officials are accountable to all of their constituents,” said Meredith Sumpter, President and CEO of FairVote, a nonpartisan organization seeking better elections. “At a time when so many have lost faith in our democratic system, Americans across the nation are working to make their elections and government better with ranked choice voting. The Voter Choice Act will help more cities, counties, and states on this path — toward more voter choice, majority-supported outcomes, and more responsive government with ranked choice voting.”\n\n“Ranked choice voting gives voters more choice, more voice, and more say in who represents them. It's a proven, cost-effective alternative to runoff elections that ensures winners have broad support and elections reflect the will of the majority. Federal support for election modernization should include innovations like Ranked Choice Voting that strengthen participation, representation, and confidence in our democracy. We are grateful to Representative Kelly Morrison for her leadership in introducing the Voter Choice Act and championing reforms that help our democracy better serve voters,” said Jeanne Massey, Executive Director of FairVote MN.\n\nRead the full text of the bill HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-announces-5-million-infrastructure-grant-whiting", "title": "Mrvan Announces $5 Million Infrastructure Grant for Whiting", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mrvan.house.gov", "scraper": "mrvan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001214", "name": "Frank J. Mrvan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan announced a federal grant award for the City of Whiting under the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant program.\n\nThe at-grade railroad crossings have long created a serious barrier between the City of Whiting and its Lake Michigan shoreline, impacting emergency response times and limiting connectivity between the community’s downtown and waterfront assets. The City of Whiting will receive $5,163,200 to advance the Rail Corridor Overpass Project that aims to improve public safety by supporting more reliable emergency access, enhancing mobility for residents and visitors, and strengthening the connection between Whiting’s neighborhoods, downtown, and lakefront.\n\nCongressman Mrvan stated, “This funding will address a critical public safety need that has existed in the City of Whiting for far too long. I congratulate Mayor Spebar, the Common Council, and all of the local leaders whose persistence and advocacy helped secure this significant federal investment. I am proud to support this investment, which will not only improve the quality of life and public safety for residents, but also help unlock new opportunities for economic development and tourism.”\n\nCity of Whiting Mayor Steve Spebar stated, “The awarding to the City of Whiting of DOT’s Build Grant will allow us to complete engineering work on our overpass project. The completion time for engineering work is projected at approximately the end of next year. This award is a significant step in making an overpass a reality in the City of Whiting. I want to thank Congressman Mrvan for his support in securing this grant.\"\n\nFor additional information on the Department of Transportation’s BUILD Grant program, click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://norton.house.gov/media/press-releases/norton-introduces-bill-prohibit-permanent-fencing-lafayette-square", "title": "Norton Introduces Bill to Prohibit Permanent Fencing at Lafayette Square", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://norton.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "norton.house.gov", "scraper": "norton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000147", "name": "Eleanor Holmes Norton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a bill to prohibit permanent fencing at Lafayette Square Park. She became concerned after reading recent reporting indicating that the Trump Administration plans to install permanent fencing around the park located in front of the White House.\n\nLafayette Square has long welcomed First Amendment demonstrations, vigils and public gatherings. It serves as a place where Americans can peacefully assemble within sight of the White House and engage directly in a democratic tradition,” Norton said. “The openness of Lafayette Square and our democracy is our strength, not a security weakness that needs to be fenced off. Permanent fencing at Lafayette Square would send the wrong message to the nation and the world by continuing to transform our democracy from one that is accessible and of the people to one that is exclusive and fearful of its own citizens.\n\n\"Public property should be open to the public. We should not leave citizens peering at their democracy from behind permanent fences.\"\n\nNorton has long advocated for using the least restrictive means necessary for securing public property, introducing a bill with Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) to prohibit permanent fencing at the Capitol and a separate bill to prohibit permanent fencing at the Supreme Court. She also introduced a bill to authorize a 21-member commission, with the president designating nine members and the House and Senate leadership each designating six members, to investigate and offer recommendations on the balance between public access to and security in federal buildings and other federal property.\n\nStatement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on the Introduction of the No Fencing at Lafayette Square Act\n\nJuly 6, 2026\n\nToday, I introduce the No Fencing at Lafayette Square Act, which would prohibit the installation of permanent fencing around Lafayette Square. This bill would help ensure that one of our nation’s most important public spaces remains open and accessible to the public.\n\nAccording to press reports, the Trump administration plans to install permanent fencing around Lafayette Square, a federal park next to the White House.\n\nWhile I understand the importance of protecting the White House, which is already surrounded by a 13-foot-high fence, we can and must maintain our commitment to security without sacrificing public access by using the least restrictive means necessary to address security.\n\nLafayette Square has long welcomed First Amendment demonstrations, vigils and public gatherings. It serves as a place where Americans can peacefully assemble within sight of the White House and engage directly in a democratic tradition. The openness of Lafayette Square and our democracy is our strength, not a security weakness that needs to be fenced off. Permanent fencing at Lafayette Square would send the wrong message to the nation and the world by continuing to transform our democracy from one that is accessible and of the people to one that is exclusive and fearful of its own citizens.\n\nFencing is an incredibly imprecise security tool. It is more likely to keep out tourists, residents, students and peaceful demonstrators than those determined to do harm. In many respects, it is another form of security theater, where it makes a place look secure while masking the need for more effective and modern security measures.\n\nFurthermore, Lafayette Square is in a mixed-use neighborhood. The park is used every day by D.C. residents and visitors from across the country and around the world.\n\nThe distance between government and the people has grown, with trust in government at an all-time low. We should not increase that distance by placing intimidating barriers between public servants and the people they serve, especially when such barriers are not necessary.\n\nSecurity is not only about reducing risk. It is also about safeguarding the freedoms and values that anchor our country, not only for ourselves but for future generations. Public property should be open to the public. We should not leave citizens peering at their democracy from behind permanent fences.\n\nI urge my colleagues to support this bill.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://nunn.house.gov/2026/07/09/nunn-joins-nations-top-highway-official-announces-2-million-federal-investment-in-ringgold-county-roadway/", "title": "Nunn Joins Nation’s Top Highway Official, Announces $2 Million Federal Investment in Ringgold County Roadway", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "domain": "nunn.house.gov", "scraper": "nunn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000193", "name": "Zachary Nunn", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“Out here in Ringgold County, a corridor like P33 is how farmers get their products to market, small businesses stay connected, and first responders reach Iowans when every minute matters,” said Rep. Nunn. “This $2 million investment rebuilds one of the county’s busiest rural roads with new pavement, wider shoulders, and rumble strips that help keep drivers safe. It’s an investment that will strengthen southern Iowa’s economy and serve local families for decades to come.”\n\n“Under the leadership of President Trump and with the advocacy of Congressman Nunn, vital federal dollars are being delivered exactly where they are needed most—our rural Iowa communities,” said Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster. “This project stands as an example of the Trump Administration’s commitment to helping local leaders move dirt and upgrade the vital highways that support America’s economy, while keeping families safely connected.”\n\nRep. Nunn secured the funding through the FY2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) process. Ringgold County, the grant recipient, will administer the funding to advance the corridor rehabilitation project.\n\nThe investment will improve the 6.7-mile stretch of P33 between Highway 2 and Diagonal by resurfacing the roadway, widening the pavement to add shoulders, and installing edge rumble strips to improve safety and reduce roadway accidents. The corridor carries roughly 740 vehicles each day and serves as a key route for area residents, agricultural producers, emergency responders, school transportation, and local businesses. County officials estimate the project will directly benefit roughly 15 percent of Ringgold County residents.\n\nThe $2 million federal investment complements a $1.8 million local match already secured by Ringgold County through its Farm-to-Market funding program.\n\nLocal, county, and state leaders praised the investment.\n\n“Receiving $2 million in Community Project Funding is a tremendous investment in the future of Ringgold County,” said Ringgold County Board of Supervisor Chair Colby Holmes. “This project will improve safety, strengthen our transportation infrastructure, and demonstrate what can be accomplished when local leaders and our federal partners work together to meet the needs of our communities. We’re grateful for Congressman Zach Nunn’s support and proud of the dedication shown by our County Engineer, Jared Johnson, whose hard work helped make this project a reality.”\n\n“On behalf of the City of Diagonal, I would like to thank Congressman Nunn, his office and his staff for working so hard to secure Federal Funding for the P33 project,” said Diagonal Mayor Lester Elliott. “P33 is an integral artery for the City of Diagonal. With our business and population in Diagonal growing at a rapid pace, infrastructure will play a key role in continuing that growth! Additionally, I would like to thank County Engineer Johnson, his staff, and our County Supervisors for making the P33 project a reality! They do an outstanding job of serving all of Ringgold County!”\n\n“This investment is a game-changer for Diagonal,” said Diagonal Development Corporation Vice President Zach Gunsolley. “For a rural community, a reliable corridor like P33 is the difference between businesses that thrive and opportunities that pass us by. We thank Congressman Nunn for fighting to make sure Diagonal stays connected, competitive, and open for growth.”\n\n“Rural infrastructure is vital to all parts of the economy as product needs to move both ways to feed people,” said Iowa State Senator Tom Shipley.\n\n“This investment is proof of what can happen when local priorities have a strong advocate in Washington,” said State Representative Devon Wood. “The P33 corridor is a vital connection for Ringgold County’s farmers, businesses, and families, and Congressman Nunn’s leadership has helped ensure this road will serve our community safely and reliably for decades to come.”\n\nPhotos from today’s press conference are available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-pat-ryan-releases-initial-community-feedback-escalates-fight-save", "title": "CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN RELEASES INITIAL COMMUNITY FEEDBACK, ESCALATES FIGHT TO SAVE WEST PARK POST OFFICE", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "patryan.house.gov", "scraper": "patryan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000579", "name": "Patrick Ryan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "When West Park residents abruptly received notice that their post office would be closing, with no information or timeline provided on when services will resume, Ryan immediately wrote to USPS demanding the closure be reversed\n\nRyan is releasing the initial community feedback from his petition, showing the West Park community’s massive opposition to the closure; since there is no home delivery in the area, residents must pick up their mail in person daily\n\nIn the past, Ryan has had repeated success of pressuring USPS to save Hudson Valley post offices\n\nWEST PARK, NY – Today, Congressman Pat Ryan is escalating the fight to save the West Park post office and releasing the initial results of his petition opposing the closure. The petition, which already has more than 100 signatures from hamlet residents, will be delivered to the Postmaster General.\n\nWhen residents received abrupt notice that their post office would be closing in less than a month, with no information or timeline for resumption of services provided, Ryan immediately wrote to USPS demanding the decision be reversed. He then launched a petition, urging impacted community members to voice their concerns. Ryan has successfully fought to restore services at multiple Hudson Valley post offices when they faced similar challenges.\n\nMembers of the West Park community are encouraged to sign this petition, voicing their opposition to the closure of their post office.\n\n“For many communities in the Hudson Valley, the U.S. Postal Service is a lifeline. That’s especially the case in West Park where it’s one of the few meeting places in town. We cannot allow USPS to rip the rug out from under our neighbors – that’s why we’re fighting back, starting with this petition,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “In just a few days since launching the petition, I’ve heard from seniors concerned about where to pick up their medication, small business owners who rely on the shipping services, and most of all from neighbors, worried about losing this center of their community. This post office is vital to the West Park community in so many ways – these responses speak for themselves. USPS owes the Hudson Valley better, and our community is ready to rally in force to save the West Park post office and ensure our neighbors don’t get left behind.”\n\n“West Park has been my home for the last 9 years, and in that time, have fallen in love with my neighbors and my community,” said Claire Buglion, West Park resident. “The post office and Tammy is so much more than a small brick building with someone working behind a counter. Driving to Highland is not just an inconvenience and for many of my friends and neighbors a hardship. It is stripping away our identity as a town. I strongly oppose this unnecessary action, and demand that all actions be taken to stop it.”\n\n“West Park is a strong, close-knit community, and having our own local post office—with Tammy as our wonderful postmaster—is part of what makes this small hamlet so special,” said Patricia Cutugno, West Park resident. “It’s places like these, and the people who serve them with kindness and dedication, that help make West Park feel like home.”\n\n“I am a senior and I walk to the Post Office in West Park,” said Melissa Ortquist, West Park resident. “I get some of my medications through the mail. Going to Highland to get my mail would be a huge inconvenience for me and my neighbors. I am worried that I will not get my prescriptions on time. Highland is way out of my way.”\n\n“I heard from a neighbor the West Park PO is closing in a month and we will be directed to Highland PO. It’s an unbelievable short amount of time to hear about it through the grapevine,” said Mary McCrindle, West Park resident. “My husband and I have lived here 39 years. Many personal and professional things associated with our PO box that are not easy to change/notify!!! We want our PO to stay open!!”\n\nMembers of the West Park community are encouraged to sign this petition, voicing their opposition to the closure of their post office.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-pat-ryan-secures-landmark-federal-investment-town-wappinger", "title": "CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN SECURES LANDMARK FEDERAL INVESTMENT IN TOWN OF WAPPINGER TO IMPROVE DRINKING WATER QUALITY", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "patryan.house.gov", "scraper": "patryan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000579", "name": "Patrick Ryan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Ryan joined Town of Wappinger leaders to announce he has secured a nearly $750,000 investment in FY27 Community Project Funding for the Town’s efforts to combat toxic forever chemicals in the drinking water and update their water filtration systems\n\nThe Town will use the funding to install treatment and filtration systems at Hilltop Well Field, which supplies about 30% of the United Wappinger Water District’s drinking water\n\nTOWN OF WAPPINGER, NY – Yesterday, Congressman Pat Ryan joined Town of Wappinger leaders to announce he’s secured nearly $750,000 in FY27 Community Project Funding to bolster the Town’s efforts to clean up toxic forever chemicals in their drinking water and update their water filtration systems. Committee passage is the first step in the process, and funding will only be made available when the bill is passed by Congress and signed into law, which Ryan continues to fight for.\n\nThe Town will use the funding to install water quality treatment and carbon filtration systems at the Hilltop Well Field, which supplies approximately 30% of the United Wappinger Water District's drinking water. The project addresses PFAS contamination detected above federal maximum contaminant levels in one well and rapid filter fouling issues in two others that have made them largely unusable.\n\n“This is a very exciting day. I’m incredibly proud to secure this funding for the Town of Wappinger to make real progress in updating their water filtration systems and removing toxic forever chemicals from their drinking water,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “This money will go towards new treatment and filtration systems to ensure that everyone in our Hudson Valley community – especially our kids – has access to safe, clean drinking water. Whether by delivering funding to fight contamination on the ground, holding corporations accountable for polluting our communities, or by fighting tooth and nail against harmful EPA or DoD policies rolling back our progress, I’ll keep working to end this public health crisis once and for all.”\n\n“This project represents an investment not only in our infrastructure but in the health, safety, and future of our community. I am grateful that through this bipartisan collaboration between Congressman Ryan and the Town, we are able to make significant filtration and supply improvements to our Town water infrastructure. By modernizing our water treatment systems today, we are ensuring that residents continue to receive clean, dependable drinking water while reducing long-term costs and building a more resilient water system for generations to come,” said Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini.\n\n“The Hilltop Well Field Phase II Filtration Improvements project represents an important moment for the Town of Wappinger,” said Dutchess County Legislature Chair Yvette Valdés Smith. “Strengthening the water infrastructure is vital to ensuring Wappinger residents have access to safe, reliable drinking water and ensures compliance with federal standards. I appreciate the ongoing commitment to investing in the long-term public health and well-being of this town. I want to thank Congressman Pat Ryan for his continued focus toward strengthening all of our community's infrastructure.”\n\n“Safe, affordable drinking water is essential for every resident,” said Dutchess District 14 Legislator Alix Winsby. “Today marks the smart investment in upgrading the water infrastructure project here in the Town of Wappinger that will have a lasting impact on us all. Sincere thanks to Congressman Pat Ryan for funding this project.”\n\nCongressman Pat Ryan has prioritized fighting for clean water for Hudson Valley families and against harmful pollutants, particularly spearheading efforts against the emerging threats posed by PFAS contamination.\n\nJust last month, Ryan put the Department of Defense and Secretary Pete Hegseth on blast for their plan to rollback PFAS reporting standards at U.S. military installations. Toxic forever chemical contamination at Stewart Air National Guard Base has tainted the drinking water in Newburgh for years – and DoD’s plan threatens to rollback bipartisan progress combatting it.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-nancy-pelosi-kristin-rowe-finkbeiner-we-can-fix-health-care-trump-chooses", "title": "ICYMI -- Nancy Pelosi, Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner: We Can Fix Health Care, But Trump Chooses Iran", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "pelosi.house.gov", "scraper": "pelosi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000197", "name": "Nancy Pelosi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington D.C. – In a new USA TODAY op-ed, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and MomsRising Executive Director Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner argue that America's growing health care affordability crisis is the direct result of Republican policy choices that slashed Medicaid, increased costs for working families and prioritized war and tax breaks for the wealthy over the health of the American people.\n\nThey call on Congress to reverse Republican health care cuts, permanently extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and recommit to policies that lower costs for families, strengthen the nation's health care system and ensure every American has access to affordable care.\n\nRead the full op-ed below:\n\nUSA TODAY: Pelosi, Rowe-Finkbeiner: We can fix health care, but Trump chooses Iran\n\n[By Nancy Pelosi and Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, 7/9/26]\n\nRepublicans doubled down on extreme health care cuts during an affordability crisis to pay for even more tax breaks for people who don't need them. But we can reverse that.\n\nFamilies don’t need another report to tell them health care is becoming more unaffordable, but the latest data confirms what we’re already feeling in our wallets: Less than half of Americans can now afford health care.\n\nWondering what’s happening? We have answers.\n\nRepublicans triggered a nationwide health care crisis by slashing $1 trillion from Medicaid in their 2025 reconciliation bill and failing to extend the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits.\n\nBut instead of fixing the crisis they created, in June the Republican-controlled Congress passed another reconciliation bill that, along with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, poured more than $240 billion into militarized immigration enforcement without guardrails to protect our communities – while ignoring the financial realities facing America’s families.\n\nThis health care crisis is not a question of resources – it is a question of priorities. The $240 billion would cover Medicaid for about 30 million people. And the daily cost of the war in Iran alone could cover the daily health care costs of the 16 million people expected to lose Medicaid – and still cover Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for all 41 million Americans who rely on it.\n\nAgain, the resources are there. The priorities are wrong.\n\nAcross America, working families are being pushed to the breaking point by a health care crisis that grows worse by the day. The consequences are devastating.\n\nJust take the direct impact of the cuts in the 2025 reconciliation package: While about 16 million Americans are expected to lose their health insurance by 2034 because of those Medicaid cuts, that’s just part of the negative consequences.\n\nAt the same time, rising Affordable Care Act premiums are pricing families out of coverage altogether. Early 2026 data already shows ACA enrollment dropped by 13%, which is nearly 3 million people, with some experts projecting a 20% drop – meaning roughly 5 million fewer people with coverage and soaring premiums for 22 million families.\n\nEven as families pay more, services are worsening as hospitals struggle under the weight of these cuts.\n\nMore than 15 million could lose health care thanks to Republican cuts\n\nTo be clear, taking an axe to Medicaid is taking an axe to the heart of America: our children. More than 35 million children – nearly half of all children in our country – receive their health care through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP.\n\nMedicaid also covers more than 40% of births in our country, protecting both mothers and babies at the most vulnerable moment in their lives.\n\nAmerica’s health care crisis will only deepen as the Republican cuts take hold over the next decade, with the most severe impacts beginning in 2027.\n\nExperts warn that about 15 million additional people could lose coverage in the years ahead. Even families with employer-sponsored insurance are not spared.\n\nAcross the country, families are being forced into impossible choices: health care or groceries, prescriptions or rent, gas in the car or a doctor’s visit.\n\nAt the same time, the very health care system families rely on is under strain. Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and maternity wards are cutting services, laying off staff or closing altogether.\n\nOne in 7 Americans depend on a rural hospital for care, and closures are accelerating – forcing patients to rely on air ambulances or travel hours for basic services.\n\nIn urban areas, more than 440 hospitals serving 6.6 million patients are at risk of closing or reducing services, with a quarter of hospitals in five states in jeopardy.\n\nFor pregnant women and new mothers, these closures are not just devastating – they are dangerous. When a maternity ward closes, we lose more than convenience, we lose safety:\n\nProgress made under Medicaid expansion is under direct threat of imminent reversal.\n\nMaternal care deserts now exist in more than 35% of counties, including 56% of rural counties.\n\nThe United States already has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations, with Black women three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women.\n\nAmericans are concerned about health care costs. Trump doesn't care.\n\nThis is not acceptable. It is outrageous.\n\nWe are living through a crisis that feels like a real-life episode of \"The Pitt\" – because Republican leaders are prioritizing ballrooms over emergency rooms. That is not what the American people want, and it is not what they deserve. One-third of Americans now report cutting back on basic necessities just to afford health care.\n\nWe choose what to fund as a nation – and most Americans prioritize their health care, with 7 in 10 adults saying they are very concerned about their health care costs.\n\nLet us be clear: The steep hike in health care didn’t happen by accident.\n\nPresident Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress doubled down on extreme cuts to health care during an affordability crisis to pay for even more tax breaks for people who don’t need them, as well as for separating families, human rights abuses and terrifying hardworking immigrants – people essential to our care workforce, our economy and our future. Our nation needs a safe and orderly immigration process that balances compassion and security, not cuts to health care and not cruelty.\n\nDespite the political chaos, solutions are still possible. Our nation can reverse course by reversing the cuts.\n\nBut make no mistake, reversing the cuts is going to take our voices, our persistence, our insistence and our votes. In this increasing climate of voter intimidation and gerrymandering, double-check your voter registration and make a plan to vote with friends. Call your members of Congress and urge them to reverse the massive cuts that Republican leaders made to health care, permanently extend the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and proactively pass improved health care access.\n\nAmerica’s families need universal access to affordable health care. They need paid family and medical leave. They need access to healthy food, affordable childcare, and quality care for aging loved ones and people with disabilities. These are not luxuries – they are the foundation of a strong economy and a just society.\n\nThese are the policies that will lift families up, strengthen our workforce and restore dignity to everyday life. These are the policies that will end the affordability crisis driven by these cruel and unjust cuts.\n\nIn the United States of America, what we are experiencing is not just a policy failure. It is a moral failure. And we must act now before it’s too late.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/national-fccla-scholarship-awardees-enjoy-taste-samoan-culture-dc", "title": "National FCCLA Scholarship Awardees Enjoy Taste of Samoan Culture in DC", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "radewagen.house.gov", "scraper": "radewagen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000600", "name": "Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen", "party": "Republican", "state": "AS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata’s DC office enjoyed hosting a group of the FCCLA national scholarship winners and their sponsor on Thursday, when the scholarship group visited the American Samoa office. They shared how their educational opportunity this week was meaningful to them, while getting extra cultural experiences from new friends, such as eating homemade puligi, wearing a sei in their hair, trying a lavalava in the DC midsummer heat, and asking questions about life in American Samoa.\n\nChief of Staff Leafaina Tavai hosted scholars on behalf of Congresswoman Amata\n\nThe students, many from small communities all over the country, including Arkansas, New Mexico, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, said they encourage students in all their home locations, including American Samoa, to take an interest in the educational program – the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America – which gave them an added sense of belonging and accomplishment, while meeting new friends and learning, including about faraway places like American Samoa.\n\nAmerican Samoa’s own Lucas “Hoss” Tafesilafa’i Foster, was one of the scholarship winners, representing the territory, Samoana High School, and his villages of Pago Pago and Futiga. He’s the first from American Samoa, helping open the door to wider participation in FCCLA in the islands. He served as American Samoa’s 2026 Election Voting Delegate, the territory’s flag bearer, and accepted a membership increase award on behalf of American Samoa FCCLA, with his family looking on at the National Leadership Conference for more than 10,000 people at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center this week.\n\nPICTURED: Lucas and his fellow National Scholarship Awardees, their sponsor Amie White of Texas, Chief of Staff Leafaina Tavai on behalf of Congresswoman Amata, and the rest of the Foster family, Lloyd, Ola, and Lloyd, Jr. Eight of the 12 awardees are pictured: Lucas Tafesilafa’i Foster, Shaylen Shepherd, Tayeanna Bekise, Ayden McNamee, Alivia Johnson, Riya Kumar, Avery Willis, and Calvyn St. Clair.\n\nMore Photos here\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://raskin.house.gov/2026/7/raskin-statement-on-trumped-up-charges-facing-constituent-three-time-olympian-canoeist-davey-hearn-in-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool-case", "title": "Raskin Statement on “Trumped-up Charges” Facing Constituent, Three-time Olympian Canoeist Davey Hearn in Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Case", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "raskin.house.gov", "scraper": "raskin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000606", "name": "Jamie Raskin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08) released the following statement as his constituent and three-time Olympian canoeist Davey Hearn is set to be arraigned “on a Kafkaesque arrest and Orwellian charges”:\n\n\"Davey Hearn is my constituent, a native-born resident of Montgomery County, a three-time Olympian canoeist, and a famed and celebrated teacher and coach of canoeing and kayaking in our community. He is beloved in my district as a model citizen whether on water or on dry land. He is a great guy.\n\n\"Davey Hearn would never desecrate a federal building or landmark by writing his name on it or affixing his name illegally to it or engaging in any other kind of political graffiti, vandalism or delinquency. He would never intentionally damage government property. Whether we are talking about the White House, the Reflecting Pool or the Kennedy Center, Davey would never try to alter, bulldoze or redesign federal property or buildings without explicit Congressional authorization and direction. Davey is an honorable and law-abiding citizen who has won real giant prizes, including eight world championships. He did so without any corrupt practices and only through his magnificent hard work and surpassing dedication to the team. He would never try to undercut or sabotage anyone, much less our entire community.\n\n\"I hope—and will do everything I can to guarantee—that Davey gets true due process and a fair trial on these absurdly trumped-up charges. It is only a matter of time before an impartial judge and jury recognize that this case has been built on a Kafkaesque arrest and Orwellian charges.\n\n\"I’m wishing Davey all best luck, constitutional justice and the real Rule of Law over the course of his trial. The people of Maryland’s 8th are with you, Davey!\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://rivas.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luz-rivas-expresses-outrage-and-demands-accountability-another", "title": "Congresswoman Luz Rivas Expresses Outrage and Demands Accountability at Another ICE Killing", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://rivas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "rivas.house.gov", "scraper": "rivas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000620", "name": "Luz M. Rivas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LOS ANGELES — Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) released the following statement after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot and killed, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo – father, husband, and immigrant – in Houston, Texas:\n\n“I am outraged at yet another innocent person being killed by an ICE agent. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was on his way to work building homes when ICE agents ended his life and shattered his family's home in a matter of seconds. This senseless death has broken the hearts of communities everywhere, including the San Fernando Valley.\n\n“I demand accountability with a transparent and independent investigation. Additionally, all body camera and dash camera footage, as well as images of the tragic event must be released for further transparency. ICE cannot be trusted to investigate itself. His family and the public deserve to know what happened and justice must be served.\n\n“America has seen this tragic story before and this pattern cannot continue: ICE continues to act with impunity. We must not turn a blind eye when the state of our country allows for allegations of federal law enforcement murdering innocent people on American streets.\n\n“My heart goes out to the victim’s family, the Houston community, and immigrant communities everywhere.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://rivas.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luz-rivas-presents-nearly-1000000-federal-funding-pacoima", "title": "Congresswoman Luz Rivas Presents Nearly $1,000,000 in Federal Funding for Pacoima Warehouse Renovation", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://rivas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "rivas.house.gov", "scraper": "rivas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000620", "name": "Luz M. Rivas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LOS ANGELES — Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29), representative for California’s 29th Congressional District, presented the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) with $968,000 in federal funding for its Pacoima Warehouse Renovation project. This project will support warehouse renovations and storage improvements that strengthen emergency response operations and help ensure firefighters and firefighter paramedics have timely access to the life-saving equipment and resources they need during emergencies.\n\n“I am proud to secure nearly $1 million in federal funding to support local emergency response operations for firefighters and storage improvements at the Pacoima Warehouse,” said Congresswoman Rivas. “A strong emergency response starts by making sure our firefighters have quick and efficient access to the equipment and supplies they need to protect our communities. I am grateful for the partnership of Supervisor Horvath and the Los Angeles County Fire Department in securing this important federal investment that will keep our communities safe during emergencies like wildfires.”\n\n“Just this week, we welcomed home USA-2 after their humanitarian mission to Venezuela — a powerful reminder that the work happening at this warehouse saves lives both here in Los Angeles County and around the world,\" said Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. \"Thanks to Congresswoman Rivas this federal investment will strengthen our emergency response capabilities by ensuring our firefighters have faster access to the specialized equipment they need when every second counts.\n\n“The County of Los Angeles Fire Department is grateful to Congresswoman Rivas for this federal funding investment to renovate our Pacoima Supply Warehouse,\" said County of Los Angeles Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone. \"This project will upgrade and modernize the Supply Warehouse, strengthening daily operations and ensuring our firefighters and paramedics get life-saving equipment and tools faster.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThis funding is part of the nearly $15 million in federal funding Congresswoman Rivas secured for California’s 29th Congressional District in FY26.\n\nThe warehouse also stores specialized urban search and rescue equipment used during critical incidents and humanitarian response efforts, including supplies deployed to support ongoing U.S. Department of State relief efforts in Venezuela along with other local large-scale emergencies.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-seeks-crackdown-legal-immigration-following-scotus-ruling", "title": "Rep. Roy Seeks Crackdown on Legal Immigration Following SCOTUS Ruling", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "roy.house.gov", "scraper": "roy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000614", "name": "Chip Roy", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Following the Supreme Court’s recent egregious ruling on birthright citizenship, Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) sent a letter to the Trump Administration seeking answers on the number of legal immigrants who have come into our country since the start of 2025.\n\n\"Securing our country from mass migration means addressing both illegal and legal immigration. At a time when housing, schools, healthcare, and other public services are under increasing pressure, Congress needs a full accounting of how many legal immigrants have entered the United States since the start of this Administration. The American people deserve transparency so we can ensure our immigration system puts American workers, taxpayers, and communities first,” said Rep. Roy.\n\nExcerpts from the letter:\n\nAs you all tirelessly work to fulfill President Trump’s mandate to secure our country from illegal immigration, we write to request an accounting of the number of legal immigrants — both temporary and permanent — the United States has admitted since January 20, 2025. While mitigating illegal immigration should be a top priority for the federal government, it is equally important to ensure the nation maintains sustainable legal immigration levels.\n\nIn light of the Supreme Court’s majority’s egregious ruling against the Trump administration’s efforts to curb automatic citizenship for children born on U.S. soil to illegal aliens and temporary foreign visitors, current immigration levels should be revisited to ensure they do not adversely affect the American people’s economic opportunities, cultural and social cohesion, or security.\n\n***\n\nThe Trump administration has made decisive steps to limit legal immigration, including pausing the Diversity Visa Lottery program, tightening the public charge rule, suspending immigration from multiple countries. Additionally, the administration has focused on countering visa programs that routinely undermine American workers.\n\nWhile these are welcome measures, additional policies could be implemented to reduce current legal immigration flows. To that end, Congress obtaining data on the number of individuals we’ve imported, permanently or temporarily, is a first step in advancing immigration legislation that puts American interests first and builds on the Trump administration's commendable restriction efforts.\n\nRead the full letter here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2034", "title": "Scanlon Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Make Standard Time Permanent Default For Stronger Youth Development and Increased Public Safety", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "scanlon.house.gov", "scraper": "scanlon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001205", "name": "Mary Gay Scanlon", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) today introduced the Sunshine for Our Kids Act, legislation to restore permanent Standard Time nationwide. The bill would end the annual switch to Daylight Saving Time in most of the country, and make Standard Time, the time we currently use between November and March, the default year-round. The bill is a bipartisan effort with Rep. Pat Harrigan (NC-10) as a co-lead.\n\nAt present, two states use Standard Time year-round, and no state uses Daylight Saving Time year-round. While this legislation would default all states to permanent Standard Time, it does allow for states to institute permanent Daylight Saving Time through state law if they so choose. A brief national experiment with year-round Daylight Saving Time in 1974 was quickly abandoned amid widespread public dissatisfaction.\n\nThe biannual switch between Standard Time and Daylight Saving Time has been shown to pose significant public health and safety risks, including increased motor vehicle accidents, cardiovascular events, and mood disorders each time the switch occurs. While there is widespread public agreement that the twice-yearly clock switch needs to end, proposals to enact year-round Daylight Saving Time carry additional medical risks.\n\n“For decades, scientists and medical professionals have highlighted the detrimental mental and physical health impacts of twice-a-year clock changes, particularly on children and teens,” said Rep. Scanlon. “The Sunshine for Our Kids Act will not only help children and teens during the most important years for mental and physical development, but will also promote public health and safety in our communities.”\n\n“It's hard to find anyone who enjoys changing the clocks twice a year, yet Americans have been stuck with the same outdated policy for decades,” said Rep. Harrigan. “The Sunshine for Our Kids Act replaces that one-size-fits-all mandate with a smarter approach by making standard time the default while allowing states to decide what works best for their own communities.”\n\nThe medical community is in agreement that the country should switch away from moving our clocks forward and backward each year, and believes a switch to permanent Standard Time to align with our natural circadian rhythms would be the best possible solution. By switching to permanent Standard Time, Americans across the country will experience improved sleep and brain function, better physical and mental health, and greater safety as a result.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by American Academy of Sleep Medicine, National Sleep Foundation, Save Standard Time, American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), the Society for Research in Biological Rhythms (SRBR) and the Coalition for Permanent Standard Time.\n\n“Permanent standard time is the healthier choice for all Americans,” said Dr. Abbasi-Fienberg, President of American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “We are grateful to Congresswoman Scanlon for championing legislation that puts health and safety first and helps ensure that mornings are better aligned with natural light and human circadian rhythms.”\n\n“Permanent standard time will lead to a healthier, safer, and more productive America,” said Dr. Karin Johnson and Jay Pea, co-chairs of Coalition for Permanent Standard Time. “Natural standard time has a proven track record of improving public health, student performance, and economic output. Permanent standard time ends the harms of clock changes while best aligning with human circadian biology. By ensuring adequate morning light, standard time reduces the risks associated with circadian misalignment, sleep loss, and unsafe dark morning commutes.”\n\nFind the full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-statement-amb-emanuel-speech-tel-aviv-university", "title": "SCHNEIDER STATEMENT ON AMB. EMANUEL SPEECH AT TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "schneider.house.gov", "scraper": "schneider", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001190", "name": "Bradley Scott Schneider", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LINCOLNSHIRE, IL – Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), Co-Chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus and a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on Ambassador Rahm Emanuel’s speech at Tel Aviv University:\n\n“I am grateful to Ambassador Emanuel for going to Israel to tell its people directly what has been in the heart of so many in the American pro-Israel community, including my own: ‘The historic alliance between two democracies… is at a crossroads. It cannot stand or survive as it has been. To maintain the strength of our ties, this alliance needs significant changes and a new direction.’\n\n“As a proud Zionist, I care for Israel deeply and have stood in Congress in support of our relationship, even when the politics were hard. I believe in the fundamental right of the Jewish people to their historic homeland, just like I believe in the Palestinians’ right to theirs. These two people belong to the same land, and they have suffered for too long because of those who prefer self-righteousness and violence to negotiation and peace.\n\n“Like Ambassador Emanuel, I have long called out settler violence, both publicly and in countless private meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Israeli officials. In June of 2020, and again in September of 2025, I helped draft and lead letters to Netanyahu and other Israeli officials opposing unilateral annexation of the West Bank or Gaza. And throughout the war in Gaza, I led the bipartisan Gaza Working Group to get humanitarian aid into and throughout the territory, while also seeking to give relief and succor to the civilians trapped in the war between Israel and Hamas.\n\n“Israel will not have real security and peace without addressing Palestinian aspirations for self-determination and sovereignty and creating a framework for regional stability. It also must find a path to peace with Lebanon and Syria. We must support and incentivize this path and work to integrate what will be 22 Arab states and one Jewish state into an interconnected economic and technological powerhouse built on the vision of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Working with Israel as a partner, rather than an aid recipient, will strengthen our alliance and enhance Israel’s security and standing in the region and around the world.\n\n“Ambassador Emanuel showed that one can fully support Israel and be committed to its long-term security and stability as a Jewish, democratic state, and at the same time, be profoundly critical of Israel’s, and specifically the Netanyahu government’s, strategic and moral failures.\n\n“Emanuel laid down hard truths noting that true friends, ‘tell the truth even when it’s painful.’ He also observed that his ‘commitments are neither radical nor new—they simply reflect how America applies its national security tools to achieve its goals.’ He was right to call out Prime Minister Netanyahu for his too-often indefensible tactics and refusal to plan for Gaza’s future after the war.\n\n“The Israeli government’s policies have left Israel isolated while pushing peace farther away. Israel can return from being a new Sparta to being Startup Nation. I know that it can find its way out of war and towards peace, and we must help.\n\n“I join Ambassador Emanuel in saying that, ‘We are prepared to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel on the long and difficult journey towards peace, should you choose that path.’ That path will be difficult, but it is the only one. Israel has already made peace with two of its four Arab neighbors and can eventually make peace with the rest. Standing with Israel now means offering strength, understanding its suffering, and always speaking truth.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://scottpeters.house.gov/press-releases/rep-peters-housing-advocates-praise-21st-century-road-to-housing-act-as-transformative-for-housing-crisis", "title": "Rep. Peters, Housing Advocates Praise 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act as Transformative for Housing Crisis", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scottpeters.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "scottpeters.house.gov", "scraper": "scottpeters", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000608", "name": "Scott H. Peters", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "San Diego, CA – Today, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50) brought local housing experts and advocates together to discuss how the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will help tackle the nation's housing affordability crisis, increase housing supply, and reduce barriers to housing development. It was approved by both chambers in Congress and tomorrow, if the President does not veto it, it becomes law.\n\nHousing affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing San Diegans. Only 13 percent of households can afford a median-priced home, and average rents are 44 percent higher than the national average. San Diego has made progress to make housing more affordable, but we still have a long way to go to ensure every person has a safe, affordable place to call home.\n\n“Housing affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing San Diegans,” said Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50). “Increasing housing supply is the most effective way to lower costs. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is landmark federal legislation to do that. It has now been passed by both chambers in Congress. Tomorrow it will become law, not with President Trump’s signature, but despite his indifference to the fact that too many Americans cannot afford a place to live.”\n\nSan Diego has done the work of being a pro-housing region,” said Stephen Russell, President and CEO of the San Diego Housing Federation. “We've streamlined, we've zoned, we've built. What this legislation does is create carrots that will bring the rest of the country toward what we've already done here — the Innovation Fund, the planning grants, the CDBG production incentives. This law is, in many ways, the federal government finally catching up to San Diego.”\n\n“The reality is simple: homelessness cannot be solved without housing,” said Carlynne Yu, Chief Financial Officer for the Regional Task Force on Homelessness. “The ROAD to Housing Act helps prevent homelessness by preserving affordable housing, strengthening housing stability for individuals and families at risk of losing their homes, and creating multiple new pathways to affordable housing. When we expand access to stable, affordable housing, we strengthen our communities and create better outcomes for everyone.”\n\n“In San Diego, you need to make over $100,000 a year just to start thinking about buying a home,” said Brigette Browning, President of the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council. “Too many of our members are paying more than a third of their paycheck for housing. That's not just a math problem. It's a dignity problem. It's a survival problem. The 21st Century Road to Housing Act is a step in the right direction. It will help increase housing supply, lower barriers to development, and make manufactured housing more affordable.”\n\n“The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act takes a meaningful step toward fixing what is fundamentally a supply problem by making it faster, more predictable and more cost-effective to build the housing resources our communities need,” said Jimmy Silverwood, President of Affirmed Housing. “At Affirmed Housing, we see every day through communities like The Helm that, when you increase the supply of affordable housing, you reduce pressure across the market and create real pathways out of homelessness.”\n\nBackground: As Co-Chair of the ‘YIMBY’ Caucus, Rep. Peters has made addressing housing affordability and homelessness a central focus of his work in Congress, particularly in response to rising rents and housing shortages in San Diego. He has championed policies to increase the supply of affordable housing, support building higher-density housing near transit, and ban income discrimination in housing. He is also a founding member of the Build America Caucus – a bipartisan group of lawmakers working to expedite infrastructure development.\n\nA livestreamed recording of the press conference can be viewed here. Additional photos from the event, courtesy of the office of Rep. Scott Peters, can be viewed here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://sheribiggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sheri-biggs-introduces-improving-travel-military-members-act", "title": "Congresswoman Sheri Biggs Introduces the Improving Travel for Military Members Act", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sheribiggs.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sheribiggs.house.gov", "scraper": "sheribiggs", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001325", "name": "Sheri Biggs", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Sheri Biggs (R-SC-03) announced that her Improving Travel for Military Members Act passed markup in the House Homeland Security Committee, advancing legislation designed to make airport travel easier for active-duty service members and their families through dedicated TSA screening lanes at airports.\n\nMore than 1.3 million Americans currently serve on active duty, many of whom travel under deployment orders, PCS moves, or emergency assignments with little notice. Nearly 889,000 children are part of active-duty military families, making airport travel one more challenge for families already carrying the burdens of military life.\n\n“Our service members and their families already sacrifice through deployments, long separations, and constant moves. Making travel easier is one practical way we can honor their service and show them the respect they more than deserve,” said Congresswoman Biggs.\n\nThe Improving Travel for Military Members Act establishes a pilot program at a minimum of five airports to implement priority TSA screening procedures for active-duty military personnel and accompanying family members, with preference given to airports located near large military installations.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-smucker-comments-lnplancasteronline-defamation-suit", "title": "Rep. Smucker Comments on LNP|LancasterOnline Defamation Suit", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "smucker.house.gov", "scraper": "smucker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001199", "name": "Lloyd Smucker", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LANCASTER, PA – Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) released the following statement:\n\n“Earlier this year, I filed a defamation lawsuit against LNP|LancasterOnline after it published statements about me that were false and defamatory. This week, the court denied LNP's attempt to dismiss the case, allowing it to move forward.\n\nAs the judge wrote:\n\n\"Smucker's characterization had a substantial factual basis, such that LNP's accusation of 'lying'\n\ncould be understood as a provably false assertion of intentional dishonesty.\"\n\nI look forward to presenting the facts in court. A free press plays a vital role in our democracy, and with that role comes a responsibility to report the truth accurately and fairly.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://stanton.house.gov/2026/7/stanton-introduces-the-quiet-skies-act-to-finalize-ban-on-in-flight-cell-phone-calls", "title": "Stanton Introduces the Quiet Skies Act to Finalize Ban on In-Flight Cell Phone Calls", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "stanton.house.gov", "scraper": "stanton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001211", "name": "Greg Stanton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Rick Crawford (R-AR-01), and Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-08) introduced H.R. 9530, the Quiet Skies Act. The bipartisan legislation would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to finalize a ban on in-flight calls on commercial planes within 180 days of enactment.\n\n“Millions of Americans are flying to be with family and friends this summer. The last thing anyone wants on a stressful travel weekend is to be trapped next to a passenger on a phone call for hours. It's annoying for passengers, and it's a dangerous distraction for flight attendants. Our bill gives the FAA a firm deadline to finish what Congress already directed,” said Congressman Stanton.\n\n“The bottom line is simple: a disruptive cabin is a distraction, and distractions put safety at risk,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “Back in 2018, Congress passed a law requiring the FAA to ban voice calls on commercial flights, and eight years later, that still hasn't happened. Our bipartisan bill gives the FAA 180 days to finally finish the job and protect passenger safety as well as passenger sanity.”\n\n“As Congress continues our work to make flying as safe as possible, we should also look at ways to make it as enjoyable as possible as well,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “No one wants to be stuck next to a stranger's phone call for three hours at thirty thousand feet. Congress told DOT to take care of this back in 2018, and this bill will make sure the job finally gets finished.”\n\n“It is vital to the comfort and security of all personnel on board that the cabin is free from distraction. In 2018, my colleagues and I worked to pass common-sense public safety legislation that prohibits the in-flight use of mobile devices for voice communication. After eight years of the FAA failing to implement regulations, it is time for Congress to act again. The Quiet Skies Act gives the FAA a firm but generous 180-day deadline to bring current regulations into compliance,” said Congressman Crawford.\n\n“Our members manage travel for millions of employees, and they have been clear with us that the cabin should remain a place to work, rest and think, and not become a group phone booth for dozens of simultaneous private conversations at 35,000 feet,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). “We heard that feedback, brought it to Washington and are grateful to Representatives Scholten, Crawford, Stanton and Bresnahan for turning it into action. Congress directed this ban in 2018 with overwhelming bipartisan support. The Quiet Skies Act simply tells the Department of Transportation to finish the job before a quiet cabin becomes a thing of the past.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-rep-haley-stevens-trump-reigniting-conflict-iran", "title": "STATEMENT: Rep. Haley Stevens on Trump Reigniting Conflict with Iran", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "stevens.house.gov", "scraper": "stevens", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001215", "name": "Haley M. Stevens", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the latest developments with the war in Iran, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement:\n\n\"Michiganders didn't sign up for another endless war. President Trump dragged America into a war of choice with no clear mission, no strategy, and no exit plan. Now his failed ceasefire has put our service members back in harm's way.\n\n\"Here in Michigan, we're feeling the cost of this war every day: at the gas pump, at the grocery store, and on the factory floor, where higher energy costs and global turmoil are squeezing working families.\n\n\"This war must end. That's why I voted for a bipartisan War Powers Resolution to stop this President and put an end to this war immediately.\n\n\"Sending Americans into harm's way is the most serious decision a president can make, and Donald Trump has repeatedly proved through his reckless judgment that he cannot be trusted with unchecked authority.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://susielee.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-lee-horsford-highlight-legislation-lower-energy-bills-build", "title": "Representatives Lee, Horsford, Highlight Legislation to Lower Energy Bills, Build Clean Energy Economy", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://susielee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "susielee.house.gov", "scraper": "susielee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000590", "name": "Susie Lee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Watch and Download Video Here\n\nLAS VEGAS, NV – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) and Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) joined clean energy advocates and ratepayers to highlight the Energy Bills Relief Act, a family- and consumer-focused approach to United States energy policy that ensures Americans have access to the most reliable and low-cost source of power available – renewable energy. The Energy Bills Relief Act includes Congresswoman Lee’s bipartisan SHINE Act — legislation which would make local permitting for residential solar and other home energy systems better, cheaper, and faster. It also prioritizes consumers and ensures access to low-cost energy for our homes, businesses, and economy.\n\nThe legislation would help combat rising electricity bills for Nevadans regularly facing temperatures above 100 degrees by offering utility protections and supporting federally funded weatherization and energy efficiency programs to help lower energy bills and expand clean energy resources in Nevada.\n\n“Here in our state, renewable energies are key to lowering energy bills. Attacks on clean energy projects will only increase costs for hardworking families,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “That’s why I’m fighting to increase access to cleaner and cheaper forms of energy, and the Energy Bills Relief Act will do just that. I’ll continue working to lower energy costs and put more money back in southern Nevadans’ pockets.”\n\nNevada electricity bills have surged significantly in recent years, with southern Nevada residents paying 54% more than they did in 2021. For some consumers that’s hundreds of dollars more per year than just five years ago.\n\n“Las Vegas families need the Energy Bills Relief Act to help lower the cost of electricity bills, there are many working families who are doing all they can just to make ends meet,” said Congressman Horsford.“Rolling back this legislation will only hurt our local communities, this should not be a political issue, it is one about supporting affordability and sustainability so Las Vegas families can continue to thrive.”\n\nThe legislation could also create jobs and boost the economy for Nevadan families and communities as well as reduce the frequency of extreme heat, which climate change is making more frequent and severe.\n\n“We need the Energy Bills Relief Act to help upgrade Las Vegas' older, energy inefficient homes and businesses,” said Chris Brooks, founder and principal of Brooks Consulting. “Our desert climate means a massive portion of energy bills comes from cooling, so we need this legislation to help our communities find alternative ways to support such cooling by generating our electricity with local, clean, and affordable energy.”\n\nAs southern Nevada’s sole representative on the House Natural Resources Committee, Congresswoman Lee is doing everything possible to protect Nevada’s public lands and parks, combat climate change, and build a clean energy economy.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-secures-3-million-federal-grant-for-akron-fulton-international-airport", "title": "Rep. Sykes Secures $3 Million Federal Grant for Akron Fulton International Airport", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "AKRON, OH — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the Federal Aviation Administration has awarded Akron Fulton International Airport $3,193,991 for structural integrity upgrades to existing taxiways.\n\n“Akron Fulton International Airport plays an important role in our region's transportation network and economy. This federal investment will help rehabilitate aging taxiways, ensuring the airport remains safe, reliable, and ready to serve pilots, passengers, and businesses for years to come. I'm proud to deliver these federal dollars back to Ohio’s 13th Congressional District,” said Rep. Sykes.\n\n“On behalf of the Akron Fulton Airport, we appreciate the FAA's continued partnership and support through this Airport Improvement Program grant. This investment in Taxiway P will improve critical infrastructure, enhance safety, and support the reliable operations that keep the airport serving our community,” said City of Akron Service Director Chris Ludle.\n\nThis funding will allow the airport to rehabilitate 6,000 feet of existing paved taxiway to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and minimize foreign object debris, thereby extending its useful life. This grant funds the final phases of construction.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/houston-democrats-demand-independent-investigation-and-full-video-footage-after-ice-officer-kills-lorenzo-salgado-araujo", "title": "Houston Democrats Demand Independent Investigation and Full Video Footage After ICE Officer Kills Lorenzo Salgado Araujo", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sylviagarcia.house.gov", "scraper": "sylviagarcia", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000587", "name": "Sylvia R. Garcia", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "HOUSTON, T.X. – This week, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) Congressman Al Green (D-TX-09), Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07), and Congressman Christian Menefee (D-TX-18) sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director David J. Venturella demanding an immediate, fully independent, and transparent investigation into the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE agent in Houston’s Magnolia Park neighborhood.\n\nThe full letter can be found HERE.\n\nOn Tuesday, July 7, an ICE officer shot Araujo during an immigration enforcement operation in the 6800 block of Canal Street. Araujo later died at the hospital. His family learned of his death through news reports and social media. Three men who were in the vehicle, including Araujo’s brother, remain detained.\n\nIn the letter, the Members demand that DHS and ICE provide written confirmation within 48 hours that all evidence related to Araujo’s killing and the detention of the three men has been preserved. They are also demanding the complete, unedited body camera footage from the agent who fired the fatal shot, complete and unedited body camera footage from every officer present, all dash camera footage from both ICE vehicles involved, and confirmation of whether DHS and ICE will work with state and local agencies in the investigation.\n\nThe Members are also demanding answers related to why Araujo was targeted, whether ICE had an administrative warrant, who authorized the operation, and how many federal officers were present. They are also demanding a full account of what led to the shooting, whether body cameras were activated, why Araujo’s name was released before his family was notified he was deceased, and what DHS and ICE are doing to prevent another tragedy.\n\n“ICE killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in our community. Then his family had to find out through the news and social media. That is cruel. That is unacceptable. And DHS and ICE do not get to investigate themselves behind closed doors and call it accountability,” said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. “We are demanding the full truth, the full footage, and a real independent investigation. Lorezno’s family deserves answers. Houston deserves answers. And we will not let DHS or ICE bury this, stall for time, or hide behind the same tired lies.”\n\n“My heart goes out to the family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. Whenever deadly force is used by federal law enforcement, the American people deserve a complete, transparent, and independent examination of the facts. Public confidence in our institutions depends upon the willingness of government to subject itself to meaningful oversight,” said Congressman Al Green. “I have been in communication with the ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, the Honorable Bennie Thompson, and will keep him informed of any further developments, and have made a request for a congressional oversight hearing of the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo to address issues of transparency and accountability.”\n\n“Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s family and our community deserve an independent investigation,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “Time and again, the Trump administration has asked us to accept its version of events without question, and time and again, it has broken that trust. Last year, Democrats called for real ICE accountability, including mandating stricter use-of-force standards. Congressional Republicans and President Trump refused. Had those reforms been in place, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo might be alive today. The troubling recent history makes clear that we cannot simply accept ICE’s version of events at face value. We deserve more, and I am joining my colleagues in the Houston Democratic Congressional Delegation in demanding more, starting with answers.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-returns-independence-hall-celebrate-america-250", "title": "Congress Returns to Independence Hall to Celebrate America 250", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "thompson.house.gov", "scraper": "thompson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000467", "name": "Glenn Thompson", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "BELLEFONTE, Pa. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson presided over a ceremonial event on July 2 at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. July 2 is the date when the Second Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Great Britain.\n\nPhiladelphia U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle organized the bipartisan event that included 37 Members of Congress and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. The attendees signed a Congressional Record to commemorate the semiquincentennial event.\n\nRep. Thompson’s remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nOn July 4th, our great country will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. But today, on July 2, 1776, delegates gathered here and voted for independence.\n\nThis tremendous milestone is a time to pause and reflect on our shared past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look toward the future.\n\nThe origins of our Republic trace back to Pennsylvania. The pursuit of freedom began right here, in Philadelphia.\n\nIndependence Hall has served as a physical representation of the birthplace of the United States.\n\nWithin these hallowed halls, delegates from the original 13 colonies debated in good faith and voted for independence.\n\nThis is the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the Constitution in 1787. This building has long been the symbol of freedom and democracy around the world.\n\nIt’s a profound honor to gather here today with other members of the Pennsylvania Delegation, and representatives from across the country, in the cradle of democracy.\n\nThanks to each of you for your efforts to preserve our legacy for future generations just as the Founding Fathers intended it.\n\nPennsylvania has always been my home, and the Keystone State has stood firm in its commitment to freedom and prosperity.\n\nOur freedom is something we will never give up. As Americans, we are rooted in the conviction of 'Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness'—self-evident truths that we hold near and dear.\n\nFor 250 years, the United States of America has left an indelible mark on the world.\n\nGod Bless all of you, and God Bless the United States of America.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://timmoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-tim-moore-announces-over-32-million-fema-funding-hurricane-helene", "title": "Congressman Tim Moore Announces Over $3.2 Million in FEMA Funding for Hurricane Helene Recovery Projects in NC-14", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://timmoore.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "timmoore.house.gov", "scraper": "timmoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001236", "name": "Tim Moore", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) announced more than $3.2 million in federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Helene recovery projects across North Carolina's 14th District. The funding supports infrastructure repairs, utility restoration, and other recovery efforts in communities throughout Western North Carolina.\n\n“While Western North Carolina has come a long way since Hurricane Helene, many communities are still working to recover,” said Congressman Moore. “This funding provides much-needed support to the communities that stepped up during the storm and helps ensure recovery efforts can continue without placing additional strain on local taxpayers. I'm grateful to President Trump, Secretary Mullin, and FEMA for their continued commitment to helping Western North Carolina rebuild stronger than ever.”\n\n$1,811,429.39 will go to Rutherford County for management costs as a result of Hurricane Helene, including both direct and indirect administrative expenses by the state, local, tribal, or territorial government. This project is funded at a 100% federal cost share. This funding is authorized under Section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.\n\n$566,123.14 will go to the City of Kings Mountain to repair or replace utility poles, transformers, and gas lines severely damaged by Hurricane Helene. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.\n\n$403,563.66 will go to the Town of Lake Lure to repair or replace damaged roads, embankments, and related infrastructure impacted by Hurricane Helene. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.\n\n$295,260.43 will go to the City of Morganton to support engineering and design services following Hurricane Helene. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.\n\n$156,599.91 will support deck, boardwalk, fencing and related repairs at Western Piedmont Community College following severe damage by Hurricane Helene. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://titus.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5916", "title": "Rep. Dina Titus Demands Answers from BLM on Data Center Reviews", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://titus.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "titus.house.gov", "scraper": "titus", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000468", "name": "Dina Titus", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congresswoman Dina Titus today released a letter she sent to federal Bureau of Land Management questioning how the BLM is reviewing proposals for data centers on public lands, specifically its unilateral approval of a data center on federal land in Boulder City.\n\n“Residents of Boulder City and other communities in Southern Nevada have a right to know about any proposal to transfer federal land to data center developers,” she said. “Data centers potentially can affect our scant water resources, energy usage and the overall environment. The BLM allowed a private developer to switch from developing a solar farm on city-owned land in Boulder City to developing a data center on adjacent federal land without any public review. This is unacceptable.”\n\nCongresswoman Titus sent the letter on July 8 to Steven Pearce, director of the BLM in Washington, D.C., and Justin Abernathy, acting director of the Nevada State Office of the BLM, asking for “robust public consultation and transparency” during the permitting process for data centers.\n\nRelative to the Boulder City proposal, Congresswoman Titus said “residents are concerned about how the proposed project would impact the electric grid and utility prices, how heat generated from industrial processes would affect the surrounding area, and whether the project would further deplete our precious water resources.”\n\nCongresswoman Titus asked for answers to the following questions by July 22:\n\n1. Does BLM agree that robust transparency and public consultation should be conducted in any agency action that would allow data centers to be built on public land?\n\n2. What public consultation did BLM engage in before agreeing to amend Townsite Solar 2,\n\nLLC’s Right-of-Way grant (NVN 099875) to allow Townsite Solar 2, LLC to “construct, operate, and decommission a Data Center Facility” on public land?\n\n3. What public consultation process does BLM plan to engage in as the agency considers whether to issue a Notice-to-Proceed allowing Townsite Solar 2, LLC to proceed with the project?\n\n4. Will BLM hold public hearings as it considers whether to issue a Notice-to-Proceed for the development of Townsite Solar 2, LLC’s proposed data center facility in Boulder City?", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://tlaib.house.gov/posts/rep-tlaib-introduces-bill-to-correct-credit-history-for-victims-of-predatory-lending-fraud-economic-abuse", "title": "Rep. Tlaib introduces bill to correct credit history for victims of predatory lending, fraud, economic abuse", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tlaib.house.gov/press", "domain": "tlaib.house.gov", "scraper": "tlaib", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000481", "name": "Rashida Tlaib", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) introduced the Fostering Accuracy and Integrity in the Reporting of Credit Act to restore credit for victims of predatory lending, fraud and financial abuse. The FAIR Credit Act also addresses inaccuracies in credit reports found by over a third of consumers, according to Consumer Reports.\n\n“This is an economic justice bill. We know that credit reports are wreaked by errors, and create barricades to obtain housing, employment, and transportation,” said Rep. Tlaib. “Our neighbors are constantly targeted by predatory lenders and scams, forced to take on burdensome medical debt, or survived domestic and financial abuse. Adverse credit reports should not drag them down. This bill is about opportunity and justice for Americans denied access to basic needs.”\n\nCredit and consumer-related fraud, deception, and exploitation negatively impacts someone’s ability to pay bills, receive a loan, secure a mortgage, or obtain a credit card. Similarly, consumers’ credit scores are reduced by medical debt, even though medical services are often involuntary and difficult to know the cost of in advance.\n\nThe FAIR Credit Act:\n\nReduces the duration that most adverse information stays on a credit report from seven to four years.\n\nProhibits medical debt from being included on credit reports or consumer reports.\n\nRequires credit reporting agencies to remove negative information resulting from predatory loans and fraudulent activity.\n\nGives survivors of domestic and other economic abuse a pathway to get negative information resulting from abuse removed from their credit reports.\n\nEstablishes the right to free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services for certain consumers, including victims of fraud, active-duty military, and those 65 years of age and older.\n\nThe FAIR Credit Act is endorsed by the National Consumer Law Center on behalf of its low-income clients, Americans for Financial Reform, Center for Responsible Lending, Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America, Detroit Justice Center and Dēmos.\n\n“We thank Congresswoman Tlaib for her leadership in protecting the credit records of consumers unfairly tarnished by predatory mortgages, harmful private student loans, and debt resulting from domestic abuse,” said Chi Chi Wu, Director of Consumer Reporting and Data Advocacy at the National Consumer Law Center. “Most importantly, this bill flat out bans the reporting of medical debt and reduces the harm of negative credit reporting generally by giving consumers a fresh start more quickly.”\n\n“Credit reporting agencies have an obligation to verify the accuracy of what they report and promptly correct reports when they have false or out-of-date information. Failing to do so has tragic consequences when people attempt to secure housing, find employment, or access safe credit,” said Adam Rust, Director of Financial Services for the Consumer Federation of America. “When people cannot repay debt because of illness, predatory for-profit college tuition, a stolen identity, or debts run up by an abusive partner, it’s bad policy to let credit reports ignore real-world factors that drive these outcomes. Congress should pass the FAIR Credit Act to ensure credit reports won’t punish people for circumstances beyond their control.”\n\n“At the Detroit Justice Center, we see every day how credit reports create additional challenges for returning citizens. When it comes to securing a job, shelter, or a loan, a credit report can be just as much of a barrier to rebuilding a life as a criminal record,” said Eric Williams, Legal Director at the Detroit Justice Center. “The FAIR Credit Act changes that by capping how long conviction records can appear on a credit report at seven years, the same kind of sunset that several states have already adopted. Pairing that with the bill’s protections against predatory debt collection and medical debt reporting gives returning citizens a fairer shot at securing housing, credit, and employment as they rebuild. We support this legislation because building economic equity has to include people returning home from incarceration.”\n\nThe FAIR Credit Act is cosponsored by U.S. Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC) and Melanie Stansbury (NM-01).\n\nRead the full text of the bill.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-gabe-vasquez-stands-catholic-church-mount-cristo-rey-sunland-park", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Stands with Catholic Church at Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vasquez.house.gov", "scraper": "vasquez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000136", "name": "Gabe Vasquez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SUNLAND PARK, N.M. – On July 8, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) met with Deacon Jim Winder, Chancellor of the Diocese of Las Cruces, to discuss the latest developments in the Department of Homeland Security’s push to seize sacred land owned by the Catholic Diocese at Mount Cristo Rey. According to the church, the proposed wall would prevent thousands of worshippers from making pilgrimage to this holy site each year.\n\nVasquez stood with the Catholic Church, calling for enhanced border security measures in the area that do not infringe on worshippers’ First Amendment rights, such as remote towers, drones, aerostats, and other smart technology that is proven and effective for preventing illegal crossings.\n\n“We can both protect sacred Catholic places of worship and secure the border,” said Vasquez. “The Diocese must be heard.”\n\nWATCH FULL CLIP HERE\n\nPhoto courtesy of the Office of Rep. Gabe Vasquez\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3515", "title": "Wasserman Schultz, Swim Safety Advocates Highlight Drowning Prevention Efforts", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "scraper": "wassermanschultz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000797", "name": "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“Drowning is a public health crisis – and it needs to be treated like one. With 119 tragically losing their lives in 2025, we just had the deadliest year on record for child drownings here in Florida. Sadly, we’re on pace to surpass it,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Since I came to Congress, I secured over $30 million for drowning prevention using my position on the House Appropriations Committee and will continue to fight for swim safety measures to save more children’s lives.”\n\nNorth Lauderdale, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened pool safety advocates from Boys & Girls Club of Broward County, Broward Swim Central, Safe Kids Broward, Diversified Swimming Inc., and Every Child A Swimmer to spotlight recent drownings in South Florida and offer solutions to prevent these tragedies. Participants included Cassie McGovern, whose 19-month-old daughter, Edna Mae, drowned in the family’s backyard pool in 2009.\n\nClick here for video of the press conference.\n\nLast year, Florida recorded 119 child drowning deaths, the most in state history. Tragically, 120 children died over a 12-month period. In 2026, Florida is already on pace to break last year’s tragic record with 62 drownings, including 13 in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties combined.\n\n“Drowning is a public health crisis – and it needs to be treated like one. With 119 tragically losing their lives in 2025, we just had the deadliest year on record for child drownings here in Florida. Sadly, we’re on pace to surpass it,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Since I came to Congress, I secured over $30 million for drowning prevention using my position on the House Appropriations Committee and will continue to fight for swim safety measures to save more children’s lives.”\n\nIn 2007, Congress passed Wasserman Schultz’s bill, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act, to implement layers of protection to prevent childhood drownings. Wasserman Schultz will discuss her bill to reauthorize funding for this program, which has delivered $22.8 million to states and municipalities for drowning prevention programs since it was put in place.\n\nWasserman Schultz was joined by Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County Director of Aquatics George Coneo, Broward County Parks and Recreation Operations Manager Katherine Fermenich, Let Us Swim CEO & Diversified Swimming President Shana Lorde, Every Child A Swimmer Executive Director Cassie McGovern, and Safe Kids Broward Injury Prevention Coordinator Rachele Solomon.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/alsobrooks-breaks-ground-on-new-springhill-lake-elementary-school-built-through-p3-she-spearheaded/", "title": "ALSOBROOKS BREAKS GROUND ON NEW SPRINGHILL LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILT THROUGH P3 SHE SPEARHEADED", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.alsobrooks.senate.gov", "scraper": "alsobrooks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000382", "name": "Angela D. Alsobrooks", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "July 9, 2026\n\nGREENBELT, MD – Today, Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) joined Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) and Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy to break ground on the new 103,000-square-foot Springhill Lake Elementary School, which will accommodate up to 850 prekindergarten through 5th grade students. When she served as County Executive of Prince George’s County, Senator Alsobrooks worked with former PGCPS CEO Dr. Monica Goldson to create a Public Private Partnership (P3) school construction model that they worked to pass through the Maryland General Assembly. Under the continued guidance and leadership of the Progressive Education Partners (PEP), county students will see a total of 14 new P3 schools in 6 years – 18 schools in all including traditional school construction.\n\nSenator Alsobrooks released the following statement following the groundbreaking:\n\n“Our communities can tell what you value by where you invest your resources. As County Executive, I learned Prince George’s County faced an $8.5 billion school construction backlog. The truth is – it’s expensive to build and maintain schools. Coming up with a plan would take vision. It would require a willingness to act boldly because the need was immediate. And because these kinds of projects take a lot of time – even without unexpected challenges like a global pandemic – making it to this point would take patience and a commitment to the process even when success wasn’t immediately visible. This was a bold move – an innovative public-private model that had never before been done at this level for any school system. I am so proud of this work and know we need to continue working together, in innovative ways, to deliver for our children. This is a model that worked and should be used across the nation.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-americas-newsroom-on-fox-news-channel/", "title": "ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins America’s Newsroom on Fox News Channel", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined America’s Newsroom on Fox News Channel to discuss updates from the War in Iran, including recent strikes, the end of the ceasefire, and continued enforcement actions to ensure safe passage of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.\n\nClick the image above to watch full interview.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Well, President Trump, what I appreciate about his most is that he has been very clear that he will finish the job. He’s said that over and over again. Two nights ago, the American military struck about 80 targets, last night 100 targets, and he’s made it very clear we are not going to let up. The ceasefire gave us time for our military to restore our munitions stockpiles, and now you’re seeing the full force of the American Military. The might of the American Military is something the Iranians do not want to face again… President Trump is not going to take just any deal with the Iranians; it has to be a deal that ensures they never get a nuclear weapon. That’s what’s at stake here.”\n\n“My interest here on behalf of Hoosiers is to make sure that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon, bring down the price of gas, and to bring down the cost of living for families in Indiana. And that’s what President Trump is trying to do with these strikes. The only thing Iranians react to is the force of our military. These Military strikes are decimating the Iranian military and making it much more difficult for them to block the strait to keep oil flowing. President Trump is doing what no other president has been willing to do.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-kudlow-on-fox-business/", "title": "ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Kudlow on Fox Business", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Kudlow on Fox Business Network to discuss the importance of codifying President Trump’s America First agenda, Reconciliation 3.0, military funding, and the SAVE America Act.\n\nClick the image above for full discussion.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Cutting capital gains tax is good for working-class Americans, the Trump voters that we need to show up in November to keep our majorities in the Senate and the House. President Trump spoke to Senate Republicans and gave us a dose of reality, a tough love message, right before we left for the July 4 recess, and his message was very clear. We have to fight harder. We have to fight harder for the SAVE America Act. We have to fight harder for the Trump agenda.”\n\n“You have to fight harder for what President Trump is trying to do in Iran, and around the world, and of course to keep our military strong. Replenish our munitions, rehab the defense industrial base in America. This reconciliation 3.0 is going to be really good for states like Indiana, which is the manufacturing capital of the country. More manufacturing jobs per capita than any other state in the country, with a defense industrial base right in the middle of it. We make things in Indiana, and this defense bill is going to be really good for the Hoosier state.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-applauds-25-million-federal-grant-for-jeffersonville-port/", "title": "Sen. Banks Applauds $25 Million Federal Grant for Jeffersonville Port", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) applauds the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) $25 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville.\n\nThe grant will support a $32 million expansion that will modernize the port, strengthen Indiana’s manufacturing economy, and improve freight movement across the Ohio River. The project is the largest federal grant in Ports of Indiana’s 65-year history and will more than double the Jeffersonville port’s general cargo capacity. The expansion includes a new 300-ton crane system, a 6,500-square-foot barge dock, and a 22,000-square-foot warehouse, significantly increasing the port’s ability to move heavy cargo by rail, river, and truck.\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “This investment is a major win for Indiana. Modernizing the Jeffersonville port will strengthen American manufacturing, support Hoosier jobs, and keep Indiana at the forefront of logistics and commerce.”\n\nProject Highlights:\n\nSecures a $25 million BUILD grant from the DOT to support a $32 million expansion.\n\nRepresents the largest federal grant in Ports of Indiana History.\n\nIncreases the port’s lift capacity from 35 tons to 300 tons.\n\nMore than doubles the port’s general cargo footprint.\n\nAdds a new 300-ton crane, a 6,500-square-foot barge dock, and a 22,000-square-foot warehouse.\n\nExpands the port’s multimodal capabilities by improving connections between river, rail, and truck transportation.\n\nProject completion is expected in 2028.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe BUILD program provides competitive federal funding for transportation infrastructure projects with significant regional and national economic impact. This year, the DOT awarded $1.73 billion in BUILD grants to 127 projects nationwide.\n\nThe Jeffersonville expansion will transform an underutilized section of the port into a high-capacity multimodal freight terminal, more than doubling barge-to-rail transloading capacity while establishing the port’s first general cargo facility outside the floodplain. The investment will improve supply chain reliability, lower transportation costs for regional industries, and reinforce Indiana’s role as one of the nation’s leading logistics and manufacturing hubs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/photo-blackburn-joins-secretary-bessent-tennessee-elected-officials-for-unveiling-of-donald-j-trump-bridge-on-i-40-in-east-tennessee", "title": "PHOTO: Blackburn Joins Secretary Bessent, Tennessee Elected Officials for Unveiling of Donald J. Trump Bridge on I-40 in East Tennessee", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "domain": "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "scraper": "blackburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001243", "name": "Marsha Blackburn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“Hundreds of thousands of people use our corridor each and every day, and the Donald J. Trump Bridge will help ensure our infrastructure meets the needs of East Tennesseans and keeps Americans moving,” said Senator Blackburn. “Following the devastating damage caused by Hurricane Helene less than two years ago, this project is a testament to the incredible progress East Tennessee communities have made to rebuild stronger than ever. I am grateful to President Trump, Secretary Bessent, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation for strengthening this crucial artery of our nation’s transportation system.”\n\nClick here to download this photo.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-senator-coons-legal-experts-warn-against-supreme-courtattempts-to-strip-power-from-congress-in-new-essay/", "title": "ICYMI: Senator Coons, legal experts warn against Supreme Court attempts to strip power from Congress in new essay", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.coons.senate.gov", "scraper": "coons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001088", "name": "Christopher A. Coons", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“The framers never intended the legislative branch to bend to the will of the president or the court.”\n\nWASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) published a joint op-ed in SCOTUSblog yesterday with Albany Law School Associate Dean Ray Brescia and David Beier, former Chief Domestic Policy Adviser to Vice President Al Gore and former House Judiciary Committee counsel, warning that the Supreme Court under Chief Justice John Roberts is systematically stripping authority from Congress, weakening the power of the American people’s directly elected representatives to write the laws, allocate funding, and set federal policy.\n\n“Every day, Americans are witnessing the most significant expansion of presidential power in modern times,” the authors wrote. “Just as important, and less obvious, is the other significant shift that is occurring in our system of government: the Roberts Supreme Court is systematically stripping away power from Congress, the directly elected representatives of the people.”\n\nSenator Coons, Beier, and Brescia look back at the court’s decisions from recent years, from attacks on the Voting Rights Act in Shelby County v. Holder and Louisiana v. Callais, to overturning Chevron deference and giving federal judges greater authority over complex regulatory issues in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, to allowing the president to fire the heads of previously independent agencies like the FTC in last week’s Trump v. Slaughter decision. While these decisions have garnered mass outcry for their conservative lean and their embrace of the “Unitary Executive” theory that has given President Trump vast new powers, less attention has been paid to where this power has been drawn from. As the authors note, many of these new powers that the court has bestowed on itself and the executive branch have been taken away from Congress; in many cases, Congress has held these powers for decades.\n\n“Taken together, these efforts are a transfer of power from the first branch of government to the third within our constitutional system,” they wrote. “While the framers conceived of three, co-equal branches, what the court has done is to declare that all branches are equal, but some branches are more co-equal than others.”\n\nSenator Coons, Beier, and Brescia also point to Congress’ history of responding to Supreme Court decisions that narrowed federal law with new legislation, including the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, and the Civil Rights Act of 1991. They argue Congress must reassert its constitutional oversight role by passing stronger legislation such as the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act and use its annual budget authority to give more specific guidance to agencies.\n\n“While the Supreme Court has increasingly centralized power at Congress’ and everyday Americans’ expense, this trajectory is not inevitable,” they concluded. “As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, Congress must find the political will to restore the constitutional balance of power. The framers never intended the legislative branch to bend to the will of the president or the court. By executing rigorous oversight and aggressively asserting its authority over war powers, spending, and civil rights, at a minimum, Congress can – and must – reclaim its rightful constitutional role.”\n\nFrom SCOTUSblog: The Supreme Court’s quiet coup\n\nEvery day, Americans are witnessing the most significant expansion of presidential power in modern times. Just as important, and less obvious, is the other significant shift that is occurring in our system of government: the Roberts Supreme Court is systematically stripping away power from Congress, the directly elected representatives of the people.\n\nThis erosion of congressional authority is not happening by accident; it is the direct result of steady, calculated intrusions into Congress’ constitutionally designated role – to write the laws, allocate funding, and set federal policy for the nation.\n\nWhat the court has accomplished is something subtler and potentially far more permanent than a sudden coup: it has radically narrowed Congress’ ability to shape how laws are interpreted, implemented, and defended after they are enacted.\n\n…", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-streamline-distribution-of-cost-saving-energy-initiative-funding/", "title": "Senator Coons, colleagues introduce bipartisan legislation to streamline distribution of cost-saving energy initiative funding", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.coons.senate.gov", "scraper": "coons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001088", "name": "Christopher A. Coons", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) introduced the Investing in State Energy Act, which will ensure grant funding from the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and State Energy Program (SEP) are distributed without delay to state agencies and local partners that implement these cost-saving energy initiates from both programs.\n\nThis bipartisan bill comes as the U.S. Department of Energy continuing to delay the distribution of more than $400 million in grant funding from both WAP and SEP even as energy costs rise.\n\n“Delawareans are struggling under the weight of rising energy bills,” said Senator Coons. “President Trump’s war in Iran has only made energy more expensive. This bipartisan legislation will give Delawareans – and Americans across the country – relief from spiraling costs.”\n\n“Right now, the cost of everything is up, and energy prices are no exception. It’s critical that federal funding from these two programs be distributed quickly so that families can make energy efficiency upgrades to lower their utility bills and states can invest in efforts that make energy more reliable and affordable,” said Senator Shaheen. “Our bipartisan legislation would ensure that the Department of Energy is making this funding available in a timely manner, delivering much-needed certainty to states and localities and financial relief to American households.”\n\n“The Weatherization Assistance Program and the State Energy Program are proven, cost-effective ways to permanently reduce energy usage and lower home energy bills for low-income Mainers,” said Senator Collins. “By preventing unnecessary delays in the distribution of these funds, this bipartisan bill would give states the certainty they need to plan effectively and help more families affordably weatherize and heat their homes.”\n\n“The Trump Administration is driving up energy prices and throttling back federal aid. These bipartisan programs provide real relief and have a proven track record of success. The Investing in State Energy Act would put a stop to needless delay and get this critical funding out the door to help all fifty states lower energy costs,” said Senator Reed.\n\n“Donald Trump has made the cost of energy skyrocket and American families and businesses are paying the price,” said Senator Padilla. “These two programs are essential, cost-effective ways to conserve energy and advance clean energy practices. Our bill would ensure the Department of Energy is making funding available to lower utility bills, conserve energy, and provide much needed financial relief to Americans across the nation.”\n\nThe Investing in State Energy Act would:\n\nDirect DOE to provide application guidance for WAP and SEP programs\n\nPublish expected WAP and SEP allocations to states within 60 days of enactment\n\nDistribute funding to states and other recipients within 30 days of receiving a completed plan\n\nRequire the publication of expected WAP and SEP awards\n\nEnsure states, tribes, and other entities have the information they need to effectively plan for expected funding\n\nFor more than 40 years, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and State Energy Program (SEP) have provided technical and financial assistance to states, tribal governments, and U.S. territories to encourage the adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency practices and technologies. WAP enables income-eligible families, older adults, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, freeing up limited resources for other essentials like food and medicine. SEP provides cost-shared resources directly to the states for allocations by the governor-designated State Energy Office to support energy projects, such as energy emergency planning and response, private sector innovation in clean energy and state-driven energy infrastructure modernization. Encouraging local high-impact projects through the Investing in State Energy Act will serve families in need and continue to push greater efficiency in energy use to meet state goals.\n\nSenator Coons has long been an advocate for lowering energy costs through the Weatherization Assistance Program. Last August, he introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to reauthorize WAP through 2030 and increase funding limits to help more families upgrade their homes, and led the last successful reauthorization effort in 2020. He also introduced the Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act, which would increase funding for the program and also create a Weatherization Readiness Fund to repair structural issues and prepare homes for weatherization assistance. He has also secured increased funding for WAP through the appropriations process and as part of the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure bill.\n\nThe Investing in State Energy Act is endorsed by the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), the Building Performance Association (BPA) and the National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP).\n\n“They continue to show leadership on energy policy. The 56 State and Territory Energy Offices utilize U.S. State Energy Program (SEP) funds provided by Congress to help accelerate their governors’ policy actions aimed at addressing rising electricity costs and bringing more power on the grid. The Investing in State Energy Act would direct the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to move far more rapidly delivering SEP and WAP formula funds to states. Over the past several years, the delays in DOE moving bipartisan appropriated SEP and WAP funds to the states have more than doubled – forestalling energy cost savings and economic benefits to consumers and businesses in every state. We fully support the bipartisan Investing in State Energy Act and efforts to bring a greater sense of urgency on this important issue,” said David Terry, President of the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO).\n\n“The Weatherization Assistance Program and State Energy Program are critical to energy affordability, reliability and security,” said Steve Skodak, CEO of the Building Performance Association (BPA). “BPA member contractors perform home upgrades for WAP projects across the country, lowering energy bills and improving home health, safety, and comfort. Ensuring the prompt delivery of these funds through the Investing in State Energy Act will benefit both low-income American households and the home performance contractors who serve them.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-rosen-announce-nearly-30-million-for-airports-across-nevada/", "title": "Cortez Masto, Rosen Announce Nearly $30 Million for Airports Across Nevada", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Las Vegas, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced a $29,974,140 investment into Nevada’s airports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ensuring that these twelve airports will continue to serve communities throughout the Silver State. This funding will be used for pavement and utility upgrades, runway and taxiway modernizations, improvements to weather observation systems, and hangar updates.\n\n“Nevada’s airports are the gateway to our state – for visitors, for emergency services, and for Nevadans traveling throughout the Silver State and across America,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “It’s critical that all the airports across Nevada continue to have world-class facilities and infrastructure. Nevada’s Congressional delegation will never stop fighting to deliver for our state’s aviation infrastructure.”\n\n“Nevada’s airports see millions of travelers every year, domestic and international, who come to our state and contribute to Nevada’s economy,” said Senator Rosen. “This funding will help keep the infrastructure of our airports up to date, allowing them to keep up with Nevada’s demands as a top travel destination. I’ll continue supporting our state’s tourism and travel economy at the federal level.”\n\nThe Senators helped secure the following grants for twelve airports across the state:\n\n$13,695,039 for Reno-Tahoe International Airport to reconstruct the existing airport terminal, including upgrades to pavement and utilities that have reached the end of their useful lives.\n\n$5,094,412 for Reno-Stead Airport to reconstruct 24,800 square yards of the existing main apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. An airport apron is the area of an airport in which aircraft are parked, unloaded or loaded, refueled, boarded, or maintained.\n\n$3,564,630 for Harry Reid International Airport to rehabilitate pavement across its airport apron and plan for future improvements.\n\n$2,947,000 for Austin Airport to realign, rehabilitate, and reconstruct the airport’s taxiways, modernizing the airport and bringing them up to modern standards. The airport will also acquire and install a new automated weather observing system to gather more accurate local weather information.\n\n$1,667,000 for Tonopah Airport to reconstruct 21,000 square yards of the existing aircraft apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.\n\n$1,092,652 for Fallon Municipal Airport to construct a new 300-foot taxi-lane to provide airfield access to the site of future airport hangars, as well as update existing taxiways.\n\n$769,028 for Mesquite Airport to reconstruct 25,000 square yards of the existing aircraft apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. The airport will also reconstruct a gravel road used by airport vehicles, FAA vehicles, and ground service equipment.\n\n$387,448 for Silver Springs Airport to acquire and install a new automated weather observing system to gather more accurate local weather information.\n\n$282,000 for Minden-Tahoe Airport to rehabilitate taxi-lanes that have reached the end of their useful lives.\n\n$187,500 for Carson City Airport to reconstruct the pavement on airport taxiways to extend their useful lives.\n\n$160,901 for Lincoln County Airport to construct a new 1,500 square foot building to house snow removal equipment.\n\n$126,530 for Wells Municipal Airport Harriet Field to construct a new 200-foot taxi-lane to provide airfield access to the site of future airport hangars.\n\nSenators Cortez Masto and Rosen have consistently fought to ensure Nevada’s transportation infrastructure has the funding it needs through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, FAA reauthorizations legislation, and annual budget bills. The Senators recently secured $33,746,000 from the FAA for airports throughout Nevada, including $20 million for the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. These investments help support the Silver State’s vital manufacturing and hospitality sectors while ensuring that Nevadans have the safe and efficient transportation network they require.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/minot-air-force-base-marks-leadership-transition-for-5th-bomb-wing", "title": "Minot Air Force Base Marks Leadership Transition for 5th Bomb Wing", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "MINOT, N.D. – Leadership of one of America’s premier bomber wings officially changed hands today as Col. John Burrell assumed command of the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base (AFB), succeeding Col. Jesse Lamarand during a change of command ceremony.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee, conveyed his deep appreciation and respect to Lamarand for his leadership and service while congratulating Burrell as he takes command.\n\n“I’ve really enjoyed working with Col. Lamarand over the last two years,” said Cramer. “He’s led what I believe to be the most important bomber wing in the world with professionalism, steady leadership, and a real commitment to the mission. I thank him for everything he’s done for Minot, for North Dakota, and for our country. I wish him and his family nothing but the best as they head to Randolph Air Force Base. Texas is getting a tremendous leader.\n\n“I also congratulate Col. Burrell as he takes command of the 5th Bomb Wing. The men and women of this wing are responsible for one of the most critical missions in our national defense. Every day, they provide the strategic deterrence and long-range strike capability that keep our adversaries in check and our allies confident. I look forward to working with Col. Burrell to keep strengthening that mission, support our airmen and their families, and ensure Minot remains at the center of America’s nuclear deterrence for years to come.”\n\nBurrell, most recently commander of the 5th Operations Group, previously served in multiple leadership roles within the wing, including commander of the 23rd Bomb Squadron. He takes command of the 5th Bomb Wing, which operates and maintains the B-52H Stratofortress and provides long-range conventional and nuclear strike capabilities.\n\nDuring Lamarand’s tenure, which began in July 2024, he worked closely with Cramer to advance Minot AFB’s missions and strengthen North Dakota’s role in national defense. The leadership transition comes just days after Lamarand completed his “fini” flight aboard a B-52H Stratofortress over the Fourth of July weekend. His final mission included a flyover of Washington, D.C., as part of the nation’s America 250 celebration, bringing his command of the 5th Bomb Wing to a fitting close.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/new-world-war-ii-heritage-trail-brings-valley-citys-wartime-stories-to-life", "title": "New World War II Heritage Trail Brings Valley City’s Wartime Stories to Life", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "VALLEY CITY, N.D. – Valley City is bringing its homefront history to life with the grand opening of a new World War II Heritage Trail and museum exhibit at the Barnes County Museum. The new additions come after a campaign by the Barnes County Historical Society to have Valley City named North Dakota’s World War II Heritage City—a campaign the North Dakota congressional delegation advocated for in a letter they sent to the National Park Service (NPS) in 2024. The NPS made the designation official in 2025, highlighting Valley City State Teachers College training naval officers through its V-12 program and Mercy Hospital School of Nursing’s efforts teaching members of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps.\n\nThe designation makes Valley City the smallest community in the nation to receive the honor, recognizing the lasting impact its residents made on the World War II homefront and beyond, and serving as another reminder of North Dakota’s patriotism and quiet commitment to always answering the nation’s call when needed. Steve King, Barnes County Historical Society president, emphasized the reality that Valley City didn’t do one thing extraordinary, but the collective of the entire community’s efforts made the difference.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), who attended the grand opening, applauded the community’s efforts to preserve its World War II legacy and encouraged other towns to uncover and celebrate the stories of their own hometown heroes.\n\n“I love that it’s Valley City, the smallest city in the country to receive this designation, because America’s small communities contributed so much to defending freedom,” said Cramer. “When 12 percent of our nation served, the other 88 percent served too, and Valley City did so in extraordinary ways. What’s so great about this World War II Heritage City designation isn’t that we just honor the past—it’s that we’re reminded how to live in the future as free people. The best way we can honor those who sacrificed is by preserving the freedoms they fought to secure and inspiring future generations to protect them.”\n\nThe Barnes County Museum unveiled the project after securing multiple grants to research, preserve, and share these stories. The new exhibit and self-guided heritage trail highlight local stories which helped shape history, including connections to the Manhattan Project, the Ghost Army, the “Farmerettes” who kept American agriculture running during the war, the Nuremberg Trials, Norway’s wartime resistance, and other contributions from residents.\n\nThe project features interpretive panels located throughout Valley City, a Talking Trail, and an expanded museum exhibit offering visitors a deeper look at the region’s role in the war effort. The initiative was led by museum curator Wes Anderson and museum board member and graphic artist Sandy Hanson, whose years of research brought these stories to life. Museum board member Lewis Legge oversaw installation of the trail markers and interpretive signage.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-fema-awards-282000-to-north-dakota-for-flood-mitigation-projects", "title": "Sen. Cramer: FEMA Awards $282,000 to North Dakota for Flood Mitigation Projects", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "VALLEY CITY, N.D. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $282,000 to support flood risk mitigation efforts in Cavalier and Crystal. The funding includes:\n\n$144,000 to Cavalier for project scoping to identify potential flood risk reduction and mitigation activities.\n\n$138,000 to Crystal for project scoping to identify flood risk reduction solutions that address existing flooding challenges.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-announce-52-million-in-public-health-grants-for-illinois", "title": "Durbin, Duckworth Announce $52 Million In Public Health Grants For Illinois", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced a total of $52,175,652 in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) public health grants for the Illinois Department of Public Health and the City of Chicago. Primarily sourced from the federal Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Program, this funding will assist state and local governments in effectively preparing for or responding to public health threats including infectious diseases and natural disasters. Other awards are for cancer and heart disease prevention, tuberculosis monitoring, and for immunization-related activities.\n\n“Whether responding to emerging viral threats like Ebola or RSV, preventing violence and opioid overdoses, or ensuring effective emergency response to natural disasters, public health departments in Illinois play a vital role in protecting communities across the state,” Durbin said. “The funding announced today will give our public health departments the resources they need to navigate future public health challenges and continue to preserve the well-being of our community.”\n\n“Investing in our public health departments is essential to keeping Illinois communities healthy, prepared and resilient,”Duckworth said. “This federal funding will help our public health organizations protect families, respond to emergencies and prepare for future outbreaks and natural disasters while ensuring local leaders have the resources they need to help keep Illinoisans safe.”\n\nThe Illinois Department of Public Health will receive $36,453,082 in grant funding while the City of Chicago will receive $15,722,570.\n\nDurbin has long been a strong advocate for robust medical and public health research. His legislation, the American Cures Act, would provide annual budget increases of five percent plus inflation at America’s top four biomedical research agencies: the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense Health Program, and the Veterans Medical and Prosthetics Research Program. Thanks to Durbin’s efforts to increase medical research funding, Congress has provided NIH with a 60 percent funding increase over the past decade. Since Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15), because of Durbin’s efforts, Congress has provided NIH with a 60 percent increase in annual funding, raising the appropriations level from $30 billion in FY15 to $49 billion today.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-secures-25-million-for-colebrookdale-railroad-project/", "title": "Fetterman Secures $25 Million for Colebrookdale Railroad Project", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "domain": "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "scraper": "fetterman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000479", "name": "John Fetterman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BRADDOCK, PA — This week, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a $25 million grant award for a railway improvement project along the Colebrookdale Railroad in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The award comes after U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) penned a letter of support to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy highlighting the safety and economic benefits of federal investment in this historic railroad.\n\n“When we invest in historic landmarks like the Colebrookdale Railroad, we invest in Pennsylvania’s future,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud to have fought for this funding and am grateful to Secretary Duffy for his commitment to this hidden Pennsylvania treasure, which will continue to play a critical role in the region’s economic future.”\n\nThe Colebrookdale Railroad is an active freight and heritage railroad that operates between Berks and Montgomery counties. The railroad, which was nearly abandoned after years of neglect, is now a pillar of the region’s economy.\n\nThe $25 million award will be used to install new track to separate local freight operations from the railroad’s tourist operations. The funding will also rehabilitate more than 2,000 feet of existing track along the corridor, enable the construction of a new train shed for Colebrookdale’s locomotives and rail cars, and connect the railroad to pedestrian infrastructure, public transit, and the nearby Schuylkill River Trail.\n\nThe funding was awarded through DOT’s Fiscal Year 2026 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. In addition to this $25 million award, Montgomery County was also awarded $600,000 to study the feasibility of proposed infrastructure improvements along Germantown Pike and Sumneytown Pike.\n\n“This award belongs to Pottstown. Montgomery County, the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Berks, and hundreds of residents and volunteers made the case that a town built on iron and rail deserved infrastructure equal to its ambitions. For me it is also personal: Pottstown raised me, and there is a particular satisfaction in helping the federal government see what those of us from here have always known,” said Nathaniel Guest, Executive Director of the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust and managing director of the Switchpoint Foundation.\n\n“Pottstown helped build Pennsylvania’s past, and this $25 million BUILD Grant will help accelerate its future. Thanks to Senator Fetterman’s leadership, this investment will transform the Pottstown corridor into an engine for economic growth, job creation, and opportunity,” said Jamila Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.\n\n“I’m grateful to Senator Fetterman for securing this transformative investment in Pennsylvania. The $25 million BUILD grant for the Pottstown area and Colebrookdale Railroad project will boost our economy, support local businesses, and create new opportunities for residents across the region,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija.\n\n“Pottstown is a very important part of our county and we are thrilled to see it get the federal support it deserves,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Tom DiBello.\n\n“There are those who say government can’t get things done. I’d ask them to come to this valley. Two counties, a state, and a nation rolled up their sleeves, not for the glory of government, but for the good of its people. The men and women here once forged the iron that built America. That spirit never left. Today, we put it back to work to help people with housing, training and a future,” said Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach.\n\n“I am thrilled to see that the Colebrookdale Railroad was awarded this grant! The railroad is an important economic driver for both the Boyertown and Pottstown areas. I want to thank Senator Fetterman for his support of this project,” said Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-demand-omb-rescind-rule-giving-president-sweeping-power-to-politicize-federal-grants/", "title": "Gallego, Colleagues Demand OMB Rescind Rule Giving President Sweeping Power to Politicize Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), a member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, joined the entire Senate Democratic caucus in demanding Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought immediately rescind OMB’s proposed regulation on federal financial assistance. The Senators warned the proposal exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, and would allow the President to weaponize federal grants for political purposes.\n\n“Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals,” the Senators wrote. “Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs.”\n\nThe proposed rule would dramatically expand agencies’ authority to terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. It would also require political appointees to make funding decisions without deferring to expert peer review. The Senators warn this would inject partisan politics into grantmaking, threaten America’s leadership in scientific and medical innovation, and create chaos for communities and organizations that rely on federal funding to deliver critical services.\n\n“Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators also argue that OMB’s proposal would force grant recipients to comply with vague, undefined, and political grant conditions that conflict with existing statutes. At the same time, it would weaken transparency and accountability requirements intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars. These changes could discourage qualified organizations from applying for federal grants and increase the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\nThe Senators concluded: “Article I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T09:23:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-supports-bipartisan-bill-to-help-arizona-tribes-combat-mmiw-crisis-fentanyl-trafficking/", "title": "Gallego Supports Bipartisan Bill to Help Arizona Tribes Combat MMIW Crisis, Fentanyl Trafficking", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is supporting the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act. The legislation would help tribal police departments hire and retain tribal law enforcement officers by providing access to federal retirement, pension, death, and injury benefits on par with law enforcement officers from non-tribal jurisdictions.\n\n“Tribal law enforcement officers are on the front lines of protecting their communities from crises like the fentanyl epidemic and the ongoing tragedy of missing and murdered indigenous people,” said Senator Gallego. “Ensuring they have equal access to federal resources and support isn’t just a matter of fairness; it’s essential to the safety, justice, and well-being of tribal nations.”\n\nAccording to the Department of Interior, public safety and justice at the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is funded at just 13% of need, and over 25,600 personnel are needed to adequately serve Indian Country. This includes at least 13,000 more tribal law enforcement officers to meet FBI Community Safety Standards.\n\nSenator Gallego has long been a champion for improving safety in tribal communities. During his time in the House of Representatives, he chaired the first Congressional hearing on the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), and in 2024 his bipartisan Native American Child Protection Act was signed into law.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-members-hassan-and-garcia-launch-investigation-into-trump-administrations-personal-use-of-luxury-government-aircraft", "title": "Ranking Members Hassan and Garcia Launch Investigation into Trump Administration’s Personal Use of Luxury Government Aircraft", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.hassan.senate.gov", "scraper": "hassan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001076", "name": "Margaret Wood Hassan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Maggie Hassan, Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, and Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, requested the Government Accountability Office to investigate Trump Administration officials’ personal use of government-owned aircraft and other expensive air travel on the taxpayers’ dime. Federal procurement data shows that agencies more than doubled spending on air travel in recent years, with costs growing from $2.35 billion in 2016 to more than $5 billion in Fiscal Year 2025. As the letter notes, according to ongoing public reporting, FBI Director Kash Patel has taken more than 10 trips that are likely to violate regulations, including to a wrestling tournament where his girlfriend performed.\n\n\"People are fed up with a Trump Administration defined by self-dealing and corruption that serves its members at the expense of hardworking Americans. As Americans struggle to fill up their gas tanks and pay rent, top Trump Administration officials are reportedly wasting taxpayer dollars by using government-owned planes for personal travel around the world,” said Senator Hassan. “Taxpayers should not be footing the bill for luxury personal travel for Trump Administration officials. These allegations of misuse of taxpayer dollars require oversight.”\n\n“Trump Administration officials like Kash Patel are jetting around the country on luxury aircrafts paid for by taxpayers, while most Americans can’t afford rent and groceries. At every level of this corrupt Administration, officials are abusing their positions for their own gain. Congress has a responsibility to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable,” said Representative Robert Garcia.\n\nClick here or see below to read the full text of Ranking Members Hassan and Garcia’s letter:\n\nWe are deeply concerned by Trump Administration officials’ flagrant personal use of government-owned aircraft and other expensive air travel on the taxpayers’ dime. As Americans deal with President Trump’s unprecedented affordability crisis and are forced to spend hundreds of extra dollars on groceries, electricity, and housing, they have watched as Trump Administration officials waste taxpayer dollars on extravagant and luxurious air travel. To make matters worse, the Trump Administration has provided no transparency into whether this air travel complies with federal regulations. To assist with essential oversight, we write to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) review federal agency compliance with Office of Management and Budget’s Circular No. A-126, “Improving the Management and Use of Government Aircraft,” and the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Federal Travel Regulation requirements, to ensure that taxpayers are not being forced to cover exorbitant and corrupt costs.\n\nSince becoming Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel has continued to spark outrage and concern over his repeated use of government-owned aircraft for his leisure. According to ongoing public reporting, Director Patel has taken more than 10 trips that are likely to violate regulations. For example:\n\nFebruary 20, 2026: Traveled to Milan, Italy, on FBI-controlled aircraft to watch a hockey match at the Winter Olympics.\n\n· February 20, 2026: Traveled to Milan, Italy, on FBI-controlled aircraft to watch a hockey match at the Winter Olympics.\n\n· October 20, 2025: Traveled to Pennsylvania to attend the Real American Freestyle wrestling tournament where his girlfriend performed.\n\n· Following his Senate confirmation, traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, multiple times to visit his girlfriend.\n\nPresidents across administrations have designated the FBI Director as a “required use” traveler within the Department of Justice. However, OMB Circular A-126 requires designees to reimburse the government for personal and political travel.6 Given the FBI’s lack of response to a December 1, 2025, request from House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin and Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, the Oversight Committee reiterates congressional interest in learning whether reimbursement standards for personal or excessive air travel are being followed. We also echo the February 24, 2026, requests made by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary Ranking Member Dick Durbin “that the GAO’s ongoing review incorporate the Director’s latest international travel.”\n\nOur concerns that taxpayer dollars are being used to fund unnecessary luxury travel are not isolated to one agency. GSA regulations state that “taxpayers should pay no more than necessary for the transportation of travelers” and that “a determination that another method of transportation is more advantageous to the Government will not be made on the basis of personal preference or inconvenience to the traveler.” Yet, federal procurement data shows that agencies more than doubled spending on air travel in recent years, with costs growing from $2.35 billion in 2016 to more than $5 billion in FY2025. Actual spending on air travel may be considerably higher if agencies use charge cards to charter air transportation, such as helicopter travel. GAO has previously reported on agencies’ use of helicopters in the D.C. area specifically, where the number of flights has been growing in recent years. We understand that GAO has done similar work on this matter, specifically a 2013 report titled, “Department of Justice: Executives’ Use of Aircraft for Nonmission Purposes.” Thus, this explosive growth and the long-ignored concerns expressed by both chambers of Congress surrounding the Trump Administration’s use of luxury travel on the taxpayers’ dime require timely attention. Americans deserve transparency surrounding Trump Administration officials’ compliance with federal requirements related to travel costs and oversight bodies need timely assessments to identify waste and abuse. Therefore, in addition to GAO’s ongoing work on this issue, we ask that you also review agencies with high annual obligations for air transportation. Specifically, we ask that GAO:\n\n1. Review circumstances under which government-owned aircraft are being used by agency officials for non-mission purposes, such as personal travel, and the costs associated with these flights;\n\n2. Review agency processes for tracking, documenting, and reporting agency and component executives’ use of agency aircraft;\n\n3. Review agencies’ annual spending on air transportation for agency officials, including agency leadership use of government-owned aircraft and chartered aircraft that is procured via contract or charge card;\n\n4. Assess agency officials’ use of government-owned aircraft with respect to OMB and GSA regulations and determine if reimbursements for personal travel were collected in accordance with federal requirements; and\n\n5. Identify the amount reimbursed or not reimbursed in accordance with those policies.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-releases-fact-sheet-outlining-how-trumps-attacks-on-renewable-energy-projects-are-skyrocketing-utility-costs-for-americans", "title": "Heinrich Releases Fact Sheet Outlining How Trump’s Attacks on Renewable Energy Projects Are Skyrocketing Utility Costs for Americans", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released a fact sheet detailing how President Trump’s war on affordable, homegrown energy is driving up utility bills for families and businesses across the country.\n\nThe fact sheet finds that by blocking new renewable energy projects, the Trump administration is making it harder to meet growing electricity demand and forcing Americans to pay more for power. If renewable energy deployment continues to be constrained, the average household will pay an estimated $85 more on annual utility bills, while economy-wide electricity costs will increase by approximately $11.6 billion each year from 2027 through 2033.\n\n“The fastest and most affordable way to meet America’s growing energy demand is to build clean, homegrown energy. Instead, President Trump is blocking those projects, raising utility bills, and making it harder for families and businesses to get ahead,” said Heinrich. “Families are already being squeezed by higher costs — and rather than finding ways to lower their bills, this administration is driving them even higher.”\n\nDespite renewable energy being cheaper and faster to deploy, the Trump administration has consistently blocked renewable energy projects across the country. If those actions continue, over 90% of planned new electricity generation capacity could be prevented from coming online in the next several years.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-neguse-celebrate-release-of-grant-funds-to-complete-co119-project-in-boulder-county/", "title": "Hickenlooper, Bennet, Neguse Celebrate Release of Grant Funds to Complete CO119 Project in Boulder County", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and U.S. Representative Joe Neguse announced the release of $15 million in Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation to help finish the CO 119 Diagonal Highway Mobility Improvement Project in Boulder and Longmont. Hickenlooper and Bennet pressed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to release these previously-held funds.\n\n“This is exactly why we passed our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: to make Colorado roads safer. As this project nears completion, we’re fighting to make sure Colorado gets the funding that was promised,” said Hickenlooper.\n\n“This funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is critical for the Boulder and Longmont communities,” said Bennet. “I am glad that this funding was released to Colorado and look forward to the CO119 Project being completed.”\n\n“I was proud to work alongside Senators Hickenlooper and Bennet to secure the release of federal funding that will help complete the Colorado Highway 119 project, an initiative meant to help our state’s growing population by creating a safer, more reliable transportation corridor between two of Colorado’s fastest-growing communities—Boulder and Longmont,” said Neguse. “From the supporting state and local organizations all the way up to the federal level, Coloradans know this investment will dramatically improve transit and help improve lives for everyday citizens.”\n\nThe RAISE grant program is a direct federal investment in road, rail, and transit projects that achieve national transportation objectives and is funded by theBipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Hickenlooper helped to negotiate.\n\nCO Highway 119 is the primary connection between Boulder County’s two largest municipalities, Longmont and Boulder, with 45,000 vehicles traveling per day and a projected traffic increase of 25% by 2040. In June 2023, the Colorado Department of Transportation was awarded a $25 million RAISE grant to improve major intersections and create a Bus Rapid Transit route, bus bypass lane, and bikeway. $10 million of this grant was already delivered, and today’s announcement fulfills the rest of the obligation. The released $15 million funds are for improvements at CO119/Hover Street in Longmont.\n\n##", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-warren-colleagues-press-hegseth-on-pentagon-gutting-civilian-protection-efforts-amid-war-in-iran/", "title": "Kelly, Warren, Colleagues Press Hegseth on Pentagon Gutting Civilian Protection Efforts Amid War in Iran", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Pentagon’s independent watchdog found that Trump administration defunded and blocked reforms to protect civilians during war, potentially violating federal law\n\nThis week, Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly (D-AZ) joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and eight of their Democratic colleagues in pressing Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the Department of Defense’s (DoD) defunding and deprioritizing of programs that prevent and respond to civilian harm in war. The letter follows a new report by the DoD Inspector General (DoD IG), which found that under Hegseth’s leadership, DoD has put service members and civilians at risk and has potentially violated federal law. It also follows the recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian water treatment facilities, which damaged thousands of civilians’ access to drinking water.\n\n“The Trump administration’s military adventurism overseas, combined with its obvious disregard for civilians, do not make the American people or our service members safer. We, therefore, request clarification about the steps the Department is taking to address these deficiencies and to protect civilians in line with the Department’s strategic, legal, and moral obligations,” wrote the senators.\n\nIn May, the DoD IG released a review of DoD’s implementation of its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP), which found that the Trump administration may have violated federal law by defunding and blocking civilian protection efforts.\n\n“The Department’s failure to implement the CHMR-AP has profound consequences for civilians in conflict zones and makes service members’ jobs harder and riskier,” wrote thesenators.\n\nThe lawmakers pressed Secretary Hegseth to explain DoD’s failure to implement civilian protection policies, account for changes in resourcing and staffing for civilian protection efforts, explain what DoD is doing to comply with federal law requiring civilian protection policies and institutions, and provide any analysis DoD has done on the impact of recent strikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran.\n\nKelly and Warren were joined by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) along with Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO-06) and Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51).\n\nBackground:\n\nThe letter builds on Kelly’s work to hold DoD accountable for putting servicemembers and civilians in harm’s way. In May, Kelly pressed CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper on the DoD’s gutting of Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) staff. During that hearing, Kelly also asked Cooper about the civilian casualty count from the war in Iran, including the strike on a girls’ elementary school in Minab that reportedly killed at least 168 people, mostly children.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-leads-bipartisan-bicameral-lawmakers-urging-hhs-and-cms-to-monitor-dangers-of-physician-assisted-suicide/", "title": "Lankford Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Lawmakers Urging HHS and CMS to Monitor Dangers of Physician-Assisted Suicide", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.lankford.senate.gov", "scraper": "lankford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000575", "name": "James Lankford", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — US Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. urging HHS and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish reporting requirements in the hospice program to monitor physician-assisted suicide for discrimination against individuals with disabilities, older adults, and other vulnerable populations.\n\nThe Members warned that physician-assisted suicide “raises significant informed consent issues as well as concerns about disability and age discrimination” and noted that the vast majority of patients receiving physician-assisted suicide are enrolled in hospice.\n\nThe Members wrote in their letter, “We urge HHS and CMS to establish reporting requirements to monitor physician-assisted suicide for discriminatory practices and oversee compliance with federal funding restrictions within hospice programs. All hospice patients—regardless of disability, age or financial means—deserve compassionate end-of-life care that is free of coercion and discrimination.”\n\nLankford and Kaine were joined by US Representatives Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC-03) and Lou Correa (D-CA-46), who led the letter in the House.\n\n“Every person has inherent worth and dignity, including those facing their final days,” said Lankford. “Hospice should be a place of compassion, comfort, and care, where the suffering are surrounded by loved ones and quality health care, not a place where they feel quietly pressured to end their lives through assisted suicide. Federal law is clear that taxpayer dollars cannot pay for assisted suicide, and discrimination against the aged and disabled is prohibited. HHS and CMS have a responsibility to make sure vulnerable people are protected. We’re simply asking them to do that job.”\n\n“Everyone deserves to make their own decisions regarding end-of-life care,” said Kaine. “Where patients are making these choices, they should be free of discrimination and coercion. That is why my colleagues and I are calling on HHS and CMS to exercise oversight to make sure all patients are treated with dignity, including and especially at the end of their lives.”\n\n“As a practicing physician of 35 years, I have dedicated my career to saving lives and comforting my patients, said Murphy. “The oath all physicians take is ‘to do no harm’. Physicians who take part in assisting suicide are breaking that oath. It is a great tragedy that people feel that life offers them no recourse other than to end their lives. Rather than suicide we should invest more in palliative care and hospice which are much more acceptable forms of medical care. Sadly abuses, such as the lack of informed consent and discriminatory practices, have occurred and patients and their families have been wronged. The House of Medicine should not participate in assisted suicide when we have other humane alternatives to offer.”\n\n“All Americans deserve access to quality care, free from discrimination, and that’s why I’m joining my colleagues in urging HHS and CMS to protect patients from discrimination based on age, disability, diagnosis, or other factors when pursuing physician-assisted suicide,” said Rep. Correa. “We must have guardrails to make sure everyone receives compassionate end-of-life care regardless of their circumstances.”\n\nIn 1997, Congress passed the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997, which prohibits the use of Federal funds to provide or pay for any health care item or service or health benefit coverage for the purpose of causing, or assisting to cause, the death of any individual, including “mercy killing, euthanasia, or assisted suicide.” Congress has made clear that no Medicare funds, including hospice payments, may be used to facilitate physician-assisted suicide, including physician consultation services, prescribing or dispensing of medications used for the purpose of causing death, or assistance with the ingestion of such medications.\n\nCongress also spoke to this issue when it passed the Affordable Care Act, which also provides anti-discrimination protections for an individual or institutional health care entity that does not participate in “assisted suicide, euthanasia, or mercy killing.”\n\nDisability Rights groups have filed lawsuits in 5 states (CA, CO, DE, NY and IL) alleging that physician-assisted suicide laws unconstitutionally discriminate against people with life-threatening disabilities because it treats them differently from non-disabled patients who report suicidal ideation to a medical provider.\n\nMany medical organizations and disability rights groups are opposed to assisted suicide, including but not limited to the World Medical Association, American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, National Council on Independent Living, United Spinal Association, Not Dead Yet, Access Living, Patients’ Rights Action Fund, and Aging With Dignity.\n\nThe National Council on Disability, an independent, bipartisan federal agency, warns in its 2019 report, “The Danger of Assisted Suicide Laws”, that under physician-assisted suicide laws, “some people’s lives, particularly those of people with disabilities, will be ended without their fully informed and free consent, through mistakes, abuse, insufficient knowledge, and the unjust lack of better options.”\n\nYou can read more about the letter in The Hill HERE.\n\nYou can read the full letter HERE and below:\n\nDear Secretary Kennedy:\n\nWe write to you as bipartisan, bicameral Members of Congress in response to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) request for information regarding medical aid in dying (MAID), 91 Fed. Reg. 17338, also medically termed physician-assisted suicide. Physician-assisted suicide raises significant informed consent issues as well as concerns about disability and age discrimination. The vast majority of patients receiving physician-assisted suicide are enrolled in hospice—90% in Washington. This poses challenges for HHS and CMS’ regulation of patient health and safety within the hospice program. We urge HHS and CMS to implement reporting requirements in the hospice program to monitor physician-assisted suicide for discriminatory practices against vulnerable populations, as well as to ensure compliance with the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act.\n\nIn 1997, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld Washington’s and New York’s bans on physician-assisted suicide in Washington v. Glucksberg and Vacco v. Quill. The majority opinions found that there is no right to physician-assisted suicide under the Due Process or Equal Protection Clauses. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor concurred, joined by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Justice Stephen Breyer, expressing concern about “the risk that a dying patient’s request for assistance in ending his or her life might not be truly voluntary.”‍ Nearly thirty years of physician-assisted suicide in the United States has not alleviated that concern.\n\nCurrently, thirteen states plus the District of Columbia permit physician-assisted suicide. These laws permit certain medical practitioners to prescribe drugs at lethal dosages to a patient that is, among other criteria, eighteen years or older and “terminally ill” with a six month or less prognosis, with or without care, so that the patient may self-administer the drugs. Yet, as the National Council on Disability, an independent, bi-partisan federal agency, warns, under physician-assisted suicide laws, “some people’s lives, particularly those of people with disabilities, will be ended without their fully informed and free consent, through mistakes, abuse, insufficient knowledge, and the unjust lack of better options.”‍\n\nThere are grave informed consent issues within physician-assisted suicide. Patients spend little time with the physician providing physician-assisted suicide relative to the course of their disease. Only 0.5% of patients received mental health referrals, even though many physician-assisted suicide patients show signs of depression, which can impair the decision-making process. On top of this, “it is common for medical prognoses of a short life expectancy to be wrong,” and under the definition of terminal illness in physician-assisted suicide laws, “[t]here is no requirement that the doctors consider the likely impact of medical treatment, counseling, and other supports on survival.”\n\nPhysician-assisted suicide drugs are not approved for the purpose of ending human life. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved drugs indicated for physician-assisted suicide. These drugs would not meet the criteria as “safe” for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Instead, medical practitioners prescribe drugs approved for other indications to be used “off-label” for physician-assisted suicide. As The Atlantic reported in 2019, “[i]n states where the practice is legal, state governments provide guidance about which patients qualify but say nothing about which drugs to prescribe.”‍ With “no government-approved clinical drug trial, and no Institutional Review Board oversight,” physician-assisted suicide drug prescribers are left with little oversight in assisting end-of-life patients.\n\nDisability issues also arise in physician-assisted suicide. An individual with terminal illness meets the definition of a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In fact, individuals with disabilities and disability civil rights groups have raised this argument and alleged physician-assisted suicide laws violate federal disability rights laws in litigation across the country. Annual state reports have shown that patients seeking assistance in ending their lives commonly do so, not due to pain or concerns about future pain, but for disability-related reasons, citing concerns about “loss of autonomy,” being “less able to engage in activities,” and “loss of dignity.”‍ 18 Consequently, many individuals with disabilities warn that states legalizing physician-assisted suicide send the message that the lives of persons with disabilities are less valued in society.\n\nAge discrimination and elder abuse are also concerns within physician-assisted suicide practices. Most physician-assisted suicide patients are age 65 or older (86.2% in Washington). Although physician-assisted suicide laws require two witnesses to the lethal drug request, most states only require one witness to be disinterested, meaning, one of these witnesses may be a beneficiary to the patient’s will or life insurance policy or a disaffected caregiver 20 Physician-assisted suicide laws do not require a prescriber or any witnesses to be present when the patient self-administers the drugs. These circumstances enable the possibility of financial exploitation.\n\nPhysician-assisted suicide undermines America’s national posture of suicide prevention. America is facing an epidemic of suicide. In 2024, we lost more than 50,000 Americans to suicide and over 1.5 million Americans attempted suicide. Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in America and around 135 suicides occur every day on average. Additionally, over 14 million adults reported seriously considering suicide in 2024. Peer-reviewed data shows that where physician-assisted suicide is legalized, rates of suicide increase. Additionally, each year the U.S. government, states, and localities invest millions of taxpayer dollars in suicide prevention services. A 2024 National Institutes of Health report shows that the economic cost of suicide/self-harm is estimated at $510 billion annually. New data shows that people living with serious and potentially\n\nlife-limiting health conditions are more than twice as likely to die by suicide compared with the general population. Physician-assisted suicide undermines suicide prevention services, normalizes premature death for vulnerable populations, and pushes society away from robust care, support, and the protection of life.\n\nCongress has restricted federal funding for physician-assisted suicide and protected conscientious objections to the practice. The Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act broadly limits federal funds from “paying (directly or indirectly)” for the provision of “any health care item or service furnished for the purpose of causing, or for the purpose of assisting in causing, the death of any individual, such as by assisted suicide, euthanasia, or mercy killing.”‍ This prohibition extends to a “pay[ment] . . . for such an item or service” and a “pay[ment] (in whole or in part) for health benefit coverage” related to the coverage or expenses of “such an item or service.”‍ The Affordable Care Act also provides anti-discrimination protections for an individual\n\nor institutional health care entity that does not participate in “assisted suicide, euthanasia, or mercy\n\nkilling.”‍ We request that you establish reporting requirements within hospice programs regarding\n\nphysician-assisted suicide. In doing so, please consider monitoring physician-assisted suicide practices for the following:\n\n· Discrimination against individuals with disabilities, older adults, and other vulnerable populations;\n\n· Proper disposal of unused medication and prevention of drug diversion;\n\n· Insurance denials of life-sustaining medical care that offer to cover physician-assisted suicide drugs instead;\n\n· Drug complications;\n\n· Consistency of drugs prescribed “off-label” for use in physician-assisted suicide;\n\n· Compliance with federal restrictions on using funds, directly or indirectly, for health care items or services for physician-assisted suicide.\n\nAs bipartisan, bicameral Members of Congress who are committed to the health and safety of hospice patients, especially those in vulnerable populations, we are grateful to see HHS and CMS consider how physician-assisted suicide practices may pose discrimination and informed consent issues. We urge HHS and CMS to establish reporting requirements to monitor physician-assisted suicide for discriminatory practices and oversee compliance with federal funding restrictions within hospice programs. All hospice patients—regardless of disability, age or financial means—deserve compassionate end-of-life care that is free of coercion and discrimination.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-applauds-doe-funding-to-lower-energy-costs-for-kansans/", "title": "Senator Marshall Applauds DOE Funding to Lower Energy Costs for Kansans", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D., applauded the U.S. Department of Energy’s announcement that Kansas will receive funding through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) as part of a nationwide effort to help American families reduce energy costs and improve home energy efficiency.\n\nThe Department of Energy announced the disbursement of more than $400 million for energy-saving programs, including $325 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program and $30 million in Weatherization Readiness Funds. The funding will support all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories by helping eligible households lower utility bills through cost-effective home energy improvements.\n\n“President Trump is following through on his commitment to lower energy costs for American families, and today’s announcement is welcome news for Kansas,” said Senator Marshall.“This funding will help eligible households cut their utility bills through practical, cost-saving improvements while supporting an energy agenda that puts hardworking Kansans and American energy first.”\n\n“Weatherization makes homes safe, efficient, and affordable,” said Ryan Vincent, Executive Director of Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (which administers the state’s Weatherization Assistance Program). “We’re pleased to work with our network of service providers to keep Kansas homes healthy and comfortable.”\n\nIn addition to the Weatherization funding, DOE is today releasing $64 million in State Energy Program (SEP) funds to the same 56 grantees to pursue programming that ensures energy reliability, availability, security, and cost savings for businesses and residents. State governments are critical partners in achieving the President’s vision of American Energy Dominance, and SEP will continue to advance this critical mission.\n\nKansas is among the 56 grantees receiving funding through the Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program.\n\nKansas Funding Breakdown:\n\nAdministering agency: Kansas Housing Resources Corporation\n\nRetrofit allocation: $3,596,758\n\nWeatherization Readiness Fund allocation: $348,011\n\nClick here to learn more.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-mccormick-urges-department-oftransportation-to-support-butlercountys-gateway-228-grant-application/", "title": "SENATOR MCCORMICK URGES DEPARTMENT OFTRANSPORTATION TO SUPPORT BUTLERCOUNTY’S GATEWAY 228 GRANT APPLICATION", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "scraper": "davemccormick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001243", "name": "David McCormick", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator McCormick backs critical transportation investment to improve safety, reduce congestion, and strengthen regional economic growth in Western Pennsylvania.\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy urging the Department of Transportation to give full and favorable consideration to Butler County’s application for funding through the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highways (INFRA) Grant Program.\n\nIn the letter, Senator McCormick expressed his support for Butler County’s request for $50.9 million to complete the Mars Railroad Bridge West Project, a central component of the larger Gateway 228 corridor improvement project. The investment would ease longstanding traffic congestion, improve freight movement, enhance commuter travel, and strengthen transportation infrastructure throughout the region.\n\n“Reliable infrastructure is essential to keeping Pennsylvania’s economy moving,” said Senator McCormick. “The Gateway 228 project will improve safety, reduce congestion, strengthen freight movement, and create new opportunities for growth in Butler County and across Western Pennsylvania. I’m proud to support this application and encourage the Department of Transportation to give it full consideration.”\n\nGateway 228 serves as a vital commuter route and regional freight corridor but has struggled to keep pace with increased traffic and population growth. According to Butler County’s application, the project will complete a key segment of the corridor, creating a fully connected transportation route between Interstate 79 and State Route 8. The improvements are expected to reduce crashes by an estimated 61 percent, improve freight mobility, strengthen regional connectivity, and enhance quality of life for residents.\n\nRead the full text of the letter here.\n\nDear Secretary Duffy:\n\nI am writing to you to express my strong support for Butler County’s application for funding through the Department of Transportation’s Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highways (INFRA) Grant.\n\nLocated in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Butler County seeks funding in the amount of $50,911,500 for the Mars Railroad Bridge West Project (the Project). The Project will undertake the final 3.25-mile segment of the larger Gateway 228 corridor improvement project. Currently, this current stretch of roadway experiences traffic bottlenecks, safety concerns, and transportation inefficiencies. Gateway 228 serves as a vital commuter route and regional freight corridor that has seen increased traffic congestion and strained transportation infrastructure due to development and population growth in the region.\n\nThe Project will undertake the completion of the Gateway 228 corridor and create a fully connected transportation corridor between Interstate 79 and State Route 8. By addressing existing concerns with this corridor, crashes will be reduced by an estimated 61%. The Project will improve freight movement and commuter travel throughout the region which will strengthen regional connectivity, enhance quality of life, and support economic growth and future development in the region.\n\nI strongly urge the Department of Transportation to give this application full and favorable consideration. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.\n\nSincerely,\n\nDavid H. McCormick\n\nUnited States Senator", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-joins-push-to-kick-private-equity-out-of-kids-sports-and-stop-the-ripoffs/", "title": "Merkley Joins Push to Kick Private Equity Out of Kids’ Sports and Stop the Ripoffs", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley announced he joined Senate and House lawmakers in supporting the Let Kids Play Act, legislation to stop Wall Street from pricing kids out of sports. The proposed legislation bans private equity firms from taking over youth sports, shutting down the vulture practices they use to jack up costs, and getting money back to the families who have been ripped off.\n\n“Billionaire Wall Street executives are exploiting sports for profit,” said Merkley. “Instead of fostering work ethic and sportsmanship, private equity is focused on making money from an essential part of childhood. Let’s kick these greedy corporations out of kids’ sports to restore the dream of athletics for millions of youth across America.”\n\nOver the last decade, youth sports have become prohibitively expensive. What was once an affordable, community-based tradition to give kids a chance to have fun and challenge themselves, has morphed into a $40 billion industry dominated by private equity, with the singular goal of extracting as much profit as possible from families.\n\nPrivate equity firms have monetized and taken ownership of every layer of youth sports, including leagues, teams, venues, practice facilities, tournament circuits, uniforms, streaming services, hotels, and merchandise sales, boxing out local organizations that are invested in their community.\n\nOnce they’ve taken control of the competition, private equity wields their market power ruthlessly, sticking ordinary families with substantially higher prices, endless junk fees, and mandatory multi-year contracts. In just a few years, the cost of participating in youth sports has risen by 46 percent. Families routinely go into debt to keep their kids in sports, with the average cost exceeding $5,000 a year. As a result, millions of lower-income families have been locked out of the youth sports experience entirely, participating at half the rate of wealthier families.\n\nThe bicameral Let Kids Play Act stops Wall Street from pricing our kids out of sports by banning both private equity vulture investors and the vulture practices they use, and establishes strong enforcement tools to hold private equity accountable for the damage they cause by requiring:\n\nMandatory exit from youth sports: Private equity firms are automatically designated as vulture investors and banned from youth sports — leagues, facilities, tournaments, and player platforms — unless they prove they have never used vulture practices. Banned investors must sell their ownership stakes and management rights in youth sports within two years.\n\nRefunds to families: This bill requires vulture investors to provide full refunds for any junk fees collected through vulture practices, cancels any predatory contracts, and wipes out any outstanding debts, interest, or late fees that were imposed by the private equity firms.\n\nLiability for debts and safety violations: Private equity vulture investors are held personally and financially responsible for any debts, legal judgments, or law violations, including child safety and labor infractions, that occur while they are in charge.\n\nCreation of Youth Sports Fund: Any penalties paid or money taken from these private equity firms is placed into a dedicated fund to provide scholarships, reduce costs for families, and keep local fields open for free community use.\n\nRights for communities and families be respected: This bill gives states and parents legal standing to sue private equity firms in youth sports, stop their vulture practices, and receive compensation for any financial losses or harm they have caused.\n\nMerkley has long warned about private equity taking over various aspects of American life, bringing its dangerous playbook to essential industries—from housing to health care and child care.\n\nHe has led the charge in the Senate to kick hedge funds out of the housing market as large institutional investors gobble up homes in communities across the United States, driving up both purchase prices and rents for single-family homes. He also cosponsored the Corporate Crimes Against Health Care Act and Take Back Our Hospitals Act to fight back against private equity abuses in health care. As Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, Merkley launched an investigation into two of the largest private equity-controlled child care companies.\n\nThe Let Kids Play Act is led by U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) and U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Pat Ryan (D-NY), and Angie Craig (D-MN).\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the American Economic Liberties Project (AELP), Groundwork Action, Sports Fans Coalition, Open Markets Institute, and Americans for Tax Fairness (ATF).\n\nA one-pager of the bill is available by clicking here.\n\nThe full bill text is available by clicking here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/photos-senator-moody-rallies-hundreds-of-florida-police-chiefs-from-across-florida-and-receives-statewide-law-enforcement-award/", "title": "PHOTOS: Senator Moody Rallies Hundreds of Florida Police Chiefs From Across Florida and Receives Statewide Law Enforcement Award", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ORLANDO, Fla.—Senator Ashley Moody today received special recognition for her strong support of Florida’s law enforcement. Senator Moody received the Friends of the Florida Police Chiefs Association Award after rallying hundreds of law enforcement leaders from across the state at the FPCA Annual Summer Conference in Orlando. Throughout her career, Senator Moody has fought for Florida law enforcement officers—creating, supporting and sponsoring many measures to provide tools and resources necessary to strengthen law and order and build safer communities.\n\n“Florida is the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation because we never waver in our support for the men and women who selflessly serve and protect our communities. As the wife of a law enforcement officer, I’ll continue fighting in Washington to ensure our officers have the tools they need to keep Floridians safe,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nTo view Senator Moody’s full remarks at the FPCA Summer Conference, click here.\n\nSenator Moody is a long-time supporter of the rule of law and of law enforcement officers. Since becoming Florida’s newest Senator, Moody has:\n\nIntroduced the Halo Act to shield federal officers from those who seek to threaten and harass them on duty.\n\nSupported the Graham Hoffman Act, which would allow the U.S. to use the full force of state and federal law to prosecute those who assault first responders and act as a deterrent to anyone considering such acts of violence.\n\nIntroduced the HELPER Act to make homeownership more obtainable for Florida heroes, including law enforcement officers.\n\nCo-Sponsored the HALT Fentanyl Act, which was signed into law by President Trump. The new law assists law enforcement officers in getting fentanyl traffickers off the streets and permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.\n\nSponsored the RIPPLE Act, which would expand the 287(g) program and provide resources to state law enforcement to more efficiently get criminal illegal aliens out of communities; and\n\nAdvanced six bills to support law enforcement, strengthen public safety and deliver critical tools to officers out of the Judiciary Committee during Police Week earlier this year.\n\nAs Florida’s Attorney General, Senator Moody created many programs to recognize the selfless efforts of law enforcement officers, including her Back the Blue, Thin Line Tribute, and Sunshine Salute programs. Moody also worked with state lawmakers to strengthen statutes to hold criminals accountable and help officers and prosecutors do their jobs.\n\nStrengthen laws to prevent violent offenders from committing new crimes.\n\nHelped recruit 1,900 new officers to Florida from every state in the nation.\n\nDuring President Trump’s first administration, served as a Commissioner on the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice Law Enforcement Commission.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/in-seattle-murray-highlights-urgent-need-to-deploy-ai-safely-transparently-and-to-benefit-working-people-murray-says-pro-worker-pro-family-policies-dont-have-to-wait/", "title": "In Seattle, Murray Highlights Urgent Need to Deploy AI Safely, Transparently, and to Benefit Working People; Murray Says Pro-Worker, Pro-Family Policies Don’t Have to Wait", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Murray reiterates that even as we are still working to understand how AI will change the future of work, Congress should pass a pro-worker, pro-family legislative agenda now—emphasizing that there is no need to delay on policies like national paid leave, universal health care, affordable child care, and stronger labor laws\n\nMurray has opposed the Trump administration’s efforts to stamp out state-level regulations of AI\n\n*** SEN. MURRAY’S REMARKS HERE***\n\n*** PHOTOS, AND B-ROLL HERE***\n\nSeattle, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) hosted a roundtable discussion on artificial intelligence (AI) in Seattle focused on how leaders can work to deploy AI safely, transparently, and in a way that benefits working people—not just giant corporations and billionaires. At the roundtable, Senator Murray spoke with leading AI experts about the challenges and opportunities associated with AI.\n\nSenator Murray made clear that while policymakers can’t yet predict exactly how AI will change our economy and how we work, there is no reason for Congress to delay in passing so many of Murray’s longstanding legislative priorities that would benefit working people like stronger labor laws and enforcement, national paid leave, universal health care, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, affordable child care for every working family, and much more.\n\nJoining Senator Murray for the discussion today were: Alexandra Holien, Interim CEO at ADA Developers Academy; Professor Noah Smith, Vice Provost for AI at the University of Washington; Cherika Carter, Secretary Treasurer at the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO; Yifan Zhang, Managing Director at the AI House; Professor Franziska Roesner, Professor, University of Washington Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering; Chad Kruger, Associate Vice President for Research Advancement and Strategy at Washington State University; and Gretchen Peri , State Chief Technology Officer at Washington Technology Solutions.\n\n“I’m not here today with a stack of AI bills to sign. This technology is still taking shape, and anyone who tells you they’ve got it all figured out isn’t being straight with the American people,” said Senator Murray. “But here’s the thing: we do not have to wait to find out exactly how AI impacts our economy to understand what workers need right now. I have pushed a legislative agenda that puts working families first in our economy for a long time. I am hopeful that as we stare down this new technology, there will be a growing sense of urgency to strengthen the American social safety net—now. We need a national paid leave policy, universal health care, child care every working family can afford, the freedom to join a union, and strong labor laws and strong enforcement. These are things we can do right now to steady the ground under workers.”\n\n“At Washington State University, AI is a cornerstone of our work as a future ready land grant university,” said Chad Kruger, Associate Vice President for Research Advancement and Strategy. “WSU researchers are applying AI to real-world challenges in agriculture, rural health care, energy resilience, sustainable aquaculture and fisheries, and rural education. Backed by more than $72 million in AI and machine learning research, WSU is helping position Washington as a leader in responsible, community focused innovation. We appreciate Senator Murray’s leadership in bringing folks together today to help ensure AI’s future remains focused on the public good, creating healthier communities, stronger industries, and greater opportunity for the people across our state.”\n\n“Size is no longer an advantage in the age of AI—it can actually be a disadvantage,” said Yifan Zhang Managing Director, AI House. “The places that help founders, startups, and Small Tech thrive will be where AI creates the most jobs, innovation, and opportunity.”\n\n“Artificial intelligence is reshaping how governments serve the public, and we have a responsibility to ensure that transformation is safe, transparent, and equitable,” said Gretchen Peri, State Chief Technology Officer at Washington Technology Solutions. “In Washington state, we’re focused on accelerating innovation while strengthening the guardrails needed for public trust. Our focus is on practical, transparent, and equitable implementation: building workforce readiness, improving data foundations, and supporting agencies with approved tools, guidance, and repeatable practices that scale what works to protect privacy, and expand opportunity for every community. I appreciate Senator Murray bringing leaders together to elevate this conversation. Our commitment is to an AI future that strengthens services, enhances operations, supports our workforce, and protects the rights and trust of the people we serve.”\n\nAs vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray negotiated the Commerce‑Justice‑Science (CJS) Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2026, which is currently the largest federal investment in AI standards and testing ever passed through a CJS bill. The CJS bill includes $1.8 billion for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) overall, an increase of $690 million over last year’s funding level. This includes no less than $55 million for AI research, an increase of $20 million, and up to $10 million for NIST’s Center for AI Standards and Innovation to advance AI research, standards, and testing. Senator Murray fiercely defended science agencies from President Trump’s proposed reductions, which threatened to cut NIST by more than 28 percent.\n\nSenator Murray also played a key role in helping to pass the bipartisan Chips and Science Act which makes historic investments in American manufacturing, and research and development. The bill included AI scholarships through NSF, funding for the Department of Energy’s research and development on AI and machine learning, support for NIST’s work on AI and quantum information science, and resources for the creation of a NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships which will focus on domestic development of AI and other quantum computing.\n\nSenator Murray has also been outspoken against President Trump’s efforts to ban states from regulating AI. She recently introduced legislation to halt the A.I.-Driven Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) model which is overruling doctors and delaying care for Medicare beneficiaries.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sen-ossoff-pressing-trump-administration-about-pfas-cleanup-delays-at-georgia-military-installations/", "title": "Sen. Ossoff Pressing Trump Administration About PFAS Cleanup Delays at Georgia Military Installations", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is again pressing the Trump Administration about reported delays in PFAS cleanup at Georgia military installations.\n\nSen. Ossoff is pressing Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth to address reported delays in the cleanup and remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at DoD installations in Georgia and across the country.\n\nIn 2019, reports found that Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Moody Air Force Base, and Robins Air Force Base used firefighting foam that contained significant amounts of PFAS and led to concerns about the drinking water near these installations. Last September, DoD released updated timelines for cleanup feasibility studies, including delays in Georgia of 5-20 years since the initial remediation timeline was released.\n\nPFAS are in a class of chemicals known as “forever chemicals,” and have been linked to numerous public health risks, including reduced immune function, reproductive challenges, birth defects, thyroid problems, and cancer.\n\nThe letter, led by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), follows an earlier letter from Sen. Ossoff and colleagues who wrote to Sec. Hegseth with concerns about DoD’s delayed cleanup schedules last November.\n\n“As a nation, we must stand by our servicemembers and military communities to protect them from the health impacts of PFAS,” Sen. Ossoff and the group wrote. “Without a doubt, federal resources must address immediate and dangerous risks to human health and the environment. However, if not reversed, delays of this magnitude must also come with transparency, more specifics on these new timelines, an explanation as to which installations resources are being prioritized toward, and more local stakeholder engagement.”\n\nSen. Ossoff continues working to protect Georgians from harmful chemicals and contaminants.\n\nIn May, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock and Rep. McBath brought Republicans and Democrats in Congress together to deliver Federal funding for the City of East Point to install PFAS removal filters to existing drinking water pipes, helping improve drinking water quality for families.\n\nIn April, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock brought Republicans and Democrats together to upgrade the Alcovy River Pump Station in Newton County to better serve residents in the county by mitigating the risk of exposure to PFAS and other contaminants and improving available water supply.\n\nIn 2023, Sen. Ossoff launched an inquiry with the Department of Defense to address the prevalence of chemical hazards on installations and to protect servicemembers who may have been exposed.\n\nClick here to read Sen. Ossoff and the group’s full letter.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-morelle-statement-on-firing-of-democratic-commissioners-of-the-u-s-election-assistance-commission/", "title": "Padilla, Morelle Statement on Firing of Democratic Commissioners of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with jurisdiction over federal elections, and Representative Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.-25), Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, released the following statement following the Trump Administration’s illegal firing of the Democratic Commissioners of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) — just weeks after the conservative Supreme Court’s unprecedented decision to upend decades of executive power to appease the President — and the resignation of the remaining Republican Commissioner, which leaves the EAC without any leadership less than four months before Election Day 2026:\n\n“Here we go again. President Trump is trying to dismantle yet another independent guardrail of our democracy designed to keep elections fair and secure. Purging commissioners just months before the midterm elections and further gutting support for our state and local elections officials is a blatant part of his plan to politicize our elections and enable more unlawful and dangerous election interference. Trump continues to double down on his efforts to erode trust in our elections, undermine independent oversight, and further his Administration’s attempt to ‘take over’ elections. Americans deserve elections that are safe, secure, and run free from political interference — not overseen by partisan loyalists and election deniers beholden to Trump.”\n\nCreated by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002, the EAC is an evenly divided commission of four commissioners where only two may be of any one political party. Commissioners are appointed by the President, subject to advice and consent of the Senate, for up to two four-year terms and “[a] member of the Commission shall serve on the Commission after the expiration of the member’s term until the successor of such member has taken office as a member of the Commission,” according to 52 U.S.C. § 20923(b)(3)(B).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-latest-developments-in-iran", "title": "Reed Statement on Latest Developments in Iran", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "PROVIDENCE, RI – As Iran and U.S. military forces trade waves of strikes, President Trump and Iranian hardliners renew verbal threats, and a crumbling so-called ceasefire agreement threatens to renew military prolonged conflict and regional tensions in the Middle East, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement:\n\n“I opposed Trump’s reckless Iran war from the start. President Trump and Secretary of Defense Hegseth underestimated Iran and failed to plan for obvious contingencies.\n\n“There has never been a true ceasefire. President Trump changes his mind on a daily basis, prolonging the conflict without a strategic plan to end it.\n\n“Under the Trump Administration, it has been one mistake after another resulting in lost lives, millions of dollars wasted, depleted munitions, and global instability. Every day, Americans are forced to pay higher costs due to President Trump’s unilateral failures in Iran.\n\n“He has somehow weakened America’s hand while strengthening Iran’s leverage over the Strait of Hormuz.\n\n“We have to insist upon diplomacy, but the way the President is approaching this, with his son-in-law and his golfing buddy as lead negotiators instead of a group of true professionals, is not getting the job done.\n\n“I have voted repeatedly to end this unauthorized war and will continue pressing for more votes in Congress until my Republican colleagues join Democrats in doing the right thing and holding President Trump accountable.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-welcomes-187-million-in-weatherization-funds-to-help-riers-lower-their-utility-bills", "title": "Reed Welcomes $1.87 Million in Weatherization Funds to Help RIers Lower Their Utility Bills", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "PROVIDENCE, RI – In an effort to help Rhode Islanders improve energy efficiency and save money on their utility bills, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today delivered $1,877,852 in federal funding for Rhode Island’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).\n\nThis federal funding will allow the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) and Department of Human Services to partner with Community Action Agencies throughout the state to provide weatherization services to eligible households, helping low-income families permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. According to the Department of Energy, WAP households save on average $372 or more on energy costs annually. Examples of weatherization assistance includes air sealing, attic and wall insulation, heating system upgrades, energy audits, and window and roof repair and replacement. The program also helps with home health and safety measures, such as installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.\n\n“Trump’s ill-advised war in Iran is driving up costs, particularly when it comes to cooling and heating. This federal funding will help Rhode Islanders cope with those costs, lower their energy bills and make their homes more energy efficient, which generates long-term savings. At the same time, WAP also creates jobs for energy experts and contractors. That’s a win-win that generates instant savings and also helps the state meet its long-term energy goals,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee who led the bipartisan effort to include $360 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) in the 2026 fiscal year appropriations package, and successfully included the funding despite the Trump Administration’s attempt to eliminate the program.\n\nReed noted that when weatherization professionals do home visits, they check for far more than insulation and air sealing. A team of contractors inspects homes and identifies serious safety and health issues, such as exposed electrical hazards, improper ventilation, and disconnected smoke detectors. So in addition to lowering energy bills, the work helps prevent tragedies and helps more families live in safe, healthy homes.\n\nStudies show that low-income people and senior citizens spend a disproportionate share of their income on heating and electricity. Energy efficiency improvements can significantly cut or eliminate the excess energy burden experienced by these households.\n\nWAP grants are administered by the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources and Department of Human Services with applications available at local Community Action Programs. Priority is given to households with children, seniors, persons with disabilities. Both homeowners and renters with the permission of their landlords may apply, and the program assists all types of housing including single-family homes, multi-family buildings, and manufactured homes.\n\nOver the last five years, Senator Reed has delivered over $25 million in federal WAP funding to the state.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/09/rosen-cortez-masto-announce-nearly-30-million-in-federal-funding-for-airports-across-nevada/", "title": "Rosen, Cortez Masto Announce Nearly $30 million in Federal Funding for Airports Across Nevada", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) announced $29,974,140 in federal funding for Nevada’s airports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ensuring that these airports will continue to serve communities throughout the Silver State. This funding will be used for pavement and utility upgrades, runway and taxiway modernizations, improvements to weather observation systems, and hangar upgrades.\n\n“Nevada’s airports see millions of travelers every year, domestic and international, who come to our state and contribute to Nevada’s economy,” said Senator Rosen. “This funding will help keep the infrastructure of our airports up to date, allowing them to keep up with Nevada’s demands as a top travel destination. I’ll continue supporting our state’s tourism and travel economy at the federal level.”\n\n“Nevada’s airports are the gateway to our state – for visitors, for emergency services, and for Nevadans traveling throughout the Silver State and across America,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “It’s critical that all the airports across Nevada continue to have world-class facilities and infrastructure. Nevada’s Congressional delegation will never stop fighting to deliver for our state’s aviation infrastructure.”\n\nThe Senators helped secure the following grants for twelve airports across the state:\n\n$13,695,039 for Reno-Tahoe International Airport to reconstruct the existing airport terminal, including upgrades to pavement and utilities that have reached the end of their useful lives.\n\n$5,094,412 for Reno-Stead Airport to reconstruct 24,800 square yards of the existing main apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. An airport apron is the area of an airport in which aircraft are parked, unloaded or loaded, refueled, boarded, or maintained.\n\n$3,564,630 for Harry Reid International Airport to rehabilitate pavement across its airport apron and plan for future improvements.\n\n$2,947,000 for Austin Airport to realign, rehabilitate, and reconstruct the airport’s taxiways, modernizing the airport and bringing them up to modern standards. The airport will also acquire and install a new automated weather observing system to gather more accurate local weather information.\n\n$1,667,000 for Tonopah Airport to reconstruct 21,000 square yards of the existing aircraft apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.\n\n$1,092,652 for Fallon Municipal Airport to construct a new 300-foot taxi-lane to provide airfield access to the site of future airport hangars, as well as update existing taxiways.\n\n$769,028 for Mesquite Airport to reconstruct 25,000 square yards of the existing aircraft apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. The airport will also reconstruct a gravel road used by airport vehicles, FAA vehicles, and ground service equipment.\n\n$387,448 for Silver Springs Airport to acquire and install a new automated weather observing system to gather more accurate local weather information.\n\n$282,000 for Minden-Tahoe Airport to rehabilitate taxi-lanes that have reached the end of their useful lives.\n\n$187,500 for Carson City Airport to reconstruct the pavement on airport taxiways to extend their useful lives.\n\n$160,901 for Lincoln County Airport to construct a new 1,500 square foot building to house snow removal equipment.\n\n$126,530 for Wells Municipal Airport Harriet Field to construct a new 200-foot taxi-lane to provide airfield access to the site of future airport hangars.\n\nSenators Rosen and Cortez Masto have consistently fought to ensure communities across Nevada have the funding they need for their infrastructure projects. This month, the Senators announced more than $35 million in federal funding for critical infrastructure projects and renovations in rural communities across Nevada. In May, they also secured $20 million in federal funding to support renovations at Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Most recently, they announced $1 million in funding for the Las Vegas Metro Police Department’s Air Support Unit, which helps with search and rescue operations, routine patrols, and event security across Clark County.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/09/rosen-slams-trumps-refusal-to-sign-bipartisan-bill-to-lower-housing-costs/", "title": "Rosen Slams Trump’s Refusal to Sign Bipartisan Bill to Lower Housing Costs", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "LAS VEGAS, NV – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released a statement blasting President Donald Trump for his continued refusal to sign the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, landmark legislation that is the most significant federal effort to bring down housing costs in a generation, as tomorrow’s deadline approaches. According to the U.S. Constitution, a President has ten days except Sundays to sign a bill before it becomes law if Congress has not adjourned. Senator Rosen supported this bipartisan bill in the Senate, where it passed with overwhelming support from both Democrats and Republicans. Hours before Trump was scheduled to sign the legislation into law, he canceled his plans to do so, citing his desire to pass unrelated legislation that would make it more difficult for millions of eligible voters to cast their ballots. As the bipartisan housing bill gathers dust on Trump’s desk, the Las Vegas Sun reported that Las Vegas home prices are at a record high.\n\n“While hardworking Nevadans are being squeezed by high housing costs, Donald Trump is holding a bipartisan bill to lower housing costs hostage because he claims it is ‘so unimportant,’” said Senator Rosen. “Democrats and Republicans in Congress worked together across party lines to address the housing crisis, but Trump is delaying it from becoming law because he’s more focused on his extreme bill to nationalize elections, his efforts to waste millions in taxpayer dollars on luxury upgrades to his $400 million Qatari private jet, and his gilded White House ballroom. Fortunately, this bipartisan bill will become law with or without Trump’s signature, but Nevadans will remember how he stood in the way of desperately-needed financial relief in pursuit of his self-serving goals.”\n\nIn the Senate, Senator Rosen has prioritized actions to help lower the cost of housing for Nevadans. She helped pass the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act in the Senate, and immediately called on Trump to sign it following his cancellation of the signing ceremony. Senator Rosen has also introduced legislation to exempt homebuilding materials from Trump’s tariffs, a bipartisan bill to support small businesses in the housing industry, and bipartisan legislation to help grow the construction workforce, making it easier to build and bring down costs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-statement-on-civil-war-and-genocide-in-sudan/", "title": "NEWS: Sanders Statement on Civil War and Genocide in Sudan", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.sanders.senate.gov", "scraper": "sanders", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000033", "name": "Bernard Sanders", "party": "Independent", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BURLINGTON, Vt. July. 9 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement:\n\nThis is the year 2026. One might have hoped that, after thousands of years of war, humanity could have come up with a better way to resolve conflicts than killing and mass destruction. Unfortunately, that is not the case. There is now more war and bloodshed raging across the world than at almost any point in decades.\n\nIn February 2022, Vladimir Putin, without provocation, invaded Ukraine. The result: hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians killed, millions displaced and a war that grinds on with no end in sight.\n\nIn October 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 innocent people and taking 251 hostages. In response, Netanyahu and the Israeli military did not simply wage war against Hamas — they waged war against the entire population of Gaza. At least 73,000 Palestinians have been killed, the real toll almost certainly far higher, most of them women, children and the elderly. Virtually the entire physical infrastructure of Gaza has been destroyed. I agree with the major human rights organizations around the world who call this a genocide.\n\nFour months ago, in collusion with Netanyahu, Trump took a page from Putin’s playbook: he started a war with Iran without provocation. The result of this war (and the ensuing Israeli war against Lebanon): 13 U.S. service members dead, thousands of Iranian and Lebanese civilians killed and more than $100 billion in U.S. taxpayer dollars spent.\n\nAnd in the midst of all of this — Ukraine, Gaza, Iran — there is another horrific war happening now that is getting relatively little attention: the civil war and genocide in Sudan.\n\nSudan’s two rival military factions, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the country’s national army, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, have been at war since 2023. The RSF descends from the Janjaweed militias that carried out Sudan’s first genocide in Darfur two decades ago, killing as many as 400,000 non-Arab civilians. Today, the RSF is trying to finish what it started. The State Department has formally determined that the RSF is committing genocide, again, murdering men and boys and systematically raping women and girls because of their ethnicity. Last October, the RSF laid siege to the city of El-Fasher; in just the first three days after it fell, an estimated 6,000 people were killed. Right now, the same horror is unfolding in the city of El-Obeid, where nearly half a million people are trapped.\n\nLet’s be clear. Trump’s good friend and staunch U.S. ally, the United Arab Emirates dictatorship, run by one of the wealthiest families in the world — has financed and enabled this genocide for years. And why is this happening? Billions of dollars of looted gold from Sudan is flowing straight into the pockets of Emirati oligarchs – making a multibillionaire family even richer. This has been documented by the United Nations, independent journalists, and international human rights organizations.\n\nHere is the scale of what this war has caused: at least 59,000 people confirmed killed since 2023, with credible estimates running as high as 150,000. Fourteen million people driven from their homes. Thirty million people, two–thirds of Sudan’s population, in need of emergency humanitarian assistance just to survive.\n\nU.S. foreign policy must be based on a respect for democracy and human rights. We cannot be complicit in the face of genocide, no matter where it is happening. Congress must demand that the UAE cease its military support for the RSF and work with the international community and the Sudanese people to bring an end to this horrific conflict and provide the humanitarian aid that is desperately needed there.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-schiff-calls-out-trumps-unqualified-pick-for-attorney-general-talks-need-for-significant-supreme-court-reforms-on-talking-feds/", "title": "ICYMI: Sen. Schiff Calls Out Trump’s Unqualified Pick for Attorney General, Talks Need for Significant Supreme Court Reforms on Talking Feds", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "San Diego, CA — In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined Talking Feds podcast with Harry Litman for a live wide-ranging conversation about Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s upcoming confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, the costs of President Trump’s illegal war in Iran, and Trump’s politicization of federal assistance for blue states including California.\n\nSchiff also spoke about the corruption and partisanship of the Roberts Supreme Court – underscoring the need for significant reforms, including Court expansion, term limits, and an enforceable code of ethics for the justices.\n\nView the full interview here.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nOn Todd Blanche’s upcoming confirmation hearing for Attorney General:\n\n[…] I remember vividly meeting with Todd Blanche when he was nominated for the position he is currently in, not the acting position, but when he was nominated to be the number three in the Justice Department. And as Harry mentioned, I had spent almost six wonderful years in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles. I care deeply about the department. And having gone through Trump one, I think I said something along these lines to Mr. Blanche. The hearing was coming up, I think the following day. “We know all the same people, it’s a small A-U.S.A network around the country. I know a number of people that serve with you in the Southern District of New York. They have good things to say about you. I have no doubt you have the experience to do this job. My question is different, though. My question is, what will you do the first time you’re asked to do something unethical, immoral, or potentially illegal. Do you have the gravitas, do you have the stature, do you have the character to say no?” And his answer was one I would then hear from a great many other people who came up for confirmations for judge or other things. His answer was, “I don’t think I will ever be put in that position.”\n\n[…] Now, we have someone who doesn’t resemble at all the Todd Blanche from the Southern District of New York. There have been so many compromises along the way that I think he has concluded, as a great many have, “I’m all in. I made my bed with this guy. There is nothing left me to do but be all in.” To the point where he stands before the country at the podium at the Justice Department, and auditioning for the role as Attorney General, says that the president has not only a right but a duty to go after his political enemies and to use the Justice Department to do it. And I listened to that, and I thought, what happened to that guy? But this is a story that I’ve seen play over and over again with other people in other positions. And it all takes me back to something Harry and I have talked about before, something the historian Robert Caro once said in an interview when he said that “Power doesn’t corrupt as much as it reveals. It doesn’t always reveal us for our best, but it says a lot about who we are.” And my conclusion is that Todd Blanche really didn’t change when he was with the Southern District, we just didn’t know who he was. We just didn’t know what decision he would make when he was put in that position, and now we do.\n\nOn the need to reform the Supreme Court:\n\n[…] I don’t want my kids, who are in their 20s, to have to live their entire lifetimes under a right-wing, socially right-wing Court like this one, partisan Court like this one, devoted to big wealth, as this one is. We’re going to need to expand the Court. Now, I remember making this argument when I was on the House Judiciary Committee. And it got up the ire of the Republicans, as you can imagine, for the reason you mentioned, which is, Roosevelt tried to do that. “You’re trying to pack the Court like Roosevelt tried to pack the Court,” to which my response was, “You already packed the Court. You already packed the Court.” There is more than one way to pack the Court. You can pack it as Roosevelt tried by adding justices, or you can pack it as Trump did, and McConnell did, by withholding justices. But you have packed and stacked the Court, and the only question now is whether it gets unpacked and unstacked. And so, I would not have entertained a remedy like this ten years ago. But as I don’t want a whole generation to have to suffer under this totally unrepresentative body, I think we need to change the Court.\n\n[…] I do believe the most consequential reform, if we could bring it about, would be to put a term limit on the Supreme Court, such that justices would serve say a period of 18 years, or whatever the appropriate term would be, and then they would be rotated back onto a court of appeals or district court. I think this would be constitutional, because the justices would still have life tenure on the Court. There is no constitutional requirement that you have life tenure on a particular court. The court system wasn’t even established at the time of the Constitution. Here’s the rub, though. The rub is it would be this Supreme Court that would adjudicate the constitutionality of a term limit. Which is why expansion of the Court is necessary for any meaningful reform of the court.\n\nOn the consequences of Trump’s illegal war in Iran:\n\n[…] This is a huge strategic defeat for us already. How ever this ends, that is a huge strategic defeat. Iran understands too that it has all the leverage right now. So, there’s supposedly 60 days to reach a nuclear deal. They’re not even really talking about a nuclear deal, and the nuclear deal they’re talking about looks a lot like the JCPOA that Trump tore up. Except now Iran also has the ability to close the strait, something it didn’t know it had during the JCPOA. So, the administration is going to struggle just to get back to where we were before the war, during the JCPOA. It is a terrible outcome, and indeed, one of the other criticisms of the JCPOA was it didn’t deal with Iran’s sponsorship of terror, it didn’t deal with its missile threat. Well, neither does what Donald Trump is talking about. So, hard to see how this ends in anything but a strategic, enormous setback.\n\n[…] So, it’s an unmitigated disaster, and it’s been costly to us. We’ve lost 13 servicemembers. There are more at risk all the time. Americans have had to pay the price of this war at the pump and in innumerable other ways. So, hard to find anything positive yet that has come out of this war, and it is once again an illustration of how unwise it is to get into a war with Iran without thinking through the consequences, without having the public support.\n\nOn the Trump administration targeting blue states:\n\n[…] There is incredible hostility to the state from the president, obviously from the White House. We see it reflected in innumerable ways. They’re canceling our wind projects, they’re canceling our renewable energy projects, they’re canceling our health care funding. They’re refusing to provide disastrous assistance to thousands and thousands of Californians who lost their homes in Los Angeles in these two terrible fires. It is not just California, though. There is kind of a, if there’s a war going on, it’s against all blue states. Certainly, some more than others, and California has a particular place of ire for the president, maybe because he loses so handily here. But we’ve never seen this before. We saw some of it Trump one. But we’ve never seen it like this before.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-husted-kim-moreno-to-unveil-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-manufacturing-jobs-enhance-american-manufacturing-competitiveness/", "title": "NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Husted, Kim, Moreno to Unveil Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Manufacturing Jobs, Enhance American Manufacturing Competitiveness", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Bill would protect longstanding bipartisan manufacturing program at Commerce Department, compel release of pending funds to states\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) will introduce bipartisan legislation to protect the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program that supports small and medium-sized manufacturers by improving productivity, reducing costs, accelerating technology adoption, and strengthening supply chains.\n\nThe Senator’s legislation, the Defend American Manufacturing Act, requires the U.S. Department of Commerce to continue to operate the MEP program after the Department suspended funding nationwide despite its broad, longstanding bipartisan support.\n\n“American manufacturing is vital to our economy and our national security. It also provides good-paying jobs and stability for millions of American families. In order to help small manufacturers compete in an increasingly small and globalized world, it is important that they have the resources to grow and adapt. Our legislation requires the Department of Commerce to release funding that is essential to hundreds of thousands of workers and manufacturers across the country,” said Senator Schiff.\n\n“Ohio makes the things the world needs, and our strong history and future in the manufacturing industry has long been the backbone of our state’s economy. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership program has been a driver behind the success of many successful small businesses, and this bill ensures that success will continue, while also maintaining the ability to weed out waste, fraud, and abuse,” said Senator Husted.\n\n“New Jersey’s manufacturers not only drive our economy but continue to drive and grow a new era of incredible innovation. We must continue to answer the call to have our manufacturers’ backs across the country and use legislation like this to build the systems and support they need to continue to succeed,” said Senator Kim.\n\nIn California and across the country, the U.S. Department of Commerce continues to suspend the disbursement of already-appropriated funds to several MEP centers.\n\nThe Defend American Manufacturing Act will:\n\nRequire the Department of Commerce to continue operating the MEP program by executing cooperative agreements, ensuring the Department cannot sidestep the program and stall funding;\n\nProtect Center funding by prohibiting the Department from suspending, canceling, or not renewing funding to a MEP Center unless the Center operator receives an evaluation other than positive;\n\nMandate that a Center operator placed on probation – but actively remedying – continues to receive funding during the probationary period;\n\nDictate that the Department must re-evaluate a probationary Center and make a final determination regarding the Center’s status within 180 days;\n\nForce the Department to launch a competition for a new operator within 30 days of canceling a contract, cap the application period at 90 days, and mandate a final award decision within 30 days of closing applications;\n\nEnsure any unspent funds allocated to a previous operator are automatically transferred to the newly selected operator;\n\nCodify assessments regarding financial management, including fraud monitoring and misuse of funds, as part of the formal “Evaluation of Centers” process.\n\nU.S. Representative Sharice Davids (D-Kan.-03) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nThe Defend American Manufacturing Act is endorsed by the American Small Manufacturers Coalition (ASMC).\n\n“The American Small Manufacturers Coalition strongly supports this legislation because it provides greater transparency, accountability, and consistency in the administration of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program. MEP Centers operate under rigorous performance standards and deliver measurable results for small and medium-sized manufacturers nationwide. This bill strengthens oversight while ensuring that performance concerns are addressed through a clear, timely, and fair process that protects manufacturers from service disruptions. These improvements will help preserve the integrity and effectiveness of the nation’s most successful manufacturing assistance program,” said Carrie Hines, President of the American Small Manufacturers Coalition (ASMC).\n\nThe full text of the legislation is available here.\n\nA one-pager for the legislation is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-who-killed-the-abbott-case-schiff-opens-inquiry-into-reports-that-department-of-justice-closed-criminal-case-against-abbott-laboratories-recommended-by-trumps-own-political-appointees/", "title": "NEWS: Who Killed the Abbott Case?: Schiff Opens Inquiry into Reports that Department of Justice Closed Criminal Case Against Abbott Laboratories Recommended by Trump’s Own Political Appointees", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schiff to Blanche: “If prosecuting cases involving the risk of injuries or death to premature infants are not a priority enforcement matter, I have questions about what priorities the DOJ considers worthy of pursuing”\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is opening a new inquiry into the Department of Justice (DOJ) reportedly dropping a major criminal case involving contaminated baby formula produced by Abbott Laboratories.\n\nSchiff launched the probe today demanding answers from Acting Attorney General Blanche on who at DOJ made the decision to close the case, and what personal involvement Blanche had in potentially overruling Trump’s own political appointees and career prosecutors that reportedly endorsed pursuing the criminal charges.\n\n“A DOJ spokesperson apparently confirmed the criminal probe was closed, saying ‘criminal charges would have been heavy handed.’ That is a concerning admission: under your management, DOJ does not consider a case involving deadly risks to medically sensitive infants, after a recommendation of a felony charge, to be worthy of criminal prosecution. If prosecuting cases involving the risk of injuries or death to premature infants are not a priority enforcement matter, I have questions about what priorities the DOJ considers worthy of pursuing,” wrote Senator Schiff.\n\nSchiff also raises significant concerns about the involvement of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, the law firm representing Abbott that also has provided free legal services to the Trump administration in the past year.\n\nHis letter to Blanche highlights Trump DOJ’s own filings that say “Abbott repeatedly lied to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state agencies” in a “years-long and widespread failure to manufacture compliant powder infant formula” involving the dangerous Cronobacter bacteria.\n\nThe full text of the Senator’s inquiry to the DOJ can be found here and below.\n\nDear Acting Attorney General Blanche:\n\nI write to demand answers about the decision to drop a major criminal case involving contaminated baby formula. On June 28, 2026, the Wall Street Journal reported that a multiyear criminal investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) into Abbott Laboratories (Abbott) yielded significant evidence and a recommendation of charges, yet was dropped by “top decision makers.” On July 6, 2026, Bloomberg Government reported that the Deputy Attorney General’s Office—that you were leading at that time—overruled the Criminal Division’s decision to charge the company and its executives. A DOJ spokeswoman apparently confirmed the criminal probe was closed, saying “criminal charges would have been heavy handed.” That is a concerning admission: under your management, DOJ does not consider a case involving deadly risks to medically sensitive infants, after a recommendation of a felony charge, to be worthy of criminal prosecution. If prosecuting cases involving the risk of injuries or death to premature infants are not a priority enforcement matter, I have questions about what priorities the DOJ considers worthy of pursuing.\n\nThis pattern of protecting corporations over people has proliferated during your tenure as Deputy Attorney General and Acting Attorney General, and is present in this investigation that DOJ supervisors “thought [] was a good case.” As DOJ attorneys wrote in a February 2026 public filing, “Abbott repeatedly lied to the U.S. Department of Agriculture[] (‘USDA’) and State agencies” in a “years-long and widespread failure to manufacture compliant powder infant formula” involving the dangerous Cronobacter bacteria Assistant Attorney General Tysen Duva of the DOJ Criminal Division reportedly pushed for a felony charge that “Abbott executives conspired to defraud the US, along with a separate Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act charge against the company.” Remarkably, DOJ’s current position is apparently not that the criminal case lacked merit but that a civil penalty is sufficient to deter and punish such dangerous behavior. For such serious allegations, a DOJ dedicated to enforcing the law—regardless of the political affiliation of its Attorney General—would likely insist on criminal charges and a civil penalty, not simply a settlement that is a cost of business for a corporation.\n\nDOJ’s failure to seek justice and accountability in this case is heightened by the fact that Abbott was represented by Kirkland & Ellis LLP. It is profoundly troubling that a law firm “donating” valuable legal services to the Trump Administration would also be permitted to lobby to drop criminal cases against the firm’s clients.\n\nThese circumstances suggest that DOJ leadership made a bad decision for the wrong reasons. Although the evidence from the DOJ criminal investigation is not yet public, the DOJ’s own False Claims Act allegations reflect serious concerns about Abbott’s conduct and culpability along with a “culture of concealment.”10 For example, DOJ alleged:\n\n“[I]n a March 2022 message from senior Abbott leadership, notably sent after the Sturgis facility shut down and recall: ‘[j]ust don’t want to give more [to FDA] than what we committed.’”\n\n“[I]n January 2022, rather than providing the most timely and complete information to FDA, the Site Quality Assurance Director decided not ‘to show them [FDA] January swabs’ and instead provided less accurate and more favorable data. This misrepresentation took place while FDA was at Sturgis investigating reports of illness and findings of insanitary conditions at the facility, including the presence of Cronobacter spp.”\n\n“In 2019, Abbott was aware of, and failed to disclose, a positive C. sak finished product result to FDA during an FDA inspection in response to FDA investigators’ request for all of Abbott’s finished product testing.”\n\n“[S]enior Abbott personnel explicitly acknowledged: ‘[y]ou will hear everyone speak to C. sak around here, but we actually are required [by FDA] to assure no Cronobacter species are present.’”; and\n\n“The Sturgis Site Director was also known to ‘push shortcuts’ to hit metrics.”\n\nThese detailed factual allegations corroborate that DOJ attorneys had concluded Abbott engaged in intentional misconduct. At the same time, there are unmistakable signs that white collar criminal enforcement is collapsing at DOJ, including through recurring pardons, the Administration dropping 23,000 criminal investigations after redirecting resources to out-of-control immigration enforcement, and a mass exodus of thousands of attorneys.\n\nCongress will continue to closely monitor and investigate your decisions and that of other DOJ officials in this case. Your Department made a decision to soften the burden for a large corporation that put American families and their children at risk due to tainted infant formula. That is unacceptable and contrary to public safety. When the false claims settlement is eventually disclosed, the public will know how seriously you take the risk of danger to the lives of infants when weighed against corporate profits. I suspect that Congress, along with the parents of infants exposed to these dangerous products and the American people, will profoundly disagree.\n\nConsidering the significance of these new reports and your nomination to be Attorney General, I request answers to the following questions by no later than July 13, 2026:\n\nYou have stated publicly that criminal cases targeting corporations should focus on charging individuals, yet the Abbott matter reportedly involved a high-level recommendation to charge executives for defrauding the government. Why does a case involving harm to American infants, including some who tragically died and a “culture of concealment” not merit the harsh penalties of criminal prosecution?\n\nWhich “top decision makers” at DOJ determined that the Abbott case did not merit a criminal prosecution?\n\nDid you personally review the proposed criminal charges against Abbott, its executives or employees? If so, did you conclude that the charges lacked merit? If not, who did you assign to overrule career prosecutors and supervisors?\n\nDid “top decision makers” close the criminal investigation before or after Abbott made an offer to settle the False Claims Act case? If after, how do you respond to charges that justice in your DOJ is for sale?\n\nDid your office complete an analysis of the principles of prosecuting business organizations as required by the Justice Manual after receiving a recommendation from career prosecutors? If so, what factors did DOJ political appointees weigh more heavily in overruling the career investigators’ recommendation?\n\nWhat is your relationship with Mark Filip? Did you know that he had advocated for removing authority to charge criminal cases from the very office that was investigating his client Abbott Laboratories? Please provide copies of all communications and written materials related to criminal enforcement authorities that Kirkland & Ellis or Filip provided to DOJ.\n\nWhen did you learn that Filip’s law firm, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, was providing free legal services for the federal government? Do you know the value of free legal services provided by Kirkland & Ellis to the federal government?\n\nActing FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas previously served as defense counsel for Abbott Laboratories in cases involving allegations of harm from infant formula.What contact, if any, did Diamantas have with DOJ officials regarding the decision to drop the criminal investigation of Abbott?\n\nIf prosecuting cases involving injuries or death to premature infants are no longer a priority enforcement matter, what priorities are the DOJ Criminal Division’s Health & Safety Unit pursuing?\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senator-schmitt-calls-on-trump-administration-to-investigate-teachers-unions-woke-investment-practices/", "title": "Senator Schmitt Calls on Trump Administration to Investigate Teachers Union’s Woke Investment Practices", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) wrote to the Department of Labor (DOL) requesting that the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) initiate an investigation into whether the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) coordinated with any Employee Retirement Income Security Act(ERISA)-covered plans, fiduciaries, investment managers, or proxy-voting to use plan assets or shareholder rights for political or ideological environmental, social, and governance (ESG)-based objectives.\n\n“AFT operates through affiliated state and local unions that form constituent parts of the AFT national organization structure. AFT and its affiliates’ membership includes not only public-school teachers, but also private-sector healthcare workers, private higher-education employees, other non-governmental employees, and AFT’s own employees.\n\n“Accordingly, many dues-paying AFT members participate in ERISA-covered retirement or employee-benefit plans. So to the extent AFT-affiliated ERISA plans maintain invested assets, those responsible for managing the plans’ assets are subject to ERISA’s duties of prudence and loyalty. Federal law thus prohibits AFT-affiliated plan fiduciaries from violating those duties of loyalty and prudence by subordinating participants’ financial interests to collateral political, social, or ideological objectives.\n\n“Yet AFT leadership’s repeated claims that it will leverage plan assets for political purposes suggest it may be coordinating with plan fiduciaries to engage in precisely the type of political and ideological investment activities prohibited by ERISA’s duty of loyalty. For example, AFT’s President Randi Weingarten recently sent a letter to Target Corporation threatening to leverage members’ retirement-fund and benefit-plan holdings to pressure the company into adopting specific political stances. Additionally, members of AFT’s leadership also appear to serve as fiduciaries of ERISA-covered plans, raising concern that AFT leadership has the means to effectuate its stated desire for politicized investment activities.\n\n“This potential political weaponization of plan assets puts workers’ retirements and benefits funds at risk and distorts capital markets. And if AFT and plan managers coordinated to take investment activities based on politics and ideology rather than financial considerations, then they may have violated ERISA’s duties of prudence and loyalty.\n\n“A Department and EBSA investigation into whether plan managers violated their fiduciary duties to plan beneficiaries by engaging in impermissible political and ideological activism with plan funds is therefore necessary.\n\n“I thank both the Department and EBSA for continued engagement on this issue. In accordance with that prior work, I encourage the Department and EBSA to investigate whether plan fiduciaries have breached their duties by coordinating with AFT to subordinate plan beneficiaries’ financial well-being to unrelated political or ideological objectives in their shareholder and investment activities.” wrote Senator Schmitt.\n\nRead the full letterHERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nAFT’s President Randi Weingarten sent a letter to Target threatening to leverage the union members’ pension and benefits funds, worth billions and representing over 1.8 million members, to coerce Target into publicly opposing ICE enforcement operations and re-adopting DEI initiatives.\n\nERISA’s fiduciary duty of loyalty requires retirement-and benefits-plan managers to take investment actions solely based on financial and pecuniary considerations to maximize the value of plan assets and secure Americans’ retirements and benefits. Fiduciaries violate that duty of loyalty when they allow non-pecuniary interests, such as political or ideological objectives, to influence their investment activities.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-rochesters-l3harris-awarded-84-million-us-army-purchase-order-to-make-new-radios", "title": "SCHUMER ANNOUNCES ROCHESTER’S L3HARRIS AWARDED $84 MILLION U.S. ARMY PURCHASE ORDER TO MAKE NEW RADIOS", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.schumer.senate.gov", "scraper": "schumer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000148", "name": "Charles E. Schumer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Fought So L3Harris Could Compete For Major Military Contracts And Army Has Since Then Been Able To Purchase Thousands Of Cutting-Edge Radios From Rochester Company\n\nSchumer: Contract Is A Win For Our National Security, L3Harris, And Rochester’s Economy\n\nU.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced L3Harris Technologies in Rochester has been selected by the U.S. Army to manufacture Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) manpack Falcon® systems under an $84 million purchase order.\n\n“Once again, the U.S. Army has turned to the right frequency and chosen Rochester’s top-notch workforce to help maintain American military excellence and keep our troops safe. The U.S. Army’s $84 million award shows that it recognizes what I have long known: L3Harris radios are leading in cutting-edge radio technology innovation and essential to providing our warfighters a key tactical advantage on the battlefield,” said Senator Schumer. “I have fought for years to make companies like L3Harris competitive for government contracts so we can create good-paying local jobs. I will continue fighting for investments that protect our national security while boosting Rochester’s local manufacturers and economy.”\n\n“Our high-volume, Rochester-based production lines continue to deliver critical capability into the hands of our armed forces to meet the demands of their vital missions,” said Chris Aebli, President of L3Harris’ Mission Critical Communications business. “We employ more than 3,600 residents of Monroe County and surrounding areas, all of whom are committed to innovating and providing leading-edge technology for the American warfighter. We are grateful for Senator Schumer’s continued support of our workforce and the critical technology we are delivering to soldiers.”\n\nSchumer has a long history of prolonged pushes for an even playing field to give companies like L3Harris, previously Harris Corporation, a fair shot at competing for these defense contracts and bringing innovative work to Rochester, which culminated in the Army selecting Harris in 2015 for the Army’s multi-year $3.9 billion IDIQ handheld Leader radio contract (formerly named the “Rifleman radio”) and in 2016 for the Army’s $12.7 billion IDIQ Manpack radio contract. L3Harris’ win to manufacture radios for the Army under these two multi-billion-dollar contracts followed years of work by Schumer to reverse the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DOD) then-proposed plan to award these contracts to just one company through a sole-source, single-vendor procurement process. Schumer said the single-vendor selection process would have created an unfair playing field for all vendors, including Harris, to compete, and fought to ensure that a fully open, multi-year, multi-vendor, and competitive acquisition process was instituted, so all manufacturers, including L3Harris, would have a level playing field to compete to win these contracts. Schumer argued that the competition from a fully competitive, multi-vendor process would ensure taxpayers get the best-priced radios and the military gets the most secure, capable, and technologically advanced radios. Since Schumer launched his tireless efforts to even the playing field for L3Harris and other companies, L3Harris has gone on to win not only several contracts for the Army, but several multi-billion dollar awards to also manufacture radios and tactical communications systems for the Marine Corps, SOCOM, and our partners and allies such as Ukraine.\n\nL3Harris was selected by the U.S. Army to manufacture thousands of Handheld, Manpack, and Small Form Fit (HMS) radios under a contract worth $300 million last year and an additional 4,000+ radios under a contract worth $196 million in 2023. In 2022, L3Harris was selected by the Marine Corps to manufacture Falcon IV® Multi-Channel Hand Held (MCHH) radios under a contract worth up to $750 million. In 2021, L3Harris was selected by the Army to produce more than 4,000 Leader Radios and Manpack Radios under a $345 million contract that was also part of the multi-vendor Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts Schumer announced in 2016.\n\nIn 2020, Schumer announced that L3Harris had been awarded $95 million, in addition to the $50 million he announced in 2019, to manufacture Manpack radios for the U.S. Army. In addition, Schumer in 2019 fought for major boosts in the bipartisan omnibus spending package that included $510.7 million for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to help continue building the agency’s next flagship telescope, the Nancy Grace Roman Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), that is being constructed in part by L3Harris in Rochester, with the company building key components like the Telescope and two Aft Optics Assemblies. In November of 2018, Schumer visited Rochester to advocate for this crucial funding for the Roman Space Telescope, and one month later announced that Harris Corp., now L3Harris, had been awarded a $195.9 million contract from NASA to continue the project. L3Harris completed the telescope and delivered it to NASA in November 2024. The telescope is now being integrated and tested at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and is scheduled to launch the telescope into space by May 2027.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-celebrates-microns-first-concrete-pour-as-another-major-step-forwardahead-of-schedulefor-this-historic-central-new-york-investment-that-will-be-the-largest-chip-manufacturing-site-in-us-history", "title": "SCHUMER CELEBRATES MICRON’S FIRST CONCRETE POUR AS ANOTHER MAJOR STEP FORWARD—AHEAD OF SCHEDULE—FOR THIS HISTORIC CENTRAL NEW YORK INVESTMENT THAT WILL BE THE LARGEST CHIP MANUFACTURING SITE IN U.S....", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.schumer.senate.gov", "scraper": "schumer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000148", "name": "Charles E. Schumer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Micron Is Also Increasing Its U.S. Investment To $250 Billion—Up From $200 Billion—Schumer Is Pushing For That Additional $50 Billion Work To Happen In New York\n\nSchumer Worked To Convince Micron To Invest In Upstate NY, And Passage Of Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law Sealed The Deal For Micron To Invest In America And Select Syracuse Area To Make Largest Private Sector Investment Ever In New York, Creating Upwards of 50,000 Jobs\n\nSchumer: First Concrete Pour Marks Concrete Progress Towards Bringing Micron In CNY To Life!\n\nAfter years of work to rebuild semiconductor manufacturing in America through his CHIPS & Science Law, and working relentlessly to attract Micron to New York, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today celebrated Micron’s first concrete pour, which is happening ahead of schedule, laying the foundation for its first of four planned manufacturing plants at what will be the largest and most advanced memory chip facility in America. Schumer also applauded Micron’s decision to invest an additional $50 billion in the U.S., pledging to work with the company to steer as much of that new investment as possible to the company’s major New York project.\n\n“Micron’s first concrete pour marks concrete progress towards bringing America’s largest semiconductor manufacturing facility to life right here in Central New York! Micron’s chips are in demand more than ever, and their Central New York project and the 50,000 jobs it’ll create put New York on the global map for advanced chip production,” said Senator Schumer. “Micron’s total $250 billion U.S. investment is transformative for manufacturing in America and New York. I delivered a $6.1 billion CHIPS grant and billions more in Investment Tax Credit assistance from my CHIPS & Science Law to make this historic project possible. Today, we celebrate a new chapter for American chip manufacturing with Upstate New York leading the way.”\n\nMicron today at its “Concrete Progress” event, marking the first concrete pour laying the foundation for the first of four planned manufacturing plants, announced it will invest an additional $50 billion in the U.S., bringing its overall investment to $250 billion through 2035. Micron is also announcing up to $3 billion in new investment to develop the domestic semiconductor supply chain, including in New York. This comes after the company has already spent close to $700 million with local contractors and suppliers in the early site development work in Clay. The Central New York project, which is the largest private sector investment in New York history, will create upwards of 50,000 jobs across the supply chain in Upstate NY, including thousands of union construction jobs and 9,000 direct Micron jobs at the mega-fab site.\n\nAfter Schumer successfully passed the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law, which created the federal programs needed to spur semiconductor industry investment in America, Micron selected Central New York for its new advanced memory chip fab complex. Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law delivered over $6.1 billion in funding for Micron, along with billions more in incentives through the federal semiconductor Investment Tax Credit, to help the U.S. grow its share of advanced memory manufacturing from less than 2% today to approximately 10% by 2035. This funding will support the construction of Micron’s first two fabs in Central NY and an expansion in Idaho to help meet soaring demand for the chips Micron makes.\n\nOver the next few years, Micron plans to build a colossal complex of memory chip plants in Central New York, constructing up to four manufacturing plants at White Pine Commerce Park in Clay, NY. The company’s plans call for building a cleanroom space that will cover about 2.4 million square feet, the size of almost 40 football fields. Micron is one of the largest producers of semiconductors in the world and makes memory chips that are essential to the technology people use every day, from cellphones to cars, and to critical technologies like AI, as well as technologies that are used by our military.\n\nMicron is one of several agreements in New York for federal CHIPS incentives funded by Schumer’s bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law that are spurring major private sector investment and bringing manufacturing back to America. Thanks to Schumer’s efforts and new investments spurred by his CHIPS & Science Law, Upstate NY has become a central hub for America’s semiconductor research and manufacturing. In addition to more than $1.5 billion in CHIPS funding for GlobalFoundries to construct a second, state-of-the-art fab and create a first-of-its-kind advanced chip packaging facility, GlobalFoundries was also recently awarded $375 million in CHIPS R&D funding to launch Quantum Technology Solutions, a new quantum business within GlobalFoundries that will position America at the forefront of technology innovation. IBM has finalized an agreement with the Commerce Department for $1 billion in federal CHIPS R&D funding, combined with an additional $1 billion in investment from IBM, to form a new entity to operate a secure 300mm quantum wafer fab at Albany NanoTech. Corning Incorporated has finalized a $32 million agreement to make a $315 million investment that would increase production at its Canton facility of specialized glass vital for the semiconductor industry. Edwards Vacuum is nearing completion of a new first-of-its-kind-in-the-country $300+ million dry pump manufacturing facility, supported by an $18 million CHIPS funding award. TTM Technologies, a printed circuit board manufacturer, just cut the ribbon on a new facility in Onondaga County, creating 400 good-paying jobs, made possible by $30 million in federal investment that Schumer delivered. Menlo Micro will invest $150 million to build its microchip switch manufacturing facility in Tompkins County, creating over 100 new, good-paying jobs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-applauds-23-5-million-build-grant-to-repair-south-carolina-bridges/", "title": "Sen. Tim Scott applauds $23.5 million BUILD grant to repair South Carolina bridges", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.scott.senate.gov", "scraper": "timscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001184", "name": "Tim Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "CHARLESTON, S.C. — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) today released the following statement applauding the $23.5 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant awarded to replace up to 18 bridges across nine counties in rural South Carolina.\n\n“South Carolina’s rural communities deserve infrastructure that’s safe and built to last,” said Sen. Scott. “Replacing structurally deficient bridges across nine counties will strengthen local economies, improve safety, and ensure our roads keep pace with South Carolina’s growth. I’m grateful to see federal resources delivering real results for the communities that need them most.”\n\nThe project is estimated to cost more than $116 million, replacing structurally deficient bridges with modern bridges that meet current design standards, include safety upgrades, incorporate geometric improvements, and provide multimodal accommodations where needed.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-joins-colleagues-to-protect-integrity-of-scientific-research-demand-omb-director-vought-rescind-politicized-regulation", "title": "Shaheen Joins Colleagues to Protect Integrity of Scientific Research, Demand OMB Director Vought Rescind Politicized Regulation", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined 11 of her Senate colleagues in submitting public comment to White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought to demand OMB rescind a proposed rule, broadly titled “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance”, that could alter how nearly all federal agencies administer grants and financial agreements. The proposed change would give the White House more political control over these awards, which could enable corruption, undermine U.S. scientific investments and competitiveness and block funding for critical life-saving research and collaboration.\n\nThe Senators wrote, in part: \"The proposed changes solidify federal grant-making as an unprecedented partisan power-grab that eliminates transparency of how taxpayer dollars are spent. This rule would derail American innovation and competitiveness at the local and national levels, kill good-paying American jobs, drive up costs for families, and halt essential projects in local communities.”\n\nThey continued: “Instead of supporting data-driven investments that pay dividends for the American people, this guidance facilitates partisan ideals and cronyism, leaving Americans in the dark.”\n\nThe Senators concluded: “We share the goals of improved transparency, accountability, and oversight; clarification of regulatory structure; and reducing recipient burden–all in pursuit of continuing America’s global leadership in science and innovation. However, these regulations would act in opposition to these goals. They would undermine our country’s competitiveness, erode our scientific ecosystem, increase unwanted bureaucracy, enable corruption, and perpetuate uncertainty across our local communities. We strongly urge you to withdraw this proposed rule.”\n\nOMB has proposed sweeping changes to the rules governing how federal agencies award and administer grants and cooperative agreements. These are the primary mechanisms through which the country funds basic research, applied science and scientific workforce development. These agencies also fund a wide array of grants for local projects, including but not limited to, infrastructure, public health, resource conservation and rural development. The proposed rules formalize an August 7, 2025, Executive Order that directed OMB to expand political oversight over all federal awards.\n\nShaheen was joined by U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angus King (I-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).\n\nNonpartisan, unbiased federal funding for research is critical to scientific advancement, technological growth and medical breakthroughs—ensuring the United States remains on the cutting-edge of innovation. Amid the Trump Administration’s efforts to politicize federal funding and undermine scientific integrity, Senator Shaheen has continued to fight back. In May, Shaheen helped lead the Scientific Integrity Act to protect scientific research from being politicized or unduly influenced by special interests.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-warner-kaine-press-administration-for-answers-on-trumps-takeover-of-dc-golf-courses", "title": "Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Warner, Kaine Press Administration for Answers on Trump’s Takeover of DC Golf Courses", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), joined by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), pressed the Trump Administration for detailed answers to a series of questions on the Department of the Interior’s plans for East Potomac Park redevelopment, citing concerns about impacts on public access and affordability, historic preservation, misuse of taxpayer funds, and environmental and public health. The Senator’s letter comes after public reporting and the Administration’s social media announcements of new plans for the park – which have yet to be detailed to the public – and follows up on a previous unanswered letter from the Senators earlier this year.\n\n“We write to follow up on our letter from January 26, 2026 that raised serious concerns regarding the Administration’s termination of the lease held by the National Links Trust (NLT) for operation of East Potomac Golf Links, Langston Golf Course, and Rock Creek Park Golf Course. More than five months have passed since this letter was sent to you, and we have yet to receive a response. At an April Senate Appropriations hearing, Secretary Burgum acknowledged that he had not seen the letter, but assured Senator Van Hollen that the Department would respond. In the interim, the Administration has continued to advance plans for these courses, including Secretary Burgum's announcement on social media of a renovation design by Fazio Design for East Potomac Golf Links, without any disclosure to the public or to Congress of the scope, cost, or basis on which that engagement was awarded. The absence of any reply is itself troubling, and recent developments have made our concerns considerably more urgent,” the Senators begin.\n\nOn the National Park Service’s plans for East Potomac redevelopment and the lack of transparency, the Senators wrote, “the only detail provided was a low-resolution image of the proposed course, leaving the public and Congress entirely in the dark about the scope of the redevelopment, including to what extent redevelopment will ensure continued public access to the waterfront, address existing infrastructure issues on Hains Point, and protect important artifacts such as the historic cherry trees on the White Course – the oldest grove of Japanese cherry trees in D.C..”\n\nOn Trump’s visit to East Potomac Golf Links on June 28, 2026, the Senators wrote, “Following that visit, the President announced on social media that work on East Potomac would begin on September 1, 2026, described the course as severely neglected, and stated that the redesigned course could host major professional golf tournaments. These photos and statements seem to illustrate the Administration’s plans for East Potomac Park, yet the Department has still not provided Congress or the public with basic details about the scope of the project, the funding source, the expected period of closure or disruption, the effect on current users, or how such an accelerated timeline can be reconciled with applicable environmental, historic-preservation, procurement, and public-engagement requirements.”\n\nThe Senators go on to request answers to the following questions:\n\nHow will the Department ensure that course fees and access at East Potomac Golf Links remain genuinely affordable for the communities that have depended on these public courses for nearly a century? Does the Department anticipate that course fees will increase or that the annual number of publicly available rounds of golf will decrease, as compared to when the course was managed by National Links Trust? If so, please provide estimates of the expected changes in cost and availability.\n\nHow will the Department ensure continued access for the bikers, walkers, runners, and recreational fishermen that utilize the popular waterfront Hains Point Loop Trail at East Potomac Park?\n\nWhat assessment has been made of potential health risks to golfers, course employees, youth program participants, and the surrounding environment at East Potomac Park, including the Potomac River?\n\nWhat plans are in place to remediate hazardous substances identified in the debris pile, what is the expected timeline for remediation actions, and who will bear the cost of these cleanup efforts?\n\nHow does the Department intend to ensure compliance with all applicable federal environmental and public health laws, including any requirements for environmental assessment?\n\nDoes the Department intend to rebuild the seawall before starting broader redevelopment at East Potomac Golf Links? How does the Department intend to fund the full scope of redevelopment, including seawall reconstruction? Will this be financed through federal appropriations, private donations, or some combination thereof, and has Congress been consulted about any use of taxpayer funds?\n\nWhat steps is the Department taking to protect the historic cherry trees on the White Course at East Potomac Golf Links, reportedly among the last surviving trees from the original 1910 gift from Japan, from any planned redevelopment or restoration work? How will the Department protect cherry trees along the waterfront at East Potomac Park?\n\nEast Potomac Park serves a wide range of users beyond golfers, including runners, cyclists, tennis players, fishermen, and families who rely on its open spaces and waterfront access. What assurances can the Department provide that the planned redevelopment will preserve access to these public spaces?\n\n“The municipal golf courses of Washington, D.C. are public assets with deep historical, recreational, and community value. Decisions affecting their future, and the health and safety of those who use them, must be guided by law, transparency, and fidelity to the public trust. The Administration’s failure to respond to the questions posed in the January letter, combined with the significant new developments outlined above, compels us to seek answers with greater urgency,” the lawmakers concluded.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Burgum and Acting Director Bowron,\n\nWe write to follow up on our letter from January 26, 2026 that raised serious concerns regarding the Administration’s termination of the lease held by the National Links Trust (NLT) for operation of East Potomac Golf Links, Langston Golf Course, and Rock Creek Park Golf Course. More than five months have passed since this letter was sent to you, and we have yet to receive a response. At an April Senate Appropriations hearing, Secretary Burgum acknowledged that he had not seen the letter, but assured Senator Van Hollen that the Department would respond. In the interim, the Administration has continued to advance plans for these courses, including Secretary Burgum's announcement on social media of a renovation design by Fazio Design for East Potomac Golf Links, without any disclosure to the public or to Congress of the scope, cost, or basis on which that engagement was awarded. The absence of any reply is itself troubling, and recent developments have made our concerns considerably more urgent.\n\nOn May 8, 2026, the Department of the Interior announced an agreement under which the National Links Trust will receive a new long-term lease for Langston Golf Course and Rock Creek Park Golf, while continuing to operate East Potomac Golf Links until the National Park Service is prepared to begin a restoration project there. Public statements accompanying the agreement referenced future restoration and redevelopment concepts at the courses, including expanded facilities and community programming, as well as continued partnerships with organizations including First Tee of Greater Washington, D.C., the Western Golf Association, and the Evans Scholars Foundation. While we welcome commitments to keep the courses open, accessible, and affordable, the announcement raises important questions about the scope of any future work contemplated for East Potomac and the extent to which plans have already been developed. Secretary Burgum publicized the agreement on social media, posting that he was excited to unveil a renovation design from Fazio Design. However, the only detail provided was a low-resolution image of the proposed course, leaving the public and Congress entirely in the dark about the scope of the redevelopment, including to what extent redevelopment will ensure continued public access to the waterfront, address existing infrastructure issues on Hains Point, and protect important artifacts such as the historic cherry trees on the White Course – the oldest grove of Japanese cherry trees in D.C..\n\nThose concerns were further heightened by President Trump’s unannounced visit to East Potomac Golf Links on June 28, 2026, with Secretary Burgum, representatives of Fazio Design, and White House staff. Photos captured during that visit show President Trump holding designs with a substantially increased project scope as compared to the initial design shared by Secretary Burgum. This new golf course design appears to encompass the entire peninsula stretching down to the southern end of Hains Point. The design also appears to jeopardize some of East Potomac Park’s most popular features including the Hains Point bicycle trail, the miniature golf course, and historic cherry trees. Following that visit, the President announced on social media that work on East Potomac would begin on September 1, 2026, described the course as severely neglected, and stated that the redesigned course could host major professional golf tournaments. These photos and statements seem to illustrate the Administration’s plans for East Potomac Park, yet the Department has still not provided Congress or the public with basic details about the scope of the project, the funding source, the expected period of closure or disruption, the effect on current users, or how such an accelerated timeline can be reconciled with applicable environmental, historic-preservation, procurement, and public-engagement requirements. A public commitment to preserve access is welcome, but it is not a substitute for a transparent plan that ensures East Potomac Park remains a genuinely affordable municipal golf course and public parkland for residents of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.\n\nThe environmental and public health concerns stemming from the Administration’s decision to dump dirt and debris from the White House East Wing project on the White Course at East Potomac, raised in our original letter, have also grown more serious. A recent analysis of the debris provided by Jacobs Engineering Group detected many toxic compounds in the dirt pile including heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and pesticides. Several of these compounds, including arsenic and lead, were detected at levels that could pose a risk to human health. The public deserves a full account of what has been deposited there and what risks, if any, it poses.\n\nThe questions posed in the original letter remain unanswered. We respectfully request responses to all of the following:\n\nHow will the Department ensure that course fees and access at East Potomac Golf Links remain genuinely affordable for the communities that have depended on these public courses for nearly a century? Does the Department anticipate that course fees will increase or that the annual number of publicly available rounds of golf will decrease, as compared to when the course was managed by National Links Trust? If so, please provide estimates of the expected changes in cost and availability.\n\nHow will the Department ensure continued access for the bikers, walkers, runners, and recreational fishermen that utilize the popular waterfront Hains Point Loop Trail at East Potomac Park?\n\nWhat assessment has been made of potential health risks to golfers, course employees, youth program participants, and the surrounding environment at East Potomac Park, including the Potomac River?\n\nWhat plans are in place to remediate hazardous substances identified in the debris pile, what is the expected timeline for remediation actions, and who will bear the cost of these cleanup efforts?\n\nHow does the Department intend to ensure compliance with all applicable federal environmental and public health laws, including any requirements for environmental assessment?\n\nDoes the Department intend to rebuild the seawall before starting broader redevelopment at East Potomac Golf Links? How does the Department intend to fund the full scope of redevelopment, including seawall reconstruction? Will this be financed through federal appropriations, private donations, or some combination thereof, and has Congress been consulted about any use of taxpayer funds?\n\nWhat steps is the Department taking to protect the historic cherry trees on the White Course at East Potomac Golf Links, reportedly among the last surviving trees from the original 1910 gift from Japan, from any planned redevelopment or restoration work? How will the Department protect cherry trees along the waterfront at East Potomac Park?\n\nEast Potomac Park serves a wide range of users beyond golfers, including runners, cyclists, tennis players, fishermen, and families who rely on its open spaces and waterfront access. What assurances can the Department provide that the planned redevelopment will preserve access to these public spaces?\n\nThe municipal golf courses of Washington, D.C. are public assets with deep historical, recreational, and community value. Decisions affecting their future, and the health and safety of those who use them, must be guided by law, transparency, and fidelity to the public trust. The Administration’s failure to respond to the questions posed in the January letter, combined with the significant new developments outlined above, compels us to seek answers with greater urgency.\n\nWe look forward to a response by July 20, 2026.", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-kaine-van-hollen-alsobrooks-press-administration-for-answers-on-trumps-takeover-of-dc-golf-courses/", "title": "Warner, Kaine, Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Press Administration for Answers on Trump’s Takeover of DC Golf Courses", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warner.senate.gov", "scraper": "warner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000805", "name": "Mark R. Warner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD) pressed the Trump Administration for detailed answers to a series of questions on the Department of the Interior’s plans for East Potomac Park redevelopment, citing concerns about impacts on public access and affordability, historic preservation, misuse of taxpayer funds, and environmental and public health. The senator’s letter comes after public reporting and the Administration’s social media announcements of new plans for the park – which have yet to be detailed to the public – and follows up on a previous unanswered letter from the senators earlier this year.\n\n“We write to follow up on our letter from January 26, 2026 that raised serious concerns regarding the Administration’s termination of the lease held by the National Links Trust (NLT) for operation of East Potomac Golf Links, Langston Golf Course, and Rock Creek Park Golf Course. More than five months have passed since this letter was sent to you, and we have yet to receive a response. At an April Senate Appropriations hearing, Secretary Burgum acknowledged that he had not seen the letter, but assured Senator Van Hollen that the Department would respond. In the interim, the Administration has continued to advance plans for these courses, including Secretary Burgum’s announcement on social media of a renovation design by Fazio Design for East Potomac Golf Links, without any disclosure to the public or to Congress of the scope, cost, or basis on which that engagement was awarded. The absence of any reply is itself troubling, and recent developments have made our concerns considerably more urgent,” the senators begin.\n\nOn the National Park Service’s plans for East Potomac redevelopment and the lack of transparency, the senators wrote, “the only detail provided was a low-resolution image of the proposed course, leaving the public and Congress entirely in the dark about the scope of the redevelopment, including to what extent redevelopment will ensure continued public access to the waterfront, address existing infrastructure issues on Hains Point, and protect important artifacts such as the historic cherry trees on the White Course – the oldest grove of Japanese cherry trees in D.C..”\n\nOn Trump’s visit to East Potomac Golf Links on June 28, 2026, the senators wrote, “Following that visit, the President announced on social media that work on East Potomac would begin on September 1, 2026, described the course as severely neglected, and stated that the redesigned course could host major professional golf tournaments. These photos and statements seem to illustrate the Administration’s plans for East Potomac Park, yet the Department has still not provided Congress or the public with basic details about the scope of the project, the funding source, the expected period of closure or disruption, the effect on current users, or how such an accelerated timeline can be reconciled with applicable environmental, historic-preservation, procurement, and public-engagement requirements.”\n\nThe senators go on to request answers to the following questions:\n\nHow will the Department ensure that course fees and access at East Potomac Golf Links remain genuinely affordable for the communities that have depended on these public courses for nearly a century? Does the Department anticipate that course fees will increase or that the annual number of publicly available rounds of golf will decrease, as compared to when the course was managed by National Links Trust? If so, please provide estimates of the expected changes in cost and availability.\n\nHow will the Department ensure continued access for the bikers, walkers, runners, and recreational fishermen that utilize the popular waterfront Hains Point Loop Trail at East Potomac Park?\n\nWhat assessment has been made of potential health risks to golfers, course employees, youth program participants, and the surrounding environment at East Potomac Park, including the Potomac River?\n\nWhat plans are in place to remediate hazardous substances identified in the debris pile, what is the expected timeline for remediation actions, and who will bear the cost of these cleanup efforts?\n\nHow does the Department intend to ensure compliance with all applicable federal environmental and public health laws, including any requirements for environmental assessment?\n\nDoes the Department intend to rebuild the seawall before starting broader redevelopment at East Potomac Golf Links? How does the Department intend to fund the full scope of redevelopment, including seawall reconstruction? Will this be financed through federal appropriations, private donations, or some combination thereof, and has Congress been consulted about any use of taxpayer funds?\n\nWhat steps is the Department taking to protect the historic cherry trees on the White Course at East Potomac Golf Links, reportedly among the last surviving trees from the original 1910 gift from Japan, from any planned redevelopment or restoration work? How will the Department protect cherry trees along the waterfront at East Potomac Park?\n\nEast Potomac Park serves a wide range of users beyond golfers, including runners, cyclists, tennis players, fishermen, and families who rely on its open spaces and waterfront access. What assurances can the Department provide that the planned redevelopment will preserve access to these public spaces?\n\n“The municipal golf courses of Washington, D.C. are public assets with deep historical, recreational, and community value. Decisions affecting their future, and the health and safety of those who use them, must be guided by law, transparency, and fidelity to the public trust. The Administration’s failure to respond to the questions posed in the January letter, combined with the significant new developments outlined above, compels us to seek answers with greater urgency,” the lawmakers concluded.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Burgum and Acting Director Bowron,\n\nWe write to follow up on our letter from January 26, 2026 that raised serious concerns regarding the Administration’s termination of the lease held by the National Links Trust (NLT) for operation of East Potomac Golf Links, Langston Golf Course, and Rock Creek Park Golf Course. More than five months have passed since this letter was sent to you, and we have yet to receive a response. At an April Senate Appropriations hearing, Secretary Burgum acknowledged that he had not seen the letter, but assured Senator Van Hollen that the Department would respond. In the interim, the Administration has continued to advance plans for these courses, including Secretary Burgum’s announcement on social media of a renovation design by Fazio Design for East Potomac Golf Links, without any disclosure to the public or to Congress of the scope, cost, or basis on which that engagement was awarded. The absence of any reply is itself troubling, and recent developments have made our concerns considerably more urgent.\n\nOn May 8, 2026, the Department of the Interior announced an agreement under which the National Links Trust will receive a new long-term lease for Langston Golf Course and Rock Creek Park Golf, while continuing to operate East Potomac Golf Links until the National Park Service is prepared to begin a restoration project there. Public statements accompanying the agreement referenced future restoration and redevelopment concepts at the courses, including expanded facilities and community programming, as well as continued partnerships with organizations including First Tee of Greater Washington, D.C., the Western Golf Association, and the Evans Scholars Foundation. While we welcome commitments to keep the courses open, accessible, and affordable, the announcement raises important questions about the scope of any future work contemplated for East Potomac and the extent to which plans have already been developed. Secretary Burgum publicized the agreement on social media, posting that he was excited to unveil a renovation design from Fazio Design. However, the only detail provided was a low-resolution image of the proposed course, leaving the public and Congress entirely in the dark about the scope of the redevelopment, including to what extent redevelopment will ensure continued public access to the waterfront, address existing infrastructure issues on Hains Point, and protect important artifacts such as the historic cherry trees on the White Course – the oldest grove of Japanese cherry trees in D.C..\n\nThose concerns were further heightened by President Trump’s unannounced visit to East Potomac Golf Links on June 28, 2026, with Secretary Burgum, representatives of Fazio Design, and White House staff. Photos captured during that visit show President Trump holding designs with a substantially increased project scope as compared to the initial design shared by Secretary Burgum. This new golf course design appears to encompass the entire peninsula stretching down to the southern end of Hains Point. The design also appears to jeopardize some of East Potomac Park’s most popular features including the Hains Point bicycle trail, the miniature golf course, and historic cherry trees. Following that visit, the President announced on social media that work on East Potomac would begin on September 1, 2026, described the course as severely neglected, and stated that the redesigned course could host major professional golf tournaments. These photos and statements seem to illustrate the Administration’s plans for East Potomac Park, yet the Department has still not provided Congress or the public with basic details about the scope of the project, the funding source, the expected period of closure or disruption, the effect on current users, or how such an accelerated timeline can be reconciled with applicable environmental, historic-preservation, procurement, and public-engagement requirements. A public commitment to preserve access is welcome, but it is not a substitute for a transparent plan that ensures East Potomac Park remains a genuinely affordable municipal golf course and public parkland for residents of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.\n\nThe environmental and public health concerns stemming from the Administration’s decision to dump dirt and debris from the White House East Wing project on the White Course at East Potomac, raised in our original letter, have also grown more serious. A recent analysis of the debris provided by Jacobs Engineering Group detected many toxic compounds in the dirt pile including heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and pesticides. Several of these compounds, including arsenic and lead, were detected at levels that could pose a risk to human health. The public deserves a full account of what has been deposited there and what risks, if any, it poses.\n\nThe questions posed in the original letter remain unanswered. We respectfully request responses to all of the following:\n\nHow will the Department ensure that course fees and access at East Potomac Golf Links remain genuinely affordable for the communities that have depended on these public courses for nearly a century? Does the Department anticipate that course fees will increase or that the annual number of publicly available rounds of golf will decrease, as compared to when the course was managed by National Links Trust? If so, please provide estimates of the expected changes in cost and availability.\n\nHow will the Department ensure continued access for the bikers, walkers, runners, and recreational fishermen that utilize the popular waterfront Hains Point Loop Trail at East Potomac Park?\n\nWhat assessment has been made of potential health risks to golfers, course employees, youth program participants, and the surrounding environment at East Potomac Park, including the Potomac River?\n\nWhat plans are in place to remediate hazardous substances identified in the debris pile, what is the expected timeline for remediation actions, and who will bear the cost of these cleanup efforts?\n\nHow does the Department intend to ensure compliance with all applicable federal environmental and public health laws, including any requirements for environmental assessment?\n\nDoes the Department intend to rebuild the seawall before starting broader redevelopment at East Potomac Golf Links? How does the Department intend to fund the full scope of redevelopment, including seawall reconstruction? Will this be financed through federal appropriations, private donations, or some combination thereof, and has Congress been consulted about any use of taxpayer funds?\n\nWhat steps is the Department taking to protect the historic cherry trees on the White Course at East Potomac Golf Links, reportedly among the last surviving trees from the original 1910 gift from Japan, from any planned redevelopment or restoration work? How will the Department protect cherry trees along the waterfront at East Potomac Park?\n\nEast Potomac Park serves a wide range of users beyond golfers, including runners, cyclists, tennis players, fishermen, and families who rely on its open spaces and waterfront access. What assurances can the Department provide that the planned redevelopment will preserve access to these public spaces?\n\nThe municipal golf courses of Washington, D.C. are public assets with deep historical, recreational, and community value. Decisions affecting their future, and the health and safety of those who use them, must be guided by law, transparency, and fidelity to the public trust. The Administration’s failure to respond to the questions posed in the January letter, combined with the significant new developments outlined above, compels us to seek answers with greater urgency.\n\nWe look forward to a response by July 20, 2026.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-raises-alarm-on-fbi-diverting-critical-resources-to-investigate-debunked-accusations-surrounding-2020-presidential-election-in-georgia/", "title": "Warner Raises Alarm on FBI Diverting Critical Resources to Investigate Debunked Accusations Surrounding 2020 Presidential Election in Georgia", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warner.senate.gov", "scraper": "warner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000805", "name": "Mark R. Warner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Just a few months away from the 2026 midterm elections, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, is demanding answers from reports surrounding the Trump administration diverting personnel and resources to further perpetuate and re-investigate the debunked lie that the 2020 presidential election was stolen.\n\nIn a letter sent to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel, Sen. Warner wrote, “I write to express great concern regarding reportsthat you are diverting critical Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) resources to re-investigate the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. The 2020 election has been extensively audited, investigated, and litigated. Multiple courts and state officials have found that there is no evidence to support allegations of substantial fraud that would have changed the election outcome. The Trump administration’s own Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) called the 2020 election the ‘most secure in American history’ and President Trump’s own Cabinet members at the DOJand FBIrejected the idea there was widespread fraud that impacted the outcome of the election.”\n\nSen. Warner explained that Georgia’s election officials and state investigators have already conducted multiple investigations into specific allegations of fraud. Additionally, a full hand recount, followed by a machine recount reaffirmed the original result. A signature match audit of absentee ballots conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation also confirmed “that the election was secure and fair, and that the result was accurate.”\n\nSen. Warner continued, “Nonetheless, months before the 2026 midterm election, two years before the next general election, and well after the statute of limitations would have run, you designated Georgia’s 2020 election as a ‘priority investigation’ and are diverting 260 investigators from their assigned duties to conduct this inquiry. This misuse of taxpayer dollars and investigative resources for the sole purpose of a partisan investigation intended to soothe the President’s personal grievances about the 2020 election and its systems – the same systems that securely, fairly, and freely declared him as the winner of the 2016 and 2024 presidential elections – is negligence and abuse of power of the highest order.”\n\n“The FBI’s core mission is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution. Dedicated FBI special agents and intelligence analysts work tirelessly to identify legitimate threats and conduct investigations into complex issues involving terrorism, counterintelligence and espionage, cyberattacks, and violent crime,” Sen. Warner wrote. “Their work is crucial to safeguarding Americans from harm, crime, corruption, and terrorism. Unlike those serious threats to the country, this fool’s errand of an “investigation” will serve to erode trust in the FBI, the DOJ, and America’s elections. It is alarming that you have chosen to divert these crucial national security resources and personnel to an investigation driven by the personal, political interests of the President.”\n\nThe letter concludes by requesting a staff briefing and asking a series of questions regarding the scope and legal basis for the investigation and data on the personnel re-assigned and the impact of the diversion to ongoing FBI investigations.\n\nSen. Warner is committed to making sure elections are fair, safe, and secure. Earlier this year, Sen. Warner demanded answers from former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on election security after she joined the FBI in raiding Fulton County, Georgia’s elections office. He also previously pushed DNI Gabbard and ODNI to coordinate an intelligence community (IC) briefing on foreign election threats and requested a plan for defensive cybersecurity measures ahead of upcoming election cycles. In May, Sen. Warner sent a letter to DHS Secretary Mullin raising concerns on reports that CISA is not providing critical election security support to states and localities.\n\nRead the full letter here and below.\n\nDear Acting Attorney General Blanche and Director Patel,\n\nI write to express great concern regarding reports that you are diverting critical Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) resources to re-investigate the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.\n\nThe 2020 election has been extensively audited, investigated, and litigated. Multiple courts and state officials have found that there is no evidence to support allegations of substantial fraud that would have changed the election outcome. The Trump administration’s own Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) called the 2020 election the “most secure in American history” and President Trump’s own Cabinet members at the DOJ and FBI rejected the idea there was widespread fraud that impacted the outcome of the election.\n\nAdditionally, Georgia’s election officials and state investigators conducted multiple investigations into specific allegations of fraud and election irregularities. Georgia’s Republican Secretary of State, Brad Raffensberger, oversaw a full hand recount of all the 2020 presidential ballots, followed by a machine recount, both of which upheld and reaffirmed the original result. Subsequently, a signature match audit of absentee ballots conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation similarly confirmed the outcomes of all the other investigations – that the election was secure and fair, and that the result was accurate.\n\nNonetheless, months before the 2026 midterm election, two years before the next general election, and well after the statute of limitations would have run, you designated Georgia’s 2020 election as a “priority investigation” and are diverting 260 investigators from their assigned duties to conduct this inquiry. This misuse of taxpayer dollars and investigative resources for the sole purpose of a partisan investigation intended to soothe the President’s personal grievances about the 2020 election and its systems – the same systems that securely, fairly, and freely declared him as the winner of the 2016 and 2024 presidential elections – is negligence and abuse of power of the highest order.\n\nThe FBI’s core mission is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution. Dedicated FBI special agents and intelligence analysts work tirelessly to identify legitimate threats and conduct investigations into complex issues involving terrorism, counterintelligence and espionage, cyberattacks, and violent crime. Their work is crucial to safeguarding Americans from harm, crime, corruption, and terrorism. Unlike those serious threats to the country, this fool’s errand of an “investigation” will serve to erode trust in the FBI, the DOJ, and America’s elections. It is alarming that you have chosen to divert these crucial national security resources and personnel to an investigation driven by the personal, political interests of the President.\n\nI request a staff briefing and answers to the following questions no later than two weeks from the date of this letter.\n\nWhat is the scope, nature, and purpose of the FBI’s investigation? What division is leading the investigation? Does the FBI believe a criminal offense has been committed, and if so, what is the basis for that belief?\n\nWhat legal or factual development prompted the FBI to designate the Georgia 2020 election investigation as a “priority investigation,” and how does that evidence differ from information previously reviewed by state investigators, federal investigators, courts, election officials, and other government entities? How does the FBI justify reinvestigating allegations that have already been debunked through multiple recounts, audits, state investigations, and judicial proceedings, including Georgia’s statewide hand tally, machine recount, and absentee ballot signature audits?\n\nIs the investigation limited to Georgia, or is it part of a broader effort reexamining the 2020 election in multiple states? If so, what states and why?\n\nWhat criteria did the FBI use to determine that 260 intelligence analysts and other personnel should be reassigned to this investigation, and what analysis was conducted regarding the impact of those reassignments on the Bureau’s other priorities? List the offices that the agents and analysts were pulled from and the duration of their assignment on this investigation.\n\nWhat is the total projected cost of the investigation, including personnel, overtime, travel, and record review, and how does that expenditure compare with other current FBI priority investigations? For the briefing, come prepared to discuss the cost of the investigation to date and the burn rate.\n\nWill the FBI commit to providing Congress with a classified or public briefing explaining the scope of this investigation, legal basis, factual predicate, and resource allocation?\n\nPlease provide all communications directing agencies, field offices, or other entities to provide personnel and resources for investigations relating to the 2020 election since January 20, 2025.\n\nPlease provide a full accounting of all FBI personnel working on the 2020 election since January 20, 2025, including the number of personnel, assignment duration, and mission details.\n\nPlease provide a list of all investigations paused, terminated, or reassigned as a result of, in whole or in part, investigations and efforts related to the 2020 election since January 20, 2025.\n\nAs the nation’s principal law enforcement and domestic intelligence agency, the FBI should direct its resources towards investigations that protect public safety and address urgent threats – not partisan political wild goose chases. This diversion of significant FBI resources towards a political investigation threatens the purpose of its mission and endangers Americans. I strongly urge the Department and Bureau to reconsider this decision and put the FBI back to work preventing and investigating real crimes.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-climate-action-campaign-for-hearing-on-the-impacts-of-climate-change-and-extreme-weather/", "title": "Welch Joins Climate Action Campaign for Hearing on the Impacts of Climate Change and Extreme Weather", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Welch, Balint, and State and Community Leaders Heard from Flood-Impacted Vermonters in Barre, Vermont\n\nBARRE – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), Vermont State Senators Anne Watson and Andrew Perchlik, alongside the Climate Action Campaign (CAC) and its Vermont partners, at the Old Labor Hall in Barre for an Extreme Weather People’s Hearing.\n\nThe event, through first person testimony, highlighted how climate change is fueling more dangerous and deadly extreme weather, and threatening the lives and livelihoods of Vermonters. Small business owners, public health experts, farmers, and community members testified about how their lives have been disrupted by climate change-fueled extreme weather, including the catastrophic flooding in July of 2023 and 2024.\n\n“Vermonters know firsthand the pain caused by climate-driven extreme weather. This week, we’re remembering the floods of 2023 and 2024, which caused brutal damage to homes, farms, small businesses, and entire communities. Many folks are still recovering, and they need support from the federal government. I’m fighting in Washington to get disaster recovery funding back to Vermont and improve disaster assistance programs to better support rural states,” said Senator Welch. “Climate change and extreme weather events can hit any community. This is a red state issue just as much as it is a blue state issue; We need bipartisan solutions and action—and we need it now.”\n\nPhoto Credit: Climate Action Campaign\n\nSenator Welch has advocated for disaster aid funding throughout Vermont’s catastrophic back-to-back flooding in July 2023 and July 2024. On the anniversaries of Vermont’s catastrophic floods, Senator Welch introduced the Disaster Assistance Improvement and Decentralization (AID) Act, which would cut red tape and support hazard mitigation efforts, make the delivery of disaster aid more efficient and effective, provide technical assistance to small towns and communities impacted by natural disasters, and block the White House from withholding funding for disaster response. The bill was inspired and shaped by the disaster recovery experience of communities across Vermont.\n\nThe Senator also introduced the Rural Recovery Act, which would create a new program at USDA Rural Development (RD) to provide RD state offices with automatic funding for emergency recovery technical assistance after disasters take place in their jurisdiction.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-reed-strongly-oppose-trump-ombs-plan-to-politicize-federal-grantmaking/", "title": "Whitehouse & Reed Strongly Oppose Trump-OMB’s Plan to Politicize Federal Grantmaking", "date": "2026-07-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release", "domain": "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", "scraper": "whitehouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000802", "name": "Sheldon Whitehouse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Trump Admin’s proposed rule would place all federal grants under constant threat of penalty or termination, subject to hyper-partisan coercion\n\nWashington, D.C. — The Trump Administration’s latest attack on America’s scientific and educational research as well as health, transportation, and education programs could be its most damaging yet: injecting hyper-partisanship into how federal agencies assess, select, and oversee federal grants and cooperative agreements. If enacted, a merit-based, largely independent, peer review process for grantmaking decisions would be tossed out and political appointees at federal agencies would effectively get to decide who gets grant funding and whose grants may be cancelled mid-project without justification.\n\nAs the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities notes: “Federal grantmaking processes are designed to be open, fair, reliable, and free of political influence, favoritism, or retaliation. But since the first days following President Trump’s inauguration, his Administration has upended every stage of the federal grantmaking process. That effort began with an unprecedented (albeit short-lived) government-wide grant freeze, followed by a set of presidential directives, ad hoc cancellations, and delays seeking to politicize the grantmaking process.\n\n“Then on May 29, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a proposed rule that seeks to modify government-wide grants guidance to operationalize and enforce the Administration’s approach to grantmaking across federal agencies. The proposed rule would radically transform how grant award decisions are made, allowing them to be based on purely political calculations — including who receives funds, what is required of grantees, and when grants can be cancelled — introducing an enormous risk of capriciousness, abuse, and corruption.”\n\nU.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Jack Reed (D-RI) issued a joint statement of opposition: “We strongly oppose the Trump Administration’s attempt to circumvent Constitutional checks and balances in order to seize more power for President Trump and use federal grants as a hyper-partisan tool to reward supporters and punish critics. That is illegal and immoral and puts American innovation, research, patients, and infrastructure at risk. We will continue working to prevent the abuse of power and hold the president and his administration accountable.”\n\nWhitehouse and Reed say the stakes for Rhode Island are massive: In 2024, the federal government sent $1.1 trillion in federal grants to state and local governments nationwide to support a wide range of programs, including healthcare, infrastructure, education, nutrition assistance, and housing and economic development, according to data from the Congressional Research Service.\n\nGiven that the Trump Administration’s proposed rule could stunt scientific progress and weaken America’s global competitiveness and national security, Whitehouse and Reed teamed up with their Democratic colleagues in demanding that Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought immediately rescind OMB’s proposed regulation on federal financial assistance.\n\nThe U.S. Senators warned the Trump Administration’s misguided proposal exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, and would allow President Trump and all future presidents to weaponize federal grants for political purposes.\n\n“Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals,” the 47 U.S. Senators wrote. “Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs.”\n\nThe proposed rule would dramatically expand agencies’ authority to terminate federal grants at any time and without notice. It would also require political appointees to make funding decisions without deferring to expert peer review. The Senators warn this would inject partisan politics into grantmaking, threaten America’s leadership in scientific and medical innovation and create chaos for communities and organizations that rely on federal funding to deliver critical services.\n\n“Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators also argue that OMB’s proposal would force grant recipients to comply with vague, undefined and political grant conditions that conflict with existing statutes. At the same time, it would weaken transparency and accountability requirements intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars. These changes could discourage qualified organizations from applying for federal grants and increase the risk of waste, fraud and abuse.\n\nThe Senators concluded: “Article I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal.”\n\nAlong with Whitehouse and Reed, the letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nRhode Islanders who wish to submit comments to OMB on their proposed rule must do so before the public comment closes on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.\n\nFull text of the letter follows:\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nWe write to express our strong opposition to your proposed regulation on federal financial assistance (Fed. Reg. Vol. 91, No. 103, Friday May 29, 2026) and to insist you rescind it immediately. Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals. Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs. And contrary to the regulation’s justification of fiscal transparency, the changes also weaken the oversight and effective stewardship of taxpayer funds.\n\nThe proposed rule undermines federal agencies’ and grant recipients’ ability to faithfully carry out the programs enacted by Congress. When Congress authorizes and appropriates money for federal grants, it does so with the understanding that all Administrations will distribute those grants consistent with Congressional intent and the funding instructions articulated in law. The type of discretion the President intends to bestow upon himself through this proposed rule is counter to all past precedent and ignores the reality of how appropriations and authorizing laws are drafted.\n\nThis proposal dramatically expands agencies’ authority to the point where the President could terminate or suspend any grant at any time for any reason and without any notice. The Trump administration’s actions over the last year and a half have already shown how these types of arbitrary cancellations create chaos and new costs, making it harder for grant recipients to provide the intended public benefit. In one instance, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Agency cancelled over $2 billion of grants to mental health and addiction programs without notice, only to reinstate those grants within 24 hours.\n\nIn another instance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency unilaterally cancelled nearly $4.5 billion of natural disaster mitigation funding without notice, only to claim in court that they had never really cancelled those grants at all.\n\nThis boundless power to terminate federal funding creates whiplash and erodes grant recipients’ trust in the grant agreements they sign. Ultimately, it makes it less likely that deserving and capable organizations and communities would apply for federal grants and risk tying their work to grants that could be upended with no rhyme, reason, or even advance notice.\n\nThe proposed rule would also require and empower political appointees to decide which grants do and do not get funded, explicitly directing them to not defer to expert peer review. This would have far reaching consequences, including but not limited to scientific research. For example, over decades the United States has built a biomedical research enterprise, led by investments in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), that is the envy of the world and makes us the world leader in medical innovation. It has led to new cures and treatments for devastating diseases that decades ago would have been considered miracles. This was built on the foundation that investments in biomedical research would be allocated based on a strictly non-partisan, rigorous, scientific review process to determine which specific research projects to fund. This proposed rule would fundamentally undermine that, and direct political appointees to substitute their own independent opinions over those of panels of experts.\n\nOMB’s proposal also transforms federal grants from policy tools that Congress uses to promote the public good into a political cudgel that the President plans to use to punish his perceived political foes while rewarding himself and his friends. President Trump’s administration has already begun to do this. Although multiple requests for information have gone unanswered, we estimate that at the Department of Transportation alone, at least 45 grants totaling $5.3 billion have been terminated, withdrawn, or cancelled by the Trump Administration. This includes nearly $109 million in five grants slated for Colorado, $679 million in 12 port related grants, and $54 million in transportation research conducted by universities. Meanwhile grantees in California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota continue to wait in limbo as OMB instructed DOT to cancel more than $943 million in grants in early February. With the threat of termination hanging over every grant recipient, presidents will be able to substitute their personal and partisan policy positions for federal spending directives, undermining Congress’s constitutional power of the purse.\n\nThe proposal also injects vague, burdensome, and potentially unlawful terms and conditions that give the president pretext to pick winners and losers among grant recipients. Contrary to OMB claims that the proposal will bring “regulatory clarity” to the administration of federal grants, the proposal would create limits on funding based on undefined terms, making it impossible for grant recipients to comply. In the proposal OMB explains that these undefined terms will ensure that federal funds are “not diverted to . . . radical political ideologies,” without further elaboration. Grant recipients must instead “demonstrably advance the President’s policy priorities,” whatever they happen to be. Terms like “anti-American values,” “gold-standard science,” and “diversity, equity, and inclusion” are not defined and, in some cases, are the subject of ongoing litigation. Further, Congress has passed specific statutes requiring agencies like the NIH to conduct health disparities research, including research on maternal mortality, cardiovascular disease in minority populations, and cancer screening equity. This rule’s prohibition on “diversity, equity, and inclusion” research would complicate compliance with those statutes. Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims. Ultimately, many grant recipients will decide it is too costly and confusing to try to keep up with shifting priorities of each new administration and give up on seeking federal grants altogether, frustrating Congress’s purpose to help the intended beneficiaries of the program.\n\nAs OMB seeks to consolidate power over federal funds, it also seeks to undermine transparency and accountability of the use of taxpayer dollars. The proposal removes the requirement that grant recipients follow financial internal control standards established by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). However, Congress required that GAO issue standards for financial internal controls and that agencies follow these standards in the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act of 1982.Allowing recipients to disregard independent financial risk management standards required by statute jeopardizes the faithful stewardship of taxpayer dollars and increases the risk of fraud or abuse.\n\nOMB’s grantmaking power grab is not only bad policy; it is also unlawful. OMB lacks the legal authority to issue binding regulations about how to cancel federal grants for each agency. In its proposal, OMB points to the Chief Financial Officers Act (CFO Act) for its sweeping assertion of power.15 However, the CFO Act in no way delegates to OMB the power to tell federal agencies that they can cancel grants at any time for any reason. Courts in Rhode Island and the District of Columbia have already rejected OMB’s claim that it can indiscriminately pause or terminate grants, holding that the CFO Act does not give OMB “the power to halt all finances, full-stop, on a moment’s notice.”16 By dictating policy for grant recipients, OMB is attempting to supplant Congress’s primary role in appropriating funds and directing their purpose.\n\nArticle I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"}
{"url": "https://aguilar.house.gov/2026/07/10/rep-aguilar-announces-over-1-million-for-csusb-to-expand-medical-research-and-promote-public-health-outcomes/", "title": "Rep. Aguilar Announces Over $1 Million for CSUSB to Expand Medical Research and Promote Public Health Outcomes", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "domain": "aguilar.house.gov", "scraper": "aguilar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000371", "name": "Pete Aguilar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Press Releases\n\nRep. Aguilar Announces Over $1 Million for CSUSB to Expand Medical Research and Promote Public Health Outcomes\n\nThe funding will create opportunities for CSUSB faculty and students to improve medical care in the Inland Empire and utilize innovative tools to strengthen research\n\nSAN BERNARDINO, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced $1,164,085 in grant funding for California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) to expand student research opportunities studying better health outcomes for aging, obesity, kidney disease and improving patient care.\n\nThese grant awards will enable CSUSB students and researchers to explore innovative approaches to understanding diabetes and kidney diseases and the factors that support healthy aging. It will also help researchers to identify ways to strengthen adult day care health services to best support older adults and their caregivers. Additionally, this funding will go toward the U-RISE program, which creates opportunities for students pursuing biomedical research careers, helping to train the next generation of scientists.\n\n“By investing in medical studies and giving students access to transformative research opportunities, we are training the next generation for careers of the future while also developing the healthcare solutions of tomorrow,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “I am proud to announce this grant funding for CSUSB to expand research opportunities for students and faculty and pioneer innovative healthcare solutions here in the Inland Empire.”\n\n“These federal investments advance CSUSB’s mission to expand opportunity, drive innovation, and improve lives,” said CSUSB President Tomás Morales. “By supporting research in nutrition, healthy aging, adult health services, and biomedical workforce development, these awards create transformative opportunities for our students, faculty, and communities across the Inland Empire and beyond.”\n\nThe funding comes as part of four grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Included in the funding is $549,602 for Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; $280,845 in Biomedical Research and Research Training; $186,638 in Aging Research and $140,420 in Pharmacology, Physiology and Biological Chemistry Research.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/bipartisan-21st-century-road-housing-act-including-congressman-al-greens", "title": "Bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, Including Congressman Al Green’s Reforming Disaster Recovery Act, Will Become Law at Midnight if President Trump Does Not Sign or Veto the Legislation", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "algreen.house.gov", "scraper": "algreen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000553", "name": "Al Green", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) — On Friday, July 10, 2026, Congressman Al Green, a member\n\nof the House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, stated, “Tonight, the bipartisan H.R. 6644 – the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act – will become law at midnight if President Trump does not sign or veto the legislation. While President Trump should have signed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act into law as soon as Congress passed it, I am grateful that my H.R. 8291 – the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act – was included in the legislation and will be enacted when it becomes law.\n\nThe Reforming Disaster Recovery Act would authorize and reform the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program and provide flexible funding to help low-and moderate-income communities recover from major disasters. Among other things, this bill would:\n\nRequire states to prioritize activities that help extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income disaster survivors recover, address pre- and post-disaster housing needs, and prepare for future disasters.\n\nAllow all federal agencies involved in recovery efforts to access the full breadth of data needed to make informed public policy decisions, allow greater public participation in disaster recovery efforts, and help public and private entities better recognize gaps in services and identify reforms needed for future disaster recovery efforts.\n\nRequire states to include detailed plans outlining how they will use CDBG-DR funds to serve low- and moderate-income households and how these dollars will address relief, resiliency, long-term recovery, and the restoration of housing and infrastructure in the most impacted and distressed areas.\n\nHelp protect fundamental civil rights and fair housing rights and ensure that all communities and community members, regardless of race, disability, sex, age, color, religion, familial status, national origin, or other protected class, receive full access to disaster recovery resources, free from discrimination.\n\nFollowing the destruction caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Michael, and Maria; the wildfires in California and the West; and numerous other natural disasters across America, families and communities continue to struggle in their efforts to recover. I am thankful to the leadership of the House Financial Services Committee and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs for their work in advancing this landmark housing bill, including House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill, Ranking Member Maxine Waters, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott, and Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=770", "title": "Balint, Welch, Sanders Lead Reintroduction of Bill to Help Protect Vermont Farmland from Flooding", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "balint.house.gov", "scraper": "balint", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001318", "name": "Becca Balint", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), reintroduced the Building Up Farmland Frontiers for Ecological Resilience (BUFFER) Act. This bicameral legislation would ensure all states can access the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) funding to implement buffer zones, agricultural tools used by farmers to protect farmland from flooding, erosion, and water pollution.\n\n“As climate change brings more frequent and severe extreme weather events, it’s critical that farmers in Vermont and across the country have the tools they need to protect their land and livelihoods,” said Rep. Balint. “Ahead of the anniversary of the catastrophic 2023 and 2024 floods, I’m proud to be reintroducing the BUFFER Act alongside our Senators. Our delegation stands united in support of Vermonters as folks continue to rebuild.”\n\n“Our farmers deserve access to the tools and resources they need to fight climate change and make farmland more flood resilient. An essential part of that has to be cutting through red tape that forces Vermont farmers to jump through more hoops to receive compensation for their work than farmers in other states,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Sanders and Rep. Balint on this legislation to help Vermont farmers better mitigate flooding risk and protect our state’s farmland from natural disasters.”\n\n“Vermont farmers are still recovering from multiple years of flooding. They want to ensure their fields are better protected from future storms, especially in the face of climate change. This important legislation will cut through bureaucracy and ensure our farmers are compensated for their work to improve our state’s water quality and protect their land from the kind of damage we saw over the past few years,” said Senator Sanders.\n\nThe delegation first introduced the legislation in direct response to Vermont’s catastrophic July 2023 floods.\n\nBuffer zones are agricultural tools used by farmers to protect farmland from flooding, erosion, and water pollution, and provide a habitat for pollinators. Like many states, Vermont requires farmers to implement buffer systems. As such, farmers in Vermont have sought to use the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Conservation Reserve Program (CREP) to implement buffers in their fields. However, because the State of Vermont has a buffer mandate, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has required Vermont to follow an arduous process to access CREP buffer funding. These bureaucratic barriers have hampered Vermonters’ ability to use this vital conservation tool and receive compensation for their preventative work.\n\nThe bicameral BUFFER Act aims to ensure that Vermont farmers are compensated for their efforts to improve water quality and protect their fields from flooding. The bill would ensure that all states can access USDA’s Conservation CREP funding to implement buffer zones, even if state law already requires farmers to maintain buffer zones.\n\nLearn more about the BUFFER Act.\n\nRead and download the full text of the legislation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases/delegation-welcomes-corps-permit-king-cove-road", "title": "Delegation Welcomes Corps Permit for King Cove Road", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "begich.house.gov", "scraper": "begich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001323", "name": "Nicholas J. Begich III", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Anchorage, AK—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today applauded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) approval of a permit to facilitate construction of a life-saving road between the isolated community of King Cove, Alaska and nearby Cold Bay. The one-lane gravel connector will provide reliable transportation access from King Cove to Cold Bay, which is home to an all-weather airport.\n\n“This is more good news for King Cove and all who care about the health, safety, and wellbeing of the hundreds of people who live there,” Murkowski said. “After decades of relentlessly making the case and pushing with everything we have, this life-saving road is finally almost a reality. A combination of careful analysis and common sense from the Trump administration—the Department of the Interior and now the Army Corps—have brought us to this point. I thank them for their continued commitment to protecting and improving these Alaskans’ lives.”\n\n“For Alaskans, the decades-long King Cove Road impasse has been a symbol of an uncaring, out-of-touch, faraway federal government that prioritizes the lives of birds over people,” said Sullivan. “The great residents of King Cove time and again have kept hope alive, despite setbacks, most recently when the Biden administration disregarded the voices of the community and withdrew the previously approved land exchange. The permit issued by the Corps of Engineers today is vindication for King Cove, putting us closer than ever before to delivering a lifesaving, 11-mile, single-lane gravel road to the all-weather airport in Cold Bay. I want to thank the Administration, especially Secretary Burgum and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Telle, for listening to Alaskans, for caring about their safety and well-being, and for putting us on the cusp of a historic breakthrough for safe and reliable access for King Cove.”\n\n“This permit approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a critical milestone in a decades-long effort to provide the people of King Cove with the infrastructure they need to build an essential life-saving road,” said Begich. “For nearly 50 years, the community has advocated for a road connecting King Cove to the all-weather airport in Cold Bay. This project addresses an obvious public safety need and will provide a reliable route for emergency access in adverse weather conditions. I commend everyone who helped move this project forward, from residents who never stopped advocating, to Secretary Burgum, the Army Corps of Engineers, Governor Dunleavy, and Alaska’s congressional delegation over many years.”\n\nKing Cove is located between two volcanic peaks near the end of the Alaska Peninsula, and its small gravel airstrip is typically closed by bad weather for more than 100 days each year. Many flights not canceled are delayed by wind, turbulence, fog, rain, or snow squalls; travel by boat is often impacted by waves that can top 12 feet and the lack of suitable dock infrastructure in Cold Bay. By comparison, Cold Bay, which is less than 30 miles from King Cove, has one of the longest runways in the state and it is closed an average of just 10 days per year.\n\nAt present, there are roads leading out of both King Cove and Cold Bay but no connection between them. The lack of dependable transportation access to Cold Bay routinely forces emergency medevacs from King Cove that risk the lives of patients and responders alike. It also creates significant quality-of-life issues, ranging from King Cove residents’ inability to regularly receive mail to week-long travel delays for students returning home from various activities.\n\nKing Cove residents have sought this life-saving connector road for decades. In late 2025, a major breakthrough occurred when the Trump administration conveyed 490 federal acres to the King Cove Corporation in exchange for 1,739 acres of KCC-owned land near the Kinzarof Lagoon and the relinquishment of selection rights to more than 5,430 acres still owed to KCC under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.\n\nThe Corps permit issued this week is valid for five years and allows for dredge and fill activities to occur on just over five acres of land. For perspective, the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge spans 315,000 acres and there are at least 130 million acres of wetlands across Alaska.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-statement-death-nolan-wells", "title": "Congressman Thompson Statement on the Death of Nolan Wells", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "benniethompson.house.gov", "scraper": "benniethompson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000193", "name": "Bennie G. Thompson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, United States Representative Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) released the following statement:\n\n“I join civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the Rev. Al Sharpton in their efforts to get all the information surrounding the circumstances of Nolan Wells' death.\n\n“Rumors continue to abound, and comments from local authorities have caused concern for many of us.\n\n“I encourage local authorities to cooperate fully with the family of Nolan Wells so that no stone is left unturned in determining the facts and circumstances surrounding his death. Social media is full of videos that require local authorities to thoroughly investigate this situation. That is why a full and transparent investigation is so important.\n\n“The family of Nolan Wells deserves nothing less than the truth.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9158", "title": "Beyer Introduces Bill To Help Modernize American Air Travel", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "beyer.house.gov", "scraper": "beyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001292", "name": "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) introduced the Modernizing Aeronautical Standards Act to study our current aeronautical standards to ensure aircraft are designed to meet present day operating conditions.\n\n“The United States Standard Atmosphere is a foundational tool across American aviation, informing everything from aircraft design to runway performance and flight operations,” said Congressman Beyer. “However, this standard has not been comprehensively reevaluated in nearly 50 years. It is past overdue to reevaluate whether we need to update this standard to ensure that our aircrafts are built for today’s airspace conditions.”\n\nThe Modernizing Aeronautical Standards Act would direct NASA and related agencies to conduct a study to:\n\nAssess our current airspace conditions, those from 50 years ago when the U.S. Standard Atmosphere was last modified, and predictions for conditions in the next 50 years;\n\nAssess any impacts on aircraft and airport operations, infrastructure, cost, or performance that resulted from any changes in atmospheric conditions; and\n\nPropose any recommendations for modifications to aircraft design or the standards used to inform aircraft design as a result of any changes in atmospheric conditions, and recommendations for the criteria under which such standards should be updated in the future.\n\nThis study would determine whether the standards for aircraft designs are up to date with modern airspace conditions and would recommend any ensuing modifications to ensure our aircrafts are best suited to today’s airspace.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://budzinski.house.gov/posts/budzinski-hosts-third-workforce-summit-highlighting-careers-in-agriculture", "title": "Budzinski Hosts Third Workforce Summit, Highlighting Careers in Agriculture", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://budzinski.house.gov/press", "domain": "budzinski.house.gov", "scraper": "budzinski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001315", "name": "Nikki Budzinski", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SPRINGFIELD, IL — Yesterday, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) hosted her third annual workforce development summit bringing together educators, employers, and community leaders to discuss how career and technical education (CTE) can strengthen the agricultural workforce.\n\nThe event welcomed over 100 attendees and featured four panels of educators, stakeholders, and business leaders with conversations centered around Career & Technical Education (CTE), workforce training and TechHub initiatives, learning more about agribusiness opportunities and hearing perspectives from young farmers across the region.\n\n“When I came to Congress, I made it my mission to inspire the next generation of workers, innovators, and leaders — and to make sure every young person knows there are real, meaningful pathways to success that don’t always require a four-year degree,” said Budzinski. “Events like this bring that mission to life by creating productive conversations about the challenges facing our workforce, the opportunities available in our communities, and the pathways that can help the next generation build successful careers right here at home.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-bynum-introduces-legislation-improve-electricity-price", "title": "Congresswoman Bynum Introduces Legislation to Improve Electricity Price Transparency", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "bynum.house.gov", "scraper": "bynum", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001326", "name": "Janelle S. Bynum", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Yesterday, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) introduced the bipartisan Better Information through Line-item Labeling Drivers (BILL Drivers) Act alongside Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07). This legislation directs the Energy Information Administration, in consultation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, to study and publicly report on what is driving electricity bill increases for residential and small business customers in every state over the past seven years.\n\nIn the West, household electricity costs increased by 26 percent between 2022 and 2025, according to the US Energy Information Administration, far outpacing inflation. The Bill Drivers Act would give consumers the opportunity to better understand how factors, including data centers, input costs, and production challenges, are impacting energy bills for communities across Oregon.\n\n\"In Oregon and across the country, families and small businesses have seen sharp increases in their electricity bills, yet the factors driving those increases are not clearly spelled out,” Congresswoman Janelle Bynum said. “This legislation would bring transparency for consumers by requiring a detailed breakdown of what is contributing to increased electricity expenses so we can bring down costs and so that Americans know exactly where their money is going.\"\n\n“The people of the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos deserve clear answers and transparency when it comes to electricity costs,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “The bipartisan BILL Drivers Act will give ratepayers a window into the causes of electricity rate increases and give lawmakers a better understanding of how to tackle the problem. It’s time to deliver the bipartisan solutions that will give the American people real transparency and long-term relief when it comes to electricity costs.”\n\nRead the full bill text HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415751", "title": "South China Morning Post article on Smith-Moolenaar letter to DOJ'US lawmakers urge justice agency to fully investigate Tiananmen display break-in'", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Mark Magnier\n\nPublished July 10, 2026 at 11:16 AM\n\nThe heads of a US Congressional committee and a commission focused on China have called on the Justice Department to fully investigate a break-in and reported vandalism at a California museum commemorating the Tiananmen Square crackdown.\n\n“The Justice Department and FBI should investigate vandalism at the [June 4th Memorial Museum] to protect the inalienable rights of the Chinese diaspora seeking freedom in the United States,” said a three-page letter delivered to the agency on Thursday.\n\nThe note was signed by John Moolenaar, a Republican from Michigan and chairman of the House Select Committee on China, and Christopher Smith, a Republican from New Jersey and co-chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China.\n\nThe June 4th Memorial Museum in El Monte, California. Photo: Google\n\nAccording to a statement on the museum website, unknown individuals broke into the hall in El Monte, California on May 31, a few days before the anniversary, and spray-painted walls and exhibits, damaged property and interfered with the museum’s surveillance system, “causing serious damage to the museum’s assets”.\n\n“The museum strongly condemns the perpetrators and those instigating the incident and will definitely pursue relevant legal responsibilities,” it said, referring questions to the El Monte police.\n\n“We hope the public can rest assured that although this incident clearly contained elements of intimidation and threats, we will not succumb to pressure.”\n\nMichigan Republican John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select committee on China. Photo: AFP\n\nThe museum, launched in 2023, was originally located in New York but moved to Los Angeles to save on expenses. Images posted online showed single lines of orange paint drawn across framed newspaper and related displays.\n\nThe museum website added the El Monte police had opened a case and launched an investigation. It added that it “obtained certain clues and points of doubt and will actively cooperate with the police to clarify the case as soon as possible”, adding that it suspected this was a case of “transnational repression”, without providing details.\n\nThe museum, a non-profit entity under the US tax code, has primarily been funded by independent fundraising, crowdsourced donations and civil society contributions. Art Dealer Street, an online artist collective, said in 2023 that the group had raised US$500,000 towards an ultimate goal of US$2 million.\n\nThe El Monte police and the Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for information about an investigation.\n\n“We urge DOJ, including the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office and the National Security Division, to work closely with local authorities to determine whether this attack was planned, encouraged, supported, or carried out by individuals acting on behalf of, at the direction of, or in sympathy with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) or the [Communist Party],” Moolenaar and Smith said in their letter.\n\nThe Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but Beijing has frequently condemned the bodies as “political tools with zero credibility” driven by a “Cold War mentality” and “ideological bias”.\n\nThe bipartisan House Select Committee was established in January 2023 and is focused on US economic and security competition with China.\n\nThe Congressional-Executive Commission, an independent US agency, was created in 2000 to monitor human rights and rule of law issues when Beijing joined the World Trade Organization.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-garcia-leads-illinois-colleagues-in-letter-to-attorney-general-raoul-opposing-paramount-warner-bros-merger", "title": "Congressman García Leads Illinois Colleagues in Letter to Attorney General Raoul Opposing Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "chuygarcia.house.gov", "scraper": "chuygarcia", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000586", "name": "Jesús G. \"Chuy\" García", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) led a letter to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul expressing grave concerns about the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and supporting any involvement by the Attorney General’s office in the investigation and potential litigation to block the merger.\n\nThe letter explains why the deal would harm Illinois’ workers, consumers, and small businesses, and may violate longstanding antitrust precedent, arguing that “[i]n an already concentrated industry, this deal would combine two of the few vertically integrated movie studios into a new dominant studio and media conglomerate, eliminating head-to-head competition in a highly concentrated market and leading to reduced output, higher prices for consumers, and diminished diversity in American storytelling and newsgathering.”\n\n“The stakes are even higher now that the U.S. Department of Justice has failed to adequately protect Illinois residents by rubber-stamping this mega-merger before career staff who were leaning toward recommending a lawsuit had an opportunity to object. With significant opposition from key stakeholders and questions of political corruption and foreign ownership looming over this proposed merger, there is a dire need for an objective and independent review,” the letter adds.\n\nThe letter concludes, “we hope you lend whatever support you can provide to this investigation and potential challenge if you determine the deal is illegal, consistent with your critical efforts on other antitrust and consumer protection issues.”\n\nThe letter was also signed by Representatives Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09).\n\nA copy of the full letter can be found here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://costa.house.gov/media/press-releases/costa-condemns-trumps-refusal-sign-landmark-bipartisan-housing-bill", "title": "Costa Condemns Trump's Refusal to Sign Landmark Bipartisan Housing Bill", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://costa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "costa.house.gov", "scraper": "costa", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001059", "name": "Jim Costa", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FRESNO, Calif. - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after President Trump announced he would refuse to sign the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, bipartisan legislation passed by Congress to increase housing supply, reduce housing costs, and expand access to homeownership.\n\n\"San Joaquin Valley families are feeling the strain of rising housing costs every day. For most American families, owning a home is the single largest investment they will ever make. Yet for too many young families, that opportunity is slipping further out of reach. That is why I worked to pass one of the most significant housing affordability bills in a generation. This bipartisan legislation will help build more homes, increase housing supply, and make homeownership more attainable especially for our rural communities here in the Valley.\n\nPresident Trump called this bipartisan housing bill 'a yawn' and is now refusing to sign it over an unrelated political dispute involving the SAVE Act, legislation that would disenfranchise eligible American voters.\n\nThe president has a choice to make: sign this bipartisan bill, let it become law without his signature, or veto one of the most significant housing affordability measures in a generation.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-visits-groton-new-london-airport-highlight-federally-funded", "title": "Courtney Visits Groton-New London Airport to Highlight Federally-Funded Infrastructure Improvements", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "courtney.house.gov", "scraper": "courtney", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001069", "name": "Joe Courtney", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "NORWICH, CT – This week in Groton, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) joined the Connecticut Airport Authority at the Groton-New London Airport to discuss federal funding on its way to support needed infrastructure upgrades at the airport.\n\nOver $4.3 million in FAA Airport Improvement Program funding will support airport drainage improvements. The Airport Improvement Program is funded through annual appropriations by Congress.\n\nOver $2.6 million in FAA Airport Infrastructure Grant funding will support airport parking lot and entrance roadway improvements. The Airport Infrastructure Grant program is funded by the Infrastructure Law of 2021, which Courtney helped pass in Congress and was signed into law by President Biden.\n\n“The Groton-New London Airport is a gem that supports hundreds of jobs in southeastern Connecticut,” said Courtney. “Federal funding, including support from the 2021 Infrastructure Law, is powering upgrades at the airport. These are smart investments to improve safety and ensure the airport continues to serve our region for years to come.”\n\n\"These two important projects, along with upcoming terminal improvements, will help the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) continue to maximize the economic development potential of Groton-New London Airport,” said CAA Executive Director & CEO Michael W. Shea. “The CAA is grateful to Congressman Courtney and the rest of Connecticut's federal delegation for securing this critical funding for the airport.”\n\nRep. Courtney speaks with Michael Shea, Executive Director and CEO, CT Airport Authority, Dave Lucas, Airport Coordinator, CT Airport Authority, and John Moody, Director of General Aviation, CT Airport Authority in the terminal of the Groton New London Airport on Tuesday, July 7th.\n\nRep. Courtney tours the airport ramp.\n\nRep. Joe Courtney speaks with Michael Shea, Executive Director and CEO, CT Airport Authority, and Tony Sheridan, Board Chair, CT Airport Authority, on the airport taxiway.\n\nIn addition to this new funding for drainage, parking, and roadway improvements, the Infrastructure Law of 2021 has funded taxiway signage and lighting improvements and snow removal equipment upgrades at the Groton-New London Airport.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-courtney-statement-new-255m-submarine-engineering-and", "title": "Ranking Member Courtney Statement on New $255M Submarine Engineering and Design Contract Award to Electric Boat", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "courtney.house.gov", "scraper": "courtney", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001069", "name": "Joe Courtney", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "NORWICH, CT – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, released the following statement on the U.S. Navy’s new $255 million contract modification for engineering, design, and planning yard support. This award will support Electric Boat’s continued engineering and design work on U.S. operational strategic and fast-attack submarines, with 70 percent of the work taking place in Groton.\n\n“With 70 percent of this work being completed in Groton, this contract is further confirmation that southeastern Connecticut is the center of engineering and design excellence for the submarine industrial base,” said Rep. Courtney. “Alongside manufacturing, engineering and design jobs make up a significant portion of the current hiring surge at Electric Boat. Going back to 2017, I’ve worked with my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee to secure annual investments from Congress for the National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology academic partnership between the UConn College of Engineering, the University of Rhode Island, and Electric Boat. New engineering and design work for Electric Boat emphasizes the importance of NIUVT’s mission to bring students into the submarine industrial base. The demand also underscores the continued need to meaningfully invest in and expand our higher-education STEM programs, including at the optimally placed UConn Avery Point Campus.”\n\nAccording to the Navy, work for this new $255 million contract award will be performed in Groton, Connecticut (70%); Kings Bay, Georgia (13%); Bangor, Washington (10%); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (3%); North Kingston, Rhode Island (2%); and Newport, Rhode Island (2%), and is expected to be completed by December 2026.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/crow-statement-on-election-assistance-commission-firings", "title": "Crow Statement on Election Assistance Commission Firings", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://crow.house.gov/news", "domain": "crow.house.gov", "scraper": "crow", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001121", "name": "Jason Crow", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "AURORA — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), a former paratrooper and Army Ranger who serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement in response to the White House abruptly firing the commissioners on the Election Assistance Commission that helps state and local officials run safe and secure elections:\n\n“The President’s firing of federal election officials should concern every American.\n\n“Trump’s approval rating is at an all-time low. His healthcare cuts, tax breaks for the rich, and war with Iran are deeply unpopular. He knows he can’t win fair and square, so he’s trying to cheat—sowing doubt in the integrity of our elections, firing officials, and pushing bills to make it harder for Americans to vote.\n\n“President Trump refuses to acknowledge he lost the 2020 presidential race. Now he’s trying to undermine the next election. He’s already pushed bogus conspiracy theories, conducted FBI raids of local elections offices, pressured Republicans to pursue partisan gerrymandering, and cut federal agencies tasked with election security.\n\n“His efforts will fail, because the American people are fed up with his corruption and failed leadership. Accountability is coming.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7100", "title": "Dingell Co-Leads Bill to Uncover America’s Critical Mineral, Geologic Hydrogen Wealth", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) introduced the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026, which will reauthorize the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (MRI) program that identifies, maps, and studies domestic minerals, geothermal resources, groundwater, and geologic hazards.\n\nThe legislation supports continued geologic mapping and data collection to better understand the nation’s natural resources. It also includes new language to advance the study and mapping of geologic hydrogen, an emerging domestic energy resource that has drawn growing interest in Michigan and across the country.\n\n\"If we’re serious about strengthening American manufacturing and securing our critical mineral supply chains, we need to understand what resources we have here at home. This program gives us the data we need to make smart, informed decisions and build a stronger future for American workers,\" said Congresswoman Dingell.\n\nEarlier this year, Governor Gretchen Whitmer established the Michigan Geologic Hydrogen Exploration and Preparedness Initiative to coordinate statewide planning, research, infrastructure assessment, and environmental evaluation related to geologic hydrogen exploration and development.\n\nEstablished in 2019, Earth MRI focuses on enhancing our understanding of the geologic features of the United States. The initiative seeks to complete comprehensive mapping of domestic minerals by 2031.\n\n“Before we can begin to develop our domestic resources, we must first identify, map, and study our mineral supply — which is why I’m supportive of Earth MRI and the ongoing domestic mapping efforts at the Department of Interior,” said Congressman Wittman. “Geological mapping produces economic returns many times greater than its cost, increases exploration activities, and strengthens domestic critical mineral supply chains, strengthening our economy and making the U.S. less dependent on foreign adversaries. I am proud to have introduced this legislation with Congresswoman Dingell.”\n\nAs Congress and this administration work to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical minerals, reduce dependence on foreign adversaries, and support American manufacturing, Representatives Dingell and Wittman recognize that responsible resource development begins with reliable data.", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7102", "title": "Dingell Releases Responses from U-M, Los Alamos National Laboratory Leadership following Inquiry Over Concerns on Proposed Data Center", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Refusing to let community concerns go unanswered, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) is continuing to press for answers from the University of Michigan over the proposed Ypsilanti Township data center project. Congresswoman Dingell sent a letter on June 24 asking for responses to questions that local resident have had over escalating fears regarding infrastructure and quality of life—questions they have not been able to get answers to.\n\nAs promised, Congresswoman Dingell is releasing the responses as soon as she received it, which was within the past hour today. Congresswoman Dingell continues to press for an in-person town hall between project leaders and the township due to lingering unanswered questions and unaddressed feelings.\n\nU.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) released responses from the University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory following her June 24 inquiry urging them to respond to Ypsilanti Township community concerns regarding the proposed data center project.\n\nLast month’s inquiry to University of Michigan President Domenico Grasso and Los Alamos National Laboratory Director Dr. Thom Mason followed growing concerns from community members that the project will adversely impact their local infrastructure and quality of life. This is the third letter Congresswoman Dingell has sent with the goal of gaining greater clarity for Michiganders asking similar questions about the project.", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-tours-western-pa-agriculture-spotlights-local-businesses", "title": "Deluzio Tours Western PA Agriculture, Spotlights Local Businesses", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "deluzio.house.gov", "scraper": "deluzio", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000530", "name": "Christopher R. Deluzio", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "CARNEGIE, PA — This week, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) crisscrossed Western PA’s agricultural economy and visited with constituents, farmers, butchers, and small business owners.\n\n“The people of Western PA can do it all—family-owned farms and independent butchers make the stuff that feed our families and fuel our region,” said Congressman Deluzio. “They work hard and play by the rules, even as corporate giants increasingly dominate the agriculture industry, using that power to raise prices and crush competition. Our local farmers and butchers contribute so much to our economy and social fabric—it's more important than ever that Washington listens to them.”\n\nOn Tuesday, Congressman Deluzio stopped at Straub Farm in Darlington and met with first-generation farmers Matt & Jessica Straub. Then, he went on to Brunton Dairy of Independence Township, a seventh-generation Beaver County dairy farm. On Thursday, Congressman Deluzio wrapped up the week with a sausage-making class with Ben Buchanan, Founder & CEO of Unified Fields. “Ben the Butcher” showed the Congressman how the sausage that feeds Western Pennsylvanians is made.\n\nThroughout his two terms in office, Congressman Deluzio has put a spotlight on Western PA’s small businesses and fought against the corporate power that puts the American Dream further out of reach for so many Pennsylvanians.\n\nPhotos from the multiple visits are upon request for use by the press.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-davis-yakym-introduce-bipartisan-bill-eliminate-taxes-boat-loans", "title": "Congressmen Davis, Yakym Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Eliminate Taxes on Boat Loans", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "dondavis.house.gov", "scraper": "dondavis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000230", "name": "Donald G. Davis", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressmen Don Davis (NC-01) and Rudy Yakym (IN-02) introduced the Boat Loan Interest Deduction Act of 2026 (H.R. 9532), bipartisan legislation that would extend the Working Families Tax Cut’s No Tax on Auto Loans provision to boats.\n\nThe bill allows Americans to deduct up to $10,000 in interest relating to loans for qualifying boats that have final assembly in the U.S. The deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $100,000 ($200,000 for joint filers), which would lower the cost of ownership for families across the country.\n\n“As co-chair of the Congressional Boating Caucus, I’m proud to stand with the workers, businesses, and communities that keep America’s boating industry strong. In eastern North Carolina, from the Outer Banks to the Albemarle Sound, boating is more than a pastime, it’s a way of life that supports local jobs, small businesses, and our coastal economy. That’s why I’m committed to strengthening American boatbuilding, protecting skilled manufacturing jobs, and preserving the coastal heritage that defines us,” said Congressman Don Davis.\n\n“There’s nothing more American than loading up the family and heading out on the lake for a summer afternoon. It’s an important investment, and it should be treated like one,” Congressman Yakym said. “As the congressman representing a district that builds some of the finest boats in the country, I hear from manufacturers and families alike about what this relief would mean. This bill is simple: if you’re paying interest on a boat loan, you should be able to deduct it.”\n\nThis legislation has gained the support of several members of the boating and manufacturing industries:\n\n“Eliminating taxes on boats is a win for American families, jobs, and manufacturing,” said Smoker Craft, Inc. “As one of the oldest family-owned and operated boat manufacturers in the country, Smoker Craft, Inc. has always focused on value and accessibility. Lowering the cost of ownership puts more people on the water, strengthens our industry, and supports the communities that depend on it. We’re grateful to Representative Rudy Yakym for his leadership in advancing this important effort.”\n\n“On behalf of Brunswick Corporation, America’s Marine Company and the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational marine products, we applaud Congressman Rudy Yakym and Congressman Don Davis’ bipartisan bill on behalf of American consumers,” said Ryan Gwillim, Chief Financial Officer of Brunswick Corporation. “Brunswick has worked closely with Congressman Yakym and Congressman Davis to advance policies that support access to recreation and strengthen U.S. manufacturing. Boating is an important part of how many middle-class families connect with the outdoors, and America’s waterways are one of our nation’s greatest assets. This legislation helps ensure that more families can continue to participate in the boating lifestyle for years to come.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://fedorchak.house.gov/media/press-releases/fedorchak-and-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-def-act-protect-farmers-truckers", "title": "Fedorchak and colleagues introduce bipartisan DEF Act to protect farmers, truckers, and equipment operators from faulty emissions system shutdowns", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fedorchak.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fedorchak.house.gov", "scraper": "fedorchak", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000482", "name": "Julie Fedorchak", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Representatives Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), Don Davis (D-NC), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Jack Bergman (R-MI), and Brad Finstad (R-MN) today introduced the Diesel Engine Flexibility (DEF) Act. The legislation creates a 10-year statutory safe harbor for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance issued in 2025 and 2026, helping reduce unnecessary engine shutdowns caused by faulty DEF sensors while maintaining emissions protections.\n\n\"Farmers, truckers, and equipment operators depend on reliable equipment to keep our economy moving. They shouldn't be sidelined by faulty sensors or unnecessary shutdowns that have nothing to do with actual emissions,\" Fedorchak said. \"The DEF Act brings commonsense certainty by preserving the EPA's updated guidance in law while creating a stable regulatory framework for the next decade. It gives manufacturers, operators, and independent technicians the certainty they need to invest, innovate, and keep equipment running without sacrificing emissions performance.\"\n\n“When a tractor or truck sits idle, farmers, truckers, manufacturers, and small businesses feel the pain. They rely on reliable diesel-powered equipment every day. The Diesel Engine Flexibility Act would reduce unnecessary downtime caused by faulty emissions sensors while keeping every existing emissions standard in place, said Davis. “It's a practical solution that supports jobs, strengthens our rural economy, and helps keep America fed and our communities growing.”\n\n“Due to previous EPA guidelines, our nation’s farmers were required to rely on faulty DEF sensors and mandates. As a fourth-generation farmer, I am proud to join Congresswoman Fedorchak in introducing the DEF Act, which will codify the recently improved EPA guidance for diesel engines and vehicles, providing increased flexibility and clarity for folks in farm country – no matter the administration,” said Finstad.\n\nFaulty DEF sensors and rigid EPA engine shutdown requirements are costing farmers, truckers, and operators time and money, often through no fault of their own. The DEF Act fixes this by strengthening monitoring capabilities, limiting engine shutdown and performance reductions, and giving independent technicians the legal clarity to service their customers’ equipment. Specifically, the legislation:\n\nCreates a 10-year statutory safe harbor for EPA diesel emissions guidance issued in 2025 and 2026.\n\nAllows EPA to continue approving software updates, diagnostic improvements, recalls, and other administrative actions consistent with the guidance.\n\nRequires future emissions standards to include meaningful lead times, including at least three model years of applicability and five years before taking effect.\n\nDirects EPA to consider reducing unnecessary shutdowns, derates, and operational disruptions when developing future emissions regulations.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=646", "title": "N.M. Delegation Demands Answers After Reports of DEA Declining to Seize Massive Fentanyl Shipments, Calls for Immediate Reforms to Stop Deadly Fentanyl from Reaching New Mexico Communities", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "fernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000273", "name": "Teresa Leger Fernandez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) and U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) sent a letter demanding answers from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Terrance Cole on why the DEA allowed large quantities of fentanyl to circulate unseized in New Mexico communities.\n\nTrafficking of fentanyl and other opioids poses one of the most severe — and often deadly — public health threats facing New Mexico and the nation. Illicit fentanyl, a Schedule I controlled substance, is an exceptionally potent synthetic opioid that can be fatal even in extremely small quantities. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl has been the primary driver of the overdose epidemic in the U.S.\n\nWhistleblower complaints allege that Albuquerque-based DEA agents declined to interdict at least 1.8 million fentanyl pills between 2023 and 2025 in hopes of taking down a larger supply chain.\n\n“We unequivocally assert that allowing fentanyl to go unseized creates an unconscionable risk to New Mexicans,” the lawmakers wrote to DEA Administrator Cole.\n\nIn 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and DEA established \"Fentanyl Protocols\" directing agents to \"seize or otherwise prevent the distribution\" of fentanyl \"as soon as practicable\" to protect public safety. In 2024, the DOJ revised those protocols to provide law enforcement with greater discretion, allowing agents to weigh public safety risks against \"the benefits to be achieved through preserving the investigation.\" A 2024 DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) investigative summary further states that the U.S. Attorney's Office acted reasonably in allowing certain drugs to remain unseized and concluded that doing so posed no \"specific danger to public health and safety.\"\n\n“We adamantly disagree with this internal assessment, and we urge your agency to immediately revert fentanyl protocols to the 2017 standard of seize or otherwise prevent the distribution of fentanyl as soon as practicable,” the lawmakers underscored. “We will be taking all necessary actions in Congress to better ensure the safety of New Mexicans and expect that you will stand with us in those efforts.” The lawmakers concluded their letter by demanding responses to a request for written documentation on all instances where the DEA declined to interdict fentanyl, and the following questions on the DEA's fentanyl interdiction policies, investigative protocols, and enforcement practices:\n\nProvide comprehensive written documentation of all individual instances, occurring in New Mexico since January 2017, including dates, locations and amount of suspected contraband, during which DEA has declined to interdict fentanyl in the course of a Title III or electronic surveillance investigation. Please also indicate the extent to which fentanyl involved in these investigations was ultimately recovered.\n\nWhat are DEA’s current internal directives and guidelines dictating how federal agents manage active drug-trafficking investigations involving fentanyl? Specifically, what protocols instruct agents on whether to seize a shipment of fentanyl immediately or allow it to pass temporarily under surveillance?\n\nWhat internal DOJ or DEA documentation determines, or may supersede, official fentanyl interdiction and operational protocols both as a matter of agency-wide policy and also with regards to individual drug-trafficking investigations? How are these changes to operational protocols communicated to agents in the field? Please provide all such documentation since January 2017.\n\nUnder what circumstances are DEA agents permitted to exercise discretion, abandoning any presumption of interdiction, allowing a fentanyl transaction to proceed without immediate seizure? What safeguards are in place to protect communities when fentanyl shipments are allowed to continue as part of an ongoing investigation?\n\nMust agents possess a guaranteed, continuous ability to seize the substance immediately if the operational environment changes? How is the likelihood of losing operational surveillance, and the potential number of lives impacted if the substance enters the illicit supply chain, measured against the benefits of a successful investigation?\n\nWhat circumstances mandate when fentanyl must be safely interdicted, or swapped for a controlled delivery with a substituted substance, before it is allowed to advance within the supply chain? What levels of approval within your command structure are required to bypass immediate interdiction?\n\nWhat other tactics such as controlled deliveries, enhanced surveillance, contraband substitution are available to your agency to facilitate long-term, high-level investigations without an unacceptable risk to public safety? What resources can we provide to make these tactics of more common use to your agency?\n\nWhat is the reassignment status of DEA personnel based in New Mexico to out-of-state enforcement efforts since January 2025? During the same period, have DEA agents in New Mexico maintained their primary focus on drug-trafficking investigations or have any participated in joint immigration enforcement operations not limited to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations?\n\nFor more information on the N.M. Delegation’s work to tackle the opioid crisis, click here.\n\nThe full text of the letter is here and below:\n\nDear Administrator Cole:\n\nWe write with urgent concern following investigative reporting revealing that U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents may have allowed large quantities of fentanyl to circulate unseized in New Mexico communities. These reports include whistleblower complaints alleging that Albuquerque-based agents declined to interdict at least 1.8 million fentanyl pills between 2023 and 2025 in hopes of taking down a larger supply chain. We unequivocally assert that allowing fentanyl to go unseized creates an unconscionable risk to New Mexicans. Furthermore, given the seriousness of these allegations and potential ongoing threats to public safety, we require immediate responses regarding your agency’s fentanyl interdiction and operational protocols.\n\nIllicit fentanyl poses a uniquely severe, and often deadly, public health crisis in New Mexico and across the country. Pharmaceutical fentanyl, a schedule II substance, is an exceptionally potent synthetic opioid, posing a severe risk of fatality even in extremely small quantities. Its potency is estimated to be significantly higher than other opioids, approximately 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Because fentanyl is so powerful, even an extremely small amount — roughly equivalent to a few grains of salt — can be a lethal dose. The illegal diversion of pharmaceutical fentanyl most often occurs through supply chain theft, prescription fraud, and rogue actors within the medical system. Unlike pharmaceutical fentanyl, illicitly manufactured fentanyl is mainly produced in clandestine laboratories without approved precursor chemicals and is largely responsible for the overdose crisis in the U.S. Illicit fentanyl and its analogs, schedule I substances, are unregulated lab-made variations of pharmaceutical fentanyl often supplied by drug cartels. Illicit manufacturers frequently mix it into other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills. This means individuals are often unaware they are ingesting it, which significantly increases the risk of accidental overdose. Because of the variability in illegal drug manufacturing, the amount of synthetic opioid varies widely from pill to pill and, as acknowledged by your agency, a single pill can easily result in a fatal overdose.\n\nInternal DEA documentation indicating shifting agency fentanyl interdiction and operational protocols, without necessary consultation with various Congressional oversight authorities, is of paramount importance to our inquiry. Public reporting has focused on U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and DEA “Fentanyl Protocols,” established in 2017, mandating that agents “seize or otherwise prevent the distribution” of fentanyl “as soon as practicable” to protect public safety. Subsequently, in 2024, reporting states that DOJ updated these protocols to give law enforcement more discretion, allowing agents to balance public safety risks against “the benefits to be achieved through preserving the investigation.” Confirmation of this posture is recorded in a DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) 2024 investigative summary, concluding that the U.S. Attorney's Office had made reasonable decisions by allowing drugs to go unseized and that their inaction posed no “specific danger to public health and safety.” We adamantly disagree with this internal assessment, and we urge your agency to immediately revert fentanyl protocols to the 2017 standard of seize or otherwise prevent the distribution of fentanyl as soon as practicable.\n\nWe appreciate that you recently asked DOJ’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) to begin an internal, independent investigation of the reported allegations. While we have no interest in interfering with the OIG’s progress, we require immediate responses to the following, no later than 10 days from your receipt of this letter, so that we may take appropriate legislative action to reign in any discretionary authority erroneously presumed.\n\nProvide comprehensive written documentation of all individual instances, occurring in New Mexico since January 2017, including dates, locations and amount of suspected contraband, during which DEA has declined to interdict fentanyl in the course of a Title III or electronic surveillance investigation. Please also indicate the extent to which fentanyl involved in these investigations was ultimately recovered.\n\nWhat are DEA’s current internal directives and guidelines dictating how federal agents manage active drug-trafficking investigations involving fentanyl? Specifically, what protocols instruct agents on whether to seize a shipment of fentanyl immediately or allow it to pass temporarily under surveillance?\n\nWhat internal DOJ or DEA documentation determines, or may supersede, official fentanyl interdiction and operational protocols both as a matter of agency-wide policy and also with regards to individual drug-trafficking investigations? How are these changes to operational protocols communicated to agents in the field? Please provide all such documentation since January 2017.\n\nUnder what circumstances are DEA agents permitted to exercise discretion, abandoning any presumption of interdiction, allowing a fentanyl transaction to proceed without immediate seizure? What safeguards are in place to protect communities when fentanyl shipments are allowed to continue as part of an ongoing investigation?\n\nMust agents possess a guaranteed, continuous ability to seize the substance immediately if the operational environment changes? How is the likelihood of losing operational surveillance, and the potential number of lives impacted if the substance enters the illicit supply chain, measured against the benefits of a successful investigation?\n\nWhat circumstances mandate when fentanyl must be safely interdicted, or swapped for a controlled delivery with a substituted substance, before it is allowed to advance within the supply chain? What levels of approval within your command structure are required to bypass immediate interdiction?\n\nWhat other tactics such as controlled deliveries, enhanced surveillance, contraband substitution are available to your agency to facilitate long-term, high-level investigations without an unacceptable risk to public safety? What resources can we provide to make these tactics of more common use to your agency?\\\n\nWhat is the reassignment status of DEA personnel based in New Mexico to out-of-state enforcement efforts since January 2025? During the same period, have DEA agents in New Mexico maintained their primary focus on drug-trafficking investigations or have any participated in joint immigration enforcement operations not limited to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations?\n\nPlease provide a detailed timeline regarding actions taken by the DEA since these whistleblower allegations came to your attention. Will DEA now direct all federal agents involved in drug-trafficking investigations to seize or otherwise prevent the distribution of fentanyl as soon as practicable?\n\nThis situation requires that your responses be compiled and returned with the same urgency with which we’ve submitted our inquiries. We will be taking all necessary actions in Congress to better ensure the safety of New Mexicans and expect that you will stand with us in those efforts.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/fong-leads-bipartisan-coalition-bring-f-35c-squadrons-nas-lemoore", "title": "Fong Leads Bipartisan Coalition to Bring F-35C Squadrons to NAS Lemoore", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fong.house.gov", "scraper": "fong", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000480", "name": "Vince Fong", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressmen Vince Fong (CA-20), David Valadao (CA-22), and Jim Costa (CA-21) recently sent a letter to Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao urging the Navy to base seven F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadrons at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore in California's Central Valley.\n\nThe letter was also signed by California Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, along with Representatives Tom McClintock (CA-05), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Mark Amodei (NV-02), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Nicholas Begich (AK-AL), Young Kim (CA-40), Kevin Kiley (CA-03), Julia Brownley (CA-26), George Whitesides (CA-27), and James Gallagher (CA-01).\n\nNAS Lemoore, located in Kings and Fresno Counties, is the Navy's premier strike fighter installation and home to the largest Master Jet Base in the United States. The letter makes the case that NAS Lemoore is uniquely positioned to support the F-35C mission, citing the installation's capacity, community support, access to world-class training ranges, and significant recent federal investments.\n\n\"NAS Lemoore has the capacity to support additional aircraft, has widespread community support, is located near critical Navy ranges that can bolster its mission, and has received significant federal investments in recent years,\" the letter states.\n\nLocated near the R-2508 Complex at nearby NAWS China Lake, with over one million acres of overland range, the Point Mugu Sea Range comprising 36,000 square miles of open ocean, and NAS Fallon, which recently benefited from a major range expansion, the letter notes: \"Whatever the mission, NAS Lemoore has access to world-class facilities that can support its objectives\".\n\nThe letter also highlights the federal government's significant recent investments in NAS Lemoore as evidence of its readiness to support the F-35C mission, including in Fiscal Year 2026, $55.542 million was appropriated for the Strike Fighter Center of Excellence and $17 million to design a new F-35 Maintenance Hanger. In recent years, $36.599 million was awarded for renovations to R.J. Neutra Elementary School, and $21.7 million was used to modernize Admiral Akers Elementary School.\n\n\"These recent expenditures build on existing major investments that are already supporting the F-35C program at NAS Lemoore and serve as a foundation for future aircraft assignments,\" the letter states.\n\nThe letter closes with a strong endorsement of NAS Lemoore's community and its servicemembers.\n\n“Our communities are proud of the United States Navy and the important role the Navy plays in defending our country. NAS Lemoore is home to incredible men and women who proudly serve our nation, and there is no better place to base the Navy’s F-35Cs than NAS Lemoore.”\n\nThis letter comes in conjunction with a support letter by almost 30 local governments and community groups, demonstrating widespread regional community support.\n\nThe support letter includes the County of Fresno, the County of Kings, the City of Clovis, the City of Coalinga, the City of Corcoran, the City of Dinuba, the City of Exeter, the City of Farmersville, the City of Fresno, the City of Hanford, the City of Kerman, the City of Kingsburg, the City of Lemoore, the City of Lindsay, the City of Porterville, the City of Reedley, the City of Tulare, the City of Visalia, the City of Woodlake, Kings County Association of Governments, Tulare County Association of Governments, RIDE Tulare County, the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County, Kings County Economic Development Corporation, Tulare County Economic Development Corporation, Visalia Economic Development Corporation, Tulare Chamber of Commerce, Visalia Chamber of Commerce, the Visalia Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Visalia Tourism & Marketing District.\n\nClick here to view Rep. Fong’s letter, and here to view the regional letter.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perez-introduces-the-protecting-columbia-river-salmon-act-to-remove-predatory-sea-lions", "title": "Gluesenkamp Perez Introduces the Protecting Columbia River Salmon Act to Remove Predatory Sea Lions", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "domain": "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "scraper": "gluesenkampperez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000600", "name": "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez introduced H.R. 9637, the Protecting Columbia River Salmon Act, a bill which would allow Southwest Washington’s Indian Tribes to lethally remove California and Steller sea lions in specific portions of the Columbia River. This bill is part of an effort by the Congresswoman to modify the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which has enforced rigid protections for sea lions – even outside of their native waterways – since 1972.\n\nIn the 1950s, California sea lion populations hovered around 8,000, spurring lawmakers to consider legislation to protect them. By the time the MMPA was introduced in 1972, populations had risen to around 75,000. Today they number well over 300,000. By the numbers, the MMPA was successful in protecting sea lions. But it also limited Tribal agency and the ability to undertake the traditional population controls that balanced the river ecosystem for centuries.\n\nWith the protections in the MMPA, sea lion populations have grown exponentially, which has impacted the balance of local ecosystems. Sea lions have pushed further and further up the Columbia River, where they are now consuming endangered salmon at a rate 4 times greater than the annual harvest by fishermen and Tribes.\n\n“I have local fishermen telling me that nearly every salmon they pull out of the river have wounds from sea lions. The fact is, politicians in DC aren’t out on our rivers, they’re still living in a world of 1970s data points. If we want to keep things in balance, we need to restore agency to our Tribal partners and their designees.” Said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, “In living memory, Columbia River Salmon was subsistence food, if you lost your job you knew your family wouldn’t go hungry if you were a good fisherman. Now it’s in danger of becoming a luxury good-and that would be a profound loss to our culture and heritage. This bill is about supporting the agency that comes with living off the land and restoring Tribes’ ability to rebalance the ecosystem to support salmon runs.”\n\nIn 2018, Congress gave expanded removal authority to states and certain Tribal managers in the Columbia River. These efforts have persistently failed to reach authorized minimums for removals, falling short of protecting endangered salmon and steelhead populations, while at a cost of nearly $40,000 per removal.\n\nThe Protecting Columbia River Salmon Act both expands current removal strategies and extends removal authority to federally-recognized Tribes with ancestral heritage to the river and allows them more tools to mitigate sea lion populations.\n\nSpecifically, this legislation would:\n\nExtend intentional lethal take authorities to Indian Tribes with ancestral ties to the Columbia River between River Mile 0 and McNary Dam\n\nAllow such Tribes to intentionally lethally take California and Steller sea lions, who are predatory to endangered salmon and steelhead populations\n\nProvide such Tribes with the discretion to determine the humane manner and appropriate methods in which takes may be completed\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez has made it a longtime priority to protect Columbia River salmon, a historically vital food source and a cornerstone of the heritage of Southwest Washington. In December 2025, she attended the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries hearing on “Sea Lion Predation in the Pacific Northwest,” to bring attention to the urgent need for creative, targeted solutions to control sea lion populations to save salmon.\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez also successfully included language in the FY26 and FY27 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Bill to study more cost-effective removal strategies, such as direct kill, and provide increased resources to managers in the Columbia River. Gluesenkamp Perez also sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Lutnick in April 2026 to partner on new removal strategies to curb sea lion populations.\n\nThe full text of the bill can be read HERE.\n\nThis legislation is supported by Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation. The White House issued a Statement of Administration Policy in support of the bill, which can be read HERE.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/photo-release-gottheimer-tours-apm-hexseal-in-englewood-meets-with-north-jersey-manufacturers", "title": "PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Tours APM Hexseal in Englewood, Meets with North Jersey Manufacturers", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Highlights Support for Small Business, Domestic Manufacturing, and American-Made Products\n\nAbove: Gottheimer tours APM Hexseal.\n\nENGLEWOOD, NJ — Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) toured APM Hexseal, a long-standing Englewood manufacturer that has been designing and producing high-performance sealing solutions for military, aerospace, medical, and industrial applications since 1947. The visit was facilitated by the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP).\n\nFounded by Milton and Riva Solins Morse, APM Hexseal has deep roots in American defense manufacturing, helping develop military specifications for equipment protection during World War II and supplying components used in every U.S. military conflict since the company’s founding. Today, the company continues to design and manufacture its products domestically at its Englewood facility, holding more than one hundred patents and serving more than two hundred thousand customers worldwide.\n\n“APM Hexseal is exactly the kind of American success story we should be fighting to protect and grow,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “They’ve been building world-class products right here in Englewood for nearly eighty years — supplying our military, our industries, and customers across the globe. My job is to make sure companies like this have every tool they need to keep manufacturing in New Jersey and keep good jobs here at home.”\n\nDuring the tour, Gottheimer met with company leadership and staff to discuss the challenges facing small manufacturers in Northern Jersey, including rising health insurance costs, access to capital through SBA lending programs, tariff uncertainty, supply chain pressures, and the need to ease burdensome guardrails.\n\nBelow: Gottheimer tours APM Hexseal.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-calls-on-dhs-to-halt-transfer-of-immigrant-children-out-of-arizona", "title": "Rep. Grijalva Calls on DHS to Halt Transfer of Immigrant Children Out of Arizona", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the following statement after reports that the Department of Homeland Security plans to transfer 108 immigrant children from Arizona to facilities in Texas and Louisiana, including a 5-month-old U.S. citizen detained alongside their parent.\n\n\"The Trump administration's plans to move 108 children hundreds of miles away from their attorneys and advocates is a dangerous attempt to strip them of their due process rights and fast-track their deportations.”\n\n“Time and again, this administration has targeted immigrant children with policies designed to separate families, isolate vulnerable kids, and chip away at their legal rights – leaving even a 5-month-old U.S. citizen and their parent at risk. Forcing children to endure yet another disruptive transfer only compounds the trauma many have already experienced before arriving in the United States.”\n\nEvery child deserves protection, stability, and meaningful access to the legal representation they are guaranteed under the law. The administration’s lack of transparency on these transfers is unacceptable and raises serious questions that children’s legal rights are being deliberately undermined. DHS must halt these reckless transfers immediately.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5281", "title": "Grothman Introduces Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act to Honor Hmong Veterans' Service During the Vietnam War", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "grothman.house.gov", "scraper": "grothman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000576", "name": "Glenn Grothman", "party": "Republican", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06) introduced the Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act, legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Hmong people in recognition of their extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and loyalty to the United States during the Vietnam War.\n\nThe legislation pays tribute to the thousands of Hmong soldiers who courageously fought alongside American forces against communist aggression and celebrates the lasting legacy and contributions of Hmong Americans across the United States.\n\n\"The Hmong people stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States in defense of freedom and against communist aggression in Southeast Asia.\" said Grothman. \"Thousands risked everything to support American troops, and many paid the ultimate price for their loyalty. The story of their courage and sacrifice has been underreported for far too long and should never be forgotten. Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting tribute to the Hmong veterans and families who answered America's call and to the generations of Hmong Americans who continue to strengthen our communities through their dedication, patriotism, and commitment to family.\"\n\nBackground Information\n\nDuring the Vietnam War, more than 30,000 Hmong soldiers fought alongside American forces in the battle against communism. Serving under General Vang Pao and other Hmong leaders, they gathered critical intelligence, disrupted enemy operations, defended strategic positions, and rescued downed American pilots—helping save countless American lives.\n\nFollowing the war, many Hmong soldiers and their families faced persecution because of their alliance with the United States. Tens of thousands fled their homes, and more than 150,000 Hmong refugees ultimately resettled in the United States, where they have built thriving communities and made lasting contributions to our nation.\n\nThe Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act would award the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of the Hmong people's extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and service alongside the United States during the Vietnam War, while honoring the enduring contributions Hmong Americans continue to make to communities across the country.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnsons-statement-uspto-selecting-georgia-hbcus-southeast", "title": "Congressman Johnson's statement on USPTO selecting Georgia HBCUs for Southeast Community Engagement Office expansion", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "hankjohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "hankjohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000288", "name": "Henry C. \"Hank\" Johnson, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence and the Internet, released the following statement that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) selected Georgia for their Southeast Community Engagement Office expansion to include Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC–Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Spelman College) and the Center for Black Entrepreneurship (CBE).\n\n“Atlanta is internationally renowned as a hub for culture and creativity, and for technology and innovation, and I am delighted that the USTPO has selected Georgia’s HBCUs and Center for Black Entrepreneurship for their Southeast Community Engagement Office,” said Rep. Johnson. “But this is not an adequate replacement for the abandoned Atlanta Southeast Regional Outreach Office project, which was chosen according to explicit statutory vetting requirements. I call on the USPTO to serve the women, people of color, military veterans, and individual inventors in Southern communities and comply with governing law by establishing a regional outreach office outside of USPTO headquarters.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://harder.house.gov/media/press-releases/genesis-mission-harder-calls-on-nih-to-join-initiative-to-build-ai-enabled-research-infrastructure", "title": "GENESIS MISSION: Harder Calls on NIH to Join Initiative to Build AI-Enabled Research Infrastructure", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://harder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "harder.house.gov", "scraper": "harder", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001090", "name": "Josh Harder", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Partnership would connect scientists, AI systems, and federal datasets under one platform to accelerate new cures\n\nHarder also calling for congressional briefing on additional resources needed for NIH’s partnership with the Genesis Mission\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) called on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to partner with the Genesis Mission, a new federal research initiative designed to speed up breakthrough science. In a letter sent to NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios, Harder urged the Administration to immediately develop plans to bring the nation’s top science agency into the public-private partnership.\n\nThe Genesis Mission is the most ambitious public-private partnership in decades:\n\nLed by the Department of Energy, (DOE) and its 17 National Laboratories, the initiative is working to connect the nation’s researchers, supercomputers, experimental facilities, and federal datasets through a single integrated AI platform.\n\nThe Genesis Mission aims to double the productivity and impact of American science and engineering using AI to advance discovery science, energy dominance, and national security.\n\nHowever, the initiative does not currently include the NIH, which is the nation’s largest non-defense research-and-development spender and top biomedical science agency.\n\n“The Genesis Mission represents a generational opportunity to harness AI to dramatically increase the productivity and impact of American research and innovation, and secure America's global technological leadership,” wrote Rep. Harder in the letter. “Including NIH in the Mission would extend those gains directly to patients – bringing lifesaving drugs to market faster and reducing the cost of developing and delivering new therapies. I stand ready to work with your offices to facilitate a partnership with NIH that accelerates drug discovery, lowers the cost of cures for American patients, and delivers on the Mission's promise to double U.S. research productivity within a decade.”\n\nHarder’s letter makes it clear that the NIH needs a seat at the Genesis Mission table:\n\nFaster Cures for Patients – Partnering with the NIH would pair the agency’s significant biomedical datasets with the Genesis Mission’s AI, supercomputing, and experimental infrastructure to accelerate drug discovery, lower development costs, and bring lifesaving treatments to patients faster.\n\nHealth-Focused AI Research Agenda – This expanded partnership would enhance the Genesis Mission’s existing work to scale up biotechnology development and ensure biomedical breakthroughs and new cures are prioritized alongside energy and defense goals.\n\nCongressional Support – Harder also called for a briefing on any funding and authorization needs that would ensure that the NIH’s participation in the initiative did not divert resources away from its other critical research.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\nHarder is also leading bipartisan, landmark legislation to invest in higher-risk, higher-reward research at the NIH by creating a new, four-part funding series at the agency dedicated to foundational discovery, toolbuilding, biomedical regranting, and new institution seeding. Harder also serves as Chair of the bipartisan Build America Caucus, which was founded to pass pro-growth policies across infrastructure, energy, housing, health care, and technology.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://harrigan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-pat-harrigan-co-leads-legislation-end-twice-yearly-clock-change", "title": "Congressman Pat Harrigan Co-Leads Legislation to End the Twice-Yearly Clock Change", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://harrigan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "harrigan.house.gov", "scraper": "harrigan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001101", "name": "Pat Harrigan", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) joined Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5) in co-leading the Sunshine for Our Kids Act, bipartisan legislation to end the twice-yearly clock change and make standard time the permanent default nationwide, while allowing individual states to opt into daylight saving time if they choose.\n\n\"It's hard to find anyone who enjoys changing the clocks twice a year, yet Americans have been stuck with the same outdated policy for decades. The Sunshine for Our Kids Act replaces that one-size-fits-all mandate with a smarter approach by making standard time the default while allowing states to decide what works best for their own communities,\" said Congressman Harrigan.\n\n\"For decades, scientists and medical professionals have highlighted the detrimental mental and physical health impacts of twice-a-year clock changes, particularly on children and teens. The Sunshine for Our Kids Act will not only help children and teens during the most important years for mental and physical development, but will also promote public health and safety in our communities,” said Congresswoman Scanlon.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by leading medical and sleep health organizations across the country, including:\n\n\"Permanent standard time is the healthier choice for all Americans. We are grateful to Congresswoman Scanlon for championing legislation that puts health and safety first and helps ensure that mornings are better aligned with natural light and human circadian rhythms,” said Dr. Abbasi-Fienberg, President of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.\n\n\"Permanent standard time will lead to a healthier, safer, and more productive America. Natural standard time has a proven track record of improving public health, student performance, and economic output. Permanent standard time ends the harms of clock changes while best aligning with human circadian biology,” said Dr. Karin Johnson and Jay Pea, co-chairs of the Coalition for Permanent Standard Time.\n\nThe legislation repeals the current federal daylight saving time mandate under the Uniform Time Act of 1966 and instead makes standard time the national default. States would retain the flexibility to adopt daylight saving time on their own, either statewide or, for states that span multiple time zones, within specific zones, giving local communities control over a decision that has long been dictated from Washington.\n\nCongressman Harrigan will continue working with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance common-sense, bipartisan solutions that put decision-making power back in the hands of states and communities.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases/comisionado-residente-anuncia-mas-de-951-millones-de-fema-para-proyectos-de", "title": "Comisionado Residente anuncia más de $95.1 millones de FEMA para proyectos de recuperación en Puerto Rico", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "hernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001103", "name": "Pablo José Hernández", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Image\n\nJuly 10, 2026\n\nCAGUAS, Puerto Rico — El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, anunció hoy la otorgación de $95,136,835.31 en fondos federales de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA) para 47 proyectos de recuperación y mitigación en Puerto Rico relacionados con el huracán María, los terremotos de 2020, el huracán Fiona y la tormenta tropical Ernesto.\n\n“Puerto Rico todavía tiene muchas comunidades esperando por los fondos necesarios. Estas otorgaciones ayudan a mover proyectos importantes, desde carreteras y parques hasta instalaciones culturales, portuarias y eléctricas. Mi prioridad es que ese dinero se traduzca en trabajo visible y beneficios reales para la gente”, expresó el Comisionado Residente.\n\nLos fondos anunciados incluyen:\n\n$21.4 millones para el Municipio de Jayuya, para reparar el cementerio municipal y mejorar su sistema de drenaje.\n\n$14.1 millones para la Autoridad de los Puertos, para reparar los muelles 9, 11, 12, 13 y 14 de San Juan, además de almacenes, estacionamientos y otras instalaciones.\n\n$10.3 millones para la Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica, para remover vegetación cercana a líneas eléctricas en las regiones de San Juan y Ponce y reducir el riesgo de interrupciones.\n\n$6.7 millones para el Centro Vacacional de Punta Santiago, en Humacao, para reparar hospederías, áreas recreativas, espacios comunes y otros servicios de la instalación.\n\n$5.2 millones para la Central Costa Sur, para fortalecer sus instalaciones y protegerlas mejor ante futuros terremotos.\n\n$3.7 millones para la Universidad de Puerto Rico Humacao, para reparar la histórica Casa Roig.\n\n$3 millones para el Municipio de Lares, para demoler y reconstruir el cuartel de la Policía Municipal.\n\n$2.2 millones para el Municipio de Yabucoa, para continuar la reconstrucción del parque de béisbol Félix “Nacho” Millán.\n\n$1.6 millones para el Municipio de Orocovis, para reparar una carretera afectada por un deslizamiento de terreno en el sector Acueductos.\n\n$1.4 millones para el Municipio de Añasco, para reparar el parque y la cancha de baloncesto bajo techo de Carreras.\n\n$1.1 millones para el Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas, para reparar un puente en la carretera PR-250, en Culebra.\n\nLos fondos también incluyen otorgaciones para proyectos de carreteras, puentes, alcantarillas, instalaciones deportivas, estacionamientos, edificios públicos y trabajos de mitigación en Aguada, Aguas Buenas, Barranquitas, Cayey, Comerío, Jayuya, Lares, Orocovis y Yabucoa, entre otros municipios.\n\nHaz clic AQUÍ para ver un desglose completo de los proyectos y las otorgaciones anunciadas.\n\nIssues: Congress Economy", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-adams-introduce-bipartisan-bill-strengthen-support-future-teachers", "title": "Hinson, Adams Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Support for Future Teachers", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hinson.house.gov", "scraper": "hinson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001091", "name": "Ashley Hinson", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) and Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC-12) introduced the bipartisan TEACH Improvement Act to modernize the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program, empowering more students to become teachers while ensuring proper guardrails for grant dollars.\n\nThe legislation was developed with input from the University of Northern Iowa, whose teacher preparation program has become a national model for success. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Jack Reed (D-RI).\n\n\"Teaching is a selfless calling, and we should make it easier for those who want to educate our next generation to earn their degree. Our bipartisan bill makes it easier to afford a teaching degree and puts stronger guardrails in place for grant dollars. Modeled after UNI’s success, this bill will help more teachers enter the workforce and strengthen classrooms across Iowa and the country.\" — Congresswoman Ashley Hinson\n\n“North Carolina, like many states, is facing a teacher shortage. We need to ease the financial roadblocks educators face when entering the workforce. This bill increases support for students who commit to teaching in high-need subjects, while putting accountability measures in place so institutions are held responsible for how they administer these grants. I am proud to take this common sense, bipartisan step forward with Representative Hinson to ensure the TEACH Grant Program works as a path into the teaching profession, not a debt trap.\" — Congresswoman Alma Adams\n\n“As the son of a schoolteacher, I learned the value of education from an early age. I want to make sure we have enough teachers to foster the next generation of leaders. Our bipartisan bill improves access to federal resources so more people can establish a meaningful career in education.” — Senator Chuck Grassley\n\n“Good teachers help students achieve their full potential. TEACH grants encourage and incentivize promising young educators to take their talents to schools and areas that often have trouble attracting teachers. Our bipartisan bill will strengthen and streamline TEACH grants to ensure they work well for teachers and meet the needs of schools, taxpayers, and the communities they serve.\" — Senator Jack Reed\n\n“Every student deserves a well-prepared, highly supported teacher—and that starts with meaningful investments in the educator workforce. Increasing the TEACH Grant through the TEACH Improvement Act is a critical step toward making high-quality preparation programs, including teacher residencies and apprenticeships, more accessible and affordable to aspiring educators. These investments not only strengthen the teaching profession but also help ensure that our most underserved schools can attract and retain talented educators who reflect and value the communities they serve.\" — Kathlene Campbell, Ph.D., CEO of NCTR\n\n“The TEACH Improvement Act is an important step toward making high-quality pathways into teaching more accessible. By holding teacher training programs responsible for lowering grant-to-loan conversion rates, the legislation helps ensure aspiring educators can count on TEACH grants without the fear of falling into repayment without support from their programs. At the same time, its focus on high-quality preparation through hands-on experience, effective coursework, and ongoing mentorship will help more teachers enter the classroom ready to support student success. Together, these changes will expand access to teaching while ensuring a more effective, well-prepared educator workforce for students and communities nationwide.\" — Valerie Sakimura, CEO of DFI\n\n“For too many prospective teachers, financial barriers stand in the way of entering and completing preparation programs — particularly during the clinical experiences that are essential to becoming effective educators and are often unpaid. AACTE is pleased to endorse the TEACH Improvement Act, which strengthens financial support for teacher candidates at this critical stage and establishes clear, reasonable requirements to help ensure participants meet the program’s service commitments. We thank Representatives Hinson and Adams for their longstanding support of the educator workforce.” — Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, Ph.D., President and CEO, AACTE\n\nBackground:\n\nSchools across the country are struggling to find qualified teachers, with about 1 in 8 teaching positions either unfilled or staffed by someone who isn't fully certified. The TEACH Grant Program helps students afford college if they agree to teach in high-need classrooms for at least four of eight years after graduation.\n\nThe TEACH Improvement Act fixes those problems by:\n\nIncreasing the lifetime cap of TEACH Grants by $2,000 to better support aspiring educators.\n\nHolding colleges accountable when too many TEACH Grants are converted into loans by requiring improvement plans or removing eligibility from consistently poor-performing institutions.\n\nProtecting students by allowing partial loan conversions when part of the teaching commitment is completed instead of converting the entire grant into a loan.\n\nCreating a formal process for students to appeal wrongful or erroneous loan conversions.\n\nMaintaining the program's four-year teaching commitment while expanding eligible high-need teaching fields, including STEM, special education, and bilingual education.\n\nRequiring regular reporting to Congress on program outcomes to improve transparency and accountability.\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://horsford.house.gov/media/press-releases/horsford-affordable-housing-is-coming-to-nevada-with-or-without-trump", "title": "Horsford: Affordable Housing Is Coming to Nevada, With or Without Trump", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://horsford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "horsford.house.gov", "scraper": "horsford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001066", "name": "Steven Horsford", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) issued the following statement in response to the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act becoming law, despite President Trump’s refusal to sign the historic package.\n\n“Today, affordable housing won. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will become the largest federal housing package passed in decades, not because President Trump signed it, but because the American people demanded action and Congress delivered with overwhelming bipartisan majority.\n\n“This legislation passed the Senate 85-5 and the House 358-32. Instead of celebrating a historic victory for working families, President Trump tried to hold affordable housing hostage to advance an unrelated voter suppression agenda.\n\n“Here in Nevada, we know exactly why this bill matters. Las Vegas ranks among the nation’s leaders in investor-owned housing. For years, Wall Street investors and corporate landlords have priced out first-time homebuyers and made it harder for working families to find an affordable place to live.\n\n“Nevadans did the hard work of organizing, testifying, and demanding change. With their work, I was able to introduce the HOME Act, and they are the reason I kept pushing until their priorities were included in this bipartisan package. Housing should never be used as political leverage. It’s a basic foundation for economic security. Affordable housing is coming to Nevada - with or without President Trump’s signature.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/ranking-member-hoyer-statement-president-trumps-egregious-dismissal-election", "title": "Ranking Member Hoyer Statement on President Trump’s Egregious Dismissal of Election Assistance Commissioners", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "domain": "hoyer.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000874", "name": "Steny H. Hoyer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement after President Donald Trump fired the remaining members of the independent and bipartisan Election Assistance Commission:\n\n“As the lead sponsor of the Help America Vote Act, which created the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission, I am appalled at the Trump Administration’s latest partisan attempt to interfere in election administration. The Supreme Court having given him a green light to do as he pleases with independent agencies, President Trump has now decided to paralyze an agency whose sole purpose is to make it easier for Americans to vote and have their votes counted accurately. This is, no doubt, a shameless effort to tip the scales of the upcoming midterm elections by making it harder for voters in urban and minority precincts to participate. Clearly, this President recognizes that the American people are fed up with his Administration and the Republican Congress - and that his party cannot win in a fair election.\n\n“When Congress enacted the Help America Vote Act in 2002, it was with overwhelming, bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate and was signed into law by a Republican president. We came together to pass HAVA because both parties recognized the danger in Americans losing trust in our voting systems following the debacle of the 2000 election. This President’s strategy, on the contrary, is to erode that trust at every opportunity. And the current Court has been his willing accomplice.\n\n“The President continues to attempt to nationalize federal elections to conform to his erroneous view that the 2020 election was stolen - a claim rejected by every court case that alleged the elections were not properly conducted by the states. The Help America Vote Act and the Constitution could not be more clear: while election results may be partisan, election administration is not.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-huffman-statement-on-trumps-move-to-decimate-habitats-kill-off-treasured-species", "title": "Ranking Member Huffman Statement on Trump’s Move to Decimate Habitats, Kill Off Treasured Species", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "huffman.house.gov", "scraper": "huffman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001068", "name": "Jared Huffman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s changes to the Endangered Species Act that will allow special interests to destroy imperiled species’ habitats:\n\n“Trump is doing everything in his power to let his billionaire, big industry buddies ravage and obliterate our country to turn a quick buck. This move would let special interests destroy an endangered animal’s home, its food, its clean water – the basic things it needs to survive and recover – with zero repercussions or accountability. He’s pushing species to the brink of extinction and hurting the surrounding communities that depend on thriving ecosystems for their businesses, healthy air and water, and way of life.\n\n“This is corrupt, illegal, and completely untethered from scientific reality.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2459", "title": "Kennedy Calls on DHS to Halt Construction of New ICE Detention Facility at Batavia", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "kennedy.house.gov", "scraper": "kennedy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000402", "name": "Timothy M. Kennedy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Kennedy’s Oversight Letter Raises Questions About Need, Detainee Safety, and Facility Conditions\n\nBUFFALO, N.Y. – Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) has sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding that the Department immediately discontinue plans to construct a new 100-bed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility at the Buffalo Service Processing Center in Batavia, New York. Kennedy warned this development represents a dangerous expansion of the Trump administration’s cruel and extreme immigration enforcement agenda.\n\nKennedy criticized DHS’s justification for expanding detention capacity, noting that most individuals detained at Batavia do not have criminal records. The letter underscores that the expansion of ICE’s detention capacity at the Batavia facility does little to enhance public safety – it merely increases the Trump administration’s ability to police and overcriminalize communities in Western New York and across the U.S.\n\nKennedy requested that DHS provide detailed information about the proposed facility, including its cost, funding source, construction timeline, intended detainee population, medical infrastructure, staffing needs, and current detention population at Batavia. He also called on the Department to release records related to its decision to build the facility and explain how it plans to ensure detainee safety and accountability.\n\nFull text of the letter below:\n\nThe Honorable Markwayne Mullin\n\nSecretary\n\nU.S. Department of Homeland Security\n\nWashington, DC 20528\n\nDear Secretary Mullin,\n\nI write to demand that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immediately discontinue plans to construct a new ICE detention facility at the Buffalo Service Processing Center (Batavia). This development represents a further expansion of the Trump administration’s cruel, inhumane, and extreme immigration enforcement agenda. It reflects a broader effort to escalate interior immigration enforcement and expand detention capacity in service of the continued over-criminalization of immigrant communities in Western New York and across our country.\n\nDHS’s purported need for additional detention capacity in Western New York is largely a result of its own deeply flawed and extreme enforcement policies. It has been well documented that the majority of ICE detainees – roughly 70 percent – do not have a criminal record. Consistent with this national trend, the majority of Batavia detainees also do not possess a criminal record. Specifically, four of five individuals have no criminal arrest or conviction. This makes clear that DHS’s proposed expansion is not driven by an influx of dangerous criminals in Western New York, but rather by the detention of non-criminal immigrants, including local small business owners, workers, students, or even individuals who mistakenly cross the northern border. Expanding detention capacity under these circumstances does little to enhance public safety – it merely increases the Trump administration’s ability to police and overcriminalize communities in Western New York and across the U.S.\n\nThe Trump administration has a well-documented history of rapidly constructing detention facilities in service of its extreme immigration enforcement agenda, oftentimes without ensuring those facilities have the infrastructure to ensure detainee safety, security, and health. Through soft-sided tents, retrofitting of warehouses, and construction of hard-sided facilities, ICE has expanded its footprint – frequently over the objections of local communities – without proper consideration for detainee health or safety. I am deeply concerned that a new facility at Batavia would follow this same pattern, prioritizing rapid facility construction over DHS’s obligation to ensure that every individual in its custody is held in a safe, humane, and dignified manner.\n\nGiven these significant concerns, I request that DHS respond to the following questions wholly and completely by July 15, 2026.\n\nAs of July 8, 2026, how many individuals are currently being held at Batavia?\n\nWhat percentage of those individuals possess a criminal record? How many detainees are being held for a civil immigration offense?\n\nWhat appropriated funds is DHS using to build the new facility? What is the total estimated cost of designing, constructing, and operating the new facility?\n\nDoes ICE plan to detain men, women, or children at the new facility?\n\nHas construction on the 100-bed facility begun? If so, when?\n\nWhat additional medical infrastructure, if any, is DHS planning to build?\n\nWhat are the staffing needs for DHS’s planned new facility?\n\nPlease provide all records related to the decision to construct the facility, including official memos, cost estimates, and communications with any contractors.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTimothy M. Kennedy\n\nMember of Congress (NY-26)\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/2026/07/10/california-lawmakers-urge-omb-to-rescind-politicized-rule-on-federal-grants/", "title": "California Lawmakers Urge OMB to Rescind Politicized Rule on Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "kevinmullin.house.gov", "scraper": "kevinmullin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001225", "name": "Kevin Mullin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15) joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA.) and 42 members of the California congressional delegation in demanding the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescind their proposed regulation for federal financial assistance, emphasizing the crucial need for federal funding for scientific research to remain independent given California’s leadership as the innovation capital of the world and a top recipient of federal research funding.\n\n“The rule is unprecedented, expansive, and applies across the federal government to every agency that reviews grants and other financial assistance proposals. It would allow political appointees to control all aspects of the grant review process, setting the stage for politically motivated decision-making that places the whims of the President over the well-being of the American people,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe California lawmakers highlight how the administration’s proposed regulation will weaken U.S. scientific research across all fields and impact California stakeholders, undermining OMB’s essential role in coordinating the advancement of federal grants in a nonpartisan manner. California leads the nation in scientific advancements across sectors – including biomedical engineering and quantum computing – and is deeply committed to investing in cutting-edge research in engineering, science, and medical research.\n\n“The proposed rule would weaken the scientific foundations of experimental research, slowing the development of new treatments, strategies for environmental protection, technologies to expand our knowledge of space, and solutions to some of our most pressing questions,” the lawmakers continued.\n\nSpecifically, the lawmakers point to several areas of research that will be significantly impacted by OMB’s proposed rule:\n\nNational Competitiveness and the STEM Talent Pipeline: In light of the administration unlawful suspending of millions in funds for U.S.-based scientific research, the proposed rule will threaten our status as a world leader in science by harming the STEP talent pipeline, create additional barriers for international students and domestic businesses that contribute to our economic viability, and weaken the nation’s ability to compete with China and other countries.\n\nBiomedical and Scientific Research and Development: The proposed rule will politicize agencies’ longstanding science-based review process and prevent major research development of life-saving therapies, medicine, and preventive interventions for millions of Americans – as well as threaten clinical research efforts for future medical breakthroughs.\n\nHigher Education: California’s universities rely on grants to fund schools and resources – which will all be on the line under the politically motivated restrictions in the proposed rule, jeopardizing the long-term future of our academic research institutions.\n\nState and Local Governments: From disrupting public services to putting vital community projects on hold, the proposed rule abandons vulnerable populations.\n\n“The effects of this rulemaking could reverberate for generations. With such funding uncertainty and unpredictability, California and the rest of the country will backslide behind other nations in the areas of health, innovation, research, and scientific development. As such, we strongly urge you to rescind your proposed rule,” the lawmakers concluded.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/2026/07/10/rep-mullin-working-to-support-national-archives-in-san-bruno/", "title": "Rep. Mullin Working to Support National Archives in San Bruno", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "kevinmullin.house.gov", "scraper": "kevinmullin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001225", "name": "Kevin Mullin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "San Bruno, CA – Congressman Kevin Mullin issued the following statement in response to the National Archives and Records Administration’s (NARA) announcement that it plans to close the National Archives at San Francisco, which is located in San Bruno, CA.\n\n“I am very concerned by the planned closure of the National Archives in San Bruno, which is one of just 16 public facilities across America and an incredible historic resource in our community.\n\nEarlier this year, I met with the local staff while touring the Archives and was very impressed by this federal asset that is open to the public. There are over 750,000 records from across the West Coast housed in San Bruno, and these are unique documents that if lost, would be gone forever. That’s why it is so crucial that any decisions about the facility are fully vetted and local staff are consulted directly. I have concerns about the short 2-to-3 year timeline NARA has given for its closure and whether this is enough time to ensure these unique documents are properly tracked and transferred safely.\n\nThese aren’t just boxes of paper – it’s tangible and critical information for the public. Families whose ancestors immigrated through Angel Island can track their lineage, those whose loved ones served in the Navy and were stationed in the Pacific can learn about their legacy, and Native Americans whose history is documented over generations are all able to learn more because of this facility.\n\nWhile I appreciate that there are efforts to digitize and modernize records, I am calling for more transparency around the decision to close this site and I will be doing everything I can to ensure preserving history and maintaining public access is prioritized moving forward.”\n\nCheck out my recent tour to the archives:\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/2026/07/10/rep-mullins-statement-on-trump-firing-remaining-election-assistance-commission-commissioners/", "title": "Rep. Mullin Condemns Trump’s Firing of Remaining EAC Commissioners", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "kevinmullin.house.gov", "scraper": "kevinmullin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001225", "name": "Kevin Mullin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Donald Trump just fired every remaining commissioner on the bipartisan U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) only months before the midterm elections.\n\nThe EAC helps states run secure elections by certifying voting systems and supporting election officials. Gutting a bipartisan, independent agency this close to Election Day isn’t about improving elections—it’s about politics.\n\nTrump knows the American people are fed up. He has sent the global economy into a freefall, dragged the country into illegal and deeply unpopular wars, unleashed an inhumane immigration crackdown, and stripped healthcare away from millions of Americans. And instead of earning voters’ support, he’s dismantling the very institutions that help ensure free and fair elections.\n\nThis continues his dangerous assault on our democracy, and every American should be alarmed by this corrupt attempt to weaken nonpartisan election administration. Our democracy depends on protecting the right of every eligible voter to cast their ballot in a free, fair, and secure election.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://kiggans.house.gov/2026/07/10/kiggans-applauds-decision-to-preserve-and-improve-military-commissary-system/", "title": "Kiggans Applauds Decision to Preserve and Improve Military Commissary System", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kiggans.house.gov/feed/", "domain": "kiggans.house.gov", "scraper": "kiggans", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000399", "name": "Jennifer A. Kiggans", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) released the following statement after the Department of War (DoW) notified lawmakers that they’ve decided not to pursue privatization of the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA). The proposal would have transferred operations of commissaries, exchanges, and other retail systems to the private sector.\n\nCongresswoman Kiggans said, “Our nation’s commissary program has long served as a critical quality-of-life benefit for our servicemembers, military families, retirees, and veterans. These stores offer affordable groceries at great prices while also offering the variety of choices our service members and their families deserve. ”\n\n“As a commissary shopper myself, I recognize there is always an opportunity to improve the commissary system. However, the answer shouldn’t be to privatize, but to work on the system that already exists which our military families know and love. I’m grateful that the DoW has chosen to invest in modernization efforts to draw more customers to this valuable benefit. I look forward to continuing the work to ensure our commissaries and exchanges remain active and deliver a positive shopping experience for the men and women who serve our country,” she concluded.\n\nThe Department’s decision came after Congresswoman Kiggans’ March 30th letter to Undersecretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata expressing concerns about current commissary operations and future privatization proposals that could undermine the military resale system and diminish a benefit intended to support our military community.\n\nAmong the Congresswoman’s concerns included DeCA’s decision to charge customers for single-use paper and plastic bags at commissaries across the country. Following Rep. Kiggans’ letter and a conversation with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at a House Armed Services Committee hearing, DeCA chose to reverse course.\n\nRead Rep. Kiggans’ letter to Undersecretary Tata here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://landsman.house.gov/posts/landsman-introduced-third-ai-data-center-bill-in-congress", "title": "Landsman Introduced Third AI Data Center Bill in Congress", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://landsman.house.gov/press", "domain": "landsman.house.gov", "scraper": "landsman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000601", "name": "Greg Landsman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Cincinnati, OH – This week, Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) introduced legislation to combat the environmental impacts that come along with Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers.\n\nAs a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Landsman is leading the effort to ensure AI data centers are federally regulated to protect hardworking Southwest Ohio families.\n\nLandsman introduced the Protecting Communities from Data Center Impacts Act– legislation that would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to study the environmental impacts of data centers. Then, develop best practices to combat those environmental impacts.\n\nThe study would evaluate issues on noise pollution, air pollution, water consumption, water supply, carbon emissions, waste, including electronic waste.\n\nEarlier this year, Landsman introduced the Do No Harm Data Centers Act and the Protecting Families from AI Data Center Energy Costs Act.\n\nCongressman Landsman:\n\n“There are legitimate concerns about pollution and AI data centers. Our bill makes sure these environmental impacts are studied so communities have the information they need and peace of mind they deserve.”\n\nRead the bill here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4220", "title": "Larsen Statement on President Trump’s Refusal to Sign Legislation to Make Housing More Affordable", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "larsen.house.gov", "scraper": "larsen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000560", "name": "Rick Larsen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:\n\n“People across Northwest Washington are frustrated and angry that finding an affordable place to rent or buy has become so difficult. They are working hard, doing everything right and still watching housing costs move further out of reach.\n\n“The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act becoming law is an important first step toward addressing that crisis. This bipartisan law will help communities build and preserve more affordable homes, expand access to manufactured housing and smaller mortgages for working families and prevent large institutional investors from buying up more single-family homes and shutting local buyers out of the market.\n\n“There is much more work to do. I will remain focused on practical solutions that lower housing costs and make homeownership more attainable in Northwest Washington. It is disappointing that President Trump refused to sign this bipartisan housing bill, but if he does not want to be part of the solution, Congress will continue working together and get the job done without him.”\n\nAt midnight tonight, the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act bill will become law because ten days have passed since the legislation was sent to the President without him signing or vetoing the legislation. President Trump refused to sign the housing legislation in protest of Congress’ inability to advance legislation that would make it more difficult for Americans to vote.\n\nRep. Larsen voted for the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act last month. The House of Representatives passed the legislation on a 358-32 vote.\n\nThe legislation includes provisions to:\n\nKickstart the construction of new homes by:\n\nhelping local governments convert vacant commercial or industrial buildings into affordable housing units;\n\nlowering barriers in the way of developing manufactured, modular housing, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs);\n\nremoving restrictions in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to allow cities and local governments, for the first time, to fund new affordable housing construction; and\n\nreauthorizing and expanding the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the largest federal block grant designed exclusively to create and preserve affordable housing for low-income households.\n\nProhibit large institutional investors that own more than 350 single-family homes from purchasing additional single-family homes;\n\nCreate a renter complaint hotline and resource center for reporting, monitoring and resolving renter disputes with large institutional investor landlords;\n\nHelp more veterans access affordable housing by:\n\nrequiring Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan applications to inform veterans of their home loan benefits offered through the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA);\n\nexcluding veterans’ disability compensation from counting against HUD-VASH benefits; and\n\nrequiring Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan applications to display VA loan options alongside conventional and FHA loans to help veterans better compare loan costs.\n\nRequire large institutional landlords to report to the Department of Housing and Urban Development annually about renter disputes and the number and location of their properties; and\n\nSupport community financial institutions that provide critical financing to homebuyers and housing developers by:\n\nstreamlining the process of forming new community banks and credit unions in rural and underserved areas; and\n\nlowering funding costs and enhancing lending capacity at eligible community banks with less than $10 billion in assets by allowing them to reclassify certain deposits.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6182", "title": "Lawler Congratulates The New York Knicks’ Historic 2026 NBA Championship With Resolution", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 7/10/26… Today, Congressman Lawler (NY-17) introduced a resolution congratulating the New York Knicks, the 2026 National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals Champions, securing the team’s first NBA title since 1973 after winning in five games against the San Antonio Spurs.\n\nThe resolution recognizes the Knicks’ historic championship run and the team’s remarkable postseason performance, including a 16-3 playoff record, historic comeback victories, and the leadership of Jalen Brunson, the 2026 NBA Finals' Captain and Most Valuable Player.\n\n“For generations of New Yorkers, we’ve waited for this moment. Our team never quit, never backed down, and reminded all of us of what it means to be a New Yorker and what makes our state special: grit, resilience, and the belief that anything is possible. After more than 50 years, the Larry O’Brien Trophy is finally back where it belongs. Congratulations to Jalen Brunson, the Captain and 2026 NBA Finals' Most Valuable Player, Coach Mike Brown, owner James Dolan, the entire Knicks organization, and every fan who has been waiting for this championship win. It will always be New York or nowhere,” said Congressman Lawler.\n\nThe resolution also recognizes the team for uniting New Yorkers of all backgrounds, igniting excitement among basketball fans around the world, and inspiring millions to believe in themselves and never give up.\n\nThe resolution was co-signed by Reps. Laura Gillen (NY-04), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Nick LaLota (NY-01), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Thomas Suozzi (NY-03), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Josh Riley (NY-19), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14).\n\nThe full bill text can be found HERE.\n\nCongressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6209", "title": "Lawler Secures Extension of Work Authorization for Haitian TPS Beneficiaries", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Pearl River, N.Y. – 7/10/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement after the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced guidance extending the validity of employment authorization documents for eligible Haitian TPS beneficiaries. Instead of expiring today, documents will remain valid until July 24, 2026.\n\nThis decision comes after Rep. Lawler advocated for an extension directly with the Trump Administration, highlighting the importance of an orderly transition for Haitians on TPS, many of whom serve as essential healthcare workers and other critical members of the workforce in New York’s 17th Congressional District.\n\n“Following my conversations with President Trump and Secretary Mullin, I am grateful they took this important step to temporarily extend work authorizations for Haitian beneficiaries.\n\nThis extension provides more time for Haitian TPS holders to continue serving their communities and supporting their families, while figuring out their next steps, whether that includes pursuing additional work authorizations, green cards, or otherwise. It reflects the practical, commonsense approach I have been advocating for, one that recognizes the President’s ability to terminate TPS while supporting the folks who want to stay in the U.S. legally.\n\nI will continue working with the Administration to ensure any future transition is orderly and does not unnecessarily disrupt our communities or healthcare system,” said Congressman Mike Lawler.\n\nSecuring an extension of Haiti TPS has been one of Rep. Lawler’s top legislative and constituent priorities. During his time in Congress, he has consistently worked across the aisle and directly with the Administration to ensure an orderly path forward for Haitian families, healthcare workers, employers, and communities.\n\nHis efforts have included co-leading H.R. 1689 to extend Haiti TPS, repeatedly urging President Trump to extend the designation through letters and direct conversations, leading a bipartisan coalition of elected officials and community leaders in support of an extension, issuing multiple public statements and an open letter to the Haitian community, signing a discharge petition to force consideration of H.R. 1689, and ultimately voting for the legislation when it passed the House. Most recently, he urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to immediately bring H.R. 1689 to the Senate floor following the Supreme Court’s decision allowing the Administration to terminate this designation.\n\nCongressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-renews-call-one-year-moratorium-new-report-ranks-south-carolina", "title": "Rep. Nancy Mace Renews Call for One-Year Moratorium as New Report Ranks South Carolina Among Top States for AI Data Center Deals", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mace.house.gov", "scraper": "mace", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000194", "name": "Nancy Mace", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "CHARLESTON, SC. (July 10, 2026) – Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) renewed her call for a one-year moratorium on new data center construction in South Carolina after a new CNBC report ranked the state among the top 10 best positioned to land artificial intelligence data center deals nationwide, even as public opposition to the industry's expansion grows.\n\n\"South Carolina is not a free power source for billion-dollar tech companies,\" said Congresswoman Nancy Mace. \"As South Carolina becomes a prime target for AI data center development, the stakes are only getting higher. We need a one-year moratorium to understand the impact on our electric grid, water supply, and ensure South Carolina families aren't left footing the bill.\"\n\nAccording to CNBC, South Carolina ranks among the top states for AI data center investment, making it an increasingly attractive target for large-scale development. The report also warns the state faces challenges with power generation capacity and the electricity needed to support AI computing.\n\nIn May, Congresswoman Mace called for a one-year moratorium on new data center construction in South Carolina to give lawmakers time to put real protections in place. Under her proposal, any future data center would be required to fully cover the cost of the energy it consumes and any grid upgrades its operations require.\n\n\"The moratorium sets the terms for what comes next: data centers pay their own way, or they don't come here,\" Mace added.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mackenzie-introduces-legislation-improve-electricity-price", "title": "Congressman Mackenzie Introduces Legislation to Improve Electricity Price Transparency", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mackenzie.house.gov", "scraper": "mackenzie", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001230", "name": "Ryan Mackenzie", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, introduced the bipartisan Better Information through Line-item Labeling Drivers (BILL Drivers) Act today alongside Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (D-OR). This legislation directs the Energy Information Administration, in consultation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, to study and publicly report on what is driving electricity bill increases for residential and small business customers in every state over the past seven years.\n\nThroughout the country, electricity costs have increased significantly since the pandemic. The Bill Drivers Act would give consumers the opportunity to better understand how factors including data centers, input costs, and production challenges are impacting energy bills for communities like the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos.\n\n“The people of the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos deserve clear answers and transparency when it comes to electricity costs,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “The bipartisan BILL Drivers Act will give ratepayers a window into the causes of electricity rate increases and give lawmakers a better understanding of how to tackle the problem. It’s time to deliver the bipartisan solutions that will give the American people real transparency and long-term relief when it comes to electricity costs.”\n\n\"In Oregon and across the country, families and small businesses have seen significant increases in their electricity bills, yet the factors driving those increases are not clearly spelled out,” Congresswoman Janelle Bynum said. “This legislation would bring transparency for consumers by requiring a detailed breakdown of what is contributing to increased electricity expenses so we can bring down costs and so that Americans know exactly where their money is going.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://magaziner.house.gov/media/press-releases/magaziner-named-vice-chair-congressional-historic-preservation-caucus", "title": "Magaziner Named Vice Chair of Congressional Historic Preservation Caucus", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://magaziner.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "magaziner.house.gov", "scraper": "magaziner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001223", "name": "Seth Magaziner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) announced that he has been named Vice Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Historic Preservation Caucus, where he will help advocate for the preservation of America's historic places.\n\n“Historic places are a living record of who we are as a country and help tell our story to future generations,” said Magaziner. “I am honored to serve as Vice Chair of the Historic Preservation Caucus and advocate for the places that have shaped our nation's history. As a Representative of the historically rich state of Rhode Island, I look forward to bringing our state's deep commitment to preserving historic places to this role.”\n\n“The expansion of the Historic Preservation Caucus, and the addition of Representative Magaziner as Vice Chair, shows that protecting America's historic places remains a priority that both parties can agree on,” said Russ Carnahan, President of Preservation Action. “We welcome his leadership and look forward to working with him and the entire Caucus to strengthen federal preservation policy, ensuring the places that tell America's story endure for generations to come.”\n\nThe Historic Preservation Caucus brings together members of Congress who recognize the importance of preserving and promoting America's historic places as an essential part of the nation's heritage and identity. The caucus supports policies that encourage preservation and funding for historical sites and resources throughout the United States, including Tribal historic preservation programs.\n\nThe 67-member caucus is co-chaired by Reps. Michael Turner (R-OH) and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM). Magaziner will serve as one of the caucus's inaugural Vice Chairs alongside Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH).\n\nMagaziner has led several efforts in Congress to protect historic places and ensure they continue telling America's story forgenerations to come. He is also the Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Battlefields Caucus, and the co-lead of the American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026, which extends federal funding for the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) through 2036. The legislation passed the House of Representatives last month.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-mario-diaz-balart-commemorates-americas-250th", "title": "Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart Commemorates America’s 250th", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "scraper": "mariodiazbalart", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000600", "name": "Mario Diaz-Balart", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "MIAMI, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Dean of the Florida Delegation, issued the following statement commemorating America’s semiquincentennial:\n\n\"Today, we commemorate 250 years since the founding of the United States of America. In 1776, our founding fathers declared that all people are endowed with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Through extraordinary sacrifice and determination, our founding fathers established a nation built on democracy.\n\nAmericans have defended those ideals since the founding of our great nation. From the patriots who secured our independence to the many heroes who have fought to protect our freedom, countless honorable men and women have answered the call to serve. Their courage, sacrifice, and devotion to our country have enabled the United States to remain a beacon of freedom for people across the globe.\n\nThe path to 250 years of freedom and prosperity was built by citizens who believed in America’s continued growth and promise. As we celebrate this historic milestone, we do so with gratitude for our past, pride in our country, and confidence that the enduring ideals of liberty and self-determination will continue to guide the United States for generations to come.\n\nHappy Freedom 250, America.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://mcbride.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mcbride-celebrates-2026-congressional-art-competition-winners", "title": "Rep. McBride Celebrates 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcbride.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mcbride.house.gov", "scraper": "mcbride", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001238", "name": "Sarah McBride", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WILMINGTON, Del. — Today, U.S. Representative Sarah McBride (D-Del.) celebrated Delaware's winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, an annual nationwide competition sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives that recognizes outstanding student artwork from every congressional district.\n\n“Delaware’s students are using art to express who they are and connect with the world around them,” said Rep. McBride. “I’m so grateful to everyone who submitted their work — your creativity speaks to the incredible talent across our state.”\n\nThis year’s first-place winner is Daniel Qi from Archmere Academy, whose piece, The Soloist, is on display in the U.S. Capitol for one year alongside winning artwork from congressional districts across the country. Second place was awarded to Onna Parrish from Appoquinimink High School for Forever My Sun, and third place to Cereniti Johnson from The Tatnall School for Feel the Beat. Both pieces will be displayed in Rep. McBride’s Wilmington office for the next year.\n\nA panel of five local artists and creatives reviewed more than 60 submissions to Rep. McBride’s office and selected the winning pieces. In total, 20 Delaware students were named finalists. This spring, Rep. McBride hosted a reception in Wilmington to celebrate the finalists' work — ranging from acrylic paintings to photography — and recognize the top three winners.\n\nPhotos of the winning art are available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400380", "title": "McGovern Leading 80 Members of Congress Urging DHS to Extend Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "mcgovern.house.gov", "scraper": "mcgovern", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000312", "name": "James P. McGovern", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—80 Members of Congress, led by Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, sent a letter yesterday afternoon urging U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to extend the Temporary Protected Status designation for El Salvador, which is currently set to expire on September 9, 2026.\n\n“Not only do the conditions that initially warranted TPS designation for El Salvador in 2001 persist, but serious new humanitarian, economic, and human rights crises compound El Salvador’s inability to handle the return of its nationals,” write the lawmakers in their letter. “The over 200,000 Salvadoran TPS holders currently living in the United States have built deep roots in this country over more than 25 years. Terminating their status would cause immeasurable harm to them, to their U.S.-citizen children and families, and to the American communities and economy they support.”\n\nSalvadoran TPS holders make substantial contributions to the American economy. Nine out of ten Salvadoran TPS holders participate in the U.S. workforce, contributing $5.4 billion to the economy and paying $1.5 billion in federal, state, and local taxes annually. They work in industries facing chronic labor shortages, including construction, transportation, manufacturing, food service, and building and grounds maintenance. Many have lived here lawfully for more than 25 years, building businesses, working in critical industries, paying taxes, and raising families. More than 150,000 children, all U.S. citizens, have a Salvadoran TPS-holder parent in the American workforce. Despite decades of lawful residence and deep ties to the United States, many TPS holders have no available pathway to permanent status under current immigration law. Approximately 20% of Salvadoran TPS holders arrived in the United States at age 16 or younger. Forcing them to leave would mean removal to a country where they have few ties and would be at risk of violence.\n\nThe new letter also details the grave human rights conditions Salvadoran TPS holders could face if deported. Human rights organizations in El Salvador have documented mass arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, mass trials, the detention of more than 3,000 children, and more than 500 deaths in custody since 2022. Independent reports have also found that migrants deported to El Salvador are commonly incarcerated upon arrival without judicial review or due process. Under federal law, TPS must be extended when conditions prevent a designated country from adequately handling the return of its nationals.\n\n“Ongoing state-sponsored human rights violations, a state of exception with no end in sight, economic fragility, collapsed public services, and documented patterns of detaining and disappearing deportees all confirm that El Salvador cannot handle the return of its nationals at this time,” write the lawmakers.\n\nThe statutory standard for TPS stipulates that TPS must be extended if the designated country is unable to adequately handle the return of its nationals.\n\n“El Salvador clearly meets that standard today,” conclude the lawmakers.\n\nThe letter is endorsed by the National TPS Alliance, American Business Immigration Coalition, Allianza Americas, National Day Laborer Organizing Network, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), CASA, CARCEN-LA, FWD.us, and the National Domestic Workers Alliance.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-and-meeks-call-con-edison-compensate-queens-residents-impacted", "title": "MENG AND MEEKS CALL FOR CON EDISON TO COMPENSATE QUEENS RESIDENTS IMPACTED BY POWER OUTAGES DURING THE HEATWAVE", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "meng.house.gov", "scraper": "meng", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001188", "name": "Grace Meng", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "QUEENS, NY – U.S. Reps Grace Meng (D-Queens) and Gregory Meeks (D-Queens) today called on the head of Con Edison to compensate Queens residents who lost power last week during the heatwave that hit New York City.\n\nIn a letter to Chief Executive Officer Timothy Cawley, the lawmakers urged the utility to consider issuing bill credits to those affected by prolonged outages and power shutoffs.\n\n“Our impacted constituents deserve to be reimbursed for the hardships they endured from the outages and shutoffs that occurred through no fault of their own,” said Meng and Meeks. “We understand the extreme heat and heavy demand for power caused equipment issues. But those who suffered with no power during the heatwave have already been struggling with high electricity rates and other skyrocketing costs as families work to make ends meet. We hope Con Edison will do the right thing and quickly provide needed bill credits to people in our districts.”\n\nA copy of the letter can be viewed here, and the text of the correspondence is below.\n\n-------------------\n\nTimothy Cawley\n\nChief Executive Officer\n\nConsolidated Edison, Inc.\n\n4 Irving Place\n\nNew York, New York 10003\n\nDear Mr. Cawley,\n\nAs Congressional Representatives of Queens, we write to express our deep concerns about the power shutdown and outages across our districts on July 3, 2026, during the ongoing heatwave in New York City. We respectfully request that Con Edison consider issuing bill credits to households and residents who experienced outages due to technical failures and extreme heat this past weekend. Our constituents deserve compensation for the hardship and difficulties they experienced during the power outage caused by events beyond their control.\n\nOn Friday, July 3, 2026, Con Edison, which receives federal funding, temporarily shut off power for nearly 10,000 residential and commercial customers in the district due to unspecified equipment problems caused by the heat. Con Edison issued the shutdown after scattered outages already occurred across parts of New York City. During the shutdown, thousands of our constituents were forced to go without power while trapped under a “heat dome.” For hours, residents went without air conditioning or refrigeration, putting many at risk of spoiled food or medication, and in danger of heat exhaustion.\n\nWe understand the extreme heat and heavy demand for power caused equipment issues, and we appreciate the Con Edison crews who worked tirelessly to assess the damage and make quick repairs. We commend Con Edison’s efficient efforts to restore power and to set up a mobile information center and dry ice distribution in South Ozone Park. This was an adequate first step to addressing the immediate needs of residents, and the next step is to quickly fulfill claims filed for items damaged due to the loss of power, and to consider issuing bill credits for those who experienced the outage.\n\nThis power outage and heatwave come amid already high increases in utility bills. Our constituents should not bear the burden of this failure when they are already struggling with the rising cost of living. Thank you for your time and consideration of these serious concerns, and we look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-leads-effort-support-american-child-care-centers-reduce-fraud", "title": "Meuser Leads Effort to Support American Child Care Centers, Reduce Fraud", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "meuser.house.gov", "scraper": "meuser", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001204", "name": "Daniel Meuser", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Dan Meuser’s (PA-09) released the following statement after becoming the lead Republican sponsor of H.R. 9553, the Child Care Small Business Insight and Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation that would increase the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) role in supporting and overseeing for-profit child care small businesses nationwide.\n\nThe Child Care Small Business Insight and Improvement Act would require the SBA to designate a dedicated staffer to oversee and support America’s child care small businesses, and to conduct a study of child care centers, the challenges they face, and to provide recommendations for needed changes. The bill would also direct the SBA to further monitor fraud of federal support flowing to child care small businesses.\n\nAn estimated 11.2 million children in the United States are served by child care centers each year, enabling more than 14 million working parents to participate in the workforce. Nearly all firms in the child care industry are small businesses, according to the SBA.\n\nEarlier this year, investigative reporters uncovered rampant misuse of federal support at child care centers, particularly in Minneapolis, Minnesota, including the infamous “Learing Center.” This legislation would help identify and eliminate fraud at these organizations, save taxpayer dollars, and ensure that federal assistance goes only to legitimate child care centers.\n\nAccording to a June report published by the House Oversight and Investigations Committee, Minnesota state officials identified a pattern of fraudulent billing within the state’s Child Care Assistance Program as early as 2019. This report alleges that $71.6 million in potential fraud occurred in this program.\n\n“Access to child care is vital for families across Pennsylvania and the entire country,” said Congressman Meuser. “This legislation would direct the SBA to increase support to small business child care centers, allowing more families to take advantage of affordable and high-quality child care. Crucially, the bill would also help federal officials identify and eliminate fraud at child care centers to ensure that federal assistance is supporting American families, not scam artists.”\n\n“Child care is essential infrastructure for our economy — and when families cannot find or afford it, businesses lose workers and our nation loses an estimated $172 billion each year in earnings and productivity,” said Robert S. Carl, Jr., President and CEO of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce. “This is why 81 local chambers across Pennsylvania have been urging policy makers to address the child care teacher shortage and the broken business model that leaves providers struggling, teachers underpaid, and families without reliable care. I thank Congressman Meuser for his leadership in seeking these solutions.”\n\nThe Child Care Small Business Insight and Improvement Act has been referred to the House Committee on Small Business for further consideration.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2814", "title": "ICYMI: Moran Warns Foreign Adversaries Are Exploiting U.S. Tax Code to Harvest American Data", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "moran.house.gov", "scraper": "nathanielmoran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001224", "name": "Nathaniel Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) joined Jason Hsu, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, to discuss the importance of securing American data. The discussion centered on Rep. Moran’s Deterring Adversarial Access to Americans’ Data Act,key legislation preventing federal tax incentives from supporting foreign adversary-controlled technologies — a gap that currently allows companies doing business with Chinese-controlled platforms to claim billions in U.S. tax benefits.\n\n“Every day that adversarial nations can freely harvest Americans’ personal data, they gain ground in a competition that will define our economic and national security for decades to come,” said Rep. Moran. “We have to make sure our laws keep pace with the threat, and that starts with cutting off the pipelines that let foreign adversaries exploit our own data against us.”\n\nThe legislation closes a gap in current law by extending Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) restrictions to major business tax incentives. FEOC restrictions currently apply to certain energy incentives but do not extend to major business tax provisions. The bill would require companies to sever ties with foreign adversary-controlled technology in order to remain eligible for benefits such as bonus depreciation, research and development expenses, research tax credits, and interest deductibility.\n\nRep. Moran on the importance of securing our own data:\n\n“Knowledge of the enemy is the number one thing that helps you achieve success on the battlefield. Whether or not it’s the economic battlefield, the military battlefield, or the diplomatic battlefield. If you know what the enemy is thinking and saying and doing, you can actually win, even if your force is less.”\n\nRep. Moran on balancing national security and American business development:\n\n“This bill was laid out to smoke out the realities of what’s going on, on the ground… The self-evaluation that needs to happen in this moment. [Companies] have to realize there is going to be a long-term economic consequence to a long-term relationship.”\n\n“What our bill tries to do is be flexible… We try to lay it out in such a way that it can be malleable as technology grows. We’re not trying to stifle innovation. This is not at all a regulatory bill… I’m a guy that believes you got to have tons of liberty and tons of innovation.”\n\n“Here in the United States, we are the most innovative people there are. We’ve got to let innovation reign, but we also have to put guardrails in place for national security, public safety purposes.”\n\nRep. Moran on addressing China's threat to America:\n\n“In 2017, [China] passed a law that said… any company or individual that’s involved out there in the world, you’re beholden to us and you’ve gotta provide us information that we want. And, there’s no geographic boundary to that.”\n\n“[China’s] law in 2015 says we’re going to broadly define what national security means. And so national security can basically just now be anything the Chinese government wants it to mean when it regards your duty, as individuals or corporations, to provide [China] with information we think is relevant to national security.”\n\n“[Companies] should think about it in terms of you’ve got a known espionage agent trying to get in the door. They want to get in the door. Don’t let them in the door. They’re going to really try and find their way in the door. Don’t just open the door for them and don’t just let them in and give them access to all kinds of stuff.”\n\n“Just remember they see us as adversaries. Their intentions are not good intentions.”\n\nWatch the full conversation here.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405756", "title": "Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 7.10.26", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "A core pillar of the economy for Virginia’s Ninth District is agriculture.\n\nWhether they raise corn or cattle, cut timber or Christmas trees, agricultural producers all play a vital role in rural America’s success.\n\nThanks to our agricultural communities, we can deliver fresh produce, supply grocery stores, feed American families, spur small business economic activity, support local communities and so much more.\n\nGiven these meaningful contributions, I explore opportunities in Congress to support America’s agricultural sector.\n\nOften that means voting for better federal policy.\n\nIn April, I voted for a bill that helps strengthen the farming industry in Virginia’s Ninth District.\n\nH.R. 7567 – the Farm, Food, and National Security Act provides funding resources for farmers.\n\nThe farm bill helps institutions like Virginia Tech with federal funding through various research grant opportunities.\n\nThe farm bill creates a pilot program for badly needed additional custom slaughter establishments. Small meat-processing facilities may be able to sell their meat inside the Commonwealth of Virginia as long as their product has a label that says the product is not inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).\n\nFurther, the farm bill promotes 21st century technologies to help farmers modernize their operations to make them more efficient.\n\nI believe there are some very positive provisions that will help Virginia farmers. That is why the bill has support from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Virginia Agribusiness Councill and the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, among others.\n\nAfter Republicans helped pass this critical legislation for rural America, it awaits action in the Senate. I will continue to encourage Congressional action on policies that benefit our American farmers.\n\nNot only do I support Congressional action, but I also work with the Trump Administration to help deliver better outcomes for Virginia’s farmers.\n\nSuch was the case this year as the Commonwealth has faced harmful weather events.\n\nIn response to frost and freeze events during the spring that impacted many farms, Virginia requested a Secretarial Disaster Designation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).\n\nI helped lead efforts in Virginia’s congressional delegation to urge USDA Secretary Rollins to approve Virginia’s request.\n\nIn June, Secretary Rollins granted our request! Many Virginia farmers who suffered crop losses from the spring can now access emergency loan assistance.\n\nFurther, severe drought this summer has caused additional challenges.\n\nGovernor Spanberger has urged Virginians to conserve water as Virginia faces its driest period since 1941.\n\nSecretary Rollins approved parts of Virginia to be eligible for federal drought relief, with Tazewell County receiving a primary natural disaster area designation. Bland, Buchanan, Russell and Smyth Counties may also request federal drought assistance.\n\nAs growing season challenges and record temperatures threaten to destabilize farming operations, I will continue my advocacy at the federal level for farming community access to federal disaster resources.\n\nOur farmers need access to more than just resources. They need access to opportunity.\n\nThat is why President Trump continues to work on trade deals that create opportunities for the American farming industry to market its products globally.\n\nTrump’s trade actions have improved American beef producers’ access to markets in Southeast Asia.\n\nAll the while, we continue to monitor the situation with South American beef.\n\nDue to the deteriorating relationship with China caused by many factors, trade negotiations have been tougher.\n\nIn those negotiations, I have joined lawmakers in writing to President Trump to protect American tobacco.\n\nOne complication is likely that the Chinese Communist Party controls the expansive Chinese tobacco industry.\n\nFor many years, China was among the U.S. trade partners that annually purchased as much as 80 million pounds of American tobacco.\n\nHowever, China made clear it would not buy America’s superior quality flue-cured tobacco from the 2025 crop. This announcement spelled unease and trouble for Virginia’s tobacco producers.\n\nAccordingly, I am supportive of President Trump’s efforts to ensure fair treatment of American farmers and expanded market access for our farming products.\n\nSome have not fared as well with the tariffs, and Congress is working to ameliorate those issues. Affecting our region is the export of timber products.\n\nWhether it is crops, livestock, timber or other items, America’s agricultural sector creates the best quality products in the world. Accordingly, it is only right for them to get a fair shake.\n\nI will continue working in Congress to promote policy outcomes that make farming operations in the U.S. more sustainable, less costly and more successful.\n\nIf you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at https://morgangriffith.house.gov/. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-cosponsors-voter-choice-act-modernize-elections-increase-voter", "title": "Moulton Cosponsors Voter Choice Act to Modernize Elections, Increase Voter Participation", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "moulton.house.gov", "scraper": "moulton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001196", "name": "Seth Moulton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) joined Congresswoman Kelly Morrison (MN-03) as a cosponsor of the Voter Choice Act, legislation to modernize American elections, lower local government election costs, and increase voter turnout across the country.\n\nMoulton joins the Voter Choice Act alongside Representatives Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Angie Craig (MN-02), and Don Beyer (VA-08).\n\nThe Voter Choice Act supports state and local governments that choose to transition to Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) by creating a $40 million federal grant program to help cover the costs of software upgrades, new voting equipment, and comprehensive voter education campaigns.\n\n\"If we want a democracy that is truly accountable to the people, we need to modernize our voting systems, increase choice, and reduce the toxic polarization that is frequently causing chaos in Washington,\" said Congressman Seth Moulton. \"Ranked Choice Voting is a proven tool that gives voters more power at the ballot box and ensures elected officials are winning with broad, majority support. The federal government should be incentivizing local communities that want to modernize their elections, and that’s exactly what this bill does.\"\n\nRanked Choice Voting allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate wins a majority of first-preference votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed to the voters' next choices until a majority winner emerges.\n\nThe legislation has been endorsed by over 30 voting rights advocacy and non-profit organizations, including FairVote Action, Voter Choice Massachusetts, the Black Voters Matter Fund, and the National Organization for Women.\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://norton.house.gov/media/press-releases/norton-announces-shell-introduce-bill-prohibit-new-fencing-white-house", "title": "Norton Announces She’ll Introduce a Bill to Prohibit New Fencing at the White House", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://norton.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "norton.house.gov", "scraper": "norton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000147", "name": "Eleanor Holmes Norton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – After reports that the Trump Administration plans to erect new fences at the ends of Pennsylvania Avenue NW outside the White House, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced she will introduce a bill to prohibit new fencing from being installed at the White House, including Lafayette Square, the Eisenhower and Treasury Buildings, and the Ellipse.\n\n“The openness of areas around the White House and our democracy is our strength, not a security weakness that needs to be fenced off,” Norton said. “More fencing around the President’s Park would send the wrong message to the nation and the world by continuing to transform our democracy from one that is accessible and of the people to one that is exclusive and fearful of its own citizens.\n\n“Security is not only about reducing risk. It’s also about safeguarding the freedoms and values that anchor our country, not only for ourselves but for future generations. Public property should be open to the public. We should not leave citizens peering at their democracy from behind fences.”\n\nNorton has long advocated for using the least restrictive means necessary for securing public property, introducing a bill to prohibit permanent fencing at the Capitol, a separate bill to prohibit permanent fencing at the Supreme Court, and a third bill to prohibit permanent fencing specifically around Lafayette Square. She also introduced a bill to authorize a 21-member commission, with the president designating nine members and the House and Senate leadership each designating six members, to investigate and offer recommendations on the balance between public access to and security in federal buildings and other federal property.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://nunn.house.gov/2026/07/10/watch-nunn-federal-highway-administrator-mcmaster-announce-2-million-investment-to-rehabilitate-p33-corridor-in-ringgold-county/", "title": "WATCH: Nunn, Federal Highway Administrator McMaster Announce $2 Million Investment to Rehabilitate P33 Corridor in Ringgold County", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "domain": "nunn.house.gov", "scraper": "nunn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000193", "name": "Zachary Nunn", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“Out here in Ringgold County, a corridor like P33 is how farmers get their products to market, small businesses stay connected, and first responders reach Iowans when every minute matters,” said Rep. Nunn. “This $2 million investment rebuilds one of the county’s busiest rural roads with new pavement, wider shoulders, and rumble strips that help keep drivers safe. It’s an investment that will strengthen southern Iowa’s economy and serve local families for decades to come.”\n\n“Under the leadership of President Trump and with the advocacy of Congressman Nunn, vital federal dollars are being delivered exactly where they are needed most—our rural Iowa communities,” said Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster. “This project stands as an example of the Trump Administration’s commitment to helping local leaders move dirt and upgrade the vital highways that support America’s economy, while keeping families safely connected.”\n\nB-roll from the visit is available here and photos are available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/olszewskis-bipartisan-vacant-housing-bill-become-law", "title": "Olszewski's Bipartisan Vacant Housing Bill to Become Law", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "olszewski.house.gov", "scraper": "olszewski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000176", "name": "Johnny Olszewski, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – Bipartisan legislation led by first-term Maryland Congressman Johnny Olszewski to help convert vacant and blighted properties into attainable housing will become his first to be enacted into law.\n\nThe Revitalizing Empty Structures Into Desirable Environments (RESIDE) Act was included in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, legislation broadly supported by lawmakers from both parties to increase the nation's housing supply, revitalize vacant properties, and help lower housing costs for working families. President Donald Trump is expected to allow the legislation to become law without his signature today.\n\n“I'm proud that my first bill to become public law will lower costs and create opportunity for families,” said Congressman Olszewski. “Rather than allow abandoned buildings to sit empty, we can turn them into homes families can actually afford. This bipartisan achievement demonstrates that, when Congress focuses on solving real problems, we can also deliver real results.”\n\nVacant properties in cities like Baltimore — which currently has about 11,000 vacant homes — trigger a cascading cycle of decline. They depress neighborhood property values, cost millions in lost tax revenue and maintenance, and serve as magnets for crime, squatters, and arson.\n\nThe RESIDE Act authorizes a competitive pilot program within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help communities transform vacant and blighted structures into affordable homes. The legislation was co-led by Representatives Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Maria Salazar (FL-27), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01).\n\nThe legislation builds on Congressman Olszewski’s work as Baltimore County Executive, when his Administration championed the county’s first-ever vacant structures law and established a fine for vacant and abandoned properties. Under his leadership, the county inventoried abandoned properties for the first time and made them eligible for dedicated funding to build new attainable housing.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-onder-introduces-legislation-transfer-ccampis-administration-hhs", "title": "Rep. Onder Introduces Legislation to Transfer CCAMPIS Administration to HHS", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "onder.house.gov", "scraper": "onder", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000177", "name": "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nJuly 10, 2026\n\nContact: Brooke Morgan\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Representative Bob Onder (R-MO) introduced legislation to transfer the day-to-day administrative responsibilities of the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program from the Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education to the Administration for Children and Families within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).\n\nThe Less Bureaucracy, Better Child Care for Student Parents Act, is one of ten bills included in a broader legislative package to codify recent interagency agreements between the Department of Education and various federal agencies. Collectively, the package is designed to reduce bureaucratic barriers, eliminate duplicative processes, and improve the delivery of certain services and resources.\n\n\"Every student deserves access to a quality education, and decisions that affect school funding can have a significant impact on the educational experience. Right now, too much funding allocated to the Department of Education is diverted to administrative costs instead of directly supporting students’ education. As a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, I am proud to be on the front lines of helping advance President Trump’s goal of depowering the Department of Education and returning education decisions to state and local governments. My colleagues and I are advancing this legislative package to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure American families receive the resources they need,\" said Congressman Bob Onder.\n\nChairman Walberg said: \"For decades, Washington has measured success by how much government grows instead of how well students do. The legislative package reflects a simple principle: education policy should be focused on helping students succeed—not preserving a federal bureaucracy for its own sake. Rather than allowing unnecessary layers of Washington bureaucracy to stand between families and the services they rely on, the bills would transfer key statutory authorities to agencies better equipped to carry them out while maintaining continuity for students.”\n\nBackground Information\n\nThe Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program provides grants to colleges and universities to help low-income student parents access affordable, campus-based child care while pursuing postsecondary education.\n\nIn 2026, the Department of Education (ED) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) entered into an interagency agreement to transfer the administration of CCAMPIS from the ED to HHS. HHS already oversees some of the federal government’s largest child care programs, including Head Start.\n\nBecause child care programs are currently being administered across multiple federal agencies, states and institutions must navigate duplicative administrative processes and reporting requirements. Transferring CCAMPIS administration to HHS will help reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, improve coordination among federal child care programs, and ensure resources are more effectively directed toward supporting low-income student parents and their families.\n\nRep. Onder's legislation builds on this broader effort by permanently transferring administration of the CCAMPIS program to HHS. By placing the program within the federal agency primarily responsible for child care programs, the legislation would reduce duplicative administrative functions, improve efficiency and accountability, and help ensure that more federal resources are directed toward supporting low-income student parents and their families.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://owens.house.gov/posts/owens-introduces-the-less-bureaucracy-better-tribal-education-act", "title": "Owens Introduces the Less Bureaucracy, Better Tribal Education Act ", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://owens.house.gov/press", "domain": "owens.house.gov", "scraper": "owens", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000086", "name": "Burgess Owens", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04) introduced the Less Bureaucracy, Better Tribal Education Act (H.R. 9604), legislation that permanently moves federal Native education and workforce training programs out of the Department of Education and into the Department of the Interior, the agency that already carries the federal trust responsibility to Tribal communities. The bill is part of the House Education and Workforce Committee’s “Less Bureaucracy, Better Education” legislative package to right-size the Department of Education and put students ahead of bureaucracy.\n\n“President Trump was elected with a mandate to restore common sense and accountability to a bloated federal bureaucracy and cut out the waste, fraud, and abuse found across government. In 1980, when the Department of Education was founded, it came with a promise of improved education and outcomes. 46 years later, and $3 trillion of taxpayer funds later, we can see that didn’t happen. With my bill and the others included in the “Less Bureaucracy, Better Education” package, we’re putting the focus back on students, families, and results and cutting unnecessary layers of Washington bureaucracy that have failed them. The era of decline is over.\n\nRep. Burgess Owens (UT-04).\n\n“For decades, Washington has measured success by how much government grows instead of how well students do. The legislative package reflects a simple principle: education policy should be focused on helping students succeed—not preserving a federal bureaucracy for its own sake. Rather than allowing unnecessary layers of Washington bureaucracy stand between families and the services they rely on, the bills would transfer key statutory authorities to agencies better equipped to carry them out while maintaining continuity for students and stakeholders.”\n\nChairman Tim Walberg (MI-05)\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nOn September 30, 2025, the Department of Education and the Department of the Interior entered into an Interagency Agreement to share administration of Native education and workforce training programs. The Less Bureaucracy, Better Tribal Education Act builds on that agreement by permanently transferring these programs to the Department of the Interior and officially ending the Department of Education’s administration of them.\n\nBefore any program transfers, the bill requires the Department of Education to consult with Indian Tribes and publish a written response, ensuring Tribal voices are heard. Following that consultation, the bill moves Native education programs currently spread across the Department of Education back to the Department of Interior, which already holds the federal government’s trust responsibility to Tribal Nations and works with these communities every day.\n\nThe bill also protects continuity for students and families. Existing grants, contracts, and proceedings continue uninterrupted, transferred funds may be used only for their original purpose, and the Office of Management and Budget must certify that the Act creates no net increase in federal employees.\n\nFollowing the consultation with the Tribes, the programs housed in the Department of Education that serve Native Americans within the Offices of Elementary and Secondary Education, Postsecondary Education, Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, and Career, Technical, and Adult Education are transferred to the Department of the Interior.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-demands-immediate-action-after-new-york-times-investigation-confirms", "title": "Pallone Demands Immediate Action After New York Times Investigation Confirms Horrid Conditions at New Jersey’s Delaney Hall ICE Facility", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pallone.house.gov", "scraper": "pallone", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000034", "name": "Frank Pallone, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today demanded immediate action from Trump’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after a New York Times investigation documented unsafe food handling, sanitation failures, and other troubling conditions inside the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark.\n\n“As Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, you have the authority and responsibility to address the serious deficiencies at Delaney Hall. If Delaney Hall cannot be operated in compliance with federal law and the Constitution, GEO Group should not continue to profit from taxpayer dollars and Delaney Hall should be closed. I expect you to take immediate action and your prompt response, no later than Friday, July 17. I and my fellow Members of Congress remain prepared to exercise our oversight authority to ensure that detainees are treated humanely and federal law is faithfully executed,” Pallone wrote.\n\nToday’s New York Times investigation – based on federal inspection reports, New Jersey health inspection records, court filings, and other public documents – reinforces months of warnings from Members of Congress, including Pallone, about conditions inside the detention center run by GEO Group.\n\nIn his letter, Pallone demanded immediate corrective action and a response from DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin before next Friday, July 17.\n\nHis full letter can be found here and below:\n\nThe Honorable Markwayne Mullin\n\nSecretary\n\nDepartment of Homeland Security\n\n2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE\n\nWashington, DC 20528\n\nSec. Mullin:\n\nI write with outrage at recent reporting from the New York Times[1] confirming what detainees, families, immigration advocates, and Members of Congress and concerned citizens have been saying for over a year - the situation at Delaney Hall is inhumane and untenable.\n\nSince last year, I have made numerous visits to Delaney Hall and seen these poor conditions myself. Detainees have repeatedly told me and other Members of Congress about the cruel conditions, inedible food, and a lack of access to medical care. I joined my colleagues in multiple letters to you detailing these serious concerns and urging you to hold the facility’s contractor, GEO Group, accountable[2].\n\nWe urged your Department to take steps to immediately close Delaney Hall and make corrective actions before these conditions deteriorated further, instead, you repeatedly say conditions are adequate.[3]. Rather than holding GEO Group accountable for their misuse of federal dollars, you’ve elevated David Venturella, a former GEO Group executive, to be the Acting Director of ICE[4]. Your department has also made it more difficult for members of Congress to conduct oversight at federal immigration facilities.\n\nThe concerns raised by detainees, advocates, families, and Members of Congress have now been reinforced by independent reporting and public records. The question is no longer whether these problems exist, but what immediate actions you will take to correct them and hold those responsible accountable. Accordingly, I urge that you immediately:\n\nConduct a comprehensive review of conditions at Delaney Hall and publicly release a corrective action plan.\n\nRequire GEO Group to immediately remedy all identified deficiencies or begin the process of terminating its operation of the facility if it cannot operate humanely.\n\nRestore meaningful congressional oversight by rescinding policies that impede Members of Congress from conducting unannounced inspections of immigration detention facilities.\n\nEnsure detainees have timely access to adequate medical care, legal counsel, family visitation, and other protections guaranteed under law.\n\nSuspend any retaliatory actions against detainees who report unsafe conditions or exercise protected rights.\n\nAs Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, you have the authority and responsibility to address the serious deficiencies at Delaney Hall. If Delaney Hall cannot be operated in compliance with federal law and the Constitution, GEO Group should not continue to profit from taxpayer dollars and Delaney Hall should be closed. I expect your prompt response no later than Friday, July 17th. I and my fellow Members of Congress remain prepared to exercise our oversight authority to ensure that detainees are treated humanely and federal law is faithfully executed.\n\nSincerely,\n\n[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/10/nyregion/delaney-hall-ice-conditions-unsanitary.html\n\n[2] https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases/menendez-leads-nj-democratic-members-in-demanding-answers-and-accountability-for-inhumane-conditions-and-systemic-medical-neglect-at-delaney-hall\n\n[3] https://newjerseyglobe.com/immigration/markwayne-mullin-says-n-j-pols-seeking-fundraising-clicks-denies-hunger-strike-at-delaney-hall/\n\n[4] https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2026/05/13/dhs-picks-detention-industry-veteran-david-venturella-lead-ice/\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-panetta-joins-sen-schiff-rep-lofgren-california-lawmakers-urge-omb-rescind", "title": "Rep. Panetta Joins Sen. Schiff, Rep. Lofgren,  California Lawmakers to Urge OMB to Rescind  Politicized Rule on Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "panetta.house.gov", "scraper": "panetta", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000613", "name": "Jimmy Panetta", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), and 41 other members of the California Congressional delegation in demanding that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescind its proposed regulation for federal financial assistance. The lawmakers emphasized the crucial need for federal funding for scientific research to remain independent given California’s leadership as the innovation capital of the world and a top recipient of federal research funding.\n\n“The rule is unprecedented, expansive, and applies across the federal government to every agency that reviews grants and other financial assistance proposals. It would allow political appointees to control all aspects of the grant review process, setting the stage for politically motivated decision-making that places the whims of the President over the well-being of the American people,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\nThe California lawmakers highlighted how the Administration’s proposed regulation would weaken U.S. scientific research across all fields and impact California stakeholders, undermining OMB’s essential role in coordinating the advancement of federal grants in a nonpartisan manner. California leads the nation in scientific advancements across sectors, including biomedical engineering and quantum computing, and is deeply committed to investing in cutting-edge research in engineering, science, and medicine.\n\n“The proposed rule would weaken the scientific foundations of experimental research, slowing the development of new treatments, strategies for environmental protection, technologies to expand our knowledge of space, and solutions to some of our most pressing questions,” continued the lawmakers.\n\nSpecifically, the lawmakers pointed to several areas of research that would be significantly impacted by OMB’s proposed rule:\n\nNational Competitiveness and the STEM Talent Pipeline: In light of the Administration unlawfully suspending millions in funds for U.S.-based scientific research, the proposed rule would threaten our status as a world leader in science by harming the STEM talent pipeline, create additional barriers for international students and domestic businesses that contribute to our economic viability, and weaken the nation’s ability to compete with China and other countries.\n\nBiomedical and Scientific Research and Development: The proposed rule would politicize agencies’ longstanding science-based review process and prevent major research development of life-saving therapies, medicine, and preventive interventions for millions of Americans, as well as threaten clinical research efforts for future medical breakthroughs.\n\nHigher Education: California’s universities rely on grants to fund schools and resources, which would all be on the line under the politically motivated restrictions in the proposed rule, jeopardizing the long-term future of our academic research institutions.\n\nState and Local Governments: From disrupting public services to putting vital community projects on hold, the proposed rule would abandon vulnerable populations.\n\n“The effects of this rulemaking could reverberate for generations. With such funding uncertainty and unpredictability, California and the rest of the country will backslide behind other nations in the areas of health, innovation, research, and scientific development. As such, we strongly urge you to rescind your proposed rule,” concluded the lawmakers.\n\nIn addition to Panetta, Schiff, and Lofgren, the letter was signed by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and U.S. Representatives Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Ami Bera (CA-06), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Lou Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Robert Garcia (CA-42), John Garamendi (CA-08), Adam Gray (CA-13), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Josh Harder (CA-09), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Dave Min (CA-47), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Scott Peters (CA-50), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Mark Takano (CA-39), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Norma Torres (CA-35), Derek Tran (CA-45), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Maxine Waters (CA-43), and George Whitesides (CA-27).\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nThe Office of Management and Budget (OMB) serves the critical role of ensuring that federal agencies administer funding to advance federal policy goals in an objective and fair manner. We write as members of Congress with the distinct honor of representing California – the innovation capital of the world and a top recipient of federal research funding. Our state leads the country in scientific advancements across sectors – from biomedical engineering and quantum computing, to fusion energy and more – because of robust federal funding. This investment is critical to early-stage scientific discovery across fields that the commercial marketplace cannot yet support due to the long timelines and inherent uncertainties of basic research. Nevertheless, these foundational research activities ultimately serve as the essential pipeline for future commercial innovation, spinning off into market-ready technologies and new domestic industries that drive economic growth and directly improve the lives of all Californians, and by proxy all Americans.\n\nOMB’s federal grantmaking procedures were established to provide agencies with guidance on grant management and as such, this guidance has historically emphasized the importance of performance metrics, transparency, and unbiased review. We are gravely concerned by the extent to which OMB’s proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” would drastically alter federal grantmaking procedures and undermine the transparency and unbiased review which is central to the success of the federal grant process. The rule is unprecedented, expansive, and applies across the federal government to every agency that reviews grants and other financial assistance proposals. It would allow political appointees to control all aspects of the grant review process, setting the stage for politically motivated decision-making that places the whims of the President over the well-being of the American people.\n\nMerit-based, independent scientific review is the foundation of the United States’ and California’s leadership in science. For over 75 years, federal agencies including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Department of Energy have used merit-based review as a competitive process to award grants to California’s leading institutions in scientific, engineering, and medical research based on quality and impact. This review process has driven discoveries and critical progress in medicine, national security, technology, and economic competitiveness. At a time when U.S. companies are already publicly expressing uncertainty about accepting federal funding from this administration, citing fears of “conditions” the administration may place on their research, it is critical that federal funding of scientific research remain independent.\n\nTherefore, we strongly urge OMB to rescind its proposed regulation and preserve the rigor and objectivity of its grantmaking processes so that federal grantmaking can remain free of partisanship and political agendas. This should include an emphasis on peer review of grants over the political and partisan bias of any administration, the establishment of transparent evaluation criteria, and other robust safeguards to protect the independent judgment of career civil servants. OMB’s proposed revisions to the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance undercut each of these critical guardrails necessary to protect the advancement of U.S. scientific research across all fields.\n\nThe proposed rule would weaken the scientific foundations of experimental research, slowing the development of new treatments, strategies for environmental protection, technologies to expand our knowledge of space, and solutions to some of our most pressing questions. The following implications for several areas of scientific research are particularly significant:\n\n1. National Competitiveness and the STEM Talent Pipeline\n\nViability of Research\n\nThis proposed rule adds to the ever-growing uncertainty that scientists and researchers in California broadly face over federal funding. This administration has already unlawfully frozen millions of dollars in NSF funding, impounded NASA resources, and slashed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) clean energy grants. These investments are critical to finding the next cures, protecting our access to clean air, and furthering our understanding of the universe. And yet, the administration’s actions will hinder our state’s best and brightest minds while denying funding to entire scientific fields the administration does not believe to be in service of their ideological and political priorities.\n\nHarms to the STEM Talent Pipeline\n\nThese barriers, coupled with growing financial uncertainty, have forced American researchers, including those in California, to reevaluate the viability of continuing their studies in the United States. Countries like China are offering millions of dollars in research funding to our nation’s leading planetary scientists, engineers, and PhD candidates, hoping to capitalize on our nation’s unparalleled STEM talent pool. The continued slashing of NSF, NASA, and EPA funding will further damage our pipeline of future researchers and scientists, threatening our status as a world leader in STEM, and ultimately the nation’s ability to develop and innovate in the United States.\n\nAdditional Barriers on International Students and Domestic Businesses\n\nThe proposed regulation outlines new requirements for award eligibility, including mandatory participation in the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program, which would create significant administrative barriers, not just for higher education institutions, but for farmers, small businesses, and construction industries. For higher education institutions, this would hinder progress for international students and researchers providing critical contributions to American and California-led scientific progress. For farmers and small businesses, mandating E-Verify would significantly harm their ability to fill roles and conduct their day-to-day work. Furthermore, E-Verify comes with extensive administrative burdens and inaccurate information about employees. Punishing farmers, small businesses, and construction companies for a system known to be flawed in its accuracy will negatively impact these institutions’ and companies’ economic viability and their contributions to the American economy.\n\nCompetition from China\n\nThe proposed rule is a form of national self-destruction. Funding reductions will seriously weaken the United States’ ability to compete with other countries, especially as China is already laying out ambitious plans to become a leader in science – particularly in space science – by 2050. China has already invested in missions to explore Neptune and return samples from Mars, and yet OMB’s proposed rule gives non-experts the power to direct NASA’s future. We cannot compete with China on the world stage if we do not channel our resources into credible and technically sound scientific endeavors. Further, we cannot grant such a significant responsibility as grantmaking authority to political appointees with no technical expertise. Doing so would erode the efficacy, integrity, and respect of these programs and cede power and influence to our competitors abroad.\n\n2. Biomedical and Scientific Research and Development\n\nPoliticization of Scientific Peer Review\n\nOMB’s proposed rule would upend U.S. biomedical and scientific research agencies’ long-standing, apolitical, and science-based review process. Peer-review systems employed by NIH, NSF, and other research agencies have long been the top benchmark for identifying the most promising scientific opportunities. Replacing scientific judgment with political review risks directing resources away from the most meritorious research. California’s universities and medical centers conduct research that benefits patients nationwide, and any reduction in merit-based funding decisions could delay the development of life-saving therapies, diagnostics, and preventive interventions for millions of Americans.\n\nOMB should carefully consider whether codifying these restrictions serves the long-term public interest. The result would not simply be administrative inefficiency; it would mean slower progress against cancer, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, infectious diseases, and other conditions affecting millions of Americans. Federal research policy should be guided by scientific evidence, scientific experts, and public health needs, not structured in a manner that unnecessarily limits future administrations' ability to support scientific innovation and respond to emerging health, public safety, and other challenges.\n\nErosion of Research Infrastructure and Scientific Collaboration\n\nProvisions favoring institutions with lower indirect cost rates, combined with restrictions on publication and conference costs under the proposed rule, threaten the infrastructure that makes scientific research possible and arbitrarily penalizes research that requires higher overhead costs. For example, research universities and academic medical centers maintain laboratories, clinical trial networks, biosafety systems, data security protections, and patient oversight programs that are essential to safe and effective research.\n\nThis research ecosystem serves as a national resource, attracting talent and fostering collaboration across states. Limiting the ability of researchers to share findings and collaborate would slow the translation of discoveries into treatments that improve public health nationwide. NIH-supported research has made America the global leader in biomedical innovation. Weakening the stability, predictability, and scientific integrity of federal research funding across U.S. research agencies threatens that leadership and risks slowing the pace of discoveries that improve and save lives.\n\nThreats to Future Medical Breakthroughs\n\nThe proposed rule would permit scientific agencies to terminate research grants based on expansive ‘national interest’ determinations. Biomedical research often requires years of continuous support to recruit patients, conduct clinical trials, collect data, and validate results. California’s institutions lead large clinical research efforts, including studies involving cancer immunotherapies, neurodegenerative diseases, rare diseases, and emerging infectious threats. If compliant grants can be terminated unexpectedly, patients may lose access to promising therapies, research findings may be delayed, and taxpayers may lose the value of prior federal investments.\n\nUltimately, the greatest impact of this rule would be borne by patients. Every delay in biomedical research means longer waits for earlier diagnoses, more effective therapies, preventive interventions, potential cures, and avoidable deaths. Americans confronting cancer, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, mental illness, rare disorders, and other serious conditions depend on continued scientific progress.\n\n3. Higher Education\n\nLimitations on Resources\n\nUniversities and institutions across California rely on grant-funded indirect cost recoveries to share their discoveries and advance the leading edge of science. OMB’s proposal would render publication costs, including open access fees for journal and periodical access, unallowable “unless such costs are expressly required by statute or approved in advance by the Federal agency on a case-by-case basis.” This change would be uniquely harmful to California-led innovation, as University of California (UC) researchers conduct 8.3 percent of all U.S. academic research. The dissemination of knowledge and academic collaboration is the foundation of these breakthroughs across critical sectors, including biotechnology, computing, semiconductors, telecommunications, and agriculture.\n\nPolitically Motivated Restrictions on Research Topics\n\nOMB’s proposed regulations would prohibit the use of federal awards to support or promote theories of disparate-impact liability based on protected characteristics like race, sex, or age. These rules unnecessarily weaponize reasonable diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and undermine the free speech rights of federal grantees. They allow political appointees to dictate the topics researchers are permitted to investigate, hampering intellectual freedom and vastly narrowing the scope of higher education research. Instead of supporting research that amplifies underrepresented voices, the administration is empowering political appointees to cancel grants with any mention of race or gender. Outside of the higher education system, these dangerous provisions would also restrict federal funding to crucial environmental justice work to address pollution and toxic chemical impacts on disadvantaged communities, fenceline communities adjacent to industrial facilities, and communities of color.\n\nThe destructive and chaotic consequences of this approach have already been made clear under this administration, as seen by actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to abruptly terminate hundreds of millions of dollars in active research funding using overbroad, automated keyword searches for subjective terms. A federal judge recently ruled that cuts carried out by DOGE violated the Constitution and created a broad “chilling effect” on research. Codifying these harmful practices into government-wide OMB regulations would do a disservice to diverse communities as well as to our institutions of higher learning.\n\nLong-Term Uncertainty\n\nFederal funding is the largest and most important source of support for UC research, and the UC system is awarded more NIH and NSF funding than any other institution in the country. In FY 2024, UCs received $7.719 billion in total research awards, $5 billion of which were federal awards. The proposed restructuring of federal grant administration will undoubtedly threaten ongoing, cutting-edge research and successful grant programs across the state and the country. OMB’s proposed rule widens the administration’s ability to terminate grants that have already been obligated and are in progress. If enacted, these proposed changes would allow political appointees to interrupt, suspend, or permanently terminate active research projects on the cusp of major discoveries if they determine the award is “no longer in the Federal interest.” Under these proposed changes, an already-approved grantee could see an agency terminate the grant months later, leaving multi-stage projects unfinished with little or no explanation and jeopardizing their scientific research. Already this is impacting the future of American science.\n\n4. State and Local Governments\n\nDisruption of Public Services\n\nOMB’s proposed rule poses a severe threat to the fiscal stability of counties and local governments across California and the country, which budget carefully and deliberately for year-long programs that rely on federal awards to deliver critical social services. Expanding the discretionary authority of political appointees to suspend or terminate active grants mid-cycle based on shifting administrative priorities introduces unprecedented unpredictability into local governance who have varied and limited capacity to shoulder new costs. Under this proposal, local communities may experience abruptly halted federal funding, leaving vital local infrastructure projects unfinished and abandoning vulnerable populations who rely on these services.\n\nNew Compliance Burdens\n\nLocal governments frequently operate as pass-through entities responsible for administering and distributing federal funds to community subrecipients. This vital role would become significantly more punitive under this regulation, as OMB’s proposal introduces sweeping oversight, monitoring, and documentation requirements that would severely strain thin local administrative resources. Most troubling, the proposed rule stretches compliance risks to unprecedented levels by tying overall grant eligibility to local enforcement of federal executive orders, potentially endangering funding over events held on county property. Forcing resource-constrained local authorities to act as federal compliance monitors for the administration or face catastrophic funding terminations creates an unworkable landscape that will ultimately reduce the reach of federal assistance.\n\nThe effects of this rulemaking could reverberate for generations. With such funding uncertainty and unpredictability, California and the rest of the country will backslide behind other nations in the areas of health, innovation, research, and scientific development. As such, we strongly urge you to rescind your proposed rule.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-gimenez-diaz-balart-and-smith-urge-rubio-and-bessent-sanction-cuban", "title": "Salazar, Giménez, Díaz-Balart, and Smith Urge Rubio and Bessent to Sanction Cuban Regime's Forced Labor Medical Apparatus", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "salazar.house.gov", "scraper": "salazar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000168", "name": "Maria Elvira Salazar", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28) and Christopher H. Smith (NJ-04) sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent urging the Administration to impose sanctions on the Comercializadora de Servicios Médicos Cubanos (CSMC), the Cuban regime's state-run entity that oversees its overseas medical missions and serves as a major source of revenue for the dictatorship.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers argue that CSMC oversees Cuba's overseas medical missions, exploiting Cuban medical professionals while generating revenue that helps finance the regime's repressive apparatus. They urge the Departments of State and the Treasury to use all available authorities to sanction the entity and increase financial pressure on the Cuban dictatorship.\n\n\"Today's Cuba is a failed state that survives by exploiting its own people,\" said Congresswoman Salazar. \"The dictatorship no longer creates prosperity. It exports forced labor. Cuban doctors are stripped of their wages, denied their freedom, and forced to bankroll the very system that oppresses them. This is one of the world's largest state-sponsored forced labor schemes, and it is long past time to sanction those responsible.\"\n\n“The Cuban regime has built a system of modern day slavery, exploiting its doctors and healthcare workers to enrich the dictatorship while stripping them of their freedom and separating them from their families. The Comercializadora de Servicios Médicos Cubanos is a key instrument of that exploitation. The United States must hold those responsible for this forced labor scheme accountable by sanctioning this entity and continuing to deny the Cuban regime the resources it uses to repress the Cuban people,\" said Rep. Giménez.\n\n“The brutal, communist Cuban dictatorship continues to exploit and take advantage of Cuban medical professionals through the so-called Comercializadora de Servicios Medicos Cubanos. As the prime author of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (PL 106-386) and the pending Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025 (HR 1144)—the latter of which Rep. Salazar is an original co-sponsor—any organization or entity that is complicit in forced labor and/or human trafficking should be sanctioned by the United States government, and we are calling upon Secretary Rubio to take this critical step towards further destabilizing the Cuban regime,” said Rep. Smith.\n\nKey Highlights from the Letter\n\nA Tool of Repression and Financing: The lawmakers argue that CSMC exploits Cuban healthcare professionals through the regime's overseas medical missions while generating revenue that helps sustain the dictatorship and its repressive apparatus.\n\nA Major Source of Revenue for the Regime: As Cuba's traditional industries have declined, the letter argues that revenues generated through overseas medical missions have become one of the regime's principal sources of income, helping finance its operations and maintain political control.\n\nA Call for Maximum Financial Pressure: The lawmakers urge the Departments of State and the Treasury to sanction CSMC under applicable U.S. law and evaluate additional financial measures against governments and individuals that facilitate the regime's forced labor program.\n\nThe lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Cuban people and advancing policies that hold the communist regime accountable for its systematic human rights abuses and exploitation of its own citizens.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://simon.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-simon-secures-federal-funding-led-lighting-upgrades-nine-bart", "title": "Congresswoman Simon Secures Federal Funding for LED Lighting Upgrades in Nine BART Stations Across the East Bay", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simon.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "simon.house.gov", "scraper": "simon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001231", "name": "Lateefah Simon", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "BERKELEY, CA – Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) recently secured $850,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF) for the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). This funding will be used to install LED lighting in nine BART Stations throughout the district including: Coliseum, Downtown Berkeley, Fruitvale, Lake Merritt, MacArthur, Rockridge, San Leandro, North Berkeley and West Oakland. These lighting upgrades will not only improve rider experience and strengthen public safety at stations - they will also increase energy efficiency and light quality.\n\nToday, the Congresswoman announced the funding with BART General Manager Robert “Bob” Powers and members of the BART Board of Directors at the Downtown Berkeley BART station. She also toured a number of the stations slated for lighting upgrades to discuss the planned work and upcoming lighting improvements.\n\nThis Community Project Funding (CPF) is a part of the $11.2 million dollars that Congresswoman Simon secured for 15 projects across the East Bay in Fiscal Year 2026. Each fiscal year, members of Congress can submit Community Project Funding requests for consideration with the House Committee on Appropriations.You can read about the 15 projects that Congresswoman Simon secured funding for in her first year here.\n\n“As someone who was born congenitally blind and has been dependent on public transit my entire life – I know that accessible, reliable public transportation is non-negotiable,” said Congresswoman Simon. “During my time on the BART Board, I fought to make our public transit systems safer and improve the rider experience. Now in Congress, I am fighting hard to expand on that work and deliver for us. Every neighborhood deserves to have safe, bright stations, and I look forward to seeing the impact these lighting upgrades will have on both safety and energy efficiency across the East Bay.”\n\n“The recent improvements at the Downtown Berkeley Station are examples of how we are relentlessly putting the needs of our riders first. Upgraded lighting makes our stations safer and more welcoming,” said BART General Manager Bob Powers. “We are so grateful for the efforts of Congressmember Simon who has been an incredible advocate in the nation’s capital for Bay Area transit.”\n\n“BART completed a major lighting upgrade last spring here at Downtown Berkeley Station, replacing more than 2,200 aging fluorescent bulbs with brighter, more energy-efficient LED lighting,” said BART District 3 Director Barnali Ghosh, whose district includes Downtown Berkeley Station. “The new lighting makes our stations more welcoming, increases safety, and saves us money on energy and maintenance costs. Once completed this program will reduce energy use from station lighting by half.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://stanton.house.gov/2026/7/ranking-member-stanton-details-trump-s-fema-failings-in-new-report", "title": "Ranking Member Stanton Details Trump’s FEMA Failings in New Report", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "stanton.house.gov", "scraper": "stanton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001211", "name": "Greg Stanton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management Ranking Member Greg Stanton (D-AZ) released a 34-page investigative report examining how the Trump administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leadership are misusing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resources for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations instead of ensuring FEMA’s readiness to respond to disasters.\n\n\"This report is damning. After the Trump administration hollowed out a third of FEMA's workforce, it put disaster professionals to work as the 'operational backbone' of its cruel mass deportation agenda, likely in violation of federal law,\" Ranking Member Stanton said. \"FEMA exists for one reason: to be there for Americans on the worst day of their lives. We're in the middle of a dangerous and destructive hurricane and wildfire season. The stakes couldn't be higher. Every FEMA employee detailed to ICE and CBP should be recalled immediately, and Congress must put real penalties in the law so no future administration can raid this life-saving agency again.\"\n\n“While communities across the country are struggling to prepare for more severe and frequent natural disasters, the Trump administration is using FEMA employees and funding for its large-scale, brutal immigration enforcement operations,” Ranking Member Larsen said. “As detailed in the report, the Trump administration is leaving disaster-stricken communities out to dry in the name of separating immigrant families. I want to thank Ranking Member Stanton for his hard work on this report and on disaster response issues broadly this Congress.”\n\nSummary:\n\nThe report contains 14 key findings from the investigation—including that DHS leadership relied on FEMA to serve as the backbone of large-scale immigration enforcement and detention operations and that FEMA’s delayed response to the Texas flooding resulted in demonstrable harm to disaster survivors.\n\nIt also includes eight recommendations based on the report’s findings, from resuming FEMA hiring and training programs to recalling employees detailed to ICE and CBP and directing those agencies to reimburse FEMA for all costs incurred by immigration enforcement operations.\n\nTo read the full report, all key findings and all subsequent recommendations, click here", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-haley-stevens-tours-celanese-michigan-technology-center-highlights", "title": "Rep. Haley Stevens Tours Celanese Michigan Technology Center; Highlights Sustainable Manufacturing Innovation", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "stevens.house.gov", "scraper": "stevens", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001215", "name": "Haley M. Stevens", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens toured Celanese’s newly expanded Michigan Technology Center, meeting with employees and company leaders to discuss how sustainable manufacturing is driving the next generation of technological innovation.\n\nCelanese, a global chemical and specialty materials company, is a major producer that powers Michigan manufacturing. The company operates more than 50 manufacturing facilities across 27 countries, with a strong focus on sustainable product development and responsible materials management.\n\n“Michigan manufacturers have always led through innovation, and Celanese is showing what that leadership looks like,” said Rep. Stevens. “Their Michigan workforce is advancing technologies that strengthen our manufacturing base while making it more sustainable, keeping Michigan at the forefront of global innovation.”\n\nSince taking office, Congresswoman Stevens has visited hundreds of manufacturers across Michigan, working directly with employers and workers to strengthen the state’s industrial base. She continues to champion Michigan manufacturing through legislation and her work on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.\n\nPHOTOS AVAILABLE FOR MEDIA RELEASE BELOW:\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-seeks-extension-temporary-protected-status-tps-el-salvador", "title": "Suozzi Seeks Extension on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "suozzi.house.gov", "scraper": "suozzi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001201", "name": "Thomas R. Suozzi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03) sent two letters to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, urging the administration to extend the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for El Salvador and underscoring the stakes for TPS holders if the agency allows the program to expire. TPS for El Salvador, which has been in place for over 25 years, will expire on September 9, 2026. The Secretary must announce his decision whether to terminate or extend the designation by July 11, 2026.\n\n“For almost three decades, TPS holders from El Salvador have built lives, families, and communities in the United States. Salvadoran TPS holders contribute over five billion dollars to the economy each year and nearly 90 percent of Salvadoran TPS holders participate in the labor force. They also support hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizen children. Expiration of TPS would throw families into chaos, jeopardize American children’s futures, rip apart communities, and damage the economy. It would be unjust and inhumane,” said Rep Suozzi.\n\n“This is a particularly personal issue for me as I know many Salvadoran TPS families going back to the days when I was Mayor of Glen Cove from 1994-2001,” Rep. Suozzi continued. “I have seen people who were new immigrants back in the 1990s become homeowners, business owners, and raise children who went to school with my children. This would be a devastating blow to many that I represent.”\n\nSecretary Mullin responded on July 2, 2026, to Rep. Suozzi’s initial letter from June 22, 2026, with an explanation of alternative pathways TPS beneficiaries can pursue to stay in the United States. In a follow up letter on July 3, 2026, Congressman Suozzi reiterated why those pathways the Secretary suggested are not viable for most Salvadoran TPS holders and warned that terminating the designation could tear apart families and deport people who have been in this country legally for a generation. With no path to permanent legal status for most of them, termination would be catastrophic.\n\nRep. Suozzi, in his July 3rd letter, proposed a “parole in place” policy and an extended two-year transition period to mitigate the harm to Salvadoran TPS holders and their families in the event that the administration does not extend El Salvador’s TPS designation. As he emphasized in his letter, it is critically important that the administration extends the TPS designation for El Salvador and works with Congress to establish a more permanent, humane solution.\n\n“The bottom line is if there was a route to legal status for most Salvadoran TPS holders, they would have taken it already, said Rep. Suozzi. “TPS holders are embedded in the fabric of our communities on Long Island, in Queens, and across the country. Letting the TPS designation run out and risking ripping them away from their families is inhumane and un-American. We need a just and comprehensive solution to this deeply personal issue that is based on common sense and basic humanity, and that solution cannot involve removing TPS holders, who have been essential to our communities for nearly three decades, from the country with only 60 days’ notice.”\n\nRead Congressman Suozzi’s initial letter here.\n\nRead Secretary Mullin’s response here.\n\nRead Congressman Suozzi’s follow up letter here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Mullin:\n\nThank you for your timely response to my letter urging you to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador. Unfortunately, we will need an additional solution if we are to treat families and individuals who have been here decades in a humane and just manner consistent with our American values.\n\nYou identify a number of potential pathways for TPS holders to remain lawfully in the U.S. in the event TPS for El Salvador were terminated. However, the vast majority of Salvadoran TPS holders will be unable to qualify for those protections because:\n\nIf TPS expires and TPS holders are forced to leave the country, those who initially entered the U.S. without documentation prior to 2001 (most TPS holders) will be barred from returning or seeking permanent status for 10 years. Therefore, the pathways you describe will not be available to most TPS holders even if they are otherwise eligible.\n\nThe pathways you describe are limited and most TPS holders are not eligible.\n\nSalvadoran TPS holders are well aware that their legal status in the United States is tenuous. For the past 25 years, they have faced the threat of losing their status every 18 months. If there were an available path to permanent residence – or even another non-immigrant status – TPS holders would take it. But there is not. That is why 70% of TPS holders from Honduras, who lived in the United States lawfully for just as long as Salvadoran TPS holders, were unable to become lawful permanent residents before their TPS was terminated last year.\n\nFor most Salvadoran TPS holders, termination of TPS will result in the immediate loss of lawful status and separation from their U.S. citizen children and other family members, as well as detention and deportation. Therefore, if you choose to terminate TPS for El Salvador, I urge you to provide a smooth transition for TPS holders by adopting a “parole in place” policy and an orderly transition period of two years.\n\n1. If TPS expires and TPS holders are forced to leave the country, those who entered the U.S. without inspection or documentation will be barred from returning to the U.S. for up to 10 years. Therefore, none of the pathways you describe will be available.\n\nAny non-citizen who leaves the United States after living here without documentation for more than 180 days – no matter how long ago – triggers either a three-year or ten-year bar. Many TPS holders initially entered the U.S. without inspection or documentation prior to the establishment of TPS status in 2001. Therefore, if TPS expires, TPS holders will be forced to leave the country immediately, triggering a 10-year ban on re-entering the country or applying for permanent status. As a result, the options you describe will be out of reach for the majority of TPS holders\n\nAdditionally, the few who may be eligible for pathways to lawful status, including those who have already applied, would have to successfully secure their new status prior to the expiration of TPS in almost two months. Given typical processing times, this is highly improbable.\n\n2. The pathways you describe are limited and most TPS holders are not eligible.\n\nA. Family-based visas\n\nIn order to qualify for a family-based immigrant visa, a TPS holder must 1) have been lawfully admitted to the U.S. and 2) have a qualifying relative. A family-based visa is not a viable path for many Salvadoran TPS holders because:\n\ni) many entered the U.S. without inspection or documentation prior to the establishment of TPS status in 2001. Therefore, they were not lawfully admitted when they arrived. As you know, non-citizens who have not been admitted or paroled are not eligible to secure permanent status in the United States, even if a family-based or employment-based immigrant visa is available. Furthermore, even if a TPS holder is eligible for an immigrant visa but for their lack of lawful admission, leaving the U.S. to then return via lawful admission is not an option given the bans on returning described above.\n\nii) many do not have a relative eligible to sponsor them. Immigrant visas may be available through immediate U.S. citizen relatives, including a spouse, a U.S. citizen parent if the TPS holder is under the age of 21, or a U.S. citizen child over the age of 21. Because minor U.S. citizens may not sponsor their parents, TPS holders whose only U.S. citizen or lawful permanent relative is their minor U.S. citizen child have no immigrant visa available. Many of those who have held TPS since childhood find themselves in this situation.\n\niii) recent changes to DHS policy have created new barriers to adjustment even for those who have been admitted and have an immigrant visa available. TPS holders who have diligently followed the law for decades face considerable uncertainty and fear regarding how DHS may decide their applications.\n\nB. Employment-based visas\n\nMany Salvadoran TPS holders perform work that – while essential to the economy – is classified as “unskilled.” There is a very limited number of employment-based immigrant visas available for unskilled workers, and a years-long wait time even where visas are available. Therefore, this is not a viable option for many Salvadoran TPS holders. Further, a TPS holder who loses their TPS status – for example, due to the expiration of their TPS – is not eligible to adjust their status to obtain an employment-based immigrant visa.\n\nC. Asylum\n\nSalvadorans are unlikely to qualify for asylum. A successful asylum application requires the applicant to show a well-founded fear of persecution on account of one of five distinct grounds: race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Salvadoran TPS holders who left El Salvador because, for example, their children had become malnourished because grocery stores in their area no longer sold basic goods likely cannot establish persecution on a protected ground. Even those who fled extortion and violence by criminal entities typically cannot establish eligibility for asylum because they cannot show that the harm is on account of a protected ground.\n\nD. Other non-immigrant statuses\n\nWhile some TPS holders who meet the specific eligibility requirements may qualify for the non-immigrant statuses you identify, it is not possible for a non-citizen without immigration status to adjust to a non-immigrant status. Therefore, if TPS holders lose their TPS, they will not be able to adjust to a different non-immigrant status.\n\nE. Deferred action\n\nYou identify deferred action as an option, but state that it is available only in “extraordinary circumstances.” Examples of extraordinary circumstances include medical emergencies or human trafficking victims. This form of relief, by definition, will not be available to the vast majority of Salvadoran TPS holders.\n\n3. If TPS is terminated, the administration should take steps to ensure a smooth transition and mitigate the resulting harm to TPS holders and their families.\n\nEven for the minority of Salvadoran TPS holders who qualify for a pathway to another immigrant or non-immigrant status, processing delays at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) mean that adjustment would take a significant amount of time—often years or more. But, over the past year and a half, DHS has provided TPS holders with only 60 days’ notice of the loss of TPS—far too little time to pursue even a viable path to alternative status.\n\nIf TPS for El Salvador is terminated, the administration could ensure TPS holders who do have another pathway available have sufficient time to adjust and mitigate the resulting impacts to TPS holders’ families by:\n\nAdopting a “parole in place” policy for TPS holders akin to its military parole in place policy. This would ensure that TPS holders who have immigrant visas available to them are able to adjust their status without requiring them to leave the U.S., which, in many cases, would trigger new, additional barriers to adjustment. Specifically, TPS holders who were undocumented prior to receiving status would be barred from securing a visa and returning to the U.S. for up to 10 years after leaving the country.\n\nAdopting an orderly transition period of two years to provide TPS holders with sufficient time to prepare for the loss of protections they have built their lives around for nearly three decades. The TPS statute gives DHS discretion to create an orderly transition period. There is no limit on the period pursuant to statute. In 2019, the Trump administration granted an extended 18-month period for the termination of TPS for El Salvador. Given Salvadoran TPS holders’ decades-long tenure in the U.S., a longer transition period of two years would give them necessary time to find new medical care, employment, and housing outside the country; ensure U.S. citizen children or other dependent family members can safely and seamlessly transition to alternate accommodations, schools, and communities; and more.\n\n4. Conclusion\n\nThe Department of Homeland Security can and should extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvadorans who have lived continuously in the United States for almost three decades, all the while contributing to the economy, bolstering the labor force in key industries, and supporting U.S.-based families that often include U.S. citizen children or other relatives. Despite this, the majority of Salvadoran TPS holders have no clear path to permanent status, and the termination of TPS for El Salvador would be immediately devastating to hundreds of thousands of people. However, if the administration does decide to terminate TPS for El Salvador, the right, just, and humane thing to do would be to ensure a smooth transition for TPS holders by offering both a “parole in place” policy and an extended two-year transition period.\n\nAs you know, I am committed to finding a bipartisan path forward that permanently secures the border consistent with the President’s Executive Orders, while also reforming the asylum system which has been abused. Most important, I am prepared to work with you and the administration to provide legal status for those millions of immigrants who have been present here in the United States prior to January 20th of 2017 and, other than not having proper documentation, have committed no violations of U.S. law. Such a bipartisan solution would address the situation of Salvadoran TPS holders and millions of other immigrants who have been contributing to the United States’ economy and culture for more than 10 years (often much longer). Let’s work together to find a just, humane and practical solution to both the immediate situation of Salvadoran TPS holders and the painful issue of our immigration system at large.\n\nPlease reach out to me or my staff with any questions. I look forward to your response.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/as-california-leads-nation-in-scientific-advancements-torres-joins-schiff-lofgren-and-41-colleagues-urging-omb-to-rescind-politicized-rule-on-federal-grants", "title": "As California Leads Nation in Scientific Advancements, Torres Joins Schiff, Lofgren, and 41 Colleagues Urging OMB to Rescind Politicized Rule on Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "torres.house.gov", "scraper": "torres", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000474", "name": "Norma J. Torres", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "California lawmakers press the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to fulfill its role of overseeing nonpartisan federal grant process\n\nWashington, D.C. — Representative Norma Torres joined U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), and 41 members of the California congressional delegation are demanding the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescind their proposed regulation for federal financial assistance, emphasizing the crucial need for federal funding for scientific research to remain independent given California’s leadership as the innovation capital of the world and a top recipient of federal research funding.\n\n“The rule is unprecedented, expansive, and applies across the federal government to every agency that reviews grants and other financial assistance proposals. It would allow political appointees to control all aspects of the grant review process, setting the stage for politically motivated decision-making that places the whims of the President over the well-being of the American people,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe California lawmakers highlight how the administration’s proposed regulation will weaken U.S. scientific research across all fields and impact California stakeholders, undermining OMB’s essential role in coordinating the advancement of federal grants in a nonpartisan manner. California leads the nation in scientific advancements across sectors – including biomedical engineering and quantum computing – and is deeply committed to investing in cutting-edge research in engineering, science, and medical research.\n\n“The proposed rule would weaken the scientific foundations of experimental research, slowing the development of new treatments, strategies for environmental protection, technologies to expand our knowledge of space, and solutions to some of our most pressing questions,” the lawmakers continued.\n\nSpecifically, the lawmakers point to several areas of research that will be significantly impacted by OMB’s proposed rule:\n\nNational Competitiveness and the STEM Talent Pipeline: In light of the administration unlawful suspending of millions in funds for U.S.-based scientific research, the proposed rule will threaten our status as a world leader in science by harming the STEP talent pipeline, create additional barriers for international students and domestic businesses that contribute to our economic viability, and weaken the nation’s ability to compete with China and other countries.\n\nBiomedical and Scientific Research and Development: The proposed rule will politicize agencies’ longstanding science-based review process and prevent major research development of life-saving therapies, medicine, and preventive interventions for millions of Americans – as well as threaten clinical research efforts for future medical breakthroughs.\n\nHigher Education: California’s universities rely on grants to fund schools and resources – which will all be on the line under the politically motivated restrictions in the proposed rule, jeopardizing the long-term future of our academic research institutions.\n\nState and Local Governments: From disrupting public services to putting vital community projects on hold, the proposed rule abandons vulnerable populations.\n\n“The effects of this rulemaking could reverberate for generations. With such funding uncertainty and unpredictability, California and the rest of the country will backslide behind other nations in the areas of health, innovation, research, and scientific development. As such, we strongly urge you to rescind your proposed rule,” the lawmakers concluded.\n\nIn addition to Torres, Schiff and Lofgren, the letter was signed by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and U.S. House Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Ami Bera (D-Calif.-06), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.-31), Lou Correa (D-Calif.-46), Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Adam Gray (D-Calif.-13), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Josh Harder (D-Calif.-09), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25), Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.-38), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Mark Takano (D-Calif.-39), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43), and George Whitesides (D-Calif.-27).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nThe Office of Management and Budget (OMB) serves the critical role of ensuring that federal agencies administer funding to advance federal policy goals in an objective and fair manner. We write as members of Congress with the distinct honor of representing California – the innovation capital of the world and a top recipient of federal research funding. Our state leads the country in scientific advancements across sectors – from biomedical engineering and quantum computing, to fusion energy and more – because of robust federal funding. This investment is critical to early-stage scientific discovery across fields that the commercial marketplace cannot yet support due to the long timelines and inherent uncertainties of basic research. Nevertheless, these foundational research activities ultimately serve as the essential pipeline for future commercial innovation, spinning off into market-ready technologies and new domestic industries that drive economic growth and directly improve the lives of all Californians, and by proxy all Americans.\n\nOMB’s federal grantmaking procedures were established to provide agencies with guidance on grant management and as such, this guidance has historically emphasized the importance of performance metrics, transparency, and unbiased review. We are gravely concerned by the extent to which OMB’s proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” would drastically alter federal grantmaking procedures and undermine the transparency and unbiased review which is central to the success of the federal grant process. The rule is unprecedented, expansive, and applies across the federal government to every agency that reviews grants and other financial assistance proposals. It would allow political appointees to control all aspects of the grant review process, setting the stage for politically motivated decision-making that places the whims of the President over the well-being of the American people.\n\nMerit-based, independent scientific review is the foundation of the United States’ and California’s leadership in science. For over 75 years, federal agencies including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Department of Energy have used merit-based review as a competitive process to award grants to California’s leading institutions in scientific, engineering, and medical research based on quality and impact. This review process has driven discoveries and critical progress in medicine, national security, technology, and economic competitiveness. At a time when U.S. companies are already publicly expressing uncertainty about accepting federal funding from this administration, citing fears of “conditions” the administration may place on their research, it is critical that federal funding of scientific research remain independent.\n\nTherefore, we strongly urge OMB to rescind its proposed regulation and preserve the rigor and objectivity of its grantmaking processes so that federal grantmaking can remain free of partisanship and political agendas. This should include an emphasis on peer review of grants over the political and partisan bias of any administration, the establishment of transparent evaluation criteria, and other robust safeguards to protect the independent judgment of career civil servants. OMB’s proposed revisions to the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance undercut each of these critical guardrails necessary to protect the advancement of U.S. scientific research across all fields.\n\nThe proposed rule would weaken the scientific foundations of experimental research, slowing the development of new treatments, strategies for environmental protection, technologies to expand our knowledge of space, and solutions to some of our most pressing questions. The following implications for several areas of scientific research are particularly significant:\n\nNational Competitiveness and the STEM Talent Pipeline\n\nViability of Research\n\nThis proposed rule adds to the ever-growing uncertainty that scientists and researchers in California broadly face over federal funding. This administration has already unlawfully frozen millions of dollars in NSF funding, impounded NASA resources, and slashed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) clean energy grants. These investments are critical to finding the next cures, protecting our access to clean air, and furthering our understanding of the universe. And yet, the administration’s actions will hinder our state’s best and brightest minds while denying funding to entire scientific fields the administration does not believe to be in service of their ideological and political priorities.\n\nHarms to the STEM Talent Pipeline\n\nThese barriers, coupled with growing financial uncertainty, have forced American researchers, including those in California, to reevaluate the viability of continuing their studies in the United States. Countries like China are offering millions of dollars in research funding to our nation’s leading planetary scientists, engineers, and PhD candidates, hoping to capitalize on our nation’s unparalleled STEM talent pool. The continued slashing of NSF, NASA, and EPA funding will further damage our pipeline of future researchers and scientists, threatening our status as a world leader in STEM, and ultimately the nation’s ability to develop and innovate in the United States.\n\nAdditional Barriers on International Students and Domestic Businesses\n\nThe proposed regulation outlines new requirements for award eligibility, including mandatory participation in the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program, which would create significant administrative barriers, not just for higher education institutions, but for farmers, small businesses, and construction industries. For higher education institutions, this would hinder progress for international students and researchers providing critical contributions to American and California-led scientific progress. For farmers and small businesses, mandating E-Verify would significantly harm their ability to fill roles and conduct their day-to-day work. Furthermore, E-Verify comes with extensive administrative burdens and inaccurate information about employees. Punishing farmers, small businesses, and construction companies for a system known to be flawed in its accuracy will negatively impact these institutions’ and companies’ economic viability and their contributions to the American economy.\n\nCompetition from China\n\nThe proposed rule is a form of national self-destruction. Funding reductions will seriously weaken the United States’ ability to compete with other countries, especially as China is already laying out ambitious plans to become a leader in science – particularly in space science - by 2050. China has already invested in missions to explore Neptune and return samples from Mars, and yet OMB’s proposed rule gives non-experts the power to direct NASA’s future. We cannot compete with China on the world stage if we do not channel our resources into credible and technically sound scientific endeavors. Further, we cannot grant such a significant responsibility as grantmaking authority to political appointees with no technical expertise. Doing so would erode the efficacy, integrity, and respect of these programs and cede power and influence to our competitors abroad.\n\nBiomedical and Scientific Research and Development\n\nPoliticization of Scientific Peer Review\n\nOMB’s proposed rule would upend U.S. biomedical and scientific research agencies’ long-standing, apolitical, and science-based review process. Peer-review systems employed by NIH, NSF, and other research agencies have long been the top benchmark for identifying the most promising scientific opportunities. Replacing scientific judgment with political review risks directing resources away from the most meritorious research. California’s universities and medical centers conduct research that benefits patients nationwide, and any reduction in merit-based funding decisions could delay the development of life-saving therapies, diagnostics, and preventive interventions for millions of Americans.\n\nOMB should carefully consider whether codifying these restrictions serves the long-term public interest. The result would not simply be administrative inefficiency; it would mean slower progress against cancer, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, infectious diseases, and other conditions affecting millions of Americans. Federal research policy should be guided by scientific evidence, scientific experts, and public health needs, not structured in a manner that unnecessarily limits future administrations' ability to support scientific innovation and respond to emerging health, public safety, and other challenges.\n\nErosion of Research Infrastructure and Scientific Collaboration\n\nProvisions favoring institutions with lower indirect cost rates, combined with restrictions on publication and conference costs under the proposed rule, threaten the infrastructure that makes scientific research possible and arbitrarily penalizes research that requires higher overhead costs. For example, research universities and academic medical centers maintain laboratories, clinical trial networks, biosafety systems, data security protections, and patient oversight programs that are essential to safe and effective research.\n\nThis research ecosystem serves as a national resource, attracting talent and fostering collaboration across states. Limiting the ability of researchers to share findings and collaborate would slow the translation of discoveries into treatments that improve public health nationwide. NIH-supported research has made America the global leader in biomedical innovation. Weakening the stability, predictability, and scientific integrity of federal research funding across U.S. research agencies threatens that leadership and risks slowing the pace of discoveries that improve and save lives.\n\nThreats to Future Medical Breakthroughs\n\nThe proposed rule would permit scientific agencies to terminate research grants based on expansive ‘national interest’ determinations. Biomedical research often requires years of continuous support to recruit patients, conduct clinical trials, collect data, and validate results. California’s institutions lead large clinical research efforts, including studies involving cancer immunotherapies, neurodegenerative diseases, rare diseases, and emerging infectious threats. If compliant grants can be terminated unexpectedly, patients may lose access to promising therapies, research findings may be delayed, and taxpayers may lose the value of prior federal investments.\n\nUltimately, the greatest impact of this rule would be borne by patients. Every delay in biomedical research means longer waits for earlier diagnoses, more effective therapies, preventive interventions, potential cures, and avoidable deaths. Americans confronting cancer, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, mental illness, rare disorders, and other serious conditions depend on continued scientific progress.\n\nHigher Education\n\nLimitations on Resources\n\nUniversities and institutions across California rely on grant-funded indirect cost recoveries to share their discoveries and advance the leading edge of science. OMB’s proposal would render publication costs, including open access fees for journal and periodical access, unallowable “unless such costs are expressly required by statute or approved in advance by the Federal agency on a case-by-case basis.” This change would be uniquely harmful to California-led innovation, as University of California (UC) researchers conduct 8.3 percent of all U.S. academic research. The dissemination of knowledge and academic collaboration is the foundation of these breakthroughs across critical sectors, including biotechnology, computing, semiconductors, telecommunications, and agriculture.\n\nPolitically Motivated Restrictions on Research Topics\n\nOMB’s proposed regulations would prohibit the use of federal awards to support or promote theories of disparate-impact liability based on protected characteristics like race, sex, or age. These rules unnecessarily weaponize reasonable diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and undermine the free speech rights of federal grantees. They allow political appointees to dictate the topics researchers are permitted to investigate, hampering intellectual freedom and vastly narrowing the scope of higher education research. Instead of supporting research that amplifies underrepresented voices, the administration is empowering political appointees to cancel grants with any mention of race or gender. Outside of the higher education system, these dangerous provisions would also restrict federal funding to crucial environmental justice work to address pollution and toxic chemical impacts on disadvantaged communities, fenceline communities adjacent to industrial facilities, and communities of color.\n\nThe destructive and chaotic consequences of this approach have already been made clear under this administration, as seen by actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to abruptly terminate hundreds of millions of dollars in active research funding using overbroad, automated keyword searches for subjective terms. A federal judge recently ruled that cuts carried out by DOGE violated the Constitution and created a broad “chilling effect” on research. Codifying these harmful practices into government-wide OMB regulations would do a disservice to diverse communities as well as to our institutions of higher learning.\n\nLong-Term Uncertainty\n\nFederal funding is the largest and most important source of support for UC research, and the UC system is awarded more NIH and NSF funding than any other institution in the country. In FY 2024, UCs received $7.719 billion in total research awards, $5 billion of which were federal awards. The proposed restructuring of federal grant administration will undoubtedly threaten ongoing, cutting-edge research and successful grant programs across the state and the country. OMB’s proposed rule widens the administration’s ability to terminate grants that have already been obligated and are in progress. If enacted, these proposed changes would allow political appointees to interrupt, suspend, or permanently terminate active research projects on the cusp of major discoveries if they determine the award is “no longer in the Federal interest.” Under these proposed changes, an already-approved grantee could see an agency terminate the grant months later, leaving multi-stage projects unfinished with little or no explanation and jeopardizing their scientific research. Already this is impacting the future of American science.\n\nState and Local Governments\n\nDisruption of Public Services\n\nOMB’s proposed rule poses a severe threat to the fiscal stability of counties and local governments across California and the country, which budget carefully and deliberately for year-long programs that rely on federal awards to deliver critical social services. Expanding the discretionary authority of political appointees to suspend or terminate active grants mid-cycle based on shifting administrative priorities introduces unprecedented unpredictability into local governance who have varied and limited capacity to shoulder new costs. Under this proposal, local communities may experience abruptly halted federal funding, leaving vital local infrastructure projects unfinished and abandoning vulnerable populations who rely on these services.\n\nNew Compliance Burdens\n\nLocal governments frequently operate as pass-through entities responsible for administering and distributing federal funds to community subrecipients. This vital role would become significantly more punitive under this regulation, as OMB’s proposal introduces sweeping oversight, monitoring, and documentation requirements that would severely strain thin local administrative resources. Most troubling, the proposed rule stretches compliance risks to unprecedented levels by tying overall grant eligibility to local enforcement of federal executive orders, potentially endangering funding over events held on county property. Forcing resource-constrained local authorities to act as federal compliance monitors for the administration or face catastrophic funding terminations creates an unworkable landscape that will ultimately reduce the reach of federal assistance.\n\nThe effects of this rulemaking could reverberate for generations. With such funding uncertainty and unpredictability, California and the rest of the country will backslide behind other nations in the areas of health, innovation, research, and scientific development. As such, we strongly urge you to rescind your proposed rule.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/gila-national-forest-rep-vasquez-highlights-how-forest-service-cuts-put-new", "title": "At Gila National Forest, Rep. Vasquez Highlights How Forest Service Cuts Put New Mexico's Public Lands and People at Risk", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vasquez.house.gov", "scraper": "vasquez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000136", "name": "Gabe Vasquez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SILVER CITY, N.M. – On July 10, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) led local conservationists, veterans, wildlife experts, and community members on a hike in the Gila National Forest to hear firsthand how recent U.S. Forest Service staffing cuts are impacting wildfire prevention, trail maintenance, outdoor recreation, and public lands management in southern New Mexico.\n\nThe hike took place near the Trout Fire burn area, where participants discussed the growing challenges facing one of New Mexico's most treasured landscapes due to the Administration’s recent decision to gut the Forest Service workforce, cut research stations, and reorganize the agency — a move which Rep. Vasquez has condemned due to concerns about wildfire risks and threats to public lands.\n\n“The Administration is causing chaos, disruption, and thousands of consequential layoffs at the U.S. Forest Service, impacting rural forest communities like Silver City. We’re at peak fire season, and folks on the ground shared great concerns about the next big fire to hit Grant and Catron counties, as the trail-clearing crews that help clear the way for fire lines in wilderness areas were fired or RIF’d over a year ago,” said Vasquez. “Today I listened to a multitude of stakeholders, volunteers, business owners, and biologists about the future of the Gila as we took a hike through the Trout Fire burn scar. It’s clear to me that we need MORE resources, not less, during this crucial time, while USDA instead is focusing on a massive relocation effort and staff reassignments that hinder the department’s ability to respond quickly and decisively in rural communities. Fully staffing our Forest Service is one of my top priorities — for all public land users and for the safety and security of forest communities across my district.”\n\nTo push back against the Forest Service cuts, Vasquez is championing the Public Lands Workforce Stability Act, legislation that would prevent reductions in force at the U.S. Forest Service and Department of the Interior through 2030. The bill underscores that safeguarding the Forest Service workforce is a wise investment of taxpayer funds to protect our public lands, public safety, tourism economies, and the local businesses that depend on outdoor recreation.\n\nVasquez has also repeatedly pressed the Administration to address declining trail conditions and spoke out against the Administration’s decision to redirect approximately $90 million in National Park Service entrance fee revenue from essentials like trail maintenance to cosmetic pet projects in Washington, D.C., like painting statues gold.\n\nProtecting the Gila has long remained a cornerstone of Vasquez's work in Congress. He introduced the M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act, legislation that would permanently protect approximately 446 miles of the Gila River, San Francisco River, and their tributaries as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System — marking the most significant conservation effort for the region in more than a century.\n\nVasquez is a national leader in protecting public lands, founding the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, which successfully prevented millions of acres of public land from being sold through last year's budget reconciliation process. He has also introduced bipartisan legislation to prohibit future attempts to sell or transfer federal public lands without congressional approval, the Public Lands Integrity Act.\n\nJoining Rep. Vasquez on today’s hike were representatives from New Mexico Wild, the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, veterans, local conservation leaders, and residents of the Gila region, all of whom shared their experiences living, working, and recreating on New Mexico's public lands.\n\n“The proper staffing and management of such an important national resource needs to be given serious attention by the current Administration, and they must quit treating our national forests as an irrelevant waste of money,” said Al Gamboa, a Silver City resident and Marine Corps veteran who is passionate about protecting the Gila River. “DOGE slashed funding and staff without ever taking into consideration what an important resource and economic-driver these lands are to the country and especially our region.”\n\n“The Administration recognizes the enormous public support that public lands and conservation have, so instead of privatizing them — which they would love to do — they are destroying [our lands] and the agencies responsible for managing them by a thousand cuts,” said Carlos Martinez del Rio, a Silver City resident, wildlife biologist, and board member of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. “The restructuring of the Forest Service, the obliteration of the Forest Service’s research branch, and the regulatory rollbacks that will threaten previous rules that balanced extractive uses with the need for sustainability and biodiversity conservation are all examples of this approach.”\n\n“Since 1905, there has been a Forest Service presence in Silver City, managing the Gila’s 3.3 million acres, and woven into the lives and livelihoods of the people in Grant County, NM. Young people from the area could train as fish biologists, botanists, geologists or other resource careers and then secure meaningful work with the Gila National Forest serving their community, the National Forest system, and the country. That reality is no more,” said Patrice Mutchnick, Director of Heart of the Gila. “The science and resource management class of the agency has been decimated and staffing locally is at bare bones minimum. With the continued cuts and confusing changes at the USDA and the U.S. Forest Service, the economic symbiosis between the community and the Forest, forged over a century, is unraveling at record speed.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-and-usda-deputy-secretary-vaden-visit-weir-and-leitz-farms", "title": "Walberg and USDA Deputy Secretary Vaden Visit Weir and Leitz Farms", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "walberg.house.gov", "scraper": "walberg", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000798", "name": "Tim Walberg", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) welcomed Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden to Michigan's 5th Congressional District. They began the day at Weir Farms in Horton meeting with local farmers from five different counties in Michigan to discuss the Administration's priorities and explore ways to continue to support hardworking farmers. They specifically focused on the benefits of the Working Families Tax Cuts and this year's Farm Bill, which have strengthened risk management tools, protected family farms from the increased death tax, expanded access to markets, and cut taxes for farmers. Congressman Walberg and Deputy Secretary Vaden then travelled to Leitz Farms in Sodus to tour the farm and learn more about their operations.\n\n\"I was honored to join Deputy Secretary Vaden today in meeting with farmers across Michigan's 5th District to discuss how we can provide them with the necessary tools to maintain the world’s safest and most abundant food supply,\" said Rep. Walberg. \"Farmers work tirelessly every day, and policies like those included in the Working Families Tax Cuts and this year's Farm Bill will support their efforts to put affordable food on the tables of hardworking Michigan families.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=410868", "title": "From the Front: July 10, 2026", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://womack.house.gov/news", "domain": "womack.house.gov", "scraper": "womack", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000809", "name": "Steve Womack", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "From the Front Newsletters\nFrom the Front: July 10, 2026\nShare on Facebook\nShare on X\nPrint this Page\nShare by Email\nWashington,\r\n      July 10, 2026\nClick here to read this edition.\nRead more.\nJOIN MY EMAIL LIST\nSUBSCRIBE", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-baldwin-backed-housing-bill-becomes-law-at-midnight-despite-president-trump-refusing-to-sign-bipartisan-legislation", "title": "NEWS: Baldwin-Backed Housing Bill Becomes Law at Midnight, Despite President Trump Refusing to Sign Bipartisan Legislation", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – At midnight tonight, the U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)-backed 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will become law, despite the over two-week delay from President Donald Trump and his refusal to sign the bill. The legislation, which is set to become law at midnight unless the President vetoes it, is the most significant legislation in 30 years to lower housing costs for families, invest in supply, and crack down on out-of-state investors gobbling up housing stock in our communities. For years, Senator Baldwin has fought to ban large private equity and large institutional investors from buying single-family homes in Wisconsin, often raising rent and putting home ownership further out of reach.\n\n“I’ve travelled across Wisconsin talking to families who are begging for relief from high housing costs – renters’ budgets are stretched thin and homeownership is simply out of reach for so many. Republicans and Democrats came together to craft legislation that will build more housing in our state, lower costs, and take on Wall Street investors that are buying up homes in our neighborhoods,” said Senator Baldwin. “This bill should have been law weeks ago, but President Trump chose to play politics instead of listening to families struggling with the high cost of just about everything. I’m proud to have helped craft this bill and voted for it, and I will continue working with anyone to ensure Wisconsinites can make ends meet, achieve homeownership, and invest and live in the communities they love.”\n\nSenator Baldwin traveled across the state, meeting with local families and housing stakeholders to advocate for the passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. Senator Baldwin held events in Sun Prairie, Wausau, Hayward, Watertown, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Racine, and Eau Claire. In Wisconsin, the median home price climbed from $155,000 in 2015 to $325,000 in 2025, more than doubling over the decade. Wisconsin homebuyers are now spending four times more than their household income, according to an analysis of Census Bureau and Zillow data.\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes key bipartisan priorities, including a provision banning large institutional investors from buying single-family homes. Senator Baldwin has long championed legislation to crack down on corporate investors who buy up homes and lock Wisconsinites out of homeownership. Senator Baldwin co-leads the Affordable Housing and Homeownership Protection Act, legislation to help build and preserve approximately three million affordable housing units nationwide, fully paid for by taxing investors who purchase and hold more than 15 single-family homes. Baldwin also joined her colleagues in introducing the Stop Predatory Investing Act, to prohibit investors who acquire 50 or more single-family rental homes from deducting interest or depreciation on those properties. Baldwin and her colleagues called on President Trump to support their bill and to take on large institutional investors who are gobbling up homes. At the local level, Senator Baldwin called on the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Chicago to work with her office and Milwaukee affordable housing nonprofits to expand opportunities for Milwaukee residents to compete with out-of-state investors.\n\nKey provisions of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act include:\n\nBans corporate landlords from buying up single-family homes: This housing package includes legislation that would rein in large institutional investor purchases of single-family homes. The legislation will halt large institutional investor purchases of single-family homes, making it easier for families to buy homes and harder for powerful corporate landlords to drive up the cost of rent. Penalties imposed for violations will be used to support housing construction and assistance for first-time homebuyers.\n\nBoosts housing supply to bring down costs: The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will boost housing supply to bring down costs, including through the first-ever federal incentives for municipalities that successfully build more housing. The package will make it easier and cheaper to build new housing by removing the chassis requirement for manufactured housing; easing financing for modular housing, manufactured housing, and affordable dwelling units; and streamlining construction approval processes and environmental reviews for affordable housing development. It will also help preserve existing supply and convert blighted and underutilized buildings into new housing.\n\nMakes key reforms to increase housing fairness, access, and affordability: The legislation addresses appraisal bias, preserves manufactured housing communities, improves Section 8 inspection policies to get families housed faster, supports homeownership, addresses housing needs of veterans, and improves federal programs to help reduce homelessness.\n\nIncludes significant, longstanding policy priorities to build more housing and make it more affordable: These provisions include reforming and reauthorizing the HOME Investment Partnerships program, authorizing the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, making long-overdue reforms to the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Housing Service to prevent the loss of up to 400,000 affordable homes in rural communities, and creating new funding streams for HUD-certified housing counseling.\n\nTo read the bill text, click here.\n\nTo read the section-by-section, click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-rob-schmitt-tonight-on-newsmax/", "title": "ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Rob Schmitt Tonight on Newsmax", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Rob Schmitt Tonight on Newsmax to discuss Graham Platner, the state of Democratic Party leadership, and the Democrats’ leftward shift.\n\nClick the image above for full discussion.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Platner, what a dirt bag that guy is, and everybody knew it, the Democrats knew it, Republicans knew it, the voters in Maine knew it. It’s unbelievable that the Democrats would nominate him to be their candidate, but then again, you see the Democrats nominating flawed, left-wing, radical, communist candidates all over the country, but Platner would have been easy to beat… That’s becoming the mantra of the Democrat Party all over the country. This is not my grandpa’s Democratic Party.”\n\n“It just goes to show that Chuck Schumer doesn’t run the Democratic Party, certainly not the Democrat conference in the United States Senate; Bernie Sanders does. And Bernie Sanders vetted Graham Platner, and Graham Platner passed the Bernie Sanders test, so that just goes to show that the communist, socialist wing led by Bernie Sanders and these radical Democrats own the Democrat party. They anointed Platner; that’s who they wanted. He was their movement, a socialist, communist candidate. And the Democrats nominated him. That’s just the fact of the matter.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-the-hugh-hewitt-show-on-salem-news-channel/", "title": "ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins The Hugh Hewitt Show on Salem News Channel", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined The Hugh Hewitt Show on Salem News Channel to discuss the importance of fighting for President Trump’s agenda and the SAVE America Act.\n\nClick the image above for full discussion.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “It shows the contrast between us and them. And the biggest contrast, by the way, in polling just over the past couple of weeks: nationally only 29% of democrats say they are proud to be American on America 250. This is the greatest country in the history of the world and that’s fundamentally the difference between us and them.”\n\n“We have to do our part too. I’m well aware Republicans have to fight harder for the SAVE America Act. We have to fight harder for President Trump’s agenda. Gas prices are down; we have to keep them going down and costs of living going down. But we are working on that and focused on that with President Trump… ”\n\n“Again, we have a lot to do in six months, and our voters sent us to Washington to fight for them. And frankly, I’m glad some of these Republicans are retiring. They have been in Washington for way too long. In my year and a half in the Senate, we have some Republican Senators who don’t want to fight. They don’t want to fight for this agenda. We have a fresh crop of Republicans who have been fighting the good fight in the House who are now going to help us shake it up in the Senate, and that’s what we desperately need.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-graham-shaheen-and-wicker-announce-agreement-on-legislation-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-accountable", "title": "Blumenthal, Graham, Shaheen, & Wicker Announce Agreement on Legislation to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil Accountable", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) released the following statement today:\n\n“We are proud to announce that we have reached an agreement with the Trump Administration to move our updated Russia sanctions legislation forward. We are very pleased with this significant progress and expect to roll out the legislation very soon. As Russia intensifies its slaughter of civilians, it is imperative that the legislative and executive branches work together to create tools to exact a heavy price on those who buy Russian oil and natural gas, fueling the Putin war machine.”\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-lujan-and-wyden-demand-ftc-action-on-hidden-delivery-fees-that-drive-up-prices-for-consumers", "title": "Blumenthal, Luján, & Wyden Demand FTC action on Hidden Delivery Fees that Drive Up Prices for Consumers", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) this week called on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to take swift action to stop food and grocery delivery apps from using deceptive fees, surveillance pricing, and anti-consumer marketing tactics. The FTC is currently considering a rule to address these deceptive fees. In a letter sent to FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson, Blumenthal, Luján, and Wyden called on the Commission to proceed with the rulemaking and pursue enforcement to protect consumers from these predatory practices.\n\n“For millions of Americans, including busy parents and people with mobility issues, food delivery is a lifeline, not a luxury. However, delivery apps are taking advantage of consumers by slapping on unexplained and misleading fees that lead to exorbitantly higher prices. Delivery apps such as Uber Eats and DoorDash justify these additional charges under the pretext of long-distance deliveries, small orders, priority or express deliveries, and ‘regulatory compliance.’ To further obscure these fees, delivery apps often lump costs together and hide fees during the checkout process,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators continued, “Price gouging through hidden fees and markups clearly falls within the Commission’s purview of combating unfair and deceptive acts and practices…The Commission’s recent advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on delivery app fees presents the perfect opportunity to close this gap.”\n\n“At a time when the cost of living is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, these delivery app fees are nothing more than a greedy assault on consumers’ pocketbooks. As such, we encourage the Commission to proceed with this rulemaking and pursue enforcement against deceptive hidden fees, surveillance pricing, and markups related to food and grocery deliveries,” the Senators concluded.\n\nThe full text of the Senators’ letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Chair Ferguson,\n\nAs consumers face rising costs and price gouging when buying groceries and meals, we write to urge the Federal Trade Commission (the Commission) to proceed with rulemaking and bring enforcement actions to put an end to deceptive fees, surveillance pricing, and anti-consumer marketing tactics by food and grocery delivery apps.\n\nFor millions of Americans, including busy parents and people with mobility issues, food delivery is a lifeline, not a luxury. However, delivery apps are taking advantage of consumers by slapping on unexplained and misleading fees that lead to exorbitantly higher prices. Delivery apps such as Uber Eats and DoorDash justify these additional charges under the pretext of long distance deliveries, small orders, priority or express deliveries, and ‘regulatory compliance.’ To further obscure these fees, delivery apps often lump costs together and hide fees during the checkout process. They also withhold whether they charge more for the same items that cost less in person at the same time they tack on these additional fees. Lastly, mandated pricing disclosures reveal that delivery apps rely on consumers’ personal data, such as their order history, to set prices. For these reasons, we encourage the Commission to stop delivery apps from engaging in surveillance pricing, which exploits consumers by charging drastically unequal prices.\n\nIndependent price comparisons confirm that consumers are being price gouged by delivery apps. A study by LendingTree found that nearly 4 in 10 Americans use delivery services at least once a week and pay on average almost 80% more than they would have picking up those meals themselves. The New York Times found that Uber Eats charged consumers 91% more through price markups and fees for the same order at a nearby Subway. The fees imposed by delivery apps also hurt restaurants and businesses, who can incur their own fees through commission costs and are often incorrectly blamed for increased prices that they do not control.\n\nPrice gouging through hidden fees and markups clearly falls within the Commission’s purview of combating unfair and deceptive acts and practices. Over the years, the Commission has brought numerous enforcement actions against platforms for misrepresenting costs stemming from food and grocery deliveries, including Grubhub, Instacart, Amazon, and Walmart. More notably, the Commission implemented its Junk Fee Rules in May 2025 to require total price disclosures and prohibit misleading fees for certain goods and services. While the Commission recognized that consumers were dissatisfied with these fees on food and grocery delivery apps, the final rule limited its scope to live ticketing sales and short-term lodging. The Commission’s recent advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on delivery app fees presents the perfect opportunity to close this gap.\n\nAt a time when the cost of living is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, these delivery app fees are nothing more than a greedy assault on consumers’ pocketbooks. As such, we encourage the Commission to proceed with this rulemaking and pursue enforcement against deceptive hidden fees, surveillance pricing, and markups related to food and grocery deliveries.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-7/3/2026-7/10/2026", "title": "Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 7/3/2026-7/10/2026", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Touring Storm Damage\n\n[Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) met with local officials and residents in Torrington, Bristol, Salisbury, Harwinton, Plainville, and Southington to tour damage from this week’s storms.\n\n“Storm damage devastated areas of Torrington. I visited some of the worst with Gov Lamont. We’ll be fighting for federal aid,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.\n\n“Bristol’s team has worked well to restore power but widespread residential damage still needs to be repaired. I’m urging homeowners to document it, so we can press for insurance coverage they deserve,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.\n\n“Destruction pervasive in Salisbury—including the renowned White Hart Inn—with 95% power out town wide. A lot of rebuilding ahead. We’re mobilizing possible federal support,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.\n\n“Harwinton hard hit—widespread power outages, lines down, homes damaged, roads blocked. Community coming together,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.\n\n“Winds, hail, rain, & more pummeled Plainville & Southington. Trees fell on houses & roads as well as power lines. Mini-tornadoes or microbursts left a path of destruction,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.\n\nBlumenthal recommended homeowners and businesses impacted by the storms document any damage they are experiencing to support future insurance claims, and he also acknowledged the tireless work of first responders in their emergency response to the storm.\n\n“These microbursts are absolutely destructive in places where there are homes hit by falling trees. What I’ve asked residents to do is document the harm to their property so that insurance will cover it. And the towns are making sure that they have photographic evidence because we can declare an emergency and get federal aid. FEMA, the Small Business Administration, and other agencies ought to come to the assistance of Connecticut,” said Blumenthal. “The destruction is massive in the places where this storm targeted, specific areas with wind and rain and hail. So, were here to help—and I’ve just been very impressed by communities coming together, helping each other, and the police fire, first responders, all responding magnificently.”\n\nUrging Water Safety to Avoid Preventable Injury & Death this Summer\n\nBlumenthal joined Stew Leonard Jr. in West Hartford to urge water and pool safety amidst a surge in drowning deaths as the summer swimming season begins.\n\nDrowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4 in the U.S. For children aged 5 to 14, drowning is the second leading cause death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Last year, the Trump Administration dismantled the CDC Drowning Prevention Unit at the CDC and recently proposed cutting federal funding for the program entirely. Blumenthal requested $5 million in funding for the program in Fiscal Year 2027 and is calling for a reversal of these dangerous and reckless cuts that threaten children and families.\n\n“Every year, about 900 children 1 to 4 years old die as a result of drowning. It is inexcusable, needless, tragic—and there are some easy preventions. Number one: supervision. Watch your child literally every second, because it only takes seconds for drowning to occur. Number two: life vests. These life vest are life savers. And third: learn to swim. There is no excuse for a child to be deprived of swimming lessons. Stew Leonard is offering them for free. Stew Leonard took tragedy and turned it into something immensely positive,” said Blumenthal at the press conference.\n\nBlumenthal further urged water safety on Twitter/X.\n\n“Stew Leonard took the tragic drowning of his son & turned it into positive change for the community. Swim lessons, water safety, watchful caregivers will help save children’s lives this summer,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.\n\nDemanding Repeal of Trump Administration Harmful Student Loan Policy\n\nBlumenthal joined students, faculty, and leadership at Southern Connecticut State University to demand passage of legislation to repeal the Trump Administration’s changes to federal student loan eligibility for part-time college students that are in effect as of July 1. Part-time students have historically qualified for the same federal loans as full-time students. Under President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, students enrolled part-time are only eligible for loans proportional to the number of credits they take, meaning a student taking 50% of a full course load can receive only 50% of the federal loan they previously qualified for. The cost of tuition does not account for the full cost of attendance, even for part time students. This reduction could prevent students from affording books, transportation, childcare, and other necessities in order to successfully complete their degree requirements.\n\nBlumenthal is pushing for Senate passage of his Restoring College Access and Affordability Act, introduced earlier this year, which would repeal these changes and restore equal access to federal student loans.\n\n“Donald Trump is screwing higher education. Students lose, billionaires win, which is unfair to students but also unfair to the country—because we need those students to be gaining the skills that are needed in all kinds of areas of business,” said Blumenthal at the press conference. “I’ve introduced a measure called the Restoring College Access and Affordability Act. It safeguards loans and other sources of financing that are essential.”\n\nCelebrating the Fourth of July Across Connecticut\n\nOn the Fourth of July, Blumenthal celebrated our country and the values upon which our nation was founded.\n\n“Happy Fourth of July! On America’s 250th Birthday we reflect on the promise of our great nation, our hard-won independence & our common commitment to upholding democratic values,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.\n\n“On America’s 250th, I remember Justice Thurgood Marshall’s Bicentennial reminder that the Constitution is not “fixed in meaning” but rather “a living document.” Honoring our Founders, we should honor also all who have expanded liberty, justice & equality. Our work continues,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.\n\nBlumenthal also recognized our country’s 250th birthday with a post on his Substack page.\n\nBlumenthal marked the Fourth of July with parades and celebrations across Connecticut over the holiday weekend.\n\n“Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday with IRIS, thanking this magnificent organization for its profoundly important work welcoming & resettling immigrants & refugees,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.\n\n“Columbia's July 4th parade—a great community celebrates a great country on its 250th. A deeply patriotic tribute,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.\n\n“The Boom Box July 4th Parade in Willimantic was one of the best ever—rousing, rocking spirit & energy. Despite the heat, crowds were amazing—in numbers & enthusiasm. Thank you Wayne Norman of WILI!” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.\n\n“Bell ringing 250th celebration in Norwich with Mayor Singh & wonderful community. Recitations, music, remarks & bells—all made it special,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.\n\n“Wethersfield celebrated 250 years of independence & this historic town’s enduring contribution with a community party—music, games, food, bubbles, tattoos (removable) & lots of exuberant spirit (sustained),” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.\n\n“In Guilford, reading the Declaration of Independence marked a 250th celebration, followed by music & food. A great time, before a classic New England summer rainstorm,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.\n\nBlumenthal Bulletin\n\nBlumenthal celebrated Seyo Cecunjanin’s release from ICE detainment.\n\nBlumenthal announced an agreement on legislation to hold purchasers of Russian oil accountable.\n\nBlumenthal demanded FTC action on hidden delivery fees that drive up prices for consumers.\n\nBlumenthal supported the decision to grant Ukraine a license to construct more Patriot missiles.\n\nBlumenthal slammed Trump for profiting from the Presidency while investors in his bitcoin experienced a humongous loss.\n\nBlumenthal joined CNN’s Anderson Cooper to discuss Trump leveraging the presidency to profit off his crypto schemes.\n\nBlumenthal demanded the FTC stop deceptive fees on food delivery apps.\n\nBlumenthal attended a Venezuela flag raising ceremony in Bridgeport.\n\nBlumenthal called out Trump for rolling back gun violence protections.\n\nBlumenthal celebrated the UConn Health Neuromodulation Center of Excellence offering critical care to veterans.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-delivers-remarks-at-fort-rucker-barracks-ribbon-cutting-completed-with-41-2-million-she-secured/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Delivers Remarks at Fort Rucker Barracks Ribbon Cutting Completed with $41.2 Million She Secured", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) delivered remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Fort Rucker’s new PFC Garfield M. Langhorn Training Complex. Fort Rucker is the U.S. Army’s Aviation Center of Excellence, and this new facility will serve as housing and support facilities for over 300 Army Aviation Soldiers going through training on the base. In the FY24 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, Senator Britt, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured a critical $41.2 million to finish the construction of these barracks.\n\nSenator Britt participates in the AIT barracks ribbon cutting on Fort Rucker\n\nIn her remarks, Senator Britt stated in part, “The men and women … that serve here are heroes. They deserve the quality of life and experience that their sacrifice put forth … I know that this is going to modernize the living conditions for aviation soldiers in training, and it’s going to provide them with the facilities they have long awaited. Look, this has been a long time coming. I’m grateful to our military leaders and grateful to our communities, and grateful to those who continue to bring attention to this.”\n\n…\n\n“This year, America celebrates 250 years of freedom as a land of enduring opportunity. We also recently celebrated 251 years of the United States Army … For longer than our nation has existed, American soldiers have answered the call to defend our freedoms, to preserve peace through strength, and to protect our nation.”\n\n…\n\n“I am grateful for the leadership of President Trump and for our Secretary of War and the men and women sitting in front of us. There has never been a more important time to invest in America’s military and national defense … I remain committed to ensuring that our warfighter is the best trained, equipped, and ready across the planet, and I could not be more grateful to this administration and President Trump and his efforts to rebuild America’s military and strengthen our national defense.\n\n“It is an honor to celebrate this ribbon cutting with all of you today … I look forward to seeing our soldiers move into these new barracks and in the next chapter of Army Aviation, maintaining and staying here in the Wiregrass. Thank you for what you do. It is an honor to represent you and work shoulder to shoulder with so many of you here. God Bless our troops. God Bless our Army. God Bless our Army Aviators. And God Bless the United States of America.”\n\nSenator Britt grew up just outside of the gates of historic Fort Rucker in Enterprise and has proudly supported construction, training, and operations on the base throughout her time in the Senate. In the FY26 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, Senator Britt secured an additional $28.4 million in funding for Fort Rucker including construction of flight control towers, a medical evacuation support facility, an aircraft maintenance hangar, and more. In total, Senator Britt has directly secured $86.55 million for Fort Rucker.\n\nBackground:\n\nPFC Garfield M. Langhorn Training Complex is Fort Rucker’s first new barracks since 1998 and will modernize living conditions for Army Aviation Soldiers in training. Previously, Soldiers experienced failed sanitary sewer infrastructure, electrical hazards, gas leaks, HVAC failures, mold mitigation, fire protection systems, and more. In FY19, this project because the base’s top Military Construction, Army (MCA) priority. Soldiers will be expected to move in later this fall.\n\nWith the oversight of the Mobile District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, around 760 contract personnel were employed in the creation of this state-of-the-art facility. The complex will house around 320 Soldiers and hold integrated command centers.\n\nArmy PFC Garfield M. Langhorn, whom the Barracks is named after, was a Vietnam War hero and Medal of Honor recipient inducted into the Army Aviation Hall of Fame. He was killed when he threw himself on a grenade, protecting the lives of his fellow soldiers. Born in New York, he was just 20 years old when he died. President Nixon posthumously awarded his family the Medal of Honor in 1970.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-court-requiring-northwest-ice-processing-center-to-admit-health-inspectors", "title": "Cantwell Statement on Court Requiring Northwest ICE Processing Center To Admit Health Inspectors", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Statement on Court Requiring Northwest ICE Processing Center To Admit Health Inspectors\n\nEDMONDS, WA – Yesterday, a federal judge ruled that the operators of the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma must admit inspectors from the Washington State Department of Health, after years of refusing them entry.\n\nU.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement:", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-trump-removing-all-members-of-vital-bipartisan-election-agency", "title": "Cantwell Statement on Trump Removing All Members of Vital Bipartisan Election Agency", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Statement on Trump Removing All Members of Vital Bipartisan Election Agency\n\nEDMONDS, WA – Yesterday, President Donald Trump ousted all of the remaining commissioners serving on the independent, bipartisan Election Assistance Commission, gutting the only federal entity dedicated to assisting states’ administration of elections. A White House official claimed that President Trump “reserves the right to remove individuals that may not be totally aligned with the important task of securing America’s elections.”\n\nPresident Trump fired the two remaining Democrats, while allowing the remaining Republican member of the commission to resign yesterday. A fourth commissioner, another Republican, left his post voluntarily earlier this year. President Trump’s actions leave the four-seat commission with zero members, with fewer than four months until the midterm elections and just 70 days until early voting begins in some states.\n\nU.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement:\n\n“By removing all members of the independent and bipartisan federal Election Assistance Commission, President Trump is making our elections less secure. Only Congress can eliminate the EAC -- but that hasn’t stopped the President from trying to fully disable it. I call on my colleagues to stand up against the administration’s attempts to undermine free and fair elections.”\n\nEstablished by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), the EAC is an independent, bipartisan commission charged with ensuring accessible, secure, and accurate elections. Since its creation, the EAC has provided essential assistance to state and local election officials, set voting standards, certified voting equipment, and administered the country's most comprehensive election survey, the Election Administration and Voting Survey (EAVS).", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-cramer-honor-journeyman-lineworkers-recognition-day/", "title": "Cortez Masto, Cramer Honor Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators Pass Bipartisan Resolution Designating July 10, 2026, as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) led the passage of a bipartisan resolution to designate July 10, 2026, as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. This resolution honors the men and women who dedicate their lives to ensure communities have access to safe, affordable, and reliable electricity.\n\n“Every year on July 10, we recognize the tireless dedication of journeyman lineworkers,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “These men and women not only perform routine maintenance to our power grids, but they also restore electricity when our communities are struck by disasters, from wildfires to hurricanes. I am proud to stand behind our lineworkers and to introduce this bipartisan resolution honoring their steadfast commitment to our communities.”\n\n“Despite the freezing winter cold and sweltering summer heat, lineworkers across North Dakota ensure the power stays on when we need it the most. Growing up, my dad was a rural electric lineman, and I saw firsthand his hard work and commitment to keeping electrons flowing for our neighbors. Our resolution honors the thousands of journeymen lineworkers in America for their selfless dedication,” said Senator Cramer.\n\nThis Resolution is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and the Edison Electric Institute (EEI). Also cosponsoring the Resolution are U.S. Senators Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).\n\n“Lineworkers perform one of the most demanding and essential jobs in our society, often working in dangerous conditions to restore power when communities need it most. On National Lineworker Appreciation Day, we recognize their dedication, expertise, and commitment to public safety. Whether responding to severe storms, maintaining our electric grid, or building energy systems to improve the quality of life for millions of Americans, lineworkers represent some of the electrical industry’s very best. On behalf of our contractors and their employees across our nation, I want to extend our sincere thanks to Senator Cortez Masto for introducing this year’s bipartisan resolution, ensuring our nation never forgets the vital role lineworkers play in everyday lives,” said David Long, NECA CEO.\n\n“Lineworkers are the face of our industry in communities across the country, especially during outages and emergencies,” said Drew Maloney, EEI President and CEO. “Day and night, they work to keep the lights on and ensure customers have the power they depend on to live and work. EEI and our member companies, alongside our partners in organized labor, strongly support Sen. Cortez Masto and Sen. Cramer’s efforts to pass S. Res. 794, which supports designating July 10, 2026, as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. This resolution, and the efforts of our Senate champions, recognize America’s lineworkers, who power the energy of every day.”\n\nThe full text of the resolution can be found here.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto is a champion of Nevada’s skilled trades workers and has consistently fought to create good-paying, union jobs. She has introduced legislation to protect roadside workers, strengthen workers’ right to unionize, and implement federal workforce heat stress protections. Cortez Masto has secured hundreds of thousands in funding to increase women’s access to skills training. She is a consistent supporter of Nevada’s emerging lithium production and recycling industry, which is expected to create thousands of union jobs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-applauds-appointment-of-aaron-reitz-as-us-attorney-for-the-southern-district-of-texas", "title": "Sen. Cruz Applauds Appointment of Aaron Reitz as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.cruz.senate.gov", "scraper": "cruz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001098", "name": "Ted Cruz", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights, released the following statement after Aaron Reitz was appointed U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas.\n\nSen. Cruz said, “I applaud Aaron Reitz’s appointment as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas. Aaron served as my Chief of Staff for nearly two years, and I can attest that throughout his career, whether in law, government, or on the battlefield, he has earned the respect of those who have had the privilege of working with him. I am confident he will uphold the rule of law and keep Texans safe in this new position. I congratulate Aaron on this well-deserved appointment.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-visits-wildfire-site-urges-passage-of-fix-our-forests-act", "title": "Curtis Visits Wildfire Site, Urges Passage of Fix Our Forests Act", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.curtis.senate.gov", "scraper": "curtis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001114", "name": "John R. Curtis", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The full transcript is below, and video can be found here.\n\nI’m in Juab County today very near the city of Eureka, where we’ve just had two of our very big fires, and these are under control and doing well.\n\nI had a chance to be briefed by BLM, by wildland firefighters, by the Forest Service, and by the city itself. I’m telling you, one of the things that was just touching was to hear the mayor talk about how he thought his entire city was going to burn, and how they were able to bring resources in—a lot of federal resources—to protect the city and a lot of the resources in the county.\n\nIt’s been very interesting. As you all know, we’ve got these severe fires across the entire state.\n\nI’m working really hard on a bill. It’s called Fix Our Forests. It dramatically changes the way we manage our federal lands and our forests—not just federal, but all of our forests—before the fires. It changes the way we fight the fires and then the way we deal with the aftermath. And I’m hoping we can get that bill across the finish line. It’s called Fix Our Forests. Follow it and follow us.\n\nBackground:\n\nUtah is experiencing one of its most challenging wildfire seasons, underscoring the need for policies that reduce hazardous fuels, improve coordination across jurisdictions, and accelerate recovery efforts after fires are contained. The bipartisan Fix Our ForestsAct would reform how forests are managed before wildfires occur, improve the nation’s wildfire response, and strengthen post-fire restoration efforts. The legislation streamlines hazardous fuels reduction projects, expands cross-boundary collaboration, and helps federal land managers respond more quickly to growing wildfire threats.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-announce-52-million-in-public-health-grants-for-illinois", "title": "Duckworth, Durbin Announce $52 Million in Public Health Grants for Illinois", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced a total of $52,175,652 in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) public health grants for the Illinois Department of Public Health and the City of Chicago. Primarily sourced from the federal Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Program, this funding will assist state and local governments in effectively preparing for or responding to public health threats including infectious diseases and natural disasters. Other awards are for cancer and heart disease prevention, tuberculosis monitoring and for immunization-related activities.\n\n“Investing in our public health departments is essential to keeping Illinois communities healthy, prepared and resilient,” Duckworth said. “This federal funding will help our public health organizations protect families, respond to emergencies and prepare for future outbreaks and natural disasters while ensuring local leaders have the resources they need to help keep Illinoisans safe.”\n\n“Whether responding to emerging viral threats like Ebola or RSV, preventing violence and opioid overdoses, or ensuring effective emergency response to natural disasters, public health departments in Illinois play a vital role in protecting communities across the state,” Durbin said. “The funding announced today will give our public health departments the resources they need to navigate future public health challenges and continue to preserve the well-being of our community.”\n\nThe Illinois Department of Public Health will receive $36,453,082 in grant funding while the City of Chicago will receive $15,722,570.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-calls-on-department-of-homeland-security-to-reinstate-temporary-protected-designation-for-haiti/", "title": "Gillibrand Calls On Department Of Homeland Security To Reinstate Temporary Protected Designation For Haiti", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Following the Recent Supreme Court Decision, Haitian Nationals on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Will Lose Work Authorization on Saturday\n\nThe Senator Recently Joined Colleagues to Introduce S. 4814 to Require the Secretary of Homeland Security to Designate Haiti for TPS\n\nU.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) today called on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow to reinstate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.\n\nThe push follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting the Trump administration to terminate Haiti’s TPS designation. Affected Haitian nationals will lose their work authorization after today, July 10. New York is home to a large Haitian community, with vibrant populations in New York City, Spring Valley, and across Long Island.\n\nIn her letter, Gillibrand noted that given the ongoing social unrest and humanitarian crisis in Haiti, TPS should remain in place, especially since USCIS has not “credibly shown that these conditions have abated […] Beyond humanitarian interests, allowing Haitian nationals’ work authorization to suddenly expire will deal yet another blow to American employers who rely on these individuals to fill essential roles supporting New Yorkers,” Gillibrand wrote.\n\nThe expiration of TPS will have severe consequences across the state and nation, particularly for the U.S. health care workforce. Gillibrand pointed out that hospitals, emergency rooms, senior care facilities, and home care services continue to face severe staffing shortages. The Senator noted that, “Across New York State, Haitians are deeply integrated into our local economies as small business owners, teachers, and civic leaders. In Spring Valley and throughout Rockland County, they form a core part of our local care infrastructure.”\n\nSenator Gillibrand’s office has received extensive outreach from communities across New York concerned that the lapse in Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) will disrupt vital services. She wrote that the EAD lapse “would result in a sudden loss of trusted caregivers for some of New York’s most vulnerable citizens. These are community members who depend on stable relationships to live safely, with dignity, and as independently as possible.”\n\nGillibrand concluded by urging Mullin and Edlow to reverse the decision while Congress pursues legislative solutions, including S. 4814, a bill she recently co-sponsored to mandate Haiti’s TPS designation.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-leads-bipartisan-bicameral-letter-urging-reappointment-of-dr-john-howard-to-lead-world-trade-center-health-program/", "title": "Gillibrand Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Letter Urging Reappointment Of Dr. John Howard To Lead World Trade Center Health Program", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) led a bipartisan, bicameral letter urging Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reappoint Dr. John Howard to another six-year term as Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Administrator of the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).\n\nThe letter, which Gillibrand led alongside Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02), was signed by 26 bipartisan members of Congress ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. In the letter, the lawmakers highlight Dr. Howard’s leadership of the World Trade Center Health Program and note that Congress recently secured lifetime funding for the program, ensuring responders and survivors continue receiving the care they have earned.\n\n“Honoring our promise to ‘never forget’ means protecting healthcare for 9/11 first responders and survivors,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Dr. Howard has dedicated his career to ensuring that 9/11 heroes get the specialized care they need to cope with the long-term health effects of toxic exposure. Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attacks, the Trump administration must reappoint Dr. Howard to guarantee that survivors keep the care and stability that they deserve.”\n\n“Twenty-five years after September 11th, New Yorkers know our responsibility to the responders and survivors who answered the call has never ended,” said Congressman Garbarino. “Congress recently secured funding for the World Trade Center Health Program for the lifetime of the program, ensuring those who continue to suffer from the health effects of 9/11 will receive the care they have earned for years to come. Dr. Howard has dedicated more than two decades to serving the 9/11 community, and we owe him our sincere thanks for that commitment. As we approach the 25th anniversary of the attacks, reappointing Dr. Howard will provide the continuity and stability the Program deserves.”\n\n“Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act want to thank Congressman Garbarino and Senator Gillibrand for leading this strong bipartisan effort and all of the members of Congress who joined with them in urging Secretary Kennedy to show he fully supports the WTC Health Program and its work in providing health care to over 140,000 9/11 responders and survivors by reappointing Dr. Howard as the program Administrator before the upcoming 25th Anniversary of 9/11 this September,” said Ben Chavet, executive director of the Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act.\n\nThe World Trade Center Health Program provides critical medical services to more than 140,000 9/11 responders and survivors across all 50 states. Earlier this year, Congress secured funding for the lifetime of the Program, permanently addressing its projected funding shortfall and providing long-term certainty for responders, survivors, healthcare providers, and researchers.\n\nIn their letter, the Members recognized recent steps taken by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address staffing shortages, delayed research grants, and pending petitions for additional covered conditions. They also emphasized that maintaining experienced leadership will help ensure the Program continues operating effectively as it enters its next chapter. The Members urged Secretary Kennedy to reappoint Dr. Howard before the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.\n\nSenator Gillibrand has been leading the push for 9/11 first responders and survivors still battling illnesses from their toxic exposure at Ground Zero. She recently pushed HHS to expand coverage of cancer screenings for 9/11 responders and survivors under the WTCHP. She also led the bipartisan, bicameral fight to fix the World Trade Center Health Program’s funding shortfall, and she delivered full, permanent funding for the program, signed into law in February 2026.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-welcomes-over-746000-in-federal-funding-to-support-iowa-communities", "title": "Grassley Welcomes Over $746,000 in Federal Funding to Support Iowa Communities", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) welcomed news from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that Iowa will receive over $746,000 in federal funding to benefit communities across western and northwestern Iowa. This funding is authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Act.\n\n“In the wake of devastating storms, Iowans have demonstrated the strength and resilience that make us the Hawkeye State. I’m glad to see Secretary Mullin push this vital funding through so Iowans can continue to repair and rebuild,” Grassley said. “In the Senate, I’ll keep working to ensure the people of Iowa get the support they need.”\n\nDetails on the FEMA awards follow:\n\nLittle Sioux Inter-County Drainage District: $208,302.16 to fund the management of Public Assistance (PA) grants due to severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes in 2024.\n\nWoodbury County Rural Electric Cooperative Association: $156,735.76 to fund the repair or replacement of electrical conductors, utility poles and other items due to severe winter storms in 2025.\n\nRock Rapids Municipal Utility: $138,604.75 to fund the repair or replacement of meters and regulators due to severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes in June 2024.\n\nCity of Onawa: $123,432.42 to fund the repair or replacement of transmission line poles due to severe winter storms in 2025.\n\nCity of Spencer: $118,980 to fund citywide sewer system repairs or replacements due to severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes in 2024.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-secure-america-act", "title": "Q&A: Secure America Act", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Q: Why did you push for passage of the Secure America Act?\n\nA: The disastrous open border policies of the Biden administration weakened our national security and created a humanitarian crisis by empowering criminal networks to exploit tens of thousands of vulnerable migrant children and emboldening drug cartels to push their poison into the country, including along Iowa’s major highways. Lax enforcement of our immigration laws under the previous administration paved unprecedented illegal migration into the country, further exacerbated by the Biden administration’s abuse of the federal immigration parole system. During the Biden presidency, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) calculated a net entry of more than seven million people illegally entered the United States, nearly doubling legal immigration from fiscal years 2021 to 2024.\n\nThe Republican-led Congress and the Trump administration are fixing the mess created by the Biden administration’s open border policies. The CBO examined how the illegal immigration surge strained social services and local budgets, calculating it resulted in a direct net cost of more than $9 billion in 2023.\n\nAs chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over matters related to immigration and law enforcement, I led passage of the Secure America Act signed into law in June. The nearly $70 billion package boosts border security and immigration enforcement funding, strengthening the ability of the executive branch to faithfully execute the laws of the land. As America celebrates 250 years since our nation’s founding, we’re called to recognize how we got here and where we’re headed. That includes upholding the founding principles to defend our sovereignty and adhere to the rule of rule, such as protecting our borders, enforcing immigration and trade laws and respecting immigrants who obey our laws to come to America.\n\nQ: How will the Secure America Act improve public safety?\n\nA: This law fully funds federal law enforcement officers and U.S. border security personnel, the men and women who risk their lives to keep our streets safe, keep dangerous drugs out of our communities and keep counterfeit products off our shelves. It’s downright reckless that my Senate Democrat colleagues blocked funding for federal law enforcement officers and intentionally undermined the appropriations process that led to government shutdowns of federal agencies that serve and protect the American public, from border security to security screening at airports. The Secure America Act ensures federal law enforcement officers will be paid for their work. As always, I’m proud to shape public policy that backs the blue and supports measures to protect public safety, including keeping violent criminals, illicit drugs and contraband off our streets.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hassan-highlights-bipartisan-road-to-housing-bill-and-need-to-lower-housing-costs-at-events-across-new-hampshire", "title": "Senator Hassan Highlights Bipartisan ROAD to Housing Bill & Need to Lower Housing Costs at Events Across New Hampshire", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.hassan.senate.gov", "scraper": "hassan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001076", "name": "Margaret Wood Hassan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "NEW HAMPSHIRE – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan highlighted the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act at events in Londonderry and Keene this week, underscoring how the bill will help reduce hosting costs for New Hampshire families.\n\n“To lower housing costs for families, we need to build more housing. Developments like the Village at Technology Hill and the Roosevelt East Apartments will help more Granite Staters find an affordable place to live and stay in New Hampshire,” said Senator Hassan. “The bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act that I fought for will help more communities build homes like these, and I look forward to it becoming law at midnight— despite President Trump’s tantrum about it.”\n\nIn Londonderry, the Senator spoke at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Village at Technology Hill, a new middle-class family housing development that will add 400 new units when completed.\n\nIn Keene, Senator Hassan toured the Roosevelt East Apartments, a newly opened apartment complex built on the site of a former school. The project was funded using the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit that Senator Hassan worked to expand.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-cassidy-king-press-doj-on-status-of-bipartisan-halt-fentanyl-act-after-agency-misses-key-implementation-deadline", "title": "Heinrich, Cassidy, King Press DOJ on Status of Bipartisan HALT Fentanyl Act After Agency Misses Key Implementation Deadline", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and Angus King (I-Maine) sent a letter pressing Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) failure to meet a deadline to implement key research provisions of the bipartisan Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act. The legislation led by Heinrich and Cassidy and cosponsored by King, permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs and streamlines the registration process for scientists conducting controlled substance research. The HALT Fentanyl Act became law on July 16, 2025.\n\nScientists studying Schedule I substances often face lengthy bureaucratic hurdles that slow scientific breakthroughs and delay the development of new treatments — including promising therapies to support mental health and physical well-being. The HALT Fentanyl Act is designed to reduce those delays by allowing eligible researchers to notify the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) when they begin research, rather than waiting for the agency to individually review and approve each project before research can start. The law required the Attorney General to establish that new notification process within six months, but that deadline passed on January 16, 2026.\n\n“We recognize the importance of maintaining appropriate controls over Schedule I substances while supporting and accelerating research that may lead to new scientific discoveries and the development of new therapeutics,” the senators wrote to Acting Attorney General Blanche. “As psychedelics are currently classified under Schedule I, timely implementation of the HALT Fentanyl Act is essential to accomplishing these objectives.”\n\nThe senators concluded their letter by asking Acting Attorney General Blanche when DOJ will comply with the law and establish the new research process Congress required, including by answering the following questions:\n\nBy what date will the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the DEA establish and publish an updated process for Schedule I research registrations?\n\nHas DEA established an electronic portal for submitting research activity notifications? If so, when was it implemented?\n\nWhat steps is DEA taking to eliminate duplicative requirements, including repeated site inspections and multiple registrations within the same institution or locality?\n\nIf these steps have not been implemented, what is DEA’s timeline for meeting the requirements of P.L. 119-26?\n\nWhat actions is DOJ taking to ensure consistent implementation of the Act across all DEA field offices?\n\nHas DEA issued guidance or conducted training on the Act’s requirements? If so, please describe.\n\nFor more information on the HALT Fentanyl Act, click here.\n\nThe full text of the letter is here and below:\n\nDear Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche,\n\nWe write to inquire about the status of the Department of Justice’s implementation of the “HALT Fentanyl Act.” President Trump signed this law on July 16, 2025, and it includes significant changes to federal requirements for controlled-substance research. The law sets a six-month deadline for rulemaking by the Attorney General, and this deadline passed on January 16, 2026. The expiration of this deadline and the continued absence of rulemaking or guidance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) threaten to hinder research for breakthrough psychiatric treatments.\n\nAs cosponsors of S. 331, the “HALT Fentanyl Act,” we recognize the importance of maintaining appropriate controls over Schedule I substances while supporting and accelerating research that may lead to new scientific discoveries and the development of new therapeutics. Multiple Schedule I drugs have shown significant promise in clinical trials, and several have been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).\n\nPresident Trump’s recent Executive Order, entitled “Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness,” articulates the imperative to hasten research efforts, stating, “It is the policy of my Administration to accelerate innovative research models and appropriate drug approvals to increase access to psychedelic drugs that could save lives and reverse the crisis of serious mental illness in America.” As psychedelics are currently classified under Schedule I, timely implementation of the HALT Fentanyl Act is essential to accomplishing these objectives.\n\nFollowing the President’s Executive Order and in response to the urgent, widespread need for new and effective psychiatric treatments, we respectfully request responses to the following questions:\n\nBy what date will the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the DEA establish and publish an updated process for Schedule I research registrations?\n\nHas DEA established an electronic portal for submitting research activity notifications? If so, when was it implemented?\n\nWhat steps is DEA taking to eliminate duplicative requirements, including repeated site inspections and multiple registrations within the same institution or locality?\n\nIf these steps have not been implemented, what is DEA’s timeline for meeting the requirements of P.L. 119-26?\n\nWhat actions is DOJ taking to ensure consistent implementation of the Act across all DEA field offices?\n\nHas DEA issued guidance or conducted training on the Act’s requirements? If so, please describe.\n\nWe request that you provide responses to these questions no later than July 31, 2026. We look forward to your reply and to the implementation of the HALT Fentanyl Act in accordance with the law.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nm-delegation-demands-answers-after-reports-of-dea-declining-to-seize-massive-fentanyl-shipments-calls-for-immediate-reforms-to-stop-deadly-fentanyl-from-reaching-new-mexico-communities", "title": "N.M. Delegation Demands Answers After Reports of DEA Declining to Seize Massive Fentanyl Shipments, Calls for Immediate Reforms to Stop Deadly Fentanyl from Reaching New Mexico Communities", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) sent a letter demanding answers from U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Terrance Cole on why the DEA allowed large quantities of fentanyl to circulate unseized in New Mexico communities.\n\nTrafficking of fentanyl and other opioids poses one of the most severe — and often deadly — public health threats facing New Mexico and the nation. Illicit fentanyl, a Schedule I controlled substance, is an exceptionally potent synthetic opioid that can be fatal even in extremely small quantities. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl has been the primary driver of the overdose epidemic in the U.S.\n\nWhistleblower complaints allege that Albuquerque-based DEA agents declined to interdict at least 1.8 million fentanyl pills between 2023 and 2025 in hopes of taking down a larger supply chain.\n\n“We unequivocally assert that allowing fentanyl to go unseized creates an unconscionable risk to New Mexicans,” the lawmakers wrote to DEA Administrator Cole.\n\nIn 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and DEA established \"Fentanyl Protocols\" directing agents to \"seize or otherwise prevent the distribution\" of fentanyl \"as soon as practicable\" to protect public safety. In 2024, the DOJ revised those protocols to provide law enforcement with greater discretion, allowing agents to weigh public safety risks against \"the benefits to be achieved through preserving the investigation.\" A 2024 DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) investigative summary further states that the U.S. Attorney's Office acted reasonably in allowing certain drugs to remain unseized and concluded that doing so posed no \"specific danger to public health and safety.\"\n\n“We adamantly disagree with this internal assessment, and we urge your agency to immediately revert fentanyl protocols to the 2017 standard of seize or otherwise prevent the distribution of fentanyl as soon as practicable,” the lawmakers underscored. “We will be taking all necessary actions in Congress to better ensure the safety of New Mexicans and expect that you will stand with us in those efforts.”\n\nThe lawmakers concluded their letter by demanding responses to a request for written documentation on all instances where the DEA declined to interdict fentanyl, and the following questions on the DEA's fentanyl interdiction policies, investigative protocols, and enforcement practices:\n\nProvide comprehensive written documentation of all individual instances, occurring in New Mexico since January 2017, including dates, locations and amount of suspected contraband, during which DEA has declined to interdict fentanyl in the course of a Title III or electronic surveillance investigation. Please also indicate the extent to which fentanyl involved in these investigations was ultimately recovered.\n\nWhat are DEA’s current internal directives and guidelines dictating how federal agents manage active drug-trafficking investigations involving fentanyl? Specifically, what protocols instruct agents on whether to seize a shipment of fentanyl immediately or allow it to pass temporarily under surveillance?\n\nWhat internal DOJ or DEA documentation determines, or may supersede, official fentanyl interdiction and operational protocols both as a matter of agency-wide policy and also with regards to individual drug-trafficking investigations? How are these changes to operational protocols communicated to agents in the field? Please provide all such documentation since January 2017.\n\nUnder what circumstances are DEA agents permitted to exercise discretion, abandoning any presumption of interdiction, allowing a fentanyl transaction to proceed without immediate seizure? What safeguards are in place to protect communities when fentanyl shipments are allowed to continue as part of an ongoing investigation?\n\nMust agents possess a guaranteed, continuous ability to seize the substance immediately if the operational environment changes? How is the likelihood of losing operational surveillance, and the potential number of lives impacted if the substance enters the illicit supply chain, measured against the benefits of a successful investigation?\n\nWhat circumstances mandate when fentanyl must be safely interdicted, or swapped for a controlled delivery with a substituted substance, before it is allowed to advance within the supply chain? What levels of approval within your command structure are required to bypass immediate interdiction?\n\nWhat other tactics such as controlled deliveries, enhanced surveillance, contraband substitution are available to your agency to facilitate long-term, high-level investigations without an unacceptable risk to public safety? What resources can we provide to make these tactics of more common use to your agency?\n\nWhat is the reassignment status of DEA personnel based in New Mexico to out-of-state enforcement efforts since January 2025? During the same period, have DEA agents in New Mexico maintained their primary focus on drug-trafficking investigations or have any participated in joint immigration enforcement operations not limited to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations?\n\nFor more information on the N.M. Delegation’s work to tackle the opioid crisis, click here.\n\nThe full text of the letter is here and below:\n\nDear Administrator Cole:\n\nWe write with urgent concern following investigative reporting revealing that U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents may have allowed large quantities of fentanyl to circulate unseized in New Mexico communities. These reports include whistleblower complaints alleging that Albuquerque-based agents declined to interdict at least 1.8 million fentanyl pills between 2023 and 2025 in hopes of taking down a larger supply chain. We unequivocally assert that allowing fentanyl to go unseized creates an unconscionable risk to New Mexicans. Furthermore, given the seriousness of these allegations and potential ongoing threats to public safety, we require immediate responses regarding your agency’s fentanyl interdiction and operational protocols.\n\nIllicit fentanyl poses a uniquely severe, and often deadly, public health crisis in New Mexico and across the country. Pharmaceutical fentanyl, a schedule II substance, is an exceptionally potent synthetic opioid, posing a severe risk of fatality even in extremely small quantities. Its potency is estimated to be significantly higher than other opioids, approximately 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Because fentanyl is so powerful, even an extremely small amount — roughly equivalent to a few grains of salt — can be a lethal dose. The illegal diversion of pharmaceutical fentanyl most often occurs through supply chain theft, prescription fraud, and rogue actors within the medical system. Unlike pharmaceutical fentanyl, illicitly manufactured fentanyl is mainly produced in clandestine laboratories without approved precursor chemicals and is largely responsible for the overdose crisis in the U.S. Illicit fentanyl and its analogs, schedule I substances, are unregulated lab-made variations of pharmaceutical fentanyl often supplied by drug cartels. Illicit manufacturers frequently mix it into other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills. This means individuals are often unaware they are ingesting it, which significantly increases the risk of accidental overdose. Because of the variability in illegal drug manufacturing, the amount of synthetic opioid varies widely from pill to pill and, as acknowledged by your agency, a single pill can easily result in a fatal overdose.\n\nInternal DEA documentation indicating shifting agency fentanyl interdiction and operational protocols, without necessary consultation with various Congressional oversight authorities, is of paramount importance to our inquiry. Public reporting has focused on U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and DEA “Fentanyl Protocols,” established in 2017, mandating that agents “seize or otherwise prevent the distribution” of fentanyl “as soon as practicable” to protect public safety. Subsequently, in 2024, reporting states that DOJ updated these protocols to give law enforcement more discretion, allowing agents to balance public safety risks against “the benefits to be achieved through preserving the investigation.” Confirmation of this posture is recorded in a DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) 2024 investigative summary, concluding that the U.S. Attorney's Office had made reasonable decisions by allowing drugs to go unseized and that their inaction posed no “specific danger to public health and safety.” We adamantly disagree with this internal assessment, and we urge your agency to immediately revert fentanyl protocols to the 2017 standard of seize or otherwise prevent the distribution of fentanyl as soon as practicable.\n\nWe appreciate that you recently asked DOJ’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) to begin an internal, independent investigation of the reported allegations. While we have no interest in interfering with the OIG’s progress, we require immediate responses to the following, no later than 10 days from your receipt of this letter, so that we may take appropriate legislative action to reign in any discretionary authority erroneously presumed.\n\nProvide comprehensive written documentation of all individual instances, occurring in New Mexico since January 2017, including dates, locations and amount of suspected contraband, during which DEA has declined to interdict fentanyl in the course of a Title III or electronic surveillance investigation. Please also indicate the extent to which fentanyl involved in these investigations was ultimately recovered.\n\nWhat are DEA’s current internal directives and guidelines dictating how federal agents manage active drug-trafficking investigations involving fentanyl? Specifically, what protocols instruct agents on whether to seize a shipment of fentanyl immediately or allow it to pass temporarily under surveillance?\n\nWhat internal DOJ or DEA documentation determines, or may supersede, official fentanyl interdiction and operational protocols both as a matter of agency-wide policy and also with regards to individual drug-trafficking investigations? How are these changes to operational protocols communicated to agents in the field? Please provide all such documentation since January 2017.\n\nUnder what circumstances are DEA agents permitted to exercise discretion, abandoning any presumption of interdiction, allowing a fentanyl transaction to proceed without immediate seizure? What safeguards are in place to protect communities when fentanyl shipments are allowed to continue as part of an ongoing investigation?\n\nMust agents possess a guaranteed, continuous ability to seize the substance immediately if the operational environment changes? How is the likelihood of losing operational surveillance, and the potential number of lives impacted if the substance enters the illicit supply chain, measured against the benefits of a successful investigation?\n\nWhat circumstances mandate when fentanyl must be safely interdicted, or swapped for a controlled delivery with a substituted substance, before it is allowed to advance within the supply chain? What levels of approval within your command structure are required to bypass immediate interdiction?\n\nWhat other tactics such as controlled deliveries, enhanced surveillance, contraband substitution are available to your agency to facilitate long-term, high-level investigations without an unacceptable risk to public safety? What resources can we provide to make these tactics of more common use to your agency?\n\nWhat is the reassignment status of DEA personnel based in New Mexico to out-of-state enforcement efforts since January 2025? During the same period, have DEA agents in New Mexico maintained their primary focus on drug-trafficking investigations or have any participated in joint immigration enforcement operations not limited to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations?\n\nPlease provide a detailed timeline regarding actions taken by the DEA since these whistleblower allegations came to your attention. Will DEA now direct all federal agents involved in drug-trafficking investigations to seize or otherwise prevent the distribution of fentanyl as soon as practicable?\n\nThis situation requires that your responses be compiled and returned with the same urgency with which we’ve submitted our inquiries. We will be taking all necessary actions in Congress to better ensure the safety of New Mexicans and expect that you will stand with us in those efforts.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-heinrich-resolution-recognizing-journeyman-lineworkers-day", "title": "Senate Passes Heinrich Resolution Recognizing Journeyman Lineworkers Day", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced that a bipartisan resolution he cosponsored designating July 10, 2026, as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day, passed the Senate.\n\nThis resolution honors the men and women who dedicate their lives to ensure communities in New Mexico and nationwide have access to safe, affordable, and reliable electricity.\n\n“As the son of an IBEW lineman, I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing a resolution recognizing Journeyman Lineworkers Day,” said Heinrich, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “Lineworkers keep the lights on and power nearly every aspect of our daily lives, often working long hours in dangerous conditions to ensure our homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure have safe, reliable electricity. They’re not just maintaining today’s grid — they’re building America’s energy future. We owe it to these workers to make sure they have the tools, training, and jobs they can build their families around and thrive.”\n\nThe resolution is led by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). Alongside Heinrich, the resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).\n\nThe resolution is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and Edison Electric Institute (EEI).\n\nThe full text of the resolution is here.\n\nHeinrich is a champion of New Mexico’s skilled trades workers and has consistently fought to create good-paying, union jobs.\n\nHeinrich recently announced that after nearly two decades of his advocacy to complete one of the largest energy infrastructure projects in the Western Hemisphere, the SunZia Project has become fully operational. SunZia includes a 550-mile transmission line spanning New Mexico’s Torrance, Lincoln, and San Miguel Counties. It will deliver up to 3,650 megawatts (MW) of energy and generate an estimated $20.5 billion in economic benefits for New Mexico and the Southwest. The project supported more than 2,000 construction jobs and will create more than 100 permanent jobs as it begins full operations. For a detailed timeline of Heinrich’s actions to build and bring SunZia online, click here.\n\nIn February 2025, Heinrich introduced his Apprenticeship Pathways Act, legislation to create pathways to high-demand careers for high school students by expanding access to apprenticeships and technical education.\n\nHeinrich, a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, also announced $1,350,000 in federal funding that he secured through the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations process for the United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 412 (U.A. Local 412). The funding will support specialized journeyman training focused on filling jobs created by the CHIPS Act and Inflation Reduction Act, including needs specific to semiconductor plants, hospitals, and heat pump installation, service, repair, and maintenance. In the same Fiscal Year Appropriations bills, Heinrich secured $1,200,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the SMART Local Union No. 49 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee to enhance and expand specialized HVAC apprenticeship training.\n\nIn October 2024, Heinrich visited U.A. 412’s mobile training unit, which is creating more pathways to in-demand careers in the skilled trades and has already trained dozens of New Mexicans in Española, Taos, Las Vegas, Mora, Raton, and Santa Fe. Heinrich also participated in a training demonstration with U.A. Local 412 leadership and apprentices who are learning skills in the plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC trades.\n\nThe U.A. Local 412 Mobile Training Unit was initially paid for by an Economic Development Administration (EDA) Good Jobs Challenge Grant, as part of a $6.4 million award to the Northern N.M. Workforce Integration Network. The Good Jobs Challenge funds were authorized by the American Rescue Plan, the critical economic recovery legislation that Heinrich was proud to pass in 2021.\n\nIn August 2024, Heinrich announced the Senate Appropriations Committee passage of bills that included anadditional $870,000 CDS award that he secured to sustain the U.A. Local 412’s mobile training unit’s operations past the original EDA funding, and to expand its reach to new communities including Grants, Gallup, Silver City, and Zuni Pueblo.\n\nIn October 2024, Heinrich hosted a “Pro-Worker, Pro-Business Opportunities” roundtable to talk directly with New Mexicans about how federal legislation he helped pass into law, like the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Law, is creating careers in high-demand sectors and strengthening New Mexico’s health care, early childhood education, and skilled trades workforce.\n\nIn the last Congress, Heinrich introduced the bipartisan Apprenticeship Pathways Act, legislation to create pathways to careers for high school students by expanding access to apprenticeship programs for occupations with high need, including the building trades, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, telecommunications, and early childhood education. Additionally, Heinrich introduced the Pre-Apprenticeships To Hardhats (PATH) Act, legislation to strengthen the pipeline for careers in New Mexico, address rising workforce shortages, and grow the state’s economy through quality pre-apprenticeship programs.\n\nHeinrich also convened a hearing, as then-Chairman of the U.S. Joint Economic Committee (JEC), on “Job Training for the Clean Energy Transition.” Courtenay Eichhorst, Business Manager of U.A. Local 412 and President of New Mexico Building Trades, testified at the hearing about the importance of apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships.\n\nIn 2021, Heinrich and Moran introduced the Championing Apprenticeships for New Careers and Employees in Technology (CHANCE in Tech) Act, bipartisan legislation to create earlier pathways to high-paying careers in the information technology (IT) industry. Heinrich previously introduced the bipartisan legislation in 2019 with former U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colo.).\n\nIn 2021 and 2022, Heinrich helped pass the Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, which helped bring manufacturing to Central New Mexico, including companies like Arcosa Wind Towers. Later in 2022, Heinrich alsohelped pass the CHIPS and Science Act, bipartisan legislation to lower costs, boost domestic manufacturing, strengthen domestic supply chains, and invest in skilled trades and workforce training programs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-cincinnati-business-courier-highlights-husteds-efforts-to-secure-funding-for-fort-washington-way-project/", "title": "ICYMI: Cincinnati Business Courier highlights Husted’s efforts to secure funding for Fort Washington Way Project", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“The $25 million applied for was the maximum the region could get under the program, with leaders crediting U.S. Sen. Jon Husted for pushing the project.”\n\nCOLUMBUS – An article from the Cincinnati Business Courier highlights Sen. Jon Husted’s (R-Ohio) efforts to secure $25 million in federal funding for the Fort Washington Way Project, a transformational infrastructure investment that will help reconnect downtown Cincinnati, create new public space and support future economic growth.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Senate Appropriations Committee, Husted advocated for the project and helped secure the federal investment through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program.\n\nKey excerpts from the article include:\n\n“The region’s leaders applied twice before for federal money to build caps on top of Fort Washington Way, a project decades in the making, but failed each time.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Cincinnati scored big on its third application for construction money, this time for a federal BUILD grant, which was formally applied for by Hamilton County. The $25 million applied for was the maximum the region could get under the program, with leaders crediting U.S. Sen. Jon Husted for pushing the project.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Husted, who was appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to replace Vice President JD Vance in the Senate in January 2025, cited his service on the Environment and Public Works Committee, as well as discussions he had with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Husted said he sent a letter to Duffy with about 30 projects across Ohio that needed funding, then was invited to a meeting with other lawmakers. The transportation department has thousands of requests for projects, Husted recalls Duffy telling them, so cut down your lists to those with the most impact.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Chamber CEO Brendon Cull cited Husted’s ‘dogged engagement’ with the Department of Transportation.\n\n“‘That’s exactly how he’s gotten things done for Ohio,’ Cull said. ‘He made it clear he was on it. Senator, you delivered for this region, and we are so very grateful.’”", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kellys-office-helps-arizonans-recover-millions-in-benefits-and-refunds/", "title": "Kelly’s Office Helps Arizonans Recover Millions in Benefits and Refunds", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "In 2026 so far, Kelly’s office has helped over 3,000 constituents and returned nearly $4 million in federal benefits to Arizonans\n\nDuring the first half of 2026, the office of Arizona Senator Mark Kelly continued helping constituents navigate challenges with federal agencies and access the benefits and services they have earned. From assisting veterans with their benefits and Social Security issues to expediting passport renewals and resolving tax refund delays, Kelly’s office acted on behalf of more than 3,000 Arizonans, returning nearly $4 million in owed payments and benefits.\n\nIn addition to casework, Kelly’s office continues to connect Arizonans with federal resources through outreach events, mobile office hours, and partnerships with local organizations across the state, ensuring constituents have direct access to assistance closer to home.\n\nSee below for examples of Arizonans helped by Senator Kelly and his office this year:\n\nTax Refunds\n\nArthur and Sharon from Tucson contacted Senator Kelly’s office after the IRS had not processed their amended tax return more than six months after it was filed. Following an inquiry from Kelly’s office, the IRS processed the return and issued a refund, including interest, totaling $11,317.57.\n\nJames and Shyrlene from Chandler reached out after their 2025 federal tax refund was delayed because the IRS was unable to verify their income tax withholding. After Kelly’s office submitted an inquiry, the IRS resolved the issue, released their refund with interest, and provided guidance to help prevent similar delays in the future. They received $34,154.98.\n\nVeterans Affairs\n\nEdward contacted Senator Kelly’s office after missing retirement payments. Following an inquiry from the office, the Department of Veterans Affairs resolved the issue and issued the back pay he was owed.\n\nLenore reached out after experiencing problems with her CHAMPVA eligibility that prevented her from receiving needed medications and medical equipment. After Kelly’s office contacted the agency, her eligibility was approved, allowing her to access her benefits and necessary care.\n\nMedicare & Medicaid\n\nCynthia contacted Senator Kelly’s office after her pharmacy was unable to fill her Medicare Part B prescription because of repeated claim rejections from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Having recently received a kidney transplant, she needed the anti-rejection medication without interruption. After Kelly’s office submitted an inquiry, CMS worked directly with her pharmacy to approve the prescription, allowing her to receive the medication at no cost.\n\nPassports and Immigration\n\nMarie from Phoenix contacted Senator Kelly’s office after losing her naturalization certificate and being unable to renew her driver’s license without proof of citizenship. As the primary caregiver for her disabled veteran husband, restoring her driving privileges was critical. After Kelly’s office contacted the National Archives, the agency located her naturalization record and mailed her a certified copy.\n\nRosa from Tucson reached out to Senator Kelly’s office after her passport application remained pending for several months despite submitting all requested documentation. Following an inquiry from Kelly’s office, the Department of State completed processing her application and mailed her passport.\n\nTreasury\n\nAnita contacted Senator Kelly’s office after spending more than two years attempting to transfer Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities into her name following her husband’s passing. Although she had completed all required paperwork, she was told the process could take at least another year. After Kelly’s office contacted the Department of the Treasury, the transfer was completed, allowing her to access $301,000 in Treasury securities.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=53D456D4-0F35-49D0-97C5-49A73DE91D0D", "title": "Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Replace Bridges Over the Red River in Norman, Polk, and Clay Counties", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "scraper": "klobuchar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000367", "name": "Amy Klobuchar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $24 million for the Red River Regional Bridge System Replacement Project in Norman, Polk, and Clay counties. The grant, provided through USDOT’s BUILD program, will replace up to three bridges over the Red River. This project upgrades aging bridges that are frequently impacted by flooding across the three counties. The bridge system supports commuters, freight movement, and commercial transportation between Minnesota and North Dakota.\n\n“The bridges over the Red River are aging, vulnerable to flooding, and need to be replaced. This federal grant will deliver resources for the bridge replacement project, ensuring both drivers and freight can safely cross the Red River between Minnesota and North Dakota,” Klobuchar said.\n\n“The bridges connecting Minnesota and North Dakota in the Red River Valley are vital to our ag economy and the surrounding communities,” said Smith. “Replacing three old bridges across the Red River will keep commodities moving to market and ensure friends and neighbors have safe crossings as they drive across the prairie.”\n\nToday’s announcement builds on Klobuchar and Smith’s past work to support infrastructure in the Red River Valley. In 2022, Klobuchar, Smith and Senator Hoeven secured $437 million of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers funding for the construction of permanent flood protection in the Red River Valley. With that award, the project received the complete federal funding commitment of $750 million.\n\nBUILD grants, previously referred to as RAISE grants, can be used by communities across the country for a wide variety of transportation projects with significant local or regional impact. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Klobuchar and Smith supported and was signed into law in 2021, delivered a 50 percent increase in the amount of available funding for the BUILD grants, as well as resources for improving the state’s roads, bridges, public transportation, and water infrastructure.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=6CA3A077-EAFB-483C-9100-3EBA7CB29FB4", "title": "Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Improve Rail Crossing Safety in St. Louis County", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "scraper": "klobuchar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000367", "name": "Amy Klobuchar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $6 million for the CSAH 100 Rail Crossing Grade Separation Project in Aurora, Minnesota. The grant, provided through USDOT’s BUILD program, will construct a grade separated bridge to improve connectivity for school transportation, emergency services, and freight for mining and logging. The overpass would include a dedicated space for bicycles, snowmobiles, and ATVs.\n\n“Blocked rail crossings not only inconvenience drivers, but also delay emergency vehicles and threaten public safety,” said Klobuchar. “This federal investment will reduce traffic, boost efficiency, and improve rail crossing safety. Investments in our infrastructure serve as a down payment on the long-term economic well-being of our state.”\n\n“Nothing is worse than running late and being stuck sitting on the road waiting for trains to pass on Highway 100. We hear you, and we’re fixing that,” said Smith. “The new railroad overpass in Aurora will keep traffic and pedestrians moving instead of getting stuck at the crossing. We’re making it safer and more efficient for drivers.”\n\nBUILD grants, previously referred to as RAISE grants, can be used by communities across the country for a wide variety of transportation projects with significant local or regional impact. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Klobuchar and Smith supported and was signed into law in 2021, delivered a 50 percent increase in the amount of available funding for the BUILD grants, as well as resources for improving the state’s roads, bridges, public transportation, and water infrastructure.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=DFD8979E-64CF-4EE7-A202-08665B1E01AA", "title": "Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Infrastructure Improvements in Anoka County", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "scraper": "klobuchar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000367", "name": "Amy Klobuchar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $18 million for the Minnesota State Highway 65 and Bunker Lake Boulevard Project. The grant, provided through the USDOT's BUILD program, will be used to construct an interchange at the intersection of Minnesota State Highway 65 and Bunker Lake Boulevard. This project is part of a larger initiative to convert the highway into a freeway with grade-separated interchanges.\n\n“Investments in our infrastructure serve as down payments on the long-term economic well-being of our state,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will help make our roads safer and more accessible and allow Minnesotans to more easily reach work, school, and other destinations in Anoka County.”\n\n“Highway 65 is a critical link between the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota. But we’re seeing drivers intentionally avoiding the intersection at Bunker Lake Boulevard to avoid the traffic and congestion, which only increases congestion on nearby roads. This intersection is outdated and needs an update,” said Smith. “A new interchange will handle more traffic and take the strain off of side-roads, meaning Minnesotans can more easily get to their families, to their work or where they need to go.”\n\nSenators Klobuchar and Smith have long supported investment in the Highway 65 corridor. In 2023, Klobuchar and Smith announced $20 million in federal funding to improve road safety and accessibility on Highway 65 from 97th Avenue to 117th Avenue. In 2022, Klobuchar and Smith secured $9 million for Highway 65 improvements at 99th Avenue and 109th Avenue intersections, as well as an additional $4 million for the 117th Avenue intersection in 2024.\n\nBUILD grants, previously referred to as RAISE grants, can be used by communities across the country for a wide variety of transportation projects with significant local or regional impact. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Klobuchar and Smith supported and was signed into law in 2021, delivered a 50 percent increase in the amount of available funding for the BUILD grants, as well as resources for improving the state’s roads, bridges, public transportation, and water infrastructure.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=45B855CD-29E7-459E-9DC8-9BE4A60EE3F4", "title": "Graham, Blumenthal, Shaheen, Wicker Announce Agreement With Trump Administration On Legislation Holding Purchasers Of Russian Oil & Natural Gas Accountable", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "scraper": "graham", "member": null, "text": "[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) released the following statement today:\n\n“We are proud to announce that we have reached an agreement with the Trump Administration to move our updated Russia sanctions legislation forward. We are very pleased with this significant progress and expect to roll out the legislation very soon. As Russia intensifies its slaughter of civilians, it is imperative that the legislative and executive branches work together to create tools to exact a heavy price on those who buy Russian oil and natural gas, fueling the Putin war machine.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/n-m-delegation-demands-answers-after-reports-of-dea-declining-to-seize-massive-fentanyl-shipments-calls-for-immediate-reforms-to-stop-deadly-fentanyl-from-reaching-new-mexico-communities/", "title": "N.M. Delegation Demands Answers After Reports of DEA Declining to Seize Massive Fentanyl Shipments, Calls for Immediate Reforms to Stop Deadly Fentanyl from Reaching New Mexico Communities", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) sent a letter demanding answers from U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Terrance Cole on why the DEA allowed large quantities of fentanyl to circulate unseized in New Mexico communities.\n\nTrafficking of fentanyl and other opioids poses one of the most severe — and often deadly — public health threats facing New Mexico and the nation. Illicit fentanyl, a Schedule I controlled substance, is an exceptionally potent synthetic opioid that can be fatal even in extremely small quantities. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl has been the primary driver of the overdose epidemic in the U.S.\n\nWhistleblower complaints allege that Albuquerque-based DEA agents declined to interdict at least 1.8 million fentanyl pills between 2023 and 2025 in hopes of taking down a larger supply chain.\n\n“We unequivocally assert that allowing fentanyl to go unseized creates an unconscionable risk to New Mexicans,” the lawmakers wrote to DEA Administrator Cole.\n\nIn 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and DEA established “Fentanyl Protocols” directing agents to “seize or otherwise prevent the distribution” of fentanyl “as soon as practicable” to protect public safety. In 2024, the DOJ revised those protocols to provide law enforcement with greater discretion, allowing agents to weigh public safety risks against “the benefits to be achieved through preserving the investigation.” A 2024 DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) investigative summary further states that the U.S. Attorney’s Office acted reasonably in allowing certain drugs to remain unseized and concluded that doing so posed no “specific danger to public health and safety.”\n\n“We adamantly disagree with this internal assessment, and we urge your agency to immediately revert fentanyl protocols to the 2017 standard of seize or otherwise prevent the distribution of fentanyl as soon as practicable,” the lawmakers underscored. “We will be taking all necessary actions in Congress to better ensure the safety of New Mexicans and expect that you will stand with us in those efforts.”\n\nThe lawmakers concluded their letter by demanding responses to a request for written documentation on all instances where the DEA declined to interdict fentanyl, and the following questions on the DEA’s fentanyl interdiction policies, investigative protocols, and enforcement practices:\n\nProvide comprehensive written documentation of all individual instances, occurring in New Mexico since January 2017, including dates, locations and amount of suspected contraband, during which DEA has declined to interdict fentanyl in the course of a Title III or electronic surveillance investigation. Please also indicate the extent to which fentanyl involved in these investigations was ultimately recovered.\n\nWhat are DEA’s current internal directives and guidelines dictating how federal agents manage active drug-trafficking investigations involving fentanyl? Specifically, what protocols instruct agents on whether to seize a shipment of fentanyl immediately or allow it to pass temporarily under surveillance?\n\nWhat internal DOJ or DEA documentation determines, or may supersede, official fentanyl interdiction and operational protocols both as a matter of agency-wide policy and also with regards to individual drug-trafficking investigations? How are these changes to operational protocols communicated to agents in the field? Please provide all such documentation since January 2017.\n\nUnder what circumstances are DEA agents permitted to exercise discretion, abandoning any presumption of interdiction, allowing a fentanyl transaction to proceed without immediate seizure? What safeguards are in place to protect communities when fentanyl shipments are allowed to continue as part of an ongoing investigation?\n\nMust agents possess a guaranteed, continuous ability to seize the substance immediately if the operational environment changes? How is the likelihood of losing operational surveillance, and the potential number of lives impacted if the substance enters the illicit supply chain, measured against the benefits of a successful investigation?\n\nWhat circumstances mandate when fentanyl must be safely interdicted, or swapped for a controlled delivery with a substituted substance, before it is allowed to advance within the supply chain? What levels of approval within your command structure are required to bypass immediate interdiction?\n\nWhat other tactics such as controlled deliveries, enhanced surveillance, contraband substitution are available to your agency to facilitate long-term, high-level investigations without an unacceptable risk to public safety? What resources can we provide to make these tactics of more common use to your agency?\n\nWhat is the reassignment status of DEA personnel based in New Mexico to out-of-state enforcement efforts since January 2025? During the same period, have DEA agents in New Mexico maintained their primary focus on drug-trafficking investigations or have any participated in joint immigration enforcement operations not limited to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations?\n\nFor more information on the N.M. Delegation’s work to tackle the opioid crisis, click here.\n\nThe full text of the letter is here and below:\n\nDear Administrator Cole:\n\nWe write with urgent concern following investigative reporting revealing that U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents may have allowed large quantities of fentanyl to circulate unseized in New Mexico communities. These reports include whistleblower complaints alleging that Albuquerque-based agents declined to interdict at least 1.8 million fentanyl pills between 2023 and 2025 in hopes of taking down a larger supply chain. We unequivocally assert that allowing fentanyl to go unseized creates an unconscionable risk to New Mexicans. Furthermore, given the seriousness of these allegations and potential ongoing threats to public safety, we require immediate responses regarding your agency’s fentanyl interdiction and operational protocols.\n\nIllicit fentanyl poses a uniquely severe, and often deadly, public health crisis in New Mexico and across the country. Pharmaceutical fentanyl, a schedule II substance, is an exceptionally potent synthetic opioid, posing a severe risk of fatality even in extremely small quantities. Its potency is estimated to be significantly higher than other opioids, approximately 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Because fentanyl is so powerful, even an extremely small amount — roughly equivalent to a few grains of salt — can be a lethal dose. The illegal diversion of pharmaceutical fentanyl most often occurs through supply chain theft, prescription fraud, and rogue actors within the medical system. Unlike pharmaceutical fentanyl, illicitly manufactured fentanyl is mainly produced in clandestine laboratories without approved precursor chemicals and is largely responsible for the overdose crisis in the U.S. Illicit fentanyl and its analogs, schedule I substances, are unregulated lab-made variations of pharmaceutical fentanyl often supplied by drug cartels. Illicit manufacturers frequently mix it into other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills. This means individuals are often unaware they are ingesting it, which significantly increases the risk of accidental overdose. Because of the variability in illegal drug manufacturing, the amount of synthetic opioid varies widely from pill to pill and, as acknowledged by your agency, a single pill can easily result in a fatal overdose.\n\nInternal DEA documentation indicating shifting agency fentanyl interdiction and operational protocols, without necessary consultation with various Congressional oversight authorities, is of paramount importance to our inquiry. Public reporting has focused on U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and DEA “Fentanyl Protocols,” established in 2017, mandating that agents “seize or otherwise prevent the distribution” of fentanyl “as soon as practicable” to protect public safety. Subsequently, in 2024, reporting states that DOJ updated these protocols to give law enforcement more discretion, allowing agents to balance public safety risks against “the benefits to be achieved through preserving the investigation.” Confirmation of this posture is recorded in a DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) 2024 investigative summary, concluding that the U.S. Attorney’s Office had made reasonable decisions by allowing drugs to go unseized and that their inaction posed no “specific danger to public health and safety.” We adamantly disagree with this internal assessment, and we urge your agency to immediately revert fentanyl protocols to the 2017 standard of seize or otherwise prevent the distribution of fentanyl as soon as practicable.\n\nWe appreciate that you recently asked DOJ’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) to begin an internal, independent investigation of the reported allegations. While we have no interest in interfering with the OIG’s progress, we require immediate responses to the following, no later than 10 days from your receipt of this letter, so that we may take appropriate legislative action to reign in any discretionary authority erroneously presumed.\n\nProvide comprehensive written documentation of all individual instances, occurring in New Mexico since January 2017, including dates, locations and amount of suspected contraband, during which DEA has declined to interdict fentanyl in the course of a Title III or electronic surveillance investigation. Please also indicate the extent to which fentanyl involved in these investigations was ultimately recovered.\n\nWhat are DEA’s current internal directives and guidelines dictating how federal agents manage active drug-trafficking investigations involving fentanyl? Specifically, what protocols instruct agents on whether to seize a shipment of fentanyl immediately or allow it to pass temporarily under surveillance?\n\nWhat internal DOJ or DEA documentation determines, or may supersede, official fentanyl interdiction and operational protocols both as a matter of agency-wide policy and also with regards to individual drug-trafficking investigations? How are these changes to operational protocols communicated to agents in the field? Please provide all such documentation since January 2017.\n\nUnder what circumstances are DEA agents permitted to exercise discretion, abandoning any presumption of interdiction, allowing a fentanyl transaction to proceed without immediate seizure? What safeguards are in place to protect communities when fentanyl shipments are allowed to continue as part of an ongoing investigation?\n\nMust agents possess a guaranteed, continuous ability to seize the substance immediately if the operational environment changes? How is the likelihood of losing operational surveillance, and the potential number of lives impacted if the substance enters the illicit supply chain, measured against the benefits of a successful investigation?\n\nWhat circumstances mandate when fentanyl must be safely interdicted, or swapped for a controlled delivery with a substituted substance, before it is allowed to advance within the supply chain? What levels of approval within your command structure are required to bypass immediate interdiction?\n\nWhat other tactics such as controlled deliveries, enhanced surveillance, contraband substitution are available to your agency to facilitate long-term, high-level investigations without an unacceptable risk to public safety? What resources can we provide to make these tactics of more common use to your agency?\n\nWhat is the reassignment status of DEA personnel based in New Mexico to out-of-state enforcement efforts since January 2025? During the same period, have DEA agents in New Mexico maintained their primary focus on drug-trafficking investigations or have any participated in joint immigration enforcement operations not limited to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations?\n\nPlease provide a detailed timeline regarding actions taken by the DEA since these whistleblower allegations came to your attention. Will DEA now direct all federal agents involved in drug-trafficking investigations to seize or otherwise prevent the distribution of fentanyl as soon as practicable?\n\nThis situation requires that your responses be compiled and returned with the same urgency with which we’ve submitted our inquiries. We will be taking all necessary actions in Congress to better ensure the safety of New Mexicans and expect that you will stand with us in those efforts.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-releases-the-ai-accountability-agenda-taking-power-back-from-big-tech", "title": "Senator Markey Releases “The AI Accountability Agenda: Taking Power Back from Big Tech”", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Includes new legislation requiring data centers fund clean energy and storage to meet their capacity needs\n\nFull Agenda (PDF)\n\nBoston (July 10, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today released his AI Accountability Agenda: Taking Power Back from Big Tech, a new vision for artificial intelligence (AI) policy in Congress. The comprehensive agenda responds to the risks posed by AI and lays out specific policy proposals to protect communities from the immediate harms of AI.\n\nSenator Markey is releasing his agenda as the American people reckon with the real threats posed by AI. While Big Tech is making billions off its pitch that the benefits of AI are nearly limitless, the costs and the risks — to kids, workers, the planet, our health, our rights, and our communities — are nearly limitless as well. Senator Markey’s agenda proposes a comprehensive framework and common-sense legislation to address the harms that the American people are facing every day from AI.\n\nSenator Markey said, “For too long, the conversation about artificial intelligence has been about what’s next — the next breakthrough, the next headline, the next promise of the future. But the American people need more than future promises; they need answers to what’s happening right now. From discriminatory algorithms deciding who gets a home or a loan, data centers invading their neighborhoods, employers using AI to surveil and control workers, or kids turning to chatbots in moments of crisis and getting coached toward harm instead of help, AI is defining daily life right now, and people need protections.”\n\nSenator Markey continued, “The risks are the lived reality of AI for millions of Americans — and they deserve policymakers who are paying attention to their lives, not Big Tech’s bottom line. That is why I have been working for more than a decade to propose commonsense policies to take back unchecked power from Big Tech and put it into the hands of the American people. And it’s why today, I am releasing my AI Accountability Agenda — a set of real, actionable answers for the problems Americans are facing right now.”\n\nSenator Markey’s AI Accountability Agenda highlights six key priorities:\n\nGiving Power Back to Workers\n\nProtecting the Privacy and Safety of Children and Teens\n\nKeeping Civil Rights Safe from AI Bias\n\nPutting Humans First in Healthcare\n\nSafeguarding Against Energy and Environmental Impacts of Data Centers\n\nSharing the AI Wealth\n\n(1) Giving Power Back to Workers\n\nWorkers should not be the test subjects or casualties of unchecked automation, nor should AI give employers a blank check to surveil workers, replace human judgment with unaccountable algorithms, or eliminate jobs while shifting the costs onto workers and communities. To address this, Senator Markey has introduced:\n\nThe No Robot Bosses Act, which would put safeguards on the use of automated decision systems - including AI - to make work-related decisions such as hiring or firing.\n\nThe Stop Spying Bosses Act, which would curtail the growing use of surveillance technology in the workplace.\n\nThe Warehouse Worker Protection Act, which would prohibit dangerous speed quotas and that threaten warehouse worker safety and lead to high injury rates.\n\n(2) Protecting the Privacy and Safety of Children and Teens\n\nSenator Markey has introduced legislation that would ensure that Big Tech companies cannot exploit, manipulate, and target children and teens for their own profits:\n\nThe Youth AI Privacy (YAP) Act, which would require artificial intelligence (AI) companies to implement privacy safeguards in their AI chatbots.\n\nThe Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0), which passed out of the Senate by unanimous consent and would ban targeted advertising to children and teens; provide families with an “eraser button” to delete a kid’s personal data; and establish strict limits on the collection of personal information from minors.\n\n(3) Keeping Civil Rights Safe from AI Bias\n\nAI developers and organizations deploying AI models have an obligation to test and fix biased and discriminatory algorithms used in making critical life decisions, such as those involving employment, banking, healthcare, and criminal justice. That’s why Senator Markey introduced the most comprehensive AI civil rights legislation in Congress:\n\nThe AI Civil Rights Act, which would prevent companies from using biased and discriminatory AI-powered algorithms to help make critical decisions in Americans’ lives.\n\nThe Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems (BIAS) Act, which would ensure that every federal agency that uses, funds, or oversees AI has an office of civil rights focused on combating AI bias and discrimination.\n\n(4) Putting Humans First in Healthcare\n\nPatients deserve care from qualified human beings, and healthcare workers must be able to exercise their professional judgment without fear of retaliation for disagreeing with an AI system. That is why Senator Markey has introduced legislation to ensure that AI supports healthcare professionals:\n\nThe Right to Override Act would require healthcare facilities and health plans to create a human override option for AI decisions and protect healthcare workers who disagree with an AI recommendation while providing care in their best judgment for the patient.\n\n(5) Safeguarding Against Energy and Environmental Impacts of Data Centers\n\nEffective oversight of infrastructure that powers AI requires both transparency into AI’s environmental impacts and strong guardrails for the physical infrastructure powering it, so that data center operators are held accountable to the communities in which they operate. That is why Senator Markey has authored legislation that addresses the public health, energy, and environmental costs of the infrastructure that powers AI:\n\nThe AI Environmental Impacts Act, which would require artificial intelligence (AI) data centers to report on their environmental and energy-related impacts, with fines levied for those that fail to comply.\n\nA discussion draft of the new Protecting Communities from Data Center Impacts Act, which would require data centers to receive a certificate from the federal government prior to construction that affirms the data center has met minimum standards for energy, environmental, and economic impacts. The legislation would also require data centers pay for necessary grid infrastructure and fund clean energy and storage to meet their capacity needs, as well as commit to high labor standards.\n\n(6) Sharing the AI Wealth\n\nThe AI economy should not become another engine for inequality. The wealthiest beneficiaries of AI should pay their fair share just like working people do. That is why Senator Markey has introduced:\n\nThe Equal Tax Act, which would tax investment income at the same rate as ordinary labor income for individuals making more than $1 million.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-applauds-proposed-doj-settlement-to-rectify-2022-pipeline-rupture-in-washington-county/", "title": "Senator Marshall Applauds Proposed DOJ Settlement to Rectify 2022 Pipeline Rupture in Washington County", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), applauded the Justice Department’s proposed settlement to resolve allegations that South Bow — the owner and operator of the Keystone Pipeline — violated the Clean Water Act in the 2022 rupture of the Keystone Pipeline in Washington County.\n\n“Kansas farmers and the local community bore the brunt of the Keystone Pipeline rupture,” said Senator Marshall. “With over 2,700 animals killed or impacted and Kansas farmland and waterways affected, this settlement is a necessary step toward justice. I am happy to see the Justice Department working to ensure this issue is rectified and the proper steps are taken to guarantee this never happens again.”\n\nAs part of the settlement, South Bow has agreed to pay $26.8 million in civil penalties, complete an estimated $40 million in work designed to prevent future spills, and contribute over $3 million to the state of Kansas towards natural resource restoration projects to resolve violations of Kansas state laws.\n\nClick here to learn more.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-discusses-defense-health-care-housing-in-north-central-ks/", "title": "Senator Marshall Discusses Defense, Health Care, & Housing in North-Central KS", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Salina – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) visited communities across Central Kansas to hear directly from Kansans working in the defense, health care, and housing industries about the impact of recent congressional efforts to strengthen rural America and invest in Kansas communities.\n\nAllen Control Systems\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nIn Salina, Senator Marshall met with Allen Control Systems, Salina Airport Authority, and Kansas National Guard leaders to discuss expanding Kansas’ defense technology sector and strengthening partnerships between industry and the military. The visit highlighted the 184th Wing’s Point Defense Battle Lab, which Senator Marshall helped secure, and showcased opportunities for Kansas to lead in counter-drone innovation and national defense.\n\nSalina Regional Health Center\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nSenator Marshall toured Salina Regional Health Center to discuss the hospital’s Rural Health Transformation Fund grant and his efforts to strengthen rural health care through the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund. They also discussed expanding access to innovative technologies, supporting the rural health care workforce, and improving patient care across Kansas.\n\nClara Barton Medical Center\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nIn Hoisington, Senator Marshall visited Clara Barton Medical Center to discuss its Rural Health Transformation Fund grant, which will fund facility improvements and expand behavioral health services. They also discussed Senator Marshall’s efforts to strengthen rural hospitals through Medicare reforms and investments that ensure Kansans can continue accessing high-quality care close to home.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/one-year-later-pennsylvanias-energy-and-innovation-summit-investments-are-on-track-and-growing/", "title": "ONE YEAR LATER, PENNSYLVANIA’S ENERGY AND INNOVATION SUMMIT INVESTMENTS ARE ON TRACK AND GROWING", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "scraper": "davemccormick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001243", "name": "David McCormick", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – One year ago, Senator Dave McCormick convened the inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, where leading companies in energy and artificial intelligence announced more than $90 billion in investments, including approximately $50 billion in energy and power projects and $40 billion in data centers, in addition to millions for workforce and AI training. A year later, those commitments are being delivered.\n\n“Nearly one year ago, we welcomed President Trump to Pittsburgh and brought together leaders in energy, technology, labor, and business with one goal: to reinforce Pennsylvania’s role as the leader in energy and AI. Today, I’m proud that nearly every investment announced at the Summit is on track or growing,” said Senator McCormick. “I’m even more committed to holding everyone—including myself—accountable for delivering an update on these promises. These aren’t just headlines; they’re game-changing investments that will create tens of thousands of good-paying Pennsylvania jobs, strengthen our communities, and ensure Pennsylvania families benefit from this once-in-a-generation opportunity. Pennsylvania has the energy resources, the skilled workforce, and the innovation ecosystem to power America’s future, and we’re proving that our Commonwealth will lead the AI and energy revolution for decades to come.”\n\nNineteen of the 20 investments announced or previewed at the Summit are on track, with construction and hiring underway, and in many cases growing beyond what was first announced. View the fact sheet for additional details and updates regarding the investments announced at the 2025 Pennsylvania and Innovation Summit.\n\nWatch how momentum has been built as a result of the 2025 Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit. View the video.\n\nFrom business leaders and university presidents to elected officials, many have recognized the Summit’s role in positioning Pennsylvania as the nation’s leader in energy and artificial intelligence. Their reactions underscore the Summit’s impact in creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, strengthening Pennsylvania’s workforce, supporting local communities and businesses, advancing innovation, and cementing the Commonwealth’s role in powering America’s future.\n\nBlackstone and QTS are executing on their $25 billion commitment, having finalized a roughly 1,700-acre land purchase in Luzerne Country. At last year’s summit, Westinghouse committed to constructing 10 new large nuclear power reactors. It has since signed an agreement with the U.S. government for up to $80 billion to build them and recently received $17.5 billion in loans to support the buildout. The Homer City Redevelopment is the largest natural gas power plant under construction nationwide, and the project will, using Pennsylvania gas, put up to 800 MW of power onto the grid. GE Vernova’s Charleroi plant is growing, and TC Energy has committed additional capital in Pennsylvania since the Summit.\n\nThe momentum has continued. The AI data center hub outside Carlisle, Pennsylvania Digital 1 (PAX-1), which was previewed at the Summit but not announced, is under construction and already expandable to nearly 1.8 gigawatts. Likewise, the Trump Administration and NextEra have announced the South Mon project, which will generate over 4 GW of natural gas-fired energy. The Commonwealth is leading America’s energy and AI future.\n\nWHAT THEY’RE SAYING:\n\n“We’re back in Pittsburgh to announce the largest package of investments in the history of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania…This is a triumphant day for the people of the Commonwealth and the people of America.” – Remarks by President Donald J. Trump at the 2025 Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit\n\n“One year ago, we were honored to attend Senator McCormick’s energy and innovation summit…We also have tremendous momentum – projects that create jobs and have positive impacts on communities, positioning Pennsylvania at the forefront of the AI revolution for decades to come.” – Jon Gray, Blackstone President\n\n“We’re really excited about the progress that’s been made in such a short period of time. A state-of-the-art natural gas power generation facility. 100 to 200 million dollars a year of royalties paid to the communities. It’s going to be about manufacturing intelligence. Industry lives here in Pittsburgh. And thank you to Senator McCormick’s leadership.” – Toby Rice, EQT CEO\n\n“All the projects discussed here aren’t just about energy and innovation. They’re about job creation. There is no workforce more prepared to build the future.” – Remarks by Brandon Bishop, North America’s Building Trades Unions Treasurer, at the 2025 Energy and Innovation Summit.\n\n“I want to take the opportunity to salute my good friend. He’s put together this incredible AI and energy event, and he and I are going to continue to work together to fight for Pennsylvania and for our nation.” – Senator John Fetterman\n\n“The energy and innovation summit was the standout event of last year. The groundwork we laid at the summit helped forge an incredible partnership for our Pittsburgh-based nuclear company, Westinghouse. This led us to signing a game-changing $80 billion deal with the US government. That’s real investment benefiting the people of Pennsylvania.” – Bruce Flatt, Brookfield CEO\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/pennsylvania-wins-best-in-show-at-the-great-american-state-fair/", "title": "PENNSYLVANIA WINS “BEST IN SHOW” AT THE GREAT AMERICAN STATE FAIR", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "scraper": "davemccormick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001243", "name": "David McCormick", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Pennsylvania pavilion was named top state exhibit during America’s 250th Anniversary celebration on the National Mall – a win Senators McCormick and Fetterman say belongs to all of Pennsylvania.\n\nWASHINGTON — Pennsylvania was recognized as one of the top state pavilions at America’s 250th birthday celebration, receiving one of the event’s “Best in Show” honors during the closing ceremony at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall.\n\nThe recognition comes just weeks after Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) partnered with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and a coalition of 55 Pennsylvania organizations, businesses, and industry partners to ensure the Commonwealth had a pavilion at the Great American State Fair. The bipartisan effort was made possible entirely through private partnerships without the use of a single taxpayer dollar.\n\nJoining Senators McCormick and Fetterman in this effort were the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, PennAg Industries Association, and the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association (PMA), alongside more than 50 additional Pennsylvania organizations, businesses, and industry partners whose support helped bring the Commonwealth’s exhibit to life.\n\n“Pennsylvania’s story is America’s story, and this recognition is a tribute to everyone who helped bring that story to life,” said Senator McCormick. “From Independence Hall and Valley Forge to our farms, factories, and innovators, the Commonwealth has shaped our nation for 250 years. I’m grateful to Senator Fetterman, Secretary Rollins, and our outstanding Pennsylvania partners for ensuring Pennsylvania had a presence worthy of our history.”\n\n“I’m incredibly proud of all the Pennsylvanians that showed up to make sure our Commonwealth had the spotlight it deserved right there on the National Mall during America’s 250th birthday. It earned this recognition,” said Senator Fetterman. “What makes Pennsylvania truly awesome are the men, women, and children who call it home. Our farmers, steelworkers, small business owners, and so many more. Those who visited the pavilion got to see a glimpse of some of the very best of us and our history, and I’m grateful to Senator McCormick, Secretary Rollins, and all who made this a massive success.”\n\nThe Pennsylvania pavilion highlights the Commonwealth’s central role in America’s story — from the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the sacrifices at Valley Forge to Gettysburg, the Arsenal of Democracy, and the Commonwealth’s continued leadership in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, innovation, and small business. Visitors also explored exhibits featuring many of Pennsylvania’s iconic companies and products, spotlighting the industries and communities driving the Commonwealth’s economy today.\n\nDuring the closing ceremony, Freedom 250 recognized several outstanding state pavilions from across the country. Pennsylvania received one of the event’s “Best in Show” honors, recognizing the Commonwealth’s exhibit as one of the premier state pavilions at the Great American State Fair.\n\nRepresentatives from Senator McCormick’s office accepted the Best in Show award during a recognition ceremony on the Freedom Stage Friday afternoon at the Great American State Fair.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-mccormick-completes-11-day-tour-visits-every-pennsylvania-county-since-taking-office/", "title": "SENATOR MCCORMICK COMPLETES 11-DAY TOUR, VISITS EVERY PENNSYLVANIA COUNTY SINCE TAKING OFFICE", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "scraper": "davemccormick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001243", "name": "David McCormick", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "11 days. 32 stops. 26 counties. Over 2,000 miles. One mission: hearing directly from Pennsylvanians.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) recently completed an 11-day, 32-stop tour across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, marking the milestone of visiting all 67 counties in the Commonwealth since taking office. In total, his 67-county visit included 297 official stops across the Commonwealth.\n\nTraveling from Philadelphia County to Greene County, Senator McCormick met with rural healthcare providers, manufacturers, veterans, small business owners, educators, county commissioners, labor leaders, tourism officials, and community members to hear firsthand about the issues impacting Pennsylvanians across every corner of the Commonwealth.\n\nThe completion of this tour reflects Senator McCormick’s commitment to maintaining a strong, visible presence throughout Pennsylvania and ensuring that every region in the Commonwealth has a voice in the United States Senate.\n\n“Pennsylvania’s greatest strength has always been its people, and there’s no substitute for showing up and listening,” said Senator McCormick. ”Over the last 11 days, I traveled from one end of the Commonwealth to the other, meeting with Pennsylvanians who are building businesses, caring for patients, manufacturing world-class products, educating our children, protecting our communities, and powering our economy.”\n\n“Completing this tour marks an important milestone. During our campaign, we visited all 67 counties across Pennsylvania, and now I’ve done it again since taking office. That commitment doesn’t end here. I’ll continue traveling the Commonwealth because the best way to represent Pennsylvania in Washington is to hear directly from the people who call it home,” said Senator McCormick.\n\nThroughout the 11-day tour, Senator McCormick highlighted Pennsylvania’s diverse economy and communities while focusing on issues critical to the Commonwealth’s future. The tour reinforced Senator McCormick’s commitment to ensuring that every community—urban, suburban, and rural—is represented in the Senate and that Pennsylvania remains a national leader in manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, energy, innovation, and economic opportunity.\n\nTo view a photo gallery from the tour,click here.\n\n11-Day Tour Recap\n\nDay 1 – Friday, June 26\n\nStop 1: Lancaster County – Healthcare Workforce Roundtable at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital\n\nDay 2 – Saturday, June 27\n\nStop 2: Schuylkill County – America 250 Parade in Pottsville\n\nStop 3: Carbon County – Jim Thorpe Small Business Walking Tour\n\nStop 4: Carbon County – Boat Yard Visit (Ty Poole’s Bar in Lehighton)\n\nDay 3 – Sunday, June 28\n\nStop 5: Philadelphia County – Worship Service at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church\n\nDay 4 – Monday, June 29\n\nStop 6: Philadelphia County – Invest America Trump Accounts Event at The Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center\n\nStop 7: Pike County – Visit to The Resort at Woodloch\n\nStop 8: Wayne County – Community Reception\n\nDay 5 – Tuesday, June 30\n\nStop 9: Sullivan County – Breakfast with Commissioners\n\nStop 10: Union County – WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital\n\nStop 11: Snyder County – Lunch with County Commissioners\n\nStop 12: Montour County – Tour of Geisinger Medical Center\n\nStop 13: Northumberland County – Knoebels 100th Anniversary Celebration\n\nDay 6 – Wednesday, July 1\n\nStop 14: Centre County – Tour of Mount Nittany Medical Center\n\nStop 15: Clinton County – Racing for Heroes at Bucktail Medical Center\n\nStop 16: Cameron County – Tour of Emporium Hardwoods\n\nStop 17: Potter County – Eliot Ness Museum Roundtable\n\nStop 18: Elk County – Tour of Straub Brewery\n\nDay 7 – Thursday, July 2\n\nStop 19: McKean County – Tour of W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company\n\nStop 20: Warren County – Kinzua Dam & Riverfront Walk\n\nStop 21: Warren County – Plaza Restaurant & Allegheny River Riverfront Tour\n\nStop 22: Forest County – West Hickory Boat Launch\n\nStop 23: Clarion County – 86th Annual Wolf’s Corners Fair\n\nStop 24: Armstrong County – Meeting with County Commissioners\n\nDay 8 – Friday, July 3\n\nStop 25: Philadelphia County – Tour of Independence Hall\n\nDay 9 – Saturday, July 4\n\nStop 26: Philadelphia County – FIFA World Cup Match\n\nStop 27: Philadelphia County – One Philly: Unity Concert for America\n\nDay 10 – Sunday, July 5\n\nStop 28: Bedford County – Meeting with State Representative Jesse Topper\n\nDay 11 – Monday, July 6\n\nStop 29: Butler County – Gateway 228 Corridor Project Meeting\n\nStop 30: Westmoreland County – Meeting with Commissioners\n\nStop 31: Fayette County – Tour of Heartland Fabrication\n\nStop 32: Greene County – Meeting with County Commissioners & United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) District 2 Vice President\n\n11-Day Tour by the Numbers:\n\n11 Days\n\n32 Stops\n\n26 Counties Visited\n\nOver 2,000 Miles Traveled\n\nTotalSince Taking Office in January 2025:\n\n67 of 67 Pennsylvania Counties Visited\n\n297 Official Stops\n\n23 Telephone Townhalls\n\n49 Keystone Coffees\n\nTo receive weekly updates from Senator McCormick, click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-demand-answers-on-misuse-of-federal-resources-after-rushed-costly-retrofit-job-of-trumps-luxury-jet/", "title": "Merkley, Wyden Demand Answers on Misuse of Federal Resources After Rushed, Costly Retrofit Job of Trump’s Luxury Jet", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Last week, Secret Service questioned the security of the gifted aircraft’s retrofit\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined a dozen of their Senate colleagues in demanding transparency into the taxpayer-funded modification of the $400-million luxury jet gifted to President Trump by the government of Qatar. Since Trump announced the gift in May 2025, the Trump Administration has refused to provide Congress with basic details about the costs to taxpayers, national security risks, diversion of federal resources, and questionable decision-making process associated with sprinting to upgrade President Trump’s new luxury plane.\n\nIn the letter to Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Troy E. Meink and CEO of L3Harris Christopher Kubasik, the Senators note that available public reporting indicates the Trump Administration dedicated as much as $1 billion to rushing the sensitive Air Force One modification process, with hundreds working around the clock to condense a yearslong process into just ten months. The Senators’ letter demands answers on this irresponsible use of federal resources.\n\n“Americans deserve answers on how the administration has decided to spend their taxpayer dollars and assume new national security risks with the VC-25B Bridge aircraft and the rushed retrofit program contracted to L3Harris – all in service to President Trump’s interest in having a pretty, luxurious plane for himself,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators called out the Trump Administration for withholding information from Congress, preventing oversight of the luxury jet and its upgrade program: “For over a year, the administration has stonewalled congressional requests for information about Qatar’s luxury jet gift to President Trump. Congress and the American public have expressed due outrage about this corrupt, illegal exchange, but Pentagon officials have mostly deflected questions or claimed inability to share classified details about the luxury jet, the memorandum of understanding with Qatar, and the program to modify it for use by the President. The Trump administration has refused to share the information Congress needs to conduct oversight of this foreign gift and the estimated $1 billion in taxpayer dollars spent to upgrade and outfit the luxury jet for President Trump’s use during – and reportedly after – his term in office.”\n\nThey highlighted new reporting that indicates the luxury jet project has been another hotbed for corruption and misuse of taxpayer dollars: “After months of limited public information about the jet, new reporting has deepened concerns about the administration’s irresponsible management of U.S. national security funding to prioritize President Trump’s personal interest in this jet. In a Breaking Defense interview on June 23, L3Harris executive Jason Lambert reported that the company was contracted by the Air Force to oversee the jet’s modifications, with a deadline of July 4, 2026, from the White House. This timeline drove L3Harris to scale back the usual Air Force One upgrade package while committing 400 employees to working around the clock to complete in ten months a process that would normally take years. This accelerated luxury jet upgrade required other large expenses, including building a 3D mockup of the plane’s interior and the leasing and purchase of additional 747 aircraft for pilot and crew training.”\n\nThe Senators objected strongly to the Trump administration decision to shift resources away from national security priorities just so President Trump could enjoy luxury flying as soon as possible: “The Air Force seems to have committed to a rushed, expensive aircraft modification program in order to meet President Trump’s demand to fly on ‘the world’s most luxurious plane,’ with his favored paint job, during Independence Day festivities. Trump’s own statements – including his celebration of ‘a level of luxury that nobody’s ever seen before’ – make it clear that these decisions prioritized Trump’s personal comfort and tastes over U.S. national security.”\n\nThe Senators concluded by calling for a congressional briefing and demanding full transparency from the Secretary of the Air Force and the Pentagon contractor responsible for the project: “Congress needs full information about program costs, the diversion of resources away from other Pentagon priorities, and the national security and funding implications of upgrades skipped during the rush. The American public deserves transparency into this costly and questionable modification work – conducted with their taxpayer dollars on a luxury jet that President Trump reportedly plans to take with him after he leaves office.”\n\nThe letter was led by Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and was signed by Merkley, Wyden, and ten Democratic Senators. A full text of the letter is available below or by clicking here.\n\nDear Secretary Meink and Mr. Kubasik:\n\nWe write to ask the U.S. Air Force and L3Harris to provide Congress full information on the modification work recently completed on the $400-million Boeing 747-8 luxury jumbo jet gifted by the Government of Qatar to President Donald Trump. Americans deserve answers on how the administration has decided to spend their taxpayer dollars and assume new national security risks with the VC-25B Bridge aircraft and the rushed retrofit program contracted to L3Harris – all in service to President Trump’s interest in having a pretty, luxurious plane for himself.\n\nFor over a year, the administration has stonewalled congressional requests for information about Qatar’s luxury jet gift to President Trump. Congress and the American public have expressed due outrage about this corrupt, illegal exchange, but Pentagon officials have mostly deflected questions or claimed inability to share classified details about the luxury jet, the memorandum of understanding with Qatar, and the program to modify it for use by the President. The Trump administration has refused to share the information Congress needs to conduct oversight of this foreign gift and the estimated $1 billion in taxpayer dollars spent to upgrade and outfit the luxury jet for President Trump’s use during – and reportedly after – his term in office.\n\nAfter months of limited public information about the jet, new reporting has deepened concerns about the administration’s irresponsible management of U.S. national security funding to prioritize President Trump’s personal interest in this jet. In a Breaking Defense interview on June 23, L3Harris executive Jason Lambert reported that the company was contracted by the Air Force to oversee the jet’s modifications, with a deadline of July 4, 2026, from the White House. This timeline drove L3Harris to scale back the usual Air Force One upgrade package while committing 400 employees to working around the clock to complete in ten months a process that would normally take years. This accelerated luxury jet upgrade required other large expenses, including building a 3D mockup of the plane’s interior and the leasing and purchase of additional 747 aircraft for pilot and crew training.\n\nThe Air Force seems to have committed to a rushed, expensive aircraft modification program in order to meet President Trump’s demand to fly on “the world’s most luxurious plane,” with his favored paint job, during Independence Day festivities. Trump’s own statements – including his celebration of “a level of luxury that nobody’s ever seen before” – make it clear that these decisions prioritized Trump’s personal comfort and tastes over U.S. national security.\n\nCongress needs full information about program costs, the diversion of resources away from other Pentagon priorities, and the national security and funding implications of upgrades skipped during the rush. The American public deserves transparency into this costly and questionable modification work – conducted with their taxpayer dollars on a luxury jet that President Trump reportedly plans to take with him after he leaves office.\n\nTo this end, we request that the Air Force and L3Harris coordinate to provide written answers to the following questions no later than July 27, 2026. Recognizing that some of this information is classified, we also request a joint classified briefing for all U.S. Senators no later than August 6, 2026, to discuss your answers and the upgrade program in greater detail.\n\nWhat was the total cost of preparing the VC-25B Bridge aircraft for delivery? Provide a comprehensive breakout of costs of L3Harris’s upgrade work, as well as associated expenses by the Air Force (including new equipment, mockups, and training).\n\nHow were the work schedule and timeframe for this aircraft modification program developed? What were the Air Force’s stated priorities for this program? Who, formally or informally, played a role in setting requirements and finalizing the contract? Describe the contract negotiations in detail and release the contract text for review.\n\nHow did the surge of Air Force and L3Harris personnel and resources to support the program’s accelerated schedule impact overall cost?\n\nHow did the surge of Air Force and L3Harris personnel and resources to support the program’s accelerated schedule impact other Air Force efforts or other Pentagon work being conducted at L3Harris? How were resources diverted from other programs?\n\nHow would the Air Force and L3Harris have adjusted the program’s schedule and cost structure have changed without a July 4, 2026, deadline?\n\nHow did the program’s accelerated schedule impact the scope of the Air Force One upgrade package? Detail capabilities that were not added to the VC-25B Bridge aircraft and describe the national security implications.\n\nWhat additional resources, personnel, and equipment will be necessary to make up for the neglected upgrades when operating the aircraft as Air Force One? What will the cost be?\n\nHow did the aircraft modification program account for President Trump’s stated plan to transfer the VC-25B Bridge aircraft to his Presidential library upon leaving office?\n\nWe urge you to answer these questions and arrange the briefing as soon as possible to shed much-needed light on Trump’s luxury jet upgrade program. We look forward to the opportunity to finally deliver answers to the American people about Trump’s foreign-gifted luxury jet and the federal resources poured into upgrading and delivering it in time for his July 4 celebrations.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-celebrates-the-florida-heroes-who-stare-danger-in-the-eye-to-restore-power-after-major-hurricane-strikes/", "title": "VIDEO: Senator Moody Celebrates the Florida Heroes Who Stare Danger in the Eye to Restore Power After Major Hurricane Strikes", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, on Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day, Senator Ashley Moody is honoring the brave workers who risk their lives to restore power to Florida communities devastated by hurricanes. Senator Moody cosponsored a resolution to show gratitude for the skilled men and women whose work keeps Florida and America connected.\n\n“Lineworkers’ jobs are essential, and often dangerous. That became very apparent in Florida after Hurricanes Helene and Milton rocked our state. Crews from Florida and from across state lines left their own families and worked around the clock in hazardous conditions to restore power to Floridians. On Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day and every day, we say thank you to the linemen who rushed to our state to get power back up and running after major disasters,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody cosponsored a resolution recognizing Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. View the resolution here.\n\nLineworkers provide a vital service on a daily basis and often work in dangerous conditions.\n\nFollowing natural disasters and hurricane strikes, lineworkers work around the clock in hazardous conditions to get Florida communities connected again. After the back-to-back storms of Helene and Milton in 2024, more than 50,000 lineworkers from across the country came to the Sunshine State to help recovery efforts.\n\nAs of 2025, Florida has 6,420 lineworkers.\n\nExamples include:\n\nDuke Energy Florida reported restoration of 95% of the 1 million customers’ power within 4 days following Hurricane Milton.\n\nPrior to 2024, following Hurricane Ian, 2 out of 3 million families and businesses had lights back on within 48 hours thanks to Florida linemen.\n\nFlorida Power & Light reported power had been essentially completely restored for 2 million customers in only 5 days following Hurricane Milton.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/delegation-welcomes-corps-permit-for-king-cove-road", "title": "Delegation Welcomes Corps Permit for King Cove Road", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "scraper": "murkowski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001153", "name": "Lisa Murkowski", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Anchorage, AK—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today applauded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) approval of a permit to facilitate construction of a life-saving road between the isolated community of King Cove, Alaska and nearby Cold Bay. The one-lane gravel connector will provide reliable transportation access from King Cove to Cold Bay, which is home to an all-weather airport.\n\n“This is more good news for King Cove and all who care about the health, safety, and wellbeing of the hundreds of people who live there,” Murkowski said.“After decades of relentlessly making the case and pushing with everything we have, this life-saving road is finally almost a reality. A combination of careful analysis and common sense from the Trump administration—the Department of the Interior and now the Army Corps—have brought us to this point. I thank them for their continued commitment to protecting and improving these Alaskans’ lives.”\n\n“For Alaskans, the decades-long King Cove Road impasse has been a symbol of an uncaring, out-of-touch, faraway federal government that prioritizes the lives of birds over people,” said Sullivan. “The great residents of King Cove time and again have kept hope alive, despite setbacks, most recently when the Biden administration disregarded the voices of the community and withdrew the previously approved land exchange. The permit issued by the Corps of Engineers today is vindication for King Cove, putting us closer than ever before to delivering a lifesaving, 11-mile, single-lane gravel road to the all-weather airport in Cold Bay. I want to thank the Administration, especially Secretary Burgum and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Telle, for listening to Alaskans, for caring about their safety and well-being, and for putting us on the cusp of a historic breakthrough for safe and reliable access for King Cove.”\n\n“This permit approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a critical milestone in a decades-long effort to provide the people of King Cove with the infrastructure they need to build an essential life-saving road,” said Begich. “For nearly 50 years, the community has advocated for a road connecting King Cove to the all-weather airport in Cold Bay. This project addresses an obvious public safety need and will provide a reliable route for emergency access in adverse weather conditions. I commend everyone who helped move this project forward, from residents who never stopped advocating, to Secretary Burgum, the Army Corps of Engineers, Governor Dunleavy, and Alaska’s congressional delegation over many years.”\n\nKing Cove is located between two volcanic peaks near the end of the Alaska Peninsula, and its small gravel airstrip is typically closed by bad weather for more than 100 days each year. Many flights not canceled are delayed by wind, turbulence, fog, rain, or snow squalls; travel by boat is often impacted by waves that can top 12 feet and the lack of suitable dock infrastructure in Cold Bay. By comparison, Cold Bay, which is less than 30 miles from King Cove, has one of the longest runways in the state and it is closed an average of just 10 days per year.\n\nAt present, there are roads leading out of both King Cove and Cold Bay but no connection between them. The lack of dependable transportation access to Cold Bay routinely forces emergency medevacs from King Cove that risk the lives of patients and responders alike. It also creates significant quality-of-life issues, ranging from King Cove residents’ inability to regularly receive mail to week-long travel delays for students returning home from various activities.\n\nKing Cove residents have sought this life-saving connector road for decades. In late 2025, a major breakthrough occurred when the Trump administration conveyed490 federal acres to the King Cove Corporation in exchange for 1,739 acres of KCC-owned land near the Kinzarof Lagoon and the relinquishment of selection rights to more than 5,430 acres still owed to KCC under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.\n\nThe Corps permit issued this week is valid for five years and allows for dredge and fill activities to occur on just over five acres of land. For perspective, the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge spans 315,000 acres and there are at least 130 million acres of wetlands across Alaska.\n\nMore information is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/icymi-murray-releases-video-calling-for-an-independent-investigation-in-response-to-lorenzo-salgado-araujos-killing/", "title": "ICYMI: Murray Releases Video Calling for an Independent Investigation in Response to Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s killing", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Sen. Murray Calls for an Independent Investigation; Demands ICE Release all the Footage Related to Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s Filling\n\n*** WATCH HERE***\n\nWashington, D.C. – In response to the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by ICE, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released a video statement demanding that ICE release all of the footage related to this tragedy and calling for an independent investigation. In the video, Senator Murray draws attention to the fact that ICE has provided no evidence to back up its dubious claims that the officer fired in response to Salgado Araujo “weaponizing his vehicle” and the agency has a history of lying about using extreme force against innocent civilians.\n\n*** Watch here***\n\nSenator Murray has spoken out forcefully and consistently against the Trump administration’s cruel and counterproductive mass deportation campaign and the egregious treatment by ICE and DHS of American citizens, legal immigrants, and undocumented immigrants. As Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, she led Democrats’ efforts fighting tooth and nail to secure meaningful reforms in law to rein in ICE and Border Patrol—which Republicans ultimately refused altogether and chose to skirt Democrats by delivering another massive blank check for the agencies with no accountability. Last month, at a Senate Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing on the FY27 budget request for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—Murray pressed Secretary Markwayne Mullin on the conduct of ICE and Border Patrol and Republicans’ refusal to enact reforms into law.\n\nIn March, Senator Murray released a video about the numerous violent shootings we are seeing from Trump’s reckless ICE and CBP agents across the country—and the urgent need to rein in these rogue agencies. Senator Murray highlighted the stories of Marimar Martinez, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, Carlos Jimenez, Francisco Longoria, and Carlitos Ricardo Parias—all of whom were shot by ICE or CBP agents. Throughout the video, Senator Murray calls out the egregious use of force from federal agents, their lies that don’t hold up in court, and the extreme danger they are putting families and communities in by recklessly using firearms. Senator Murray also called out Republicans for refusing to negotiate serious and common sense measures to rein in ICE and CBP.\n\nIn December 2025, Murray called attention to the violent assault of Wilmer Toledo-Martinez in Vancouver, Washington and she successfully advocated for his release from the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC). Wilmer was lured out of his home under false pretenses, violently detained by federal agents, and mauled by an attack dog despite not resisting arrest or attempting to flee. Not long after, Murray also called attention to the case of Jose Paniagua Calderón, whose foot was run over by agents in Vancouver.\n\nIn November 2025, Senator Murray joined 48 of her colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives in introducing the Restoring Access to Detainees Act, which would mandate that DHS allow people who have been detained to contact their legal counsel and families. In February 2025, Senator Murray signed onto a letter demanding that DHS end wrongful searches and interrogations of Tribal members, and continued to push for answers from DHS on the matter last December. In March 2025, Murray also reintroduced her Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act. She and Senator Richard Blumenthal led 27 of their Senate colleagues last year in a letter expressing concern with prevalence and the treatment of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women in ICE detention.\n\nIn Washington state, Senator Murray has been conducting oversight of the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC), despite the Trump administration’s efforts to block Congressional oversight of federal immigration detention facilities. After a protracted legal battle over Washington state’s ability to enforce health and safety standards at NWIPC, a federal appeals court ruled in August 2025 that the state should be allowed to enforce such standards at the detention center, and that failure to comply could result in fines of up to $10,000 per violation. In December 2025, Senator Murray led Members of the Washington state Congressional delegation in a letter to Acting Director of ICE Todd Lyons expressing grave concerns with conditions at NWIPC in Tacoma, Washington and demanding answers to a long list of questions regarding overcrowding and lack of access to medical services, food, and legal counsel for individuals detained at the facility.\n\nSenator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below:\n\n“That is Ronaldo Salgado. On Tuesday morning, an ICE agent shot and killed his father, Lorenzo—a construction worker with no criminal history who spent 35 years in Houston building homes and raising three American sons.\n\n“Now here is ICE’s version: they say Lorenzo ‘weaponized his vehicle,’ so an agent fired in self-defense.\n\n“Of course, ICE has provided no evidence to back up its claims. And we know ICE lies. How? That is almost word-for-word what DHS said after a federal agent shot Carlitos Parias in Los Angeles—right up until the body cam footage showed the agent’s gun went off while officers were smashing in his windows, and a judge threw the whole case out.\n\n“It is the same story they told about Marimar Martinez in Chicago—until the video showed the agent was the one doing the ramming.\n\n“Look, we saw the videos of officers killing Renée Good and Alex Pretti.\n\n“We know that ICE lies. Yet Republicans still refuse to require ICE to follow the same basic rules your local police follow every single day.\n\n“That is what Democrats are fighting for—and it should not be a fight.\n\n“I’m still pushing for accountability in the law, but I am also demanding an independent investigation and that ICE release all of the footage related to Lorenzo’s killing.\n\n“We also need to hear from the witnesses at the scene they detained and shipped to God knows where.\n\n“If you’re wondering what you can do, you need to understand that your voice matters here. When America spoke up for Alex Pretti and Renée Good, Republicans felt the pressure.\n\n“Keep sharing Ronaldo’s words. Use your voice and use your vote. We do not have to accept this as our new normal.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sens-ossoff-rev-warnock-delivering-funding-to-protect-georgia-families-from-hazardous-substances/", "title": "Sens. Ossoff & Rev. Warnock Delivering Funding to Protect Georgia Families from Hazardous Substances", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Chickamauga, Ga. — U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock are delivering bipartisan infrastructure law funding to protect Georgia families from hazardous contaminants and substances.\n\nSens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock are delivering nearly $9 million in Federal funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law to accelerate the cleanup of polluted sites across Georgia.\n\nThe Federal funding, delivered through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup grant program, will help assess, clean up and redevelop blighted properties across the state and protect families from dangerous chemicals.\n\n“This is about our communities’ health. No family in Georgia should live in fear of contaminants in their communities,” Sen. Ossoff said. “That’s why we are delivering these historic public health and environmental cleanup efforts across Georgia.”\n\n“The health of Georgia’s communities is tied to the health of our environment,”said Senator Reverend Warnock. “These federal funds will help ensure Georgians can trust that their families are protected from hazardous substances.”\n\nPlease find more details about the Federal grant funding below:\n\nSen. Ossoff continues to protect Georgia families from harmful chemicals and contaminants.\n\nIn May, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock and Rep. McBath brought Republicans and Democrats in Congress together to deliver Federal funding for the City of East Point to install PFAS removal filters to existing drinking water pipes, helping improve drinking water quality for families.\n\nIn April Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock brought Republicans and Democrats together to upgrade the Alcovy River Pump Station to better serve residents in the county by mitigating the risk of exposure to PFAS and other contaminants and improving available water supply.\n\nLast December, Sen. Ossoff urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reinstate a grant made to Emory University to research children’s exposure to lead, heavy metals, and other contaminants in West Atlanta following the discovery of dangerously high levels of lead in some West Atlanta yards.\n\nSen. Ossoff has previously delivered funding through the EPA’s Brownfield program for clean-up projects across the state, including in Adrian, Atlanta, Columbus, Macon, Milledgeville, Rome, and Warner Robins.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-bipartisan-housing-bill/", "title": "Padilla Statement on Bipartisan Housing Bill", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The 21st Century Road to Housing Act is set to become law — even though Trump says he won’t sign in fit over SAVE Act defeat\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after President Trump announced he will not sign the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act in protest of Congress’ refusal to pass his anti-voter SAVE Act. The bill is expected to automatically become law at midnight, even without President Trump’s signature:\n\n“Donald Trump and his reckless policies have made gas, groceries, and housing much more expensive. And when given the opportunity to deliver the bipartisan housing relief Americans have been waiting for, Trump instead threw a tantrum and refused to sign it into law. The bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will become law thanks to Congress and the Constitution — and in spite of Donald Trump’s inaction. This compromise bill is a step in the right direction, helping to expand homeownership opportunities and address the national housing affordability crisis nationwide.\n\n“I am proud that the new law will include my provision to ensure veterans experiencing homelessness and receiving VA disability benefits can still qualify for housing assistance. This package will also help Californians rebuild their homes and lives after disasters, unlock millions of dollars in federal funding for local governments for new housing construction, and strengthen rural housing programs that support millions of Americans.\n\n“While this legislative package provides additional resources to invest in housing, our work is far from over. I will continue pushing to address the housing crisis facing California and the entire nation through comprehensive legislation like my Housing for All Act.”\n\nPadilla’s bipartisan Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act (HUDVA) was included as part of the legislation to ensure veterans experiencing homelessness and receiving disability payments maintain access to crucial housing support. The HUDVA provision would permanently exclude disability payments received by veterans from annual income for housing assistance eligibility purposes under the Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program. The legislation was co-led by Senators Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), and Katie Britt (R-Ala.).\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act also includes the Housing Supply Expansion Act of 2025, legislation Padilla cosponsored that would modernize the federal definition of “manufactured housing” to include modular or prefabricated homes built without a permanent chassis. By allowing off-chassis manufactured homes, the bill would expand consumer access to more efficient and cost-effective designs, providing greater architectural flexibility to better integrate into existing neighborhoods, and saving owners thousands of dollars on construction costs. Padilla also cosponsored the Unleashing Needed Local Options to Construct and Keep (UNLOCK) Housing Act; a modified version of the bill was included in the housing package to allow municipalities, for the first time, to use Community Development Block Grant funding for the construction of new housing.\n\nPadilla recognizes the need to drastically increase the affordable housing stock to address the homelessness crisis facing California and the country. His Housing for All Act would invest in proven solutions to address affordable housing shortages and provide a historic level of federal funding for existing programs to reduce homelessness and for innovative, locally developed solutions to support vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-the-job-for-michigan-great-lakes-pfas-action-network-co-chair-highlights-peters-work-to-address-harmful-pfas-contamination", "title": "ON THE JOB FOR MICHIGAN: Great Lakes PFAS Action Network Co-Chair Highlights Peters’ Work to Address Harmful PFAS Contamination", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.peters.senate.gov", "scraper": "garypeters", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000595", "name": "Gary C. Peters", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – In a new “On the Job” video from U.S. Senator Gary Peters’ (MI) office, Co-Chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network Tony Spaniola reflects on Peters’ continued efforts to address toxic per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in Michigan communities. In 2016, Spaniola learned that his home in Oscoda was impacted by PFAS contamination from the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. In response, Peters has repeatedly worked with Spaniola and the Oscoda community to mitigate these harmful “forever chemicals” and remediate contaminated sites across Michigan. The video with Spaniola is part of the On the Job for Michigan series, which highlights Peters’ leadership and advocacy on behalf of Michigan constituents and communities.\n\n“Many of us, including me, can’t drink our water from our private wells,” said Spaniola. “What we’ve come to learn about PFAS chemicals is that they also are very harmful at exceptionally low levels... Senator Peters recognized early on that this issue is one that has tremendous spread and reach.”\n\n“What we’ve been able to do is to suggest to the Air Force and to the Department of Defense a strategy, a policy strategy, for dealing with PFAS cleanups around the country... We would have never gotten to first base with it if Senator Peters hadn’t been so critically involved,” Spaniola continued. “And that’s why his efforts, his involvement, his partnership with our community have been so, so, so valuable.”\n\nWatch Spaniola’s “On the Job” video here. You can also watch the video on Instagram and Facebook.\n\n“We have to protect Michiganders’ drinking water and our state’s precious natural resources from these toxic chemicals. That’s why the work to clean up areas affected by PFAS contamination is so important,” said Senator Peters. “We’ve made meaningful progress by bringing together federal, state, and local partners, like Tony, but there’s more work ahead. I’ll never stop fighting to address PFAS contamination and protect the health and safety of all Michiganders.”\n\nDespite ongoing setbacks from the Department of Defense (DOD), Peters has long fought alongside Spaniola and other community leaders in Michigan to mitigate harmful PFAS contamination. Most recently, Peters demanded answers from the Trump Administration for its continued delays in cleaning up PFAS contamination at military installations in Michigan and across the country. In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Peters called on DOD to reverse its unacceptable postponement of PFAS remediation at military bases and requested detailed explanations for the delays in order to give servicemembers, their families, and the surrounding communities the transparency they deserve. Last year, Peters secured provisions in the national defense bill requiring DOD to develop a PFAS remediation acceleration strategy, create a PFAS transparency dashboard, and provide alternative drinking water – such as bottled water – to households with private drinking water wells that have been contaminated by PFAS as a result of DOD activities.\n\nIn September 2018, Peters helped convene the first-ever hearing on PFAS contamination in the Senate, which assessed the federal government’s response to PFAS contamination and remediation efforts. He then convened a field summit in Grand Rapids in November 2018 to shine a light on how local, state, and federal governments are coordinating responses to address PFAS contamination. Peters also convened a hearing in 2021 as Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to examine how servicemembers, their families, and communities across the country have been harmed by exposure to toxic PFAS substances connected to military sites. In 2022, Peters convened a field hearing in East Lansing with numerous administration officials to examine federal efforts and coordination with state and local governments to clean up and prevent contamination from PFAS, and to examine the impact exposure to these toxic chemicals has had on servicemembers, first responders, families, and other Michiganders.\n\nPeters has also introduced and advanced bipartisan legislation to reduce the spread of PFAS chemicals at commercial airports. Peters’ Preventing PFAS Runoff at Airports Act, which was signed into law in 2022, is working to deploy more existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding for commercial airports to purchase devices to test their firefighting equipment without discharging toxic PFAS chemicals. In 2022, Peters’ bill to help protect firefighters and emergency responders from PFAS exposure in the line of duty was also signed into law. Peters also secured $10 billion in federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for PFAS remediation efforts in Michigan and across the country.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ahead-of-midterms-trump-terminates-election-assistance-commission-leaders", "title": "Ahead of Midterms, Trump Terminates Election Assistance Commission Leaders", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "PROVIDENCE, RI – As President Donald Trump continues dismantling election security safeguards, the Trump Administration officially ousted the three remaining members of the bipartisan U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC).\n\nThe EAC is an independent, federal election watchdog commission that serves as a “national clearinghouse of information on election administration,” accredits testing laboratories and certifies voting systems, and maintains the national mail voter registration form developed by the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. The EAC manages and distributes federal grants to states and local jurisdictions to improve election infrastructure, update voting equipment, enhance cybersecurity, ensure accessibility, and support voter education initiatives.\n\nAs a result of Trump’s terminations, the EAC, which is responsible for assisting election administration officials nationwide, is now leaderless, rudderless, and powerless to do its job just four months out from Election Day 2026.\n\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed today joined voting rights and election integrity advocates in condemning President Trump’s move, which he believes is a sign Trump wants to meddle with the upcoming midterms. Senator Reed says the goal should be to strengthen America’s election system and ensure lawful and impartial voting, but instead President Trump is seeking to remove safeguards and seize power for himself.\n\n“We’ve got to protect Americans right to vote and ensure the security, integrity, and accuracy of our elections. But President Trump is seeking to undermine federal voter protections and unduly influence and interfere with the outcome of elections this fall. This move is part of a broader pattern by the president to seize unchecked control over election outcomes. This includes Trump’s executive order to try and grant himself more power; unlawful voter data collection; attempts to instruct the U.S. Postal Service to refuse to deliver ballots to some eligible voters; the erecting of new barriers to voting; and gutting the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) that helps non-partisan election workers across the country. The list of hyper-partisan moves goes on and on and it’s all geared toward undermining the upcoming mid-terms,” said Reed. “This is an attempt to silence and sideline election security experts by a partisan president who wants to remove bipartisan guardrails and seize power over elections for himself.”\n\nThe Constitution gives states and Congress – not the president -- the power to run elections. In fact, the founders were very clear about the dangers of putting elections in the purview and control of one person.\n\nStill, Trump has attempted to ignore the Constitution and seize new powers for himself.\n\n“The American people deserve strong election laws so eligible voters can cast their ballot and have it accurately counted. Meanwhile, President Trump wants to disenfranchise millions – mostly women and people of color – and become the first president in U.S. history who gets to be the final arbiter of state-run elections. His unworkable, so-called SAVE Act would impose new voting restrictions on millions and generate election year chaos,” said Reed. “If President Trump cared about election integrity, he would help make more resources available to states to ensure free and fair elections. Instead, he is doing the opposite.”\n\nThe EAC commissioners on the bipartisan panel were forced off the commission by the Trump Administration yesterday in starkly contrasting ways: The one remaining Republican appointee was given the option to resign while the two Democratic appointees were simply notified of their termination, without explanation, via an email by the White House Presidential Personnel Office.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/despite-trumps-lack-of-support-bipartisan-housing-bill-set-to-become-law-tonight", "title": "Despite Trump’s Lack of Support, Bipartisan Housing Bill Set to Become Law Tonight", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "PROVIDENCE, RI -- Despite the fact that President Donald Trump’s costly tariffs, irresponsible war with Iran, and misguided policies have driven up costs and made housing more expensive, President Trump is now refusing to sign the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. This legislation, passed overwhelmingly in both the U.S. House of Representatives (358-32) and U.S. Senate (85-5), will help lower the cost of housing, cut needless red tape, increase the supply of housing stock nationwide, and expand opportunities for homeownership.\n\nAfter abruptly canceling a signing ceremony for the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act on June 24 and demanding that lawmakers instead prioritize his unworkable, unpopular, and unconstitutional voter-suppression bill, known as the so-called ‘SAVE Act,’ President Trump had been purposefully vague about his willingness to sign the housing bill. Today, President Trump announced he will not sign the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, in protest of the U.S. Senate not passing the so-called SAVE Act. But today marks the end of a 10-day window, and the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will still become law tonight at midnight without President Trump’s signature.\n\nThe so-called SAVE Act is a voter suppression tool that would lead to mass disenfranchisement. It also places impossible burdens on the states and saddles taxpayers with unfunded Federal mandates. The measure has repeatedly run into stiff bipartisan resistance from state election administrators and in Congress, where it has already been defeated in a failed vote. But Trump refuses to face these facts and continues to push the SAVE Act at the expense of bipartisan solutions to the affordability crisis affecting a vast majority of Americans.\n\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a supporter of the housing affordability bill who co-authored several bipartisan provisions, says the fact that President Trump has dragged his feet and stalled the process at a time when Trump's own policies are accelerating costs and making it harder for people to afford everyday necessities and pay rent is an insult to the American people.\n\n“This is a comprehensive housing affordability bill that takes a multi-faceted approach toward increasing the supply of housing, lowering costs, and expanding opportunity. It will benefit millions of Americans in all fifty states who are facing financial hardships due to President Trump's misguided policies. But instead of signing it, President Trump threw a tantrum. He has obstructed and delayed it because he wants to pass a voter suppression bill that would grant him unprecedented power to rig elections. It’s beyond irresponsible and Americans won’t stand for it. Elections should be secure and fair and focus on the issues, ideas, and character of the candidates. Americans support people who demonstrate the ability to govern and improve people’s lives -- not make them harder. President Trump’s indifference to people’s financial struggles and his refusal to lift a finger to help make housing more affordable tells people all they need to know about him. His policies are unpopular so he is trying an unprecedented power grab and directly interfere in upcoming elections,” said Senator Reed.\n\nAccording to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) latest monthly report on home sales, due in large part to a dearth of housing supply, the median sales price of existing homes in the U.S. grew to $440,600, a record high. In Rhode Island, the median sale price is $500,000.\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act would:\n\nProvide technical assistance and competitive grants to help communities streamline zoning and permitting and build more housing;\n\nPrevent Wall Street investors from buying up single-family homes that could go to families instead;\n\nCreate an innovation fund for communities increasing housing supply;\n\nHelp families living in federally-assisted housing build more savings and achieve greater economic independence;\n\nSupport housing opportunities for veterans, among other things;\n\nUpdate HUD’s HOME Investment Partnership Program, which hasn’t been reauthorized since 1992.\n\nTrump’s reckless, unauthorized war with Iran has also driven up domestic prices, including housing and construction costs, as it has contributed to an inflation spike that will likely lead to elevated interest rates.\n\nReed says that Democrats support secure elections, limited federal power, and competent, transparent election administration by states and have voted repeatedly to provide states with the resources to ensure fair, accurate, secure elections, but President Trump has taken away and blocked that funding.\n\n“It couldn’t be any clearer: Democrats support housing affordability and President Trump only cares about himself. The American people deserve homes they can afford and strong election laws that make it simple for eligible voters to cast their ballot and have it accurately counted, that’s what we have today and it’s the system that every elected Republican won under. Meanwhile, President Trump would rather disenfranchise millions – mostly women and people of color – and become the first president in U.S. history who gets to be the final arbiter of state-run elections than lower housing costs,” said Reed.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sens-rick-scott-ashley-moody-lead-resolution-honoring-fifth-anniversary-of-cuba-s-patria-y-vida-freedom-movement", "title": "Sens. Rick Scott, Ashley Moody Lead Resolution Honoring Fifth Anniversary of Cuba’s ‘Patria y Vida’ Freedom Movement", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, ahead of the fifth anniversary of the peaceful movement for ‘Patria y Vida’ in Cuba, Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody reintroduced a resolution honoring the brave people of Cuba in their fight for freedom and condemning the illegitimate Communist Cuban regime. On July 11, 2021, the Cuban people heroically took to the streets to decry the human rights abuses by the Castro/Díaz-Canel regime—including political imprisonment and brutal oppression—and to demand a democratic future.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, “Now more than ever, there is a renewed spirit of hope for a free Cuba. President Trump and Secretary Rubio have put Raul Castro on notice by indicting him for his crimes and showing the world the true nature of the regime’s atrocities. This is what the brave Cuban people who took to the streets five years ago hoped for, and we will not forget the courage and sacrifice of those Cuban freedom fighters. I will never stop working for a free and democratic Cuba – or holding this criminal regime accountable. That’s why I am proud to once again introduce this resolution with Senator Moody and stand with the Cuban people as they continue their fight for ‘Patria y Vida.’”\n\nSenator Ashley Moody said, “Five years ago, the Cuban people rose in a series of protests against the tyrannic communist party that has ruled Cuba for more than half a century. The men and women who stood bravely against their government, faced beatings and torture but yet, they stood strong demanding the basic rights that have been eroded by socialist policies. The courage of the people of Cuba reminds me of the courage of our founding fathers who fought for their rights 250 years ago. We introduce this resolution as a reminder, not only of the evils of the oppressive Cuban regime, but as a reminder of the power of the people who boldly stand up to communism. I continue to commend the strength of those who fight for freedom, fight for their rights, and fight for a free and democratic Cuba.” Said Senator Ashley Moody\n\nTo read the full resolution, click HERE.\n\nSenator Scott has long been one of the Senate’s strongest advocates for a free Cuba and the Cuban people, leading efforts to hold the illegitimate Communist regime accountable while standing with those courageously fighting for freedom. Since the historic July 11 protests, Senator Scott has consistently urged the United States to increase pressure on the dictatorship, defend the Cuban people’s fundamental rights, and support the cause of a free, democratic, and prosperous Cuba.\n\nEfforts this year alone include:\n\nJanuary 5, 2026: Sen. Rick Scott Reintroduces No Relief for Allies of Dictators Act\n\nApril 10, 2026: Sen. Rick Scott Releases Statement Ahead of Meet the Press Interview with Cuban Dictator\n\nApril 15, 2026: Sen. Rick Scott Encourages Pres. Trump to Increase Pressure on Illegitimate Castro/Díaz-Canel Regime\n\nApril 24, 2026: Sen. Rick Scott Featured in Diario Las Américas on Letter to NBC Over Díaz-Canel Softball Interview on Meet the Press\n\nMay 20, 2026: Sen. Rick Scott Celebrates Raúl Castro Indictment and Justice for the Cuban People\n\nJune 2, 2026: Sen. Rick Scott Discusses Next Steps for Venezuela, Cuba with Sec. Marco Rubio at Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/10/rosen-pushes-trump-administration-to-fix-severe-visa-processing-delays-affecting-work-reauthorization-applications/", "title": "Rosen Pushes Trump Administration to Fix Severe Visa Processing Delays Affecting Work Reauthorization Applications", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) sent a letter urging Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow to fix the extensive visa processing backlogs and delays that are impacting immigrants’ ability to obtain work permits. Given that many visa categories require proof of a pending application or confirmation from USCIS to qualify for a work permit, any delays directly impact an immigrant’s ability to apply for a work permit and earn a living.\n\n“These delays are impacting the timely processing of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications and renewals, with a backlog of nearly 12 million visa applications at USCIS,” wrote Senator Rosen. “Due to the growing backlog, it is possible that USCIS can receive a visa application on time, but not issue a receipt in a timely manner, leaving the applicant without the necessary proof to obtain a work authorization, at no fault of their own.”\n\n“These delays are concerning given that many of these individuals are working in critical industries, including healthcare, education, and construction, where a gap in employment can have significant impact not only for working families, but also for the communities and local economies that rely on their contributions,” the senator continued. “When EAD’s are not issued in a timely manner due to staffing shortages and lack of resources, recipients lose employment authorization, employers experience workforce disruptions, and families struggle to support themselves as jobs in the community go unfilled.”\n\nFind the Full Letter HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/10/rosen-secures-purple-heart-for-vietnam-veteran-from-sparks-after-nearly-sixty-years/", "title": "Rosen Secures Purple Heart for Vietnam Veteran from Sparks After Nearly Sixty Years", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "SPARKS, NV – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen’s (D-NV) office presented former Army Staff Sergeant Thomas Martin with the Purple Heart during a ceremony at the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza. Senator Rosen secured the award for SSgt. Martin – who was injured by a punji stake in September 1967 while conducting a helicopter assault during combat operations in Vietnam – after not receiving it for nearly sixty years due to administrative oversights. SSgt. Martin contacted Senator Rosen’s office for assistance, and the Senator and her team pushed the U.S. Army to evaluate the matter and retroactively award SSgt. Martin with a long-overdue Purple Heart. The Purple Heart is the oldest U.S. military award, and it’s awarded to servicemembers who are wounded or killed in combat.\n\n“Staff Sergeant Thomas Martin bravely and courageously served our nation during the Vietnam War, and he was injured while fighting to protect our freedoms. Unfortunately, decades of delays prevented Staff Sergeant Martin from receiving the Purple Heart and properly recognizing his bravery and sacrifice during his time in uniform,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m so proud that my team and I were able to help him finally secure the Purple Heart he earned through his service to our nation. Assisting Nevadans with issues like this is one of the most important parts of my job as a United States Senator for Nevada. My team and I are always ready to help any Nevada veteran who needs assistance dealing with issues in the federal government or navigating federal agencies.”\n\nSenator Rosen has been a champion for veterans in Nevada and across the country. She is leading the charge in Congress to secure benefits for veterans who served at the Nevada Test and Training Range during the nuclear testing era and were exposed to toxins, but have been denied benefits despite their civilian counterparts receiving support. Earlier this year, she successfully pushed the Trump Administration to reverse a rule that could have decreased benefits for disabled veterans. Senator Rosen has also introduced bipartisan legislation to cut red tape and streamline the process for medical practitioners who work with both the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help eliminate delays in patient care.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-as-california-leads-nation-in-scientific-advancements-schiff-lofgren-42-colleagues-urge-omb-to-rescind-politicized-rule-on-federal-grants/", "title": "NEWS: As California Leads Nation in Scientific Advancements, Schiff, Lofgren, 42 Colleagues Urge OMB to Rescind Politicized Rule on Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "California lawmakers press the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to fulfill its role of overseeing nonpartisan federal grant process\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), and 42 members of the California congressional delegation are demanding the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescind their proposed regulation for federal financial assistance, emphasizing the crucial need for federal funding for scientific research to remain independent given California’s leadership as the innovation capital of the world and a top recipient of federal research funding.\n\n“The rule is unprecedented, expansive, and applies across the federal government to every agency that reviews grants and other financial assistance proposals. It would allow political appointees to control all aspects of the grant review process, setting the stage for politically motivated decision-making that places the whims of the President over the well-being of the American people,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe California lawmakers highlight how the administration’s proposed regulation will weaken U.S. scientific research across all fields and impact California stakeholders, undermining OMB’s essential role in coordinating the advancement of federal grants in a nonpartisan manner. California leads the nation in scientific advancements across sectors – including biomedical engineering and quantum computing – and is deeply committed to investing in cutting-edge research in engineering, science, and medical research.\n\n“The proposed rule would weaken the scientific foundations of experimental research, slowing the development of new treatments, strategies for environmental protection, technologies to expand our knowledge of space, and solutions to some of our most pressing questions,” the lawmakers continued.\n\nSpecifically, the lawmakers point to several areas of research that will be significantly impacted by OMB’s proposed rule:\n\nNational Competitiveness and the STEM Talent Pipeline: In light of the administration unlawful suspending of millions in funds for U.S.-based scientific research, the proposed rule will threaten our status as a world leader in science by harming the STEM talent pipeline, create additional barriers for international students and domestic businesses that contribute to our economic viability, and weaken the nation’s ability to compete with China and other countries.\n\nBiomedical and Scientific Research and Development: The proposed rule will politicize agencies’ longstanding science-based review process and prevent major research development of life-saving therapies, medicine, and preventive interventions for millions of Americans – as well as threaten clinical research efforts for future medical breakthroughs.\n\nHigher Education: California’s universities rely on grants to fund schools and resources – which will all be on the line under the politically motivated restrictions in the proposed rule, jeopardizing the long-term future of our academic research institutions.\n\nState and Local Governments: From disrupting public services to putting vital community projects on hold, the proposed rule abandons vulnerable populations.\n\n“The effects of this rulemaking could reverberate for generations. With such funding uncertainty and unpredictability, California and the rest of the country will backslide behind other nations in the areas of health, innovation, research, and scientific development. As such, we strongly urge you to rescind your proposed rule,” the lawmakers concluded.\n\nIn addition to Schiff and Lofgren, the letter was signed by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and U.S. House Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Ami Bera (D-Calif.-06), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.-31), Lou Correa (D-Calif.-46), Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Adam Gray (D-Calif.-13), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Josh Harder (D-Calif.-09), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25), Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.-38), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Mark Takano (D-Calif.-39), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43), and George Whitesides (D-Calif.-27).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nThe Office of Management and Budget (OMB) serves the critical role of ensuring that federal agencies administer funding to advance federal policy goals in an objective and fair manner. We write as members of Congress with the distinct honor of representing California – the innovation capital of the world and a top recipient of federal research funding. Our state leads the country in scientific advancements across sectors – from biomedical engineering and quantum computing, to fusion energy and more – because of robust federal funding. This investment is critical to early-stage scientific discovery across fields that the commercial marketplace cannot yet support due to the long timelines and inherent uncertainties of basic research. Nevertheless, these foundational research activities ultimately serve as the essential pipeline for future commercial innovation, spinning off into market-ready technologies and new domestic industries that drive economic growth and directly improve the lives of all Californians, and by proxy all Americans.\n\nOMB’s federal grantmaking procedures were established to provide agencies with guidance on grant management and as such, this guidance has historically emphasized the importance of performance metrics, transparency, and unbiased review. We are gravely concerned by the extent to which OMB’s proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” would drastically alter federal grantmaking procedures and undermine the transparency and unbiased review which is central to the success of the federal grant process. The rule is unprecedented, expansive, and applies across the federal government to every agency that reviews grants and other financial assistance proposals. It would allow political appointees to control all aspects of the grant review process, setting the stage for politically motivated decision-making that places the whims of the President over the well-being of the American people.\n\nMerit-based, independent scientific review is the foundation of the United States’ and California’s leadership in science. For over 75 years, federal agencies including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Department of Energy have used merit-based review as a competitive process to award grants to California’s leading institutions in scientific, engineering, and medical research based on quality and impact. This review process has driven discoveries and critical progress in medicine, national security, technology, and economic competitiveness. At a time when U.S. companies are already publicly expressing uncertainty about accepting federal funding from this administration, citing fears of “conditions” the administration may place on their research, it is critical that federal funding of scientific research remain independent.\n\nTherefore, we strongly urge OMB to rescind its proposed regulation and preserve the rigor and objectivity of its grantmaking processes so that federal grantmaking can remain free of partisanship and political agendas. This should include an emphasis on peer review of grants over the political and partisan bias of any administration, the establishment of transparent evaluation criteria, and other robust safeguards to protect the independent judgment of career civil servants. OMB’s proposed revisions to the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance undercut each of these critical guardrails necessary to protect the advancement of U.S. scientific research across all fields.\n\nThe proposed rule would weaken the scientific foundations of experimental research, slowing the development of new treatments, strategies for environmental protection, technologies to expand our knowledge of space, and solutions to some of our most pressing questions. The following implications for several areas of scientific research are particularly significant:\n\nNational Competitiveness and the STEM Talent Pipeline\n\nViability of Research\n\nThis proposed rule adds to the ever-growing uncertainty that scientists and researchers in California broadly face over federal funding. This administration has already unlawfully frozen millions of dollars in NSF funding, impounded NASA resources, and slashed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) clean energy grants. These investments are critical to finding the next cures, protecting our access to clean air, and furthering our understanding of the universe. And yet, the administration’s actions will hinder our state’s best and brightest minds while denying funding to entire scientific fields the administration does not believe to be in service of their ideological and political priorities.\n\nHarms to the STEM Talent Pipeline\n\nThese barriers, coupled with growing financial uncertainty, have forced American researchers, including those in California, to reevaluate the viability of continuing their studies in the United States. Countries like China are offering millions of dollars in research funding to our nation’s leading planetary scientists, engineers, and PhD candidates, hoping to capitalize on our nation’s unparalleled STEM talent pool. The continued slashing of NSF, NASA, and EPA funding will further damage our pipeline of future researchers and scientists, threatening our status as a world leader in STEM, and ultimately the nation’s ability to develop and innovate in the United States.\n\nAdditional Barriers on International Students and Domestic Businesses\n\nThe proposed regulation outlines new requirements for award eligibility, including mandatory participation in the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program, which would create significant administrative barriers, not just for higher education institutions, but for farmers, small businesses, and construction industries. For higher education institutions, this would hinder progress for international students and researchers providing critical contributions to American and California-led scientific progress. For farmers and small businesses, mandating E-Verify would significantly harm their ability to fill roles and conduct their day-to-day work. Furthermore, E-Verify comes with extensive administrative burdens and inaccurate information about employees. Punishing farmers, small businesses, and construction companies for a system known to be flawed in its accuracy will negatively impact these institutions’ and companies’ economic viability and their contributions to the American economy.\n\nCompetition from China\n\nThe proposed rule is a form of national self-destruction. Funding reductions will seriously weaken the United States’ ability to compete with other countries, especially as China is already laying out ambitious plans to become a leader in science – particularly in space science – by 2050. China has already invested in missions to explore Neptune and return samples from Mars, and yet OMB’s proposed rule gives non-experts the power to direct NASA’s future. We cannot compete with China on the world stage if we do not channel our resources into credible and technically sound scientific endeavors. Further, we cannot grant such a significant responsibility as grantmaking authority to political appointees with no technical expertise. Doing so would erode the efficacy, integrity, and respect of these programs and cede power and influence to our competitors abroad.\n\nBiomedical and Scientific Research and Development\n\nPoliticization of Scientific Peer Review\n\nOMB’s proposed rule would upend U.S. biomedical and scientific research agencies’ long-standing, apolitical, and science-based review process. Peer-review systems employed by NIH, NSF, and other research agencies have long been the top benchmark for identifying the most promising scientific opportunities. Replacing scientific judgment with political review risks directing resources away from the most meritorious research. California’s universities and medical centers conduct research that benefits patients nationwide, and any reduction in merit-based funding decisions could delay the development of life-saving therapies, diagnostics, and preventive interventions for millions of Americans.\n\nOMB should carefully consider whether codifying these restrictions serves the long-term public interest. The result would not simply be administrative inefficiency; it would mean slower progress against cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, infectious diseases, and other conditions affecting millions of Americans. Federal research policy should be guided by scientific evidence, scientific experts, and public health needs, not structured in a manner that unnecessarily limits future administrations’ ability to support scientific innovation and respond to emerging health, public safety, and other challenges.\n\nErosion of Research Infrastructure and Scientific Collaboration\n\nProvisions favoring institutions with lower indirect cost rates, combined with restrictions on publication and conference costs under the proposed rule, threaten the infrastructure that makes scientific research possible and arbitrarily penalizes research that requires higher overhead costs. For example, research universities and academic medical centers maintain laboratories, clinical trial networks, biosafety systems, data security protections, and patient oversight programs that are essential to safe and effective research.\n\nThis research ecosystem serves as a national resource, attracting talent and fostering collaboration across states. Limiting the ability of researchers to share findings and collaborate would slow the translation of discoveries into treatments that improve public health nationwide. NIH-supported research has made America the global leader in biomedical innovation. Weakening the stability, predictability, and scientific integrity of federal research funding across U.S. research agencies threatens that leadership and risks slowing the pace of discoveries that improve and save lives.\n\nThreats to Future Medical Breakthroughs\n\nThe proposed rule would permit scientific agencies to terminate research grants based on expansive ‘national interest’ determinations. Biomedical research often requires years of continuous support to recruit patients, conduct clinical trials, collect data, and validate results. California’s institutions lead large clinical research efforts, including studies involving cancer immunotherapies, neurodegenerative diseases, rare diseases, and emerging infectious threats. If compliant grants can be terminated unexpectedly, patients may lose access to promising therapies, research findings may be delayed, and taxpayers may lose the value of prior federal investments.\n\nUltimately, the greatest impact of this rule would be borne by patients. Every delay in biomedical research means longer waits for earlier diagnoses, more effective therapies, preventive interventions, potential cures, and avoidable deaths. Americans confronting cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, mental illness, rare disorders, and other serious conditions depend on continued scientific progress.\n\nHigher Education\n\nLimitations on Resources\n\nUniversities and institutions across California rely on grant-funded indirect cost recoveries to share their discoveries and advance the leading edge of science. OMB’s proposal would render publication costs, including open access fees for journal and periodical access, unallowable “unless such costs are expressly required by statute or approved in advance by the Federal agency on a case-by-case basis.” This change would be uniquely harmful to California-led innovation, as University of California (UC) researchers conduct 8.3 percent of all U.S. academic research. The dissemination of knowledge and academic collaboration is the foundation of these breakthroughs across critical sectors, including biotechnology, computing, semiconductors, telecommunications, and agriculture.\n\nPolitically Motivated Restrictions on Research Topics\n\nOMB’s proposed regulations would prohibit the use of federal awards to support or promote theories of disparate-impact liability based on protected characteristics like race, sex, or age. These rules unnecessarily weaponize reasonable diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and undermine the free speech rights of federal grantees. They allow political appointees to dictate the topics researchers are permitted to investigate, hampering intellectual freedom and vastly narrowing the scope of higher education research. Instead of supporting research that amplifies underrepresented voices, the administration is empowering political appointees to cancel grants with any mention of race or gender. Outside of the higher education system, these dangerous provisions would also restrict federal funding to crucial environmental justice work to address pollution and toxic chemical impacts on disadvantaged communities, fenceline communities adjacent to industrial facilities, and communities of color.\n\nThe destructive and chaotic consequences of this approach have already been made clear under this administration, as seen by actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to abruptly terminate hundreds of millions of dollars in active research funding using overbroad, automated keyword searches for subjective terms. A federal judge recently ruled that cuts carried out by DOGE violated the Constitution and created a broad “chilling effect” on research. Codifying these harmful practices into government-wide OMB regulations would do a disservice to diverse communities as well as to our institutions of higher learning.\n\nLong-Term Uncertainty\n\nFederal funding is the largest and most important source of support for UC research, and the UC system is awarded more NIH and NSF funding than any other institution in the country. In FY 2024, UCs received $7.719 billion in total research awards, $5 billion of which were federal awards. The proposed restructuring of federal grant administration will undoubtedly threaten ongoing, cutting-edge research and successful grant programs across the state and the country. OMB’s proposed rule widens the administration’s ability to terminate grants that have already been obligated and are in progress. If enacted, these proposed changes would allow political appointees to interrupt, suspend, or permanently terminate active research projects on the cusp of major discoveries if they determine the award is “no longer in the Federal interest.” Under these proposed changes, an already-approved grantee could see an agency terminate the grant months later, leaving multi-stage projects unfinished with little or no explanation and jeopardizing their scientific research. Already this is impacting the future of American science.\n\nState and Local Governments\n\nDisruption of Public Services\n\nOMB’s proposed rule poses a severe threat to the fiscal stability of counties and local governments across California and the country, which budget carefully and deliberately for year-long programs that rely on federal awards to deliver critical social services. Expanding the discretionary authority of political appointees to suspend or terminate active grants mid-cycle based on shifting administrative priorities introduces unprecedented unpredictability into local governance who have varied and limited capacity to shoulder new costs. Under this proposal, local communities may experience abruptly halted federal funding, leaving vital local infrastructure projects unfinished and abandoning vulnerable populations who rely on these services.\n\nNew Compliance Burdens\n\nLocal governments frequently operate as pass-through entities responsible for administering and distributing federal funds to community subrecipients. This vital role would become significantly more punitive under this regulation, as OMB’s proposal introduces sweeping oversight, monitoring, and documentation requirements that would severely strain thin local administrative resources. Most troubling, the proposed rule stretches compliance risks to unprecedented levels by tying overall grant eligibility to local enforcement of federal executive orders, potentially endangering funding over events held on county property. Forcing resource-constrained local authorities to act as federal compliance monitors for the administration or face catastrophic funding terminations creates an unworkable landscape that will ultimately reduce the reach of federal assistance.\n\nThe effects of this rulemaking could reverberate for generations. With such funding uncertainty and unpredictability, California and the rest of the country will backslide behind other nations in the areas of health, innovation, research, and scientific development. As such, we strongly urge you to rescind your proposed rule.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/schmitt-leads-members-of-senate-anti-fraud-task-force-to-highlight-early-anti-fraud-successes-by-trump-admin-requests-information-to-support-continued-enforcement/", "title": "Schmitt Leads Members of Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force to Highlight Early Anti-Fraud Successes by Trump Admin, Requests Information to Support Continued Enforcement", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) today led five members of the Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force in sending a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald commending the Trump Administration’s early anti-fraud efforts and requesting information to help Congress support and strengthen those initiatives moving forward.\n\nThe senators wrote, “We commend President Trump for the decisive action taken to establish the National Fraud Enforcement Division (NFED) and the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. Fraud is theft from hardworking American families, and Vice President Vance’s leadership as ‘Fraud Czar’ sends the right signal: this administration will no longer tolerate billions in organized theft from taxpayers through welfare programs, election schemes, contractor abuse, federally funded nonprofits, or elite institutions. The Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force is especially concerned with fraud schemes that undermine the constitutional foundations of self-government: honest elections, lawful citizenship, equal enforcement of federal law, federal-state cooperation, and Congress’s ability to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent consistent with law.”\n\n“Since taking office, the Trump-Vance Administration has made clear that fraud enforcement is once again a federal priority. The Task Force and NFED have driven the recovery of nearly $1 billion in misused taxpayer dollars through aggressive enforcement actions across the country, including major takedowns of welfare and entitlement scams that clawed back hundreds of millions from fraudulent SNAP, Medicaid, and housing claims. Vice President Vance’s spotlight on sponsored-immigrant benefit fraud has dismantled several high-dollar networks, while election-related prosecutions and voter-roll cleanups have secured convictions in interstate schemes. Particularly noteworthy are the swift actions against Minnesota-style operations. Large-scale, coordinated fraud networks involving daycare centers, nonprofits, and entitlement programs in Minneapolis that potentially diverted hundreds of millions, if not billions in federal funds. By targeting these interstate models head-on, the Task Force has sent a powerful message that no jurisdiction or network is above the law, delivering real money back to American taxpayers and protecting programs meant for working families. These tangible wins prove that America First enforcement works. The Task Force has already shown it will serve and protect the American people from fraudsters,” the senators continued.\n\nIn the letter, the Senators request the following:\n\nComprehensive Quarterly Metrics: Data from January 20, 2026, onward (with FY 2026 and FY 2027 projections), broken down by category, including:\n\nWelfare/entitlement fraud (SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, unemployment, housing);\n\nElection-related fraud and voter-roll integrity efforts;\n\nContractor and procurement fraud;\n\nFor each, provide: cases opened, indictments, convictions, dollars recovered/restituted, and average sentences. Where applicable, please highlight particularly impactful cases, enforcement actions that demonstrate the strongest returns on taxpayer investment, or show a stark contrast from previous Administrations.\n\nElection Integrity, Citizenship, and Federalism: Status of voter-roll cleanups, specific election-fraud prosecutions, immigration-related fraud schemes, and examples of interstate schemes, including Minnesota-style operations. Detail any coordination with states on removing ineligible voters and any federal-state barriers, sanctuary policies, or information-sharing restrictions that impede enforcement.\n\nConstitutional and Federalism Implications: Please identify any fraud schemes, enforcement barriers, or jurisdictional conflicts that implicate constitutional governance, including election integrity, citizenship and immigration status, federal-state information sharing, sanctuary policies, equal enforcement of federal law, or Congress’s ability to conduct oversight of federally funded programs. Please also identify any statutory gaps that prevent the Department from adequately enforcing federal law in these areas.\n\nHigh-Impact Schemes: Focused metrics and case summaries on:\n\nImmigrant-related and sponsored-alien fraud (benefits claimed by or for illegal immigrants or their sponsors);\n\nElite-institution schemes (universities, nonprofits, hospitals, Big Tech contractors, or large-scale operations).\n\nIdentify any sanctuary jurisdictions or federally funded entities obstructing enforcement.\n\nLegislative Path to Permanence: Detailed proposals to make the NFED a permanent standalone division with dedicated funding, nationwide jurisdiction, enhanced data-sharing, extended statutes of limitations, and mandatory minimums for large-scale taxpayer fraud.\n\n“Fraud is not merely a budgetary problem. When fraud corrupts elections, citizenship, federal programs, and equal enforcement of the law, it becomes a constitutional problem. Aggressive, transparent enforcement aligned with America First priorities will restore accountability and protect the institutions of self-government,” the senators concluded.\n\nDownload the full letter HERE.\n\nSenators Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Katie Britt (R-AL) joined Schmitt in sending the letter.\n\nLast month, Schmitt launched the Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force with a group of his Republican colleagues to unmask fraud and save taxpayer dollars.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.smith.senate.gov/smith-klobuchar-secure-infrastructure-improvements-in-anoka-county/", "title": "U.S. Senators Smith, Klobuchar Secure Significant Federal Funding for Infrastructure Improvements in Anoka County", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.smith.senate.gov", "scraper": "tinasmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001203", "name": "Tina Smith", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $18 million for the Minnesota State Highway 65 and Bunker Lake Boulevard Project. The grant, provided through the USDOT’s BUILD program, will be used to construct an interchange at the intersection of Minnesota State Highway 65 and Bunker Lake Boulevard. This project is part of a larger initiative to convert the highway into a freeway with grade-separated interchanges.\n\n“Highway 65 is a critical link between the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota. But we’re seeing drivers intentionally avoiding the intersection at Bunker Lake Boulevard to avoid the traffic and congestion, which only increases congestion on nearby roads. This intersection is outdated and needs an update,” said Senator Smith. “A new interchange will handle more traffic and take the strain off of side-roads, meaning Minnesotans can more easily get to their families, to their work or where they need to go.”\n\n“Investments in our infrastructure serve as down payments on the long-term economic well-being of our state,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This federal funding will help make our roads safer and more accessible and allow Minnesotans to more easily reach work, school, and other destinations in Anoka County.”\n\nSenators Smith and Klobuchar have long supported investment in the Highway 65 corridor. In 2023, Senators Smith and Klobuchar announced $20 million in federal funding to improve road safety and accessibility on Highway 65 from 97th Avenue to 117th Avenue. In 2022, Senators Smith and Klobuchar secured $9 million for Highway 65 improvements at 99th Avenue and 109th Avenue intersections, as well as an additional $4 million for the 117th Avenue intersection in 2024.\n\nBUILD grants, previously referred to as RAISE grants, can be used by communities across the country for a wide variety of transportation projects with significant local or regional impact. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Senators Smith and Klobuchar supported and was signed into law in 2021, delivered a 50 percent increase in the amount of available funding for the BUILD grants, as well as resources for improving the state’s roads, bridges, public transportation and water infrastructure.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-smith-klobuchar-secure-significant-federal-funding-to-improve-rail-crossing-safety-in-st-louis-county/", "title": "U.S. Senators Smith, Klobuchar Secure Significant Federal Funding to Improve Rail Crossing Safety in St. Louis County", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.smith.senate.gov", "scraper": "tinasmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001203", "name": "Tina Smith", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $6 million for the CSAH 100 Rail Crossing Grade Separation Project in Aurora, Minnesota. The grant, provided through USDOT’s BUILD program, will construct a grade separated bridge to improve connectivity for school transportation, emergency services, and freight for mining and logging. The overpass would include a dedicated space for bicycles, snowmobiles, and ATVs.\n\n“Nothing is worse than running late and being stuck sitting on the road waiting for trains to pass on Highway 100. We hear you, and we’re fixing that,” said Senator Smith. “The new railroad overpass in Aurora will keep traffic and pedestrians moving instead of getting stuck at the crossing. We’re making it safer and more efficient for drivers.”\n\n“Blocked rail crossings not only inconvenience drivers, but also delay emergency vehicles and threaten public safety,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This federal investment will reduce traffic, boost efficiency, and improve rail crossing safety. Investments in our infrastructure serve as a down payment on the long-term economic well-being of our state.”\n\nBUILD grants, previously referred to as RAISE grants, can be used by communities across the country for a wide variety of transportation projects with significant local or regional impact. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Senators Smith and Klobuchar supported and was signed into law in 2021, delivered a 50 percent increase in the amount of available funding for the BUILD grants, as well as resources for improving the state’s roads, bridges, public transportation and water infrastructure.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-smith-klobuchar-secure-significant-federal-funding-to-replace-bridges-over-the-red-river-in-norman-polk-and-clay-counties/", "title": "U.S. Senators Smith, Klobuchar Secure Significant Federal Funding to Replace Bridges Over the Red River in Norman, Polk and Clay Counties", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.smith.senate.gov", "scraper": "tinasmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001203", "name": "Tina Smith", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $24 million for the Red River Regional Bridge System Replacement Project in Norman, Polk and Clay counties. The grant, provided through USDOT’s BUILD program, will replace up to three bridges over the Red River. This project upgrades aging bridges frequently impacted by flooding across the three counties. The bridge system supports commuters, freight movement and commercial transportation between Minnesota and North Dakota.\n\n“The bridges connecting Minnesota and North Dakota in the Red River Valley are vital to our ag economy and the surrounding communities,” said Senator Smith. “Replacing three old bridges across the Red River will keep commodities moving to market and ensure friends and neighbors have safe crossings as they drive across the prairie.”\n\n“The bridges over the Red River are aging, vulnerable to flooding, and need to be replaced. This federal grant will deliver resources for the bridge replacement project, ensuring both drivers and freight can safely cross the Red River between Minnesota and North Dakota,” Senator Klobuchar said.\n\nToday’s announcement builds on Senators Smith and Klobuchar’s past work to support infrastructure in the Red River Valley. In 2022, Senators Smith, Klobuchar and John Hoeven (R-ND) secured $437 million of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers funding for the construction of permanent flood protection in the Red River Valley. With that award, the project received the complete federal funding commitment of $750 million.\n\nBUILD grants, previously referred to as RAISE grants, can be used by communities across the country for a wide variety of transportation projects with significant local or regional impact. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Senators Smith and Klobuchar supported and was signed into law in 2021, delivered a 50 percent increase in the amount of available funding for the BUILD grants, as well as resources for improving the state’s roads, bridges, public transportation and water infrastructure.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/delegation-welcomes-corps-permit-for-king-cove-road", "title": "Delegation Welcomes Corps Permit for King Cove Road", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "scraper": "sullivan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001198", "name": "Dan Sullivan", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today applauded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) approval of a permit to facilitate construction of a life-saving road between the isolated community of King Cove, Alaska and nearby Cold Bay. The one-lane gravel connector will provide reliable transportation access from King Cove to Cold Bay, which is home to an all-weather airport.\n\n“This is more good news for King Cove and all who care about the health, safety, and wellbeing of the hundreds of people who live there,” Murkowski said. “After decades of relentlessly making the case and pushing with everything we have, this life-saving road is finally almost a reality. A combination of careful analysis and common sense from the Trump administration—the Department of the Interior and now the Army Corps—have brought us to this point. I thank them for their continued commitment to protecting and improving these Alaskans’ lives.”\n\n“For Alaskans, the decades-long King Cove Road impasse has been a symbol of an uncaring, out-of-touch, faraway federal government that prioritizes the lives of birds over people,” said Sullivan. “The great residents of King Cove time and again have kept hope alive, despite setbacks, most recently when the Biden administration disregarded the voices of the community and withdrew the previously approved land exchange. The permit issued by the Corps of Engineers today is vindication for King Cove, putting us closer than ever before to delivering a lifesaving, 11-mile, single-lane gravel road to the all-weather airport in Cold Bay. I want to thank the Administration, especially Secretary Burgum and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Telle, for listening to Alaskans, for caring about their safety and well-being, and for putting us on the cusp of a historic breakthrough for safe and reliable access for King Cove.”\n\n“This permit approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a critical milestone in a decades-long effort to provide the people of King Cove with the infrastructure they need to build an essential life-saving road,” said Begich. “For nearly 50 years, the community has advocated for a road connecting King Cove to the all-weather airport in Cold Bay. This project addresses an obvious public safety need and will provide a reliable route for emergency access in adverse weather conditions. I commend everyone who helped move this project forward, from residents who never stopped advocating, to Secretary Burgum, the Army Corps of Engineers, Governor Dunleavy, and Alaska’s congressional delegation over many years.”\n\nKing Cove is located between two volcanic peaks near the end of the Alaska Peninsula, and its small gravel airstrip is typically closed by bad weather for more than 100 days each year. Many flights not canceled are delayed by wind, turbulence, fog, rain, or snow squalls; travel by boat is often impacted by waves that can top 12 feet and the lack of suitable dock infrastructure in Cold Bay. By comparison, Cold Bay, which is less than 30 miles from King Cove, has one of the longest runways in the state and it is closed an average of just 10 days per year.\n\nAt present, there are roads leading out of both King Cove and Cold Bay but no connection between them. The lack of dependable transportation access to Cold Bay routinely forces emergency medevacs from King Cove that risk the lives of patients and responders alike. It also creates significant quality-of-life issues, ranging from King Cove residents’ inability to regularly receive mail to week-long travel delays for students returning home from various activities.\n\nKing Cove residents have sought this life-saving connector road for decades. In late 2025, a major breakthrough occurred when the Trump administration conveyed 490 federal acres to the King Cove Corporation in exchange for 1,739 acres of KCC-owned land near the Kinzarof Lagoon and the relinquishment of selection rights to more than 5,430 acres still owed to KCC under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.\n\nThe Corps permit issued this week is valid for five years and allows for dredge and fill activities to occur on just over five acres of land. For perspective, the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge spans 315,000 acres and there are at least 130 million acres of wetlands across Alaska.\n\nMore information is available here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-secures-exemption-for-registered-alaska-native-craftsmen-from-new-etsy-ban-on-fur-sales", "title": "Sullivan Secures Exemption for Registered Alaska Native Craftsmen from New Etsy Ban on Fur Sales", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "scraper": "sullivan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001198", "name": "Dan Sullivan", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, this week secured a new exemption to the animal product policy of Etsy that will allow Alaska Native craftsmen to continue selling fur items on the online crafts marketplace. The new policy, which goes into effect on August 11, will exempt taxidermy, byproduct materials, such as leather, sheepskin, shearling, cowhide, wool, or mohair, or fur products from sellers who are registered with the Indian Arts and Crafts Board from Etsy’s ban on products containing natural animal fur, regardless of age or origin.\n\n“Just a month after the signing of my ARTIST Act into law, we’ve secured another significant win for Alaska Native craftsmen who’ve sustainably harvested wildlife and created clothing, handicrafts, and artwork for thousands of years,” Sen. Sullivan said. “When my team and I first heard about Etsy’s planned policy change this spring, we got to work, reaching out directly to Etsy’s CEO to explain how the company’s blanket prohibition affects the lawful practices of our artisans and harms the livelihoods of Alaska Native people across our many rural communities. I want to thank Etsy for being responsive to the concerns of Alaskans.”\n\nBackground\n\nSen. Sullivan has led several efforts to protect the rights of Alaska Native artisans and continues to educate others on the negative impacts facing Alaska Native and rural economies as a result of overly broad bans. The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 permits Alaska Native people to take marine mammals and to create and sell “authentic Native articles of handicrafts and clothing” made from lawfully harvested marine mammals, including sea otter fur, subject to strict requirements that these harvests are not taken in a wasteful manner. TheIndian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 further established a framework to protect authentic Alaska Native-produced art and craft products.\n\nIn June 2026, the Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition (ARTIST) Act, Sen. Sullivan’s legislation to protect the legal rights of Alaska Native artists using walrus ivory in traditional handicrafts, art, ceremonial regalia, and clothing, was signed into law.\n\nIn May 2026, Sen. Sullivan wrote to Etsy's CEO demanding a change to the company’s new animal product policy that would prevent Alaska Native artists from selling fur handicrafts.\n\nIn February 2019, Sen. Sullivan worked with Alaska Native artists and Facebook to clarify Facebook Marketplace’s policies regarding the sale of products or artwork made with any “part, pelt or skin from an animal, including fur.”\n\nIn February 2018, Sen. Sullivan worked with Alaska Native artists to resolve a previous issue with Etsy that banned Alaska Native products that include sealskin, sea otter, and ivory.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photo-release-tuberville-attends-ribbon-cutting-for-new-ait-barracks-at-fort-rucker/", "title": "PHOTO RELEASE: Tuberville Attends Ribbon-Cutting for New AIT Barracks at Fort Rucker", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "DALEVILLE – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Advanced Individual Training (AIT) barracks at Fort Rucker. Sen. Tuberville secured part of the funding for these barracks in the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), his first defense bill after taking office and representing Alabama on the Senate Armed Services Committee. During his visit, Sen. Tuberville also toured Phase I of the barracks, which will be named in honor of PFC Garfield Langhorn.\n\nView more photos from Senator Tuberville’s visit at this link.\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-sanders-balint-lead-reintroduction-of-bill-to-help-protect-vermont-farmland-from-flooding/", "title": "Welch, Sanders, Balint Lead Reintroduction of Bill to Help Protect Vermont Farmland from Flooding", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, alongside the Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), reintroduced the Building Up Farmland Frontiers for Ecological Resilience (BUFFER) Act. This bicameral legislation would ensure all states can access the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) funding to implement buffer zones, agricultural tools used by farmers to protect farmland from flooding, erosion, and water pollution.\n\n“Our farmers deserve access to the tools and resources they need to fight climate change and make farmland more flood resilient. An essential part of that has to be cutting through red tape that forces Vermont farmers to jump through more hoops to receive compensation for their work than farmers in other states,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Sanders and Rep. Balint on this legislation to help Vermont farmers better mitigate flooding risk and protect our state’s farmland from natural disasters.”\n\n“Vermont farmers are still recovering from multiple years of flooding. They want to ensure their fields are better protected from future storms, especially in the face of climate change. This important legislation will cut through bureaucracy and ensure our farmers are compensated for their work to improve our state’s water quality and protect their land from the kind of damage we saw over the past few years,” said Senator Sanders.\n\n“As climate change brings more frequent and severe extreme weather events, it’s critical that farmers in Vermont and across the country have the tools they need to protect their land and livelihoods,” said Rep. Balint. “Ahead of the anniversary of the catastrophic 2023 and 2024 floods, I’m proud to be reintroducing the BUFFER Act alongside our Senators. Our delegation stands united in support of Vermonters as folks continue to rebuild.”\n\nThe delegation first introduced the legislation in direct response to Vermont’s catastrophic July 2023 floods.\n\nBuffer zones are agricultural tools used by farmers to protect farmland from flooding, erosion, and water pollution, and provide a habitat for pollinators. Like many states, Vermont requires farmers to implement buffer systems. As such, farmers in Vermont have sought to use the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Conservation Reserve Program (CREP) to implement buffers in their fields. However, because the State of Vermont has a buffer mandate, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has required Vermont to follow an arduous process to access CREP buffer funding. These bureaucratic barriers have hampered Vermonters’ ability to use this vital conservation tool and receive compensation for their preventative work.\n\nThe bicameral BUFFER Act aims to ensure that Vermont farmers are compensated for their efforts to improve water quality and protect their fields from flooding. The bill would ensure that all states can access USDA’s Conservation CREP funding to implement buffer zones, even if state law already requires farmers to maintain buffer zones.\n\nLearn more about the BUFFER Act.\n\nRead and download the full text of the legislation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/wicker-and-colleagues-announce-agreement-on-legislation-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-accountable", "title": "Wicker and Colleagues Announce Agreement on Legislation to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil Accountable", "date": "2026-07-10", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.wicker.senate.gov", "scraper": "wicker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000437", "name": "Roger F. Wicker", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement today:\n\n“We are proud to announce that we have reached an agreement with the Trump Administration to move our updated Russia sanctions legislation forward. We are very pleased with this significant progress and expect to roll out the legislation very soon. As Russia intensifies its slaughter of civilians, it is imperative that the legislative and executive branches work together to create tools to exact a heavy price on those who buy Russian oil and natural gas, fueling the Putin war machine.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/historic-barrett-backed-housing-package-becomes-law", "title": "Historic, Barrett-Backed Housing Package Becomes Law", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "barrett.house.gov", "scraper": "barrett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001321", "name": "Tom Barrett", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) celebrated the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644) becoming law to expand affordable housing options and lower costs for Americans. Specifically, this housing package that Barrett helped pass would increase housing supply by cutting unnecessary red tape, expanding financing opportunities for local housing projects, and more. It also includes an effort that Barrett has helped lead to ban large corporations from buying up single-family homes.\n\n“For generations, owning a home has been a cornerstone of the American Dream, but that dream is slipping away for too many Michigan families,” said Barrett. “That changes today. The 21st Century ROAD To Housing Act becoming law will finally ease the burdensome regulations that have made it impossible to build new homes and prevent corporate investors who treat family homes like their personal stock portfolio from buying up all the supply. Every American deserves a fair shot at owning a home and building a future in their community, and I was proud to fight to make sure they get it.”\n\nAccording to the Competitive Enterprise Institute, hidden regulatory expenses currently cost families more than $16,000 annually, with an additional $130,000 in regulatory costs added to building a new home. This bill would cut this red tape and lower costs for homebuyers by:\n\nProhibiting large institutional investors that own more than 350 single-family homes from buying up more of the market.\n\nSpeeding up home construction by streamlining permitting, and reducing regulatory delays;\n\nModernizing federal housing programs to support more affordable housing development;\n\nExpanding financing opportunities for community banks so they can support more local housing projects; and\n\nEncouraging the construction of single-family homes, apartments, manufactured housing, and other affordable housing options.\n\nOn February 9, the House of Representatives passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act by a vote of 390-9. On June 22, the Senate passed an amended version of the bill by a vote of 85-5. The House voted to concur with the Senate version on June 23, by a vote of 358-32, sending the package to the president’s desk. The bill became law at midnight last night.\n\nAbout Barrett’s Blueprint for a Better America\n\nRestoring Trust in Government: Making Government Serve the People, Not Special Interests\n\nReviving the American Dream:Helping Families Afford Homes in Mid-Michigan\n\nMaking Health Care Affordable Again:Lowering Costs for Working Families\n\nRecalibrating American Foreign Policy: Ending Endless Wars and Promoting Peace Through Strength\n\nReforming Campaign Finance:Putting Governing Before Campaigning\n\nMaking America Healthy Again: Prioritizing Public Health Over Corporate Profits", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/beatty-celebrates-six-bills-becoming-law-as-part-of-landmark-bipartisan-housing-package", "title": "BEATTY CELEBRATES SIX BILLS BECOMING LAW AS PART OF LANDMARK BIPARTISAN HOUSING PACKAGE", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "beatty.house.gov", "scraper": "beatty", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001281", "name": "Joyce Beatty", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) today celebrated the enactment of six of her bipartisan bills as part of the landmark 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, comprehensive legislation that will expand affordable housing, help families avoid foreclosure, strengthen community financial institutions, and increase investment in housing development across Central Ohio and communities nationwide.\n\nThe new law represents one of the most significant bipartisan housing reforms in years, advancing policies to increase housing supply, modernize housing finance, and make homeownership more attainable for working families.\n\n“Every day, I hear from my constituents who are struggling with rising housing costs and wondering whether they’ll ever be able to afford a home of their own,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “That's why I'm proud that six of my bipartisan bills are now law as part of this landmark housing package. These reforms will help more families find a safe, affordable place to call home, keep people from losing the homes they've worked so hard to build, and bring new investment into the communities that need it most. My hope is that this legislation helps more Americans achieve—and keep—the dream of homeownership.\"\n\nBeatty Bills Now Law:\n\nH.R. 2031 – HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Reform Act\n\nIncluded in Section 501, this legislation strengthens the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOME program by reducing burdensome compliance requirements for small properties and increasing flexibility for nonprofit housing providers serving low- and extremely low-income households.\n\nH.R. 6726 – Reforms to Housing Counseling and Financial Literacy Programs Act\n\nIncluded in Section 101, this bill supports foreclosure mitigation counseling for borrowers who are at least 30 days delinquent on mortgage payments, helping families avoid foreclosure and remain in their homes.\n\nH.R. 5913 – Community Investment and Prosperity Act\n\nIncluded in Section 203, this legislation expands banks’ ability to invest private capital into affordable housing, small business lending, and community revitalization by increasing the public welfare investment cap from 15 percent to 20 percent.\n\nH.R. 3234 – Keeping Deposits Local Act\n\nIncluded in Section 902, this bill modernizes the treatment of reciprocal deposits to improve liquidity for small and midsize banks, enabling them to expand local lending and support affordable housing development.\n\nH.R. 3709 – Advancing the Mentor-Protégé Program for Small Financial Institutions Act\n\nIncluded in Section 906, this legislation codifies the Treasury Department’s Financial Agent Mentor-Protégé Program to strengthen partnerships between large banks, community banks, and minority depository institutions (MDIs), helping smaller lenders better support housing and community development efforts.\n\nH.R. 5429 – HUD-USDA-VA Interagency Coordination Act\n\nIncluded in Section 801, this bill requires the Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Agriculture (USDA), and Veterans Affairs (VA) to coordinate and share housing-related research, data, and market information to improve federal housing policy and program delivery.\n\nThe legislation was originally scheduled to be signed into law on June 24, 2026—after passing both chambers of Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support. At the last minute, Donald Trump delayed the signing ceremony to instead focus on advancing his voter suppression bill. Despite that unnecessary delay, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is now law, delivering long-overdue reforms that will expand affordable housing, help families avoid foreclosure, strengthen community banks, and create more pathways to homeownership for Americans.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleavers-statement-21st-century-road-housing-act-becoming", "title": "Congressman Cleaver’s Statement on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Becoming Law", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cleaver.house.gov", "scraper": "cleaver", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001061", "name": "Emanuel Cleaver", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, celebrates the enactment of the Housing for the 21st Century Act, the most significant bipartisan housing reform package in nearly 50 years, which officially became law at midnight Eastern Time without the President’s signature. The bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Cleaver, House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (R-AR), Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA), and Housing and Insurance Subcommittee Chairman Mike Flood (R-NE), and in the Senate by Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) and Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).\n\n“Today, the most consequential housing legislation in nearly half a century is now law.\n\n“This legislation was not born out of political convenience. It was forged through countless hours of difficult conversations, honest disagreements, mutual respect, and an uncommon willingness to find common ground. At a time when cynicism too often overshadows cooperation, Democrats and Republicans chose something different. We chose to listen, negotiate, and ultimately, to govern.\n\n“For more than eighteen months, I was proud to work alongside Chairman Flood, our colleagues in both chambers, housing advocates, lenders, local leaders, and stakeholders from across the political spectrum to confront one of the defining challenges facing our nation: the cost of keeping a roof over your head. We did not always share the same approach, but we shared the same conviction that America’s housing crisis demanded action, not excuses.\n\n“That spirit of partnership produced landmark legislation that will expand housing supply, modernize our housing finance system, remove unnecessary barriers to development, and help make homeownership and affordable housing more attainable for millions of Americans. It is proof that when we choose progress over partnership, Congress can still deliver transformative results for constituents like mine in Missouri’s Fifth District. This law stands as a reminder that our greatest achievements are rarely the product of one party’s triumph but rather born when we have the courage to build something together on behalf of the people we serve.”\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes numerous individual provisions sponsored by Ranking Member Cleaver, including:\n\nInnovation Fund: The innovation fund is a section first proposed in the American Housing and Economic Mobility Act, introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA). This section authorizes a seven-year $200 million annual competitive grant program for jurisdictions pursuing innovative policies, interventions, or programs for increasing housing supply.\n\nHOME Reform Act: Introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver and Chairman Flood (R-NE), the legislation is the most significant reform to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program since authorization in 1990. The legislation includes provisions introduced by Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH) and would modernize and update the federal government’s largest block grant program dedicated exclusively to creating and preserving affordable housing for low-income households.\n\nRural Housing Service Program Improvements: The legislation includes sections of the Rural Housing Service Reform Act, introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver and Representative Zach Nunn (R-IA), representing the most significant US Department of Agriculture Rural Housing Service reforms in decades. The included sections would allow for greater use of the Rural Housing Service Section 504 Home Repair Program, ensure continued rental assistance for tenants in properties with expiring protections, and make it easier for nonprofits to buy and preserve housing.\n\nChoice in Affordable Housing Act: The legislation includes sections of the Choice in Affordable Housing Act, introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver and Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY), representing a major reform to HUD’s Section 8 program. The included sections would streamline inspections, increase access to housing for voucher holders, and encourage private landlord participation.\n\nManufactured Housing Innovations: The legislation includes the Housing Supply Expansion Act of 2025, introduced by Rep. Cleaver and Rep. Rose (R-TN), which would update the federal definition of manufactured housing and allow for more efficient and cost-effective designs.\n\nHUD Accountability Act: Introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver and Rep. Lawler (R-NY), the HUD Accountability Act requires the Secretary of HUD to testify on an annual basis before Congress.\n\nOfficial text of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is available here.\n\nA one-pager on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is available here.\n\nA section-by-section of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is available here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://downing.house.gov/media/press-releases/downings-whole-home-repairs-act-included-21st-century-road-housing-act-becomes", "title": "DOWNING’S WHOLE-HOME REPAIRS ACT INCLUDED IN THE 21ST CENTURY ROAD TO HOUSING ACT BECOMES LAW", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://downing.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "downing.house.gov", "scraper": "downing", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000634", "name": "Troy Downing", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, comprehensive legislation to expand housing supply, modernize federal housing programs, and support affordable housing nationwide becomes law. Congressman Troy Downing’s Whole-Home Repairs Act, legislation to support essential home repairs was included in the package.\n\nDowning’s bill, the Whole-Home Repairs Act of 2025, authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to offer grants for essential home repair assistance to low-and-moderate-income homeowners and small landlords.\n\n“Housing affordability remains a major challenge for families across Montana and across the country,” said Congressman Downing. “This bill is a step forward in addressing the needs of homeowners and renters. I’m proud that my Whole-Home Repairs Act was included in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to leverage federal, state, and local partnerships and strengthen our existing housing stock. With too many Montana families cost burdened and many homes in need of repair, this funding could not come at a better time.”\n\nThe broader legislation includes several reforms aimed at expanding housing supply and modernizing federal housing policy.\n\nThe bill eliminates the permanent chassis requirement for manufactured homes, an outdated federal mandate that required manufactured homes to be built on a permanent steel frame. Removing this requirement will help lower costs and allow more design flexibility for prefabricated housing.\n\nThe legislation also includes important community banking provisions. It allows community banks to hold more custodial and reciprocal deposits without triggering brokered deposit restrictions. It also provides exam relief for banks with up to $6 billion in assets and streamlines the process for new community banks to form.\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act also creates a two-year pilot program to support the creation of new community banks, especially in rural areas.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3252", "title": "Congresswoman Escobar Celebrates 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Becoming Law", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement after the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law last night at midnight:\n\n\"For the first time in decades, Congress passed a bipartisan housing bill to address our nation’s housing crisis and help hard working Americans. Despite the needs it addresses and the overwhelming support it has, Donald Trump refused to sign the bill, but thankfully it became law anyway.\n\n\"Trump demonstrates time and again that he doesn’t care about the cost of living crisis Americans are living through, the result of a terrible economy that he created.\n\n\"I’m proud to have voted for this bill, and remain committed to the work to grow affordable and accessible housing for the American people, with or without the President.\"\n\nThis legislation became law even though President Trump refused to sign it. Under the Constitution, a bill that has passed both chambers of Congress automatically becomes law if the president doesn't sign or veto it within 10 days, excluding Sundays.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases/housing-insurance-chairman-flood-new-housing-law-legislation-american-people", "title": "Housing & Insurance Chairman Flood on New Housing Law: 'This Is Legislation That the American People Can Be Proud of.'", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "flood.house.gov", "scraper": "flood", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000474", "name": "Mike Flood", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood, Chairman of the Housing & Insurance Subcommittee, released a statement following the signing of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act into law. He also attended a press conference in Maumelle, Arkansas, hosted by House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill.\n\nThe housing package includes several provisions introduced and championed by Congressman Flood. The bill marks the first major housing legislation enacted by Congress in decades.\n\n“I am thrilled that the '21st Century ROAD to Housing Act' is now officially law,” said Congressman Flood. “While the journey was long and, at times, delicate, we arrived at the right outcome with a meaningful bipartisan housing bill that slashes red tape, lowers housing costs, and helps put the American dream of homeownership within reach for more hardworking families. Simply put: This is legislation that the American people can be proud of.”\n\nCongressman Flood also spoke at House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill’s press conference in Maumelle celebrating the new law, “[A home is more than an asset.] It’s the place where you bring your newborn home to and give her a bath under the sink. It’s the place where you tuck your seven-year-old little boy in, and you say, ‘I’m doing my part to make sure he’s living in a safe, sound home.’”\n\nVideo of Congressman Flood’s full remarks can be found by clicking here, while the full presser can found be found here. News outlets are welcome to use the footage for reporting purposes.\n\nThe text of the “21st Century ROAD to Housing Act” can be found here.\n\nIn addition to serving as Chairman of the Housing & Insurance Subcommittee, Congressman Flood is the Chairman of the Republican Main Street Caucus.\n\nLegislation Congressman Flood previously introduced that are included in the amended version of the housing bill are detailed below:\n\nThe HOME Reform Act\n\n“America is in the midst of a housing crisis as families struggle to live the American dream due to the shortage of millions of homes,” said Congressman Flood. “The HOME program is a federal program that builds housing supply, but it has previously been weighed down by regulatory burdens that make it hard to build housing. The reforms in this legislation will result in more homebuilding across the country as we work to tackle our nation’s housing shortage. From Columbus, Nebraska to Columbus, Ohio and beyond, local communities will have an unprecedented opportunity to build affordable homes and directly address the housing crisis gripping our nation.”\n\nThe \"HOME Reform Act\" modernizes the HOME Investment Partnership Program by exempting projects from NEPA and provides relief from Build America, Buy America requirements as well as establishing a “small project” exemption under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968. The bill raises income eligibility to 100% of area median income, extends the time communities have to commit funds, updates definitions of affordable single and multifamily housing, as well as allows funds to be used for infrastructure tied directly to new housing, such as sidewalks, sewers, and utility connections.\n\nRead the initial press release on the \"HOME Reform Act\" here. The bill was co-introduced by Housing & Insurance Subcommittee Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO).\n\nUnlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act\n\n“The Unlocking Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act is an important step towards increasing housingsupply in America,” said Congressman Flood. “Environmental reviews can slow housing projects by months- or even years. Currently, those reviews are not properly tailored to the size and scale of housing projects. This legislation is a meaningful step towards fixing that problem.”\n\nThe \"Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act\" streamlines the environmental review process for a range of Department of Housing and Urban Development building activities.\n\nRead the initial press release on the \"Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act\" here. The bill was co-introduced by Congressman Sam Liccardo (D-CA).\n\nThe Housing Supply Frameworks Act\n\n“The rising cost of housing is putting the American Dream out of reach for working families across our country,” said Congressman Flood. “We need an all-of-the-above approach to addressing America’s housing crisis. To this end, the Housing Supply Frameworks Act helps establish suggested best practices for state and local governments across the country who want to break down barriers holding back development and innovation in housing and construction.”\n\nThe \"Housing Supply Frameworks Act” requires HUD to publish best practices and guidelines to assist communities in maintaining modern local and state zoning frameworks that support the production of adequate housing options at every income level.\n\nRead the initial press release on the \"Housing Supply Frameworks Act\" here. The bill was co-introduced by Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (D-CO).\n\nThe UNLOCK Act\n\n“The CDBG program has long been an important tool for Nebraska cities to fund important local projects,” said Congressman Flood. “This targeted legislation would give communities across the state the flexibility to use CDBG dollars to directly address housing supply needs.”\n\nThe “UNLOCK Act” allows grantees to use CDBG funding for housing developments.\n\nRead more on the “UNLOCK Act\" here. The bill was co-introduced by Congressman Sam Liccardo (D-CA).\n\nThe Rural Regulatory Relief Act\n\nThe \"Rural Housing Regulatory Relief Act\" streamlines environmental review requirements for housing developments built on previously developed infill sites. The legislation reduces duplicative NEPA review processes for projects on land that has already been developed, helping to eliminate unnecessary federal delays and costs. This legislation will help lower construction costs, accelerate housing development, and expand access to affordable housing in rural communities.\n\nMore information on the “Rural Regulatory Relief Act” can be found here. The bill was co-introduced by Congressmen Troy Downing (R-MT), Eugene Vindman (D-VA), and Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX).\n\nThe BUILD Housing Act\n\nThe “BUILD Housing Act” updates the NEPA process for housing developments by expanding collaboration between HUD, states, and localities. Specifically, the legislation gives HUD the ability to delegate and coordinate certain environmental reviews for HUD grant programs to state and localities. This bill additionally allows HUD to designate certain housingassistance as “special project funds.” By streamlining reviews and reducing administrative burdens, this legislation would help accelerate housing development and improve the delivery of federal housing assistance.", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/goodlander-backed-affordable-housing-bill-becomes-law/", "title": "Goodlander-Backed Affordable Housing Bill Becomes Law", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "goodlander.house.gov", "scraper": "goodlander", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000604", "name": "Maggie Goodlander", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a comprehensive bipartisan bill championed by Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), was enacted into law last weekend after the 10-day constitutional clock expired. Goodlander co-sponsored six critical provisions in the final bill.\n\n“The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act delivers a major victory for Granite Staters who are being priced out of the communities they love,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “I fought to ensure the bill will speed up homebuilding, cut needless red tape in rural communities, expand modular and manufactured housing, support resident-owned communities, and help veterans access the home-loan benefits they earned.”\n\n“The President’s inexplicable refusal to sign this overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation doesn’t take away from the result: Congress is taking practical, meaningful action to build more homes and lower costs. I am proud to have helped get this law across the finish line, and I will keep fighting until every hardworking Granite Stater has a fair shot at an affordable place to call home.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act — a bipartisan, bicameral effort — includes six Goodlander-cosponsored provisions that will:\n\nAccelerate home building with pre-approved “pattern books” for missing-middle and infill housing that speed up approvals and cut construction costs, especially in rural communities. (H.R. 5907)\n\nCut needless bureaucracy holding up the development of rural housing (H.R. 4989)\n\nExpand the housing supply by allowing modular housing to be built and financed more easily (H.R. 6293)\n\nSupport resident-owned manufactured housing communities by reauthorizing the PRICE grant program, which supports community ownership of housing communities by helping pay for infrastructure improvements and redevelopment (H.R. 4477)\n\nEnsure veterans and their families get the benefits they’re entitled to when it comes to seeking home loans (H.R. 2362 and H.R. 3694)\n\nImprove Build America, Buy America by requiring updated, clearer guidance on how these requirements apply to the HOME program.\n\nThe new law is the latest success story for Goodlander’s practical, bipartisan approach to tackling the housing crisis: clear the obstacles that make homes more expensive, back the people working to add supply, and make sure every federal dollar dedicated to this cause is actually delivering more homes people can afford.\n\nIt builds on a broader push by Goodlander to take on the forces driving up housing costs. She is helping to lead bipartisan legislation to expand financing for accessory dwelling units and affordable housing development, supported cracking down on corporate landlords and private equity firms that drive up rents and home prices, and backed efforts to increase housing supply and make homeownership more accessible for working families, seniors, and first-time buyers.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=10258", "title": "RELEASE: REP. HILL’S LANDMARK HOUSING BILL BECOMES LAW", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "hill.house.gov", "scraper": "hill", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001072", "name": "J. French Hill", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02), Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, held a press conference to celebrate his bill, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, becoming law. The bipartisan, bicameral bill is the first major housing legislation in decades. It cuts red tape, increases housing supply, and makes homeownership more attainable for families across Arkansas and the nation. The bill passed the Senate 85-14 and the House 358-32.\n\nRep Hill said, \"When I first ran for Congress, I set out to author and pass legislation that improves the lives of central Arkansans and prove that Washington could still work for the American people. Having this historic housing bill become law today is the realization of those goals, that by working together, debating in good faith, and putting the interests of Americans ahead of politics, good policy can become law.\n\n\"This legislation strengthens community banks, modernizes building codes, and cuts red tape. More houses will be built, more families will enter the market, and homes across the country will be more affordable. The bill also delivers on one of the President’s goals by restricting institutional investors from outcompeting American families for homes. After years of work and months of negotiations with the Senate, this bicameral, bipartisan bill is a win for families from Arkansas to every corner of this country, and I am pleased to have successfully collaborated on this priority with the Financial Services Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA).\"\n\nWorking in partnership with Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC), the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes more than 45 provisions to reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers to new home construction and modernize HUD programs, nine community banking bills to expand local lending for housing construction and mortgages, and measures to prevent large institutional investors from unfairly competing with individual homebuyers for homes.\n\nCommunity banks are the backbone of Arkansas's economy, and the bill provides targeted relief to strengthen their ability to lend in local housing markets. The legislation also modernizes building codes, makes local zoning rules more competitive, and increases congressional oversight of HUD. This gives Arkansas communities greater flexibility to address their own housing needs.\n\nClick here to watch the press conference.\n\nClick here for the text of the bill.\n\nClick here for a one-pager.\n\nClick here for a section-by-section.", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6208", "title": "Lawler Applauds 21st Century Road to Housing Act Being Made Law", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 7/11/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) celebrated the enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, landmark bipartisan legislation that will help address the nation’s severe housing shortage and lower costs for American families.\n\nThe United States faces a shortage of as many as 8 million housing units. Regulatory delays and outdated zoning have worsened the crisis, while small and midsize banks that finance new construction have struggled under heavy regulatory burdens.\n\nWATCH: REP LAWLER DEBATES IN FAVOR OF 21ST CENTURY ROAD TO HOUSING ACT ON HOUSE FLOOR\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes real solutions that empower homeowners and renters and strengthen communities and will lead to more affordable choices for all Americans.\n\n“When Republicans set the agenda and focus on results, we can deliver meaningful reforms that lower costs and expand opportunity. By modernizing outdated programs, supporting community banks, and keeping large institutional investors from crowding out families, we’re making the American Dream more attainable,” said Congressman Lawler.\n\n“I’m proud of the work House Republicans did on the Financial Services Committee to get this done, and I want to thank Chairman French Hill and Ranking Member Maxine Waters as well as Subcommittee Chair Mike Flood for their leadership in advancing this critical legislation,” concluded Congressman Lawler.\n\nPutting Families First in the Housing Market\n\nThis bill curbs large-scale institutional investor purchases to ensure that American families aren’t forced to compete with Wall Street for a home.\n\nRemoving Unnecessary Regulatory Barriers\n\nThis bill speeds up homebuilding, including allowing ready-to-use, pre-approved home designs for faster permitting, modernizing federal and local processes, and strengthening community capacity to build more affordable homes in both rural and urban areas.\n\nModernizing HUD Programs\n\nThis bill accelerates development, including updating rules for manufactured homes with HUD as the lead authority, reforming the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (the largest federal block grant for affordable housing), and exempting small-scale projects from burdensome environmental reviews while giving local governments more flexibility.\n\nEnhancing Community Banking Operations\n\nThis bill cuts red tape by streamlining exams, expanding access to stable deposits for local lending, and supporting rural banks so they can better serve small businesses, farmers, and families.\n\nAdditionally, the package includes the following legislation authored by Congressman Lawler:\n\nCommunity Investment and Prosperity Act, which expands banks' ability to make community investments that promote public welfare and support local economic development.\n\nHUD Accountability Act of 2025, which requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to testify before Congress annually, strengthening transparency and accountability as the nation continues to face a housing affordability crisis.\n\nHousing for America’s Middle Class Act, which directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study income parameters for workforce housing and provide recommendations on how federal housing policy can better serve middle-income families.\n\nImproving Public Housing Agency Accountability Act, which requires annual reporting on troubled public housing agencies, including compliance with federal law, the physical and financial condition of properties, and recommendations to improve oversight and better serve residents.\n\nImproving Housing Access Act, which directs the Comptroller General to study barriers to housing for seniors and individuals with disabilities and identify opportunities to improve access.\n\nSuperfund Area Facts and Exposure (SAFE) Act, which directs the Comptroller General to study the number of residential units, including public housing units, located within one mile of a Superfund site to understand potential impacts on nearby communities better.\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passed the Senate 85-5 and the House 358-32 with strong bipartisan support.\n\nCongressman Lawler isone of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated themost effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/tafuna-students-participate-nationwide-reading-declaration-independence", "title": "Tafuna Students Participate in Nationwide Reading of Declaration of Independence", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "radewagen.house.gov", "scraper": "radewagen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000600", "name": "Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen", "party": "Republican", "state": "AS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Pago Pago – Joined by students from the Tafuna High School Summer Bridge program, Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata read the Declaration of Independence as part of the nationwide ‘Sharing the Spirit of America’ project initiated by the Hawai’i America 250 Commission. The American Samoa America 250 Commission organized the local reading with support from the American Samoa Historic Preservation Office, the American Samoa Visitors Bureau, and the American Samoa Cultural Heritage Collective, Inc., while at least 1,098 locations around the world participated. The reading was included as a special stop for the Tafuna High School Summer Bridge program during their scheduled Fagatogo Historic District Walking Tour.\n\nReading the Declaration of Independence with Tafuna students\n\nHistorically, the public reading is a recognition of the first public reading, July 8, 1776, when Americans began hearing the news. Colonel John Nixon read the Declaration of Independence publicly for the first time at Noon in the State House Yard in Philadelphia, now Independence Square, to a crowd summoned by the ringing of the Liberty Bell.\n\nThe Commission selected Congresswoman Amata for the reading since she is a Member of the bipartisan Congressional America 250 Caucus, and because of the historic ties between the Declaration and Congress. The Declaration of Independence was passed by the delegates to the Second Continental Congress, forerunners of the U.S. Congress.\n\nTafuna Summer Bridge students\n\n“Thank you to the Commission for inviting me, and thank you to our students for their attention and participation in honor of one of the most important documents and watershed moments in history,” said Congresswoman Amata. “We are blessed to be part of the United States, connected to these 250 years of history, and part of an ongoing national legacy of defending freedom.”\n\nThe full Declaration is 1,320 words long, with famous sections, but the forefathers reasoning is explained in a center section that is not as widely quoted. Signed by 56 delegates to the Congress, the bold “John Hancock” signature, President of the Congress, became famous in its own right. Thomas Jefferson is the main author, while a Committee including John Adams and Benjamin Franklin advised and edited. The motion for independence in the Congress was made by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, seconded by John Adams of Massachusetts.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://rivas.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luz-rivas-bipartisan-housing-bill-becoming-law-after-trumps", "title": "Congresswoman Luz Rivas on Bipartisan Housing Bill Becoming Law after Trump’s Refusal", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://rivas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "rivas.house.gov", "scraper": "rivas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000620", "name": "Luz M. Rivas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LOS ANGELES — Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) released the following statement after the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law. Trump previously refused to sign the bill into law after it overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives because he continues to focus on disenfranchising millions of voters rather than help working Americans achieve homeownership.\n\n“For over two weeks, Trump held our bipartisan housing bill hostage because he would rather make it harder to vote than make life more affordable for working families,” said Congresswoman Rivas. “We are in a housing crisis and Americans need help now. Too many constituents across the San Fernando Valley have told me the high costs of housing have put homeownership out of reach for them. Trump prolonged the delivery of much-needed housing relief because he believes the affordability crisis is a ‘hoax’. Trump would rather focus on restricting ballot box access for millions of Americans. I will continue working with House Democrats to make housing affordable for all, address the affordability crisis created by Trump and his Congressional Republicans, and stop Trump’s ongoing attempts to rig our elections.”\n\nBackground:\n\nOn June 23, 2026, the House of Representatives passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act by a vote of 358-32. This bill was originally supposed to be signed into law on June 24, 2026, by President Trump in a signing ceremony on Capitol Hill. However, hours before the bill was scheduled to be signed into law, Trump cancelled the signing ceremony because he wants Republicans to prioritize getting the SAVE Act to his desk.\n\nThe SAVE Act would restrict millions of Americans’ ability to vote by requiring voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC); create serious risks to voters’ privacy and security through expansive data-sharing requirements; and effectively dismantle widely used and trusted voter registration methods, including mail-in registration, online voter registration, and voter registration drives.\n\nDespite his refusal to sign the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act into law, Trump did not issue a presidential veto. The bill was presented to Trump on June 29, 2026, initiating a 10-day window for Trump to sign the bill into law. The Constitution provides for a bill to become law if a President does not sign or veto it within this 10-day window period. Trump did not sign or veto the bill.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-brad-shermans-bill-help-disabled-veterans-access-housing", "title": "Congressman Brad Sherman's Bill to Help Disabled Veterans Access Housing Becomes Law Despite Trump's Refusal to Sign", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "sherman.house.gov", "scraper": "sherman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000344", "name": "Brad Sherman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tonight, the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act officially became law despite President Donald Trump's refusal to sign it, delivering long-overdue reforms to address America's housing crisis and enacting Congressman Brad Sherman's (CA-32) Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act (HUDVA). Under the Constitution, the legislation became law without the President's signature after he declined to act on it.\n\nThe landmark legislation passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support and includes Sherman's HUDVA, which authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to use vouchers under the Housing Choice Voucher Program to provide housing assistance for disabled veterans experiencing homelessness.\n\n\"Today is a victory for homeless veterans and for every American struggling to find affordable housing,\" said Congressman Sherman. \"President Trump tried to hold this bill hostage in a misguided effort to force Congress to accept his unrelated political demands. Fortunately, the Constitution prevented one man's political tantrum from stopping legislation that will improve millions of lives.\"\n\n\"This law includes my Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act, which will help ensure that disabled veterans who sacrificed for our country are not forced to sleep on our streets. No veteran who served our nation should ever be left without a safe place to call home.\"\n\nSherman had sharply criticized Trump's earlier decision to withhold his signature from the bill, arguing that the President was using desperately needed housing reforms—and assistance for homeless veterans—as leverage to pressure Congress into passing unrelated election legislation. Trump ultimately allowed the bill to become law without his signature after continuing to refuse to endorse it.\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act represents the most significant federal housing legislation in decades. In addition to Sherman's HUDVA provision, the law expands the nation's housing supply, cuts red tape that drives up construction costs, modernizes federal housing programs, and includes measures to improve affordability for families across the country.\n\n\"We still have much more work to do to make housing affordable and end veteran homelessness,\" Sherman added. \"But today, Congress proved that bipartisan solutions are still possible—and that no President should be allowed to derail good legislation for unrelated political purposes.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"}
{"url": "https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-backed-transformational-housing-legislation-becomes-law", "title": "Walberg-Backed Transformational Housing Legislation Becomes Law", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "walberg.house.gov", "scraper": "walberg", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000798", "name": "Tim Walberg", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) released the following statement after the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law.\n\n\"Americans deserve access to affordable housing, and the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is transformational legislation that will help restore the American Dream of homeownership,\" said Rep. Walberg. \"By reducing burdensome regulatory barriers and allowing banks to freely deploy funding, we can increase housing supply and lower costs for hardworking Michigan families. This bipartisan legislation includes real solutions that will alleviate housing shortages and make life more affordable for all Americans.\"\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act cuts regulatory barriers that slow housing construction, modernizes Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs, and strengthens local lending capacity to support new housing development. Congressman Walberg voted in favor of the legislation, which passed the House on June 23, 2026.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/alsobrooks-road-to-housing-becomes-law/", "title": "ALSOBROOKS: ROAD TO HOUSING BECOMES LAW", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.alsobrooks.senate.gov", "scraper": "alsobrooks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000382", "name": "Angela D. Alsobrooks", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, released the following statement after the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act officially became law, without the President’s signature.\n\n“Marylanders across our state tell me the same thing: housing costs too much.\n\n“At midnight, the ROAD to Housing Act became law without President Trump’s signature. His priorities are clear – he doesn’t care to lower the cost of housing. He only cares about himself and his billionaire friends. What a shame.\n\n“I am proud I worked across the aisle with colleagues in the Senate to ensure this legislation became law – the most comprehensive housing legislation in over 30 years. This bill will lower costs, cut red tape, increase the housing supply, and help make the dream of homeownership more affordable.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wtas-alabama-leaders-applaud-enactment-of-bipartisan-housing-bill-into-law-praise-u-s-senator-katie-britts-leadership/", "title": "WTAS: Alabama Leaders Applaud Enactment of Bipartisan Housing Bill into Law, Praise U.S. Senator Katie Britt’s Leadership", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, following the enactment of the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act into law, several Alabama leaders praised the legislation, including U.S. Senator Katie Britt’s leadership and priorities in the larger package. Senator Britt also shared her continued commitment to sending the SAVE America Act, a commonsense bill to secure our country and elections, to President Trump’s desk.\n\nSeveral bills Senator Britt introduced were among those signed into law. The Helping More Families Save Act, legislation she introduced with Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), establishes a pilot program to expand participation in the HUD Family Self Sufficiency Program – the only HUD program focused solely on moving families off government assistance and toward economic independence. As participating families increase their earnings, the additional rent they would normally owe is instead deposited into a savings account in their name. Once they successfully leave government assistance, they can access those saving to build wealth and save for goals like a down payment on a home, education, job training, transportation, or an emergency fund.\n\nThe Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act, legislation she introduced with Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), will ensure veterans who receive disability payments from their service do not have their eligibility penalized for housing support. This bill passed the House by voice vote earlier in the 119th Congress.\n\nThe Housing Supply Expansion Act of 2025, legislation she introduced with Senators Gallego, Padilla, Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), will remove an unnecessary federal requirement that manufactured homes maintain a permanent chassis. A steel chassis can cost anywhere between $5,000 to $10,000, and removing this red tape will immediately lower costs for families.\n\nSenator Britt also cosponsored or supported several other provisions in the final package, including Senator Mike Rounds’ (R-S.Dak.) Keeping Deposits Local Act to modernize outdated rules on reciprocal deposits allowing community banks and credit unions to keep deposits locally in Alabama, rather than flowing to Wall Street. She also cosponsored Senator Bill Hagerty’s (R-Tenn.) Credit Union Board Modernization Act, and also secured a study on the implementation of work requirements for certain recipients of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) assistance.\n\nFollowing the enactment of this legislation, Senator Britt also reiterated her continued commitment to passing the SAVE America Act and sending it to President Trump’s desk. “Election integrity—and ensuring ONLY American citizens are voting in our elections—is imperative to our democracy and to free and fair elections. I will not stop fighting to pass this commonsense legislation for the American people. While I’m grateful Congress took a tremendous first step to addressing housing affordability, we must pass the SAVE America Act, and I Iook forward to working with our colleagues to get this done,” stated Senator Britt.\n\nHere is what Alabama leaders are saying about this landmark legislation and Senator Britt’s role:\n\nAlabama Apartment Association: “The Alabama Apartment Association (AAA) applauds the passage and enactment of the 21stCentury ROAD to Housing Act and commends Senator Britt for her leadership and for securing several important wins in this legislation.\n\n“This is a meaningful step forward in addressing the nation’s housing challenges and strengthening the foundation of the American Dream; safe, stable, and attainable housing. By advancing policies that support increased housing supply and reduce barriers to development, this legislation will help communities across the country better meet the growing demand for quality housing.\n\n“AAA is particularly encouraged by the positive impact this bill will have on Alabamians. Expanding housing opportunities and improving affordability are critical priorities for our state, and this legislation represents important progress toward those goals. A stronger housing ecosystem benefits residents, supports workforce stability, and helps ensure that communities throughout Alabama can continue to grow and thrive.\n\n“The Alabama Apartment Association is proud to support this legislation and looks forward to working with policymakers and industry partners to ensure its successful implementation in a way that benefits both housing providers and the residents they serve.”\n\nAlabama Association of Realtors: “The Alabama Association of REALTORS thanks Senator Katie Britt for her leadership and support of the ROAD to Housing Act, an important first step toward addressing housing affordability challenges across the country.\n\n“While this legislation represents meaningful progress, more work remains in Washington and here in Alabama to reduce unnecessary government regulations, increase housing supply, and allow the free market to help deliver more housing opportunities for individuals and families.” – Jeremy Walker, CEO\n\nAlabama Habitat for Humanity: “Alabama Habitat for Humanity applauds Senator Britt’s work and support in advancing the passage of the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. This landmark legislation represents a meaningful step towards bringing homeownership within reach for more Alabama families. Through more than 50 provisions, it delivers long-overdue reforms that will expand housing supply, modernize critical programs, and drive innovative solutions to address our nation’s housing affordability challenges.”\n\nHome Builders Association of Alabama: “The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a major step to addressing the issues facing new home construction and home ownership in general. The affordability issue has led to the lack of attainable housing for too many Alabamians. Senator Britt’s leadership on this issue is much appreciated and will lead to more of our friends and neighbors having the opportunity to realize the American dream of homeownership.”\n\n“We commend the efforts of Senator Britt and Congress to address not only the unnecessary regulatory burdens created by federal agencies, but to create programs to help local and state officials do the same. Collective problems require collective solutions. This Act is the collective solution.” – Jim Mathews, HBAA 1st Vice President.\n\nNavigate Affordable Housing Partners: “Navigate Affordable Housing Partners celebrates the enactment of the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and Senator Britt’s leadership on provisions that will ensure families are able to access housing, gain economic independence, and strengthen communities.\n\n“We are particularly appreciative of provisions like the Helping More Families Save Act, which will be critical to economic independence and help make homeownership a reality. Other provisions, like the Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act (HUDVA), will help ensure a veteran’s disability benefits do not become a barrier to accessing housing.\n\n“As a nonprofit, Navigate has worked for nearly fifty years to ensure housing is safe, affordable, and attainable for Alabamians, and for the families we serve across the country.\n\n“We look forward to working with our federal, state, and local government partners and industry colleagues to help implement this landmark legislation.”\n\nSenator Britt also received praise from national leaders:\n\nCompass Working Capital: “The inclusion of the Helping More Families Save Act in Congress’ bipartisan housing bill once again reaffirms that housing assistance can and should build lasting economic security for American families.\n\n“The Family Self-Sufficiency Program has long demonstrated what is possible when we invest in families, and this legislation expands that promise to countless more families across the country. We are grateful for Senator Britt and her Congressional colleagues for their leadership and steadfast commitment to passing the Helping More Families Save Act.” – Markita Morris-Louis, CEO\n\nNational NeighborWorks Association: “The enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is an important milestone in addressing our nation’s housing affordability and supply challenges.\n\n“On behalf of the National NeighborWorks Association and our nearly 250 NeighborWorks organizations serving communities across the country, we thank Senator Katie Britt for her leadership in helping make this landmark legislation a reality. The NeighborWorks network sees the housing crisis firsthand every day, and from the dedicated NeighborWorks organizations serving communities throughout Alabama to those working in neighborhoods across the nation, our members are expanding homeownership opportunities, developing and preserving affordable housing, revitalizing neighborhoods, and helping families achieve financial stability. The enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act provides meaningful, bipartisan reforms that will strengthen these efforts, expand housing opportunities, and improve the lives of families and communities for years to come. We look forward to continuing our work with Senator Britt and Congress to build on this momentum and ensure communities have the resources they need to meet America’s growing housing needs.” – Lou Tisler, Executive Director\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-speaks-at-randolph-volunteer-fire-station-ribbon-cutting", "title": "Senator Collins Speaks at Randolph Volunteer Fire Station Ribbon Cutting", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.\n\nRANDOLPH, ME – U.S. Senator Susan Collins joined town officials, firefighters, and residents in Randolph today to cut the ribbon and tour the town’s new fire station. In addition to serving the local community, the Randolph Volunteer Fire Department provides mutual aid to Pittston, Farmingdale, Chelsea, Gardiner, West Gardiner, Hallowell, and Togus VA Medical Center.\n\nIn 2024, Senator Collins secured $2.6 million through her role on the Senate Appropriations Committee to support the construction of the new Randolph Volunteer Fire Station.\n\n“The people of Randolph worked together for more than a decade to make this new fire station a reality, and I was proud to support their efforts by helping secure $2.6 million in federal funding,” said Senator Collins. “This beautiful new facility reflects the town’s careful planning, dedication, and commitment to its first responders, and I look forward to continuing our partnership to strengthen public safety in Randolph and throughout the State of Maine.”\n\nBuilt approximately 80 years ago, Randolph’s former fire station had serious structural problems and was too small to adequately accommodate modern fire trucks. The new station has three bays designed to accommodate modern fire trucks and includes a community meeting room, a dedicated training area, and shower and restroom facilities for firefighters. The station will also serve as the town’s emergency shelter.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-walks-in-moxie-day-parade", "title": "Senator Collins Walks in Moxie Day Parade", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.\n\nLISBON, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins walked in the Moxie Day Parade in Lisbon alongside dozens of local residents and elected leaders, organizations, and bands.\n\n“For more than four decades, the Moxie Festival has drawn people from near and far to Lisbon for a celebration that is truly one of a kind and uniquely Maine,” said Senator Collins. “It was a pleasure to walk in the Moxie Day Parade and see the creativity, enthusiasm, and unmistakable Moxie that make this event such a memorable highlight of the summer.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/now-law-bipartisan-bill-to-tackle-the-affordable-housing-crisis/", "title": "NOW LAW: Bipartisan Bill to Tackle the Affordable Housing Crisis", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cortez Masto’s HOME Act and PRICE Act Included in the Final Version of the Bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law, overcoming President Donald Trump’s refusal to sign the bipartisan legislation. This package will invest in affordable housing and includes two provisions written by U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.): the HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement (HOME) Act and the Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) Act.\n\n“Home prices are skyrocketing, drastically outpacing wages and salaries. As Nevada’s voice in Washington, I will work with anyone to help Nevadans suffering under the high cost of living,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “After months of good-faith negotiations and collaboration across party lines and between both chambers of Congress, we have delivered real solutions to help Americans secure safe, affordable housing.”\n\nCortez Masto’s HOME Act would reauthorize the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), which is used to finance new construction and home repairs and to fund down payment and rental assistance. Between 1992 and 2024, Nevada has received $264 million in HOME funds resulting in $1.5 billion in investments for housing.\n\nCortez Masto’s PRICE Act would help preserve and revitalize manufactured housing communities by reauthorizing Cortez Masto’s 2022 PRICE competitive grant program, which provides funding for structural improvements to manufactured home communities and replacement of outdated manufactured homes. About 18 million Americans live in manufactured homes – about five percent of the housing stock — and there are more than 67,000 manufactured homes in Nevada.\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a comprehensive housing package that will take important steps to boost the nation’s housing supply, improve housing affordability, and increase oversight and efficiency of federal regulators and housing programs. This legislation would also:\n\nRestrict institutional investors purchases of single family homes;\n\nAuthorize the CDBG-Disaster Recovery program to get money out to disaster-stricken communities faster;\n\nRemove regulatory red tape that slows down housing development;\n\nHelp more homeless veterans access VA housing;\n\nReform the existing Rural Housing Service to help preserve affordable housing in rural areas; and\n\nCreate a pilot program at HUD to offer grants and forgivable loans to homeowners and small landlords to address home repair needs and health hazards.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto has been a leader working to lower housing costs and build more homes. She has secured $40 million last year and more than $25 million so far this year in investments from the FHLBank of San Francisco to support the single-family bond program in Nevada. She has introduced bipartisan legislation to make homeownership more accessible and sustainable for working families, increase transparency at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and improve federal rural housing programs. Last Congress, her AACE Act to cut red tape to speed up federal land transactions and lower housing costs was signed into law.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-backed-housing-legislation-becomes-law", "title": "Crapo-Backed Housing Legislation Becomes Law", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.--On the heels of releasing a final report of his 2025 Housing Survey, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) celebrated the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act becoming law.\n\n“Today marks an important step forward to restoring the American Dream of homeownership for families in Idaho and across the country,” said Crapo. “The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act takes meaningful action to address affordability challenges by reducing unnecessary federal red tape, expanding housing opportunities, modernizing outdated programs for the first time in over 30 years and encouraging the development of more affordable housing options—all without spending a single federal dollar. More work remains, and I will use the feedback from my 2025 Housing Survey to continue to guide further actions in the Senate to strengthen housing opportunities for Idahoans.”\n\nAs a senior member of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, Crapo played a key role in shaping the comprehensive reforms package.\n\nThe Senator led or co-sponsored several provisions included in the final housing bill, including:\n\nThe Housing Supply Expansion Act would modernize the federal definition of “manufactured housing” to include modular or prefabricated homes built without a permanent chassis, expanding consumer access to more efficient and cost-effective designs.\n\nThe Rural Housing Services Reform Act would modernize and streamline the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Housing Service to improve homeownership opportunities in rural areas.\n\nThe Reducing Homelessness through Program Reform Act would cut red tape and encourage local solutions to address homelessness, including reforms to the Housing Choice Voucher Program and improved coordination among local entities to deliver integrated support.\n\nThe Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act would permanently exclude veterans’ disability payments from annual income for housing assistance eligibility under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program.\n\nThe Helping More Families Save Act would create a pilot escrow account program to automatically enroll families in HUD’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program.\n\nThe Housing Supply Frameworks Act directs HUD to develop best practice frameworks for zoning and land-use policies, helping communities identify and overcome barriers to housing development.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-celebrates-21st-century-road-to-housing-act-becoming-law/", "title": "Fetterman Celebrates 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Becoming Law", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "domain": "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "scraper": "fetterman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000479", "name": "John Fetterman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — After President Trump refused to sign the bipartisan and bicameral 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the housing package is now forced into law as outlined in Article 1, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution. The legislative package includes a pair of bills Senator Fetterman introduced –– the Whole-Home Repairs Act and the Housing Supply Frameworks Act — and were the result of working across the aisle and putting the housing needs of hardworking Americans first. U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) today released the following statement:\n\n“I’m proud to finally see this housing deal become law. My Whole-Home Repairs Act and Housing Supply Frameworks Act will lower housing costs and keep affordable housing on the market.\n\n“This is a major step in fighting the housing crisis we see right here in Pennsylvania and across our country. I’m grateful to Pennsylvania Senator Nikil Saval, U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis, and all others who helped in a bipartisan manner to get this over the finish line.”\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act included Senator Fetterman’s Whole-Home Repairs Act and Housing Supply Frameworks Act. Both bills have been part of his longstanding commitment to addressing the housing crisis since he was sworn into the United States Senate.\n\nThe Whole-Home Repairs Act will build on the success of Pennsylvania’s successful Whole-Home Repairs program, which helps homeowners and small landlords make critical repairs, lower utility costs and keep safe, affordable housing on the markets. The program has invested in workforce training and apprenticeship opportunities, which prepares the next generation of skilled workers.", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/pennsylvania-wins-best-in-show-at-the-great-american-state-fair/", "title": "Pennsylvania Wins “BEST IN SHOW” at the Great American State Fair", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "domain": "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "scraper": "fetterman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000479", "name": "John Fetterman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Pennsylvania pavilion was named top state exhibit during America’s 250th Anniversary celebration on the National Mall – a win Senators Fetterman and McCormick say belongs to all of Pennsylvania\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Pennsylvania was recognized as one of the top state pavilions at America’s 250th birthday celebration, receiving one of the event’s “Best in Show” honors during the closing ceremony at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall.\n\nThe recognition comes just weeks after U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) partnered with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and a coalition of 55 Pennsylvania organizations, businesses, and industry partners to ensure the Commonwealth had a pavilion at the Great American State Fair. The bipartisan effort was made possible entirely through private partnerships without the use of a single taxpayer dollar.\n\nJoining Senators Fetterman and McCormick in this effort were the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, PennAg Industries Association, and the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association (PMA), alongside more than 50 additional Pennsylvania organizations, businesses, and industry partners whose support helped bring the Commonwealth’s exhibit to life.\n\n“I’m incredibly proud of all the Pennsylvanians that showed up to make sure our Commonwealth had the spotlight it deserved right there on the National Mall during America’s 250th birthday. It earned this recognition,” said Senator Fetterman. “What makes Pennsylvania truly awesome are the men, women, and children who call it home. Our farmers, steelworkers, small business owners, and so many more. Those who visited the pavilion got to see a glimpse of some of the very best of us and our history, and I’m grateful to Senator McCormick, Secretary Rollins, and all who made this a massive success.”\n\n“Pennsylvania’s story is America’s story, and this recognition is a tribute to everyone who helped bring that story to life,” said Senator McCormick. “From Independence Hall and Valley Forge to our farms, factories, and innovators, the Commonwealth has shaped our nation for 250 years. I’m grateful to Senator Fetterman, Secretary Rollins, and our outstanding Pennsylvania partners for ensuring Pennsylvania had a presence worthy of our history.”\n\nThe Pennsylvania pavilion highlights the Commonwealth’s central role in America’s story — from the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the sacrifices at Valley Forge to Gettysburg, the Arsenal of Democracy, and the Commonwealth’s continued leadership in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, innovation, and small business. Visitors also explored exhibits featuring many of Pennsylvania’s iconic companies and products, spotlighting the industries and communities driving the Commonwealth’s economy today.", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/now-law-gallego-celebrates-bipartisan-housing-package/", "title": "NOW LAW: Gallego Celebrates Bipartisan Housing Package", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which is now law, includes bills authored and backed by Senator Gallego\n\nWASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is celebrating the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which became law at midnight.\n\n“Let’s be clear: this bill could have and should have become law weeks ago. Instead of helping bring down the cost of housing – something he promised to do on day one – President Trump decided to play petty politics and refused to sign. This bill has become law in spite of, not because of, the President. It’s shameful,” said Senator Gallego.\n\n“But today is still a historic day worth celebrating. I’m proud that through this package, several of my bills have become law. Bills that will make it easier for builders to get financing, encourage innovation in modular and prefabricated homebuilding, and help ensure every veteran has a safe, affordable place to call home. It is a vital step as we work to make the dream of homeownership a reality again.”\n\nAlthough President Trump refused to sign the bipartisan, historic legislation, it automatically became law early this morning following Congressional passage of the bill and the expiration of ten days from when the bill was presented to the President. While Speaker Mike Johnson initially delayed presenting the bill to the President, he eventually did so after Senator Gallego pledged to block all Republican-led House bills in the Senate.\n\nAs a member of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, Senator Gallego helped shape this bipartisan legislation. Learn more about Senator Gallego’s work on the package HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/passed-into-law-major-bipartisan-housing-package-pushed-by-senator-hassan-that-bans-wall-street-home-purchases-makes-building-homes-easier", "title": "PASSED INTO LAW: Major Bipartisan Housing Package Pushed by Senator Hassan That Bans Wall Street Home Purchases, Makes Building Homes Easier", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.hassan.senate.gov", "scraper": "hassan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001076", "name": "Margaret Wood Hassan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) today celebrated the fact that the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act has become law. This major bipartisan legislative package, cosponsored and advocated for by Senator Hassan, reduces the cost of housing by banning Wall Street hedge funds and private equity firms from buying up single-family homes, providing funding and cutting red tape to help build more middle-class homes, and making it easier for veterans to buy homes. The historic legislation became law without President Trump’s signature because President Trump used the possibility of vetoing the legislation in an effort to pressure Congress to pass a voter suppression bill known as the SAVE America Act.\n\n“Families across the country deserve the opportunity to buy a home, raise a family, and build a future in the communities that they love, but that dream is too hard to reach as Wall Street buys up single-family homes and costs soar,” said Senator Hassan. “The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is an important step toward addressing our housing shortage. The bill bans Wall Street from buying single-family homes and makes it easier to build more homes for hard-working families. President Trump chose politics over this bipartisan effort to lower housing costs, but I'm glad that this bipartisan bill is now law.”\n\nSenator Hassan was a strong supporter of the entire package, which contains a number of Hassan-backed housing bills, including:\n\n• The Housing Supply Expansion Act, which makes manufactured homes more affordable for families\n\n• The PRICE Act, which provides funding to manufactured housing communities for important infrastructure upgrades and weatherization\n\n• The VA Home Loan Awareness Act, which helps veterans learn about the VA home loan benefits that may be available to them when buying a home\n\n• The Streamlining Rural Housing Act, which cuts red tape and unnecessary barriers that often delay new construction and drive housing costs even higher\n\nSenator Hassan has worked to address affordability and availability of housing in New Hampshire, including by pushing to successfully restore a tax cut for middle class families who have mortgage insurance and expand the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit in order to help increase access to housing that families can more easily afford.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/now-law-housing-legislation-heinrich-cosponsored-to-build-more-housing-and-lower-costs-for-new-mexico-families", "title": "NOW LAW: Housing Legislation Heinrich Cosponsored to Build More Housing & Lower Costs for New Mexico Families", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced that the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, bipartisan legislation he cosponsored to tackle the housing crisis, increase the housing supply, and lower the cost of housing for working families, is now law.\n\nThe bill became law at midnight today despite President Trump’s continued refusal to sign it.\n\n“We passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act because too many New Mexicans are being priced out of a place to live. This legislation is now law — despite President Trump choosing to prioritize attacking Americans’ right to vote over helping families afford housing,” said Heinrich.“This new law will help make housing more affordable and put homeownership within reach for more New Mexicans. Americans deserves housing they can afford, and I’m committed to making that a reality.”\n\nThe median sale price of homes in New Mexico increased from $216,500 in 2019 to $345,000 in 2024. At the same time, New Mexico’s housing inventory sank to half of its 2018 level. Rents in New Mexico have also increased since 2019, from $844 to $1,021 in 2023. By one estimate, New Mexico is short 40,000 affordable rental housing units.\n\nThe housing crisis has been exacerbated by Wall Street landlords artificially decreasing the housing supply and driving up home prices and rents, and President Trump’s broad, cost raising tariffs on critical homebuilding materials.\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will help tackle the housing affordability and supply crisis in New Mexico. This bill invests in the construction of new homes and the rehabilitation of existing homes for working families. It will also help quickly bring affordable housing onto the market and cut bureaucratic red tape so families can get into homes faster.\n\nThe legislation provides rural renters with stable housing and rental assistance. It also makes it easier for New Mexicans to afford down payments and finance accessory dwelling units, or casitas — increasing flexibility in housing options. And it prohibits large investors from buying single-family homes, getting housing out of the hands of corporate landlords and into the hands of New Mexico families.\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes four bills that Heinrich cosponsored:\n\nThe Choice in Affordable Housing Act improves the federal government’s largest rental assistance program by making it easier to access Housing Choice Vouchers — often referred to as Section 8 vouchers — and attract and retain landlords to participate in the program. The bill allows units that pass inspections for other federal housing programs to automatically qualify for vouchers, reducing inspection delays from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As a result, eligible families will have greater housing options and safer places to live.\n\nThe HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act provides better support to state and local housing agencies to facilitate the construction of more affordable housing. The HOME Investment Partnerships Program is the largest federal affordable housing grant and supports a variety of needs from financing construction to funding down payment and rental assistance. This bill reauthorizes the program and expands it to account more for moderate-income Americans.\n\nThe Streamlining Rural Housing Act makes it easier to build rural housing by streamlining environmental reviews between HUD and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Rural housing projects often use federal funding sources from multiple agencies, but each agency requires slightly different environmental review and inspection standards. This bill requires HUD and USDA to enter into a memorandum of understanding to align review standards, streamlining the housing development and construction process in rural areas.\n\nThe Rural Housing Service Reform Act will improve federal rural housing programs and increase affordable housing in small towns and rural communities. The bill updates rules for rural multifamily housing to help keep homes in rural areas available and affordable. Currently, the USDA provides loans to construct affordable multifamily properties in rural areas. But once property owners pay off their loans, current rules prevent them from accepting rental assistance from tenants. This legislation fixes that problem by allowing owners of these properties to accept rental assistance, helping families remain in their homes and keeping units affordable. Most USDA-financed multifamily properties in New Mexico will have paid off their loans by 2039, making this change critical to preserving affordable housing in rural areas. Heinrich supported this policy as the Chair of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee.\n\nFor background on Heinrich’s actions to lower housing costs, address homelessness, and build more housing for New Mexico working families, click here.\n\nFor more information on Heinrich’s actions to protect New Mexicans’ right to vote and bolster election security, click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kims-major-housing-wins-become-law-as-part-of-historic-21st-century-road-to-housing-act/", "title": "Senator Kim’s Major Housing Wins Become Law as Part of Historic 21st Century Road to Housing Act", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim’s (D-NJ) legislation to expand access to and build more affordable housing became law as a part of the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. As a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Senator Kim championed multiple bills and provisions that are now law, including facilitating easier access to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) disaster relief funding, modernizing environmental permitting regulations to build affordable homes faster and at a lower cost, and delivering additional common-sense solutions to get more houses built and more New Jersey families in the door.\n\n“Despite more of Donald Trump’s political theatrics, our historic housing agreement is now law,” said Senator Kim. “While Trump continues to put himself over people’s needs, Congress stepped up and secured a bipartisan housing agreement that will deliver real relief to millions of families struggling under this affordability crisis. From easier access to CDBG disaster relief funding for our shore towns who have had to wait far too long for federal assistance to building new affordable housing units in Newark and other cities faster and at a lower cost, I fought to make sure this law will touch every corner of our state.”\n\nThe 21st Century Road to Housing Act is the largest housing bill to become law in 30 years. Senator Kim championed key provisions within the legislation, including but not limited to:\n\nKey Provisions Senator Kim Led\n\nThe Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act to right-size National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) reviews for small scale housing projects, which will simplify the review process and get projects to construction faster.\n\nThe BUILD Housing Act to modernize the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process by cutting red tape around environmental reviews, empowering state, local, and tribal governments to streamline reviews, and increasing housing development via capacity sharing between the Department of Housing & Urban Development and states and localities.\n\nThe Reforming Disaster Recovery Act (CDBG-DR) to authorize the Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program and establish the Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency within HUD to administer the program.\n\n$4.2 billion in federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding has been awarded to the State of New Jersey to assist in its recovery from Superstorm Sandy.\n\nLegislation modeled after Senator Kim’s Unleashing Needed Local Options to Construct and Keep (UNLOCK) Housing Act that, after decades of towns and localities pressing for more flexibility for housing construction, allows municipalities, for the first time ever, to use CDBG funding for the construction of new housing.\n\nThe Community Investment and Prosperity Act to increase private investment in affordable housing and other community development projects across the country by increasing a statutory cap limiting banks’ investments in housing investments.\n\nThe Tailored Regulatory Updates for Supervisory Testing (TRUST) Act to raise the consolidated asset threshold for community banks to qualify for a longer 18-month and save these banks compliance costs that can be redirected toward increased community investments in their communities.\n\nKey Provisions Senator Kim Supported\n\nAuthorizing an Innovation Fund to offer highly flexible funding for communities that are building more housing supply, which can be used to improve community infrastructure and build housing.\n\nThe HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Reform Act to reform and reauthorize the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and make critical updates to improve program administration and facilitate the construction of more affordable housing.\n\nThe Appraisal Modernization Act to require the United States Department of Agriculture, Federal Housing Administration, and Federal Housing Finance Agency to implement and maintain requirements that federally backed mortgage lenders have a review and resolution procedure for consumer-initiated second appraisals, or reconsiderations of value, when they believe there may be an issue with their appraised home value.\n\nThe Credit Union Board Modernization Act to end the arbitrary requirement for credit union boards to meet every month, relaxing regulatory burdens and allowing credit unions to focus on their core mission of providing financial services to their members.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scotts-21st-century-road-to-housing-act-becomes-law/", "title": "Sen. Tim Scott’s 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act becomes law", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.scott.senate.gov", "scraper": "timscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001184", "name": "Tim Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott’s (R-S.C.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law, enacting the most comprehensive housing policy bill of this century. The landmark bipartisan, bicameral law reflects years of work to expand the American Dream by tackling the housing shortage at its source, removing barriers to building, protecting taxpayers, preserving local control, and helping more families put down roots.\n\n“Today, the American Dream is a little more within reach for families across this country,” said Sen. Scott. “The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will help more Americans plant roots, build stability, and pass opportunity to the next generation. President Trump and Republicans understand that families need results, not more excuses, and we are leading on the priorities that matter most: making life more affordable, strengthening our communities, and keeping the American Dream alive.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sheehy.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sheehys-bipartisan-va-home-loan-awareness-act-becomes-law/", "title": "Sheehy’s Bipartisan VA Home Loan Awareness Act Becomes Law", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sheehy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.sheehy.senate.gov", "scraper": "sheehy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001232", "name": "Tim Sheehy", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. SENATE – Senator Tim Sheehy’s bipartisan VA Home Loan Awareness Act has officially become law as part of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, marking a major victory for veterans and military families across the country. The legislation, the first bill Senator Sheehy introduced in the Senate, will help ensure more veterans are informed about and able to access the VA Home Loan benefit they earned through their service.\n\n“Our veterans earned these benefits through their service and sacrifice, and they deserve every opportunity to use them. By making sure more veterans know about the VA Home Loan program, this new law will help more military families achieve the dream of homeownership. I’m proud to see this bill become law through bipartisan cooperation, delivering a real win for those who served our nation,” said Senator Sheehy.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe VA Home Loan Awareness Act, co-led by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), aims to help more veterans take advantage of the VA Home Loan program by providing more information on the program and potential eligibility.\n\nThe VA Home Loan program is a key tool for helping veterans and their spouses achieve the American Dream. It offers veterans no down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and interest rates that are often lower than rates for conventional FHA loans. Despite these benefits, only 13 percent of veterans access the VA Home Loan program. Among veterans who don’t use the VA Home Loan program, 33 percent say they are not aware of the program.\n\nThe VA Home Loan Awareness Act will help better inform veterans of opportunities provided by the VA Home Loan program by adding a disclosure to the Uniform Residential Loan Application (URLA) informing veterans they may be eligible for a VA Home Loan, directing applicants to consult their lender for more information about the VA Home Loan program, and instructing the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a review and report to Congress on lenders’ adoption of these URLA updates.", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.smith.senate.gov/rural-housing-supply-legislation-becomes-law/", "title": "U.S. SENATOR TINA SMITH’S BIPARTISAN RURAL HOUSING SUPPLY LEGISLATION BECOMES LAW", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.smith.senate.gov", "scraper": "tinasmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001203", "name": "Tina Smith", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "9,000 homes in rural Minnesota will be saved by Smith’s bill\n\nMINNEAPOLIS, MN – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), the top Democrat on the Senate Housing Subcommittee, announced her major bipartisan bill to preserve 400,000 rural homes across the country became law today. Smith’s Rural Housing Service Reform Act was included in a housing supply package that passed the House and Senate with veto-proof majorities. President Trump refused to sign the bill, but because he did not veto the legislation outright it automatically became law after 10 days of Presidential inaction.\n\n“Without a safe, affordable place to live, nothing in your life works. Not your health, not your job, and not your education,” said Senator Smith. “The lack of affordable, decent housing in this country has been a major problem for working families for years, but with the 21st Century Road to Housing Act becoming law, we’re choosing a different path: Build more housing and protect the homes we already have from falling into disrepair. I am so proud that language I wrote to reform the Rural Housing Service and save thousands of affordable homes in rural communities is now law.”\n\nSenator Smith’s bipartisan Rural Housing Service Reform Act would preserve up to 400,000 affordable homes in small towns and rural communities across the country, and more than 9,000 units in Minnesota, by making commonsense updates to programs at the USDA’s Rural Housing Service for the first time in decades.\n\nIn addition to Senator Smith’s Rural Housing Service Reform Act, the package included a number of bills Senator Smith cosponsored and supported, including:\n\nWhole-Home Repairs Act: Authorizes a pilot program to help thousands of working families afford essential, costly home repairs through grants and forgivable loans.\n\nChoice in Affordable Housing Act: Expands access to federal government’s largest rental assistance program for affordable housing.\n\nHOME Investment Partnerships Program Reauthorization and Reform Act: Makes critical updates to the largest federal affordable housing block grants to keep pace with the rising cost of living and to make the program more efficient.\n\nPRICE Act: Helps preserve, protect and stabilize manufactured housing communities by permanently reauthorizing HUD’s Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement program.\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act doesn’t just boost housing supply. The legislation also addresses big corporations’ stranglehold on America’s housing market by banning large institutional investors from purchasing certain single-family homes. A full list of legislative items included in the package can be found here.\n\nSenator Smith, alongside Senator Klobuchar (D-MN) and Minnesota housing advocates, pressed for the President to sign the bill in a press conference held in the Twin Cities last week praising the bill and urging the President to sign it. You can view Senator Smith’s remarks here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-applauds-bipartisan-road-to-housing-act-becoming-law/", "title": "Warner Applauds Bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act Becoming Law", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warner.senate.gov", "scraper": "warner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000805", "name": "Mark R. Warner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a member of the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, applauded the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act becoming law, even after President Trump failed to sign the landmark legislation. The law will build more homes, bring down home purchasing and renting costs, preserve affordable housing in rural areas, help reduce homelessness, and address the rising share of housing owned by large corporate investors. It passed the House and Senate with veto-proof margins in both chambers and was sent to the president’s desk on June 29. With the ten-day clock now expired, it has become law.\n\n“With or without the president’s signature, the Road to Housing Act becoming law is a win for Virginians and families across the country. As housing prices reach near-record highs, this bipartisan legislation will deliver real relief to veterans, renters, first-time homebuyers, and rural residents in Virginia and across the country. I am proud to have authored several provisions of this once-in-a-generation legislation, and to have worked with my colleagues in Congress to get this crucial law across the finish line,” said Sen. Warner. “The president had every opportunity to sign this bipartisan bill into law, and he refused to, but the housing affordability crisis cannot wait. This landmark law will boost the housing supply while lowering costs, protect veterans and renters, and prevent housing in rural areas from being bought up by corporate investors. With the passage of this legislation, American families are one step closer to affording a place to call home.”\n\nThe Road to Housing Act includes more than 40 bipartisan housing provisions, several authored and championed by Sen. Warner, including:\n\nThe RESIDE Act, legislation drafted by Sen. Warner and Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) that creates a new pilot program to help communities convert vacant buildings – such as abandoned hotels, warehouses, and strip malls – into affordable homes. The program operates within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the nation’s largest federal block grant dedicated to affordable housing. It provides grants to local governments for acquisition, site prep, and rehabilitation of vacant properties, with priority given to communities that reduce regulatory barriers to housing conversion. Since its inception in 1992, the HOME program has invested over $788 million into communities across Virginia – helping build and preserve over 31,000 homes, create over 37,000 jobs, and generate $2.4 billion in local income. The RESIDE pilot program will allow communities to scale new housing development and test innovative strategies that could ultimately be adopted more broadly within the HOME program.\n\nThe Keeping Deposits Local Act, legislation drafted by Sen. Warner and Sen. Rounds (R-SD) that modernizes outdated rules on reciprocal deposits. Reciprocal deposits allow community banks to offer customers full FDIC insurance while keeping those dollars working in local communities. The legislation updates current statutory thresholds to make it easier for community and regional banks to receive non-brokered treatment for reciprocal deposits.\n\nBoosting the Role of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), the bill includes numerous provisions that would strengthen the reach of CDFIs to help underserved rural and urban communities across the country. The provisions would provide greater flexibility for CDFI depositories to manage deposits without triggering brokered deposit restrictions, enable CDFIs to participate in programs that fund repairs and improvements to manufactured housing communities, and encourage greater availability of small-dollar mortgage loans by requiring the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to examine regulatory barriers that may limit access to capital.\n\nThe Housing Supply Expansion Act, legislation that updates the federal definition of manufactured housing to allow homes that are not built on a permanent chassis, helping encourage innovation and expand affordable housing options.\n\nThe Build Now Act, legislation that creates a CDBG-linked incentive framework for certain cities and counties based on housing-supply growth, rents, home values, and vacancy rates to reward jurisdictions that build more housing.\n\nThe Homes Are For People, Not Corporations Act, legislation that prohibits large institutional investors from purchasing certain single-family homes to promote homeownership opportunities for American families, not corporations.\n\nThe VA Home Loan Awareness Act, legislation that ensures veterans are made aware of their home loan benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which may provide a more affordable lending option.\n\nThe Veterans Affairs Loan Informed Disclosure (VALID) Act, legislation that improves transparency for veteran homebuyers by requiring Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage disclosures to include cost comparison information to make veterans aware of their home loan benefits through the VA and help them compare those options to FHA financing.\n\nThe Rural Housing Service Reform Act, legislation that reforms the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Housing Service, including by decoupling rental assistance from maturing mortgages to preserve affordable housing in rural areas. This will help preserve housing access for 400,000 rural families.\n\nIncentivizing Local Solutions to Homelessness, a provision that allows states and localities that receive Emergency Solutions Grant funding to request a waiver of the statutory 60 percent spending cap on emergency shelter beds and street outreach.\n\nThe Reforming Disaster Recovery Act, legislation that authorizes the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program and establishes the Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency within HUD to administer the program.\n\nThe Whole-Home Repairs Act, legislation that authorizes a pilot program to offer grants and forgivable loans to eligible recipients to address home repair needs and health hazards to stabilize aging housing stock.\n\nThe Rental Assistance Demonstration Program, which makes the program permanent, increases the cap by 100,000 units, and codifies tenant protections.\n\nThe Community Investment and Prosperity Act, legislation that increases the Public Welfare Investments cap applicable to banks supervised by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Reserve from 15% to 20%, which will enhance banks’ capacity to make private investments in affordable housing.\n\nThe Better Use of Intergovernmental and Local Development (BUILD) Housing Act, legislation that cuts red tape around environmental reviews, empowering state, local, and tribal governments to streamline reviews and increase housing development.\n\nThe Housing Affordability Act, legislation that requires the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to increase multifamily loan limits to better match housing market costs and enhance affordability.\n\nGrants For Planning and Implementation Associated with Affordable Housing, which authorizes a pilot program to offer competitive grants to assist state, local, and tribal governments with regional housing planning and community development activities.\n\nThe Appraisal Industry Improvement Act, legislation that helps bolster appraiser workforce capacity, including by allowing both licensed and credentialed appraisers to conduct appraisals for FHA-insured mortgage lending transactions.\n\nSen. Warner has long prioritized expanding access to affordable housing and homeownership. He has introduced and supported a range of bipartisan bills to spur new housing construction and redevelopment, including the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, Preserving Rural Housing Investments Act, Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act, the Rural Historic Tax Credit Improvement Act, and the Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act. He is also the lead author of the Low-Income First Time Homebuyers (LIFT) Act, which would help qualified first-generation homebuyers build equity in their homes by offering a 20-year mortgage with monthly payments comparable to a traditional 30-year loan, and the Yes in God’s Backyard (YIGBY) Act, which would help faith-based organizations and institutions of higher education unlock the promise of their existing land holdings by transforming underused property into much-needed affordable housing. Additionally, Sen. Warner is a cosponsor of the Downpayment Toward Equity Act, which would provide federal grants to help first-generation homebuyers cover down payments, closing costs, and other upfront expenses.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/now-law-warnock-led-private-equity-housing-ban-will-help-keep-homes-in-the-hands-of-georgia-families/", "title": "NOW LAW: Warnock-Led Private Equity Housing Ban Will Help Keep Homes in the Hands of Georgia Families", "date": "2026-07-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock’s provision to ban large corporations from mass purchasing single-family homes is now federal law\n\nThe provision is part of the historic 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the largest housing reform and affordability legislation in a generation\n\nPrivate equity has rapidly spread through Georgia’s housing market, with more than one in four single-family rental homes in metro Atlanta owned by large corporations\n\nThe housing package includes provisions championed by Senator Warnock that will boost housing supply by cutting red tape, investing in local innovation, and reforming legacy housing programs\n\nSenator Reverend Warnock: “This legislation is proof that when we center the people instead of the politics, we can get good policy done”\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, in a historic victory for American families, Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock’s (D-GA) landmark provision to ban private equity firms from mass-purchasing single-family homes is officially federal law.\n\nHailed as the most consequential housing package in a generation, the legislation delivers relief to a housing market crippled by the ongoing affordability crisis. Despite passing the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, President Donald Trump declined to sign or veto the bill within the constitutionally designated 10-day timeline, prompting formal enactment to occur at midnight, without the president’s signature.\n\n“I hear from Georgians across the state who have been clamoring for action from Washington on the affordable housing crisis, and this legislation is proof that when we center the people instead of the politics, we can get good policy done,” said Senator Warnock. “I’m proud to have contributed to increasing our nation’s housing supply and lowering costs for hardworking Georgia families.”\n\nCorporate investors have suffocated metro-Atlanta’s housing market, with more than 1 in 4 single-family rental homes—over 72,000 properties—owned by large corporations. Corporate investors control more homes in metro-Atlanta than any other area in the country and have begun spreading to every corner of the state.\n\nIn addition to the ban on private equity, the 21st Century Road to Housing Act also includes provisions from Senator Warnock’s Appraisal Modernization Act, the only fair housing provision in the legislation, and several bills Senator Warnock has championed for years to reform rural housing programs, penalize local governments for failing to meet housing goals, incentivize local governments and banks to invest more in the construction of housing, and provide grants and forgivable loans to help homeowners repair and weatherize their properties.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415752", "title": "On the passing of Senator Graham—a national treasure", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) issued the below statement following the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC):\n\n“Lindsey Graham was an indefatigable and courageous fighter for the right to life, human rights, liberty and freedom. He was articulate and persuasive and brought both incisive candor and humor to debate. He was a national treasure and will be deeply missed. My wife, Marie, and I offer our deepest condolences to his family.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-statement-on-the-passing-of-u-s-senator-lindsey-graham/", "title": "Clyburn Statement on the Passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "clyburn.house.gov", "scraper": "clyburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000537", "name": "James E. Clyburn", "party": "Democrat", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "COLUMBIA, SC — Today, U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) released the following statement on the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham:\n\n“I was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. Our political relationship was sometimes partisan and passionate, but always pleasant and productive on behalf of the people of South Carolina. My family and I send our deepest condolences to Darlene and the entire Graham family.\n\n“For more than three decades, we served the people of the Palmetto state together in Congress. Throughout that time, we maintained a relationship grounded in mutual respect, even when our political differences were significant. His commitment to public service and the people he represented will remain an enduring part of his legacy.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/07/12/leader-jeffries-statement-on-the-passing-of-senator-lindsey-graham/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Newsletter Sign Up\n\nSubscribe to our e-newsletter that provides updates on important issues, my work in the Congress and what's happening in our district.\n\nSubscribe to Newsletter\n\nBill Search\n\nPlease select and option\n\nSearch for a bill\n\nOffice Locations\n\nWashington, DC Office\n\n2267 Rayburn House\n\nOffice Building\n\nWashington, DC 20515\n\nPhone: (202) 225-5936\n\nHours: M-F 9 am - 5 pm\n\nCentral Brooklyn District Office\n\n55 Hanson Place\n\nSuite 603\n\nBrooklyn, NY 11217\n\nPhone: (718) 237-2211\n\nHours: M-F 9am - 5pm\n\nSouth Brooklyn District Office\n\n445 Neptune Avenue, 1st Floor\n\nCommunity Room 2C\n\nBrooklyn, NY 11224\n\nPhone: (718) 373-0033\n\nHours: M-F 9am - 5pm", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-releases-statement-passing-senator-lindsey-graham", "title": "Rep. Nancy Mace Releases Statement on the Passing of Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mace.house.gov", "scraper": "mace", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000194", "name": "Nancy Mace", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "CHARLESTON, S.C. (July 12, 2026) - Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) released the following statement on the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham:\n\n“South Carolina lost a giant last night.\n\n“For more than three decades, Lindsey Graham gave everything he had to this state and this country, from the Air Force to the United States Senate.\n\n“We did not always agree, but no one ever questioned his love for South Carolina or the fight he brought to every room he walked into.\n\n“Please join me in praying for his family and for all who called him a friend. Rest easy, Senator.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://markharris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-statement-passing-senator-lindsey-graham", "title": "Congressman Harris Statement on the Passing of Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://markharris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "markharris.house.gov", "scraper": "markharris", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001102", "name": "Mark Harris", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08) released the following statement on the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham:\n\n“For decades, Senator Lindsey Graham devoted his life to serving the people of South Carolina and our nation. He earned a reputation as one of the most influential voices in the United States Senate, particularly on issues of national security, support for our military, and the confirmation of federal judges.\n\n“While not everyone agreed with him on every issue, there was never any doubt about his commitment to public service or his willingness to stand firmly for what he believed. His impact on our country’s political landscape will be felt for generations. I am especially thankful for his steadfast defense of the sanctity of life and his efforts to protect the unborn.\n\n“Please join me in praying for Senator Graham’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May God grant them His comfort and peace, and may we always remember the value of faithful public service, principled leadership, and a deep love for our nation.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-passing-us-senator-lindsey-graham", "title": "Statement on Passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mccollum.house.gov", "scraper": "mccollum", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001143", "name": "Betty McCollum", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum issued the following statement on Sunday following the death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina:\n\n“I offer my sincere condolences to Senator Graham’s family, his colleagues, and his many friends. Though Senator Graham and I sat on different sides of the aisle, we found common ground in our shared commitment to our Ukrainian allies and their fight to defend their sovereignty against Russian aggression. As a House co-chair of the International Conservation Caucus, Senator Graham and I worked together in partnership with villages and governments across Africa to protect unique and threatened places both today and for future generations.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-sykes-presents-12-million-ceremonial-check-for-fairlawn-rosemont-preserve-restoration-project", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Sykes Presents $1.2 Million Ceremonial Check for Fairlawn Rosemont Preserve Restoration Project", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FAIRLAWN, OHIO — On Saturday, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) presented a $1.2 million ceremonial check to Fairlawn for its Rosemont Preserve Restoration Project.\n\n“Investing in projects that protect our communities and our natural resources is an investment in Northeast Ohio’s future. The Rosemont Preserve Restoration Project will improve water quality, reduce flooding, restore critical wildlife habitat, and make our communities more resilient for generations to come,” said Rep. Sykes. “I was proud to secure this federal funding because projects like this improve the quality of life throughout Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. I’m grateful to the City of Fairlawn for their commitment to preserving this important natural resource and ensuring our communities are better prepared for the future.”\n\n“The level of effort Congresswoman Sykes put forth in securing a Community Project Funding Grant is truly remarkable. The CPF for the Rosemont Preserve will help this passive park with trails, wayfinding and various other infrastructure needed to make it “World class.” Thank you, Congresswoman Sykes, for all your hard work and the $1.2 million grant. The Fairlawn community appreciates all you do on our behalf,” said Fairlawn Mayor Russell Sharnsky.\n\nThis project will restore more than 9,000 linear feet of Schocalog Run’s stream channel, rehabilitate 30 acres of flood-controlling wetlands, and remove one low-head dam and one 10-foot-high dam to restore fish passage. According to the Ohio EPA’s Biological and Water Quality Study of the Tuscarawas River and select tributaries, Schocalog Run’s ecological community has ranged from poor to fair, with habitat quality identified as poor. These improvements will help address long-standing environmental concerns by reducing flooding and erosion, improving biodiversity, and enhancing overall water quality.\n\nThese changes will mitigate flooding and diminish downstream erosion in Copley, Norton, and Barberton. The project is set to deliver around 4 million gallons of flood storage capacity, reducing the significant loss of property and damage to water quality that typically occurs during flooding. This project will also restore 12% of the entire Schocalog Run from a ditch to a two-stage stream, creating a warm water habitat that promotes biodiversity.", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://turner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-turner-reflects-on-the-legacy-of-senator-lindsey-graham", "title": "Congressman Turner Reflects on the Legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://turner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "turner.house.gov", "scraper": "turner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000463", "name": "Michael R. Turner", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 12, 2026.\n\nThe news of Senator Lindsey Graham’s passing saddens me deeply. Lindsey was one of America’s fiercest champions for freedom, democracy, and peace through strength. He carried forward the legacy of Senator John McCain, believing America’s leadership is indispensable and that nations seeking freedom should never stand alone.\n\nLindsey was also a personal mentor. His counsel shaped my work in Congress, and despite his many responsibilities, he always made time to help others. I saw that firsthand when preparing for the 2025 NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Dayton. The summit welcomed more than 2,500 delegates from across the Alliance, and it would not have been possible without Lindsey’s personal intervention and support. That generosity toward fellow members was simply who he was.\n\nJust days ago, I had the honor of standing beside Lindsey in Ankara as we met with President Zelenskyy. Until his final days, he was pressing the case for stronger sanctions against Russia. There is no better way to honor his final mission than for the Senate and the White House to swiftly send his bipartisan Russia sanctions legislation to the President’s desk.\n\nLindsey believed America must stand with nations seeking democracy because doing so strengthens our own security. We owe it to his legacy to ensure that commitment remains the foundation of American foreign policy.\n\nMy prayers are with Lindsey’s family, his staff, the people of South Carolina, and all who knew him. America has lost a great statesman, and I have lost a mentor. His legacy will endure wherever freedom is defended.", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=DA958DF6-ED43-43E6-95EB-E1ED6062E9A1", "title": "Webster on the Passing of Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://webster.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "webster.house.gov", "scraper": "webster", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000806", "name": "Daniel Webster", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, released the following statement on the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC).\n\n“This is a heartbreaking loss for our country. Lindsey Graham was a passionate voice for freedom and liberty. A dedicated supporter of our troops, he spent countless hours with our men and women in uniform around the world. His family and staff are in my prayers.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-statement-on-passing-of-senator-lindsey-graham/", "title": "Senator Coons statement on passing of Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.coons.senate.gov", "scraper": "coons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001088", "name": "Christopher A. Coons", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement on the passing of his friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.):\n\n“I traveled the world with Lindsey, visiting dozens of countries across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. We argued, advocated, and legislated together for more than fifteen years, and I am stunned by his sudden passing. We had dinner to celebrate his birthday at the NATO summit this past week, and one of my last memories of him will be of his irreverent wit, as well as his patriotism and love of freedom. Lindsey believed in the fundamental goodness of an America that uses its might to support the fight for freedom globally. His passionate advocacy for Ukraine and his tireless fight to impose greater costs on Putin for his war of aggression inspired many of us in the Senate. We should promptly pass his bill with Senator Blumenthal to impose greater sanctions and tariffs on the buyers of Russian oil and gas in his memory.\n\n“While we disagreed fiercely on many policy issues, he was complicated and could not be pigeonholed. I will never forget that at the height of the hearings over Justice Kavanaugh’s confirmation in 2018, one of the ugliest and most partisan fights we ever had, he was also quietly working hard to save American foreign aid. Several of my most important bills I have passed were with Lindsey, from conservation in Africa to promoting balanced American engagement with fragile states. I will miss having him as a partner in the Senate.\n\n“Of my colleagues, few have been able to frustrate and anger, amuse and engage me in a single conversation the way Lindsey could. I will deeply miss his humor, his global view, and his tireless optimism. Annie and I are keeping his family, including his beloved sister Darline, in our prayers.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-on-the-passing-of-us-senator-lindsey-graham", "title": "Statement on the Passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) issued the following statement on the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC):\n\n\"I was shocked by the news about Senator Graham this morning. The man was a joy to serve with. I just can’t imagine going to work in the Senate without Lindsey. I’m so sad for his family and pray for them to feel God’s love as they mourn their loss. His counsel and savvy will be deeply missed in the Senate. Lindsey had a unique ability to navigate the biggest issues facing our nation and the world with clarity in the midst of chaos. He’ll also be missed in the cloakroom and around our conference lunches. One of the most important lessons I learned from Lindsey was to never let someone else rob you of your joy. He lived that lesson every day.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-on-the-passing-of-lindsey-graham", "title": "Crapo Statement on the Passing of Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the following statement on the sudden passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina):\n\n“For most of my public service in Congress, I had the privilege of calling Lindsey Graham not only a colleague in both the House and Senate, but a loyal and generous friend. He was a formidable public servant who held the line on issues important to him and South Carolinians with unwavering courage. As an Air Force veteran and foreign policy hawk, he traveled the world demonstrating America’s strength and resolve. To our nation’s allies, he was a friend. To our adversaries, he was unflinching. Lindsey was a staunch conservative, and he shepherded the Senate Budget Committee through the critical steps of the budget reconciliation process. His work put more money in Americans’ pockets and kept our homeland safe. On the Senate Judiciary Committee, he safeguarded the federal judiciary and conducted much needed oversight. Senator Graham enriched the lives of those of us who knew him. He will be deeply missed, and I offer my sincere condolences to his family, staff and other loved ones during this difficult time.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-the-passing-of-senator-lindsey-graham", "title": "Durbin Statement On The Passing Of Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement regarding the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC):\n\n“I was with Lindsey last week at the NATO Summit in Türkiye. At a private dinner at the Ambassador’s residence, he was working every Senator on a strategy to end the war in Ukraine. Typical Lindsey.\n\n“Lindsey was part of every important policy issue and an indispensable player in every Senate ‘gang’. He was a fierce Republican partisan one day and a key bipartisan ally the next.\n\n“When I was Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he was the Ranking Republican. His word was good—no cheap shots.\n\n“He knew the Dream Act was my most important bill. He was the only Republican who would cosponsor it for years. I will never forget it.\n\n“Loretta and I send our condolences to Lindsey’s family and legion of friends in South Carolina and around the world.”\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-statement-on-passing-of-sen-graham", "title": "Ernst Statement on Passing of Sen. Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) released the following statement following the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.):\n\n“I am stunned and deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham,” said Ernst. “The Senate has lost a bold leader whose influence will be felt for generations. Please join me in praying for his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-passing-of-us-senator-lindsey-graham", "title": "Heinrich Statement on Passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement on the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.):\n\n“Lindsey Graham fought hard for the things he believed in. And while we disagreed on a lot, he was always willing to sit down, hear me out, and work across the aisle when we could, getting things done that mattered — from visiting international health care clinics together to negotiating our Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to standing up the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation. Lindsey understood that working to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, making our communities safer, and protecting the natural world shouldn’t be partisan causes. That kind of relationship-building is rarer in the Senate than it should be, and it’s part of what made him effective.\n\n“Julie and I are keeping his family, his staff, and the people of South Carolina in our thoughts.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=45E58DEE-E1A0-4E49-93E9-8E7C1DCAD4AC", "title": "Statement from the Office of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "scraper": "graham", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON - The Office of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) released the following statement.\n\n“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness. Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-the-passing-of-senator-lindsey-graham/", "title": "Luján Statement on the Passing of Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham:\n\n“Terrible news this morning. Senator Graham spent his life serving our country, first in the Air Force and later in Congress. He was committed to public service.\n\n“My prayers are with Senator Graham’s family, friends, staff, and the people of South Carolina. May he rest in peace.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/lummis-statement-on-the-death-of-senator-lindsey-graham/", "title": "Lummis Statement On The Death Of Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.lummis.senate.gov", "scraper": "lummis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000571", "name": "Cynthia M. Lummis", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cheyenne, WY – Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) today released the following statement on the death of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC):\n\n”I am shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden death of my friend, Senator Lindsey Graham,” said Lummis. “Lindsey was a tireless voice for South Carolina and an unwavering champion of a strong America and our allies. My prayers are with his family, especially his niece, with whom he spoke by phone from the cloakroom so frequently that we all felt we knew her, and with his constituents. I also offer my condolences to President Trump, whose working relationship with Lindsey was by far the closest of all US Senators. Lindsey was the President’s loyal friend and ally, and Lindsey’s wit, humor and honesty with the President distinguished him from the rest of us.\n\n“My heart is very heavy today, because I, too, enjoyed a wonderful friendship with Lindsey and will miss him terribly, but I’m so grateful for the honor of knowing him and serving in the US Senate with him.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=EB724698-4D2F-4E6E-9D3A-163943986C85", "title": "Statement From Senator Mitch McConnell", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "domain": "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "scraper": "mcconnell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000355", "name": "Mitch McConnell", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following note to constituents regarding his hospitalization and recovery:\n\n“To my fellow Kentuckians –\n\n“When you elected me to a seventh term and made me our Commonwealth’s longest serving Senator, you did so trusting that I’d keep showing up to fight for you every day. And over the past several weeks, Elaine and I have appreciated both your well wishes and your honest questions about what was keeping me away from the Senate.\n\n“You all know how folks of my generation often hesitate to share the vulnerability that comes with growing older. Even in the public eye, I feel that same instinct – I can’t help it.\n\n“But at the same time, I’ve had more than my share of experience with physical vulnerabilities. Surviving childhood polio meant spending my entire life with mobility challenges. They haven’t exactly gotten easier to manage with age. And last month, I took a fall which landed me in the hospital.\n\n“My doctors have confirmed that I didn’t break any bones or suffer a concussion. I didn’t have a heart attack or a stroke. I don’t have any tumors or hemorrhages. But I was briefly unconscious and was taken to the hospital. While receiving excellent care over the past several weeks, I’ve also had to deal with a mild case of pneumonia.\n\n“I can assure you that I’ve been a good patient. At my age, I tend to do what my doctors tell me to do. I’ve submitted to every test they can think of to help figure out what caused this incident. And I’m continuing to do everything they ask to speed my recovery. In fact, with signs of continued progress, I’ve been able to move from hospital care to a rehabilitation center where I’ll keep regaining my strength.\n\n“As much as it frustrates me, this process takes time. And on the advice of my doctors, I won’t be able to return to the Senate floor to vote quite yet. But rest assured that, in the meantime, I’m not taking a break from the Senate business that matters to you. I’ve been working closely with my legislative staff on current issues, and with my Kentucky team who help me provide timely constituent services across our Commonwealth. I’ve also been keeping in touch with my Senate colleagues on the appropriations process, midterm politics, and everything in between.\n\n“You’re right to expect your representatives to work hard for you. And part of my decision to retire at the end of my term this coming January was being honest about the demands of Senate work. But I still have unfinished business to complete on your behalf, and I have every intention of finishing the job you elected me to do.\n\n“I’ll keep working hard to get back on the Senate floor as soon as possible. And I’ll keep you posted on the progress of my recovery. Until then, I’m so grateful for your prayers and well wishes.”\n\n###\n\nFrom the Office of the Attending Physician:\n\n“Senator McConnell has experienced several falls throughout the year that have been attributed to his post-polio condition. He was admitted to the hospital four weeks ago after falling at home and sustaining minor injuries.\n\n“A comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team determined that he had no fractures, cardiac abnormalities, stroke, tumor, or hemorrhage. Early in his hospitalization, he developed pneumonia, which responded rapidly to antibiotic treatment.\n\n“The remainder of his hospital stay focused on physical therapy and strategies to reduce his risk of future falls. He has been medically cleared to continue fully participating in his intensive physical therapy program.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-statement-on-the-sudden-passing-of-senator-lindsey-graham/", "title": "Merkley Statement on the Sudden Passing of Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“I am shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Senator Graham. We shared a strong interest in defending Ukraine and, to the surprise of many, in climate change. We got to know each other as we served together on three committees, including the Budget Committee, where he served as Chair and I serve as the lead Democrat.\n\n“Mary and I are keeping Senator Graham’s family and staff in our thoughts during this difficult time,” said Ranking Member Jeff Merkley.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-the-passing-of-senator-lindsey-graham/", "title": "Padilla Statement on the Passing of Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued this statement following the announcement of the passing of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham:\n\n“I am shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Senator Graham. While we disagreed on much, I respect Lindsey’s dedication to public service, from his time in the military, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. Angela and I are praying for his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-the-death-of-us-senator-lindsey-graham", "title": "Reed Statement on the Death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement on the sudden passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC):\n\n“I send my condolences to the people of South Carolina and the extended Graham family on the sudden loss of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. Lindsey and I did not see eye to eye on many issues, but he was a consequential voice and gifted communicator.\n\n“Theodore Roosevelt’s famous ‘Man in the Arena’ concept certainly applies to Senator Graham, who relished the dust, sweat, and challenges of public life.\n\n“Lindsey could be polarizing, but he was willing to work across the aisle, sometimes at political risk, to advance policies he believed in, like the defense of Ukraine, or supporting highly-qualified judicial nominees from the other party.\n\n“One day, we’d be fiercely debating the Iraq war and the next day he’d be the lone Republican on the floor sticking up for a judicial nominee from Rhode Island. And in both instances, he’d bring his same keen intellect, high-level energy, and effectiveness to bear.\n\n“Because he was so often a surrogate on TV, people tend to have strong opinions about Lindsey Graham. But not everyone knows he was the first in his family to graduate from college or that he served in the Air Force Reserves while caring for his little sister as her guardian. It is fair to point out his political views seem to have evolved over time, but his commitment to South Carolina never wavered.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-mourns-passing-of-sen-lindsey-graham", "title": "Sen. Rick Scott Mourns Passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "NAPLES, Fla.- This morning, U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) released the following statement after the sudden passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham:\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, “Anne and I are shocked and heartbroken to learn of the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. We ask that you join us in keeping his family, friends, and team in your prayers during this time.\n\n“Lindsey was a good friend and a dedicated public servant for the people of South Carolina and the United States. He knew what it was like to rise up from difficult circumstances and build a life of purpose.\n\n“Through his time in the Air Force and in Congress, Lindsey dedicated his career to America’s national defense and freedom around the world. I was grateful to work with him. He will be greatly missed as a legislator and a friend.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-condemns-president-trumps-unlawful-iran-war-announces-hell-introduce-new-war-powers-resolution-on-nbcs-meet-the-press/", "title": "WATCH: Sen. Schiff Condemns President Trump’s Unlawful Iran War, Announces He’ll Introduce New War Powers Resolution on NBC’s Meet the Press", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schiff also reflected on the life of Senator Lindsey Graham\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker where he discussed the ongoing unlawful war with Iran, emphasizing that President Trump’s war of choice has bolstered Iran’s economic position while driving up costs for Americans. The Senator also announced he will be introducing a War Powers Resolution this week to bring the conflict to an end, the first since the collapse of the ceasefire last week.\n\nSchiff also reflected on the life and legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) highlighting his sense of humor, willingness to reach across the aisle, and fond memories they shared while traveling around the world to advance America’s national security interests.\n\nView the full interview here.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nOn Trump’s unconstitutional Iran war:\n\n[…] You’re also seeing the problems with embarking on a war of choice. A war that the president got this country involved in, not because we were attacked or because there was an imminent threat of attack, but because he chose to do so. It was, I think, ill thought out. He never came to Congress for any authorization, so it was also unconstitutional and unlawful. I’ll be introducing another War Powers Resolution as soon as we go back this week to try to bring that conflict to an end. But sadly, Iran has realized that it has a kind of a nuclear weapon already. And that is the ability with minimal force to close the Strait of Hormuz and to choke off a big part of the world’s oil supply. And that has meant that Americans that are already struggling, that you know, with an economy that’s not working for people, are struggling harder now because they can’t afford the price of gas and groceries. And all the other impacts of this war of choice. So, very difficult to see where we go from here, except that it is likely to be protracted. It seems the administration is just fighting to get us back to something that looks a lot like the JCPOA. And I think President Trump’s tearing up of that agreement will go down as one of the gravest mistakes of foreign policy in history.\n\nOn the loss of Senator Lindsey Graham:\n\nI think we’re all trying to wrap our heads around this giant loss. He was one of those figures that was really larger than life. That was so filled with energy that it’s hard to imagine him gone. But you have folks in political life who can disagree and not be disagreeable about it. Who can have sharp debates with you. But he had as Tim Scott was alluding to, a wonderful sense of humor. That he used to cut through the tension. He used that sense of humor in a self-effacing way. He would make a jest about his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. And he was just, I think, wonderful to travel with. I had the opportunity to go with him around the world to see the respect that world leaders had for him. I think those of us in the Senate, as well as around the world, understood how close he was to the president. Many of us considered him the Trump whisperer. If we wanted to know what the president’s thinking was or how he might be moved on something, you would go to Lindsey to discuss it. But what I remember most about Lindsey, what I will treasure most about him, was his just very quick wit. His wonderful sense of humor, and how he deployed it to move his policy positions forward. His tremendous grasp of foreign policy. His staunch support of Ukraine, which I think will be a big part of his legacy as well.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scotts-statement-on-the-passing-of-his-friend-and-colleague-sen-lindsey-graham/", "title": "Sen. Tim Scott’s statement on the passing of his friend and colleague, Sen. Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.scott.senate.gov", "scraper": "timscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001184", "name": "Tim Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "CHARLESTON, S.C. — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) issued the following statement on the passing of his friend and colleague, Sen. Lindsey Graham:\n\n“South Carolina lost a statesman and I’ve lost a friend.\n\n“My prayers are with his sister and the rest of his family.\n\n“From his humble beginnings to the Senate floor, Lindsey always led with faith, family, and South Carolina first.\n\n“Lindsey remained committed to public service and doing what he loved. He always introduced levity and brought wit to the most challenging moments.\n\n“Lindsey will be missed.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-statement-on-passing-of-senator-graham", "title": "Shaheen Statement on Passing of Senator Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement:\n\n“I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn of my friend Senator Lindsey Graham’s sudden passing. Billy and I are keeping his loved ones, constituents and staff close in thought.\n\n“Lindsey was a tireless advocate for America’s indispensable global role and had a particular focus on supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unprovoked invasion. Just days ago, we were at the NATO Summit together, pushing toward this goal.\n\n“On Friday, Senators Graham, Blumenthal, Wicker and I announced White House support for our Russia sanctions legislation to help finally achieve peace for Ukraine, which Lindsey described as one of his most consequential efforts. There can be no more fitting memorial to Lindsey, his legacy or the causes he fought for than to pass this legislation and realize his long-held dream of an independent and secure Ukraine.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-passing-of-senator-lindsey-graham", "title": "Van Hollen Statement on Passing of Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on the passing of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham.\n\n“I’m deeply saddened by Senator Lindsey Graham’s sudden passing. While Lindsey and I disagreed on many, many things, we always had an open line of communication and honest conversation. Whenever possible, we worked together to find common ground, including our joint efforts to support our Syrian Kurdish partners and the SDF, who have been our main allies in the fight against ISIS.\n\n“My heart goes out to Lindsey’s loved ones during this difficult time.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-statement-on-the-passing-of-sen-lindsey-graham/", "title": "Warner Statement on the Passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warner.senate.gov", "scraper": "warner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000805", "name": "Mark R. Warner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the following statement on the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham:\n\n“I was heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of my friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham.\n\n“Lindsey and I disagreed on plenty over the years, but I never doubted his love for this country or his commitment to serving it. He was a fierce advocate for the causes he believed in, especially our nation’s security and the men and women of our armed forces.\n\n“But what I’ll remember just as much was Lindsey’s sense of humor. He had a quick wit, a sharp laugh, and an uncanny ability to break the tension with a well-timed joke or story. Even in the toughest moments, he never lost his ability to connect with people, and those personal relationships often mattered more to him than the political disagreements of the day.\n\n“Lisa and I are keeping Lindsey’s family, his devoted staff, the people of South Carolina, and everyone who loved him in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”\n\n###\n\n* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for download here *\n\nPhotos may be used online and in print, and can be attributed to ‘The Office of Sen. Mark R. Warner’", "collected_at": "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-statement-on-the-passing-of-senator-lindsey-graham/", "title": "Whitehouse Statement on the Passing of Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release", "domain": "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", "scraper": "whitehouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000802", "name": "Sheldon Whitehouse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Providence, RI – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today issued the following statement on the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC):\n\n“I am stunned and saddened to hear the news this morning. Lindsey was a giant in the Senate. No one loved being a Senator more, or was more energetic. The Senate will be a lesser place without him. I’ve lost a dearly cherished friend.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/senator-wicker-remembers-senator-lindsey-graham", "title": "Senator Wicker Remembers Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.wicker.senate.gov", "scraper": "wicker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000437", "name": "Roger F. Wicker", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "\"There are no words to describe Lindsey Graham, my friend of more than three decades. There are no words to describe his impact on the foreign and domestic policy of the United States. Lindsey served his beloved country in uniform and in the House and Senate. He stood solidly for freedom and strength and he fought for liberty across the globe. Lindsey Graham can be succeeded in office but he cannot be replaced.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"}
{"url": "http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5126", "title": "Houlahan in the middle", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "domain": "houlahan.house.gov", "scraper": "houlahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001085", "name": "Chrissy Houlahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“It’s like a big balancing act to be able to put your kids in a place that you want to feel comfortable with them being and with being able to afford it,” said Amarte Grove, another Cleveland-Cliffs employee and a father of five daughters.\n\nIn another tour focused on the other end of the age spectrum, Houlahan peppered staffers at Brandywine Valley Active Aging in Downingtown about their work to offer free meals, housing services, and activities to about 120 seniors daily.\n\nAccording to the organization, Chester County’s homeless population has decreased in recent years — from 916 in 2023 to 747 in 2025. But the percentage of that population that is over 60 has increased from 9% in 2023 to 14% in 2026. About 45 older adults in the county were homeless as of early May, according to the organization, which works alongside other independent and government groups to connect seniors with stable housing.\n\n“It is really difficult to live in Chester County,” said Jen Manthey, BVAA’s director of information and assistance. “It takes a long time for them to get out of homelessness, partly because it takes a long time for us to build the trust with them and get that rapport — that they trust what we’re saying, and there aren’t $400 room rentals out there that we’re just hiding from you.”\n\nNick Popov, BVAA’s chief operating officer, said demand remains high for the 5,000 free lunches the organization provides every month to individuals age 60 and older. The cost for those meals is reimbursed through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, though the organization raises most of its funding in total, he said.\n\n“The services are out there. We’re doing everything we can to provide them,” Popov said. “But it’s always a struggle to kind of balance the bottom line between our goals and what we can actually affordably accomplish.”\n\nHoulahan’s parents said they had never expected to move in with their daughter. Even as they looked to move closer to their family and could not find a spot that fit their financial and physical needs, it took some convincing, mostly from their son-in-law, Bart Houlahan.\n\n“It was an inspiration that permits us to enter old age — serious old age, not just the kid stuff right now — with greater confidence that our health will be sustained,” said Andy Jampoler, Houlahan’s father, a Holocaust survivor born in German-occupied Poland in 1942.\n\nIn May, Houlahan introduced legislation that would require the federal government to collect data on the sandwich generation, a step she said is critical to creating better policies for an “undervalued role in the nation’s economy.”\n\nIt would require at least one federal survey to ask whether individuals provide unpaid care to both children and older adults. U.S. Sen. Andy Kim (D., N.J.), who has two young sons and cares for his father with Alzheimer’s, sponsored a companion bill in the Senate.\n\nHoulahan is also the chair of an “economic growth and cost of living” working group within the New Democrat Coalition, a group of self-described centrist Democrats that includes about half of the entire caucus. The group rolled out an “affordability agenda” earlier this year that is considered a framework for how Democrats would tackle housing, healthcare, energy, paid family leave, and much more if they win control of the House.\n\nU.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D., Ill.), chair of the New Democrat Coalition, credited Houlahan for her leadership with the agenda, describing her as having a “quiet wisdom that focuses on the core of a problem” while bringing her own life experience to the work.\n\n“Everyone’s experience is unique, but her experience shares many of the aspects of what people across the country are facing,” Schneider said. “The sandwich generation, taking care of kids and parents, for whatever circumstance, while at the same time seeing the cost of just everyday living … is putting a burden on families.”\n\nHoulahan said she has been aggravated by the pace of progress in Washington, including Trump’s decision to not sign the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act in an attempt to force a vote on stricter voter-ID laws.\n\nThe legislation aims to incentivize housing construction, restrict large investors from buying single-family homes, help families with home repairs, and more. The president reiterated Friday that he would not sign it, allowing the bill to become law without his signature.\n\nIn her Capitol Hill office about an hour after Trump canceled that bill signing late last month, Houlahan described the president as “so obtuse that he can’t see in front of him that this is something that the people want.” After spending much of the last year calling out Johnson, the House speaker, for not standing up to Trump, she said there should be “counterinsurgents” and an “uprising” in the Republican Party.\n\nAt the same time, she expressed some hope. The housing bill may have been a rare moment of bipartisanship, but it was also a sign that Congress can still act on affordability even before the end of the year, she said.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-smith-khanna-sanchez-and-williams-introduce-protecting-american-homes", "title": "Reps. Smith, Khanna, Sánchez, and Williams Introduce Protecting American Homes from Hedge Funds Act", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "adamsmith.house.gov", "scraper": "adamsmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000510", "name": "Adam Smith", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nNew legislation would permanently drive hedge funds out of the single-family housing market\n\nRep. Smith, who supports the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act’s historic investments in housing supply, said its passage shows Congress is finally ready to confront corporate ownership of homes — and that this legislation carries that momentum forward.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-congressman-al-green-release-statement-ice-related-shooting-maine", "title": "ICYMI: Congressman Al Green Release Statement on ICE-Related Shooting in Maine", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "algreen.house.gov", "scraper": "algreen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000553", "name": "Al Green", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Houston, TX) – On Monday, July 13, 2026, Congressman Al Green released the following statement on X/Twitter:", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=4AB5EBAD-9165-4F2B-A29C-9A77D2190E90", "title": "Thirty Years of Healing Thanks to the Post Clinic", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "barr.house.gov", "scraper": "barr", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001282", "name": "Andy Barr", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Three decades ago, a small group of advocates in Mt. Sterling opened the doors of the Post Clinic with a simple mission: expanding access to primary medical and dental care for Kentuckians who couldn’t afford it. Three decades later, that mission is still alive in every exam room.\n\nI’ve watched this clinic grow up close. Back in 2022, I secured a $1 million federal grant that empowered the Post Clinic build a new facility — funding that, paired with local and state support, helped the clinic expand its reach from roughly 400 patients a year to as many as 4,000 across Montgomery, Bath, and the surrounding counties. That’s not a number on a spreadsheet. That’s thousands of our friends, coworkers, and family members who now have somewhere to go when they need care — Kentuckians who might otherwise have gone without care altogether.\n\nI think back to what Mt. Sterling Mayor Al Botts said the day we broke ground on that expansion: it took local, state, and federal leaders all pulling in the same direction, because a healthy Montgomery County starts with making sure everyone has access to a doctor. He was right then, and he’s still right today. Thirty years of the Post Clinic is proof of what this community can build when it refuses to let its neighbors fall through the cracks.\n\nThis anniversary also comes at an important time for rural healthcare here at home. Clinics and hospitals in small towns like ours are stretched thin — competing for nurses and doctors, working with aging buildings, and trying to serve wide, spread-out communities without the resources a big city hospital has.\n\nThat’s a fight I’ve taken seriously in Washington. I helped write reforms to the Medicaid program that will ensure dollars are going where they should be: to Kentuckians who need Medicaid. We also established the $50B Rural Health Transformation Program, which will target federal support to Kentucky over the next five years to help rural providers like the Post Clinic modernize, recruit and keep good clinicians, and bring new tools like telehealth to patients who’d otherwise have to drive an hour for care.\n\nBut no program out of Washington replaces what happens here in Mt. Sterling every day — volunteers, donors, local physicians, and a dedicated staff showing up for their neighbors. My job is to make sure they have the resources to keep doing it. That means continuing to back facilities like the Post Clinic, and making sure Montgomery County gets its fair share of the new rural health funding coming to Kentucky.\n\nThe founders who opened those doors thirty years ago built something that’s now cared for three generations of local families. Here’s to making sure the next thirty years are just as strong.\n\nHappy 30th anniversary to the Post Clinic. Montgomery County is healthier because of you.\n\nU.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) represents Montgomery County in the U.S. House of Representatives.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-va-officials-discuss-it-modernization-and-claim-processing-va", "title": "Barrett, VA Officials Discuss IT Modernization And Claim Processing in VA Subcommittee Hearing", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "barrett.house.gov", "scraper": "barrett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001321", "name": "Tom Barrett", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) chaired a House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization hearing where he spoke with officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct oversight of the department’s modernization of the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS). Specifically, the officials discussed how new technology can be used to deliver decisions on veterans’ claims more quickly, but must have necessary guardrails to ensure AI does not make decisions without human oversight or transparency.\n\nWitnesses at today’s hearing included:\n\nMr. Robert Orifici, Acting Deputy Chief Information Officer, Product Delivery Service, VA’s Office of Information and Technology\n\nMr. Derek Herbert, Acting Chief Production Officer, Veterans Benefits Administration\n\nDr. Sterling Thomas, Chief Scientist, Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics, Government Accountability Office\n\nMr. Caleb Max, President and CEO, National Artificial Intelligence Association\n\nMr. Jeremy Villanueva, Associate Legislative Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America\n\nMr. Gregg Orto, Deputy Director, National Veterans Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars\n\nImage\n\nClick here or the image above to watch Rep. Barrett’s testimony.\n\nBelow are highlights from their conversation.\n\nBarrett: The first question I have, Mr. Orifici, if you could just, for the benefit of myself and others, can you give me some examples of the difference between AI and automation and how they are distinct from one another while perhaps trying to achieve the outcome we're going for?\n\nOrifici: Yes. So thank you for that question. So when we talk about automation, we're talking about very explicit tasks that are rules-based, that could follow a very explainable set of logic to accomplish that task, like ordering mail from one point and having that delivered into the system, or repopulating a form with data that's set from a basis of rules. When we look at AI, we're looking at various models. We're looking at some models which look at predictions and patterns to really make recommendations forward from data sets that are available, and then we have generative AI which is really using that to generate a response or some piece of action from that. And so those are three different categories in their distinction.\n\nBarrett: Is AI being used in a chat function with veterans as they're going about interfacing with the VA in different ways right now? You see a lot of these on customer service platforms and things like that. Is the VA using that technology to communicate with veterans right now?\n\nOrifici: I do not believe we're using AI to communicate in chats to veterans at this point in time.\n\nBarrett: Okay. Assuming that may be an interest of the VA at some point, are we able to get assurances that there would be a disclaimer of sorts or a notice to veterans that this is being done using an AI feature?\n\nOrifici: Yeah, that's a great question, and I will commit to taking that back with our AI governance to make sure that that is a disclaimer.\n\nBarrett: Okay, thank you. I wanted to next ask you about a situation that came up in my district speaking with one of the county VSOs [veteran service organizations] in my district. They had a veteran that came to them who had filed a claim with 14 unique situations within it or 14 separate conditions. And he was using the quick submit system that the VA has. Now, he didn't have one of those Adobe subscriptions to fill out the PDF and everything else. So he used an online tool that he downloaded for free and it offset some of the formatting by enough to throw off the system. It flagged it as being incomplete, and it sent it to a VA employee for review, which is ideally what should happen is that a human takes over to look at it. But then the employee entered only the very first condition into the system, not the remaining 13 other conditions that were claimed. And obviously, that set him back significantly and it became very difficult to overcome that.\n\nWhere within the VBA's metrics or error reporting or accuracy logs would those, you know, 13 failed submissions, where would that be counted and where would it be accounted for?", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-bell-issues-statement-21st-century-road-housing-act-becoming", "title": "Representative Bell Issues Statement on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Becoming Law", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "bell.house.gov", "scraper": "bell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001324", "name": "Wesley Bell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) issued the following statement on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act becoming law, despite President Trump’s refusal to sign the bill.\n\n“The most transformative piece of housing legislation in a generation is now law.\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will do so much for the people of the St. Louis region, the state of Missouri, and millions of Americans across the country.\n\nI hear all the time from folks in the district about the housing crisis in America. This bill will help people build generational wealth through homeownership and give them a shot at a foundational piece of the American Dream.\n\nDespite this amazing win for the American people, what saddens me is our president’s refusal to sign this bill into law even with its overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers. This bill only became law because of a constitutional 10-day rule, which automatically makes legislation that was passed by both chambers law if the president has not signed the bill after ten days.\n\nInstead of doing what’s best for the American people, we have a president who holds good legislative progress hostage when he doesn’t get his way.\n\nI look forward to continuing to work in Congress to push for legislation that helps every American fight for their dreams.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/utah-delegation-welcomes-president-trumps-monument-proclamation", "title": "Utah Delegation Welcomes President Trump's Monument Proclamation", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "blakemoore.house.gov", "scraper": "blakemoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001213", "name": "Blake D. Moore", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Utah federal delegation welcomes President Trump's action modifying the boundaries of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. This decision represents a return to an appropriate application of the Antiquities Act as Congress intended.\n\nWhen Congress passed the Antiquities Act in 1906, it authorized presidents to protect historic and scientific objects by reserving only \"the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected.\" The law was never intended to place millions of acres under monument designation with the stroke of a pen.\n\nFor years, Utahns have voiced concerns that these monument designations were made without meaningful input from the local communities most directly affected. This updated designation better reflects the perspectives of stakeholders in Utah whose voices should be part of decisions affecting these public lands.\n\nThe lands outside the modified monument boundaries remain federal public lands and continue to be protected under existing federal laws. Today's action does not remove those protections. Instead, it better aligns the monument boundaries with the Antiquities Act while ensuring these landscapes remain available for responsible stewardship and multiple use.\n\nThe president’s action represents a step toward restoring the rule of law, respecting the intent of Congress, protecting Utah's remarkable cultural and natural resources, and ensuring that future land management decisions are guided by both the text of the Antiquities Act and the voices of the Utahns who know these lands best.\n\nRep. Blake Moore: “This has, unfortunately, become a back-and-forth issue between administrations. Today’s announcement takes into consideration years of local concern over restricted access and misuse of the Antiquities Act while still protecting our state’s natural and cultural resources for future generations. If the Antiquities Act is going to be used, it needs to be on the smallest area possible—that’s what we’re doing here.”\n\nSen. Mike Lee: “Today’s proclamation shows that President Trump listens to Utahns and respects the limits Congress placed on the Antiquities Act. For too long, presidents have weaponized monument designations to lock up millions of acres, close roads, restrict grazing, and cut rural communities off from lands their families have lived on and worked for generations. I thank the President for correcting this abuse and keeping his promise to the people of Utah.”\n\nSen. John Curtis: “President Trump’s executive action restores a more balanced approach to managing Utah’s public lands and shows a willingness by this Administration to listen to the state of Utah. While today’s announcement is an important step in the right direction and a more appropriate interpretation of the Antiquities Act, the responsibility remains with Congress to do what executive orders cannot: bring stakeholders together, work through disagreements, and enact lasting solutions. This approach worked in Emery County, which serves as a strong example to build on.”\n\nRep. Burgess Owens: \"The Antiquities Act is crystal clear: presidential designations meant to protect objects should be 'confined to the smallest area compatible' with the proper care and management of those objects. That mandate was ignored. The mess started with Bill Clinton, who acted from a seat in Arizona with his back turned to Utah. It was compounded by Barack Obama in the waning hours of his presidency. Together, they created monuments larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined which is an unmistakable violation of the 'smallest area compatible' standard. I am grateful for President Trump's actions today, and for his willingness to listen to the Utah communities who cherish and honor these landscapes. Utah deserves leaders who respect the rule of law. Today, accountability prevailed.\"\n\nRep. Celeste Maloy: \"Utahns have long supported protecting our state's extraordinary cultural and natural resources. This action honors that goal while following the law Congress passed and giving greater consideration to the people who know these lands best.”\n\nRep. Mike Kennedy: “The people of Utah understand these lands better than any distant bureaucracy ever could. Decisions about how they are managed and protected should rest with the communities who live closest to them. The Antiquities Act was written to protect specific and important areas, and honoring its intent is the rational way to safeguard these treasures while giving Utahns a real voice in their future.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-slams-trump-administration-plan-weaponize-federal-grant-dollars", "title": "Scott Slams Trump Administration Plan to Weaponize Federal Grant Dollars to Undermine Civil Rights", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "bobbyscott.house.gov", "scraper": "bobbyscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000185", "name": "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats\n\nWASHINGTON –Today, House Committee on Education and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) sent a letter to U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought urging OMB to withdraw the Trump Administration’s proposed rule, entitled Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance, that would politicize how federal grant dollars are managed and administered.\n\nRanking Member Scott warned that the sweeping changes in the Proposed Rule would upend the continuity of federal programs, harming individuals’ and communities’ access to essential services, as well as federally supported research that informs virtually every sector of our lives and policymaking at all levels of government.\n\nIn his letter, Ranking Member Scott argues that the new rule is simply another attempt by President Trump to overreach his executive power by granting political appointees authority to review how grant dollars are spent.\n\n“The Proposed Rule attempts to codify multiple executive orders (EO) issued by President Trump—orders that espouse radical interpretations of civil rights and constitutional law that are currently the subject of numerous legal challenges. The Proposed Rule embeds divisive and questionable legal doctrine promoted by the Trump Administration in every federal grant; exceeds the authority of the Executive Branch; and ignores decades of best practices in research and science supposedly in the name of transparency, accountability, and oversight. The Proposed Rule would give more discretionary power to a Chief Executive who has proven willing to use the power he does have to punish political enemies and those who disagree with him … This Proposed Rule should be abandoned in its entirety. Moreover, any future changes made to the Uniform Guidance should de-emphasize the role of political appointees; embrace the concepts of scientific peer review, integrity, and independence; and not place the political pursuits of the President above the Constitution and laws of our country,” wrote Ranking Member Scott.\n\nTo read the full letter, click here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/07/13/buchanan-statement-ahead-of-vote-on-permanent-daylight-saving-time-bill/", "title": "Buchanan Statement Ahead of Vote on Permanent Daylight Saving Time Bill", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "domain": "buchanan.house.gov", "scraper": "buchanan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001260", "name": "Vern Buchanan", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Buchanan’s Sunshine Protection Act to Receive House Vote Tomorrow\n\nWASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan released the following statement ahead of the House floor vote tomorrow on his Sunshine Protection Act (H.R. 139), a bill to make daylight saving time (DST) permanent year-round and end the twice-annual clock change:\n\n“My bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act will bring us one step closer to ending the outdated and unpopular practice of changing our clocks twice a year. Americans across the country are tired of the biannual clock change, and the evidence is clear that permanent daylight saving time can improve public health, reduce traffic accidents, lower crime and encourage more outdoor activity.\n\n“I’ve advocated for this change for years because it’s clear that year-round daylight saving time is a popular, commonsense reform that will improve everyday life for millions of Americans. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote for this crucial bipartisan bill to lock the clock for good.”\n\nBuchanan’s Sunshine Protection Act would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide. In Florida, the state legislature overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation in 2018 to become the first state in the nation to adopt permanent DST. Across the U.S., 19 states have since enacted legislation or passed similar resolutions to adopt this change.\n\nThe Sunshine Protection Act allows states to opt out of permanent daylight saving time in favor of permanent standard time if opt out legislation is passed through their respective state legislatures. States can do so right up until the bill’s enactment.\n\nThe legislation has 34 bipartisan cosponsors in the House, and Senate companion legislation (S. 29) introduced by Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) has 18 bipartisan cosponsors. President Trump has also consistently said that he wants to end the twice-annual clock change.\n\nBuchanan has introduced the Sunshine Protection Act each Congress since 2018.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-bynum-has-three-housing-bills-signed-law", "title": "Congresswoman Bynum Has Three Housing Bills Signed into Law", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "bynum.house.gov", "scraper": "bynum", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001326", "name": "Janelle S. Bynum", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "This weekend, three of Congresswoman Janelle Bynum’s (OR-05) bills were signed into law by the president after passing with bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate – the Accelerating Home Building Act, the Appraisal Industry Improvement Act, and the Incentivizing Local Solutions to Homelessness Act. Her legislation is part of the bipartisan and bicameral H.R. 6644, 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which Rep. Bynum voted for each time it came before the House. These bills are part of her efforts to address the nation’s housing shortage by cutting red tape, building more homes, and lowering costs for first-time homebuyers.\n\n“The passage of these bills marks one of the most significant housing reform efforts to ever make its way to a president’s desk,” said Rep. Bynum. “For far too long, owning a home has been out of reach for so many Americans. I’m proud to be part of this great achievement where, finally, we are providing Americans with the housing support and assistance they deserve.”\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a landmark housing package that will surge resources and streamline construction, putting us on track to build the millions of homes we desperately need to lower costs. It also takes important steps to prevent institutional investors from driving up costs in the single-family housing market.\n\nThese efforts are part of Rep. Bynum’s K-30 initiative, a platform focused on improving public education, strengthening the job market, and lowering the cost of housing. The passage of this legislation marks an important step towards creating and sustaining affordable housing for young Americans throughout the country.\n\nIn Congress, Rep. Bynum is a member of the House Financial Services Committee and sits on the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, where she works to address the housing shortage and lower costs for Oregon families.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3503", "title": "Carbajal Joins Schiff, Lofgren, and Coalition of 40+ Lawmakers in Demanding Trump Administration Scrap Politicized Scientific Grant Rule", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "carbajal.house.gov", "scraper": "carbajal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001112", "name": "Salud O. Carbajal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), and 41 members of the California congressional delegation in demanding the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescind their proposed regulation for federal financial assistance, emphasizing the crucial need for federal funding for scientific research to remain independent given California’s leadership as the innovation capital of the world and a top recipient of federal research funding.\n\n“The rule is unprecedented, expansive, and applies across the federal government to every agency that reviews grants and other financial assistance proposals. It would allow political appointees to control all aspects of the grant review process, setting the stage for politically motivated decision-making that places the whims of the President over the well-being of the American people,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe California lawmakers highlight how the administration’s proposed regulation will weaken U.S. scientific research across all fields and impact California stakeholders, undermining OMB’s essential role in coordinating the advancement of federal grants in a nonpartisan manner. California leads the nation in scientific advancements across sectors – including biomedical engineering and quantum computing – and is deeply committed to investing in cutting-edge research in engineering, science, and medical research.\n\n“The proposed rule would weaken the scientific foundations of experimental research, slowing the development of new treatments, strategies for environmental protection, technologies to expand our knowledge of space, and solutions to some of our most pressing questions,” the lawmakers continued.\n\nSpecifically, the lawmakers point to several areas of research that will be significantly impacted by OMB’s proposed rule:\n\nNational Competitiveness and the STEM Talent Pipeline: In light of the administration’s unlawful suspending of millions in funds for U.S.-based scientific research, the proposed rule will threaten our status as a world leader in science by harming the STEM talent pipeline, create additional barriers for international students and domestic businesses that contribute to our economic viability, and weaken the nation’s ability to compete with China and other countries.\n\nBiomedical and Scientific Research and Development: The proposed rule will politicize agencies’ longstanding science-based review process and prevent major research development of life-saving therapies, medicine, and preventive interventions for millions of Americans – as well as threaten clinical research efforts for future medical breakthroughs.\n\nHigher Education: California’s universities rely on grants to fund schools and resources – which will all be on the line under the politically motivated restrictions in the proposed rule, jeopardizing the long-term future of our academic research institutions.\n\nState and Local Governments: From disrupting public services to putting vital community projects on hold, the proposed rule abandons vulnerable populations.\n\n“The effects of this rulemaking could reverberate for generations. With such funding uncertainty and unpredictability, California and the rest of the country will backslide behind other nations in the areas of health, innovation, research, and scientific development. As such, we strongly urge you to rescind your proposed rule,” the lawmakers concluded.\n\nIn addition to Carbajal, Schiff, and Lofgren, the letter was signed by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and U.S. House Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-CA-33), Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Ami Bera (D-CA-06), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31), Lou Correa (D-CA-46), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), Laura Friedman (D-CA-30), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Adam Gray (D-CA-13), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Josh Harder (D-CA-09), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), Sam Liccardo (D-CA-16), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), Dave Min (D-CA-47), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Luz Rivas (D-CA-29), Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), Linda Sánchez (D-CA-38), Brad Sherman (D-CA-32), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Mark Takano (D-CA-39), Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), Norma Torres (D-CA-35), Derek Tran (D-CA-45), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), and George Whitesides (D-CA-27).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nThe Office of Management and Budget (OMB) serves the critical role of ensuring that federal agencies administer funding to advance federal policy goals in an objective and fair manner. We write as members of Congress with the distinct honor of representing California – the innovation capital of the world and a top recipient of federal research funding. Our state leads the country in scientific advancements across sectors – from biomedical engineering and quantum computing, to fusion energy and more – because of robust federal funding. This investment is critical to early-stage scientific discovery across fields that the commercial marketplace cannot yet support due to the long timelines and inherent uncertainties of basic research. Nevertheless, these foundational research activities ultimately serve as the essential pipeline for future commercial innovation, spinning off into market-ready technologies and new domestic industries that drive economic growth and directly improve the lives of all Californians, and by proxy all Americans.\n\nOMB’s federal grantmaking procedures were established to provide agencies with guidance on grant management and as such, this guidance has historically emphasized the importance of performance metrics, transparency, and unbiased review. We are gravely concerned by the extent to which OMB’s proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” would drastically alter federal grantmaking procedures and undermine the transparency and unbiased review which is central to the success of the federal grant process. The rule is unprecedented, expansive, and applies across the federal government to every agency that reviews grants and other financial assistance proposals. It would allow political appointees to control all aspects of the grant review process, setting the stage for politically motivated decision-making that places the whims of the President over the well-being of the American people.\n\nMerit-based, independent scientific review is the foundation of the United States’ and California’s leadership in science. For over 75 years, federal agencies including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Department of Energy have used merit-based review as a competitive process to award grants to California’s leading institutions in scientific, engineering, and medical research based on quality and impact. This review process has driven discoveries and critical progress in medicine, national security, technology, and economic competitiveness. At a time when U.S. companies are already publicly expressing uncertainty about accepting federal funding from this administration, citing fears of “conditions” the administration may place on their research, it is critical that federal funding of scientific research remain independent.\n\nTherefore, we strongly urge OMB to rescind its proposed regulation and preserve the rigor and objectivity of its grantmaking processes so that federal grantmaking can remain free of partisanship and political agendas. This should include an emphasis on peer review of grants over the political and partisan bias of any administration, the establishment of transparent evaluation criteria, and other robust safeguards to protect the independent judgment of career civil servants. OMB’s proposed revisions to the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance undercut each of these critical guardrails necessary to protect the advancement of U.S. scientific research across all fields.\n\nThe proposed rule would weaken the scientific foundations of experimental research, slowing the development of new treatments, strategies for environmental protection, technologies to expand our knowledge of space, and solutions to some of our most pressing questions. The following implications for several areas of scientific research are particularly significant:\n\nNational Competitiveness and the STEM Talent Pipeline\n\nViability of Research\n\nThis proposed rule adds to the ever-growing uncertainty that scientists and researchers in California broadly face over federal funding. This administration has already unlawfully frozen millions of dollars in NSF funding, impounded NASA resources, and slashed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) clean energy grants. These investments are critical to finding the next cures, protecting our access to clean air, and furthering our understanding of the universe. And yet, the administration’s actions will hinder our state’s best and brightest minds while denying funding to entire scientific fields the administration does not believe to be in service of their ideological and political priorities.\n\nHarms to the STEM Talent Pipeline\n\nThese barriers, coupled with growing financial uncertainty, have forced American researchers, including those in California, to reevaluate the viability of continuing their studies in the United States. Countries like China are offering millions of dollars in research funding to our nation’s leading planetary scientists, engineers, and PhD candidates, hoping to capitalize on our nation’s unparalleled STEM talent pool. The continued slashing of NSF, NASA, and EPA funding will further damage our pipeline of future researchers and scientists, threatening our status as a world leader in STEM, and ultimately the nation’s ability to develop and innovate in the United States.\n\nAdditional Barriers on International Students and Domestic Businesses\n\nThe proposed regulation outlines new requirements for award eligibility, including mandatory participation in the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program, which would create significant administrative barriers, not just for higher education institutions, but for farmers, small businesses, and construction industries. For higher education institutions, this would hinder progress for international students and researchers providing critical contributions to American and California-led scientific progress. For farmers and small businesses, mandating E-Verify would significantly harm their ability to fill roles and conduct their day-to-day work. Furthermore, E-Verify comes with extensive administrative burdens and inaccurate information about employees. Punishing farmers, small businesses, and construction companies for a system known to be flawed in its accuracy will negatively impact these institutions’ and companies’ economic viability and their contributions to the American economy.\n\nCompetition from China\n\nThe proposed rule is a form of national self-destruction. Funding reductions will seriously weaken the United States’ ability to compete with other countries, especially as China is already laying out ambitious plans to become a leader in science – particularly in space science - by 2050. China has already invested in missions to explore Neptune and return samples from Mars, and yet OMB’s proposed rule gives non-experts the power to direct NASA’s future. We cannot compete with China on the world stage if we do not channel our resources into credible and technically sound scientific endeavors. Further, we cannot grant such a significant responsibility as grantmaking authority to political appointees with no technical expertise. Doing so would erode the efficacy, integrity, and respect of these programs and cede power and influence to our competitors abroad.\n\n2.Biomedical and Scientific Research and Development\n\nPoliticization of Scientific Peer Review\n\nOMB’s proposed rule would upend U.S. biomedical and scientific research agencies’ long-standing, apolitical, and science-based review process. Peer-review systems employed by NIH, NSF, and other research agencies have long been the top benchmark for identifying the most promising scientific opportunities. Replacing scientific judgment with political review risks directing resources away from the most meritorious research. California’s universities and medical centers conduct research that benefits patients nationwide, and any reduction in merit-based funding decisions could delay the development of life-saving therapies, diagnostics, and preventive interventions for millions of Americans.\n\nOMB should carefully consider whether codifying these restrictions serves the long-term public interest. The result would not simply be administrative inefficiency; it would mean slower progress against cancer, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, infectious diseases, and other conditions affecting millions of Americans. Federal research policy should be guided by scientific evidence, scientific experts, and public health needs, not structured in a manner that unnecessarily limits future administrations' ability to support scientific innovation and respond to emerging health, public safety, and other challenges.\n\nErosion of Research Infrastructure and Scientific Collaboration\n\nProvisions favoring institutions with lower indirect cost rates, combined with restrictions on publication and conference costs under the proposed rule, threaten the infrastructure that makes scientific research possible and arbitrarily penalizes research that requires higher overhead costs. For example, research universities and academic medical centers maintain laboratories, clinical trial networks, biosafety systems, data security protections, and patient oversight programs that are essential to safe and effective research.\n\nThis research ecosystem serves as a national resource, attracting talent and fostering collaboration across states. Limiting the ability of researchers to share findings and collaborate would slow the translation of discoveries into treatments that improve public health nationwide. NIH-supported research has made America the global leader in biomedical innovation. Weakening the stability, predictability, and scientific integrity of federal research funding across U.S. research agencies threatens that leadership and risks slowing the pace of discoveries that improve and save lives.\n\nThreats to Future Medical Breakthroughs\n\nThe proposed rule would permit scientific agencies to terminate research grants based on expansive ‘national interest’ determinations. Biomedical research often requires years of continuous support to recruit patients, conduct clinical trials, collect data, and validate results. California’s institutions lead large clinical research efforts, including studies involving cancer immunotherapies, neurodegenerative diseases, rare diseases, and emerging infectious threats. If compliant grants can be terminated unexpectedly, patients may lose access to promising therapies, research findings may be delayed, and taxpayers may lose the value of prior federal investments.\n\nUltimately, the greatest impact of this rule would be borne by patients. Every delay in biomedical research means longer waits for earlier diagnoses, more effective therapies, preventive interventions, potential cures, and avoidable deaths. Americans confronting cancer, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, mental illness, rare disorders, and other serious conditions depend on continued scientific progress.\n\n3.Higher Education\n\nLimitations on Resources\n\nUniversities and institutions across California rely on grant-funded indirect cost recoveries to share their discoveries and advance the leading edge of science. OMB’s proposal would render publication costs, including open access fees for journal and periodical access, unallowable “unless such costs are expressly required by statute or approved in advance by the Federal agency on a case-by-case basis.” This change would be uniquely harmful to California-led innovation, as University of California (UC) researchers conduct 8.3 percent of all U.S. academic research. The dissemination of knowledge and academic collaboration is the foundation of these breakthroughs across critical sectors, including biotechnology, computing, semiconductors, telecommunications, and agriculture.\n\nPolitically Motivated Restrictions on Research Topics\n\nOMB’s proposed regulations would prohibit the use of federal awards to support or promote theories of disparate-impact liability based on protected characteristics like race, sex, or age. These rules unnecessarily weaponize reasonable diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and undermine the free speech rights of federal grantees. They allow political appointees to dictate the topics researchers are permitted to investigate, hampering intellectual freedom and vastly narrowing the scope of higher education research. Instead of supporting research that amplifies underrepresented voices, the administration is empowering political appointees to cancel grants with any mention of race or gender. Outside of the higher education system, these dangerous provisions would also restrict federal funding to crucial environmental justice work to address pollution and toxic chemical impacts on disadvantaged communities, fenceline communities adjacent to industrial facilities, and communities of color.\n\nThe destructive and chaotic consequences of this approach have already been made clear under this administration, as seen by actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to abruptly terminate hundreds of millions of dollars in active research funding using overbroad, automated keyword searches for subjective terms. A federal judge recently ruled that cuts carried out by DOGE violated the Constitution and created a broad “chilling effect” on research. Codifying these harmful practices into government-wide OMB regulations would do a disservice to diverse communities as well as to our institutions of higher learning.\n\nLong-Term Uncertainty\n\nFederal funding is the largest and most important source of support for UC research, and the UC system is awarded more NIH and NSF funding than any other institution in the country. In FY 2024, UCs received $7.719 billion in total research awards, $5 billion of which were federal awards. The proposed restructuring of federal grant administration will undoubtedly threaten ongoing, cutting-edge research and successful grant programs across the state and the country. OMB’s proposed rule widens the administration’s ability to terminate grants that have already been obligated and are in progress. If enacted, these proposed changes would allow political appointees to interrupt, suspend, or permanently terminate active research projects on the cusp of major discoveries if they determine the award is “no longer in the Federal interest.” Under these proposed changes, an already-approved grantee could see an agency terminate the grant months later, leaving multi-stage projects unfinished with little or no explanation and jeopardizing their scientific research. Already this is impacting the future of American science.\n\n4.State and Local Governments\n\nDisruption of Public Services\n\nOMB’s proposed rule poses a severe threat to the fiscal stability of counties and local governments across California and the country, which budget carefully and deliberately for year-long programs that rely on federal awards to deliver critical social services. Expanding the discretionary authority of political appointees to suspend or terminate active grants mid-cycle based on shifting administrative priorities introduces unprecedented unpredictability into local governance who have varied and limited capacity to shoulder new costs. Under this proposal, local communities may experience abruptly halted federal funding, leaving vital local infrastructure projects unfinished and abandoning vulnerable populations who rely on these services.\n\nNew Compliance Burdens\n\nLocal governments frequently operate as pass-through entities responsible for administering and distributing federal funds to community subrecipients. This vital role would become significantly more punitive under this regulation, as OMB’s proposal introduces sweeping oversight, monitoring, and documentation requirements that would severely strain thin local administrative resources. Most troubling, the proposed rule stretches compliance risks to unprecedented levels by tying overall grant eligibility to local enforcement of federal executive orders, potentially endangering funding over events held on county property. Forcing resource-constrained local authorities to act as federal compliance monitors for the administration or face catastrophic funding terminations creates an unworkable landscape that will ultimately reduce the reach of federal assistance.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ciscomani-closes-out-district-work-week-focused-cochise-county-communities", "title": "Rep. Ciscomani Closes Out District Work Week Focused on Cochise County Communities and Rural Healthcare", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ciscomani.house.gov", "scraper": "ciscomani", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001133", "name": "Juan Ciscomani", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Tucson, AZ - This past district work week, U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani focused efforts on celebrating achievements in rural healthcare and community support. Rep. Ciscomani’s efforts during the week included speaking at the 25th Anniversary Luncheon of the Cochise County Sheriff’s Assist Team (SAT) and attending the grand opening of Sun Life Health’s newest Casa Grande facility.\n\n\"Support for local law enforcement and adequate access to healthcare are crucial for ensuring our communities have the resources they need to thrive,\" said Rep. Ciscomani.\"I was proud to spend time this district work week commemorating the commitment of the Cochise County’s Sheriff’s Assist Team over the last 25 years and honoring the efforts of their most dedicated volunteers. I was also pleased to join Sun Life Health in Casa Grande for the opening of their newest healthcare facility. I believe organizations like the Cochise County Sheriff’s Assist Team and Sun Life Health are essential to keeping AZ-06 strong and I remain committed to ensuring organizations such as these have the support they need to continue serving our communities.\"\n\nCochise County SAT volunteers have served the citizens of Cochise County for the last 25 years, providing critical support to the Sheriff’s Office and surrounding communities. Rep. Ciscomani was honored to commemorate the efforts of these dedicated volunteers and remains committed to supporting law enforcement efforts in Cochise County and across Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District.\n\nTo round out the week, Rep. Ciscomani spent time in Casa Grande to celebrate the opening of the newest Sun Life Health location. Thanks in part to a $52.6 million U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan, residents of Pinal County will now have access to an all-encompassing location that provides vital primary care and pediatrics, as well as pharmacy services, three-dimensional mammography, and walk-ins.\n\nHealthcare providers like Sun Life are essential to ensuring smaller communities in southeastern Arizona have access to the care they need. Rep. Ciscomani will continue to prioritize proper healthcare access in all areas of AZ-06, ensuring residents in even the most rural communities can receive care suited to their needs.\n\nRep. Ciscomani looks forward to continuing to advocate for and work alongside the Cochise County SAT and Sun Life Health to best represent the needs and priorities of AZ-06. As Rep. Ciscomani returns to Washington, D.C. this week, he is grateful for a productive district work week spent commemorating the efforts of dedicated AZ-06 organizations such as these.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ciscomani-urges-az-06-farmers-and-ranchers-utilize-usda-drought-disaster", "title": "Rep. Ciscomani Urges AZ-06 Farmers and Ranchers to Utilize USDA Drought Disaster Program", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ciscomani.house.gov", "scraper": "ciscomani", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001133", "name": "Juan Ciscomani", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani is urging farmers and ranchers in southeastern Arizona to take full advantage of a federal loan program aimed at helping those impacted by severe drought.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently designated several Arizona counties, including Graham, Pima, and Pinal, as primary natural disaster areas due to drought conditions. The designations give farmers and ranchers the opportunity to be considered for an emergency loan assistance program operated by the department’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). This loan program provides necessary credit to producers following a natural disaster, including drought.\n\n\"Southeastern Arizona is home to many farmers and ranchers who keep our agriculture industry strong. It is no surprise that our region experiences drought, which in turn impacts these hardworking men and women and their ability to produce goods,\" said Rep. Ciscomani. \"I encourage all farmers and ranchers in Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District who are dealing with the consequences of severe drought to look into what federal resources are available. That’s what this USDA program is all about. Graham, Pima, and Pinal counties being included in this program will directly support the farmers and ranchers who keep our district strong, helping AZ-06 remain a leader in agriculture.\"\n\nEmergency loans from the program are essential for recovery following events like severe drought as they can be utilized for replacing equipment or livestock, reworking a farming operation, orrefinancing a number of debts. The FSA reviews emergency loans according to a producer’s amount of loss, their available security, and their capacity to repay the loan.\n\nFor Arizona specifically, a drought disaster designation allows local farmers and ranchers to receive critical financial aid to help recover from losses experienced from drought. This designation will minimize the lasting impacts of drought in Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District by supporting members of the agriculture industry by providing the resources they need to recuperate following an extreme drought. The USDA’s aid will directly benefit the rural communities of Arizona that make up our unique agriculture.\n\nRep. Ciscomani remains committed to working with AZ-06 farmers and ranchers to advocate for the priorities and needs of the district’s agriculture industry. He is grateful for the USDA’s continued partnership with AZ-06 and is pleased with this latest effort to support the district’s rural communities that make southeastern Arizona’s agriculture robust.\n\nRead more about the USDA’s disaster assistance programs HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-receives-carl-coan-sr-lifetime-achievement-award", "title": "Congressman Cleaver Receives Carl A.S. Coan, Sr., Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cleaver.house.gov", "scraper": "cleaver", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001061", "name": "Emanuel Cleaver", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, D.C.) – At the end of June, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing & Insurance, received the Carl A.S. Coan, Sr., Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service from the National Housing Conference. Congressman Cleaver was presented the award, along with Congressman Mike Flood, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Housing & Insurance, at the NHC’s Housing Visionary Awards Gala in Washington, D.C. for their work in helping pass the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, including the HOME Reform Act, the most significant housing proposal passed by Congress in nearly four decades.\n\n“The American people do not wish to see their elected officials bicker and grandstand when they go to Washington—they want to see cooperation, compromise, and concrete solutions that will improve the lives of everyday Americans,” said Congressman Cleaver. “From day one of the 119th Congress, Chairman Flood and I have chosen to work together to deliver real results for those we represent. Because of that bipartisan commitment, we were able to work in partnership with Ranking Member Waters and Chairman Hill to pass the most significant housing reform package in nearly four decades. This award is recognition of the long hours and difficult road it took to arrive at this moment and I’m grateful to the National Housing Conference, and its many member organizations, for helping pave the way. Together, we will continue pushing to expand access to affordable housing and revitalize the American dream for hardworking families in Missouri and all across this great nation.\"\n\nThe Carl A.S. Coan, Sr., Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service recognizes their bipartisan leadership on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, including the HOME Reform Act, an effort to expand the nation’s affordable housing supply at a time when millions of Americans face rising housing costs and limited availability.\n\nThe HOME Reform Act modernizes the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program, one of the primary tools used by states and localities to build and preserve affordable housing, by streamlining regulations, reducing administrative barriers, and strengthening public-private partnerships to help communities more efficiently develop housing and address the nationwide shortage.\n\nFounded in 1931, the National Housing Conference is the nation’s oldest and broadest coalition of affordable housing stakeholders, with more than 300 member organizations spanning lending, homebuilding, affordable housing advocacy, real estate, nonprofit development, and housing finance.\n\nPhotos from the event are available here.\n\nNHC tribute video available here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://cloud.house.gov/posts/freedom-caucus-presses-house-leadership-for-a-vote-to-make-trumps-border-policies-law", "title": "Freedom Caucus presses House leadership for a vote to make Trump’s border policies law", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cloud.house.gov/press", "domain": "cloud.house.gov", "scraper": "cloud", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001115", "name": "Michael Cloud", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington Times\n\nGeorge Caldwell | July 13th, 2026\n\nThe House Freedom Caucus wants the chamber’s GOP leaders to tee up a vote to codify President Trump’s immigration policies before the midterm elections in November, giving Republicans a major win by ensuring a secure border lasts beyond the Trump administration.\n\nThe hard-line conservative caucus is pushing for the passage of the Permanent Trump Secure Border Act, which would enshrine in law such policies as completion of the border wall, ending catch-and-release practices and stricter standards for asylum requests.\n\n“President Trump won’t be president forever,” said Rep. Keith Self, Texas Republican, in a statement supporting the push. “The moment he leaves office, future administrations could tear down every border security measure with a single executive order.”\n\nRep. Michael Cloud, Texas Republican, said in a statement that he too is “committed to making these policies permanent.”\n\nHouse Speaker Mike Johnson, Louisiana Republican, has not guaranteed a vote on the bill.\n\nHouse Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Louisiana Republican, said some vulnerable Republicans are not eager to vote on border policies ahead of the midterms. “At the end of the day, we’ve got to have consensus before we can move forward,” he said.\n\nCongress has not made a full-throated effort to codify Mr. Trump’s border policies during his second term.\n\nThe House Judiciary Committee has yet to mark up the Permanent Trump Secure Border Act. A similar bill passed the House in 2023 in a 219-213 vote with no Democratic support. The vote would likely be tighter this year.\n\nRepublicans currently have a 218-212 majority in the House, and Rep. Thomas Massie, Kentucky Republican, voted against the bill in 2023.\n\nThe 2023 bill died in the Democrat-run Senate without getting a vote. This time, Republicans have the majority in the Senate, but Democrats could kill the bill with a filibuster.\n\nRep. Andy Harris, Maryland Republican, said that, at the very least, a House vote would put lawmakers on record.\n\n“I think every member of the House should be on record for where they stand on an open border,” he told The Washington Times.\n\nTo become law, the border bill would have to pass through the Senate, where most bills are subject to a 60-vote filibuster threshold. Harris suggested a House vote puts the onus on the Senate to make clear where it stands, as well.\n\nMr. Harris said Senate Majority Leader John Thune should put the bill to a vote in his chamber. “Let’s show the American people who in Congress supports a wide-open border,” he said.\n\nTime is running out in the 119th Congress. In a little over two weeks, the House is scheduled to break for its monthlong August recess.\n\nSome in the Freedom Caucus are displeased with the way the chamber is budgeting its time.\n\n“This week, the House is voting to make daylight saving time permanent while these actual priorities sit stalled in Congress,” Mr. Self said on social media.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-statement-on-appointment-of-darline-graham-nordone-as-u-s-senator-of-south-carolina/", "title": "Clyburn Statement on Appointment of Darline Graham Nordone as U.S. Senator of South Carolina", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "clyburn.house.gov", "scraper": "clyburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000537", "name": "James E. Clyburn", "party": "Democrat", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) released the following statement on Governor Henry McMaster’s appointment of Darline Graham Nordone to serve as U.S. Senator for the state of South Carolina:\n\n“I congratulate Darline Graham Nordone on her appointment to serve as U.S. Senator for the state of South Carolina for the remainder of the 119th Congress. While this moment comes in the shadow of the profound loss of her beloved brother, it is my hope that we will continue to diligently work together as we have in the past.\n\n“I wish her success as she takes on this new role, and I have confidence we will use every opportunity in the months ahead to do all we can to help make America’s greatness accessible and affordable for all.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://clyde.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3685", "title": "Rep. Clyde Launches Photo Gallery to Commemorate America 250", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clyde.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "clyde.house.gov", "scraper": "clyde", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001116", "name": "Andrew S. Clyde", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "GAINESVILLE, GA — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) invited Georgians throughout the Ninth District to participate in “America 250: Through Our Eyes,” a community photo exhibit in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.\n\n“As we continue celebrating America 250 this year, I’m excited to invite my fellow Northeast Georgians to capture and share images depicting what our country and this major milestone means to them,” said Clyde. “I encourage folks to take part in this unique opportunity, and I look forward to seeing everyone’s patriotic photos.”\n\nAmerica 250: Through Our Eyes | How to Participate\n\nThe community photo exhibit aims to collect and display photos that capture what America means to Georgia’s Ninth District, whether it’s moments of community, service, tradition, or everyday life. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and photos may be taken on any device. Submissions are limited to three photos per constituent.\n\nPlease email photos and the information below to GA9Celebrates250@gmail.com:\n\nName\n\nHometown\n\nPhone number and/or email\n\nPhotograph title", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohens-statement-memphis-safe-task-force-shootings", "title": "Congressman Cohen’s Statement on Memphis Safe Task Force Shootings", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cohen.house.gov", "scraper": "cohen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001068", "name": "Steve Cohen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) has been closely following events involving two recent fatal shootings by members of the Memphis Safe Task Force, and made the following statement:\n\n“As I have said before, ICE and the National Guard are not needed in Memphis and should go home. These deadly encounters are the result of stepped-up law enforcement. I continue to be concerned, as I told former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at an oversight hearing, that we don’t know where ICE agents are being recruited from, who they are, or what kind of training they receive in firearms or policing. They showed us in Minneapolis, in the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, that they don’t use deadly force as a last resort and, in both cases, the public has not been given the kind of information that would result in accountability for the officers involved.\n\n“These killings are tragic, and we must do better. In Tennessee, individuals don’t need a permit to carry a firearm. That makes guns more common and law enforcement more difficult. All of this leads to a dangerous situation ripe for the use of deadly force.\n\n“One thing is clearly needed: an independent review of these incidents. A thorough, credible investigation is needed to understand exactly what happened, why, and to ensure accountability. We need to make it necessary to assure the public that proper procedures were in place and followed, and reduce the likelihood of these horrible incidents. My Deadly Force Independent Review Act, introduced in February, would require law federal enforcement agencies establish procedures to immediately, independently and impartially review every use of deadly force and conform to a uniform standard set by organizations evaluating best practices. We owe that comprehensive review to the victims and the officers. I will continue to monitor the response to the most recent incidents.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-statement-passing-senator-lindsey-graham", "title": "Cole Statement on Passing of Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cole.house.gov", "scraper": "cole", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001053", "name": "Tom Cole", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "July 13, 2026\n\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina:\n\n\"There are few corners of Capitol Hill where South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham wasn't known. Whether you knew him personally or simply watched him at work, he was impossible to ignore.\n\n\"Lindsey was a ubiquitous presence in Washington – with few office holders as visible, quotable, or energetic as him. For more than three decades, he served throughout the House and Senate – building a reputation as a determined legislator, a media presence, and a dealmaker. From the green rooms to the global stage, Lindsey was always in the middle of the debate, making the case for what he believed in for South Carolina and the nation.\n\n\"When it came to foreign affairs, Graham was an old-fashioned statesman and hawk. He believed America was a force for good in the world, and he never hesitated to confront those who threatened our interests and our allies – from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea to terrorist organizations around the globe.\n\n\"As Appropriators serving in different chambers, we worked together and shared a commitment to a strong national defense. I always appreciated his insight, his candor, and his willingness to pick up the phone to exchange ideas, discuss Oklahoma figures or issues, or strategize how we could bridge differences between the House and Senate. He was never shy about calling to seek advice, compare notes, or test his own impressions – a quality that reflected both his confidence and his respect for the views of others.\n\n\"Lindsey approached public service with boundless energy, sharp wit, and genuine optimism. He loved serving in Congress, and it showed every day. He was a gifted communicator, a persuasive advocate, and someone who never lost his enthusiasm for the institution or for the work of governing.\n\n\"I will miss Senator Lindsey Graham, and so will the Congress he served so faithfully. His gregarious nature always left us with points made crispy, cleanly, and with a laugh. That energy and humor certainly made him the ‘happy warrior’ of his political generation. His leadership, collegiality, and unmistakable presence will be deeply missed,\" said Congressman Cole.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-courtney-statement-new-vessel-construction-manager", "title": "Ranking Member Courtney Statement on New Vessel Construction Manager Contract Award for TOTE Services LLC", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "courtney.house.gov", "scraper": "courtney", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001069", "name": "Joe Courtney", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, released the following statement on the U.S. Navy’s new contract award to TOTE Services LLC for vessel construction management (VCM) services for construction of up to eight Medium Landing Ships (LSMs). This contract is a result of the Seapower Subcommittee’s language in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act relating to VCMs for the LSM program.\n\n“The Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee authorized this Vessel Construction Manager contract in 2025 through the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act. This contract award is a definitive next step in the Navy’s adoption of the successful VCM model,” Courtney said. “With the support of American shipbuilders, the Seapower Subcommittee first mandated this model back in the FY17 NDAA for the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel. The rapid production cadence of those massive ships is proof of the success of the VCM model in advancing ‘Made in America’ shipbuilding.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/city-lenexa-receives-16-million-build-grant-lone-elm-interchange", "title": "City of Lenexa receives $16 million BUILD grant for Lone Elm Interchange", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "davids.house.gov", "scraper": "davids", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000629", "name": "Sharice Davids", "party": "Democrat", "state": "KS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The Kansas Department of Transportation announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded the City of Lenexa a $16 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) discretionary grant for the Lone Elm Interchange Project.\n\nThe project, a partnership between KDOT and the City of Lenexa, will construct a new diamond interchange at K-10 and Lone Elm Road, along with two miles of auxiliary lanes between K-7 and Woodland Road.\n\nThe new Lone Elm Interchange, which was identified as a priority during KDOT’s K-10 Corridor study, will provide a safe connection between the north and south sides of K-10. This interchange will also be constructed to accommodate future expansion of the K-10 corridor through Johnson County.\n\n\"No one wants to spend more time in traffic than they have to. This federal grant will improve safety, reduce congestion and make it easier for families, workers and first responders to get where they need to go,” said U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03). “I'm thankful to the Kansas Department of Transportation and the City of Lenexa for the years of planning and am proud to have helped make this investment possible.\"\n\n“This project has been envisioned for decades and is an important connection in a growing part of Lenexa,” said Lenexa Mayor Julie Sayers. “The BUILD grant brings us closer to delivering an interchange that will improve safety, create more direct access for our students who attend school in the Olathe School District and support economic development for decades to come. We appreciate USDOT’s investment and look forward to working with KDOT to make this long-planned project a reality.”\n\n“This crucial project is the result of a partnership between the City of Lenexa, KDOT and local and federal partners, all of whom were imperative to bringing it to fruition,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Their hard work has resulted in a critical investment that will drive economic growth and benefit all who travel through Kansas.”\n\nThis interchange will relieve congestion on K-10, K-7, Woodland Road and Prairie Star Parkway, reducing travel times and improving roadway safety. It will also improve emergency response routes, provide sidewalks and trail connections for pedestrians and cyclists, create better access to local middle and high schools and support planned future investments in the development of the K-7 and K-10 corridors.\n\nKansas was also awarded three additional FY2026 BUILD grants:\n\nJunction City, Rebuilding Grant Avenue Project - $23.9 million awarded\n\nPawnee County, Pawnee Feedlot Freight Access Project - $20.3 million awarded\n\nCity of Wichita, Eisenhower National Airport Interchange Planning and Design - $2.4 million awarded\n\nThe federal BUILD grant program provides grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-leads-call-withdrawal-proposed-rule-threatens-biomedical", "title": "DeGette Leads Call for Withdrawal of Proposed Rule that Threatens Biomedical Research", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "degette.house.gov", "scraper": "degette", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000197", "name": "Diana DeGette", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Diana DeGette (CO-01), Full Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and all Democratic members of the Health Subcommittee urged Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought to withdraw the proposed rule “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance (OMB-2026-0034).”\n\nIn a letter sent to Director Vought, the members outlined their concerns with the proposed rule.\n\n“The proposed rule threatens a world-leading biomedical research enterprise that has taken decades to build. It adds unnecessary bureaucracy to a federal grantmaking process that has already slowed precipitously under the Trump Administration,”the letter reads.\n\nThe OMB rule would significantly change the awarding, management, and termination of federal grants and cooperative agreements across the federal government, placing unprecedented power in the hands of political appointees and shifting it away from scientists and career professionals.\n\nThe members illustrated the impact the proposed rule would have on biomedical research, scientific discovery, and public health. As a result, the rule would mean fewer new cures and fewer Americans in need receiving care.\n\nThe letter urges Director Vought to consider Congress’ intention that grantmaking be first in service of science and public health, not the political whims of any administration. It also emphasizes that Congress designed the grantmaking process to center peer review and merit, a system the proposed rule would obliterate, if implemented.\n\nReps. Diana DeGette (CO-01), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Troy Carter (LA-02), and Greg Landsman (OH-01), who comprise the Democratic membership of the Health Subcommittee, all signed the letter.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3902", "title": "De La Cruz Pushes to Expand Housing in Texas Communities", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "delacruz.house.gov", "scraper": "delacruz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000594", "name": "Monica De La Cruz", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the Freedom to Build Act to lower housing costs and eliminate the \"bureaucrat tax\", the hidden cost per new build caused by regulatory delays and red tape.\n\nThe Freedom to Build Act directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a voluntary \"Freedom to Build\" designation for localities nationwide. This initiative recognizes and rewards communities that make regulatory reforms. Certified localities will receive priority consideration for existing HUD housing grants.\n\n\"Government overregulation has created a hidden tax on new home builds, putting the American dream of homeownership out of reach for too many Texas families. My Freedom to Build Act changes that. By rewarding communities that make key reforms, we can lower costs for Texas families and ensure they can afford a place to call home.\" - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz\n\nThe Freedom to Build Act is supported by the National Association of Home Builders, Mortgage Bankers Association, and National Association of Realtors.\n\n\"Housing affordability begins with housing supply, and communities need the tools and incentives to build more homes. Congresswoman De La Cruz's Freedom to Build Act recognizes that outdated regulations, lengthy approval processes, and unnecessary barriers can make it harder to deliver the housing Americans need. By encouraging local governments to modernize permitting and reduce obstacles to responsible development, this legislation helps create an environment where more homes can be built, costs can come down, and more families have the opportunity to achieve homeownership. The National Association of REALTORS® commends Congresswoman De La Cruz for her leadership on policies that address our nation's housing shortage and expand access to affordable housing.\" - Shannon McGahn, Chief Advocacy Officer and Executive Vice President of the National Association of REALTORS\n\nBackground:\n\nTo address this extra cost, the Freedom to Build Act establishes a voluntary Freedom to Build designation, which is obtained by adopting key reform requirements, including removing regulations on construction materials, speeding up the approval process, and rolling back government mandates on what can be built, who can build it, and how it is built. Additionally, communities may receive the Freedom to Build designation by demonstrating strong results in housing supply growth and access to affordable housing.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-dexter-pocan-leger-fernandez-and-ramirez-return-cuba-fact-finding-mission", "title": "Reps. Dexter, Pocan, Leger Fernandez, and Ramirez Return From Cuba Fact-Finding Mission", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "dexter.house.gov", "scraper": "dexter", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000635", "name": "Maxine Dexter", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), and Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement upon the conclusion of their four-day Congressional delegation to Cuba:\n\n“I went to Cuba thirty years ago, three and a half years ago, and now today,” said Rep. Pocan. “As a small business owner for 37 years myself, I have seen how the island’s private sector has the potential to thrive like never before, but is also hamstrung by U.S. sanctions that limit its access to financing, punish its workforce, reduce its customer base, and cut off its suppliers and export possibilities.”\n\n“United States' policies continue to exacerbate a crisis of displacement: a situation that, for many Cubans, makes it impossible to stay and realize self-determination in their own land. From what I heard directly from Cubans, many feel like they are forced to emigrate. But when Cubans decide to leave behind their land and look at the United States with hope, they are confronted by the U.S.’s outdated immigration system and the Trump administration's white nationalist agenda,” said Rep. Ramirez. “It is an impossible choice: face hunger, illness, and destitution on your own land or the abuse of ICE in the U.S.”\n\n“Cuba created a free, universal healthcare system that millions of Cubans and others around the world have come to expect and depend on,” said Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. “Today that system is buckling under sanctions that the White House has unleashed on the Cuban people. This is creating a humanitarian catastrophe, and it’s on us to stop it. I will be using all the tools at my disposal to remove the barriers to delivering health care to the Cuban people.”\n\n“What the United States is doing to this island is a siege,” said Rep. Leger Fernández. “We’re blocking medical supplies, fuel and other essential inputs, leading its infant mortality rate to rise nearly 150% in recent years, from 4 to 9.9 per 1,000 live births. I doubt any American wants innocent Cuban babies to die due to our policies.”\n\nThe Members jointly wrote:\n\n“As elected lawmakers tasked with oversight of U.S. foreign policy, we traveled to Havana to meet with Cubans of all walks of life and political perspectives to hear about the hardships the Trump administration’s maximum pressure policies are creating for Cuban citizens, learn about recent reform efforts aimed at modernizing the Cuban economy, and explore ways to reset U.S.-Cuba relations on a path of engagement, diplomacy and mutual respect.\n\n“The de facto U.S. fuel blockade on Cuba is producing indiscriminate pain for the most vulnerable Cubans, contributing to nationwide electrical blackouts—including one during our trip—buildups of trash on street corners, severe shortages of food, medicine, and public transportation, and widening inequality on the island.\n\n“In our meetings with religious leaders, entrepreneurs, civil society organizations, humanitarian groups, medical professionals and farmers, everybody we heard from - no matter their views of the Cuban government or the pace and scope of the announced reforms - agreed on one thing: that they are being strangled to death under the current executive orders and longstanding economic blockade.\n\n“The Trump administration has not provided any evidence that Cuba poses a pressing national security threat to the United States and our interests at home and abroad. We believe that any pretext used to launch an illegal, unauthorized, and unpopular military operation against the island would exacerbate a grave humanitarian catastrophe, put U.S. service members at unnecessary risk, and hurt the very people we claim to support.\n\n“The severe secondary sanctions - including more announced today - mean that there is almost no fuel and no banking on the island, forcing blackouts that can last days. Foreign businesses are fleeing the island, crippling Cuba’s private sector. Without electricity, hospitals, health care and all basic services are impacted. There is a growing humanitarian crisis and international aid organizations cannot distribute aid throughout the country. In other words, our policies are killing everyday Cuban citizens.\n\n“We call on the Trump administration and our colleagues in Congress to listen to the majority of U.S. and Cuban citizens and the rest of the world by lifting the cruel sanctions weighing on the Cuban people and engaging in serious and comprehensive negotiations with Cuban authorities that help advance trade with the island, promote respect for human rights, and provide a much-needed solution for a Cuban population that doesn’t have any more time to wait.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-don-davis-honors-major-alexander-davis-house-floor", "title": "Congressman Don Davis Honors Major Alexander Davis on House Floor", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "dondavis.house.gov", "scraper": "dondavis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000230", "name": "Donald G. Davis", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives honoring the life and service of Major Alexander \"SMO\" Davis, a Goldsboro native who made the ultimate sacrifice on June 15, 2026, when the B-52 Stratofortress he was aboard crashed at Edwards Air Force Base, claiming the lives of all eight crewmembers.\n\nMajor Davis, who grew up in Goldsboro, embodied a lifetime of service, leadership, and excellence. An Eagle Scout and graduate of Charles B. Aycock High School, he earned an Air Force ROTC scholarship to North Carolina State University, where he received a degree in aerospace engineering before commissioning into the United States Air Force.\n\nThroughout his distinguished career, Major Davis deployed in support of combat operations, graduated from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, and most recently served with the 419th Flight Test Squadron supporting the modernization of the B-52 Stratofortress fleet. His military service earned him the Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, and Air Force Commendation Medal. Friends, family, and fellow Airmen remembered him as a dependable leader who lived the Air Force core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.\n\n\"Alex was a beloved Airman, an exceptional leader, and a true American hero. My heart and prayers are with his parents, Doug and Karen, and the entire Davis family. Alex lived a life of selfless service and made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. May we always honor his memory, cherish his legacy, and strive to live worthy of the freedoms he helped defend,\" said Congressman Don Davis.\n\nCongressman Davis’s floor remarks:\n\n“Madam Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to honor Air Force Major Alexander Davis of Goldsboro. On June 15, our nation mourned when a tragic B-52 mishap at Edwards Air Force Base claimed the lives of eight brave Airmen. Alex was among them, and his life was defined by selfless service.\n\nFrom earning the rank of Eagle Scout to his time at NC State University and his distinguished military career, he faithfully answered every call to serve. Whether flying missions, modernizing our Air Force, or encouraging those around him, he was dependable.\n\nHe dreamed of one day becoming an astronaut, always reaching for the skies.\n\nEastern North Carolina will always be proud to call him one of our own.\n\nTo Doug, Karen, and his family, we grieve with you, we pray with you, and we will forever remember Major Alexander Davis—a beloved Airman, a leader, and a true American hero. I yield back.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/davis-and-fedorchak-lead-introduction-bipartisan-def-act-protect-farmers", "title": "Davis and Fedorchak Lead Introduction of Bipartisan DEF Act to Protect Farmers, Truckers, and Equipment Operators from Faulty Emissions System Shutdowns", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "dondavis.house.gov", "scraper": "dondavis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000230", "name": "Donald G. Davis", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — United States Representatives Don Davis (NC-01) and Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL), Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Jack Bergman (MI-01), and Brad Finstad (MN-01) today introduced the Diesel Engine Flexibility (DEF) Act. The legislation creates a 10-year statutory safe harbor for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance issued in 2025 and 2026, helping reduce unnecessary engine shutdowns caused by faulty DEF sensors while maintaining emissions protections.\n\n“When a tractor or truck sits idle, farmers, truckers, manufacturers, and small businesses feel the pain. They rely on reliable diesel-powered equipment every day. The Diesel Engine Flexibility Act would reduce unnecessary downtime caused by faulty emissions sensors while keeping every existing emissions standard in place,” said Davis. “It's a practical solution that supports jobs, strengthens our rural economy, and helps keep America fed and our communities growing.”\n\n\"Farmers, truckers, and equipment operators depend on reliable equipment to keep our economy moving. They shouldn't be sidelined by faulty sensors or unnecessary shutdowns that have nothing to do with actual emissions,” said Fedorchak. \"The DEF Act brings commonsense certainty by preserving the EPA's updated guidance in law while creating a stable regulatory framework for the next decade. It gives manufacturers, operators, and independent technicians the certainty they need to invest, innovate, and keep equipment running without sacrificing emissions performance.\"\n\n“Due to previous EPA guidelines, our nation’s farmers were required to rely on faulty DEF sensors and mandates. As a fourth-generation farmer, I am proud to join Congresswoman Fedorchak in introducing the DEF Act, which will codify the recently improved EPA guidance for diesel engines and vehicles, providing increased flexibility and clarity for folks in farm country – no matter the administration,” said Finstad.\n\n“We appreciate Congressman Davis’ partnership with Congresswoman Fedorchak (R-ND) to address customer concerns in a practical, compliance-focused way. This legislation supports widely accepted, proven technology while providing manufacturers with the certainty and flexibility we need to continue delivering innovative power solutions for our customers, said Jonathan Wood, Cummins Inc. Chief Technical Officer.\n\nThe DEF Act fixes this by strengthening monitoring capabilities, limiting engine shutdown and performance reductions, and giving independent technicians the legal clarity to service their customers’ equipment. Specifically, the legislation:\n\nCreates a 10-year statutory safe harbor for EPA diesel emissions guidance issued in 2025 and 2026.\n\nAllows EPA to continue approving software updates, diagnostic improvements, recalls, and other administrative actions consistent with the guidance.\n\nRequires future emissions standards to include meaningful lead times, including at least three model years of applicability and five years before taking effect.\n\nDirects EPA to consider reducing unnecessary shutdowns, derates, and operational disruptions when developing future emissions regulations.\n\nWithout congressional action, these improvements remain subject to future administrative changes. The DEF Act provides long-term certainty for equipment owners, manufacturers, and technicians.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://fields.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fields-statement-fatal-ice-shooting-biddeford-maine", "title": "CONGRESSMAN FIELDS’ STATEMENT ON FATAL ICE SHOOTING IN BIDDEFORD, MAINE", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fields.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fields.house.gov", "scraper": "fields", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000110", "name": "Cleo Fields", "party": "Democrat", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Cleo Fields released the following statement after a 26-year-old man was shot and killed by federal immigration agents in Biddeford, Maine, the second fatal shooting involving ICE officers in less than a week:\n\n\"This morning, ICE agents shot and killed a 26-year-old man in Biddeford, Maine. He was authorized to work in this country. He had a Social Security number. He was somebody's son, somebody's neighbor. And now he's gone.\n\nJust last week, it was Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, shot and killed on his way to work. He wasn't even the man those agents were looking for.\n\nTwo shootings in one week. Two lives taken, and neither man was the target of an immigration enforcement operation.\n\nI'll say it plainly: although neither victim was in this country illegally, an immigration violation is not a death sentence. It never has been, and it never should be. But when federal agents can shoot people in our streets with no body cameras, no accountability, and no answers, that's not law enforcement. That's lawlessness.\n\nThe families of these men deserve answers. The American people deserve a full, independent investigation into both killings. And Congress needs to demand that this administration get control of an agency that clearly has none.\n\nI'm praying for these families, and for every community that now looks at their own government and feels afraid.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://finstad.house.gov/2026/07/13/finstad-hosts-roundtable-discussion-with-va-secretary-southern-minnesota-veterans/", "title": "Finstad Hosts Roundtable Discussion with VA Secretary, Southern Minnesota Veterans", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "domain": "finstad.house.gov", "scraper": "finstad", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000475", "name": "Brad Finstad", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "NEW ULM, MN – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) hosted a roundtable discussion in Mankato with Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins and southern Minnesota veterans. Congressman Finstad and Secretary Collins heard directly from southern Minnesota’s veteran community, discussing how Congress can increase access to VA healthcare and enhance benefits. While in Mankato, Congressman Finstad and Secretary Collins also toured the Lyle C. Pearson Community-Based Outpatient VA Clinic and met with representatives of the Bravo Zulu House.\n\n“Service members put their lives on the line in defense of our freedom,” said Rep. Finstad. “I appreciated the opportunity to hear from some of southern Minnesota’s veterans directly about how I can support them in Congress, especially when it comes to improving VA benefits and services systemwide. Thank you, Secretary Collins, for joining us in the First District to learn more about the resources we have to offer for our veteran communities and discuss how we can continue to serve those who have served our country.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/7/house-unanimously-passes-fitzpatrick-golden-bipartisan-bill-to-ban-foreign-money-in-american-elections", "title": "House Unanimously Passes Fitzpatrick-Golden Bipartisan Bill To Ban Foreign Money In American Elections", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "scraper": "fitzpatrick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000466", "name": "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Fitzpatrick-authored legislation closes a dangerous loophole allowing foreign nationals to finance ballot initiatives, referenda, and recall elections\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act, bipartisan legislation led by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and Congressman Jared Golden (D-ME-2) to prohibit foreign nationals from financing state and local ballot initiatives, referenda, and recall elections.\n\nThe legislation, H.R. 3535, now advances to the Senate.\n\n“The ballot is the instrument by which a free people govern themselves,” said Fitzpatrick. “No foreign government, foreign national, or foreign interest should have a hand in deciding the laws Americans live under. Today’s unanimous vote is an important step in our broader bipartisan work to protect the integrity of our elections, preserve the sovereignty of the American voter, and strengthen public faith in self-government. On this principle, there should be no division and no exception: American elections must be decided by American citizens alone. The Senate should now act with the same unity and send this bill to the President’s desk.”\n\nWatch Fitzpatrick’s Floor Speech here.\n\nFederal law already prohibits foreign nationals from financing candidate elections. However, it does not explicitly extend that prohibition to issue-based elections—including ballot initiatives, referenda, and recall elections—that can fundamentally alter the laws and institutions governing American communities.\n\nThe Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act closes that loophole by amending the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit foreign-national contributions or expenditures in connection with any federal, state, or local ballot measure or recall election.\n\n“Foreign interference does not become less dangerous simply because it is aimed at a referendum instead of a candidate,” Fitzpatrick continued. “A loophole in the law should never become an open door to foreign influence. This bill closes that door and ensures that, at every level of government, the laws Americans live under are shaped by American voices—not foreign money.”\n\nIssue One’s Money in Politics Director Michael Beckel issued the following statement:\n\n“Today’s vote makes it clear that nobody wants foreign money in U.S. elections. The bipartisan Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act gives Americans much-needed confidence that our adversaries cannot buy influence in state and local ballot measures. This legislation ensures that limits to foreign money are applied consistently, including citizen-led ballot efforts, because the American people should decide elections — not foreign agents.\n\n“We’re grateful for the leadership of Reps. Fitzpatrick and Golden, who have proven that bipartisan action to protect our elections from foreign interference is not just possible, it’s popular. Issue One applauds their effort to ensure foreign money doesn’t flow into elections at any level and close a campaign finance loophole that the Federal Election Commission has wanted Congress to shut for years.\n\n“It is incumbent upon the Senate to move swiftly to pass this bill and send it to President Trump’s desk for his signature. This bipartisan legislation closes a dangerous loophole and sends a clear message that American democracy is not for sale.”\n\nRead the text of the bill here.\n\nFitzpatrick’s Continued Election Reform Leadership\n\nCongressman Fitzpatrick has long been at the forefront of bipartisan efforts to strengthen election integrity and restore public trust in government. The House passage of the Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act marks the latest advance in that sustained reform agenda, including:\n\nThe Let America Vote Act – Guarantees the right to vote in all taxpayer-funded elections for U.S. citizens, regardless of political affiliation, and prohibits non-citizen voting.\n\nThe AI Ads Act – Bans the use of artificial intelligence to impersonate candidates or mislead voters.\n\nThe CLEAN Elections Act – Ends partisan gerrymandering by requiring independent redistricting commissions.\n\nThe Bipartisan Restoring Faith in Government Act – Prohibits members of Congress and their families from trading individual stocks.\n\nThe Restoring Faith in Elections Act, Securing Our Elections Act, and Election Day Act – Establish uniform national standards for voter ID, absentee ballots, election security, and create a federal holiday for Election Day.\n\nThrough these commonsense, bipartisan reforms, Congressman Fitzpatrick continues to lead the fight to protect every American vote, defend democratic institutions, and ensure our elections remain free from foreign interference and political manipulation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://friedman.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-rep-friedman-statement-legal-scrutiny-110-billion-paramount-warner", "title": "RELEASE: Rep. Friedman Statement on Legal Scrutiny of $110 Billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://friedman.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "friedman.house.gov", "scraper": "friedman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000483", "name": "Laura Friedman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, July 13, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) addressed California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s decision to bring the proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance before the courts.\n\nThe action follows a May 7 letter Friedman led, joined by 34 California Members of Congress, thanking Bonta for his commitment to a “full and robust review” of the merger and urging him to independently analyze its effects and use his best judgment amid the Trump Administration’s politicization of antitrust enforcement.\n\n“A merger this size, in an industry that has already lost thousands of California jobs to consolidation, deserves a full examination on the merits, not a rubber stamp from a federal administration we cannot trust to act in the best interests of American workers and consumers. As I have said at every step, this deal should be closely examined according to the law and its effects on Americans,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30).\n\nCALIFORNIA’S ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY CRISIS:\n\nOn-location production in the greater Los Angeles area declined 13.2% for the July through September 2025 period compared to the year prior.\n\nMore than 42,000 jobs in Los Angeles County’s motion picture industry were lost from 2022 to 2024.\n\nParamount is projecting $6 billion in expense cuts over three years if the merger proceeds, with analysts predicting significant job losses.\n\nDecades of entertainment industry consolidation have already reduced output, raised prices, limited consumer choices, and stifled innovation.\n\nFriedman is Hollywood's representative in Congress and has been among the most active voices calling for careful examination of the merger to defend California's entertainment industry. Friedman is working on a bipartisan national film tax credit to help keep entertainment jobs from leaving for other countries.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://gabeevans.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gabe-evans-helps-deliver-15-million-adams-county-traffic-safety", "title": "Congressman Gabe Evans Helps Deliver 1.5 Million to Adams County For Traffic, Safety Improvements Along US-85", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gabeevans.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "gabeevans.house.gov", "scraper": "gabeevans", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000300", "name": "Gabe Evans", "party": "Republican", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Gabe Evans announced the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $1,499,000 to support the final design and pre-construction activities for the I-85/120th Avenue Interchange Project in Adams County, Colorado.\n\nThe award comes after Congressman Evans wrote a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressing his support for Adams County’s application to the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development grant program (BUILD) in February of this year.\n\n“As a former law enforcement officer, I understand how critical safe and reliable infrastructure is to protecting Colorado families. I'm proud to help deliver nearly $1.5 million to Adams County for this long-overdue project, which will reduce congestion, improve safety, and strengthen one of the busiest transportation corridors in our community. These improvements will make travel safer, shorten commute times, and keep people and commerce moving throughout Northern Colorado.” — Congressman Gabe Evans\n\n“Adams County is thrilled and grateful to receive this BUILD grant, and excited to begin taking steps toward the Interchange at US 85 and 120th Avenue and for the positive impact it will have on our residents and economy,” said Julie Duran Mullica, Chair of the Adams County Board of Commissioners. “This is one of our region’s most critical corridors, and this project will support better safety, sustainability, and mobility for both daily commute and freight use.” –– Commissioner Mullica\n\nBackground:\n\nThe BUILD award provides Adams County with nearly $1.5 million to complete the final design and pre-construction activities for the planned 120th Avenue overpass above the Union Pacific Railroad at the US-85 corridor. The existing at-grade rail crossing regularly causes significant traffic delays and creates operational and safety challenges at the intersection.\n\nThe planned project will construct an overpass and interchange at US-85 and 120th Avenue, improving traffic flow, enhancing pedestrian and bicycle access to Riverdale Regional Park, supporting the movement of freight critical to Colorado’s agricultural and energy industries, and strengthening connections between residential communities and employment centers.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://gimenez.house.gov/2026/7/u-s-house-unanimously-passes-rep-gimenez-s-one-stop-pilot-program-extension-act", "title": "U.S. HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES REP. GIMENEZ’S ONE-STOP PILOT PROGRAM EXTENSION ACT", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gimenez.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "gimenez.house.gov", "scraper": "gimenez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000593", "name": "Carlos A. Gimenez", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez's bipartisan H.R. 9388, the One-Stop Pilot Program Extension Act.\n\nThe legislation extends and expands the federal One-Stop Pilot Program, allowing eligible international passengers and their checked baggage to connect to domestic flights without undergoing a second TSA screening, provided they have already been screened at trusted foreign airports that meet the United States' rigorous security standards. The bill maintains strict security requirements while reducing delays, easing congestion, and improving the travel experience for international passengers.\n\nCongressman Carlos A. Gimenez said, “South Florida is one of the busiest international gateways in the United States, and we must keep passengers and airports moving efficiently while maintaining the highest security standards. I am proud that the House passed the bipartisan One-Stop Pilot Program Extension Act, a common-sense bill that will reduce delays, ease congestion at our airports, and improve the travel experience for international passengers without compromising safety. This legislation strengthens our aviation system, supports our economy, and reinforces America's leadership in secure and efficient international travel.”\n\nRead the full bill HERE.\n\nWatch Congressman Gimenez remarks from the House Floor HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perezs-bipartisan-build-now-act-becomes-law", "title": "Gluesenkamp Perez’s Bipartisan Build Now Act Becomes Law", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "domain": "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "scraper": "gluesenkampperez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000600", "name": "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Last Week, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez celebrated the final passage of a package of housing legislation including the Build Now Act, a policy targeting the byzantine zoning and permitting rules jamming housing construction and raising rents. Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez has been a leader on this provision since its introduction and worked closely with Rep. McClain to advance it through the House.\n\nFor far too long, a complex web of permitting has resulted in housing scarcity. Local municipalities find themselves unable to permit new housing fast enough to keep up with demand, and rely on federal affordable grants to address housing shortages. This bill encourages housing construction by boosting localities’ Community Development Block Grant funding when they improve their track record on building more housing, and modestly adjusting it when they do not.\n\nCritically, localities’ performance is judged upon itself, not against each other. This protects them from cuts in instances of low housing demand and signs of economic distress, and if they have experienced recent natural disasters, or do not have control over zoning and permitting.\n\n“My husband and I built our house for $140,000, but if I lived one county over, the permit alone would’ve added another $30,000” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, “Permitting and the red tape around housing has become so bloated and complicated that normal people can’t afford to build anything anymore. My bill empowers local governments to clean up permitting, and gets us back to being a country that builds housing when we need it.”\n\nThe Build Now Act was included in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which passed through the House and Senate with bipartisan support last month. While the President declined to sign the bill, it became law automatically after his window to veto closed. This housing package is designed to improve affordability and access for American families.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases/comisionado-residente-anuncia-mas-de-141-millones-para-fortalecer-la-salud", "title": "Comisionado Residente anuncia más de $14.1 millones para fortalecer la salud, investigación y educación en Puerto Rico", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "hernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001103", "name": "Pablo José Hernández", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, anunció hoy 17 otorgaciones del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos (HHS, por sus siglas en inglés), que suman $14,167,600 para universidades, organizaciones, agencias y municipios en Puerto Rico.\n\nLos fondos apoyarán la preparación de profesionales de la salud, investigaciones sobre disparidades de salud, programas de prevención y tratamiento de salud mental y uso de sustancias, servicios para personas que regresan a sus comunidades luego de estar encarceladas y proyectos de Head Start en San Juan y Caguas.\n\n“Estos fondos federales representan una inversión directa en la salud y el bienestar de nuestro pueblo. Con estos recursos, podremos preparar a más profesionales de la salud, ampliar servicios de salud mental, fortalecer la investigación médica y apoyar a niños, familias y comunidades en todo Puerto Rico”, expresó el Comisionado Residente.\n\nLas otorgaciones incluyen:\n\n$4,628,099 para el Recinto de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, para investigaciones sobre disparidades de salud y enfermería, así como capacitación en investigación biomédica.\n\n$1,481,190 para el Departamento de Salud de Puerto Rico, para fortalecer la continuidad de los servicios de salud.\n\n$1,485,000 para la Administración de Servicios de Salud Mental y Contra la Adicción (ASSMCA), para programas de salud mental y prevención y tratamiento del uso de sustancias.\n\n$1,250,000 para la Universidad Central del Caribe, para iniciativas relacionadas con la salud mental y el uso de sustancias.\n\n$1 millón para la Escuela de Medicina San Juan Bautista, para fortalecer la preparación y retención de profesionales de enfermería.\n\n$1 millón para el Hospital General Menonita y $1 millón para el Migrant Health Center de la Región Oeste, para fortalecer clínicas comunitarias de salud conductual.\n\n$544,349 para el Programa Guara Bi, para fortalecer programas y servicios relacionados con la salud mental y la prevención y tratamiento del uso de sustancias.\n\n$191,005 para el Sistema Universitario Ana G. Méndez, para fortalecer la investigación biomédica y la capacitación de estudiantes y profesionales de la salud.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-hoyle-statement-on-the-21st-century-road-to-housing-bill-becoming-law", "title": "REP. HOYLE STATEMENT ON THE 21ST CENTURY ROAD TO HOUSING BILL BECOMING LAW", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hoyle.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyle", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001094", "name": "Val T. Hoyle", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Late Friday night, the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law after passing both the House and Senate. Although the President did not sign the bill, it automatically became law after sitting for 10 days on his desk. Rep. Hoyle released the following statement after the bill became law:\n\n“On Friday, one of the most significant housing bills in decades became law. We all worked together to make this happen so that there’s more affordable housing and it’s easier to build housing, especially in our rural areas where we have a severe housing shortage,” said Rep. Hoyle. “I wish I could say that after all that bipartisan work and overwhelming support from Democrats and Republicans in Congress, that the President signed the bill. But it wasn’t a priority for him.\"\n\nRep. Hoyle went on to add that legislation like this is what can happen when this Congress comes together and focuses on the priorities of the American people.\n\nBackground\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is the most significant piece of housing legislation passed in decades and is an important step to addressing the housing affordability crisis. The bill expands affordable housing, especially where rural communities have been left behind. Some other highlights of the bill include the following:\n\nThe full bill text can be found here as well as Rep. Hoyle’s initial release on the bill passage.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-huffman-statement-on-trumps-illegal-monument-rollback", "title": "Ranking Member Huffman Statement on Trump’s Illegal Monument Rollback", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "huffman.house.gov", "scraper": "huffman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001068", "name": "Jared Huffman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after President Trump signed executive actions shrinking Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments:\n\n“Trump has been selling out our public lands and waters since the day he took office. He opened every marine monument in the country to commercial fishing, auctioned off the Arctic Refuge for pocket change, and tried to gut the Park Service by more than a billion dollars to clear a path for selling public lands outright. Today, he illegally opened up two of the most extraordinary landscapes in America at the behest of polluting corporations who seek to ravage them for short-term profits.\n\n“Tribes fought for generations to protect Bears Ears and they finally won. But after Trump’s executive order, the burial grounds and sacred sites of their ancestors will be left exposed to looters and bulldozers. Outfitters, guides, and families running small hotels in towns across southern Utah built their livelihoods on people coming to see these places whole. These folks – and every American who hikes, hunts, or camps out there – now face the nightmare of losing these pristine and sacred places so that Trump can make a few of his special interest cronies a little richer.\n\n“Most Americans, including the overwhelming majority of Republicans, want these monuments protected. Trump knows that and did it anyway, because his loyalty lies only with the billionaire class. This isn’t over though. Trump tried this once before. We fought him then, and we are ready to fight him now, because no president should have the power to give away what belongs to the American people, including future generations. Keep public lands in public hands.”\n\nBackground\n\nThe proclamations signed by President Trump today reduced Bears Ears National Monument from 1.36 million acres to 121,096 acres and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument from 1.87 million to 181,541 acres—shrinking the area of these monuments by more than 90 percent.\n\nThe cuts go far beyond what President Trump attempted in his first term, when he reduced Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument by 860,000 acres and Bears Ears by 1.15 million acres.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-ivey-support-prince-georges-county-lawsuit-against-usda", "title": "Statement from Congressman Ivey in Support of Prince George’s County  Lawsuit Against USDA Closure of BARC", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ivey.house.gov", "scraper": "ivey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "I000058", "name": "Glenn Ivey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Thursday, July 2, 2026\n\nToday, Prince George's County joined a coalition of labor unions, nonprofit organizations, and other cities and counties in filing a lawsuit to block the USDA and the Trump Administration's efforts to decommission the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) and force mass staff departures at BARC and other parts of the USDA. (Source:\n\nThe lawsuit challenges the Trump administration's unlawful attempts to use widespread and unjustified office relocations to force the mass resignations of federal government employees. The impact would be devastating for hardworking government employees who deliver vital services to farmers, businesses, and families across the country and would render the USDA unable to perform its essential duties.\n\nClosing BARC would break apart a critical network of agricultural research that has taken generations to build. BARC’s career scientists and neighboring partners have spent decades protecting our food supply, strengthening farm productivity, maintaining food safety, and helping American agriculture respond to emerging threats.\n\nCongress has already made clear that USDA must not proceed with major research closures and reorganizations without proper transparency and accountability. This lawsuit is an important tool to enforce that requirement and protect the public interest.\n\nI strongly support this effort to secure a preliminary injunction, preserve the status quo, and prevent USDA from taking actions that could permanently damage BARC before the court has ruled. I will continue fighting in Congress and alongside every available legal effort to stop this reckless closure and protect the people at BARC whose work helps feed families and support farmers across the country.\n\nFor more on this case, please click here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2568", "title": "Rep. Ronny Jackson Announces Candidacy for Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) officially announced his candidacy to serve as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.\n\nRep. Jackson brings decades of military service and national security leadership to the race. A retired United States Navy Rear Admiral with 25 years of service, he currently serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee's Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee, where he oversees some of the nation's most important defense and intelligence capabilities. He also currently serves as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, demonstrating his unique and trusted perspective across the House of Representatives’ committees with national security jurisdiction.\n\nBefore his election to Congress, Rep. Jackson served as Physician to the President, Assistant to the President, and Chief Medical Advisor to the White House during the first Trump administration, providing leadership at the highest levels of the federal government.\n\n“I'm proud to officially announce my candidacy for Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee,” said Rep. Jackson. “Through more than 25 years in the U.S. Navy and throughout my service in Congress, I have remained committed to ensuring our military remains the strongest, most capable fighting force in the world. As Chairman, I will fight to advance military readiness, make critical investments in our national defense, and always put our servicemembers and their families first. With the support of my colleagues, I will lead the Committee in delivering the authorities necessary to ensure our military is prepared to meet the growing threats posed by our adversaries. Together, we will work to keep America free and safe.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/07/13/leader-jeffries-donald-trump-and-the-republican-majority-have-been-a-complete-and-total-failure/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES: “DONALD TRUMP AND THE REPUBLICAN MAJORITY HAVE BEEN A COMPLETE AND TOTAL FAILURE”", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LEADER JEFFRIES: Donald Trump promised the American people that Republicans would lower the high cost of living on day one, but costs haven’t gone down during Donald Trump’s presidency. Costs have gone up. Donald Trump promised that ICE enforcement in this country would target the worst of the worst. But instead, billions of taxpayer dollars are being used by ICE to brutalize and kill American citizens and violently target law-abiding immigrant families and communities, including in Maine earlier today. Donald Trump promised that he was elected not to start wars in the Middle East, but to stop them. He then turned around, along with compliant Republicans, and launched a reckless and costly war of choice in Iran that’s ongoing and now has been taking place for more than 100 days with over $100 billion in taxpayer money being wasted, while leaving Iran in a stronger position than they were in before the war and the American people economically in a weaker position, particularly as it relates to high gas prices.\n\nDonald Trump and the Republican majority in the House and the Senate has been a complete and total failure. Life hasn’t gotten better under Republicans in Washington, D.C. It’s gotten much worse. And as House Democrats, we continue to be committed to doing the things that are necessary to drive down the high cost of living, fix our broken healthcare system, get ICE under control, end the reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East and clean up corruption in this town.\n\nFull press conference can be watched here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/07/13/leader-jeffries-statement-on-another-deadly-shooting-by-ice-agents/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON ANOTHER DEADLY SHOOTING BY ICE AGENTS", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:\n\nLess than one week after ICE agents fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Texas, they brutally killed another unarmed person, a 26-year-old Colombian man, in Maine in cold blood. This pattern of violent immigration enforcement actions shocks the conscience and must immediately come to an end.\n\nDonald Trump promised that ICE enforcement in this country would target the worst of the worst. Instead, more than $200 billion given by House Republicans to Donald Trump’s violent mass deportation machine is being used to brutalize and kill American citizens and violently target law-abiding immigrants.\n\nThe American people deserve transparency, accountability and an independent investigation into both killings. The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement system is out of control. ICE agents must be compelled to behave like every other law enforcement officer in America and criminally prosecuted when they violate the law. Enough.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://kamlager-dove.house.gov/media/press-releases/kamlager-dove-simon-and-pressley-introduce-resolution-advance-reproductive", "title": "Kamlager-Dove, Simon, and Pressley Introduce Resolution to Advance Reproductive Justice and Support Families", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kamlager-dove.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "kamlager-dove.house.gov", "scraper": "kamlager-dove", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000400", "name": "Sydney Kamlager-Dove", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — In recognition of the 250th anniversary of American independence and the work still to be done to create a nation that lives up to the founding ideals of liberty and justice for all, Congresswomen Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) introduced the America 250 Reproductive Justice Resolution. This resolution affirms reproductive freedom as a fundamental human right and supports policies that advance reproductive justice, including universal healthcare, maternal healthcare, paid family leave, comprehensive sex education, and protections against pregnancy-related criminalization.\n\n\"Trump and Republicans are using America's 250th birthday to push a dystopian, warped definition of freedom that actually restricts our freedoms, especially for women,\" said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. \"As we celebrate America at 250, we must reaffirm that our founding ideal of freedom includes not just reproductive freedom, but reproductive justice. Every woman should be free to access the full spectrum of reproductive health care—including abortion—and to decide when, if, and how to have children. Reproductive justice is a fundamental human right.”\n\n“While Republicans are spending the 250th anniversary attacking our fundamental freedom, we have to name what the future can and should look like for women and families. The reproductive justice movement was started by Black women in the 1990s, and I am honored to join my colleagues and reproductive justice leaders Congresswomen Pressley and Kamlager-Dove to introduce this resolution,” said Congresswoman Lateefah Simon. “As the Supreme Court and the Trump Administration rollback reproductive healthcare protections, wage a war on Medicaid and education, and drive prices ever upward, they are putting women, children, low-income people, and families in impossible situations. This resolution is our blueprint for what the reproductive justice movement needs to look like going forward, and we will fight until every person has the dignity, resources, and access to care that they deserve.”\n\n\"As we mark America's 250th anniversary, we must also acknowledge that the fundamental freedoms this nation was founded on are not enjoyed by all its people—especially the right to one’s own body and reproductive freedom,\" said Rep. Pressley, Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus. \"As Trump and his co-conspirators attempt to deny essential reproductive health care, it's more important now than ever that we affirm and fight for every person's freedom to access reproductive care and make their own health care decisions. I'm proud to introduce this critical resolution with Congresswomen Lateefah Simon and Sydney Kamlager-Dove and work to build a world where bodily autonomy is enshrined as a right, not treated as a privilege.\"\n\nRead the full text of the resolution here and find more information on the legislation below.\n\nThis resolution is endorsed by: All Above All, Women's March, UltraViolet Action, New Voices for Reproductive Justice, New Jersey Black Women Physicians Association, Oshun Family Center, SIECUS, Women with a Vision, Doula Alliance of Maryland, SisterReach Illinois and SisterReach, Inc., Women's Law Project, IBBG, SiX Action, Avow, Working Families Party, Birth In Color, Women's Health & Evolutionary Wellness, Planned Parenthood of Maryland, Black Women for Wellness Action Project, Guttmacher Institute, Black Muva Convos, Ibis Reproductive Health, ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE, National Health Law Program, Baltimore City Women's Commission, Equality Federation, Forward Together, Reproductive Justice Maryland, Gender Justice, Cobalt, Ipas US, Pro-Choice Minnesota, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Women's Health Specialists, Abortion Action Missouri, Men4Choice, MomsRising, SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, Medical Students for Choice, National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, Catholics for Choice, Power to Decide, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice.\n\n\"America was founded on the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—a promise that has too often been denied to women, people of color, immigrants, low-income communities, and gender-expansive people. As we mark this country's 250th anniversary, we have a responsibility to reflect honestly on where America has fallen short and to push it toward the best version of itself,” said All Above All President Nourbese Flint. “At a moment when those in power are rolling back our rights—banning abortion, attacking trans people, targeting immigrant families—the For All Our Futures resolution insists on something bigger: a future where reproductive freedom, bodily autonomy, and the freedom to build our families are central to the American promise.”\n\nAs co-lead of the Democratic Women’s Caucus’ Caregiving Task Force, Congresswoman Simon is committed to advocating for policies that protect healthcare and education and provide opportunities for families to thrive. She is the cosponsor of a number of bills that advance reproductive justice ideals and promote safe, healthy, and supportive communities including the EACH Act of 2025, Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025, WIC Benefits Protection Act, Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act of 2025, Child Care for Every Community Act, Every Child Deserves a Head Start Act of 2025, the FAMILY Act, and more.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-introduces-bipartisan-bill-advance-ai-driven-pediatric-cancer-research-0", "title": "Kelly Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Advance AI-Driven Pediatric Cancer Research", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "kelly.house.gov", "scraper": "kelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000376", "name": "Mike Kelly", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA), co-chair of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, joined Representatives Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Ami Bera, M.D. (D-Calif.) in introducing the Accelerating Innovation (AI) for Kids Act, bipartisan legislation that would accelerate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve and transform pediatric cancer research, treatment options, and data storage.\n\nThe legislation builds on efforts to harness emerging technologies to advance pediatric cancer research, improve patient care, and expand treatment opportunities for children battling cancer.\n\n“Congress should always consider new, innovative ways not only to treat cancer, but to defeat cancer,” said Rep. Kelly. “This legislation would leverage artificial intelligence to strengthen patient care and patient outcomes. I’m proud to sponsor the bipartisan Accelerating Innovation (AI) for Kids Act as we work to ensure pediatric cancer patients and their families have every tool at their disposal to receive the care and cures they deserve.”\n\n“Since I founded the Childhood Cancer Caucus 17 years ago, advancements in technology have radically expanded the frontiers of healthcare,” said Rep. McCaul. “We owe it to our nation's children to leverage cutting-edge AI to improve their care and treatment options. I'm proud to introduce this bill, which codifies and builds on President Trump's executive order to unlock cures for pediatric cancer patients. By empowering AI to continuously drive research forward, we move one step closer to beating this heartbreaking disease once and for all.”\n\n“Pediatric cancer remains one of the most heartbreaking diagnoses any family can face, and we have a responsibility to use every tool available to improve outcomes for children,” said Rep. Bera. “The bipartisan Accelerating Innovation in Medicine for Kids with Cancer Act would leverage cutting-edge AI and data tools to transform pediatric cancer research, improve clinical trial design and access, and deliver more personalized treatment options for young patients. I am proud to support this effort to accelerate innovation, strengthen the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative, and move us closer to ending cancer as we know it.”\n\nThe Accelerating Innovation (AI) for Kids Act would leverage artificial intelligence to strengthen pediatric cancer research, improve clinical trial design and access, enhance data storage and sharing, and support more personalized treatment options for children with cancer.\n\nClick herefor the full text of the Accelerating Innovation (AI) for Kids Act.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-leads-resolution-marking-second-anniversary-trump-assassination-attempt", "title": "Kelly leads resolution marking second anniversary of Trump assassination attempt in Butler", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "kelly.house.gov", "scraper": "kelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000376", "name": "Mike Kelly", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), introduced a resolution to recognize the second anniversary of the attempted assassination of President Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024. The resolution also honors the life of Corey Comperatore, who was killed during the shooting; and, the resolution honors Corey's wife, Helen, and their daughters, Allyson and Kaylee, who survive him.\n\nKelly, of Butler, chaired the bipartisan U.S. House task force that investigated the events of that day.\n\n\"Today, as we mark two years since the tragic events in Butler, I continue to pray for President Trump and for the Comperatore family. What happened in Butler that day will forever be a part of not only our local history, but our national history. It is providential that the President is leading our great nation today. Political violence has no place in America,\" said Rep. Kelly.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nMr. Comperatore shielded his family from gunfire during the rally, ultimately saving their lives. He leaves behind his wife, Helen, and daughters Allyson and Kaylee. Mr. Comperatore was 50-years-old.\n\nMr. Comperatore is remembered for his dedication to his family, especially as a \"girl dad;\" his strong Christian faith as an active member at the Cabot Church, and as a lifetime member of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department in Sarver, Pa. He also served as the department's fire chief in the early 2000s. Mr. Comperatore was a 1992 graduate of Freeport High School. After high school, he served 10 years in the U.S. Army Reserves.\n\nKelly first introduced a resolution honoring Corey Comperatore in 2024.\n\nThe resolution is co-sponsored by Representatives Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Erin Houchin (R-IN), Michael Cloud (R-TX), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Glenn \"GT\" Thompson (R-PA), Dan Meuser (R-PA), Clay Fuller (R-GA), Greg Steube (R-FL), Wesley Hunt (R-TX), Addison McDowell (R-NC), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Michael Rulli (R-OH), and Barry Moore (R-AL).\n\nYou can read the text of the new resolution here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-presses-fema-stop-conditioning-counterterrorism-funding-trumps", "title": "Krishnamoorthi Presses FEMA to Stop Conditioning Counterterrorism Funding on Trump's Voter Suppression Demands", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) sent a letter on Monday to Acting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Robert J. Fenton after the agency announced it would condition more than $1 billion in Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) terrorism prevention funding on states adopting a series of new election requirements, including citizenship verification mandates, restrictions on voting equipment, mandatory post-election audits, and voter registration verification requirements. In the letter, Krishnamoorthi argues the policy is a coercive and unconstitutional attempt to pressure states into adopting the Trump Administration's voter suppression agenda by threatening to withhold critical counterterrorism funding.\n\nThe Congressman writes:\n\n“According to the notice, FEMA will withhold 20 percent of each recipient's total HSGP award until the recipient proves it has complied with the Department's newly invented 'Election Security' requirements. This unprecedented attempt to leverage congressionally appropriated funds to influence state election administration is directly drawn from Project 2025, and it is coercive and unconstitutional. I urge you and the Trump Administration to stop all attempts to undermine trust in our elections on baseless claims of widespread fraud, and maintain full funding for state's HSGP awards.”\n\nThe Congressman further writes:\n\n“The specific conditions that FEMA has outlined make clear that this is yet another attempt to threaten American voters' access to the ballot box. The notice conditions funding for grant recipients by requiring states to submit plans to eliminate ballot-marking devices in favor of hand-marked paper ballots, commit to a 5 percent manual post-election audit, reconcile voter turnout figures with ballots cast, and use the Department of Homeland Security's Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database to check the citizenship status of every registered voter within 120 days of accepting the award. Several of these mandates, such as the SAVE requirement, have already been blocked or viewed with considerable skepticism by federal courts when the Administration tried to impose them through executive order.”\n\nThe Congressman requested the following records no later than July 29, 2026:\n\nAll records, communications, and legal analyses concerning the decision to condition HSGP funding on the FY 2026 Election Security NPA requirements, including any role played by the Department of Homeland Security or the White House;\n\nAn accounting of which states and urban areas have had HSGP funds withheld to date, and the dollar amount withheld from each;\n\nAny legal opinion FEMA relied upon in concluding it may condition terrorism-prevention funding on election administration requirements unrelated to the statutory purposes of the Homeland Security Grant Program; and\n\nAll records reflecting consideration of Project 2025's Mandate for Leadership in the drafting of the FY 2026 HSGP Notice of Funding Opportunity.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-applauds-court-ruling-blasting-sham-get-out-jail-free-settlement", "title": "Larson Applauds Court Ruling Blasting Sham “Get Out of Jail Free” Settlement for Trump and MAGA Allies", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "larson.house.gov", "scraper": "larson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000557", "name": "John B. Larson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) applauded Judge Kathleen William’s court decision castigating President Trump’s sham $1.8 billion settlement with the IRS that included payments to the Trump family and January 6th insurrectionists, as well as a “get out of jail free card” that would bar the government from investigating tax returns filed by the Trump family and their companies.\n\n“Judge Williams saw what Americans saw from the beginning—this lawsuit was nothing more than an attempt to redirect taxpayer dollars to Donald Trump’s bank accounts,” said Larson. “The federal government is not his personal ATM. The attorneys who signed off on this unprecedented theft of taxpayer dollars should face disciplinary proceedings for their mockery of our legal system, including Todd Blanche. The Senate must swiftly reject his nomination for Attorney General, and Congress needs to pass my bill to stop this scam for good, including their sweetheart deal to shield the President and his family from ever having to pay the taxes they owe.”\n\nIn May, Larson filed a court brief urging Judge Williams to dismiss the President’s unprecedented lawsuit. Last month, he introduced the Don’t Settle for Corruption Actto block the settlement agreement by requiring Congressional approval before the Department of Justice (DOJ) can spend taxpayer dollars on any legal settlement resolving a case involving the President, the President’s immediate family, or any business entity they own or control.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases/letlow-statement-meta-expansion-northeast-louisiana", "title": "Letlow Statement on Meta Expansion in Northeast Louisiana", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "letlow.house.gov", "scraper": "letlow", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000595", "name": "Julia Letlow", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Julia Letlow released the following statement on Meta's announced expansion in Richland Parish, creating jobs while promising to pay for costs related to energy, water, and related infrastructure.\n\n\"Meta’s transformative, $50 billion expansion in Richland Parish will cement the company’s promises and effectively position Northeast Louisiana in the modern economy,\" said Congresswoman Julia Letlow. \"I’m thrilled that Meta is committing to cover the full cost, protecting ratepayers while supporting our local businesses, education, and infrastructure. After years of our children moving away, responsible growth is on the horizon and there is tremendous hope for a brighter future in the Delta region.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://liccardo.house.gov/media/press-releases/despite-trump-landmark-housing-bill-becomes-law", "title": "Despite Trump, Landmark Housing Bill Becomes Law", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://liccardo.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "liccardo.house.gov", "scraper": "liccardo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000607", "name": "Sam T. Liccardo", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Sam Liccardo (CA-16) celebrated the enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the most significant federal housing reform package in more than 30 years. The bipartisan law, which became law today, includes four bills led or co-led by Liccardo, the most by any Democratic freshman member.\n\n“The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which includes four bipartisan bills I led or co-led with my colleagues, will cut red tape, lower costs, and boost the supply of housing, both market-rate and rent-restricted,” said Rep. Liccardo. “Seeing this bipartisan effort become law despite our deeply divisive political headwinds– and President Trump's attempt to hold it hostage over unrelated voting legislation– gives me hope. We need to build on this momentum and keep rolling up our sleeves to tackle the housing crisis confronting far too many American families.”\n\nA rare success for a first-term member of the minority party in this deeply partisan Congress, Liccardo secured inclusion of four bipartisan bills in the final package, including two with the Republican Chair of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee, Congressman Mike Flood. Together, the provisions in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act reflect growing agreement across party lines that solving America’s housing shortage requires faster federal reviews, cutting red tape, smarter permitting, and policies that empower local communities to build.\n\nPresident Trump refused to sign the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act unless Congress also passed his voter suppression bill, the SAVE Act. Fortunately, Article I of the Constitution allows legislation to become Law after 10 days of presidential inaction. As a result, the housing package became law on Friday at 9 pm Pacific Standard Time.\n\nLiccardo’s bills include:", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2089", "title": "Utah Delegation Welcomes President Trump's Monument Proclamation", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "maloy.house.gov", "scraper": "maloy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001228", "name": "Celeste Maloy", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — The Utah federal delegation welcomes President Trump's action modifying the boundaries of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. This decision represents a return to an appropriate application of the Antiquities Act as Congress intended.\n\nWhen Congress passed the Antiquities Act in 1906, it authorized presidents to protect historic and scientific objects by reserving only \"the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected.\" The law was never intended to place millions of acres under monument designation with the stroke of a pen. For years, Utahns have voiced concerns that these monument designations were made without meaningful input from the local communities most directly affected. This updated designation better reflects the perspectives of stakeholders in Utah whose voices should be part of decisions affecting these public lands.\n\nThe lands outside the modified monument boundaries remain federal public lands and continue to be protected under existing federal laws. Today's action does not remove those protections. Instead, it better aligns the monument boundaries with the Antiquities Act while ensuring these landscapes remain available for responsible stewardship and multiple use.\n\nThe president’s action represents a step toward restoring the rule of law, respecting the intent of Congress, protecting Utah's remarkable cultural and natural resources, and ensuring that future land management decisions are guided by both the text of the Antiquities Act and the voices of the Utahns who know these lands best.\n\nQuotes:\n\nSen. Mike Lee: “Today’s proclamation shows that President Trump listens to Utahns and respects the limits Congress placed on the Antiquities Act. For too long, presidents have weaponized monument designations to lock up millions of acres, close roads, restrict grazing, and cut rural communities off from lands their families have lived on and worked for generations. I thank the President for correcting this abuse and keeping his promise to the people of Utah.”\n\nSen. John Curtis: “President Trump’s executive action restores a more balanced approach to managing Utah’s public lands and shows a willingness by this Administration to listen to the state of Utah. While today’s announcement is an important step in the right direction and a more appropriate interpretation of the Antiquities Act, the responsibility remains with Congress to do what executive orders cannot: bring stakeholders together, work through disagreements, and enact lasting solutions. This approach worked in Emery County, which serves as a strong example to build on.”\n\nRep. Burgess Owens: \"The Antiquities Act is crystal clear: presidential designations meant to protect objects should be 'confined to the smallest area compatible' with the proper care and management of those objects. That mandate was ignored. The mess started with Bill Clinton, who acted from a seat in Arizona with his back turned to Utah. It was compounded by Barack Obama in the waning hours of his presidency. Together, they created monuments larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined which is an unmistakable violation of the 'smallest area compatible' standard. I am grateful for President Trump's actions today, and for his willingness to listen to the Utah communities who cherish and honor these landscapes. Utah deserves leaders who respect the rule of law. Today, accountability prevailed.\"\n\nRep. Blake Moore: “This has, unfortunately, become a back-and-forth issue between administrations. Today’s announcement takes into consideration years of local concern over restricted access and misuse of the Antiquities Act while still protecting our state’s natural and cultural resources for future generations. If the Antiquities Act is going to be used, it needs to be on the smallest area possible—that’s what we’re doing here.”\n\nRep. Celeste Maloy: \"Utahns have long supported protecting our state's extraordinary cultural and natural resources. This action honors that goal while following the law Congress passed and giving greater consideration to the people who know these lands best.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/englishespanol-rep-diaz-balart-demands-immediate-release-political", "title": "ENGLISH/ESPAÑOL Rep. Diaz-Balart Demands the Immediate Release of Political Prisoners on the 5th Anniversary of the Pro-Democracy J11 Protests in Cuba", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "scraper": "mariodiazbalart", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000600", "name": "Mario Diaz-Balart", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "MIAMI, FL - Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations, issued the following statement in solidarity with the Cuban people on the fifth anniversary of the July 11, 2021, pro-democracy protests in Cuba:\n\n“Today, we stand in solidarity with the brave Cuban people who, on July 11, 2021, made history by rising up across the island to demand freedom, dignity, and an end to decades of tyranny.\n\nThe historic J11 protests further exposed the brutality of the Castro regime. Instead of responding to the Cuban people's legitimate calls for liberty, the dictatorship’s thugs unleashed violent repression, arrests, and harsh prison sentences against demonstrators, including minors. Still today, over 1,300 courageous Cubans –including 40 children– remain unjustly imprisoned.\n\nI demand the immediate release of all political prisoners, the end of impunity for those responsible for these heinous crimes, and I reaffirm my unwavering solidarity with those struggling for freedom.”\n\nMIAMI, FL – El congresista Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), presidente del Subcomité de Seguridad Nacional, Departamento de Estado y Programas Relacionados del Comité de Asignaciones de la Cámara de Representantes, emitió la siguiente declaración en solidaridad con el pueblo cubano en el quinto aniversario de las protestas prodemocracia del 11 de julio de 2021.\n\n“Hoy nos solidarizamos con el valiente pueblo cubano, que en el 11 de julio de 2021 hizo historia al levantarse en toda la isla para exigir libertad, dignidad y el fin de décadas de tiranía.\n\nLas protestas históricas del 11J expusieron aún más la brutalidad del régimen castrista, que en vez de responder al legítimo llamado de libertad del pueblo cubano, desató una ola de represión violenta, arrestos y sentencias extremas en contra de los manifestantes, incluyendo a menores. Aún hoy, más de 1.300 cubanos valientes -incluyendo 40 menores- se encuentran injustamente detenidos.\n\nExijo la liberación inmediata de todos los presos políticos, el fin de la impunidad de los responsables de estos crímenes atroces, y reafirmo mi solidaridad inquebrantable con todos aquellos luchando por su libertad”.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://matsui.house.gov/media/press-releases/matsui-statement-finalization-225-million-federal-investment-boschs-roseville", "title": "MATSUI STATEMENT ON FINALIZATION OF $225 MILLION FEDERAL INVESTMENT IN BOSCH’S ROSEVILLE FACILITY", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://matsui.house.gov/media", "domain": "matsui.house.gov", "scraper": "matsui", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001163", "name": "Doris O. Matsui", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), co-author of the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act, issued the following statement after the Department of Commerce finalized an award of $225 million in direct funding for Bosch under the CHIPS and Science Act.\n\n“When I co-authored the original CHIPS Act, days like today are exactly what we had in mind—transformative investments that create lasting economic anchors, reignite domestic manufacturing, and ensure a resilient supply chain,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Innovation has always been the backbone of America’s economic edge. Bosch is poised to boost domestic production of silicon carbide chips that are essential to electric vehicles, clean mobility, and next-generation energy technologies—helping accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more efficient economy. This $225 million federal investment in the Sacramento region reflects what we’ve been building for years—a place ready to lead now and for decades to come.”\n\nIn 2023, Bosch acquired the former Sacramento-area campus of TSI Semiconductors. With more than $2 billion in total investment, Bosch is installing a fabrication line that will produce silicon carbide chips—critical components that power electric vehicles, clean mobility, and next-generation energy technologies. These massive public and private investments reinforce the Sacramento region’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation—delivering long-term economic growth, supporting high-quality jobs, and helping ensure the United States remains the global leader in semiconductor technology.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-chairman-emeritus-mccaul-abcs-week-1", "title": "ICYMI: Chairman Emeritus McCaul on ABC's \"This Week\"", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "mccaul.house.gov", "scraper": "mccaul", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001157", "name": "Michael T. McCaul", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WARSAW, Poland – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Texas) joined Martha Raddatz on ABC's \"This Week\" in the wake of Sen. Lindsey Graham's passing to honor his legacy and enduring friendship.\n\nMcCaul was interviewed from Warsaw, Poland, following his own trip to Ukraine, where he visited with Ukrainian troops near the front lines of the war and received a presidential citation from President Zelensky for his support for Ukraine — especially his work to pass the 2024 supplemental package.\n\nIn the interview, he discussed Senator Graham's bipartisan sanctions bill, which McCaul and Graham intended to introduce in their respective chambers this week. McCaul still plans to introduce the legislation in the House and champion its passage to honor the senator's legacy.\n\nImage\n\nClick to watch\n\nExcerpts from the interview:\n\nOn how he will remember his good friend, Senator Lindsey Graham:\n\n\"Well, first of all, it's a sad day for America. I think the Senate lost a giant today. He was my mentor, my friend. We shared the same worldview that we are strongest at home — the United States is — when we're stronger abroad. He believed in a strong America and a strong foreign policy. He believed in Reagan's peace through strength doctrine. And I think that's how he would like to be remembered.\n\n\"I also remember so many trips with him and the legendary John McCain. ... [Senator Graham had] a very great sense of humor, but great vision, great ideas. The latest one is the sanctions bill that we've worked on for the last year. We were planning to introduce the sanction bill together this coming week.\n\nI will still introduce that bill [in the House], and I think in his honor that we owe it to Lindsey Graham to pass that tough Russian sanctions bill. He would love nothing more than that.\"\n\nOn the current status of aid to Ukraine:\n\n\"Well, I think the biggest aid that we're giving them is through the ISR: Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance. I met with the Defense Intelligence Agency in Ukraine. I have to say, also, the NATO summit had a big impression on Ukraine. Zelensky was very upbeat because two things happened there. One, President Trump agreed to these licensing agreements so that Ukraine can build their own Patriot interceptors to take down the ballistic missile threat, which is their biggest vulnerability right now. But secondly, I think most importantly ... as I was on the front lines, [I could see that there has been a] morale boost to the troops who are, by the way, Martha, winning now. Who would have thought four years ago that they'd be winning the war four years later? ...The political will of the Ukrainians and President Zelensky walking out of that meeting, that was a game changer. [It was] a truly remarkable meeting between President Trump and Zelensky, and I think we're on the right course.\"\n\nOn Ukraine's effective use of drone technology and how quickly they can build Patriot systems:\n\n\"You know, when I passed the emergency wartime supplemental bill, it gave [Ukraine] a lifeline, $60 billion in military equipment, a lifeline to advance to where they are today. Now, they are the leader in the world in terms of drone technology. We need to be in that laboratory. You know, the best testing ground is on the battlefield, and they are learning so much.\n\n\"You are correct, though; it takes one to two years for Lockheed to make these interceptors. I think the Ukrainians can make them faster. But we have to come up with creative ways to get interceptors in there now. We need to give them a short-term Band-Aid to fix this problem. They're winning in the drone war space. Where they're vulnerable, and I experienced this in Kyiv several nights, are the constant bombardments of ballistic missiles, and Putin knows they're vulnerable here, and we need to help them stop that.\"\n\nOn whether Putin is serious about his desire to end the war:\n\n\"No. The only thing that will end it is maximum pressure to get Putin to the negotiating table. President Zelensky told me just yesterday he's ready for a ceasefire. He's ready to negotiate. The only man stopping this peace process is Mr. Putin. And that won't happen until we put maximum pressure — that being the interceptors, the drones, which are knocking out billions of dollars of Russian equipment and technology, and the Russian sanctions bill that Lindsey Graham wanted so, so much.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://mcclain.house.gov/2026/7/chairwoman-mcclain-helps-secure-better-deal-to-open-gordie-howe-international-bridge", "title": "Chairwoman McClain Helps Secure Better Deal to Open Gordie Howe International Bridge", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "mcclain.house.gov", "scraper": "mcclain", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001136", "name": "Lisa C. McClain", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) announced new details on the deal to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge on July 27. McClain joined President Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick as the administration negotiated better terms for the United States.\n\n“We took a bad deal and turned it into an economic opportunity for Michigan and the entire country,” Chairwoman McClain said. “I am proud to have worked with President Trump and Secretary Lutnick to get this bridge open while securing a better deal for the American people. The Gordie Howe Bridge will strengthen Michigan’s economy and keep trade moving across our northern border. I will remain directly involved as we put these new resources to work creating jobs and expanding economic opportunity in Michigan.”\n\nUnder the old deal, the United States wouldn't see a single penny in toll revenues for at least 50 years. Under the new agreement, the United States will receive half of the bridge’s revenue after operating costs for 15 years and will have a say on toll changes. The agreement also establishes a 15-year economic development fund tied to bridge revenue. Those revenues will flow to the federal government, and McClain will work with the Trump administration to ensure the resulting investments support economic development in Michigan.\n\nThe six-lane bridge will provide a direct connection between Interstate 75 and Ontario’s Highway 401. It will also include the largest land ports of entry on the U.S.-Canada border. The new crossing is expected to reduce congestion, shorten trips for commercial traffic, and save the trucking industry an estimated $2.3 billion over 30 years.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://mejia.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mejia-convenes-voting-rights-forum-marking-158th-anniversary-of-the-14th-amendment", "title": "Rep. Mejia Convenes Voting Rights Forum Marking 158th Anniversary of the 14th Amendment", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mejia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mejia.house.gov", "scraper": "mejia", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001246", "name": "Analilia Mejia", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "MONTCLAIR, NJ — Today, Rep. Analilia Mejia (NJ-11) hosted \"Defending Democracy: The 14th Amendment and Voting Rights Act Forum\" at Montclair State University, bringing together legal experts, civil rights advocates, and community members to mark the 158th anniversary of the 14th Amendment's ratification and examine growing threats to equal protection, due process, and the right to vote.\n\nRep. Mejia and panelists traced the 158-year arc of the 14th Amendment, from its roots in the fight for voting rights to the landmark rulings on marriage equality and bodily autonomy it helped make possible. That progress now faces real threats, from the Supreme Court's rollback of key Voting Rights Act protections to new legislation like the SAVE America Act aimed at making it harder to register and vote. The conversation dug into how we arrived at this moment, what is genuinely at risk for everyday New Jerseyans right now, and the concrete steps advocates, courts, and lawmakers must take to rebuild and defend the amendment for the next 158 years.\n\nThe forum comes as Rep. Mejia leads the Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force alongside House Democrats, a coalition she launched this week to push back against efforts to weaken constitutional protections for equal protection, due process, and citizenship.\n\n“So many Americans don't realize how much of their daily lives are shaped by the 14th Amendment, from the right to vote to the right to marry who you love, the right to citizenship by birth, and the right to make decisions about your own body. These protections were not handed to us. We fought for them, amendment by amendment, ruling by ruling, and we can lose them the same way if we stop paying attention. That is why events like today's forum matter,” said Congresswoman Mejia. “We brought together legal experts, advocates, and our neighbors to break down how we got here, what is at stake right now, and how we rebuild and protect these rights going forward. This work does not end today. I lead the Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force in Congress, and I will keep pairing public education with legislative action, because an informed community is one of our strongest defenses against losing the rights this amendment guarantees.”\n\nThe forum featured a keynote address from Nuzhat Chowdhury of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, followed by a panel discussion with Erik Cruz-Morales of the League of Women Voters, DaWuan Norwood of the ACLU, Milena Bimpong of New Jersey’s League of Conservation Voters, and Roslyne Shaio of AAPI New Jersey. The event closed with a conversation between Rep. Mejia and Reverend Charles Boyer of Salvation and Social Justice. Partner organizations supporting the forum included New Jersey LCV, Salvation and Social Justice, the League of Women Voters of New Jersey, the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, and the ACLU.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases/menendez-responds-to-ices-continued-intent-to-convert-warehouse-to-detention-facility-in-roxbury", "title": "Menendez Responds to ICE’s Continued Intent to Convert Warehouse to Detention Facility in Roxbury", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menendez.house.gov", "scraper": "menendez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001226", "name": "Robert Menendez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Rob Menendez today released the following statement after reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) is again pursuing its previously abandoned plans to convert a warehouse into a detention facility in Roxbury.\n\n“We have been clear from day one: New Jersey does not want the expansion of ICE detention in our communities.\n\n“When ICE’s Roxbury warehouse plan first came to light, we fought back, bringing together thousands of New Jerseyans in opposition.\n\n“We will continue to fight to stop this facility alongside our New Jersey Democratic delegation colleagues, Governor Sherrill, local officials in Roxbury, and every New Jerseyan opposed to the warehousing of human beings in their communities.”\n\nSince coming to Congress, Rob Menendez has been a leader on fighting for immigrant rights and on oversight of detention centers. An initiative created by Congressman Menendez united thousands of New Jerseyans in ultimately successful opposition to the Roxbury warehouse. Congressman Menendez also previously led the New Jersey Democratic delegation in multiple letters demanding that DHS halt ICE’s warehouse detention plan in Roxbury.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2916", "title": "One Year Later: Democrats Tout Tax Cuts They Voted Against", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mikejohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "mikejohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000299", "name": "Mike Johnson", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "House and Senate Democrats are regretting their votes in support of a $5 trillion tax hike on working families\n\nWASHINGTON — One year after President Trump signed the Working Families Tax Cuts into law, hardworking American families across the nation are paying lower taxes and keeping more of what they earn – outcomes the legislation was written to achieve. Democrats unanimously opposed these transformational tax provisions for working families, instead voting for a $5 trillion tax hike – the largest in history.\n\nHowever, despite Congressional Democrats’ vehement and unanimous opposition and state-level Democrat attempts to actually block implementation of these tax provisions, many Democrats are now claiming to see the wisdom of providing tax relief to working families. Many House and Senate Democrats are lying to their voters, taking credit for legislation they actively opposed.\n\n“With their unanimous opposition to the Working Families Tax Cuts, Congressional Democrats in unison voted against no tax on tips and overtime, the doubled child tax credit, $50 billion for rural healthcare, and investment accounts for every newborn in America,” Speaker Johnson said. “Now, as tens of millions of citizens are benefitting from this historic tax relief, Democrats are attempting to mislead the American people and claim credit for something they opposed vehemently. Republicans will not let the American people forget that if Democrats had it their way, every taxpayer would have faced the largest tax increase in American history.”\n\nA few examples of how Democrats support the Working Families Tax Cuts:\n\nRep. Kristen McDonald Rivet ran two television ads in her district funded using taxpayer dollars to say she “passed Working Families Tax Credit” and that she is “helping Michiganders claim the Working Families Tax Credit.” Spoiler alert: like every other Democrat in Congress, she opposed the Working Families Tax Cuts. Now she’s trying to take the credit.\n\nSen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced a bill that would make Trump Accounts permanent and automatically enroll newborns into the program, which he renames “American Dream Accounts,” and a bill to make No Tax on Tips permanent, saying “we must ensure that [...] as many workers as possible can benefit as much as possible.”\n\nReps. Dina Titus (D-NV), Steven Horsford (D-NV), and Susie Lee (D-NV), along with Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) wrote a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent “to ensure the successful implementation of this [No Tax on Tips] provision for our constituents and tipped workers across the country.” They all voted no, despite knowing they are “lawmakers representing our nation’s most hospitality and service industry dependent economy.”\n\nReps. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) admitted, “There are certain things that I liked in the big, ugly bill.” He and Emilia Sykes (D-OH) helped introduce a bill to expand eligibility for No Tax on Overtime.\n\nRep. Emmanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS) sent a joint press release, and Rep. Nellie Pou (D-NJ) also took credit, for securing hundreds of millions of dollars in security funding for the World Cup – despite trashing the Working Families Tax Cuts, voting against the legislation which included the funding, and taking repeated voted to keep the Department of Homeland Security –the agency tasked with World Cup security – closed.\n\nWhy are Democrats taking credit for this monumental legislation? Because the policies – and the successful results that followed – speak for themselves:\n\nKEEPING MORE OF YOUR MONEY\n\n97% of filers received a tax cut this past filing season, who would have otherwise owed taxes absent the extension of President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts.\n\n$82 billion has been returned to the American people from the individual tax cuts in the WFTC.\n\n96% of filers receiving a tax cut earned less than $200,000.\n\nFilers earning between $100,000 to $200,000, who claimed one of President Trump’s signature tax cuts, received an average tax cut of over $1,250.\n\nNearly 70% of filers receiving a tax cut earned less than $100,000.\n\nFilers earning between $50,000 to $100,000, who claimed one of President Trump’s signature tax cuts, received an average tax cut over $815.\n\nNo Tax on Tips: Over 7.5 million filers have claimed No Tax on Tips, with an average deduction of over $7,000.\n\n90% of filers claiming the No Tax on Tips deduction had income under $100,000.\n\n99% of filers claiming the No Tax on Tips deduction had income under $200,000.\n\nNo Tax on Overtime: Over 29 million filers have claimed No Tax on Overtime, with an average deduction of over $3,100.\n\n75% of filers claiming the No Tax on Overtime deduction had income under $100,000.\n\n96% of filers claiming the No Tax on Overtime deduction had income under $200,000.\n\nEnhanced Senior Deduction: Over 35 million seniors have claimed the Enhanced Deduction for Seniors, with an average deduction of over $7,500.\n\n68% of filers claiming the Enhanced Senior Deduction had income under $100,000.\n\n94% of filers claiming the Enhanced Senior Deduction had income under $200,000.\n\nNo Tax on Car Loan Interest: Over 1.4 million filers have claimed No Tax on Car Loan Interest on their new American vehicles, with an average deduction of over $1,800.\n\n62% of filers claiming the No Tax on Car Loan Interest deduction had income under $100,000.\n\n98% of filers claiming the No Tax on Car Loan Interest deduction had income under $200,000.\n\nEnhanced Child Tax Credit: Nearly 40 million families have claimed the enhanced Child Tax Credit, which is permanently doubled and expanded by the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\n65% of all families claiming the credit had income under $100,000.\n\n89% of all families claiming the credit had income under $200,000.\n\nDoubled Standard Deduction: Over 127 million filers, or 90% of all tax filers, have claimed the permanently doubled standard deduction, simplifying tax filing for millions across America.\n\nBoosts take home pay for a typical hardworking family by over $10,000 a year.\n\nMore than 6 million Trump Accounts have been opened for American children, and 1.4 million are eligible to receive the initial $1,000 seed contribution from the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\n86% of Trump Accounts opened are linked to families earning less than $200,000 annually.\n\n500,000 children received the $1,000 seed fund on July 4, 2026 from the Trump administration.\n\nTHE WORKING FAMILIES TAX CUTS\n\nPuts American Farmers First: Prevents foreign countries from flooding our markets with biofuel feedstocks that compete with American grown agriculture.\n\nInvests in Rural America: Created the Rural Health Transformation Program and invested $50 billion over five years to transparently and efficiently transform rural health access.\n\nSupports Family Farms: Protects two million family farms from excessive taxation by raising the death tax exemption, helping generational farms stay in the family by increasing the amount family farms can inherit tax free.\n\nExpands Access to Disaster Aid: Expands access to standing disaster programs and conservation programs.\n\nInvests in American Agriculture: Expands affordable crop insurance and improves risk management tools for livestock, aquaculture, honeybees, and specialty crops.\n\nEnsures Tax Dollars Benefit Americans, Not Illegals: Ensures American taxpayers are no longer funding benefits for illegals on Medicaid and SNAP.\n\nProvides Small Business Relief: Provides immediate tax relief to farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans by increasing the small business expensing threshold and permanently extending the Small Business Deduction.\n\nDelivers Historic Tax Relief: This landmark legislation puts more money back into Americans’ pockets with American families and workers claiming $82 billion in individual relief directly from the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\nMakes Permanent the Child Tax Credit: Permanently increased and enhanced $2,200 child tax credit for tens of millions of families.\n\nSupports School Choice and Parental Rights: Creates the first-ever federal tax credit to provide scholarships to children to attend a K-12 school of their choice.\n\nCreates Trump Accounts: Gives eligible children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, a $1,000 contribution from the Treasury Department.\n\nExpands the Adoption Tax Credit: Improvements to the Adoption Tax Credit make adoption more affordable\n\nExpands Skills-Based Training: Allows students to pay for short-term vocational and technical training programs that align with in-demand, high-skill, high-wage jobs.\n\nExpands Education Savings: Doubles the allowed annual distribution amount for K-12 expenses and expands qualified K-12 expenses to include materials, books, testing fees, online programs, tutoring. Expands qualified distributions for post-secondary career paths to include trade schools, technical certifications, and other workforce development credentialing.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/21st-century-road-housing-act-championed-miller-meeks-becomes-law", "title": "21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, Championed by Miller-Meeks, Becomes Law", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "millermeeks.house.gov", "scraper": "millermeeks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001215", "name": "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the most significant housing reform legislation in a generation, officially became law this week. Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), a vocal champion of the bill, celebrated its enactment as a major victory for Iowa families who have been squeezed by rising housing costs.\n\nAfter passing the House 358-32 and the Senate 85-5 with overwhelming bipartisan support, the legislation became law after the 10-day constitutional window for presidential action passed, as provided under Article I, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution.\n\nCongresswoman Miller-Meeks championed the legislation throughout the process and publicly called on the President to sign it into law, emphasizing that Iowa families could not afford to wait for housing relief.\n\n\"For years, working families have been priced out of the homes they deserve. Young couples doing everything right, saving every dollar, and still watching homeownership slip further away,\" said Miller-Meeks. \"This law changes that. It cuts red tape, builds more homes, lowers costs, and ensures Iowa homes go to Iowa families, not Wall Street. I am proud to have fought for it every step of the way.\"\n\nHow the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Delivers for Iowa Families:\n\nLowers housing costs by removing unnecessary regulatory barriers and allowing pre-approved home designs so builders can get permits faster.\n\nBuilds more homes by modernizing HUD programs, updating manufactured housing rules, and converting vacant buildings into attainable housing.\n\nBans Wall Street from buying Iowa homes, prohibiting large institutional investors that own at least 350 single-family homes from purchasing more.\n\nEmpowers community and rural banks by cutting red tape so local lenders can finance new home construction for Iowa families, farmers, and small businesses.\n\nProtects Iowa veterans by improving access to VA home loan benefits and ensuring disability compensation does not count against housing eligibility.\n\nPreserves affordable rural housing for 400,000 rural families whose housing is tied to maturing USDA mortgages.\n\nCongresswoman Miller-Meeks will continue working to lower housing costs and expand opportunities so more Iowa families, renters, and first-time buyers can achieve the American Dream of homeownership.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405757", "title": "Griffith Announces More Than $1.2 Million FEMA Grant for Helene Relief Bridge Repair", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a Hurricane Helene-related grant of $1,203,957 to the Commonwealth of Virginia. This funding will support repairs to a 160-feet long and 14-feet wide bridge in Damascus, Virginia, that was lifted off its foundations and washed downstream as a result of intense flooding from Hurricane Helene.\n\nIn response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“Hurricane Helene’s impact continues to be felt in Virginia’s Ninth District.\n\n“This FEMA grant for more than $1.2 million helps the Virginia Department of Transportation deliver renewed access to a bridge in Damascus, Virginia.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nFEMA funds are obligated to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Commonwealth will be responsible for providing the funds to the sub-recipients.\n\nIn January 2025, Rep. Griffith announced $46.67 million in Helene relief to Virginia from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).\n\nIn April 2025, Congressman Griffith announced nearly $6 million in Helene relief in a separate grant for Washington County water line repairs.\n\nIn January 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $4.2 million in Helene relief for a Wytheville wastewater treatment system.\n\nIn February 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $8.6 million in Helene relief for water line repair.\n\nIn April 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $1.7 million in Helene relief for bridge repair.\n\nIn June 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $2.8 million in Helene relief for road repair.\n\nIn July 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $9.3 million in Helene relief for waterline repair.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-cosponsors-bill-lower-costs-groceries-goods-and-services", "title": "Moulton Cosponsors Bill to Lower Costs of Groceries, Goods and Services", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "moulton.house.gov", "scraper": "moulton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001196", "name": "Seth Moulton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) has joined Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) as a consponor of the Shedding Light on Algorithms Setting Higher (SLASH) Prices Act.\n\nThe SLASH Prices Act would lower the costs of goods and services by requiring companies to disclose the use of surveillance pricing in a clear and prominent location that consumers can see. It would also allow consumers to opt-out of surveillance pricing data collection.\n\n“Big corporations shouldn't be allowed to secretly weaponize your personal data to jack up the price of your groceries,” said Congressman Moulton. “Surveillance pricing is a stealth tax on families when they are already feeling squeezed at the checkout counter. This bill is about transparency and fairness, it forces companies to be honest about their algorithms and gives everyday consumers the power to opt out of data tracking so they can keep more of their hard-earned money.”\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/posts/congresswoman-nikema-williams-applauds-21st-century-road-to-housing-act-becoming-law-secures-key-provisions-to-preserve-homeownership-and-generational-wealth", "title": "Congresswoman Nikema Williams Applauds 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Becoming Law, Secures Key Provisions to Preserve Homeownership and Generational Wealth", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/press", "domain": "nikemawilliams.house.gov", "scraper": "nikemawilliams", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000788", "name": "Nikema Williams", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) released the following statement on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act becoming law. The legislation includes two provisions championed by Congresswoman Williams: the Whole Home Repairs Act, which would provide essential home repair assistance to low- and moderate-income homeowners and small landlords, and a requirement for a federal survey on heirs properties based on the Congresswoman’s HEIRS Act.\n\nCongresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said:\n\n“Despite Trump’s refusal to sign the most significant housing package in decades, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is now law. This legislation makes meaningful investments in families and communities and takes an important step toward addressing our nation’s affordable housing crisis. I’m especially proud that it includes two of my bipartisan bills—the Heirs Property Preservation Act and the Whole-Home Repairs Act—which will help families keep the homes they worked so hard to secure, preserve generational wealth, and continue closing the racial wealth gap.\n\nThis legislation is rightly called the ROAD to Housing Act because it is not the destination—it is the beginning. It puts us on a path toward ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at the promise of America and the security and dignity that come with having a place to call home. No one’s ZIP code or bank account should determine whether they can build wealth, put down roots, and thrive.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://norton.house.gov/media/press-releases/norton-introduces-bill-address-retirement-issues-certain-public-servants-0", "title": "Norton Introduces Bill to Address Retirement Issues for Certain Public Servants Under D.C. Revitalization Act", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://norton.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "norton.house.gov", "scraper": "norton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000147", "name": "Eleanor Holmes Norton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a bill to address several retirement issues for several categories of workers who used to be under the District of Columbia retirement system. First, the service of some employees from 1987-1997 who participated in D.C.’s defined contribution plan and were transferred to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) had those 10 years of service not fully counted for their annuity. The bill would allow those employees to buy into the FERS annuity amount from those 10 years, which would give them the full retirement benefit to which they should be entitled.\n\n“D.C.’s dedicated civil servants, including teachers, police, firefighters and judges, should receive the full federal pension benefits they earned,” Norton said. “These workers should have all of their service recognized and counted in determining the annuity they receive.”\n\nThe bill also addresses two benefit issues for employees in the teachers, police officers, and firefighters pension plans, whose pre-1997 benefits are funded by the federal government. First, the bill would recognize domestic partner benefits for pre-1997 benefits, like D.C. enacted for benefits post-1997. Second, the bill would change the age at which a surviving spouse may remarry without losing survivor benefits to bring them in line with both the post-1997 benefits and the retirement benefits for most federal employees, and also make the analogous change for D.C. judges, whose retirement benefits are funded by the federal government.\n\nNorton’s introductory statement follows.\n\nStatement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on the Introduction of the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997 Technical Corrections Act of 2026\n\nJuly 13, 2026\n\nToday, I introduce the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997 Technical Corrections Act of 2026, which would address several retirement issues for current and former District of Columbia employees that resulted from the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997 (Revitalization Act). The Revitalization Act, among other things, transferred several categories of employees who were in the D.C. retirement system to the federal retirement system and transferred responsibility from D.C. to the federal government for funding pension benefits earned by D.C. teachers, police officers, firefighters and judges before 1997.\n\nFirst, the Revitalization Act transferred several categories of employees, primarily related to D.C.’s criminal justice system, who participated in D.C.’s defined contribution plan from 1987 to 1997 to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). However, these employees’ service from 1987 to 1997 was not counted for purposes of creditable service or annuity amount in FERS. In 2009, Congress passed legislation counting this service for creditable service, but not annuity amount. This bill would allow these employees to buy into the FERS annuity amount for 1987 to 1997 by paying 1.3 percent of their base pay plus interest, essentially the employee contribution for this time, which would give them the full retirement benefit to which they should be entitled.\n\nSecond, this bill would address two benefit issues for employees in the D.C. teachers, police officers and firefighters pension plans, whose pre-1997 benefits are funded by the federal government. In 2018, D.C. enacted a law to provide domestic partner benefits for the police and firefighters pension plan, which mirrored a law already enacted for teachers. However, these domestic partner benefits apply only to service accrued after 1997, since the federal government funds pre-1997 benefits. This bill would make the domestic partner benefits available for pre-1997 benefits, too.\n\nFinally, in 2012, D.C. enacted a law that reduced from 60 to 55 the age after which a surviving spouse can remarry without losing survivor benefits in the D.C. teachers, police and firefighters pension plans. However, these benefits apply only to service accrued after 1997, since the federal government funds pre-1997 benefits. This bill would bring those pre-1997 benefits in line with both the post-1997 benefits and the retirement benefits for federal employees in the Civil Service Retirement System and FERS and make an analogous change for D.C. judges, whose retirement benefits are funded by the federal government. In general, for federal retirees, 55 is the age after which a surviving spouse can remarry without losing survivor benefits.\n\nThis bill would give these workers the retirement benefits they deserve. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-omar-statement-rubio-icc-announcement", "title": "Rep. Omar Statement on Rubio ICC Announcement", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "omar.house.gov", "scraper": "omar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000173", "name": "Ilhan Omar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released the following statement in response to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement on his intent to dismantle the International Criminal Court:\n\n“Secretary Rubio’s announcement that he will dismantle the International Criminal Court is reckless and dangerous. It undermines the rule of law, weakens global accountability, and turns America's back on the values we claim to champion.\n\n“The ICC is an independent international court created to ensure that perpetrators of the world's gravest crimes—genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity—cannot escape justice.\n\n“Secretary Rubio claims that the ICC poses ‘an intolerable threat to U.S. sovereignty’ and that American servicemembers could be prosecuted simply for serving our country. That is simply not true. The ICC is an international court of last resort, intended to prosecute only the most horrific crimes – war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity – when countries are unable or unwilling to do so themselves. The best way to avoid ICC scrutiny is simple: don't commit atrocity crimes, and if credible allegations arise, investigate them transparently and hold those responsible accountable.\n\n“The United States should lead by example, not exempt itself from the standards it expects everyone else to follow. In 2022, I introduced a resolution calling on the United States to join the ICC because I believe America should stand with victims of atrocities, defend human rights, and strengthen the international rule of law. I will reintroduce that resolution in the coming days, and I urge my colleagues who believe in justice and human rights to join me.\n\n“America is strongest when we lead with our values, not when we demand immunity from them. If we respect human rights, uphold the rule of law, and hold ourselves to the same standards we ask of others, we have nothing to fear from the ICC.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-pat-ryan-launches-hudson-valley-wide-petition-stop-potential-ice", "title": "CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN LAUNCHES HUDSON VALLEY WIDE PETITION TO STOP POTENTIAL ICE FACILITY IN NEWBURGH", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "patryan.house.gov", "scraper": "patryan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000579", "name": "Patrick Ryan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Following Border Czar Tom Homan’s promise of an ICE surge in New York, Congressman Pat Ryan immediately raised the alarm on reports of a new facility in Newburgh and is demanding answers on if the site will be used for ICE detention\n\nRyan has led the fight against a mass detention center opening in the Hudson Valley for months; his petition opposing the proposed facility in Chester amassed more than 25,000 signatures\n\nToday, Ryan is launching a petition opposing the potential Newburgh facility\n\nNEWBURGH, NY – Today, Congressman Pat Ryan is launching a petition opposing a potential ICE facility in Newburgh. Following Border Czar Tom Homan’s promise of an ICE surge in New York, Congressman Pat Ryan immediately raised the alarm on reports of a new facility in Newburgh and is demanding answers on if the site will be used for ICE detention.\n\nFor months, Ryan has led the fight against a mass detention center being built in the Hudson Valley. When reports of a Trump Administration plan to build a mass detention center in Chester broke in January, Ryan immediately joined the community in raising the alarm. His petition opposing the site amassed more than 25,000 signatures, which he submitted directly to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).\n\nNow, Ryan is continuing his fight to keep ICE out of the Hudson Valley – in Chester, Newburgh, or anywhere else.\n\n“From the very beginning, the Trump Administration – particularly ICE and DHS – have refused to be transparent with our community. We’ve made it clear: we strongly reject a mass detention center or any ICE facility in the Hudson Valley. It’s shameful, un-American, and the exact opposite of everything our community stands for,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Under Trump, ICE has a budget that is larger than most other countries’ militaries – and they’ve used it to kill law-abiding Americans, kidnap children, deport veterans, and terrorize our communities. We have a very simple message for Trump, Homan, Mullin and the rest of them: stay out of the Hudson Valley. When they tried to build a facility in Chester, we rallied with one voice to stop it – and we’re ready to do the same thing again. Together, the Hudson Valley is standing on the side of justice, accountability, and humanity – and whether in Newburgh, Chester, or anywhere else, we won’t stand idly by while ICE makes us all less safe.”\n\nLed by Congressman Ryan, the Hudson Valley community has made their feelings about ICE detention in their backyards very well known. Earlier this year, the Chester proposal received wide, bipartisan backlash, and Ryan’s petition opposing the facility has amassed more than 25,000 signatures.\n\nRyan has been leading the fight against ICE detention in the Hudson Valley for months. He has repeatedly voted against funding DHS, citing the agency’s unconstitutional overreach and their already inflated budget – larger than most countries’ militaries. Ryan also sponsored articles of impeachment against then-DHS Secretary Kristi Noem for her clear violations of the US Constitution and betrayal of the public trust.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-pat-ryan-rallies-west-park-community-postal-workers-save-west-park", "title": "CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN RALLIES WITH WEST PARK COMMUNITY, POSTAL WORKERS TO SAVE WEST PARK POST OFFICE", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "patryan.house.gov", "scraper": "patryan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000579", "name": "Patrick Ryan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "When West Park residents abruptly received notice that their post office would be closing, with no information or timeline provided on when services will resume, Ryan immediately wrote to USPS demanding the closure be reversed\n\nHe then launched a petition, which got more than 100 signatures in just a few days, showing the West Park community’s massive opposition to the closure\n\nToday, Ryan joined local elected officials and community members to rally against the closure, which would place undue burden on the West Park community\n\nWEST PARK, NY – Today, Congressman Pat Ryan joined members of the West Park community to rally against USPS’s proposed closure of the West Park post office. When West Park residents abruptly received notice that their post office would be closing, with no information or timeline provided on when services will resume, Ryan immediately wrote to USPS demanding the closure be reversed.\n\nThere is no home delivery in the area, so residents must travel to the post office daily to receive their mail, including medications, bills, and critical correspondence. Ryan launched a petition opposing the closure, which got more than 100 signatures in just a few days, and released initial results demonstrating the massive community backlash.\n\nMembers of the West Park community are encouraged to sign this petition, voicing their opposition to the closure of their post office.\n\n“For many communities in the Hudson Valley, the U.S. Postal Service is a lifeline. That’s especially the case in West Park where it’s one of the few meeting places in town. The way this community has jumped into action has been so inspiring.,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “ In just a few days since launching the petition, I’ve heard from seniors worried about picking up their medication, small business owners who rely on the shipping services, and most of all from neighbors, worried about losing this center of their community. We need to make sure USPS understands just how vital this post office is to the West Park community. The crowd gathered here today speaks for itself. USPS owes the Hudson Valley better, and our community will keep fighting to save the West Park post office and ensure our neighbors don’t get left behind.”\n\n“As a cradle West Parker, I'm horrified that the heart and hub of our hamlet could be removed from our lives. Closing or relocating West Park Post Office would erase our core connection with our neighbors and the rest of the world,” said Mary Ellison, West Park resident. “In rural areas like ours, if we are to survive, access to essential services must be maintained or improved, not reduced. When access to vital resources is blocked or eliminated, communities falter as residents struggle to secure essential services. West Park enjoys a strong history of community organizers and activists. That spirit will move us forward as we work to save our post office, the heart and hub of our hamlet. We are more than a zip code, more than our post office box numbers.”\n\n“The Postal Service is part of our National Constitution and under the Postal Reorganization Act the Postal Service is what binds the people of this country together. The West Park Post Office is a perfect example of this. The Post Office has been the center of this community for 140 years! This community will fight back until they have their Post Office in West Park!,” said Diana Cline, President APWU Mid Hudson Area Local #3722.\n\n“The post office is what I would consider to be both an important American service as well as a great tradition,” said Jessie Levey, West Park resident. “Mail connects people from afar and the post office connects people to their community. Losing our local post office is losing a central part of our West Park community.”\n\n“The West Park Post Office has been a vital part of our close-knit community for over 125 years. If it were to close, we would lose the essential hub of our hamlet,” said Joan Burroughs, great-great-granddaughter of John Burroughs and president of the John Burroughs Association.\n\n“Rerouting West Park residents to Highland creates an unnecessary hardship, particularly for our seniors and individuals with disabilities,” said Town Supervisor Roscoe Pecora. “We believe there is an opportunity to avoid that disruption, but we need the Post Office to engage and come to the table now. The West Park community isn't asking for special treatment—they're asking for collaboration from the USPS. The landlord has repeatedly stated that he is willing to enter a lease temporarily. We are simply asking USPS and its lease management contractor, JLL Properties, to come to the table, extend the lease, and give everyone the opportunity to work together on a long-term solution that keeps postal services in West Park.”\n\n“The West Park Post Office provides an essential service to the hamlet and serves as the heart of this community,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “There is no home delivery in West Park, and it would be extremely disruptive to residents’ lives if forced to travel to another town every day for their medications, bills, and other mail. Closing it with barely a month’s notice and no plan for continuity is simply unacceptable. I want to thank Congressman Ryan for leading the charge, together with the hamlet’s County representative, Legislator Amy Dooley, and I stand fully with affected residents in demanding that USPS keep postal service in West Park. Postmaster Tammy Firmbach and her team have served this hamlet with dedication, and we will fight to ensure that service continues without interruption.”\n\nSenator Michelle Hinchey said, “Our neighbors in West Park deserve reliable, uninterrupted postal service in their community, and the federal government has an obligation to provide it, not take it away. The outpouring of concern from our residents about this planned closure speaks for itself: seniors who rely on the West Park post office for life-saving medications and Social Security checks, business owners who depend on it for shipping and correspondence, and hundreds of local residents who would face hardship if they lost access. In this rural community, West Park has served as both a valued local gathering spot and a connection to an essential government service. This decision must be reversed, and I will keep fighting alongside my partners at every level of government and in labor to find a way for West Park to stay open.”\n\n“West Park has been my home for the last 9 years, and in that time, have fallen in love with my neighbors and my community,” said Claire Buglion, West Park resident. “The post office and Tammy is so much more than a small brick building with someone working behind a counter. Driving to Highland is not just an inconvenience and for many of my friends and neighbors a hardship. It is stripping away our identity as a town. I strongly oppose this unnecessary action, and demand that all actions be taken to stop it.”\n\n“West Park is a strong, close-knit community, and having our own local post office—with Tammy as our wonderful postmaster—is part of what makes this small hamlet so special,” said Patricia Cutugno, West Park resident. “It’s places like these, and the people who serve them with kindness and dedication, that help make West Park feel like home.”\n\n“I am a senior and I walk to the Post Office in West Park,” said Melissa Ortquist, West Park resident. “I get some of my medications through the mail. Going to Highland to get my mail would be a huge inconvenience for me and my neighbors. I am worried that I will not get my prescriptions on time. Highland is way out of my way.”\n\n“I heard from a neighbor the West Park PO is closing in a month and we will be directed to Highland PO. It’s an unbelievable short amount of time to hear about it through the grapevine,” said Mary McCrindle, West Park resident. “My husband and I have lived here 39 years. Many personal and professional things associated with our PO box that are not easy to change/notify!!! We want our PO to stay open!!”\n\nRyan has had repeated success of pressuring USPS to save Hudson Valley post offices, and is demanding the agency prevent critical lapses in service for the West Park community and call off the closure of the West Park office.\n\nMembers of the West Park community are encouraged to sign this petition, voicing their opposition to the closure of their post office.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-pocan-dexter-leger-fernandez-and-ramirez-return-cuba-fact-finding", "title": "Reps. Pocan, Dexter, Leger Fernandez, and Ramirez Return From Cuba Fact-Finding Mission", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "pocan.house.gov", "scraper": "pocan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000607", "name": "Mark Pocan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) released the following statement upon the conclusion of their four-day Congressional delegation to Cuba:\n\n“I went to Cuba thirty years ago, three and a half years ago, and now today,” said Rep. Pocan. “As a small business owner for 37 years myself, I have seen how the island’s private sector has the potential to thrive like never before, but is also hamstrung by U.S. sanctions that limit its access to financing, punish its workforce, reduce its customer base, and cut off its suppliers and export possibilities.”\n\n“United States' policies continue to exacerbate a crisis of displacement: a situation that, for many Cubans, makes it impossible to stay and realize self-determination in their own land. From what I heard directly from Cubans, many feel like they are forced to emigrate. But when Cubans decide to leave behind their land and look at the United States with hope, they are confronted by the U.S.’s outdated immigration system and the Trump administration's white nationalist agenda,” said Rep. Ramirez. “It is an impossible choice: face hunger, illness, and destitution on your own land or the abuse of ICE in the U.S.”\n\n“Cuba created a free, universal healthcare system that millions of Cubans and others around the world have come to expect and depend on,” said Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. “Today that system is buckling under sanctions that the White House has unleashed on the Cuban people. This is creating a humanitarian catastrophe, and it’s on us to stop it. I will be using all the tools at my disposal to remove the barriers to delivering health care to the Cuban people.”\n\n“What the United States is doing to this island is a siege,” said Rep. Leger Fernández. “We’re blocking medical supplies, fuel and other essential inputs, leading its infant mortality rate to rise nearly 150% in recent years, from 4 to 9.9 per 1,000 live births. I doubt any American wants innocent Cuban babies to die due to our policies.”\n\nThe Members jointly wrote:\n\n“As elected lawmakers tasked with oversight of U.S. foreign policy, we traveled to Havana to meet with Cubans of all walks of life and political perspectives to hear about the hardships the Trump administration’s maximum pressure policies are creating for Cuban citizens, learn about recent reform efforts aimed at modernizing the Cuban economy, and explore ways to reset U.S.-Cuba relations on a path of engagement, diplomacy and mutual respect.\n\n“The de facto U.S. fuel blockade on Cuba is producing indiscriminate pain for the most vulnerable Cubans, contributing to nationwide electrical blackouts—including one during our trip—buildups of trash on street corners, severe shortages of food, medicine, and public transportation, and widening inequality on the island.\n\n“In our meetings with religious leaders, entrepreneurs, civil society organizations, humanitarian groups, medical professionals and farmers, everybody we heard from - no matter their views of the Cuban government or the pace and scope of the announced reforms - agreed on one thing: that they are being strangled to death under the current executive orders and longstanding economic blockade.\n\n“The Trump administration has not provided any evidence that Cuba poses a pressing national security threat to the United States and our interests at home and abroad. We believe that any pretext used to launch an illegal, unauthorized, and unpopular military operation against the island would exacerbate a grave humanitarian catastrophe, put U.S. service members at unnecessary risk, and hurt the very people we claim to support.\n\n“The severe secondary sanctions - including more announced today - mean that there is almost no fuel and no banking on the island, forcing blackouts that can last days. Foreign businesses are fleeing the island, crippling Cuba’s private sector. Without electricity, hospitals, health care and all basic services are impacted. There is a growing humanitarian crisis and international aid organizations cannot distribute aid throughout the country. In other words, our policies are killing everyday Cuban citizens.\n\n“We call on the Trump administration and our colleagues in Congress to listen to the majority of U.S. and Cuban citizens and the rest of the world by lifting the cruel sanctions weighing on the Cuban people and engaging in serious and comprehensive negotiations with Cuban authorities that help advance trade with the island, promote respect for human rights, and provide a much-needed solution for a Cuban population that doesn’t have any more time to wait.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-pou-blasts-restarting-iran-war", "title": "Congresswoman Pou Blasts Restarting of Iran War", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pou.house.gov", "scraper": "pou", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000621", "name": "Nellie Pou", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“Today, President Trump has officially notified us that he is restarting our nation’s war against the Iranian government, a war Congress did not ratify and which the American people do not support,” said Congresswoman Pou. “The House voted to halt this illegal war; President Trump disregarded us. Overwhelming majorities of Americans have signaled their disapproval; Trump ignored them. Gas prices have skyrocketed and will now rise some more; the administration does not care. America’s allies beseech us to stop fighting; crickets from the White House. This war is illegal, unwanted, counterproductive, destructive, ill-advised, outrageous. This renewal will benefit no one but the Iranian dictators themselves.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://pressley.house.gov/2026/07/13/news-essential-pressley-bills-enacted-into-law-in-most-robust-housing-package-in-decades/", "title": "NEWS: Essential Pressley Bills Enacted into Law in Most Robust Housing Package in Decades", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pressley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "pressley.house.gov", "scraper": "pressley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000617", "name": "Ayanna Pressley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Pressley-Led Bills Will Address Bias in Home Appraisals, Expand Affordable Housing, Strengthen Oversight of Corporate Landlords, and Help Families Reach Financial Stability\n\nPressley Condemned Trump’s Refusal to Sign Housing Package into Law\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, issued a statement following the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act being enacted into law—the most robust housing package in decades. The package includes Rep. Pressley’s four bills to address bias in home valuations, expand affordable housing, strengthen oversight of corporate landlords, and help families reach financial stability.\n\n“I’m proud to deliver essential housing resources to families in the Massachusetts 7th and throughout the country,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “This robust housing package and my four bills within it will bring necessary relief to Americans struggling to keep up with soaring housing costs. My bills will confront racial bias in home appraisals, protect renters from abusive corporations, expand access to affordable housing, and help families build long-term financial stability. It’s time we treat housing as the human right that it is—and these laws are an essential step forward to do exactly that.”\n\nRep. Pressley’s four bills in the housing package include:\n\nThe Appraisal Modernization Act. This bill would promote equity and combat systemic bias in the home appraisal process that has disadvantaged many current and aspiring homeowners—especially homeowners of color.\n\nThe Innovation Fund Act. This bill would establish a grant program to reward communities that are taking innovative steps to increase housing supply.\n\nThe Renter Resource Center Act. This bill would protect renters and strengthen oversight of corporations by creating a database of institutional investors that buy single-family homes, requiring HUD to provide resources to renters, and more.\n\nHelping More Families Save Act.This bill would help families receiving federal housing assistance achieve financial independence as a pathway to wealth building by modernizing and expanding HUD’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program.\n\nFollowing Trump’s refusal to sign the package into law without advancing his voter suppression bill, Rep. Pressley joined lawmakers in demanding Trump support the housing package and the essential, expanded access to housing it would deliver for Americans.\n\nIn January 2026, Rep. Pressley, alongside Congresswomen Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) and Ilhan Omar (MN-05) held the Congressional Progressive Caucus’ (CPC) Lowering Costs Taskforce’s first shadow hearing, titled “Building the New American Dream: Lowering Housing Costs for All.” The shadow hearing brought together housing experts and CPC Members to advance solutions to lower costs by building more affordable, public, and market-rate housing; cracking down on corporate and landlord greed; and expanding federal assistance for low-income families.\n\nAs a Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance of the House Financial Services Committee (FSC), Rep. Pressley has consistently advocated for policies that affirm housing as a human right and center the dignity and humanity of all people.\n\nIn May 2026, during Fair Housing and Second Chance Month, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) reintroduced the Housing for Formerly Incarcerated Reentry and Stable Tenancy (Housing FIRST) Act of 2026, bold legislation to help people who are formerly incarcerated and those with criminal histories access safe and stable housing. The bill would advance housing justice and help disrupt the prison-to-homelessness pipeline by removing unjust barriers to housing and limit tenant screening criteria for criminal records in background checks.\n\nIn April 2026, Rep. Pressley along with Rep. DeLauro and Rep. Gomez, founder and co-chair of Congressional Renters Caucus, introduced the Housing Emergencies Lifeline Program (HELP) Act to protect tenants facing illegal evictions, crack down on credit reporting of evictions, and more.\n\nIn March 2026, Rep. Pressley joined Financial Services Committee Democrats in a comment letter condemning HUD’s proposed mixed-status families rule, which would increase evictions, separate families, and increase homelessness across the country.\n\nIn December 2025, Rep. Pressley convened local advocates and community partners to sound the alarm on the housing crisis created by Donald Trump.\n\nIn December 2025, Rep. Pressley underscored the need to support grandfamily and kinship households, which are vital to preventing homelessness and keeping families and communities whole.\n\nIn November 2025, Rep. Pressley joined House Financial Services Committee Ranking Member Maxine Waters (CA-35) and 52 colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, calling on him to rescind a recent HUD decision to slash essential Continuum of Care (CoC) program funding.\n\nIn November 2025, Rep. Pressley introduced the Appraisal Modernization Act, legislation to promote equity and combat systemic bias in the home appraisal process that has disadvantaged many current and aspiring homeowners—especially homeowners of color.\n\nIn May 2025, Rep, Pressley, along with Representatives Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), and Greg Casar (TX-35), reintroduced the Tenants’ Right to Organize Act, legislation to protect the power of tenants, including those with federal vouchers, to organize.\n\nIn June 2024, Rep. Pressley, along with Representatives Maxine Waters (CA-43) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), re-introduced the Tenant Empowerment Act, bold legislation to strengthen HUD tenant protections and provide renters with the tools necessary to improve the quality of their homes.\n\nIn March 2024, Rep. Pressley, along with Mayor Wu, visited Roxbury to celebrate the $1,000,000 in federal funding she secured to provide emergency childcare support for families experiencing homelessness in the City of Boston.\n\nIn March 2024, Rep. Pressley, along with Senators Warren and Markey, applauded the final passage of $850,000 in federal community project funding for The Pryde, an affordable housing development for LGBTQ+ seniors in Hyde Park.\n\nIn March 2024, Rep. Pressley urged Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to cut interest rates to boost home affordability and construction of affordable housing.\n\nIn January 2024, Rep. Pressley, during a House Financial Services Committee Hearing, highlighted the growing housing crisis and how appraisal bias and discriminatory tenant screening practices exacerbate the racial wealth and homeownership gaps, especially for Black communities.\n\nIn January 2024, Rep. Pressley celebrated the $2.4 million in federal funding she secured to support the community-led transformation of the Clarendon Hill housing community, an ethnically, linguistically and economically diverse neighborhood in Somerville.\n\nIn December 2023, Rep. Pressley requested the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide data on housing needs for Medicaid beneficiaries and feedback on challenges the agency is having in covering housing support for people requiring home and community-based services (HCBS).\n\nIn July 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01), reintroduced the Housing Emergencies Lifeline Program (HELP) Act, critical legislation to provide much-needed assistance to those facing eviction amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nIn September 2021, Rep. Pressley joined Rep. Bush and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in introducing the Keeping Renters Safe Act of 2021 to enact an urgently needed nationwide eviction moratorium.\n\nOn July 2021, ahead of the expiration of the previous CDC eviction moratorium, Reps. Pressley, Bush, Gomez and their progressive colleagues sent a letter renewing their calls for President Biden and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky to extend the federal eviction moratorium and prevent the historic and deadly wave of evictions that would occur if the government failed to do so.\n\nOn July 30, 2021, Rep. Pressley joined House Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) in introducing the Protecting Renters from Evictions Act of 2021, legislation to extend the eviction moratorium through the end of the year.\n\nIn June 2021, Rep. Pressley, along with Reps. Gomez and Bush, led over 40 of their colleagues on a letter urging President Biden and CDC Director Walensky to extend and strengthen the moratorium for the duration of the public health crisis.\n\nIn June 2021, Congresswoman Pressley, along with Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), re-introduced the Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act, a bill to institute a nationwide cancellation of rents and home mortgage payments through the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.\n\nOn May 18, 2021, Reps. Bush and Pressley sent a letter to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), calling on the CDC to strengthen and extend the federal moratorium on evictions, ensuring families can remain safely in their homes for the duration of the COVID-19 global health emergency.\n\nOn July 28, 2020, Rep. Pressley, Rep. DeLauro and Sen. Harris introduced the Housing Emergencies Lifeline Program (HELP) Act to provide much-needed, layered assistance to those facing eviction amid the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nOn July 24, 2020, in a Financial Services Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley discussed the unprecedented financial cliff facing millions of renters and homeowners, the economic consequences of millions losing their homes, including the ability to return to work, and why funding for legal representation is so critical.\n\nOn May 11, 2020, Reps. Tlaib, and Joe Neguse (D-CO) urge House and Senate leadership to include $11.5 billion in funding for Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) in the next relief package to aid the nation’s homeless population who are experiencing heightened vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nOn April 10, 2020, Rep. Pressley urged Congressional leadership to prioritize recurring monthly cash payments to those most at-risk during the COVID-19 crisis. This funding would allow people to cover all their bills, including rent.\n\nOn April 17, 2020, Reps. Pressley, Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and colleagues introduce the Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act, a bill to institute a nationwide cancellation of rents and home mortgage payments through the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.\n\nOn March 23, 2020, Reps. Pressley and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) introduced the Public Health Emergency Shelter Act of 2020, legislation to provide critical funding to states and local governments responding to the needs of families and individuals experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis. This legislation was included and passed through the HEROES Act and H.R. 7301, the Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act of 2020.\n\nOn March 19, 2020, Rep. Pressley, along with progressive lawmakers and organizations, introduced the Housing is a Human Right Act to authorize more than $200 billion in federal spending over 10 years for crucial housing infrastructure and reduce homelessness.\n\nOn March 18, 2020, Reps. Pressley, Katie Porter (D-CA) and Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) wrote to HUD calling for a moratorium on evicting renters during the coronavirus pandemic.\n\nIn July 2019, Rep. Pressley announced legislation that would prohibit the use of biometric recognition technology in most public and assisted housing units funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), protecting tenants from biased surveillance technology.\n\nIn November 2019, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Tlaib wrote to HUD blasting the agency for ignoring low-income tenants seeking to save their homes.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-honors-life-senator-lindsey-graham", "title": "Amata Honors the Life of Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "radewagen.house.gov", "scraper": "radewagen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000600", "name": "Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen", "party": "Republican", "state": "AS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring the life of Senator Lindsey Graham, a Veteran, and a statesman, who championed a strong U.S. military and the nation’s obligations to Service Members, and a belief in a pro-active foreign policy that emphasized freedom.\n\nFile photo in the White House Rose Garden with Sen. Lindsey Graham\n\n“I was blessed to know and be friends with Senator Graham, and he was also a friend to America Samoa, with influential roles in the Senate regarding appropriations, budget, military, and foreign affairs. I was shocked and saddened to learn of this tragic news.\n\n“His legacy is secure, starting out as an admirable American success story. He grew up in apartment over the family business, then following his parents’ death, took on the responsibilities of raising and supporting his younger sister, Darline, then 13 years old.\n\nSenator Graham with Congresswoman Amata\n\n“He served in the U.S. Senate for more than 20 years, including numerous key committees and chairmanships, and prior to that as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Lindsey Graham was a lifelong public servant, including 33 years in the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve, and he didn’t retire from that service until 2015, with the rank of Colonel. That’s a patriotic record that American Samoans will appreciate and honor.\n\n“He was outgoing, hopeful, persuasive, personable, enthusiastic about legislating, willing to work with anyone where he could build a point of agreement, and always happy to share in a joke.\n\n“I take comfort from his Christian faith. He was open about his beliefs without seeking attention, respected others, and defended religious freedom. I join the many prayers and condolences for his family, his sister, the people of South Carolina, his Senate staff, and all who knew him. He will be widely missed and remembered.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-statement-oversight-visit-cuba-and-humanitarian-crisis-island", "title": "Ramirez Statement on Oversight Visit To Cuba and Humanitarian Crisis on the Island", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ramirez.house.gov", "scraper": "ramirez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000617", "name": "Delia C. Ramirez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), the co-chair and co-founder of the Global Migration Caucus, released the following statement after returning from an oversight visit to Cuba:\n\n“As a member of Congress, it is my responsibility to understand the effects of U.S. policies on the lives of our neighbors in Cuba. That's why this weekend, I visited Cuba to hear first-hand accounts about the humanitarian crisis unfolding on the island. Through my conversations with civil society, religious leaders, entrepreneurs, journalists, farmers, and many other Cubans, one thing is clear: under the pretense of freeing the Cuban people, the United States government wounds them, cutting them off from access to reliable infrastructure, economic opportunities, and a thriving life on their island. Plain and simple, our 60-year-long imperialistic policies, including an immoral, inexcusable, cruel blockade, have contributed to the dire conditions facing Cubans who yearn to be free.\n\nAnd through their actions, Trump and Rubio continue to exacerbate a crisis of displacement: a situation that, for many Cubans, makes it impossible to stay and realize self-determination in their own land. From what I heard directly from Cubans, many feel like they are forced to emigrate. But when Cubans decide to leave behind their land and look at the United States with hope, they are confronted by the U.S.’s outdated immigration system and the Trump administration's white nationalist agenda. It is an impossible choice: face hunger, illness, and destitution on your own land or the abuse of ICE in the U.S. Case in point: during my trip, I met a mother who was deported, leaving her daughter and husband behind. A family separated by inhumane policies, who asked me, “How can we be hopeful” under these conditions.\n\nBut, even facing such hardship, I heard directly from the Cuban people that they desire new relationships based on cooperation and diplomacy. That is why we must demand an end to the blockade. We must end the sanctions. We must end the siege on the Cuban people. We must oppose and dismantle every U.S. policy that violates U.S. and international law, harms our neighbors, or undermines the human rights and dignity of the Cuban people. We must change course to realize our collective liberation. We must honor our dignity, shared humanity, and sovereignty at home and abroad. We must immediately pass Rep. Velazquez’s Cuba War Powers Resolution that asserts our Congressional authority, as well as our New Good Neighbor Act. We can and must become good neighbors.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://riley.house.gov/2026/07/13/riley-introduces-bill-to-stop-data-center-projects-from-driving-up-energy-bills/", "title": "RILEY INTRODUCES BILL TO STOP DATA CENTER PROJECTS FROM DRIVING UP ENERGY BILLS", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://riley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "riley.house.gov", "scraper": "riley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000622", "name": "Josh Riley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The FAIR Data Act would require Big Tech to pay for the grid upgrades its massive data centers require instead of passing those costs on to Upstate families\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) and Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) introduced the FAIR Data Act, bipartisan legislation to stop data center projects from driving up energy bills for Upstate New York families and small businesses.\n\nMassive data center projects, which demand huge amounts of electricity, are moving ahead across Upstate New York and the country. Serving them requires costly grid upgrades, and under current rules utility companies can pass those costs on to everyday ratepayers instead of the companies driving the demand. In the first half of 2025 alone, utilities across the country requested more than $29 billion in electricity rate increases – nearly double what they sought the year before – as they scramble to make infrastructure upgrades and meet increased need.\n\nRiley’s legislation ensures those costs are paid by the large corporate customers creating the demand, not the families, farmers and small businesses already struggling with rising utility bills.\n\n“Upstate New Yorkers are already paying through the nose for electricity, and we shouldn’t have to pay a penny more so Big Tech can rake in record profits,” Riley said. “If out-of-state tech companies want to build data centers here, they can pay their own way – not stick Upstate families with the bill.”\n\n“Artificial intelligence has the potential to do a lot of good for our country, but that growth must be handled responsibly,” said Congressman Van Drew. “Families and small businesses are already paying far too much for electricity, and they should not be hit with even higher bills because major data center projects require massive amounts of energy and new infrastructure. The FAIR Data Act makes sure the companies behind these projects cover those added costs instead of passing them on to ratepayers. I am proud to join Congressman Riley in putting the people we represent first.”\n\nSeveral data center developments have been proposed across New York’s 19th Congressional District. In Lansing, Maryland-based TeraWulf is seeking to build a 300-to-400-megawatt AI data center at the former Cayuga Power Plant, and in Oneonta, a company called Eco-Yotta has pursued a rezoning for an AI data center on County Road Nine. Both projects have faced fierce local opposition.\n\nSpecifically, the FAIR Data Act would:\n\nProtect families and small businesses from subsidizing Big Tech: Ensures residential customers and small businesses are not forced to pay for electric grid upgrades needed to serve massive data centers.\n\nKeep costs where they belong: Requires investor-owned utilities to recover the costs of serving large data centers from those facilities—not from everyday ratepayers.\n\nPrevent cost-shifting: Prohibits utilities from passing along the costs of generation, transmission, and distribution upgrades built to accommodate very large data centers (75+ MW) onto households and small businesses.\n\nSupport free-market principles: Ensures large corporate electricity users pay their own way instead of relying on cross-subsidies from residential customers.\n\nStrengthen state oversight: Uses the existing Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) framework to require state utility regulators to review and implement this consumer-protection standard while preserving state ratemaking authority.\n\nPromote accountability: If a data center claims it will lower local electricity bills, it must report annually on whether those promised savings actually materialized.\n\nIncentivize responsible regulation: Conditions certain Department of Energy (DOE) administrative assistance on states certifying that data center costs are not shifted onto residential and small business customers.\n\nImprove transparency: Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to submit annual reports to Congress on how large data center electricity demand is affecting electric rates and grid reliability nationwide.\n\nThis legislation builds on Riley’s push to lower utility costs for Upstate New York families:\n\nFebruary 13, 2025 — Introduced the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act (H.R. 1355) to help families reduce energy usage and lower monthly utility bills\n\nSeptember 18, 2025 — Introduced the Keep the Lights Local Act (H.R. 5487) to ban foreign corporations and governments from owning American utility companies\n\nDecember 10, 2025 — Introduced the No Bonuses for Utility Executives Act (H.R. 6590) to prohibit utility executives from receiving bonuses when they raise rates faster than inflation\n\nApril 17, 2026 — Introduced the No Taxes on Utility Bills Act (H.R. 8350) to allow Upstate New Yorkers to to allow taxpayers to deduct taxes and state-mandated surcharges included on their gas and electric utility bills.\n\nApril 29, 2026 — Introduced the Lowering Utility Bills Act (H.R. 8568) to crack down on utility companies overcharging customers.\n\n2025–2026 — Served as an intervener in the Central Hudson and NYSEG rate cases, where he participated in proceedings and cross-examined utility companies on behalf of ratepayers.\n\nFull text of the bill can be found HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://rivas.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luz-rivas-supervisor-lindsey-horvath-meet-faa-advance-safety", "title": "Congresswoman Luz Rivas, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath Meet with FAA to Advance Safety Improvements at Whiteman Airport", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://rivas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "rivas.house.gov", "scraper": "rivas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000620", "name": "Luz M. Rivas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LOS ANGELES — On Thursday, July 9, 2026, Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29), representative for California’s 29thCongressional District, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath met with officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to advocate for stronger safety measures and oversight at Whiteman Airport following two recent aircraft crashes involving aircraft landing at the airport in Pacoima.\n\nThe meeting follows Congresswoman Rivas’ and Supervisor Horvath continued advocacy after the April 20, 2026, and June 16, 2026, crashes. These efforts include Supervisor Horvath’s letters sent directly to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford calling for a temporary suspension of flight operations pending comprehensive investigations into the recent incidents, enhanced oversight of pilot training and aircraft maintenance, a thorough review of airport operations, and immediate safety recommendations.\n\nLos Angeles County has conducted an analysis of crashes that have occurred in the last 25 years and cross referenced them with National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB) investigations. According to the NTSB, every single crash has been caused by pilot error or aircraft malfunction.\n\n“The meeting on Thursday with myself, Supervisor Horvath, and FAA was productive in ensuring safety and accountability at Whiteman Airport,” said Congresswoman Luz Rivas. “I look forward to seeing the FAA fulfill its commitments to increase inspections, community outreach, and education at Whiteman Airport. I have the highest standards and expectations for the FAA to ensure safety for those who use the airport as well as the continued safety for the surrounding community of Pacoima.”\n\n“The safety of Pacoima residents will always be my top priority,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “On Thursday, Congresswoman Rivas and I made one thing clear to the FAA: protecting this community cannot wait. We expect the FAA to fulfill its responsibility to improve safety at Whiteman Airport, and we will continue pushing until every resident feels safe.”\n\nBackground:\n\nDuring the meeting, Congresswoman Rivas and Supervisor Horvath reinforced the community's concerns and emphasized that protecting residents living near Whiteman Airport must remain the highest priority.\n\nIn response to continued advocacy and communication from Congresswoman Rivas and Supervisor Horvath and, the FAA provided updates on additional actions now being taken to enhance oversight of flight operations, pilot training and education at Whiteman Airport, including:\n\nIncreased oversight of pilots, flight schools, and aircraft repair stations, including expanded weekend inspections;\n\nRegular pilot education seminars through the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) in partnership with Los Angeles County Public Works;\n\nContinued modernization of air traffic control communications infrastructure at Whiteman Airport;\n\nAdditional runway safety initiatives, including annual Runway Safety Action Team meetings and a new Arrival Alert Notice program for pilots; and\n\nOngoing investigations into the April and June aircraft crashes.\n\nCongresswoman Rivas and Supervisor Horvath will continue working with the FAA, Los Angeles County Public Works, and the surrounding community to advance additional safety improvements and strengthen accountability at Whiteman Airport.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-outlines-what-republicans-must-do-end-119th-congress", "title": "Rep. Roy Outlines What Republicans Must Do Before End of 119th Congress", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "roy.house.gov", "scraper": "roy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000614", "name": "Chip Roy", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "July 13, 2026\n\nWashington, D.C. – Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) sent a letter to his House and Senate Republican colleagues outlining what Republicans must do before the end of the 119th Congress.\n\nThe Daily Signal wrote an exclusive story on the letter, which you can read here.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\nDear House and Senate GOP Colleagues:\n\nWe were elected to deliver what we promised the American people, not to campaign for re-election. Delivering on decisive policy mandates is the best way to grow a majority. We’ve demonstrated that we are capable of delivering on those transformative policies – as we did in the Laken Riley/SUE Act, and certain parts of the OBBB. However, we simply have not done enough - failing to codify border security, pause immigration and define birthright citizenship, protect citizens from warrantless surveillance, ban congressional stock trading, Make America Healthy Again, and countless other issues.\n\nWith the same resolve that led to historic tax cuts, the elimination of half the Green New Deal scam subsidies, spending reductions, welfare reforms, and other policy victories in the OBBB, we must deliver in the remaining six months of this Congress. Let’s finish the job:\n\nCodify Permanently Trump Border Security Policies & PAUSE Legal Immigration:\n\nCodify Border Security:\n\nPass the policies reflected in H.R. 2 from the 118th Congress that end abuses of asylum, parole, and “catch-and-release” policies that enabled the Biden Border Crisis.\n\nFix the isolation of CBP and ICE Funding (with Reconciliation 2 funding, we leave these two isolated from appropriations, which is a long-term mistake).\n\nEnd the Magnets:\n\nCodify the end of Free Healthcare, Education (Plyler v. Doe), and other taxpayer-subsidized public benefits for illegal aliens.\n\nDefund sanctuary jurisdictions and impose strong penalties on those who flout federal immigration law.\n\nHike remittance fees significantly for illegal aliens (1% from OBBB is absurdly low. It should be at least 25%).\n\nTake the Supreme Court head on – end Birthright Citizenship for the children of illegal aliens and non-citizen foreign nationals.\n\nReduce and Reform Legal Immigration:\n\nPass the PAUSE Act – We should pause all immigration until we have a handle on our population and the MANY abuses of the system.\n\nHalt the Islamic Invasion (MAMDANI, IMAM, Sharia-Free America Acts).\n\nPause H-1B visas and repeal or overhaul the visa program.\n\nFirmly end Diversity Visa Lottery program and Chain Migration.\n\nExpand De-Naturalization powers.\n\nEnact (Senate) the SAVE America Act and Other Election Integrity Reforms.\n\nFight the Rise of Sharia Law and the Council on American-Islamic Relations:\n\nPass legislation clearly banning Sharia Law in the U.S.\n\nPass legislation to halt the Islamic Invasion (e.g. MAMDANI (naturalization), IMAM (clerics), Sharia-Free America (vetting) Acts.\n\nCodify President Trump’s executive order designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization.\n\nBan entry of – and remove – foreign nationals who adhere to Sharia Law.\n\nDesignate CAIR as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization, cutting off its financial streams and repeal its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.\n\nDeliver Energy Freedom – kill corporate cronyism, grift, and regulations:\n\nKill ALL subsidies to Unreliable & Expensive “Green Scam” Energy: Close loopholes & phase out EXISTING subsidies, including preventing the indirect subsidization of unreliable green energy projects in the form of transmission line subsidies.\n\nEnd The Renewable Fuel Standard which cripples American refinery production.\n\nRapidly develop nuclear power.\n\nPass strong permitting reform.\n\nProtect Americans from Warrantless Surveillance and Government (& Corporate) Use of Technology to Target and Spy on Americans:\n\nEnsure warrant protections – among other protections – for American citizens targeted under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.\n\nBan government control of American citizen spending by banning any “Central Bank Digital Currency”\n\nBan government & corporate surveillance in your cars by killing the so-called “Kill Switch” set to go live in 2027 that will also make cars less affordable.\n\nBan funding of Flock Cameras and other government surveillance tools.\n\nBan Congressional Stock Trading:\n\nPass the Restore Trust in Congress Act or an equivalent bill to prevent sitting Members of Congress (and consider the Executive and Judicial Branches as well) from stock trading.\n\nMake America Healthy Again:\n\nProvide Real Healthcare Freedom (to make it Affordable) – Employer provided health subsidy to HSA’s, Expanded Use for DPC, Insurance, etc…\n\nStop Subsidizing Sugar Drinks, Junk Food, and other harmful products.\n\nProtect Americans from Poisons in Food, Air, Water.\n\nProtect American Land & Housing from Foreign Ownership & Corporate Exploitation.\n\nBan foreign adversaries from purchasing American land – Focusing first on banning foreign purchases of American agricultural land, housing stock, and land near US military bases.\n\nPrevent government housing subsidization that incentivizes big ugly corporate housing exploitation and enact market reforms to empower American homeownership and multigenerational households.\n\nCodify the ‘Mixed-Status’ rule to end prorated housing assistance to illegal alien households and end housing block grants to sanctuary jurisdictions.\n\nReduce the Deficits and Debt – Take additional significant steps (beyond the OBBB) to cut spending including reducing so-called mandatory spending:\n\nContinue to reduce or hold Discretionary Spending flat.\n\nEliminate Programs Plagued by Fraud and Reform to Eliminate Fraud.\n\nEnsure Any Reconciliation Package is ACTUALLY deficit reducing.\n\nFurther reform Welfare and Mandatory Spending Programs.\n\nPass a Balanced Budget Amendment\n\nCodify Elimination (Reduction) of Foreign Aid and Expose & Eliminate NGO Funding Typically Hostile to Our Interests:\n\nForeign Aid\n\nEnd (at least Reduce) Payments to the United Nations and/or its subgroups, including codifying the prohibition on funding for UNRWA and permanently ending funding for the U.N. Population Fund.\n\nExit or Reform NATO.\n\nCodify Exit from WHO.\n\nEnd funding of NED (National Endowment for Democracy)\n\nNo Foreign Aid for Recalcitrant Countries (will not take back illegals)\n\nDismantle and Destroy the Marxist & Islamist Organization and Networks Undermining Our Safety and Rule of Law:\n\nCodify ANTIFA as domestic terrorist organization and cut off its funding streams.\n\nCodify SPLC as a domestic terrorist organization, revoke its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and cut off its funding streams.\n\nInvestigate and Cut off Funding for Soros / Wren Collective / Arabella and other groups known to be undermining the rule of law.\n\nProtect Children:\n\nDefund Abortion (Pill and Planned Parenthood) AND Transgender Surgeries:\n\nExtend Defunding of Planned Parenthood from OBBB (funding resumed July 4th).\n\nDefund Transgender Surgeries, particularly for minors.\n\nDefund and Limit Mifepristone which continues to kill hundreds of thousands of babies.\n\nProtect Children from Online Abuses and AI (and Protect Against Federal Preemption of State Laws on AI and Online Dangers to Children).\n\nCut Funding From / Impeach Radical Ideologue Judges Abusing Their Offices:\n\nJudges who release career criminals, engage in political bias, submit to radical gender ideology, and authorize illegal spying on the American people must be impeached and have their benches defunded.\n\nRadical ideologues plague our federal court system resulting in weaponized rulings that undermine blind justice and thwart the political will of the people.\n\nEliminate Barriers to Gun Ownership and Use (NFA, Constitutional Carry).\n\nPass a Constitutional Amendment for Term Limits to ensure Members cannot remain in Congress indefinitely, limiting complacency among elected representatives, allowing constituents to be better served by their representatives. In the absence of an amendment, pass STATUTORY limits to pay & leadership.\n\nRespectfully,\n\nChip Roy\n\nMember of Congress", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-maria-elvira-salazar-returns-affordable-senior-housing-project-ensure", "title": "Rep. María Elvira Salazar Returns to Affordable Senior Housing Project to Ensure Federal Investment Is Delivering for South Florida Seniors", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "salazar.house.gov", "scraper": "salazar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000168", "name": "Maria Elvira Salazar", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "MIAMI, Fla. — U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) today returned to the Flagler Affordable Senior Housing Project to review construction progress and ensure the $3.5 million in federal funding she secured is being transformed into affordable homes for South Florida seniors.\n\nConstruction is well underway on the six-story development, which will provide 60 affordable one-bedroom apartments for low-income seniors, allowing longtime residents to remain in the community they spent a lifetime helping build. During today's walkthrough, Rep. Salazar met with the development team to receive a project update, review construction progress, and discuss the anticipated completion timeline.\n\n\"Housing affordability continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing South Florida,\" said Rep. Salazar. \"That's why I've worked to bring federal resources back home, increase our housing supply, and support projects that make a real difference for families. Securing the funding is only the beginning. My responsibility is to make sure those dollars deliver exactly what was promised. Promises matter. Delivering on them matters even more.\"\n\nThe Flagler Affordable Senior Housing Project received $3.5 million in Community Project Funding secured by Rep. Salazar through the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations process. Today's visit underscores her commitment not only to securing federal investments, but also to ensuring they produce tangible results for the communities they were intended to serve.\n\nWatch Rep. Salazar's visit to the Flagler Affordable Senior Housing Project:(here)\n\nRep. Salazar's Record on Housing:\n\nAddressing South Florida's housing affordability crisis has been one of Rep. Salazar's top priorities in Congress. Her work includes:\n\nSecuring inclusion of her RESIDE Act in the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the first major federal housing reform package in more than two decades. The RESIDE Act helps communities convert vacant and underutilized properties into new housing, expanding housing supply, revitalizing neighborhoods, and creating more affordable housing opportunities.\n\nLeading the bipartisan Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act, legislation that expands financing options for condominium associations and homeowners to complete critical structural and life-safety repairs while helping preserve safe and affordable homeownership.\n\nSecuring $3.5 million in federal Community Project Funding for the Flagler Affordable Senior Housing Project, now under construction and set to provide 60 affordable apartments for low-income seniors in South Florida.\n\nSecuring $1 million in federal funding for the West Miami Multigenerational Center, creating a new community hub that expands services and recreational opportunities for seniors, children, and families.\n\nSupporting the expansion of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to encourage the construction and preservation of affordable housing nationwide.\n\nAdvocating for policies that increase housing supply, protect homeownership, and improve housing affordability for South Florida families.\n\nRep. Salazar has consistently argued that solving South Florida's housing affordability crisis requires more than rhetoric. It requires increasing housing supply, modernizing outdated housing policies, protecting homeowners, and ensuring federal investments are translated into real projects that improve people's lives.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-rep-maria-elvira-salazar-21st-century-road-housing-act-officially", "title": "Statement from Rep. María Elvira Salazar on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Officially Becoming Law", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "salazar.house.gov", "scraper": "salazar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000168", "name": "Maria Elvira Salazar", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) issued the following statement after the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the first major federal housing reform package in more than two decades, became law:\n\n\"At the heart of America's housing crisis is a simple problem: we are not building enough homes. For years, rising costs, delays, and unnecessary barriers have made it harder to build the homes our communities need, leaving families across South Florida and the nation to pay the price,\" said Rep. Salazar. \"The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act takes meaningful steps to address that challenge by making it easier to build, finance, and expand housing opportunities. \"I'm especially proud to have served as the Republican co-lead of the bipartisan RESIDE Act, which was included in the final package and will help communities transform vacant and abandoned properties into housing, revitalize neighborhoods, and create new opportunities for families.\"\n\nThe United States faces a housing shortage estimated in the millions of units, a gap that has contributed to rising home prices and rents nationwide. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act addresses the nation's housing shortage by:\n\nRemoving unnecessary regulatory barriers that delay housing development, including streamlining housing processes and allowing the use of pre-approved home designs so builders can construct homes more quickly.\n\nModernizing HUD programs to expand housing supply, support manufactured housing, and give states and local communities greater flexibility to address local housing needs.\n\nEnhancing community banking operations by reducing outdated regulatory burdens and expanding the ability of community and rural banks to support local lending and housing development.\n\nRep. Salazar, a member of the House Financial Services Committee, helped advance the bipartisan legislation through Congress.\n\nIncluded in the final package is Rep. Salazar's RESIDE Act, legislation she introduced to help communities convert vacant and underutilized properties into housing.\n\nAcross the country, vacant and underutilized properties sit empty while families struggle to find affordable places to live. By helping communities convert those properties into housing, the RESIDE Act expands housing supply, revitalizes neighborhoods, and creates new opportunities for families. Its inclusion in the final package will help communities create new housing opportunities while bringing new life to vacant and underutilized properties.\n\nSouth Florida remains one of the nation's most challenging housing markets, where rising home prices and rents continue to place pressure on working families, seniors, young professionals, and first time homebuyers. Addressing those challenges has been a key priority for Rep. Salazar both in Congress and at home in South Florida.\n\nShe has supported efforts to increase housing supply, strengthen community lending, and reduce barriers to development. She also secured $3.5 million in federal funding for the Flagler Affordable Senior Housing Project in the City of Miami, helping expand affordable housing opportunities for seniors and ensuring that longtime residents can continue to live in the communities they call home.\n\nRep. Salazar has also highlighted the importance of addressing workforce shortages in the construction industry, a challenge that continues to increase costs and slow the construction of much needed housing.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-calls-ice-accountability-following-fatal-shootings", "title": "SCHNEIDER CALLS FOR ICE ACCOUNTABILITY FOLLOWING FATAL SHOOTINGS", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "schneider.house.gov", "scraper": "schneider", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001190", "name": "Bradley Scott Schneider", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“For the second time in less than a week, ICE personnel have shot and killed a person during an immigration enforcement operation. Since January of 2025, more than 20 people have been shot by federal immigration officials. We demand fully independent and transparent investigations into the circumstances of the shootings in Texas and Maine, and every other ICE and CBP related shooting. More than one instance of an innocent person being shot by ICE or CBP is too many. To make matters worse, there have been far too many instances of false or incomplete official reports covering up the actions by ICE and CBP officers. Again, even one false or incomplete report would be too many.\n\n“It is long past time for ICE and CBP officers to drop their masks and turn on their body cameras! Under Trump and now Homeland Security Secretary Mullin, DHS continues to push dangerous and reckless tactics, disregarding the rule of law and public safety. Secretary Mullin must take immediate action to end the unnecessary escalations to deadly force and address the dehumanizing and extremist culture driving these actions.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-congresswoman-schrier-local-leaders-hold-roundtable-discussion", "title": "ICYMI: Congresswoman Schrier, Local Leaders Hold Roundtable Discussion on Deteriorating Wilderness Conditions at the Enchantments", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "schrier.house.gov", "scraper": "schrier", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001216", "name": "Kim Schrier", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LEAVENWORTH, WA – On Friday, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) joined local leaders, emergency responders, outdoor enthusiasts, and volunteers to discuss the impacts of the Trump Administration’s cuts to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) on the Enchantments Wilderness Area.\n\nCongresswoman Schrier was joined by Chelan County Commissioner Kevin Overbay, Leavenworth Mayor Carl Florea, Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce Director Troy Campbell, Chelan County Sheriff's Office Emergency Management Sergeant Jason Reinfeld, Chelan County Sheriff's Office Emergency Management Specialist Rich Magnussen, Retired Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Wilderness Program Manager Suzanne Cable, and TREAD Executive Director Mat Lyons, among other local leaders and advocates.\n\nBACKGROUND: The Trump Administration’s Forest Service cuts forced the Wenatchee River Ranger District, which staffs the Enchantments, down to just one employee from 11 in 2025. Insufficient staffing has led to diminished capacity to serve visitors, inadequate land management, and overflowing toilets that threaten Icicle Creek: Leavenworth’s drinking water source.\n\nThe administration recently proposed an additional 25% cut to USFS research, and is carrying out a complete reorganization of the agency as wildfire season begins.\n\nCongresswoman Schrier has urged the Trump Administration to remedy these deteriorating conditions and pressed the administration to address poor Forest Service trail conditions and insufficient staffing in the Enchantments.\n\n“The Enchantments are a beloved part of the Eighth District, and it is our duty to protect the area for future generations,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “Due to the Trump Administration’s erratic staffing cuts and reorganization of the Forest Service, and also due to overcrowding, conditions at the Enchantments have deteriorated and even become unsafe - poorly maintained public lands and overflowing toilets have threatened public health and the environment. As wildfires blaze across our state, the failure to properly manage these lands poses a severe threat to the safety of our communities and health of our forests. I was grateful to speak with local leaders and advocates to better understand the impacts they are seeing on the ground, and ways we can advocate to restore healthy conditions. I want to be clear that however incredible these volunteers are, they cannot be expected to backfill the responsibilities of the Forest Service. I will continue to do all I can in Congress to protect the Enchantments Wilderness Area, and fight back against devastating Forest Service cuts.”\n\n“We have demonstrated here at this roundtable discussion broad community support for taking action. We have local elected officials, law enforcement, business owners, and recreation and conservation organizations that are all united in asking the Forest Service to manage day use in the Enchantments to improve conditions not only to benefit the wilderness, but also to benefit the local community and visitors to the area that are important to this rural economy,” said retired Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Wilderness Program Manager Suzanne Cable.\n\n“The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for search and rescue in the Enchantments, which is why it is so important this area is protected. I was grateful to join Congresswoman Schrier and local leaders to talk about how best to improve conditions in the area. The public should be aware that many hikes in the Enchantments area, including Colchuck Lake, are not for beginners. Hikers: Please research the route, bring proper clothing and equipment, and don’t exceed your physical capabilities,” said Chelan County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Sergeant Jason Reinfeld.\n\n\"The Enchantments are one of Chelan County's greatest natural treasures, and protecting both visitors and this unique wilderness requires strong partnerships,” said Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison. “This collaborative effort enhances public safety, helps preserve our natural resources, and supports the Sheriff's Office as we balance the growing demands of backcountry rescues and law enforcement while continuing to serve the day-to-day needs of our communities.\"\n\n\"No single organization or agency can protect the Enchantments alone. Lasting solutions require strong partnerships, especially as the Forest Service faces extreme capacity and funding challenges. I'm grateful to Congresswoman Schrier for bringing local leaders together to strengthen our shared commitment to protecting one of Washington's most iconic landscapes,\" said TREAD Executive Director Mat Lyons.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://simon.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswomen-simon-pressley-and-kamlager-dove-introduce-resolution-advance", "title": "Congresswomen Simon, Pressley, and Kamlager-Dove Introduce Resolution to Advance Reproductive Justice and Support Families", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simon.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "simon.house.gov", "scraper": "simon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001231", "name": "Lateefah Simon", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of the 250th anniversary of American independence and the work still to be done to create a nation that lives up to the founding ideals of liberty and justice for all, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) and Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Sydney Kamlager-Dove introduced the America 250 Reproductive Justice Resolution. This resolution affirms reproductive freedom as a fundamental human right and supports policies that advance reproductive justice, including universal healthcare, maternal healthcare, paid family leave, comprehensive sex education, and protections against pregnancy-related criminalization.\n\n“While Republicans are spending the 250th anniversary attacking our fundamental freedom, we have to name what the future can and should look like for women and families. The reproductive justice movement was started by Black women in the 1990s, and I am honored to join my colleagues and reproductive justice leaders Congresswomen Pressley and Kamlager-Dove to introduce this resolution,” said Congresswoman Lateefah Simon. “As the Supreme Court and the Trump Administration rollback reproductive healthcare protections, wage a war on Medicaid and education, and drive prices ever upward, they are putting women, children, low-income people, and families in impossible situations. This resolution is our blueprint for what the reproductive justice movement needs to look like going forward, and we will fight until every person has the dignity, resources, and access to care that they deserve.”\n\n\"As we mark America's 250th anniversary, we must also acknowledge that the fundamental freedoms this nation was founded on are not enjoyed by all its people—especially the right to one’s own body and reproductive freedom,\" said Rep. Pressley, Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus. \"As Trump and his co-conspirators attempt to deny essential reproductive health care, it's more important now than ever that we affirm and fight for every person's freedom to access reproductive care and make their own health care decisions. I'm proud to introduce this critical resolution with Congresswomen Lateefah Simon and Sydney Kamlager-Dove and work to build a world where bodily autonomy is enshrined as a right, not treated as a privilege.\"\n\n\"Trump and Republicans are using America's 250th birthday to push a dystopian, warped definition of freedom that actually restricts our freedoms, especially for women,\" said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. \"As we celebrate America at 250, we must reaffirm that our founding ideal of freedom includes not just reproductive freedom, but reproductive justice. Every woman should be free to access the full spectrum of reproductive health care—including abortion—and to decide when, if, and how to have children. Reproductive justice is a fundamental human right.”\n\nRead the full text of the resolution here and find more information on the legislation below.\n\nThis resolution is endorsed by: All Above All, Women's March, UltraViolet Action, New Voices for Reproductive Justice, New Jersey Black Women Physicians Association, Oshun Family Center, SIECUS, Women with a Vision, Doula Alliance of Maryland, SisterReach Illinois and SisterReach, Inc., Women's Law Project, IBBG, SiX Action, Avow, Working Families Party, Birth In Color, Women's Health & Evolutionary Wellness, Planned Parenthood of Maryland, Black Women for Wellness Action Project, Guttmacher Institute, Black Muva Convos, Ibis Reproductive Health, ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE, National Health Law Program, Baltimore City Women's Commission, Equality Federation, Forward Together, Reproductive Justice Maryland, Gender Justice, Cobalt, Ipas US, Pro-Choice Minnesota, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Women's Health Specialists, Abortion Action Missouri, Men4Choice, MomsRising, SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, Medical Students for Choice, National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, Catholics for Choice, Power to Decide, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice.\n\n\"America was founded on the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—a promise that has too often been denied to women, people of color, immigrants, low-income communities, and gender-expansive people. As we mark this country's 250th anniversary, we have a responsibility to reflect honestly on where America has fallen short and to push it toward the best version of itself,” said All Above All President Nourbese Flint. “At a moment when those in power are rolling back our rights—banning abortion, attacking trans people, targeting immigrant families—the For All Our Futures resolution insists on something bigger: a future where reproductive freedom, bodily autonomy, and the freedom to build our families are central to the American promise.”\n\nAs co-lead of the Democratic Women’s Caucus’ Caregiving Task Force, Congresswoman Simon is committed to advocating for policies that protect healthcare and education and provide opportunities for families to thrive. She is the cosponsor of a number of bills that advance reproductive justice ideals and promote safe, healthy, and supportive communities including the EACH Act of 2025, Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025, WIC Benefits Protection Act, Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act of 2025, Child Care for Every Community Act, Every Child Deserves a Head Start Act of 2025, the FAMILY Act, and more.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/spartz-introduces-legislation-streamline-advanced-nuclear-energy", "title": "Spartz Introduces Legislation to Streamline Advanced Nuclear Energy", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "spartz.house.gov", "scraper": "spartz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000929", "name": "Victoria Spartz", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05) introduced the Nuclear Regulatory Modernization Act of 2026, legislation to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) and strengthen America’s energy security.\n\nThe bill would streamline the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s licensing process by eliminating obsolete mandatory hearings. It would also speed the domestic deployment of uranium enrichment facilities to reduce America’s reliance on imports from countries such as Russia.\n\n“Energy security is national security - and international security. Advanced nuclear reactors can lower energy costs, strengthen the stability of the grid, and provide the reliable, clean electricity needed to power the future of innovation and economic growth. America must be the leader in nuclear innovation,” Spartz said.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-rep-haley-stevens-slams-trumps-out-control-ice-after-two-killings", "title": "STATEMENT: Rep. Haley Stevens Slams Trump’s Out-of-Control ICE After Two Killings in a Week", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "stevens.house.gov", "scraper": "stevens", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001215", "name": "Haley M. Stevens", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC — In response to the two fatal shootings of civilians by ICE agents in Texas and Maine, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement:\n\n“ICE agents have now shot and killed two people in the past week. The blatant disregard for human life from Donald Trump's ICE is horrifying and outrageous.\n\n“This is exactly why I wrote the Hold ICE Accountable Act—everyone at ICE, from the bottom to the top, must be held accountable for crimes they commit. The families deserve justice.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-subramanyam-rips-proposed-rule-federal-financial-assistance", "title": "Rep. Subramanyam Rips Proposed Rule on Federal Financial Assistance", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "subramanyam.house.gov", "scraper": "subramanyam", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001230", "name": "Suhas Subramanyam", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) spoke out about his opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed rule, “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance.”\n\nThe Congressman issued the following statement:\n\n“This rule is just another attempt to hijack taxpayer money to create loyalty tests to the President and divert money to his friends and family. This massive change will allow political appointees to deny federal grants based on political goals and favoritism, and it imposes fees, red tape, and restrictions on critical scientific research. These changes will only stifle innovation and undermine scientific research for generations to come while continuing to enrich the President and his cronies.”\n\nCongressman Subramanyam sent a letter to OMB Director Russell Vought stating his strong opposition to the proposed rule and outlined several sections that are his primary concerns. These include:\n\nSection 200.205 will increase the administration’s ability to punish perceived political enemies by denying their federal funding, undermining the typically nonpartisan grantmaking process.\n\nSection 200.220 which will severely limit international scientific cooperation and collaboration.\n\nSection 200.340 would allow the administration the authority to cancel federal awards at any time for any reason and limit opportunities for grantees to appeal.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://susielee.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-now-law-rep-lee-helped-pass-most-significant-housing-reform-decades", "title": "ICYMI: Now Law: Rep. Lee Helped Pass Most Significant Housing Reform in Decades", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://susielee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "susielee.house.gov", "scraper": "susielee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000590", "name": "Susie Lee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – The bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) helped pass, became law on Saturday, July 11, 2026 – despite Trump’s best efforts to hold it hostage. This bill, the most significant piece of housing legislation in nearly four decades, will lower housing costs by cracking down on corporate homeownership and making it easier to build housing here in southern Nevada.\n\n“It’s no secret how expensive it is to buy a home or even afford rent here in Las Vegas. On top of that, one in four homes are owned by big institutional investors that are jacking up the prices for Nevada families,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “That’s why I helped pass this bipartisan housing bill to crack down on corporate investors and make it easier to build more homes families can afford. But, the President didn’t want to give Nevadans relief and chose to sit on it for a week to prove a political point. Nevadans deserve better. Despite this unnecessary delay, families will finally get the relief they need.”\n\nRecently, Lee led nearly a dozen battleground members to call on President Trump to sign the legislation. Despite Republicans and Democrats coming together to overwhelmingly pass the bill, President Trump refused to sign it as Americans saw their housing costs skyrocket, even calling it “unimportant.” The bill automatically became law without the President’s signature on July 11, 2026.\n\nAcross the country, Americans are feeling the impacts of the housing crisis. Nationwide, the average age of a first-time homebuyer reached a record-high of 40-years-old. In Nevada, median rents have nearly doubled over the last decade, and Las Vegas residents need to make over $72,000 annually to comfortably afford rent – nearly a 40% increase since 2020.\n\nKey provisions of the bill include:\n\nProhibiting large institutional investors that already own more than 350 properties from purchasing certain single-family homes.\n\nInvestors own 24.84% of Nevada’s single-family homes, equating to about 303,000 properties—that’s 6% higher than the national average and the seventh highest share in the nation.\n\nReauthorizing and expanding eligibility for the HOME Investment Partnership Program, including increasing the maximum eligible income.\n\nThe HOME program has invested $264.1 million in Nevada since 1992, which has helped build or preserve 8,910 homes, provide rental assistance to over 1,350 families, support more than 15,800 jobs, and generate roughly $1 billion in local income.\n\nIncreasing flexibility for the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, including authorizing the use of funds for construction of new affordable housing.\n\nClark County receives approximately $8.5 million annually from HUD in CDBG funding, which may be used for a variety of activities that support low- and moderate- income communities.\n\nPermanently excluding veterans’ disability payments from annual income calculations under the Department of Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH).\n\nVASH is a joint effort between the HUD and the VA, where HUD allocates “Housing Choice” Section 8 vouchers across the country. These vouchers allow Veterans and their families to live in market rate rental units while VA provides case management services. Veterans’ disability income will no longer be considered when applying for the HUD-VASH vouchers. From 2008-2024, HUD-VASH collectively provided over 2,000 vouchers to support Nevada’s veterans.\n\nThis bill includes key provisions to broaden access to homeownership, expedite building of manufactured housing, make available small-dollar mortgages, better protect borrowers and families living in public or assisted housing, enhance federal oversight of housing providers, and lay the groundwork for the development of new homes families can afford across America.\n\nKSNV-NBC 3: News 3 Live at Three-Thirty\n\nJuly 10, 2026\n\nHere's Nevada Congresswoman Susie Lee from last week, when President Trump canceled the signing ceremony.\n\n“In our state, Clark County is facing one of the most severe housing crises in the country.\n\n“In fact, we have the worst shortage of affordable rental units in the entire country.\n\n“And let's just be clear: I think we can all agree that buying or even renting a home should not be out of reach for Americans.\n\n“We should live in a country where one job should be enough to own a home, to afford health care, to afford a vacation once a year, to retire with dignity. and that's exactly what we've been fighting for.”\n\nThe bill takes aim at investors buying up housing, which the Congresswoman has said is a key issue because 1 in 4 homes are actually owned by investors right here in Clark County.\n\nThe Nevadan: Instagram Post\n\nJuly 7, 2026\n\nNevada Rep. Susie Lee had a blunt message for Trump on a bipartisan housing bill: “Sign the damn bill.”\n\nLee says Clark County’s housing crisis is too urgent for political games, especially after the legislation passed overwhelmingly in both the House and Senate.\n\nCongresswoman Lee has consistently worked to build more housing families can afford across southern Nevada. She led and helped get signed into law the bipartisan Accelerating Appraisals and Conservation Efforts (AACE) Act to speed up appraisals and approvals for Nevada housing projects and cut governmental red tape that drives up housing costs. Congresswoman Lee is also a cosponsor of the Housing Oversight and Mitigating Exploitation (HOME) Act to help lower housing costs for Nevadans by cracking down on price gouging by corporate investors who are buying up housing stock and driving up home prices.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-supports-strengthening-efforts-to-combat-illicit-fentanyl-trafficking", "title": "Rep. Sykes Supports Strengthening Efforts to Combat Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) celebrated the passage of H.R. 8535, the Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act, bipartisan legislation that requires the Department of Homeland Security to establish performance metrics and improve coordination within the Department on working to combat illicit fentanyl trafficking. The bill will strengthen efforts to disrupt the flow of fentanyl into the United States and help address the overdose crisis impacting families across Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.\n\n“The fentanyl crisis has touched communities across Northeast Ohio, and addressing it requires a coordinated response from every level of government,” said Rep. Sykes. “This bipartisan legislation will help improve federal accountability and provide law enforcement with better information to target those responsible for trafficking these dangerous drugs. I will continue working to support efforts that keep Ohio families safe and address this public health challenge.”\n\nAccording to the Ohio Department of Health, fentanyl remains the primary driver of the state’s overdose crisis. In 2023, Ohio recorded more than 4,400 unintentional drug overdose deaths, with fentanyl involved in the vast majority of those deaths. The continued impact of fentanyl-related overdoses demonstrates the need for stronger prevention, enforcement, and response efforts throughout the state.\n\nThe Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act directs the Department of Homeland Security to develop measurable goals related to fentanyl detection, deterrence, and seizure efforts. These benchmarks will help the agency evaluate their progress, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen strategies to prevent illicit fentanyl from entering the country.\n\nThe bill passed the House and now heads to the Senate for consideration.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/taylor-bill-passes-house-renaming-georgetown-post-office-honor-president", "title": "Taylor Bill Passes House, Renaming Georgetown Post Office in Honor of President Ulysses S. Grant", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "taylor.house.gov", "scraper": "taylor", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000490", "name": "David J. Taylor", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02) applauded today’s passage of his bill, H.R. 7809, through the U.S. House of Representatives by a voice vote. This bill will designate the United States Postal Service located at 201 East Grant Avenue in Georgetown, Ohio, as the “Ulysses S. Grant Post Office Building.”\n\nEvery member of the Ohio delegation in the House of Representatives joined Congressman Taylor as cosponsors of this bipartisan legislation. Senators Jon Husted (R-OH) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.\n\n“Through his decisive military leadership and commitment to protecting civil rights, President Ulysses S. Grant changed the course of American history,\" said Congressman Taylor. “Georgetown is proud to be the hometown of this American legend, and as our nation continues to celebrate its 250th birthday, it is fitting that we honor his enduring legacy with a lasting local tribute. I’m honored to help commemorate the life and service of President Ulysses S. Grant and celebrate the courage and leadership that continues to inspire Ohioans today.”\n\nBackground:\n\nOn April 27, 1822, Ulysses S. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio, and spent his childhood in Georgetown before attending the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1839. After graduating, Grant joined the 4th Regiment of the United States Infantry, where he served with distinction in the Mexican-American War.\n\nOver the course of the American Civil War, Grant commanded and fought in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, the Wilderness, Petersburg, and Appomattox. Grant was appointed the first Lieutenant General of the U.S. Army after Congress reestablished the position in 1864.\n\nOn March 4, 1869, Grant was sworn in as the 18th president of the United States, becoming the second Ohioan to serve in this role. Throughout his two terms as president, Grant worked on civil rights issues, including the establishment of the Department of Justice, the adoption of the Fifteenth Amendment, and other Reconstruction efforts.\n\nPresident Grant was inaugurated into his first term as president on March 4, 1869, at the age of 46. His second inauguration took place on March 4, 1873. Congressman Taylor’s bill commemorates the anniversaries of both inaugurations and would designate the first post office location in the United States dedicated to the life and legacy of President Ulysses S. Grant.\n\nThe full bill text of H.R. 7809 is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-tenney-introduces-no-hostile-onlookers-act-protect-americas", "title": "Congresswoman Tenney Introduces No Hostile ONLOOKERS Act to Protect America's National Laboratories from Foreign Adversaries", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "tenney.house.gov", "scraper": "tenney", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000478", "name": "Claudia Tenney", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced the No Hostile Operatives in our National Labs Obtaining Our Knowledge which Establishes Risks to our Security (No Hostile ONLOOKERS) Act, legislation to strengthen safeguards at America's National Laboratories by prohibiting the Intelligence Community from funding research, development, or technical support at laboratories that allow assignees or visitors from hostile foreign nations to access sensitive facilities, information, or technology without appropriate national security protections.\n\nAmerica's National Laboratories conduct some of the nation's most sensitive scientific research and technological development, including work critical to national defense, intelligence, energy security, and emerging technologies. The No Hostile ONLOOKERS Act would prohibit the Intelligence Community from obligating or expending funds for research, development, or technical support at any National Laboratory that permits assignees or visitors from countries of risk, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, to access laboratory facilities, information, or technology. The legislation includes a narrow waiver allowing the head of an Intelligence Community element to authorize an exception only after certifying to Congress that the activity presents no risk of foreign intelligence collection and providing a written justification for the waiver. By strengthening security standards, the legislation helps protect America's research enterprise from espionage, intellectual property theft, and other national security threats posed by hostile foreign adversaries.\n\n\"Our National Laboratories are home to some of America's most advanced scientific research and technological innovation,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “We cannot allow hostile foreign regimes like Communist China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea to exploit access to these facilities to steal sensitive research or undermine our national security. The No Hostile ONLOOKERS Act establishes a commonsense safeguard to ensure Intelligence Community funding only supports laboratories that take these threats seriously. Protecting America's research, innovation, and technological edge is essential to maintaining our national security and staying ahead of our adversaries.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-shri-thanedar-celebrates-the-july-27-opening-of-the-gordie-howe-bridge", "title": "Congressman Shri Thanedar Celebrates the July 27 Opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "thanedar.house.gov", "scraper": "thanedar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000488", "name": "Shri Thanedar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — After the announcement that the Gordie Howe International Bridge will officially open on July 27, 2026, Congressman Shri Thanedar (MI-13) issued this statement:\n\n“After being completed for over a month, the Gordie Howe Bridge is finally opening,” said Rep. Thanedar. “Just one week after I brought House Homeland Security leaders to Detroit to demand the bridge open, an opening date was finally announced.\n\nReps. Bennie G. Thompson and Lou Correa joined me to call out the delay and Trump’s ties to Matthew Moroun, the wealthy MAGA donor who owns the competing Ambassador Bridge. Michigan workers, families, and businesses should never be denied economic opportunity because of Trump’s political games.\n\nI want to thank everyone in our community who raised their voice and helped hold the Trump administration accountable for delaying this critical project.\n\nI will continue holding this administration accountable. I have introduced articles of impeachment against Trump, Hegseth, and Bondi, pushed to end qualified immunity and abolish ICE, and fought to open the Gordie Howe Bridge. I will never stop standing up to abuses of power and fighting for the families I represent.”\n\nThe Gordie Howe International Bridge crosses the Detroit River, connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. The six-lane bridge is about 1.5 miles long and has the longest main span of any cable-stayed bridge in North America. It also includes new border facilities on both sides and will provide another route for workers, businesses, and goods traveling between the United States and Canada.\n\nCongressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://tlaib.house.gov/posts/rep-tlaib-celebrates-housing-bill-becoming-law", "title": "Rep. Tlaib celebrates housing bill becoming law", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tlaib.house.gov/press", "domain": "tlaib.house.gov", "scraper": "tlaib", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000481", "name": "Rashida Tlaib", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – The bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which includes the Housing Our Communities Act introduced by Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), goes into effect tomorrow after President Donald Trump refused to sign it for 10 days. The Housing Our Communities Act will directly help our local communities increase the supply of affordable housing by providing federal grants to local, regional, and state governments to support development.\n\n“The housing crisis is hurting Michigan, and this bill is an important step towards helping our local governments address their communities’ needs. I’m proud of our bipartisan housing package because it will help relieve housing costs that are a crushing burden for too many of our neighbors,” said Rep. Tlaib. “Housing is a human right, and it’s shameful that in the richest country in the world, we still experience widespread homelessness and housing instability. For too many, a reliable and safe roof over their heads is a matter of life and death. Families across our district and the country need urgent relief from this housing affordability crisis. Our bill is a critical piece of this larger housing package that brings us closer to making safe, affordable housing a human right for everyone.”\n\nAs families face an escalating housing crisis, Rep. Tlaib’s legislation directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a competitive grant program to support a broad array of planning and implementation activities tied to affordable housing. The program would help strengthen housing plans, update zoning codes, increase inspection capacity, reduce barriers to housing supply, and better coordinate housing with transportation and community development goals.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/new-dems-celebrate-road-to-housing-package-finally-becoming-law", "title": "New Dems Celebrate ROAD to Housing Package Finally Becoming Law", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "torres.house.gov", "scraper": "torres", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000474", "name": "Norma J. Torres", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Housing, Infrastructure, & Transportation Working Group Chair Norma Torres (CA-35), New Democrat Coalition Vice Chair for Policy Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and Housing Task Force Chair Emilia Sykes (OH-13) issued a statement after President Trump’s 10-day window to either sign the bill or veto it expired, and the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act automatically became law.\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a comprehensive plan to address the housing crisis and help families afford to keep a roof over their heads. It delivers on many of the key objectives laid out in the New Democrat Coalition’s Housing Affordability Agenda, such as building more homes and getting them on the market faster, making it easier for families to buy or rent a home, and leveraging better housing data to surge resources where they are needed.\n\n“After countless unnecessary delays, Congress is finally taking a crucial step forward in the fight to lower costs.\n\n“We could not be more proud of the work that so many of our New Dem colleagues have put into this package—which contains provisions from 22 New Dem Member-led bills and two New Dem proposals. They have spent countless hours meeting with housing experts and families from across the country to put forward bold recommendations to drive down housing costs. It is thanks to their hard work that we can finally start to deliver real relief to working Americans.\n\n“By refusing to sign this bill, the President has once-and-for-all proven that he is not willing to lift a finger to address affordability or ensure that all families have a safe, comfortable place to live.”\n\nNew Dems has engaged with the House Financial Services Committee, our partners in the Senate, and outside stakeholders to ensure our Members’ priorities are reflected in housing legislation. This bipartisan agreement reflects provisions of numerous New Dem-sponsored or co-led bills, including:\n\nH.R. 5990, Whole-Home Repairs Act, Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-05)\n\nH.R. 6363, Build Now Act, Rep. Jim Himes (CT-04)\n\nH.R. 4810, BUILD Housing Act, Rep. Sam Liccardo (CA-16)\n\nH.R. 4660, Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act, Rep. Sam Liccardo (CA-16)\n\nH.R. 5907, Accelerating Home Building Act, Rep. Janelle Bynum (OR-05)\n\nH.R. 5591, RESIDE Act, Rep. Sam Liccardo (CA-16)\n\nH.R. 6293, Housing Supply Expansion Act, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50)\n\nH.R. 7792, Property Improvement and Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act, Rep. Jim Himes (CT-04)\n\nH.R. 6025, Appraisal Industry Improvement Act, Reps. Brad Sherman (CA-32) and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)\n\nH.R. 1981, Choice in Affordable Housing Act, Rep. Sean Casten (IL-06)\n\nH.R. 965, Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act, Rep. Brad Sherman (CA-32)\n\nH.R. 4989, Streamlining Rural Housing Act, Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07)\n\nH.R. 975, Credit Union Board Modernization Act, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52)\n\nH.R. 6327, Rural Housing Regulatory Relief Act, Reps. Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) and Eugene Vindman (VA-07)\n\nH.R. 7791, Increasing Housing in Opportunity Zones Act, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09)\n\nH.R. 6726, Reforms to Housing Counseling and Financial Literacy Program Act, Rep. David Scott (GA-13)\n\nH.R. 2840, Housing Supply Frameworks Act, Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07)\n\nH.R. 2362, VA Home Loan Awareness Act, Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07)\n\nH.R. 7504, Housing for America’s Middle Class Act, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-01)\n\nH.R. 1640, HEIRS Act, Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-05)\n\nH.R. 2031, HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act, Reps. Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Bill Foster (IL-11), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), and Juan Vargas (CA-51)\n\nH.R. 3694, VALID Act of 2025, Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07)\n\nOther provisions added:\n\nSec. 301(d)(2) (Energy Efficiency Standards) - Page 10 of our 118th Congress Housing Action Plan called for streamlining standard setting on energy efficiency for manufactured homes.\n\nRe-authorizing the PRICE Housing Program, which New Dems called to fund in annual appropriations before authorization lapsed.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-rep-van-epps-major-non-nato-ally-terror-threat-assessment-act", "title": "House Passes Rep. Van Epps’ Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vanepps.house.gov", "scraper": "vanepps", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000139", "name": "Matt Van Epps", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.- Today, the House of Representatives passed Rep. Van Epps’ (TN07) Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA)Terror Threat Assessment Act.\n\nUpon passage of the bill, Rep. Van Epps stated, “I am grateful my Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act passed the House of Representatives today. When the United States designates a nation as a Major non-NATO ally, it's a significant move. Giving a country MNNA status is not merely symbolic; it comes with practical benefits, but also risks. This legislation strengthens coordination between the Department of Homeland Security and Congress to better assess and support MNNA partners as they confront terrorist threats within their own borders. This will ensure Congress has the information it needs to provide effective oversight as a partner with this administration.”\n\nWatch or read Rep. Van Epps’ remarks on the House Floor below\n\nImage\n\n“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 8168, the Major Non-Nato Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act.\n\nWhen the United States designates a nation as a Major non-NATO ally, it comes with security cooperation and possible trade deals for defense equipment. This is an important designation that our nation does not grant lightly.\n\nHowever, we cannot ignore the fact that foreign terrorist organizations continue to operate in or around some MNNA countries, creating threats that could have serious consequences for U.S. national security. For that reason, it's critical for Congress to have a full picture of the terrorist organizations that may be operating within our partner nations.\n\nAnd that’s why I introduced this legislation.\n\nMy bill strengthens coordination between the Department of Homeland Security and Congress to better assess and support MNNA partners as they confront threats within their own borders. It requires the department to provide Congress with a comprehensive assessment identifying foreign terrorist organizations operating within MNNA countries, as well as each partner’s capacity to counter those threats.\n\nThese partnerships are important, but we must also protect our own national security.\n\nI urge my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of this bill and yield back.”\n\nRead the bill here.\n\nRead the one-pager here.\n\nRead Rep. Van Epps’ original press release here.\n\nRead about the bill’s passage throughout committee markup here or watch his remarks here.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe MNNA designation is linked to provisions of the Arms Export Control Act and the Foreign Assistance Act. Over time, limited oversight of the MNNA program has created a gap where U.S.-designated terrorist organizations are present in, or operating from, MNNA countries. This bill addresses this gap by providing Congress with regular visibility into where these groups operate, how they function, how partner governments are responding, and whether the United States has the capabilities and resources needed to help our partners mitigate threats before they reach the homeland. There are currently 20 countries designated as MNNAs plus one unofficial designation (Taiwan).", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-van-epps-announces-2026-service-academy-day", "title": "Rep. Van Epps Announces 2026 Service Academy Day", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vanepps.house.gov", "scraper": "vanepps", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000139", "name": "Matt Van Epps", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Franklin, Tennessee - Rep. Matt Van Epps will host a Service Academy Day on Saturday, August 8, 2026, to provide students and families with information about the nation's prestigious U.S. Service Academies and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) opportunities.\n\nInvited to attend the event are representatives from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and ROTC programs to answer questions about admissions, nominations, scholarships, and military service.\n\nRep. Van Epps said, “My time at West Point shaped the leader I am today. Our service academies challenge young men and women to embrace duty, honor, and selfless service while preparing them to lead in uniform and beyond. Whether you're interested in attending a service academy or pursuing an ROTC scholarship, I encourage students and their families to join us to learn more about these life-changing opportunities to serve our country.”\n\nService Academy Day Information:\n\nDate: Saturday, August 8, 2026\n\nDoors Open: 10:00 a.m.\n\nProgram: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.\n\nLocation: Franklin High School, 810 Hillsboro Road, Franklin, TN 37064\n\nStudents, parents, guidance counselors, and anyone interested in learning more about military service and academy admissions are encouraged to attend.\n\nPlease RSVP for the Service Academy Day here.\n\nFor more information about the nomination process, visit Rep. Van Epps’ Service Academy FAQ page here, or you can call his Franklin District office at (629) 223-6050.\n\nTo request a military service academy nomination from our office, please complete the form here. The deadline to apply is Thursday, October 30th, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.\n\nFor additional information, please contact Matthew Siciliano at matthew.siciliano@mail.house.gov.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/07/13/vindman-announces-more-than-1-million-in-federal-funding-to-strengthen-head-start-programs-in-orange-county/", "title": "Vindman Announces More Than $1 MILLION in Federal Funding to Strengthen Head Start Programs in Orange County", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Vindman Introduces Legislation to Cut Red Tape and Lower Housing Costs for Veterans\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) and Abe Hamadeh...\n\nHUGE MILESTONE: Vindman Returns $7 Million in Backlogged Benefits to Virginians\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today announced that his office has now returned more...\n\nVindman Hears from More Than 780 Virginians in Support of His Legislation to Ban Members of Congress from Lobbying after Leaving Office\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) is leading the congressional...\n\nVindman Statement on America’s 250th Anniversary of Independence\n\nVindman: “Only in America can someone arrive as a refugee and, within a single lifetime, serve in the United States...\n\nVindman, McDonald Rivet Introduce Bill to Tackle Corruption, Ban Public Officials from Trading Stocks & Using Prediction Markets\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), Kristen McDonald Rivet (Mich.-08), Kevin...\n\nVindman Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Staffing at VA Health Clinics, Improve Care Offered to Vets\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) and Abe Hamadeh...\n\nFollowing Vindman Push, USDA Declares Disaster Designation for Virginia Farmers Impacted by Frost and Freeze Damage\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a Secretarial Disaster...\n\nVindman-Led Bill to Protect Americans and Combat Deadly Nitazenes Passes Out of Health SubCommittee\n\nIn August 2025, Vindman Introduced the First-Ever Bill in Congress to Combat the Alarming Rise of...\n\nVindman Votes For Bipartisan Housing Package to Lower Costs Including His Rural Housing Regulatory Relief Act\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) celebrated final congressional passage...\n\nICYMI: Vindman Hosts Second Annual Job & Resource Fair in Stafford\n\nWashington, D.C. — On Thursday, June 18, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) hosted a...\n\nVindman, Mackenzie Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Lower Grocery Costs & Expand Food Access in America’s Food Deserts\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) and Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pa.-07) introduced...", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=689", "title": "House Passes Walkinshaw's Bipartisan Bill to Honor Gerry Connolly", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "walkinshaw.house.gov", "scraper": "walkinshaw", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000831", "name": "James R. Walkinshaw", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman James R. Walkinshaw's (VA-11) bipartisan legislation to name a United States Postal Service facility in Fairfax, Virginia in honor of the late Congressman Gerald E. \"Gerry\" Connolly, whose decades of public service transformed Northern Virginia and inspired generations of public servants.\n\nThe legislation designates the USPS facility located at 10660 Page Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22030 as the \"Congressman Gerald E. 'Gerry' Connolly Post Office Building.\"\n\n“Gerry Connolly served Fairfax with every fiber of his being, and for more than a decade I had the privilege of serving as his Chief of Staff. I saw firsthand the intellect, integrity, and relentless commitment he brought to public service. He was a champion for federal workers, a courageous defender of democracy, and one of the most effective lawmakers of his generation. But to me, Gerry was a mentor, a best friend, and a formative figure in my life. Naming a post office in the heart of Virginia’s 11th District is a fitting tribute to a man who spent decades as a stalwart defender of the Postal Service and America’s postal workers. The broad bipartisan and bicameral support for this legislation reflects the profound impact Gerry had across Virginia, our nation, and the world,” said Congressman Walkinshaw.\n\n“Gerry cared deeply about the health of the postal system and for its employees. He would truly be honored to have this post office named after him,” said Smitty Connolly, Gerry Connolly’s wife.\n\nCongressman Gerry Connolly's Legacy of Service\n\nGerry Connolly served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from 1995 to 2008, including five years as chairman. His leadership helped guide the county through a period of rapid growth and positioned Fairfax as a national model for smart planning, environmental stewardship, transit expansion, and affordable housing policy. He championed initiatives that were ahead of their time in addressing housing shortages, expanding the tree canopy, preserving open space, and advancing Washington Metro's Silver Line.\n\nHis local government experience informed a distinguished career in Congress, where he rose to become the Ranking Member of the powerful House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. He was widely regarded as one of Congress's most effective lawmakers and a respected advocate for good governance, infrastructure, the federal workforce, and the United States Postal Service. The nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking recognized him as the most effective Democratic lawmaker in the U.S. House during the 117th Congress.\n\nConnolly was also a statesman whose leadership extended well beyond the United States. As a two-time President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, he was a fierce defender of transatlantic unity and democratic values. He presided over the Assembly's response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, advocated for the establishment of a Centre for Democratic Resilience at NATO Headquarters, and supported the accession of Sweden and Finland to the Alliance.\n\nHis international leadership, combined with decades of service in Fairfax County and Congress, reflects a legendary career defined by integrity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to democracy and public service.\n\nCongressman Walkinshaw introduced the House legislation alongside Chairman James Comer (KY-01), earning broad bipartisan support from Members across the House, including Reps. Rob Wittman (VA-01), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Don Beyer (VA-08), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Mike Turner (OH-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), and Eugene Vindman (VA-07).\n\nThe legislation now advances to the Senate, where U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) have introduced companion legislation. Following Senate passage, the bill will be sent to the President’s desk.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=690", "title": "Walkinshaw’s First Bill to Pass House Advances Bipartisan Crackdown on Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "walkinshaw.house.gov", "scraper": "walkinshaw", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000831", "name": "James R. Walkinshaw", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8535, the bipartisan Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act, marking Congressman James Walkinshaw's (VA-11) first bill to pass the House. The legislation strengthens the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) efforts to stop illicit fentanyl before it reaches American communities by improving coordination, data-sharing, and accountability across the agency.\n\nIntroduced with Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), the bill requires DHS to set clear performance metrics, improve data-sharing across DHS components, and better measure whether federal efforts to detect, deter, and seize illicit fentanyl are working.\n\n“Today, the House passed my bipartisan legislation to take an important step in the fight against illicit fentanyl, and I am proud that my first bill to pass the House will help save lives,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “Families across America are losing loved ones to this deadly drug. We owe them action. This bill will help ensure DHS is working as one team, sharing information, measuring results, and stopping illicit fentanyl before it reaches our communities. I urge the Senate to pass it quickly.”\n\n\"In the past five years, fentanyl has claimed the lives of at least 250,000 young Americans. Stopping this generational crisis must be our number one priority,” said Rep. McCaul. “I’m extremely proud the House has now passed this crucial legislation, and I urge the Senate to follow suit and ensure DHS has the tools and methods in place to decisively stop the flow of this deadly drug into our nation and save American lives.\"\n\nThe bill follows a September 2025 Government Accountability Office report that found DHS’s ability to assess the effectiveness of its counter-illicit fentanyl efforts remains limited. GAO found that DHS components need clearer performance goals and stronger data-sharing procedures to evaluate what is working, improve coordination, and direct resources where they are needed most.\n\nThe Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act would require DHS-wide data sharing, full implementation of the department’s illicit fentanyl assessment program, and clear goals to track how effectively DHS is combating illicit fentanyl trafficking.\n\nIllicit fentanyl remains the leading driver of overdose deaths in the United States. In the past five years, illicit fentanyl has claimed the lives of at least 250,000 young Americans. According to the CDC, illicit fentanyl was involved in more than 69 percent of all U.S. overdose deaths in 2025. Without consistent metrics and coordination across CBP, ICE, and other DHS components, Congress and the public cannot fully assess whether federal efforts are working or where additional resources should be directed.\n\nThe bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Michael Guest (MS-03) and Rep. Lou Correa (CA-46), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement and unanimously passed the Homeland Security Committee. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program also supports the effort because it improves information sharing to deter, detect, and seize illicit fentanyl.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/banks-advances-anti-illegal-immigration-initiative-to-keep-america-safe/", "title": "Banks Advances Anti-Illegal Immigration Initiative to Keep America Safe", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Senate reconvenes, Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) is continuing his efforts to crack down on illegal immigration by cosponsoring three pieces of legislation to strengthen immigration enforcement, protect American workers, and close the loopholes that fueled the border invasion under President Biden.\n\nThese bills would require all employers to verify new hires are legally authorized to work in the United States, ensure illegal aliens remain in detention instead of being released into American communities while they await immigration proceedings, and prohibit birth tourism.\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R- Ind.): “President Trump is restoring law and order back at our border, and Congress needs to back him up. These bills crack-down on the incentives that fueled the Biden border invasion, protect American workers, and work to make communities safer.”\n\nSenator Banks cosponsored the following bills:\n\nThe Mandatory E-Verify Act, led by Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), requires employers nationwide to use E-Verify to confirm employees are legally authorized to work in the United States. This legislation is supported by the Immigration Accountability Project, Federation for American Immigration Reform, NumbersUSA, Heritage Action and the National Immigration Center for Enforcement.\n\nThe Detention Authority Clarification Act, led by Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.), clarifies the Department of Homeland Security’s authority to detain illegal aliens without releasing them on bond while they await immigration proceedings. This legislation is supported by the Immigration Accountability Project.\n\nThe BACK OFF Act, led by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), prohibits foreign nationals from entering the United States for the purpose of birth tourism. This legislation is supported by the Immigration Accountability Project.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/banks-takes-action-on-supreme-courts-birthright-citizenship-ruling-introduces-citizenship-act-of-2026/", "title": "Banks Takes Action on Supreme Court’s Birthright Citizenship Ruling: Introduces Citizenship Act of 2026", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – This afternoon, Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced the Citizenship Act of 2026 to end birthright citizenship for the children of illegal aliens and birth tourists. The legislation codifies President Trump’s January 20, 2025 Executive Order declaring that the United States is under invasion by illegal aliens. The bill responds to President Trump’s call for Congress to act on birthright citizenship following the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. Barbara.\n\nThe Citizenship Act of 2026 affirms Congress’s constitutional authority over naturalization and codifies the longstanding exception to birthright citizenship for children born to foreign invaders. The legislation finds that illegal immigration and birth tourism constitute an ongoing invasion and amends federal law to confirm that children born to illegal aliens and birth tourists are not entitled to automatic citizenship.\n\nSen Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “The Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship decision was an unprecedented assault on American sovereignty, and we must do whatever it takes to save our country. I’m leading the Citizenship Act to reverse the effects of this consequential ruling and ensure the millions of illegal aliens that invaded our country can’t continue to exploit our immigration system.”\n\nFox News Digital exclusive here.\n\nFull bill text can be found here.\n\nKey Provisions of the Citizenship Act:\n\nCodifies President Trump’s declaration that the United States is under invasion by illegal aliens.\n\nAmends federal law to confirm that children born to illegal aliens are not entitled to birthright citizenship, codifying a longstanding common law exception for children of foreign invaders.\n\nAffirms Congress’s constitutional authority to establish a uniform rule of naturalization and the duty of the United States to protect states from invasion.\n\nProvides a legislative fix consistent with the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. Barbara, which recognized that children of invaders are not entitled to birthright citizenship.\n\nResponds to the ongoing border crisis, with as many as 15 million illegal aliens remaining in the United States, by ensuring federal law confirms that birthright citizenship does not apply to the children of those who entered as part of an invasion.\n\nBackground:\n\nArticle I of the Constitution gives Congress the authority to establish a uniform rule of naturalization, while Article IV guarantees that the federal government will protect the states against invasion. The bill argues that the unprecedented surge of illegal immigration in recent years, combined with the continued exploitation of birth tourism, constitutes an ongoing invasion that Congress has the authority to address.\n\nThe legislation follows the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. Barbara, which left intact the longstanding constitutional exception that children born to foreign invaders are not entitled to birthright citizenship. This bill codifies President Trump’s January 20, 2025 declaration that the mass unlawful movement of persons into the United States constitutes an invasion and applies that principle to illegal aliens and birth tourists.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-fox-news-sunday/", "title": "ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Fox News Sunday", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Gillian Turner on Fox News Sunday to discuss the impact and legacy of the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and the ongoing strikes and negotiations in Iran.\n\nClick the image above for full discussion.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “I met Lindsey Graham about a dozen years ago when I was serving in Afghanistan when he came to or base for to do his two weeks of annual training with the U.S. Naval Reserves, I got to spend time with him then in uniform but then over the years he has given me a lot of advice on running for Congress, running for the House, running for the Senate. But most importantly in recent years, how to be an effective United States Senator. I would say Lindsey Graham is the most effective senator in the Trump era… I am sad for South Carolina, I am sad for our country, I’m sad for the Senate; we have a lot of work to do to fill the void that Lindsey Graham has left in the United States.”\n\n“Well, President Trump has been very clear that he is going to finish the job. That we’re negotiating and dealing with scum, as President Trump calls them, in the Regime in Iran. This week, trying to negotiate with the Iranians at the same time they are calling for the President to be assassinated, you see what we’re dealing with. The United States of America is not going to let Iran get away with ever have a nuclear weapon, especially not on Donald Trump’s watch.”\n\n“As soon as Iran can come to the table and understand that they have no other choice but to do what it takes to sign an agreement with the United States of America that they will never have a nuclear weapon, that they can’t control that Strait, that they can no longer funnel money to terrorist proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. That they can no longer get away with that… President Trump is doing what no other President has done before. He is negotiating from a position of strength.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-trump-birthright-citizenship-fight-comes-roaring-back-with-page-from-kavanaugh-playbook/", "title": "ICYMI: Trump Birthright Citizenship fight comes roaring back with page from Kavanaugh playbook", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Banks uses Wong Kim Ark exceptions to deny birthright citizenship to birth tourists and children of illegal immigrants\n\nClick the here to read the full story from Fox News Digital or read below.\n\nEXCLUSIVE: Sen. Jim Banks will introduce legislation Monday aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants and birth tourists by defining them as children of “invaders” under federal law after a Supreme Court ruling last month dealt a setback to President Donald Trump’s executive order on the issue.\n\nTrump recently urged Senate Republicans to move faster on his legislative agenda, including ending birthright citizenship, telling them they were “not fighting hard enough,” Banks, R-Ind., recalled in a June 30 interview with Human Events.\n\nBanks told Fox News Digital he plans to introduce the Citizenship Act as soon as the Senate opens for business Monday afternoon – crafting it with a nod to Trump-appointed Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s concurrence in last month’s Trump v. Barbara case.\n\nKavanaugh, concurring in the judgment and dissenting in part, said Trump’s order conflicted with federal birthright citizenship law but suggested Congress could amend that statute to create new exceptions.\n\nThe Citizenship Act would declare that children of statutory “invaders” are not entitled to birthright citizenship under the law and codify a 2025 executive order that cites the term.\n\nIn its summary, Banks’ bill declares “any person who enters the United States without authorization or for the purpose of engaging in birth tourism is considered an invader …” and amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exclude children of such “invaders.”\n\nBanks’ key use of “invaders” cites Trump’s executive order declaring illegal immigration across the southern border an “invasion,” while the bill notes the “Barbara” decision leaves that avenue open for Congress to crack down on.\n\nWithout touching the constitutional amendment process or attempting to overturn any court ruling, the Citizenship Act will codify Trump’s declaration of “invasion” and amend federal law to revoke birthright citizenship from children of illegal immigrants under exceptions listed in the same case the “Barbara” ruling’s majority used as its precedent.\n\nKavanaugh found that Trump’s order didn’t violate the Fourteenth Amendment but did conflict with a federal statute on birthright citizenship passed in the spirit of the amendment conservatives said was intended mainly for freed slaves and their children.\n\nBush-appointed Justice John Roberts relied on the landmark 1898 U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark case to rule against Trump in “Barbara” and “guarantee citizenship to all children born in the United States and subject to its power” – but Banks’ bill would use that same case as precedent to secure an end to birthright citizenship for progeny of illegal immigrants and birth tourists.\n\nThen-Justice Horace Gray – an appointee of Republican President Chester Arthur – ruled in Wong Kim Ark that those exceptions include diplomats’ kids, “enemies within” and those engaged in hostile occupation of U.S. territories who are not “bound to render obedience to the sovereign [U.S. government] whose domains are being invaded.”\n\nBy Roberts reaffirming Wong Kim Ark’s precedent with its exceptions, Banks’ bill would essentially use it against itself.\n\n“The Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship decision was an unprecedented assault on American sovereignty, and we must do whatever it takes to save our country,” Banks told Fox News Digital.\n\n“I’m leading the Citizenship Act to reverse the effects of this consequential ruling and ensure the millions of illegal aliens that invaded our country can’t continue to exploit our immigration system.”\n\nIn U.S. v. CASA, a similar 2025 case that went against Trump, Obama-appointed Justice Sonia Sotomayor separately confirmed “children born of alien enemies in hostile occupation” do not qualify for birthright citizenship, while not taking the extra step to classify illegal immigrants as such “invaders” mentioned in the original ruling.\n\nBanks also makes a textual Constitutional argument in his bill, writing that Article IV requires the feds to “protect each [state] against invasion” while Congress’ Article I power includes “establish[ing] a uniform rule of naturalization.”\n\nHe also cited President James Madison’s 1788 analysis that the Constitution vested Congress—not the states—with authority over naturalization through a uniform national rule.\n\nThe Citizenship Act lays out that some Mexican nationals view migration northward as a means of re-conquering territory the U.S. won during 1840s military hostilities finalized in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 that established Texas and beyond as part of the U.S.\n\nIt also points to Chinese birth tourism being encouraged directly by the CCP – which brings the birthright citizenship debate over what defines an invasion by a hostile government full circle.\n\nBanks’ bill argues those examples demonstrate that birthright citizenship has become intertwined with broader questions of national sovereignty and foreign influence.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/07/13/bennet-murray-peters-schumer-merkley-senate-colleagues-demand-omb-rescind-rule-giving-president-sweeping-power-over-federal-grants/", "title": "Bennet, Murray, Peters, Schumer, Merkley, Senate Colleagues Demand OMB Rescind Rule Giving President Sweeping Power Over Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and the entire Senate Democratic caucus in demanding that Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought immediately rescind OMB’s proposed regulation on federal financial assistance. The senators warned the proposal exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’ constitutional power of the purse, and would allow the President to weaponize federal grants for political purposes.\n\n“Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals,” wrote the senators. “Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs.”\n\nThe proposed rule would dramatically expand agencies’ authority to terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. It would also require political appointees to make funding decisions without deferring to expert peer review. The senators warn this would inject partisan politics into grantmaking, threaten America’s leadership in scientific and medical innovation, and create chaos for communities and organizations that rely on federal funding to deliver critical services.\n\n“Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims,” continued the senators.\n\nThe senators also argue that OMB’s proposal would force grant recipients to comply with vague, undefined, and political grant conditions that conflict with existing statutes. At the same time, it would weaken transparency and accountability requirements intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars. These changes could discourage qualified organizations from applying for federal grants and increase the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\n“Article I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal,” concluded the senators.\n\nEvery member of the Senate Democratic caucus signed the letter. In addition to Bennet, Murray, Peters, Schumer, and Merkley, U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) signed the letter.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nWe write to express our strong opposition to your proposed regulation on federal financial assistance (Fed. Reg. Vol. 91, No. 103, Friday May 29, 2026) and to insist you rescind it immediately. Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals. Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs. And contrary to the regulation’s justification of fiscal transparency, the changes also weaken the oversight and effective stewardship of taxpayer funds.\n\nThe proposed rule undermines federal agencies’ and grant recipients’ ability to faithfully carry out the programs enacted by Congress. When Congress authorizes and appropriates money for federal grants, it does so with the understanding that all Administrations will distribute those grants consistent with Congressional intent and the funding instructions articulated in law. The type of discretion the President intends to bestow upon himself through this proposed rule is counter to all past precedent and ignores the reality of how appropriations and authorizing laws are drafted.\n\nThis proposal dramatically expands agencies’ authority to the point where the President could terminate or suspend any grant at any time for any reason and without any notice. The Trump administration’s actions over the last year and a half have already shown how these types of arbitrary cancellations create chaos and new costs, making it harder for grant recipients to provide the intended public benefit. In one instance, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Agency cancelled over $2 billion of grants to mental health and addiction programs without notice, only to reinstate those grants within 24 hours. In another instance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency unilaterally cancelled nearly $4.5 billion of natural disaster mitigation funding without notice, only to claim in court that they had never really cancelled those grants at all. This boundless power to terminate federal funding creates whiplash and erodes grant recipients’ trust in the grant agreements they sign. Ultimately, it makes it less likely that deserving and capable organizations and communities would apply for federal grants and risk tying their work to grants that could be upended with no rhyme, reason, or even advance notice.\n\nThe proposed rule would also require and empower political appointees to decide which grants do and do not get funded, explicitly directing them to not defer to expert peer review. This would have far reaching consequences, including but not limited to scientific research. For example, over decades the United States has built a biomedical research enterprise, led by investments in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), that is the envy of the world and makes us the world leader in medical innovation. It has led to new cures and treatments for devastating diseases that decades ago would have been considered miracles. This was built on the foundation that investments in biomedical research would be allocated based on a strictly non-partisan, rigorous, scientific review process to determine which specific research projects to fund. This proposed rule would fundamentally undermine that, and direct political appointees to substitute their own independent opinions over those of panels of experts.\n\nOMB’s proposal also transforms federal grants from policy tools that Congress uses to promote the public good into a political cudgel that the President plans to use to punish his perceived political foes while rewarding himself and his friends. President Trump’s administration has already begun to do this. Although multiple requests for information have gone unanswered, we estimate that at the Department of Transportation alone, at least 45 grants totaling $5.3 billion have been terminated, withdrawn, or cancelled by the Trump Administration. This includes nearly $109 million in five grants slated for Colorado, $679 million in 12 port related grants, and $54 million in transportation research conducted by universities. Meanwhile grantees in California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota continue to wait in limbo as OMB instructed DOT to cancel more than $943 million in grants in early February. With the threat of termination hanging over every grant recipient, presidents will be able to substitute their personal and partisan policy positions for federal spending directives, undermining Congress’s constitutional power of the purse.\n\nThe proposal also injects vague, burdensome, and potentially unlawful terms and conditions that give the president pretext to pick winners and losers among grant recipients. Contrary to OMB claims that the proposal will bring “regulatory clarity” to the administration of federal grants, the proposal would create limits on funding based on undefined terms, making it impossible for grant recipients to comply. In the proposal OMB explains that these undefined terms will ensure that federal funds are “not diverted to . . . radical political ideologies,” without further elaboration. Grant recipients must instead “demonstrably advance the President’s policy priorities,” whatever they happen to be. Terms like “anti-American values,” “gold-standard science,” and “diversity, equity, and inclusion” are not defined and, in some cases, are the subject of ongoing litigation. Further, Congress has passed specific statutes requiring agencies like the NIH to conduct health disparities research, including research on maternal mortality, cardiovascular disease in minority populations, and cancer screening equity. This rule’s prohibition on “diversity, equity, and inclusion” research would complicate compliance with those statutes. Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims. Ultimately, many grant recipients will decide it is too costly and confusing to try to keep up with shifting priorities of each new administration and give up on seeking federal grants altogether, frustrating Congress’s purpose to help the intended beneficiaries of the program.\n\nAs OMB seeks to consolidate power over federal funds, it also seeks to undermine transparency and accountability of the use of taxpayer dollars. The proposal removes the requirement that grant recipients follow financial internal control standards established by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). However, Congress required that GAO issue standards for financial internal controls and that agencies follow these standards in the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act of 1982. Allowing recipients to disregard independent financial risk management standards required by statute jeopardizes the faithful stewardship of taxpayer dollars and increases the risk of fraud or abuse.\n\nOMB’s grantmaking power grab is not only bad policy; it is also unlawful. OMB lacks the legal authority to issue binding regulations about how to cancel federal grants for each agency. In its proposal, OMB points to the Chief Financial Officers Act (CFO Act) for its sweeping assertion of power. However, the CFO Act in no way delegates to OMB the power to tell federal agencies that they can cancel grants at any time for any reason. Courts in Rhode Island and the District of Columbia have already rejected OMB’s claim that it can indiscriminately pause or terminate grants, holding that the CFO Act does not give OMB “the power to halt all finances, full-stop, on a moment’s notice.” By dictating policy for grant recipients, OMB is attempting to supplant Congress’s primary role in appropriating funds and directing their purpose.\n\nArticle I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=EF93CF95-6510-434D-BA30-88D00AF0A755", "title": "Comprehensive Housing Package with Boozman Bill Supporting Veteran Home Ownership Signed Into Law", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.boozman.senate.gov", "scraper": "boozman", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON—The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, legislation that will help Arkansans achieve the American dream of homeownership, has become law after receiving overwhelming support in both chambers of Congress. The bill also includes the Veterans Affairs Loan Informed Disclosure (VALID) Act of 2025 championed by U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).\n\nMany eligible veterans do not utilize VA home loans, which means forgoing advantages such as no down payment, no private mortgage insurance and interest rates that are often lower than conventional or Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans. The VALID Act ensures veterans will be fully informed about their financing options by requiring the VA loan options they may qualify for to be presented alongside conventional and FHA loans.\n\n“This package represents multiple bipartisan solutions that cut red tape while increasing the housing supply so more Americans can own their home. I’m pleased it also includes my VALID Act to ensure veterans are informed of the VA home loan benefits they have earned,” Boozman said. “Helping make this key cost-of-living factor more affordable is an important achievement that will benefit Arkansans as well as the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform.”\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act addresses obstacles to homeownership through supporting new home construction by private industry, reducing regulation and streamlining outdated review processes, protecting local and state jurisdiction, and delivering reforms to federal housing programs.\n\nSpecifically, the package supports these priorities by:\n\nAssisting former servicemembers with cost comparison tools that clearly display options only available to veterans when purchasing a home through the Boozman-Van Hollen VALID Act;\n\nAddressing the housing affordability crisis by making it easier and more efficient to rehabilitate and construct homes while incentivizing communities and empowering lenders to help increase supply;\n\nEmpowering accountability efforts within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) housing counseling services;\n\nCutting red tape and streamlining environmental reviews by federal departments and agencies including coordinating or combining evaluations for projects funded by both agencies instead of requiring separate reviews; and\n\nModernizing outdated requirements on modular and manufactured homes to expand access to these cost-effective housing options.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-hickenlooper-colleagues-pressure-white-house-to-reverse-proposed-political-rule-change-harming-american-science-research-and-innovation/", "title": "Senator Coons, Hickenlooper, colleagues pressure White House to reverse proposed political rule change harming American science, research, and innovation", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.coons.senate.gov", "scraper": "coons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001088", "name": "Christopher A. Coons", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“We cannot afford to export American innovation and American jobs because of partisan games.”\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and 9 of their colleagues called on White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought in a new letter to reverse a proposed rule, broadly titled “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance,” that negatively affects how nearly all federal agencies administer grants and financial agreements. The OMB’s rule change grants the White House political control over how awards are administered, further enabling corruption, undermining U.S. scientific investments and competitiveness, and blocking funding for critical life-saving research and collaboration.\n\n“The proposed changes solidify federal grant-making as an unprecedented partisan power-grab that eliminates transparency of how taxpayer dollars are spent. This rule would derail American innovation and competitiveness at the local and national levels, kill good-paying American jobs, drive up costs for families, and halt essential projects in local communities,” wrote the senators. “Instead of supporting data-driven investments that pay dividends for the American people, this guidance facilitates partisan ideals and cronyism, leaving Americans in the dark.”\n\nThe senators continued, “We share the goals of improved transparency, accountability, and oversight; clarification of regulatory structure; and reducing recipient burden–all in pursuit of continuing America’s global leadership in science and innovation. However, these regulations would act in opposition to these goals. They would undermine our country’s competitiveness, erode our scientific ecosystem, increase unwanted bureaucracy, enable corruption, and perpetuate uncertainty across our local communities. We strongly urge you to withdraw this proposed rule.”\n\nThe OMB’s proposed rule change would rework how federal agencies award and administer grants and cooperative agreements. Changing how funding is administered affects the primary mechanisms through which the country funds basic research, applied science, and scientific workforce development. These agencies also fund local projects including but not limited to infrastructure, public health, resource conservation, and rural development, which have been consistent targets of the Trump Administration. The proposed rules formalize an August 7, 2025, Executive Order that directed OMB to expand political oversight over all federal awards.\n\nIn addition to Senators Coons and Hickenlooper, the letter is also signed by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Angus King (D-Maine), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-op-ed-chips-act-will-help-america-win-the-ai-race-with-china/", "title": "Cornyn Op-Ed: CHIPS Act Will Help America Win the AI Race with China", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) authored the following op-ed in the Dallas Morning News sounding the alarm on the AI and semiconductor manufacturing race with China that will determine who controls the future of the world and highlighting the success of his CHIPS for America Act, legislation he authored with Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) that was funded through the CHIPS and Science Act, in reshoring semiconductor manufacturing:\n\nCHIPS Act will help America win the AI race with China\n\nSenator John Cornyn\n\nDallas Morning News\n\nJuly 10, 2026\n\nhttps://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/article/cornyn-ai-race-chips-act-22340332.php\n\nThe global competition for the future of artificial intelligence, or AI, is quickly becoming a two-way race between the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China. Technology is evolving rapidly in life-changing ways and which of these two nations wins this race could determine the economic, political and even cultural future of the world.\n\nAmid this technological revolution, the CHIPS for America Act, which I led with Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., back in 2020, and the funding included in the subsequent CHIPS and Science Act, have proven to be fortuitous investments in the infrastructure that will underpin the next digital age.\n\nAI models, including large language models and other AI systems, rely on enormous numbers of low-latency computers. This infrastructure requires unthinkable quantities of semiconductors. Whoever can manufacture these high-powered chips quickly and at a reasonable price will dominate the AI playing field.\n\nThe two-way AI race has many layers, some with the United States ahead, and others where China leads. Right now, the United States has a slight advantage over China on advanced semiconductor design. However, when it comes to actually building the infrastructure that AI relies on, such as the fabs that produce semiconductors, America has fallen behind.\n\nToday, 90% of the world’s most advanced semiconductors are manufactured in Taiwan, a dramatic shift from the 1990s, when the United States produced nearly 40% of the world’s semiconductors.\n\nHow did the United States go from producing nearly half of the world’s semiconductors to only 12% today? The answer lies in the aggressive approach that the Chinese government has taken toward critical manufacturing infrastructure and complex supply chains. And what they can’t produce domestically, they coerce others to produce for them in Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America at dramatically low prices with very little regard to working conditions.\n\nWith Chinese leader Xi Jinping threatening to take over Taiwan as soon as 2027, it matters whether the United States has the infrastructure to support the modern digital economy.\n\nConsider that Iran has been able to essentially shut down oil commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to higher gas prices in the United States. The Chinese Communist Party could do essentially the same thing for free and open economies by invading Taiwan and shutting off the West’s access to the chips that power nearly all modern devices — mobile phones, smart watches, computers, TVs, cars, washing machines and more.\n\nThe United States has a fighting chance in this race because of the significant investment we made in semiconductors through the CHIPS for America Act and CHIPS and Science Act. Together, these laws provided $40 billion in direct manufacturing incentives for semiconductors and $13 billion for research and workforce development.\n\nA large percentage of the funding from CHIPS went to building fabrication facilities also capable of manufacturing core memory, which will help companies quickly scale to meet the needs of the AI boom.\n\nBack home on the Silicon Prairie, companies have used this funding to build new semiconductor fabrication plants at Samsung, Texas Instruments and many more. Texas Instruments was awarded $1.6 billion in funding from the CHIPS and Science Act, which allowed the company to construct new wafer fabrication facilities. GlobalWafers, also a participant in the CHIPS for America program, announced a joint investment with Micron on Thursday that will expand its wafer manufacturing facility in Sherman.\n\nSpurred by our federal legislation, the Texas legislature passed the Texas Chips Act in 2023 to further invest in the Texas chips industry, which now boasts the second largest semiconductor workforce in the country. Other states should harness this same opportunity to build on these federal investments and attract further private sector investment and high-paying jobs.\n\nThe implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act has not been perfect. The Biden administration hijacked CHIPS to further its own DEI political agenda and other unrelated policies, undermining Congress’ intent and diluting the resources made available.\n\nLuckily, the Trump administration has refocused the program toward actually reshoring this critical supply chain. Some projects have been held up because of state environmental regulations and permitting delays that Congress should address through permitting reform. But the purpose of our legislation was to spur investment in these critical infrastructure projects, not to implement a government command economy in the model of China.\n\nI’m proud that the CHIPS for America Act and CHIPS and Science Act have proven to be contributors to reshoring America’s manufacturing in an industry that will determine who controls the future of the world. This legislation has not only been successful in kickstarting this growth, but has equipped the United States of America to lead in one of the generation-defining technological revolutions in human history.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-statement-on-confirmation-of-u-s-district-judges-for-southern-district-of-texas/", "title": "Cornyn Statement on Confirmation of U.S. District Judges for Southern District of Texas", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm President Trump’s nominations of John George Edward Marck to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas – McAllen Division and Arthur Roberts “Rob” Jones to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas – McAllen Division. Video of Sen. Cornyn introducing Marck and Jones in the Senate Judiciary Committee can be found here.\n\n“John Marck and Rob Jones have distinguished records of holding dangerous criminals accountable and enforcing the laws on the books to keep Americans safe and our southern border secure,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I was proud to recommend these astute Texans to President Trump, and I look forward to seeing them serve on the federal bench.”\n\nSens. Cornyn and Ted Cruz (R-TX) recommended John George Edward Marck and Arthur Roberts “Rob” Jones to President Trump following an extensive review and interview process of the candidate pool by the bipartisan Federal Judicial Evaluation Committee (FJEC). The Senators established the FJEC, a bipartisan panel of leading attorneys in Texas, to help identify the most qualified candidates to fill judicial vacancies. The panel reviewed applications, interviewed candidates, and made recommendations to the Senators, who interviewed individuals before making their recommendations to the President.\n\nJohn G.E. Marck began his career as an Assistant District Attorney in New York City where he prosecuted a high-volume caseload of major felonies, including murder, manslaughter, robbery and gang assault. He entered the Department of Justice as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Corpus Christi and Victoria Divisions of the Southern District of Texas and managed a diverse criminal docket that included charges of illegal reentry following deportation, alien smuggling, drug trafficking and other cartel-related offenses. Marck continued his federal prosecution career in the National Security and Public Corruption Section and was later promoted to Associate Deputy Criminal Chief before being named First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the district.\n\nRob Jones started his career in 2002 as a line Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the office’s Laredo Division, where he handled all aspects of border related crime. In 2011, he joined the office’s Houston-based Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces. Just prior to his appointment as Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney, Jones served as the deputy chief of the National Security and Public Corruption section. Prior to becoming an AUSA, Rob served on active duty as a judge advocate and officer in the U.S. Air Force’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps from January 1995 to September 2002, specializing in criminal litigation. He separated from the Air Force in September 2002 to become an AUSA but continued to serve as a judge advocate in the Air Force Reserve until his retirement in February 2023.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-gillibrand-colleagues-demand-pentagon-release-report-on-u-s-bombing-of-iranian-elementary-school/", "title": "Cortez Masto, Gillibrand, Colleagues Demand Pentagon Release Report on U.S. Bombing of Iranian Elementary School", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and 23 of her colleagues joined a letter led by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) demanding answers from the Department of Defense (DoD) over the U.S.’s bombing of an Iranian elementary school in February. The strike reportedly killed approximately 175 people, including 120 children.\n\nIn a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Admiral Brad Cooper, the Senators called for the swift completion and release of the Pentagon’s investigation into the school strike, which was reportedly submitted in April, but remains under review by senior military officials. They also requested that the Pentagon provide Congress with a comprehensive plan to ensure that this type of incident does not happen again.\n\n“More than four months after the strike, and after the reported submission of the investigation in April, Congress and the American people still have not received the Department’s investigation and findings,” wrote the Senators. “There is no justification for withholding an unclassified accounting of what happened, what went wrong, and what the Department is doing to prevent recurrence.”\n\nIn early March, Reuters first reported that U.S. military investigators believed U.S. forces were likely responsible for the strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab. Days later, Pentagon officials reportedly concluded through their preliminary investigation that a U.S. Tomahawk missile had struck the school. Investigators have also reportedly found that multiple failures led the school to be targeted in error.\n\n“These reported issues, if accurate, raise deeply troubling questions about the integrity of U.S. target development, the adequacy of target validation and vetting procedures, the interoperability of intelligence and targeting databases, the timeliness and reliability of intelligence used for lethal targeting, and the Department’s implementation of civilian harm mitigation policies,” they continued. “They also raise urgent questions about whether the Department has sufficient targeting personnel, training, accountability mechanisms, and technical safeguards to support large-scale conventional operations.\n\nDespite this reporting, Trump administration officials have not publicly taken responsibility for the strike or the resultant civilian deaths. President Trump himself has suggested multiple times that the strike was not the U.S.’ fault and has even blamed Iran.\n\n“The United States military has a legal and moral obligation to take all feasible precautions to prevent civilian harm. When a U.S. strike kills civilians, the Department owes Congress, the American people, and the victims’ families a clear accounting of what happened and a credible plan to prevent future failures,” they concluded.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto has consistently called for transparency about President Trump’s reckless war of choice in Iran. This letter is the second that the Senator has joined demanding information from the DoD about its strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School. Following reports that Russia is providing Iran with intelligence to target American military forces, Senator Cortez Masto passed her bipartisan bill HONOR Act to prevent businesses from claiming a foreign tax credit or deduction against taxes paid to fund the Russian government’s war machine and slammed President Trump for providing sanctions relief to Russia. She has also supported numerous war powers resolutions to limit the Trump Administration’s ability to take further military action against Iran without a debate and vote in Congress.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-announce-more-than-13-million-for-downstate-truck-parking-and-rest-area-improvements", "title": "Duckworth, Durbin Announce More Than $13 Million for Downstate Truck Parking and Rest Area Improvements", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced a total of $13,168,092 in federal funding for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to support infrastructure and accessibility improvements at Fort Massac and Salt Kettle Rest Areas in Massac County, Illinois. This funding, from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s FY26 BUILD (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development) program, will reconstruct and expand truck parking at the Fort Massac and Salt Kettle Rest Areas by adding ADA-compliant bathrooms, improving roadway infrastructure and increasing truck parking capacity from 19 to up to 64 stalls at Fort Massac and by up to 41 new stalls at Salt Kettle.\n\n“Safe, reliable rest areas are essential for the truck drivers who keep our economy moving and the travelers who rely on Illinois’ roads every day,” Duckworth said. “This federal investment will help increase truck parking and modernize rest areas in Massac County by expanding parking capacity, improving accessibility with ADA-compliant bathrooms and making travel safer for drivers. I'm proud to have helped secure this funding, alongside Senator Durbin, to strengthen our infrastructure, support our supply chain and keep Illinois moving forward.”\n\n“The open road, and the rest stops along the way, should be accessible to all who use it—truck drivers, Illinoisans, and visitors alike. This major federal investment—made possible through BUILD grants—will improve ADA accessibility and make more room for truckers who may be in need of a pit stop,” Durbin said.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Transportation’s FY 2026 BUILD program provided $1.5 billion in competitive discretionary grants for state, local and tribal surface transportation projects. This program targets capital construction and planning projects that have significant local or regional economic, mobility and safety impacts.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-announce-ndaa-amendments-to-prevent-president-trump-from-unlawfully-deploying-the-military-into-american-cities", "title": "Duckworth, Durbin Announce NDAA Amendments to Prevent President Trump from Unlawfully Deploying the Military into American Cities", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a combat Veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today announced five amendments to the Senate National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2027 to push back against the Trump Administration’s expansive use of the military for law enforcement or immigration enforcement support in American cities, including at times without the explicit consent or request of a state’s elected officials. These amendments would enhance congressional oversight of and clarify existing statutory restrictions on such domestic military deployments and support for law enforcement.\n\n“Congress cannot allow Donald Trump—or any President—to politicize our Armed Forces for their own gain and turn our servicemembers against their fellow Americans,” said Duckworth. “Forcing the military, uninvited, into our cities to intimidate Americans in their own communities does not make our nation stronger, it simply distracts the military from executing its core mission: keeping our nation safe from real adversaries who wish us harm. Trump’s actions against Chicago, especially during ‘Operation Midway Blitz,’ were unwarranted, unwanted and unjust moves straight out of the authoritarian’s playbook. Our amendments would ensure the next defense bill puts an end to this egregious abuse of our military while protecting civil rights and preserving public trust in our Armed Forces.”\n\n“Deploying the military into U.S. cities, especially without the request or consent of elected leaders, is a clear violation of the law by any president. This President’s shameless attempts to use our nation’s military as law enforcement against U.S. citizens, including Illinoisans during ‘Operation Midway Blitz,’ was a blatant abuse of his power as Commander in Chief—a sentiment that even the U.S. Supreme Court agreed with,” Durbin said. “Senator Duckworth and I are filing amendments to the NDAA to ensure that no president—especially President Trump—has the power to weaponize our military against American citizens.”\n\nDuckworth and Durbin filed these amendments in the wake of so-called “Operation Midway Blitz,” which was used last fall as a mechanism by the President to sow fear in Illinois communities as Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) have been tasked with carrying out the Trump Administration’s cruel mass deportation scheme.\n\nThe amendments that Duckworth and Durbin filed include:\n\nAmendment #6332 to prohibit the use of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) funds for any activities that would violate the Posse Comitatus Act or that would infringe on powers reserved to the States under the Constitution.\n\nAmendment #6333 to ensure applicability of the Posse Comitatus Act on the National Guard. This amendment would close an unintended loophole President Trump has abused to deploy National Guard troops across state lines for law enforcement support and absent invocation of emergency authorities under the Insurrection Act.\n\nAmendment #6136 to prohibit the use of any military construction funds to construct, renovate or expand any facility for the purposes of detaining migrants.\n\nAmendment #6137 to require the President to notify Congress and justify in writing before providing access to military equipment—including surveillance equipment—bases or facilities to support law enforcement and require congressional approval to extend any such support longer than 30 days. This would effectively make it harder for President Trump to use military bases for detention, provide military surveillance equipment to support police or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and claim it is legal to deploy the military to American cities because they are only providing logistical support to law enforcement.\n\nAmendment #6138 to delay funding for misused domestic deployments in FY27—while still allowing funding for reasonable domestic deployments, such as those consented to by destination elected officials, responses to local emergencies and southern border operations—until DOD reports to Congress the impact of such deployments on military readiness.\n\nIn response to the Trump Administration’s surge in federal law enforcement in Chicago and continuous threats to deploy the military in the area, Duckworth and Durbin have taken a number of steps to push back on these unlawful actions carried out by DHS under the direction of President Trump. The Senators’ actions to push back on the Trump Administration’s so-called “Operation Midway Blitz” can be found on Duckworth and Durbin’s websites.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-announce-ndaa-amendments-to-prevent-president-trump-from-unlawfully-deploying-the-military-into-american-cities", "title": "Durbin, Duckworth Announce NDAA Amendments To Prevent President Trump From Unlawfully Deploying The Military Into American Cities", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Durbin and Duckworth introduced the amendments in reaction to President Trump’s repeated attempts to deploy the National Guard in Illinois during the height of “Operation Midway Blitz” last fall\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a combat Veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced five amendments to the Senate National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2027 to push back against the Trump Administration’s expansive use of the military for law enforcement or immigration enforcement support in American cities, including at times without the explicit consent or request of a state’s elected officials. These amendments would enhance congressional oversight of and clarify existing statutory restrictions on such domestic military deployments and support for law enforcement.\n\nDurbin and Duckworth filed these amendments in the wake of so-called “Operation Midway Blitz,” which was used last fall as a mechanism by the President to sow fear in Illinois communities as Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) have been tasked with carrying out the Trump Administration’s cruel mass deportation scheme.\n\n“Deploying the military into U.S. cities, especially without the request or consent of elected leaders, is a clear violation of the law by any president. This President’s shameless attempts to use our nation’s military as law enforcement against U.S. citizens, including Illinoisans during ‘Operation Midway Blitz,’ was a blatant abuse of his power as Commander in Chief—a sentiment that even the U.S. Supreme Court agreed with,” Durbin said. “Senator Duckworth and I are filing amendments to the NDAA to ensure that no president—especially President Trump—has the power to weaponize our military against American citizens.”\n\n“Congress cannot allow Donald Trump—or any President—to politicize our Armed Forces for their own gain and turn our servicemembers against their fellow Americans,” said Duckworth. “Forcing the military, uninvited, into our cities to intimidate Americans in their own communities does not make our nation stronger, it simply distracts the military from executing its core mission: keeping our nation safe from real adversaries who wish us harm. Trump’s actions against Chicago, especially during ‘Operation Midway Blitz,’ were unwarranted, unwanted and unjust moves straight out of the authoritarian’s playbook. Our amendments would ensure the next defense bill puts an end to this egregious abuse of our military while protecting civil rights and preserving public trust in our Armed Forces.”\n\nThe amendments that Durbin and Duckworth filed include:\n\nAmendment #6332 to prohibit the use of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) funds for any activities that would violate the Posse Comitatus Act or that would infringe on powers reserved to the States under the Constitution.\n\nAmendment #6333 to ensure applicability of the Posse Comitatus Act on the National Guard. This amendment would close an unintended loophole President Trump has abused to deploy National Guard troops across state lines for law enforcement support and absent invocation of emergency authorities under the Insurrection Act.\n\nAmendment #6136 to prohibit the use of any military construction funds to construct, renovate or expand any facility for the purposes of detaining migrants.\n\nAmendment #6137 to require the President to notify Congress and justify in writing before providing access to military equipment—including surveillance equipment—bases or facilities to support law enforcement and require congressional approval to extend any such support longer than 30 days. This would effectively make it harder for President Trump to use military bases for detention, provide military surveillance equipment to support police or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and claim it is legal to deploy the military to American cities because they are only providing logistical support to law enforcement.\n\nAmendment #6138 to delay funding for misused domestic deployments in FY27—while still allowing funding for reasonable domestic deployments, such as those consented to by destination elected officials, responses to local emergencies and southern border operations—until DOD reports to Congress the impact of such deployments on military readiness.\n\nIn response to the Trump Administration’s surge in federal law enforcement in Chicago and continuous threats to deploy the military in the area, Durbin and Duckworth have taken a number of steps to push back on these unlawful actions carried out by DHS under the direction of President Trump. Durbin and Duckworth’s actions to push back on the Trump Administration’s so-called “Operation Midway Blitz” can be found here and here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-introduce-legislation-to-expand-the-gateway-arch-national-park-boundary-into-illinois", "title": "Durbin, Duckworth Introduce Legislation To Expand The Gateway Arch National Park Boundary Into Illinois", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today introduced the Gateway Arch National Park Boundary Revision Act, bicameral legislation that would add nearly 50 acres to the Gateway Arch National Park into Illinois. Expanding the site into Illinois, including Malcolm Martin Park and East St. Louis, will promote economic development in Illinois by attracting more visitors to the Illinois side of the river. Expanding the site was part of the original vision for the park by architect Eero Saarinen when the design was first pitched in the 1940s. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Mike Bost (R-IL-15), Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), and Ann Wagner (R-MO-02).\n\n“As an East St. Louis native, I’m thrilled to introduce legislation that would expand the Gateway Arch National Park into Illinois,” said Durbin. “This will bring economic growth to the region and surrounding areas. I thank my colleagues, Senator Duckworth and Congresswoman Budzinski, for joining me on this legislation, and look forward to working with our Missouri colleagues to see this expansion become a reality.”\n\n“Expanding Gateway Arch National Park into Illinois would not only give visitors new ways to experience the Arch and the Mississippi River, but it would also help drive economic growth throughout the Metro East region,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to join Senator Durbin and our local leaders in introducing the Gateway Arch National Park Boundary Revision Act of 2026, which would boost tourism and strengthen economic development in East St. Louis and communities across Metro East.”\n\nDurbin is also a cosponsor of U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt’s (R-MO) Gateway Partnership Act.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-reflects-on-recent-bipartisan-bicameral-congressional-delegation-trip-to-the-nato-summit-in-turkiye", "title": "Durbin Reflects On Recent Bipartisan, Bicameral Congressional Delegation Trip To The NATO Summit In Türkiye", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Durbin also spoke about President Trump declaring that the ceasefire with Iran is over and Trump’s unclear strategy to get us out of his war of choice\n\nWASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, reflected on his recent trip to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in Ankara, Türkiye. During the summit, they discussed congressional support for the transatlantic relationship, the war in Iran, as well as continued Russian aggression and interference in western democracies.\n\nDuring his remarks, Durbin reflected on the life and legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) who attended the summit before his passing. Senator Graham was passionate about helping our Ukrainian allies.\n\n“Lindsey knew the stakes at play in Ukraine and the importance of standing up to Russian tyranny. This topic was top of mind for all those attending the NATO Summit, which concluded late last week,” said Durbin. “With the war in Ukraine entering its fifth bloody year, the timing of this event was important as tides begin to turn in Ukraine’s favor. Not only did Ukraine repel the initial invasion by one of the world’s largest armies, but it is increasingly showing progress in winning the conflict. Russia has been unable to seize additional land and is suffering staggering losses—losses that no political leader can sustain for a war of folly.”\n\n“I am happy to report from the NATO Summit that the alliance remains determined to see Ukraine defend itself from Russia. Most of the 32-member bloc—formed from the ashes of World War II—have notably increased their defense spending. They are contributing more funding, equipment, and personnel and are reminding one another of their commitment to—and the importance of—this historic alliance,” said Durbin.\n\nDurbin then spoke about President Trump’s recent comments on various foreign relations matters.\n\n“I was glad President Trump attended the summit—he and President Obama were right to push our allies to pay more of their fair share for the cost of NATO. But President Trump’s constant rhetoric belittling the alliance and dreams of conquering Greenland have been ill timed, boorish, and counterproductive. They send exactly the wrong message to President Putin about American resolve and commitment. They put countries such as the Baltic states and Poland at even greater risk of future Russian aggression,” Durbin continued.\n\nDurbin noted that Congress must do more to help our Ukrainian allies. He noted that we should continue to keep U.S. troop deployments as part of NATO efforts and that we should pass one of the two bipartisan Ukraine bills pending in this chamber—one of them being a sanctions package that Senator Graham worked tirelessly to build support for.\n\nDuring his trip overseas, Durbin also traveled to Hungary.\n\n“There was recently an election in Hungary that unseated Viktor Orbán after 16 years—a period that included democratic backsliding and being a thorn in the side of European efforts to help Ukraine. I want to congratulate the Hungarian people on this peaceful transfer of power and decision to play a more constructive role in European security, including standing with Ukraine. Theirs is a welcome choice that we should support here in the Senate—something I will do in my remaining time,” said Durbin.\n\nDurbin was joined on the NATO summit trip by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Foreign Relations Committee, Chris Coons (D-DE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and U.S. Representative Mike Turner (R-OH-10). Senator Graham joined the delegation for several key meetings.\n\nDurbin then concluded his speech by providing an update on Iran after President Trump declared that the ceasefire with Iran was over after the United States launched a wave of retaliatory strikes in response to Iran firing on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.\n\n“I wish I could say I am surprised, but I am not. President Trump started this war with a genuine destabilizing regime without thinking it through... Iran’s response—striking U.S. and allied targets in the region and holding the Strait and global economy hostage—were easily foreseeable. The Iranian regime, much like Vladimir Putin in Russia, seems to be repeatedly trying to humiliate the United States and play for time,” Durbin continued.\n\n“The original misstep may have occurred even earlier, when President Trump withdrew the United States from the Iran nuclear agreement during his first term, a deal that was working to restrain Iran’s nuclear ambitions. And now, we seem to be floundering back into a much weaker deal, one that that bewilderingly includes billions of dollars to help Iran rebuild. I hope wiser heads will prevail and I look forward to Congressional review of any ensuing deal with Iran as required under the bipartisan Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act,” Durbin concluded.\n\nVideo of Durbin’s floor speech is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s floor speech is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s floor speech is available herefor TV Stations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-remembers-senator-lindsey-graham-on-the-senate-floor", "title": "Durbin Remembers Senator Lindsey Graham On The Senate Floor", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) recognized U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham’s (R-SC) lifetime of public service following his sudden passing this weekend.\n\n“Last week, I joined several of my colleagues from the Senate and the House at the NATO Summit in Ankara, Türkiye… Last Wednesday, we had a dinner hosted by the U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack. There must have been 50 or 60 people there, all shared the concerns of the Summit conference,” Durbin said. “At the heart of that dinner was my colleague and friend, Senator Lindsey Graham. When I arrived that night, it was no surprise that he had been there before me and had been working the crowd, speaking to each and every person who was there—business leaders, political leaders, from all parts of the world—about his concerns. Lindsey was walking them through, one at a time, his vision on how we could end the war in Ukraine and the legislation we needed to accomplish that. Typical of Lindsey Graham.”\n\nDurbin continued, “We all share that concern, but he was buzzing around that crowd like an aspiring candidate to convince everybody there was a way to end this war the right way. Only a few days after that dinner, my friend, Lindsey Graham, passed away. It was a shock. I would like to take a moment to recognize his lifetime of public service, both in the state of South Carolina and our nation.”\n\nDuring his remarks, Durbin spoke about his work with Graham on the Dream Act and comprehensive immigration reform, as well as the confirmation of judges during the Biden Administration.\n\n“I served with Lindsey Graham in the Senate for more than two decades, and during that time, I counted him as a trusted friend,” Durbin said. “Lindsey, for many years, was the only Republican willing to cosponsor the Dream Act, a bill that I introduced over 20 years ago and reintroduced in successive Congresses, providing protection to undocumented immigrants brought to this country as children. His support took guts. At a time when issues surrounding immigration were becoming politically toxic, Lindsey stuck his neck out for me and for these young people. I will never ever forget it.”\n\nDurbin continued, “And I will also never forget a meeting that Lindsey and I had with President Trump in his first term in 2018. It was a meeting to discuss a possible comprehensive immigration reform package. It didn’t go well at all. President Trump made what I consider to be profane comments about some immigrants, and I won’t repeat them here. Lindsey, sitting next to me in the Oval Office, passionately, vocally, and with real commitment disagreed with the President, arguing that America is not defined by race or color, but by its ideals and many contributions that immigrants have made to our nation. He said to the President, as I sat right next to him in the Oval Office, you’re just wrong. These people that are immigrants make a difference in America. It’s the story of our country, and Lindsey said it was the story of his family. Lindsey spoke publicly about this interaction after it occurred. And despite the scorn that he earned from certain segments of the Republican base, he stuck to what he believed was right.”\n\nDurbin continued, “When I [was] … Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Lindsey Graham was my Ranking Republican sitting right next to me. We had our share of disagreements on issues and nominees, but I knew that his word was always good… He voted in favor of 75 percent of the judicial nominations that we considered while I was Chair, and there were 235 lifetime appointments that came out of that committee.”\n\nDurbin concluded, “Loretta and I send our condolences to Lindsey’s family and his legion of friends in South Carolina and around the world. He was an extraordinary member of the Senate.”\n\nVideo of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-trumps-decision-to-slash-boundaries-of-bears-ears-and-grand-staircase-escalante-national-monuments", "title": "Durbin Statement On Trump’s Decision To Slash Boundaries Of Bears Ears & Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to reduce the boundaries of two national monuments—Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante.\n\nIn 2017, the first Trump Administration put 27 national monuments under review with the requirement they were established after 1996 and were over 100,000 acres. Then-Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke recommended six monuments for reduction, but reduced only two monuments—Grand Staircase and Bears Ears. Durbin led the effort against this review and reduction, and in 2021, then-President Biden restored the boundaries of both monuments.\n\n“President Trump’s decision to, once again, slash the boundaries of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments is an attack on some of our nation’s most extraordinary public lands.\n\n“These lands belong to every American. In the wake of these unfortunate reductions, I urge Congress to pass my America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act to protect and defend these lands for future generations.”\n\nFor years, Durbin has championed the America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act to protect more than eight million acres of land in Utah that is rich in archaeological resources and home to numerous rare plant and animal species. These landscapes are also the access point for many national parks and offer unparalleled research, educational, and recreational opportunities for scientists, educators, outdoor enthusiasts, and American families.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-kelly-demand-fema-reimburse-shelter-and-services-program-recipients/", "title": "Gallego, Kelly Demand FEMA Reimburse Shelter and Services Program Recipients", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Arizona Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly demanded that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Acting Administrator Robert Fenton process and reimburse all outstanding eligible Shelter and Services Program (SSP) claims filed before the program’s termination. The letter follows a May 7, 2026, U.S. District Court order in a case brought by Pima County, Chicago, and Denver requiring the agency to process eligible reimbursement claims for costs incurred before SSP grants were terminated.\n\nSSP provided funding to local governments and service providers for short-term emergency services, including food and shelter, for asylum seekers legally processed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at a time when the border was in crisis and local communities were forced to take on a federal responsibility.\n\n“Arizona local governments and service providers carried out this work in reliance of congressional appropriations, FEMA’s program rules, and the federal government’s commitment that eligible expenses would be reimbursed,” wrote the senators. “Failing to fulfill reimbursements to these partners risks undermining the trust needed for effective coordination in future emergencies.”\n\nThe senators called on FEMA to designate a primary point of contact for Arizona SSP reimbursement claims and make appropriate DHS and FEMA officials available for a briefing on the agency’s plans to comply with the court order.\n\n“Together, these rulings reinforce the need for FEMA to follow the law and process reimbursement requests pursuant to the rules and guidelines as they existed under the program prior to the agency’s termination and provide direction to recipients and subrecipients, including those in Arizona,” the senators continued. “Reimbursements are long past due, and FEMA must resolve reimbursement claims without further delay.”\n\n“Arizona localities and service providers fulfilled their responsibilities under this program and courts have agreed the agency’s actions to limit reimbursements were unlawful,” the senators concluded. “FEMA should now provide the clarity, transparency, and timely reimbursement as required under the agency’s own program rules pre-termination. We urge you to comply with these obligations without delay.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-slams-trump-for-slashing-bears-ears-national-monument/", "title": "Gallego Slams Trump for Slashing Bears Ears National Monument", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "As a member of the House, Gallego successfully led the effort to restore Bears Ears after Trump shrank the monument in his first term\n\nWASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is speaking out after President Trump issued a proclamation today slashing Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments by a total of three million acres, or 90%. The monuments, located in southeastern Utah, are of historic, cultural, and spiritual significance for several federally recognized tribes with a presence in Arizona and Utah.\n\n“Today’s announcement is further proof that President Trump does not care about upholding our trust responsibilities or engaging in meaningful Tribal consultation. He’d rather sell off these areas of irreplaceable cultural and sacred heritage to the highest bidder,” said Senator Gallego. “When Trump shrank Bears Ears in his first term, I led the fight against it – I plan to fight back just as hard this time around.”\n\nIn 2016, after extensive negotiations with five Native American tribes, President Obama created Bears Ears National Monument, conserving 1.35 million acres of wilderness and protecting over 100,000 Native American archaeological and cultural sites.\n\nIn 2017, during his first term, President Trump moved to shrink the monument by 85%. As a member of the House, then-Representative Gallego vocally opposed the move and introduced legislation to restore the monument. In 2021, following calls from Rep. Gallego, President Biden restored conservation protections for Bears Ears.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-colleagues-demand-pentagon-release-long-awaited-report-on-u-s-bombing-of-iranian-elementary-school/", "title": "Gillibrand, Colleagues Demand Pentagon Release Long-Awaited Report On U.S. Bombing Of Iranian Elementary School", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Investigation into School Strike Was Reportedly Submitted in April but Has Not Been Released To Congress or the Public\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) led 24 of her colleagues in continuing to demand answers from the Department of Defense (DoD) over the U.S.’ bombing of an Iranian elementary school in February. The strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, which reportedly killed approximately 120 children and at least 175 people in total, represented the worst civilian casualty incident caused by the U.S. military in decades.\n\nIn a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Admiral Brad Cooper, the senators called for the swift completion and release of the Pentagon’s investigation into the school strike, which was reportedly submitted in April, but remains under review by senior military officials. They also requested that the Pentagon provide Congress with a comprehensive plan to ensure that this type of incident does not happen again.\n\n“More than four months after the strike, and after the reported submission of the investigation in April, Congress and the American people still have not received the Department’s investigation and findings,” the senators wrote. “There is no justification for withholding an unclassified accounting of what happened, what went wrong, and what the Department is doing to prevent recurrence.”\n\nIn early March, Reuters first reported that U.S. military investigators believed U.S. forces were likely responsible for the Minab strike. Days later, Pentagon officials reportedly concluded through their preliminary investigation that a U.S. Tomahawk missile had struck the school. Investigators have also reportedly found that multiple failures led the school to be targeted in error, including missed 2019 remarks by an intelligence analyst indicating that the site had changed from a naval facility to a school. The analyst had entered the remarks into a digital system that was not connected to the authoritative targeting database, and officials planning the attack used imagery that had not been updated in several years and did not show a school at the site. In fact, according to recent reporting, senior U.S. military commanders ignored warnings that intelligence about potential targets was severely out of date for the sake of “expediency,” which directly contributed to the strike on the school.\n\n“These reported issues, if accurate, raise deeply troubling questions about the integrity of U.S. target development, the adequacy of target validation and vetting procedures, the interoperability of intelligence and targeting databases, the timeliness and reliability of intelligence used for lethal targeting, and the Department’s implementation of civilian harm mitigation policies,” the senators wrote. “They also raise urgent questions about whether the Department has sufficient targeting personnel, training, accountability mechanisms, and technical safeguards to support large-scale conventional operations.\n\nDespite this reporting, Trump administration officials have not publicly taken responsibility for the strike or the resultant civilian deaths. President Trump himself has suggested multiple times that the strike was not the U.S.’ fault and has even blamed Iran. Additionally, Sec. Hegseth has spent his tenure deriding the rules of engagement and cutting DoD programs that aim to prevent harm to civilians during war, including slashing civilian harm mitigation and response staff at the U.S. combatant commands by over 90 percent.\n\nThe senators concluded, “The United States military has a legal and moral obligation to take all feasible precautions to prevent civilian harm. When a U.S. strike kills civilians, the Department owes Congress, the American people, and the victims’ families a clear accounting of what happened and a credible plan to prevent future failures.”\n\nIn addition to Senator Gillibrand, the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\nSenator Gillibrand has worked tirelessly to hold the Trump administration accountable for its failures during the war in Iran, including the Minab school strike. In March, she called on Sec. Hegseth to resign over the strike, and she demanded a bipartisan Senate Armed Services Committee investigation into the incident. In April, she grilled Hegseth over civilian casualties at schools and hospitals during the Iran war and sought answers on DoD’s degradation of civilian harm prevention programs. In May, she pressed Adm. Cooper on reporting that 22 schools had been damaged by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. In June, she introduced the Secure and Accountable Military AI Act to keep human military commanders in control of life-and-death targeting decisions.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/07/13/icymi-hagerty-joins-kudlow-on-fox-business-to-discuss-iran-housing-and-reconciliation-3-0/", "title": "ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Kudlow on Fox Business to Discuss Iran, Housing and Reconciliation 3.0", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.hagerty.senate.gov", "scraper": "hagerty", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000601", "name": "Bill Hagerty", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington—On Friday, United States Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss Iran, housing and Reconciliation 3.0.\n\n*Click the photo above or here to watch*\n\nPartial Transcript\n\nHagerty on Iran: [Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) Admiral Brad Cooper], is in charge of the [Strait of Hormuz]. It’s the United States of America that is driving the behavior [in Iran]. And what we have is increasing propaganda coming from the Iranian regime. They’re great at propaganda, they’re great at negotiations, but in terms of delivery—not so much. And their economy is in the tank. You see what we’ve done now: the ceasefire is over, [U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent] stepping back in, removing Iran’s temporary license to ship—that’s gone. Sanctions are being reimposed, economic pressure [is] back on, President Trump has hit [Iran] very hard. I think they’re realizing that the old playbook— the one they used with [President Barack Obama], the one they used with [President Joe Biden]—will not work with this administration […] I think that the memorandum of understanding is on life support, at best. [The United States has] reimposed sanctions. We are back at a point of negotiating from a position of strength, letting the Iranians know how it is going to be. We tried to allow them to behave like a normal country; it seems to be beyond them to do that. So, we are moving to plan B. […] We had completed about 75-80% of [target packages] before we went into the ceasefire. There is still a considerable amount of targeting that remains. Those targets are sensitive targets… The pace at which Brad Cooper undertakes this is the pace at which the President directs him to do so, I think is certainly something that was within the realm of the White House to make that decision, but we are moving back in that direction again.\n\nHagerty on housing and affordability: Why should the consumer, why should the everyday man and woman in America pay for the inflation that Joe Biden created? That is exactly where we are. [Indexing capital gains on housing] will unleash housing stock. It will unleash supply. It is a supply-and-demand problem right now that has made housing unaffordable… Another piece I would like to highlight has to do with the regulatory front. And that would be adopting my piece of legislation that deals with taking away the $100,000 that has been the quantification of the regulatory cost on the average home in America, permitting, et cetera, that takes place. $100,000 added to the cost of a home here in America—that is something we need to address first and foremost. My Freedom to Build Act would do just that. It would build on top of what we’ve already done with the [ROAD to Housing Act], and I think just another area to move us in the right direction to lower costs for Americans.\n\nHagerty on Reconciliation 3.0: This is something that we’ve proven that we can do. We can address the SAVE America concerns. I want to see the SAVE America Act passed. I’m a co-sponsor; I’ve voted for it every time. I’m willing to move in every direction we can—but we know we can make [budget] reconciliation work. And I think my colleagues in the House of Representatives are working away right now… I am very pleased to see us moving in that direction […] We have a short period of time here before we get into the zone of the fall election. I think the opportunity is right before us. The House is working away. I’m looking forward to getting Reconciliation 3.0 underway, and I appreciate the house taking the lead and moving it forward […] [Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsay Graham, R-SC,] and his team, actually, and the Budget Committee have been working on Reconciliation 3.0, and I think they’ve been in close contact with the House of Representatives… I think there are a number of ways to deal with it, but frankly, if [the SAVE America Act] comes over in a reconciliation bill, this is something that we have been able to pass. We’ve been very successful at it. I’d like to see it move in that direction, and I think we absolutely can do it.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hassan-visits-newport-farm-discusses-how-trumps-policies-are-driving-up-costs-for-families", "title": "Senator Hassan Visits Newport Farm, Discusses How Trump’s Policies are Driving up Costs for Families", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.hassan.senate.gov", "scraper": "hassan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001076", "name": "Margaret Wood Hassan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "NEWPORT – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan toured the locally owned Beaver Pond Farm in Newport on Friday to hear directly from farmers about how President Trump's policies, including tariffs and the illegal war in Iran, are driving up costs and hurting New Hampshire farms.\n\nThe farm’s owners described how higher fuel prices and increased costs for equipment and replacement parts are making it more expensive to operate. At the same time, the Trump Administration has delayed, eliminated, or severely reduced federal agriculture programs that New Hampshire farmers have relied on for decades, creating uncertainty and driving costs up even further.\n\n“New Hampshire's farms are essential to our state's economy and way of life. President Trump's policies are driving up costs and making it harder for farms like Beaver Pond to feed Granite Staters,” said Senator Hassan. “I appreciated the opportunity to hear from the farmers about the impacts they’ve seen and the need for the Trump administration to reverse course.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-trump-executive-stripping-protections-of-grand-staircase-escalante-and-bears-ears-national-monuments-continuing-war-on-the-west-and-attacks-on-americas-public-lands", "title": "Heinrich Statement on Trump Executive Stripping Protections of Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments, Continuing War on the West and Attacks on America’s Public Lands", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement in response to President Trump stripping protections from the Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments:\n\n“Today’s executive action is another chapter in this administration’s War on the West.\n\n“By once again stripping protections from the Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments, President Trump is turning the Antiquities Act on its head. This law – championed by conservationist John Lacey, drafted by archeologist Edgar Lee Hewett, and signed into law by President Teddy Roosevelt— was written to protect America’s greatest natural, scientific, and cultural treasures, not to strip away protections that generations of Americans have fought to secure.\n\n“These monuments safeguard irreplaceable archaeological sites, critical wildlife habitat, and landscapes that hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for Tribal communities. They also support local economies built around outdoor recreation.\n\n“Time and again, this administration has put the interests of billionaires and powerful industries ahead of America’s public lands and the people who own them. And once again, they’re ignoring Tribal voices, sidelining local communities, and threatening places that belong to every American.\n\n“But the American people have made it clear they want public lands kept in public hands. They understand that these places are part of our natural heritage and our collective identity. Once they’re lost, they’re gone forever.\n\n“These are not museums. They are living cultural landscapes that hold deep meaning and direct connection to Tribal communities today. To issue this executive action without government-to-government consultation is a slap in the face to all the Tribes who have fought for generations to protect these sacred places.\n\n“I’ll keep fighting alongside Tribes, local communities, hunters, anglers, hikers, small businesses, scientists, and everyone who agrees that our public lands are one of America’s greatest ideas – and ensure that future generations can inherit the same opportunity to experience that wild places that define us. To everyone who loves your public lands: now is the time to raise your voices and make sure this is a brief, although dark, period in the story of this great nation.”\n\nHeinrich has been a staunch supporter of protecting and expanding the Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments.\n\nIn 2016, Heinrich applauded President Obama's designation of Bears Ears National Monument, praising the years-long work of Tribal nations to protect the landscape and highlighting the monument's groundbreaking tribal co-management framework.\n\nIn 2017, Heinrich stood with Tribal leaders in urging Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to meet directly with the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition and honor the federal government's commitment to meaningful tribal consultation before taking any action affecting the monument.\n\nFollowing President Trump's decision to shrink Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante in December 2017, Heinrich forcefully condemned the action, calling it \"a direct assault on sacred lands and tribal sovereignty\" and warning it threatened public lands across the country.\n\nIn 2018, Heinrich repeatedly pressed the Trump administration to halt implementation of the monument reductions while legal challenges were pending, joining multiple Senate letters urging the Interior Department to pause new management plans, preserve existing protections, consider millions of public comments, and conduct meaningful consultation with Tribal nations.\n\nHeinrich also cosponsored the ANTIQUITIES Act, legislation reaffirming that only Congress—not a president—has the authority to reduce or revoke a national monument designation.\n\nIn 2019, Heinrich opposed the Trump administration's final Bears Ears management plan, arguing Interior should not weaken protections for the monument while the legality of Trump's reductions remained before the courts.\n\nIn 2021, Heinrich led Senate Democrats in calling on Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to recommend restoring Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante,urging the Biden administration to reverse the Trump administration's reductions and defend the Antiquities Act.\n\nLater that year, Heinrich applauded President Biden's restoration of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments, calling the decision an important step toward protecting America's public lands and supporting continued Tribal co-stewardship of Bears Ears.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-data-trumps-tax-and-tariff-actions-to-cost-new-mexico-workers-hundreds-of-dollars-in-2026", "title": "NEW DATA: Trump’s Tax and Tariff Actions to Cost New Mexico Workers Hundreds of Dollars in 2026", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member and former Chairman of the U.S. Joint Economic Committee (JEC), released a statement reacting to a new report from JEC Democrats that finds that New Mexico workers will lose hundreds of dollars in 2026 from the combined impact of President Trump’s tariffs and Republicans’ Big, Bad Bill.\n\n“New Mexicans are feeling a major economic strain on their budgets. This report helps compile that impact, making clear just how much President Trump’s war, tariffs, and economic policies are driving up costs for New Mexico workers,” said Heinrich. “Teachers, sheet metal workers, firefighters, truck drivers, nursing assistants, and countless other hardworking New Mexicans are paying more for gas, groceries, and other everyday essentials because of Trump’s reckless decisions. I’ll keep holding this administration accountable, calling attention to the real toll these rising prices are taking on working families, and pushing for solutions that bring down costs and provide meaningful relief.”\n\nThe report finds that under Trump’s tax and tariff policies:\n\nSecurity guards will lose around $890\n\nHome health aides and nursing assistants will lose around $860\n\nRetail sales workers will lose around $800\n\nAssembly and manufacturing workers will lose around $580\n\nGrade school teachers and sheet metal workers will lose around $280\n\nFire fighters and truck drivers will lose around $270\n\nRead the full JEC report here.\n\nFor more information on Heinrich’s actions to hold President Trump accountable for his illegal, costly, and reckless war on Iran, click here.\n\nFor more information on Heinrich’s work to combat President Trump’s tariffs and lower the cost of groceries and everyday essentials, click here.\n\nFor more information on Heinrich’s work to lower energy costs for New Mexico families, click here.\n\nAs New Mexico’s senior senator, Heinrich has repeatedly pressed the Trump administration to reverse policies that raise electricity prices and everyday costs for working families, including through hearings, oversight letters, roundtables, and direct engagement with Trump administration officials:\n\nLast month, Heinrich, as Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, hosted a roundtable to discuss how the Trump administration’s policies, including the war with Iran, have driven up energy costs for families, consumers, communities, and small businesses.\n\nAdditionally, Heinrich hosted a roundtable with local small business owners, Roadrunner Food Bank, and Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team, Corp. (WESST) to discuss how President Trump’s global tariffs and war with Iran are making gas, groceries, and everyday essentials more expensive for New Mexico families and businesses.\n\nHeinrich also wrote to the CEOs of the six biggest U.S. airlines seeking information on the current economic conditions of the airline industry as President Trump’s war in Iran continues, requesting that the airlines detail their plan to address rising jet fuel costs, and whether companies will cap or reduce executive compensation to help offset rising costs.\n\nLast August, Heinrich hosted a roundtable discussion on how the Trump Administration is killing jobs and raising New Mexicans' utility bills as a result of Trump’s Big, Bad Bill. Heinrich blasted Republicans’ Big, Bad Bill immediately after the text was unveiled, warning that “the impact is electricity bills will go up.”\n\nThroughout the reconciliation process, Heinrich stood up for New Mexico families, released a report that outlined the negative economic impact of the Big, Bad Bill, grilled the U.S. Energy Secretary over Trump’s plan to gut funding for energy programs that ensure working families have access to affordable, domestic sources of energy, pushed to amend the Big, Bad Bill – for over 27 hours – by repeatedly voting to lower energy costs for families, and voted against the reconciliation bill.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-celebrates-long-overdue-housing-bill-becoming-law/", "title": "Hickenlooper Celebrates Long-Overdue Housing Bill Becoming Law", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Bipartisan bill, which passed the Senate in June, limits homeownership by large institutional investors, helps build more homes\n\nLegislation builds on four Hickenlooper-backed priorities to protect Americans’ homeownership from corporations, support housing loans for veterans, boost manufactured housing\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the below statement responding to the long-overdue 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act becoming law. The bipartisan legislation, which is the most consequential housing legislation in decades, passed Congress in June but remained on President Trump’s desk while he demanded that Congress first pass the SAVE America Act. Despite the President’s obstruction, the bill became law at midnight after the President took no action within the Constitution’s 10-day window.\n\nThe bill helps address the national affordable housing shortage by cutting red tape to build more homes, investing in programs to lower the cost of buying a house, and preventing corporations from dominating the housing market. Hickenlooper fought to include four provisions that he co-sponsors – American Homeownership Act, VA Home Loan Awareness Act, VALID Act, and PRICE Act – to expand housing loan support to veterans and boost manufactured housing.\n\n“At a time when Americans are working multiple jobs and still struggling to buy homes, it’s absurd that President Trump held this monumental housing bill hostage for weeks over petty politics,” said Hickenlooper. “We fought to ensure this law contains critical protections that limit Wall Street’s influence in the housing market, while expanding loan support for veterans, and making the dream of homeownership more attainable for millions of hardworking families.”\n\nSpecifically, the legislation would:\n\nProtect homeownership for Americans, not corporations\n\nBuilds off of the Hickenlooper-backed American Homeownership Act to restrict large institutional investors from purchasing, directly or indirectly, more than 350 single family homes and undermining the housing supply for working Americans\n\nExpand housing supply:\n\nCut federal red tape to encourage new construction\n\nDirect the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to develop best practices for zoning and provide grants to help communities create pre-approved architectural designs, known as pattern books, to speed up local permitting\n\nOffer incentives to build housing near public transit, give priority to projects in Opportunity Zones (OZ), and create a pilot program to convert vacant and abandoned buildings into attainable housing\n\nEstablish the “Whole-Home Repairs Act” pilot to offer grants and forgivable loans to low- and moderate-income homeowners and small landlords to fix health hazards and preserve aging homes\n\nExpand access to capital and homeownership\n\nAttract private capital to underserved neighborhoods by increasing Public Welfare Investment (PWI) caps and prioritizing Opportunity Zone incentives\n\nDirect the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to evaluate and adjust compensation rules and fee caps to encourage lenders to offer small-dollar mortgages\n\nIncrease accountability by allowing HUD to mandate training for, or revoke the certification of, underperforming housing counselors\n\nBoost manufactured and modular housing to bring down prices\n\nBroaden the federal definition of manufactured housing to include modular and prefabricated units that are not built on a permanent chassis\n\nAdopt the Hickenlooper-backed Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Communities (PRICE) Act, which would permanently provide grants to stabilize and protect existing manufactured housing communities\n\nDirect the FHA to assess barriers to financing modular homes and modernize mortgage lending standards for manufactured housing\n\nSupport veterans and underserved communities\n\nAdopt Hickenlooper-backed VA Home Loan Awareness Act, which would help veterans better understand and access loan support\n\nAdopt Hickenlooper-backed VA Loan Informed Decision (VALID) Act, which would require the FHA mortgage notice to include comparative rate and fee information about loans available under the Department of Veterans Affairs home loan program to make sure qualified veterans receive loans\n\nReauthorize the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program for three years and create a new Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency within HUD\n\nImprove federal coordination and oversight\n\nForce HUD and the USDA to coordinate on joint environmental reviews for rural housing projects\n\nRequire the heads of HUD, FHA, Ginnie Mae, USDA, FHFA, and the VA to testify annually before Congress\n\nEstablish a new Office of the Inspector General for NeighborWorks\n\nThe bipartisan bill has broad support from consumer housing groups, real estate industry groups, and local officials including the US Conference of Mayors.\n\nHICKENLOOPER, DELEGATION UNLOCK HALF A BILLION FOR HOUSING\n\nHickenlooper has long fought to expand affordable housing. In 2021, he worked with the Colorado delegation to deliver more than $3.8 billion in American Rescue Plan funding for the state, which included more than $500 million towards affordable housing investments and $300 million in emergency rental assistance for low-income households.\n\nSince being elected, Hickenlooper has also fought and secured more than $62 million for 37 specific Colorado projects that help address the housing crisis.\n\nA list of the housing focused projects that Hickenlooper secured funding for is listed below and HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-colleagues-demand-pentagon-release-investigation-of-deadly-iran-school-strike/", "title": "Hickenlooper, Colleagues Demand Pentagon Release Investigation of Deadly Iran School Strike", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and 24 colleagues demanded that the Department of Defense provide transparency about a deadly U.S. missile strike in February on an Iranian elementary school. The senators called for the immediate release of the Pentagon’s investigation into the school strike, which was reportedly submitted in April, but remains under review by senior officials.\n\n“More than four months after the strike, and after the reported submission of the investigation in April, Congress and the American people still have not received the Department’s investigation and findings,” the senators wrote. “There is no justification for withholding an unclassified accounting of what happened, what went wrong, and what the Department is doing to prevent recurrence.”\n\nOn February 28, within hours of the Trump Administration initiating ‘Operation Epic Fury,’ a U.S. missile is reported to have struck the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, Iran. The strike killed over 175 people, and most of the victims, approximately 120 individuals, were children. If those reports are accurate, this incident is one of the U.S. military’s deadliest civilian casualty incidents in decades. Directly after the strike, Hickenlooper and 45 of his Senate colleagues demanded the Department of Defense carry out a swift investigation.\n\nWhile news reports of the February 28 incident indicate the U.S. knew it made a mistake in carrying out the strike almost immediately, the Department of Defense has yet to disclose its findings, accept blame, or hold anyone accountable for the grave error. 135 days after the strike, the Trump Administration has an obligation to provide the full investigation to Congress and share its findings with the public.\n\nOn March 5, Reuters first reported that U.S. military investigators believed U.S. forces were likely responsible for the Minab strike. Pentagon officials reportedly concluded through their preliminary investigation that a U.S. Tomahawk missile had struck the school. Investigators have also reportedly found that multiple failures led the school to be targeted in error, including missed 2019 remarks by an intelligence analyst that the site had changed from a naval facility to a school.\n\nDespite this reporting, Trump administration officials have not publicly taken responsibility for the strike or the resultant civilian deaths. President Trump himself has suggested multiple times that the strike was not the U.S.’ fault and has even blamed Iran. Additionally, Secretary Hegseth has spent his tenure cutting DoD programs that aim to prevent harm to civilians during war, including slashing civilian harm mitigation and response staff at the U.S. combatant commands by over 90 percent.\n\n“The United States military has a legal and moral obligation to take all feasible precautions to prevent civilian harm. When a U.S. strike kills civilians, the Department owes Congress, the American people, and the victims’ families a clear accounting of what happened and a credible plan to prevent future failures,” wrote the senators.\n\nThe full letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Secretary Hegseth and Admiral Cooper:\n\nWe write regarding the Department of Defense’s investigation into the February 28, 2026 strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School for girls in Minab, Iran, which reportedly killed approximately 120 children and at least 175 people in total. If true, this incident would constitute the U.S. military’s largest civilian casualty incident since 1991. The Department must promptly provide Congress with the complete and unredacted investigation, and submit a concrete plan to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again.\n\nRecent press reporting indicates that the investigation ordered by Admiral Cooper was submitted in April but remains under review by senior DoD leadership. That reporting further indicates that investigators have identified multiple potential failures, including that an analyst noted as early as 2019 that the site appeared to have changed from a naval facility into a school, but that remark was entered into a digital intelligence tool that was not connected to the authoritative targeting database used to develop strike targets. The reporting also indicates that the site was reviewed multiple additional times in subsequent years without the targeting database being updated. Additional reporting from this week alleges that warnings were made in the system indicating the intelligence for the targets was dated, but those warnings were ignored for “expediency” even though the Administration spent weeks planning for President Trump’s war of choice.\n\nThese reported issues, if accurate, raise deeply troubling questions about the integrity of U.S. target development, the adequacy of target validation and vetting procedures, the interoperability of intelligence and targeting databases, the timeliness and reliability of intelligence used for lethal targeting, and the Department’s implementation of civilian harm mitigation policies. They also raise urgent questions about whether the Department has sufficient targeting personnel, training, accountability mechanisms, and technical safeguards to support large-scale conventional operations.\n\nMore than four months after the strike, and after the reported submission of the investigation in April, Congress and the American people still have not received the Department’s investigation and findings. There is no justification for withholding an unclassified accounting of what happened, what went wrong, and what the Department is doing to prevent recurrence.\n\nAccordingly, we request that the Department of Defense and U.S. Central Command take the following actions no later than July 20, 2026:\n\n1. Promptly finalize the investigation into the February 28 strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School and provide Congress with the complete and unredacted investigation.\n\n2. Provide an unclassified version of the report to Congress, suitable for public release.\n\n3. Submit to Congress a prevention and remediation plan that identifies the specific corrective actions the Department will take to ensure this does not happen again.\n\n4. Provide a briefing to Congress on the investigation and all steps being taken to ensure errors of this kind do not happen again.\n\nThe United States military has a legal and moral obligation to take all feasible precautions to prevent civilian harm. When a U.S. strike kills civilians, the Department owes Congress, the American people, and the victims’ families a clear accounting of what happened and a credible plan to prevent future failures.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-shares-remarks-with-maine-press-corps-on-ice-involved-shooting-in-biddeford", "title": "King Shares Remarks with Maine Press Corps on ICE Involved Shooting in Biddeford", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "domain": "www.king.senate.gov", "scraper": "angusking", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000383", "name": "Angus S. King, Jr.", "party": "Independent", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) spoke to the Maine press corps and share remarks on the reported shooting in Biddeford by a member of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE):\n\nOpening Remarks\n\nSenator King: “About 20 minutes ago, I talked to Secretary Markwayne Mullen of the Department of Homeland Security about the incident in Biddeford. Here's what I learned, and here's what I conveyed to him. The individual who has been killed is a male in his 20s. That's all I know about him. He had been given an order to leave the country. He was in a vehicle--pulled out in the vehicle, and the term the secretary used was “weaponized” the vehicle and was shot by an ICE agent. What I said to the Secretary was, we want a full, transparent and open investigation of this matter. And one of the problems is apparently—and again, everything I'm saying is what I know now, certain facts may come out—but apparently there are no cameras. Body cameras were not on the agents. So we have no video evidence of what occurred in this case. State and local officials, of course, are attending to it. The FBI will be leading the investigation because it was a federal operation, but my belief is that our state local officials should also be kept informed and engaged in the investigations. I also talked just five minutes, ten minutes ago to Mayor LaFountain of Biddeford and he is also anxious to see that state and local officials are not frozen out of this investigation. It's a tragedy whenever there's a loss of life. We don't know the circumstances at this point, but my statement to Secretary Mullen, I said, “I'm going to say that you have committed to me that this investigation will be full, fair and transparent. Can I say that? He said, “Yes, absolutely.” So that's the status of this matter right now. Of course, we'll be following it over the next several days. But as I say, I reached out to the Secretary less than a half hour ago, talked to Mayor LaFountain less than 15 minutes ago, and we're going to stay on this and determine exactly what happened. That's my statement at this point. Let me go ahead and take a few questions before I board the flight to Washington.”\n\nQ+A (audio of questions unavailable)\n\nResponse 1\n\nSenator King: “And that's why I was so explicit with the secretary. I know him from working with him in the Senate before he became secretary. I have no reason to think that he's not telling me the truth. But my motto, as with Ronald Reagan, is trust but verify. And I intend to stay on this. And to be sure that we can verify what happened and also whether the investigation is proceeding in a full, comprehensive and transparent way.”\n\nResponse 2\n\nSenator King: “That's my understanding from the Secretary, was that he was given an order to be to leave the country. He had been through his various processes, and so his status was that he was the person who was shot, was the target of the end of the arrest warrant based upon his immigration status. That's about all I can tell you right now. I don't know the details of the status, but he wasn't a bystander or inadvertently, it was the person they were searching for. And the question is, what did he do with his vehicle? Were officers threatened? Was this were the threats rising to the level that justified deadly force? That's what this investigation is all about. And I certainly intend to, stay after it, to do everything I can to be sure the investigation is as transparent and thorough as possible, and that our state and local officials aren't frozen out from the involvement with this project, with this investigation. The FBI will lead it because it was a federal, project. But, to be given what's happened around the country, we need to verify that this investigation will be thorough and transparent and talking about.”\n\nResponse 3\n\nSenator King: “I think the community has every right to ask questions and to bring pressure to bear on, on the federal government for straight answers and honest answers. And whatever evidence there is should be made public and should be made public soon. And, I think the role of the community is to express concern.”\n\nResponse 4\n\nSenator King: “We don't yet really know what happened, but to, ensure that we find out what happened and that if there were actions that were unjustified, that those who committed those actions will be held accountable.”\n\nResponse 5\n\nSenator King: “We’ve been told that body cameras would be widely distributed. Secretary told me that they're on order, that they have been distributed widely across the country, but not everywhere, and apparently not in Biddeford Maine.”\n\nResponse 6\n\nSenator King: “My concern was the in the initial surge, they arrested something like 200 people and 20 of them had criminal records. The rest didn't. So this idea that they were going after the worst of the worst is just nonsense. And, it just doesn't pass the straight face test in terms of the actual data. So I want to understand if they're doing this again, and if so, how are they proceeding? What are the targets? Are they in fact going after people with criminal records? I would want to know whether this individual had a criminal record.”\n\nResponse 7\n\nSenator King: “That's not what I believe. That's the fact that, you know, an investigation involving federal agents. It's the FBI that follows through. I presume it will be the FBI office here in Maine. But I believe, as I said, that it should be coordinated with and, the information should be shared with local and, and state officials, with the attorney general's office, with the governor's office. Because I believe that given what's happened over the past year, we can't just stand back and say, oh, it's a federal investigation. Everything's on the up and up. I hate to say that, but again, given the experience of the past year, I think we have to trust but verify.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lee.senate.gov/2026/7/lee-applauds-trump-s-actions-reining-in-monument-overreach", "title": "Lee Applauds Trump’s Actions Reining in Monument Overreach", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.lee.senate.gov", "scraper": "mikelee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000577", "name": "Mike Lee", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, applauded President Donald J. Trump’s proclamation modifying the boundaries of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monuments.\n\n“Today’s proclamation shows that President Trump listens to Utahns and respects the limits Congress placed on the Antiquities Act,” said Chairman Mike Lee. “For too long, presidents have weaponized monument designations to lock up millions of acres, close roads, restrict grazing, and cut rural communities off from lands their families have lived on and worked for generations. I thank the President for correcting this abuse and keeping his promise to the people of Utah.”\n\nThe proclamation reduces Bears Ears National Monument to approximately 121,000 acres and Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument to approximately 182,000 acres. The revised boundaries will allow federal agencies to concentrate limited personnel and funding on the cultural, historic, and scientific objects identified within the proclamation.\n\nLands outside the modified boundaries remain in federal ownership and continue to be protected under existing federal and state laws. The proclamation will provide greater access for recreation, preserve historic roads and trails, and give ranching families and rural communities greater certainty about the lands on which they depend.\n\nCongress enacted the Antiquities Act in 1906 to allow presidents to protect historic landmarks and other objects of historic or scientific interest. The law requires monument reservations to be confined to “the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected.”\n\nPrevious designations placed approximately 3.2 million acres within the two monuments—more land than all seven of Utah’s other national monuments and all five of its national parks combined and about the combined size of the states of Rhode Island and Connecticut. Those sweeping boundaries strained federal staffing and law-enforcement resources while increasing the burdens placed on rural counties responsible for search-and-rescue operations and other public services.\n\nPresident Trump’s action returns the monuments to a focused and manageable scale, improves the ability of land managers to protect significant resources, and restores a meaningful voice for the Utah communities closest to these lands.\n\n“These modified boundaries don’t diminish protection, they focus it,” said Governor Spencer Cox. “The new proclamations focus management efforts to better preserve the cultural and archaeological resources that make this part of Utah so special. Management matters, and we are optimistic about the future preservation of Utah’s historic, cultural, and scientific resources in these areas.”\n\n“President Trump’s executive action restores a more balanced approach to managing Utah’s public lands and shows a willingness by this Administration to listen to the state of Utah,” said Senator John Curtis. “While today’s announcement is an important step in the right direction and a more appropriate interpretation of the Antiquities Act, the responsibility remains with Congress to do what executive orders cannot: bring stakeholders together, work through disagreements, and enact lasting solutions. This approach worked in Emery County, which serves as a strong example to build on.”\n\n\"Utahns have long supported protecting our state's extraordinary cultural and natural resources,\" said Representative Celeste Maloy. \"This action honors that goal while following the law Congress passed and giving greater consideration to the people who know these lands best.”\n\n\"The Antiquities Act is crystal clear: presidential designations meant to protect objects should be 'confined to the smallest area compatible' with the proper care and management of those objects. That mandate was ignored,” said Representative Burgess Owens. “The mess started with Bill Clinton, who acted from a seat in Arizona with his back turned to Utah. It was compounded by Barack Obama in the waning hours of his presidency. Together, they created monuments larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined which is an unmistakable violation of the 'smallest area compatible' standard. I am grateful for President Trump's actions today, and for his willingness to listen to the Utah communities who cherish and honor these landscapes. Utah deserves leaders who respect the rule of law. Today, accountability prevailed.\"\n\n“The people of Utah understand these lands better than any distant bureaucracy ever could,” said Representative Mike Kennedy. “Decisions about how they are managed and protected should rest with the communities who live closest to them. The Antiquities 1``111Act was written to protect specific and important areas, and honoring its intent is the rational way to safeguard these treasures while giving Utahns a real voice in their future.”\n\n“This has, unfortunately, become a back-and-forth issue between administrations,” said Representative Blake Moore. “Today’s announcement takes into consideration years of local concern over restricted access and misuse of the Antiquities Act while still protecting our state’s natural and cultural resources for future generations. If the Antiquities Act is going to be used, it needs to be on the smallest area possible—that’s what we’re doing here.”\n\n“The Antiquities Act was never meant to be a tool for locking up millions of acres with the stroke of a pen. Today’s action takes a major step in the right direction of appropriately sized monuments allowing responsible stewardship that works with our communities, not against them. Utah has fought hard to enforce Antiquities Act limits on monument size, and we will continue fighting to ensure the law is applied faithfully — and that Utahns have lasting certainty about the lands they call home,” said Attorney General Derek Brown. “But our work isn’t finished. The long-term answer isn’t found in which president happens to occupy the White House. The answer lies in honoring the textual limits the Antiquities Act already places on monument sizes. Utah will keep pressing until that’s the reality, not just the ideal.”\n\n“Today is an exciting day for the state of Utah and we applaud President Trump’s thoughtful action to modify the boundaries of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments,” said Utah Speaker Mike Schultz. “These changes will improve management, public access, and recreation opportunities while respecting the traditions, livelihoods, and voices of local communities. By focusing resources where they are needed most, we will ensure these lands are preserved for current and future generations. We continue to push for a long-term solution so these lands are not subject to political back-and-forth. These remarkable places deserve stability, protection, and thoughtful stewardship for decades to come.”\n\n“We don’t have to choose between protecting our heritage and supporting our communities,” said Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams. “We appreciate the Trump Administration’s recognition that local communities deserve a meaningful voice in the stewardship of the public lands that shape their way of life. Today’s action provides a more focused approach to preserving some of Utah’s most treasured landscapes while ensuring these lands remain accessible to the people who rely on them. Historic roads and trails will remain open, ranching families will have certainty, and Utahns and visitors will continue to enjoy these areas through hiking, hunting, camping, biking and other longstanding recreational opportunities. These changes also give land managers greater flexibility to reduce wildfire risk and combat invasive species. By focusing protections where they matter most, we can preserve these cultural and natural treasures while honoring the traditions and livelihoods that have long been part of this region.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-blumenthal-wyden-demand-ftc-action-on-hidden-delivery-fees-that-drive-up-prices-for-consumers/", "title": "Luján, Blumenthal, Wyden Demand FTC Action on Hidden Delivery Fees That Drive Up Prices for Consumers", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“At a time when the cost of living is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, these delivery app fees are nothing more than a greedy assault on consumers’ pocketbooks.”\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) called on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to take swift action to stop food and grocery delivery apps from using deceptive fees, surveillance pricing, and anti-consumer marketing tactics. The FTC is currently considering a rule to address these deceptive fees. In a letter sent to FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson, Luján, Blumenthal, and Wyden called on the Commission to proceed with the rulemaking and pursue enforcement to protect consumers from these predatory practices.\n\n“For millions of Americans, including busy parents and people with mobility issues, food delivery is a lifeline, not a luxury. However, delivery apps are taking advantage of consumers by slapping on unexplained and misleading fees that lead to exorbitantly higher prices. Delivery apps such as Uber Eats and DoorDash justify these additional charges under the pretext of long-distance deliveries, small orders, priority or express deliveries, and ‘regulatory compliance.’ To further obscure these fees, delivery apps often lump costs together and hide fees during the checkout process,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators continued, “Price gouging through hidden fees and markups clearly falls within the Commission’s purview of combating unfair and deceptive acts and practices…The Commission’s recent advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on delivery app fees presents the perfect opportunity to close this gap.”\n\n“At a time when the cost of living is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, these delivery app fees are nothing more than a greedy assault on consumers’ pocketbooks. As such, we encourage the Commission to proceed with this rulemaking and pursue enforcement against deceptive hidden fees, surveillance pricing, and markups related to food and grocery deliveries,” the Senators concluded.\n\nThe full text of the Senators’ letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Chair Ferguson,\n\nAs consumers face rising costs and price gouging when buying groceries and meals, we write to urge the Federal Trade Commission (the Commission) to proceed with rulemaking and bring enforcement actions to put an end to deceptive fees, surveillance pricing, and anti-consumer marketing tactics by food and grocery delivery apps.\n\nFor millions of Americans, including busy parents and people with mobility issues, food delivery is a lifeline, not a luxury. However, delivery apps are taking advantage of consumers by slapping on unexplained and misleading fees that lead to exorbitantly higher prices. Delivery apps such as Uber Eats and DoorDash justify these additional charges under the pretext of long distance deliveries, small orders, priority or express deliveries, and ‘regulatory compliance.’ To further obscure these fees, delivery apps often lump costs together and hide fees during the checkout process. They also withhold whether they charge more for the same items that cost less in person at the same time they tack on these additional fees. Lastly, mandated pricing disclosures reveal that delivery apps rely on consumers’ personal data, such as their order history, to set prices. For these reasons, we encourage the Commission to stop delivery apps from engaging in surveillance pricing, which exploits consumers by charging drastically unequal prices.\n\nIndependent price comparisons confirm that consumers are being price gouged by delivery apps. A study by LendingTree found that nearly 4 in 10 Americans use delivery services at least once a week and pay on average almost 80% more than they would have picking up those meals themselves. The New York Times found that Uber Eats charged consumers 91% more through price markups and fees for the same order at a nearby Subway. The fees imposed by delivery apps also hurt restaurants and businesses, who can incur their own fees through commission costs and are often incorrectly blamed for increased prices that they do not control.\n\nPrice gouging through hidden fees and markups clearly falls within the Commission’s purview of combating unfair and deceptive acts and practices. Over the years, the Commission has brought numerous enforcement actions against platforms for misrepresenting costs stemming from food and grocery deliveries, including Grubhub, Instacart, Amazon, and Walmart. More notably, the Commission implemented its Junk Fee Rules in May 2025 to require total price disclosures and prohibit misleading fees for certain goods and services. While the Commission recognized that consumers were dissatisfied with these fees on food and grocery delivery apps, the final rule limited its scope to live ticketing sales and short-term lodging. The Commission’s recent advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on delivery app fees presents the perfect opportunity to close this gap.\n\nAt a time when the cost of living is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, these delivery app fees are nothing more than a greedy assault on consumers’ pocketbooks. As such, we encourage the Commission to proceed with this rulemaking and pursue enforcement against deceptive hidden fees, surveillance pricing, and markups related to food and grocery deliveries.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-releases-discussion-draft-of-legislation-to-create-a-national-framework-to-address-data-center-harm", "title": "Senator Markey Releases Discussion Draft of Legislation to Create a National Framework to Address Data Center Harm", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Discussion Draft Text (PDF)\n\nWashington (July 13, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and co-chair of the Senate Environmental Justice Caucus, today released a discussion draft of legislation that would create a national framework to prevent increased energy costs, pollution, and adverse health harms related to the rapid buildout of data centers and associated fossil fuel infrastructure.\n\n“Communities are organizing and demanding action to protect their air, water, energy bills, and quality of life from the tsunami of data centers around the country,” said Senator Markey. “For an issue as fast-moving and important to American families - the surging proliferation of data centers - we need a national framework that can proactively tackle all of these issues together. I will be working with communities, workers, and other stakeholders to learn from state and local level measures, and collaborate on this comprehensive platform that prioritizes protection, builds community capacity and resilience, and takes action against rising pollution and rising energy bills due to data centers.”\n\nThe Protecting Communities from Data Center Impacts Act would:\n\nRequire data centers to receive a certificate from the federal government prior to permitting and construction that affirms the data center will not harm the public interest and will meet minimum standards for energy, environmental, and economic impacts\n\nProvide grants to build community capacity and support technical assistance to monitor and mitigate air, water, noise, and other environmental and public health impacts from data centers\n\nRequire data centers pay for necessary grid infrastructure and enter into agreements to reduce their energy demand during times of grid stress\n\nRequire data centers fund renewable energy and storage to meet their capacity needs, rather than use on-site diesel\n\nRequire high labor standards for construction\n\nSenator Markey is an outspoken critic of the Trump administration’s “race to the bottom” regulatory approach for AI data centers and a leader in advocating for stronger monitoring and mitigation of environmental and health impacts associated with data center buildout.\n\nLast week, Senator Markey released his AI Accountability Agenda: Taking Power Back from Big Tech, a comprehensive agenda for responding to the risks posed by AI that lays out specific policy proposals to protect communities from the immediate harms of AI.\n\nIn June, Senator Markey wrote to EPA Administrator Zeldin to demand the withdrawal of a proposed rule that undermines Clean Air Act permitting standards to facilitate the buildout of data centers and associated fossil fuel infrastructure.\n\nSenator Markey previously reintroduced his Artificial Intelligence (AI) Environmental Impacts Act, legislation that would require data center operators to report the full range of their facilities’ environmental impacts.\n\nIn November 2025, Senator Markey wrote to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) urging the agency to ensure that increased and projected energy demand from data centers does not result in unjust or unreasonable rate hikes for American households.\n\nIn September 2025, Senator Markey wrote to the EPA in opposition to the agency’s initial announcement of plans to roll back the NSR program for data center buildout.\n\nIn July 2025, Senator Markey hosted a roundtable discussion titled The Data Center Next Door: Hidden Costs and Harms of Artificial Intelligence and Cryptomining to highlight the adverse environmental, health, climate, and energy cost impacts of data center proliferation in communities across the United States, and to condemn the deregulatory actions set forth in President Trump’s AI Action Plan. On the day of the roundtable, Senator Markey also released a storybook to spotlight the experiences of American families living with data centers in their backyard.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-calls-for-special-counsel-investigation-into-dr-fauci/", "title": "Senator Marshall Calls for Special Counsel Investigation into Dr. Fauci", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche calling for the appointment of a Special Counsel to investigate Dr. Anthony Fauci following the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) recent declassification of documents regarding the handling of COVID-19. As one of Congress’s leading voices on COVID-19 origins and gain-of-function oversight since the start of the pandemic, Senator Marshall believes the newly declassified documents warrant an independent Special Counsel investigation into Dr. Fauci’s role, as well as a review of former President Biden’s pardon.\n\nIn his letter, Senator Marshall wrote:\n\n“If the pardon is valid, we must understand what conduct it covers. If the pardon was not validly authorized, it should not allow Dr. Fauci to skirt accountability. The pandemic imposed enormous costs on Kansas families, businesses, and communities, as well as on the entire country. The restoration of the public’s trust demands an independent investigation of federal officials’ conduct before, during, and even after the pandemic.”\n\nIn the letter, Dr. Marshall requested that the Special Counsel examine:\n\nDr. Fauci’s role in the origins of COVID-19, gain-of-function research funding, and obstruction of congressional oversight;\n\nWhether former President Biden personally authorized the autopen-signed pardon and whether it was lawfully executed; and\n\nThe full scope of the pardon and what conduct it covers.\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\nFor exclusive coverage of the letter, click HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-lindsey-graham-was-a-true-patriot-bipartisan-leader/", "title": "Senator Marshall: Lindsey Graham Was a True Patriot & Bipartisan Leader", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Marshall Joins Newsmax & KCMO Radio\n\nWashington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Sharla McBride and Marc Lotter on Newsmax’s Wake Up America and Pete Mundo on KCMO Radio to discuss the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, his personal character and genuine love for America, his ongoing legacy in the Senate, and how the work to pass the SAVE America Act and reconciliation must continue in his honor.\n\nClick HERE to download the full video.\n\nClick HERE to download the full video.\n\nOn the passing and personal character of Senator Lindsey Graham:\n\n“You know, it’s a tough day up here. So many of us are still in denial, we’re still just trying to ask, ‘Did this really happen to one of my besties?’ Lindsey Graham was one of my very best friends up here, and I won’t be surprised if 98 Senators also say that he was one of their best friends. He had the gift of hospitality. You know, I think of Will Rogers saying that he never met a man he didn’t like — well, I never met a person that didn’t like Lindsey Graham. They didn’t always agree with him, but he was so likable, so genuine, and just such a good person. He made me laugh all the time. We’re going to really miss him — I’ll especially miss him in the cloakroom.”\n\n“Here’s something that nobody knows — and I haven’t shared this with anybody yet — but Lindsey had an encyclopedic knowledge of the Bible. We had several times what’s called a vote-a-rama — we’re up all night, we’re in the cloakroom, think of your guy’s locker room or your girl’s locker room, where you kind of get a little loose. And all of a sudden — we’ve got three guys up here, Senators, with divinity degrees — Lindsey goes into a Bible contest of knowledge, where he was not using notes, and quizzing these guys on Bible history. I don’t know where he got that, he was raised in a bar. His parents owned a bar; he was raised in the back room of it. His parents die when he’s 23, he has a little sister who’s 13 at the time and he legally adopts his little sister. We’ve got to meet her many times, and you just can’t go a conversation where Lindsey doesn’t talk about his little sister. So just a loving guy, and just humorous, witty, genuine, authentic — all those things. So, we’re just going to miss him horribly.”\n\n“But Lindsey’s passing is going to really… it’ll be interesting to see. Maybe it’ll lead to a little bipartisanship. Maybe people will take a deep breath and say, ‘Wow.’ Lindsey Graham, he spoke so clearly, so authentically, with humor and an emotional intensity that everyone can appreciate as well. We’re just going to really miss Lindsey, and my heartfelt condolences go to his little sister, who he helped raise, and really all of his family members.”\n\nOn the cause of Senator Graham’s death:\n\n“Well, you know, number one, I think just the spiritual side of this — that no one’s promised tomorrow, and to make every day count, and those things we’ve all been taught. I think of the chest pain stuff of this — I didn’t know. I mean, if Lindsey would have told me what he was feeling, I think I would have literally driven him to the hospital myself. But it went from nothing to something — very catastrophic in a matter of seconds when you think about an aortic dissection, which is what’s being reported. And I don’t want to speak out of school, but I think the pathology report’s been released now that it was probably an aortic dissection, which is a sudden catastrophic event. But he may have had some symptoms. So yeah, I mean don’t ignore those chest pain symptoms, especially you know if you’ve got pain that starts in your chest and it’s going down your arm or up your jaws, those types of things. And maybe it’s just indigestion, but you’re not going to know till we get an EKG or maybe some other studies.”\n\nOn Senator Graham’s legacy of leadership:\n\n“So certainly, he’s been around a long time — in the House for four years, and over here I think close to 24 years. So, there was a time up here when bipartisanship was respected and was just a common deal. So, I think he’s chairman of the Judiciary Committee and has been on that. So, as you go through all these confirmations on judges, especially Supreme Court justices, Lindsey would have had the attitude that even if a Democrat nominated a Supreme Court justice — unless there was a huge character flaw or something — he started off at yes. And he was one of those people that would be criticized today for quote ‘helping the Democrats out too much.’ But there are times when you do need some people to fund the government or to get Supreme judges elected. There has to be some bipartisan support…. So, he walked across the aisle enough with his votes to earn that respect.”\n\n“I think number one is just his ability to communicate. Certainly, he was authentic, he was genuine, he brought in humor, and then just an emotional intensity that you could feel. Lindsey was a true patriot — a former colonel in the United States Air Force, you know very few people remember that. So, on the Budget Committee, you know, he’s the chairman, and he would gladly tell you that he hated numbers; he hated math; he was a big-picture person. So, on the Budget Committee, when we did our Working Family Tax Cuts bill, which ends up being the largest tax cut, the largest spending cut by the government in American history, that starts on the Budget Committee. And then Lindsey would just tell people let Marshall and Ron Johnson and Rick Scott do the numbers, but he was the big picture guy that really was the catalyst to say we can do this. We can put this all in one big bill and get it done all together — and he just has this can-do attitude. He was one of the few people up here that made the complicated simple, which is what leaders do. Commonly, government makes the simple complicated, but Lindsey made the complicated simple. Whenever anyone wanted to dive into some rabbit hole, and they would say, ‘Lindsey, what about this? What about that?’ he would look at them and say, ‘Great, you’re in charge of figuring that out for us.’ And that’s total military leadership is to let other people who care about one particular thing say, ‘Yeah, you go take that mountain right now.’ So that’s what I remember Lindsey for is working on this Working Family Tax Cuts bill — again the largest tax cut, the largest spending cut, in American history. We were back and forth to the White House several times together, talking with the President, and he was very instrumental in just keeping the President on board the whole way, and using his full weight at the White House to get that across the finish line.”\n\nOn passing the SAVE America Act and another reconciliation bill:\n\n“Well, there’s no easy mountain to climb here. And by the way, I really do believe that Mitch McConnell is going to be back; he’s been a tough fighter his whole life — you know, he had polio at a young age. For that important vote, Mitch will make it back as well. Look, I think we need to, just all by itself, let’s just vote on voter ID. 90% of Americans support that; let’s get it passed. Surely 10 Democrats will vote for voter ID, but I’d like to get them on record one way or the other. Then, let’s vote on some type of proof of citizenship and get that passed. Then let’s go to what type of guardrails do we want on mail-in ballots as well? But it’s tough. And the real question we should be asking is why won’t 10 Democrats support something that 90% of Americans support as well?”\n\n“I think upfront for us is who’s going to be the next Budget Committee chairman. I don’t want to deal with that, but we need to if we want to get Reconciliation 3.0 done, it’s going to start in the Budget Committee again, so we’re going to have to rally the troops and figure out what we’re going to do. And by the way, you know Chuck Schumer is going to shut the government down on September 30th again. So, we need to keep our eye on that ball — how do we fund the government when no Democrats are going to vote for it? Because they would gladly have our country in a recession, then let Donald Trump keep the majorities in the House and the Senate. So, I think we need to stay locked in on what we can control — and that would be how do we fund the government, how do we keep government open.\n\nOn replacing Lindsey Graham in the Senate:\n\n“We’re supposed to celebrate someone’s life. But we’re really a pretty tight team up here, and there’s going to be some mourning, and there’s going to be some denial and anger. I don’t think we should jump to reconciliation. Hopefully it’s a short-term deal; they’ll have a real election process in November anyway. So, I don’t have any idea; I don’t know who the players are. I certainly hope it’s someone who is a fiscal conservative, supports a Make America Great Again agenda, America First agenda. So, I guess, and there’s several people that could fulfill that role, especially short term as well. But you know, just today, I’m just going to honor Lindsey’s life and celebrate it and try to work through my own grieving here. He felt like a brother to me, and you know, we met his little sister several times and just know the grief that she’s going through as well.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-kicks-off-inaugural-fentanyl-free-america-summit-in-florida-with-dea-administrator-cole-and-acting-ag-blanche-attracting-thousands-from-across-the-nation/", "title": "VIDEO: Senator Moody Kicks Off Inaugural Fentanyl Free America Summit in Florida with DEA Administrator Cole and Acting AG Blanche, Attracting Thousands from Across the Nation", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ORLANDO, Fla.—Senator Ashley Moody today helped the Drug Enforcement Administration kick off the first-ever DEA Fentanyl Free America Summit in Orlando. Senator Moody joined DEA Administrator Terrence Cole, Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Sara Carter, and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma to launch the national event. The leaders in the fight to end the opioid crisis held an in-depth panel discussion to discuss local, state and federal strategies to combat the illicit drug trade and reduce fentanyl overdose deaths.\n\n“As Florida’s Attorney General, I united local, state, and federal partners to confront the opioid crisis—and we delivered results. Florida led the nation in fentanyl interdiction efforts, while our overdose death rate declined faster than the national average. Now, as Florida’s newest United States Senator, I am working to bring that proven model to the country. Today’s inaugural summit reflects our shared commitment to strengthening coordination, sharing critical knowledge and resources, ending the fentanyl crisis nationwide, and saving lives,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nMoody led efforts to stop the flow of illicit fentanyl into the state during her tenure as Attorney General and during that time, Florida led the nation in fentanyl seizures. By coordinating local, state, and federal partners, Florida reduced fentanyl-related deaths by 42% from the first half of 2024 to the first half of 2025—greater than the estimated nationwide decrease of 22% from 2024 to 2025. Now in the U.S. Senate, Moody continues this fight through the Senate Judiciary Committee and legislation to expand Florida’s successful model nationwide.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nTo view Senator Moody’s remarks, click here.\n\nAs Florida’s newest United States Senator, Senator Moody continues to combat the nation’s fentanyl crisis by cosponsoring the HALT Fentanyl Act, Tyler’s Law, and most recently the PRESS Act.\n\nHALT Fentanyl Act would permanently classify fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.\n\nTyler’s Law would require HHS to issue guidance on whether hospital emergency departments should implement fentanyl testing as a routine procedure for patients experiencing an overdose.\n\nPRESS Act would criminalize the intentional importation of pill press machines and unlisted precursor chemicals with the intent to manufacture illicit drugs.\n\nAs Florida Attorney General, Senator Moody chaired the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Drug Abuse and secured a massive multibillion-dollar settlement from opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies.\n\nWhile serving as Attorney General, Senator Moody also demanded Biden classify illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction and declare Mexican drug cartels smuggling fentanyl into the country as terrorist organizations. President Trump declared drug cartels terrorist organizations on Day One.\n\nAs Attorney General, Senator Moody created Dose of Reality Florida and Fast Facts on Fentanyl to help Floridians learn about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and opioid use.\n\nThe Helping Heroes program was also created to provide free naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal-medication, to law enforcement and first responds across the state.\n\nUnder Senator Moody’s leadership during her time as Attorney General, Florida’s fentanyl deaths began decreasing in 2022 and have continued to decrease each year since. When nationwide fentanyl deaths dropped by 2% in 2023, Florida fentanyl deaths decreased by 11% during that same time period. And according to the newest data available from the FDLE Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons by Florida Medical Examiners report, Florida fentanyl deaths in the first six months of 2025 are down 42% compared to the first six months of 2024—outpacing the 2025 nationwide decrease of 22%.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sens-ossoff-rev-warnock-secure-26-million-for-savannah-brunswick-ports-and-cobb-county-transportation-project/", "title": "Sens. Ossoff, Rev. Warnock Secure $26 Million for Savannah, Brunswick Ports and Cobb County Transportation Project", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation championed by Senators Ossoff and Warnock\n\nThe Savannah and Brunswick ports will receive over $20 million to install fiber connections to increase efficiency and connectivity between freight vehicles\n\nCobb County will receive $5 million for the Cobb Parkway at McCollum Parkway/Kennesaw Due West Road/Old 41 realignment project\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock today announced more than $26 million in federal funding for Georgia to support the ports of Savannah and Brunswick, as well as a transportation project in Cobb County.\n\n“Georgians deserve world-class infrastructure. Bringing Republicans and Democrats together, we’re delivering these resources to upgrade infrastructure across metro Atlanta and coastal Georgia to keep families safe, support business and commerce, and keep our state moving,” said Sen. Ossoff.\n\n“I’m focused on securing federal funding for Georgia to keep our supply chains [love a supply chain reference on this one] running smoothly and our communities better connected,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “This is the kind of progress I had in mind when I worked with my colleagues in the Senate to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. I will continue to work to deliver more investments in our transportation economy for Georgians across the state.”\n\nFor the ports of Savannah and Brunswick, the Senators secured $20,972,248 to install fiber connections for connected vehicles across the freight areas of both ports. The project includes the installation of 58 miles of conduit and fiber-optic communication, and the equipping of approximately 500 freight vehicles with on-board units to improve the efficiency of freight operations.\n\nIn Cobb County, the senators secured $5 million to help realign Cobb Parkway at McCollum Parkway. The funding will be used to support study and design activities for the roadway realignments to correct multiple turning movements on McCollum Parkway, Old 41 Highway, South Main Street, and Summers Street by aligning with Cobb Parkway/US 41 at its intersection with Kennesaw Due West Road.\n\nThe project also includes two bridge replacements over railroad corridors, multi-modal access, and operational improvements to increase community connectivity.\n\nIn 2024, Senators Warnock and Ossoff secured more than $122 million in federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade Georgia’s Public Transportation Infrastructure. The senators also secured over $48 million in federal funding for clean energy upgrades at the ports of Savannah and Brunswick.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-colleagues-demand-pentagon-release-investigation-of-deadly-iran-school-strike-without-further-delay", "title": "Reed, Colleagues Demand Pentagon Release Investigation of Deadly Iran School Strike Without Further Delay", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – On February 28, 2026, within hours of the Trump Administration initiating ‘Operation Epic Fury,’ a U.S. missile is reported to have struck the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, Iran, killing over 175 people. Most of the victims, approximately 120 individuals, were innocent children. If those reports are accurate, this incident is one of the U.S. military’s deadliest civilian casualty incidents in decades.\n\nWhile news reports of the February 28 incident indicate the U.S. knew it made a tragic mistake in carrying out the deadly strike almost immediately, the Department of Defense has yet to disclose its findings, accept blame, or hold anyone accountable for the grave error.\n\nOn March 11, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined several colleagues demanding that the Department of Defense provide the American people with transparency about the incident. Reed says 135 days after the strike, the Trump Administration has an obligation to provide the full investigation to Congress and share its finding with the public.\n\nToday, Senator Reed joined U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and 23 of their colleagues in demanding answers from DOD about the deadly strike.\n\nIn a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Admiral Brad Cooper, the 25 Senators urged the swift release of the Pentagon’s investigation into the school strike, which was reportedly submitted in April, but remains under review by senior officials. They also requested that the Pentagon provide Congress with a comprehensive plan to ensure that this type of incident does not happen again.\n\n“More than four months after the strike, and after the reported submission of the investigation in April, Congress and the American people still have not received the Department’s investigation and findings,” the senators wrote. “There is no justification for withholding an unclassified accounting of what happened, what went wrong, and what the Department is doing to prevent recurrence.”\n\nOn March 5, Reuters first reported that U.S. military investigators believed U.S. forces were likely responsible for the Minab strike. Days later, Pentagon officials reportedly concluded through their preliminary investigation that a U.S. Tomahawk missile had struck the school. Investigators have also reportedly found that multiple failures led the school to be targeted in error, including missed 2019 remarks by an intelligence analyst indicating that the site had changed from a naval facility to a school. The remarks were reportedly entered into a digital system that was not connected to the authoritative targeting database, and officials planning the strike used imagery that had not been updated in several years and did not show a school at the site.\n\n“These reported issues, if accurate, raise deeply troubling questions about the integrity of U.S. target development, the adequacy of target validation and vetting procedures, the interoperability of intelligence and targeting databases, the timeliness and reliability of intelligence used for lethal targeting, and the Department’s implementation of civilian harm mitigation policies,” the senators wrote. “They also raise urgent questions about whether the Department has sufficient targeting personnel, training, accountability mechanisms, and technical safeguards to support large-scale conventional operations.\n\nDespite this reporting, Trump administration officials have not publicly taken responsibility for the strike or the resultant civilian deaths. President Trump himself has suggested multiple times that the strike was not the U.S.’ fault and has even blamed Iran. Additionally, Secretary Hegseth has spent his tenure deriding the rules of engagement and cutting DoD programs that aim to prevent harm to civilians during war, including slashing civilian harm mitigation and response staff at the U.S. combatant commands by over 90 percent.\n\nThe senators concluded, “The United States military has a legal and moral obligation to take all feasible precautions to prevent civilian harm. When a U.S. strike kills civilians, the Department owes Congress, the American people, and the victims’ families a clear accounting of what happened and a credible plan to prevent future failures.”\n\nIn addition to Gillibrand and Reed, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\nFull text of the letter follows:\n\nDear Secretary Hegseth and Admiral Cooper:\n\nWe write regarding the Department of Defense’s investigation into the February 28, 2026 strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School for girls in Minab, Iran, which reportedly killed approximately 120 children and at least 175 people in total. If true, this incident would constitute the U.S. military’s largest civilian casualty incident since 1991. The Department must promptly provide Congress with the complete and unredacted investigation, and submit a concrete plan to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again.\n\nRecent press reporting indicates that the investigation ordered by Admiral Cooper was submitted in April but remains under review by senior DoD leadership. That reporting further indicates that investigators have identified multiple potential failures, including that an analyst noted as early as 2019 that the site appeared to have changed from a naval facility into a school, but that remark was entered into a digital intelligence tool that was not connected to the authoritative targeting database used to develop strike targets. The reporting also indicates that the site was reviewed multiple additional times in subsequent years without the targeting database being updated. Additional reporting from this week alleges that warnings were made in the system indicating the intelligence for the targets was dated, but those warnings were ignored for “expediency” even though the Administration spent weeks planning for President Trump’s war of choice.\n\nThese reported issues, if accurate, raise deeply troubling questions about the integrity of U.S. target development, the adequacy of target validation and vetting procedures, the interoperability of intelligence and targeting databases, the timeliness and reliability of intelligence used for lethal targeting, and the Department’s implementation of civilian harm mitigation policies. They also raise urgent questions about whether the Department has sufficient targeting personnel, training, accountability mechanisms, and technical safeguards to support large-scale conventional operations.\n\nMore than four months after the strike, and after the reported submission of the investigation in April, Congress and the American people still have not received the Department’s investigation and findings. There is no justification for withholding an unclassified accounting of what happened, what went wrong, and what the Department is doing to prevent recurrence.\n\nAccordingly, we request that the Department of Defense and U.S. Central Command take the following actions no later than July 20, 2026:\n\n1. Promptly finalize the investigation into the February 28 strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School and provide Congress with the complete and unredacted investigation.\n\n2. Provide an unclassified version of the report to Congress, suitable for public release.\n\n3. Submit to Congress a prevention and remediation plan that identifies the specific corrective actions the Department will take to ensure this does not happen again.\n\n4. Provide a briefing to Congress on the investigation and all steps being taken to ensure errors of this kind do not happen again.\n\nThe United States military has a legal and moral obligation to take all feasible precautions to prevent civilian harm. When a U.S. strike kills civilians, the Department owes Congress, the American people, and the victims’ families a clear accounting of what happened and a credible plan to prevent future failures.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-reflects-on-sen-lindsey-graham-s-legacy-on-brian-kilmeade-show", "title": "In Case You Missed It… Sen. Rick Scott Reflects on Sen. Lindsey Graham’s Legacy on Brian Kilmeade Show", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott joined “the Brian Kilmeade Show” on Fox News Radio to remember Senator Lindsey Graham’s life and work following his unexpected death.\n\nWatch the full interview HERE.\n\nON SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM’S LEGACY:\n\n“Everybody loved being around Lindsey. He was a patriot, he cared about this country, he cared about every American and our safety. He cared about our allies. He knew there was good in the world. He knew that Putin, Xi, the Ayatollah, and Kim Jong Un are evil and we’re the good guys. He’s a big loss and whoever takes his place, it’s going to be really hard to fill his shoes.\n\n…\n\n“In 2018, when I was not supposed to win my Senate race, he came down and campaigned for me. It was right after the Kavanaugh hearing. He was a superstar and everybody loved him… when I ran against [Mitch] McConnell to be the Leader in 2022, he stood with me and supported me… He was not part of the establishment crowd saying, ‘Oh I’m just going to do whatever leadership tells me to do.’ He had his views and he was passionate about them.”\n\nON THE SENATE COMING BACK TO WORK TO PASS SAVE AMERICA ACT:\n\n“I hope as Republican and Democrat Senators come back from this two-week recess and they did what I did—go around my state, heard from everybody saying, ‘you’ve got to secure our elections.’\n\n…\n\n“You have to pass the SAVE America Act… I know I’m going to work on it. I know Mike Lee is going to work on it. Ron Johson’s going to work on it. Whatever we have to do— if we have to do the talking filibuster for two-three months, whether we have to get rid of the filibuster, we’ve got to secure the elections… It’s the most important thing for our country, so let’s take as many days as it takes.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-in-fox-news-americans-work-five-days-a-week-why-can-t-the-senate", "title": "Sen. Rick Scott in Fox News: ‘Americans Work Five Days a Week, Why Can’t the Senate?’", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott published an op-ed in Fox News urging his Senate colleagues to work and vote every day on codifying President Trump’s agenda and delivering on the promises made to the American people.\n\nToday, the Senate returns from a two-week recess for a four-week work period in Washington, D.C. ahead of a scheduled five-week recess in August.\n\nSenator Rick Scott wrote, “Did you know the U.S. Senate has only been in session 79 days (about 40% of the time) so far this year? And so far, we haven’t passed anything to secure our elections, reduce inflation, cut spending or prevent another Democrat shutdown.\n\n…\n\n“Right now, we take fewer than 10 votes a week. We arrive late Monday to vote and leave as soon as possible on Thursday afternoon. The Senate is rarely in session on Fridays and almost never works over the weekend — even when pressing deadlines approach on issues critical to the safety, security and stability of the American people.\n\n…\n\n“Time is short. Getting all of this done before November would mean staying in Washington until we figure out how to deliver it. It would mean sitting down and working together to find solutions, instead of throwing up our hands and going home. We can’t take ‘no’ for an answer, and we can’t stop just because it’s hard.”\n\nRead the full op-ed HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/washington-needs-to-protect-florida-s-farmers-from-foreign-cheaters", "title": "Washington Needs to Protect Florida’s Farmers from Foreign Cheaters", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Plant City Observer\n\nSen. Rick Scott\n\nJuly 13, 2026\n\nFlorida produces some of the best food in the world grown by the best farmers, growers, and ranchers in the world. We have a vibrant agricultural industry that forms the backbone of our state’s economy and helps keep food on American tables. It also provides good jobs and a meaningful way of life to so many Floridians.\n\nAll that is under attack by foreign cheaters, and we need to dig in and fight back.\n\nLast week I called on the Department of Commerce to beef up its investigations into suspected illegal dumping of Mexican strawberries into U.S. markets during peak winter season. This is a blatant attempt by Mexico to rip off hardworking Florida farmers and cut their profits. Florida produces 15 percent of America’s strawberries, and the industry has a $1.1 billion impact on Hillsborough County alone. Crop dumping distorts the market and pushes prices down, and it cheats American farmers and their families out of their livelihood.\n\nHere’s what we know: On December 31, 2025, the Strawberry Growers for Fair Trade (SGFT), a coalition of domestic growers, filed a petition with the Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) alleging that fresh winter strawberries from Mexico are being sold in the United States at less than fair value. The investigation covered fresh and chilled strawberries from November 1 and March 31, the same window in which Florida growers harvest and sell their crops. Further demonstrating the obvious attempt by Mexico to undermine Florida farmers and destroy their way of life.\n\nMexico has used the same playbook against Florida’s tomato, blueberry, bell pepper, and many other specialty crop growers for nearly 30 years. The damage this illegal practice causes is immense. I have sat down and met with Florida farmers, many from the Winter Strawberry Capitol of the World in Plant City, and have seen firsthand the damage that this illegal crop dumping brings.\n\nFarmers are the backbone of our state and country and that is why we need to stand up to any and all foreign countries trying to game the system.\n\nMany of the affected Florida farms are multigenerational operations, i.e., parents and grandparents who built their farms from a few acres and hope to pass them on to their children. After fighting through Hurricanes Helene and Milton and this most recent winter freeze, these families now face a flood of dumped Mexican strawberries that threatens to take everything they have rebuilt.\n\nIt isn’t fair, and it isn’t good for Florida. When a family farm in Plant City shuts down, it doesn’t come back, and the jobs, the rural communities and the food security that depend on it can disappear with it.\n\nFood security is national security; a nation that cannot feed itself cannot defend itself. We cannot allow our nation’s ability to feed itself to depend on the trade practices of a foreign government. It’s time to put an end to this despicable practice and allow our Florida farmers to sell their crops at fair prices and continue to produce the best strawberries in the world.\n\nI will never stop fighting for Florida’s farmers and will work hard to ensure they get the fair playing field they deserve.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/13/rosen-helps-introduce-bill-to-bar-trump-admin-from-sending-federal-troops-to-polling-sites/", "title": "Rosen Helps Introduce Bill to Bar Trump Admin from Sending Federal Troops to Polling Sites", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped introduce a bill to protect American elections from federal interference by armed uniformed military or federal law enforcement. This comes after Donald Trump has threatened to send armed troops to polling sites, potentially intimidating eligible voters from exercising their right to vote, and has pushed for legislation to federalize elections. Current law has restricted the use of the military at polling places since the Civil War era to ensure that voters could cast ballots free from intimidation, coercion, or the appearance of government force.\n\n“Our elections have always been kept safe and reliable by state and local officials, and there is absolutely no need for federal troops to be stationed at polling locations,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to help introduce this important bill to prevent Donald Trump from sending military troops to polling locations to intimidate law-abiding Americans.”\n\nSenator Rosen has fought to protect Nevadans’ fundamental right to vote. In April, she helped introduce a bill to protect vote by mail. Senator Rosen has also been outspoken against the hyper-partisan SAVE America Act, which would impose strict restrictions on voting and voter registration. Last year, Senator Rosen pushed back against Trump’s plan to privatize the USPS, endangering vote-by-mail nationwide.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-epw-committee-announces-markup-of-the-water-resources-development-act-of-2026/", "title": "NEWS: EPW Committee Announces Markup of the Water Resources Development Act of 2026", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the EPW Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee, joined U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the EPW Committee, in announcing plans for the EPW Committee to mark up the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA 2026) on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.\n\nThe Water Resources Development Act is biennial legislation that authorizes flood risk management, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). WRDA 2026 also reauthorizes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drinking water and wastewater infrastructure programs, including the State Revolving Funds (SRFs). The legislation was developed in partnership with Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Chairman of the of the EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee; and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee.\n\n“Our bipartisan legislation will provide critical resources to address water supply, conservation and development, advance resilient water infrastructure, and deliver clean drinking water to millions of Americans. In California, these investments will lower rising water bills, provide necessary flood protection, and modernize aging infrastructure to ensure reliable access to safe drinking water,” said Senator Schiff.\n\n“The Army Corps of Engineers conducts essential work to modernize water resources infrastructure, manage risk from floods and coastal storms, and improve navigation along our waterways and at Ports. This work protects lives and property, and bolsters our economy. As Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I am proud to have led this bipartisan effort in crafting WRDA 2026, which will provide the Army Corps with the resources it needs to continue its critical work nationwide. WRDA 2026 will also help provide West Virginia with vital funds to address our water infrastructure needs. This bill includes key wins for West Virginia and all fifty states. I hope to see it move forward with strong bipartisan support during Wednesday’s business meeting,” said Chairman Capito.\n\n“Our markup to advance this significant package of legislation demonstrates a bipartisan commitment to maintaining and upgrading the nation’s water infrastructure. The Ocean State stands to benefit much from this bill, which supports investments in safe drinking water and wastewater systems as well as flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and navigation,” said Ranking Member Whitehouse.\n\n“Under both Republican and Democrat leadership, members of the Environment and Public Works Committee have worked together to pass a bipartisan Water Resources Development Act every two years through regular order. This year’s WRDA is a testament to the continued cooperation of the committee, especially the leadership of Chairman Capito and Ranking Member Whitehouse. The bill delivers wins for communities across North Dakota and the nation by authorizing critical water infrastructure programs, advancing efforts to streamline project delivery, and pursuing key regulatory reforms. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this done,” said Senator Cramer.\n\n“As Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, I am so proud of this bipartisan effort and the commitment we’ve had to advancing this critical legislation. I’m especially proud to have fought for provisions that deliver real results for Maryland — from increasing the federal cost share for the Cumberland flood risk management project to extending federal participation in the Assateague Island Shoreline Restoration and authorizing a funding increase for the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program. We’re working together to modernize our infrastructure, protect our habitats, accomplish our environmental goals, and support communities across the country and Maryland. That is worth celebrating,” said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\nThe bill text is available here.\n\nA section-by-section overview of the bill is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-files-new-war-powers-resolution-after-collapse-of-u-s-iran-ceasefire/", "title": "NEWS: Sen. Schiff Files New War Powers Resolution After Collapse of U.S.-Iran Ceasefire", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schiff: “Any assertion by the Trump administration that he gets 60 more days to act without Congress has no foundation in law.”\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) filed a new War Powers Resolution after the United States resumed large-scale military strikes against Iran and President Donald Trump announced his intention to blockade Iran and institute a fee on all cargo moving through the Strait of Hormuz.\n\n“The events of the last week prove why Congress must reassert its war powers authority. We were promised the war would be over for months. And now in a matter of days we’ve gone from a bad U.S.-Iran deal to more strikes, another blockade, and added turmoil that will only drive prices higher. Any assertion by the Trump administration that he gets 60 more days to act without Congress has no foundation in law. By forcing a new vote to end this war, we make it clear that Congress insists on the removal of troops from the region barring an authorization of force accompanied by a truly viable strategy — both of which have been lacking,” said Senator Schiff.\n\nThe new resolution explicitly rejects the President’s assertion that the 60-day clock under the War Powers Act ever stopped, as the U.S. Armed Forces continued to exert military force throughout the ceasefire.\n\nThe resolution is privileged under Senate Rules, allowing Schiff to motion for consideration of the measure on the Senate Floor as soon as next week. The resolution would direct the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran.\n\nThe resolution was co-sponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).\n\nThe full text of the resolution can be found here.\n\nBackground: Senator Schiff has worked with Senator Kaine, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and other colleagues to force numerous votes in the Senate on the War Powers Resolution, including asserting the 60-day statutory clock, triggered by the President’s March 2, 2026, notification to Congress, had run out on the President’s ongoing use of military force, in addition to being unconstitutional from the start.\n\nBoth houses of Congress previously voted to object to the continued conflict, passing a House Concurrent Resolution last month.\n\nSchiff led 37 Senate Democrats in refuting the Trump administration’s claim in a May 1 letter to Congress that the hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, in Iran have “terminated” and requested President Trump release the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion supporting this claim.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-reveals-new-uncovered-documents-exposing-continued-taxpayer-waste-on-trump-banners-across-nations-capital/", "title": "NEWS: Sen. Schiff Reveals New Uncovered Documents Exposing Continued Taxpayer Waste on Trump Banners Across Nation’s Capital", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – New government documents uncovered by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) expose additional contracts being doled out by the Trump administration to print giant banners in Washington D.C., some featuring 50 foot+ prints of Donald Trump’s face – a clear violation of federal law prohibiting taxpayer spending on propaganda.\n\n“The Trump administration is spending hundreds of thousands of your tax dollars to glorify and pay tribute to a sitting U.S. President and his political agenda. Not only is this a terrible waste of Americans’ hard-earned money, it is clearly against the law. Congress has long outlawed spending tax dollars on propaganda and self-aggrandizement and an eight-story high Donald Trump head certainly qualifies as propaganda,” said Senator Schiff.\n\nDocuments show that the Department of Interior’s new banners featuring Donald Trump and an “America First” slogan cost the taxpayer $39,000. That contract can be found here.\n\nAnother set of banners at the Federal Aviation Administration cost the taxpayer upwards of $114,000. That contract can be found here.\n\nThese documents come after a Schiff report last fall exposing contract documents for propaganda banners that the Trump administration was paying at least $50,000 in taxpayer funds to print and hang on government buildings around D.C.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-leads-senate-colleagues-in-introducing-resolution-honoring-the-life-and-legacy-of-lindsey-graham/", "title": "Scott leads Senate colleagues in introducing resolution honoring the life and legacy of Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.scott.senate.gov", "scraper": "timscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001184", "name": "Tim Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced a bipartisan resolution to honor the life and legacy of the late South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. The resolution is co-sponsored by every member of the U.S. Senate and passed the Senate unanimously.\n\n“Lindsey Graham was one of a kind. He devoted his life to serving South Carolina and defending the nation he loved, and he did so with unmatched determination, unmistakable humor, and a heart for people.”\n\nSenator Tim Scott\n\n“Lindsey Graham was one of a kind. He devoted his life to serving South Carolina and defending the nation he loved, and he did so with unmatched determination, unmistakable humor, and a heart for people. Whether speaking with a world leader or a South Carolinian back home, Lindsey made people feel like they mattered,” said Sen. Scott. “His leadership shaped our state and strengthened our nation. I am grateful to have called him my friend, and I know South Carolina and our country will feel the weight of his loss for years to come. The greatest tribute we can pay Lindsey is to answer the call to serve with the same courage, conviction, and love of country that defined his life.”\n\nLindsey Olin Graham’s life was defined by resilience, duty, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. Raised in a working-class family, he endured unimaginable loss at a young age when his mother died from cancer and, just 15 months later, his father passed away from a heart attack. Faced with extraordinary hardship, Graham assumed responsibility for his 13-year-old sister, Darline, whom he later adopted. That profound sense of responsibility became the foundation of a lifetime devoted to public service.\n\nFor more than three decades, Graham served his country in the Air Force, South Carolina Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve while bringing that same sense of duty to the United States Senate for more than two decades. He was known for his quick wit, generous spirit, and ability to build lasting friendships across the political spectrum without compromising his convictions. A steadfast champion of a strong national defense, American leadership abroad, and the cause of freedom around the world, Graham believed America’s security and moral leadership were inseparable. Above all, he never lost sight of the people and values that shaped him, carrying an enduring love for South Carolina into every decision he made. His legacy is one of courage, statesmanship, and service to his state and nation.\n\nBeyond his legislative accomplishments, Graham leaves behind a devoted team of public servants who carry forward the values he instilled in them. Team Graham embodies the patriotism and commitment to service that defined his life, ensuring his legacy will endure for generations to come.\n\nHe is survived by his sister, Darline Graham Nordone.\n\nSee the resolution text honoring Senator Graham here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-releases-statement-on-appointment-of-darline-graham-nordone-to-the-u-s-senate/", "title": "Sen. Tim Scott releases statement on appointment of Darline Graham Nordone to the U.S. Senate", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.scott.senate.gov", "scraper": "timscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001184", "name": "Tim Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "COLUMBIA, S.C. — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Governor Henry McMaster in Columbia, South Carolina for the appointment of Darline Graham Nordone to serve the remainder of the late Lindsey Graham’s U.S. Senate term.\n\n“The appointment of Darline Graham Nordone to the U.S. Senate is an incredible way to honor the legacy of Lindsey Graham,” said Sen. Scott. “Nobody understands Lindsey Graham’s heart for faith, family, and South Carolina the way she does. I look forward to working alongside her to continue Senator Graham’s commitment to keeping Americans safe and secure.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-celebrates-university-of-new-hampshire-and-noaa-center-of-excellence-delivers-remarks-at-beam-signing-ceremony", "title": "Shaheen Celebrates University of New Hampshire and NOAA Center of Excellence, Delivers Remarks at Beam Signing Ceremony", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(Durham, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, celebrated the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) decades-long partnership with a beam signing ceremony at the future site of the UNH and NOAA Center of Excellence for Operational Ocean and Great Lakes Mapping. Since 1999, UNH and NOAA have collaborated on the operation of the Joint Hydrographic Center and Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping. Located on the UNH campus, the facility has mapped over one million square kilometers of ocean floor, contributed to advances in autonomous vehicle ocean mapping and supported the federal government in disaster response efforts.\n\nPhotos from today’s event can be found HERE.\n\nSince Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 23), Senator Shaheen has secured $30 million to support UNH and NOAA’s ocean mapping partnership, with a portion of the funding Shaheen secured directly contributing to the construction of the new Center. The state-of-the-art facility will create new employment opportunities in the Granite State, expand educational opportunities for students and promote new research—ensuring UNH remains a global leader in ocean floor and coastal mapping, which is critical to safe navigation, disaster preparedness and national security.\n\n“For decades, the University of New Hampshire and NOAA have maintained a partnership that has advanced critical research and expanded educational opportunities for students in the Granite State. I’m proud of the work I have done to support this key relationship, including securing funding that will support construction of this new, cutting-edge facility,” said Senator Shaheen. “From fostering new opportunities for students to promoting critical research, the Center of Excellence will be a hub of scientific innovation while powering our coastal economy with new jobs.”\n\nShaheen is the former chair and current senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, which funds NOAA. Along with securing $30 million in federal funding to support the partnership between UNH and NOAA, Shaheen has delivered millions in funding for NOAA. In bipartisan FY 26 Appropriations legislation, Shaheen helped ensure NOAA had the resources it required for key programs to support New Hampshire’s fisheries, ocean research and conservation efforts.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-joins-fox-news-cnn-and-newsmax-to-reflect-on-decades-long-friendship-with-senator-graham/", "title": "Thune Joins Fox News, CNN, and Newsmax to Reflect on Decades-Long Friendship With Senator Graham", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click here to watch Fox News, here to watch CNN, and here to watch Newsmax.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined America’s Newsroom on Fox News, Inside Politics on CNN, and The Record with Greta Van Susteren on Newsmax.\n\nOn Senator Graham’s legacy:\n\n“On a personal level, he was a very good friend to me … He came out to my first campaign, my first House campaign in 1996. And then the last couple of years, he’s been out in South Dakota with me, and we’ve been just a lot of places together through the years. But more important than all of that is just the impact he’s had on this country and the voice that he has been on so many issues that are critical to America’s national security interests and to protecting the American people.”\n\n[…]\n\n“I’ve never seen anybody, honestly, who … had more energy, more passion … Sometimes we kind of find ourselves going through the motions here; Lindsey was never that way. He believed every day in what he was doing and why he was doing it. He had a great sense of mission and purpose, and that is absolutely going to be missed here.”\n\n[…]\n\n“Lindsey was a bigger-than-life impact player in terms of the international scene, domestic politics, legislation, policy, things he was passionate about. But like you said, there are a lot of us who knew him as a close friend. He was that to me. He was a trusted advisor, somebody I could go to to give me straight advice and counsel, and just spent a lot of time through the years.\n\n“And I’m really, really, incredibly sad and still in shock, I think like a lot of people are, but we’re doing our best to process it. And you know, we just have to make the best of the situation and do everything we can to honor and give tribute to Lindsey and his life and his impact and just the difference he made here as a public servant through all these years.”\n\n[…]\n\n“I can’t imagine this place without Lindsey. I can’t imagine the world writ large without Lindsey, for the incredible impact that he had on so many levels. Just so passionate about national security, obviously huge influence and voice on matters affecting judges and the judiciary. He was chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, got us through two reconciliation bills this last year. And of course, one of the strongest voices for the pro-life movement in this country.”\n\n[…]\n\n“It is going to be very, very hard to envision the United States Senate, our country, certainly South Carolina, or for that matter the world, without Lindsey.”\n\n[…]\n\n“He was somebody who was fearless in the way he approached the legislative process. He was willing to take on tough issues and speak out about them. And of course, he had just one of the sharpest wits I’ve ever been around, and he was able to use that when he communicated. He was a very gifted and talented communicator.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-pays-tribute-to-the-life-and-legacy-of-senator-lindsey-graham/", "title": "Thune Pays Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:\n\nThune’s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n“Mr. President, I come to the floor today with a heavy heart.\n\n“I look to my right and I see a desk which we in the Senate refer to and know as the John Calhoun desk.\n\n“It’s covered with a black shroud.\n\n“And on … top of that shroud is a bowl of white roses.\n\n“That, Mr. President, is Lindsey Graham’s desk.\n\n“It’s difficult to believe that Lindsey Graham is no longer here with us – that we won’t run into him at a meeting today, or share a joke with him at this afternoon’s vote.\n\n“The halls of the Senate already feel empty without him.\n\n“And I know I’m not alone in that feeling.\n\n“He was a friend to so many of us, on both sides of the aisle.\n\n“And I know that I’m not the only one who finds it difficult to imagine the Senate without Lindsey Graham.\n\n“Mr. President, the events of Lindsey’s life have been well-documented over the past couple of days.\n\n“His humble beginnings in South Carolina, sharing a single room with the rest of his family behind his family’s bar.\n\n“His guardianship of his younger sister Darline, after the untimely death of their parents.\n\n“His long service in the Air Force, the South Carolina Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve.\n\n“His career in politics, first as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives; then as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, where I served with him for six years; and then in the Senate, where he was just completing his fourth term.\n\n“In the Senate, Lindsey distinguished himself as a staunch conservative – and a fierce advocate for South Carolina – but also as someone who was willing to work across the aisle to find common ground and to reach solutions.\n\n“A lawyer by trade, he served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2021, where he helped confirm a Supreme Court justice and numerous federal judges – the kind of judges who believe in following the law and the Constitution, instead of legislating policy from the bench.\n\n“Most of all, of course, Mr. President, Lindsey was known for his national security and foreign policy work.\n\n“There was no bigger believer in America’s role in the world.\n\n“He was confident that the United States could be a force for good, and he gave everything he had to ensuring that we would be.\n\n“He was a friend and defender of freedom-loving peoples all over the world.\n\n“He stood with the Ukrainian people in their fight against Russian aggression, and he died with his boots on, having just returned from a trip to Ukraine – his tenth.\n\n“He believed fiercely in the importance of a strong national defense – in ensuring that our country, and our military men and women, were always prepared to deter and defeat any threat.\n\n“But while there was always a lot made of his support for American hard power, he was also a big believer in the use of soft power – economic, diplomatic, and political solutions to the world’s problems.\n\n“I was fortunate to travel with him all over the world – including to Israel after Hamas’ October 7th attack – and I saw firsthand the work that he did to promote American security and the security of freedom-loving peoples around the globe.\n\n“And of course, I don’t need to tell anyone in this body that Lindsey was fearless in his commitment to the causes that he espoused.\n\n“It didn’t matter to him whether he would catch flack on an issue – he was undaunted by the politics if he believed he was right on the principle.\n\n“Senator. Warrior. Patriot. Statesman.\n\n“Words that will be written about Lindsey.\n\n“But for me, most of all, Mr. President, he was my friend.\n\n“‘Without friends,’ Aristotle said, ‘no one would choose to live’ … ‘though he had all other goods.’\n\n“And it’s difficult to count the ways in which Lindsey’s friendship made this job richer – and its burdens lighter.\n\n“Lindsey was as loyal as they come – and a trusted adviser.\n\n“I could always rely on him for straight-talking advice.\n\n“He never minced words or pulled punches.\n\n“I could also rely on him for a steady flow of humor and encouragement.\n\n“He always could make me laugh.\n\n“Always.\n\n“In the last couple of years, he came to South Dakota twice, and twice we sat on the deck and watched the sun go down on Lake Oahe – a familiar scene to me but new to him.\n\n“And as the stars came out, you could see the Milky Way overhead and you could hear coyotes howling and rooster pheasants cackling down below.\n\n“Lindsey’s wit punctuated all of it.\n\n“And I will cherish those memories for a long time to come.\n\n“Mr. President, if there is any light to be found in this grief, it is this:\n\n“That as a Christian, like Lindsey, I know that death is not the end.\n\n“The Apostle Paul writes, and I quote, ‘Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.’\n\n“Or as another Graham once put it, and I quote, ‘Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.’\n\n“I will miss Lindsey’s friendship, Mr. President, more than I can say.\n\n“We pray for his staff and for his family, whom he loved dearly, and who loved him dearly in return.\n\n“But I am comforted by the knowledge that in the end, he has just changed his address.\n\n“And that one day, Mr. President, we will laugh together again.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-joins-anti-fraud-task-force-to-root-out-waste-fraud-and-abuse-in-federal-programs/", "title": "Tuberville Joins Anti-Fraud Task Force to Root Out Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Federal Programs", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) in launching an Anti-Fraud Task Force alongside seven of their Republican colleagues. The Anti-Fraud Task Force will examine fraud, waste, and abuse across federal programs; identify vulnerabilities in existing systems; and strengthen government accountability to ensure the proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars.\n\n“For years, blue states like Minnesota have been robbing the American taxpayers blind. Americans deserve better. Thank God for President Trump and Vice President Vance who are cracking down on fraud. It’s past time that Congress does our part to protect taxpayers,” said Sen. Tuberville.\n\nSens. Tuberville and Schmitt were joined by Sens. Katie Britt (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT).\n\nSen. Tuberville also joined five of his Anti-Task Force colleagues in sending a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald commending the Trump Administration’s early anti-fraud efforts and requesting information to help Congress support and strengthen those initiatives moving forward.\n\n“We commend President Trump for the decisive action taken to establish the National Fraud Enforcement Division (NFED) and the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. Fraud is theft from hardworking American families, and Vice President Vance’s leadership as ‘Fraud Czar’ sends the right signal: this administration will no longer tolerate billions in organized theft from taxpayers through welfare programs, election schemes, contractor abuse, federally funded nonprofits, or elite institutions. The Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force is especially concerned with fraud schemes that undermine the constitutional foundations of self-government: honest elections, lawful citizenship, equal enforcement of federal law, federal-state cooperation, and Congress’s ability to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent consistent with law,” wrote the Senators.\n\nSen. Tuberville was joined by Sens. Katie Britt (R-AL), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) in signing the letter.\n\nRead full text of the letter here.\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-mcclain-delaney-announce-over-800000-for-infrastructure-workforce-development-in-washington-allegany-counties", "title": "Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, McClain Delaney Announce Over $800,000 for Infrastructure, Workforce Development in Washington, Allegany Counties", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (all D-Md.) announced $802,731 in federal funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for infrastructure and workforce development in Washington and Allegany Counties. These investments will support water infrastructure upgrades, improve the Evergreen Heritage Center, and expand job training opportunities for local students.\n\n“From upgrading water infrastructure and expanding access to our natural resources to creating more workforce training opportunities for good-paying jobs, these investments will directly support Western Maryland communities and contribute to Mountain Maryland’s economy and growth,” said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n“Western Maryland has so much to offer our state and our entire nation, that’s why it is so critical that we improve our infrastructure, make sure young people have access to apprenticeship and trade programs, and maintain all the recreation opportunities Mountain Maryland has to offer – fueling our tourism economy,” said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n“When we invest in our communities, we invest in our people. I'm committed to bringing federal resources home to Western Maryland to help lower costs and expand opportunity. These investments will modernize critical infrastructure, strengthen workforce development, and support local organizations that make our communities stronger. I'm proud to work alongside Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks to ensure Western Maryland receives the federal support it deserves,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.\n\nThe federal grants have been awarded as follows:\n\n$577,000 to the Town of Keedysville to replace approximately 2,600 linear feet of aging ductile iron water lines in the Bedrock and Coffman Farms neighborhoods with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) lines. The water infrastructure upgrades will provide improved service to 129 businesses and 1,826 households connected to the system.\n\n$197,331 to Hagerstown Community College (HCC) to expand apprenticeship and trade programs to accommodate 274 students. HCC will provide students with hands-on training and connect participants to local employers, establishing a pipeline to help meet the growing demand for HVAC technicians, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and more in Appalachian Maryland.\n\n$28,400 to the Evergreen Heritage Center Foundation to install 5 experiential enhancements on its Forest Evolution Trail in partnership with Allegany County Public Schools and Frostburg State University, and will create Activity User Guides for residents and tourists who visit the trail. These upgrades will benefit an estimated 200 visitors in the first year alone, while supporting the education of 500 public school students and 15 Frostburg State University students.\n\nThese investments are provided through the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development partnership entity of the federal government and 13 state governments, focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. Senator Van Hollen secured $200 million in federal funding for the ARC through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, and the lawmakers have since worked to prevent cuts to the program from the Trump Administration.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-gillibrand-colleagues-in-demanding-pentagon-release-long-awaited-report-on-us-bombing-of-iranian-elementary-school", "title": "Van Hollen Joins Gillibrand, Colleagues in Demanding Pentagon Release Long-Awaited Report on U.S. Bombing of Iranian Elementary School", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and 23 of their Senate colleagues in continuing to demand answers from the Department of Defense (DoD) over the U.S.’ bombing of an Iranian elementary school in February. The strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, which reportedly killed approximately 120 children and at least 175 people in total, represented the worst civilian casualty incident caused by the U.S. military in decades.\n\nIn a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Admiral Brad Cooper, the senators called for the swift completion and release of the Pentagon’s investigation into the school strike, which was reportedly submitted in April, but remains under review by senior military officials. They also requested that the Pentagon provide Congress with a comprehensive plan to ensure that this type of incident does not happen again.\n\n“More than four months after the strike, and after the reported submission of the investigation in April, Congress and the American people still have not received the Department’s investigation and findings,” the senators wrote. “There is no justification for withholding an unclassified accounting of what happened, what went wrong, and what the Department is doing to prevent recurrence.”\n\nIn early March, Reuters first reported that U.S. military investigators believed U.S. forces were likely responsible for the Minab strike. Days later, Pentagon officials reportedly concluded through their preliminary investigation that a U.S. Tomahawk missile had struck the school. Investigators have also reportedly found that multiple failures led the school to be targeted in error, including missed 2019 remarks by an intelligence analyst indicating that the site had changed from a naval facility to a school. The analyst had entered the remarks into a digital system that was not connected to the authoritative targeting database, and officials planning the attack used imagery that had not been updated in several years and did not show a school at the site. In fact, according to recent reporting, senior U.S. military commanders ignored warnings that intelligence about potential targets was severely out of date for the sake of “expediency,” which directly contributed to the strike on the school.\n\n“These reported issues, if accurate, raise deeply troubling questions about the integrity of U.S. target development, the adequacy of target validation and vetting procedures, the interoperability of intelligence and targeting databases, the timeliness and reliability of intelligence used for lethal targeting, and the Department’s implementation of civilian harm mitigation policies,” the senators wrote. “They also raise urgent questions about whether the Department has sufficient targeting personnel, training, accountability mechanisms, and technical safeguards to support large-scale conventional operations.\n\nDespite this reporting, Trump administration officials have not publicly taken responsibility for the strike or the resultant civilian deaths. President Trump himself has suggested multiple times that the strike was not the U.S.’ fault and has even blamed Iran. Additionally, Sec. Hegseth has spent his tenure deriding the rules of engagement and cutting DoD programs that aim to prevent harm to civilians during war, including slashing civilian harm mitigation and response staff at the U.S. combatant commands by over 90 percent.\n\nThe senators concluded, “The United States military has a legal and moral obligation to take all feasible precautions to prevent civilian harm. When a U.S. strike kills civilians, the Department owes Congress, the American people, and the victims’ families a clear accounting of what happened and a credible plan to prevent future failures.”\n\nIn addition to Senators Van Hollen and Gillibrand, the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Hegseth and Admiral Cooper:\n\nWe write regarding the Department of Defense’s investigation into the February 28, 2026 strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School for girls in Minab, Iran, which reportedly killed approximately 120 children and at least 175 people in total. If true, this incident would constitute the U.S. military’s largest civilian casualty incident since 1991. The Department must promptly provide Congress with the complete and unredacted investigation, and submit a concrete plan to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again.\n\nRecent press reporting indicates that the investigation ordered by Admiral Cooper was submitted in April but remains under review by senior DoD leadership. That reporting further indicates that investigators have identified multiple potential failures, including that an analyst noted as early as 2019 that the site appeared to have changed from a naval facility into a school, but that remark was entered into a digital intelligence tool that was not connected to the authoritative targeting database used to develop strike targets. The reporting also indicates that the site was reviewed multiple additional times in subsequent years without the targeting database being updated. Additional reporting from this week alleges that warnings were made in the system indicating the intelligence for the targets was dated, but those warnings were ignored for “expediency” even though the Administration spent weeks planning for President Trump’s war of choice.\n\nThese reported issues, if accurate, raise deeply troubling questions about the integrity of U.S. target development, the adequacy of target validation and vetting procedures, the interoperability of intelligence and targeting databases, the timeliness and reliability of intelligence used for lethal targeting, and the Department’s implementation of civilian harm mitigation policies. They also raise urgent questions about whether the Department has sufficient targeting personnel, training, accountability mechanisms, and technical safeguards to support large-scale conventional operations.\n\nMore than four months after the strike, and after the reported submission of the investigation in April, Congress and the American people still have not received the Department’s investigation and findings. There is no justification for withholding an unclassified accounting of what happened, what went wrong, and what the Department is doing to prevent recurrence.\n\nAccordingly, we request that the Department of Defense and U.S. Central Command take the following actions no later than July 20, 2026:\n\n1. Promptly finalize the investigation into the February 28 strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School and provide Congress with the complete and unredacted investigation.\n\n2. Provide an unclassified version of the report to Congress, suitable for public release.\n\n3. Submit to Congress a prevention and remediation plan that identifies the specific corrective actions the Department will take to ensure this does not happen again.\n\n4. Provide a briefing to Congress on the investigation and all steps being taken to ensure errors of this kind do not happen again.\n\nThe United States military has a legal and moral obligation to take all feasible precautions to prevent civilian harm. When a U.S. strike kills civilians, the Department owes Congress, the American people, and the victims’ families a clear accounting of what happened and a credible plan to prevent future failures.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-atlanta-mayor-dickens-councilmember-boone-celebrate-warnock-led-provision-that-will-keep-homes-in-the-hands-of-georgia-families/", "title": "Warnock, Atlanta Mayor Dickens, Councilmember Boone Celebrate Warnock-Led Provision That Will Keep Homes in the Hands of Georgia Families", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "On Monday, Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock held a press conference with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Atlanta City District 10 Councilmember Andrea Boone to celebrate the enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act\n\nSenator Warnock’s provision to ban large corporations from mass purchasing single-family homes became federal law on Saturday morning\n\nPrivate equity has rapidly spread through Georgia’s housing market, with more than one in four single-family rental homes in metro Atlanta owned by large corporations\n\nThe housing package includes provisions championed by Senator Warnock that will boost housing supply by cutting red tape, investing in local innovation, and reforming legacy housing programs\n\nSenator Reverend Warnock: “Housing is dignity, housing is stability, housing is hope”\n\nPhoto Credit: Joshua Spruiel/City of Atlanta\n\nAbove: Senator Warnock in Atlanta (also pictured from left to right: Jacob Parcel and his son, Atlanta City District 10 Councilmember Andrea Boone, and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens)\n\nAtlanta, GA – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) held a press conference in the Adamsville neighborhood of Atlanta with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta City District 10 Councilmember Andrea Boone, and prospective first-time homebuyer Jacob Parcel to celebrate the enactment of Senator Warnock’s landmark provision prohibiting private equity firms from mass-purchasing single-family homes. The provision was included in the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the largest housing reform and affordability legislation in a generation. The bill became federal law early Saturday morning.\n\n“Housing is dignity, housing is stability, housing is hope,” said Senator Warnock. “When you set politics aside and center the people, you have a chance at getting the public policy right. I promised the people of Georgia that I would walk with them, even as I work for them, and so it’s good to be walking through this neighborhood today and to think that over the weekend we were actually able to bring some good news.”\n\n“Senator Warnock understands the urgent need to address a challenge that Atlanta and other major cities have been facing for far too long,” said Mayor Dickens. “When large institutional investors and private equity firms buy up neighborhoods and homes in bulk, it becomes much harder for working families to achieve their dream of homeownership, and it becomes harder for longtime residents to remain rooted in the communities they helped build.”\n\n“Imagine saving long and hard for a down payment on a home, your piece of the American dream. You have every requirement in order, only to be disappointed time and time again because the dream is out of your reach,” said Councilmember Boone. “Today, I’m happy to tell you we’ve turned that corner. Thanks to the relentless leadership of Senator Warnock, this private equity ban legislation makes it clear our communities are not investment portfolios. No one should have to outbid Wall Street to build a life.”\n\n“Me and my wife resonate with this closely because we ourselves have been trying to buy a home for the last two years, and homes in our area have been few and far between. And the ones that are for sale are just simply too expensive,” said Jacob Parcel, a prospective first-time homebuyer and third generation Smyrna, GA, resident. “I believe if you work hard and if you save for years, you should be able to buy a home in the neighborhood that you want to be in…That’s why I’m grateful to Senator Warnock for fighting for us in Washington, and I appreciate all the efforts that he’s made.”\n\nOn Saturday, despite passing the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became federal law without President Donald Trump’s signature. Lauded as the most consequential housing package in a generation, the legislation delivers relief to a housing market crippled by the ongoing affordability crisis.\n\nIn addition to the ban on private equity, the 21st Century Road to Housing Act also includes provisions from Senator Warnock’s Appraisal Modernization Act, the only fair housing provision in the legislation, and several bills Senator Warnock has championed for years to reform rural housing programs, penalize local governments for failing to meet housing goals, incentivize local governments and banks to invest more in the construction of housing, and provide grants and forgivable loans to help homeowners repair and weatherize their properties.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-ossoff-secure-26-million-for-savannah-brunswick-ports-and-cobb-county-transportation-project/", "title": "Warnock, Ossoff Secure $26 Million for Savannah, Brunswick Ports and Cobb County Transportation Project", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation championed by Senators Warnock and Ossoff\n\nThe Savannah and Brunswick ports will receive over $20 million to install fiber connections to increase efficiency and connectivity between freight vehicles\n\nCobb County will receive $5 million for the Cobb Parkway at McCollum Parkway/Kennesaw Due West Road/Old 41 realignment project\n\nSenator Reverend Warnock: “This is the kind of funding and progress I had in mind when I worked with my colleagues in the Senate to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”\n\nSenator Ossoff: “We’re delivering these resources to upgrade infrastructure across metro Atlanta and coastal Georgia to keep families safe, support business and commerce, and keep our state moving.”\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) announced more than $26 million in federal funding for Georgia to support the ports of Savannah and Brunswick, as well as a transportation project in Cobb County.\n\n“I’m focused on securing federal funding for Georgia to keep our supply chains [love a supply chain reference on this one] running smoothly and our communities better connected,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “This is the kind of progress I had in mind when I worked with my colleagues in the Senate to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. I will continue to work to deliver more investments in our transportation economy for Georgians across the state.”\n\n“Georgians deserve world-class infrastructure. Bringing Republicans and Democrats together, we’re delivering these resources to upgrade infrastructure across metro Atlanta and coastal Georgia to keep families safe, support business and commerce, and keep our state moving,” said Senator Ossoff.\n\nFor the ports of Savannah and Brunswick, the Senators secured $20,972,248 to install fiber connections for connected vehicles across the freight areas of both ports. The project includes the installation of 58 miles of conduit and fiber-optic communication, and the equipping of approximately 500 freight vehicles with on-board units to improve the efficiency of freight operations.\n\nIn Cobb County, the senators secured $5 million to help realign Cobb Parkway at McCollum Parkway. The funding will be used to support study and design activities for the roadway realignments to correct multiple turning movements on McCollum Parkway, Old 41 Highway, South Main Street, and Summers Street by aligning with Cobb Parkway/US 41 at its intersection with Kennesaw Due West Road.\n\nThe project also includes two bridge replacements over railroad corridors, multi-modal access, and operational improvements to increase community connectivity.\n\nSenators Warnock and Ossoff have long been champions of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, beginning with Senator Warnock’s work on the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee to secure infrastructure investments that will support jobs in Georgia and modernize the state’s infrastructure.\n\nIn 2024, Senators Warnock and Ossoff secured more than $122 million in federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade Georgia’s Public Transportation Infrastructure. The senators also secured over $48 million in federal funding for clean energy upgrades at the ports of Savannah and Brunswick.", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-statement-on-senator-lindsey-graham/", "title": "Warnock Statement on Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, Senator Reverend Warnock released the following statement:\n\n“Lindsey Graham spent his entire life in public service—first in the military, then in public office. I am shocked by his sudden loss, and I pray God’s grace upon his family and loved ones.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-on-the-ndaa-this-national-defense-authorization-fails-to-address-the-critical-question-that-is-before-this-country-right-now-the-war-in-iran-welch/", "title": "Welch on the NDAA: “This national defense authorization fails to address the critical question that is before this country right now...the war in Iran.” Welch on the NDAA:", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today delivered remarks from the Senate floor urging his colleagues to reconsider debate or advancement of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), citing the ongoing, escalating war with Iran and the inclusion of new policy provisions that require the U.S. to deepen our defense and intelligence sharing relationship with the government of Israel.\n\n“This national defense authorization fails to address the critical question that is before this country right now, and that is the war in Iran,” said Senator Welch. “It fails to address the changing nature of warfare, by spending half a trillion dollars more on weapons systems that are the weapons systems of yesterday…It outsources, to another country, decisions on intelligence sharing and weapons production that should only be made by our country. It commits the taxpayers of this country to the obligation of another half trillion dollars, with absolutely no outline of how we’re going to pay for it—and this, on top of a deficit that is the highest we’ve ever had in this country.”\n\nWatch Senator Welch’s speech below:\n\nRead an excerpt of Senator Welch’s remarks:\n\n“When it comes to sharing intelligence, I want our generals; I want our national security officials; I want our president, our chief executive and commander in chief; to have unfettered discretion to make those decisions about with whom we share information, what information we share, and under what circumstances, to be our decision and our decision alone…We’ve never, ever, had an obligation to relinquish the exclusive right of decision making that has to fundamentally be made on the best interest of what is in the national security interest of the people in this country. We cannot relinquish that right and that responsibility.”\n\n•••\n\nLast week, Senator Welch joined a letter led by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) urging their colleagues to oppose the motion to proceed with a vote on the NDAA, unless it addresses provisions that lock in U.S.-Israel defense and intelligence cooperation. These new provisions were included in the bill despite reports by U.S. intelligence agencies that the Israeli government has worked to undermine the President’s peace negotiations and is spying on the United States.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-releases-outstanding-doj-oversight-requests-ahead-of-nomination-hearing-of-todd-blanche/", "title": "Whitehouse Releases Outstanding DOJ Oversight Requests Ahead of Nomination Hearing of Todd Blanche", "date": "2026-07-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release", "domain": "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", "scraper": "whitehouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000802", "name": "Sheldon Whitehouse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Whitehouse’s letter from last month has yet to receive any response\n\nUnanswered questions relate to DOJ’s cushy treatment of Ghislaine Maxwell, Patel’s private jet use, changes to bend the justice system to Trump\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released a letter sent in late June to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche alerting him to numerous outstanding, unanswered oversight requests the Senator has issued to the Department of Justice. The Senator’s inquiries and requests have been ignored or met by incomplete answers from recalcitrant Trump administration officials at the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation – despite Congress’s constitutional oversight power. Whitehouse’s outstanding inquiries relate to Blanche’s cushy treatment of sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell, FBI Director Kash Patel’s prolific private jet usage, and the DOJ bending the justice system to President Trump’s will.\n\n“I write ahead of your confirmation hearing to bring to your attention multiple outstanding oversight requests that I submitted to the Department of Justice during your tenure as Deputy Attorney General and Acting Attorney General. These requests, which number in the dozens, have gone unanswered, leading me to seek responses via the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)—something to which a Member of Congress, with constitutional oversight authority, should never have to resort,” Whitehouse wrote in the letter.\n\n“No new Attorney General should be confirmed until the Department has provided meaningful responses to all outstanding oversight requests, and commits to timely responses going forward,” added Whitehouse.\n\nWhitehouse requested production of responses and documents before the start of Acting Attorney General Blanche’s confirmation hearing for Attorney General, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, July 15.\n\nOn July 1, Senator Whitehouse joined Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-IL) and all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in a letter pressing Acting Attorney General Blanche for answers on dozens of oversight matters that remain outstanding, either due to no response or insufficient response from DOJ. In November, Senators Whitehouse, Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) filed a batch of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to DOJ seeking records related to various episodes of potential executive branch misconduct or corruption.\n\nWhitehouse has long urged his colleagues in Congress to take up bipartisan reform efforts to strengthen Congress’s hand in executive branch oversight. Whitehouse and Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) held a series of hearings during the Biden administration that culminated in a bipartisan report detailing how information disputes between the executive branch and Congress thwarts Congress’s constitutional authority to conduct oversight.\n\nFull text of the letter is below and a PDF is available here.\n\nJune 23, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Todd Blanche\n\nActing Attorney General of the United States\n\nU.S. Department of Justice\n\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.\n\nWashington, D.C. 20530\n\nDear Acting Attorney General Blanche:\n\nI write ahead of your confirmation hearing to bring to your attention multiple outstanding oversight requests that I submitted to the Department of Justice during your tenure as Deputy Attorney General and Acting Attorney General. These requests, which number in the dozens, have gone unanswered, leading me to seek responses via the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)—something to which a Member of Congress, with constitutional oversight authority, should never have to resort. The Department then failed to answer those FOIA requests in an adequate or timely fashion, despite FOIA’s statutory mandate that agencies “shall make available to the public” all requested, nonexempt information.[1]\n\nAt her confirmation hearing, former Attorney General Bondi committed to me that she would respond to questions from members of both parties—even FOIA requests.[2] Similarly, FBI Director Patel told me at his confirmation hearing that he would “ensure timely and appropriate responses to oversight inquiries.”[3] He also said in the Wall Street Journal, the night before his hearing, that “Members of Congress have hundreds of unanswered requests to the FBI. If confirmed, I will be a strong advocate for congressional oversight, ensuring that the FBI operates with the openness necessary to rebuild trust by simply replying to lawmakers.”[4]\n\nNone of those promises were kept. No new Attorney General should be confirmed until the Department has provided meaningful responses to all outstanding oversight requests, and commits to timely responses going forward.\n\nA catalog of my unanswered oversight requests follows. Please preserve all records relevant to these topics and produce thorough responses to each outstanding request before your hearing.\n\nOutstanding Questions for the Record.\n\nFBI Director Patel and former Attorney General Bondi testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September and October 2025, respectively. I also submitted written Questions for the Record on topics including Director Patel’s still-undisclosed grand jury testimony in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case, his use of jet travel for personal purposes, the decision to close a bribery investigation into Tom Homan, and the review of suspicious activity reports relating to Jeffrey Epstein. I have not received a response to any questions. I would add that Patel appears to have lied to the Committee.\n\nActions Related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.\n\nI have submitted multiple requests to DOJ about its actions related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. First, on July 28, 2025, Ranking Member Durbin and I sent a letter to you asking for information related to the interviews you conducted with Ghislaine Maxwell and DOJ’s review of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. We noted that your meeting with Ms. Maxwell was especially odd given your senior role at DOJ, your unfamiliarity with the case against Ms. Maxwell, her “history and willingness to lie under oath,” her concurrent attempts to overturn her criminal convictions, and recent reporting about President Trump’s relationship with Epstein.[5]\n\nThen, roughly one week after your unusual meetings with Ms. Maxwell, she was transferred to a minimum-security facility. As I noted in my August 7, 2025, letter inquiring about this matter, Ms. Maxwell’s transfer appeared to violate standard BOP policy prohibiting someone with Ms. Maxwell’s history of sex offenses to be placed in a minimum-security facility. The timing of these events raised the question whether Ms. Maxwell’s transfer was part of a political deal with you. Then, following your ascension to Acting Attorney General, BOP updated its policy to give you unilateral authority to determine where BOP inmates are imprisoned. I again wrote to BOP on June 23, 2026, to ask for information related to that policy change.\n\nOn March 9, 2026, I requested that DOJ preserve all records related to its failure to disclose information regarding sexual assault allegations made against President Trump in 2019. It appears that DOJ still has not published 37 pages of those records, despite the clear requirements of the Epstein Files Transparency Act.\n\nOn March 16, 2026, I inquired with DOJ, FBI, and DEA about a DOJ investigation involving Jeffrey Epstein—Operation Trip Knot. Although Epstein’s name apparently “surfaced repeatedly” during that investigation, DOJ appears to have disclosed only one document related to this investigation as part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act.[6]\n\nFormer Attorney General Bondi’s Departure.\n\nI have also inquired about former Attorney General Bondi’s departure and your ascension to Acting Attorney General. The details of that transition matter both to ensure that former Attorney General Bondi complied with all federal ethics laws and to understand the contours of your temporary duties. More than two months after my April 13, 2026, inquiry, and on the verge of your confirmation hearing, we still have no response.\n\nHiring of Jared Wise to Work in Deputy Attorney General’s Office.\n\nLast year, DOJ hired Jared Wise to be part of the so-called “Weaponization Working Group” run by Ed Martin. DOJ apparently hired Mr. Wise despite—or perhaps because of—his role in the attack on the U.S. Capitol and his assault on police defending the Capitol on January 6, 2021. A grand jury indicted Mr. Wise on six charges, including assaulting law enforcement officers and aiding and abetting the same conduct. Video footage shows Mr. Wise calling the officers who defended the Capitol “disgusting,” “the Nazi,” and “the Gestapo.”[7] When rioters attacked these officers, he shouted, “Yeah, fuck them! Yeah, kill ‘em!”[8]\n\nRanking Member Durbin, Senator Schiff, and I urged you in a September 3, 2025, letter to immediately terminate Mr. Wise given his record, explain how he was hired, and explain the nature of the work he did for you. Instead, Mr. Wise remained at DOJ for at least nine months, and DOJ has never explained what he did and why he was suitable to work at the Department.\n\nChanges to Public Integrity Section.\n\nDOJ’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) was formed after Watergate to ensure that DOJ investigates public corruption without regard for partisanship. DOJ under your leadership has dismantled PIN, reportedly reducing the number of full-time career prosecutors from forty to two and removing PIN’s authority to oversee corruption investigations.[9] DOJ under this administration has focused obsessively on purging any offices or officials involved with the prosecutions against President Trump, while letting flagrant corruption go uninvestigated.\n\nOn March 20, 2025, I sent a letter asking DOJ to reverse course or, at minimum, provide a briefing on these changes. No such briefing has occurred. DOJ’s multiple embarrassments in selective and vindictive prosecution of multiple Democratic officials and public officials personally targeted by President Trump are the entirely predictable result of DOJ removing oversight by career PIN prosecutors.\n\nShuttering of Task Force KleptoCapture.\n\nOne of Attorney General Bondi’s first actions was shuttering anti-kleptocracy efforts, including Task Force KleptoCapture, the Kleptocracy Team, and the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative. Formed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Task Force KleptoCapture had secured the forfeiture, or consent to forfeiture, of at least $170 million worth of private oligarch assets—with approximately $450 million more pending in litigation. Similarly, the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative was a 15-year-old program that had recovered more than $1.7 billion for the benefit of people harmed by corruption and abuses of office.\n\nI asked on February 28, 2025, for a briefing on why DOJ chose to abandon such a valuable effort—especially during Russia’s ongoing illegal invasion of Ukraine. I have still not received that briefing.\n\nGreenhouse Gas Reduction Fund\n\nJust two months into this administration, DOJ and the FBI reportedly began investigating the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund after EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced on social media his desire to claw back the funding. Zeldin asserted without evidence that the grant awards were fraudulent, “a rush job with reduced oversight” meant to “get billions of your tax dollars out the door before Inauguration Day.”[10] Public reporting indicates that the investigation was not properly predicated, but was a pretext to interfere with the lawfully appropriated and obligated funds, leading to the resignation of a senior career attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Following the refusal of any career attorney, the Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia personally submitted his own seizure warrant application to freeze the funds, which the court rejected for lack of probable cause. Then, the Acting Deputy Attorney General shopped the same investigation and warrant application to other U.S. Attorney’s offices, without success.[11]\n\nOn March 11, 2025, I wrote to former Attorney General Bondi and Director Patel requesting information regarding DOJ’s and the FBI’s investigation of the Fund. On May 15, 2025, DOJ responded to my request, refusing to provide information regarding the investigation.\n\n“Anti-Weaponization Fund”\n\nOn May 18, 2026, DOJ announced the creation of a $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” as part of a purported settlement of litigation with President Trump. You testified to Congress last month that rioters who stormed the Capitol and attacked police officers on January 6, 2021, could apply to be paid under the Fund.[12] Although you subsequently told a House subcommittee that DOJ would not move forward with the Fund, Department lawyers recently refused to submit a sworn declaration providing that assurance to a federal court.[13] Moreover, reports have suggested that administration officials are exploring alternative ways to reward January 6 rioters and other administration allies through the Federal Tort Claims Act.[14]\n\nOn May 19, 2026, DOJ released an addendum to the purported settlement—signed only by you—stating that the U.S. government would be “forever barred” from pursuing “examinations” of President Trump, his family, “related or affiliated individuals,” and related trusts and businesses, for any matter involving previously filed tax returns or “Lawfare and/or Weaponization.”[15] This addendum purports to grant President Trump and a wide swath of associates and related companies immunity from any ongoing tax audits.\n\nOn May 26, 2026, Ranking Member Durbin and I requested that DOJ preserve all related records. DOJ has not acknowledged compliance with that request.\n\nProposal to Supersede State Ethics Processes.\n\nEarlier this year, DOJ proposed a rule purporting to give the Attorney General the right to review any state bar complaint against DOJ attorneys and to request that state bars suspend investigations until DOJ completes its review. The proposed rule also states that DOJ “shall take appropriate action to enforce this regulation or to prevent the bar disciplinary authorities from interfering” if state bars refuse to cede to DOJ’s demand.[16] That proposed rule prompted more than one million comments, including a highly critical comment from the Conference of Chief Justices—represented by state chief justices from across the country.[17]\n\nOn March 16, 2026, I requested that DOJ preserve all records related to the proposed rule, including any materials reflecting DOJ’s development of and decision to issue the proposed rule. DOJ has not acknowledged its compliance with this request either. It appears that DOJ has disabled the Office of Professional Responsibility, so the suggestion that DOJ would conduct legitimate inquiries merits examination.\n\nOutstanding Freedom of Information Act Requests.\n\nFaced with near-total obstruction from DOJ, two of my colleagues and I have been forced to file FOIA requests related to our outstanding oversight and other topics. Given Congress’s inherent constitutional oversight authority, no Member of Congress should ever have to resort to FOIA requests to receive basic information from the executive branch. Yet even here DOJ has stonewalled our inquiries.\n\nSenator Blumenthal, Senator Schiff, and I have submitted requests related to the now-closed investigation of Tom Homan; any Office of Professional Responsibility investigation into former DOJ official Emil Bove; Director Patel’s still-undisclosed and immunized grand jury testimony; suspicious activity reports related to Jeffrey Epstein and his associates; DOJ’s White House contacts policy; DOJ’s disbanding of anti-kleptocracy initiatives; DOJ’s attempt to rescind obligated money under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund; investigations into threats against judges spurred by Elon Musk and Laura Loomer; BOP’s transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell; DOJ’s hiring of Jared Wise; DOJ’s meritless ethics complaint against Chief Judge Boasberg; communications between DOJ political appointees and Trump-appointed judges who have thwarted contempt inquiries involving DOJ; and President Trump’s acceptance of a Qatari jet plane.\n\nNearly seven months have passed since we submitted these requests. DOJ has failed to respond to most of our requests, in violation of the 20-day requirement imposed by the FOIA statute.[18] That failure is unacceptable in any case, but it is especially egregious when responding to Members of Congress and when delays are likely caused at least partly by DOJ actions that led to a “significant decrease in staffing.”[19]\n\n* * *\n\nI look forward to your prompt resolution of these requests before your confirmation hearing. Considering some of these requests were submitted more than a year ago, I am eager to avoid any further delay.\n\nSincerely,\n\n[1] 5 U.S.C. § 552(a).\n\n[2] The Nomination of the Honorable Pamela Jo Bondi to be Attorney General of the United States: Hearing Before the S. Comm. on the Judiciary, 119th Cong. (Jan. 15, 2026) (testimony of Hon. Pamela Jo Bondi).\n\n[3] Questions for the Record to Kashyap Patel from Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Nomination Hearing: Hearing Before the S. Comm. on the Judiciary, 119th Cong. (Jan. 30, 2025).\n\n[4] Kash Patel, Opinion, Kash Patel: How I’ll Rebuild Public Trust in the FBI, Wall St. J. (Jan. 29, 2025), https://www.wsj.com/opinion/how-ill-rebuild-public-trust-in-the-fbi-kash-patel-on-what-he-would-do-if-confirmed-0e116c87.\n\n[5] Letter from Sens. Richard J. Durbin & Sheldon Whitehouse to Hon. Todd Blanche, at 2 (July 28, 2025), https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/2025-07-28%20Letter%20to%20DOJ%20re%20Maxwell.pdf.\n\n[6] Jason Leopold, Ketamine, Prostitution and Money: Details of a Secret DEA Probe of Jeffrey Epstein, Bloomberg\n\n(Mar. 6, 2026), https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2026-03-06/epstein-investigated-in-dea-probe-for-\n\nketamine-money-laundering.\n\n[7] Letter from Sens. Richard J. Durbin, Sheldon Whitehouse & Adam B. Schiff to Hon. Todd Blanche, at 2 (Sept. 3, 2025), https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Letter%20to%20Bondi%20on%20Jared%20Wise.pdf.\n\n[8] Id.\n\n[9] Ryan Lucas, How the Trump administration has undermined the fight against public corruption, NPR (May 13, 2026), https://www.npr.org/2026/05/13/g-s1-121485/trump-pardons-public-corruption-justice.\n\n[10] EPA Press Office, Administrator Zeldin Announces that Billions of Dollars Worth of “Gold Bars” Have Been Located at Outside Financial Institution, EPA (Feb. 13, 2025), https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/administrator-zeldin-announces-billions-dollars-worth-gold-bars-have-been-located.\n\n[11] See Spencer S. Hsu, Maxine Joselow & Nicolás Rivero, FBI takes up EPA probe amid pushback from judge, prosecutors, Wash. Post (Feb. 27, 2025), https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/02/27/trump-fbi-epa-grant-investigation/; Spencer S. Hsu, Carol D. Leonnig & Nicolás Rivero, High-ranking D.C. federal prosecutor resigns over order to freeze EPA funds, Wash. Post (Feb. 18, 2025), https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2025/02/18/federal-prosecutor-dc-resigns/.\n\n[12] Hailey Fuchs & Josh Gerstein, Todd Blanche tells appropriators payouts for Jan. 6 rioters are possible,\n\nPolitico (May 19, 2026), https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/05/19/congress/blanche-doesnt-rule-out-j6-payouts-00927704.\n\n[13] Tierney Sneed, DOJ rebuffs judge’s request for Blanche to declare in court that anti-weaponization fund is dead, CNN (June 19, 2026), https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/19/politics/doj-anti-weaponization-fund-judge-request.\n\n[14] Sarah Fitzpatrcik, Trump Isn’t Giving Up on His Slush Fund, Atlantic (June 11, 2026), https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/06/trump-anti-weaponization-fund/687500/; Rebecca Beitsch, DOJ has other routes to payouts beyond Trump ‘anti-weaponization’ fund, Hill (June 7, 2026), https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5912674-justice-department-settlements-ftca/.\n\n[15] Off. of the Att’y Gen., Addendum1 (2026), https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1441216/dl.\n\n[16] Review of State Bar Complaints and Allegations Against Current and Former Attorneys for the Government, 91 Fed. Reg. 10780, 10787 (proposed Mar. 5, 2026) (to be codified at 28 C.F.R. pt. 77).\n\n[17] Conference of Chief Justices, Comment Letter on Proposed Rule for the Review of State Bar Complaints and Allegations Against Department of Justice Attorneys (Mar. 24, 2026), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/DOJ-OAG-2026-0001-36670.\n\n[18] 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(6)(A).", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5128", "title": "Houlahan Leads PA Members of Congress Demanding Answers on Delayed Grant Funding for PA Research Universities", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "domain": "houlahan.house.gov", "scraper": "houlahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001085", "name": "Chrissy Houlahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) led a bipartisan, bicameral group of Pennsylvania Members of Congress in demanding answers of Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Russell Vought and National Science Foundation (NSF) Chief of Staff Brian Stone about overdue grant funding for Pennsylvania research universities.\n\nSpecifically, Houlahan and the co-signers want to know the number of grants currently pending, the operational factors causing delays, the role of OMB in reviewing grants, the steps taken by NSF and OMB to ensure an efficient grant process, and the guidance provided by NSF to applicant institutions.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-new-bill-targets-mental-health-service-gaps-criminal-justice", "title": "Rep. Adams’ New Bill Targets Mental Health Service Gaps in Criminal Justice System", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "adams.house.gov", "scraper": "adams", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000370", "name": "Alma S. Adams", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, on July 14, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), introduced the Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Pilot Program Act.\n\nFACT programs are specialized community-based mental health programs that help people with serious mental illness who have been involved with the criminal justice system get the urgent psychiatric care they need, successfully re-enter their communities, and reduce the risk of being incarcerated again.\n\nThis program model uses a dedicated team that provides around the clock care for clients. The team includes mental health professionals, specialists in psychiatry, substance abuse treatment, employment and housing services, forensic peer support, and a criminal justice system partner.\n\nThe FACT Pilot Program Act would establish a 5-year pilot grant program that provides funding for existing FACT programs to expand and increase capacity to serve more clients.\n\nThis initiative is in direct response to the increased rates of serious mental illness for individuals involved in the criminal justice system, with two in five people who are incarcerated having a history of mental illness.\n\n“Many people with a serious mental health condition leave the criminal justice system with no psychiatric support, no job, and no housing. They are being set up to fail,” said Congresswoman Adams. “FACT programs have been shown to improve mental health outcomes and reduce repeat offenses. If we want to reduce crime rates and address the mental health crisis, expanding this program should be a national priority.”\n\nThis bill would also fund a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) study to evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot program and provide recommendations for improvement at the end of the five years. The study would also create a framework to help states and localities, especially rural communities, develop and implement FACT programs.\n\nIn 2025, North Carolina invested $9.5 million into FACT teams in high-needs areas across the state. Currently, this funding supports only five county programs, limiting the number of clients who can be served. Additional investment is needed to ensure that FACT programs throughout the state can meet the growing demand for services.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-aderholt-applauds-arc-funds-secured-red-bay-water-gas", "title": "Congressman Aderholt Applauds ARC Funds Secured for Red Bay Water & Gas Project", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "aderholt.house.gov", "scraper": "aderholt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000055", "name": "Robert B. Aderholt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "This office is located on the backside of the Cullman Dental Arts building up the handicap ramp. It serves Cullman and Winston Counties.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office serves Marshall, DeKalb, and Blount Counties.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office serves Fayette, Lamar, Marion and Walker Counties. It also serves the portion of Tuscaloosa County north of the Black Warrior River, but also down the western side of the county to include the Ralph, Fosters areas.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office serves Colbert and Franklin Counties. It also serves residents of Lauderdale County from roughly Center Star, west to the Mississippi line.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office is located on the backside of the Cullman Dental Arts building up the handicap ramp. It serves Cullman and Winston Counties.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office serves Marshall, DeKalb, and Blount Counties.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office serves Fayette, Lamar, Marion and Walker Counties. It also serves the portion of Tuscaloosa County north of the Black Warrior River, but also down the western side of the county to include the Ralph, Fosters areas.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office serves Colbert and Franklin Counties. It also serves residents of Lauderdale County from roughly Center Star, west to the Mississippi line.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-green-addresses-pres-trumps-making-174m-crypto-day-while-nearly-1m-other", "title": "Rep. Green Addresses Pres. Trump’s Making $1.74M in Crypto Per Day While Nearly 1M Other Investors Lost $3.8B", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "algreen.house.gov", "scraper": "algreen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000553", "name": "Al Green", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) — On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Congressman Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, shared remarks in a Financial Services Hearing entitled, “The Federal Reserve’s Semi-Annual Monetary Policy Report.\"\n\nYou can access and listen to Congressman Al Green's remarks by clicking here. The hearing remarks highlighted are also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-votes-favor-passing-sunshine-protection-act", "title": "Amodei Votes in Favor of Passing of Sunshine Protection Act", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases", "domain": "amodei.house.gov", "scraper": "amodei", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000369", "name": "Mark E. Amodei", "party": "Republican", "state": "NV", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 139, the Energy and Commerce Committee's Sunshine Protection Act. The passing of this bill makes Daylight Savings time permanent, eliminating the need to turn back the clocks come November.\n\nCongressman Mark Amodei released the following statement:\n\n\"I am proud to join the majority of my colleagues in the passing of the Sunshine Protection Act,\" said Rep. Amodei. “I have spoken with countless Nevadans over the years that are in favor of making Daylight Savings permanent. This bill is the first step in allowing them to do so. The Sunshine Protection Act improves the quality of life for not only Nevadans, but all Americans, providing an additional hour of light at the end of the day.\"\n\nKey Takeaways:", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ansari-condemns-ice-murders-calls-for-passage-of-drain-ice-act", "title": "Rep. Ansari Condemns ICE Murders, Calls for Passage of Drain ICE Act", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ansari.house.gov", "scraper": "ansari", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000381", "name": "Yassamin Ansari", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) delivered a speech on the House Floor condemning ICE under the direction of the Trump Administration for its continued terrorization of communities across America, including the murder of innocent people.\n\n“ICE, the President’s paramilitary secret police force, continues to roam American streets and murder people in broad daylight and in cold blood. We are a nation of laws — not a nation of secret police, cold-blooded murders by federal agents on city streets, and blacksite detention centers,” said Rep. Ansari. “We must urgently work to stop these horrific abuses, hold Donald Trump and his cronies to account, abolish ICE, and reform our immigration system. We need to pass my Drain ICE Act so that this horrific agency has not one more cent to terrorize American families and communities.”\n\nAnsari's remarks come after her eleventh congressional oversight visit. Last week, Ansari visited the Eloy Detention Center, where detained individuals reported lacking access to basic necessities. Detainees told her that melting ice was often their only source of clean drinking water unless they purchased bottled water from the commissary, and that air conditioning had not worked properly for three months during Arizona's extreme heat.\n\nDue to a measles outbreak, Ansari was barred from entering the Florence Correctional Center but spoke by phone with Marcos, a Brazilian asylum seeker detained there. Marcos described spending seven days at the Mesa Gateway ICE facility sleeping on hard floors, going without showers, and eating the same meals every day. After being transferred to the Florence Correctional Center, he told Ansari that detainees must purchase clean drinking water while in custody.\n\nWATCH\n\nBelow is a transcript of Rep. Ansari’s full remarks as delivered on the House Floor:\n\nMadam Speaker — ICE, the President’s paramilitary secret police force, continues to roam American streets and murder people in broad daylight in cold blood.\n\nFirst it was Ruben Ray Martinez in March of 2025, but ICE covered it up and kept it from the public. Then it was Alex Pretti and Renee Good.\n\nICE shot and killed these two innocent people in Minnesota who had done nothing more than exercise their constitutional right to protest and free speech.\n\nAnd then the administration’s right-wing propaganda machine got to work, smearing these two heroes as quote “domestic terrorists” with not an ounce of evidence.\n\nThis was coordinated and directed by leadership in the Department of Homeland Security, by then Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem, and by the White House itself through heinous, racist voices like Stephen Miller.\n\nIt’s not a mistake – ICE agents are completely out of control and that is on purpose. That is their mission.\n\nThis is what the Trump Administration wanted to happen from the start – to funnel hundreds of billions of dollars to their paramilitary force and then use masked agents and a nationwide effort to spread fear and terrorize immigrant communities.\n\nThe mass deportation agenda is part of their fascist far-right scheme to amass power by using immigrants as scapegoats and deploying federal troops to American cities, like my home town of Phoenix.\n\nAll across this country, people are shocked, outraged, and appalled by ICE’s conduct and the sheer cruelty of Trump’s mass deportation agenda.\n\nAnd yet it continues to happen in service of arbitrary, brutal quotas for bodies.\n\nQuotas for bodies of real people to fill beds so that for-profit prison companies like GEO Group and CoreCivic can rake in billions of dollars. So families can be torn apart and deported to third countries they've never known.\n\nWe’re talking about 10,000 arrests in a five-day period this past week.\n\nAnd as part of all these horrors, ICE has conducted two sickening murders just in the last week. One in Houston and one in Maine.\n\nICE is using pathetic excuses and spreading more misleading information with the federal government’s bully pulpit to cover up their crimes.\n\nThis is Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old father who was driving to work and was shot and murdered while doing so.\n\nHe was not a domestic terrorist; he wasn’t going to ram his vehicle into anybody. He had no criminal record whatsoever.\\\n\nHe was a hardworking beloved father of American citizens who was working hard to build the American dream. And if you haven’t watched his son Ronaldo speak about his dad, I recommend you do so. It is heart-wrenching.\n\nIt’s outrageous and insane that ICE is claiming Lorenzo “weaponized” his vehicle “in an attempt to run over an ICE law enforcement officer.”\n\nMultiple witnesses testified that, “there were never any ICE agents in front of the van. They came in and started shooting from the sides.”\n\nAs with Alex Pretti and Renee Good, ICE is LYING and lying badly. I honestly cannot believe how terrible their lies are. And then that wasn’t enough. ICE murdered another person in Maine, 26-year-old Joan Sebastian Guerrero, somebody who had a work permit, somebody who had a US social security number. And then DHS put out a statement just yesterday, just last night, that said that this man was trying to drive away and they shot him for these vague quotes of public safety.\n\nICE murdered a Maine resident, a law-abiding resident in front of his wife and his three-year-old daughter for no reason whatsoever. This is just pure evil. Democrats in Congress have been demanding accountability for well over a year.\n\nWe are a nation of laws, not a nation of secret police, of cold-blooded murders by federal agents on city streets, and of black sight detention centers.\n\nWe must urgently work to stop these horrific abuses, it is a moral stain on our country. We must abolish ICE and we are going to prosecute every single person responsible for directing or enabling or carrying out these crimes.\n\nLives are at stake. How many more families and communities need to be torn apart for republicans in congress to do something.\n\nThank you, Mr. Speaker, and I yield back.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A8AFA501-8AC6-402D-89C6-8826B212861C", "title": "House Passes Barr-Led Bill Protecting Second Amendment Privacy", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "barr.house.gov", "scraper": "barr", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001282", "name": "Andy Barr", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) helped lead key legislation protecting the Second Amendment through the House of Representatives. Barr’s legislation, the “Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act,” prohibits financial institutions from using a new Merchant Category Code (MCC) to track purchases of firearms and ammunition.\n\nThis legislation stops banks and credit card companies from compiling and analyzing sensitive data on law-abiding Americans exercising their Second Amendment rights to own and purchase firearms.\n\n“Law-abiding Kentuckians should not be targeted for exercising their constitutional rights,” said Congressman Barr. “Creating a system that flags firearm purchases opens the door to data collection schemes, discrimination against responsible gun owners, and a weaponized federal government that could choke off access to financing for gun stores.”\n\n“The implementation of Merchant Category Codes to surveil lawful purchases is nothing more than an ill-conceived attempt to create a de facto national firearms registry,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of NRA-ILA. “On behalf of millions of NRA members and gun owners nationwide, we thank Representatives Moore, Hudson, and Barr for protecting our Second Amendment rights and our privacy.”\n\nMerchant Category Codes are commonly used across the financial industry to catogrize transactions, but applying a district identifier to firearm related purchases has raised concerns about privacy, data security, and potential misure by both private institutions and government actors.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-introduces-fifth-aviation-safety-bill-response-2025-potomac-river", "title": "Barrett Introduces Fifth Aviation Safety Bill in Response to 2025 Potomac River Crash", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "barrett.house.gov", "scraper": "barrett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001321", "name": "Tom Barrett", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) introduced the Military Next-Gen Collision Avoidance Act (H.R. 9620), legislation aimed at helping prevent tragedies like the January 2025 Potomac River crash between an Army helicopter and a commercial jet. Specifically, this bill would direct the United States Secretary of Defense to advance the deployment of the Airborne Collision Avoidance System–X (ACAS-X) — the next generation of anti-crash technology — in military aircraft.\n\n“After the Potomac River tragedy, it became clear we must identify shortcomings in how military aircraft operate alongside civilian flights and take real steps to fix them,” said Barrett. “This bill helps accelerate the deployment of the next generation of collision avoidance technology across our military fleet so our pilots have the best tools available to prevent midair collisions. We owe it to the 67 people who lost their lives — and to every service member and air traveler — to keep strengthening our aviation safety systems so tragedies like this never happen again.”\n\nThe Military Next-Gen Collision Avoidance Act builds on Barrett’s first four bills in response to the Potomac River Crash:\n\nThe Military Helicopter Training Safety Act was signed into law in December 2025 and began the process of equipping military helicopters with traffic collision avoidance systems, as well as the ADS-B In system, which received data from ADS-B Out systems on other aircraft.\n\nThe Safety in Shared Skies Act would require the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out system in every military aircraft to be tested and serviced every 90 days.\n\nThe Military ADS-B Out Loophole Act would prevent military helicopter pilots from turning off ADS-B Out transmissions during non-sensitive portions of flight missions.\n\nThe Next-Gen Collision Avoidance Act would require the Federal Aviation Administration to advance the deployment of the ACAS-X in civilian and military aircraft.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-celebrates-house-passage-sunshine-protection-act-lock-clock", "title": "Bilirakis Celebrates House Passage of Sunshine Protection Act to \"Lock the Clock\"", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "bilirakis.house.gov", "scraper": "bilirakis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001257", "name": "Gus M. Bilirakis", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Earlier today, U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, managed debate on the House Floor for H.R. 139, the Sunshine Protection Act, which passed with bipartisan support. The legislation would make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent nationwide, while allowing states that have previously exempted themselves from observing Daylight Saving Time to remain on permanent standard time. For years, Americans have voiced frustration over the twice-yearly clock changes, and earlier this Congress the House Energy and Commerce Committee examined the issue during a hearing that highlighted the many benefits of permanent Daylight Saving Time. Witnesses testified that adopting permanent DST could improve motor vehicle safety, lead to better health outcomes, and provide more usable daylight in the evening, allowing Americans more time to exercise outdoors, safely pick up children from school, spend time with family, and support local businesses.\n\n\"For years, Floridians have made it clear that they are tired of the outdated and unnecessary practice of changing the clocks twice a year,\" said Congressman Bilirakis. \"The biannual time change disrupts daily routines, inconveniences families and businesses, and no longer reflects the needs of our modern economy. Establishing Permanent Daylight Saving Time will provide Americans with greater consistency, more usable daylight in the evening, and the certainty that comes with ending the twice-yearly clock changes. Americans are ready to ditch the switch, and today we took an important step toward making that long-overdue goal a reality.\"\n\nBilirakis has long championed efforts to end the twice-yearly time change and has worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance a permanent solution. As the House manager for the Sunshine Protection Act, he guided the legislation through House debate, helping secure its passage in the House of Representatives. The Sunshine Protection Act now advances to the Senate for final consideration.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/07/14/buchanan-celebrates-passage-of-his-permanent-daylight-saving-time-bill/", "title": "Buchanan Celebrates Passage of His Permanent Daylight Saving Time Bill", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "domain": "buchanan.house.gov", "scraper": "buchanan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001260", "name": "Vern Buchanan", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Buchanan’s Sunshine Protection Act Passes House in Bipartisan Vote\n\nClick here to watch Buchanan’s House floor speech on the Sunshine Protection Act.\n\nWASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan released the following statement after his Sunshine Protection Act (H.R. 139), a bill to make daylight saving time (DST) permanent year-round and end the twice-annual clock change, passed the House in a bipartisan vote:\n\n“Today, the House took an important step toward ending the outdated practice of changing our clocks twice a year by passing my bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act. This commonsense legislation reflects what Americans have been saying for years: it’s time to lock the clock and make daylight saving time permanent.\n\n“Permanent daylight saving time will improve public safety, promote healthier and more active lifestyles and give families more daylight to enjoy after work and school. I’m grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting this bipartisan effort, and I urge the Senate to send this long-overdue reform to the president’s desk.”\n\nBuchanan’s Sunshine Protection Act would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide. In Florida, the state legislature overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation in 2018 to become the first state in the nation to adopt permanent DST. Across the U.S., 19 states have since enacted legislation or passed similar resolutions to adopt this change, pending congressional approval.\n\nThe Sunshine Protection Act allows states to opt out of permanent daylight saving time in favor of permanent standard time if opt out legislation is passed through their respective state legislatures. States can do so right up until the bill’s enactment.\n\nThe legislation has 33 bipartisan cosponsors in the House, and Senate companion legislation (S. 29) introduced by Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) has 18 bipartisan cosponsors. President Trump has also consistently said that he wants to end the twice-annual clock change.\n\nBuchanan has introduced the Sunshine Protection Act each Congress since 2018.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases/immediate-release-congressman-burchett-introduces-bill-improve-snap", "title": "For Immediate Release: Congressman Burchett Introduces Bill to Improve SNAP Trafficking Data", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "burchett.house.gov", "scraper": "burchett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001309", "name": "Tim Burchett", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Low-income families rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for vital access to food security. SNAP trafficking occurs when benefits are illegally exchanged for cash or non-eligible goods.\n\nThe Stop Retail Food Store SNAP Trafficking Act improves the collection of SNAP trafficking data to enable better oversight of potential abuse across the country. Additionally, this legislation strengthens enforcement by increasing penalties on malicious actors from $100,000 to $250,000.\n\n“SNAP has become notorious for being plagued with fraud and abuse,” said Rep. Burchett. “My bill will empower the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct better oversight to ensure that your taxpayer money is being used to serve the least amongst us, not fraudsters.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-leads-roundtable-strategic-competition-china", "title": "Burlison Leads Roundtable on Strategic Competition with China", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "burlison.house.gov", "scraper": "burlison", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001316", "name": "Eric Burlison", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) delivered opening remarks at today’s roundtable titled “Winning the Economic Competition with China: Working Families, the AI Race, and Energy.” In his remarks, Subcommittee Chairman Burlison highlighted China’s push to control key global industries like critical minerals processing, shipbuilding, AI development, pharmaceutical supplies, and other manufacturing in order to seize economic dominance over the rest of the world and undermine American leadership. He also noted that the Working Families Tax Cut Act stopped China from benefiting from American tax provisions and can be a key tool in maintaining the U.S.’s leadership on the world stage.\n\nWATCH: Rep. Burlison's Opening Remarks\n\nBelow are Subcommittee Chairman Burlison’s remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nGood afternoon.\n\nI want to welcome everyone to this roundtable hosted by the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs.\n\nToday, we will be discussing the United States’ strategic economic competition with China, and how H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, reverses misguided policies championed by Democrats and strengthens our position to win.\n\nJust over two weeks ago, our great nation celebrated 250 years since our Founding Fathers declared independence from Great Britain.\n\nAt the time, that mighty empire sought to grow its economic might at the expense of our peoples’ rights and liberty.\n\n250 years later, the United States is the most powerful nation the world has ever known.\n\nThroughout our history, we have faced significant threats from nations who opposed our liberty and threatened our economic prosperity.\n\nToday, we face such a threat yet again, from the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party dictatorship that leads it.\n\nWhile China seeks to cast itself as a traditional economic competitor, it is unlike any adversary we have ever faced.\n\nQuite simply, its ambition is to reshape and dominate the global economy and international order of the 21st Century.\n\nChina — through massive government subsidization, strategic central planning, and rampant violation of rules other nations respect — now controls key chokepoint industries, such as critical minerals processing, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals supply, and other essential manufacturing sectors.\n\nAs part of undermining American AI development, China is funding nonprofits in the U.S. and spreading propaganda to impede data center construction and energy projects.\n\nWe are even hearing reports of China-linked groups using American AI to spread misleading anti-data center content.\n\nTheir intent is clear.\n\nChina will use any means to undermine American AI and other key American industries so that they, not the United States, will lead the world’s future.\n\nBoth abroad and in the U.S., China has been dumping “green” energy products such as solar panels to create both a supply chain dependency and a backdoor risk to our electric grid security.\n\nThe Biden Administration’s and congressional Democrats’ misguided Inflation Reduction Act played into China’s hands, greatly expanding tax credits for wind and solar energy, with the ultimate aim of phasing out American fossil fuels.\n\nChina quickly exploited these tax credits, setting up factories in the U.S. to build their solar panels here.\n\nTo compete with and win against China in these key areas, the U.S. economy needs firm legislative support.\n\nWith the passage of H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act — also known as the WFTCA — on July 4, 2025, Republicans ended the Biden-era climate slush fund and provided key support to the U.S. economy.\n\nThe WFTCA stopped China from benefiting from our tax provisions, prohibiting Foreign Entities of Concern from eligibility.\n\nThe bill included key provisions to support expansion of our reliable domestic fossil fuel production, bolstering American energy dominance.\n\nThe bill also provided $7.5 billion to expand the United States’ domestic critical minerals capacity, which is essential for the development of American AI, semiconductors and more.\n\nChina has been aggressively accelerating its shipbuilding, leveraging its critical minerals chokehold, and taking punitive measures against American businesses.\n\nWFTCA has strengthened our hand against China, directly addressing many of these concerns.\n\nBut we have more we must do.\n\nOur Founding Fathers understood that people are endowed by God with unalienable rights, and that government derives its power from the consent of the governed.\n\nThe Chinese Communist Party, however, views individual rights as granted by and subordinate to the will of the party.\n\nIf the United States loses its economic competition with China, the Chinese Communist Party will leverage its economic victory to impose that ideology of oppression upon the world.\n\nIn the face of this, competing alone is not enough.\n\nWe must win.\n\nToday I hope we can discuss how the WFTCA strengthens our position against China, and how we can build on its success to win the battle for the future.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/bynum-leads-effort-protect-clean-drinking-water-oregon-communities", "title": "Bynum Leads Effort to Protect Clean Drinking Water for Oregon Communities", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "bynum.house.gov", "scraper": "bynum", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001326", "name": "Janelle S. Bynum", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Yesterday, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) led a letter along with Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), urging the District Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Colonel Larry Caswell Jr., to ensure impacted communities are fully prepared before beginning work on the Detroit Reservoir deep drawdown which is scheduled for later this year.\n\nThe lawmakers expressed concerns over recent findings from the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (“SEIS”), indicating that the drawdown would mobilize sediment and pass it downstream, potentially harming local water systems and impacting the availability of clean drinking water.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers emphasized that varying levels of resilience and preparedness currently exist across affected water systems. They argue that in order to preserve public health and safety, the Corps must allow affected communities to execute the infrastructure and operational improvements necessary to maintain safe and reliable drinking water service before implementing the Detroit Reservoir deep drawdown.\n\n\"[M]anagement of the Willamette Valley System must balance fish recovery objectives with the public health, safety, and economic needs of Oregon communities. Success should be measured not only by our ability to strengthen salmon recovery, but by whether every downstream community can still turn on the tap with confidence,” the lawmakers wrote. “We have heard serious and repeated concerns from local governments, public water providers, emergency managers, and community stakeholders in the North Santiam Canyon and throughout Marion County regarding the potential impacts of the proposed drawdown on turbidity, drinking water reliability, public health, and critical infrastructure.\"\n\nEarlier this year, Rep. Bynum successfully led a letter along with Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) requesting additional time for community engagement on the USACE proposed drawdown of Detroit Reservoir.\n\nThis letter is part of her ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of Oregonians and ensure they have a voice in decisions that affect their communities.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3504", "title": "Carbajal Announces Funding for Central Coast Water Projects Passed House Committee", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "carbajal.house.gov", "scraper": "carbajal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001112", "name": "Salud O. Carbajal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advanced a bipartisan bill containing more than $66 million for Central Coast water projects. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 will now need to be considered by the full House and Senate for final passage.\n\n“Like many communities across the nation, the Central Coast has some water systems that are aging beyond their intended service life or must be upgraded to accommodate our region’s growth. As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I’m proud to have secured federal funding in this committee-passed bill to strengthen water infrastructure throughout the Central Coast. As the bill moves toward final consideration, I will continue working to ensure this essential investment is delivered to our communities,” said Rep. Carbajal, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.\n\nThe following projects and authorizations have been included in the committee-passed bill.\n\n$30,000,000 for the Los Olivos Community Services District (LOCSD). The funding will be used for a new septic-to-sewer project. Once completed, the proposed project will collect wastewater from the LOCSD and send the waste approximately 3.5 miles to a connection point with the City of Solvang. The City of Solvang will then treat and dispose of the LOCSD’s wastewater at their regional facilities.\n\n$25,000,000 for the City of Ojai. The project would replace the metal pipes that service the City’s storm water collection system. These pipes are at the end of their expected life, having been in place since the early 1960s.\n\n$3,200,000 for Summerland Sanitary District to upgrade water and wastewater infrastructure.\n\n$6,300,000 for the City of Lompoc. The City’s projects include the modernization of the City’s water treatment plant and construction of a stormwater treatment and flood control system.\n\n$2,000,000 for the City of Solvang to improve its water and water supply infrastructure, including the distribution systems.\n\nAuthorization of the City of Morro Bay’s seawall repair and harbor enhancements project.\n\n“The City of Solvang is grateful for Congressman Carbajal’s leadership and continued advocacy for Solvang. His support helps advance important infrastructure priorities that are essential to the long-term health, reliability, and resilience of our community,” said Mayor David Brown.\n\n“The legislative language advocated by Congressman Salud Carbajal will ensure the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lives up to its responsibility to repair and maintain breakwater, revetment, and seawall infrastructure that is vital to ensuring safe navigation and operations in Morro Bay Harbor. We appreciate Rep. Carbajal’s leadership and his hard work in Washington, D.C. on behalf of Morro Bay and California,” said Mayor Carla Wixom.\n\n“The Summerland Sanitary District is incredibly grateful to Congressman Carbajal for his continued advocacy for our coastal infrastructure. Securing this $3.2 million authorization in the draft WRDA bill is a vital milestone in rehabilitating our ocean outfall. This federal partnership establishes the critical pathway we need to protect our local environment and ensure reliable wastewater services for our community,” said Diantha Glaser, General Manager of the Summerland Sanitary District.\n\n“Building a sewer system to solve a problem that has persisted for more than 50 years isn't glamorous, and it certainly is not easy. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Salud Carbajal for his leadership and support in helping secure funding for this critical community infrastructure. This investment gives Los Olivos a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build the solution our community has long supported while ensuring that local decisions remain in local hands. It allows us to move forward with a project that reflects the needs and priorities of the people who live and work here,” said Los Olivos Community Services District President Julie Kennedy.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-on-ice-theyve-engaged-in-cold-blooded-murder", "title": "Congressman Castro on ICE: “They've Engaged in Cold-Blooded Murder”", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "castro.house.gov", "scraper": "castro", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001091", "name": "Joaquin Castro", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) joined the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) to speak out against ICE’s brutality and the killings of 52-year-old Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, Texas, and of 26-year-old Joan Sebastian Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine.\n\nView press conference clip here.\n\nRemarks as delivered below:\n\nI'm Joaquin Castro, and proud to represent San Antonio, Texas, here in the U.S. Congress. And want to say thank you to my colleagues in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, most especially Representative Silvia Garcia, who, after the shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, did so much work in the community to try to start to heal the community, but also to get answers to why ICE brutally murdered Lorenzo. And also to other members of the Houston delegation who were here, Lizzie Fletcher and Christian Menefee, who have also been very helpful in Houston.\n\nWe are confronted once again with the fact that ICE has become, under Donald Trump, an abusive and rogue agency that should be broken up and disbanded. Yesterday, a woman walked out of her home and into the chaos of the street, where she saw a young girl, no more than three years old.\n\nICE had just shot and killed a 26-year-old man, shot him six times. While he was lifeless on the floor, they handcuffed him. Neighbors said the man was the father of that young girl. It was seven o'clock in the morning, and the young girl was still wearing her Bluey pajamas. The woman said, \"things like this never happen.”\n\nExcept under Donald Trump, they seem to happen every week. And if we let this go longer, they will happen every day. I have said for a while that there is a brutality by ICE on the streets and behind the prison walls of places like Dilley, and Karnes, and Pearsall, and so many other detention centers across the country. This is an agency that is targeting, that is profiling, that is stalking Latinos across the country. I found it very interesting that in both cases, ICE has admitted that neither man was targeted. That they were not the targets of enforcement.\n\nI think there's a reason for that, because they have contracted people who are essentially bounty hunters, as well as their regular agents, to go out in the streets to look for people in beat up work trucks, to look for Latino men early in the morning and coming home at night, who are going to and from construction sites, who are going to stores to buy supplies for construction and home building, and they're targeting those folks. So, they don't need names on a paper. They're driving around to see who's brown, driving around to see and listen to who speaks Spanish out in public, and then they're stopping those people. They're asking them whether they have papers, and in these last two cases, they've engaged in cold-blooded murder.\n\nI think you'll agree with me that when law enforcement has video to prove its case, it releases it right away. They release the video evidence right away, and yet ICE has released nothing in either case. In Lorenzo's case, they literally have not released a shred of evidence to support their claim that he was a danger to them. They were a danger to him. They were a danger to the Latino community, and all of this is driven by a racial animus out of the White House—not just Donald Trump, but Stephen Miller, who's the architect of this racial animus and hatred and bigotry, so Americans have to stand up together, have to refuse to be silent.\n\nWe have to disband ICE in this Congress. We have to freeze their hiring. We should give them no more money. Congress has to use every leverage that it can to change ICE's behavior. Otherwise, these killings will continue. There will be another victim in a few days or a few weeks. I want to say thank you to the communities in Houston and throughout Texas who have spoken up loudly, the neighbors in Maine who got out yesterday into the streets in protest, and Americans across the country who have done the same thing. Your words matter, your voices matter, your actions matter.\n\nADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:\n\nAccording to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is contracting private companies to track and locate people, a bounty hunting process known as skip tracing. According to the American Immigration Council, these private contractors receive up to 50,000 names per month and use data tools, online research, and artificial intelligence to locate people and inform ICE where and when operations should take place.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-garcia-s-statement-on-ice-s-ongoing-criminality", "title": "Congressman García’s Statement on ICE’s Ongoing Criminality", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "chuygarcia.house.gov", "scraper": "chuygarcia", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000586", "name": "Jesús G. \"Chuy\" García", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the ongoing brutality and criminality of ICE:\n\n“ICE is out of control. Federal immigration agents have killed two more people in just one week: Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Texas and Joan Sebastian Guerrero in Maine. Both victims were fathers, husbands, hard-working immigrants who were contributing members of their communities. In both cases, ICE has lied about the facts that led to these murders, just like they lied when they killed Silverio Villegas Gonzalez and shot Marimar Martinez in Chicago last year. Beyond these and other ICE murders, at least 50 people have died in immigration detention since the beginning of Trump’s second term. Yet, last month Republicans gave DHS $70 billion more for ICE and CBP, effectively funding these agencies through the end of the Trump administration. We cannot continue to fund these rogue, lawless agencies. Republicans need to stop pretending that ICE is an immigration enforcement agency when it’s acting like an immigrant extermination agency. We must hold these agents accountable, dismantle DHS and rebuild the immigration enforcement system from the ground up.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-garcia-casar-lead-colleagues-in-urging-trump-administration-to-lift-sanctions-on-venezuela-to-allow-for-response-to-catastrophic-earthquakes", "title": "Congressmen García, Casar Lead Colleagues in Urging Trump Administration to Lift Sanctions on Venezuela to Allow for Response to Catastrophic Earthquakes", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "chuygarcia.house.gov", "scraper": "chuygarcia", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000586", "name": "Jesús G. \"Chuy\" García", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressmen Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) and Greg Casar (TX-35) led a letter to President Donald Trump, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging them to lift sanctions on Venezuela and facilitate access to frozen assets abroad, to respond to the humanitarian crisis caused by the devastating June 24 earthquakes.\n\nThe letter, which was signed by 14 Members of Congress, highlights the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and emphasizes that the U.S. government’s punishing sanctions regime is severely hampering urgent relief efforts. “In this moment of crisis, a robust state-coordinated response, unhampered by sanctions, is essential for preventing a humanitarian collapse and addressing the vast civilian and infrastructure needs that exceed the capacity of non-governmental approaches alone. The removal of sanctions will also allow state institutions to more effectively coordinate and deliver emergency healthcare, shelter, and food, clear debris, and rebuild roads, schools, and homes,” the letter says.\n\nNoting that these sanctions “discourage foreign suppliers, increase import costs, disrupt international payment mechanisms, weaken state capacity, and generate and exacerbate shortages,” the letter argues they have caused an immense, unprecedented depression in Venezuela, and in order for recovery and reconstruction to succeed, they must be lifted entirely, not merely waived. It also urges the Trump Administration to facilitate the restoration of\n\nVenezuelan institutions’ ability to access, safeguard and deploy their assets in response to the\n\nunfolding humanitarian catastrophe.\n\nThe letter concludes by stating that President Trump’s decision to launch military strikes, forcibly detain Nicolas Maduro, and proclaim that his Administration “runs” the country means his Administration bears additional responsibility for the humanitarian response.\n\nThe letter was also signed by Representatives Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07).\n\nA copy of the full letter can be found here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/declaracion-del-congresista-garcia-sobre-la-criminalidad-persistente-de-ice", "title": "Declaración del Congresista García sobre la Criminalidad Persistente de ICE", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "chuygarcia.house.gov", "scraper": "chuygarcia", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000586", "name": "Jesús G. \"Chuy\" García", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — El Congresista Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) emitió la siguiente declaración sobre la brutalidad y criminalidad continuas de ICE:\n\n“ICE está fuera de control. Agentes federales de inmigración han matado a dos personas más en tan solo una semana: Lorenzo Salgado Araujo en Texas y Joan Sebastian Guerrero en Maine. Ambas víctimas eran padres, esposos e inmigrantes trabajadores que contribuían activamente a sus comunidades. En ambos casos, ICE ha mentido sobre los hechos que condujeron a estas muertes, tal como mintieron cuando mataron a Silverio Villegas-González y dispararon contra Marimar Martínez en Chicago el año pasado. Más allá de estos y otros asesinatos cometidos por ICE, al menos 50 personas han muerto bajo custodia de ICE desde el inicio del segundo mandato de Trump. Sin embargo, el mes pasado los republicanos otorgaron al Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS) 70,000 millones de dólares adicionales para ICE y CBP, financiando así a estas agencias hasta el final de la administración Trump. No podemos seguir dando fondos a estas agencias que actúan al margen de la ley y sin control alguno. Los republicanos deben dejar de fingir que el ICE es una agencia de control migratorio cuando actúa como una agencia de exterminio de inmigrantes. Debemos exigir responsabilidades a estos agentes, desmantelar el DHS y reconstruir el sistema de control migratorio desde sus cimientos”.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/los-congresistas-garcia-y-casar-encabezan-a-sus-colegas-para-instar-a-la-administracion-trump-a-levantar-las-sanciones-contra-venezuela-y-permitir-una-respuesta-ante-los-catastroficos-terremotos", "title": "Los Congresistas García y Casar Encabezan A Sus Colegas Para Instar a la Administración Trump a Levantar las Sanciones Contra Venezuela y Permitir una Respuesta Ante Los Catastróficos Terremotos", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "chuygarcia.house.gov", "scraper": "chuygarcia", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000586", "name": "Jesús G. \"Chuy\" García", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Hoy, los Congresistas Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) y Greg Casar (TX-35) encabezaron una carta dirigida al Presidente Donald Trump, al Secretario del Tesoro Scott Bessent y al Secretario de Estado Marco Rubio, instándolos a levantar las sanciones contra Venezuela y facilitar el acceso a los activos congelados en el extranjero para responder a la crisis humanitaria causada por los devastadores terremotos del 24 de junio.\n\nLa carta, firmada por 14 miembros del Congreso, destaca la crisis humanitaria en Venezuela y subraya que el régimen de sanciones punitivas del gobierno de EE. UU. está obstaculizando gravemente las labores urgentes de ayuda. \"En este momento de crisis, una respuesta sólida coordinada por el Estado, sin las trabas de las sanciones, es esencial para prevenir un colapso humanitario y atender las enormes necesidades de la población civil y de infraestructura que superan la capacidad de las iniciativas no gubernamentales por sí solas. El levantamiento de las sanciones también permitirá a las instituciones estatales coordinar y proporcionar de manera más eficaz atención médica de emergencia, refugio y alimentos, así como retirar escombros y reconstruir carreteras, escuelas y viviendas\", señala la carta.\n\nAl señalar que estas sanciones “desalientan a los proveedores extranjeros, aumentan los costos de las importaciones, causan disturbios en los mecanismos de pago internacionales, debilitan la capacidad del Estado, generan y empeoran la escasez”, la carta sostiene que han causado una depresión inmensa y sin precedentes en Venezuela, y para que la recuperación y la reconstrucción tengan éxito, las sanciones deben ser levantadas por completo, no simplemente suspendidas. También insta a la Administración Trump a facilitar la restauración de la capacidad de las instituciones venezolanas para acceder, salvaguardar y desplegar sus activos en respuesta a la catástrofe humanitaria que se está desarrollando.\n\nLa carta concluye afirmando que la decisión del presidente Trump de lanzar ataques militares, detener por la fuerza a Nicolás Maduro y proclamar que su Administración “dirige” el país significa que su Administración tiene una responsabilidad adicional en cuanto a la respuesta humanitaria.\n\nLa carta también fue firmada por los Representantes Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07).", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-celebrates-umkc-led-critical-materials-crossroads", "title": "Congressman Cleaver Celebrates UMKC-Led Critical Materials Crossroads Engine  Selection for $160 Million NSF Award", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cleaver.house.gov", "scraper": "cleaver", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001061", "name": "Emanuel Cleaver", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), celebrates the National Science Foundation’s selection of the University of Missouri-Kansas City-led Critical Materials Crossroads Engine as one of just twelve new NSF Regional Innovation Engines nationwide.\n\nThe designation makes the Kansas City region eligible to receive up to $160 million over the next decade, positioning Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District as a national hub for critical materials research, advanced manufacturing, workforce development, and supply chain innovation.\n\n“Today’s announcement proves that the future of American innovation is being built right here in Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District,” said Congressman Cleaver. “UMKC’s designation as an NSF Regional Innovation Engine reflects the extraordinary talent and collaboration that define our community. This investment will strengthen our economy, create good-paying jobs, and ensure our region continues to lead in developing the critical technologies of tomorrow. I congratulate Chancellor Agrawal, UMKC, and all of the partners who helped make this achievement possible. Today, we are reminded that our greatest successes come when there’s collaboration towards a shared vision. That’s the Kansas City way, and today the nation is taking notice.”\n\nThe UMKC-led consortium includes more than 260 partners across Missouri and Kansas spanning higher education, industry, entrepreneurship, government, and workforce development. The initiative is expected to support approximately 10,000 jobs by 2036 while generating as much as $40 billion in economic output across the region.\n\nCritical Materials Crossroads will help establish the Kansas City region as a national leader in developing and commercializing the advanced materials used in technologies ranging from semiconductors and batteries to medical devices, aerospace, and national defense.\n\nEarlier this year, Rep. Cleaver joined a bipartisan, bistate delegation from Missouri and Kansas in sending a letter to the Acting Director of the National Science Foundation advocating for UMKC’s selection as a Regional Innovation Engine.\n\nRep. Cleaver has long supported robust federal investment in research, innovation, and higher education as drivers of economic growth and American competitiveness. The Congressman congratulates UMKC and its regional partners on this landmark achievement and looks forward to seeing the lasting economic opportunities this investment will create for Missouri’s Fifth District.\n\nThe 12 newest NSF Engines are:\n\nNSF BRIDGES Engine in Alabama and Tennessee, led by the Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology.\n\nNSF Critical Materials Crossroads Engine in the Kansas City Region, led by the University of Missouri-Kansas City.\n\nNSF Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine in Alaska, led by the University of Alaska Fairbanks.\n\nNSF FAST Engine in Oregon, led by Oregon State University.\n\nNSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas, led by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.\n\nNSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana, led by Indiana University.\n\nNSF NEO-SMART Engine in Northeast Ohio, led by Case Western Reserve University with more than 70 regional partners.\n\nNSF Quantum Technologies Engine in Connecticut, led by the University of Connecticut.\n\nNSF RETI Engine in West Virginia and western Pennsylvania, led by West Virginia University in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University and the U.S. Research Impact Alliance.\n\nNSF Rural STAMINA Biomanufacturing Engine in Iowa and Nebraska, led by Iowa State University.\n\nNSF Seafood Engine in New England, led by the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems.\n\nNSF STELLAR Engine in the Rochester/Finger Lakes Region of New York, led by the University of Rochester.\n\nTo learn more about these NSF Engines, visit the NSF Engines Cohort 2 webpage.\n\nView a map of these NSF Engines.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://cloud.house.gov/posts/banks-cloud-lead-house-gop-members-in-charge-to-urge-white-house-to-enact-grant-transparency-rule-to-block-woke-activism-funding", "title": "Banks, Cloud Lead House GOP Members In Charge to Urge White House to Enact Grant Transparency Rule to Block Woke Activism Funding", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cloud.house.gov/press", "domain": "cloud.house.gov", "scraper": "cloud", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001115", "name": "Michael Cloud", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Daily Signal\n\nPedro Rodriguez | July 14th, 2026\n\nCiting the “network” of liberal activists funded by President Joe Biden’s administration, 34 Republican lawmakers are urging the Office of Management and Budget to finalize a proposed rule they say would bring greater transparency to the federal grant-making process and give taxpayers more insight into how government funds are spent.\n\nThe lawmakers—including Reps. August Pfluger of Texas, Michael Cloud of Texas, and Byron Donalds of Florida, and Sen. Jim Banks of Indiana—penned the letter last week as part of a larger effort to protect taxpayer dollars from mismanagement or fraud, waste, and abuse.\n\n“Every dollar the federal government awards in grants should serve the American people and uphold the Constitution. That has not been happening,” Cloud told the Daily Signal. “Federal grants have been funding discrimination, gender ideology, and open border advocacy. These are not organizations serving the American people.”\n\n“They are organizations that have used taxpayer dollars to violate federal law. This rule puts a stop to that. We are glad Director [Russell] Vought is moving forward on this,” Cloud added.\n\nIn the letter, the conservative coalition argued that “it is vital that recipients of government assistance comply with federal law” because “each year, the federal government distributes trillions of dollars in grants and financial assistance.”\n\nThe lawmakers argued that Congress has a responsibility to ensure federal funding does not support activities that conflict with laws passed by Congress or constitutional provisions ratified by the states.\n\n“We have an interest in stopping these funds from advancing peripheral and experimental ideologies that seek to destabilize the American project and harm the American people,” the letter continues. “For years, taxpayer dollars have supported unlawful activities.”\n\nThe coalition also contended that increased transparency is especially important given what members described as inconsistent enforcement of federal law across presidential administrations.\n\nThe letter specifically raises concerns about federal funding for organizations involved in immigration-related services. The lawmakers cited what they described as a “network of over 200 non-governmental organizations” that allegedly helped facilitate the entry of illegal immigrants and received funding during the Biden administration.\n\nAccording to the letter, some organizations used taxpayer funds to provide assistance such as housing, cash support, and transportation. The lawmakers further alleged that some groups encouraged fraudulent asylum claims or engaged in anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement activism.\n\n“OMB has clear legal authority to deny federal funding in support of these projects,” the letter states.\n\nThe proposal has received support from conservative advocacy groups.\n\nDaniel West, Heritage Action’s director of government relations, said the rule could increase accountability in the federal grants system and help ensure taxpayer dollars are spent in accordance with federal law.\n\n“OMB’s proposed rule restructures our nation’s inefficient grants system and puts power back in the hands of American taxpayers,” West told the Daily Signal. “Under this proposed rule, there will finally be accountability and an end to taxpayer dollars supporting these destructive practices.”\n\nWest praised Banks, Cloud, and the other lawmakers who signed the letter, saying they are fulfilling their constitutional duty to oversee federal spending.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-statement-on-swearing-in-of-u-s-senator-darline-graham-nordone-of-south-carolina/", "title": "Clyburn Statement on Swearing-In of U.S. Senator Darline Graham Nordone of South Carolina", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "clyburn.house.gov", "scraper": "clyburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000537", "name": "James E. Clyburn", "party": "Democrat", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) released the following statement on the swearing-in of U.S. Senator Darline Graham Nordone of South Carolina:\n\n“Congratulations to Senator Darline Graham Nordone on this historic achievement. Her appointment marks a significant milestone for our state.\n\n“A 2009 graduate of South Carolina State University, Senator Graham Nordone becomes the first woman and the first HBCU graduate to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate. This is a testament to the progress our nation continues to make in expanding opportunities for women to serve at the highest levels of public office.\n\n“I feel certain her historic accomplishment will inspire generations of South Carolinians to believe that no barrier is beyond reach and wish her Godspeed.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://clyde.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3695", "title": "Rep. Clyde Honors Pearl Harbor Survivor, WWII Veteran as Special Georgian of the Ninth", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clyde.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "clyde.house.gov", "scraper": "clyde", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001116", "name": "Andrew S. Clyde", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "GAINESVILLE, GA — Over the weekend, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) recognized World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor Ken Schubring as a Special Georgian of the Ninth to honor his courageous service.\n\nAt 104 years old, Retired U.S. Army Captain Ken Schubring is one of the few remaining Pearl Harbor survivors. He enlisted at just 17 years old, serving in combat from the first day of World War II to the very last.\n\nOn Saturday, Congressman Clyde attended Habersham County’s America 250 Celebration in Clarkesville. During the patriotic event, Rep. Clyde delivered remarks highlighting Captain Schubring’s heroism and extraordinary service. Additionally, the Congressman presented Schubring with an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in his honor and a Special Georgian of the Ninth Certificate.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-39-million-nih-grants-st-jude-and-uthsc", "title": "Congressman Cohen Announces $3.9 Million in NIH Grants to St. Jude and UTHSC", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cohen.house.gov", "scraper": "cohen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001068", "name": "Steve Cohen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced five grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) which will provide a total of $3,956,287 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC).\n\nThe first St. Jude grant, for $665,425, is for research into deciphering the complexities of inflammasome activation following RSV infection under the direction of Dr. Steven M. Varga from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. RSV is one of the leading causes of severe respiratory disease in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, and there is no currently available vaccine for it. The inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes which are responsible for the activation of inflammatory responses. This project aims to enhance our understanding of how RSV generates inflammatory responses and will impact the evaluation and design of new therapeutic targets for RSV. A second grant, for $1,834,564, is for research into sickle cell disease under the direction of Dr. Shannon McKinney-Freeman from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Sickle cell disease is associated with the development of additional hematological diseases as the patient grows older, however the mechanisms underlying the acquisition of additional diseases isn’t fully understood. This project aims to test a new potential drug therapy for sickle cell disease in cell and non-human disease models and discern whether the body’s own stem cells can return to normal function, and restore function to the bone marrow.\n\nThe first of three UTHSC grants is for $687,753 to research the role of genetic factors on nicotine abuse under the direction of Dr. Burt M. Sharp from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The second, for $517,060, is for research into therapeutic targeting of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeler under the direction of Dr. Lawrence M. Pfeffer from the National Cancer Institute. Chromatin are the tightly wound packages of DNA in the cell’s nucleus, and the SWI/NSF chromatin remodeler plays a major role in gene transcription in eukaryotic cells. In glioblastoma, the most common primary malignancy of the adult brain, a portion of the SWI/NSF chromatin remodeler enhances the ability for the tumor cells to repopulate and resist treatment with drugs such as temozolomide. This project will evaluate a potential new treatment which targets that portion of the SWI/NSF chromatin remodeler to restore sensitivity to other therapeutic compounds in non-human and cell models. A third grant, for $251,485, is for biomedical research training under the direction of Dr. Shannon J. Moore. This project aims to promote healthcare-associated job training and learning for fields such as clinical laboratory sciences, to high school students.\n\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\n\n“This important investment in medical research conducted in Memphis will reveal critical insights. I congratulate Drs. Varga, Sharp, Pfeffer, McKinney-Freeman and Moore for receiving this funding and thank them for the work they do.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-demands-answers-ice-agents-and-task-force-crackdowns", "title": "Congressman Cohen Demands Answers on ICE Agents and Task Force Crackdowns", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cohen.house.gov", "scraper": "cohen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001068", "name": "Steve Cohen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Following two recent killings in Memphis by members of the Memphis Safe Task Force and recent killings in Houston and Biddeford, Maine, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding answers about the policies, practices and standards employed by the accelerated federalized law enforcement in American cities.\n\nCongressman Cohen wrote several letters to Mullin’s predecessor, Kristi Noem, which received no replies, and questioned her claim to be deporting “the worst of the worst” at a Judiciary Committee oversight hearing in March.\n\nThe letter to Mullin reads in part:\n\n“I write out of deep concern about the conduct of the Memphis Safe Task Force in my community. Just in the past four days, we have had two Memphians killed at the hands of Task Force members. I remain particularly concerned about the deployments of the National Guard and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) patrolling the streets. The rush to put Task Force members on the street – without the proper training in community policing- has had deadly consequences.\n\n“This is a matter of absolute urgency. Just today, I learned of another individual shot by an ICE agent in Maine. Last week, before this most recent incident, The New York Times reported that since 2025, ICE has been involved in 29 shooting incidents, with over 20 people shot and at least 8 killed.\n\n“I wrote your predecessor on several occasions to express my concerns and inquire about the composition of and training for the Memphis Safe Crime Task Force – particularly ICE agents. I renew those questions and look forward to your answers.\n\nLaw enforcement is most credible when it reflects the communities it serves. Please provide a demographic breakdown (including race, gender, and previous law enforcement experience) of ICE active agents by year of first employment by the agency.\n\nHow many individuals have been shot by either Memphis Safe Crime Task Force members in Memphis or DHS agents throughout the United States since January 20, 2025? How many were killed in those shootings or later succumbed to injuries caused by an ICE shooting?\n\nHow many DHS agents have been disciplined for excessive force since January 21, 2025? Please provide a short narrative describing those incidents, the resolution, and any disciplinary action resulting from such incidents.\n\nDid any current ICE agents participate in the January 6, 2021, insurrection? Were any current ICE agents convicted of a crime (pardoned or otherwise) for the crimes committed on January 6, 2021?\n\nHas any current ICE agent ever been associated with the Proud Boys or the Oath Keepers?\n\nWe recently learned the federal government has begun to share evidence with state and local authorities in Minnesota regarding the killings of Ms. Good and Mr. Pretti. Do you commit to sharing all evidence collected regarding a DHS agent firing upon a civilian with the respective state and local authorities should they request it?\n\nPlease describe and provide training materials for ICE agents on responding to individuals in crisis, de-escalation, cultural competency, and other skills that are essential for effective community policing.\n\nPlease describe and provide training materials regarding interacting with armed individuals and the use of deadly force. Does ICE policy permit shooting at a moving vehicle?\n\nPlease provide the standards for hiring agents. Do ICE’s recruiting practices align with the Model Policies and Resources designed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police?\n\nIs an independent review conducted after every use of deadly force by an ICE agent? Please describe the review process.\n\nIs this the process that was used after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis?\n\nWere the Good and Pretti reviews completed? If so, please provide the findings. If not, what is causing the delay, and when will the full review be complete?\n\nI look forward to your prompt response.”\n\nSee the letter here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-says-trump-stealing-american-public", "title": "Congressman Cohen Says Trump is Stealing from the American Public", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cohen.house.gov", "scraper": "cohen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001068", "name": "Steve Cohen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today spoke from the House floor, focusing on aspects of the corrupt Trump presidency that he likened to theft from the American people. “We have a man who is out of control as our president, and it scares me tremendously,” he said.\n\nIn his remarks, he said in part:\n\n“My friend, Mr. (Joe) Wilson (of South Carolina) made some remarks about how everybody benefitted from the Big Beautiful Bill. What he didn’t tell you was President Trump made a deal with himself when he sued the IRS for a billion dollars for releasing his tax returns along with (those of) thousands and thousands and thousands of other Americans. He settled the case with himself and the man he wants to make Attorney General with a clause, an agreement, that the IRS would not prosecute, or even look at, his tax returns, his family’s tax returns or any businesses they’re involved with. That means the $2.2 billion they made this year off of crypto and other questionable companies will be tax free. That means he’s stealing from you and me – the American public…Our country’s in trouble. We have a man who is out of control as our president, and it scares me tremendously and it should scare you as well.”\n\nSee his entire remarks here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://collins.house.gov/media/press-releases/collins-lauds-transportation-committee-passage-water-resources-development-act", "title": "Collins Lauds Transportation Committee Passage of Water Resources Development Act", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://collins.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "collins.house.gov", "scraper": "mikecollins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001129", "name": "Mike Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. -- Today, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, bipartisan legislation to authorize programs and projects of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins (GA-10), who co-led the bill with Full Committee Chairman Sam Graves, issued this statement following the markup:\n\n“American ports, harbors, and intracoastal waterways are the nation's economic backbone,” said Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins. “That is why I am proud to advance WRDA 2026. This bipartisan legislation empowers the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to enhance our waterways, which are vital for the nation's economic strength, reliable supply chains, and commercial navigation. WRDA 2026 delivers for Georgia and the entire nation.”\n\nBackground\n\nWRDA 2026 authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers programs to improve project delivery, strengthen flood protection, modernize ports and inland waterways, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, and support communities and commerce across the country. Specifically, the bill:", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-meets-australian-parliament-delegation-united-states", "title": "Courtney Meets with Australian Parliament Delegation to the United States", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "courtney.house.gov", "scraper": "courtney", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001069", "name": "Joe Courtney", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the bipartisan Friends of Australia Caucus, welcomed Australian Speaker of the House Milton Dick MP, a delegation of Australian Members of Parliament and Senators, and Australian Ambassador Greg Moriarty to Washington, DC for the Australian American Leadership Dialogue. The group met in Congressman Courtney’s office on Capitol Hill.\n\n“It was an honor to welcome Speaker Dick, his colleagues in Parliament, and Ambassador Moriarty to my office for a discussion on AUKUS, particularly the work ahead to strengthen our submarine industrial base in both nations,” Courtney said. “Our longstanding alliance is stronger than ever today under AUKUS.”\n\nLeft to right: Hon Zaneta Mascarenhas MP, Senator James Paterson, Senator Susan McDonald, Senator Jonathon Duniam, Congressman Joe Courtney, Hon Milton Dick MP, Hon Alison Penfold MP, Senator Raff Ciccone, Ambassador Greg Moriarty\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-calls-stronger-water-infrastructure-reduce-flooding-risks", "title": "Davids Calls for Stronger Water Infrastructure to Reduce Flooding Risks", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "davids.house.gov", "scraper": "davids", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000629", "name": "Sharice Davids", "party": "Democrat", "state": "KS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during a U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee markup of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), Representative Sharice Davids underscored the critical importance of investing in water infrastructure for Kansas communities facing both flooding and drought conditions.\n\n“Water infrastructure is not abstract for Kansas families — it’s personal,” said Davids. “From severe flooding in eastern Kansas that damages homes and roads to drought conditions in western Kansas that strain agriculture and local water supplies, our communities depend on smart, reliable investments. I’m focused on making sure Kansas has the tools it needs to manage both extremes and protect families, farmers, and local economies.”\n\nWATCH: Davids speaks on protecting Kansas communities from extreme flooding and drought\n\nWRDA is the primary federal legislation that authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water infrastructure projects, including flood control, levees, dams, navigation systems, and ecosystem restoration. For Kansas, these investments directly impact communities that regularly face weather extremes — helping reduce flood risk, improve water management, and strengthen long-term resilience.\n\nIn 2024, Davids’ WRDA request was successfully passed, saving Kansas taxpayers $41 million in water contracts. This update provides significant financial relief for Kansas, benefiting municipalities, industries, and water supply districts relying on these reservoirs. It also ensures a more affordable and reliable water supply for residents and businesses, addressing the challenges of ongoing drought and extreme weather.\n\nDavids has consistently advocated for flood safety, including securing investments for the national levee safety initiative and advancing solutions to help Kansas communities respond to increasingly extreme weather. In partnership with local governments, she has also helped secure federal funding to address flooding in Princeton and support the Upper Turkey Creek levee project in Merriam.\n\nDuring the markup, Davids championed an amendment to make U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contracting rules more consistent across different types of projects. Right now, similar engineering work is treated differently depending on whether it’s for military construction or civil water projects like flood control and levees. Her amendment would update the rules, so the Corps uses the same approach in both cases, helping them hire the best qualified experts more efficiently and deliver projects more effectively for communities.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7106", "title": "Dingell, Clarke Introduce Bill to Expand Workplace Protections for Women Experiencing Menopause", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09) introduced a bill to expand workplace protections for employees experiencing menopause. As the workforce ages and more women remain employed longer, menopausal symptoms affect a significant portion of employees. A lack of a comprehensive menopause-specific set of workplace protections could cause U.S. companies to lose billions of dollars annually due to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and premature loss of talent related to unmanaged menopausal symptoms. Beyond the direct financial impact, businesses will also contend with a loss of institutional knowledge, reduced innovation, decreased team cohesion, and a lack of women in senior leadership roles.\n\nPassing legislation to help workplaces implement menopause-friendly policies is not only the right thing to do, but it is also a strategic business decision. That is why Congresswomen Dingell and Clarke introduced the Menopausal Workers’ Fairness Act, which would:\n\nGuarantee the right to request reasonable accommodations to known limitations related to menopause and prevent discrimination in employment opportunities based on these requested accommodations.\n\nProhibit an employer from requiring an employee experiencing menopause to take leave or accept an accommodation.\n\nRequire an employer to keep medical information related to menopause confidential.\n\nDirect the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to issue regulations that provide employers with examples of known limitations, reasonable accommodations, and when it may be reasonable for them to seek supporting documentation.\n\n“Women should never have to choose between their health and their careers. Menopause is a natural part of life, but too many women face unnecessary barriers at work because employers are not equipped to support them,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “My legislation will help ensure women can continue contributing their skills and experience while giving employers the tools to retain valued workers. This is not only the right thing to do, but it is also a strategic business decision.”\n\n\"The support women deserve at every stage of their lives should not end with menopause, nor stop when they walk into work. Menopause is already a deeply vulnerable and challenging time for women, and that is before they are needlessly burdened by retribution and harassment in the workplace in response to a natural, normal experience. It’s time for their silent suffering to end. I am proud to stand alongside Congresswoman Dingell in introducing this necessary legislation that will protect and prioritize women, put an end to discriminatory practices, and continue our pivotal mission to destigmatize menopause,\" said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.\n\nWomen face unique challenges throughout their reproductive lives, including menopause, which can impact their work experiences and career trajectories. They often navigate these challenges without formal support from their employer in the absence of existing labor and employment laws that specifically address their needs. By recognizing and accommodating these realities across a woman's entire career span, workplaces can level the playing field for women employees, promote retention of experienced employees, support career advancement, and reduce the stigma around natural phases of life.\n\nView the bill text HERE.\n\nEndorsing organizations include the National Menopause Foundation, Menopause Mandate U.S., Women Work U.S., and Women’s Health Advocates.\n\n\"The Menopausal Workers’ Fairness Act represents a critical and long-overdue step toward recognizing menopause as a workplace health and equity issue. At Red Hot Mamas, we have spent decades educating women and healthcare professionals about the real and often misunderstood impact of menopause on daily functioning, including in the workplace. This legislation acknowledges what millions of women already experience: that unmanaged menopausal symptoms can affect productivity, well-being, and career longevity, yet too often remain unsupported and stigmatized. By ensuring the right to reasonable accommodations, protecting employee autonomy, and promoting confidentiality, this bill creates a framework that is both compassionate and practical. It empowers women to remain engaged and successful in the workforce while providing employers with clear guidance to retain experienced talent and foster inclusive environments. Supporting menopausal workers is not only the right thing to do—it is a smart investment in workforce stability, leadership diversity, and economic resilience. We strongly endorse the Menopausal Workers’ Fairness Act and applaud Representatives Dingell and Clarke for advancing this essential legislation,” said Red Hot Mamas North America Inc.\n\n\"Menopause has never been a protected category of its own, so for years women have had to force these claims through age, sex, and disability law, none of it built for that purpose. That's why these cases have been few and far between, and why almost no one knows the protection is even there. The Menopausal Workers' Fairness Act finally names menopause directly, in plain statutory language, and turns a right that was technically available but practically out of reach into one a woman can actually use, in the same way that the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act did for pregnancy,\" said Jack Tuckner, Esq., Women's Rights in the Workplace Attorney, Tuckner, Sipser, Weinstock & Sipser, LLP, New York.\n\n“Too many women navigate menopause in silence at their workplaces — often without support, accommodations or basic understanding. And it’s time to break this silence. Supporting menopausal employees is not only the right thing to do, it is essential to building stronger, more equitable workplaces. The Menopausal Workers’ Fairness Act is an important step toward reducing stigma, protecting experienced employees and ensuring that women are empowered to thrive, lead and advance throughout their careers,” said Beth Battaglino, RN-C President and CEO, HealthyWomen.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-moves-eradicate-hepatitis-c-bipartisan-legislation", "title": "DeGette Moves to Eradicate Hepatitis C with Bipartisan Legislation", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "degette.house.gov", "scraper": "degette", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000197", "name": "Diana DeGette", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01), Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Congressman Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), and Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) introduced the Cure Hepatitis C Act, which would implement a national test-and-treat program to help eliminate the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the United States.\n\n“Thanks to the tireless efforts of biomedical researchers and innovators, hepatitis C is curable. Yet far too many people remain undiagnosed or unable to access treatment, and dozens die from the disease every day,” said DeGette. “This is simply unacceptable. We have the tools to stop this epidemic and curb the human and financial costs of this disease going untreated. I am pleased to work with my colleagues on this legislation, which will have the greatest positive impact to public health of any bill passed this Congress.”\n\n“As a physician, I have seen what happens when a curable disease goes untreated simply because a patient couldn't access care,” said Dr. Miller-Meeks. \"Hepatitis C is beatable. We have the tools to eliminate it, and this bill puts them within reach of the Americans who need them most. This is a commonsense, fiscally responsible effort that will save lives and save taxpayer dollars. I am proud to lead it alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.”\n\n“I am asking that we work together to raise awareness about hepatitis C – a silent killer – so that others at risk can get tested and treated,” said Johnson.\n\n\"This legislation represents a rare opportunity to improve health outcomes while reducing long-term health care costs,\" said Tim Leshan, Chief External Relations and Advocacy Officer at Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health. \"We commend Representatives Miller-Meeks, DeGette, Johnson and Bacon for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to ending hepatitis C in the United States. By investing in testing, treatment, and coordinated public health efforts today, Congress can prevent liver cancer, cirrhosis, and liver transplantation tomorrow while also strengthening our nation's public health infrastructure.\"\n\n“It’s vital to the health of the American people that Congress passes the Cure Hepatitis C Act,” said Saul J. Karpen, MD, PhD, FAASLD, President of American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. “Hepatitis C affects 4 million Americans, many of whom are not aware of their disease or the ready availability for a cure, leading to a gap for these Americans regarding their future health. This bill directly addresses these gaps with practical, rapid and effective approaches that will save lives and reduce costs. We are thankful that Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Congressman Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (D-GA), and Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) seized this opportunity to move this forward on behalf of patients living with hepatitis C.”\n\nEstimates show that between 2.4 million and 4 million Americans are infected with HCV, with between 69,000 to 100,000 new cases of infection added each year. The virus is often asymptomatic, leaving many of those infected unaware of their condition.\n\nHCV is curable with oral medication, which makes this bill even more consequential. Using a treatment course of direct-acting antivirals, more than 95 percent of people with the infection are cured in approximately 8-12 weeks. If HCV is left untreated, it can lead to lifelong chronic health issues and even death.\n\nAdditionally, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects this policy could save the country more than $6 billion over the next decade.\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases/new-bipartisan-legislation-modernize-vaccine-injury-compensation-provide", "title": "New Bipartisan Legislation to Modernize Vaccine Injury Compensation & Provide Relief to COVID-19 Claimants", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "doggett.house.gov", "scraper": "doggett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000399", "name": "Lloyd Doggett", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.—Today, House Ways and Means Committee members Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) and Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), introduced the Vaccine Injury Compensation Modernization Act to provide overdue updates and improvements to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) and allow pending COVID-19 vaccine claimants to seek relief under the VICP.\n\n“Vaccines save lives and are an essential public health tool. In the rarest of instances when a related injury is suffered, compensation for medical bills and related losses should be prompt and reasonable,” said Congressman Doggett. “But that has not been happening because of extended delays, outdated compensation caps, and failure to include coverage for COVID-19 vaccines. By making much-needed improvements to assure a prompt and fair response to vaccine-related injuries, this legislation will bolster consumer confidence and help combat misinformation.”\n\n“Vaccines remain an important public health tool, but when rare vaccine-related injuries occur, Americans deserve a compensation system that is fair, transparent, and efficient,” said Rep. Smucker. “Our legislation strengthens the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program while bringing COVID-19 vaccine claims into the program, so they are handled under the same fair and efficient process as other vaccine injury claims.\"\n\nEstablished in 1986, the VICP provides a no-fault alternative to the traditional legal system through which consumers can be compensated for rare vaccine-related injuries. The VICP provides necessary protections and certainty for patients, vaccine administrators, and vaccine manufacturers alike, but has not been significantly updated since first established and now has a significant case backlog.\n\nDue to the unique emergency authorizations first granted to COVID-19 vaccines, injury claims were initially filed under the separate Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP). Despite COVID-19 vaccines receiving full FDA approval and being added to immunization schedules, COVID-19 vaccine claims still remain under the CICP, which has not yet rendered decisions on over 6,745 claims and provided only nominal payouts for the very few approved. Unlike the VICP, the CICP does not offer judicial review and claimants may only recoup medical and work-loss expenses that have not been compensated by other payors. The VICP offers stronger due process protections as well as damages for pain and suffering, though these damages are capped at 1986 levels.\n\nThe Vaccine Injury Compensation Modernization Act would:\n\nPermit COVID-19, RSV, Shingles, and Dengue vaccine claims to be filed under the VICP.\n\nReduce case backlog by expanding the number of Special Masters (judges for the VICP) from a ceiling of 8 to a floor of 10 and by permitting Special Masters to serve for multiple terms.\n\nExpedite claims processing by requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to submit a budget implementation action plan outlining the required resources to eliminate case backlog.\n\nProvide fair compensation by increasing the cap on damages for the first time since 1986.\n\nEnsure adequate program resources by increasing the vaccine excise tax for the first time since 1986.\n\nEnsure consumers have sufficient time to file claims by increasing the statute of limitations from 3 years to 5 years.\n\nExpedite the addition of new vaccines to the program by requiring HHS to promulgate rulemaking to add a CDC-recommended vaccine or injury to the injury table within 6 months of a recommendation rather than 2 years.\n\nExpand the types of vaccines eligible for coverage under the VICP by including vaccines and injuries recommended by the CDC for administration in adults.\n\nEnsure all types of CDC recommendations qualify for VICP coverage, including recommendations that may be qualified for certain pre-existing conditions, age groups, or other factors.\n\nA copy of the bill text can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/davis-nunn-introduce-bill-protect-seniors-fraud", "title": "Davis, Nunn Introduce Bill to Protect Seniors from Fraud", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "dondavis.house.gov", "scraper": "dondavis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000230", "name": "Donald G. Davis", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressmen Don Davis (NC-01) and Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced H.R. 9668, the Safeguarding Transactions to Outpace Predatory (STOP) Senior Fraud Act, which would help financial institutions protect older adults and vulnerable individuals from financial exploitation by authorizing them to refuse or temporarily delay certain transactions when they reasonably believe financial exploitation has occurred, is occurring, or is being attempted.\n\nIn 2024, Americans over age 60 reported over $4.8 billion in losses to fraud schemes. The actual number of fraud cases is unknown because many incidents go unreported, particularly among older adults. For seniors living on fixed incomes and relying on savings accumulated over a lifetime, such losses can be devastating and difficult to recover from. At the same time, criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics that make fraudulent activity harder to detect and prevent.\n\nUnder the STOP Senior Fraud Act, a financial institution may delay a transaction for up to 55 days and extend the delay for an additional 30 days if an internal review supports its suspicion of financial exploitation. The institution may terminate the delay if it determines that financial exploitation will not occur or if directed to do so by a federal court. If a transaction is delayed or refused, the bill would require the financial institution to notify a trusted contact and authorized parties on the account, unless they are suspected of involvement in the financial exploitation. The institution would also be required to report the suspected exploitation to adult protective services, law enforcement, and a federal regulatory authority. Additionally, the bill would require employee training to identify and respond to financial exploitation and provide liability protections for financial institutions acting in good faith under the law. The bill would preserve any state or local law or regulation that provides stronger protections for seniors or vulnerable individuals.\n\n“Across eastern North Carolina, seniors have spent decades working hard, raising families, serving their communities, and saving for retirement. Every dollar they have earned represents a lifetime of sacrifice, responsibility, and perseverance. No one should lose those hard-earned savings to criminals who prey on older Americans. The STOP Senior Fraud Act gives financial institutions the tools to step in before a scam steals a lifetime of savings. Protecting our seniors means protecting their independence, preserving their dignity, and honoring the lifetime of work that has strengthened families and built communities across eastern North Carolina,” said Congressman Don Davis.\n\n“Today, too many Iowa bankers are forced to watch as seniors unknowingly wire away their life savings to scammers because they lack the authority to intervene. Our bipartisan bill gives financial institutions the tools to temporarily delay suspicious transactions, contact a trusted family member, and notify law enforcement. It's a simple, commonsense way to empower the people who know their customers best to stop fraud before it's too late,” said Congressman Zach Nunn.\n\n“We applaud Rep. Don Davis and Rep. Zach Nunn for introducing the STOP Senior Fraud Act, which would allow banks to temporarily delay transactions if they suspect financial exploitation has occurred or is being attempted. This important tool will help combat financial fraud targeting older and vulnerable adults and stop many instances of exploitation in their tracks. We urge lawmakers to move this bill forward to protect consumers,” said Rob Nichols, President and CEO of American Bankers Association.\n\n“America’s Credit Unions thanks Representatives Davis and Nunn for understanding the critical role credit unions play in protecting consumers and combatting fraud. As fraudsters continue to innovate, the STOP Senior Fraud Act will allow credit unions to further protect the more than 146 million members across the country by establishing voluntary trusted contact programs. This legislation will help level the playing field and ensure a secure financial services ecosystem,” said Scott Simpson, President and CEO of America’s Credit Unions.\n\n“Credit unions have long been on the front lines of protecting members from financial fraud, particularly older adults who are increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams. The STOP Senior Fraud Act provides financial institutions with additional tools and legal certainty to intervene when financial exploitation is suspected, helping stop fraud before hard-earned savings are lost. The Carolinas Credit Union League is proud to support this bipartisan legislation and applauds Congressman Don Davis for his leadership in advancing commonsense protections for some of our most vulnerable citizens,” said Dan Schline, President and CEO of Carolinas Credit Union League (CCUL).\n\n“The safety of the American financial system has never been more important. The fraud and scam epidemic stands at crisis levels with billions of dollars being stolen from Americans every single year through increasingly sophisticated scams and international criminal enterprises. Financial institutions should serve as critical gatekeepers in a unique position to protect retirees and vulnerable elderly adults. Congressman Davis' bill is a significant step towards truly prioritizing protecting Americans from fraud and financial ruin,” said Michael C. Bixby, President of Public Investors Advocate Bar Association (PIABA).\n\n“ICBA and the nation’s community bankers thank Reps. Don Davis and Zach Nunn for introducing the STOP Senior Fraud Act to help community banks combat the scourge of elder fraud and scams. Allowing community banks to have more flexibility to place temporary holds in cases of suspected elder fraud will help Main Street institutions protect consumers and fight back against financial crimes in the communities they serve,” said Rebeca Romero Rainey, President and CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of America.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-democrats-urge-omb-rescind-rule-politicizing-federal-grant-decision", "title": "Maryland Democrats Urge OMB to Rescind Rule Politicizing Federal Grant Decision-Making", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "elfreth.house.gov", "scraper": "elfreth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000301", "name": "Sarah Elfreth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Maryland Congressional Delegation members – U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) – are calling out the Trump Administration’s attempts to undermine and politicize the federal grant-making process. In a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers press OMB to rescind a new proposed rule that would overhaul the grantmaking and cooperative agreement processes across the entire federal government, centralizing power within OMB, reducing transparency and accountability, undermining Congress, and clearing the path for the Trump Administration to continue weaponizing and politicizing the federal grantmaking process.\n\n“We write to express strong opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s sweeping proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” rule that would completely overhaul and politicize the grantmaking and cooperative agreement processes across the entire federal government,” the lawmakers begin.\n\nThey go on to stress the importance of federal grants, noting, “Across the state, federal investment supports research into our ocean and waterways as well as our air, crops, livestock and soil. Federal grants support advancements in health and medicine including research into the treatment of diseases such as pediatric cancer and sickle cell disease and drive the development of new technologies that will keep Americans healthy. Grant-funded childcare through Head Start and Early Head Start serves families from the Eastern Shore to Garrett County. These dollars power cutting-edge developments in space technology, satellites, AI, and quantum computing. Federal funds also allow organizations to support victims of sexual assault, violence, and other crimes. The proposed Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance represents a threat to every one of those efforts to better American lives, strengthen our economy, and keep our country competitive.”\n\nOn the proposed rule, the lawmakers write, “In reality, if finalized, this more than 400-page rule will make significant, sweeping, and binding policy changes to the Uniform Guidance across more than 40 federal grant-making agencies and offices responsible for awarding billions of dollars in funding and federal financial assistance each fiscal year. It would codify the Trump Administration’s campaign to eviscerate our research infrastructure and authorize more arbitrary cancellations, job losses due to funding uncertainty, and disruptions of work that require consistent data collection to maintain scientific validity.”\n\n“This rule would further centralize power within OMB giving it authority over the heads of dozens of federal agencies as well as merit-based processes in matters of grantmaking and cooperative agreements. In doing so, this rule would place layers of bureaucratic and political red tape between elected representatives who are Constitutionally-responsible for appropriations, the federal agencies whose resources support our state and help drive our local economies, and Marylanders who rely on grants to support valuable research and services,” they continue.\n\nThe lawmakers detail the impact of federal grants on Maryland, noting, “Since the beginning of the President’s term, the Administration and OMB’s intentional delay in spending appropriated funds, grant terminations and disruptions, and overall fewer federal grants being awarded has impacted billions of dollars in federal funding to Maryland, including our state and local governments, schools, and research institutions. As a result, hundreds of our constituents have lost their jobs, Maryland research institutions and universities are undergoing hiring freezes and layoffs, and graduate and post-doctoral programs have been forced to cut or limit admissions–all which threaten to stifle U.S. leadership and innovation for decades to come.”\n\n“The people of Maryland and the United States deserve actual transparency, reliability, and accountability from our federal government, not arbitrary rules and political interference from OMB that would weaken our scientific and research enterprise, risk more jobs, and slow down hard-won progress. We urge you to rescind this proposed rule immediately,” the lawmakers conclude.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3255", "title": "Congresswoman Escobar Statement on Reported Pause of ICE Vehicle Stops", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement in response to reporting that ICE ordered a pause to most vehicle stops after two men were killed in a week:\n\n“The reported decision by ICE to pause vehicle stops is a good first step. At least 22 people have been fired on by agents involved in Trump’s mass deportation plans, and six people, including three American citizens, have been killed in those shootings. The murders of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston last week and Joan Sebastian Guerrero in Biddeford yesterday were preventable tragedies.\n\n“There are additional changes that must be made immediately to safeguard communities: the use of body cameras, independent investigations into the shootings, and accountability that will bring justice for the families who lost their loved ones.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://fedorchak.house.gov/media/press-releases/fedorchak-backs-legislation-protecting-gun-owners-financial-surveillance", "title": "Fedorchak backs legislation protecting gun owners from financial surveillance", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fedorchak.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fedorchak.house.gov", "scraper": "fedorchak", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000482", "name": "Julie Fedorchak", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) today applauded House passage of the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, legislation she cosponsored to protect the privacy of law-abiding gun owners and prevent financial institutions from tracking lawful firearms purchases.\n\n“Law-abiding Americans should not have their financial transactions monitored simply because they choose to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” Fedorchak said. “No one wants a backdoor registry of gun owners created by credit card companies and financial institutions. I was proud to cosponsor this legislation to protect Americans' privacy, prevent discrimination against firearms retailers, and reinforce the constitutional freedoms that millions of Americans cherish.”\n\nThe legislation prohibits payment card companies and financial institutions from requiring firearm retailers to use special merchant category codes that identify or track firearm and ammunition purchases. It also prevents entities involved in payment processing from assigning codes designed specifically to distinguish firearms retailers from other businesses.\n\nBackground:", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://figures.house.gov/media/press-releases/figures-secures-authorization-50-million-strengthen-water-infrastructure", "title": "Figures Secures Authorization of $50 Million to Strengthen Water Infrastructure Across Alabama and a Ban on Dumping Mud Material in Mobile Bay", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://figures.house.gov/media", "domain": "figures.house.gov", "scraper": "figures", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000481", "name": "Shomari Figures", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Shomari C. Figures (AL-02) announced that he secured a provision in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 authorizing $50 million in federal funding to address critical water and wastewater infrastructure across the Second Congressional District. The bill passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today and will now advance to the House floor for a vote.\n\n“Safe and clean water is a right in this country, and it’s our responsibility to provide the resources that are essential to make this a reality for communities across America,” said Congressman Figures. “From infrastructure issues plaguing Prichard, to wastewater issues in the Black Belt, to aging water treatment equipment in East Alabama, cities and towns in rural areas will be able to access funding to make critical updates to their infrastructure. As the sole Alabama member on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I’m proud to secure these wins for our state to ensure our communities receive the federal attention and investment they deserve.”\n\nWRDA provides Members of Congress the opportunity every two years to authorize U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works (Army Corps) projects to improve the nation’s ports and harbors, the inland waterway navigation network, flood and storm protection, and other water resources infrastructure. Funding must still be provided through the annual appropriations process before work can proceed.\n\nBlack Belt and East Alabama\n\nCongressman Figures secured $40 million for public drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects in all 12 counties in the Second Congressional District. Counties interested in funding for their water projects would need to collaborate with the Army Corps. For example:\n\nButler County could use funding to address persistent wastewater issues.\n\nRussell County could use funding to improve stormwater management after torrential weather.\n\nBullock County could use funding to update aging water treatment plants.\n\nMobile\n\nCongressman Figures also secured legislative victories to address longstanding infrastructure priorities specifically for Mobile, including a ban on dumping dredge material into Mobile Bay and an additional $10 million for Brookley by the Bay.\n\n“I’m very proud that this bill will include my amendment to ban dumping thin-layer dredge material into Mobile Bay,” said Congressman Figures. “Dumping of this material into the Bay has been a threat to wildlife, fishing and small businesses. Through this bill, we can restore and protect one of our nation’s most vital estuaries for years to come.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://fischbach.house.gov/2026/7/rep-fischbach-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-def-act-to-protect-farmers-truckers-and-operators", "title": "Rep. Fischbach, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan DEF Act to Protect Farmers, Truckers, and Operators", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "fischbach.house.gov", "scraper": "fischbach", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000470", "name": "Michelle Fischbach", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Representatives Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL), Don Davis (NC-01), Jack Bergman (MI-01), and Brad Finstad (MN-01) have introduced the Diesel Engine Flexibility (DEF) Act. This legislation provides 10 years of legal protection for companies that follow the EPA's 2025 and 2026 guidelines, reducing unnecessary engine shutdowns caused by faulty DEF sensors while maintaining emissions protections.\n\n\"Hardworking Minnesotans should not be penalized by bureaucracy when a sensor malfunctions. The DEF Act provides a vital, 10-year legal shield that protects our agricultural and trucking industries from unnecessary shutdowns, keeping supply chains moving while maintaining existing emissions standards,\" said Rep. Fischbach. \"This is a common-sense solution for rural America.\"\n\n\"Farmers, truckers, and equipment operators depend on reliable equipment to keep our economy moving. They shouldn't be sidelined by faulty sensors or unnecessary shutdowns that have nothing to do with actual emissions,\" Fedorchak said. \"The DEF Act brings commonsense certainty by preserving the EPA's updated guidance in law while creating a stable regulatory framework for the next decade. It gives manufacturers, operators, and independent technicians the certainty they need to invest, innovate, and keep equipment running without sacrificing emissions performance.\"\n\n“When a tractor or truck sits idle, farmers, truckers, manufacturers, and small businesses feel the pain. They rely on reliable diesel-powered equipment every day. The Diesel Engine Flexibility Act would reduce unnecessary downtime caused by faulty emissions sensors while keeping every existing emissions standard in place, said Davis. “It's a practical solution that supports jobs, strengthens our rural economy, and helps keep America fed and our communities growing.”\n\n“Due to previous EPA guidelines, our nation’s farmers were required to rely on faulty DEF sensors and mandates. As a fourth-generation farmer, I am proud to join Congresswoman Fedorchak in introducing the DEF Act, which will codify the recently improved EPA guidance for diesel engines and vehicles, providing increased flexibility and clarity for folks in farm country – no matter the administration,” said Finstad.\n\nFaulty DEF sensors and rigid EPA engine shutdown requirements are costing farmers, truckers, and operators time and money, often through no fault of their own. The DEF Act addresses this by strengthening monitoring capabilities, limiting engine shutdowns and performance reductions, and providing independent technicians with legal clarity to service their customers’ equipment. Specifically, the legislation:\n\nCreates a 10-year statutory safe harbor for EPA diesel emissions guidance issued in 2025 and 2026.\n\nAllows EPA to continue approving software updates, diagnostic improvements, recalls, and other administrative actions consistent with the guidance.\n\nRequires future emissions standards to include meaningful lead times, including at least three model years of applicability and five years before taking effect.\n\nDirects EPA to consider reducing unnecessary shutdowns, derates, and operational disruptions when developing future emissions regulations.\n\nWithout congressional action, these improvements remain subject to future administrative changes. The DEF Act provides long-term certainty for equipment owners, manufacturers, and technicians.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7425", "title": "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher and Congressman Morgan Luttrell Advance Effort To Expedite Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "fletcher.house.gov", "scraper": "fletcher", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000468", "name": "Lizzie Fletcher", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026. Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and Congressman Morgan Luttrell (TX-08) led the effort to include a provision directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to expedite a Chief’s Report evaluating a single large underground water conveyance tunnel to reduce flood risk around the Addicks and Barker reservoirs and along Buffalo Bayou.\n\nWRDA 2024 required USACE to complete a Chief’s Report on the Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study (BBTRS). Instead, USACE produced a report of findings that presented three options: take no action, construct one large tunnel, or construct a series of smaller, modular tunnels. USACE then requested additional funding to study the difference between the large-tunnel and modular-tunnel options, rather than completing the legally required Chief’s Report.\n\nWRDA 2026 closes that gap. The bill's new language specifically directs USACE to expedite the Chief’s Report on the single large tunnel option—the solution regional stakeholders have identified and supported as the most effective way to protect Houston-area communities from flooding, whether from a single catastrophic storm or the cumulative impact of frequent, smaller flood events.\n\n“Since my first term in Congress, meeting the need to protect our community from flooding has been central to my work, and completing the Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study is essential to that effort,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “This project reflects an effort to think big about how to protect our entire community from the cumulative toll of more rain and more storms. I’m grateful to Congressman Luttrell for his partnership in this effort, and to community leaders across Texas’ Seventh Congressional District for their years of collaboration and advocacy. I’m glad WRDA 2026 will finally require USACE to deliver the Chief’s Report on the solution our community has identified and supported.”\n\n\"Houston families have waited too long for real protection from flooding around the Addicks and Barker reservoirs and Buffalo Bayou,” said Congressman Morgan Luttrell. “Today's committee passage of WRDA 2026 is a step forward towards ending the delay and requiring USACE to finally deliver the Chief's Report on the large tunnel solution. I want to thank Congresswoman Fletcher for her years of advocacy and partnership on this fight.”\n\nSince her first term in Congress, Congresswoman Fletcher has advocated for the completion of BBTRS. Following her advocacy, Congress included language requiring USACE to complete BBTRS in the Water Redevelopment Act (WRDA) of 2024. In January of 2024, she testified before the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and urged the Committee to include language to complete the BBTRS. In 2021, she wrote a letter to USACE supporting an exemption to allow USACE to complete the BBTRS.\n\nIn 2020, she successfully called on the USACE to extend the public comment period for the BBTRS Interim Report. She then submitted a public comment on the interim report urging the USACE to incorporate public feedback from residents of Texas’ Seventh Congressional District.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7427", "title": "ICYMI: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher  Joins Groundbreaking for  Poor Farm Ditch Infrastructure Improvement Project in  West University Place, Southside Place", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "fletcher.house.gov", "scraper": "fletcher", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000468", "name": "Lizzie Fletcher", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Monday, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) joined Commissioner Rodney Ellis, State Representative Ann Johnson, Mayor Andy Chan, Mayor Susan Sample, and Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) Executive Director Marcus Y. Stuckett, P.E., CFM, to break ground on the Poor Farm Ditch project. The project will repair one of the county’s oldest stormwater drainage ditches, increasing the channel’s capacity from a 10-year storm event to a 50-year storm event, providing enhanced flood protection for West University Place, Southside Place, and the area.\n\n\"The Poor Farm Ditch project reminds us how government is supposed to work,\" said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. \"This project has been years in the making, and it only happened because passionate advocates made sure it got done by building a coalition, engaging community members, addressing concerns, and working with people on both sides of the aisle at every level of government. I was glad to secure nearly $10 million through the Community Project Funding process in Congress to get this project moving. Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Andy Chan and Mayor Susan Sample, and the partnership of many, we are making real progress in protecting residents and making our community more resilient.\"\n\n“As our region continues to grow and weather becomes more extreme, investing in flood mitigation is essential,” said State Representative Ann Johnson. “Protecting our neighborhoods requires long-term commitment, and I’m proud to help deliver projects that make our community safer and more resilient for generations to come.\"\n\n\"We stand here today as a testament to what can be achieved when all levels of government work together,” said Mayor Andy Chan. “I thank all our partners from local, county, state and federal government. As the Mayor of the City of Southside Place, I want to express my deep gratitude to current and former city council members, city staff, and the community. We did this together!”\n\n\"This project means Poor Farm Ditch will be able to carry about 60% more stormwater during heavy rain events, lowering flood risk for the homes, businesses, and streets in Southside Place and West University Place that depend on this channel,\" said Marcus Y. Stuckett, P.E., CFM, Executive Director of the Harris County Flood Control District. \"It is a clear example of the power of federal, state, county, and local partners coming together to invest in this community's resilience.\"\n\nIn 2022, Congresswoman Fletcher requested and secured nearly $10 million in federal funding to reconstruct the Poor Farm Ditch through the Community Project Funding (CPF) process in Congress. The funding was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, a bipartisan government funding bill that funds essential programs and projects, including the Poor Farm Ditch project. President Biden signed the bill into law on December 29, 2022.\n\nThe widening and deepening of approximately 3,100 linear feet of the existing concrete-lined channel, increasing the channel’s flow capacity by 60%, and replacing the concrete lining between Bellaire Boulevard and University Boulevard, will benefit areas that have experienced repeated flooding events and severe damage. Construction on the Poor Farm Ditch project is expected to begin in September 2026, lasting approximately four years.\n\nTo watch the full press conference, click here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-introduces-two-bills-help-americans-facing-opioid-use-disorder", "title": "Foster Introduces Two Bills to Help Americans Facing Opioid Use Disorder", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "foster.house.gov", "scraper": "foster", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000454", "name": "Bill Foster", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced two pieces of legislation to help Americans facing opioid use disorder (OUD) access effective treatments: the Expanding Opportunities for Recovery Act and the Examining Opioid Treatment Infrastructure Act.\n\nThe Expanding Opportunities for Recovery Act would empower the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to give new grants to states, allowing each state to expand its capacity for OUD prevention and treatment where it is most needed.\n\nThe Examining Opioid Treatment Infrastructure Act would direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate and report on outpatient and inpatient treatment availability and scarcity across the country. This information will prove critical as Congress tries to best allocate resources to help Americans struggling with OUD.\n\n“The opioid epidemic has devastated families and communities in Illinois and across the nation for far too long,” said Foster. “Thanks to the success of federally funded medical research, we now have highly effective treatments available. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to make sure everyone who needs these cutting-edge treatments is able to access them.”\n\nA copy of the Expanding Opportunities for Recovery Act is available here, and a copy of the Examining Opioid Treatment Infrastructure Act is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/foushee-mackenzie-secures-passage-of-legislation-to-make-air-travel-easier-for-families-and-fellow-travelers", "title": "Foushee, Mackenzie Secures Passage of Legislation to Make Air Travel Easier for Families & Fellow Travelers", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "foushee.house.gov", "scraper": "foushee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000477", "name": "Valerie P. Foushee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC (July 14, 2026) — Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) and Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07) applauded Monday’s passage in the U.S. House of the Improving Travel for American Families Act. This bipartisan legislation, which was introduced in May of this year, aims to reduce the strain and hassle of airport security screening for families traveling with young children.\n\nThe legislation directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to build on its Families on the Fly initiative — a pilot program offering dedicated screening lines exclusively for families traveling with children aged 12 and under. In addition to authorizing the program, the legislation directs the TSA to prioritize airports with high volumes of family travel and evaluate ways to improve the passenger experience while maintaining security standards. The TSA is directed to report to Congress on progress and implementation within one year.\n\n“As more and more families rely on air travel, the bipartisan Improving Travel for American Families Act is an important step to ensure that airport security systems are equipped to move travelers safely,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee. “I am proud that the House has passed this legislation to maintain security standards while providing a family-focused approach to TSA screenings to reduce delays and improve the passenger experience. Thank you to Congressman Mackenzie and local advocates for their work in advancing this legislation, and I look forward to continuing our work together to make this bill a law.”\n\n“As the father of two young children, I know that family travel is a challenge,” said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. “Every day, families are forced to move their children, bags, and bulky items through the same TSA lines used by solo travelers — adding an extra layer of stress, hassle, and delays for everyone. That’s why the bipartisan Improving Travel for American Families Act helps to take the pressure off parents by offering expedited access to screening, including by offering screening lanes reserved exclusively for families. Thank you to Congresswoman Foushee and my colleagues in the House for helping to pass legislation that makes life easier for American families.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://fulcher.house.gov/2026/07/14/fulcher-issues-federal-land-management-survey-encourages-idahoans-to-participate/", "title": "Fulcher Issues Federal Land Management Survey, Encourages Idahoans to Participate", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "fulcher.house.gov", "scraper": "fulcher", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000469", "name": "Russ Fulcher", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (Idaho-01) released a survey seeking input from Idahoans regarding the management and use of federal lands within the state of Idaho and the role of local communities in responsible stewardship.\n\n“Feedback from this survey is intended to ensure Idahoans have a voice and seat at the table as policy in Washington, D.C., on federal lands is evaluated,” said Congressman Fulcher.\n\n“Approximately 62 percent of the land within Idaho’s borders is owned and managed by the federal government, and from 2020 to 2025, nearly 2.7 million of those acres experienced some sort of closure to the public. This extensive federal footprint restricts our access, poses challenges to economic stability, and has exacerbated wildfire devastation due to inadequate stewardship,” Fulcher added. “I am actively working on identifying policy solutions that ensure Idahoans have more say in our land management practices. Together, we can ensure Idaho’s public lands remain accessible, safe, and sustainably managed for generations to come.”\n\nThe survey is available on Congressman Fulcher’s website at https://fulcher.house.gov/ProtectOurLands/.\n\nPersonally identifiable information will remain confidential.\n\nEarlier this Congress, Congressman Fulcher issued a letter to Idaho’s Constitutional Officers, State Legislators, and County Commissioners on the importance of encouraging local resource management, convening discussions on effective land-management practices moving forward, and safeguarding Idaho’s public lands for future generations of Idahoans.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gillen-leads-bipartisan-letter-urging-omb-director-vought-reconsider-rule", "title": "Rep. Gillen Leads Bipartisan Letter Urging OMB Director Vought to Reconsider Rule that Politicizes Cancer Research Funding", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "gillen.house.gov", "scraper": "gillen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000602", "name": "Laura Gillen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D-NY-04) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-8) sent a bipartisan letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, urging him to reconsider the agency’s proposed rule to give the President’s political appointees control over federal grantmaking. The new rule would allow appointees to unilaterally reject applications or terminate grants, undermining the traditionally independent and merit-based process for awarding federal cancer research funding.\n\n“Federal cancer research grants go through a rigorous, competitive vetting process. New York and Pennsylvania institutions like Stony Brook, Northwell Health, Cold Spring Harbor, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Abramson Cancer Center, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center and the Cancer Center at CHOP compete for these grants based on scientific merit alone, without regard to politics,” said the lawmakers.\n\nThe lawmakers highlighted that the proposed rule would make it easier for political appointees to cancel or suspend already-awarded grants whenever doing so is deemed \"in the interest of\" the agency.\n\n“These changes would ignore Congressional intent, unnecessarily inject politics into cancer research funding decisions, increase delivery timelines and project costs, and make it harder for scientists to plan and sustain long-term research,” continued the lawmakers. “We urge you to preserve merit-based review of cancer research grants, and at minimum extend the comment deadline so that Congress and the public can fully evaluate and weigh in on the impact of this proposal.”\n\n“More than 125,000 New Yorkers, including many right here on Long Island, will be diagnosed with cancer in 2026. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 4.8 million lives have been saved from cancer since 1991, an accomplishment that has been made possible by research discoveries that are transforming the way we prevent, detect and treat cancer. This proposed rule would allow grants to be approved or denied based on non-scientific criteria and risks our nation's potential to achieve breakthroughs that can improve cancer outcomes and save lives. As an ACS CAN volunteer and advocate for cancer patients and their families, I strongly oppose the rule,\" said Victor LaBozzetta, Volunteer, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).\n\nThe OMB assists in the creation of the annual federal budget and evaluates federal rules and regulations, including over federal grant-making.\n\nRep. Gillen has consistently advocated against cancer research funding cuts, having previously urged for the reversal of proposed federal cuts to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium.\n\nThe full letter can be found here with the full text below:\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nWe write to address our concerns with the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed rule which would impact critical, lifesaving cancer research funding. This proposal would undermine the independent, merit-based process for awarding federal cancer research projects, and we urge thoughtful reconsideration.\n\nFederal cancer research grants go through a rigorous, competitive vetting process. New York and Pennsylvania institutions like Stony Brook, Northwell Health, Cold Spring Harbor, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Abramson Cancer Center, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center and the Cancer Center at CHOP compete for these grants based on scientific merit alone, without regard to politics. Long-term Federal investment in cancer research has helped drive a 34% reduction in the overall U.S. cancer death rate over the past thirty-five years, resulting in an estimated 4.8 million fewer deaths. New York and Pennsylvania’s institutions have played a major role in these efforts, and they rely on federal grants being awarded fairly and on merit, without fear of arbitrary termination.\n\nOMB’s proposed rule would potentially undermine this process. Requiring grant programs to align with \"administration policies and priorities\" and allowing political appointees to unilaterally reject applications would make it easier for agencies to cancel or suspend already awarded grants. These changes would ignore Congressional intent, unnecessarily inject politics into cancer research funding decisions, increase delivery timelines and project costs and make it harder for scientists to plan and sustain long-term research. Above all, this proposal could jeopardize the real progress we have made against this deadly disease.\n\nWe urge you to preserve merit-based review of cancer research grants, and at minimum extend the comment deadline so that Congress and the public can fully evaluate and weigh in on the impact of this proposal. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gillen-secures-major-wins-advances-125-million-funding-long-island", "title": "Rep. Gillen Secures Major Wins, Advances $125 Million in Funding for Long Island in Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "gillen.house.gov", "scraper": "gillen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000602", "name": "Laura Gillen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Watch Rep. Gillen’s full remarks HERE.\n\nWASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) secured several key priorities and advanced $125 million in water project funding for Long Island in the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026, the two-year water resources infrastructure investments package. The package advanced out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on a unanimous basis. Rep. Gillen’s priorities included bolstering flood risk management, storm damage prevention and coastal restoration in communities across New York’s 4th Congressional District, including in Freeport, Garden City and Long Beach.\n\nIn the bill, Rep. Gillen advanced the Coastal Infrastructure Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation she introduced with Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02) that directs the Secretary of the Army to carry out research on shoreline stabilization and erosion control technology to prevent coastal erosion.\n\nRep. Gillen also secured funding authorization for multiple environmental infrastructure efforts on Long Island. The bill authorizes the funding but does not appropriate it; actual funding comes from the House Appropriations Committee.\n\nAuthorization of $11 million for the Village of Garden City to replace legacy lead water service lines with new non-lead water service lines.\n\nAuthorization of $25 million for the City of Long Beach to make essential upgrades to its aging water main infrastructure, to ensure that the public has access to safe, clean, reliable drinking water.\n\nAuthorization of $3.3 million for the Village of Freeport to support the installation of additional stormwater pumping stations to mitigate chronic tidal flooding and storm-related inundation that regularly impacts residential neighborhoods, roadways, and critical infrastructure.\n\nAuthorization of $130,000 to help mitigate flooding on Rock Hall Road, near Lawrence Avenue.\n\nAuthorization of $65.57 million for water and wastewater infrastructure in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.\n\nAuthorization of $20 million for water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management, water reclamation, and environmental restoration in Nassau County.\n\nRep. Gillen additionally secured the following project and study priorities in the legislation. These projects can now proceed at the direction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or through the appropriations process.\n\nExpediting the Nassau County Back Bays Coastal Storm Risk Management Project Study to protect Nassau County's South Shore from flooding.\n\nAuthorization of proposed feasibility study for the Reynolds Channel project in the Village of Atlantic Beach to reduce coastal flooding impacts to public street ends, drainage outfalls, open spaces, and marine rescue facilities through bulkhead replacement and shoreline stabilization.\n\nAuthorization of proposed feasibility study for the dredging of Bannister Bay in the Village of Lawrence.\n\nAuthorization of proposed feasibility study for ecosystem restoration, flood risk management, coastal storm risk management, and navigation off the South Shore of Long Island.\n\nAuthorization to expedite a project in the City of Long Beach to remove and replace seven beach groins critically needed to stabilize the beach, reduce damage from future storms, and reduce the need for future sand renourishment.\n\n(Remarks as prepared for delivery)\n\n“Thank you, Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Larson, for holding this markup and for your bipartisan collaboration on this very important 2026 Water Resources Development Act.\n\n“I'm proud to support the bill and the underlying manager's amendment, which includes language I secured to expedite the crucial Nassau County Back Bay's Coastal Storm Risk Management project to protect Long Island's South Shore from flooding.\n\n“Mr. Chairman, Hurricane Sandy devastated Long Island and our communities in New York's fourth congressional district, causing billions of dollars worth of damage. As we deal with rising sea levels and stronger, more frequent storms, we must provide the coastal communities I represent with the federal resources we need to enhance our resiliency and protect our residents and our property.\n\n“For a decade, the Army Corps has been engaged in a study to examine how we can reduce storm damage, flooding, and coastal erosion in Nassau County's back bays, some of the most vulnerable areas like Freeport, East Rockaway, Oceanside, Island Park, the Five Towns, Long Beach, Lido Beach, Point Lookout, lie within this area and deal with severe flooding on a regular basis.\n\n“As supervisor of the Town of Hempstead, I fought to keep federal dollars flowing to this project and to support resiliency of our coastal communities. In 2021, the Army Corps released a draft report with recommendations to reduce the risk of flood damage. However, since 2021, the Army Corps has not completed the final feasibility study, nor has it issued the Chiefs report, the crucial steps necessary to begin the next stage towards construction.\n\n“My amendment would require the Army Corps to report on the current status of the project and to expedite and advance this crucial project one step further to protect us from the next storm. I'd also like to take a moment to highlight some other major wins for Long Island in this package that I was proud to help secure. These include $11 million for Garden City to address lead pipe replacement, $25 million dollars for water main upgrades in Long Beach, $3.3 million dollars for stormwater pumps in Freeport, $130,000 for flood mitigation in Lawrence, and tens of millions of dollars more for water and wastewater infrastructure across Nassau County.\n\n“This bill also authorizes new studies to mitigate flooding in Reynolds Channel and Atlantic Beach to dredge Bannister Bay and Lawrence, and I'm proud that this package includes my bipartisan bill, the Coastal Infrastructure Improvement Act, which would authorize the Army Corps to carry out research and development on innovative coastal erosion technologies to protect our environment, prevent erosion, and save taxpayers' dollars.\n\n“Thank you so much to my Republican colleague, Mr. Van Drew, for working with me on this very important legislation. Mr. Chairman, together these investments and policy proposals represent a comprehensive commitment to Long Island and to the South Shore's water infrastructure and coastal resilience.\n\n“In closing, I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in supporting the manager's amendment and the underlying legislation. And with that, I yield back.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-on-ice-shooting-in-biddeford", "title": "Golden statement on ICE shooting in Biddeford", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "golden.house.gov", "scraper": "golden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000592", "name": "Jared F. Golden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "ME", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement Tuesday regarding the fatal ICE shooting that took place Monday in Biddeford, Maine.\n\n“This morning, I spoke with DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. He confirmed that the independent DHS Office of the Inspector General and the FBI are investigating the fatal shooting in Biddeford yesterday. The Maine Attorney General’s Office is also investigating. That’s a good thing. As with any deadly use of force by law enforcement, what we need now is thorough, independent investigation that establishes the facts necessary for accountability.\n\n“Unfortunately, the ICE officers involved in this incident were not yet wearing body cameras, which could have helped to establish those necessary facts. I supported body camera adoption for ICE earlier this year and Congress approved funding for this technology in April to increase transparency and accountability, but deployment has been slow. DHS needs to make this a priority.\n\n“Mainers are understandably scared and shocked by this painful loss of life. My heart goes out to all those who are hurting, and I urge Mainers to take care of one another and stay safe.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-golden-s-bipartisan-bill-to-ban-foreign-donations-in-state-local-referendums", "title": "House passes Golden’s bipartisan bill to ban foreign donations in state, local referendums", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "golden.house.gov", "scraper": "golden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000592", "name": "Jared F. Golden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "ME", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives on Monday unanimously passed the bipartisan Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act, led by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). This bill would ban foreign nationals from making political contributions in state and local ballot initiatives and recall elections.\n\n“In an increasingly divided world, free and fair elections offer a rare chance for positive civic engagement — foreign influence undermines that opportunity,” Golden said. “I’m proud the House took a major step to ensure our elections are not for sale and that American voters call the shots.”\n\n“The ballot is the instrument by which a free people govern themselves,” Fitzpatrick said. “No foreign government, foreign national or foreign interest should have a hand in deciding the laws Americans live under. Today’s unanimous vote is an important step in our broader bipartisan work to protect the integrity of our elections, preserve the sovereignty of the American voter, and strengthen public faith in self-government. On this principle, there should be no division and no exception: American elections must be decided by American citizens alone. The Senate should now act with the same unity and send this bill to the president’s desk.”\n\nWhile foreign nationals are already barred from contributing to candidate campaigns, current law does not prohibit them from financing issue-based ballot measures. The Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act closes this loophole by amending the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to extend the prohibition to every aspect of our electoral system.\n\nMaine is one of only 15 states to pass its own law banning foreign contributions in ballot initiatives.\n\nGolden has fought to limit foreign influence in American elections during his time in Congress. In 2024, the Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act was part of Golden’s Government Integrity and Anti-Corruption Plan, a set of 14 bills designed to prevent political leaders from leveraging their position for profit, increase transparency and reduce the influence of dark money and foreign interference in American democracy.\n\nRead the text of the bill here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-calls-for-full-expedited-investigation-into-ice-fatal-shooting-in-maine", "title": "Maine Delegation calls for full, expedited investigation into ICE fatal shooting in Maine", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "golden.house.gov", "scraper": "golden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000592", "name": "Jared F. Golden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "ME", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Jared Golden (D-ME) are calling for a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in Biddeford. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, the delegation requested an independent review of the incident to ensure a full accounting of the facts and help maintain public confidence in the investigative process.\n\n“We write to formally request that your office conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel that occurred [yesterday/earlier this week] in Biddeford, Maine,” the lawmakers began. “Along with our constituents, we are deeply saddened by this loss of life. The facts surrounding this tragedy remain a matter of significant local concern and necessitate thorough, objective accounting.”\n\n“Given the gravity of the situation and the understandable anxiety within the Biddeford community, we urge you to prioritize this investigation,” they continued. “Timely and factual answers will be critical to providing closure for the grieving community and ensuring that federal law enforcement operations are conducted safely, lawfully, and in a manner that respects public safety.”\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Inspector General Cuffari:\n\nWe write to formally request that your office conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel that occurred yesterday in Biddeford, Maine.\n\nAlong with our constituents, we are deeply saddened by this loss of life. The facts surrounding this tragedy remain a matter of significant local concern and necessitate thorough, objective accounting.\n\nTo ensure public trust, transparency, and accountability, we request that your office include the following key areas in your examination:\n\nThe Sequence of Events: A detailed timeline of the encounter, including the specific actions taken by both the ICE agents and the individual involved prior to the discharge of a firearm.\n\nOperational Protocols: An evaluation of whether the tactics, use, and degree of force utilized adhered strictly to current DHS and ICE use-of-force policies.\n\nRecording and Documentation: Clarification on the availability of audio, dashcam, or body-worn camera footage of the incident, and the status of any evidence preservation.\n\nFurthermore, we ask that you detail the extent to which DHS will collaborate with state or local agencies in carrying out the investigation.\n\nGiven the gravity of the situation and the understandable anxiety within the Biddeford community, we urge you to prioritize this investigation. Timely and factual answers will be critical to providing closure for the grieving community and ensuring that federal law enforcement operations are conducted safely, lawfully, and in a manner that respects public safety.\n\nWe look forward to your response and stand ready to work with your office to facilitate any necessary inquiries.\n\nSincerely,\n\ncc: Markwayne Mullin, Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; David Venturella, Acting Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6143", "title": "Rep. Gomez Condemns ICE Killings on House Floor: “No Matter Who You Are or What Title You Hold, You Will Be Prosecuted”", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gomez.house.gov", "scraper": "gomez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000585", "name": "Jimmy Gomez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) delivered a House floor speech tracing how the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant push escalated from the first raids in Los Angeles into an increasingly violent nationwide campaign, culminating in the recent deaths of two fathers, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastian Guerrero.\n\nGomez argued that the killings were the foreseeable consequence of repeated warnings being ignored, accountability being abandoned, and Congressional Republicans continuing to fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without meaningful oversight, and he put agents and officials who violate constitutional rights on notice that their actions will not be forgotten or excused.\n\nWatch Rep. Gomez's full House floor speech here.\n\nREP. GOMEZ: \"Thirteen months ago, when Trump's immigration raids began in my district, I warned exactly where this was headed. I warned that if ICE agents were allowed to operate without accountability, that violence would escalate. I warned that people would die. I didn't want to be right. But here we are.\n\n\"This isn't normal. This isn't law enforcement. This is lawlessness. No due process. No Miranda rights. Instead, some in Trump's ICE are acting as judge, jury, and executioner.\n\n\"This is what happens when people who wear the badge are told the rules don’t apply to them.\n\nOver the last year, we've witnessed ICE become more violent, more reckless, and more deadly. We've witnessed masked agents jump out of unmarked vehicles. We've witnessed people tackled, beaten, and shot. We've even seen children used as bait to detain their parents.\n\n“And what has this administration done? What have Congressional Republicans done? Not a darn thing. No accountability. No transparency. No consequences.\n\n“Last week, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo left for work and never came home. His son, Ronaldo, said something every Member of this chamber should hear:\n\n“He did not deserve to die. He did not deserve to be reduced to a headline of ‘Mexican man shot and killed by ICE.’ He deserved to live a quiet life as Lorenzo Salgado Araujo—a husband, a father, and a job creator.”\n\n“Then yesterday, a little girl in Maine watched her father’s lifeless body being carried away by ICE. Think about that. Two fathers, two families, shattered. And in both cases, ICE wasn’t even targeting the men who died.\n\n“ICE claims these men used their vehicles as weapons. But local news video tells a different story. It shows unmarked vehicles following them. It shows what happens before the shootings. And it shows that ICE wasn’t wearing body cameras, despite its own policies.\n\n“This administration is asking Americans not to believe our own eyes over and over again. That is not acceptable. What’s even more unacceptable is that my Republican colleagues have watched this happen and responded by giving ICE billions of dollars more.\n\n“How many more families have to bury a loved one before Republicans admit something is deeply wrong? The truth is, they know it’s wrong. They’re just too afraid to say it. Too afraid of Donald Trump. Too afraid of the political consequences. And I know, and they know where this leads.\n\n“When these raids began in Los Angeles, I flew immediately back from Washington to conduct oversight and protect my communities. When the Trump administration tried to block me from inspecting ICE detention centers, I sued them—and won. I’ve trained legal observers to ICE document abuses, organized town halls, and introduced legislation to reclaim Trump’s $175 billion ICE slush fund and put it into housing.\n\n“Every Representative here has a choice. They can keep writing blank checks for fear and abuse. Or they can join us in saying enough. Enough lawlessness. Enough brutality. Enough deaths.\n\n“We warned this country what would happen. We warned that without accountability, that violence would escalate. We warned that people would die.\n\n“Now hear this warning: if you committed a crime, if you violated the constitution, if you thought a badge put you above the law, you are wrong.\n\n“We are watching, the American people are watching, and history is watching. And no matter who you are or the title you hold, you will be prosecuted. Accountability is coming.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/goodlander-nh-congressional-delegation-welcome-va-signing-of-lease-for-new-cheshire-county-outpatient-clinic-to-expand-veterans-access-to-health-care/", "title": "Goodlander, NH Congressional Delegation Welcome VA Signing of Lease for New Cheshire County Outpatient Clinic to Expand Veterans’ Access to Health Care", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "goodlander.house.gov", "scraper": "goodlander", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000604", "name": "Maggie Goodlander", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Following advocacy from the New Hampshire Congressional delegation, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, alongside U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) applauded the signing of a PACT Act lease by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that will make West Chesterfield, New Hampshire, the home of a new Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), replacing the CBOCs in Keene and Brattleboro, VT. The announcement is a significant step toward expanding access to high-quality health care for veterans in the Granite State.\n\n“We have a sacred obligation to the women and men who have served our country in uniform. Our veterans put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and it’s my mission in Congress to ensure that they have access to the services, benefits, and healthcare they have earned,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “This clinic will deliver quality care to these brave American heroes across the Monadnock Region and beyond, and I am proud to stand with our partners across New Hampshire to get our veterans the care they need.”\n\n“It’s imperative that the men and women who sacrificed everything to defend and serve our nation have access to first rate health care when they need it – no matter where they live in our state,” said Senator Shaheen. “For a long time, the Monadnock region was a health care desert for veterans until we worked with the VA to open its first and only health care facility more than a decade ago. This announcement is a continuation of that years-long effort and a crucial step toward bringing more health care services to veterans in Cheshire County and the entire Monadnock region.”\n\n“America’s veterans risked their lives to keep our country safe, secure, and free. We will never fully repay the debt we owe them, but we have an obligation to try each and every day,” said Senator Hassan. “This new outpatient clinic will help veterans in the Monadnock region access the health services they need closer to home. I will continue to work to help get our veterans access to the health care that they have earned and deserve.”\n\n“I’m thrilled to welcome this new VA outpatient clinic to Cheshire County,” said Congressman Pappas, member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and Ranking Member of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee. “Every veteran across New Hampshire should be able to access the care they need close to home, whether through a VA medical center, our community-based outpatient clinics, or community care. I’ll always fight for our veterans to receive the best possible care and to cut the red tape between them and the treatment they deserve.”\n\nAccording to the VA, the clinic will increase clinical capacity and provide Veterans with more convenient and timely access to VA care, with construction and facility preparation expected to be completed by fall 2028, and the first patient is planned to be seen by spring 2029. The new lease will expand and modernize Primary Care space while rightsizing a state of the art, energy efficient facility that delivers integrated Primary Care, Mental Health, Specialty Care, and Ancillary services, improving operational efficiency and the Veteran experience in the Keene, NH and Brattleboro, VT area. The project will lease 26,603 net usable square feet (NUSF) of replacement outpatient clinic space in the vicinity of West Chesterfield, NH, with 150 parking spaces, in support of the White River Junction VA Healthcare System.\n\nA former intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve, Congresswoman Goodlander has made expanding access to care, benefits, and services for veterans a central part of her work in Congress.\n\nGoodlander joined the New Hampshire delegation in pressing the VA to take comprehensive steps toward enhancing VA care in New Hampshire, and successfully fought for House passage of a bipartisan amendment supporting funding for upgrades at the Manchester VA Medical Center.\n\nGoodlander helped usher the ACES Act into law, which requires the VA to study cancer incidence and mortality among military aviators and aircrew.\n\nShe has fought to expand care for veterans exposed to toxic substances through the VET PFAS Act; strengthen mental-health care and suicide-prevention services; help assist veterans’ transition to civilian life; improve access to non-opioid pain treatment and dental care; and study neurological injuries associated with military aviation through the WINGS Act.\n\nGoodlander has worked to improve care and quality of life for disabled veterans, including by leading the bipartisan ASSIST Act to expand access to medically necessary vehicle adaptations and supporting the Major Richard Star Act to ensure qualifying combat-injured veterans can receive both military retirement pay and veterans’ disability compensation.\n\nGoodlander has also worked to protect veterans from disruptions in care by demanding answers from the VA on workforce losses and its plans to maintain care for New Hampshire veterans and by helping lead bipartisan action against predatory “claim sharks” targeting veterans’ benefits.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-gottheimer-questions-new-federal-reserve-chair-warsh-on-ai-youth-gambling-deposit-insurance-and-housing-affordability", "title": "RELEASE: Gottheimer Questions New Federal Reserve Chair Warsh On AI, Youth Gambling, Deposit Insurance, and Housing Affordability", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Jul 10, 2026\n\nPress\n\nPHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Tours APM Hexseal in Englewood, Meets with North Jersey Manufacturers\n\nCongressman Highlights Support for Small Business, Domestic Manufacturing, and American-Made Products Above: Gottheimer tours APM Hexseal. ENGLEWOOD, NJ — Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) toured APM Hexseal, a long-standing Englewood manufacturer that has been designing and producing high-performance sealing solutions for military, aerospace, medical, and industrial applications since 1947. The visit was facilitated by the New […]\n\nJul 7, 2026\n\nPress\n\nSTATEMENT: Gottheimer Renews Call for Platner to Exit Maine Senate Race as New Allegations Surface\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Tuesday, July 7, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement: “The new allegations of sexual assault against Graham Platner are alarming and beyond unacceptable for any individual — regardless of whether they’re running for elected office. I have been calling for Platner to leave the race since abuse […]", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-responds-to-trump-administration-s-dismantling-of-national-monuments", "title": "Rep. Grijalva Responds to Trump Administration's Dismantling of National Monuments", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva condemned Donald Trump's attempt to slash the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. During a virtual press conference with advocates, tribal leaders, and other Members of Congress, she pledged to continue fighting in Congress to protect Grand Staircase-Escalante, Bears Ears, and all public lands.\n\nBelow is a copy of Congresswoman Grijalva's full remarks.\n\nWatch the full press conference here.\n\n\"Good morning, everyone. Buenos días.\n\nThank you to The Wilderness Society, the Sierra Club, our Tribal and Indigenous leaders, and my colleagues for bringing us together today. And thank you to everyone who continues to fight for our public lands, our sacred places, and the Tribal Nations that have protected them.\n\nThis Administration is systematically rolling back protections for public lands, sidelining meaningful Tribal consultation, and putting extractive industries ahead of the people, wildlife, and cultural resources these places sustain.\n\nArizona has already experienced the consequences. Despite the objections of the Tohono O'odham Nation, construction of a second border wall destroyed portions of the Las Playas Intaglio Archaeological District—an irreplaceable cultural landscape located in the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.\n\nNow, the Administration is preparing to lease more than 208,000 acres of public land in Arizona for oil and gas development near the Grand Canyon—even though we know those lands hold little to no viable oil or gas resources. So the obvious question is: if the resources aren't there, why are these protections being stripped away?\n\nAfter yesterday's decision, we need to remain vigilant in protecting all of our sacred areas.\n\nBecause this has never been about responsible land management. This Administration is handing over public lands to private interests while ignoring the voices of Tribal Nations and the overwhelming majority of Americans who support protecting these places.\n\nOur national monuments preserve history; they support local economies, outdoor recreation, tourism, wildlife habitat, clean water, and the quality of life that millions of Americans value. These lands belong to all of us—not just this Administration, and certainly not to the highest bidder.\n\nI will continue standing alongside Tribal Nations, conservation advocates, and communities across Arizona and across this country to defend our public lands, protect our sacred places, and ensure these monuments remain part of our shared national heritage for generations to come.\n\nThank you. Muchas gracias.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases/comisionado-residente-anuncia-123-millones-para-impulsar-la-investigacion", "title": "Comisionado Residente anuncia $12.3 millones para impulsar la investigación científica y la educación STEM en Puerto Rico", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "hernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001103", "name": "Pablo José Hernández", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, anunció hoy cinco otorgaciones federales que suman $12,295,690 para fortalecer la investigación en universidades de Puerto Rico, ampliar la infraestructura científica y apoyar la educación en ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas, conocidas como disciplinas STEM.\n\nLos fondos provienen del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos (HHS, por sus siglas en inglés), que apoyará iniciativas de investigación biomédica y detección del cáncer, y de la Fundación Nacional de Ciencias (NSF, por sus siglas en inglés), que financiará proyectos de inteligencia artificial, ingeniería, infraestructura científica y educación STEM en la Universidad de Puerto Rico en Mayagüez.\n\n“Estos fondos representan nuevas oportunidades para nuestros estudiantes, profesores e investigadores, y fortalecen la capacidad de nuestras universidades para desarrollar ciencia y tecnología desde Puerto Rico. Queremos que el talento puertorriqueño tenga los recursos necesarios para investigar, innovar y aportar soluciones que beneficien directamente a nuestra gente”, expresó el Comisionado Residente.\n\nLas otorgaciones incluyen:", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases/comisionado-residente-anuncia-mas-de-5-millones-para-fortalecer-servicios-de", "title": "Comisionado Residente anuncia más de $5 millones para fortalecer servicios de salud e investigación médica en Puerto Rico", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "hernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001103", "name": "Pablo José Hernández", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, anunció hoy seis otorgaciones del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos (HHS, por sus siglas en inglés), que suman $5,006,969 para instituciones académicas, organizaciones de salud y el Departamento de Salud de Puerto Rico.\n\nLos fondos fortalecerán programas de prevención y tratamiento del VIH, ampliarán la coordinación entre centros de salud primaria y apoyarán la formación de estudiantes e investigadores puertorriqueños en áreas como las neurociencias y la investigación biomédica.\n\n“Estos fondos fortalecerán la prevención y el tratamiento del VIH, los servicios de salud primaria y la investigación médica en Puerto Rico. Seguiremos trabajando para que estos recursos se traduzcan en una mejor atención para nuestro pueblo”, expresó el Comisionado Residente.\n\nLas otorgaciones incluyen:", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases/houchin-applauds-historic-25-million-build-grant-ports-indiana-jeffersonville", "title": "Houchin Applauds Historic $25 Million BUILD Grant for Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "houchin.house.gov", "scraper": "houchin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001093", "name": "Erin Houchin", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) applauds the announcement of the $25 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded to Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville.\n\nThis grant is the largest federal grant in Ports of Indiana’s 65-year history and will support a $32 million expansion project that will enhance the port’s capabilities, strengthen Indiana’s supply chain infrastructure, and improve freight movement across the Midwest.\n\n“Strong infrastructure is essential to a strong economy, and this BUILD grant is an important investment in Indiana’s future,” said Rep. Houchin. “The improvements at Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville will increase efficiency, strengthen supply chains, and enhance the port’s ability to serve businesses throughout our state and the Midwest. I was proud to advocate for this project and congratulate everyone whose hard work made this achievement possible.”\n\nThe expansion will include a new 300-ton crane system, a 6,500-square-foot barge dock, and a 22,000- square-foot warehouse, more than doubling the Indiana-Jeffersonville port’s general cargo capacity.\n\nOnce complete, the project will expand the port’s multimodal freight capabilities, strengthen supply chains, improve efficiency, and support Indiana’s manufacturing economy.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-rule-law-depends-judiciary-properly-funded", "title": "Hoyer: The Rule of Law Depends on a Judiciary that is Properly Funded", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "domain": "hoyer.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000874", "name": "Steny H. Hoyer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "July 14, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered opening remarks during an FSGG budget hearing of the Supreme Court of the United States:\n\nImage\n\nClick here to watch a video of his remarks.\n\n\"Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I want to welcome Justice Kagan and Justice Coney Barrett to the court room, I suppose, in one sense, but to the hearing room in a very significant other sense. I also want to welcome Judge Dow, who has been so good to work with over the course of the last few years with respect to making sure that you had a sufficient budget not only to carry out your formal duties, but also to protect the justices. Unfortunately, we put the cart before the horse. We marked up the Fiscal Year 2027 bill in subcommittee and then marked it up in full committee before we had hearings to inform us on the facts, which would make the budget decisions more credible. Now we are having two hearings today from witnesses about their funding requests in that bill that we passed. We should have started with those hearings. We also should be hearing from [the] Treasury and DOGE too. We did hear from OMB, at which time Director Vought informed us that he intended to have no oversight of the damage done by DOGE.\n\n\"Mr. Chairman, as you know, I think we must have such hearings ourselves. As it has been widely noted, this is the first time the Supreme Court justices are testifying before a House committee since 2019. We appreciate this opportunity. Such hearings used to be the norm. From 1960 to 2022, there were 93 appearances by at least one sitting Supreme Court Justice every year. This is a budget hearing to fulfill our duty to appropriate the people's taxes responsibly. I imagine that the questions will go beyond the fiscal to the fundamental, both are proper, in my view, but in the case of the court's essential independence, difficult.\n\n\"I want to begin this discussion today, though, on the budget by noting that the very real threats faced by our judiciary, which the Chairman has mentioned, is in our mind. According to the U.S. Marshal Service, more than 200 federal judges have had threats made against them in this Fiscal Year alone. With a deeply divided country and increasingly violent rhetoric being directed at judges, Congress must provide sufficient funding to ensure the safety of all judicial personnel. The FSGG bill already advanced by the Appropriations Committee, would provide $9.62 billion for the judiciary and $207 million for the Supreme Court itself. That's a 4.8% and 7.3% increase, respectively. Included in the bill is a $28.9 million increase for court security.\n\n\"At the same time, while we take measures to protect the physical safety of judges and court staff, Congress also has a responsibility to safeguard the independence of our judiciary and its ability to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans. Part of that is making certain that there is adequate funding for the public defenders, and I'm glad that we were able to address the budget shortfall for defenders serving in Fiscal Year 2026. In Fiscal [Year] 2027, the committee supported funding defender services at $1.79 billion, with an increase of $26 million over the last year. That is a constitutional responsibility both the courts and Congress have. The rule of law depends on a judiciary that is properly funded. Especially now when we need a strong judiciary to protect Americans from the imposition of a theory, in my view, of executive supremacy.\n\n\"This administration is routinely engaging in conducting the test the limits of our Constitution. We must remember that our Republic is a three-legged stool: the Congress, the Executive, the Judiciary. I believe that each branch must be held accountable by the other two as well as that each branch has a constitutional duty to protect the constitutionally-granted powers of the other two. The American people whom we represent expect the Supreme Court and all our federal courts to play its constitutional role as a transparent and neutral arbiter of the law. Just as we in Congress must do our duty to hold the executive and judicial branches accountable, so too must the Court carry out its responsibility to keep an overreaching executive or legislature in check without overreaching itself. At the same time, I believe the Court has a responsibility to guard against the executive subverting the article one powers of the Congress from usurpation by the executive. That was the Founders’ genius, of separation of powers and the assurance of checks and balances. That is how America's judiciary maintains the trust of the people and prevents constitutional crises.\n\n\"As John Adams said, ‘We are a nation of laws, not of men.’ Maintaining the checks and balances to ensure that precept prevails remains the difficult but necessary job of each of the branches. In doing so, each branch will earn the structural deference our Founders intended and they believed, essential to perpetuate the democratic republic they so ably constructed. Justices, I thank you and your seven colleagues for the work that you do, and I look forward to this hearing and what you have to say today. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-small-businesses-and-their-employees-deserve-better-theyre-getting", "title": "Hoyer: Small Businesses and Their Employees Deserve Better than They're Getting", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "domain": "hoyer.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000874", "name": "Steny H. Hoyer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered opening remarks and questioned Administrator Kelly Loeffler during an FSGG oversight hearing of the U.S. Small Business Administration:\n\nClick here to watch a video of his opening remarks.\n\nClick here to watch a video of his questioning.\n\nOpening Remarks\n\n\"Madam Administrator, welcome. Glad to have you with us. As we all know, small businesses are the heart and soul of America's economy. More than 36 million people are employed, in excess of 62 million American workers work for small businesses. That's 46% of our workforce. These small businesses and their employees deserve better than they're getting. The administration's mantra continues to be: You're on your own. That's certainly been the SBA's approach over the past year and a half. A proposed 67% cut that would stifle assistance and resources that help small businesses grow: the elimination of programs that help women and minority business owners who face extra hurdles to starting and growing their businesses – which I'm sure you know a lot about – withholding disaster loans from states because of politics, such as occurred in Western Maryland, new fees imposed on small businesses and limits on borrowing, attempts to shrink the agency under DOGE and limit the good it can do for so many millions of our people, and eliminating 15 out of 16 entrepreneurial development programs. Let's be clear: the SBA's role isn't to give handouts, it's to reach a hand out; a helping hand to those who need some extra support while they do the hard work of creating jobs.\n\n\"President Trump has called himself, quote, ‘The greatest jobs president God ever created.’ Excuse me, God. You can't make that frankly absurd claim if his SBA continues down the path that has been on, Administrator Loeffler, you'll have a clarity, I'm sure, for our subcommittee today. Why? Under your leadership, the SBA is making it harder for Americans to start businesses, grow businesses, and hire more American workers. I hope you're prepared to explain why you and the President continue to tell American workers and small businesses owners, ‘You're on your own,’ especially in this economy where inflation and higher costs, driven by the President's war of choice in Iran, are causing so many small businesses and working families to struggle. I heard just yesterday from a small business owner in La Plata, Maryland, in my district, that sells, rents and repairs musical equipment for families and schools [that] their business is struggling because of the high costs resulting from the President's illegal tariffs. Its owner reached out to me, in advance of today's hearing, he wrote, and I quote, ‘Unlike large national chains, small businesses have very limited ability to absorb these rising costs. As prices increase, fewer families can afford to participate in school music programs, and school music departments face greater challenges stretching already tight budgets. I hope your subcommittee –’ he [was] talking to me – ‘will consider the impact these tariffs have on local businesses like ours and schools and families we serve.’\n\n\"Small businesses like the one I just spoke of deserve our help, and they deserve answers. Instead of telling them you're on your own, we ought to be doing everything we can to help them make it in America. I look forward to hearing, Madame, your testimony and your observations. And I'll ask some questions about why we have less resources than the Congress believed were necessary. I thank you, Mr. Chairman.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyle-secures-district-and-policy-wins-in-the-2026-water-resources-development-act", "title": "HOYLE SECURES DISTRICT AND POLICY WINS IN THE 2026 WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hoyle.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyle", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001094", "name": "Val T. Hoyle", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC— Today, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA, H.R. 9497). It authorizes construction projects, studies and other infrastructure activities for U.S. waterways and ports. This bipartisan legislation also includes key priorities championed by Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04). The bill will next go to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.\n\n\"I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation that will help Oregon's ports, harbors and inland waterways repair aging infrastructure, complete dredging and fix critical jetties,” said Representative Hoyle. “Investments in our maritime infrastructure strengthen Oregon's coastal economy by supporting commercial and recreational fishing fleets and good-paying rural jobs. It also helps coastal communities prepare for the growing impacts of climate change.\"\n\nNeil Maunu, Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association and Kenneth Vogeney, Emergency Manager for the City of Springfield, also commented on today’s Committee passage of WRDA:\n\n\"This bill will help ensure the Pacific Northwest can maintain and modernize our established waterways, strengthening our competitiveness while expanding the capacity and efficiency needed to attract new global customers and drive economic growth. PNWA applauds the Committee’s bipartisan leadership in advancing the WRDA 2026 bill, which addresses the diverse needs of our nation’s waterways, and looks forward to its passage by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate.\" ?- Neil Maunu, Executive Director, Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA)\n\n“The 42nd Street Levee in Springfield, Oregon, provides flood risk protection to about 24,000 people. The City of Springfield and its residents and businesses are grateful for the on-going support of Congresswoman Hoyle through the Water Resources Development Act and other venues as the City works to improve the Levee's ability to continue providing flood protection for another 65 years.” - Kenneth Vogeney, PE, Emergency Manager and 42nd Street Levee Project Manager for the City of Springfield", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-moore-barr-sponsored-legislation-to-stop-unconstitutional-tracking-of-lawful", "title": "Hudson, Moore, Barr-Sponsored Legislation to Stop Unconstitutional Tracking of Lawful Gun Purchases Passes House", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hudson.house.gov", "scraper": "hudson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001067", "name": "Richard Hudson", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) applauded House passage of the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, legislation he originally sponsored alongside Representative Riley Moore (R-WV) and Representative Andy Barr (R-KY), to stop financial institutions from tracking law-abiding Americans who shop at gun stores.\n\n“Law-abiding gun owners should not have their purchases tracked just because they are exercising their Second Amendment rights,” said Rep. Hudson. “I was proud help lead this legislation from the start, and I’m glad the House passed it to protect the privacy and Constitutionally protected freedoms of Americans.”\n\nIn addition to Representatives Hudson, Moore, and Barr, the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act is cosponsored by 132 House Republicans. The bill prohibits credit card companies and banks from using Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) to separate firearm retailers from other sporting goods or general merchandise stores, which could be used to monitor lawful gun purchases and build a backdoor registry of Americans exercising their Second Amendment rights.\n\nRead more about the bill in Washington Examiner and Breitbart News.\n\nBackground\n\nIn February 2025, Congressman Hudsonjoined Congressman Moore and Congressman Barr as an original cosponsor of the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act for the 119th Congress.\n\nIn February 2024, Congressman Hudson joined Congresswoman Stefanik and Congressman Barr in introducing the bill and it received widespread support.\n\nAfter Visa, Mastercard, and American Express paused the rollout of the gun store code in March 2023, Congressman Hudson continued fighting to protect the privacy of lawful firearm and ammunition owners.\n\nIn September 2022, Congressman Hudson joined House Republicans in raising concerns that the new code could make it easier to track law-abiding Americans who are simply exercising their Second Amendment rights.\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/huffman-moolenaar-introduce-legislation-to-improve-modernize-rural-health-care", "title": "Huffman, Moolenaar Introduce Legislation to Improve, Modernize Rural Health Care", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "huffman.house.gov", "scraper": "huffman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001068", "name": "Jared Huffman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI) introduced the Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act. The legislation would allow rural hospitals to use Medicare funding to hire physician anesthesiologists. Under current law, hospitals are only permitted to use Medicare funding to hire certified anesthesiologist assistants or nurse anesthetists.\n\n“Rural hospitals and health centers, like the many throughout my district, serve communities that would otherwise have no access to essential health care. But their remote locations present many unique challenges – including building and sustaining a strong workforce,” said Rep. Huffman. “Our bill would remove barriers for anesthesiologists to participate in rural incentive programs that are a critical tool for rural medical facilities to attract and retain the staff they need to care for our communities.”\n\n\"Rural Michigan residents deserve to have access to the highest quality health care available. That is why we must modernize Medicare's regulations and allow rural hospitals to recruit and pay physician anesthesiologists. Our commonsense, bipartisan legislation makes a small change to existing law to let these hospitals effectively use the funds already available to them and ensure Americans in rural communities can receive the anesthesia services they need, when they need them,\" said Moolenaar.\n\nThe text of the Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/07/14/jayapal-booker-introduce-redact-act-to-protect-epstein-survivors-and-strengthen-accountability-for-doj-privacy-violations/", "title": "Jayapal, Booker Introduce REDACT Act to Protect Epstein Survivors and Strengthen Accountability for DOJ Privacy Violations", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "jayapal.house.gov", "scraper": "jayapal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000298", "name": "Pramila Jayapal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Watch the full video of the press conference HERE.\n\nWASHINGTON, DC — Today, standing alongside Epstein survivors, U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D‑NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced legislation designed to safeguard survivors whose personal information was improperly disclosed during the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) release of records related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and prosecution. The Recovery, Enforcement, and Damages to Assure Confidential Treatment (REDACT) Act, would establish clear accountability for the DOJ and reinforce protections against future breaches of personally identifiable information.\n\nOn November 19, 2025, the Epstein Files Transparency Act was signed into law, requiring the DOJ to publicly release all unclassified records related to the Epstein investigation within 30 days. The law required the DOJ to protect survivors’ identities by redacting their personally identifiable information from any published documents. The DOJ failed to meet this obligation. Instead, the Department released tens of thousands of records containing unredacted personal information belonging to nearly 100 survivors, including an email that identified 31 child victims with only a single redaction. As of February 2026, DOJ has been forced to retract approximately 9,500 documents containing survivor information. These disclosures subjected survivors to harassment, traumatization, and threats to their personal safety.\n\nThe REDACT Act would amend the Epstein Files Transparency Act to allow survivors to hold the DOJ accountable for these privacy violations and seek compensation for harm resulting from the unlawful disclosure of their personal information.\n\n“The Epstein Survivors have fought for years to get justice and reveal the powerful predators in Jeffrey Epstein’s orbit. Their fight for justice was met by an incredibly incompetent DOJ that released their private information, while protecting abusers. Because of this, they have faced serious retraumatization and harassment. Our legislation will get the survivors the accountability they deserve from a DOJ that has failed them, ” said Jayapal.\n\n“No survivor should have to relive unimaginable trauma because the federal government failed to protect their privacy,” said Booker. “I’ve heard directly from survivors about what this recklessness has cost them — harassment, traumatization, threats to their safety. Survivors deserve to be made whole, and I will keep fighting to hold the DOJ accountable and stand up for the people it was supposed to protect. If legislation is what it takes to force the DOJ to meet its obligations, then Congress has a duty to act and pass this bill.”\n\n“The rule of law means little if the government is free to violate the rights of the very people the law was written to protect. Survivors should never bear the cost of the Department of Justice’s failures, nor should they be left without a remedy when those failures cause profound and lasting harm. The REDACT Act affirms a principle that should never have been in doubt: victims’ rights do not end where government negligence begins, ” said Liz Stein, Epstein Survivor.\n\nThe REDACT Act would specifically authorize survivors to:\n\nSeek a court order requiring DOJ to remove unredacted personal information from public records;\n\nRecover statutory or compensatory damages, including the greater of $50,000 or proven damages such as emotional distress; and\n\nRecover reasonable attorney’s fees and litigation costs.\n\nTo read a one-pager on the bill, click here.\n\nTo read the full text of the bill, click here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://joyce.house.gov/posts/joyce-holds-hearing-with-supreme-court-justices-kagan-and-coney-barrett-on-fy27-budget-request", "title": "Joyce Holds Hearing with Supreme Court Justices Kagan and Coney Barrett on FY27 Budget Request", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://joyce.house.gov/press", "domain": "joyce.house.gov", "scraper": "joyce", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000295", "name": "David P. Joyce", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Appropriations Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Subcommittee Chairman Dave Joyce (OH-14) questioned Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett on the Supreme Court’s fiscal year (FY) 2027 budget request, including security concerns and the need for increased funding in FY 2027. The hearing marked the Supreme Court’s first appearance before the Committee since 2019.\n\nWatch the full hearing here:\n\n“Whatever one’s view of a specific Court ruling, judicial officers, up to and including the Justices of the Supreme Court, must be able to do their jobs without fear for their safety or their families’ safety,” said Congressman Joyce in his opening remarks. “In addition to security, the Court needs to be able to operate effectively and efficiently. It should have the most up-to-date information technology (IT) infrastructure and an electronic filing system that meets the needs of all its users. It should have enough staff to research, support our Justices, and the American people.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2460", "title": "Kennedy’s WINTER Act Passed by House of Representatives", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "kennedy.house.gov", "scraper": "kennedy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000402", "name": "Timothy M. Kennedy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Legislation Will Strengthen Preparedness Against Terrorist Threats Targeting Critical Infrastructure During Extreme Cold Weather Events\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Tim Kennedy’s (NY-26) legislation, H.R. 3106, the Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency Readiness (WINTER) Act. This common-sense legislation aims to strengthen the nation's preparedness for terrorist attacks during extreme winter weather events.\n\nThe WINTER Act directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a terrorism preparedness exercise examining how a successful attack on critical infrastructure during an extreme cold weather event would impact communities and how emergency managers, state officials, and federal partners can better coordinate to respond. The legislation also requires DHS to report its findings and recommendations to Congress to improve future emergency planning.\n\nFull remarks here.\n\n“By identifying security gaps before disaster strikes, we can enhance our resilience and be better prepared to respond to increasingly sophisticated acts of terrorism,” said Congressman Kennedy. “We cannot control when the next severe winter storm will strike, and we cannot predict when terrorists will look to exploit our vulnerabilities. But we can ensure that our homeland security enterprise is prepared for both. That is exactly what this legislation will help us do.”\n\nThe WINTER Act was introduced with the support of Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (MS-2), was unanimously passed out of the Committee on Homeland Security, and passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/168-million-secured-saipan-airport-improvements", "title": "$16.8 Million Secured for Saipan Airport Improvements", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "July 14, 2026\n\nImage\n\nThe Commonwealth Ports Authority has been awarded $16.8 million in two federal grants to support major upgrades at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport.\n\nRunway Rehabilitation: A $9.7 million grant from the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program will fund the rehabilitation of 8,700 feet of Runway 07/25. This work will help maintain the runway’s structural integrity, reduce debris, and extend its service life. Combined with previously awarded funds, this grant will complete the remaining portion of the runway project.\n\nPerimeter Fencing Replacement: A second FAA grant of $7,048,780 will replace 26,788 linear feet of perimeter fencing that has reached the end of its useful life. This upgrade is essential for maintaining airport safety and security.\n\nThese federal investments strengthen Saipan’s transportation infrastructure, support economic growth, and help keep travelers and airport personnel safe. Congratulations to CPA.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/382k-support-mental-health-services", "title": "$382K to Support Mental Health Services", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The Commonwealth has received $382,703 in FEMA funding for the Crisis Counseling - Immediate Services Program in response to Super Typhoon Sinlaku, FEMA recently announced. This support will help expand access to critical mental health and emotional support services for residents across Rota, Saipan, Tinian, and the Northern Islands as we continue to recover. Disasters leave lasting impacts that go far beyond physical damage, and this program plays an important role in helping individuals and families cope, heal, and rebuild. We are grateful to FEMA, our local providers, and all those working on the ground to ensure our communities have the support they need during this difficult recovery period.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/9-million-rebuild-and-strengthen-power-grid", "title": "$9 Million to Rebuild and Strengthen Power Grid", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congratulations to the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation on receiving an additional $8.97 million in FEMA funding to complete permanent repairs to our power transmission and distribution systems following Super Typhoon Yutu. This latest award builds on more than $84 million already invested to restore and strengthen our islands’ electrical infrastructure. The project has replaced more than 2,100 damaged wooden power poles with stronger concrete poles and upgraded critical equipment across Saipan and Tinian. After enduring Super Typhoon Sinlaku in April and with another storm system in our midst right now, this investment is a timely reminder that resilience and preparedness must remain a priority for the CNMI. We commend the dedicated men and women of CUC, our local leaders, and our federal partners for their continued commitment to building a safer and stronger Commonwealth for future generations.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/calling-all-young-cnmi-athletes-apply-2026-patriot-games", "title": "Calling All Young CNMI Athletes: Apply for the 2026 Patriot Games", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "As we continue celebrating America’s 250th birthday, the 2026 Patriot Games will bring together some of the nation’s most outstanding young athletes for a one-of-a-kind competition celebrating strength, resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Students ages 14-17 from across the country, including the CNMI, are invited to apply for the opportunity to represent their home state or territory on a national stage. Selected athletes will compete in a series of physical and mental challenges, with the competition culminating in the crowning of one male and one female Patriot Games champion. Each champion will receive $125,000 in scholarship funding. The competition will take place August 9-11, 2026, with coverage streaming on the ESPN App and culminating in a one-hour primetime special airing on ABC on August 13. Participation includes an all-expense-paid trip for each selected athlete and one chaperone. We encourage all eligible CNMI student athletes to consider this incredible opportunity to showcase your talent, represent our islands, and be part of a historic celebration of America’s next generation of leaders. Apply today and share your story!\n\nImage", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/celebrating-250-years-american-small-business", "title": "Celebrating 250 years of American Small Business", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Earlier this month, the Small Business Committee held a hearing to highlight how small businesses have enabled 250 years of the American Dream. Since 1776, small businesses have been the heart of the American economy, and have grown as the country has grown itself. I led the Committee in prayer for the CNMI at the start of the hearing as we await the coming storm, and in my remarks, I emphasized that one of the biggest lessons we can learn from our small businesses is resilience. I talked about how after Sinlaku, small businesses in the CNMI who lost inventory, equipment and their roofs quickly came back the next day to clean, rebuild, and help one another. After 18 months on this Committee, I have learned that American small businesses, whether in the CNMI or on the Mainland, all share the same values of family, hard work, and the belief that tomorrow can be better than today. I feel that my job, as a Member of Congress, is to fight for the policies that will maintain this great American path for generations to come.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/expanding-travel-benefits-veterans", "title": "Expanding Travel Benefits for Veterans", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "During a June 30 Subcommittee on Health legislative hearing, I highlighted the unique challenges veterans in the Northern Mariana Islands face in accessing health care. With no full-time VA medical facilities or physicians serving Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, many veterans must travel outside the Marianas to receive needed treatment. To address this gap, I introduced H.R. 9316, the Travel Assistance for Veterans in Medical Deserts Act, which would waive the 30 percent service-connected disability rating requirement for VA travel benefits for veterans in the Marianas and the Freely Associated States. This would help ensure all our veterans can access care without shouldering the full burden of costly travel. Our veterans should not face additional barriers to care simply because they live in some of America’s most remote communities. I look forward to working with the Department of Veterans Affairs and my colleagues on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and to advance this legislation as an important interim solution until the CNMI has its own Community-Based Outpatient Clinic.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/marine-who-talked-hundreds-out-saipans-caves", "title": "The marine who talked hundreds out of Saipan's caves", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "A recent story featured in an MSN news article revisits the extraordinary story of Marine Corps veteran Guy Gabaldon, widely known as the “Pied Piper of Saipan,” who, during the World War II Battle of Saipan, persuaded hundreds of Japanese soldiers and civilians to leave the island’s caves and surrender, saving countless lives during one of the Pacific’s most brutal campaigns. His story has also been told beyond history books, including the memoir Saipan: Suicide Island and the Hollywood film Hell to Eternity, which brought his life and service to a broader audience. What is less widely known, and deeply meaningful to our Commonwealth, is that Guy later made Saipan his home. He lived in San Antonio village, raised his family here, mentored young people in the CNMI, and one of his adult children went on to work in our islands’ tourism industry. As we celebrate Liberation Day on July 4, his story is a reminder that patriotism is not only found in the battlefield, but also by the lasting bonds we form with the places and people we serve.\n\nImage", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/people-2276-message-hope-cnmi", "title": "To the People of 2276: A Message of Hope from the CNMI", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "This Independence Day, I had the profound honor of placing a letter into the United States Congress Semiquincentennial Time Capsule, to be opened on July 4, 2276, during our nation’s 500th anniversary. As I wrote to future generations, I found myself reflecting on the people and islands we are privileged to call home. I wanted those who come after us to know that the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in 2026 was a place deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of our Chamorro and Refaluwasch ancestors, while also being enriched by families from across the Pacific, Asia, the continental United States, and many other parts of the world who together helped build our vibrant and diverse community. My hope is that 250 years from now, our descendants will still gather with family, honor their elders, cherish their cultures and languages, and remain connected to these beautiful islands. Above all, I wanted future Americans to know that, though separated by vast oceans, the people of the CNMI stood proudly as part of the American story, guided by faith, strengthened by resilience, and united by an enduring belief in a better tomorrow.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/supporting-governors-sinlaku-cost-share-request", "title": "Supporting the Governor’s Sinlaku Cost Share Request", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Following Governor Apatang's request to President Trump to extend full federal cost sharing for Super Typhoon Sinlaku response and recovery efforts, I wrote in support of the Commonwealth's request. The letter supports two important requests made by Governor Apatang: extending 100 percent federal funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and Direct Federal Assistance, and increasing the federal cost share for long-term Public Assistance projects associated with Super Typhoon Sinlaku to 90 percent. These requests recognize the extraordinary costs of recovery, the Commonwealth's limited fiscal capacity, and the importance of keeping recovery efforts moving without placing additional strain on the CNMI's finances. These requests are important, and I will continue advocating for the resources our islands need to recover from Super Typhoon Sinlaku while also responding to the new challenges brought by Super Typhoon Bavi.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/welcome-chad-tinian-district-office", "title": "Welcome Chad to the Tinian District Office", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Our office is pleased to welcome Chad Acollador to the Tinian District Office as our summer intern. A senior at Grand Canyon University in Arizona, Chad is pursuing studies in Health Care Administration. She brings a strong interest in healthcare policy and a passion in public service.\n\nChad takes pride in being raised on the island of Tinian and looks forward to giving back to her island community. We are excited to have Chad join our team this summer and look forward to supporting her as she gains valuable experience while developing the skills needed for a future in the field of healthcare.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://knott.house.gov/media/press-releases/knott-introduces-bill-rein-federal-bureaucracy-and-expand-citizens-rights", "title": "Knott Introduces Bill to Rein in Federal Bureaucracy and Expand Citizens’ Rights to Challenge Agencies in Court", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://knott.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "knott.house.gov", "scraper": "knott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000405", "name": "Brad Knott", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON- Congressman Brad Knott (NC-13) introduced H.R. 9653, the Limiting Excessive Government Obstruction Act, also known as the LEGO Act, to rein in federal bureaucracy and restore Americans’ right to have their cases heard in real courts; not behind closed doors in federal agencies.\n\n“For too long, federal agencies act as investigator, prosecutor, and judge all at once, leaving communities, businesses, workers, and families stuck in costly and confusing proceedings they cannot fairly challenge,” said Congressman Knott. “Bureaucracy in Washington has tilted the scales against the American people for years. My bill restores balance and puts power back where it belongs, with the people, by ensuring they can adequately defend themselves before a judge and a jury of their peers, rather than a nameless bureaucrat.”\n\nUnder current law, many enforcement cases start and end inside federal agencies, where government officials sit in judgment over the very rules they write and enforce. The LEGO Act is part of a broader effort to rein in the administrative state, protect constitutional rights, and eliminate federal bureaucracy that burdens American job creators and families.\n\nThe LEGO Act would:\n\nLet Americans opt out of in‑house agency courts and move enforcement cases into a local, federal court.\n\nRequire agencies to file in federal district court within 90 days if they want to keep pursuing a case.\n\nGuarantee defendants the right to a jury trial in those federal court cases.\n\nEstablishes a reasonableness defense for any alleged violation of an agency rule, order, or consent decree.\n\nYou can read the bill text here.\n\nYou can read the one-pager here.\n\nWatch his floor speech here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-and-scott-press-cisa-protect-american-manufacturing-and", "title": "Krishnamoorthi and Scott Press CISA to Protect American Manufacturing and Critical Infrastructure from Russian Cyber Sabotage", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Austin Scott (R-GA), Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence's National Intelligence Enterprise Subcommittee, and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, today sent a bipartisan letter to Acting Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Acting Director Nick Andersen following new reporting that a group of Russian hackers were behind last year's devastating cyberattack against Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in the United Kingdom. The lawmakers urge CISA to develop and share a strategy to thwart such attacks while strengthening cybersecurity across American companies, government networks, and critical infrastructure.\n\nThe lawmakers write:\n\n“Given that JLR is a major component of the UK defense industrial base, the attack raises significant concerns over Russian-backed efforts to sabotage manufacturers critical to defense supply chains here in the United States as well. Therefore, we urge you to develop and share a strategy to thwart such attacks and outline how you will support stronger cyber defenses across American companies, government networks, and critical infrastructure.”\n\nThe lawmakers further write:\n\n“While authorities are still determining the extent of the involvement of the Russian state, this cyberattack must cause us to question our own cyber defenses and whether cyber actors could infiltrate U.S. systems to shut down defense production and/or disrupt access to critical infrastructure including communications, electricity, transportation, and water.”\n\nThe lawmakers requested responses to the following questions by July 28, 2026:\n\nWhat assessment has CISA made of the cybersecurity posture of the U.S. defense industrial base with respect to disruptive ransomware and cyberattacks designed to halt production rather than just steal data?\n\nHas CISA identified any sectors of U.S. critical infrastructure or manufacturing that are particularly vulnerable to a Jaguar-style attack? If so, what steps are being taken to address those vulnerabilities?\n\nIs there currently any evidence of similar network infiltrations, state-backed or otherwise, in the United States?\n\nWhat lessons, if any, has CISA drawn from the Jaguar incident, and how are those lessons being incorporated into guidance, assessments, or cybersecurity programs for U.S. industry?\n\nWhat is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CISA's current capacity to share threat indicators from foreign incidents like Jaguar with U.S. private sector partners in real time? How have the resource and personnel cuts since January 1, 2025 impacted CISA's capacity to share information with the private sector?\n\nWhat additional actions are DHS and CISA taking to protect American companies and critical infrastructure from these kinds of hacks? Does DHS have a government-wide strategy to thwart these kinds of hacks?\n\nHow has the administration pushed back against nation-state sabotage efforts in the United States or among our treaty allies?\n\nHow is CISA working to ensure that small and medium-sized manufacturers—many of which lack dedicated cybersecurity personnel—receive timely threat intelligence and cybersecurity assistance? Does CISA have the proper resources to support this effort?\n\nWhat authorities does CISA currently lack, if any, that would improve its ability to identify or mitigate threats to critical infrastructure and manufacturing networks?", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-and-warren-press-goldman-sachs-over-kathy-ruemmlers-continued", "title": "Krishnamoorthi and Warren Press Goldman Sachs Over Kathy Ruemmler’s Continued Employment, Reported Reputation Management Campaign Following Epstein Revelations", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "July 14, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, sent a follow-up letter to Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon and Goldman Sachs Senior Counselor Kathryn Ruemmler on Tuesday after Goldman Sachs failed to adequately answer the lawmakers' previous inquiry regarding the terms of Ruemmler's continued employment following revelations about her extensive ties to convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein. The follow-up letter also seeks records concerning Goldman Sachs' reported use of the reputation management firm Terakeet to bolster Ruemmler's public image. The letter comes as Ruemmler appeared before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform this week regarding her ties to Jeffrey Epstein.\n\nThe lawmakers write:\n\n\"The bank's June 26, 2026 response was insufficient—and in fact, it raised more questions than answers. Specifically, though the response stated that 'Ms Ruemmler [would] retire from' the roles of 'chief legal officer and general counsel of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. . . . on June 30 as previously announced,' the letter did not explicitly state when Ms. Ruemmler would depart the firm. The length of this 'transition period,' and Ms. Ruemmler's plans, if any, to continue her work at the firm afterwards along with her compensation, remain unclear.\"\n\nThe lawmakers continue:\n\n\"Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs appears to continue to expend resources to launder Ms. Ruemmler's public reputation. According to reports from earlier this year, Goldman Sachs contracted a reputation management firm, Terakeet, in 2024. Terakeet reportedly 'created and posted positive online content about Ms. Ruemmler that was aimed at appearing above the mostly negative content about her association with Mr. Epstein. The goal was that at least 80 percent of the first 30 Google search results would be favorable.'\"\n\nThe letter also notes that Terakeet's services reportedly cost between $5 million and $10 million annually and states that, as of May 2026, Ruemmler reportedly continued to be covered under Goldman Sachs' account with the firm.\n\nThe lawmakers requested responses to the following questions by July 28, 2026:\n\nGoldman Sachs has stated that Ms. Ruemmler will stay on at the firm in a senior counselor role \"during the transition period leading up to the appointment of a new chief legal officer.\"\n\nWhat are the duties associated with this position? Provide copies of any job description or written communications describing the position.\n\nWhat is Ms. Ruemmler's new compensation package? Provide documentation.\n\nHow long is the \"transition period\" anticipated to last?\n\nOn what date will Ms. Ruemmler depart the firm? If you cannot provide a specific date, please confirm in writing that Goldman Sachs will not offer Ms. Ruemmler a new position at the end of the \"transition period leading up to the appointment of a new chief legal officer.\"\n\nHow did you both come to the agreement that you would no longer depart the firm on June 30 but would instead stay on in a high-level advisory role?\n\nHas Ms. Ruemmler recused herself from the selection process of her successor? If she has not yet, why not?\n\nPlease provide a copy of Goldman Sachs' contract with Terakeet and any other documents that describe the scope of services Terakeet provides for the firm, the total cost of services, and all communications between current and former Goldman Sachs employees with current and former Terakeet employees, including but not limited to its co-founder, Mac Cummings, since 2024.\n\nWho directed Terakeet to \"[create] and [post] positive online content about Ms. Ruemmler that was aimed at appearing above the mostly negative content about her association with Mr. Epstein\"?\n\nPlease provide any memos, reports, and other deliverables Terakeet prepared for the firm.\n\nProvide copies of all communications between Ms. Ruemmler and any current and former Terakeet employees, including all communications conducted on phone, email, and other communication accounts not officially associated with Goldman Sachs. Include any communications between Ms. Ruemmler and Mac Cummings.\n\nWith whom, if anyone, at Goldman Sachs or Terakeet did Ms. Ruemmler discuss her plans to reach out to Ankush Khardori to discuss \"her side\" of the Epstein story? If Ms. Ruemmler did not discuss these plans with any current or former employee of Goldman Sachs or Terakeet, please confirm that in writing.\n\nIn addition, the lawmakers reiterated their request for answers to the following questions from their June 9, 2026, letter, which were not sufficiently answered in Goldman Sachs' response:\n\nDid Mr. Solomon \"press\" Ruemmler to stay at the firm? If so, why?\n\nA Goldman Sachs spokesperson stated that Ruemmler \"disclosed her association with Epstein before joining the firm[.]\"\n\nHow did Ruemmler describe the nature of her relationship with Epstein?\n\nDid Ruemmler disclose that she advised Epstein on how to discredit one of his accusers?\n\nDid Ruemmler disclose that she accepted tens of thousands of dollars in gifts from Epstein?\n\nDid Goldman Sachs conduct any additional due diligence following Ruemmler's disclosure?\n\nA Goldman Sachs spokesperson stated that Ruemmler \"has answered every question the firm has ever asked.\" Please provide the list of questions that Goldman Sachs asked Ruemmler about her relationship with Mr. Epstein and her responses.\n\nDid Goldman Sachs notify any of its regulators, including, but not limited to, the Federal Reserve Board, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and New York Department of Financial Services, of Ruemmler's connections to Epstein prior to hiring her as its top legal officer?\n\nRuemmler initially announced her resignation on February 13, 2026, but it was not going to be effective until June 30, 2026. Had Ruemmler resigned effective immediately in February, would it have limited her compensation package in any way? If so, please provide the quantitative impact.\n\nThe new letter is available here.\n\nTheir June 9, 2026 letter is available here.\n\nA reply from Goldman Sachs to the previous letter is available here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-moulton-and-ansari-lead-colleagues-demanding-answers-diversion", "title": "Krishnamoorthi, Moulton, and Ansari Lead Colleagues Demanding Answers on Diversion of Counterterrorism Resources to Immigration Enforcement", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Seth Moulton (D-MA), along with Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), on Monday led Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX), André Carson (D-IN), Jason Crow (D-CO), and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) in sending a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche regarding reports that the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Justice (DOJ) are diverting personnel, funding, and operational focus away from counterterrorism, transnational crime, anti-corruption, and other core public safety missions in favor of large-scale civil immigration enforcement. The letter raises serious questions about whether Congress's appropriations are being used to carry out the Departments' core statutory responsibilities.\n\nThe lawmakers write:\n\n\"We are writing to express our grave concerns regarding public reports of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) diverting critical personnel, resources, and operational focus away from core national security and public safety missions such as counterterrorism, transnational crime, and anti-corruption efforts in favor of large-scale civil immigration enforcement. This redirection raises serious questions about whether resources appropriated by Congress are being used to carry out the Departments' core statutory mandates.\"\n\nThe lawmakers further write:\n\n\"There is substantial evidence that significant DOJ resources have been diverted from criminal cases in pursuit of civil immigration cases. Recent reporting brought to light the scale of this shift at DOJ. The Department has declined to pursue more than 23,000 criminal cases in the first six months of the second Trump Administration. According to analysis, these cases included 1,300 terrorism-related cases, nearly 5,000 drug cases, and over a thousand white-collar and public corruption cases. At the same time, DOJ has significantly increased immigration prosecutions, bringing over 32,000 new immigration cases in that same six-month period, nearly triple the number under the Biden Administration.\"\n\nThe lawmakers requested responses to the following questions by August 10, 2026:\n\nWhat analysis or decision-making process was used to justify reallocating personnel, funding, and prosecutorial capacity from core law enforcement and national security missions to civil immigration enforcement?\n\nPlease provide updated information on the current number of HSI, CBP, and USCIS personnel who have been diverted to assist with immigration enforcement.\n\nPlease provide updated information on the current number of U.S. Marshals, FBI, DEA, and ATF agents who have been diverted to assist with immigration enforcement.\n\nPlease provide the number of cases declined in each month since the last month of available data (July 2025) listed by relevant categories (terrorism-related, national security, drug cases, and white-collar and public corruption cases).\n\nPlease provide the number of requests for judicial security—including courthouse security, judicial protective details, threat investigations, and prisoner transport—that have been delayed, reduced, or declined due to personnel or capacity constraints in the past year.\n\nHow are DHS and DOJ ensuring that core mission areas, including counterterrorism, transnational crime, narcotics enforcement, public corruption, addressing gun violence, and civil rights enforcement, are being fully executed while resources are being redirected to immigration enforcement?\n\nWhat steps are being taken to ensure that these reallocations do not degrade mission readiness in counterterrorism, transnational crime, and other critical enforcement areas?\n\nWhat steps, if any, are being taken to restore personnel and resources to core mission areas affected by these reallocations, and what is the timeline for doing so?", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-presses-polymarket-over-its-paid-influencer-deals-election", "title": "Krishnamoorthi Presses Polymarket Over Its Paid Influencer Deals with Election Deniers", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today sent a letter to Polymarket seeking information about the company's paid influencer partnerships following recent reporting that raised questions about whether the platform sponsored influencers who promoted election denial claims while advertising active election betting markets. The letter requests information about Polymarket's relationships with election deniers, safeguards governing paid partnerships, and internal communications concerning election-related promotional activities.\n\nThe Congressman writes:\n\n\"Recent reporting has raised significant questions about how election-related prediction markets are promoted and whether existing safeguards are sufficient to prevent the spread of misleading narratives about election integrity. Reporting regarding prediction market platforms suggests that weaknesses in influencer, affiliate, and sponsored-content programs may allow election misinformation to be amplified while generating financial benefits for the platforms, influencer affiliates, and market participants.\"\n\nHe continues:\n\n\"These dynamics create dangerous incentives. When political influence and financial incentives become intertwined, platforms risk incentivizing premature claims, misleading narratives, and false allegations before votes are fully counted or certified. When coupled with a documented history of intentionally misleading consumers in advertising, members of the public are incentivized to create and spread election denial information for the false promise of a large payout.\"\n\nThe Congressman requested responses to the following questions by July 28, 2026:\n\nKnowledge of election deniers\n\nAt the time you entered or renewed these arrangements, did your company know that any influencers or paid partners had publicly promoted election denialism or repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of U.S. elections?\n\nPlease identify those individuals or entities and the basis for your knowledge.\n\nPolicies and practices for paid partnerships\n\nWhat policies govern paid promotions, affiliate programs, and influencer partnerships related to election-related markets?\n\nDo these policies address content that questions election integrity or promote claims of voter fraud, and if so, how?\n\nHow are these policies enforced to ensure that election deniers are not platformed?\n\nDocuments and communications\n\nVetting, approval, or monitoring of influencers, affiliates, or other paid partners promoting election-related markets.\n\nInternal discussions or policies regarding relationships with individuals or entities known for promoting election denialism or election-related conspiracy theories.\n\nAny guidelines, manuals, training materials, or enforcement records concerning paid promotion of election-related markets, including any safeguards intended to prevent the use of your markets or market data to spread false or misleading claims about election integrity.\n\nPlease produce documents from January 20, 2025, to the present that relate to:", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-presses-polymarket-over-its-paid-influencer-deals-election-0", "title": "Krishnamoorthi Presses Polymarket Over Its Paid Influencer Deals with Election Deniers", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today sent a letter to Polymarket seeking information about the company's paid influencer partnerships following recent reporting that raised questions about whether the platform sponsored influencers who promoted election denial claims while advertising active election betting markets. The letter requests information about Polymarket's relationships with election deniers, safeguards governing paid partnerships, and internal communications concerning election-related promotional activities.\n\nThe Congressman writes:\n\n\"Recent reporting has raised significant questions about how election-related prediction markets are promoted and whether existing safeguards are sufficient to prevent the spread of misleading narratives about election integrity. Reporting regarding prediction market platforms suggests that weaknesses in influencer, affiliate, and sponsored-content programs may allow election misinformation to be amplified while generating financial benefits for the platforms, influencer affiliates, and market participants.\"\n\nHe continues:\n\n\"These dynamics create dangerous incentives. When political influence and financial incentives become intertwined, platforms risk incentivizing premature claims, misleading narratives, and false allegations before votes are fully counted or certified. When coupled with a documented history of intentionally misleading consumers in advertising, members of the public are incentivized to create and spread election denial information for the false promise of a large payout.\"\n\nThe Congressman requested responses to the following questions by July 28, 2026:\n\nKnowledge of election deniers\n\nAt the time you entered or renewed these arrangements, did your company know that any influencers or paid partners had publicly promoted election denialism or repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of U.S. elections?\n\nPlease identify those individuals or entities and the basis for your knowledge.\n\nPolicies and practices for paid partnerships\n\nWhat policies govern paid promotions, affiliate programs, and influencer partnerships related to election-related markets?\n\nDo these policies address content that questions election integrity or promote claims of voter fraud, and if so, how?\n\nHow are these policies enforced to ensure that election deniers are not platformed?\n\nDocuments and communications\n\nVetting, approval, or monitoring of influencers, affiliates, or other paid partners promoting election-related markets.\n\nInternal discussions or policies regarding relationships with individuals or entities known for promoting election denialism or election-related conspiracy theories.\n\nAny guidelines, manuals, training materials, or enforcement records concerning paid promotion of election-related markets, including any safeguards intended to prevent the use of your markets or market data to spread false or misleading claims about election integrity.\n\nPlease produce documents from January 20, 2025, to the present that relate to:", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-david-kustoff-celebrates-americas-250th-birthday-honoring-west", "title": "Congressman David Kustoff Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday by Honoring West Tennessee’s Finest Across TN-08", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "kustoff.house.gov", "scraper": "kustoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000392", "name": "David Kustoff", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "MEMPHIS, TN — Last week, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN-08) toured across Tennessee’s 8th Congressional District to present flags flown over the U.S. Capitol to West Tennesseans whose service and hard work have helped shape America’s story for 250 years..\n\n“America’s 250th birthday is an opportunity to honor the people who keep our country moving forward,”said Congressman Kustoff. “Here in West Tennessee, that spirit is alive in the men and women who serve their neighbors and strengthen our communities. It was an honor to recognize West Tennessee’s finest and present them with flags flown over the U.S. Capitol.”\n\nAs part of the tour, Congressman Kustoff honored Major Billy Gene Key, an Army Reserve servicemember who was injured during a drone strike while deployed to Kuwait; and Larry Marshall, a U.S. Army veteran who received a flag in honor of his father, Phillip G. Marshall.\n\nThe tour included stops with local businesses, farms, first responders, educators, law enforcement, and community organizations across TN-08, where Congressman Kustoff presented flags flown over the U.S. Capitol, including:\n\nShelby County\n\n- Ducks Unlimited: Met with Ducks Unlimited leadership to discuss habitat conservation and recognize the organization’s work protecting wetlands and waterfowl habitat.\n\n- Bartlett Fire Station 1: Thanked Bartlett firefighters for their service to the Bartlett community.\n\n- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: Joined TWRA officers on the Mississippi River and recognized their work protecting Tennessee’s waterways.\n\n- Agricenter International: Met with agricultural leaders and toured the Helena research facility at Agricenter International.\n\n- Dinstuhl’s Chocolate Factory: Toured the historic Memphis business and recognized its longtime contributions to the Mid-South.\n\nFayette County\n\n- Rhea Farm: Visited with farm owner Scott Rhea to discuss the Farm Bill, rising input costs, and West Tennessee agriculture.\n\n- Fayette County Sheriff’s Office: Met with Sheriff Bobby Riles and deputies to thank them for their service to Fayette County.\n\nHaywood County\n\n- Mallard Estates: Met with farm owners and Mallard Estates operators Blake and Monte McWilliams to discuss agriculture, land management, and outdoor recreation in West Tennessee.\n\n- Haywood County Sheriff’s Office: Met with Sheriff Billy Garrett and recognized his years of service to Haywood County.\n\nCrockett County\n\n- Tennessee Tractor: Visited with Tennessee Tractor leadership to discuss agriculture, equipment needs, and the farming economy.\n\n- Yukon Outfitters: Toured this West Tennessee small business and discussed its growth and work in the outdoor products industry.\n\nMadison County\n\n- Life Flight Air Evac: Recognized Air Evac crew members for their lifesaving emergency medical work across West Tennessee.\n\n- Lifeline Blood Services: Visited Lifeline Blood Services to highlight its role in supporting patients and medical facilities across the region.\n\nChester County\n\n- Freed-Hardeman University: Met with new university president Dr. Keith Harris.\n\nGibson County\n\n- Luckey Farms: Visited with farm owner Jason Luckey and his family to discuss agriculture and the needs of Gibson County farmers.\n\n- Milan Box Corporation: Toured the longtime Milan manufacturer and discussed its work supporting industrial packaging and local jobs.\n\nCarroll County\n\n- Carroll County 911 Center: Toured the new 911 center and recognized local emergency communications personnel.\n\n- Huntingdon Football Team: Honored the Huntingdon football team for winning the 2A state championship.\n\nHenderson County\n\n- AutoZone Distribution Center: Toured the Lexington distribution center and recognized its role as one of the area’s largest employers.\n\n- Veterans Honor Guard of Parker’s Crossroads: Recognized the volunteer veterans who provide military honors at funerals across West Tennessee.\n\nThese visits highlighted the service and patriotism of West Tennesseans who strengthen their communities and represent the very best of Tennessee’s 8th Congressional District.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4221", "title": "Larsen Votes No on Republican Amendment to Limit Funds for Humanitarian Efforts; Israel", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "larsen.house.gov", "scraper": "larsen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000560", "name": "Rick Larsen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:\n\n“I voted “no” on a Republican amendment that would have prohibited any diplomatic, humanitarian, development or security funding related to Israel. I support Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself. The amendment would have stopped critical U.S. efforts in the region to distribute humanitarian aid, resettle refugees, support security collaboration with Palestinians and promote peace.\n\n“I continue to support humanitarian aid to Palestinians, a ceasefire, reconstruction in Gaza and a two-state solution where Israel and a Palestinian state exist securely side-by-side. I continue to oppose extremism in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government, any effort by Israel to take over Gaza and the continued expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.\"\n\nRep. Larsen voted today against an amendment offered by Rep. Thomas Massie (R, KY-04) to the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. The amendment failed on a vote of 314-104.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/following-deadly-ice-shootings-larson-demands-justice-and-immediate", "title": "Following Deadly ICE Shootings, Larson Demands Justice and Immediate Resignation of Secretary Markwayne Mullin", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "larson.house.gov", "scraper": "larson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000557", "name": "John B. Larson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“I am horrified by the scenes out of Maine and Texas, where Joan Sebastian Guerrero and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo were killed by ICE agents in broad daylight,” said Larson. “With a president who empowers agents to act with impunity and a Republican Congress all too eager to hand ICE billions of dollars, their deaths were avoidable and shamefully predictable. I send my deepest condolences to their loved ones and am committed to doing everything I can to demand justice. ICE has been transformed into Donald Trump’s personal army – executing our fellow Americans in the streets, tearing children out of their mothers’ arms, and terrorizing our communities with Gestapo tactics. Limiting vehicle stops is no solution for this madness. ICE needs to be dismantled. I voted against the creation of this rogue agency and fought back when they came after our neighbors in Newington, Southington, East Hartford, and West Hartford. Enough is enough. Accountability for these failures of leadership starts at the top – that is why I filed articles of impeachment against President Trump, and why Secretary Markwayne Mullin should immediately resign.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sanchez-cosponsors-block-bombs-act", "title": "Sánchez cosponsors Block the Bombs Act", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "lindasanchez.house.gov", "scraper": "lindasanchez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001156", "name": "Linda T. Sánchez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) released the following statement after signing on to cosponsor the Block the Bombs Act:\n\n“As a mother, I’m heartbroken by the devastating loss of innocent lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran. This cannot continue. That is why I oppose providing offensive weapons to Prime Minister Netanyahu and his far-right government without meaningful safeguards or accountability.\n\n“While I have consistently supported defensive aid for close American allies, military aid for Israel must include strong conditions to prevent further suffering. This bill applies only to offensive weapons and won’t affect other aid, including funding for the defensive Iron Dome, humanitarian assistance in Gaza, peacebuilding or U.S. embassy operations.\n\n“Lasting peace will only come through diplomacy and dialogue, but that cannot happen until Israel’s attacks end and civilian lives are protected.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sanchez-fitzpatrick-norcross-bresnahan-lead-bipartisan-resolution", "title": "Sánchez, Fitzpatrick, Norcross, Bresnahan lead bipartisan resolution honoring lineworkers", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "lindasanchez.house.gov", "scraper": "lindasanchez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001156", "name": "Linda T. Sánchez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Representatives Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.) yesterday led 143 of their colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution designating July 10 as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day.\n\n“When storms hit and the lights go out, lineworkers are the first to answer the call,” said Congresswoman Sánchez, the first woman member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) elected to Congress. “They work in dangerous conditions, at all hours, in all weather, to restore power and keep our communities running. Their services are essential to our communities, but too often go unseen.”\n\n“Our journeyman lineworkers are the frontline defenders of our infrastructure. They respond without hesitation – often at great personal risk – to restore the power that sustains our homes, hospitals, and economy. In Pennsylvania’s First District and across the nation, I’ve met with these dedicated men and women, listened to their concerns, and worked to ensure they have the respect, protection, and resources they deserve. This resolution is not merely symbolic – it is a formal recognition of their service and a promise to have their backs, just as they always have ours,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.\n\n“Lineworkers’ jobs are difficult on a good day, and in times of crisis, their ability to keep our communities connected during dangerous conditions is heroic,” said Congressman Norcross. “These hardworking men and women are living proof that you don’t need a suit and tie to serve your community, and I’m proud to be part of the bipartisan group recognizing their essential duty.”\n\n“Journeyman lineworkers keep our country powered and our communities safe, but their work often goes unnoticed until the moment we need them most,” said Congressman Bresnahan. “These men and women work in some of the toughest conditions imaginable, often putting themselves in harm’s way to restore power and maintain the electric grids Americans depend on every day. As someone who has worked closely with the IBEW and understands the skill and training this profession requires, I’m proud to honor their service and thank them for everything they do for our communities.”\n\nThe resolution designates July 10 as National Journeyman Lineworkers Day in honor of Henry Miller, the founder and first president of the IBEW. Miller began his career at age 14 as a water boy on a government telegraph project in Texas.\n\nYears later, while working as a lineman, Miller became acutely aware of the dangerous conditions and subpar wages his fellow workers faced. He traveled across the country to organize linemen and was elected as the first president of the National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 1891.\n\nSadly, Miller suffered a fatal fall on July 10, 1896, while working to solve a power outage in Washington, D.C. Today, IBEW represents one of the largest and most diverse unions in the country.\n\nThe resolution is endorsed by IBEW, the National Electrical Contractors Association and Edison Electrical Institute.\n\nCongresswoman Sánchez, a former member of the IBEW Local 441 and labor lawyer, first introduced this resolution in 2014.\n\nThe full text of the resolution is available HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-helps-secure-inclusion-100-million-water-infrastructure-funding", "title": "Rep. Nancy Mace Helps Secure Inclusion of $100 Million in Water Infrastructure Funding for the Lowcountry in Committee-Passed WRDA", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mace.house.gov", "scraper": "mace", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000194", "name": "Nancy Mace", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 14, 2026) - Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) announced the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure marked up and passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, a bill which Rep. Mace helped secure the inclusion of $100 million in authorizations for water and wastewater infrastructure and other key victories for the Lowcountry.\n\n\"South Carolina is the fastest growing state in the nation and growth puts real pressure on our water supply, our wastewater plants, and our flood defenses. The Lowcountry cannot afford to fall behind,” said Congresswoman Mace. “Our communities are counting on infrastructure keeping pace with the people moving here, and these authorizations make sure it does.\"\n\nRep. Mace helped secure $100 million in authorizations through the following provisions in the bill:\n\n$14,000,000 authorized for water and wastewater infrastructure, including water supply and distribution systems, in Berkeley County, SC.\n\n$10,000,000 authorized for water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management, in the town of Hilton Head Island, SC.\n\n$10,000,000 authorized for water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management, in the city of Isle of Palms, SC.\n\n$60,000,000 increase in authorization for wastewater treatment and water supply treatment and distribution projects related to Lakes Marion and Moultrie, SC.\n\n$6,000,000 authorized for water and wastewater infrastructure in the City of Beaufort, SC.\n\nModification of the project for coastal storm risk management in the Charleston Peninsula, SC, to include features for tidal- and inland-related flood risk management measures.\n\nDeauthorization of Tidewater Reach section of the Charleston Harbor navigation system (adjacent to the Union Pier Terminal). This deauthorization will take effect upon completion of the sale of the Union Pier Terminal and the cessation of commercial port operations at the Union Pier marine terminal by the South Carolina Ports Authority. This will allow for the future redevelopment of the area by a private developer.\n\n\"South Carolina's coastline and waterways are the backbone of our economy and our way of life. This bill gives our communities the tools to fight back against rising stormwater risk, will provide access to clean drinking water and safe wastewater systems to residents, and make sure the Lowcountry is built to last for the next generation,\" Mace added.\n\nThe Water Resources Development Act of 2026 now heads to the House for consideration.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases/mackenzie-secures-passage-legislation-make-air-travel-easier-families-fellow", "title": "Mackenzie Secures Passage of Legislation to Make Air Travel Easier for Families & Fellow Travelers", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mackenzie.house.gov", "scraper": "mackenzie", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001230", "name": "Ryan Mackenzie", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, applauded Monday’s passage in the U.S. House of the Improving Travel for American Families Act. This bipartisan legislation, which Congressman Mackenzie introduced in May of this year alongside Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), aims to reduce the strain and hassle of airport security screening for families traveling with young children.\n\nThe legislation directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to build on its Families on the Fly initiative — a pilot program offering dedicated screening lines exclusively for families traveling with children aged 12 and under. In addition to authorizing the program, the legislation directs the TSA to prioritize airports with high volumes of family travel and evaluate ways to improve the passenger experience while maintaining security standards. The TSA is directed to report to Congress on progress and implementation within one year.\n\n“As the father of two young children, I know that family travel is a challenge,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “Every day, families are forced to move their children, bags, and bulky items through the same TSA lines used by solo travelers — adding an extra layer of stress, hassle, and delays for everyone. That’s why the bipartisan Improving Travel for American Families Act helps to take the pressure off parents by offering expedited access to screening, including by offering screening lanes reserved exclusively for families. Thank you to Congresswoman Foushee and my colleagues in the House for helping to pass legislation that makes life easier for American families.”\n\n“As more and more families rely on air travel, the bipartisan Improving Travel for American Families Act is an important step to ensure that airport security systems are equipped to move travelers safely,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “I am proud that the House has passed this legislation to maintain security standards while providing a family-focused approach to TSA screenings to reduce delays and improve the passenger experience. Thank you to Congressman Mackenzie and local advocates for their work in advancing this legislation, and I look forward to continuing our work together to make this bill a law.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://magaziner.house.gov/media/press-releases/magaziner-leads-letter-calling-answers-death-afghan-ally-ice-custody", "title": "Magaziner Leads Letter Calling for Answers on Death of Afghan Ally in ICE Custody", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://magaziner.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "magaziner.house.gov", "scraper": "magaziner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001223", "name": "Seth Magaziner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02) and U.S. Representative Julie Johnson (TX-32) led Homeland Security Committee Democratic colleagues in a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding transparency and answers surrounding the death of Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in March.\n\nPaktiawal was an Afghan national who worked alongside U.S. Army Special Forces for more than a decade. He and his family were evacuated from Afghanistan in 2021 and legally brought to the United States. He was a father of six and had no criminal convictions. Paktiawal was detained by ICE in March while preparing his children for school, and died in ICE custody just hours later.\n\nReports released earlier this month indicate that Paktiawal died from \"an adverse drug reaction\" to an unidentified substance leading to anaphylaxis, according to his death certificate. However, Dallas County authorities have refused to release the autopsy, and significant questions remain about the circumstances surrounding his death, including the timeline of events, the cause of his anaphylactic reaction, and his care while in custody.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers urge the immediate release of Paktiawal’s autopsy and demand answers about why he was prioritized for detention and deportation given his lack of criminal convictions and service alongside U.S. forces.\n\n“It is unacceptable that someone who fought bravely beside our troops was so easily discarded by the very government he fought for. His family deserves answers regarding his death, and the American people deserve to know the treatment of individuals in ICE’s care,” wrote the members in the letter.\n\nThe letter is signed by Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Dan Goldman (NY-10), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11).\n\nYou can read the full text of the letter here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Mullin:\n\nWe write to urgently request the release of Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal’s autopsy completed by the Dallas Office Medical Examiner’s Office, and for an explanation of why he was prioritized for deportation.\n\nIn 2005, Mr. Paktiawal faithfully worked alongside the U.S. Army Special Forces for more than a decade. After the fall of the Afghan government, due to his long-term work and alliance with the U.S. Special Forces, he and his family were evacuated out of Afghanistan in 2021 and legally brought to the United States. He was a father of six, and had no criminal convictions. Despite these facts, he was targeted by your Department for deportation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained him while he was getting his kids ready for school on March 13, 2026. He died just hours later, a preventable tragedy.\n\nIt is unacceptable that someone who fought bravely beside our troops was so easily discarded by the very government he fought for. His family deserves answers regarding his death, and the American people deserve transparency regarding the treatment of individuals in ICE’s care.\n\nHowever, the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office refuses to release the complete autopsy report at ICE’s request. Mr. Paktiawal’s death is listed as an accident and the death certificate states that his cause of death is anaphylaxis complicating acute asthma exacerbation, a severe allergic reaction that was exacerbated by his asthma.\n\nWe urge you to immediately release Mr. Paktiawal’s autopsy report and provide his family with much needed closure. Additionally, please provide answers to the following questions no later than July 24, 2026.\n\nWhy was Mr. Paktiawal prioritized for detention and removal despite having no criminal convictions and having served alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan?\n\nOn March 16, the Department of Homeland Security’s X account posted that they had no evidence of Mr. Paktiawal's military service. Since then, many news organizations have provided evidence of his military service. Has the Department of Homeland Security reversed its position regarding Mr. Paktiawal’s military service?\n\nHow many other Afghan Allies who supported U.S. troops has ICE detained and deported since March 2025? How many individuals is ICE targeting for detention and deportation?\n\nWhat criminal investigation is currently being conducted related to Mr. Paktiawal’s death?\n\nThank you for your time and attention to this urgent request.\n\nCC: David J. Venturella, ICE Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://mcbride.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-one-year-after-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-rep-mcbride-urges-investment", "title": "ICYMI: One Year After Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” Rep. McBride Urges Investment in Sussex County Health Care, Not Cuts", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcbride.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mcbride.house.gov", "scraper": "mcbride", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001238", "name": "Sarah McBride", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — In case you missed it, U.S. Representative Sarah McBride (D-Del.) penned an op-ed in the Cape Gazette about the need to strengthen healthcare in Sussex County one year after President Trump's \"One Big Beautiful Bill\" was signed into law. Read the full op-ed here.\n\nThe piece, titled \"Care in Sussex County Needs Investment, Not Cuts,\" details how the \"One Big Beautiful Bill\" pushed healthcare out of reach for millions of Americans through the largest cut to Medicaid in American history and explains what those cuts mean for Delaware families.\n\n“Across the country, fewer people have health insurance, hospitals and clinics are shutting down, and there’s growing concern about access to care, especially in rural communities,” wrote Rep. McBride. “For my neighbors across Sussex County, access to quality, affordable healthcare is about more than convenience – it's about the security and dignity that come from knowing the care you need will be there when you need it.”\n\nRep. McBride also highlighted how Sussex County's rapid population growth is placing additional strain on an already stretched rural healthcare system, from workforce shortages to long drives for specialty care.\n\n\"Trump and congressional Republicans’ 'Big Beautiful Bill' aims to cut as much as $4 billion in federal Medicaid funding to Delaware over the next decade. More than 30,000 Delawareans are projected to lose their Medicaid coverage, Marketplace enrollment in Delaware has already declined by 16%, and more than 18,000 of our neighbors have lost food assistance because of this heartless law. These aren’t just numbers — they are our parents, grandparents, coworkers, friends, and neighbors, all seeking the same thing: the chance to stay healthy, care for their families, and age with dignity,” continued Rep. McBride.\n\nShe also detailed how Delaware families are facing higher healthcare costs as a result of Trump's law, illustrating how federal policy decisions are affecting our communities here at home.\n\n“Here in Sussex County, where providers are already working to keep pace with rapid growth and an aging population, residents are feeling the weight of cuts to Medicaid and federal healthcare funding,” wrote Rep. McBride. “They show up here at home – with longer wait times, fewer providers accepting patients, higher healthcare costs for all of us, and more strain on the hospitals and clinics our communities rely on.”\n\nRep. McBride emphasized her support for investing in rural healthcare and meeting the pressing needs of Sussex County residents. In Congress, she has brought together Democrats and Republicans to protect nearly $1 billion for home healthcare to keep seniors safe at home and support home health workers who make that care possible. She’s also introduced bipartisan legislation to address the national nursing shortage that’s impacting care in Delaware and across the country.\n\n“We know what works: investing in rural hospitals, supporting our federally qualified health centers, strengthening the healthcare workforce, protecting Medicaid, expanding access to mental healthcare, and ensuring that where you live never determines whether you can get the care you need. We must never accept a status quo where ZIP codes serve as barriers to treatment,” wrote Rep. McBride.\n\nRep. McBride closed the piece with her commitment to the reality that every resident in Sussex County deserves: to be able to get care and be treated with dignity, no matter their zip code.\n\n“No family should have to cross county lines to welcome a child into the world. No cancer patient should have to spend hours on the road for reliable, lifesaving care. And no one seeking mental healthcare should be forced to wait months for treatment. That is the future Sussex County deserves,” concluded Rep. McBride.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://mcbride.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-mcbride-budzinski-urge-omb-rescind-proposed-rule-threatens-agricultural", "title": "Reps. McBride, Budzinski Urge OMB to Rescind Proposed Rule That Threatens Agricultural Research", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcbride.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mcbride.house.gov", "scraper": "mcbride", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001238", "name": "Sarah McBride", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Representatives Sarah McBride (D-Del.) and Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.) led 15 of their colleagues in calling on the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to rescind a proposed rule that would politicize the federal grant-making process, threatening research and innovation in critical sectors like agriculture, Delaware's leading industry.\n\nIn a letter sent to OMB, McBride and Budzinski raise concerns that the proposed rule would broaden the Trump Administration's authority to suspend or terminate federal awards, make it more difficult for researchers — including those at land-grant universities — to collaborate with international partners, and further politicize the federal grant-making process.\n\n“We write to express our deep concerns regarding the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) proposed revisions to the current guidance governing federal financial assistance. OMB’s proposed rule contains more than 120 changes to the current Uniform Guidance, including revisions that risk destabilizing research innovation, cutting out international partners, and injecting partisan politics into the grant review process. Furthermore, we are concerned that the proposed changes could weaken the federal research partnerships foundational to America’s global leadership in agriculture, science, and innovation,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\nLand-grant universities play a critical role in translating federally funded research into practical tools for farmers and have been responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. The University of Delaware, one of the nation's leading public land-grant universities, is a vital partner for Delaware farmers through its agricultural research and Cooperative Extension. Reforms to the grant-making process that destabilize federal funding could jeopardize the research and extension work that helps Delaware producers respond to emerging diseases, improve productivity, and remain globally competitive.\n\n“Groundbreaking scientific discoveries have emerged from U.S. research institutions working in partnership with the international agricultural community, like developing large-scale penicillin production in a United States Department of Agriculture lab using research started abroad. We are concerned the proposed rule cuts out international partners, creates unnecessary red tape, and risks slowing agricultural innovation. In a global marketplace, international cooperation strengthens domestic agriculture and helps keep grocery prices lower for American consumers,” the lawmakers continued.\n\nMcBride and Budzinski also warn that expanding political control over the federal grant-making process would undermine Congress' constitutional power to appropriate federal funds while adding unnecessary government red tape to what should be a straightforward, merit-based process.\n\n“Congress exercises its constitutional power of the purse through the appropriations process, and establishes priorities for federal investments on behalf of the American people. Expanding the powers of agencies and political appointees to terminate grants subjects the power of America’s research dollars to changing political winds. Agricultural and scientific research has proven to have a high payoff, yet often takes decades to yield results. Funding decisions should not be based on the shifting priorities of political appointees. Introducing this uncertainty into the grant-making process risks slowing research, discouraging participation in federal programs, and weakening the investments in the American farmer,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\nMcBride and Budzinski conclude by urging OMB to work with Congress, federal agencies, research institutions, and agricultural stakeholders on any reforms to the grant-making process so they strengthen accountability without undermining the research enterprise or the international collaboration that supports American agriculture.\n\n“We therefore urge OMB to rescind the proposed rule and work with Congress, federal agencies, research institutions, and stakeholders to ensure that any changes to the Uniform Guidance strengthen accountability without undermining the long-standing federal research partnerships that support American agriculture and innovation,” the lawmakers concluded.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://mcclain.house.gov/2026/7/house-passes-chairwoman-mcclain-s-common-cents-act-to-end-wasteful-penny-production", "title": "House Passes Chairwoman McClain’s Common Cents Act to End Wasteful Penny Production", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "mcclain.house.gov", "scraper": "mcclain", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001136", "name": "Lisa C. McClain", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, the House of Representatives passed House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain's (R-Mich.) Common Cents Act. This legislation permanently ends production of the penny for general circulation.\n\n“Washington has a spending problem, and it shows up in places big and small,” Chairwoman McClain said. “If the federal government is spending nearly four cents to make a penny worth one cent, something is broken. House Republicans are proving that common sense still has a place in government by cutting waste and protecting taxpayer dollars.”\n\nPresident Trump directed the Treasury Department to end production of new pennies after the cost of producing each coin reached 3.69 cents. The Common Cents Act permanently codifies that policy while allowing the U.S. Mint to continue producing limited collectible pennies. Existing pennies may still be used for all cash transactions, and businesses may continue providing exact change. Payments made electronically, by credit card, check, gift card, or other non-cash methods are still charged to the exact cent.\n\nThe legislation establishes a national framework for cash transactions when exact change is unavailable. It also authorizes the Treasury Department to use a lower-cost composition for the nickel if testing demonstrates it reduces production costs without significantly affecting coin-operated machines.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://mcclain.house.gov/2026/7/mcclain-celebrates-housing-bill-becoming-law-to-help-more-families-own-a-home", "title": "McClain Celebrates Housing Bill Becoming Law to Help More Families Own a Home", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "mcclain.house.gov", "scraper": "mcclain", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001136", "name": "Lisa C. McClain", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, bipartisan housing legislation led by House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill (R-Ark.), is now law.\n\nThe bill package includes two provisions championed by House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) to expand housing supply and give Michigan families more affordable housing options.\n\n“Michigan families should not have to give up on homeownership because there are not enough homes available or because outdated federal rules make ownership more expensive,” Chairwoman McClain said. “My Modular Housing Production Act and Build Now Act tackle both sides of the problem. They help communities build more homes and remove financing barriers that stand between families and a home they can afford. These are practical reforms that will give Michigan families more choices and a better chance to achieve the American Dream.”\n\nThe new law includes provisions from Chairwoman McClain's Modular Housing Production Act to modernize federal financing policies for modular and factory-built homes. The changes help remove outdated barriers that can delay construction and increase costs for homebuyers.\n\nIt also includes provisions from Chairwoman McClain's Build Now Act to establish a pilot program that rewards participating communities for expanding housing development. The program gives local leaders additional tools to increase housing supply and create more opportunities for families to purchase a home.\n\nThe broader law removes federal barriers to housing construction, updates housing programs, and limits competition from certain large institutional investors in the single-family housing market.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-rich-mccormick-hold-press-conference-ahead-community-job-fair", "title": "Congressman Rich McCormick to Hold Press Conference Ahead of Community Job Fair", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mccormick.house.gov", "scraper": "mccormick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001218", "name": "Richard McCormick", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07) will host a press conference ahead of his Community Job Fair on Thursday, July 30, highlighting efforts to connect Georgians with quality employment opportunities and strengthen the state's workforce. Congressman McCormick will be joined by U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler and other state, local, and business leaders.\n\nWHAT: Press Conference Ahead of Congressman McCormick's Community Job Fair\n\nWHO: Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07)\n\nSBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler\n\nGA Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes\n\nBridget Thorne Fulton County Commissioner\n\nWHEN: Thursday, July 30, 2026 11:00 a.m. (all press should plan to arrive by 10:45 a.m.)\n\nWHERE:\n\nAtlanta Marriott Alpharetta\n\n5750 Windward Parkway\n\nAlpharetta, GA 30005\n\nMEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:\n\nOpening remarks from Congressman McCormick and invited guests\n\nQ&A with members of the press regarding the event\n\nB-roll of the job fair as employers and attendees arrive\n\nNOTE:\n\nThe Community Job Fair will immediately follow the press conference and feature 100+ of employers representing healthcare, manufacturing, technology, retail, public safety, public service, and other industries. The event is free and open to the public.\n\nTo RSVP please email regan.bruno@mail.house.gov\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://mcdonaldrivet.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mcdonald-rivet-helps-pass-bipartisan-funding-water-infrastructure-through", "title": "Rep. McDonald Rivet Helps Pass Bipartisan Funding for Water Infrastructure Through Committee", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcdonaldrivet.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mcdonaldrivet.house.gov", "scraper": "mcdonaldrivet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001237", "name": "Kristen McDonald Rivet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) released the following statement after helping pass the bipartisan water infrastructure reauthorization bill through the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.\n\n“This is a big deal. Investing in our Great Lakes, clean waterways, and water infrastructure keeps our communities safe, our water clean, and our economy strong, not just today, but for generations to come,” said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. “Today, we brought Democrats and Republicans together to create a bill that does all that, delivering on some really important priorities for mid-Michigan, and I’ll keep pushing until it has President Trump’s signature.”\n\nThe Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 authorizes two years of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works projects to improve America’s water infrastructure and protect the nation’s water resources. Congress has passed a bipartisan WRDA every two years since 2014.\n\nCongresswoman McDonald Rivet secured several key provisions to support mid-Michigan communities in the final text of this year’s WRDA, including…\n\nAuthorizing $50 million for water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Bay, Midland, Saginaw, and Genesee Counties.\n\nAdvancing the plan to deepen the Saginaw River to accommodate more commercial activity.\n\nAccelerating projects for ecosystem restoration and erosion prevention in Midland in the wake of the 2020 floods.\n\nIncreasing wages for operators at the Soo Locks Canal.\n\nAuthorizing $5 million to support the Great Lakes Commission.\n\nEstablishing an Army Corps of Engineers office on Technical Assistance and Community Outreach to help communities navigate the process involved with WRDA projects.\n\nThe Congresswoman also secured several provisions to address threats from the climate crisis and support environmental protection and restoration…", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400385", "title": "McGovern, Casar Introduce Fair Seeds for Farmers Act to Address Affordability Crisis, Put America’s Farmers and Families Ahead of Billionaire Big Ag Corporations", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "mcgovern.house.gov", "scraper": "mcgovern", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000312", "name": "James P. McGovern", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Congressman Greg Casar (D-TX) introduced the Fair Seeds for Farmers Act, new legislation aimed to break up Big Ag, protect farmers, lower food costs, and strengthen the U.S. food system by curbing corporate abuse of seed patents.\n\nThe legislation comes as a small number of giant multinational conglomerates exercise increasing control over the seeds that are vital for planting crops and growing food. These companies use sweeping patent claims and threats of litigation to essentially control what farmers plant and force them to buy expensive products—driving up costs for those that grow food and those who buy it at the grocery store.\n\n“Food is one of the most basic promises we make to one another: that the people who grow it can make a decent living, and the families they feed can afford to eat. But right now, that promise has been broken thanks to billionaire Big Ag conglomerates who are ripping off both the farmers at the beginning of the food chain and the hardworking folks at the end of it,” said Congressman Jim McGovern. “We have a system right now in this country where corporate giants are pocketing massive profits—ripping off farmers and in turn ripping off families buying food at the grocery store. It’s wrong, and our bill is about starting to change the broken status quo by rebuilding America’s food system from the ground up.”\n\n“Every working American knows that groceries are just too expensive,” said Congressman Greg Casar. “By abusing seed patents, big ag companies are putting family farms out of business and driving up the price of food for everyone else. I’m proud to be working with Rep. McGovern on this new bill, which is a key part of the Progressive Caucus’ New Affordability Agenda.”\n\n\"Seeds are a foundational building block of our food system—and farmers need seeds that are publicly available and adapted to organic and sustainable production in their bioregion. Our food system is at dire risk when seed intellectual property ownership resides with corporations motivated solely by their bottom line. Seed-dominating corporations leverage utility patents to restrict access to innovative and adaptable seed varieties and reduce competition. For decades, RAFI has called for reforms to seed intellectual property law that restore grower sovereignty over seeds. By limiting corporate control over seed and plant intellectual property, the Fair Seeds for Farmers Act will empower seed breeders across the food system to add to the collective biodiversity of seed and develop varieties more resilient to weather, pest, and disease pressures,” said Aaron Johnson, Policy Co-Director, Rural Advancement Foundation International.\n\n“The hyperconsolidation and commodification of seeds has eroded farmers’ resilience and diminished the agrobiodiversity of crops cultivated in the US at an alarming rate. Farmers play an important role in seed development by nurturing adaptable seed varieties that can help create a more resilient and affordable food system - yet commodification has recently hindered farmers ability to participate in this essential first component of farming. The Fair Seeds for Farmers Act takes an important step in curtailing corporate abuse of US Patent Law and reaffirms farmers and researchers ability to breed, experiment, propagate, and save seeds without fear of retaliation from large seed companies,” said Nick Rossi, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Policy Specialist.\n\nThe Fair Seeds for Farmers Act is part of the Congressional Progressive Caucus’s New Affordability Agenda, a slate of proposals to address the nation’s cost-of-living crisis by making essential goods and services cheaper, putting more money back into families’ pockets, and taking on wealthy special interests that have rigged the economy against working people. Specifically, the legislation would:\n\nLimit the patentability of seeds to the protections available under the Plant Variety Protection Act and the Plant Patent Act. The change would apply to pending and future patents while leaving existing patents unaffected.\n\nPrevent corporate seed companies from restricting farmers and researchers from breeding, experimenting with, propagating, or saving seeds, including through burdensome contracts.\n\nDefine key plant-breeding terms under federal law to protect the integrity of intellectual property claims involving seeds and plants.\n\nBy reducing excessive corporate control over seeds, the bill would give farmers greater control over what they grow, protect independent seed companies and public research, and help lower costs at the beginning of the food supply chain.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-menefee-statement-on-ice-suspending-vehicle-stops", "title": "Rep. Menefee Statement on ICE Suspending Vehicle Stops", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menefee.house.gov", "scraper": "menefee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001245", "name": "Christian D. Menefee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Christian D. Menefee (TX-18), whose district is adjacent to the Houston neighborhood where ICE agents fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo one week ago today, issued the following statement after reports that ICE is suspending most vehicle stops following the fatal shootings in Texas and Maine.\n\n“A temporary training won’t solve a deeply engrained problem. ICE has been radicalized. Its agents have shot and killed unarmed people across the country. The agency needs to be torn down to the studs. Immigration enforcement shouldn’t be heavily militarized and chasing people through our streets. The American people deserve competent leadership and law enforcement that is transparent, accountable, and worthy of the public’s trust.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases/menendez-applauds-advancement-of-bill-strengthening-nuclear-safety-and-safeguarding-communities", "title": "Menendez Applauds Advancement of Bill Strengthening Nuclear Safety and Safeguarding Communities", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menendez.house.gov", "scraper": "menendez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001226", "name": "Robert Menendez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy advanced the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) Staff Pay Alignment Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Rob Menendez to help retain and hire qualified nuclear safety experts at the NRC.\n\n“I am proud to introduce legislation that will help retain and hire qualified nuclear safety experts to protect our communities,” said Congressman Menendez. “The Trump Administration has repeatedly attacked the independence and efficacy of our nuclear safety infrastructure – making it more critical than ever that we ensure the NRC is staffed adequately to keep our families safe. This common-sense legislation will go a long way towards doing exactly that.”\n\nSince January 2025, the NRC has lost 400 expert staff, significantly impacting the teams that handle safety. With recent changes to the agency and growth in the nuclear energy sector, it is critical to retain employees with institutional expertise and to hire new, qualified staff to protect communities and bolster nuclear safety. This bill is a key piece to ensuring the highest level of safety when it comes to new nuclear reactors.\n\nThe NRC Staff Pay Alignment Act would increase the pay of senior NRC employees by up to ten percent, building on the language in the ADVANCE Act of 2024, bipartisan legislation signed into law by President Biden.\n\nCongressman Menendez serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he has repeatedly fought to ensure that community safety is the highest priority when it comes to energy infrastructure.\n\nThe NRC Staff Pay Alignment Act now awaits consideration by the full House Energy and Commerce Committee.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-leads-moment-silence-house-floor-fallen-trooper-michael-pahira-calls", "title": "Meuser Leads Moment of Silence on House Floor for Fallen Trooper Michael Pahira, Calls for Passage of Dalilah's Law", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "meuser.house.gov", "scraper": "meuser", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001204", "name": "Daniel Meuser", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) led a moment of silence on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in remembrance of Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael Pahira, who was killed while conducting a routine commercial vehicle inspection on Interstate 81 in Cass Township, Pennsylvania, by an illegal immigrant driving a tractor-trailer. On July 1st, Michael Bon, a Haitian immigrant living in Brockton, Massachusetts, struck and killed Trooper Pahira while driving a tractor-trailer using a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) he obtained from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.\n\nDuring his remarks, Congressman Meuser highlighted the respect and reverence Pahira earned from everyone in the communities he served. Trooper Pahira was born and raised in Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District and served the Pennsylvania State Police for nearly 20 years.\n\n“For nearly two decades, Trooper Pahira protected communities across Pennsylvania with courage and distinction, earning him the respect and admiration of everyone who knew him,” said Congressman Meuser. “I attended the funeral services for Trooper Pahira last week, alongside his parents, Michael Sr. and Patricia, his sister Jennifer, and thousands of community members, friends, and law enforcement officers who gathered to honor his legacy. The stories shared by those who knew him best painted the picture of a man of character, humility, and unwavering dedication.\n\n“Trooper Pahira’s death was senseless and preventable,” Congressman Meuser continued. “Allowing those unable to read English or in our country illegally to obtain CDLs is irresponsible and dangerous for everyone traveling on America’s roadways, including our law enforcement officers. I am calling on every member of Congress to support basic requirements that will restrict licensing for those living in our country illegally, require English proficiency, and ensure states re-verify the legal status and qualifications of everyone who holds a CDL from their state. It is beyond time to pass Dalilah’s Law and prevent senseless tragedies like this from happening again.”\n\nDalilah’s Law is named for five-year-old Dalilah Coleman, who was severely injured by an illegal immigrant driving a semi-truck in 2024. The legislation would require states to issue CDLs only to United States residents, green card holders, and those with temporary work visas. It would further establish rules requiring proficiency in English for all those obtaining a CDL and require the states to review the legal status and qualifications of all current CDL holders to ensure they meet safety and proficiency requirements.\n\nMichael Bon entered the United States on July 2, 2024, after being paroled by the Biden administration. He applied for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) the following October, which was never approved. In March 2025, Massachusetts issued Bon a non-domiciled CDL. In June 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) terminated his parole and ordered him to leave the United States. In February 2026, Massachusetts renewed Michael Bon’s CDL.\n\nCongressman Meuser was joined by a bipartisan group of Pennsylvania Representatives, including Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Scott Perry (PA-10), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), GT Thompson (PA-15), Mike Kelly (PA-16), and Christopher Deluzio (PA-17), as well as Representative Pete Stauber (MN-08).", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2917", "title": "Speaker Johnson on the Rise of Radical Communists in the Democrat Party: “The Barbarians are Inside the Gate”", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mikejohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "mikejohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000299", "name": "Mike Johnson", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — This morning, at the House Republican Leadership press conference, Speaker Johnson joined Leader Scalise, Chairwoman McClain, and Rep. Carlos Gimenez – whose family fled communism in Cuba – in highlighting the horrors of socialism and communism. Speaker Johnson also addressed the rise of anti-American, communist candidates currently taking over the Democrat Party.\n\n“This philosophy has led to the murder of tens of millions of innocent people in the 20th century alone. It is a nightmare and is a trail to certain death. And that's why we're speaking in such stark terms, because we need America to wake up,” Speaker Johnson said. “35 years ago, Republicans and Democrats in Congress, the Reagan years, they were fighting communism on a distant shore. Now it's here.”\n\nWatch Speaker Johnson’s full remarks here.\n\nOn the rise of socialist, communist Democrat candidates:\n\nWe’re fighting right now in Congress over whether we're going to maintain our status as a constitutional republic or we're going to trade that in, dismantle the foundations and go down this dark road of death to communism. That is the question on the ballot this fall. Now, the DSA published their platform – I hope you're all covering it. I hope you're writing in depth about their platform. I read it out loud at event a few weeks ago, and they've made an ad mocking me reading their platform. Now, they didn't put the clips with the worst parts of it. Well, of course they want to pack the Supreme Court, and they want a unicameral legislature. They want the House to run everything; abolish the Senate, because they believe the House would be run by Marxists communists. They want to remove the President. What they also want to do is abolish all borders. They don't want any borders. They want mass amnesty granted to anyone who can come onto our shores without exception, even for terrorists and hardened, dangerous criminals. They don't want prisons. It's in their platform. They want to remove the carceral state. They said no prisons. They don't want to fund the police. This is not a game. Everybody needs to understand. These crazy little mini-Mamdani’s who are popping up all around the country; they are a danger to you and your family. This is not a game. If they promise you free stuff, there is far more beneath those promises that even some of these people do not understand themselves.\n\nOn the failures of communism historically:\n\nOur rights come from our Creator, God; they do not come from the government. The communist believes the opposite. They believe that the government of the state is God and that the state is the one that gives you all your rights. And you know what? The state can also take those rights away. And that's exactly what happens. It's inevitable in communism. And this philosophy has led to the murder of tens of millions of innocent people in the 20th century alone. It is a nightmare. It is a trail to certain death and that's why we're speaking in such stark terms, because we need America to wake up. 35 years ago, Republicans and Democrats in Congress, the Reagan years, they were fighting communism on a distant shore. Now it's here.\n\nBut in Congress, they all agreed on that. They obviously knew that we had to fight communism. And so, what they were doing here for domestic policy, that was foreign policy, domestic policy, they were arguing over marginal tax rates and the shades of regulation and how large the government should be. There wasn't a huge difference. The chasm between the two parties, those days are gone right now. Domestically, we are arguing, we are debating, we are fighting. The election will be over whether we're going to maintain our freedom in a constitutional republic, the greatest experiment in self-governance in the history of the world, the longest surviving constitution on the planet, the nation that everybody wants to emulate and everybody wants to come here. We have to seal our borders, so they won't flood over them. We're the only nation in the world that has that distinction. We're the last great superpower. We are the greatest nation in the history of the world.\n\nOn the high stakes of the midterm elections:\n\nThere has been a small number of times in the history of America where the actual experiment in self-governance was on the ballot. The idea that we would preserve a constitutional republic, one nation under God, a government of, by, and for the people. All that is in question right now. For the first time, really in my lifetime, this is a real question. The American people have to decide in November, in a midterm election for Congress and Senate. It’s not something that we would've projected. I hoped and prayed it would never come to this, but here we are. The barbarians are in the gate.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-miller-meeks-leads-bipartisan-effort-eliminate-hepatitis-c-america", "title": "Dr. Miller-Meeks Leads Bipartisan Effort to Eliminate Hepatitis C in America", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "millermeeks.house.gov", "scraper": "millermeeks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001215", "name": "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01) introduced the Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2026, landmark bipartisan legislation to build a nationwide, federally coordinated effort to eliminate the hepatitis C virus in the United States. She is leading the bill alongside Reps. Diana DeGette (CO), Hank Johnson (GA), and Don Bacon (NE), with a companion measure led in the Senate by Sens. Bill Cassidy, M.D. and Chris Van Hollen.\n\nHepatitis C is a curable disease, yet it continues to claim American lives every year because too many people are never diagnosed or never gain access to the treatments that could save them. This legislation takes a comprehensive \"test-to-treat\" approach to change that, and the Congressional Budget Office estimates it would save taxpayers $6.6 billion.\n\n\"As a physician, I have seen what happens when a curable disease goes untreated simply because a patient couldn't access care,\" said Dr. Miller-Meeks. \"Hepatitis C is beatable. We have the tools to eliminate it, and this bill puts them within reach of the Americans who need them most. This is a commonsense, fiscally responsible effort that will save lives and save taxpayer dollars. I am proud to lead it alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.\"\n\n“Thanks to the tireless efforts of biomedical researchers and innovators, Hepatitis C is curable. Yet far too many people remain undiagnosed or unable to access treatment, and dozens die from the disease every day,” said DeGette. “This is simply unacceptable. We have the tools to stop this epidemic and curb the human and financial costs of this disease going untreated. I am pleased to work with my colleagues on legislation that will have the greatest positive impact to public health this Congress.”\n\n“I am asking that we work together to raise awareness about hepatitis C – a silent killer – so that others at risk can get tested and treated,” said Rep. Johnson. After his own diagnosis and treatment for hepatitis C, the Congressman became a national advocate for access to treatment and destigmatization.\n\nThe Cure Hepatitis C Act would:\n\nEstablish a national Hepatitis C Elimination Program at the Department of Health and Human Services, with a clear strategy, performance metrics, a public dashboard, and accountability to Congress.\n\nCreate a subscription-based drug procurement program to purchase curative antiviral treatments at scale and provide them to covered patients without cost-sharing, delivering treatment to underserved, uninsured, tribal, and correctional populations.\n\nExpand screening, diagnostics, and outreach through grants to states, community health centers, tribal health programs, correctional facilities, and other providers on the front lines.\n\nRemove financial and administrative barriers by eliminating cost-sharing and prohibiting prior authorization for hepatitis C treatment, including for seniors under Medicare Part D.\n\nBuild the public health infrastructure needed to sustain elimination, including provider training networks, point-of-care testing, and a national public awareness campaign.\n\nWHAT THE GROUPS ARE SAYING\n\nThe legislation is supported by more than 100 organizations, including the University of Iowa College of Public Health, the American Cancer Society, the American Pharmacists Association, the American Liver Foundation, and the American Gastroenterological Association.\n\n“This legislation represents a rare opportunity to improve health outcomes while reducing long-term health care costs,” said Tim Leshan, Chief External Relations and Advocacy Officer at Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH). “We commend Representatives Miller-Meeks, DeGette, and Johnson for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to ending hepatitis C in the United States. By investing in testing, treatment, and coordinated public health efforts today, Congress can prevent liver cancer, cirrhosis, and liver transplantation tomorrow while also strengthening our nation's public health infrastructure.”\n\nDr. Miller-Meeks, a physician and former Director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, has made lowering health care costs and expanding access to care a cornerstone of her work in Congress.\n\nFor the full bill text, click HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-honors-pella-high-school-marching-dutch-house-floor", "title": "Miller-Meeks Honors Pella High School Marching Dutch on House Floor", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "millermeeks.house.gov", "scraper": "millermeeks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001215", "name": "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) delivered remarks on the House floor congratulating the Pella High School Marching Dutch on their trip to Washington, D.C. for the 250th National Independence Day celebration.\n\nLed by 21-year band director Dameon Place, the Pella Marching Dutch includes 225 talented high school students. When the Independence Day Parade was canceled due to extreme heat, the students adapted and delivered a special pop-up performance at Upper Senate Park, allowing visitors to experience the talented Iowa band. During their trip, the students also attended the National Symphony Orchestra's Fourth of July concert and fireworks, visited the nation's iconic monuments, and explored the Smithsonian museums.\n\n\"Our community in Pella is incredibly supportive of its band program,\" said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. \"These students work hard, represent Iowa with pride, and demonstrate the positive impact school music programs have on our young people. Participation in the band gives students the opportunity to develop leadership, discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence that will serve them well long after graduation.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405758", "title": "Griffith Announces $700,000 ARC Grant for SWVA Waterline Project", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded Lee County, Virginia, a $700,000 grant. This funding will support the completion of municipal waterline to serve households in Lee and Scott Counties. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“Potable water is an important resource for Southwest Virginia communities.\n\n“This ARC grant for $700,000 helps Lee County construct new waterline service for the residents of the Flower Gap and Fairview areas in Lee and Scott Counties.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAccording to ARC, the name of this project is the Flower Gap – Fairview Waterline Extension Project.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405759", "title": "Griffith Celebrates More Than $7.3 Million for SWVA Helene Relief", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger announced that federal funds will support communities in Southwest Virginia impacted from Hurricane Helene. The breakdown of grants includes:\n\n$3.5 million for Giles County to support the repair, rehabilitation, reconstruction and replacement of disaster-damaged homes for low- and moderate-income households\n\n$3.5 million for Washington County to support the repair, rehabilitation, reconstruction and replacement of disaster-damaged homes for low- and moderate-income households\n\n$322,712 for Town of Fries (Grayson County) to support the installation of a generator at a local water treatment facility\n\nIn response to these grant notices, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“I support using the federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program for Hurricane Helene aid to help communities in Virginia.\n\n“These grants for more than $7.3 million help Giles and Washington Counties as well as the Town of Fries support recovery efforts in the region.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program.\n\nFEMA funds are obligated to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Commonwealth will be responsible for providing the funds to the sub-recipients.\n\nIn January 2025, Rep. Griffith announced $46.67 million in Helene relief to Virginia from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).\n\nIn April 2025, Congressman Griffith announced nearly $6 million in Helene relief in a separate grant for Washington County water line repairs.\n\nIn January 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $4.2 million in Helene relief for a Wytheville wastewater treatment system.\n\nIn February 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $8.6 million in Helene relief for water line repair.\n\nIn April 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $1.7 million in Helene relief for bridge repair.\n\nIn June 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $2.8 million in Helene relief for road repair.\n\nIn July 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $9.3 million in Helene relief for waterline repair and $1.2 million in bridge repairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-kelly-morrison-cosponsors-bill-block-iran-war-funding", "title": "U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Cosponsors Bill to Block Iran War Funding", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "morrison.house.gov", "scraper": "morrison", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001234", "name": "Kelly Morrison", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after Donald Trump escalated his war with Iran, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) announced her cosponsorship of the No Funds for Iran War Act, which would prohibit any taxpayer dollars from being used for military action against Iran.\n\nNow, the Trump Administration is asking for billions more in taxpayer dollars to fund the war in Iran — even though the war is increasingly unpopular with the majority of Americans.\n\nThe No Funds for Iran War Act was introduced by Representative Pat Ryan (NY-18), a combat veteran, and cosponsored by 37 House Democrats, including 14 veterans. Representative Morrison is a proud member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.\n\nUnder Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution, only Congress has the power to declare war. Since launching the first attack on Iran in February of this year, President Trump has neither sought nor received Congressional authorization for this war. Representative Morrison has been staunchly opposed to this illegal war and has voted for every War Powers Resolution to end the war. A member of the House Small Business Committee, Representative Morrison met with Minnesotan small business owners this spring who told her that rising prices due to the war in Iran pose an existential threat to their businesses.\n\n“Grocery prices are rising. Gas prices are rising. Half of Americans can’t afford health insurance. But instead of doing anything to address these problems or make life better for the American people, the President has dragged us into another costly, illegal, and foreign war and refuses to get us out of it,” said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. “I’m cosponsoring the No Funds for Iran War Act to block the President from spending any more taxpayer dollars on this illegal war that’s deeply unpopular and increasingly reckless. Not one dollar more for this illegal war that the American people don’t want but are being forced to pay for.”\n\nRepresentative Morrison spoke on the House floor this morning, calling out Trump’s reckless actions that have dragged the United States into another costly, foreign war, costing taxpayers billions while doing nothing to make life more affordable for the American people.\n\nWatch Rep. Morrison’s full speech HERE.\n\nImage\n\nRead a transcript of Rep. Morrison’s remarks below:\n\nMadam Speaker, today I rise against the Trump Administration's reckless, costly, and illegal war in Iran.\n\nIn just the last 24 hours, President Trump’s “deal” has collapsed yet again, tensions have escalated, blockades have been reinstated, and strikes have resumed.\n\nPresident Trump has informed the nation that we are once again at war with Iran – an illegal war that no one asked for, no one wanted, and yet every American is paying the price for.\n\nDonald Trump is backing the United States into a corner – and the worst part about it is that he has no plan to get us out.\n\nHis strategy is to bomb first, think later.\n\nHe’s sacrificing our economy… our security… our standing in the world – and for what?\n\n1 in 2 Americans can’t afford health insurance.\n\nFood, housing, and child care costs are astronomical.\n\nInflation is at a three-year high and the cost of gas, groceries, and everything in between is going up.\n\nPresident Trump was elected to office on the promise of lowering costs and ending unwinnable wars overseas.\n\nAnd yet here we are.\n\nAnd now he is demanding that taxpayers pay hundreds of billions of dollars to fund his new endless, costly, illegal war in Iran.\n\nThe American people deserve so much better from their President.\n\nWhen Donald Trump first got us into this war, he said it would last about 4-6 weeks.\n\nWell now it’s been 20.\n\nOver the last five months, the Trump Administration has spent more than $100 billion dollars on their illegal war on the other side of the world.\n\nDo you know what $100 billion could fund here at home?\n\nChild care for 7 million children.\n\nHealth care for 10 million people.\n\nFood assistance for 45 million Americans.\n\nThese aren’t just arbitrary numbers.\n\nTrump’s actions have real impacts. And real costs. On real people’s lives.\n\nAnd let’s not forget, this comes as Trump made the single largest cut to health care and food assistance in our nation’s history last year.\n\nAfter millions of Americans have lost their health insurance and families are struggling to feed their children, President Trump is demanding that taxpayers send hundreds of billions of dollars to fight a foreign war overseas.\n\nOf course President Trump has literally told us time and time again that he does not care about the American people.\n\nWell he may not care – but the elected officials in this chamber should.\n\nIt is literally our job to do what’s best for our constituents.\n\nWe cannot stand by and watch President Trump drag us into yet another mess – especially when it’s at the expense of Americans every. Single. Time.\n\nAnd let’s just step back for a moment here and ask the question: why are we even in this war?\n\nThis Administration still can’t give us a good answer. No explanation. No reason. No strategy. No endgame.\n\nAs an American… as a patriot… as the wife of an Army combat veteran, I am outraged.\n\nWhen you make the decision to send American soldiers into harm's way, you better have a damn good reason for it and you better know what you’re doing.\n\nWe have neither – and this Administration continues to recklessly put our troops’ lives on the line without care or cause.\n\nIt’s shameful.\n\nThat’s why I’m joining my colleague and combat veteran Representative Pat Ryan in fighting to end this reckless war and reassert our Congressional authority over war-making powers.\n\nMadam Speaker, we need to pass the No Funds for Iran War Act and stop any taxpayer dollars from being used for military action against Iran.\n\nBoth chambers of Congress, which are Republican-controlled, I might add, have passed War Powers Resolutions to end the Iran War – but there needs to be more.\n\nPresident Trump thinks he’s above the law – but he is not.\n\nAnd it is up to the Republican majorities in Congress to stop him.\n\nIt is their Constitutional duty.\n\nTo put the American people, our national security, our economy, above a single president’s self-serving war of choice.\n\nTo my Republican colleagues, I plead: What is your line? When will you put the American people first and stop this war?\n\nWe are not powerless. We can end this war.\n\nI implore my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to listen to the American people, find their courage, and end this war.\n\nMadam Speaker, I yield back.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-krishnamoorthi-and-ansari-lead-colleagues-demanding-answers-diversion", "title": "Moulton, Krishnamoorthi, and Ansari Lead Colleagues Demanding Answers on Diversion of Counterterrorism Resources to Immigration Enforcement", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "moulton.house.gov", "scraper": "moulton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001196", "name": "Seth Moulton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressmen Seth Moulton (MA-06) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), and Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), on Monday led Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), André Carson (IN-07), and Jason Crow (CO-06) in sending a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche regarding reports that the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Justice (DOJ) are diverting personnel, funding, and operational focus away from counterterrorism, transnational crime, anti-corruption, and other core public safety missions in favor of large-scale civil immigration enforcement. The letter raises serious questions about whether Congress's appropriations are being used to carry out the Departments' core statutory responsibilities.\n\nThe lawmakers write:\n\n\"We are writing to express our grave concerns regarding public reports of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) diverting critical personnel, resources, and operational focus away from core national security and public safety missions such as counterterrorism, transnational crime, and anti-corruption efforts in favor of large-scale civil immigration enforcement. This redirection raises serious questions about whether resources appropriated by Congress are being used to carry out the Departments' core statutory mandates.\"\n\nThe lawmakers further write:\n\n\"There is substantial evidence that significant DOJ resources have been diverted from criminal cases in pursuit of civil immigration cases. Recent reporting brought to light the scale of this shift at DOJ. The Department has declined to pursue more than 23,000 criminal cases in the first six months of the second Trump Administration. According to analysis, these cases included 1,300 terrorism-related cases, nearly 5,000 drug cases, and over a thousand white-collar and public corruption cases. At the same time, DOJ has significantly increased immigration prosecutions, bringing over 32,000 new immigration cases in that same six-month period, nearly triple the number under the Biden Administration.\"\n\nThe lawmakers requested responses to the following questions by August 10, 2026:\n\nWhat analysis or decision-making process was used to justify reallocating personnel, funding, and prosecutorial capacity from core law enforcement and national security missions to civil immigration enforcement?\n\nPlease provide updated information on the current number of HSI, CBP, and USCIS personnel who have been diverted to assist with immigration enforcement.\n\nPlease provide updated information on the current number of U.S. Marshals, FBI, DEA, and ATF agents who have been diverted to assist with immigration enforcement.\n\nPlease provide the number of cases declined in each month since the last month of available data (July 2025) listed by relevant categories (terrorism-related, national security, drug cases, and white-collar and public corruption cases).\n\nPlease provide the number of requests for judicial security—including courthouse security, judicial protective details, threat investigations, and prisoner transport—that have been delayed, reduced, or declined due to personnel or capacity constraints in the past year.\n\nHow are DHS and DOJ ensuring that core mission areas, including counterterrorism, transnational crime, narcotics enforcement, public corruption, addressing gun violence, and civil rights enforcement, are being fully executed while resources are being redirected to immigration enforcement?\n\nWhat steps are being taken to ensure that these reallocations do not degrade mission readiness in counterterrorism, transnational crime, and other critical enforcement areas?\n\nWhat steps, if any, are being taken to restore personnel and resources to core mission areas affected by these reallocations, and what is the timeline for doing so?\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-secures-50-million-haverhill-sewer-repairs-water-resources-development", "title": "Moulton Secures $50 Million for Haverhill Sewer Repairs in Water Resources Development Act to Address Sewage Spill", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "moulton.house.gov", "scraper": "moulton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001196", "name": "Seth Moulton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure adopted an amendment offered by Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) increasing the authorization for upgrading wastewater infrastructure in Haverhill from $40 million to $50 million. The amendment was offered during the markup of H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026. The amendment updates a Haverhill-specific provision of WRDA 1992, raising the ceiling on federal support for the city's sewer system by $10 million.\n\nThe increase comes after a devastating combined sewer overflow (CSO) occurred in Haverhill, which has one of the oldest stormwater/wastewater systems in the country.\n\nDuring a torrential rainstorm on June 26, a 42-inch force main carrying most of the city's wastewater from the South Mill Street Pumping Station to the Haverhill Wastewater Treatment Plant was overwhelmed and broke in two places. For days, an estimated 8 million gallons of untreated sewage flowed daily into the Merrimack River, closing beaches in Ipswich, Newburyport, Salisbury, and Essex, and prompting an emergency shellfishing closure that left clammers empty-handed during the height of the season.\n\nThe City of Haverhill, working with state and federal partners, halted the discharge on July 1 by installing a temporary bypass system, but permanent repairs to the force main are still underway, and subsequent rainstorms have continued to raise bacteria levels in the river.\n\n“This CSO has been devastating to communities, clammers, and shoreside industries downstream from Haverhill. Haverhill’s sewer system is one of the oldest in the country, and a temporary bypass is not an acceptable solution,” said Congressman Moulton. “These CSOs are polluting our environment and compromising public health, and we need to work across all levels of government to find a permanent solution. The funding that is authorized by my amendment, if funded by appropriators, will make sure we finish the job once and for all. No family in Massachusetts should have to wonder if their beach is safe to swim at again.”\n\nReauthorized by Congress every two years, WRDA directs federal investment toward water infrastructure, navigation, and ecosystem projects nationwide. Today's authorization makes Haverhill eligible for additional federal support through the appropriations process, building on the city's ongoing emergency response and the permanent repair of the South Mill Street force main.\n\nH.R. 9497 (WRDA 2026) now moves to consideration by the full House of Representatives. If passed, the increased Haverhill authorization would need to be funded through a future appropriations bill before the city could draw on the additional federal support.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-trahan-request-federal-support-haverhill-sewage-emergency", "title": "Moulton, Trahan Request Federal Support for Haverhill Sewage Emergency", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "moulton.house.gov", "scraper": "moulton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001196", "name": "Seth Moulton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) and Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) wrote to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin requesting additional federal support in response to the ongoing Haverhill wastewater emergency.\n\n“As communities across the Commonwealth continue recovering from the recent sewer main failure in Haverhill, it is increasingly clear that local governments, even those acting responsibly and proactively, cannot shoulder the costs of long-term infrastructure modernization without stronger, more reliable federal partnership,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\nFollowing intense rainfall last month, a main sewer line in Haverhill broke, resulting in the significant discharge of untreated wastewater into the Merrimack River. Despite state and local efforts, harmful bacteria made its way down the river, impacting communities across the Merrimack Valley and even forcing the temporary closure of multiple North Shore beaches.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers cite the City of Haverhill's aging combined sewer system, which collects both sewage and stormwater runoff into the same network of pipes. During significant precipitation, these systems can become overwhelmed and lead to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) into nearby bodies of water. Haverhill, like many communities along the Merrimack River, has been working for years to complete expensive sewer system upgrades with little to no federal investment.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers requested that the EPA work with Congress to identify long-term federal funding streams for communities replacing aging water infrastructure, including the establishment of rapid-response dollars for emergencies like the one in Haverhill and the restoration of robust grant funding for combined sewer upgrades. They also warned that the administration's Fiscal Year 2027 budget request would cut federal water infrastructure funding by roughly 90 percent, slashing the Clean Water State Revolving Fund from approximately $2.5 billion to just $155 million.\n\n“Underfunding these programs forces communities to defer essential repairs, leaving systems vulnerable to catastrophic public health failures like the one Haverhill just experienced,” the lawmakers concluded. “We urge you to work with our offices to identify long-term federal funding streams to ensure cities like Haverhill are not continually overburdened by the growing costs to replace aging water infrastructure.”\n\nMoulton and Trahan have repeatedly advocated for increased federal funding for combined sewer upgrades. In addition to supporting the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has delivered more than $600 million in federal investments for wastewater improvement projects across the Commonwealth, the lawmakers have also worked to increase funding for the EPA's Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant (OSG) Program.\n\nA copy of the letter sent today can be accessed here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397518", "title": "Jerrold Nadler: Penn Station Won’t Fund Itself", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nadler.house.gov/news", "domain": "nadler.house.gov", "scraper": "nadler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000002", "name": "Jerrold Nadler", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "New York, N.Y. – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) wrote about the glaring lack of answers on the funding on the massive Penn Station Renovation. Read his essay, published in The New York Times, below:\n\nAs the congressman who has for decades represented the district that is home to Penn Station, I have always been a staunch supporter of renovating the transit hub. For nearly 34 years, as I’ve commuted to Washington, I’ve experienced the decay and neglect that have befallen this station. It’s clear that Penn Station fails to meet New York City’s needs, and I welcome the chance to renovate and renew this vital piece of American infrastructure.\n\nPenn Station is the busiest transit hub in the Western Hemisphere, and it needs to be modernized. As ridership increases, Penn Station’s infrastructure must be updated to meet the needs of riders — making the station easier to navigate, more accessible for all and safer. But with President Trump at the helm, this project has so far been mismanaged as a backroom deal between billionaires and the politicians who serve them.\n\nFor years, New York state and local officials have tried to renovate Penn Station. Every effort has run aground on the same problem: cost. Past estimates have been as high as $22 billion. New York residents and commuters should not be held singularly responsible for a project that benefits residents and travelers alike. Past attempts often prioritized appearances over functionality and never fully resolved how the project would be paid for.\n\nNow, with the Gateway Tunnel under construction — which will modernize train tracks under the Hudson River and double the capacity for passenger transit between New Jersey and New York — our city, state and federal governments have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to finally deliver a Penn Station renovation. Mr. Trump’s administration has made that far harder.\n\nThe New York public deserves immediate answers about who will pay for the Penn Station renovation. The cost estimate for the project is $8 billion, but the process has been shrouded in secrecy from the beginning, and that figure cannot be corroborated. One glaring omission from the vague plans is the cost of purchasing and demolishing the Madison Square Garden theater to build the new entrance to Penn Station. How much will the facility’s owner, the billionaire James Dolan, charge?\n\nThe likely truth: The Trump administration plans to stick New York residents and public transit riders with the massive cost of this development. We must have transparency on where every taxpayer dollar is being spent.\n\nWhen the Trump administration wrested control of the Penn Station renovation project from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority last year, the president made it clear that crucial state and local partners would not be needed and that necessary public oversight would not be considered. Behind closed doors, Mr. Trump has already attempted a quid pro quo, offering federal funding for New York’s transit needs only if Penn Station and Dulles Airport are renamed for him. Mr. Trump reportedly held a nonpublic meeting with Mr. Dolan and the real estate investor Steven Roth at the White House. Key decisions — like whether to move the events venue — were seemingly on the table, but without essential public disclosure.\n\nLater, Mr. Trump shared his dreams for the Penn Station renovation. Madison Square Garden would no longer change location, and Mr. Trump focused on aesthetics rather than practical necessities. How those decisions were made and what promises may have been offered were not shared with the public. Without further disclosure, the series of events stinks of possible self-dealing, even corruption.\n\nLike the planning process, the developer selection process is happening behind closed doors. This will be one of the most important and most expensive projects in the country, yet there was no public oversight. The public does not know what was discussed, what deals and incentives were offered or whether anyone in the room ever raised the question of who would pay. And in Congress, some are trying to seize New York’s tax dollars outright — handing Amtrak unprecedented power over local zoning and stripping away our tax revenue, with no negotiation and no input. We cannot let that stand.\n\nLast month, the Office of Management and Budget requested supplemental funding for the Department of Defense to cover the money that has been spent illegally on Mr. Trump’s war in Iran. That request also included $1 billion for Penn Station, the first time the Trump administration acknowledged that federal funding may be used for the project. It’s still $7 billion short, and with top appropriators already opposing the supplemental funding request, it’s unlikely to be approved anyway.\n\nAndy Byford, a former transit executive in London, Toronto and New York, was appointed by the Trump administration to lead the Penn Station project. While Mr. Byford is rightly credited for his prior work, in his new role he is only adding to the project’s opacity. He claimed that transit riders wouldn’t feel the pain of this project, then cautioned that his word could not be taken as a promise.\n\nNo other administration official has delivered any kind of commitment to protect riders from bearing the brunt of this massive cost. In 2020, Mr. Byford resigned as New York City’s subway chief after Andrew Cuomo, then the governor, pressured him to work against the best interests of the city’s public transit. It is time for him to show the same courage and not sell out the integrity of Penn Station to Mr. Trump’s vanity and corporate greed. Mr. Byford must address the source of funding and compel the administration to prove that this project won’t be completed at the expense of New Yorkers.\n\nMr. Trump’s record here is clear. He has repeatedly attacked New York City transportation and infrastructure, attempting to roll back congestion pricing, withhold the Gateway tunnel funding and block transit security funding that would help prevent terrorist attacks. We cannot let him do so again by using the renovation of Penn Station as just another one of his vanity projects.\n\nNew Yorkers are accustomed to bright lights and beautiful architecture. Indeed, the new facility that has been planned looks magnificent in carefully made artistic renderings. But we will not be duped by the gimmick being sold to us. We cannot allow necessary accountability, transparency and reliability to be compromised by pleasing drawings. Had a less self-dealing president decided to give the federal government a greater role in the Penn Station redevelopment, I would enthusiastically partner with officials and stakeholders on the project. Federal financial help and planning acumen are undoubtedly necessary to rebuild the station. I am not opposed to a beautiful, renewed and reliable Penn Station. I am opposed to a process that keeps New Yorkers outside the room while the country’s wealthiest and most powerful decide the fate of millions of New Yorkers — and everyone who passes through Penn Station.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://neal.house.gov/2026/07/14/neal-wyden-oppose-giving-trump-new-unilateral-tariff-power-in-sanctioning-russia-act/", "title": "Neal, Wyden Oppose Giving Trump New, Unilateral Tariff Power in Sanctioning Russia Act", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "neal.house.gov", "scraper": "neal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000015", "name": "Richard E. Neal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Leading Democrats on Trade Policy Warn Russian Sanctions Bill Could Lead to Higher Prices and Unchecked New Tariffs Paid by American Families\n\nWASHINGTON, DC—House Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) announced their opposition to granting Donald Trump massive new tariff authority as part of the Sanctioning Russia Act, in a joint statement today.\n\n“There is no question that the U.S. government must take stronger action against purchasers of Russian energy who are fueling the unjustifiable war against Ukraine. But the latest draft of the Sanctioning Russia Act is a prescription for bedlam and higher tariffs. It grants Trump authority to impose tariffs up to 100 percent on major trading partners and allies. Congress would not be able to stop Trump from unilaterally lowering those tariffs or raising them at will,” Neal and Wyden said.\n\n“It is extremely dangerous to give Trump massive new tariff powers, particularly after we’ve seen the disastrous impacts of his corrupt, chaotic, and inflationary tariff spree. Congress must stop outsourcing responsibility for trade and tariffs to a runaway executive who is more interested in consolidating his own power than in the welfare of the American people. We stand ready to take action against Russia and those propping up its economy, but we cannot support awarding even more tariff power to Trump.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-troy-e-nehls-advance-water-resources-development-act-2026-securing-wins", "title": "Rep. Troy E. Nehls to Advance Water Resources Development Act of 2026, Securing Wins for Texas and Local Communities", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nehls.house.gov/media", "domain": "nehls.house.gov", "scraper": "nehls", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000026", "name": "Troy E. Nehls", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, during a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee markup, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) voted “YES” to advance the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, bipartisan legislation that addresses critical water resources infrastructure needs across the country, including the State of Texas and the 22nd Congressional District of Texas.\n\n“I proudly voted to pass the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026, which invests in our nation’s infrastructure, boosts our economy, and gives the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the tools it needs to build and maintain critical infrastructure projects across the United States,” said Congressman Nehls. “This legislation delivers for the State of Texas by supporting growth through the Matagorda Ship Channel and by renewing and expanding authorities for projects in Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Galveston Counties for years to come. This bill makes the necessary investments to ensure that Texas’s infrastructure can keep up with our rapid population and economic growth. WRDA provides critical support to Texas’s ports and water infrastructure projects and helps Texas to continue to be the driving force behind our nation’s economy, and I’m proud to have supported its passage.”\n\nClick here to watch Congressman Nehls’ remarks\n\nCongressman Nehls’ remarks:\n\n\"The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) has long been one of the best examples of Congress working to invest in America's infrastructure, strengthen our economy, and ensure the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has the tools necessary to keep our waterways, ports, flood control projects, and navigation systems functioning safely and efficiently.\n\nFor Texas, this bill couldn't come at a more important time.\n\nThe Texas Gulf Coast is one of the most economically significant regions in the United States. Our ports move hundreds of billions of dollars in commerce every year, support millions of jobs, strengthen our nation's energy security, and serve as critical gateways for both domestic and international trade.\n\nThe Port Houston complex alone is one of the busiest ports in America, handling record volumes of cargo while serving as the backbone of our nation's petrochemical and energy industries. Our ports are essential to the strength of both the Texas and nation economically.\n\nThat's why I work to ensure the WRDA bill delivers meaningful results for Texas.\n\nReliable water supply is essential to our Nation's economy, our manufacturers, our communities, and our future. In Texas, we understand that firsthand. Approximately 33 percent of the nation's U.S. Army Corps water supply storage space is in Texas and is vital to meet growing water demands across the state and in my district.\n\nAnyone who has worked with the Army Corps of Engineers knows that projects can take decades to move forward, and I know the agency is taking steps to try to speed up these timelines with their new Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork initiative. The following provisions further support that.\n\nSection 101(b) creates a dedicated Office of Water Supply, Water Conservation, and Drought Resiliency to coordinate policy, improve communication with local partners, like the Brazos River Authority in my district, and help ensure the Corps fully implements the important water supply authorities Congress enacted in Subtitle B of WRDA 2024.\n\nSection 132 reinforces the need to maximize the use of existing authorities while explicitly recognizing municipal, industrial, and agricultural water supply, water conservation, and drought resiliency along the Corps' other missions.\n\nTogether, these sections help turn this committee's vision of WRDA 2024 into real action for our communities. They elevate water supply and the national conservation, make the Corps a better partner to communities across the country, and ensure we're using every available tool to strengthen American prosperity.\n\nI was proud to also secure several important priorities in this WRDA legislation. The bill directs the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the feasibility study for the Matagorda Ship Channel, helping ensure the Port of Port Lavaca-Point Comfort can support continued commercial growth. It also clarifies Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund allocations to better ensure donor and energy transfer ports, including many in Texas, receive a fair return on the funds they generate.\n\nThe legislation further requires a comprehensive study of the nation's inland and intercoastal waterways, establishes a new Office of Inland Navigation Construction Management to improve project delivery, and encourages more efficient multi-year contracting priorities.\n\nIt also reauthorizes key Corps Civil Works authorities through 2030 and provides new environmental infrastructure authority for Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Galveston counties, while increasing existing authority for Amarillo to strengthen critical water infrastructure across Texas.\n\nMr. Chairman, Texas continues to lead the nation in population growth, energy production, manufacturing, exports, international commerce. Our infrastructure must keep pace with that success.\n\nThis WRDA bill makes smart investments that will strengthen navigation, improve project delivery, support economic growth, and ensure our ports and waterways remain globally competitive for decades to come.\n\nI appreciate the collaborative work that went into this legislation, and I look forward to supporting its passage.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/posts/reps-williams-smith-khanna-and-sanchez-introduce-protecting-american-homes-from-hedge-funds-act", "title": "Reps. Williams, Smith, Khanna, and Sánchez Introduce Protecting American Homes from Hedge Funds Act", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/press", "domain": "nikemawilliams.house.gov", "scraper": "nikemawilliams", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000788", "name": "Nikema Williams", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "New legislation would permanently drive hedge funds out of the single-family housing market\n\nWashington, D.C. (July 13, 2026) – This week, Representative Nikema Williams (GA-05) joined Representatives Adam Smith (WA-09), Ro Khanna (CA-17), and Linda Sánchez (CA-38) to introduce the Protecting American Homes from Hedge Funds Act, legislation to remove hedge funds and large institutional investors from America’s single-family housing market and restoring opportunities to working-class communities these homes were intended to serve.\n\nThis bill is introduced after the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act — the largest federal housing package in decades — became law over the weekend. That law caps institutional investor ownership of single-family homes at 350 units per entity, marking the first time Congress has acted to restrict corporate ownership of family homes. The Protecting American Homes from Hedge Funds Act builds on that foundation by phasing hedge funds out of the single-family housing market entirely.\n\nCongresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said:\n\n“Homeownership remains one of the most powerful pathways to building generational wealth and closing the racial wealth gap. Yet, across Atlanta and communities nationwide, working families are being priced out of the American Dream by hedge funds and corporate investors that can outbid them and buy up entire neighborhoods. The Protecting American Homes from Hedge Funds Act puts families—not Wall Street—first by helping level the playing field so more Americans can afford to buy a home, build wealth, and invest in their communities. The chance to own a home should never depend on whether a hedge fund got there first,”\n\nThough the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a step in the right direction, hardworking Americans deserve the chance to build wealth through homeownership without the threat of corporate greed.\n\n“This bill takes the next step. In 1971, my father bought the house I grew up in for $15,000 on the salary he earned as a baggage handler at SeaTac Airport,” said Rep. Adam Smith. “Today, families working just as hard as he did are losing homes to all-cash offers from investment funds that will never live in them. The Protecting American Homes from Hedge Funds Act will get these institutional investors out of our neighborhoods and put those homes back within reach of the families they were built for.”\n\n“Homes should be owned by people, not institutional investors. I’m proud to join this effort to make homeownership more affordable for families and to make the American dream of owning a home more accessible,” said Rep. Ro Khanna.\n\n“Homes are for families, not billion-dollar hedge funds. Wall Street has turned our housing crisis into a profit venture, buying up homes and pricing working families out of their own communities. Our bill will put a stop to this so that the American Dream is back within reach for those who want to live in a home, not just invest in them,” said Rep. Linda Sánchez.\n\nThe bill is supported by a broad coalition of housing advocates, consumer protection organizations, fair housing groups, and economic justice organizations, including: Popular Democracy in Action, National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), Private Equity Stakeholder Project (PESP), Americans for Financial Reform, National Housing Law Project (NHLP), Consumer Action, and Washington Low Income Housing Alliance.\n\n“The Private Equity Stakeholder Project is proud to support this essential bill. The Protecting American Homes from Hedge Funds Act would significantly level the playing field for the millions of Americans struggling to buy a home and prevent corporate landlords from using government assistance to expand their rental inventory,” said Chris Noble, Policy Director for the Private Equity Stakeholder Project. “This bill creates sorely needed guardrails to counter Wall Street profiteering amidst the ongoing housing affordability crisis facing our country.”\n\n“Private equity firms and hedge funds are snapping up housing with cash and pocketing lucrative tax breaks and getting sweetheart financing that makes it even harder for families to become first-time homebuyers,” said Caroline Nagy, Associate Director for Housing Policy at Americans for Financial Reform. “Americans for Financial Reform is proud to support the Protecting American Homes from Hedge Funds Act, which would kick big Wall Street landlords out of our single-family homes.”\n\nBackground\n\nFollowing the 2008 housing crisis, large private equity firms and hedge funds bought substantial portfolios of foreclosed homes. In 2011, no single entity owned more than 1,000 single-family rental units. By 2022, large institutional investors and hedge funds owned roughly 700,000 single-family rental homes, and financial analysts have forecast that institutional ownership could reach 40 percent of all single-family rentals by 2030.\n\nA March 2026 Government Accountability Office study of six metro areas found that once homes enter the institutional market, they rarely return to families: in some regions, fewer than four in ten homes sold by institutional investors went to owner-occupants, with the rest cycling to other investors and corporate buyers. In the fastest-moving market GAO studied, institutional investors grew from 7 percent of single-family rentals to 22 percent in just six years.\n\nWhat the Bill Does\n\nThe Protecting American Homes from Hedge Funds Act would:\n\nEstablish a tax penalty of 50 percent of the sale price for hedge funds purchasing additional single-family homes\n\nEliminate the depreciation and mortgage interest tax breaks that subsidize hedge fund homeownership\n\nRequire hedge funds to sell off their existing single-family home holdings over ten years — to families, not to other investment firms — with an annual penalty for failing to divest\n\nDirect penalty revenue toward down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers\n\nExempt nonprofits, government entities, and organizations that primarily build or rehabilitate single-family housing", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6AD849CD-5B73-4A0F-A3AD-C9BE6CED7390", "title": "Sánchez, Fitzpatrick, Norcross, Bresnahan lead bipartisan resolution honoring lineworkers", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "norcross.house.gov", "scraper": "norcross", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000188", "name": "Donald Norcross", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Representatives Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.) yesterday led 143 of their colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution designating July 10 as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day.\n\n“When storms hit and the lights go out, lineworkers are the first to answer the call,” said Congresswoman Sánchez, the first woman member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) elected to Congress. “They work in dangerous conditions, at all hours, in all weather, to restore power and keep our communities running. Their services are essential to our communities, but too often go unseen.”\n\n“Our journeyman lineworkers are the frontline defenders of our infrastructure. They respond without hesitation – often at great personal risk – to restore the power that sustains our homes, hospitals, and economy. In Pennsylvania’s First District and across the nation, I’ve met with these dedicated men and women, listened to their concerns, and worked to ensure they have the respect, protection, and resources they deserve. This resolution is not merely symbolic – it is a formal recognition of their service and a promise to have their backs, just as they always have ours,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.\n\n“Lineworkers’ jobs are difficult on a good day, and in times of crisis, their ability to keep our communities connected during dangerous conditions is heroic,” said Congressman Norcross. “These hardworking men and women are living proof that you don’t need a suit and tie to serve your community, and I’m proud to be part of the bipartisan group recognizing their essential duty.”\n\n“Journeyman lineworkers keep our country powered and our communities safe, but their work often goes unnoticed until the moment we need them most,” said Congressman Bresnahan. “These men and women work in some of the toughest conditions imaginable, often putting themselves in harm’s way to restore power and maintain the electric grids Americans depend on every day. As someone who has worked closely with the IBEW and understands the skill and training this profession requires, I’m proud to honor their service and thank them for everything they do for our communities.”\n\nThe resolution designates July 10 as National Journeyman Lineworkers Day in honor of Henry Miller, the founder and first president of the IBEW. Miller began his career at age 14 as a water boy on a government telegraph project in Texas.\n\nYears later, while working as a lineman, Miller became acutely aware of the dangerous conditions and subpar wages his fellow workers faced. He traveled across the country to organize linemen and was elected as the first president of the National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 1891.\n\nSadly, Miller suffered a fatal fall on July 10, 1896, while working to solve a power outage in Washington, D.C. Today, IBEW represents one of the largest and most diverse unions in the country.\n\nThe resolution is endorsed by IBEW, the National Electrical Contractors Association and Edison Electrical Institute.\n\nCongresswoman Sánchez, a former member of the IBEW Local 441 and labor lawyer, first introduced this resolution in 2014.\n\nThe full text of the resolution is available HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://norton.house.gov/media/press-releases/norton-highlights-dc-provisions-committee-passed-water-resources-development", "title": "Norton Highlights D.C. Provisions in Committee-Passed Water Resources Development Act", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://norton.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "norton.house.gov", "scraper": "norton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000147", "name": "Eleanor Holmes Norton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – After the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee (T&I) marked up and passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA) today, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) celebrated the committee passage of several provisions she got included that are beneficial for D.C., all of which were maintained during the markup.\n\n\"There's an urgent need to protect D.C.'s drinking water and infrastructure from critical vulnerabilities, and I'm pleased that the T&I Committee voted to maintain the important provisions I got included addressing those issues in today's markup,\" Norton said. \"Significantly, the bill addresses the recent failure of the Potomac Interceptor by authorizing an additional $200 million for water and wastewater infrastructure, a critical step to repair and fortify the Interceptor to prevent future failures.\n\n\"Furthermore, our nation’s capital cannot remain the only major metropolitan area in the country wholly dependent on a single source of drinking water. Authorizing the second phase of the study I got included in WRDA in 2022 to find a secondary source of drinking water is an important stride towards securing the long-term safety of D.C. residents and continuity of federal government operations in the event of a disaster.\n\n\"Finally, I'm pleased to have secured a provision shifting the cost burden entirely to the federal government for the Federal Triangle flood study. Previously, local D.C. would have been responsible for paying for 50% of the study to find solutions for flooding in this area, which is federal property.\"\n\nThe bill expands existing WRDA funding eligibility for the Potomac Interceptor and increases the funding levels for water and wastewater infrastructure by $200 million, a critical victory for the National Capital Region after a failure in the Potomac Interceptor pipeline in January resulted in nearly 250 million gallons of sewage spilling into the Potomac River.\n\nThe legislation also authorizes the second phase of the Washington Metropolitan Area secondary drinking water supply study which Norton got included in the 2022 WRDA. Currently D.C. is wholly dependent on the Potomac River for its drinking water, and natural or man-made events could render the river unusable for drinking. The federally-owned and operated Washington Aqueduct produces drinking water from the river for D.C. and parts of Virginia. However, the aqueduct maintains only a single day of backup water supply. Many other highly populated metropolitan areas like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco have a second source of drinking water, and many are in the planning stages for a third source.\n\nToday’s committee-passed version of WRDA also authorizes a study on flood mitigation in the Federal Triangle area of D.C. and shifts the cost from 50% to 100% federally-funded. Previously, local D.C. would have been responsible for half of the cost of the study. With heavy rain projected to become more frequent due to climate change, the Federal Triangle area is increasingly susceptible to flooding. In June 2006, an intense storm produced flooding in the area, which caused power outages and major disruptions to federal and D.C. operations, forcing closures of local businesses, public transportation hubs and federal buildings. Smaller but still significant storms in the area in 2018, 2019 and 2020 resulted in closures of Constitution Avenue, power and transportation disruptions, and flooding of buildings.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://norton.house.gov/media/press-releases/norton-introduces-bill-prohibit-new-fencing-white-house-after-trump", "title": "Norton Introduces Bill to Prohibit New Fencing at the White House After Trump Administration Proposes Plan to Fence Pennsylvania Avenue NW", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://norton.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "norton.house.gov", "scraper": "norton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000147", "name": "Eleanor Holmes Norton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the Trump Administration’s proposal to erect new fences at the ends of Pennsylvania Avenue NW outside the White House, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a bill to prohibit new fencing from being installed at the White House, Lafayette Square, the Ellipse, and the Eisenhower and Treasury buildings.\n\n“While I understand the importance of protecting the White House, which is already surrounded by a 13-foot fence, we can and must maintain our commitment to security without sacrificing public access. The openness of areas around the White House isn't a vulnerability to be fenced off; it's a visible expression of how our democracy strives to operate when we're at our best,\" Norton said. “We shouldn't widen the distance between citizens and government by placing additional intimidating barriers between public servants and the people they serve, especially when such barriers are unnecessary.\n\n“Security isn’t only about reducing risk. It’s about safeguarding the freedoms and values that define our country, for ourselves and those who come after us. A nation confident in its ideals doesn't wall off the institutions that carry them out from public view. Rather, it puts them in full view and remains open to the people it serves.”\n\nNorton has long advocated for using the least restrictive means necessary to secure public property, introducing one bill to prohibit permanent fencing at the Capitol, another bill to prohibit permanent fencing at the Supreme Court, and a third bill to prohibit permanent fencing specifically around Lafayette Square. She also introduced a bill to authorize a 21-member commission, with the president designating nine members and the House and Senate leadership each designating six members, to investigate and offer recommendations on the balance between public access to and security in federal buildings and other federal property.\n\nNorton’s introductory statement follows.\n\nStatement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on the Introduction of the No New Fencing At the White House Act\n\nJuly 14, 2026\n\nToday, I introduce the No New Fencing At the White House Act, which would prohibit the installation of new permanent fencing at the White House complex, including Lafayette Square and the Ellipse. This bill would help ensure that one of our nation’s most important public spaces remains open and accessible to the public. The Trump administration has proposed installing permanent fencing at the ends of Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House and around Lafayette Square.\n\nWhile I understand the importance of protecting the White House, which is already surrounded by a 13-foot-high fence, we can and must maintain our commitment to security without sacrificing public access by using the least restrictive means necessary to address security.\n\nThe White House complex has long served as a place where Americans can peacefully assemble. The openness of areas around the White House is a strength of our democracy, not a security weakness that needs to be fenced off. More fencing around this public space would send the wrong message to the nation and the world by continuing to transform our democracy from one that is accessible and of the people to one that is exclusive and fearful of its own citizens.\n\nFencing is an incredibly imprecise security tool. It is more likely to keep out District of Columbia residents, tourists and peaceful demonstrators than those determined to do harm. The areas around the White House complex are used every day by D.C. residents and tourists from across the country and around the world.\n\nThe distance between government and the people has grown, with trust in government at an all-time low. We should not increase that distance by placing intimidating barriers between public servants and the people they serve, especially when such barriers are unnecessary.\n\nSecurity is not only about reducing risk. It is also about safeguarding the freedoms and values that anchor our country, not only for ourselves but for future generations. Public property should be open to the public. Americans should not be peering at their democracy from behind fences.\n\nI urge my colleagues to support this bill.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ocasio-cortez-ranking-member-raskin-senator-lujan-introduce-bill-impose-50", "title": "Ocasio-Cortez, Ranking Member Raskin, Senator Luján Introduce Bill to Impose $50 Gift Ban on Supreme Court Justices", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", "scraper": "ocasio-cortez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000172", "name": "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Legislation Cracks Down on Lavish Gifts to Supreme Court Justices With $50 Limit Aligning Ethics Rules With Gift Ban on Members of Congress, Other Judges, and Executive Branch Officials\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) introduced the High Court Gift Ban Act, legislation to close a glaring ethics loophole that allows U.S. Supreme Court Justices to accept lavish gifts from wealthy benefactors and individuals with interests before the Court.\n\nUnlike Members of Congress and executive branch officials—who are all bound by strict gift rules—Supreme Court Justices are not currently bound by any limits on the value of the gifts they can accept. Investigative reporting has shown that some Justices have exploited this loophole, taking in lavish “gifts” from wealthy benefactors and political allies worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars—benefits that, in some cases, look more like payments than presents.\n\nThe scale of these undisclosed perks is staggering. One analysis found that Justices have accepted at least 445 gifts worth nearly $5 million over the past two decades. Reports have detailed that Justice Clarence Thomas alone received more than $4.2 million in luxury travel and other benefits from wealthy individuals with interests before the Court, including trips to Bali, stays at exclusive private retreats, and even a forgiven loan to purchase a luxury motor coach.\n\nThe High Court Gift Ban Act would block Justices from receiving gifts valued at more than $50 in a single instance or more than $100 in aggregate over the course of a year. It would also cap gifts of personal hospitality, like free trips on billionaires’ yachts and private jets, which are currently unregulated. This brings the Supreme Court in line with similar ethical standards governing Members of Congress and Executive Branch officials.\n\n“The Supreme Court is facing a major corruption crisis. As it stands, Supreme Court Justices are accepting gifts from wealthy benefactors and people with special interests before the Court, actively furthering the distrust between working-class Americans and our legal institutions. That is why I am proud to introduce the High Court Gift Ban Act, alongside Congressman Jamie Raskin and Senator Ben Ray Luján, to remove the influence of dark money from our nation’s highest judicial body. We must pass this commonsense proposal to safeguard the sanctity of our legal institutions and democracy,” said Representative Ocasio-Cortez.\n\n“In every other part of the federal government, taking lavish gifts from interested parties is called corruption—but at the Supreme Court, it’s bizarrely been treated as a job perk. A gaping ethics loophole has allowed Justices to accept lavish gifts from individuals who may have business before the Court, which totally undermines public confidence in judicial fairness and independence. Our bill closes this indefensible loophole by saying that Supreme Court Justices should follow the same basic gift rules as every other federal official and their fellow judges. Americans shouldn’t have to wonder whether wealthy litigants and interested parties are influencing Supreme Court decisions with trips to luxury resorts, flights on private jets, and cruises on luxury yachts,” said Ranking Member Raskin.\n\n“Over the past several years, we’ve seen far too many reports detailing how lavish gifts and luxury travel have undermined public confidence in the Supreme Court. That’s why I’m proud to partner with colleagues to introduce the High Court Gift Ban Act, which would hold Supreme Court justices to the same ethical standards as other high-ranking federal officials. The Supreme Court—our nation’s highest and most powerful court—should be held to the highest ethical standards to protect our democracy from the influence of dark money and special interests,” said Senator Luján.\n\nThe High Court Gift Ban Act was previously introduced by Representative Ocasio-Cortez and Ranking Member Raskin in the 118th Congress.\n\n41 House Democrats are original cosponsors of the legislation.\n\nThe High Court Gift Ban Act is endorsed by leading advocacy organizations, including: AFSCME, American Federation of Teachers, Alliance for Justice, American Humanist Association, Center for American Progress, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, Clean Elections Texas, Courage California, Court Accountability, Courts Matter Illinois, EarthJustice, Enough of Gun Violence, Equality California, FFRF Action Fund, Fix the Court, Free Speech for People, Government Information Watch, Greenpeace USA, Indivisible, League of Conservation Voters, MoveOn, National Association of Consumer Advocates, National Women’s Law Center, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Ohio Fair Courts Alliance, People for the American Way, People Power United, Public Citizen, Reproductive Freedom for All, Secular Coalition for America, Secure Elections Network, Stand Up America, Supreme Court Integrity Project, Take Back the Court Action Fund, True North Research, Voices for Progress, and The Workers Circle.\n\nThe bill text is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-democrats-urge-omb-rescind-rule-politicizing-federal-grant-decision", "title": "Maryland Democrats Urge OMB to Rescind Rule Politicizing Federal Grant Decision-Making", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "olszewski.house.gov", "scraper": "olszewski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000176", "name": "Johnny Olszewski, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Maryland Congressional Delegation members – U.S. Representatives Johnny Olszewski, Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (all D-Md.) – are calling out the Trump Administration’s attempts to undermine and politicize the federal grant-making process. In a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers press OMB to rescind a new proposed rule that would overhaul the grantmaking and cooperative agreement processes across the entire federal government, centralizing power within OMB, reducing transparency and accountability, undermining Congress, and clearing the path for the Trump Administration to continue weaponizing and politicizing the federal grantmaking process.\n\n“We write to express strong opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s sweeping proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” rule that would completely overhaul and politicize the grantmaking and cooperative agreement processes across the entire federal government,” the lawmakers begin.\n\nThey go on to stress the importance of federal grants, noting, “Across the state, federal investment supports research into our ocean and waterways as well as our air, crops, livestock and soil. Federal grants support advancements in health and medicine including research into the treatment of diseases such as pediatric cancer and sickle cell disease and drive the development of new technologies that will keep Americans healthy. Grant-funded childcare through Head Start and Early Head Start serves families from the Eastern Shore to Garrett County. These dollars power cutting-edge developments in space technology, satellites, AI, and quantum computing. Federal funds also allow organizations to support victims of sexual assault, violence, and other crimes. The proposed Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance represents a threat to every one of those efforts to better American lives, strengthen our economy, and keep our country competitive.”\n\nOn the proposed rule, the lawmakers write, “In reality, if finalized, this more than 400-page rule will make significant, sweeping, and binding policy changes to the Uniform Guidance across more than 40 federal grant-making agencies and offices responsible for awarding billions of dollars in funding and federal financial assistance each fiscal year. It would codify the Trump Administration’s campaign to eviscerate our research infrastructure and authorize more arbitrary cancellations, job losses due to funding uncertainty, and disruptions of work that require consistent data collection to maintain scientific validity.”\n\n“This rule would further centralize power within OMB giving it authority over the heads of dozens of federal agencies as well as merit-based processes in matters of grantmaking and cooperative agreements. In doing so, this rule would place layers of bureaucratic and political red tape between elected representatives who are Constitutionally-responsible for appropriations, the federal agencies whose resources support our state and help drive our local economies, and Marylanders who rely on grants to support valuable research and services,” they continue.\n\nThe lawmakers detail the impact of federal grants on Maryland, noting, “Since the beginning of the President’s term, the Administration and OMB’s intentional delay in spending appropriated funds, grant terminations and disruptions, and overall fewer federal grants being awarded has impacted billions of dollars in federal funding to Maryland, including our state and local governments, schools, and research institutions. As a result, hundreds of our constituents have lost their jobs, Maryland research institutions and universities are undergoing hiring freezes and layoffs, and graduate and post-doctoral programs have been forced to cut or limit admissions–all which threaten to stifle U.S. leadership and innovation for decades to come.”\n\n“The people of Maryland and the United States deserve actual transparency, reliability, and accountability from our federal government, not arbitrary rules and political interference from OMB that would weaken our scientific and research enterprise, risk more jobs, and slow down hard-won progress. We urge you to rescind this proposed rule immediately,” the lawmakers conclude.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nWe write to express strong opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s sweeping proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” rule that would completely overhaul and politicize the grantmaking and cooperative agreement processes across the entire federal government.\n\nYear after year, Maryland turns federal investment into public goods with national and global benefits. Across the state, federal investment supports research into our ocean and waterways as well as our air, crops, livestock and soil. Federal grants support advancements in health and medicine including research into the treatment of diseases such as pediatric cancer and sickle cell disease and drive the development of new technologies that will keep Americans healthy. Grant- funded childcare through Head Start and Early Head Start serves families from the Eastern Shore to Garrett County. These dollars power cutting-edge developments in space technology, satellites, AI, and quantum computing. Federal funds also allow organizations to support victims of sexual assault, violence, and other crimes. The proposed Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance represents a threat to every one of those efforts to better American lives, strengthen our economy, and keep our country competitive. We urge you to immediately rescind this proposed rule that will further risk evidence-based science, research, and innovation in Maryland and across the United States.\n\nOn Friday, May 29, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), in conjunction with federal grant-making agencies, published a proposed rule in the federal register with the stated intent to “improve and clarify government-wide policies and requirements related to the management of Federal financial assistance including grants and cooperative agreements.” The purported objectives of the proposed rule include: improving transparency, accountability, and oversight of federal funds; reducing recipient burden; and clarifying 2 C.F.R regulatory text– commonly referred to as the “Uniform Guidance”– as an OMB regulation.\n\nIn reality, if finalized, this more than 400-page rule will make significant, sweeping, and binding policy changes to the Uniform Guidance across more than 40 federal grant-making agencies and offices responsible for awarding billions of dollars in funding and federal financial assistance each fiscal year. It would codify the Trump Administration’s campaign to eviscerate our research infrastructure and authorize more arbitrary cancellations, job losses due to funding uncertainty, and disruptions of work that require consistent data collection to maintain scientific validity.\n\nThis rule would further centralize power within OMB giving it authority over the heads of dozens of federal agencies as well as merit-based processes in matters of grantmaking and cooperative agreements. In doing so, this rule would place layers of bureaucratic and political red tape between elected representatives who are Constitutionally-responsible for appropriations, the federal agencies whose resources support our state and help drive our local economies, and Marylanders who rely on grants to support valuable research and services.\n\nThe federal grantmaking process includes essential, non-political guardrails that this rule seeks to eviscerate. Should it be finalized, OMB would have the legal authority to cancel any grant at any time simply because it no longer aligns with “federal agency priorities.” In almost all circumstances, Maryland grant recipients would not be able to appeal that decision or have a neutral party, such as a judge, review it. Just last year, legal action helped restore millions of dollars in wrongfully cancelled funding by the Trump Administration for AmeriCorps, mental health services, and biomedical research, among others. This proposed rule would make such cancellations easier. Without the ability to appeal or contest an arbitrary cancellation, grant- supported research including clinical trials and jobs can end with the stroke of a pen. Allowing political appointees to have the final say, rather than merit-based processes or Congress’s decision to fund programs, does not advance the stated goals of transparency or accountability.\n\nFurther, the rule contains a tangle of undefined new standards that would not clarify regulations. Federal regulations must be sufficiently clear to allow recipients to understand and comply with their obligations in good faith. This proposed rule introduces new criteria for evaluating grants such as adherence to “gold standard science,” whether they “promote anti-American values,” or specific consideration for, “a history of questionable practices,” like “affiliation with a group that has undermined public safety” but does not provide meaningful definitions for these new standards. Grantees must even ensure that all subrecipients do not, “take actions that could significantly damage the reputation of the pass-through entity, the Federal agency making the award, or the Federal Government.” The rule does make clear, however, that non-compliance with any of the new vague and underdefined standards can result in immediate termination of support.\n\nBeyond the arbitrary standards that are ripe for abuse, this proposed rule seeks to prohibit freedom of association, speech, and the international collaboration that has made Maryland a leader not only in our region, but in the world. This regulation would bar researchers from using federal funds to publish the research they undertake with our collective resources and would prohibit researchers from attending professional conferences without pre-approval from the federal government. This rule would also presumptively prohibit many international collaborations and further restrict any scientific engagement with foreign entities. Fields from biomedical research to space science regularly put Marylanders in the position of leading work with teams of scientists and engineers in other countries. While security safeguards are always important, this rule would not strengthen them, but in practice, will limit freedom, research, and collaboration in the name of security.\n\nOf course, this proposal does not come in a vacuum; it is being offered in the midst of illegal attacks, uncertainty, and gutting of the entire U.S. scientific and research enterprise by the Trump Administration. We are facing the consequences of these actions in real time. In fiscal year 2025 alone, the Trump Administration indiscriminately terminated thousands of NIH grants and disrupted more than 300 clinical trials, putting thousands of patients including children at risk. Recent reports suggest hundreds of NIH grants are actively being delayed because of the Administration’s unprecedented politicalization of the NIH grant review process–and as a result, Maryland-specific NIH competitive awards have decreased by 33% in fiscal year 2026 compared to prior years.\n\nSince the beginning of the President’s term, the Administration and OMB’s intentional delay in spending appropriated funds, grant terminations and disruptions, and overall fewer federal grants being awarded has impacted billions of dollars in federal funding to Maryland, including our state and local governments, schools, and research institutions. As a result, hundreds of our constituents have lost their jobs, Maryland research institutions and universities are undergoing hiring freezes and layoffs, and graduate and post-doctoral programs have been forced to cut or limit admissions– all which threaten to stifle U.S. leadership and innovation for decades to come.\n\nThe people of Maryland and the United States deserve actual transparency, reliability, and accountability from our federal government, not arbitrary rules and political interference from OMB that would weaken our scientific and research enterprise, risk more jobs, and slow down hard-won progress. We urge you to rescind this proposed rule immediately.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/nh-delegation-applauds-va-signing-of-lease-for-new-cheshire-county-outpatient-clinic-to-expand-veterans-access-to-health-care", "title": "NH Delegation Applauds VA Signing of Lease for New Cheshire County Outpatient Clinic to Expand Veterans’ Access to Health Care", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pappas.house.gov", "scraper": "pappas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000614", "name": "Chris Pappas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Following advocacy from the New Hampshire Congressional delegation, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Maggie Hassan (NH), and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) in applauding the signing of a PACT Act lease by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that will make West Chesterfield, New Hampshire, the home of a new Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). This replaces the CBOCs in Keene and Brattleboro, Vermont. The announcement is a significant step toward expanding access to high-quality health care for veterans in the Granite State.\n\n“I’m thrilled to welcome this new VA outpatient clinic to Cheshire County,” said Congressman Pappas, member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and Ranking Member of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee. “Every veteran across New Hampshire should be able to access the care they need close to home, whether through a VA medical center, our community-based outpatient clinics, or community care. I’ll always fight for our veterans to receive the best possible care, and to cut the red tape between them and the treatment they deserve.”\n\n“It’s imperative that the men and women who sacrificed everything to defend and serve our nation have access to first rate health care when they need it – no matter where they live in our state,” said Senator Shaheen. “For a long time, the Monadnock region was a health care desert for veterans until we worked with the VA to open its first and only health care facility more than a decade ago. This announcement is a continuation of that years-long effort and a crucial step toward bringing more health care services to veterans in Cheshire County and the entire Monadnock region.”\n\n“America’s veterans risked their lives to keep our country safe, secure, and free. We will never fully repay the debt we owe them, but we have an obligation to try each and every day,” said Senator Hassan. “This new outpatient clinic will help veterans in the Monadnock region access the health services they need closer to home. I will continue to work to help get our veterans access to the health care that they have earned and deserve.”\n\n“We have a sacred obligation to the women and men who have served our country in uniform. Our veterans put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and it’s my mission in Congress to ensure that they have access to the services, benefits, and healthcare they have earned,” said Congresswoman Goodlander, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. “This clinic will deliver quality care to these brave American heroes across the Monadnock Region and beyond, and I am proud to stand with our partners across New Hampshire to get our veterans the care they need.”\n\nAccording to the VA, the clinic will increase clinical capacity and provide Veterans with more convenient and timely access to VA care, with construction and facility preparation expected to be completed by fall 2028, and the first patient is planned to be seen by spring 2029. The new lease will expand and modernize Primary Care space while rightsizing a state of the art, energy efficient facility that delivers integrated Primary Care, Mental Health, Specialty Care, and Ancillary services, improving operational efficiency and the Veteran experience in the Keene, NH and Brattleboro, VT area. The project will lease 26,603 net usable square feet (NUSF) of replacement outpatient clinic space in the vicinity of West Chesterfield, NH, with 150 parking spaces, in support of the White River Junction VA Health Care System.\n\nLast year Congressman Pappas led the New Hampshire delegation in introducing the Veterans Full-Service Care and Access Act, legislation that would require the VA to operate at least one full-service Veterans Health Administration hospital in each of the 48 contiguous states. In 2022 Pappas fought back against and stopped a Biden administration plan to close Community-Based Outpatient Clinics in Conway, Somersworth, and Portsmouth. Thanks to Pappas's advocacy, these clinics remain open today. In the same year, Pappas fought to pass the PACT Act as a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, which expanded VA health care to millions of veterans exposed to toxic substances like burn pits and Agent Orange. Since the PACT Act became law, the Department of Veterans Affairs has received more than 12,000 claims from New Hampshire veterans.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/pat-ryan-monopoly-busters-caucus-chairs-applaud-state-lawsuit-block-illegal", "title": "PAT RYAN, MONOPOLY BUSTERS CAUCUS CHAIRS APPLAUD STATE LAWSUIT TO BLOCK ILLEGAL PARAMOUNT-WARNER MERGER", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "patryan.house.gov", "scraper": "patryan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000579", "name": "Patrick Ryan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – The Monopoly Busters Caucus Chairs, Representatives Pat Ryan (NY-18), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), and Angie Craig (MN-02), released the following statement after a coalition of 12 state attorneys general, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, filed suit to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger:\n\n“Twelve states just stood up and said no to Paramount-Warner after the Trump Administration sided with billionaires to green light their monopoly power grab. Allowing one corporation to control a third of American movie and cable programming is a threat to free speech and a disaster for America’s television and film industries. It would mean fewer jobs for crew, writers, and actors, fewer theaters and distributors with bargaining power, and fewer studios competing to tell good stories. Americans would pay more and get less to watch in return. Now it's up to the courts to quickly shut this deal down and remind these oligarchs that monopolies are illegal and no one is above the law.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3012", "title": "Rep. Pfluger's Bill to Recover Minerals from Waste Streams Advances Out of Subcommittee", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman August Pfluger's (TX-11) bipartisan legislation to fund technologies that recover critical minerals from contaminated sites and waste streams advanced out of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment.\n\nThe \"Environmental Monitoring and Remediation Technology Assessment Initiative (EMRTAI) Authorization Act\", co-led by Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01), would direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to broaden and authorize the EMRTAI program to identify, evaluate, and support the recovery of critical minerals from contaminated land and waste streams, strengthening domestic critical mineral supply chains while advancing cleanup efforts.\n\nThe legislation authorizes the EPA to enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and awards with state, local, and Tribal governments, nonprofits, and other entities to identify and recover critical minerals from contaminated sites, including those on the National Priorities List.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6801", "title": "Maine Delegation Calls for Full, Expedited Investigation into ICE Fatal Shooting in Maine", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "pingree.house.gov", "scraper": "pingree", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000597", "name": "Chellie Pingree", "party": "Democrat", "state": "ME", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Jared Golden (D-ME) are calling for a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in Biddeford. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, the delegation requested an independent review of the incident to ensure a full accounting of the facts and help maintain public confidence in the investigative process.\n\n“We write to formally request that your office conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel that occurred [yesterday/earlier this week] in Biddeford, Maine,” the lawmakers began. “Along with our constituents, we are deeply saddened by this loss of life. The facts surrounding this tragedy remain a matter of significant local concern and necessitate thorough, objective accounting.”\n\n“Given the gravity of the situation and the understandable anxiety within the Biddeford community, we urge you to prioritize this investigation,” they continued. “Timely and factual answers will be critical to providing closure for the grieving community and ensuring that federal law enforcement operations are conducted safely, lawfully, and in a manner that respects public safety.”\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Inspector General Cuffari:\n\nWe write to formally request that your office conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel that occurred yesterday in Biddeford, Maine.\n\nAlong with our constituents, we are deeply saddened by this loss of life. The facts surrounding this tragedy remain a matter of significant local concern and necessitate thorough, objective accounting.\n\nTo ensure public trust, transparency, and accountability, we request that your office include the following key areas in your examination:\n\nThe Sequence of Events: A detailed timeline of the encounter, including the specific actions taken by both the ICE agents and the individual involved prior to the discharge of a firearm.\n\nOperational Protocols: An evaluation of whether the tactics, use, and degree of force utilized adhered strictly to current DHS and ICE use-of-force policies.\n\nRecording and Documentation: Clarification on the availability of audio, dashcam, or body-worn camera footage of the incident, and the status of any evidence preservation.\n\nFurthermore, we ask that you detail the extent to which DHS will collaborate with state or local agencies in carrying out the investigation.\n\nGiven the gravity of the situation and the understandable anxiety within the Biddeford community, we urge you to prioritize this investigation. Timely and factual answers will be critical to providing closure for the grieving community and ensuring that federal law enforcement operations are conducted safely, lawfully, and in a manner that respects public safety.\n\nWe look forward to your response and stand ready to work with your office to facilitate any necessary inquiries.\n\nSincerely,\n\ncc: Markwayne Mullin, Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; David Venturella, Acting Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6091", "title": "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF ATTORNEY MICHAEL JOSEPH", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "plaskett.house.gov", "scraper": "plaskett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000610", "name": "Stacey E. Plaskett", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 14, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF ATTORNEY MICHAEL JOSEPH\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of Attorney Michael Joseph:\n\n\"I was saddened to hear of the passing of Attorney Michael Joseph, a man whose life reflected a genuine passion for the law and a deep commitment to serving the people of St. Croix. Attorney Joseph dedicated his career to the practice of law in the community he called home, and his work touched the lives of countless Virgin Islanders who sought his counsel and trusted his judgment.\n\n\"Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Joseph was an author who took on the difficult but necessary task of chronicling a painful and pivotal moment in Virgin Islands history, ensuring that our stories, however hard to tell, are never forgotten. He also served our community through his work on the Board of Elections, helping to safeguard the democratic process for the people of the Virgin Islands.\n\n\"Mr. Joseph's legacy as a jurist, historian, and public servant will continue to be felt throughout our community for years to come. I offer my prayers for peace and extend my deepest condolences to the Joseph family and all who knew and loved him during this difficult time.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-pou-secures-critical-flood-protection-puerto-rico", "title": "Congresswoman Pou Secures Critical Flood Protection for Puerto Rico", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pou.house.gov", "scraper": "pou", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000621", "name": "Nellie Pou", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) today announced that the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved a provision she championed to help modernize flood protection efforts in Puerto Rico as part of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act.\n\nThe provision directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reevaluate the long-running Río Puerto Nuevo flood control project in San Juan using updated engineering, environmental, and economic analyses. The review will also consider nature-based flood mitigation strategies designed to better protect nearby communities.\n\n“Puerto Rico deserves modern infrastructure that protects families, businesses, and neighborhoods from increasingly severe flooding,” said Congresswoman Pou. “For too long, communities on the island have waited while projects moved forward too slowly. This provision I authored will help ensure the federal government takes a fresh look at one of the island’s most important flood protection projects using modern science and standards. Puerto Ricans deserve resilient infrastructure that keeps people safe and helps communities thrive. So I am very glad my provision was approved today and I will work with my colleagues to see that it is enacted into law.”\n\nThe Río Puerto Nuevo watershed has long experienced significant flooding during heavy rain and tropical storms, threatening homes, businesses, roads, and other critical infrastructure throughout the San Juan metro area. The committee-approved provision requires the Army Corps to update decades-old analyses and evaluate whether natural and nature-based solutions including green infrastructure and other environmentally sustainable approaches could provide stronger long-term protection.\n\nSpecifically, the legislation also requires the Army Corps to consult with federal agencies, the Government of Puerto Rico, and local stakeholders throughout the reevaluation process while providing regular public updates and reporting back to Congress on progress.\n\nCongresswoman Pou has made Puerto Rico one of her priorities in Congress. Recently, she traveled to the island with the House Homeland Security Committee to assess ongoing recovery efforts and meet with federal and territorial officials about disaster resilience and critical needs.\n\nPou has also advocated for strengthening Puerto Rico’s energy grid, expanding economic opportunity, and ensuring the island receives greater resources and attention from Congress.\n\nCongresswoman Pou concluded: “For the hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans who call our great state New Jersey home, the well-being of the island is deeply personal to me. I am committed to supporting investments that help Puerto Rico better prepare for future disasters and create a more resilient future for the generations to come. Today is a small step in that direction.”\n\n###\n\nLa congresista Pou logra importante avance para la protección contra inundaciones en Puerto Rico\n\nComité aprueba medida impulsada por Pou para avanzar la reevaluación del proyecto del Río Puerto Nuevo\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – La congresista Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) anunció hoy que el Comité de Transporte e Infraestructura de la Cámara de Representantes aprobó una disposición impulsada por ella para modernizar los esfuerzos de protección contra inundaciones en Puerto Rico como parte de la Ley de Desarrollo de Recursos Hídricos (Water Resources Development Act, WRDA), una legislación bipartidista.\n\nLa disposición ordena al Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército de los Estados Unidos reevaluar el histórico proyecto de control de inundaciones del Río Puerto Nuevo en San Juan utilizando análisis actualizados de ingeniería, medio ambiente y viabilidad económica. La revisión también evaluará estrategias de mitigación de inundaciones basadas en la naturaleza con el fin de brindar una mejor protección a las comunidades cercanas.\n\n“Puerto Rico merece una infraestructura moderna que proteja a las familias, los negocios y los vecindarios frente a inundaciones cada vez más severas”, dijo la congresista Pou. “Durante demasiado tiempo, las comunidades de la isla han esperado mientras proyectos esenciales permanecían estancados. La disposición que redacté ayudará a garantizar que el gobierno federal vuelva a evaluar uno de los proyectos de protección contra inundaciones más importantes de Puerto Rico utilizando la ciencia y los estándares modernos. Los puertorriqueños merecen una infraestructura resiliente que mantenga a las personas seguras y ayude a que las comunidades prosperen. Me alegra mucho que esta disposición haya sido aprobada hoy y seguiré trabajando con mis colegas para convertirla en ley.”\n\nLa cuenca del Río Puerto Nuevo ha sufrido durante muchos años inundaciones significativas provocadas por lluvias intensas y tormentas tropicales, poniendo en riesgo viviendas, comercios, carreteras y otra infraestructura crítica en toda el área metropolitana de San Juan. La disposición aprobada por el comité exige al Cuerpo de Ingenieros actualizar análisis realizados hace décadas y evaluar si soluciones basadas en la naturaleza, incluida la infraestructura verde y otros enfoques ambientalmente sostenibles, pueden ofrecer una protección más sólida y duradera.\n\nLa legislación también exige que el Cuerpo de Ingenieros consulte con agencias federales, el Gobierno de Puerto Rico y las comunidades locales durante todo el proceso de reevaluación, al tiempo que proporciona actualizaciones públicas periódicas e informa al Congreso sobre el progreso del proyecto.\n\nLa congresista Pou ha convertido a Puerto Rico en una de sus principales prioridades en el Congreso. Recientemente viajó a la isla junto a una delegación del Comité de Seguridad Nacional de la Cámara de Representantes para evaluar los esfuerzos de recuperación en curso y reunirse con funcionarios federales y del gobierno de Puerto Rico para dialogar sobre la resiliencia ante desastres y otras necesidades críticas de infraestructura.\n\nPou también ha abogado por fortalecer la red eléctrica de Puerto Rico, ampliar las oportunidades económicas y garantizar que la isla reciba la inversión y el respaldo federal que merece.\n\nLa congresista Pou concluyó: \"Para los cientos de miles de puertorriqueños que hoy llaman hogar a nuestro gran estado de Nueva Jersey, el bienestar de la isla es profundamente personal, y también lo es para mí. Seguiré apoyando inversiones que ayuden a Puerto Rico a prepararse mejor para futuros desastres y a construir un futuro más fuerte y resiliente para las próximas generaciones. La aprobación de hoy representa un pequeño, pero importante, paso en esa dirección.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-pou-secures-major-north-jersey-flood-protection-wins-water", "title": "Congresswoman Pou Secures Major North Jersey Flood Protection Wins in Water Infrastructure Bill", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pou.house.gov", "scraper": "pou", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000621", "name": "Nellie Pou", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) today announced that the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has approved the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) with six separate priorities she championed to help protect North Jersey from flooding and advance critical local water infrastructure projects.\n\nThe legislation advances provisions that will help move long-delayed flood mitigation projects forward, launch new studies, and strengthen protections for communities across North Jersey that have endured repeated flooding. The bill also incorporates Congresswoman Pou’s bipartisan CLEAN-UP Act, legislation she introduced earlier this year to remove barriers that have stalled Army Corps environmental remediation projects.\n\n“For too many North Jersey families, flooding is not a once-in-a-generation disaster but something our residents worry about every time heavy rain is in the forecast,” said Congresswoman Pou, a member of the House Subcommittee on Water Resources. “In Congress, I’ve made it one of my top priorities to move these long-overdue projects forward because our communities cannot afford to wait decades for help. This legislation helps clear obstacles that have slowed progress, speeds critical flood protection work, and invests in the projects our neighborhoods have fought for over many years. From Garfield and Wallington to Paterson and Clifton, our success today brings our district another step closer to protecting families and small businesses from the floods that threaten our communities.”\n\nRemoving Barriers to Critical Waterway Projects\n\nThe committee-approved legislation includes Congresswoman Pou’s bipartisan CLEAN-UP Act, which removes a longstanding obstacle that has delayed cleanup and flood mitigation projects involving contaminated waterways. Pou’s provision will help the Army Corps move forward more quickly on projects while maintaining environmental safeguards and ensuring those responsible remain accountable for cleanup costs. The legislation is particularly important for the Lower Saddle River, where contamination concerns have prevented flood protection work from commencing for years.\n\nAuthorizing New Flood Protection Construction\n\nThe bill creates new construction authority for East Riser serving Carlstadt and the Meadowlands for a flood reduction project that will widen and deepen the channel, replace culverts, and incorporate flood risk management features that will reduce the risk of fluvial flooding to residential and commercial structures.\n\nAccelerating Long-Delayed North Jersey Flood Protection\n\nSeveral North Jersey projects championed by Congresswoman Pou will receive expedited consideration, as projects involving Berry’s Creek, Fleischer Brook, the Passaic River Basin, the Passaic River, and Wolf Creek. Collectively, these measures will reduce flood damage, improve waterways, restore ecosystems, strengthen navigation, and better protect homes and businesses across the region. The bill also urges the Corps to expedite consideration of a project to address the raceways at the Great Falls National Historical Park in Paterson.\n\nAdvancing Local Flood Control Initiatives\n\nThe legislation also speeds up work on flood control improvements along the Third River in Clifton and on the use of dredged material in the Meadowlands. These projects will improve water management while supporting broader flood resilience across North Jersey.\n\nExpanding Nature-Based Flood Solutions\n\nThe bill directs the Army Corps to continue evaluating flood mitigation, including ecosystem restoration and voluntary property buyouts. The bill also requires continued reporting on flood risk management work affecting Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic Counties, including buyout efforts in Wayne. In addition, the legislation encourages greater use of wetlands, green infrastructure, and other natural approaches that can reduce flooding while improving environmental health.\n\nStrengthening Long-Term Water Planning\n\nFinally, the legislation creates a new Office of Water Supply, Water Conservation, and Drought Resiliency within the Army Corps. The office will help communities improve water management, strengthen conservation, and identify new opportunities to better prepare for future water-related challenges.\n\nSince taking office, Congresswoman Pou has made flood mitigation one of her key priorities in Congress.\n\nEarlier this year, she introduced the bipartisan CLEAN-UP Act to remove barriers delaying Army Corps projects and authored the Water Crisis Prevention Act to improve the federal response to infrastructure failures. During the Surface Transportation Reauthorization mark-up, Pou also secured an amendment into the text of the bill that would direct the Government Accountability Office to review Department of Transportation PROTECT grants and produce a report identifying best practices and strategies to prevent flooding, improve safety, and improve infrastructure resiliency against flooding.\n\nAdditionally, the annual spending bill for FY2026 included $500,000 in federal funds supported by Pou to improve the Lower Saddle River channel.\n\nToday’s committee approval of the Water Resources Development Act builds on that record and represents another significant step toward delivering long-awaited relief for communities living with chronic flooding.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases/pou-leads-27-colleagues-calling-dhs-protect-religious-rights-ice-detention", "title": "Pou Leads 27 Colleagues Calling on DHS to Protect Religious Rights in ICE Detention", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pou.house.gov", "scraper": "pou", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000621", "name": "Nellie Pou", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Nellie Pou (NJ-09) today led 27 Members of Congress in sending a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding answers after reports that Muslim detainees at ICE facilities were denied access to Qurans, prayer mats, halal meals, and other religious accommodations.\n\nThe lawmakers called on DHS to uphold constitutional protections for Muslim detainees that allow them to freely practice their faith and requested detailed information about the agency’s policies and practices regarding religious accommodations in immigration detention.\n\nThe letter is signed by Congressmembers Pou and Don Beyer (D-VA-08), André Carson (D-IN-07), Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Henry “Hank” Johnson (D-GA-04), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Rob Menendez (D-NJ-08), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-06), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-05), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Bennie Thompson (D-MS-02), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Marc Veasey (D-TX-33), James Walkinshaw (D-VA-11), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12).\n\n“Individuals practicing their faith must be given reasonable accommodations – full stop. Accordingly, we are demanding ICE take immediate action to ensure that all Muslim detainees have unimpeded access to their requested religious accommodations, including to the Quran and other religious materials upon intake, guarantee that Muslim women have access to a hijab upon request, establish designated prayer spaces with access to prayer mats, and implement halal meal options as a standard offering,” the members wrote DHS Secretary Mullin.\n\nThe members cite several reports alleging denial of religious freedom at ICE detention facilities. (“These reports, and others indicating disparate treatment in accommodating other religious requests by Muslim detainees, raise grave concerns over ICE infringing on their right to exercise their religion while in detention.”)\n\nCongresswoman Pou has been one of Congress’s leading voices demanding greater oversight and accountability at ICE detention facilities. She has conducted multiple inspections of Delaney Hall in Newark, where she spoke directly with detainees and questioned facility officials about medical care, sanitation, language access, and other conditions inside the facility.\n\nFollowing those visits, she called for Delaney Hall to be closed after hearing firsthand accounts of unacceptable and inhumane treatment.\n\nPou has also been a leading advocate for Leqaa Kordia, a Paterson, New Jersey resident who spent more than a year in ICE detention. She repeatedly pressed DHS and ICE for information about Kordia’s detention and condition, questioned ICE’s head directly during a congressional hearing, and worked with her legal team until Kordia was finally freed earlier this year. Following her release, Congresswoman Pou welcomed Kordia home to New Jersey.\n\nThe text of the Congresswoman’s letter is below.\n\nDear Secretary Mullin:\n\nWe write to express our concerns over the serious civil rights violations that Muslim detainees have suffered while detained at a Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) detention facilities, particularly as it pertains to religious accommodations, such as access to the Quran, hijabs, prayer mats, and the failure to have designated prayer spaces and halal meals. Under ICE’s own detention standards, ICE must provide detainees with “reasonable and equitable opportunities to participate in the practices of their respective faiths.” The alarming actions by ICE in denying individuals their civil rights continues a disturbing practice by your agency in violating DHS’s own policies, in addition to the law, that must be immediately rectified.\n\nThe Free Exercise Clause of the Constitution prohibits the government from denying an individual’s right to exercise their religion. This right protects not only the ability to have a particular religious belief, but also the acts involved in practicing one’s religion. Federal law also prohibits the government agencies from “substantially burden[ing] a person’s exercise of religion.” Under this provision, if the government “(1) compel[s] the[ individual] to perform acts undeniably at odds with fundamental tenets of their religious beliefs, (2) put[s] substantial pressure on them to modify their behavior and to violate their beliefs, or (3) bears direct, primary, and fundamental responsibility for rendering a religious exercise effectively impracticable,” then the government will have violated this right. Because immigrant detainees are treated the same as civil detainees, they are afforded “more constitutional protection, more considerate treatment, and conditions of confinement than criminals whose conditions of confinement are designed to punish.” Consequently, the treatment they should be given while under the care and control of the government must reflect that.\n\nFor Muslims, the manner in which individuals practice and exercise their faith may take different forms—including wearing hijabs, keeping halal, using prayer mats, reading or reciting the text in the Quran, just to name a few. This year, Muslim detainees who sought to observe Ramadan—a revered month that is practiced by engaging in reflection, fasting, communal prayer, studying the Quran, and community—and the holidays of Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha were hampered or unable to do so because their ability to practice was impaired by ICE. Take for example, Leqaa Kordia, a Muslim woman from Paterson, New Jersey who spent over a year in detention at the Prairieland Detention Facility in Alvarado, Texas. During this time, she has described how ICE systematically delayed or outright denied her ability to practice her Muslim faith, including by not providing her with a prayer mat, the Quran, or halal food. But Leqaa’s experience is not isolated—it is just one example in a pattern of behavior by DHS in violating detainees’ constitutional rights. At Delaney Hall in New Jersey, reports detail how detainees have been denied access to the Quran. At the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Washington, detainees have also reported being blocked from congregating to pray at dedicated times as prescribed by the Quran, or have been denied the ability to pray outright. These reports, and others indicating disparate treatment in accommodating other religious requests by Muslim detainees, raise grave concerns over ICE infringing on their right to exercise their religion while in detention.\n\nThe failure to protect detainees’ civil rights for religious accommodations will only become more acute as the administration continues to scale up its mass deportation campaign. Per the agency’s own data, ICE currently has over 60,000 individuals in immigration detention —a nearly 70% increase compared to the previous administration. This is to say nothing of the recently enacted reconciliation package that provides your Department with an additional $70 Billion for its operations. At the same time, this administration has taken numerous actions to inhibit proper oversight of these facilities. Over the past year and a half, the department has deemed non-essential the Office of Detention Oversight, the component of ICE that inspects detention centers to ensure they meet federal standards of safe and humane treatment of detainees. It has instituted mass firings at the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and shut down the Office of Immigration Detention Ombudsman, which was established to provide oversight into immigration detention facilities.\n\nIndividuals practicing their faith must be given reasonable accommodations—full stop. Accordingly, we are demanding ICE take immediate action to ensure that all Muslim detainees have unimpeded access to their requested religious accommodations, including to the Quran and other religious materials upon intake, guarantee that Muslim women have access to a hijab upon request, establish designated prayer spaces with access to prayer mats, and implement halal meal options as a standard offering. Additionally, we are requesting ICE provide answers to the following questions no later than August 18, 2026:\n\nSince January 20, 2025, how many Muslim-identifying individuals have been, or are currently in, ICE detention?\n\nDoes ICE or its contractors have on-staff Muslim chaplains at each facility that provide services in their detention facilities. If no, please provide the name and location of each detention facility that does not have or provide a Muslim chaplain and provide an explanation for failing to provide Muslim chaplains. If no, please provide the name and location of each detention facility that does not have or provide a Muslim chaplain and provide an explanation for failing to provide Muslim chaplains.\n\nDoes ICE keep track of religious accommodation requests? If no, please provide an explanation for failing to maintain a record of such requests. If yes, please provide for each immigration detention facility since January 20, 2025, the total number of Muslim religious accommodation requests, including:\n\ni. Requests that have been granted, and whether they were granted as requested or were modified and the scope of such modification;\n\nii. Requests that have been denied and the justification for denying such request; and\n\niii. Requests have gone unanswered and the length of time since each request was submitted;\n\nHas ICE denied any imams or other Muslim faith leaders from entering detention facilities whose purpose is/was to provide religious counsel and guidance to detainees?\n\nDo detention facilities provide accommodations for Muslim detainees to observe Ramadan, Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha?\n\na) If no, please provide an explanation for failing to provide religious accommodations.\n\nb) If yes, please provide details regarding accommodations that were made.\n\nPlease detail your internal policies for accommodating a religious fast, such that individuals may still be able to access food and consume their daily allotment of nutrition in compliance with their religious fasting hours?\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter and we look forward to your prompt response.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://pressley.house.gov/2026/07/14/watch-pressley-urges-federal-reserve-chair-warsh-to-address-black-workers-unemployment-crisis-uphold-maximum-employment-mandate/", "title": "WATCH: Pressley Urges Federal Reserve Chair Warsh to Address Black Workers’ Unemployment Crisis, Uphold Maximum Employment Mandate", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pressley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "pressley.house.gov", "scraper": "pressley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000617", "name": "Ayanna Pressley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Transcript: Pressley Urges Federal Reserve Chair Warsh to Address Black Workers’ Unemployment Crisis, Uphold Maximum Employment Mandate\n\nHouse Financial Services Committee\n\nJuly 14, 2026\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, Mr. Chair.\n\nAnd welcome, Chair Warsh, congratulations, and welcome to the Financial Services Committee.\n\nI represent the Massachusetts Seventh Congressional District, a beautiful, dynamic district, and also one that is deeply unequal.\n\nIn fact, in a three-mile radius from Cambridge, home to your alma mater, to Roxbury, a historically Black, vibrant community in my district. That being said, median household income drops by $50,000 and life expectancy by 30 years. That’s just in a three-mile radius, and those inequities are not naturally occurring. They are man-made. They’re the result of intentional and deliberate government action.\n\nSo, I’m here, and what guides me is the work to be just as intentional and just as deliberate in making sure that government works for all people. And I know we’re just getting to know one another, but I hope I can count on your partnership in that mission, Mr. Chair.\n\nI’m going to begin with what should be an easy yes or no question. Are you committed to fulfilling the maximum employment requirement of the Federal Reserve’s statutory mandate?\n\nFED CHAIR KEVIN WARSH: Congresswoman, absolutely. We have no disfavored part of the job that you gave us. Price stability and maximum employment are not an either-or proposition. I’m committed to both of them.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Well, that was my next question—if you viewed this mandate as equally important as the price stability mandate.\n\nNow, since Trump took office, hundreds of thousands of people have been pushed out of the federal workforce. The current unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is higher than when Biden left office. And if you look deeper into the data, Black unemployment writ large is at 6.6%.\n\nNow, the Federal Reserve semiannual report highlights that Black people have continued to have higher unemployment rates and lower wages than white workers.\n\nThis is a problem. Now, it’s a problem for Black workers. It’s a problem for the Black family. But really, it’s a problem for everyone.\n\nIt’s a problem for workers like Teresa in my district, who, despite being educated, qualified, and good at her job, was let go from her public health position due to government funding cuts. And with the state of HHS, our country needs to employ all of the public health experts that we can find.\n\nBut this is also a problem for our national economy and financial stability.\n\nLet me illustrate what I mean. According to one report, Black Americans held a buying power of $1.6 trillion in 2020. Economists estimate that 2% of Black women being fired has led to $37 billion being lost in GDP spending.\n\nSo when that money is lost, it impacts everyone. It impacts our small businesses that spur local economies and workforces.\n\nSo the point is, when Black workers lose, everyone loses.\n\nSo Chair Warsh, given the persistent racial disparities in unemployment, will you, as Federal Reserve Chair commit to confronting these workforce challenges that Black workers are forced to endure?\n\nCHAIR WARSH: So, Congresswoman, I’ll say this, which is the U.S. can ill afford to leave any individuals behind. The economic opportunity, which is essential for America’s growth trajectory over the next 5 and 10 years, means that every American needs to have opportunities to be productive.\n\nAnd I believe, unlike some in the economics profession, that productivity-led economic growth is a good thing, not a bad thing. And I’m hopeful that the Fed can be supportive of opportunities for economic growth.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, Mr. Chair. And I want to say specifically for Black workers, because if a problem of this magnitude—there are 700,000 unemployed Black women right now. If a problem of that magnitude was happening to any other group, we would do the analysis and we would have a plan.\n\nSo I’m going to ask of you what I asked of your predecessor—for you to come and brief the Congressional Black Caucus on your strategies and efforts specifically to the Black worker, given the disparate impact.\n\nYou know, you’ve talked about your refusal to tolerate a persistent high inflation. I need the same rigor, the same rigor, the same vigor, and the same commitment when it comes to the Black worker. It’s already a part of your mandate.\n\nCHAIR WARSH: So American workers, no matter their background, have my commitment to do what we can at the Federal Reserve to make sure they have all the opportunities in front of them, regardless of any characteristic.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Well, Mr. Chair, experts believe we need targeted structural efforts to address unemployment disparities. So I’m asking for focused—\n\nFSC CHAIR HILL: The gentlewoman’s time is expired. I invite the Chairman to answer your question in writing.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-welcomes-more-800000-doj-grants-public-safety-mental-health-and", "title": "Amata Welcomes More Than $800,000 in DOJ Grants for Public Safety, Mental Health, and Juvenile Justice", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "radewagen.house.gov", "scraper": "radewagen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000600", "name": "Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen", "party": "Republican", "state": "AS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming an announcement from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that American Samoa has been awarded three grants totaling $803,015 to strengthen public safety, expand behavioral health services, and support juvenile justice initiatives in the territory.\n\nCongresswoman Amata and Dr Celestine Faumuina-Nix\n\nThe federal awards, administered through the DOJ's Office of Justice Programs, include $484,329 through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, $219,844 through the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Formula Program, and $99,842 through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's Title II Formula Grants Program.\n\n“These federal grants will strengthen public safety while also investing in prevention, rehabilitation, and community well-being throughout American Samoa,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Congratulations and thank you to both Dr. Celestine Faumuina-Nix and the entire American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency for their continued success in qualifying for competitive or formula-based federal resources. I appreciate the U.S. Department of Justice's continued partnership and commitment to our islands.”\n\nThe Justice Assistance Grant provides initial, flexible funding to strengthen American Samoa's criminal justice system, supporting law enforcement, border security, prosecution, indigent defense, and other essential public safety priorities.\n\nThe Byrne State Crisis Intervention grant, providing initial funds in a three-year project with congressional authority based on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022, will help expand community-based mental health services and improve coordination among healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community partners to better serve individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.\n\nThe Title II Formula Grant, an initial grant in a four-year project, will support rehabilitation-focused programs for youth in detention, including mentorship initiatives and other efforts designed to improve outcomes for justice-involved juveniles.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://rileymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-riley-m-moores-protecting-privacy-purchases-act-passes-us-house", "title": "Congressman Riley M. Moore’s ‘Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act’ Passes U.S. House", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://rileymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "rileymoore.house.gov", "scraper": "rileymoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001235", "name": "Riley M. Moore", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Riley M. Moore's bill, H.R. 1181, the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act. This legislation safeguards the constitutional rights and privacy of law-abiding gun owners by prohibiting payment processors and financial institutions from using discriminatory merchant category codes (MCCs) to track firearm and ammunition purchases.\n\nCongressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:\n\n\"The Second Amendment is not a second-class right. Americans should never have their lawful firearm purchases tracked by financial institutions or payment processors. The creation of a separate merchant category code for gun stores at the behest of the Democrat-affiliated Amalgamated Bank opens the door to creating an unconstitutional backdoor gun registry and discrimination against law-abiding gun owners. My bill stops this dangerous overreach, protects consumers' financial privacy, and ensures that a backdoor federal gun registry can never be created through credit card transaction data. I'm proud the House has acted to defend both the Second Amendment and Americans' right to privacy.\"\n\nIn 2022, the International Standards Organization approved the creation of a separate merchant category code for firearm and ammunition retailers. Merchant category codes are four-digit identifiers used by payment processors to classify businesses based on the products they sell. The creation of a distinct code for gun stores raised concerns that financial institutions could use payment data to monitor, flag, and track lawful firearm purchases, creating a backdoor gun registry without congressional authorization.\n\nAs West Virginia State Treasurer, Moore successfully led the charge to ban financial institutions from implementing the firearm retailer specific merchant category code for West Virginia retailers.\n\nH.R. 1181 passed the House with the support of 132 cosponsors, including original cosponsors, Rep. Andy Barr and Richard Hudson, and is backed by leading Second Amendment organizations, including the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, Gun Owners of America, the National Rifle Association, and Heritage Action.\n\nThe Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act:\n\nProhibits payment card networks from requiring firearm retailers to use a distinct merchant category code that separates them from general merchandise or sporting goods stores.\n\nBars financial institutions from assigning separate merchant category codes to firearm retailers.\n\nEstablishes federal enforcement mechanisms authorizing the Attorney General to investigate violations, issue compliance orders, and seek injunctions against entities that attempt to track firearm purchases through discriminatory coding practices.\n\nPreempts state and local laws that conflict with the legislation.\n\nRequires the Attorney General to submit reports to Congress detailing investigations, enforcement actions, and the effectiveness of the law.\n\nCongressman Moore introduced the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act to prevent financial institutions from weaponizing consumers' financial data against law-abiding Americans exercising their constitutional rights.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://robertgarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-robert-garcia-secures-committee-approval-255-million-port-long", "title": "Congressman Robert Garcia Secures Committee Approval for $255 Million Port of Long Beach Channel Deepening Investment", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://robertgarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "robertgarcia.house.gov", "scraper": "robertgarcia", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000598", "name": "Robert Garcia", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42), member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) has passed out of committee, which would support the Port of Long Beach channel deepening project. This $255 million investment, split between the federal government and the Port of Long Beach, will expand the port’s main channel, strengthen America’s supply chain, and reduce pollution from ships waiting to dock outside the harbor.\n\n“This is a huge win for Long Beach, for our workers, and for people across the country who depend on goods moving through our port every single day,” said Congressman Robert Garcia. “I’ve been fighting for this project since my days as Mayor of Long Beach, and today we took a major step toward getting it done. This investment will lower costs, prevent cargo delays, and reduce the pollution caused by ships idling outside our harbor. I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law.”\n\n“Ports and the supply chain are vital to our economy, enabling commerce and energizing business activity across the nation. Federal investment in maritime infrastructure is crucial to bolstering the economic output created by trade, and reauthorizing the Water Resources Development Act is an important step to ensuring we are optimizing America’s trade opportunities. At the Port of Long Beach, we are building the Port of the Future, and this legislation will help us advance key projects, including our Deep Draft Navigation Project that will improve navigational safety, maximize cargo efficiency and strengthen the flow of goods that reach every community in the United States,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba. “We are grateful to Rep. Garcia, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and all of our federal partners for recognizing that investing in ports like Long Beach builds a stronger, more competitive and resilient national economy.”\n\nCongressman Garcia has always fought to improve our community’s infrastructure. In August 2025, Congressman Garcia announced that the DOT awarded over $24 million in federal funding for Long Beach Airport to expand key parts of the terminal and improve areas to make it easier and more comfortable for passengers to get through the airport. In 2024, Congressman Garcia led the Los Angeles County delegation to advocate for funding for Metro’s Southeast Gateway Line Project. Congressman Garcia also helped secure over $283 million in federal grant money for the completion of the North Rail Yard Expansion and the South Rail Yard Expansion at the Port of Long Beach, which is estimated to create over 13,000 jobs nationwide. Congressman Garcia led efforts to secure funding for Los Angeles and Long Beach transit systems in preparation for the 2028 Olympics. As Mayor of the City of Long Beach, his signature ballot initiative, Measure A, launched the largest infrastructure repair program in a generation, promoting good-paying union jobs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://rouzer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3073", "title": "Rouzer-Supported Water Resources Development Act of 2026 Pas...", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://rouzer.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "rouzer.house.gov", "scraper": "rouzer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000603", "name": "David Rouzer", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, with support from Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC-07), the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure approved the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, advancing key priorities for Southeastern North Carolina, including Surf City’s federal beach renourishment project and multiple flood reduction studies for local communities. The bill unanimously passed the committee and now awaits a vote by the full House.\n\n\"The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 makes critical investments across Southeastern North Carolina, protecting homes and businesses from future natural disasters, and strengthens our maritime economy,\" said Congressman David Rouzer. \"Delivering this bipartisan bill every two years builds on the success of previous WRDAs, making federal projects more timely and efficient in meeting the needs of our communities.\"\n\nAcross the country, our water infrastructure supports agricultural production, protects homes and businesses from natural disasters, and strengthens ports and waterways. WRDA 2026 authorizes 10 major U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects (including one in Surf City), 131 feasibility studies for locally proposed projects, and provides policy guidance for implementation by the Corps.\n\nWRDA 2026 North Carolina priorities championed by Congressman Rouzer include:\n\nSurf City 50-Year Federal Beach Nourishment Project: Authorizes $292.8 million in federal funding over the 50-year life of the Surf City Coastal Storm Risk Management Project, periodically renourishing the beach and dune system to reduce storm damage and strengthen the long-term resilience of Topsail Island.\n\nImproves Flood Resiliency: Advances three flood risk management studies in Whiteville's Waccamaw River Basin, Fayetteville's Cross Creek Watershed, and the Town of Topsail Beach, allowing the Corps to evaluate solutions to reduce flooding and better protect surrounding communities.\n\nEnhances Water Quality: Supports a water supply and ecosystem restoration feasibility study of the Cape Fear River in Cumberland County to identify new opportunities for regional water supply while removing hazardous substances from the water supply and strengthening the long-term health of the river.\n\nStrengthens White Lake Infrastructure: Authorizes $40 million for water, wastewater, stormwater, and other environmental infrastructure improvements to improve the community's long-term resilience.\n\nThe legislation also supports economic growth by improving Corps operations and increasing collaboration with non-federal partners on maintenance dredging projects. To accelerate project delivery at a lower cost, WRDA 2026 requires the Corps to provide regular project updates to Congress, allowing lawmakers and the Corps to identify solutions that keep projects on track. Together, these reforms will help deliver projects faster and support the American economy.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-introduces-illegal-alien-patient-reporting-act", "title": "Rep. Roy Introduces Illegal Alien Patient Reporting Act", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "roy.house.gov", "scraper": "roy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000614", "name": "Chip Roy", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) introduced the Illegal Alien Patient Reporting Act, legislation requiring hospitals that receive federal health care funding to ask patients, or their representatives, to indicate on admission or registration forms whether the patient is a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, present in the United States on a valid visa, or lawfully present in the country.\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\nRead the exclusive story from Breitbart here.\n\n\"For years, Americans have watched overcrowded emergency rooms, rising healthcare costs, and strained hospital resources while being kept in the dark about the potential billions of taxpayer dollars spent on healthcare for those who are in the country illegally. That lack of accountability is unacceptable and absurd. The Illegal Alien Patient Reporting Act delivers the transparency and accountability Americans deserve by ensuring hospitals report the extent to which illegal aliens are adding to the fiscal burden of our healthcare system,” said Rep. Roy.\n\n\"The Immigration Accountability Project stands fully behind Congressman Roy's Illegal Alien Patient Reporting Act. By requiring hospitals to track and report the immigration status of patients, we can finally pull back the curtain on the massive costs of uncompensated care for illegal aliens. It is time for accountability in our healthcare system,” said Grant Newman, Director of Government Relations, Immigration Accountability Project.\n\n“The Biden administration embraced mass migration and allowed millions of illegal aliens into our country, leading medical expenses for illegal aliens and their families to spike to over $40 billion annually. The Illegal Alien Patient Reporting Act is a crucial step in providing transparency, showing the true cost of illegal immigration to American taxpayers, and holding illegal aliens accountable. FAIR applauds Congressman Roy for introducing this important bill to ensure our laws are upheld and that American citizens come first,” said Joe Chatham, Director of Government Relations, Federation for American Immigration Reform.\n\n“For decades, Washington has hidden the health care cost of illegal immigration and handed American taxpayers the bill. Florida finally asked the question and found taxpayers paid $566 million in one year. Nationally, the cost is already estimated at least $21 billion, and that may be the floor.\n\n“Congressman Roy’s bill does not touch patient care. It simply requires hospitals taking federal dollars to report the data taxpayers deserve to see. If Democrats and their sanctuary allies really believe illegal aliens ‘pay their way,’ they should have no problem proving it.\n\n“NICE fully supports the Illegal Alien Patient Reporting Act and urges every member serious about fiscal accountability and immigration enforcement to cosponsor it. Congressman Roy has been one of the strongest immigration enforcement lawmakers ever to serve in Congress. Hill Country sent him to Washington to fight, and he damn well did. He will keep fighting in his next chapter, and we will be right there with him,” said RJ Hauman, President, National Immigration Center for Enforcement.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/scalise-we-will-not-let-communism-prevail", "title": "Scalise: We Will Not Let Communism Prevail", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "scalise.house.gov", "scraper": "scalise", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001176", "name": "Steve Scalise", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), and Rep. Carlos Giménez (R-Fla.) to warn about the growing embrace of communist ideology among a new generation of Democratic candidates, highlight the real-world consequences of communism, and reaffirm House Republicans' commitment to defending American freedom.\n\nImage\n\nClick here or the image above to view Leader Scalise's full remarks.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-scholten-demands-answers-death-airman-first-class-keon-mcdaniel", "title": "Congresswoman Scholten Demands Answers on the Death of Airman First Class Keon McDaniel of Grand Rapids", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "scholten.house.gov", "scraper": "scholten", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001221", "name": "Hillary J. Scholten", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) led a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding answers on the June 16th death of Airman First Class Keon McDaniel of Grand Rapids. Airman McDaniel died during the influenza outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas following the Department of Defense’s April 2026 decision to make the annual influenza vaccine voluntary for servicemembers.\n\nCongresswoman Scholten was joined by Reps. Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), whose district includes Lackland Air Force Base, Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee's Military Personnel Subcommittee, Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), and Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI-08).\n\n“When tragedies like this occur, the American people and the Congress that represents them deserve immediate transparency and accountability,” the Representatives wrote in part. “We urge the Department to ensure that Airman McDaniel’s family receives timely and direct answers to any questions they may have about the circumstances of his death before any additional findings or information are made public. Keon’s family has already made the greatest sacrifice. They deserve to hear the truth directly from the Department, delivered with compassion and respect.”\n\nThe outbreak spread to hundreds of other recruits, and the Department has since reinstated the influenza vaccine requirement.\n\n“While the DoD made the right decision to reinstate the influenza vaccine requirement for new recruits, this outbreak at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland underscores the importance of science- based decision-making guided by medical professionals when making public health decisions affecting our servicemembers. Politicizing the administration of lifesaving vaccines has led to the death of a servicemember, the hospitalization of numerous trainees, and an expensive race to retroactively provide our servicemembers the health care they need and deserve,” the Representatives continued.\n\nThe full copy of the letter with the Representatives’ questions can be found here.\n\nOn July 2, Congresswoman Scholten made an initial statement on the tragedy, and today, she spoke on the House floor to honor Keon’s life and service, followed by a chamber-wide moment of silence.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://sheribiggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sheri-biggs-improving-travel-military-members-act-passes-house", "title": "Congresswoman Sheri Biggs’ Improving Travel for Military Members Act Passes the House", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sheribiggs.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sheribiggs.house.gov", "scraper": "sheribiggs", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001325", "name": "Sheri Biggs", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Sheri Biggs (R-SC-03) announced that her Improving Travel for Military Members Act passed the House with unanimous consent, advancing legislation designed to make airport travel easier for active-duty service members and their families through dedicated TSA screening lanes at airports.\n\nMore than 1.3 million Americans currently serve on active duty, many of whom travel under deployment orders, PCS moves, or emergency assignments with little notice. Nearly 889,000 children are part of active-duty military families, making airport travel one more challenge for families already carrying the burdens of military life.\n\n“Our service members and their families already sacrifice through deployments, long separations, and constant moves. Making travel easier is one practical way we can honor their service and show them the respect they more than deserve,” said Congresswoman Biggs.\n\nThe Improving Travel for Military Members Act establishes a pilot program at a minimum of five airports to implement priority TSA screening procedures for active-duty military personnel and accompanying family members, with preference given to airports located near large military installations.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/brown-celebrates-major-chips-and-science-act-award-160-million-accelerate", "title": "Brown Celebrates Major CHIPS and Science Act Award of up to $160 Million to Accelerate Northeast Ohio Manufacturing", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "shontelbrown.house.gov", "scraper": "shontelbrown", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001313", "name": "Shontel M. Brown", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) today celebrated the National Science Foundation's selection of the Northeast Ohio Strengthening Manufacturing for American Resilience through Technology (NEO-SMART), a consortium led by Case Western Reserve University, as one of the nation's NSF Regional Innovation Engines. The award makes NEO-SMART eligible for up to $160 million in federal investment over the next decade, beginning with an initial $15 million over the first two years.\n\nThe NSF Regional Innovation Engines program was established through the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (NSF summary here), which Congresswoman Brown proudly voted for. This legislation, signed into law by President Biden, was designed to strengthen America's innovation economy, expand domestic manufacturing, and ensure the United States remains globally competitive. The Regional Innovation Engine program supports the establishment of translation accelerators and test beds, invests in workforce development and training, and invests in programs to provide entrepreneurial training.\n\n“NEO-SMART’s award is exactly what the CHIPS and Science Act was intended to deliver: investments that strengthen American manufacturing, create good-paying jobs, and drive innovation in places like Northeast Ohio,” said Congresswoman Brown. “This grant is a huge win for Northeast Ohio: this critical investment reinforces that Northeast Ohio has the talent, institutions, and industrial base to lead the next generation of American manufacturing. I'm proud to have supported both the CHIPS and Science Act and the NEO-SMART application, and I look forward to seeing this investment create new opportunities for workers, businesses, and communities across our region.”\n\nAnchored by Case Western Reserve University, the NEO-SMART Engine brings together more than 70 partners across industry, higher education, economic development, government, philanthropy, and nonprofit organizations to transform groundbreaking materials research into commercial manufacturing and new businesses. Over its full ten-year vision, the Engine aims to train 12,000 workers, accelerate commercialization of cutting-edge materials technologies, and establish Northeast Ohio as the nation's premier hub for sustainable advanced materials manufacturing.\n\nNEO-SMART was named one of 15 finalists for the competitive NSF Engines program in September of last year.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402030", "title": "Rep. Simpson Supports Making Daylight Savings Time Permanent", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON— Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of H.R. 139, the Sunshine Protection Act, a bipartisan bill that would make Daylight Savings Time permanent year-round and end the twice-annual clock change. This legislation is sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL).\n\n“Every Idahoan I’ve spoken to dreads the seasonal time change,” said Rep. Simpson. “Over the years, it has become increasingly clear that making this change will benefit farmers, outdoor recreationists, employers, and even public safety. The vast majority of Americans support locking the clock, and the Sunshine Protection Act is a common-sense reform.”\n\nThis legislation allows states to opt out of permanent daylight saving time in favor of permanent standard time if opt-out legislation is passed through their respective state legislatures. States can do so right up until the bill’s enactment.\n\nThe measure was approved with a vote of 308-117.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-smucker-introduces-legislation-modernize-vaccine-injury-compensation", "title": "Rep. Smucker Introduces Legislation to Modernize Vaccine Injury Compensation Program", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "smucker.house.gov", "scraper": "smucker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001199", "name": "Lloyd Smucker", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, introduced the Vaccine Injury Compensation Modernization Act, legislation to modernize the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) by including COVID-19 vaccine related claims, improving access to compensation, and streamlining program administration to increase transparency and efficiency.\n\n“Vaccines remain an important public health tool, but when rare vaccine-related injuries occur, Americans deserve a compensation system that is fair, transparent, and efficient,”said Rep. Smucker (PA-11). “Our legislation strengthens the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program while bringing COVID-19 vaccine claims into the program, so they are handled under the same fair and efficient process as other vaccine injury claims.\"\n\n“Vaccines save lives and are an essential public health tool. In the rarest of instances when a related injury is suffered, compensation for medical bills and related losses should be prompt and reasonable,” said Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37). “But that has not been happening because of extended delays, outdated compensation caps, and failure to include coverage for COVID-19 vaccines. By making much-needed improvements to assure a prompt and fair response to vaccine-related injuries, this legislation will bolster consumer confidence and help combat misinformation.”\n\nCurrently, COVID-19 vaccine claims are processed through the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP), which generally involves longer processing times and fewer procedural protections. The legislation would transfer pending COVID-19 vaccine claims to the VICP, while modernizing the program to improve transparency, reduce delays, and strengthen procedures to ensure a fair and efficient compensation process.\n\nThis legislation is co-led by Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37). A previous version of the bill was introduced by Reps. Lloyd Smucker and Lloyd Doggett during the 117th Congress.\n\nThe Vaccine Injury Compensation Modernization Act would:", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://stanton.house.gov/2026/7/stanton-leads-arizona-democratic-delegation-in-demanding-answers-on-measles-outbreak-in-ice-detention-centers", "title": "Stanton Leads Arizona Democratic Delegation in Demanding Answers on Measles Outbreak in ICE Detention Centers", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "stanton.house.gov", "scraper": "stanton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001211", "name": "Greg Stanton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04), alongside Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego and U.S. Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) and Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director David Venturella demanding answers regarding the ongoing measles outbreak that has infected at least seven detainees between the Florence Service Processing Center and Central Arizona Florence Correctional Center.\n\n“Given the highly contagious nature of measles and the increased risk of transmission in congregate detention settings, this development raises serious questions about the adequacy of ICE's infection prevention and containment measures,” the lawmakers write.\n\nThis is the second reported measles outbreak at a detention facility in Florence this year and in 2016, an outbreak at an ICE detention center in Pinal County saw more than 30 cases among detainees and nine staff members, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers demand that more be done to prevent future outbreaks, emphasizing that DHS has a responsibility to protect facility communities from unnecessary exposure. The lawmakers request detailed information by July 20, 2026, on the Department's response to the outbreak, including:\n\nThe steps being taken to contain the current outbreak and prevent further transmission;\n\nThe findings and recommendations from ICE's after-action review following the January 2026 outbreak;\n\nInfection prevention and control measures currently in place at both facilities;\n\nMedical care and isolation protocols for individuals diagnosed with or exposed to measles;\n\nAnd the Department's plans to prevent future outbreaks of infectious disease in ICE detention facilities.\n\nThe letter is available HERE", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-introduces-birthright-claim-act-following-calls-for-congressional-action-from-president-trump-justice-kavanaugh/", "title": "Rep. Steube Introduces Birthright CLAIM Act Following Calls for Congressional Action from President Trump, Justice Kavanaugh", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "domain": "steube.house.gov", "scraper": "steube", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001214", "name": "W. Gregory Steube", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Steube Introduces Birthright CLAIM Act Following Calls for Congressional Action from President Trump, Justice Kavanaugh\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today introduced the Birthright Citizenship Limits for Aliens and Illegal Migrants (CLAIM) Act, legislation to clarify federal law governing birthright citizenship after President Donald Trump called on Congress to act and Justice Brett Kavanaugh emphasized that Congress, not the courts, is responsible for addressing the issue through legislation. This bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), and Ralph Norman (R-S.C.).\n\n“For too long, Congress has ignored its responsibility to address the abuse of our nation’s birthright citizenship laws. President Trump has called on Congress to act, and Justice Kavanaugh made clear that this is a question for the legislative branch, not the courts,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “The Birthright CLAIM Actanswers that call by restoring common-sense limits on birthright citizenship, protecting taxpayers from abuse, closing dangerous loopholes in our immigration laws, and ensuring that American citizenship remains a privilege reserved for those who owe allegiance to the United States.”\n\nThe Birthright CLAIM Act answers those calls by establishing clear statutory standards governing citizenship at birth, closing loopholes that have encouraged abuse of the nation’s immigration system, and reaffirming Congress’s constitutional role in setting federal immigration policy.\n\nOne of the clearest examples of why Congress must act is the growing practice of birth tourism, in which foreign nationals travel to the United States for the purpose of giving birth so their children can obtain U.S. citizenship. Federal investigations have uncovered criminal birth tourism operations that coached clients to deceive immigration officials and obtain taxpayer-funded medical care. A Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee investigation documented cases in which birth tourists paid only a small fraction of their hospital bills, leaving taxpayers to cover tens of thousands of dollars through public healthcare programs.\n\nThe Birthright CLAIM Act would clarify that a person born in the United States is not automatically granted citizenship when neither parent is a U.S. citizen or national and at least one parent is either unlawfully present in the country or present only on a temporary visa. The bill would also require a DNA paternity verification before citizenship may be granted when a child is born to a mother who is unlawfully present and citizenship is claimed solely through the father. The cost of testing would be borne by the parents or legal guardians, not American taxpayers.\n\nIn addition, the legislation would strengthen residency requirements for children born abroad to one U.S. citizen parent and one alien parent by increasing the amount of time the U.S. citizen parent must have been physically present in the United States before citizenship can be transmitted.\n\nThe full text of the Birthright CLAIM Act is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-rep-haley-stevens-growing-cyclosporiasis-outbreak-michigan", "title": "STATEMENT: Rep. Haley Stevens on Growing Cyclosporiasis Outbreak in Michigan", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "stevens.house.gov", "scraper": "stevens", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001215", "name": "Haley M. Stevens", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the growing cyclosporiasis outbreak impacting communities across the state, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement:\n\n\"More than 2,600 Michiganders have gotten sick from a parasite after RFK Jr. halted CDC monitoring for cyclosporiasis.\n\n“Instead of investing in the proven systems that detect and stop outbreaks, Secretary Kennedy has dismantled critical public health safeguards and sidelined the scientists Michiganders count on. His reckless agenda has left our state more vulnerable when we can least afford it.\n\n\"Michigan families deserve leaders who trust science, strengthen public health, and act with urgency—not politicians who dismantle the very systems that keep us safe. I'll keep fighting to hold this administration accountable and make sure Michiganders get the answers and resources they deserve. RFK Jr. must be impeached.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://strong.house.gov/media/press-releases/strong-delivers-house-victory-aviation-security", "title": "Strong Delivers House Victory for Aviation Security", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://strong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "strong.house.gov", "scraper": "strong", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001220", "name": "Dale W. Strong", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8770, the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation led by Representative Dale Strong to ensure passenger security fees are reinvested in aviation and airport security.\n\n“The SAFEGUARDS Act is about restoring accountability and keeping a promise to the American traveling public. Every day, millions of passengers pass through our nation’s airports and pay a security fee with the expectation that those dollars will be used to strengthen aviation security,” said Representative Strong. “As threats continue to evolve, we must continue investing in the technologies and systems our airports need to maintain confidence in the safety of air travel.”\n\nFor years, revenue generated by the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) 9/11 Passenger Security Fee has been diverted away from its original purpose. The $5.60 fee, paid by every passenger on a one-way ticket, was first implemented to fund aviation security improvements and upgrades nationwide. However, since 2014, approximately $15 billion in fee revenue has been redirected to unrelated, non-security purposes.\n\nThe SAFEGUARDS Act restores the fee’s intent by allocating $500 million annually for checked bag explosive detection systems and $250 million for checkpoint technology upgrades, ensuring this revenue goes toward protecting American skies.\n\n“House passage of this legislation helps ensure those resources are directed toward their intended purpose, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get it across the finish line,” Strong continued.\n\nThe SAFEGUARDS Act is supported by a broad coalition of aviation and travel leaders, including the Huntsville International Airport, Airlines for America, American Airlines, U.S. Travel Association, Southwest Airlines, Airport Council International–North America, and the American Association of Airport Executives.\n\nThe legislation passed the House unanimously. It now awaits consideration in the Senate.\n\nAdditional information and quotes of support regarding Representative Strong’s introduction of the SAFEGUARDS Act may be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-subramanyam-stands-neighbors-fighting-golden-mars-routes", "title": "Rep. Subramanyam Stands with Neighbors on Fighting Golden to Mars Routes", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "subramanyam.house.gov", "scraper": "subramanyam", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001230", "name": "Suhas Subramanyam", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) issued the following statement after he was unable to attend the school board’s special meeting on the Golden to Mars transmission line routes due to votes in DC:\n\n“As an Ashburn resident, I absolutely stand with my community against utility companies and data center overreach. I can’t believe we are at this point, and I encourage every level of government to fight back against these incursions on our community. That’s why I support a local data center moratorium and will keep pushing legislation to make the data centers pay to underground their own power.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-leads-community-safety-caucus-in-opposing-trump-administration-power-grab-over-federal-grants", "title": "Rep. Summer Lee Leads Community Safety Caucus in Opposing Trump Administration Power Grab Over Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "summerlee.house.gov", "scraper": "summerlee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000602", "name": "Summer L. Lee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Text of Letter (PDF)\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – JULY 14, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), and Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-1), co-chairs of the Congressional Community Safety Caucus, announced that they led a public comment letter opposing a sweeping Trump administration proposal that would give political leadership greater power to withhold, suspend, alter, or terminate federal grants.\n\nIn a public comment letter submitted to Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers warned that the proposed rule would create dangerous instability for nonprofits, local governments, and other federal grantees—particularly community violence intervention programs that depend on reliable funding, long-term planning, and strong partnerships to prevent violence and save lives.\n\nThe proposed changes would overhaul the Uniform Guidance, the government-wide rules governing federal grants, cooperative agreements, and other financial awards. Among other provisions, the proposal would:\n\nGive political leadership greater authority over federal funding decisions;\n\nMake it easier for agencies to suspend or terminate grants;\n\nAllow grant terms and conditions to be changed after work has already begun;\n\nWeaken protections and appeal options available to organizations facing funding disruptions; and\n\nRestrict certain publication, conference, training, and travel expenses without advance approval.\n\nFor community violence intervention programs, those changes could threaten the stability of the entire violence prevention workforce. Organizations may struggle to retain outreach workers, violence interrupters, hospital responders, case managers, and other trusted frontline professionals if federal support becomes vulnerable to abrupt political interference.\n\nThe restrictions could also make it more difficult for practitioners to participate in training, share research, evaluate programs, and learn from successful violence prevention efforts in other communities.\n\n“The proposed changes pose a significant financial risk and could create instability for federal grantees, including nonprofits, making it more difficult for them to serve their communities,” the lawmakers wrote. “The changes would be particularly damaging for community violence intervention (CVI) programs that depend on stable funding, long-term planning, and cross-sector partnerships.”\n\nThe letter points to falling rates of violence in communities that have made sustained investments in prevention. Baltimore recently reached a historic low in homicides following the implementation of its Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan. Chicago experienced a 21 percent decline in overall violent crime, a 32 percent decline in homicides, and a 37 percent decline in shootings in 2025—progress driven in significant part by community violence intervention programs.\n\n“The reduction in crime across the country is not an accident; instead, it is due to local governments and community leaders investing in and implementing strategies that work, such as CVI programs,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe lawmakers also raised concerns about the administration’s previous cuts to the Department of Justice’s Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative, the primary source of federal funding for CVI programs. Approximately half of the initiative’s funding was cut in April 2025, including $145 million supporting programs, training, and technical assistance and another $8.6 million supporting research and evaluation.\n\nThose cuts forced organizations across the country to reduce services, eliminate staff positions, and, in some cases, close entirely.\n\nThe letter urges OMB to withdraw the proposed Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance in full.\n\nA copy of the letter can be found HERE.\n\nAbout the Community Safety Caucus\n\nThe Congressional Community Safety Caucus advances a multidisciplinary, public-health approach to safety that stops violence and harm before they occur while providing caring and equitable responses to behavioral health and other crises.\n\nThe Caucus recognizes that genuine safety requires much more than just responding after harm has already occurred. It requires sustained investments in housing, health care, education, environmental justice, violence prevention, behavioral health, economic opportunity, and the overall wellbeing of communities.\n\nThrough legislative and appropriations advocacy, research, and educational programming, the Caucus champions evidence-based approaches that prevent violence, break cycles of harm, respond to crises with care, and help every community thrive.\n\nAlongside Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12), the Community Safety Caucus was founded and is co-chaired by Gabe Amo (RI-01), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), and Delia Ramirez (IL-03).\n\nAdditional members of the Caucus include Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Judy Chu (CA-28), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Bobby Scott (VA-03), and Lateefah Simon (CA-12).", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-advances-bipartisan-water-infrastructure-bill-with-key-wins-for-northeast-ohio", "title": "Rep. Sykes Advances Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Bill with Key Wins for Northeast Ohio", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, advanced H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA), bipartisan legislation that invests in water infrastructure projects across the country and includes key priorities for Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.\n\n“Strong water infrastructure is something every community depends on, and I’m proud to have fought for this bipartisan legislation that will help address critical needs in Northeast Ohio,” said Rep. Sykes. “From protecting access to clean water to supporting the infrastructure our communities rely on every day, these investments will help strengthen our region and improve quality of life for the people I represent. I’ll continue working to deliver results that help our communities grow and prepare for the future.”\n\nThe legislation raises the cap on environmental infrastructure projects in Summit County from $25 million to $50 million and in Stark County from $24 million to $49 million. The bill also includes Rep. Sykes’ provision to improve Army Corps of Engineers planning for dredged material management at the Port of Cleveland and incorporates her Water Preservation and Affordability Act, which helps communities access resources and technical assistance to address their water challenges.\n\nThe Water Resources Development Act of 2026 also clarifies the Army Corps’ authority to repair the City of Massillon’s sluice gates and advances efforts to study the impact of data centers on regional water resources.\n\nThe bill now heads to the full House of Representatives for consideration.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-announces-portage-path-behavioral-health-awarded-certified-community-behavioral-health-clinic-grant", "title": "Rep. Sykes Announces Portage Path Behavioral Health Awarded Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Grant", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "AKRON, OH — U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced that Portage Path Behavioral Health received a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) grant award from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The four-year grant will support Portage Path in establishing a CCBHC to expand access to comprehensive, coordinated mental health and substance use disorder care for adults in Summit County.\n\nPortage Path first received the grant in September 2023 and was fully accredited by SAMHSA as a CCBHC in December 2025. The organization will now provide nine core CCBHC services, including 24/7 crisis mental health care through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, outpatient care, case management, peer and family support, primary care screening, psychiatrist rehabilitation, treatment planning, and services for veterans.\n\n“I am proud to congratulate Portage Path Behavioral Health on this significant grant award,\" said Rep. Sykes. “This investment will strengthen access to critical mental health and substance use disorder services for families across Summit County, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on our community.”\n\nPortage Path Behavioral Health President and CEO Tracy D. Yaeger, Ph.D. offered the following statement:\n\n“This grant will allow more adults in Summit County to access the personalized and comprehensive care that they need,” said Dr. Yaeger. “CCBHCs have proved to enhance health and overall quality of life. The care model also helps to reduce mental health hospitalizations, lessen emergency room visits, and decrease homelessness. The lasting impact of this grant will prove to be immeasurable for our community. We look forward to serving the community with this comprehensive, high-quality model of care.”\n\nThe CCBHC model requires clinics to provide 24/7 crisis care, timely outpatient services, and access to a comprehensive range of services with care coordination, while incorporating evidence-based practices informed by community needs assessments. CCBHCs serve anyone seeking mental health or substance use disorder care, regardless of their ability to pay, residence, or age.\n\nFor more than 50 years, Portage Path Behavioral Health has worked to expand access to quality mental health and substance use disorder treatment in Summit County. Portage Path has served as the local call center for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for Summit and Lake Counties since 2022, providing residents with 24/7/365 connection to care and resources.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-opposes-trump-administration-effort-to-politicize-federal-grantmaking-process", "title": "Rep. Sykes Opposes Trump Administration Effort to Politicize Federal Grantmaking Process", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) joined three letters opposing President Trump’s plan to overhaul the federal grantmaking process, warning that the Administration’s proposal would give the White House new authority to steer federal funding based on political priorities rather than merit. The proposed changes could impact more than $1 trillion in federal grantmaking nationwide.\n\nThe proposed rule, Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance, would require discretionary grants to advance the President’s policy priorities and give senior Administration officials a greater role in determining which projects receive federal support. It would also make it easier for the Administration to terminate grants, creating uncertainty for organizations and communities that rely on federal funding.\n\nRep. Sykes joined a letter from House Oversight Democrats opposing the Administration’s efforts to politicize the federal grantmaking process, a letter from the Democratic Women’s Caucus highlighting the impact the proposal could have on programs supporting women and families, and a House Democrats letter urging the Office of Management and Budget to reject changes that would give political considerations greater influence over federal funding decisions.\n\n“This proposal is a direct attack on the independence and integrity of America’s research and grantmaking system,” said Rep. Sykes. “President Trump is trying to give himself the power to decide which ideas are worthy of support based on political loyalty instead of merit. That would put lifesaving research, economic opportunity, and critical community programs at risk while allowing politics to replace expertise in decisions that affect millions of Americans.”\n\nFederal grants support communities throughout Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, helping fund research, local initiatives, and programs that serve residents across the region. Rep. Sykes will continue working to protect a grantmaking process where decisions are based on merit and the value a project brings to communities, not political considerations.\n\nThe Democratic Women’s Caucus letter can be found here.\n\nThe House Oversight Committee Democrats’ letter can be found here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-taylor-leads-resolution-condemning-snap-fraud", "title": "Congressman Taylor Leads Resolution Condemning SNAP Fraud", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "taylor.house.gov", "scraper": "taylor", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000490", "name": "David J. Taylor", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Dave Taylor (OH-02), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Randy Fine (FL-06), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), Tom Barrett (MI-07), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), and Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) introduced a resolution reaffirming the importance of safeguarding the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 for Americans in need.\n\n“For far too long, SNAP fraudsters chasing a quick payday have taken food out of the mouths of vulnerable Americans,\" said Congressman Taylor. “USDA’s initial estimate that at least $3 billion in SNAP funds were lost to fraud, waste, and abuse underscores the urgent need to safeguard taxpayer dollars and strengthen accountability. I will continue working alongside Vice President Vance’s Fraud Task Force, my Republican colleagues, and local leaders to ensure every dollar is accounted for and restore the integrity of SNAP for the sake of Americans who truly depend on it.”\n\nSpecifically, this resolution:\n\nExpresses support for continued efforts by the Trump Administration to identify, prevent, and prosecute waste, fraud, abuse, and improper payments in SNAP;\n\nApplauds the Trump Administration’s efforts to counter SNAP fraudsters and crack down on criminal actors hurting the most vulnerable Americans;\n\nRecognizes the importance of strong program integrity measures to safeguard taxpayer dollars and preserve resources for the most vulnerable Americans;\n\nSupports efforts to improve oversight and transparency within SNAP to ensure the program is working effectively for those eligible; and\n\nAffirms that reducing waste, fraud, and abuse is essential to the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of SNAP.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe largest federal nutrition assistance program in the United States, SNAP was designed primarily to ensure eligible low-income Americans maintain access to food during times of need. In July of 2025, the Trump Administration requested all states report their SNAP data to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure the proper disbursement of funds. However, only 29 states shared their data, while 21 states sued USDA to keep their data hidden.\n\nOf the 29 states that reported their SNAP data, it was revealed that 186,000 deceased individuals were still receiving benefits, over 440,000 recipients used fraudulent Social Security numbers, over 247,000 recipients were claiming benefits in multiple states, and 4,400 individuals who had been marked disqualified were still receiving benefits.\n\nThe full text of this resolution is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://titus.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5917", "title": "Reps. Titus, Doggett Introduce Legislation to Protect Public Art", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://titus.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "titus.house.gov", "scraper": "titus", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000468", "name": "Dina Titus", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today Congressional Arts Caucus members Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) and Congressman Lloyd Doggett (TX-37) introduced their Protecting Resources and Ensuring Stewardship of Enduring Records of Visual Expression (PRESERVE) Act. This legislation would establish a procedure to ensure that publicly commissioned art is protected and preserved during the federal building disposal process.\n\n“Publicly commissioned art should never become collateral damage when federal buildings are sold or otherwise disposed of,” said Rep. Titus. “It is critical that we establish a process to protect these national treasures and ensure the public has full access to the 26,000 works of art exhibited in museums and federal buildings around the country, no matter who sits in the Oval Office. Art commissioned by the federal government is a vital part of our national heritage and deserves to be preserved for future generations.”\n\n“As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, preservation of our Nation’s rich history and culture is essential,” said Rep. Doggett. “Many federal buildings like the Wilbur J. Cohen Building contain precious artworks that provide a visual history of the struggle, opposition, and ultimately of progress across generations of Americans. The PRESERVE Act will protect these treasures, because art is aspiration, and protecting it is how we live up to our own.”\n\nThe PRESERVE Act would require the General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator to convene a committee of experts and implement a plan to preserve any publicly commissioned artwork, including art that was created under New Deal programs, early in the disposal process. GSA would also be required to ensure that the artwork is accessible to the public after the building is disposed of, whether through a term in an outlease agreement or by transferring the property to another public building. Artwork commissioned with taxpayer funding should be publicly accessible.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by Social Security Works, Living New Deal, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Hands Off the Arts, Preservation Action, and Public Art Dialogue.\n\n“The Living New Deal is encouraged that members of the U.S. Congress are seeking to protect the Wilbur J. Cohen Federal Building and its irreplaceable artworks, as well as the other artworks -- more than 26,000 total -- in the U.S. General Services Administration's collection. The GSA is the primary steward of New Deal art, all of which belongs to the American people. The bill that Reps. Dina Titus and Lloyd Doggett are introducing is an honorable celebration of our nation's art and 250th anniversary. As George Washington wrote in 1784, ‘To encourage Literature and the Arts is a duty which every good Citizen owes to his Country,’” said Mary Okin, Assistant Director of Living New Deal.\n\n\"Thank you to Reps. Titus and Doggett for fighting to protect the American artifacts that are the New Deal-era murals in the Wilbur Cohen Building. Besides being priceless irreplaceable masterpieces of American art, the murals are an invaluable part of Social Security's history. Social Security Works enthusiastically endorses the PRESERVE Act, and urges Congress to protect public art by swiftly passing it into law,\" said Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works.\n\n“Hands Off the Arts applauds Congresswoman Titus’s leadership and stands in solidarity with Living New Deal, Social Security Works, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Action, Public Art Dialogue, and all artists, archivists, historians, and arts workers across the country working to preserve and protect priceless public artworks,” said Mallory Miller, Co-founder of Hands Off the Arts.\n\n\"Public Art Dialogue's members include art historians, artists, curators, administrators, educators, architects, landscape architects, and others who understand the power of public art to foster community conversations about our national past, present, and future. PAD is pleased to support the PRESERVE Act, critical legislation which will ensure the survival and preservation of works specifically commissioned for 'we the people.' These historical riches serve not only as visible reminders of the aspirations of past Americans, but also as guideposts for the future enrichment of our national visual landscape,” said Dr. Amy Werbel and Dr. Karen Shelby, Co-Chairs of Public Art Dialogue.\n\nBackground\n\nThrough its Fine Arts Program, GSA maintains one of the oldest and largest public art collections in the United States. The collection includes art that was commissioned under New Deal programs. In 1934, the federal government began loaning or allocating artwork created under New Deal programs to public agencies and nonprofit institutions across the country. When the General Services Administration was established in 1949, it assumed stewardship responsibility for this artwork.\n\nAs the Trump Administration looks to reduce the federal real property footprint, these invaluable pieces of art are at risk. There currently are no guardrails in federal law to protect publicly commissioned artwork during the federal building disposal process. Congress must act to protect this important part of our history before it is too late.\n\nUnder immediate threat is the collection housed inside the Wilbur J. Cohen Building in Washington, DC which has been deemed the “Sistine Chapel of the New Deal.” The Cohen building houses frescoes and murals by Ben Shahn, Philip Guston, Seymour Fogel, and Jenne and Ethel Magafan. Because the frescoes are imbedded in the walls, they cannot simply be taken out of the building or transported to another location. Preserving this work would take careful input and planning from people who have the expertise and historical knowledge necessary to successfully protect it.\n\nDuring the 119th Congress, Rep. Titus has taken the following actions to protect public art:\n\nOn April 14, 2025, Representative Titus led members of the Congressional Arts Caucus to the General Services Administration raising concern that over half of GSA’s Fine Arts Program staff had been put on leave.\n\nOn August 19, 2025, Representative Titus introduced the Fine Arts Protection Act. This bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to survey GSA’s Fine Arts collection and determine its economic value.\n\nOn April 24, 2026, Representative Titus led a letter to President Donald Trump and Acting Chairman for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) William English raising concern that NEH funds were being unlawfully redirected toward the construction of a Triumphal Arch.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://titus.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5918", "title": "Rep. Dina Titus Provisions Included in Water Resources Development Act of 2026", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://titus.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "titus.house.gov", "scraper": "titus", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000468", "name": "Dina Titus", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today finalized the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 to fund the Army Corps of Engineers for the next two years, including provisions proposed by Rep. Dina Titus to strengthen water conservation efforts.\n\n“The prolonged drought and the shrinking Colorado River make it imperative that we think outside the box and use every tool possible to mitigate our water supply crisis,” Congresswoman Titus said. “This legislation strengthens the ability of the Army Corps of Engineers to protect dwindling water supplies. It includes provisions I championed to create an Office of Water Supply, Water Conservation, and Drought Resilience that would promote water conservation and drought resiliency measures at federal water projects such as those to optimize reservoir storage, support aquifer storage and recharge, and institute nature-based solutions in drought-prone areas.”\n\nAnother provision Congresswoman Titus led in the package would direct the Army Corps to consider the impact of data centers on water supply and conservation projects.\n\n“We need to better understand the effects data centers will have on water supplies, particularly in desert areas like Southern Nevada prone to drought,” she said. “Two-thirds of proposed data centers are in drought-prone regions. Communities want transparency about how this influx of data centers will impact their water supply. We need to make sure that federal agencies follow due process and hold public hearings before transferring public lands to data center companies and using up this vital resource.”\n\nThe WRDA 2026 bill also includes provisions championed by Congresswoman Titus to create a pilot program to use natural infrastructure in dryland streams in arid and desert regions.\n\nThis program will be beneficial in Nevada, where 88 percent of streams are ephemeral, including the Amargosa River recently labeled one of America’s most endangered rivers.\n\nOther provisions led by Congresswoman Titus in the legislation are:", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-announces-applications-for-military-service-academies", "title": "Rep. Tokuda Announces Applications for Military Service Academies", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "domain": "tokuda.house.gov", "scraper": "tokuda", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000487", "name": "Jill N. Tokuda", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Honolulu, HI — U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) announced that her office will begin accepting applications on Friday, August 1, 2026, from students in Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District seeking a nomination to one of the United States military service academies. Qualified applicants must submit their complete applications no later than Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. HST.\n\nEvery year, members of Congress, including Rep. Tokuda, are allotted a limited number of nominations for exceptional applicants from their districts seeking appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.\n\n“Every year, I am humbled to nominate students from Hawaiʻi who are ready to serve our country and lead with purpose,” said Rep. Tokuda, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “Our service academies ask a lot of these young people, but Hawaiʻi students know what it means to carry responsibility, care for community, and step up when it matters. I encourage eligible students across Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District to apply.”\n\nTo be considered for a nomination, candidates must reside in Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District, meet the basic eligibility requirements established by the academies, and submit a complete nomination application by Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. HST.\n\nFor more information on eligibility and the application process, visit tokuda.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations or call Rep. Tokuda’s District Office at (808) 746-6220.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3810", "title": "Trahan, Moulton Request Federal Support for Haverhill Sewage Emergency", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "trahan.house.gov", "scraper": "trahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000482", "name": "Lori Trahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) and Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) wrote to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin requesting additional federal support in response to the ongoing Haverhill wastewater emergency.\n\n“As communities across the Commonwealth continue recovering from the recent sewer main failure in Haverhill, it is increasingly clear that local governments, even those acting responsibly and proactively, cannot shoulder the costs of long-term infrastructure modernization without stronger, more reliable federal partnership,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\nollowing intense rainfall last month, a main sewer line in Haverhill broke, resulting in the significant discharge of untreated wastewater into the Merrimack River. Despite state and local efforts, harmful bacteria made its way down the river, impacting communities across the Merrimack Valley and even forcing the temporary closure of multiple North Shore beaches.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers cite the City of Haverhill's aging combined sewer system, which collects both sewage and stormwater runoff into the same network of pipes. During significant precipitation, these systems can become overwhelmed and lead to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) into nearby bodies of water. Haverhill, like many communities along the Merrimack River, has been working for years to complete expensive sewer system upgrades with little to no federal investment.\n\n“For nearly a decade, Haverhill has been working closely with the EPA under a 2016 consent decree that requires substantial upgrades to its sewer system and treatment plant. The City has acted in good faith, investing heavily in planning, engineering, and permitting to overhaul a decades-old system and reduce the risk of pollution and public health crises,” the lawmakers continued.“However, despite the city's long-standing efforts to modernize its aging wastewater infrastructure, the lack of sustained federal investment has left the infrastructure still vulnerable to incidents like this.”\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers requested that the EPA work with Congress to identify long-term federal funding streams for communities replacing aging water infrastructure, including the establishment of rapid-response dollars for emergencies like the one in Haverhill and the restoration of robust grant funding for combined sewer upgrades. They also warned that the administration's Fiscal Year 2027 budget request would cut federal water infrastructure funding by roughly 90 percent, slashing the Clean Water State Revolving Fund from approximately $2.5 billion to just $155 million.\n\n“Underfunding these programs forces communities to defer essential repairs, leaving systems vulnerable to catastrophic public health failures like the one Haverhill just experienced,” the lawmakers concluded. “We urge you to work with our offices to identify long-term federal funding streams to ensure cities like Haverhill are not continually overburdened by the growing costs to replace aging water infrastructure.”\n\nTrahan and Moulton have repeatedly advocated for increased federal funding for combined sewer upgrades. In addition to supporting the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has delivered more than $600 million in federal investments for wastewater improvement projects across the Commonwealth, the lawmakers have also worked to increase funding for the EPA's Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant (OSG) Program. When Trahan first took office in 2019, the grant program was entirely unfunded. Following the lawmakers' efforts, the OSG program saw modest increases year over year, but that growth has stagnated in recent years. Trahan also introduced the bipartisan Stop Sewage Overflow Act to expand and improve the OSG program.\n\nA copy of the letter sent today can be accessed HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3813", "title": "Trahan, Markey, Warren Introduce Legislation to Provide Grants for Local Water Infrastructure Emergencies", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "trahan.house.gov", "scraper": "trahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000482", "name": "Lori Trahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced the Water Emergency and Technical Assistance Act to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize emergency assistance and grants for clean water and drinking water infrastructure.\n\nWhen severe rainstorms in June caused a sewer pipe to break in Haverhill, Massachusetts, millions of gallons of untreated wastewater flowed into the Merrimack River, endangering public safety and resulting in economic losses from beach and fisheries closures. This legislation would provide technical and financial support to water treatment facilities during emergency situations in order to prevent and mitigate threats to public health, such as exposure to contaminants.\n\n“Haverhill showed us what happens when a century-old system fails and the federal government is nowhere to be found. Cities were left to fight sewage flowing into the Merrimack with local dollars and borrowed time,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Our bill fixes that. It puts real federal money on the table the moment an emergency like this hits, so no community has to face it alone.”\n\n“Water system emergencies spell disaster for their communities—they’re expensive, bad for business, and dangerous to public health. Our communities deserve clean water and quick access to support in response to emergency situations that put their health and economies in danger,” said Senators Markey and Warren. “The federal government should be able to provide emergency grants for emergency situations. This legislation would authorize grants for clean water and drinking water, so we can spend more time keeping our communities safe and local businesses open and less time hiking rates and fighting pollution.”\n\nThe Water Emergency and Technical Assistance Act would create a new emergency grant program under the Clean Water Act, funded at $50 million annually, to help communities respond immediately to failures in their wastewater systems, including combined sewer overflows and other critical system failures that threaten public health. The program would also make emergency funding and technical assistance available for other threats to water systems, including cybersecurity breaches that pose a substantial risk to public health. Additionally, the bill would reauthorize and expand the existing emergency grant program for drinking water systems under the Safe Drinking Water Act, increasing annual funding from $35 million to $50 million.\n\nLast month, a main sewer line in Haverhill broke following intense rainfall, discharging untreated wastewater into the Merrimack River, forcing the temporary closure of multiple North Shore beaches, and halting local shellfish operations. The city moved quickly to install an emergency bypass, but it did so with little federal support. Had the bill introduced today been in place, Haverhill could have received federal emergency funds to support its immediate response, including the bypass installation.\n\nThe Water Emergency and Technical Assistance Act builds on Trahan's ongoing efforts to secure federal support for communities along the Merrimack River. Yesterday, she led a request to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin requesting rapid response funding for water emergencies, long-term investment in replacing aging infrastructure, and restored grant funding for combined sewer upgrades. Trahan also introduced the bipartisan Stop Sewage Overflow Act to grow federal investment in combined sewer overflow projects to $500 million annually, and has secured direct community project funding for CSO work in Haverhill, Methuen, and Lowell. Emergency response funding would complement the long-term federal investment needed to complete wastewater system upgrades like the one underway in Haverhill for nearly a decade.\n\nFull text of the can be accessed HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://turner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-turner-advances-safety-social-services-initiative-in-downtown-dayton", "title": "Congressman Turner Advances Safety & Social Services Initiative in Downtown Dayton", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://turner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "turner.house.gov", "scraper": "turner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000463", "name": "Michael R. Turner", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) announced today that a $1 million Community Funding Project advanced out of the House Appropriations Committee to fund improvements to the Gateway Men’s Homeless Shelter. This marks a significant milestone in implementing recommendations developed by the Downtown Dayton Working Group to enhance safety and quality of life in the downtown area.\n\n“Last year, at the request of downtown community and business leaders, we established the Downtown Dayton Working Group, with the goal of identifying practical, community-driven solutions to address public safety challenges in downtown Dayton. This community project funding is a direct result of this group's work and addresses a clear need within our community,” Congressman Turner said.\n\nFollowing months of collaboration among our business leaders, nonprofit organizations, law enforcement, and local officials, the Working Group issued a series of recommendations aimed at making downtown safer, stronger, and more welcoming.\n\nThe Working Group identified four areas of concern: safety, social services, intergovernmental coordination, and economic development. The Working Group made real progress on tackling these areas of concern, including the recent establishment of a dedicated police force to monitor the RTA hub.\n\nThe Working Group additionally recommended increasing shelter capacity, enhancing coordination among services providers, and investing in facilities that better meet the needs of those seeking assistance. This includes the creation of an engagement unit for men in need of shelter, a medical unit for men that are not yet able to be in the general public space due to health issues, and a transitional housing portion for men working and moving toward permanent housing.\n\nThis $1 million will be a major step in our effort to realize those ambitions. The new funding will support the transformation of the Gateway Men’s Homeless Shelter into a comprehensive continuum of care campus, advance the Working Group’s recommendations to strengthen resources for Dayton’s homeless population, while improving public safety and the overall health of downtown Dayton.\n\n“This funding is welcome news for Dayton and for the men who rely on Gateway for shelter and support,\" said Dayton Mayor Shenise Turner-Sloss. \"The City of Dayton is committed to reimagining Gateway as a true model of continuum of care, and this investment helps move that vision forward. These federal dollars will help support our most vulnerable residents, and I want to thank our state and federal partners for their commitment to providing these resources. I also want to thank Homefull for their bold vision and leadership to reimagine Gateway. The funds will help improve the quality of life at Gateway and provide dignity for those who rely on the shelter,\" added Mayor Turner-Sloss.\n\nDayton City Manager, Shelley Dickstein, added that \"What makes the Gateway Men’s Shelter Renovation project stand out is the transformative design that co-locates the emergency shelter, transitional housing, medical bay, and day services on a single campus. We are grateful to Congressman Turner for securing this funding and the support in coordinating investment for the unhoused population as it addresses the whole person: health, stability, and community reintegration.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-introduces-two-bills-strengthen-va-security-and-support-retired", "title": "Van Orden Introduces Two Bills to Strengthen VA Security and Support Retired Federal Working Dogs", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vanorden.house.gov", "scraper": "vanorden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000135", "name": "Derrick Van Orden", "party": "Republican", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden introduced two bills to strengthen security at VA facilities and support retired federal working dogs.\n\nThe VA Police Security Enhancement Act would strengthen security at VA facilities by expanding the definition of VA property under federal law, authorizing VA police officers to carry out broader security responsibilities, allowing limited off-property operations when necessary, encouraging coordination with state and local law enforcement through memoranda of understanding, modernizing facility security measures, increasing congressional oversight, and establishing a dedicated account to support VA police staffing, training, and security infrastructure.\n\n“Our veterans have earned the very best care and support our nation can provide. That starts with ensuring the facilities they rely on are secure, and that the hardworking VA police officers have the tools necessary to protect them,” said Van Orden.\n\nThe K-9 Hero Act of 2026 would establish a federal grant program to help nonprofit organizations cover veterinary expenses for retired federal working dogs that served alongside America’s military members, law enforcement officers, and homeland security personnel.\n\n\"Federal working dogs have been an invaluable part of missions that protect our country and keep Americans safe. This legislation ensures the organizations caring for these retired heroes have the support necessary to provide them with proper medical care,” Van Orden added.\n\nVan Orden is a 26-year Navy SEAL veteran and a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, where he continues to advocate for veterans and their families.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-gabe-vasquez-speaks-out-against-latest-wave-ice-killings", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Speaks Out Against Latest Wave of ICE Killings", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vasquez.house.gov", "scraper": "vasquez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000136", "name": "Gabe Vasquez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 14, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) took to the House floor to condemn ICE’s latest wave of violence, which has claimed two lives on American streets in the past week alone. In the speech, he honored the memory of Lorenzo Salgado, a hardworking father of three who was killed by ICE agents in Houston last week, as well as Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and a young man from Maine whose identity has not been disclosed by authorities — all of whom lost their lives at the hands of the government.\n\n“We were told this was about dangerous, violent criminals. Trump's immigration enforcement has made everyone unsafe — Latinos for the way we look, and any American who dares to stand with them,” said Vasquez. “Lorenzo cried out, ‘¡Me están matando!’ — they are killing me. The ‘they’ were ICE agents. The ‘they’ was paid by YOUR tax dollars. The ‘they’ answers ONLY to this Administration — it does not answer to the people. Later today, many in this chamber will have the privilege of going home to dinner with their loved ones. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo should have had it too.”\n\nWATCH THE FULL CLIP HERE", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-opposes-omb-push-politicize-federal-grantmaking-inflict-chaos", "title": "Rep. Gabe Vasquez Opposes OMB Push to Politicize Federal Grantmaking, Inflict Chaos on New Mexico Institutions", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vasquez.house.gov", "scraper": "vasquez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000136", "name": "Gabe Vasquez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) recently opposed an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rule proposal that would inflict chaos on New Mexico institutions and grant the executive branch more unchecked power over federal spending activities. The proposed rule is being spearheaded by Russell Vought, the author of Project 2025 who now heads the agency that manages the country's budget.\n\nThe rule would have major impacts on over $1 trillion in annual federal grantmaking and could harm local governments, Tribes, universities, nonprofits, school districts, healthcare organizations, small businesses, research institutes, and other organizations across New Mexico that rely on federal grants to serve their communities. Many of these grant recipients were already hit by funding freezes and uncertainty as a result of reckless actions and cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and this rule would amplify that ongoing uncertainty.\n\nThe OMB Uniform Guidance serves as the federal government’s core rulebook for grantmaking, shaping everything from how nonprofits recover costs to how agencies design and administer grant programs. Under the current rules, grant applicants must already meet numerous standards and oversight requirements, and awards are based on merit and metrics meant to ensure fairness. The proposed changes would give individual agencies and their political leaders sweeping discretion, creating uncertainty and inconsistency for the nonprofits and community organizations that rely on stable federal partnerships to deliver essential services.\n\nSpecifically, OMB’s proposed rule would:\n\nPoliticize federal grantmaking by giving senior political appointees greater control over discretionary awards while weakening the role of independent, merit-based peer review.\n\nAllow administrations to abruptly cancel existing grants based on shifting “agency priorities” or the broadly defined “national interest,” creating uncertainty for communities, researchers, workers, and contractors relying on federal commitments.\n\nUndermine Congress’s power of the purse by giving the executive branch expansive discretion to redirect or terminate funding that Congress approved for specific public purposes.\n\nThreaten critical services and constitutional rights by tying funding to vague ideological conditions and putting healthcare, education, scientific research, public safety, and economic development projects at risk.\n\nCreate costly new red tape and delays through expanded E-Verify requirements, payment-eligibility screening, and written justifications for individual payment requests — burdens that would hit small nonprofits, rural providers, Tribal governments, and community organizations hardest.\n\nOn July 10, Rep. Vasquez and 126 other members of Congress sent a letter to OMB Director Russell Vought outlining their concerns with the proposed rule, reiterating how it would impact their constituents, and demanding that the rule be withdrawn.\n\nIn the letter, Vasquez and other lawmakers noted, “This proposal would represent the most sweeping and destructive transformation of the federal financial assistance system in modern history and would subordinate nonpartisan, merit-based grantmaking to political control, exposing the entire framework to serious constitutional challenge. With more than $1 trillion in annual Federal awards at stake, the consequences would be felt by every state, federally recognized tribe, city, county, research university, hospital, and countless nonprofits, community organizations, and private firms that deliver critical scientific studies and essential public services.”\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-wrda-priorities-advance-house-floor-0", "title": "WESTERMAN WRDA PRIORITIES ADVANCE TO THE HOUSE FLOOR", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "westerman.house.gov", "scraper": "westerman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000821", "name": "Bruce Westerman", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a markup to advance the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026. Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement:\n\n“As a water-rich state, Arkansas depends heavily on the passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA),” says Congressman Bruce Westerman. “In my capacity as a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I had the privilege of securing several maintenance and development provisions to expedite repairs for the Dardanelle Lock and Dam, strengthen efficiency requirements for the MKARNS, improve flood control, and maintain recreational access during projects on Arkansas’ parks, lakes, trails, and waterways. I’m grateful for Chairmen Graves and Collins’ dedicated work to ensure we receive needed investments to continue improving our nation’s inland waterways and water resources infrastructure.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 is biennial, bipartisan legislation that supports the viability, effectiveness, and conservation of waterways for commercial and recreational use.\n\nWesterman secured the following policy priorities in the 2026 WRDA:\n\nExpedited repairs and study completion for the Dardanelle Lock & Dam\n\nEnsures slope stabilization and recontouring to prioritize efficiency while keeping what is best for the surrounding environment in mind. This will protect navigation, prevent shutdown risks, and safeguard economic activity along the Arkansas River.\n\nStrengthening the McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS)\n\nIncreased efficiency requirements for inland waterway project management within the Corps.\n\nEnhanced dredging coordination and beneficial use policies improving sediment management in navigable waterways.\n\nPolicies improving contracting efficiency that accelerate navigation construction and maintenance.\n\nLower Mississippi River Comprehensive Management Study\n\nArkansas directly benefits from a basin wide plan to improve flood control, navigation reliability, sediment management, and long-term river system resilience.\n\nSupports eastern Arkansas farmers, industries, and communities vulnerable to repeat Mississippi River flooding.\n\nRecreational Access Requirements\n\nAny Corps project affecting parks, lakes, trails, or waterways in Arkansas must:\n\n- Maintain recreational access\n\n- Provide alternatives during construction\n\nUpdates to national flood risk policy\n\nRequire nonstructural solutions to be evaluated equally, benefiting rural Arkansas communities.\n\nImprove levee certifications and safety assessments.\n\nStreamline real estate requirements for maintaining levees.\n\nArkansas counties with levee districts (e.g., along the Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers) benefit from faster approvals and clearer standards.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=410869", "title": "Womack Cosponsored Bill to Protect 2nd Amendment Privacy Passes House", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://womack.house.gov/news", "domain": "womack.house.gov", "scraper": "womack", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000809", "name": "Steve Womack", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 14, 2026…Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) voted in support of H.R. 1181, the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act. He is an original cosponsor of the bill, which prohibits credit card companies and other entities from implementing Merchant Category Codes that distinguish a firearms retailer from general merchandise or sporting goods retailers.\n\nCongressman Womack said, “The right to bear arms is a fundamental freedom for every law-abiding American. The use of Merchant Category Codes to unconstitutionally track firearm purchases remains a radical, left-wing endeavor by anti-Second Amendment activists. I am proud to build on the work of Arkansas Governor Sanders at the federal level to protect the financial privacy and Second Amendment rights of all Americans.”\n\nBackground:\n\nCredit card companies and other financial institutions use Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) to organize businesses by the types of goods or services purchased. These MCCS are set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).\n\nIn 2022, the ISO created a new code specifically for gun retailers. This policy has raised concerns that specific firearm MCCs can be used to track law-abiding Americans exercising their constitutional rights.\n\nSince the creation of this code, states like California and New York have mandated the use of MCCs for firearm retailers while several other states have banned the use, including Arkansas.\n\nThe bill text is available HERE.\n\nCongressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.\n\nwomack.house.gov\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/alsobrooks-joins-epw-committee-leadership-in-introducing-the-water-resources-development-act-of-2026/", "title": "ALSOBROOKS JOINS EPW COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP IN INTRODUCING THE WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2026", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.alsobrooks.senate.gov", "scraper": "alsobrooks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000382", "name": "Angela D. Alsobrooks", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "July 14, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, joined U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the EPW Committee, Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the EPW Committee, Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Chairman of the EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the EPW Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee in introducing the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA 2026).\n\nThe Water Resources Development Act is biennial legislation that authorizes flood risk management, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). WRDA 2026 also reauthorizes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drinking water and wastewater infrastructure programs, including the State Revolving Funds (SRFs).\n\nSenator Alsobrooks is proud of the real results for Maryland included in this legislation:\n\nEnvironmental Infrastructure Implementation\n\nAmends Section 219, which authorizes the Army Corps to assist non-federal partners with local environmental infrastructure and water-related projects, to allow non-federal interests to lead design and construction and receive reimbursement for the federal share of costs, which will streamline implementation and lower costs.\n\nPotomac River Basin Water Supply Study\n\nMuch of Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Washington, DC, and parts of Northern Virginia rely on the Potomac River for drinking water. If the river were contaminated by a chemical spill, major infrastructure failure, or other emergency, there is only a limited amount of stored treated water available. The Army Corps has noted that some systems have only 24 to 48 hours of supply if the Potomac became unusable. This study will evaluate long-term and large-scale secondary water supply options in the Potomac River Basin, primarily for Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and DC.\n\nAssateague Island Shoreline Restoration\n\nAssateague Island has been eroding at an accelerated rate and is extremely vulnerable to breaching. This bill authorizes a study to extend federal participation in the shoreline restoration project.\n\nChesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program Authorization Increase\n\nThe Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program focuses on the restoration and rehabilitation of reef habitat to provide for self-sustaining native oyster populations and associated fish and wildlife habitat within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The program is roughly $38M away from its authorized cap of $120M. The bill increases authorized funds for the oyster recovery program from $120,000,000 to $150,000,000, allowing for critical oyster recovery work to continue.\n\nChesapeake & Ohio Canal Re-Watering Cost Share Adjustment\n\nUnder previous WRDA authorities, the federal government is responsible for 65 percent of project costs, and the City of Cumberland is responsible for 35 percent of the project costs. This high cost ratio is overly burdensome for Cumberland’s budget, and work is currently halted for the project. The cost share for the C&O re-watering project is adjusted from 65-35 to 90-10, allowing the Corps and Cumberland to begin to move forward with the project. The project will restore and rewater the historic C&O Canal terminus, supporting downtown revitalization, tourism, and economic development while complementing Cumberland’s broader flood risk management efforts.\n\nMussel Restoration Authorization\n\nAdds mussels to the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program, allowing Maryland to continue its mussel restoration work.\n\n“As Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, I am so proud of this bipartisan effort and the commitment we’ve had to advancing this critical legislation. I’m especially proud to have fought for provisions that deliver real results for Maryland—from increasing the federal cost share for the Cumberland flood risk management project to extending federal participation in the Assateague Island Shoreline Restoration and authorizing a funding increase for the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program. We’re working together to modernize our infrastructure, protect our habitats, accomplish our environmental goals, and support communities across the country and Maryland. That is worth celebrating,” said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n“The Army Corps of Engineers conducts essential work to modernize water resources infrastructure, manage risk from floods and coastal storms, and improve navigation along our waterways and at Ports. This work protects lives and property, and bolsters our economy. As Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I am proud to have led this bipartisan effort in crafting WRDA 2026, which will provide the Army Corps with the resources it needs to continue its critical work nationwide. WRDA 2026 will also help provide West Virginia with vital funds to address our water infrastructure needs. This bill includes key wins for West Virginia and all fifty states. I hope to see it move forward with strong bipartisan support during Wednesday’s business meeting,” said Chairman Capito.\n\n“Our markup to advance this significant package of legislation demonstrates a bipartisan commitment to maintaining and upgrading the nation’s water infrastructure. The Ocean State stands to benefit much from this bill, which supports investments in safe drinking water and wastewater systems as well as flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and navigation,” said Ranking Member Whitehouse.\n\n“Under both Republican and Democrat leadership, members of the Environment and Public Works Committee have worked together to pass a bipartisan Water Resources Development Act every two years through regular order. This year’s WRDA is a testament to the continued cooperation of the committee, especially the leadership of Chairman Capito and Ranking Member Whitehouse. The bill delivers wins for communities across North Dakota and the nation by authorizing critical water infrastructure programs, advancing efforts to streamline project delivery, and pursuing key regulatory reforms. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this done,” said Senator Cramer.\n\n“Our bipartisan legislation will provide critical resources to address water supply, conservation and development, advance resilient water infrastructure, and deliver clean drinking water to millions of Americans. In California, these investments will lower rising water bills, provide necessary flood protection, and modernize aging infrastructure to ensure reliable access to safe drinking water,” said Senator Schiff.\n\nThe bill text is availablehere.\n\nA section-by-section overview of the bill is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/alsobrooks-to-vote-no-on-advancing-2027-ndaa/", "title": "ALSOBROOKS TO VOTE NO ON ADVANCING 2027 NDAA", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.alsobrooks.senate.gov", "scraper": "alsobrooks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000382", "name": "Angela D. Alsobrooks", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "July 14, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) released the following statement ahead of voting “No” on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act.\n\n“Maryland is home to thousands of servicemembers, veterans, and civilians who work every day to protect our nation’s national security. I am proud of the wins I secured in this legislation for them and their service to this nation. However, I cannot overlook that this bill authorizes over $1 trillion, which will continue to enable this President to take America deeper into a war with Iran that Congress has voted in a bipartisan and bicameral way to end. This war continues to rage on against the will of Congress and the American People. It remains clear this President has no plan to get us out of this war. All the while, hardworking Americans are paying for it at the gas pump and at their grocery stores.\n\n“I am voting no on the National Defense Authorization Act today. War is always paid for by hardworking Americans. We cannot afford this.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-blasts-trump-administration-for-denying-wisconsin-disaster-aid-again-backs-evers-appeal", "title": "Baldwin Blasts Trump Administration for Denying Wisconsin Disaster Aid Again, Backs Evers’ Appeal", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released a statement following the Trump Administration’s decision to deny federal Public Assistance funding to help Wisconsin communities recover and build back from severe storms and flooding in April. The denial comes as President Donald Trump rejected similar disaster aid for Wisconsin in 2025 after severe flooding, fitting into the trend of Democratic-run states being refused disaster aid at a record rate. The Trump Administration has denied disaster aid for states with Democratic governors at the highest rate in the 47-year history of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).\n\nThe Trump Administration denied Wisconsin’s application for Public Assistance for Bayfield, Manitowoc, Marathon, and Racine Counties. Public Assistance funding can be used for local communities to cover the costs for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and rebuilding public infrastructure. Additionally, the Administration denied Wisconsin’s application for statewide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding to develop hazard mitigation plans and rebuild in ways that reduce future disaster losses in its communities.\n\n“Extreme weather doesn’t see party lines, and neither should our response to help communities rebuild and recover,” said Senator Baldwin. “Those April storms just battered communities across Wisconsin, and the truth is, they need the tax dollars they sent to the federal government to recover and get back on their feet. Instead of working in lockstep with Wisconsin families, businesses, and local officials, the Trump Administration is leaving us out to dry in what I can only call politics at its worst. This trend of the President doling out disaster aid to the states run by his political friends, but blocking it for states who he sees as his foes, is un-American and has to stop. I fully support Governor Evers’ appeal of this decision and will continue to work to get Wisconsinites what they need to rebuild and recover.”\n\nIn April, communities across Wisconsin experienced heavy rainfall and severe weather, causing rivers to flood their banks and destroy homes and businesses alike. Formal preliminary damage assessments conducted by joint teams that included FEMA, WEM, and local officials validated more than $20 million in eligible disaster costs. Following the storms, Senator Baldwin called on the Trump Administration to act and support Wisconsin’s request for federal resources so communities could recover.\n\nThis announcement comes as President Trump and his administration have still failed to justify their denial of federal Public Assistance to help communities respond to and recover from similar severe weather and flooding that occurred across the state in August 2025, causing nearly $27 million in damages to roads, public buildings, utilities, and community infrastructure. After the Trump Administration denied Wisconsin’s request for assistance to rebuild public infrastructure, Baldwin called on her Republican colleagues to join her in supporting Governor Evers’ appeal.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/banks-secures-ai-overwatch-act-in-senate-ndaa/", "title": "Banks Secures AI OVERWATCH Act in Senate NDAA", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) secured the inclusion of his AI OVERWATCH Act in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), ensuring that the chips powering the next generation of artificial intelligence strengthen American innovation and national security.\n\nThe AI OVERWATCH Act codifies President Trump’s restrictions on exports of the most advanced AI Chips to foreign adversaries.\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “We are in an AI race with the Chinese Communist Party that’s powered by the advanced chips, and the winner will determine the future of global military superiority. I’m leading the AI OVERWATCH Act to reinforce President Trump’s policy and ensure continued American AI dominance.”\n\nKey Provisions of the AI OVERWATCH Act:\n\nAffirms President Trump’s policy to prohibit exports of the most advanced AI chips to countries of concern and extends it for 18 months, ensuring America’s most powerful AI technology does not strengthen America’s adversaries.\n\nRequires the Commerce Department to certify to Congress that exports of advanced AI chips will not undermine U.S. supply or divert global foundry capacity, violate existing end user or use controls, or facilitate remote access by unauthorized parties before approving export licenses for less advanced AI chips.\n\nRequires the Commerce Department to issue licenses before advanced AI chips can be exported, reexported, or transferred to countries of concern, prohibiting blanket approvals for exports.\n\nDirects the Commerce Department to develop an American Artificial Intelligence Victory Strategy outlining a whole-of-government plan to win the AI race against Communist China.\n\nBackground:\n\nLast year, Senator Jim Banks’ GAIN AI Act passed the Senate. This America-first proposal ensured advanced AI chips are made available to American companies before they can be exported to China or other foreign adversaries. The core principles of GAIN AI were incorporated into the Trump Administration’s H200 Rule, published in January 2026.\n\nThe AI OVERWATCH Act builds on those efforts by codifying the Trump Administration’s current export controls on advanced AI chips contained in the H200 rule.\n\nFull bill text can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-the-ingraham-angle-on-fox-news/", "title": "ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins The Ingraham Angle on Fox News", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined the Ingraham Angle alongside Byron York on Fox News Channel to discuss the impact and legacy of the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC).\n\nClick the image above for full discussion.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “He was such a legend, one of a kind… he actually cared, he was actually passionate about President Trump and pushing the Trump agenda and getting things done…There are too many of the old timers in Washington who don’t care enough, who aren’t as passionate as Lindsey Graham was. We need more of that passion, now more than ever, and I’m going to miss that of Lindsey Graham.”\n\n“We need to keep the Majority in the House; you can’t have a short-time vacancy in the House, but now the President has called for, and the Governor has chosen, Lindsey Graham’s sister to take his place for the rest of the year. South Carolina voters can choose the best and most pro-Trump long-term Senator to take Senator Graham’s place for the next 6 years. That’s what Lindsey would want: is someone to replace him for a full term who is fighting for President Trump, for the Trump agenda, for the things we all said we were going to do when we got here. That’s what Lindsey Graham would want, but I know he is very proud that his sister, who he loves dearly is going to take his place in the meantime.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-applauds-l3harris-contract-to-strengthen-americas-missile-defense/", "title": "Sen. Banks Applauds L3Harris Contract to Strengthen America’s Missile Defense", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) applauded L3Harris Technologies’ selection by the U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency (SDA) to produce 18 Accelerated Missile Defense Tranche 3 (AMDT3) satellites supporting President Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense initiative.\n\nThe satellites will be manufactured in part at L3Harris’ expanded space manufacturing facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, supporting Hoosier jobs while strengthening America’s ability to detect and track advanced hypersonic and ballistic missile threats.\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “L3Harris’ continued work in Indiana will deliver the next generation of space-based tracking capabilities that we need to protect the homeland and stay ahead of our adversaries. This is exactly the kind of industrial investment that strengthens deterrence.”\n\nThe AMDT3 satellites are equipped with advanced infrared sensors capable of providing fire-control-quality tracking data to defend against emerging missile threats. The award builds on L3Harris’ previous work supporting the Missile Defense Agency’s Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) program and the Space Development Agency’s Tracking Layer. L3Harris recently expanded its space manufacturing operations in Fort Wayne, positioning Indiana at the forefront of America’s growing defense industrial base. The company will begin manufacturing immediately following the award.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency awarded L3Harris a contract to build 18 Accelerated Missile Defense Tranche 3 satellites.\n\nThe satellites will support President Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense initiative by improving the nation’s ability to detect and track advanced hypersonic and ballistic missile threats.\n\nThe satellites are manufactured at the L3Harris facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and assembled in Palm Bay, Florida.\n\nL3Harris currently has more than 70 missile-tracking and missile-defense satellites under contract across multiple Space Development Agency and Missile Defense Agency programs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-supports-omb-rule-to-prevent-funding-of-illegal-and-unconstitutional-programs/", "title": "Sen. Banks Supports OMB Rule to Prevent Funding of Illegal and Unconstitutional Programs", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) led a bicameral comment letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought supporting the administration’s proposed rule updating federal funds disbursement to better ensure taxpayer dollars are spent in accordance with the Constitution and federal law.\n\nThe proposed rule would work to prevent federal funds from supporting organizations and programs that engage in unlawful racial discrimination, promote radical gender ideology in violation of federal law, or aid illegal immigrants in evading immigration enforcement.\n\n34 members of Congress signed the comment letter.\n\nOMB will consider the comment letter alongside other public comments as it considers the final rule.\n\nRead the full letter here or below:\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nThank you for your work through the Office of Management and Budget to root out waste, fraud, and abuse and ensure that Americans’ tax dollars align with federal law. We write in strong support of the proposed Rule to update Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations overseeing Federal Financial Assistance.\n\nFederal financial assistance funds a vast swath of American life. Each year, the federal government distributes trillions of dollars in grants and financial assistance. This assistance goes to institutions—colleges, litigation groups, nonprofits, and private businesses—that form Americans and shape the law. Many of these institutions rely on federal assistance: most non-profit organizations receive government funding, and an estimated 35,000 nonprofits receive a majority of their funding from the federal government.\n\nIt is vital that recipients of government assistance comply with federal law. As members of the United States Congress, we have an interest in ensuring that federal funds do not flow to projects or recipients that violate laws passed by our institution—or constitutional provisions passed by Congress and ratified by the States. And as representatives of the American people, we have an interest in stopping these funds from advancing peripheral and experimental ideologies that seek to destabilize the American project and harm the American people.\n\nFor years, taxpayer dollars have supported unlawful activities. Countless federal funds have gone to organizations that engage in racial discrimination. From colleges that engage in race-based admissions to non-profits that provide race-exclusive scholarships and private businesses that operate career advancement programs only for members of certain races, recipients of federal aid have repeatedly promoted unequal treatment based on race. In previous administrations, unequal treatment has even been a condition of government assistance. Neither the United States Constitution nor Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 tolerate such activities. These authorities, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race by government entities and federal fund recipients, do not “permit any distinctions of law based on race or color.” The Constitution is color-blind; anyone who receives federal funding should be, too.\n\nAnother area where federal funds have enabled violations of federal law is radical gender\n\nideology. The Supreme Court has repeatedly and consistently characterized sex as biological and has held that “[p]hysical differences between men and women are” “enduring.” Equal protection under the Constitution requires honor for men and women as different in biology and equal in citizenship. The same philosophy animates Title IX, which provides for sex-separated sports and private spaces in schools in order to advance equal opportunity for both sexes. Despite clear constitutional and statutory guidance, K-12 schools and institutions of higher education have damaged women’s safety, dignity, and opportunities to excel by letting men compete in their sports and enter their private spaces. Often, they have been aided and abetted by non-profit advocacy groups that seek to force institutions to abrogate their duties.\n\nAid recipients also use gender identity to facilitate the chemical and surgical mutilation of\n\nchildren. These procedures cause irreversible damage to healthy young children. They also have frequently been promoted, advertised, and carried out by institutions that made deceptive claims about their dangers. And both medical procedures and so-called “social transitions” have been attempted behind the backs of parents, violating parents’ right to raise children in accord with their biological sex.\n\nFinally, government assistance has been used to exploit federal immigration law. Progressive groups across the country have long opposed immigration enforcement. The Biden administration funded a network of over 200 non-governmental organizations that facilitated the entrance of millions of illegal aliens in the United States. These groups used taxpayer dollars to supply illegal aliens with cash, housing assistance, and travel services. Some groups coach illegal border-crossers on making fraudulent claims and help them register to vote illegally. And anti-ICE groups around the country have trained protestors to physically assault law enforcement officers and unlawfully remove illegal aliens from ICE custody.\n\nOMB has clear legal authority to deny federal funding in support of these projects. Congress and the executive branch can make “value judgment[s]” about the allocation of public funds, and “selectively fund” only those programs “[they] believe[] to be in the public interest.” This is especially true when the federal government declines to subsidize illegal and unconstitutional activity. It would be an abuse of discretion for agencies to spend money on programs that “Congress’ expressed intent” is to forbid or discourage. Congress has expressed no intent to fund discrimination, to sponsor the mutilation of children and elimination of women’s sports, or to support groups that believe the United States should not have a border.\n\nAs federal officers, we all take an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. We commend\n\nOMB for seeking to ensure that all assistance disbursed by the federal government aligns with the Constitution and with federal law. The American people deserve no less.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-applauds-doi-for-returning-management-of-grizzly-bears-to-the-west/", "title": "Barrasso Applauds DOI for Returning Management of Grizzly Bears to the West", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/", "domain": "www.barrasso.senate.gov", "scraper": "barrasso", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001261", "name": "John Barrasso", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) applauded the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) for rolling back harmful Biden-era midnight regulations that prevented Wyoming and other states from independently managing grizzly bear populations.\n\nIf finalized, the proposed rule would give states more flexibility to manage grizzly bears while preserving protections under the Endangered Species Act.\n\nSenator Barrasso issued the following statement on DOI’s proposed rule:\n\n“It’s time for Wyoming – not Washington – to be in charge of managing grizzly bears. Today’s action by the Trump administration puts power back into the hands of states and local communities who understand the situation and the science the best.\n\n“The evidence is clear. The grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem are thriving and do not need protection under the Endangered Species Act. In Wyoming, we’ve invested more than $50 million in this effort. We have a strong and proven track record of science-based management and have played a leading role in this successful recovery. I am proud to work with Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Director of Fish and Wildlife Services Brian Nesvik to ensure Wyoming can continue to properly manage these bears to a healthy population.”\n\nSenator Barrasso recently met with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik in Washington, D.C.\n\nBackground on the 4(d) Rule:\n\nOn January 8, 2025, during the last few days of his presidency, President Biden issued a midnight rule keeping the Greater Yellowstone and the Northern Continental Divide grizzly bear on the Endangered Species List, despite state petitions from Wyoming and Montana.\n\nToday, the Trump administration U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a draft revision of the January 2025 4(d) rule. This proposed rule change would give states more flexibility to manage grizzly bears while preserving protections under the Endangered Species Act.\n\nIf finalized, this rule would provide a tiered framework that would allow state wildlife managers to have more flexibility in managing federally listed species. It would also give states the ability to make on-the-ground decisions important to grizzly bear conservation and ensuring human safety.\n\nThe rule would cover all grizzly bears in the lower 48 U.S. states. The DOI will receive public comment on the proposed rule over the next 30 days.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-honors-the-life-and-legacy-of-senator-lindsey-graham/", "title": "Barrasso Honors the Life and Legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/", "domain": "www.barrasso.senate.gov", "scraper": "barrasso", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001261", "name": "John Barrasso", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“The United States Senate will never see anyone quite like Lindsey Graham again. He was a happy warrior. He always put service before himself. And he believed in the Senate as an institution. He continued to shape it throughout his successful and his significant career. He helped make America safer and stronger. And Mr. President, I just join the entire Senate, and his friends and his family, in mourning the loss of our dear friend, Lindsey Graham.”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today delivered remarks honoring the life, legacy, and impact of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).\n\nClick HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.\n\nSen. Barrasso’s remarks as delivered:\n\n“I rise today to honor my good friend and colleague Lindsey Graham. Our colleague from South Carolina – he led an impactful life. He leaves an impressive legacy. And he left all of us important lessons for life.\n\n“The great cause to which Lindsey Graham devoted his life was the United States of America. That’s what it was. Day One, all the way to the end. Lindsey Graham loved America. He believed that our nation is exceptional, as do so many of us. He believed our nation was worth fighting for. He believed especially in the American people. He fought for the people of his home state of South Carolina and the people of this great country every single day. And he did it with determination. He always believed that America was a nation he needed to fight for every day to make us safer and stronger.\n\n“His life was shaped early on by duty and by love. Tragedy came early. At the age of 21, he lost both of his parents within 15 months. At the time, he began raising his 13-year-old sister Darline. And he made sure that she stayed in school and went on to continue her education in college. He was with her all the way. He later adopted her.\n\n“Lindsey once said that he was most proud of the woman that Darline had become. Now, Darline is going to fill her brother’s seat right here in the United States Senate. And there is nobody better to carry on Lindsey’s legacy than his beloved sister.\n\n“Lindsey was a strong advocate for our military. He joined the Air Force right out of law school, and he served our nation in uniform for 33 years. He remained in the Reserves even while serving in Congress. One year over New Years, Lindsey was serving in Afghanistan, and I went and met him there, and we went and visited the troops from my home state of Wyoming and with his troops from South Carolina. He never let anyone forget how proud he was of our service members and of our country.\n\n“Lindsey’s dad ran a bar in South Carolina. Lindsey talked about it often. He used to say it was good training for his life in politics. Lindsey told me one of the key lessons he learned from his father was this. He said, ‘The key to being a successful bar owner’ in South Carolina or probably anywhere is ‘you have to be funny enough that people will keep coming back. You have to be tough enough so people won’t take over your business.’\n\n“That was Lindsey Graham. He was the funniest man in the United States Senate. His humor – it was like superglue. It brought people together. Kept them together.\n\n“Lindsey and I traveled the world, often to war zones. And when you travel with Lindsey, you visit a lot of tough places around the world. We visited Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine. And we traveled to show our support for the men and women of our military.\n\n“Lindsey and I got to know each other a lot on those long trips. We shared a lot of laughs. I will never forget how much fun it was with Lindsey to sing the lyrics of the old television shows, the ones from the 50s, 60s, and early 70s. Some of his favorites – and he knew all the words: ‘Gilligan’s Island,’ ‘the Beverly Hillbillies,’ ‘the Adams Family,’ ‘Green Acres,’ ‘F-Troop,’ and of course, ‘Car 54, Where Are You?’ We’d sing together, we’d laugh, and these moments will stay with me forever.\n\n“His friendship meant the world to me.\n\n“You know, Lindsey was constantly on the move. He had just returned from Ukraine this past weekend. He was scheduled to be on ‘Meet the Press’ on Sunday morning – in the studio. I think his favorite three places to be were at home in South Carolina, on the golf course with President Trump, and in front of the TV camera for Sunday morning news shows.\n\n“His greatest strength, of course, was his character. In Congress, people are often divided into show horses and workhorses. Lindsey was both! He was a show horse and a workhorse. And he was the best at both.\n\n“As President Trump said on Sunday morning, Lindsey was uncommonly hardworking, energetic, and steadfast. When Lindsey believed in something, he fought for it. And no one was more effective.\n\n“The American people remember his stirring defense of now-Justice Brett Kavanaugh. It was an incredible moment, and his words changed the course of history.\n\n“Lindsey was a true conservative. And he believed also in working across the aisle. He wanted to tackle our nation’s most pressing challenges. And he knew in many ways you had to do that in a bipartisan way. He believed in the Reagan approach. If you can’t get the whole loaf at once, take it a slice at a time. That’s how the Senate’s supposed to work.\n\n“Lindsey chaired some of the most powerful committees in this chamber. As the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he led the second fastest confirmation of a Supreme Court Justice of all time – Amy Coney Barrett. When this Congress began in 2025, he became the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. He made clear that he would carry out the agenda that the American people had voted just voted for in November of 2024.\n\n“He guided the Senate through some of the toughest battles we’ve ever had. The Working Families Tax Cuts law and the Secure America Act are a direct result of Lindsey Graham’s leadership.\n\n“As Whip, my job is to count the votes, and I could always count on Lindsey to help when the votes were close. The Senate has taken 135 votes on hostile amendments from the Democrats in the last year and a half. They were trying to undermine the Republican agenda. Thanks to Lindsey’s persistence and his help, we did not lose a single one.\n\n“Lindsey truly was a force of nature here in the Senate. From the cloakroom to the committee room to the campaign trail, he brimmed with ideas and with energy. That’s what makes his passing and the timing of it so tragic. He was at the peak of his influence and impact. He still had so much more to do and to give.\n\n“The United States Senate will never see anyone quite like Lindsey Graham again. He was a happy warrior. He always put service before himself. And he believed in the Senate as an institution. He continued to shape it throughout his successful and his significant career. He helped make America stronger and safer. And Mr. President, I just join the entire Senate, and his friends and his family in mourning the loss of our dear friend, Lindsey Graham.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/07/14/bennet-statement-on-trumps-executive-order-shrinking-grand-staircase-escalante-and-bears-ears-national-monument/", "title": "Bennet Statement on Trump’s Executive Order Shrinking Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monument", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released a statement following President Donald Trump’s executive order to shrink Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments:\n\n“Once again, the President has demonstrated his disregard for the wishes of Tribal coalitions, western leaders, and the American people by removing protections for two crown jewels of our public lands. The ancestral lands and cultural sites at Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments are sacred to the Tribes of the Four Corners area – including the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Indian Tribes in Colorado. Today’s actions are another broken promise to the Tribes who have lived in this region since time immemorial and to the next generation of Americans, who are relying on us to protect these irreplaceable landscapes. I will fight this effort every step of the way.”\n\nFor a decade, Bennet has fought to protect the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments and include Tribal voices in management decisions for these landscapes. In March 2026, Bennet condemned Congressional Republicans’ effort to overturn the Bureau of Land Management’s Resource Management Plan for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. In October 2021, Bennet joined then-Chairman Manuel Heart of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, among other Tribal leaders, at the White House for former President Joe Biden’s proclamation signing to restore Bears Ears National Monument. In July 2021, Bennet wrote to then-U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland urging her to meet with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe to hear directly about Tribal members’ priorities and to support their request to restore the size of Bears Ears National Monument.\n\nIn January 2018, Bennet and other senators introduced the America’s Natural Treasures of Immeasurable Quality Unite, Inspire, and Together Improve the Economies of States (ANTIQUITIES) Act of 2018 in response to the Trump Administration’s unprecedented attacks on national monuments. The legislation reinforces that only Congress has the authority to reduce the size of a national monument. In December 2017, Bennet denounced Trump’s decision to shrink Bears Ears. In 2016, Bennet applauded former President Obama’s national monument proclamation for Bears Ears, which is home to ancestral lands and cultural sites that are sacred to the region, including to the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Indian Tribes of Colorado, both of whom strongly supported this designation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/07/14/bennet-welcomes-5-8-million-to-colorado-for-weatherization-assistance/", "title": "Bennet Welcomes $5.8 Million to Colorado for Weatherization Assistance", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet welcomed $5.8 million in Department of Energy (DOE) grants for the Weatherization Assistance Program. In May, Bennet joined Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Susan Collins (R-M.E.), and 17 of their Senate colleagues in a letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright requesting that there be no delay in this funding.\n\n“For many Colorado families struggling with high energy costs, the Weatherization Assistance Program helps keep utility bills affordable by ensuring their homes are prepared for Colorado’s weather. This funding will boost residential energy efficiency across the state, improve energy security, and save hundreds of dollars for Colorado families,” said Bennet. “I am glad to see this funding go to Colorado and look forward to its implementation.”\n\nFamilies receiving Weatherization Assistance Program funding save an average of $372 on their annual utility bills. The program helps eligible households reduce energy costs while improving the safety and efficiency of their homes, making it especially important as utility costs continue to rise and Colorado experiences more frequent extreme weather.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-and-jayapal-introduce-redact-act-to-protect-epstein-survivors-and-strengthen-accountability-for-doj-privacy-violations", "title": "Booker and Jayapal Introduce REDACT Act to Protect Epstein Survivors and Strengthen Accountability for DOJ Privacy Violations", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Today, standing alongside Epstein survivors, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07) introduced legislation designed to safeguard survivors whose personal information was improperly disclosed during the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) release of records related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and prosecution. The Recovery, Enforcement, and Damages to Assure Confidential Treatment (REDACT) Act,would establish clear accountability for the DOJ and reinforce protections against future breaches of personally identifiable information.\n\nOn November 19, 2025, the Epstein Files Transparency Act was signed into law, requiring the DOJ to publicly release all unclassified records related to the Epstein investigation within 30 days. The law required the DOJ to protect survivors’ identities by redacting their personally identifiable information from any published documents. The DOJ failed to meet this obligation. Instead, the Department released tens of thousands of records containing unredacted personal information belonging to nearly 100 survivors, including an email that identified 31 child victims with only a single redaction. As of February 2026, DOJ has been forced to retract approximately 9,500 documents containing survivor information. These disclosures subjected survivors to harassment, traumatization, and threats to their personal safety.\n\nYou can watch the full press conference here.\n\nThe REDACT Act would amend the Epstein Files Transparency Act to allow survivors to hold the DOJ accountable for these privacy violations and seek compensation for harm resulting from the unlawful disclosure of their personal information.\n\n“No survivor should have to relive unimaginable trauma because the federal government failed to protect their privacy,” said Booker.“I’ve heard directly from survivors about what this recklessness has cost them — harassment, traumatization, threats to their safety. Survivors deserve to be made whole, and I will keep fighting to hold the DOJ accountable and stand up for the people it was supposed to protect. If legislation is what it takes to force the DOJ to meet its obligations, then Congress has a duty to act and pass this bill.”\n\n“The Epstein Survivors have fought for years to get justice and reveal the powerful predators in Jeffrey Epstein’s orbit. Their fight for justice was met by an incredibly incompetent DOJ that released their private information, while protecting abusers. Because of this, they have faced serious retraumatization and harassment. Our legislation will get the survivors the accountability they deserve from a DOJ that has failed them, ” said Jayapal.\n\n“The rule of law means little if the government is free to violate the rights of the very people the law was written to protect. Survivors should never bear the cost of the Department of Justice's failures, nor should they be left without a remedy when those failures cause profound and lasting harm. The REDACT Act affirms a principle that should never have been in doubt: victims' rights do not end where government negligence begins, ” said Liz Stein, Epstein Survivor.\n\nThe REDACT Act would specifically authorize survivors to:\n\nSeek a court order requiring DOJ to remove unredacted personal information from public records;\n\nRecover statutory or compensatory damages, including the greater of $50,000 or proven damages such as emotional distress; and\n\nRecover reasonable attorney’s fees and litigation costs.\n\nTo read a one-pager on the bill, click here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/quick-clip-ahead-of-blanche-hearing-booker-highlights-how-trumps-personal-lawyer-is-opposed-by-chorus-of-people-across-the-political-spectrum", "title": "QUICK CLIP: Ahead of Blanche Hearing, Booker Highlights How “Trump’s Personal Lawyer” is “Opposed By Chorus of People Across the Political Spectrum”", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's confirmation hearing this week, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined CNN to discuss the upcoming hearing and why “Trump’s personal lawyer” is unfit to be attorney general.\n\nBooker: \"Todd Blanche has been called out by people across the political spectrum for being unfit for this job, for violating his oath to the Constitution, and for acting like Trump's personal lawyer and not in any way like he is fit or qualified to be the highest law enforcement officer in the land.”\n\nBooker: “Will any Republican listen to the chorus of people across the political spectrum that are coming out against him, from independent judges to literally 1,200 alumni of the DOJ? These are people on both sides of the political aisle, people who were appointed by Republican and Democratic presidents, calling out his corruption and unfit nature for this job.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=39B92E8F-6BF6-47AA-BBEE-2DDE6824AEDF", "title": "Cleburne County Teen Serves as Senate Page", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.boozman.senate.gov", "scraper": "boozman", "member": null, "text": "Senate Page Oran Wright and Senator John Boozman in his office on Capitol Hill.\n\nWASHINGTON—Quitman High School student Oran Wright spent part of his summer navigating the corridors of Congress as a U.S. Senate Page. The rising senior from Quitman joined several dozen high school students from across the country in this prestigious program, gaining a firsthand look at the legislative process.\n\nWright and his fellow Pages reported to the Senate chamber one hour before the body convened each weekday to help prepare for the day’s proceedings. Their duties included distributing materials to senators’ desks, assisting staff in the cloakroom and supporting operations on the Senate floor. While the Senate was in session, Wright sat near the dais, ready to aid members delivering remarks or casting votes.\n\n“Serving as a U.S. Senate Page was an incredible experience, and I am so thankful to Senator Boozman, his office and everyone who supported me along the way. Having the opportunity to witness the legislative process firsthand and work in our nation's capital was truly unforgettable. I will carry the lessons and experiences from this summer with me as I pursue my future goals” Wright said.\n\nWright earned his appointment from Senator John Boozman (R-AR), who has long promoted the program for Arkansas youth.\n\n“Oran played an important role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the Senate while observing legislative processes and procedures firsthand. I am confident serving as a Page will build on his leadership abilities and inspire him to continue pursuing opportunities in public service. Arkansans can be proud of the way he represented our state in this distinguished program,” Boozman said.\n\nWright is an active member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Beta Club, Future Farmers of America (FFA), Education Accelerated by Service and Technology (EAST), HOSA – Future Health Professionals and the Quitman High School band. He serves as president of his school's FBLA chapter and previously participated in Senator Boozman’s Congressional Youth Cabinet. Outside the classroom, he is involved in 4-H.\n\nWhile in Washington, he went to a Washington Nationals baseball game and toured several monuments and memorials.\n\nHe is the son of Lance and Skye Wright.\n\nThe Senate Page program started in 1829 when Senator Daniel Webster appointed the first Senate Page. Today, the program is a unique, highly selective opportunity for high school juniors with a strong academic standing to learn firsthand about the institution often referred to as “the world’s greatest deliberative body.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wtas-senator-britts-appropriations-leadership-delivers-again-for-alabama-41-2-million-appropriations-win-helps-complete-new-advanced-individual-training-complex-at-fort-rucker/", "title": "WTAS: Senator Britt’s Appropriations Leadership Delivers Again for Alabama, $41.2 Million Appropriations Win Helps Complete New Advanced Individual Training Complex at Fort Rucker", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt’s (R-Ala.) leadership on the Senate Appropriations Committee led to the opening of the brand-new PFC Garfield M. Langhorn Training Complex on Fort Rucker. Thanks in part to the $41.2 million she secured in Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations, Fort Rucker last week held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new barracks facility that will train and house over 300 Soldiers going through advanced individual training (AIT) on the base.\n\nHere is what they are saying about Senator Britt’s role in Fort Rucker’s new facility:\n\nCity of Enterprise Mayor William E. Cooper:\n\n“On behalf of the City of Enterprise and the entire Wiregrass region, I want to express our sincere appreciation to Senator Katie Britt for her steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to Fort Rucker, Army Aviation, and the men and women who serve our nation. For too long, many in our region felt that South Alabama and the Wiregrass did not receive the same level of federal attention or investment as larger metropolitan areas elsewhere in our state. Senator Britt has helped change that narrative.\n\n“Fort Rucker is much more than a military installation—it is the home of Army Aviation, the fifth-largest employer in Alabama, and an economic engine generating more than $9 billion annually for our state. More importantly, it is where America’s Army aviators are trained to defend our nation, and where thousands of soldiers and military families call home.\n\n“Senator Britt understands that investing in Army Aviation is investing in our national security. Her leadership has helped ensure that Fort Rucker remains the premier location for training the world’s finest military aviators while strengthening the communities that proudly support them. Our soldiers and their families deserve nothing less than the very best, and Senator Britt has been a true champion in making certain they receive the attention and investment they have earned. We are grateful for her partnership and her continued commitment to the future of Army Aviation, Fort Rucker, and the Wiregrass.”\n\nCity of Daleville Mayor Jayme Stayton:\n\n“Fort Rucker is more than our neighbor—it is part of who we are. The soldiers, civilian workforce, retirees, and military families who call the Wiregrass home strengthen our schools, businesses, churches, and communities every single day. As Mayor of Daleville, I have seen firsthand the tremendous impact Army Aviation has on our quality of life and our local economy.\n\n“That is why we are grateful for Senator Katie Britt’s strong advocacy on behalf of Fort Rucker and Army Aviation. She recognizes that maintaining America’s dominance in military aviation requires continued investment in the installation, its infrastructure, and the communities that support its mission. Her leadership sends a clear message that the men and women who train here—and the families who stand beside them—matter to Alabama and matter to our nation.\n\n“The Wiregrass has always answered the call to support our military. It’s encouraging to have a United States Senator who is equally committed to supporting us. We appreciate Senator Britt for being a consistent champion for Fort Rucker, for the future of Army Aviation, and for ensuring that this region continues to play a vital role in America’s national defense.”\n\nCity of Ozark Mayor Charles R. Ward:\n\n“Senator Katie Britt has been a true friend to Ozark, the Wiregrass, and Fort Rucker. We are thankful for the strong support she continues to show our Soldiers, military families, and the people of Southeast Alabama. Her commitment to our military community, economic growth, and the success of our region has made a real difference. We truly appreciate all she does for our community and our state.”\n\nCity of Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba:\n\n“On behalf of the citizens of Dothan, the Wiregrass region, and in partnership with our neighboring communities, I want to express my gratitude to our entire federal delegation for their dedicated service to Alabama and to our nation. Every day, they represent us in Washington, D.C., drawing upon their unique experiences and perspectives to serve the people of our state.\n\n“While every member of our delegation is committed to strengthening Alabama and supporting our military installations, today—as we officially cut the ribbon on the PFC Garfield M. Langhorn AIT Complex—I want to offer special recognition to Senator Katie Britt. Her vision, leadership, and determination guided this project through the appropriations process and helped secure the funding necessary to bring it to fruition.\n\n“Senator Britt is not only an Alabama native but also a friend and steadfast advocate for the Wiregrass and Fort Rucker. Her commitment demonstrates that continued investment in Army Aviation ensures the next generation of Army aviators will continue to train, excel, and uphold the proud tradition of being ‘Above the Best.’\n\n“The Wiregrass would not be what it is today without the men and women who pass through the gates of Fort Rucker each day. From the soldiers training to defend our nation to the civilian workforce that equips and supports them, these dedicated individuals are the reason Fort Rucker remains the cornerstone of our region and a source of pride for the entire Wiregrass.\n\n“The investments Senator Britt secured in the Fiscal Year 2024 funding package—and her continued commitment to supporting Fort Rucker in the years since—help ensure that the Home of Army Aviation remains at the forefront of military readiness and continues to play a vital role in the defense of our nation for generations to come.”\n\nTown of Pinckard Mayor Bobby Borland:\n\n“On behalf of the Town of Pinckard, Mayor Bobby Borland, and the entire Wiregrass region, we extend our sincere appreciation to Katie Britt for her steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to the continued success of Fort Rucker.\n\n“Senator Britt has been a strong advocate for the soldiers, military families, civilian workforce, and surrounding communities that make Fort Rucker an essential part of our region and our nation’s defense. Her continued support for the installation and its mission reflects a deep understanding of the vital role Fort Rucker plays in our local economy, our national security, and the quality of life throughout the Wiregrass.\n\n“Mayor Bobby Borland’s connection to Fort Rucker is deeply personal. Having grown up just outside the installation, Fort Rucker has always been more than a neighboring military post—it has been an integral part of his family’s heritage and way of life. His mother, father, and grandfather each dedicated their careers to Fort Rucker before retiring, creating a multigenerational legacy of service that instilled in him a profound respect for the men and women who serve our nation.\n\n“Today, Mayor Borland continues that legacy through his unwavering support of Fort Rucker and its mission. As Mayor of Pinckard, he recognizes the installation as an invaluable economic engine, community partner, and source of pride for southeast Alabama. He also proudly serves on the Board of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), where he actively advocates for the installation, its soldiers, military families, veterans, and the surrounding communities. He has always been willing to step forward in in support of Fort Rucker and work alongside others to ensure its continued success.\n\n“Together, we are grateful for Senator Britt’s leadership, advocacy, and commitment to preserving and strengthening Fort Rucker’s mission. Her partnership with our military communities and the people of the Wiregrass has made a lasting impact, and we thank her for her continued service to Alabama and our nation.”\n\nAL.com: $41 million investment: Ft. Rucker opens new barracks, facility championed by Katie Britt\n\n“Sen. Katie Britt secured $41.2 million in federal funding in a 2024 defense budget for the complex at Fort Rucker, which will be used to house and train more than 300 soldiers going through advanced individual training.\n\n“‘Fort Rucker is special,’ Britt said in remarks Thursday. ‘I’m looking at many men and women who have answered the call.’\n\n“‘I remain committed to ensuring that our war fighter is best trained, equipped, and ready across the planet,’ she said.”\n\nYellowhammer News: Britt celebrates new Fort Rucker barracks completed with $41.2 million she secured: ‘A long time coming’\n\n“The complex represents Fort Rucker’s first new barracks since 1998 and will house approximately 320 soldiers. Britt secured the final $41.2 million needed for construction through the Fiscal Year 2024 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill.\n\n“‘The men and women that serve here are heroes,’ Britt said during the ceremony. ‘They deserve the quality of life and experience that their sacrifice put forth.’\n\n“Britt said the new facility will finally provide aviation soldiers with the modern living conditions they have needed for years.\n\n“‘I know that this is going to modernize the living conditions for aviation soldiers in training, and it’s going to provide them with the facilities they have long awaited,’ she said. ‘Look, this has been a long time coming. I’m grateful to our military leaders and grateful to our communities, and grateful to those who continue to bring attention to this.’”\n\nAlabama Daily News: Fort Rucker opens new barracks bolstered by federal funds\n\n“U.S. Sen. Katie Britt touted how she secured $41.2 million as part of a military construction spending bill to help complete the construction of the complex, which began in 2024.\n\n“‘The men and women… that serve here are heroes,’ Britt, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said in remarks. ‘I know that this is going to modernize the living conditions for aviation soldiers in training, and it’s going to provide them with the facilities they have long awaited.’”\n\nAlabama Political Reporter: Sen. Britt opens new Fort Rucker training complex for soldiers\n\n“Britt said she looked forward to soldiers moving into the barracks and to the continued presence of Army aviation in the Wiregrass.\n\n“‘It is an honor to represent you and work shoulder to shoulder with so many of you here,’ Britt said. ‘God Bless our troops. God Bless our Army. God Bless our Army aviators. And God Bless the United States of America.’\n\n“Britt grew up near Fort Rucker in Enterprise and said she has supported construction, training and operations at the base throughout her time in the Senate.\n\n“Britt secured an additional $28.4 million for Fort Rucker in the fiscal 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The funding includes construction of flight control towers, a medical evacuation support facility and an aircraft maintenance hangar.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/07/14/budd-releases-statement-after-north-carolina-receives-nsf-engines-award/", "title": "Budd Releases Statement After North Carolina Receives NSF Engines Award to Develop Replicable National Model for Grid Modernization", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.budd.senate.gov", "scraper": "budd", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001305", "name": "Ted Budd", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Science, Manufacturing, and Competitiveness, released the following statement after the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced awards to 12 U.S. teams for Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines). As Chairman of the subcommittee with jurisdiction over NSF, Senator Budd successfully advocated for the Carolinas Engine for Grid Modernization proposal, led by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, to accelerate technology development and ensure a secure, resilient American energy grid.\n\n“North Carolina has earned a national reputation as a leader in technological innovation, and I am proud that the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is among the newest recipients of the NSF Engines award. The NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas builds on our state’s strengths by leveraging a highly skilled workforce and world-class research institutions to accelerate innovation, strengthen our energy infrastructure, and support long-term economic growth. The future of the United States depends on a reliable, secure, and resilient electric grid, and North Carolina is leading the way by developing a replicable national model for grid modernization,” said Senator Budd.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe newest NSF Engines awards span critical technologies and applications ranging from enhancing energy grid security to maximizing the yield of critical mineral mining extraction to advancing quantum computing. Each team, led by a coalition of regional organizations, including universities, nonprofits, and private industry, will initially receive an award of $15 million over two years. Teams that demonstrate progress on well-defined milestones will have the potential to eventually receive up to $160 million each from NSF over the next decade as they seek to build an internationally competitive technology and innovation cluster in their region.\n\nNo single region can solve America’s technology challenges alone. NSF Engines are designed as a connected national network, linking complementary regional strengths. Together, they build domestic supply chains, fill capability gaps, and accelerate technology advancement across key sectors and regions.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/07/14/icymi-budd-bills-to-cut-red-tape-are-now-law/", "title": "ICYMI: Budd Bills to Cut Red Tape for Community Banks, Expand Access to Housing Downpayment Assistance Are Now Law", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.budd.senate.gov", "scraper": "budd", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001305", "name": "Ted Budd", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — In case you missed it, two bipartisan pieces of legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) — the TRUST Act and the HOME Expansion Act — are now law, after the legislation’s inclusion in the final version of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which passed the House and Senate.\n\nAbout the TRUST Act, Senator Budd said:\n\n“By allowing community banks to carry out their most important mission—helping capital reach lenders to invest in their future homes and businesses—we will help Main Streets across America thrive. I am grateful to this legislation’s co-lead, Senator Kim, and our colleagues who supported this effort to reduce burdensome regulations so more Americans can access the capital they need to grow their families and keep our local economies strong. While we have more to do to help reform our banking system to help even more Americans achieve their version of the American dream, the TRUST Act’s passage into law is a strong step toward modernizing the lending process.”\n\nAbout the HOME Expansion Act, Senator Budd said:\n\n“First-time homebuyers are often at a disadvantage as they juggle the associated costs of purchasing a home, while still responsible for monthly rent. At a time when demand for homes is increasing, and the available supply is short, I am proud that my HOME Expansion Act is now law so that we can help more families afford their first home by expanding eligibility to existing homebuyer assistance programs.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nIn February, Senator Budd introduced the HOME Expansion Act, legislation to expand and modernize eligibility requirements for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program. These funds currently support the construction of affordable owner-occupied homes, housing rehabilitation, and first-time homebuyer assistance. Now, the law will help more Americans afford homeownership without increasing federal spending, allow more Americans to repair their homes after disasters, and support the construction of new affordable homes.\n\nSenator Budd also introduced the Tailored Regulatory Updates for Supervisory Testing (TRUST) Act with Senators Andy Kim (D-N.J.), John Kennedy (R-La.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.). Now, the law increases the examination threshold for well-managed institutions from $3 billion to $6 billion in total assets to qualify for an extended 18-month exam cycle. This bipartisan reform targets regulatory bottlenecks that subject low-risk community banks to unnecessarily frequent exams by federal banking regulators, diverting resources from serving their communities. Additionally, the TRUST Act instead frees up federal banking regulators to focus on riskier or larger institutions and increases efficiency.\n\nU.S. Representatives Tim Moore (R-N.C.-14) and Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.-15) introduced the companion legislation to the TRUST Act in the House of Representatives.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-celebrates-opening-of-new-boeing-line-for-the-first-time-in-the-history-of-this-company-the-737-line-is-coming-to-everett", "title": "Cantwell Celebrates Opening of New Boeing Line: “For The First Time In The History Of This Company, The 737 Line Is Coming To Everett”", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Celebrates Opening of New Boeing Line: “For The First Time In The History Of This Company, The 737 Line Is Coming To Everett”\n\nBoeing kicks off production of 737 aircraft at its new North Line; North Line investment creates 1,000 new SnoCo jobs, with more to come\n\nEVERETT, WA – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Boeing leaders, elected officials, and aerospace workers on July 10 to celebrate the opening of Boeing’s new North Line.\n\nThe North Line – which employs around 1,000 people, with more to come in the future – produces 737 aircraft, which is Boeing’s most popular airplane in its fleet.\n\n“For the first time in the history of this company, the 737 line is coming to Everett, Washington,” Sen. Cantwell said.\n\n“As somebody who has seen the challenges that we faced in aerospace -- and yes, there have been challenges -- we also know that we have met those challenges,” Sen. Cantwell continued. “We in Puget Sound can get the workforce, train and skill them -- and yes, management is going to listen to the workforce when they have something to say. And we are going to build great products here in Everett.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-applauds-west-virginia-universitys-selection-for-nsf-investment-in-energy-innovation", "title": "Capito Applauds West Virginia University’s Selection for NSF Investment in Energy Innovation", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), applauded the U.S. National Science Foundation’s (NSF) announcement that the Resilient Energy Technology and Infrastructure (RETI) Consortium, which is led by West Virginia University (WVU) in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and more than 60 regional partners, will be one of 12 National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines award recipients.\n\n“I’m incredibly proud of WVU’s leadership in securing the RETI Consortium right here in Appalachia, designed to spur economic opportunities and create good paying jobs through the development of resilient energy and industrial technologies. This was a competitive selection process that I advocated for on WVU’s behalf, and it’s great to see NSF recognize the capabilities that we know exist in our region to power the future of America. West Virginia has long been an energy leader, and this investment will further build on that proud tradition to meet the growing demand for energy solutions and manufacturing that we need. This is just the beginning, and I look forward to working with WVU and our regional partners to make this initiative as successful as possible,” Senator Capito said.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe RETI Consortium will use $321 million in public and private funding to develop the nation’s next leading industrial energy innovation hub in the heart of Appalachia. RETI’s goal is to bring partners together to create a vibrant innovation ecosystem that drives regional economic growth. Senator Capito personally advocated for this investment to NSF, supported meetings with the foundation and WVU on the initiative, and recorded this video greeting ahead of their discussions in Morgantown. More information about the project is available here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-cosponsors-protect-college-sports-act", "title": "Capito Cosponsors Protect College Sports Act", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) cosponsored the Protect College Sports Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.).\n\nThe bill would establish national standards governing NIL, transfers, eligibility, and enforcement. Last month, the Commerce Committee advanced the bill with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of more than two thirds (19-9) in support, propelling its advancement to the Senate floor.\n\n“I am proud to cosponsor the Protect College Sports Act and support this effort to bring structure and stability back to college athletics. This legislation serves as an updated playbook to repair a fractured system by preventing the exploitation of student athletes, holding agents and coaches accountable, providing certainty through needed guardrails, and putting education first. It also includes an amendment I authored to preserve both women’s and Olympic sports’ visibility and media rights, helping these sports continue to grow and inspire the next generation of athletes. With the landscape of college athletics rapidly evolving, I believe we all agree that something needs to be done, and this bill puts those needed steps into action,” Senator Capito said.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSupport for the legislation includes 24 collegiate athletic conferences, 280 colleges and universities across 49 states and Washington, D.C. Additional endorsements for the bill include: the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Hockey League (NHL), the National Basketball Association (NBA), United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), Team USA Athletes’ Commission (Team USA AC), and National Governing Body Council (NGBC). To view the full list of supporters, click here.\n\nEarlier this month, Senator Capito joined WBOY’s Gold and Blue Nation Podcast to discuss the Protect College Sports Act and her support for the legislation. Listen to Senator Capito’s full interview here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-durbin-tillis-kaine-cornyn-king-introduce-bipartisan-proposal-to-initiate-congressional-action-on-social-security/", "title": "CASSIDY, DURBIN, TILLIS, KAINE, CORNYN, KING, ARMSTRONG INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN PROPOSAL TO INITIATE CONGRESSIONAL ACTION ON SOCIAL SECURITY", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "scraper": "cassidy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001075", "name": "Bill Cassidy", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tim Kaine (D-VA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Angus King (I-ME), and Alan Armstrong (R-OK) today introduced a proposal to initiate Congressional action on Social Security. The Protecting Retirement Opportunities and Maintaining Income Security for Everyone (PROMISE) Act follows the release of the Social Security Board of Trustees’ annual report, which found that the Social Security Trust Fund will only be able to cover 78 percent of benefits in 2032—meaning that Americans who rely on the program will have their benefits reduced by 22 percent if Congress does not act.\n\n“Millions of Americans rely on Social Security to live. In 6 years, those families will see a 22% cut to their benefits if Congress doesn’t act. Our plan starts the process of preserving promised benefits for current retirees and the next generation of Americans,” said Dr. Cassidy.\n\n“Here is our chance to agree on a bipartisan process to rescue Social Security this year,” said Senator Durbin. “Our bipartisan proposal opens Congress to debate this issue in a transparent, fair, and bipartisan way. We were elected to solve problems—and there’s no greater problem than the solvency and future of Social Security.”\n\n“Social Security is on an unsustainable path that will lead to dramatic benefit cuts for retirees and growing skepticism among workers paying into a program on the brink of insolvency. With each passing year, the menu of options that preserve benefits and limit tax hikes narrows. The modest reforms Congress contemplated in 2010 would have put Social Security on solid footing for 75 years; today, those same reforms would add less than two years to our current runway,” said Senator Tillis. “I won’t pretend there’s consensus on how we solve this, but the math is unforgiving: the longer Congress waits to act, the fewer good options remain, which is why I am proud to support this legislation.”\n\n“For nearly a century, Social Security has been a lifeline that allows Americans to retire with dignity. Congress should not wait around until the last minute to shore up this critical program and prevent broad-based benefit cuts upon Trust Fund depletion,” said Senator Kaine. “That’s why I’m joining a bipartisan group of my colleagues in introducing legislation that will encourage Congress to roll up its sleeves and find a path forward to ensure current and future generations of retirees and their families are able to receive the benefits they have earned and which they are owed.”\n\n“For years, we’ve known that Social Security faces serious long-term financial challenges, yet Congress has repeatedly chosen to look the other way,” said Senator King. “This legislation creates a bipartisan process to ensure Congress finally does its job. Social Security is a promise millions of Americans have earned through a lifetime of work – household budgets rely on the timely arrival of these earnings to pay for mortgages, heat, and medications. We have a responsibility to preserve that promise for today’s retirees and for generations to come.”\n\n“Americans have paid into Social Security with the expectation that the benefits they earned would provide the foundation for their retirement, and Congress has a responsibility to keep that promise,” said Senator Cornyn. “I’m proud to support this bipartisan plan of action to address Social Security’s rapidly approaching insolvency before it becomes a bigger crisis so Congress is not caught flat-footed and Texans are not left holding the bag.”\n\nMore than 70 million Americans receive Social Security benefits. Social Security is a bedrock promise that hard-working Americans paying into the program will earn their retirement and not have to worry about putting food on their table, a roof over their heads, or medicine in their cabinets. However, last month’s Trustees report means that seniors and people with disabilities would have their benefits reduced by $450 per month (based on the average Social Security benefit of $2,071 per month). If Congress does not act, this automatic across-the-board benefit cut could push more than three million additional seniors and people with disabilities into poverty.\n\nMembers of Congress have introduced several pieces of legislation that would ensure that the Social Security Trust Funds are funded for the next 75 years. Some of these bills have nearly 200 cosponsors, and others are bipartisan and have broad, popular support. However, almost none of them have ever received a vote. Congress should not wait until the Social Security Trust Fund is empty to address this issue when it can act now to protect and strengthen the Social Security Trust Fund for current and future generations.\n\nThe PROMISE Act would create a procedure to initiate Congressional action on Social Security. Specifically, under the Senators’ proposal:\n\nThe Social Security Advisory Board (SSAB), an independent, bipartisan advisory committee established to make recommendations to Congress, would transmit a base bill (which must ensure that the Social Security Trust Funds are funded for at least the next 50 years) to Congress.\n\nThe Majority Leaders of the Senate and House would introduce the base bill. If they do not, any Member of Congress could do so.\n\nThe base bill would be referred to the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways & Means Committee. Both committees would have the chance to hold hearings and amend the base bill.\n\nThe Senate Finance Committee and House Ways & Means Committee would report the base bill (as potentially amended). If the Committees do not report the base bill, it automatically would be discharged and placed on the Senate and House calendars.\n\nThe Majority Leaders of the Senate and House would move to proceed to the base bill (as potentially amended). If the Majority Leaders do not, any Member of Congress could do so.\n\nMembers of Congress could offer substitute amendments (which must ensure that the Social Security Trust Funds are funded for at least the next 50 years) to the base bill (as potentially amended) after the motion to proceed.\n\nThe Senate and House would vote on passage of the base bill (as potentially amended) after 100 hours of consideration. Final passage would require a three-fifths vote in the Senate and a majority vote in the House.\n\nAccording to polling from the Bipartisan Policy Center, 67 percent of those polled want Congress to take near-term action to solve Social Security’s impending challenges.\n\nThe following organizations support the PROMISE Act: Peterson Solutions Fund, Bipartisan Policy Center, Third Way, and Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.\n\n“Peterson Solutions Fund applauds the introduction of the PROMISE Act. Senators Cassidy and Durbin deserve tremendous credit for putting forward bipartisan legislation to secure the long-term solvency of the trust funds. Social Security is critical to the economic and retirement security of millions of Americans. An independent proposal from the experts of the Social Security Advisory Board combined with expedited procedures for its consideration in Congress will provide a once in a generation opportunity to address its looming crisis,” said Brett Loper, Executive Director of Peterson Solutions Fund.\n\n“America’s current and future retirees deserve a Social Security system that is financially strong and able to meet its financial commitments to seniors. With the trust funds nearing insolvency, Congress cannot remain in entrenched partisan positions. BPC Action endorses the PROMISE Act and commends Senators Cassidy (R-LA), Durbin (D-IL), Tillis (R-NC), Kaine (D-VA), and King (I-ME) for creating a serious bipartisan process to break the status quo of inaction. Their leadership should spur other members—and advocates committed to Social Security’s future—to come to the table, confront difficult choices, and help secure Americans’ earned benefits for generations to come,” said Michele Stockwell, President of Bipartisan Policy Center Action.\n\nThe legislation is supported by Romina Boccia of Cato, Jessica Riedl of Brookings, and Chuck Blahous of Mercatus Center.\n\n“For too long, Congress has treated Social Security’s rising shortfall as a future problem for someone else to solve. The program is already paying more in benefits than it collects in dedicated taxes, requiring the Treasury to borrow from the public to finance the gap. Over the long-term, the program’s financing gap compares to the size of the entire publicly held debt, in present value terms. And with automatic benefit cuts only about six years away under current law, further delay guarantees fewer choices, more uncertainty, and greater disruption for American workers and retirees when reform eventually comes. A process that requires Congress to debate and vote on a comprehensive solvency plan is a critical step toward dealing with the shortfall head on. As Cato polling demonstrates, the American people support a Congress willing to put politics aside to confront fiscal reality before a preventable crisis forces far more painful choices,” said Romina Baccia of Cato.\n\n“The longer Congress waits to address Social Security’s looming insolvency, the more expensive and narrow the eventual reforms become. This legislation will help Republicans and Democrats debate and craft a credible, bipartisan solution that keeps Social Security sustainable for decades,” said Jessica Riedl of Brookings.\n\n“Every year that Congress delays action on Social Security, the choices become more difficult and the consequences more severe. Social Security’s trustees have long warned that the program’s payment and revenue schedules need to be brought back into alignment. This bill does not dictate policy outcomes—it creates a mechanism for forward progress, and that’s what is needed more than anything else. The sooner you treat a dangerous condition, the better the patient’s chances for a healthy future. Once lawmakers are engaged in the process, they can bring their different value judgments to the table and hammer out a bipartisan compromise solution. But first, the process needs to start,” said Chuck Blahous, Mercatus Center.\n\nBackground", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine-delegation-calls-for-full-expedited-investigation-into-ice-fatal-shooting-in-maine", "title": "Maine Delegation Calls for Full, Expedited Investigation into ICE Fatal Shooting in Maine", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden are calling for a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in Biddeford. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, the delegation requested an independent review of the incident to ensure a full accounting of the facts and help maintain public confidence in the investigative process.\n\n“We write to formally request that your office conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel that occurred [yesterday/earlier this week] in Biddeford, Maine,” the lawmakers began. “Along with our constituents, we are deeply saddened by this loss of life. The facts surrounding this tragedy remain a matter of significant local concern and necessitate a thorough, objective accounting.”\n\n“Given the gravity of the situation and the understandable anxiety within the Biddeford community, we urge you to prioritize this investigation,” they continued. “Timely and factual answers will be critical to providing closure for the grieving community and ensuring that federal law enforcement operations are conducted safely, lawfully, and in a manner that respects public safety.”\n\nThe complete text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Inspector General Cuffari:\n\nWe write to formally request that your office conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel that occurred yesterday in Biddeford, Maine.\n\nAlong with our constituents, we are deeply saddened by this loss of life. The facts surrounding this tragedy remain a matter of significant local concern and necessitate thorough, objective accounting.\n\nTo ensure public trust, transparency, and accountability, we request that your office include the following key areas in your examination:\n\nThe Sequence of Events: A detailed timeline of the encounter, including the specific actions taken by both the ICE agents and the individual involved prior to the discharge of a firearm.\n\nOperational Protocols: An evaluation of whether the tactics, use, and degree of force utilized adhered strictly to current DHS and ICE use-of-force policies.\n\nRecording and Documentation: Clarification on the availability of audio, dashcam, or body-worn camera footage of the incident, and the status of any evidence preservation.\n\nFurthermore, we ask that you detail the extent to which DHS will collaborate with state or local agencies in carrying out the investigation.\n\nGiven the gravity of the situation and the understandable anxiety within the Biddeford community, we urge you to prioritize this investigation. Timely and factual answers will be critical to providing closure for the grieving community and ensuring that federal law enforcement operations are conducted safely, lawfully, and in a manner that respects public safety.\n\nWe look forward to your response and stand ready to work with your office to facilitate any necessary inquiries.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-latest-statement-on-biddeford-shooting", "title": "Senator Collins’ Latest Statement on Biddeford Shooting", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement regarding yesterday’s shooting in Biddeford:\n\n“I spoke with DHS Secretary Mullin last night and urged him to cease all non-urgent vehicle stops in the wake of yesterday’s deadly Biddeford shooting. I am encouraged that the Department has agreed to do so.\n\n“An impartial investigation into the shooting in Biddeford needs to proceed, as the details surrounding this tragedy are important. It is extremely unfortunate that the agent involved did not have a body-worn camera. In April, measures that I authored in the Homeland Security funding bill became law, including $20 million for expanded use of body-worn cameras, $2 million for de-escalation training, and a 17% increase in the independent Office of Inspector General’s budget to investigate matters such as this shooting. The Democratic government shutdown delayed enactment and implementation of these important safety measures.\n\n“While it is clear ICE needs to improve its performance, it is important to remember that the work ICE does to protect our country goes far beyond immigration enforcement. ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is tasked with combating cartels, human smuggling, child exploitation, forced labor, and more. Eliminating ICE would make our country less safe and endanger the lives and welfare of countless individuals.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-statement-on-biddeford-shooting", "title": "Senator Collins’ Statement on Biddeford Shooting", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement after speaking with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin regarding yesterday’s shooting in Biddeford:\n\n“While the investigation of the Biddeford shooting is not yet complete, it raises sufficient critical questions that I spoke with DHS Secretary Mullin last night and urged him to cease all non-urgent vehicle stops.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-urge-doj-to-cooperate-with-maine-law-enforcement-in-biddeford-shooting-investigation", "title": "Senators Collins, King Urge DOJ to Cooperate with Maine Law Enforcement in Biddeford Shooting Investigation", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today requested that the Department of Justice (DOJ) collaborate with Maine state and local law enforcement as authorities investigate yesterday’s fatal shooting in Biddeford involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel. In a letter to Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Senators emphasized that coordination among law enforcement agencies is essential to ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation.\n\n“We write to request that the Department of Justice, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), cooperate with state and local law enforcement in the investigation of yesterday’s fatal shooting in Biddeford, Maine, involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel,” the Senators wrote.\n\n“We understand that the FBI has opened an investigation into the shooting and is working with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Inspector General as it investigates what happened. We appreciate these steps. The facts surrounding the shooting remain a matter of significant local and national concern, and it is important that these investigations provide clear answers as to what transpired yesterday,” they continued. “Federal law enforcement agencies must fully cooperate with state and local law enforcement throughout the investigations to give the public confidence that the inquiries have been conducted in a thorough, fair, and impartial manner.”\n\nClick here to read the complete text of their letter.\n\nEarlier today, the Maine Delegation also sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Inspector General calling for a full, transparent investigation into the shooting to help ensure public trust in the investigative process.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-ossoff-introduce-mystic-alerts-act/", "title": "Cornyn, Ossoff Introduce Mystic Alerts Act", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) today introduced the Mystic Alerts Act, which would allow wireless emergency alerts (WEAs) to be delivered via satellite communications technologies when other pathways fail during emergencies, including disasters like the Fourth of July floods in Central Texas last year:\n\n“Texas will never forget the July 4th flooding tragedy that devastated Camp Mystic and other communities in Central Texas. Seconds matter during fast-moving disasters like flash flooding, and damaged ground-based infrastructure can slow down emergency alerts that might save lives,” said Sen. Cornyn. “The Mystic Alerts Act would help ensure communities experiencing severe disasters receive wireless emergency alerts even when cellular communications networks are compromised, and I urge my Senate colleagues to support this legislation to strengthen this important technology and save lives.”\n\n“When storms, disasters, or threats to public safety threaten our state, crisis management is key,” said Sen. Ossoff. “This bipartisan bill with Senator Cornyn will help upgrade America’s emergency alert systems to keep Georgia families safe and informed.”\n\nCongressman August Pfluger (TX-11) is leading this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nBackground:\n\nOn July 4, 2025, a devastating flood in the Texas Hill Country tragically killed 28 individuals at Camp Mystic in Kerrville in addition to more than 100 other individuals across Central Texas. There were multiple reports of undelivered WEAs throughout the areas impacted by the disaster once cellular infrastructure was damaged.\n\nThe Mystic Alerts Act would:", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-texas-to-receive-nearly-11m-to-improve-crisis-intervention-programs/", "title": "Cornyn: Texas to Receive Nearly $11M to Improve Crisis Intervention Programs", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded $10,973,066 in federal grant funding to the Governor’s Public Safety Office to support state and local crisis intervention programs, including the expansion of behavioral health crisis response initiatives and specialized court-based programs to address risk factors that lead to violence. The funding comes from the DOJ’s Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP), which was authorized by Sen. Cornyn’sBipartisan Safer Communities Act that was signed into law on June 25, 2022.\n\n“Evidence-backed crisis intervention and prevention programs reduce violence, enhance public safety, and improve outcomes for individuals facing mental health challenges,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Thanks to the law I co-authored, these resources will help train law enforcement in how to better respond to behavioral health crises and ensure drug, mental health, and veterans’ treatment courts continue to have the resources they need to serve Texans and save lives.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-moreno-to-trump-rubio-support-de-la-espriella-in-his-transition-to-power", "title": "Cotton, Moreno to Trump, Rubio: Support De La Espriella in his Transition to Power", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cotton.senate.gov", "scraper": "cotton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001095", "name": "Tom Cotton", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJuly 14, 2026\n\nCotton, Moreno to Trump, Rubio: Support De La Espriella in his Transition to Power\n\nWashington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) today sent a letter to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanking them for their recognition of President-elect of Colombia Abelardo de la Espriella and encouraging the administration to name a U.S. delegation to attend his inauguration.\n\nOn June 21st, 2026, de la Espriella was elected President of Colombia through a free and fair election. In the following weeks, Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to recognize de la Espriella’s victory, alleging fraud without providing any evidence.\n\nIn part, the Senators wrote:\n\n“We write to encourage the administration to publicly express U.S. solidarity with Abelardo de la Espriella as he prepares to assume his role as the next President of Colombia. We were encouraged to see the joint statement from the Members of the Shield of the Americas rejecting attempts to cast doubt on the electoral outcome. To further extend America’s support to the new Colombian government, we also request you officially name a U.S. delegation to the August 7 inauguration and offer any needed transition support.”\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nJuly 14, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Donald J. Trump\n\nPresident of the United States of America\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW\n\nWashington, DC 20500\n\nThe Honorable Marco Rubio\n\nSecretary\n\nU.S. Department of State\n\n2201 C St. NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20451\n\nDear President Trump and Secretary Rubio,\n\nWe write to encourage the administration to publicly express U.S. solidarity with Abelardo de la Espriella as he prepares to assume his role as the next President of Colombia. We were encouraged to see the joint statement from the Members of the Shield of the Americas rejecting attempts to cast doubt on the electoral outcome. To further extend America’s support to the new Colombian government, we also request you officially name a U.S. delegation to the August 7 inauguration and offer any needed transition support.\n\nPresident Petro’s claims of election fraud are, of course, nonsense, and multiple observers have assessed the election was conducted transparently while fully complying with Colombian law. Petro is simply seeking to place his hand-chosen successor in power by alleging election interference.\n\nPetro’s actions endanger Colombia’s peaceful democratic transition and potentially jeopardize our relationship with the country. A strong, democratically elected Colombian government is central to continuing your work to enhance regional security across issues such as combatting illegal immigration and narcoterrorism.\n\nBoth of your personal congratulations and prompt recognition of Mr. de la Espriella after his election win in June sent a strong message of support to the newly elected Colombian government. We ask that you continue that support by making it clear that the United States government will participate in the peaceful transition to the presidency of Abelardo de la Espriella.\n\nThank you for your steadfast focus on advancing America’s interests in the Western Hemisphere. Congress stands by to assist as required.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/floor-speech-remembering-senator-lindsey-graham", "title": "Floor Speech Remembering Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cotton.senate.gov", "scraper": "cotton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001095", "name": "Tom Cotton", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Lindsey Graham was a self-made American original. Born in central South Carolina, Lindsey grew up in a room behind his parent’s bar and pool hall where he worked to help the family make ends meet and earned the nickname “Stinkball” from his patrons because of his sense of humor and his irrepressible nature and his rascal streak as he called it.\n\nI saw that in my first experience with Lindsey Graham. I traveled with him and Senator McCain to the Munich Security Conference in 2013 as a brand-new congressman. That evening as I was meeting some of the other Senators on the delegation, Senator Ayotte, Senator Corker, Lindsey came up to me and slapped me on the back and asked me who the hell I was, and I introduced myself and I told him a little bit about my story and my service in the Army before I was elected to the House and he told me I was great, I needed to run for Senate; we had to win the Senate seat in Arkansas. The next morning, we had a 08 briefing with General Breedlove, then the commander of our forces in Europe, and Lindsey stumbled in about 8:55. Senator McCain held the arrival of his illegitimate son, and then we had a coffee break five minutes later when Lindsey came over, slapped me on the back and said “You are great. We got to have you run for Senate, now, what was your name again?” That was Lindsey. Self-described rascal that he was.\n\nAs often joked about him, and with him, you never knew quite what Lindsey was up to, but it probably wasn’t nothing. He became the first member of his family to attend college. After suddenly and unexpectedly losing both parents while attending University of South Carolina, he stepped in the raise his beloved younger sister Darline. But even in the face of tragedy, Lindsey’s grit, determination, and faith enabled him to finish college, earn a law degree, serve in the Air Force, and eventually make his way here to the United States Congress.\n\nWhen Lindsey arrived in the House in 1995 as the first Republican congressman from South Carolina’s Third Congressional District since 1877, he brought with him a sense of duty and responsibility, a love for liberty, and a resolute commitment to America’s national security. He carried this with him to the Senate where he served for more than two decades and became the first person in South Carolina history to earn more than one million votes in a general election. Needless to say, South Carolinians loved him and it’s not hard to see why.\n\nThroughout my time working with Lindsey in the Senate, he fought for South Carolinians, he defended America's founding principles, and he supported the men and women of our military. While he served as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, he oversaw the confirmation of a Supreme Court Justice and more than 200 federal judges committed to upholding the rule of law as our founders intended. Further, Lindsey knew that strength produces peace and prosperity, and he believed that the United States is the greatest force for freedom that mankind has ever known. Through every bill he introduced, every speech he gave, every statement he made, Lindsey ensured our allies knew our word was good and our enemies feared our resolve.\n\nIf you loved America, Lindsey loved you. And if you fought for freedom, Lindsey would fight for you. Only in America could a man like Lindsey Graham leave such a mark on our history and our future. That above all is a testament to his strength of character. Lindsey's unwavering love for our Lord, devotion to our country, and commitment to his family defined his entire life. He was an example of what makes America exceptional.\n\nThough we lost a dedicated public servant, a workhorse of a colleague, and an irreplaceable friend, his memory and his legacy will never be forgotten. I extend my deepest prayers, thoughts, and condolences to Darline, Lindsey's family, Lindsey’s staff, his friends, his loved ones. America and this Senate will forever be grateful to Senator Lindsey Graham for his lifetime of service, patriotism, and courageous leadership.\n\nMr. President, I yield the floor.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-at-executive-session-to-consider-itc-nominations", "title": "Crapo Statement at Executive Session to Consider ITC Nominations", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at an executive session to consider the nominations of Brett Doyle; David Foley, Jr.; Peter-Anthony Pappas; Bartholomew Thanhauser and Samuel Negatu to be Commissioners of the International Trade Commission.\n\nAs prepared for delivery:\n\n“We meet today to consider favorably reporting the nominations of the following individuals to serve as Commissioners of the United States International Trade Commission: Brett Doyle, David Foley, Peter-Anthony Pappas, Bart Thanhauser and Samuel Negatu.\n\n“At this session, members will have the opportunity to offer remarks on the nominees, and we plan to vote on the nominees off the Senate floor later today.\n\n“At the nomination hearing, the view that the ITC is a highly valued, independent, nonpartisan, quasi-judicial agency of immense help to the members of this Congress was broadly emphasized.\n\n“While the ITC may be a small agency, its deep knowledge and committed career staff provide an outsized positive impact on maintaining U.S. competitiveness across the world.\n\n“The ITC can function best when it has a full slate of Commissioners to lead it.\n\n“Together, these Commissioners work to ensure our trade laws are administered fairly, provide Congress with objective analysis and help maintain a level playing field for American farmers, manufacturers, innovators and workers.\n\n“At their hearing, each of these nominees demonstrated an appreciation for that responsibility and their commitment to carry out the Commission's mission with integrity and independence.\n\n“I am voting in favor of each nominee and encourage my colleagues to do the same.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/finance-committee-advances-itc-nominations", "title": "Finance Committee Advances ITC Nominations", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Finance Committee advanced the nominations of Brett Doyle by a vote of 21-6; David Foley, Jr. by a vote of 21-6; Peter-Anthony Pappas by a vote of 21-6; Bartholomew Thanhauser by a vote of 27-0; and Samuel Negatu by a vote of 25-2, each to be a Commissioner of the International Trade Commission.\n\nFollowing the vote, Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the statement below:\n\n“I commend the Committee’s action and congratulate each nominee.\n\n“The International Trade Commission’s work to investigate unfair trade practices and provide Congress and the Administration with quality analysis of trade issues is critical, and a full slate of Commissioners will help it accomplish those missions.\n\n“I am confident in each nominee’s ability to serve Americans’ best interest and look forward to their confirmation by the full Senate.”\n\nExecutive session information can be found HERE.\n\nRead Chairman Crapo’s full statement at the nomination hearing HERE, and his statement at the executive session HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-calls-for-countering-chinas-influence-in-western-hemisphere", "title": "Curtis Calls for Countering China’s Influence in Western Hemisphere", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.curtis.senate.gov", "scraper": "curtis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001114", "name": "John R. Curtis", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "At the hearing, Curtis highlighted recent successes following Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s engagement with Panama, including Panama’s decision to withdraw from China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the transfer of key Panama Canal port assets from Hong Kong-based operators to a U.S.-led consortium.\n\nHe also asked Ambassador Kozak how those developments could serve as a model for reducing China’s influence elsewhere in the hemisphere. Kozak emphasized that many countries have become increasingly aware of the risks associated with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, including predatory lending practices and strategic investments that undermine national sovereignty.\n\nVideo of Senator Curtis’ opening remarks and line of questioning can be found here, and a transcript of his opening remarks and initial questioning is below:\n\nOpening remarks, as prepared:\n\nThis hearing is to examine how the Trump Administration’s National Security Strategy prioritizes the Western Hemisphere. In other words, what is the “Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine,” as it has been termed.\n\nFor too long, American policy has treated our own neighborhood as an afterthought while our adversaries have treated it as an opportunity. The National Security Strategy makes a welcome correction by putting the Western Hemisphere near the center of American national security policy.\n\nIt is right that the United States should focus first on the safety, security, and prosperity of the American people, and frequently that means focusing on the security of our region. That means securing our border, stopping deadly drugs before they enter our communities, strengthening supply chains closer to home, and ensuring that hostile powers cannot control strategic assets in our own hemisphere.\n\nIn many ways, the real test of our Western Hemisphere strategy is whether it can blunt and roll back the presence of our global adversaries—China, Russia, and Iran—within our backyard. China has spent years building influence through ports, telecommunications, infrastructure, natural resources, surveillance technology, and diplomatic pressure.\n\nRussia has used Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua to project influence and challenge U.S. interests from within the hemisphere. Iran and its proxies have also sought footholds through malign networks and anti-American regimes—which is why the Committee has passed my bills, the No Hezbollah In Our Hemisphere Act and BANNED in Latin America Act, which push back on these networks. The National Security Strategy is right to say that non-hemispheric competitors should not be allowed to position forces, threatening capabilities, or control strategically vital assets in our hemisphere.\n\nThe Maduro raid was exactly this principle put into practice. Nicolas Maduro’s regime had been a platform for Russian, Chinese, Iranian, and criminal influence in our hemisphere. His regime destabilized neighbors, fueled migration, enriched corrupt networks, cooperated with malign outside powers, and allowed drug trafficking and other illicit activity to flourish.\n\nWe were not going to let what amounted to an illegitimate Russian puppet government corruptly cling to power and operate within our backyard. And now Maduro resides in a prison in New York. And now, we are beginning to see early signs of change inside Venezuela. Hundreds of political prisoners have been released, opposition figures are able to organize more openly, Venezuelan oil is no longer being exclusively used to support China, and there are signs of shifts within the governing structure, including the removal of some Maduro loyalists. Venezuela today is thankfully in a much different place than it was a year ago.\n\nHowever, Congress is going to be interested in what the path now looks like for Venezuela from here to a democratic transition.\n\nProgress has been made throughout the region on the diplomatic front as well. After Secretary Rubio’s visit, Panama announced that it would move to leave China’s Belt and Road Initiative. We also saw the announced sale of port assets operated by Hong Kong-based entities at both ends of the Panama Canal to a U.S.-led consortium.\n\nThose developments should be seen as examples of the kind of strategic competition the United States can win when we are focused, engaged, and willing to use diplomatic and commercial tools together. We should encourage more countries in the region to take similar steps.\n\nI am broadly supportive of this renewed focus on the Western Hemisphere and the recognition that what happens in our neighborhood directly affects the security of the American people. But support does not relieve us of our responsibility to conduct oversight. Congress has a duty to ask hard questions about strategy, legal authorities, coordination with regional partners, and what comes next. And we must ensure that a stronger focus on our own hemisphere does not come at the expense of American leadership elsewhere. Strength at home and in our neighborhood should reinforce—not replace—our engagement in Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East.\n\nThe goal is not hemispheric seclusion, but strategic prioritization rooted in American strength.\n\nI look forward to hearing from Ambassador Kozak on how the State Department is implementing this strategy, how we are coordinating across the interagency, and how Congress can help ensure the United States remains the partner of first choice in our own hemisphere.\n\nQuestioning:\n\nSenator Curtis: After Secretary Rubio’s visit to Panama, they announced they would move to leave China’s Belt and Road Initiative. We also saw the announced sale of the Panama Canal port assets operated by Hong Kong-based entities to a U.S.-led consortium. Are there lessons we can draw from Panama about how the United States can use diplomacy, commercial engagement, and strategic clarity to roll back China’s influence in the region? And part two: Are there other countries in the hemisphere where you believe a similar approach might be equally successful?\n\nAmbassador Michael Kozak: Yes. Thank you, Chairman. I would say there are some good lessons out of it. Each situation is somewhat different, but Panama had come to its own conclusion that being part of the Belt and Road Initiative was more liability than gain, so they told us they were ready to leave.\n\nThey also had their comptroller look into the way those port concessions had been granted and found a great deal of fraud and failure to implement the agreement. So, their Supreme Court took action there. I think what was key, though, was that China then attempted to intimidate them by doing inspections and detaining their Panama-flagged vessels in Chinese ports, and so on.\n\nPanama needed a little backup and got it from countries in the region. The countries that joined the Shield of the Americas, by and large, issued statements standing in solidarity with Panama against that threat from China. But we’ve also seen, in other parts of the region, the Chinese try to move in. For example, in some places they’ll go directly to a university and say, “We’ll donate a telescope to you so you can do high-level research.” It turns out the telescope is really designed to spy on American satellites and other things like that. They bypass the national government. We’ve had some success talking directly with subnational groups. We’ve also had success dealing with national governments or urging national governments throughout the region to adopt investment-screening mechanisms.\n\nCurtis: Yeah, let me bore down on that a little bit. Because you kind of hit on one of the questions I want to ask, which is this China strategy. You’ve mentioned a couple of things. I think the loans that become predatory and that they then foreclose on—I mean, there’s quite a long list. Your answer on Panama is interesting. I guess let me come back to this concept. If that’s what brought clarity to Panama, how do we bring clarity to these other countries—not just with elected officials, but with the voters, the constituents, who tend to see all of this coming from China and know the state’s not doing anything? The reality is that we have this little thing called the rule of law, and we do things differently. We’re far more transparent, and the way we help isn’t always seen the way China seems to be seen. So, what would you suggest, particularly from a congressional role, about how we get better clarity on what China is doing and also get better credit for what we’re doing when we’re doing good things?\n\nKozak: I think it’s super important to get people sensitized to this. At the beginning, governments didn’t realize how predatory the Chinese loan strategy was. They’ve now learned by adverse experience. What we’ve been trying to do—and this goes back to the last time I had this job—is publicize throughout the region just the facts. We’re not saying don’t engage with China. We still buy things from China. But we’re saying, “Look at what happens to you if you get into this kind of a deal. Don’t enter into it on their terms.”\n\nThat’s been quite successful, certainly at the national government level, though not as much with the populations at large. We’ve been trying to do more public relations, and I think anything Congress can do to bring focus to this would help.\n\nOne of the things we did, which I mentioned in my testimony, was these restrictions on visas. Basically, members of legislatures, judiciaries, labor unions, and others in foreign countries who take bribes from the Chinese—or other forms of compensation—and act as agents for China by pushing some of this activity… The Administration has said, if you’re going to do that, you’re not welcome here anymore. We’re not going to give you or your family visas to come to the United States. We tried this originally in Central America. It worked very well. We’ve now expanded it to the whole hemisphere.\n\nCurtis: It seems like stronger coordination between Congress and State, as we go into those countries—knowing which messages to carry and which things to point out—might also be helpful.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-to-vote-no-on-ndaa-unless-her-amendment-to-end-trumps-illegal-war-is-included", "title": "Duckworth to Vote No on NDAA Unless Her Amendment to End Trump’s Illegal War is Included", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The Senator’s amendment, which Senate Republicans blocked in committee, would ensure the Senate upholds its constitutional war powers and holds the President accountable\n\n[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) announced she will vote against the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (NDAA) unless her amendment to end President Donald Trump’s illegal war against Iran is included. Specifically, Duckworth’s amendment would halt additional funding for offensive operations against Iran—while still allowing for self-defense, defense of allies and intelligence gathering—until the American people authorize this war through their Representatives in Congress, as the Constitution requires. The amendment would also withhold travel funding for the Secretary of Defense until the Department of Defense produces a report on the impact this illegal war has had on military readiness and our nation’s wounded servicemembers. Last month, Senate Republicans on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) blocked Duckworth’s amendments that aimed to end hostilities and hold Trump accountable for his unjustified war.\n\n“The Senate cannot authorize $1.14 trillion in defense spending—the largest defense budget ever proposed in our nation’s history—for Donald Trump to continue his illegal and disastrous war that Americans do not want.\n\n“15 of our servicemembers have been killed, billions of dollars have been wasted and our economy is in tatters. Meanwhile, Trump brags that he doesn’t even think about Americans’ financial situation as he tries to hand Iran hundreds of billions of dollars. The President wants to rebuild Iran before he rebuilds America, and it’s outrageous that Republicans are willing to roll over and let him.\n\n“Simply throwing more money at an out-of-control military operation is not strategy. It’s a recipe for a forever war. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and I cannot support a defense authorization bill that doesn’t include my amendment to end this illegal war.”\n\nDuckworth has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s illegal, needless war in Iran since it began. She is one of the Senate Six—the original group of Senators who have been forcing votes on War Powers Resolutions that would cease hostilities in Iran, which Republicans have shamefully blocked nine times.\n\nAhead of the Senate’s vote on her own War Powers resolution in April, Duckworth gave impassioned remarks drawing on her personal experience serving in our nation’s last war of choice in the Middle East, imploring Republicans to remember their oaths and vote to help rein in this unhinged President—which they did not.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-announces-bipartisan-proposal-to-initiate-congressional-action-to-strengthen-social-security-on-the-senate-floor", "title": "Durbin Announces Bipartisan Proposal To Initiate Congressional Action To Strengthen Social Security On The Senate Floor", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Durbin: “Americans sent us to Congress not to observe the problems but to solve the problems. There is no greater long-term challenge before Congress than preserving Social Security.”\n\nWASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced new bipartisan legislation to initiate Congressional action on extending Social Security’s solvency. The Protecting Retirement Opportunities and Maintaining Income Security for Everyone (PROMISE) Act follows the release of the Social Security Board of Trustees’ annual report, which found that the Social Security Trust Fund will only be able to cover 78 percent of benefits in 2032—meaning that Americans who rely on the program will have their benefits reduced by 22 percent if Congress does not act.\n\n“Last month the Social Security Board of Trustees released an alarming report on the status of Social Security’s finances. That Board found that Social Security will be unable to make full payments to eligible Americans by 2032… This is alarming—and it is a call to arms for Congress,” said Durbin.\n\nDuring his speech, Durbin reflected on the time he served in the House of Representatives when then-President Ronald Reagan and a Democratic House majority bought 50 years of solvency for Social Security.\n\n“That was 1983 [and] I voted for it. Democrats and Republicans all voted for it. To my knowledge, not a single member of Congress lost reelection over that vote. People said we had to do it,” said Durbin. “Now the question is: Can we respond with the same bipartisan effort to buy 50 years more solvency in Social Security? I think we can.”\n\n“In just six short years, Social Security will only be able to pay 78 percent of benefits. That means the average senior faces monthly benefits cuts of $450… For some, that cut is an inconvenience. For others, that’s quite a disaster. And it would force seniors to choose between purchasing groceries or paying their utility bills or refilling their prescriptions,” Durbin continued.\n\nSeventy million Americans, including seniors and people with disabilities, rely on Social Security to afford the basics: food, medication, housing, utilities, and more. In Illinois, more than 2 million people receive Social Security. Twenty percent of Illinois seniors rely on Social Security for virtually all of their income.\n\n“If Congress sits on its hands and does nothing to respond to this looming crisis, millions of Americans will be expected to make ends meet with fewer-and-fewer dollars each month. The fact of the matter is that Congress has known about this issue of insolvency for quite some time. But year-after-year, Congress has avoided confronting the question, instead kicking the can down the road for a future Congress to step up and save the program. That is unacceptable. We owe it to our seniors, and we owe it to ourselves. We know that the longer we wait, the more drastic the policy changes become,” said Durbin.\n\n“Today, I’m doing something that is rarely done in the Senate, introducing a bill sponsored by a bipartisan group of Senators—four Democrats and four Republicans. Our goal is to protect and strengthen Social Security. Our bill is called the PROMISE Act. It seeks to create a fair, bipartisan process to ensure Congress finally debates and votes on the future of Social Security. Under our proposal, the independent bipartisan Social Security Advisory Board would collect public input and send a proposal to Congress that would keep the trust fund for Social Security solvent for 50 years, at least. That would kick start a process in both the House and the Senate, to do something we rarely, rarely do around here. It’s called legislating, writing a law, [and] passing a law. Under our bill, Congress would have the opportunity to hold hearings, offer amendments, debate, competing proposals, and ultimately vote on them,” said Durbin.\n\n“[Our] bill simply guarantees that the American people, through their elected representatives, finally have an open, transparent debate… Members would be able to offer substitute proposals, provided they also protect Social Security for at least the next 50 years. Let me say that another way: every Member with a serious proposal would have the opportunity to bring their ideas to the table and get a vote. It restores the Senate to debating, amending, and voting under regular order, compared to what we see today,” said Durbin.\n\n“The PROMISE Act finally creates a pathway for those ideas to receive the consideration they deserve. Americans sent us to Congress not to observe the problems but to solve the problems. There is no greater long-term challenge before Congress than preserving Social Security… So, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. We will be working to pass this measure before we depart for the August recess,” Durbin concluded.\n\nDurbin introduced the proposal with U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Angus King (I-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Alan Armstrong (R-OK).\n\nVideo of Durbin’s floor speech is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s floor speech is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s floor speech is available herefor TV Stations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-cassidy-kaine-tillis-king-cornyn-coons-armstrong-introduce-bipartisan-proposal-to-initiate-congressional-action-on-social-security", "title": "Durbin, Cassidy, Kaine, Tillis, King, Cornyn, Coons, Armstrong Introduce Bipartisan Proposal To Initiate Congressional Action On Social Security", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Americans of both political parties want Members of Congress to work across the aisle to protect and strengthen Social Security\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Angus King (I-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Alan Armstrong (R-OK) today introduced a bipartisan proposal to initiate Congressional action on Social Security. The Protecting Retirement Opportunities and Maintaining Income Security for Everyone (PROMISE) Act follows the release of the Social Security Board of Trustees’ annual report, which found that the Social Security Trust Fund will only be able to cover 78 percent of benefits in 2032—meaning that Americans who rely on the program will have their benefits reduced by 22 percent if Congress does not act.\n\n“Here is our chance to agree on a bipartisan process to rescue Social Security this year,” said Durbin. “Our bipartisan proposal opens Congress to debate this issue in a transparent, fair, and bipartisan way. We were elected to solve problems—and there’s no greater problem than the solvency and future of Social Security.”\n\n“Millions of Americans rely on Social Security to live. In 6 years, those families will see a 22% cut to their benefits if Congress doesn’t act. Our plan starts the process of preserving promised benefits for current retirees and the next generation of Americans,” said Dr. Cassidy.\n\n“For nearly a century, Social Security has been a lifeline that allows Americans to retire with dignity. Congress should not wait around until the last minute to shore up this critical program and prevent broad-based benefit cuts upon Trust Fund depletion,” said Kaine. “That’s why I’m joining a bipartisan group of my colleagues in introducing legislation that will encourage Congress to roll up its sleeves and find a path forward to ensure current and future generations of retirees and their families are able to receive the benefits they have earned and which they are owed.”\n\n“Social Security is on an unsustainable path that will lead to dramatic benefit cuts for retirees and growing skepticism among workers paying into a program on the brink of insolvency. With each passing year, the menu of options that preserve benefits and limit tax hikes narrows. The modest reforms Congress contemplated in 2010 would have put Social Security on solid footing for 75 years; today, those same reforms would add less than two years to our current runway,” said Tillis. “I won’t pretend there’s consensus on how we solve this, but the math is unforgiving: the longer Congress waits to act, the fewer good options remain, which is why I am proud to support this legislation.”\n\n“For years, we've known that Social Security faces serious long-term financial challenges, yet Congress has repeatedly chosen to look the other way,” said King. “This legislation creates a bipartisan process to ensure Congress finally does its job. Social Security is a promise millions of Americans have earned through a lifetime of work – household budgets rely on the timely arrival of these earnings to pay for mortgages, heat, and medications. We have a responsibility to preserve that promise for today's retirees and for generations to come.”\n\n“Americans have paid into Social Security with the expectation that the benefits they earned would provide the foundation for their retirement, and Congress has a responsibility to keep that promise,” said Cornyn. “I’m proud to support this bipartisan plan of action to address Social Security’s rapidly approaching insolvency before it becomes a bigger crisis so Congress is not caught flat-footed and Texans are not left holding the bag.”\n\n“Congress has talked for years about the need to shore up Social Security so that Americans who have spent decades paying into the program can count on it to be there for their retirement. Senator Durbin understands that now is the time to turn that talk into action, and he has created a real, bipartisan process to force Congress to get serious and find a solution,” Coons said. “I’m proud to cosponsor this bill and help find a way to save Social Security.”\n\n“For the millions Americans who have worked hard, paid into the system, and simply want the security of knowing they can retire with dignity, this is not an abstract fiscal policy debate. The growing financial strain on Social Security can be easy to ignore until it directly threatens someone’s retirement,” said Armstrong. “I’m proud to stand with a bipartisan group of my Senate colleagues to tackle tough challenges head-on rather than rely on short-term fixes, and to put Social Security on a lasting, sustainable foundation for current beneficiaries and future generations.”\n\nMore than 70 million Americans receive Social Security benefits. Social Security is a bedrock promise that hard-working Americans paying into the program will earn their retirement and not have to worry about putting food on their table, a roof over their heads, or medicine in their cabinets. However, last month’s Trustees report means that seniors and people with disabilities would have their benefits reduced by $450 per month (based on the average Social Security benefit of $2,071 per month). If Congress does not act, this automatic across-the-board benefit cut could push more than three million additional seniors and people with disabilities into poverty.\n\nMembers of Congress have introduced several pieces of legislation that would ensure that the Social Security Trust Funds are funded for the next 75 years. Some of these bills have nearly 200 cosponsors, and others are bipartisan and have broad, popular support. However, almost none of them have ever received a vote. Congress should not wait until the Social Security Trust Fund is empty to address this issue when it can act now to protect and strengthen the Social Security Trust Fund for current and future generations.\n\nThe PROMISE Act would create a procedure to initiate Congressional action on Social Security. Specifically, under the Senators’ proposal:\n\nThe Social Security Advisory Board (SSAB), an independent, bipartisan advisory committee established to make recommendations to Congress, would transmit a base bill (which must ensure that the Social Security Trust Funds are funded for at least the next 50 years) to Congress.\n\nThe Majority Leaders of the Senate and House would introduce the base bill. If they do not, any Member of Congress could do so.\n\nThe base bill would be referred to the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways & Means Committee. Both committees would have the chance to hold hearings and amend the base bill.\n\nThe Senate Finance Committee and House Ways & Means Committee would report the base bill (as potentially amended). If the Committees do not report the base bill, it automatically would be discharged and placed on the Senate and House calendars.\n\nThe Majority Leaders of the Senate and House would move to proceed to the base bill (as potentially amended). If the Majority Leaders do not, any Member of Congress could do so.\n\nMembers of Congress could offer substitute amendments (which must ensure that the Social Security Trust Funds are funded for at least the next 50 years) to the base bill (as potentially amended) after the motion to proceed.\n\nThe Senate and House would vote on passage of the base bill (as potentially amended) after 100 hours of consideration. Final passage would require a three-fifths vote in the Senate and a majority vote in the House.\n\nAccording to polling from the Bipartisan Policy Center, 64 percent of Democrats and 61 percent of Republicans agree on the need for bipartisan cooperation to protect and strengthen the program. And 67 percent of those polled want Congress to take near-term action to solve Social Security’s impending challenges. Specifically, 47 percent say that they want Congress to address Social Security’s financial shortfall as soon as possible, with both parties working together, and an additional 20 percent say that they want a bipartisan commission created to develop a comprehensive plan—and for Congress to approve that plan.\n\nThe following organizations support the PROMISE Act: Bipartisan Policy Center, Third Way, and Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.\n\n“America’s current and future retirees deserve a Social Security system that is financially strong and able to meet its financial commitments to seniors. With the trust funds nearing insolvency, Congress cannot remain in entrenched partisan positions. BPC Action endorses the PROMISE Act and commends Senators Durbin (D-IL), Cassidy (R-LA), Kaine (D-VA), Tillis (R-NC), and King (I-ME) for creating a serious bipartisan process to break the status quo of inaction. Their leadership should spur other members—and advocates committed to Social Security’s future—to come to the table, confront difficult choices, and help secure Americans’ earned benefits for generations to come,” said Michele Stockwell, President of Bipartisan Policy Center Action.\n\n“The longer Congress waits to address Social Security’s looming insolvency, the more expensive and narrow the eventual reforms become. This legislation will help Republicans and Democrats debate and craft a credible, bipartisan solution that keeps Social Security sustainable for decades,” said Jessica Riedl, Fellow of Economic Studies at Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center.\n\n“Social Security now faces insolvency before the end of the next president's term. Seniors are staring down the possibility of steep and sudden benefit cuts, while working Americans risk being saddled with an undue tax or debt burden — all because policymakers waited too long to avert a crisis they all knew was coming. The PROMISE Act should be commended for not only offering one possible mechanism to fast-track bipartisan solutions that are long overdue through regular order, but also creating a recurring check-in to discourage policymakers from getting this close to a similar cliff again in the future,” said Ben Ritz, Vice President of Policy Development for the Progressive Policy Institute.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-presses-justices-kagan-barrett-on-judicial-security-in-rare-congressional-appearance", "title": "Durbin Presses Justices Kagan, Barrett On Judicial Security In Rare Congressional Appearance", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, pressed Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett on judicial security in a rare Congressional appearance. This is the first time Supreme Court justices have appeared before Congress since 2019 and before the Senate since 2011.\n\n“Tomorrow we're considering Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination, who has said of the courts that they are full of ‘rogue activist judges,’ repeatedly claiming the administration is ‘at war’ with the federal judiciary. That kind of rhetoric, I think, is unacceptable on either side of the table, Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative. It just inflames people and has them thinking in terms of violence that may reach physical violence if we're not careful. So, I want to add to the chorus that violence is unacceptable,” began Durbin.\n\nDurbin then invoked the case of Northern District of Illinois Judge Joan Humphrey Lefkow, whose mother and husband were killed.\n\n“We had some terrible incidents in the Northern District of Illinois not that long ago, where one of the federal district court judges had a disgruntled person that appeared in their court, then went to her home and took the life of her mother and husband. It was a horrible incident. Since then, I've done my best to try to provide the resources, not just for that court, but for the courts across the country… is it your impression, it is mine, that speaking to judges, they often lament the fact that they're waiting for the GSA to respond to security measures in their courts, court buildings?” asked Durbin.\n\n“Yes, and I think that's part of their budget request… I served with Judge Lefkow when I was on the Seventh Circuit, and I think precisely because of those sorts of things, yes, it is my understanding that the lower federal courts are also in great need of security funding and have been pushing for that in their courthouses and through GSA as well,” replied Barrett.\n\n“We're in a bit of a different position, because we don't use GSA. We're under the Capitol Architect and have done very well with the Architect of the Capitol, that office has always been very attentive to our needs. But lower federal courts are reliant on GSA, and I know have some significant concerns,” said Kagan.\n\n“Very much so. It's interesting. A few of the judges came to Capitol Hill to speak to Members, and each time they would speak to one of the Senators about this situation in their courthouses, they got the same response: ‘Where do we sign up for going a different route, more efficient route, for a quicker response when it comes to security?’ And I just say that I think this is going to fall in our jurisdiction here in the future, and I hope we take it seriously. I thank you both for being here today,” concluded Durbin.\n\nVideo of Durbin’s remarks is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s remarks is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s remarks is available here for TV Stations.\n\nReporting found that USMS has seen a spike in threats against federal judges. One report identified more than 600 posts on social media and right-leaning message boards since February 2025 targeting family members of judges who ruled against the Trump Administration—with the posts viewed more than 200 million times. Another report described federal judges and their family members receiving anonymous deliveries to their homes intended to show that those seeking to intimidate the targeted judge know the judge’s address or their family members’ addresses. Some of these deliveries were made using the name of Judge Esther Salas’s son, who was murdered at the family’s home by a former litigant.\n\nThe spike in threats coincides with escalating, threatening language by President Trump and his allies, including calls for impeaching judges who don’t rule in the President’s favor. Durbin has urged the Justice Department and FBI to investigate the ongoing and increasing threats against federal judges.\n\nWhen Durbin was Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. The legislation provided additional intelligence analysts and deputy Marshals to the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and allowed judges to remove sensitive personal information from government websites and private publications.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-courtesy-meeting-with-trumps-attorney-general-pick-todd-blanche", "title": "Durbin Statement On Courtesy Meeting With Trump’s Attorney General Pick Todd Blanche", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after his meeting with Todd Blanche, President Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Attorney General:\n\n“Mr. Blanche is at the helm of a weaponized Justice Department, putting President Trump ahead of the Constitution, the rule of law, and you.\n\n“It’s clear that Mr. Blanche has never stopped being President Trump’s personal attorney, and I pushed him on his role in the botched release of the Epstein Files, the MAGA slush fund for cop beaters, the Trump-IRS sweetheart deal, and his crypto corruption.\n\n“I look forward to continuing my questioning from the dais at tomorrow’s hearing on his role aiding and abetting the most corrupt Administration in history.”\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-fatal-ice-officer-shootings-in-houston-and-maine", "title": "Durbin Statement On Fatal ICE Officer Shootings In Houston And Maine", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding the fatal shootings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, Texas, and Joan Sebastian Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers:\n\n“The fatal shootings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastian Guerrero are tragic, heartbreaking, and enraging. There must be full, fair, and independent investigations into these shootings so the truth can be revealed, and it is critical that DHS not deport any eyewitnesses and allow them to participate fully in the investigation.\n\n“We must rein in ICE abuses before another life is lost.”\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-honors-senator-lindsey-graham", "title": "Ernst Honors Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) honored the life and legacy of her dear friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham (S.C.).\n\nWatch Ernst’s remarks here.\n\nErnst’s full remarks:\n\n“I rise today with a heavy heart to honor my dear friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.\n\n“Before he ever set foot on this floor, he wore the uniform of the United States Air Force, serving 33 years between the Air Force, the South Carolina Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve.\n\n“That service, and his upbringing in the back of his parents South Carolina bar, shaped everything about how he approached his work here in the Senate.\n\n“He understood in a way too few in Washington, D.C. do, what it costs to defend freedom.\n\n“He was one of the loudest, most persistent voices this institution has seen on the importance of American leadership in this world.\n\n“And before I joined the Senate, Lindsey was one of my earliest supporters.\n\n“I am so grateful for his mentorship and his friendship throughout the years.\n\n“Lindsey was really dear to my family.\n\n“My mother's birthday was just a few days before Lindsey's. And through the years he would call her on her birthday and wish her the happiest of birthdays.\n\n“As my daughter entered the United States Army, he would call her and just give her words of encouragement in a hilarious way that only Lindsey Graham could.\n\n“He was such a good and decent man.\n\n“One thing we all knew about Lindsey was his great sense of humor.\n\n“I'll never forget the gift he gave me after I won Iowa Senate seat. In fact, I may be the only senator in history to be handed a mounted castration clamp with a plaque engraved ‘make ‘em squeal Joni’ just off the floor of this chamber, courtesy of Lindsey Graham.\n\n“And I think he's probably still laughing about that one.\n\n“Earlier this year, we were talking about Lindsey, doing dinner with Lindsey as many of us did. And we were talking about this year's race because he was running for another term in the Senate.\n\n“And my mother, again, being very close to Lindsey and his number one fan in Iowa.\n\n“And in fact, she had a screensaver on her computer. It was her and Lindsey Graham.\n\n“If you asked my mother who her favorite senator was, it wouldn't be Senator Chuck Grassley or even her own daughter. It would be Senator Lindsey Graham.\n\n“She was agonizing, should I send Lindsey a donation for his campaign? And I was laughing about this with Lindsey. And so he's like, ‘give me your phone. He said, let's shoot shoot a video for your mom.’\n\n“And so he took my phone and he made this cute little ten second video.\n\n“And it went something like this. ‘Marilyn, we love you. We love Joni. I know times are hard, but send money anyway, lindseygraham.com”\n\n“He did that all the time, and he was always so funny.\n\n“And I can't tell you how many times I've watched that video over and over again and just laughed.\n\n“He was certainly a very funny man, even when times were difficult.\n\n“But behind the jokes was one of the most serious and effective legislators this body has ever known.\n\n“He didn't care whose name was on a bill if the policy was right. He brokered friendships and alliances that many people in this town said were no longer possible.\n\n“He fought hard, and then he would sit down and crack a joke with the people that he had just been arguing with.\n\n“All of us here on this floor know that Lindsey was always moving. The man never stood still.\n\n“He was always working the phones. Phone call after phone call. Whether it was President Trump or my mom back in Iowa.\n\n“He was always certain that presence was power.\n\n“I had the privilege of traveling many times over with Lindsey.\n\n“The very first CODEL, which is a congressional delegation trip, that I took in the United States Senate, was with Lindsey.\n\n“It was to the Munich Security Conference in Germany and other senators on that trip, former Senator Joe Lieberman, a dear friend of his, Senator John McCain, who was his deepest and truest friend, and Senator Kelly Ayotte.\n\n“We had a wonderful trip together, and it was such a great experience for me to see him on the world stage.\n\n“Easily moving from conversation to conversation with some of the world's most important and powerful leaders, and to see how much they deeply respected Senator Graham.\n\n“His contributions to conflict resolution went well beyond the United States.\n\n“Just days ago, Lindsey was in Ukraine meeting with President Zelensky and standing with a nation fighting for its survival because he believed, at his core, that American leadership was the difference between peace and oppression.\n\n“Lindsey Graham was tough. He was funny, and he loved this country.\n\n“To the people of South Carolina and to Lindsey's family, and most especially to his sister Darline, and all who loved him, we're all mourning together.\n\n“As a Christian like Lindsey, I know God will bring comfort where there is fear, strength where there is shock, and hope where there is loss.\n\n“Lindsey, we miss you. And this chamber will never be the same without you.\n\n“Godspeed, my dear friend, and thank you for your service.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-names-small-business-of-the-week-mid-states-companies", "title": "Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Mid-States Companies", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Mid-States Companies of Story County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.\n\n“Mid-States Companies’ American entrepreneurial spirit steels the show with their dependable services to the agricultural industry in the heart of the Grain Belt,” said Chair Ernst. “The Vier family has built a business rooted in excellence, earning the trust of their customers while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to strengthening their community.”\n\nFounded in 2001 by Kevin and Shelley Vier, Mid-States Companies is a group of businesses that supply premier grain handling, engineering, fabrication, crane, and trucking services. What started in a 7,000-square-foot millwright fabrication “mom-and-pop” shop, with only five employees, now operates in several states, with a more than 100,000 square foot facility in Nevada, Iowa, and over 100 employees.\n\nStay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/at-fettermans-urging-fema-continues-to-release-disaster-recovery-funding/", "title": "At Fetterman’s Urging, FEMA Continues to Release Disaster Recovery Funding", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "domain": "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "scraper": "fetterman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000479", "name": "John Fetterman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released nearly $13.5 million in funding to support disaster recovery in Pennsylvania. The funding is the latest to be released after U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) penned a letter in April urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release delayed grants to entities across the Commonwealth.\n\n“I’m grateful that FEMA continues to release funding that was owed to communities across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Fetterman. “Our communities count on hospitals and disaster recovery teams to work overtime to keep them safe. We should expect the same of the federal government.”\n\nThe newly released funding includes roughly $13 million for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Allegheny County for expenses related to COVID-19 pandemic recovery efforts, as well as $350,000 to local governments to prevent and reduce future disaster damage in Pennsylvania.\n\nEarlier this year, FEMA released nearly $600 million in delayed funding to hospitals across the Commonwealth and an additional $10 million for Tropical Storm Debby. Since then, Senator Fetterman has worked with stakeholders and DHS to identify outstanding funding and ensure Pennsylvania communities continue to receive their fair share.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-demand-pentagon-release-long-awaited-report-on-u-s-bombing-of-iranian-elementary-school/", "title": "Gallego, Colleagues Demand Pentagon Release Long-Awaited Report on U.S. Bombing of Iranian Elementary School", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Investigation into the school strike was reportedly submitted in April, but has not been released to Congress or the public\n\nWASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined 24 of his colleagues in continuing to demand answers from the Department of Defense (DoD) over the U.S. bombing of an Iranian elementary school in February. The strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, which reportedly killed approximately 120 children and at least 175 people in total, represented the worst civilian casualty incident caused by the U.S. military in decades.\n\nIn a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Admiral Brad Cooper, the senators called for the swift completion and release of the Pentagon’s investigation into the school strike, which was reportedly submitted in April, but remains under review by senior military officials. They also requested that the Pentagon provide Congress with a comprehensive plan to ensure that this type of incident does not happen again.\n\n“More than four months after the strike, and after the reported submission of the investigation in April, Congress and the American people still have not received the Department’s investigation and findings,” the senators wrote. “There is no justification for withholding an unclassified accounting of what happened, what went wrong, and what the Department is doing to prevent recurrence.”\n\nIn early March, Reuters first reported that U.S. military investigators believed U.S. forces were likely responsible for the Minab strike. Days later, Pentagon officials reportedly concluded through their preliminary investigation that a U.S. Tomahawk missile had struck the school. Investigators have also reportedly found that multiple failures led the school to be targeted in error, including missed 2019 remarks by an intelligence analyst indicating that the site had changed from a naval facility to a school. The analyst had entered the remarks into a digital system that was not connected to the authoritative targeting database, and officials planning the attack used imagery that had not been updated in several years and did not show a school at the site. In fact, according to recent reporting, senior U.S. military commanders ignored warnings that intelligence about potential targets was severely out of date for the sake of “expediency,” which directly contributed to the strike on the school.\n\n“These reported issues, if accurate, raise deeply troubling questions about the integrity of U.S. target development, the adequacy of target validation and vetting procedures, the interoperability of intelligence and targeting databases, the timeliness and reliability of intelligence used for lethal targeting, and the Department’s implementation of civilian harm mitigation policies,” the senators wrote. “They also raise urgent questions about whether the Department has sufficient targeting personnel, training, accountability mechanisms, and technical safeguards to support large-scale conventional operations.\n\nDespite this reporting, Trump administration officials have not publicly taken responsibility for the strike or the resultant civilian deaths. President Trump himself has suggested multiple times that the strike was not the U.S.’ fault and has even blamed Iran. Additionally, Secretary Hegseth has spent his tenure deriding the rules of engagement and cutting DoD programs that aim to prevent harm to civilians during war, including slashing the civilian harm mitigation and response mission by over 90%.\n\nThe senators concluded, “The United States military has a legal and moral obligation to take all feasible precautions to prevent civilian harm. When a U.S. strike kills civilians, the Department owes Congress, the American people, and the victims’ families a clear accounting of what happened and a credible plan to prevent future failures.”\n\nThe letter was led by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and in addition to Senator Gallego was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-rescind-rule-giving-president-sweeping-power-to-politicize-federal-grants/", "title": "Gillibrand, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Rescind Rule Giving President Sweeping Power To Politicize Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined the entire Senate Democratic caucus in demanding Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought immediately rescind OMB’s proposed changes to federal financial assistance. The senators warned the proposal exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’ constitutional power of the purse, and would allow the president to weaponize federal grants for political purposes.\n\n“New Yorkers will not tolerate the Trump administration playing political games with the grant money that fuels scientific innovation, life-saving research, and modern infrastructure in our state and our nation,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Instead of co-opting taxpayer dollars to serve his reckless agenda, President Trump should focus on serving working Americans and lowering costs.”\n\nThe proposed rule would dramatically expand agencies’ authority to terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. It would also require political appointees to make funding decisions without deferring to expert peer review. The senators warn this would inject partisan politics into grantmaking, threaten America’s leadership in scientific and medical innovation, and create chaos for communities and organizations that rely on federal funding to deliver critical services.\n\n“Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals,” the senators wrote. “Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs.”\n\nThe senators also argue that OMB’s proposal would force grant recipients to comply with vague, undefined, and political grant conditions that conflict with existing statutes. At the same time, it would weaken transparency and accountability requirements intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars. These changes could discourage qualified organizations from applying for federal grants and increase the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\nThe senators concluded: “Article I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal.”\n\nJoining Senator Gillibrand in signing the letter were Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-demands-accountability-from-military-leaders-on-cost-of-iran-war-minab-school-bombing/", "title": "Gillibrand Demands Accountability From Military Leaders On Cost Of Iran War, Minab School Bombing", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, demanded accountability from the Pentagon on President Trump’s requested $350 billion in taxpayer dollars as a slush fund for his administration on top of the defense budget and $67.1 billion to pay for his reckless war in Iran. The funding requests follow Americans spending over $56 billion more on gas because of the war, with New Yorkers spending over $2.2 billion more to fill up their tanks.\n\n“New Yorkers do not want to give billions more of their hard-earned dollars to fund President Trump’s chaotic, illegal, and unnecessary war that he has no idea how to get out of, ” said Senator Gillibrand. “They want their tax dollars to go to their healthcare, bringing down the cost of living, and making life easier for working families.”\n\nIn addition, Gillibrand continued to demand answers from the military on the U.S.’ bombing of an Iranian elementary school in February that reportedly killed approximately 120 children and at least 175 people in total. A day after she led 24 of her colleagues in calling for the Pentagon to release its long-awaited report on the bombing, she pressed for details on how the target was selected and how the bombing was executed.\n\nFootage of Senator Gillibrand’s questioning can be found here.\n\nTranscripts of key moments can be found below:\n\nON SPENDING ADDITIONAL BILLIONS ON WAR WHEN AMERICANS NEED RELIEF AT HOME\n\nSen. Gillibrand: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Secretary Hurst, thank you for your service. You have an incredible career, and I want to thank you and your family for continuing to dedicate your time and talent to the defense of this country. It’s a significant undertaking. You have a very important job as comptroller. Your job fundamentally is going to be about transparency and accountability, and one of the burdens, I think, of this job you’re going to have right now is that the American people are very concerned about the lack of transparency and accountability when it comes to this war. From their perspective, it’s an unauthorized, illegal, unwanted war. The amount of spending is astronomical. I think you’ve just recently given us the $67 billion number. If they had a choice, they’d rather $67 billion fund Medicaid and their health care. They’d rather have $67 billion fund—to get the cost of groceries down, to get the cost of fuel down. And with the constant problems in the Strait of Hormuz and the continuing and the escalating of this war, people are very distressed about the cost of fueling their cars, fueling their homes, the cost of diesel for truck drivers, and the cost it’s having on everything because of that increase. So, transparency is something that we care very much about, and in your budget, it is not clear—especially for the supplemental—what is creating these enormous costs. You’re asking for an additional $350 billion, which to New Yorkers is going to seem like a slush fund to them. So it’s unclear: are these costs to pay for the destruction because of the war to our bases and operations abroad? Is this cost because of the increase in cost to our Navy ships because they were extended at sea? Are these costs because of wasteful domestic deployments of DoD personnel?\n\nHonorable Jules W. Hurst III: Senator, again, thanks for the question. The $67 billion supplemental—I wasn’t involved in the generation of that because I’m not in a position of comptroller. But let me say this: the department needs a generational investment. It’s a defense, right? The Arleigh Burke class destroyer, the first one was commissioned in 1985, 40 years ago. It’s still the mainstay of our surface fleet. The Air Force is planning to fly the KC-135 until potentially the 2070s. We have to update our platforms. We have to buy affordable mass. We have to procure autonomous warfare platforms and integrate them into the force.\n\nON THE FAILURE OF HEGSETH TO RELEASE MINAB REPORT\n\nSen. Gillibrand: I’m highly concerned about the bombing of a school in Iran, a girls’ school. That bombing has been deeply upsetting to New Yorkers. 120 children were killed, and we still don’t have a report on that. Again, transparency and accountability. It is essential that this department give this Congress the report of how that target was selected, why more recent data and information showing that it was clearly a girls’ school and no longer part of the military base that was next door. Have you been given the report on how that targeting was made and whether AI systems were used?\n\nHonorable Jules W. Hurst III: Senator, I have not seen that report. I regret the loss of any civilian life in any conflict.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-her-vote-to-block-a-blank-check-for-trumps-iran-war/", "title": "Gillibrand Statement On Her Vote To Block A Blank Check For Trump’s Iran War", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) released the following statement regarding her vote against the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act:\n\n“Donald Trump launched this conflict in Iran with no clear objective, no plan, and no exit strategy. I cannot support a defense bill that places zero constraints on an out-of-touch administration waging a price-increasing war that directly hurts working families.\n\n“Every day, the White House offers a shifting rationale for the chaos they’ve created while demanding a blank check for a deeply misguided conflict. The American people are paying the price at the pump and in the grocery checkout line as inflation, gas prices, and healthcare costs have soared.\n\n“This must end. We cannot afford an endless conflict abroad while hardworking families are told to sacrifice their livelihoods to fund it.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-new-york-state-data-center-moratorium/", "title": "Gillibrand Statement On New York State Data Center Moratorium", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement regarding Governor Kathy Hochul’s executive order to implement a one-year pause for hyperscale data centers to assess for environmental impact:\n\n“I applaud Governor Hochul for taking decisive action on data center construction. Today’s executive order sends a clear message New Yorkers deserve a say in how this technology impacts their lives and communities.\n\n“This one-year moratorium is fundamentally about trust. Right now, New Yorkers aren’t convinced these massive facilities benefit them. Before we move forward, our communities need ironclad guarantees that their energy bills won’t spike, their water will be protected, and their air will remain clean.\n\n“At the federal level, my mission is to ensure AI innovation benefits every American, not just a powerful few. That requires establishing clear, reliable rules of the road. We must build a framework that protects our kids from harmful algorithms and social media tools; shields seniors and consumers from AI-driven scams and fraud; and safeguards American jobs and livelihoods from displacement.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-7-14-26", "title": "Capitol Hill Report, 7-14-26", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Audio from this afternoon’s call is available HERE.\n\nTopics include: Sen. Lindsey Graham’s passing, Iran, U.S. Supreme Court security and the ROAD to Housing Act.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-applauds-national-science-foundation-award-to-support-sustained-rural-prosperity-unlock-innovation-and-boost-bioeconomy", "title": "Grassley Applauds National Science Foundation Award to Support Sustained Rural Prosperity, Unlock Innovation and Boost Bioeconomy", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) applauded an announcement from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that the RuralSTAMINA program would receive a Regional Innovation Engines award of $15 million over two years. The program could receive up to $160 million over the next decade. In September, RuralSTAMINA was chosen as an NSF engines finalist. This award reflects the cutting edge leadership of Iowa State University and its regional partners, including the University of Iowa, to accelerate the bioeconomy by expanding biomanufacturing capacity, supporting technology commercialization, strengthening workforce development and creating new economic opportunities for producers, entrepreneurs and communities.\n\n“I’m very glad to see this funding headed to support such an important effort here in Iowa. Our family farmers feed and fuel the world, and their productivity creates a lot of feedstock. With the RuralSTAMINA program, we can leverage Iowa’s agriculture abundance, innovation and advanced biomanufacturing to create new value-added products. I congratulate Iowa State University and its regional partners, including the University of Iowa, for their expertise and collaboration to harness the local workforce and accelerate the bioeconomy in rural communities across the state,” Grassley said.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe NSF Engines program aims to build and scale regional innovation ecosystems nationwide. Each NSF Engine is powered by a broad coalition of private sector, regional and scientific leaders and organizations to accelerate breakthrough emerging technology R&D that drives growth and ultimately bolsters U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-opens-judiciary-hearing-on-patent-eligibility-highlights-need-for-all-americans-to-benefit-from-innovation-and-advancement", "title": "Grassley Opens Judiciary Hearing on Patent Eligibility, Highlights Need for All Americans to Benefit from Innovation and Advancement", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Prepared Opening Statement by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa\n\nChairman, Senate Judiciary Committee\n\n“From Genes to Machines: The Patent Eligibility Debate”\n\nTuesday, July 14, 2026\n\nWe’re here to discuss a cutting-edge legal question – what inventions should be eligible for U.S. patent protection.\n\nFirst, though, it’s important for us to take a few minutes to remember and honor our friend and colleague, Senator Lindsay Graham, who passed away over the weekend. He leaves behind a distinguished legacy as a United States Senator and former chairman and ranking member of this committee.\n\nLindsey was a resounding voice on the Judiciary Committee - especially through the high-profile and successful confirmations of Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Justice Amy Coney Barrett. He saw many conservative judges appointed to all levels of the federal courts. Notably, he did this and more through the COVID pandemic.\n\nPublic service was Lindsey’s calling. He approached it with enthusiasm, energy and tireless dedication. His leadership on this committee, in the Senate and for this country will be missed.\n\nI ask that we take a moment of silence to remember Senator Lindsey Graham.\n\nNow, on to the business at hand.\n\nOur nation’s founders understood the importance of patent protection to the economy and growth of our newborn nation. They guaranteed this protection in our Constitution. They enacted the first patent law in 1790, during the first Congress.\n\nThe task before us today isn’t an easy one. Patent eligibility’s a multilayered legal issue with detailed tests and case-by-case rules created by the Supreme Court. This law must be culled and gleaned from the many pages of the Court’s nuanced opinions.\n\nNext, we tie in science – all the sciences, from genes to machines to artificial intelligence. Then we mix in insatiable human curiosity and boundless creativity, and we begin to understand why this area of law’s so challenging and relevant today. It’s rules trying to keep up with scientific development and the human imagination.\n\nThere’s much debate about how to deal with this complex patent issue. Senator Tillis has done excellent and diligent work, including holding multiple hearings in the Intellectual Property Subcommittee. But I believe this is the first hearing we’re holding on this legislation at the full committee level.\n\nWe may or may not agree on his bill - the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act, also known as PERA. I don’t know yet – most of us are still studying and trying to understand the bill and the effects it’ll have in order to determine what’s the best path forward. That’s why we’re here today – to study and understand this important issue that has tremendous impact on the wellbeing of humanity and the success of our economy.\n\nWe have four experts joining us today, and others who are submitting written testimony for the record, to help us understand this with their insights and experiences.\n\nThe stakes couldn’t be higher. Our country leads the world in cutting edge inventions and technology. This momentum fuels our economy and advances our society. It cures disease and helps us grow enough food to feed people throughout the world. We have a responsibility to Americans to hold this lead, and to the world to fulfill our potential.\n\nThe question we must ask today is how do we maintain this momentum, while also making sure that all Americans can benefit from these advancements? Learning how to strike this balance is why we’re holding this hearing today.\n\nI look forward to a fascinating discussion. I now turn to my colleague, Senator Durbin, to give his opening remarks.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/news-jack-smiths-investigative-team-secretly-obtained-text-messages-from-44-members-of-congress-amid-trump-probe", "title": "NEWS: Jack Smith’s Investigative Team Secretly Obtained Text Messages from 44 Members of Congress Amid Trump Probe", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigative team obtained and reviewed text messages from 44 Members of Congress as part of the Biden Department of Justice’s (DOJ) criminal investigation into President Trump. Evidence shows the investigators bypassed a required Filter Team review process, violating investigative protocols and potentially infringing on constitutional guardrails.\n\nThe bombshell discovery comes in new records released today by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) as part of their ongoing Arctic Frost oversight. Grassley and Johnson requested the records from DOJ after receiving legally protected whistleblower disclosures.\n\nThe Justice Department’s letter to the chairmen and the provided records indicate Smith’s investigative team circumvented its own filter review process, which was established to protect privileged materials from being swept up in a criminal prosecution, and directly accessed the content of texts sent by Republican and Democrat senators and members of the House of Representatives to White House officials during Trump’s first term. Communications from Members of Congress pertaining to their official legislative duties are protected from criminal prosecution under the Constitution’s Speech or Debate Clause. Bypassing a Filter Team evades consideration of additional privileges, such as attorney-client privilege.\n\nBoth Grassley and Johnson’s text messages were obtained by Smith’s team.\n\n“Jack Smith’s criminal investigation of President Trump was a runaway train that had no brakes. Based on the information that’s been produced to me and Senator Johnson, Biden DOJ and FBI investigators apparently ignored their own routine investigative protocols to obtain and review work-related messages from me and dozens of my Republican and Democrat colleagues who were outside the scope of the government’s investigation,” Grassley said. “I hope my Democrat colleagues, several of whom had their own texts swept up, finally put partisanship aside and recognize the severity of these actions. Smith’s team ran roughshod over the Constitution even after repeated warnings. Jack Smith has answering to do, and I intend to have him before the Senate Judiciary Committee in the coming months to hold him accountable.”\n\n“This is yet another grotesque example of the Biden administration’s weaponization of the Justice Department,” Johnson said. “Jack Smith’s team acted with impunity as they disregarded their own protocols to obtain and access White House text messages, including messages to and from 44 Members of Congress. At this point, no one should be shocked by Jack Smith’s recklessness and blatant abuse of power, but they should be outraged.”\n\nRead DOJ’s summary of the records HERE and access the records HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe records, as summarized in a DOJ cover letter, provide evidence the Biden Justice Department “established a Filter Team to evaluate materials obtained in the course of both Jack Smith’s investigation relating to January 6 (referred to as ‘Project Coconut’) and his Mar-a-Lago documents investigation (referred to as ‘Project Cranberry’). The Filter Team’s purpose was to prevent investigators from the Special Counsel’s Office and the FBI (‘Investigative Team’) from accessing privileged materials among the records obtained during the course of these investigations.” The DOJ letter further states “the Special Counsel’s Investigative Team apparently bypassed the Filter Team and directly accessed these text messages,” in reference to Members’ communications.\n\nIn June 2023, the Special Counsel’s Office (SCO) subpoenaed the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to provide all text messages from October 2020 through January 20, 2021, from phones associated with a long list of personnel serving in the White House during President Trump’s first term, including Trump himself as well as: Mark Meadows, Dan Scavino, Ivanka Trump, Stephen Miller, Peter Navarro, John Ratcliffe, Kash Patel, Rudy Giuliani, Kellyanne Conway and Mike Pence.\n\nNARA provided the texts to SCO on August 21, 2023. Within half an hour, one of Smith’s senior lawyers, Thomas Windom, downloaded the texts and, within one hour, other members of Smith’s investigative team downloaded and began reviewing the texts. It appears the review was done without waiting for the Filter Team to evaluate and segregate privileged information.\n\nSmith’s team accessed texts to and from the following current and former senators and members of the House of Representatives:\n\n1. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)\n\n2. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.)\n\n3. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas)\n\n4. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)\n\n5. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)\n\n6. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah)\n\n7. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.)\n\n8. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.)\n\n9. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska)\n\n10. Senator David Perdue (R-Ga.)\n\n11. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)\n\n12. Senator Martha McSally (R-Ariz.)\n\n13. Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.)\n\n14. Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.)\n\n15. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio)\n\n16. Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.)\n\n17. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine)\n\n18. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.)\n\n19. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.)\n\n20. Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colo.)\n\n21. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.)\n\n22. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.)\n\n23. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio)\n\n24. Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.)\n\n25. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.)\n\n26. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.)\n\n27. Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.)\n\n28. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wis.)\n\n29. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.)\n\n30. Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.)\n\n31. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.)\n\n32. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.)\n\n33. Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.)\n\n34. Rep. Joshua Gottheimer (D-N.J.)\n\n35. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.)\n\n36. Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.)\n\n37. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.)\n\n38. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.)\n\n39. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.)\n\n40. Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.)\n\n41. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.)\n\n42. Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho)\n\n43. Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.)\n\n44. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.)", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/07/14/icymi-hagerty-joinsmornings-with-maria-on-fox-business-to-discuss-clarity-the-save-act-reconciliation-3-0-and-lindsey-grahams-legacy/", "title": "ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to Discuss CLARITY, the SAVE Act, Reconciliation 3.0 and Lindsey Graham’s Legacy", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.hagerty.senate.gov", "scraper": "hagerty", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000601", "name": "Bill Hagerty", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington—Today, United States Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to honor the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC, and to discuss the CLARITY Act, the SAVE America Act and Reconciliation 3.0.\n\n*Click the photo above or here to watch*\n\nPartial Transcript\n\nHagerty on Lindsey Graham’s passing: There is a pall over all of D.C. Frankly, over much of the world. Lindsey was very well traveled as a legislator and very well liked. We will all dearly miss him. He played a critical role in the Senate. He always brought levity to everything that he did… I remember him walking into an important meeting with members of the House of Representatives, and Lindsey announced, “I am from the United States Senate, and I’m here to help.” It just broke the room, it broke the ice. And he had a way of piercing even the most tense situation with a little bit of levity. He always also was very clear in his goals. You might not always agree with his goals, but Lindsey always had a plan to get them accomplished. And I think he is resting better—God bless him—knowing that he accomplished so much, particularly with the situation in Ukraine right now. His breakthrough efforts that just occurred with Russian sanctions, I think will make a big difference in terms of bringing peace to that area that he’s worked so hard at […] Lindsey was chair of the [Senate Budget Committee] and we’ve made great progress on the Reconciliation 3.0 package. We need that to get critical aspects of legislation done. We are at a point in the political environment right now where it is difficult to get any cooperation from the Democrats and getting the SAVE America Act passed, which is so important to us, many elements of that can be done through Reconciliation 3.0. There are a number of other impacts to the economy, to the housing market: indexing capital gains on housing, the budget for the Defense Department, and a number of other matters that we do need to address. Lindsey was riding front and center on that in the budget committee. It is going to take a lot of dedication. I think we should dedicate our efforts in memory of him to get that done as well […] Having [Sen. Graham] on the [Senate Judiciary Committee] was certainly an advantage for Republicans. [Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche] will be a great [United States Attorney General]. He is already doing a very good job, but I think having Lindsey there would have been a plus. We will certainly figure out how to address the gap that Lindsey’s departure leaves, but again, I say we will miss his voice in so many areas—Judiciary, of course, as you point out, being one of those critical points.\n\nHagerty on the SAVE America Act: I think we should try every aspect available to us. I’m one of the co-sponsors of this bill and am very keen to see it passed. What Lindsey Graham was working on in the Reconciliation 3.0 package does not require Democrat votes. I think that was one of the paths that offered the most promise, and I think we need to continue our efforts full bore to make sure we get it done, and this is the time to do it. I agree that this is the legislative period before August to work hard to get it done. We have got a lot on the agenda. We need to get the National Defense Authorization Act passed; Lindsey was a strong voice there as well. We have made great progress there. I think we’re very close to being ready to do that… I put great effort forward last year to get the Genius Act passed, and what the Genius Act did for stable coins in bringing America to the absolute lead on an international basis can be done as well with the CLARITY Act for the remainder of the digital assets industry, we need to get that passed also. So, there are a lot of pressures on us right now and a lot of work ahead.\n\nHagerty on Reconciliation 3.0: I think we’re going to have to be able to both walk and chew gum at the same time. We’re going to be working on multiple components of this, and it will be up to [Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-SD,] to decide which is ready and which is most, most passable on any given day. But we’re going to have to be proceeding side by side with these incredibly important pieces of legislation that is in the Senate Banking Committee. A lot of good work has gone into that, I think we are very close there. The SAVE America Act being “budgetized,” if you will, in the Senate Budget Committee, a lot of work has happened there. The House is working very hard right now to send something our way. And again, the National Defense Authorization Bill has got a lot of elements in it that, um, that will be critical to our national security. I think Leader Thune will be looking at which [bills] are prime and ready to go. But we are going to be voting and pushing this forward at a very rapid pace… Nobody will be able to fill [Sen. Graham’s] place, there is no question about that. But there are procedures in place to roll in a new chair of the budget committee. There are procedures in place for the governor of South Carolina to replace Lindsey, and all of that will be taking up a good part of this week, I am certain.\n\nHagerty on the CLARITY Act: [The CLARITY Act] certainly has the momentum, and I think the interest to get it done. I will just say this: it has been transformative to see what the GENIUS Act has done to the stablecoin arena. We have the opportunity to maintain that lead for America on a global basis if we can get CLARITY done. And the right time to do it is right now. The elements are there in front of us. I would hate to see us kick the can down the road any further, but we have a lot ahead of us on the agenda. I certainly hope we can get this done soon.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-negotiates-inclusion-of-stop-csam-act-in-senate-ndaa/", "title": "Hawley Negotiates Inclusion of STOP CSAM Act in Senate NDAA", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.hawley.senate.gov", "scraper": "hawley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001089", "name": "Josh Hawley", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON –Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced that his legislation to combat child sex abuse material online, the STOP CSAM Act, was added to the text of the defense policy bill currently being considered in the U.S. Senate. Senator Hawley negotiated the inclusion of the STOP CSAM Act into the manager’s amendment of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) following successful passage of his bill out of the Judiciary Committee in a unanimous vote last year. If signed into law, this legislation would crack down on egregious cases of child exploitation online and give victims the right to sue Big Tech platforms.\n\nThe STOP CSAM Act would crack down on the proliferation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online by allowing victims to sue companies that host it. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) has served as co-lead on this legislation. Senator Hawley reintroduced the legislation in March 2025 ahead of the senators’ joint committee hearing highlighting witnesses impacted by CSAM, including survivors, advocates, and law enforcement experts. The bill then passed unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary Committee in June 2025.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-slams-biden-doj-for-illegally-obtaining-his-text-messages-in-trump-probe/", "title": "Hawley Slams Biden DOJ for Illegally Obtaining His Text Messages in Trump Probe", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.hawley.senate.gov", "scraper": "hawley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001089", "name": "Josh Hawley", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) released the following statements regarding new developments in the Arctic Frost case, in which he and other senators’ personal text messages were illegally acquired by former Special Counsel Jack Smith.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-introduces-bill-to-expand-pre-apprenticeship-programs", "title": "Heinrich Introduces Bill to Expand Pre-Apprenticeship Programs", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) reintroduced his Pre-Apprenticeships To Hardhats (PATH) Act, legislation to strengthen the pipeline for careers in New Mexico and nationwide, address workforce shortages, and grow the economy through quality pre-apprenticeship programs.\n\nPre-apprenticeship programs are a proven way to build the skilled workforce needed to meet industry demand. They equip participants with foundational literacy and math skills, workplace readiness, and hands-on training that can be tailored to the needs of students, employers, and local labor markets.\n\n“My Pre-Apprenticeships to Hardhats Act will help workers gain the skills and training they need to succeed in high-demand careers they can build their families around. These are the kinds of jobs that allow folks to put food on the table and get ahead,” said Heinrich. “I remain committed to solutions that expand pathways to in-demand jobs, grow our local workforce, and ensure New Mexico has the skilled workers it needs for the future.”\n\nSpecifically, the PATH Act directs the U.S. Department of Labor to award grants to a broad range of eligible entities, including employers, unions, workforce development boards, community-based organizations, colleges and universities, school districts, state education agencies, small businesses, and veterans’ organizations. Grant recipients would provide pre-apprenticeship training that equips participants with the skills and competencies needed to enter registered apprenticeship programs in the building trades.\n\nFunding must be used for training, curriculum development, assessments, and program evaluation. The legislation also requires grantees to prioritize outreach and training opportunities for veterans, women, and low-income communities.\n\nIn the House, the PATH Act is led by U.S. Representative Donald Norcross (D-N.J.).\n\n“Young people need to know that expensive four-year degrees are not the only way to earn a good living and provide value to your community,” said Norcross. “America needs to build more of everything from housing to energy to infrastructure, and pre-apprenticeships are the perfect entry point for the high-paying, fulfilling careers available right now. My own electrical apprenticeship kickstarted a life I’m extremely proud of and serves as my inspiration to create more of those opportunities for today’s workforce, too.”\n\nThe PATH Act is endorsed by United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 412 (U.A. Local 412), North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), and SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 49.\n\n“North America’s Building Trades Unions understand the training and education pathways required to produce a highly-skilled workforce, and we fully support apprenticeship readiness programs,” said Sean McGarvey, President of North America’s Building Trades Unions. “The efforts in the PATH Act not only open the pipelines of the skilled trades to underserved communities across America, they are essential to securing a strong foundation for America’s middle-class and ensuring national and local economic growth.”\n\n“At the United Association Local 412 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, we strongly believe in the investment in pre-apprenticeship as a pathway for young people into apprenticeship and great careers,” said Courtenay Eichhorst, Business Manager, U.A. Local 412, and President of New Mexico Building Trades. “The United States is facing a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople and with important initiatives and projects from federal investments needing the skilled trades workforce, we must provide workforce development to achieve the most out of those investments. Optimizing these investments must include pre-apprenticeship which lead into great paying careers in the skilled trades and economically uplifts our communities, all while improving the infrastructure in our great state and nation. We need to fund pre-apprenticeship programs to carry out these initiatives and build our communities. Pre-apprenticeship is a crucial stepping-stone into registered apprenticeship and provides a ‘pathway out of poverty.’”\n\nThe full text of the bill is here.\n\nHeinrich is a champion of policies to expand opportunities for New Mexico workers and has consistently fought to create good-paying union jobs.\n\nHeinrich recently announced that after nearly two decades of his advocacy to complete one of the largest energy infrastructure projects in the Western Hemisphere, the SunZia Project has become fully operational. SunZia includes a 550-mile transmission line spanning New Mexico’s Torrance, Lincoln, and San Miguel Counties. It will deliver up to 3,650 megawatts (MW) of energy and generate an estimated $20.5 billion in economic benefits for New Mexico and the Southwest. The project supported more than 2,000 construction jobs and will create more than 100 permanent jobs as it begins full operations. For a detailed timeline of Heinrich’s actions to build and bring SunZia online, click here.\n\nIn February 2025, Heinrich introduced his Apprenticeship Pathways Act, legislation to create pathways to high-demand careers for high school students by expanding access to apprenticeships and technical education.\n\nHeinrich, a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, also announced $1,350,000 in federal funding that he secured through the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) appropriations process for the United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 412 (U.A. Local 412). The funding will support specialized journeyman training focused on filling jobs created by the CHIPS Act and Inflation Reduction Act, including needs specific to semiconductor plants, hospitals, and heat pump installation, service, repair, and maintenance. In the same Fiscal Year Appropriations bills, Heinrich secured $1,200,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the SMART Local Union No. 49 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee to enhance and expand specialized HVAC apprenticeship training.\n\nIn October 2024, Heinrich visited U.A. 412’s mobile training unit, which is creating more pathways to in-demand careers in the skilled trades and has already trained dozens of New Mexicans in Española, Taos, Las Vegas, Mora, Raton, and Santa Fe. Heinrich also participated in a training demonstration with U.A. Local 412 leadership and apprentices who are learning skills in the plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC trades.\n\nThe U.A. Local 412 Mobile Training Unit was initially paid for by an Economic Development Administration (EDA) Good Jobs Challenge Grant, as part of a $6.4 million award to the Northern N.M. Workforce Integration Network. The Good Jobs Challenge funds were authorized by the American Rescue Plan, the critical economic recovery legislation that Heinrich was proud to pass in 2021.\n\nIn August 2024, Heinrich announced the Senate Appropriations Committee passage of bills that included an additional $870,000 CDS award that he secured to sustain the U.A. Local 412’s mobile training unit’s operations past the original EDA funding, and to expand its reach to new communities including Grants, Gallup, Silver City, and Zuni Pueblo.\n\nIn October 2024, Heinrich hosted a “Pro-Worker, Pro-Business Opportunities” roundtable to talk directly with New Mexicans about how federal legislation he helped pass into law, like the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Law, is creating careers in high-demand sectors and strengthening New Mexico’s health care, early childhood education, and skilled trades workforce.\n\nIn the last Congress, Heinrich introduced the bipartisan Apprenticeship Pathways Act, legislation to create pathways to careers for high school students by expanding access to apprenticeship programs for occupations with high need, including the building trades, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, telecommunications, and early childhood education.\n\nHeinrich also convened a hearing, as then-Chairman of the U.S. Joint Economic Committee (JEC), on “Job Training for the Clean Energy Transition.” Courtenay Eichhorst, Business Manager of U.A. Local 412 and President of New Mexico Building Trades, testified at the hearing about the importance of apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships.\n\nIn March 2024, Heinrich introduced the Providing Resources and Opportunities for Health Education and Learning (PRO-HEAL) Act, legislation that will tackle the health care provider shortage in New Mexico and nationwide by expanding pathways to high-quality, in-demand health care careers that medical professionals can access in their communities. Specifically, the PRO-HEAL Act addresses medical provider shortages by incentivizing states and institutions of higher education to expand or create health care provider pipeline programs, particularly in underserved and rural communities. The legislation is inspired by the success of the Combined BA/MD Degree Program at the University of New Mexico, where over 65% of students who have graduated from their program practice medicine in New Mexico.\n\nHeinrich previously introduced the Pathways to Health Careers Act, legislation that reauthorizes and modernizes the Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) program to help address health care shortages in New Mexico and across the country and create pathways to high-quality, in-demand health care careers. The HPOG program has a proven track record of successfully educating workers for jobs in the health care industry, while also providing career coaching, job placement, and a mix of other support services. The Pathways to Health Careers Act restarts and expands the HPOG Program, providing $425 million to make HPOG available nationwide from FY24 through FY28 and includes set asides for Tribes and U.S. Territories.\n\nIn 2021, Heinrich and Moran introduced the Championing Apprenticeships for New Careers and Employees in Technology (CHANCE in Tech) Act, bipartisan legislation to create earlier pathways to high-paying careers in the information technology (IT) industry. Heinrich previously introduced the bipartisan legislation in 2019 with former U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colo.).\n\nIn 2021 and 2022, Heinrich helped pass the Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, which helped bring manufacturing to Central New Mexico, including companies like Arcosa Wind Towers. Later in 2022, Heinrich also helped pass the CHIPS and Science Act, bipartisan legislation to lower costs, boost domestic manufacturing, strengthen domestic supply chains, and invest in skilled trades and workforce training programs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/icymi-hickenlooper-visits-aspen-acres-burn-site-in-beulah-talks-drought-and-wildfire-in-the-san-luis-valley/", "title": "ICYMI: Hickenlooper Visits Aspen Acres Burn Site in Beulah, Talks Drought and Wildfire in the San Luis Valley", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "In case you missed it, last week U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper traveled across Southern Colorado to survey wildfire damage, drought impacts, and discuss rural investment in the San Luis Valley.\n\nOn Thursday, Hickenlooper began the day in Buena Vista, meeting with firefighters and local law enforcement at the Willow Fire Incident Command Center before joining forest service staff and public lands advocates at the Collegiate Peaks Overlook to discuss Colorado’s wildfire emergency — and how Trump administration staffing cuts have left public lands agencies under-resourced this season. He then visited the San Luis Valley: touring an affordable housing project in Saguache that he helped secure over $1 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for, meeting with ranchers and farmers at the Rio Grande Water Conservation District in Alamosa to discuss the West’s historic drought and how falling Rio Grande water levels are threatening local crops.\n\nOn Friday, Hickenlooper stopped in Walsenburg for a discussion on economic development and federal investment in rural Colorado, then traveled to Beulah, where he toured the Aspen Acres burn site, held a briefing with local law enforcement and fire chiefs at the Pueblo Incident Command Center, and visited the Red Cross shelter to check on evacuees and the community’s needs.\n\nCheck out what they’re saying:\n\nCPR: The Aspen Acres fire roared through the small, close-knit community of Beulah, but residents fought back\n\n…Colorado’s senators, John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, toured the area on Friday, and were struck by the level of destruction. “This is obviously a tragedy for Beulah,” said Bennet, adding that it’s also “an amazing example of resilience to see the volunteer firefighters fighting these blazes to save this town while their own houses were being destroyed.”\n\nHickenlooper spoke about spending cuts to federal agencies charged with firefighting, fire mitigation and more. He said resources were available for this fire. “That ain’t going to be true for all the other fires,” he said. He promised to put pressure on the Trump administration, “They made a lot of promises during the campaign that they would provide resources to rural America and we’re not seeing it when we need it.”\n\nPueblo Chieftain: Colorado senators pledge federal aid for Aspen Acres Fire\n\nSens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper promised on July 10 to do whatever they can to aid Pueblo and other counties affected by the Aspen Acres Fire.\n\n…Hickenlooper said that the state of Colorado would owe a “serious debt” to the state of Alaska — the home state of the national critical incident management team overseeing firefighting operations — for its aid.\n\n“This should also be a wake-up call. People all over the state of Colorado recognize this is going to be a hot, dry summer, by all accounts,” Hickenlooper said.\n\nArk Valley Voice: Hickenlooper Hears Concerns Over Wildfire’s Economic Toll During Buena Vista Visit\n\nWhile firefighters continue working to contain the Willow Fire, local leaders told U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper that another challenge is already taking hold across the Arkansas River Valley – the local economy.\n\nDuring a visit to Buena Vista on Thursday, July 9, Hickenlooper met with fire officials before sitting down with local business owners, emergency managers, public land officials, and community leaders. Speakers described how the wildfire has disrupted tourism, strained local businesses, and highlighted the growing challenges communities face as wildfire seasons become longer and more severe.\n\n…Earlier that day, Hickenlooper stopped at the Willow Fire Incident Command Post at Buena Vista High School. Fire managers briefed him on current suppression efforts before the roundtable discussion.\n\nValley Courier: Sen. Hickenlooper listens, talks agriculture with local growers.\n\n…“I want to hear your stories. People’s stories can change how a senator votes.”\n\nThose were some of Colorado U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper’s first words when he began a dialogue with a group of farmers and ranchers from the San Luis Valley at the Rio Grande Water Conservation District.\n\nThe event, held on Thursday, was the last in a three-stop itinerary. Hickenlooper’s day began in Buena Vista with a conversation about public lands, continued to Saguache where he spoke with locals about affordable housing and ended with the dialogue in Alamosa.\n\nIn some cases, the stories that producers shared reflected the harsh reality of an ag industry getting hit on all sides at the same time, largely by factors outside of producers’ control.\n\nIncreasing water scarcity. Inflation, the cost of diesel and fertilizer and other soaring input costs caused by wars on the other side of the globe. Unpredictable markets with a decline in what profits can be made. Tariffs, persistent drought that’s drawing the lifeblood out of agriculture and sweeping budget cuts in areas that can least afford them.\n\n“The cuts are staggering,” Hickenlooper said, “and they’re coming in a time of dire need.”\n\n…Hickenlooper shared his thoughts, starting with legislation. “We must get a farm bill. Putting the farm bill in a reconciliation is insane,” he said. “We haven’t had any stable footing for ag in a decade…”\n\nWATCH:\n\nCBS (Denver, CO): Aspen Acres Fire\n\nCBS (Colorado Springs, CO): Aspen Acres Fire\n\nNBC (Colorado Springs, CO): Aspen Acres Fire\n\nFOX (Colorado Springs, CO): Aspen Acres Fire\n\nFOX (Denver, CO): Aspen Acres Fire\n\n9 News (Denver, CO): Aspen Acres Fire\n\nABC (Colorado Springs, CO): Aspen Acres Fire\n\nLISTEN:\n\nBloomberg (San Francisco, CA): Aspen Acres FireKRDO (Colorado Springs, CO): Aspen Acres Fire\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-pays-tribute-to-senator-lindsey-graham-on-senate-floor", "title": "Hoeven Pays Tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham on Senate Floor", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today delivered remarks on the U.S. Senate floor honoring the life and legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham following his passing. Hoeven remembered Graham as a close friend and dedicated public servant highlighting his decades of military and congressional service, his leadership on national defense, budget and judicial issues, and his unwavering commitment to the nation’s servicemembers and their families. Hoeven also reflected on Graham’s devotion to his family and welcomed his sister Darline as she prepares to carry on his legacy of service in the Senate.\n\n“It’s hard to imagine the Senate without Lindsey. We will miss his humor, his advice and his friendship. From the military to the South Carolina House to the past 31 years in Congress, Lindsey was dedicated to serving the people of South Carolina and the nation,” said Hoeven. “But for all his accomplishments in the Senate and around the globe, Senator Graham was most proud of his family. He was a loyal and loving brother and uncle, who once said of his sister, ‘Of all the things that have happened in my life, her turning out so well is the highlight of it by far.’ It is only fitting that his sister, Darline, will serve in his place. We extend her a warm welcome to the Senate, like Senator Graham did with so many of us.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-helps-secure-millions-for-northeast-ohio-manufacturing-hub-supporting-up-to-20000-jobs/", "title": "Husted helps secure millions for northeast Ohio manufacturing hub, supporting up to 20,000 jobs", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“I was proud to advocate for this project because it aligns with our state’s strengths and America’s priorities.”\n\nWASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today announced that the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) selected Case Western Reserve University’s Northeast Ohio Strengthening Manufacturing for American Resilience through Technology (NEO-SMART) initiative as one of just 12 recipients nationwide to receive an NSF Regional Innovation Engines award.\n\nThis comes after Husted wrote a letter to Acting Director of NSF Brian Stone advocating for the NEO-SMART project on May 22, 2026. The NSF Engines program can provide up to $160 million over 10 years to support the initiative.\n\n“Ohio has long been a manufacturing powerhouse, and this investment will help ensure northeast Ohio remains at the forefront of innovation for decades to come. Ohio was just named the top state in the nation to do business, and the NEO-SMART initiative’s collaboration—bringing together researchers, manufacturers, educators and workforce partners—to strengthen domestic supply chains and advance cutting-edge technologies is one example of why we earned that rating. I was proud to advocate for this project because it aligns with our state’s strengths and America’s priorities,” said Husted.\n\nThe NEO-SMART proposal outlines a 10-year plan that would create an estimated 20,000 jobs across 18 counties in northeast Ohio. The program is a partnership of more than 70 entities from sectors spanning industry, academia, job training, philanthropy and government.\n\nOnce funded, this program will:\n\nDrive economic prosperity by fortifying domestic supply chains in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, defense and medical devices\n\nAccelerate innovation by advancing key technologies in manufacturing and fostering new entrepreneurship\n\nTrain Ohio’s future workforce for in demand and meaningful jobs", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.justice.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-justice-celebrates-nsf-energy-investment-in-wvu/", "title": "Senator Justice Celebrates NSF Energy Investment in WVU", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.justice.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.justice.senate.gov", "scraper": "justice", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000312", "name": "James C. Justice", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senator Jim Justice released a statement celebrating the National Science Foundation’s selection of the Resilient Energy Technology and Infrastructure (RETI) Consortium, which is led by West Virginia University (WVU) in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and more than 60 regional partners, to be one of 12 National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines award recipients.\n\n“This is a landmark moment for West Virginia. Securing the RETI Consortium, the largest National Science Foundation award in our state’s history, is a testament to the incredible work being done at West Virginia University and by partners across our region. This $321 million investment is going to create jobs, grow our economy, and continue to cement West Virginia as a national leader in energy innovation. There has never been a better time to believe in West Virginia, and I’m excited for what is ahead,” said Senator Jim Justice.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-proposal-to-encourage-congressional-action-on-social-security", "title": "Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Proposal to Encourage Congressional Action on Social Security", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Angus King (I-ME) introduced a bipartisan proposal to encourage congressional action on Social Security. The Protecting Retirement Opportunities and Maintaining Income Security for Everyone (PROMISE) Act follows the release of the Social Security Board of Trustees’ annual report, which found that the Social Security Trust Fund will only be able to cover 78 percent of benefits in 2032—meaning that Americans who rely on the program will have their benefits reduced by 22 percent if Congress does not act.\n\n“For nearly a century, Social Security has been a lifeline that allows Americans to retire with dignity. Congress should not wait around until the last minute to shore up this critical program and prevent broad-based benefit cuts upon Trust Fund depletion,” said Kaine. “That’s why I’m joining a bipartisan group of my colleagues in introducing legislation that will encourage Congress to roll up its sleeves and find a path forward to ensure current and future generations of retirees and their families are able to receive the benefits they have earned and which they are owed.”\n\n“Congress has known about this challenge for more than a decade, but it has not taken up these politically challenging issues. And the longer Congress waits, the more difficult it will be to address this issue in the future,” said Durbin. “Our bipartisan proposal opens Congress to debate this issue in a transparent, fair, and bipartisan way. We were elected to solve problems—and there’s no greater problem than the solvency and future of Social Security. We owe it to our kids and grandkids to protect and strengthen this critical program.”\n\n“Millions of Americans rely on Social Security to live. In 6 years, those families will see a 22% cut to their benefits if Congress doesn’t act. Our plan preserves promised benefits for current retirees and the next generation of Americans,” said Cassidy.\n\n“Social Security is on an unsustainable path that will lead to dramatic benefit cuts for retirees and growing skepticism among workers paying into a program on the brink of insolvency. With each passing year, the menu of options that preserve benefits and limit tax hikes narrows. The modest reforms Congress contemplated in 2010 would have put Social Security on solid footing for 75 years; today, those same reforms would add less than two years to our current runway,” said Tillis. “I won’t pretend there’s consensus on how we solve this, but the math is unforgiving: the longer Congress waits to act, the fewer good options remain, which is why I am proud to support this legislation.”\n\n“For years, we've known that Social Security faces serious long-term financial challenges, yet Congress has repeatedly chosen to look the other way,” said King. “This legislation creates a bipartisan process to ensure Congress finally does its job. Social Security is a promise millions of Americans have earned through a lifetime of work – household budgets rely on the timely arrival of these earnings to pay for mortgages, heat, and medications. We have a responsibility to preserve that promise for today's retirees and for generations to come.”\n\nMore than 70 million Americans receive Social Security benefits. Social Security is a bedrock promise that hard-working Americans paying into the program will earn their retirement and not have to worry about putting food on their table, a roof over their heads, or medicine in their cabinets. However, last month’s Trustees report means that seniors and people with disabilities would have their benefits reduced by $450 per month (based on the average Social Security benefit of $2,071 per month). If Congress does not act, this automatic across-the-board benefit cut could push more than three million additional seniors and people with disabilities into poverty.\n\nThe PROMISE Act would create a procedure to initiate congressional action on Social Security. Specifically, under the Senators’ proposal:\n\nThe Social Security Advisory Board (SSAB), an independent, bipartisan advisory committee established to make recommendations to Congress, would transmit a base bill (which must ensure that the Social Security Trust Funds are funded for at least the next 50 years) to Congress.\n\nThe Majority Leaders of the Senate and House would introduce the base bill. If they do not, any Member of Congress could do so.\n\nThe base bill would be referred to the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways & Means Committee. Both committees would have the chance to hold hearings and amend the base bill.\n\nThe Senate Finance Committee and House Ways & Means Committee would report the base bill (as potentially amended). If the Committees do not report the base bill, it automatically would be discharged and placed on the Senate and House calendars.\n\nThe Majority Leaders of the Senate and House would move to proceed to the base bill (as potentially amended). If the Majority Leaders do not, any Member of Congress could do so.\n\nMembers of Congress could offer substitute amendments (which must ensure that the Social Security Trust Funds are funded for at least the next 50 years) to the base bill (as potentially amended) after the motion to proceed.\n\nThe Senate and House would vote on passage of the base bill (as potentially amended) after 100 hours of consideration. Final passage would require a three-fifths vote in the Senate and a majority vote in the House.\n\nAccording to polling from the Bipartisan Policy Center, 64 percent of Democrats and 61 percent of Republicans agree on the need for bipartisan cooperation to protect and strengthen the program. And 67 percent of those polled want Congress to take near-term action to solve Social Security’s impending challenges. Specifically, 47 percent say that they want Congress to address Social Security’s financial shortfall as soon as possible, with both parties working together, and an additional 20 percent say that they want a bipartisan commission created to develop a comprehensive plan—and for Congress to approve that plan.\n\nKaine has consistently taken action to defend Social Security. He has introduced the Keep Billionaires Out of Social Security Act, legislation that would reverse disastrous actions taken by the Trump-Vance Administration to harm the program by preventing Social Security field offices from shutting down, making it easier for seniors and people with disabilities to apply for benefits, and providing proper resources to the SSA so it can approve benefits more quickly. Kaine also co-sponsored and voted for the Social Security Fairness Act, which enhanced retirement benefits for over 50,000 Virginians whose benefits were unfairly reduced by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The bill was signed into law in January 2025.\n\nThe following organizations support the PROMISE Act: Bipartisan Policy Center, Third Way, and Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/new-data-virginians-have-had-to-spend-18-billion-more-for-gas-since-start-of-the-iran-war", "title": "New Data: Virginians Have Had To Spend $1.8 Billion More For Gas Since Start Of The Iran War", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – As President Trump declares that the war with Iran has resumed, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) are underscoring new data that shows the extent to which the president’s war has driven up gas costs in Virginia and across the country. According to a new congressional report, since the war began on February 28, Virginians have paid a total of $1.8 billion more, or an extra $573 per household, on the gas they need to commute to work, run errands, pick up their kids, and live their daily lives. The cost per household in Virginia is one of the highest in the nation. Additionally, Virginia’s average gas price today sits at $3.75 per gallon, which is about 22 percent higher than it was before the president’s war of choice.\n\n“Because of the president’s war of choice, Virginians are facing higher gas, utility, and grocery costs,” said the senators. “Instead of ending this war and finally easing the burden that he has placed on American families, Trump is calling off the ceasefire, trading airstrikes with Iran, and blockading the Strait of Hormuz.”\n\nNationally, Americans have paid a total of $56.4 billion more, or $477 more per household, on gas. Today’s national average gas price sits at $3.86 per gallon, which is about 30 percent higher than before the start of the war.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-gallego-demand-fema-to-reimburse-shelter-and-services-program-recipients/", "title": "Kelly, Gallego Demand FEMA to Reimburse Shelter and Services Program Recipients", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego demanded that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Acting Administrator Robert Fenton process and reimburse all outstanding eligible Shelter and Services Program (SSP) claims filed before the program’s termination. The letter follows a May 7, 2026, U.S. District Court order in a case brought by Pima County, Chicago, and Denver requiring the agency to process eligible reimbursement claims for costs incurred before SSP grants were terminated.\n\nSSP provided funding to local governments and service providers for short-term emergency services, including food and shelter, for asylum seekers legally processed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at a time when the border was in crisis and local communities were forced to take on a federal responsibility.\n\n“Arizona local governments and service providers carried out this work in reliance of congressional appropriations, FEMA’s program rules, and the federal government’s commitment that eligible expenses would be reimbursed,” wrote the senators. “Failing to fulfill reimbursements to these partners risks undermining the trust needed for effective coordination in future emergencies.”\n\nThe senators called on FEMA to designate a primary point of contact for Arizona SSP reimbursement claims and make appropriate DHS and FEMA officials available for a briefing on the agency’s plans to comply with the court order.\n\n“Together, these rulings reinforce the need for FEMA to follow the law and process reimbursement requests pursuant to the rules and guidelines as they existed under the program prior to the agency’s termination and provide direction to recipients and subrecipients, including those in Arizona,” the senators continued. “Reimbursements are long past due, and FEMA must resolve reimbursement claims without further delay.”\n\n“Arizona localities and service providers fulfilled their responsibilities under this program and courts have agreed the agency’s actions to limit reimbursements were unlawful,” the senators concluded. “FEMA should now provide the clarity, transparency, and timely reimbursement as required under the agency’s own program rules pre-termination. We urge you to comply with these obligations without delay.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-challenges-pentagon-nominees-on-financial-cost-of-iran-war", "title": "King Challenges Pentagon Nominees on Financial Cost of Iran War", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "domain": "www.king.senate.gov", "scraper": "angusking", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000383", "name": "Angus S. King, Jr.", "party": "Independent", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) pressed several Pentagon nominees on the total cost of the ongoing conflict in Iran, expressing frustration that neither Congress nor the American people have received a clear accounting of the financial burden of military operations. More specifically, Senator King questioned Department of Defense Comptroller nominee Jules W. Hurst III, who could not provide an updated estimate despite previously serving in a role that conducted oversight of the Pentagon’s finances – though he did admit to King that his estimate from earlier this year did not include damage to America’s military installations.\n\nSenator King began, “Mr. Hurst, I’m not persuaded by your professed ignorance over the costs of the war. You've been the Chief Comptroller of the Department of Defense until about seven weeks ago. To sit here today and say, “I don't really know and I'm not in the position…” You had to know that this question was going to come up at this hearing today. How much has the Iran war cost the American people?”\n\n“Senator King, I will give you the same answer I gave you during the posture hearing. It was $29 billion at the time I left the position,” Mr. Hurst responded.\n\n“Does that $29 billion include damage to facilities and assets in the region?” Senator King continued.\n\n“No, Senator, that estimate did not include military construction. Again, we don't know what the posture is going to be. There are lessons to be learned in military construction from this conflict, and one of them is that the United States needs to invest more in hardened and deeply buried facilities, particularly in these kinds of areas. Mr. Hurst answered.\n\n“So that’s not part of the estimate? Your estimate of 29 billion was essentially munitions and expenditures as a direct result of the conflict?” Senator King asked.\n\n“Senator, yes, I would characterize the estimate largely as munitions and that most of the rest of that was operational costs,” Mr. Hurst answered.\n\n“And preparing for this hearing you didn't ask any questions about updating that number?” Senator King asked.\n\n“I felt it would be inappropriate to do so, that's not in my current role within the department,” Mr. Hurst answered.\n\n“I think it's very frustrating to the American people that we cannot get a straight answer on what the war is costing, not to mention what it has cost and is costing to the American people at the gas pump and in other costs,” Senator King finished.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. Immediately following the American airstrikes in Iran earlier this year, he released a statement asking for answers and consultation with Congress before proceeding with further military action in the Middle East. Senator King has consistently supported War Powers resolutions, asserting Congress’s constitutional authority over military conflicts, specifically demanding that the President either obtain congressional authorization for hostilities or remove U.S. Armed Forces from the conflict.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-calls-for-full-expedited-investigation-into-ice-fatal-shooting-in-maine", "title": "Maine Delegation Calls for Full, Expedited Investigation into ICE Fatal Shooting in Maine", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "domain": "www.king.senate.gov", "scraper": "angusking", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000383", "name": "Angus S. King, Jr.", "party": "Independent", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Jared Golden (D-ME) are calling for a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in Biddeford. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, the delegation requested an independent review of the incident to ensure a full accounting of the facts and help maintain public confidence in the investigative process.\n\n“We write to formally request that your office conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel that occurred [yesterday/earlier this week] in Biddeford, Maine,” the lawmakers began. “Along with our constituents, we are deeply saddened by this loss of life. The facts surrounding this tragedy remain a matter of significant local concern and necessitate thorough, objective accounting.”\n\n“Given the gravity of the situation and the understandable anxiety within the Biddeford community, we urge you to prioritize this investigation,” they continued. “Timely and factual answers will be critical to providing closure for the grieving community and ensuring that federal law enforcement operations are conducted safely, lawfully, and in a manner that respects public safety.”\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Inspector General Cuffari:\n\nWe write to formally request that your office conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel that occurred yesterday in Biddeford, Maine.\n\nAlong with our constituents, we are deeply saddened by this loss of life. The facts surrounding this tragedy remain a matter of significant local concern and necessitate thorough, objective accounting.\n\nTo ensure public trust, transparency, and accountability, we request that your office include the following key areas in your examination:\n\nThe Sequence of Events: A detailed timeline of the encounter, including the specific actions taken by both the ICE agents and the individual involved prior to the discharge of a firearm.\n\nOperational Protocols: An evaluation of whether the tactics, use, and degree of force utilized adhered strictly to current DHS and ICE use-of-force policies.\n\nRecording and Documentation: Clarification on the availability of audio, dashcam, or body-worn camera footage of the incident, and the status of any evidence preservation.\n\nFurthermore, we ask that you detail the extent to which DHS will collaborate with state or local agencies in carrying out the investigation.\n\nGiven the gravity of the situation and the understandable anxiety within the Biddeford community, we urge you to prioritize this investigation. Timely and factual answers will be critical to providing closure for the grieving community and ensuring that federal law enforcement operations are conducted safely, lawfully, and in a manner that respects public safety.\n\nWe look forward to your response and stand ready to work with your office to facilitate any necessary inquiries.\n\nSincerely,\n\ncc: Markwayne Mullin, Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; David Venturella, Acting Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-urge-doj-to-cooperate-with-maine-law-enforcement-in-biddeford-shooting-investigation", "title": "Senators Collins, King Urge DOJ to Cooperate with Maine Law Enforcement in Biddeford Shooting Investigation", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "domain": "www.king.senate.gov", "scraper": "angusking", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000383", "name": "Angus S. King, Jr.", "party": "Independent", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today requested that the Department of Justice (DOJ) collaborate with Maine state and local law enforcement as authorities investigate yesterday’s fatal shooting in Biddeford involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel. In a letter to Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Senators emphasized that coordination among law enforcement agencies is essential to ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation.\n\n“We write to request that the Department of Justice, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), cooperate with state and local law enforcement in the investigation of yesterday’s fatal shooting in Biddeford, Maine, involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel,” the Senators wrote.\n\n“We understand that the FBI has opened an investigation into the shooting and is working with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Inspector General as it investigates what happened. We appreciate these steps. The facts surrounding the shooting remain a matter of significant local and national concern, and it is important that these investigations provide clear answers as to what transpired yesterday,” they continued. “Federal law enforcement agencies must fully cooperate with state and local law enforcement throughout the investigations to give the public confidence that the inquiries have been conducted in a thorough, fair, and impartial manner.”\n\nClick here to read the complete text of their letter.\n\nEarlier today, the Maine Delegation also sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Inspector General calling for a full, transparent investigation into the shooting to help ensure public trust in the investigative process.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=18259100-D1E6-4AB2-80A7-9CC2365A2309", "title": "Klobuchar Urges Administration to Reinstate Food Safety Staff and Program Funding to Address Cyclospora Parasite Outbreak", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "scraper": "klobuchar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000367", "name": "Amy Klobuchar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is urging the CDC and FDA to reinstate funding and staffing for federal and state food safety programs to fight the currently uncontrolled Cyclosporiasis outbreak happening across the United States. Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by eating contaminated food or drinking water and can lead to severe dehydration, fatigue, and other health issues. So far, across the country, nearly 2,800 cases and 87 hospitalizations linked to this outbreak have been confirmed.\n\n“I write to urge the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to restore funding and staffing cuts made by the administration to federal and state food safety programs, including the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet), Public Health Infrastructure Grants, Preventive Services Block Grant, Food Safety Inspection Service, and Food Emergency Response Network,” wrote Klobuchar. “As a currently uncontrolled large foodborne outbreak across the country continues, cuts to these programs are impacting our nation’s ability to prevent, detect, and contain foodborne illnesses and protect public health.”\n\n“Preventing foodborne illnesses like Cyclosporiasis and expediently detecting and responding to outbreaks are life-saving and economically essential functions of the FDA, CDC, and state health and agriculture departments working in collaboration and coordination with one another,” Klobuchar continued. “The recent actions taken by the administration have significantly weakened federal and state defenses and undermined nationwide coordination against foodborne illnesses, particularly when there is no longer a central location for reporting and comparing data across state lines.”\n\nKlobuchar has long led efforts to improve food safety, particularly by reducing harmful heavy metals in baby food and children's products. In 2024, Klobuchar introduced the Baby Food Safety Act of 2024 to limit the levels of harmful heavy metals allowed in commercial food for infants and toddlers. In 2009, Klobuchar led the bipartisan Food Safety Rapid Response Act to strengthen federal, state, and local officials’ ability to detect and investigate food safety outbreaks, which was signed into law as part of the Food Safety and Modernization Act of 2012. Her legislation also established eight food safety centers of excellence, including the Minnesota Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence.\n\nThe full letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Acting Director Bhattacharya and Acting Commissioner Diamatas:\n\nI write to urge the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to restore funding and staffing cuts made by the administration to federal and state food safety programs, including the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet), Public Health Infrastructure Grants, Preventive Services Block Grant, Food Safety Inspection Service, and Food Emergency Response Network. As a currently uncontrolled large foodborne outbreak across the country continues, cuts to these programs are impacting our nation’s ability to prevent, detect, and contain foodborne illnesses and protect public health.\n\nLast year the administration made reporting of foodborne illnesses caused by parasite Cyclospora optional when it cut the CDC FoodNet program’s tracking of ten pathogens, including Cyclospora, known to cause foodborne illness, to just two. Similarly in April 2025, the administration suspended the FDA’s Food Emergency Response Network program following the firings of key scientists as part of the administration’s layoffs of federal public health employees. More recently, the administration terminated Congressionally-appropriated Public Health Infrastructure Grants and Preventive Services Block Grants, which pay for state health department staff, laboratory capacity, diagnostics, tracking, and surveillance.\n\nCurrently, a still uncontrolled outbreak of Cyclospora, first detected on May 1, has spread across at least 31 states. As of July 9, two state health departments alone have reported nearly 2,000 combined cases of Cyclosporiasis. This outbreak has resulted in at least 86 hospitalizations so far. While Cyclosporiasis is treatable with antibiotics when diagnosed, it continues to pose a risk of severe dehydration and other health issues that can result in higher health care costs and lost productivity.\n\nPreventing foodborne illnesses like Cyclosporiasis and expediently detecting and responding to outbreaks are life-saving and economically essential functions of the FDA, CDC, and state health and agriculture departments working in collaboration and coordination with one another. The recent actions taken by the administration have significantly weakened federal and state defenses and undermined nationwide coordination against foodborne illnesses, particularly when there is no longer a central location for reporting and comparing data across state lines.\n\nAs Americans look to our public health agencies to keep their families safe and healthy, I urge you to fully restore the FERN, Food Safety Inspection Service, FoodNet, Public Health Infrastructure Grant, and Preventive Services Block Grant programs. I also urge you to continue to work closely with state public health departments to ensure they have the resources and expertise to efficiently detect and respond to foodborne illnesses and take proactive steps to keep our food supply safe.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/lummis-introduces-farmers-and-ranchers-relief-act-of-2026-to-clarify-clean-water-act-exemptions/", "title": "Lummis Introduces Farmers and Ranchers Relief Act of 2026 to Clarify Clean Water Act Exemptions", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.lummis.senate.gov", "scraper": "lummis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000571", "name": "Cynthia M. Lummis", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington D.C. — Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) today introduced the Farmers and Ranchers Relief Act of 2026, a bill to strengthen and clarify Clean Water Act Section 404(f) exemptions for farmers, ranchers, and landowners conducting routine land and water management activities.\n\n“Farmers and ranchers shouldn’t need a team of lawyers just to maintain a ditch or manage their land the way they always have,” said Senator Lummis. “This bill fixes a loophole that never should have existed in the first place. If you’re doing the right thing on your own land, the federal government should be the last thing you’re worried about.”\n\n“Farmers work every day to care for the land and be good stewards of our natural resources, but uncertainty around Clean Water Act permitting can make routine farming practices difficult,” said Zippy Duval, President, American Farm Bureau. “AFBF is proud to support Senator Lummis’ legislation to clarify Clean Water Act water permitting farming exemptions. Farmers need clear and predictable rules so they can focus on caring for their land, making investments in their farms, and continuing to provide the food, fuel, and fiber America depends on.”\n\n“Congress recognized that farmers and ranchers must be able to carry out routine agricultural activities without unnecessary federal permitting requirements, which is why Congress included the Section 404(f) exemption in the Clean Water Act,” said Todd Fornstrom, President, Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation. “However, exemptions are only effective when they are clear and consistently applied. Greater certainty is needed to ensure farmers and ranchers can confidently conduct normal farming operations as Congress intended, without the risk of unintended regulatory burdens. We appreciate Senator Lummis’s leadership in introducing legislation that provides much-needed clarity and certainty, helping farmers and ranchers continue their work while maintaining their strong commitment to conservation and stewardship.”\n\n“Congress never intended for farmers and ranchers to need federal permits for routine agricultural activities on their own land. Yet decades of narrow judicial and administrative interpretations have transformed a commonsense exemption into a regulatory trap for hardworking landowners,” said Damien Schiff, Senior Attorney, Pacific Legal Foundation. “Pacific Legal Foundation applauds Senator Lummis for introducing legislation to restore the original meaning of the Clean Water Act’s Section 404(f) exemption, providing much-needed certainty for farmers, ranchers, and foresters by ensuring that routine farming, ranching, and forestry activities are not subjected to unnecessary federal permitting requirements. This long-overdue reform protects property rights and restores the law Congress actually enacted.”\n\nSenators Mike Lee (R-UT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Alan Armstrong (R-OK) are cosponsors.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-markey-reps-garcia-and-fitzpatrick-reintroduce-legislation-to-strengthen-supports-for-airport-service-workers", "title": "Sen. Markey, Reps. García and Fitzpatrick Reintroduce Legislation to Strengthen Supports for Airport Service Workers", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Bill Text (PDF)\n\nWashington (July 14, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Representatives Chuy García (IL-04) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) today reintroduced the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, legislation that would improve wages and working conditions for airport service workers. The legislation would also support working families and help stabilize the air travel industry as airlines pocket record profits while airport service workers remain stuck at minimum wage.\n\n“These workers serve through extreme temperatures, holiday travel surges, and even pandemics — yet too many still struggle with low pay, unaffordable care, and rising costs,” said Senator Markey. “Because airports are the gateway to the world for travelers, they must also be the gateway to stable, middle-class jobs for workers. I am proud to partner with Congressmen Garcia and Fitzpatrick to lead this bipartisan, pro-worker legislation.”\n\n“America’s airports support millions of jobs and move hundreds of millions of travelers each year. While U.S. airlines generated $6 billion in profit last year, airport frontline workers, who are predominantly Latino, Black and immigrant, are barely making ends meet. In fact 7 per cent of them live under the poverty level,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. “The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, seeks to ensure airport workers, who make our air travel possible, get the dignity and compensation they deserve for their hard work.”\n\n“Airport workers keep millions of Americans moving every day—and a job that keeps America moving should be a job that lets a family get ahead. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act will raise wages, strengthen benefits, and ensure these workers finally receive the dignity and respect they’ve earned. It’s past time Congress made sure good jobs take off at every airport in America,” said Senator Schumer.\n\n“Airport service workers are entrusted every day with the safety, order, and reliability of one of the most complex transportation systems in the world. We cannot ask them to carry that responsibility while denying them the economic security that comes with fair wages and meaningful benefits. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act establishes one clear principle: the value of the work does not change because a job is outsourced or a different contractor signs the paycheck. By investing in the people who keep our airports moving, we strengthen the entire aviation system—and uphold our obligation to the workers, families, and travelers who depend upon it,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).\n\n“It’s a no-brainer that we should be paying our airport service workers fairly for all they do to keep our transportation systems safe and running. I’m fighting hard alongside Senator Markey to make sure airport workers finally get the compensation they deserve, which will make our infrastructure even stronger in Massachusetts and across the country,” said Senator Warren.\n\n“Our airports – and the workers that keep them running – are critical to our economy, moving millions of people and goods throughout our country every day. It’s past time these workers see the pay, benefits, and working conditions that they deserve. I am proud to fight for the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, legislation to provide improved wages, benefits, and labor standards to this vital workforce,” said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n“Georgia’s airports connect tens of millions of travelers to the state’s incredible history, culture, and businesses,” said Senator Warnock. “This is only possible because of the airport service workers who keep our aviation system running. Our legislation is an important step toward ensuring these workers receive the support and compensation they have earned.”\n\n“Providing airport workers with fair compensation and protections is long overdue,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Airlines have consolidated power and raked in profits while airport service workers struggle to make ends meet. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act will deliver the fair pay and benefits these critical workers who keep our country moving deserve.”\n\n“Every Arizonan deserves to be fairly compensated for their hard work, including the men and women who keep our airports running smoothly,” said Senator Gallego. “The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act invests in airports that invest in their workers, ensuring airports are economic hubs not just for travels, but for the communities they’re located in. I’m proud to help reintroduce this legislation.”\n\n“Every day, thousands of airport workers get passengers to their next destination, but many don’t make enough to cover their basic needs. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act will make sure federal investments in our nation’s airports also support the workers who keep them running,” said Senator Murphy.\n\n“I've given years of my life to this airport, keeping planes clean and passengers safe — and I still can't afford to take my kids to the doctor,” said Nicole Ray, a wheelchair agent at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. “Something is deeply wrong when the airlines I serve are posting record profits while I'm choosing between groceries and medicine. It’s time for Congress to decide whose side they’re on and pass the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act.”\n\n“Every day, airport service workers keep our country moving. They do the essential work that keeps our airports safe, our aviation system running, and millions of travelers connected. Airport service workers deserve more than our thanks, they deserve good jobs that provide dignity, security, and the opportunity to build a better life,” said April Verrett, President of SEIU. “The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is about recognizing the value of that work. Congress should stand with the workers who keep our airports running and pass this legislation. When we invest in working people, we build a stronger economy and a stronger nation.”\n\n“Our tax dollars continue to be invested in the expansion and improvement of the nation’s airports. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act committed billions for airports, with the final $2.9 billion invested this year. However, airports are not just buildings with tarmacs and airplanes: a successful airport depends on its workers. Despite this, there are UNITE HERE members working in airport concessions and airline catering who are struggling to make ends meet. Some of them work multiple jobs and with no healthcare. Our investments must support a healthy workforce and offer wages that lift workers out of poverty — the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act would set a fair national standard for wages and benefits for airport workers across the United States,” said Gwen Mills, President of UNITE HERE.\n\n“Airline passenger service agents are on the frontlines of the airline industry in our nation’s airports – ticketing and boarding passengers, loading and unloading baggage and performing other essential services. Despite their indispensable role in keeping air travel efficient and the flying public safe, they are underpaid and overworked. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is a long overdue step towards closing wage and benefit disparities that will allow essential airport employees to live and work with dignity,” said Claude Cummings Jr., President of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).\n\nThe Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is endorsed by SEIU, UNITE HERE and CWA.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-statement-on-the-wrongful-detention-of-dr-youlin-chen", "title": "Senator Markey Statement on the Wrongful Detention of Dr. Youlin Chen", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington (July 14, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement on the detention of Massachusetts resident and academic Dr. Youlin Chen by the Chinese government.\n\n“The wrongful detainment of innocent civilians is never justifiable. It is a morally bankrupt tool that authoritarian governments use to sidestep the rule of law, often in service of political wins and always at the devastating expense of civilian lives.\n\n“My constituent, Dr. Youlin Chen, is one of those civilians. Dr. Chen has been wrongfully detained by the Chinese government since November 2024. He is a prominent seismologist who has worked collaboratively with Chinese seismologists for years, and his work is highly respected. He has never held a security clearance, and his work is transparent, academic in nature, and publicly reported and attributed. As academics and researchers from the United States and China have long collaborated to the mutual benefit of our countries, the treatment of Dr. Chen has undermined that partnership and may deter other academics from engaging with their colleagues in China.\n\n“To be very clear, Dr. Chen has not been convicted of a crime. Dr. Chen has been held in pre-trial detention since his arrest and did not have access to his lawyer for 434 days. He has also not spoken to his family since his arrest. I am deeply concerned about Dr. Chen’s safety and well-being.\n\n“I have been working closely with Dr. Chen’s family since his arrest. I urged Secretary Marco Rubio more than once to designate Dr. Chen as wrongfully detained under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act. I am glad this designation has finally been made. I have personally engaged with Ambassador Xie Feng on Dr. Chen’s case and urged him to work with his colleagues in Beijing to secure Dr. Chen’s release. I will continue to do everything within my power to advocate for Dr. Chen’s immediate release.\n\n“Wrongful detainment is a cowardly practice with no winners. Today and every day, the United States must condemn governments and organizations that perpetrate this crime and work hard on behalf of U.S. citizens and families who have fallen victim. I applaud the courage of Dr. Chen’s family for making this difficult decision to go public. It is my hope that increased attention on his unjust detention will force the Chinese government to do the right thing and release Dr. Chen and allow him to return to his family in Massachusetts.\n\n“I am praying for Dr. Youlin Chen and his family today.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-markey-and-warren-rep-trahan-introduce-legislation-to-provide-grants-for-local-water-infrastructure-emergencies", "title": "Sens. Markey and Warren, Rep. Trahan Introduce Legislation to Provide Grants for Local Water Infrastructure Emergencies", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Bill Text (PDF)\n\nWashington (July 14, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) today introduced the Water Emergency and Technical Assistance Act, legislation to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize emergency assistance and grants for clean water and drinking water infrastructure. When severe rainstorms this July caused a sewer pipe to break in Haverhill, Massachusetts, millions of gallons of untreated wastewater flowed into the Merrimack River, endangering public safety and resulting in economic losses from beach and fisheries closures. This legislation would provide technical and financial support to water treatment facilities during emergency situations in order to prevent and mitigate threats to public health, such as exposure to contaminants.\n\n“Water system emergencies spell disaster for their communities—they’re expensive, bad for business, and dangerous to public health. Our communities deserve clean water and quick access to support in response to emergency situations that put their health and economies in danger,” said Senators Markey and Warren. “The federal government should be able to provide emergency grants for emergency situations. This legislation would authorize grants for clean water and drinking water, so we can spend more time keeping our communities safe and local businesses open, and less time hiking rates and fighting pollution.”\n\n“Haverhill showed us what happens when a century-old system fails and the federal government is nowhere to be found. Cities were left to fight sewage flowing into the Merrimack with local dollars and borrowed time,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Our bill fixes that. It puts real federal money on the table the moment an emergency like this hits, so no community has to face it alone.”\n\nOn July 2, Senators Markey and Warren wrote to four federal agencies regarding the potential need for federal assistance following the sewer line break that released contaminants into the Merrimack River.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-applauds-2-1-million-in-kansas-library-funding-emphasizes-importance-of-american-history/", "title": "Senator Marshall Applauds $2.1 Million in Kansas Library Funding, Emphasizes Importance of American History", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), celebrates $2,109,394 in Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funding being awarded to the State Library of Kansas, which he advocated for during the federal appropriations process. These dollars will be used by the State Library to directly support local libraries across Kansas, funding important community initiatives like local summer reading programs. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Senator Marshall says these dollars also play a critical role in ensuring Kansas kids grow up knowing our nation’s history and our values of faith, family, and freedom.\n\n“Kansas libraries are more than just a place to check out books. They provide resources for kids to learn to read, learn to think, and learn what it means to be an American,” said Senator Marshall.“As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, there’s no better time to invest in passing down the history, values, and freedoms that make this country the greatest in the world. These dollars are a direct investment in our next generation, and I am proud to keep them coming to Kansas.”\n\nSenator Marshall has long supported civics funding during his time in the Senate, including advocating for the IMLS, the National Endowment for the Humanities’ Division of Federal/State Partnership, and the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund.\n\nClick here for more information on how Institute of Museum and Library Services funding is used in Kansas.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/bynum-congressional-delegation-lead-effort-to-protect-clean-drinking-water-for-oregon-communities/", "title": "Bynum, Congressional Delegation Lead Effort to Protect Clean Drinking Water for Oregon Communities", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Yesterday, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) led a letter along with Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), urging the District Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Colonel Larry Caswell Jr., to ensure impacted communities are fully prepared before beginning work on the Detroit Reservoir deep drawdown which is scheduled for later this year.\n\nThe lawmakers expressed concerns over recent findings from the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (“SEIS”), indicating that the drawdown would mobilize sediment and pass it downstream, potentially harming local water systems and impacting the availability of clean drinking water.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers emphasized that varying levels of resilience and preparedness currently exist across affected water systems. They argue that in order to preserve public health and safety, the Corps must allow affected communities to execute the infrastructure and operational improvements necessary to maintain safe and reliable drinking water service before implementing the Detroit Reservoir deep drawdown.\n\n“[M]anagement of the Willamette Valley System must balance fish recovery objectives with the public health, safety, and economic needs of Oregon communities. Success should be measured not only by our ability to strengthen salmon recovery, but by whether every downstream community can still turn on the tap with confidence,” the lawmakers wrote. “We have heard serious and repeated concerns from local governments, public water providers, emergency managers, and community stakeholders in the North Santiam Canyon and throughout Marion County regarding the potential impacts of the proposed drawdown on turbidity, drinking water reliability, public health, and critical infrastructure.”\n\nEarlier this year, Rep. Bynum successfully led a letter along with Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) requesting additional time for community engagement on the USACE proposed drawdown of Detroit Reservoir.\n\nThis letter is part of her ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of Oregonians and ensure they have a voice in decisions that affect their communities.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/oregon-delegation-welcomes-major-federal-investment-in-states-semiconductor-industry/", "title": "Oregon Delegation Welcomes Major Federal Investment in State’s Semiconductor Industry", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Federal lawmakers: Oregon team of nearly 100 partners awarded NSF Regional Innovation Engine Award that sets up receiving up to $160 million to grow Oregon semiconductor industry\n\nWashington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senate and House members welcomed today’s announcement that Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST), an Oregon consortium including nearly 100 partners from across the state, will receive up to $160 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation over the next decade to grow the state’s semiconductor ecosystem.\n\nOregon State University is the administrative home for FAST.\n\n“It’s always a good day when Oregon takes our deserved spot in the “FAST lane” for national leadership in semiconductor innovation and manufacturing,” said U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, who helped to lead the effort under the Biden administration to pass the CHIPS Act that aimed for federal investments just like this one in Oregon’s semiconductor industry. “Oregon is the beating heart of U.S. semiconductor production, which makes OSU a natural choice to lead one of just 12 new Regional Innovation Engines. This major federal investment will fuel cutting-edge research, good-paying jobs and economic growth in the Silicon Forest that will ripple throughout our entire state.”\n\n“This investment in Oregon State University’s NSF FAST Engine will further supercharge Oregon’s innovative semiconductor industry,” said U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley. “By bringing together researchers, businesses, and local partners, it will help turn new ideas into good-paying jobs and strengthen our state’s leadership in emerging semiconductor technologies. I’ll keep fighting to ensure Oregon has the federal support it needs to compete and grow.”\n\n“The NSF FAST Engine based at Oregon State University shows how government can successfully work with higher education institutions to spur regional innovation and career readiness in advanced fields,” said Rep. Suzanne Bonamici. “This significant investment in the semiconductor industry will strengthen our state’s continued leadership in research, development, and a future-ready workforce.”\n\n“I am proud that Oregon State University was selected to receive this well-deserved grant. Demand for semiconductors is rising, and the NSF FAST Engine will help OSU design the world’s most advanced semiconductor chips,” said Rep. Val Hoyle. “This grant will bring industries in Oregon closer together across the state and foster innovation. It will also strengthen statewide educational partnerships, support Oregon’s semiconductor industry and improve pathways to semiconductor careers for students.”\n\n“Oregon is called the Silicon Forest for a reason. If we want to maintain our position as a leader in semiconductor research and technology, then we need to keep innovating,” said Rep. Andrea Salinas. “This grant from the National Science Foundation will help ensure we remain on the cutting edge of the technology revolution while utilizing the talents of the Oregon workforce by providing training and jobs throughout the high tech innovation economy.”\n\n“Proof that Oregon is THE place to invest in semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing. Another great bet on some of our country’s best technology and brightest students,” said Rep. Janelle Bynum. “This funding makes sure that Oregon’s next generation of innovators, leaders, and experts have the resources they need to secure good paying jobs and continue to build a strong economy.”\n\nMore information about the project is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/oregon-lawmakers-demand-trump-reverse-course-on-plan-to-suppress-oregon-voters/", "title": "Oregon Lawmakers Demand Trump Reverse Course on Plan to Suppress Oregon Voters", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Trump threatens Oregon election officials that do not comply with administration’s illegal and unconstitutional election requests\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Maxine Dexter and Janelle Bynum today sounded the alarm on the Trump administration’s threat against Oregon election officials unless they adhere to the administration’s plan to create a national voter database, potentially nullifying the voter registration of millions of registered Oregon voters.\n\n“It is clear that after these attempts to secure access to sensitive state voter data have been repeatedly rejected by the courts, you are resorting to public threats of prosecution and intimidation against elections administrators in order to coerce state officials to turn over their voter rolls and cede their constitutional duty to conduct elections to the executive branch,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.\n\nThe demand comes after the Trump administration threatened Oregon election officials with criminal prosecution over the administration’s claim of noncitizens voting. For months, Trump has tried to chip away at voter registration and vote-by-mail in an effort to interfere in the consequential November midterms.\n\nEarlier this year, Trump issued an executive order requiring the creation of a national voter database, which would require states to submit their voter registration lists to the federal government for review. The order was put on pause after it was blocked in court. Trump continues to push passage of his Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act in Congress, which would undermine vote-by-mail in an illegal and unconstitutional effort to undermine the rights of states to control their own election systems.\n\nLast month, Oregon lawmakers led the charge against a new rule issued by the U.S. Postal Service that would undermine Oregon’s vote-by-mail system.\n\nText of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nWe rebuke your threats against Oregon elections officials and demand the Department of Justice (DOJ) cease this targeted witch hunt of states’ election administration ahead of consequential midterm elections.\n\nOn July 7, 2026, the most recent threat was issued by Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon and comes following repeated failures by the DOJ to illegally attempt to obtain Oregon voter rolls containing sensitive voter information through litigation in order to create an unprecedented national voter database. It is clear that after these attempts to secure access to sensitive state voter data have been repeatedly rejected by the courts, the DOJ is resorting to public threats of prosecution and intimidation against elections administrators in order to coerce state officials to turn over their voter rolls and cede their constitutional duty to conduct elections to the executive branch.\n\nElection officials across the country are on the frontlines of our elections, they already face unprecedented attacks and face personal safety concerns. We should be working to protect election officials regardless of political affiliation, not using government resources to further intimidate election officials that are following all federal laws, and consistently administering elections that are safe and secure, as is the case in Oregon.\n\nThese efforts are a direct attempt to undermine vote-by-mail, which is used successfully by tens of millions of eligible voters every election. Despite these efforts, the courts have also repeatedly blocked implementation of President Trump’s executive orders that aim to restrict vote-by-mail. Faced with these combined failures, the DOJ is now attempting to coerce stateelections officials with threats of prosecution in order to prevent Americans from voting.\n\nThese threats are a clear pattern in strategy to disenfranchise millions of voters in Oregon andnationwide and attack states’ constitutional right to manage and oversee elections. We demand that you immediately cease these efforts.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-local-florida-schools-major-trade-organizations-endorse-senator-moodys-efforts-toincrease-funding-for-vocational-training-by-targeting-multibillion-dollar-elite-university-endowments/", "title": "VIDEO: Local Florida Schools, Major Trade Organizations Endorse Senator Moody’s Efforts to Increase Funding for Vocational Training By Targeting Multibillion-Dollar Elite University Endowments", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The Bill has been endorsed by Hillsborough County Public Schools, The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, The Associated Equipment Distributors, The Automotive Service Association, The Associate General Contractors of America, and The Associated Industries of Florida.\n\nTAMPA, Fla.— Senator Ashley Moody is targeting the multibillion-dollar endowments that fund the nation’s top universities—like Harvard and Yale—to help ensure more educational opportunities for technical and trade students. Senator Moody’s Technical Reinvestment and Apprenticeship Development Through Endowment Sharing (TRADES) Act will increase what elite universities pay on their endowment income and redirect that money to career and technical education across the United States, making that tax burden closer to what Floridians pay on investment income.\n\n“The TRADES Act will fund technical schools that prepare Floridians to enter professions in fields like construction, electrical repair, automotive maintenance, logistics, and welding: jobs that keep Florida growing and running. Once revered American universities have now become the Left’s go-to indoctrination centers, becoming immensely rich in the process and saddling students with crushing debt. Harvard has close to $57 billion in its endowment, Yale has $44 billion in its endowment, and Stanford has $40 billion in its endowment. The top schools indoctrinating students contribute a much lower percentage on investment income on their multibillion-dollar endowments than does the average Floridian—many of whom make their money building the infrastructure that keeps America moving. My bill supports Floridians who want to learn a trade or skill and send a message that our government is committed to meaningful opportunities for all Americans,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\n“As the seventh-largest school district in the nation, Hillsborough County Public Schools serves more than 220,000 students and offers extensive career and technical education (CTE) programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-demand careers. Perkins funding is essential to supporting these programs by expanding access to industry-recognized credentials, modern equipment, work-based learning opportunities, and workforce-aligned instruction. As Florida’s demand for skilled workers continues to grow, additional Perkins funding would help districts strengthen career pathways and ensure more students graduate with the skills and credentials needed for postsecondary success and economic mobility.\n\n“By directing additional resources to career and technical education, S. 4907 would strengthen workforce development opportunities for students while benefiting employers, communities, and Florida’s economy,” said Hillsborough County Public Schools.\n\n“As a nation, we should encourage and invest in career paths that do not require a college education and its associated debt. This starts with supporting good, quality job training programs that result in guaranteed union job placement. Senator Moody’s bill sends a strong message about putting our money where our priorities ought to be,” said Sean M. O’Brien, President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters.\n\n“Equipment dealers across Florida and the nation commend Senator Moody for introducing the TRADES Act and her tremendous leadership in tackling the skills gap,” said Daniel B. Fisher, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Associated Equipment Distributors. “The greatest challenge facing equipment dealers remains the lack of service technicians and it is long overdue that investments in career and technical education match the extreme demand for skilled workers. The TRADES Act truly represents an investment in our future workforce, which is critical for businesses to grow, and America’s continued prosperity and competitiveness.”\n\n“Years of underinvestment in the nation’s career and technical education programs are one of the key reasons industries like construction face significant labor shortages that delay projects and increase the cost of construction. Directing new resources to the Perkins Career and Technical Education program will help expand training opportunities, strengthen the skilled trades pipeline, and better prepare the next generation of workers for high-paying careers in fields like construction. That is why the Associated General Contractors of America supports this measure, and we encourage Congress to rapidly enact it” said Associated General Contractors of America.\n\nIn the near future, America will need hundreds of thousands of new skilled workers to keep up with demand, including electricians, plumbers, and commercial drivers. Now more than ever, we must invest in America’s future.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody sits on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.\n\nThis bill increases the tax on ultra-wealthy universities that have $2 million or more in endowment dollars per student to 15%, similar to that of a capital gains tax and more closely aligned with what Floridians must pay on investment income. This money would be disbursed through Perkins Career and Technical Education grants, which then would allow states to invest in the skills education of around 12 million students across the country.\n\nCurrently, Perkins Career and Technical Education grants are the federal government’s primary way of funding career and technical education.\n\nSpecifically, the TRADES Act:\n\nPuts additional federal funding into the Perkins Career and Technical Education grant program by increasing an existing tax on America’s wealthiest university endowments and redirecting that tax to the Perkins Career and Technical Education programs.\n\nEmpowers the Department of Education and states to provide more financial support to school districts and trade schools for career and technical education, including additional career and technical education curriculum, certification exams, equipment, teacher salaries and more.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=859D8005-2737-468B-8D9B-7148B8D67FA8", "title": "NOW LAW: Sen. Moran’s Legislation to Support Affordable Rural Housing", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.moran.senate.gov", "scraper": "moran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000934", "name": "Jerry Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Moran’s legislation went into effect on Friday as part of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today applauded the enactment of the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which became law over the weekend and includes his Streamlining Rural Housing Act to support housing development in rural communities by simplifying the regulatory process for developers. The landmark housing package also includes three additional pieces of legislation cosponsored by Sen. Moran that will expand access to housing in rural America, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy within federal housing programs and increase access to affordable housing for veterans.\n\n“There is an increasing demand for affordable housing in rural communities, and I’m pleased that the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is now law, helping address this challenge by streamlining rural housing programs, reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers and expanding opportunities for rural families to find affordable housing,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation is the most significant housing package in more than a decade and includes important updates to improve access to rural housing. I’m pleased that my Streamlining Rural Housing Act is now law, and I look forward to seeing the difference this legislation makes for communities in Kansas and across our nation.”\n\nSen. Moran’s rural housing priorities enacted into law:\n\nStreamlining rural housing regulations – Sen. Moran introduced the bipartisan Streamlining Rural Housing Act, which would simplify the regulatory process for developers by requiring the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to align housing standards. The legislation would help lower costs and shorten project timelines for developers, allowing them to address growing housing needs more efficiently in Kansas and across the country.\n\nSupporting affordable housing in rural communities – Sen. Moran cosponsored the bipartisan Rural Housing Service Reform Act, which would strengthen federal rural housing programs and bolster the supply of affordable housing in rural America by improving and building upon USDA rural housing programs.\n\nReducing bureaucratic barriers within federal housing programs – Sen. Moran cosponsored the bipartisan Choice in Affordable Housing Act, which would expand access to affordable housing by reducing HUD inspection delays and allowing units financed through other federal housing programs to automatically satisfy voucher inspection requirements if they are inspected within the past year. The legislation also allows new landlords to request pre-inspections to increase access to housing and encourage landlord participation.\n\nIncreasing veterans’ access to affordable housing – Sen. Moran cosponsored the bipartisan Veterans Affairs Loan Information Disclosure (VALID) Act, which would update Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage disclosures to include Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loans alongside FHA and conventional loan options. The legislation would also allow lenders to collect voluntarily provided information regarding an applicant's military service, so they can connect eligible veterans and servicemembers with information about VA loan options early in the homebuying process.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-hearing-with-justices-kagan-and-barrett-murray-presses-need-for-an-enforceable-code-of-conduct-and-transparency-from-scotus/", "title": "At Hearing with Justices Kagan and Barrett, Murray Presses Need for an Enforceable Code of Conduct and Transparency from SCOTUS", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full questioning***\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today—at a Senate Appropriations Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Subcommittee hearing on the FY27 budget request for the United States Supreme Court—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned Associate Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett on the Court’s security funding request, lack of an enforceable code of ethics, and the need for more transparency, particularly with the Court’s increased reliance on the Shadow Docket.\n\nIn opening comments, Senator Murray said:\n\n“Justice Barrett, Justice Kagan: thank you both for being here today, we appreciate it. Like everyone, I really respect the separation of powers and the importance of an impartial and independent Supreme Court, so it is important for all of us on this Committee fulfill our responsibility to oversee taxpayer dollars. So, I just want you to know I really appreciate both of you being here and participating in this hearing.\n\n“I do have several questions for both of you about the Court’s budget and operations. But before I go to that, I do want to say I am very troubled that the current president challenges, and has challenged, our system of checks and balances in very unprecedented ways, and the Court has made some incredibly consequential decisions without any real process or explanation—by relying on the Shadow Docket.\n\n“It is also unbelievably important to the functioning of our democracy that we have a well-functioning, independent judiciary that is trusted by the people of this nation.\n\n“That requires transparency, and it requires the American people to be able to know you are calling balls and strikes and not making decisions based on any financial conflict of interest in what is behind those decisions. So, I urge you to keep these issues in mind.”\n\n[SHADOW DOCKET]\n\nSenator Murray began by offering the justices an opportunity to respond to her concerns about the Court’s reliance on the Shadow Docket.\n\nMURRAY: If either of you have any comments on that, particularly on the shadow [docket], I would appreciate it.\n\nKAGAN: There are many facets to the shadow docket, and we discuss them and debate them, and sometimes disagree about them. In recent years, we have increasingly received these requests to move fast, and to move before a case winds its way through all the levels of review, and we have to decide what to do with those requests. We argue about the standards to be used, we argue about how those standards apply in particular cases; sometimes Justice Barrett and I have agreed, sometimes Justice Barrett and I have disagreed. I think that for myself, what the court is doing better on—but is not completely there on—is, even when we feel as though an earlier decision is appropriate, finding ways to incorporate greater process into our decision of those cases.\n\nSo, have oral arguments, have more briefing, make sure to explain ourselves in our decisions more than we did maybe a year, or 18 months ago, when we first started being swamped with these applications. I think we can still improve what we’re doing. I think you’re exactly right that transparency is important. People need to know—lower court judges need to know, litigants need to know, the public needs to know—what it is that we’re deciding and why. There are occasions where emergency relief is absolutely appropriate, and it’s finding those occasions, but no others, that is the challenge of this.\n\nMURRAY: I appreciate that response, [Justice Barrett] don’t know if you have anything to add?\n\nBARRETT: I’ll just add one thing. I think one of the challenges as we’re trying to adapt and respond to the number and character of applications that we receive is, I think one of the challenges is on our merits docket, we have a very well-established process for handling cases, and each case is treated the exact same way. The same deadlines, the same briefing limits, oral argument, etc. And as Justice Kagan alluded to, it’s a little bit different with these emergency applications because I don’t think any of us takes the position that we should have an opinion written for every one of them or oral argument for every one of them. So, it’s not quite the same one-size-fits-all process on the emergency docket that we have on the merits docket. And so I think what we’re working on now is figuring out which ones do warrant that more process—the oral argument, more briefing—and which ones should be handled in house. Which ones warrant more explanation? Which ones really should be just in order? I think that has been something that we’re just working through.\n\nMURRAY: Well, I encourage you strongly to work through that and make it clear. I think, especially at this time, whether it comes to trust, or transparency, or truthfulness, the public needs to know, and I think you need to recognize that this is a serious question that many of our constituents have. So please continue your work and reach a goal that I think everybody would support you on. Thank you.\n\n[SECURITY FUNDING]\n\nSenator Murray then questioned the justices on the Court’s requests for additional security funding at various points throughout the FY26 appropriations cycle and emphasized the importance of transparency on how American’s tax dollars are being spent.\n\nMURRAY: Now on your budget request, this Committee does take security threats facing the Supreme Court—and everyone who has signed up to serve the public—extremely seriously. That’s exactly why Congress provided $58 million in additional security funding in FY26 to address some of these increased threats and vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, however, the Court made a request for over half of this funding at the very last minute without any public explanation or justification of the need for that funding—after we had already provided $28 million in the Continuing Resolution last fall.\n\nSo, I just want to ask both of you: Will you commit to making public all relevant budget request documents in the future, including for any unanticipated supplemental funding needs?\n\nBARRETT: Absolutely. We want to be transparent, and Justice Kagan has apologized to Ranking Member Reed on the court’s behalf if we did anything that was suboptimal in our seeking of those funds. We made those requests in response to unexpected needs—we didn’t expect the marshals to drop residential security as quickly as they did, and they told us that they were going to end it six months before we anticipated it. That was one of the big line-item reasons for seeking that extra money. So, it’s my understanding that our staff was transparent with the committee about what the money was being spent on, but absolutely we want to cooperate, and we recognize your important role.\n\nMURRAY: I think that’s really important for you to understand and make sure that we have that documentation. Our constituents require us to be very transparent about where their tax dollars are going, so we need that budget information from you.\n\nAnd we want to make sure the court has first-rate security, but we do have very little information about how you are actually building this type of security capacity that you need. So, standing up your own police and residential security is not an easy task. How long do you think it will take to be fully staffed and operational? And secondly, what expertise are you relying on to make sure your security personnel have the facilities and the training and the capacity they need?\n\nKAGAN: We have a goal of 477 police officers. We’re a ways away from that right now. If we include people we get through contracting, we can probably do it within a couple of years, but in order to have our own employees get up to that mark, then we’re probably talking more like six years, you know, into the 2030s. As to what kind of training is being used, I think we’re going to have to get—unless Justice Barrett knows more than I do—I think we’re going to have to provide you with further information about that. I’m confident that the kind of training programs that we’ve put in place are good ones, but I can’t give you a whole lot of detail about that.\n\nMURRAY: Okay, that is something that we need to have in order to provide the budget for you. So we’d appreciate that back.\n\n[ENFORCEABLE CODE OF ETHICS]\n\nSenator Murray then noted the Court should adhere to the same standards that other courts across the country do. Senator Murray supports legislation to establish in law a strong and enforceable Code of Conduct for the Supreme Court.\n\nMURRAY: And finally, I just have a few seconds left. I heard Senator Coons when I came in talk about code of ethics, and I just want to reiterate that—as my colleagues have pointed out—that code is self-enforced, and it is a weaker code of conduct than one all the lower courts have been held to. For example, it essentially allows justices to decide for themselves whether or not they are engaging in a political activity or accepting inappropriate gifts. I know you’ve been asked at this both in the House and a number of people here have mentioned it, but I want to add my name and voice to the fact that we need and our constituents need to know that you have a code of ethics and that you are held to high standards, because that, again, is about transparency, and it is about returning confidence to the court decisions that are being made.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-calls-on-thune-to-hold-floor-vote-on-sunshine-protection-act/", "title": "Murray Calls on Thune to Hold Floor Vote on Sunshine Protection Act", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***VIDEO HERE of Senator Murray speaking on Senate floor following passage of the Sunshine Protection Act in 2022***\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement celebrating the House of Representatives passing her bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act, to officially “lock the clock”, end the twice-yearly time change and make Daylight Saving Time the national year-round standard.\n\n“Today, the House delivered on something Americans all across the country actually want: to never have to change their clocks again. It’s not lost on me that Republicans still refuse to do literally anything to make life more affordable for families or to hold the Trump administration accountable for its daily abuse of power, but if Congress can enact permanent Daylight Saving Time, I will take this opportunity to make it happen. My state, where it is often dark earlier than 4pm in the winter, has made it abundantly clear we want permanent Daylight Saving Time. Americans from Seattle to Miami believe it’s way past time to lock the clock—I am calling on Leader Thune to bring this bill to a vote as soon as possible.”\n\nIn 2025, Murray co-led the reintroduction of the Sunshine Protection Act alongside Senator Rick Scott (R-FL). In March of 2022, Senator Murray helped ensure Senate passage of the Sunshine Protection Act by unanimous consent alongside Senator Rubio. Senator Murray has been a strong proponent of making DST permanent, expressing her support after Governor Inslee signed legislation into law to make DST permanent in Washington state if federal law is changed. In 2021, Senator Murray co-authored an op-ed with Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio on the need to pass the Sunshine Protection Act so Americans can enjoy having sunlight during their most productive hours of the day and never have to worry about changing their clocks again.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-van-hollen-call-out-blanche-for-failing-to-meet-with-epstein-survivors-press-him-to-make-good-on-his-commitment/", "title": "Murray, Van Hollen Call Out Blanche for Failing to Meet with Epstein Survivors, Press Him to Make Good on His Commitment", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators’ letter follows Blanche’s commitment to meet with Epstein survivors in response to the Senators’ questioning in front of the Appropriations Committee\n\nICYMI: At Hearing with Acting AG Blanche, Senator Murray Blasts Outrageous Creation of $1.8 Billion MAGA Slush Fund, Presses for Apology to Epstein Victims\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), called on Acting United States Attorney General Todd Blanche to fulfill the commitment he made at the May 19, 2026, CJS Appropriations hearing to meet with Epstein survivors.\n\nThe senators’ letter comes nearly two months after Acting AG Blanche committed to meet with the survivors in response to the senators’ questioning at the hearing and nearly seven months after the first tranche of Epstein files were released by DOJ in accordance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Despite repeated attempts from the senators’ offices to facilitate a meeting, Blanche has still not done so.\n\nThe senators begin, “At the May 19, 2026, hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, we asked whether you would meet with Epstein survivors if we connected you with them. You responded, ‘Absolutely.’ It has been nearly two months since then, and even though we provided the Department of Justice (the Department) with the point of contact for the Epstein survivors—and have followed up on this request multiple times—the survivors have not received the promised outreach.”\n\n“Recently, reporting revealed that you were present at several meetings last summer in the White House Situation Room with the President’s closest advisors, confirming that the White House and the Department have been more interested in minimizing damage to the President relating to his personal friendship with Jeffrey Epstein than providing transparency to survivors and holding accountable those who may be implicated in Epstein’s crimes,” they note.\n\n“Your responsibility as Acting Attorney General is to pursue justice, not to shield the President. We therefore expect a response no later than July 28, 2026, confirming a date for the meeting with survivors you committed to hold,” the senators conclude.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Acting Attorney General Blanche:\n\nAt the May 19, 2026, hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, we asked whether you would meet with Epstein survivors if we connected you with them. You responded, “Absolutely.”\n\nIt has been nearly two months since then, and even though we provided the Department of Justice (the Department) with the point of contact for the Epstein survivors—and have followed up on this request multiple times—the survivors have not received the promised outreach. Additionally, our offices have not received any substantive responses from the Department indicating when the meeting will be scheduled.\n\nRecently, reporting revealed that you were present at several meetings last summer in the White House Situation Room with the President’s closest advisors, confirming that the White House and the Department have been more interested in minimizing damage to the President relating to his personal friendship with Jeffrey Epstein than providing transparency to survivors and holding accountable those who may be implicated in Epstein’s crimes.\n\nYour responsibility as Acting Attorney General is to pursue justice, not to shield the President. We therefore expect a response no later than July 28, 2026, confirming a date for the meeting with survivors you committed to hold.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-on-vote-opposing-the-national-defense-authorization-act/", "title": "Senator Murray on Vote Opposing the National Defense Authorization Act", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on her vote against taking up the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (NDAA).\n\n“Instead of doing anything to help make life more affordable for American families, President Trump launched a reckless and costly war against Iran without authorization from Congress or the support of the American people. Today, this war is nowhere near ending, and the President has apparently endorsed this being a forever war in the Middle East.\n\n“I will always do everything in my power to take care of our servicemembers and keep our country safe, but this bill authorizes President Trump’s absurd $1.5 trillion defense budget request while doing nothing to put an end to his disastrous war or prevent him from starting more costly conflicts abroad. I refuse to endorse President Trump’s obscene war budget, and I refuse to move this bill forward as Trump pushes our country deeper into a war the American people oppose. This Republican Congress may prioritize an endless war over affordable health care for American families, but I will not.\n\n“Congress must support a budget that also invests in American families and making life more affordable for them, we must rein in this out-of-control President, and we must put an immediate end to this war.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sen-ossoff-working-to-crack-down-on-ai-improperly-denying-needed-health-care/", "title": "Sen. Ossoff Working to Crack Down on AI Improperly Denying Needed Health Care", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is working to crack down on the use of artificial intelligence to deny needed health care.\n\nSen. Ossoff is cosponsoring a Senate resolution to stop the Trump Administration from allowing artificial intelligence to improperly deny seniors’ needed health care.\n\nThis year, the Trump Administration’s Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model, a pilot program that uses “technologies such as artificial intelligence to review the appropriateness of select services in six states over a six-year trial period.”\n\nThe Congressional Review Act resolution, led by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), would repeal the WISeR Model, stopping the Trump Administration from using AI to deny seniors’ care.\n\n“The abuse of prior authorization practices has led to Georgians being denied life-saving medication and waiting months for the care they need,” Sen. Ossoff said. “Georgians shouldn’t have to worry that artificial intelligence will improperly deny them needed care.”\n\nSen. Ossoff continues to work to ban insurance companies from denying or delaying needed health care.\n\nIn June, during the Senate’s vote series, Sen. Ossoff offered an amendment to prevent insurance companies from denying or delaying needed health care, but Senate Republicans blocked Sen. Ossoff’s amendment. This followed Senate Republicans blocking Sen. Ossoff’s amendment during a Senate budget debate in April.\n\nIn April, Sen. Ossoff launched an inquiry with CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz about insurance practices that lead to denied claims and delayed health care that patients need.\n\nClick here to read the Senate Resolution.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-conducts-oversight-at-boyle-heights-warehouse-fire-site/", "title": "Padilla Conducts Oversight at Boyle Heights Warehouse Fire Site", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Padilla, Schiff, Gomez press EPA to protect community from long-term impacts\n\nPHOTOS: Padilla conducts oversight in Boyle Heights following warehouse fire that impacted local communities\n\nLOS ANGELES, CA — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, conducted oversight at the Lineage Logistics cold food storage warehouse in Boyle Heights following the weeklong fire that blanketed nearby communities with smoke and raised concerns about long-term environmental contamination. Padilla announced he, Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Representative Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34) are pressing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue monitoring the fire’s long-term impacts on air and water quality, and to work closely with state and local partners throughout the recovery.\n\n“The fire may be out, but our responsibility to this community is not over,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “Families deserve answers about what they were exposed to, whether the air and water are safe, and what steps are being taken to protect their health. That’s why I’m pressing the EPA to continue monitoring for long-term contamination and to work alongside state and local agencies until this community has the certainty it deserves.”\n\nAs part of his oversight visit, Padilla met with local stakeholders and community leaders from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), and Coalition for Clean Air to hear firsthand about ongoing recovery efforts and assess environmental concerns.\n\nAdditional photos from today’s oversight visit are available here. For additional B-roll/pool footage, reach out to KABC Los Angeles.\n\nIn a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Padilla, Schiff, and Gomez acknowledged the EPA’s initial response while urging the agency not to let up as recovery efforts continue.\n\n“Contaminated runoff from the water used to extinguish the fire has spread through the industrial area surrounding the warehouse and collected in streets and drainage systems near the property,” wrote the lawmakers. “We urge EPA to continue to support LAFD, the lead organization for the response to this incident, in performing ongoing air and water monitoring and sampling, and to continue to work in close coordination with state and local partners to study the possible long-term effects of contamination from the fire.”\n\n“The chemicals and food products present in the warehouse and the length of time required to extinguish the fire has put communities across Southern California at risk,” the lawmakers continued. “While firefighting crews continue to work tirelessly to mitigate damage from the flames, state, local, and federal agencies must work together to monitor air and water quality in the weeks following this incident and to continue to communicate proactively with local communities.”\n\nPadilla has consistently pushed for strong federal environmental oversight and fought efforts to weaken EPA’s ability to protect public health. In 2023, Padilla met with community leaders and families impacted by pollution caused by the nearby former Exide Technologies Inc. facility and called on EPA to designate the impacted neighborhoods as a Superfund site.\n\nFull letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Administrator Zeldin:\n\nWe write to express our support for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) initial response to the Boyle Heights warehouse fire in Los Angeles and to request that the agency continue to support state and local partners in monitoring air and water quality impacts on local communities.\n\nAs you know, the warehouse fire started on June 17 and has generated significant smoke that continues to affect air quality across Southern California. Furthermore, contaminated runoff from the water used to extinguish the fire has spread through the industrial area surrounding the warehouse and collected in streets and drainage systems near the property. This water is mixed with ash, debris, and burned insulation which could contaminate ocean and regional waterway ecosystems like the LA River. Given the materials present in the warehouse, we are concerned about the long-term health and environmental impacts from contaminated smoke and water runoff on communities surrounding the warehouse.\n\nWe were pleased to learn that EPA has partnered with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and South Coast Air Quality Monitoring District (SCAQMD) to perform air monitoring and sampling to measure levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, and toxic metals. Both Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Newsom issued emergency declarations on June 20, authorizing the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to provide additional assistance and resources. We urge EPA to continue to support LAFD, the lead organization for the response to this incident, in performing ongoing air and water monitoring and sampling, and to continue to work in close coordination with state and local partners to study the possible long-term effects of contamination from the fire.\n\nThe chemicals and food products present in the warehouse and the length of time required to extinguish the fire has put communities across Southern California at risk. While firefighting crews continue to work tirelessly to mitigate damage from the flames, state, local, and federal agencies must work together to monitor air and water quality in the weeks following this incident and to continue to communicate proactively with local communities. We encourage full cooperation across agencies and municipalities to ensure that Californians can continue to withstand and recover from this fire. Thank you for your attention thus far, and we look forward to continuing to coordinate emergency and disaster response efforts with EPA.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-keynotes-2026-naleo-annual-conference/", "title": "WATCH: Padilla Keynotes 2026 NALEO Annual Conference", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) delivered a keynote address at the 43rd National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Annual Conference, highlighting the impact Latino communities have made across the country. Padilla previously served as NALEO President, where he worked to advance Latino representation in local, state, and federal governments across the country.\n\nIn his remarks, Padilla encouraged Latino leaders to make their voices heard to continue fighting for representation and equal protections.\n\n“50 years ago, Congressman Ed Roybal and his allies founded NALEO because at the time, too many Latinos were shut out of participating in our democracy,” said Senator Padilla. “But 50 years later, we’re still fighting: for representation, to be treated with dignity, for equal protection under the law, and to fully participate in our democracy. With Ed Roybal’s vision and a lot of work, we have made progress. Just look at this room. Never before in American history have there been more Latinos registered to vote or more Latinos elected to office.”\n\nPadilla highlighted that although the Latino community has made tremendous progress, the Trump Administration continues to instill fear through increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence in our cities and attacks on voting rights. Padilla referenced the deaths of Ruben Ray Martinez, Silverio Villegas González, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, and Joan Sebastian Guerrero, who were killed by federal immigration enforcement officers.\n\n“When you stop and think about it, I know you know just as well as I do that victims of ICE’s terror aren’t just our constituents; they’re our neighbors, they’re our friends, they’re our family,” continued Senator Padilla. “And these aren’t just isolated incidents. They are deliberate. They are the predictable result of an Administration that has chosen to try to govern through fear and intimidation. Today, too many Latinos are afraid to report crimes, to seek medical care, to go about their daily lives because they don’t know whether they’ll come home to their family at the end of the day.”\n\nPadilla concluded his remarks with a call to action for NALEO and Latino communities to push back against the Trump Administration’s threats against, and demonization of, immigrants and communities of color.\n\n“Will we allow fear to divide us, or will we use our power to organize and to mobilize to defend our democracy that generations before us fought so hard to build?” concluded Senator Padilla. “This is our challenge, and it’s our responsibility to stand up and speak up and step up. We inherited more Latino political power than the previous generation. And by God, we will not be the generation that lets Trump take us backwards. So let’s get to work.”\n\nFollowing his remarks, Padilla joined California Governor Gavin Newsom for a fireside chat moderated by Erica Bernal-Martinez, Chief Executive Officer for NALEO and NALEO Educational Fund.\n\nVideo of Padilla’s keynote address is available here.\n\nVideo of today’s NALEO conference and Padilla’s fireside chat with Newsom is available here.\n\nTranscript of Padilla’s keynote address is available below:\n\nThank you, NALEO. Thank you, NALEO family.\n\nIs it still good morning, or is it almost a good afternoon? Good afternoon by 11 minutes. We’ll try to get back on track because something tells me some of you want to watch a certain game that just started. But look, I wouldn’t miss this for anything. It feels very much like a homecoming, and so let me begin by thanking my tocaya for that warm introduction, and to say happy anniversary, NALEO. 50 years.\n\nLet’s all continue to give thanks to CEO Erica Bernal-Martinez. To Chairman Brian Colon, and everyone whose leadership over the years has made NALEO one of the most important organizations in our country. And that includes my dear friend Arturo Vargas, who’s here today.\n\nLook, you just heard from the man himself, from Dan Maldonado. That 50 years ago, Congressman Ed Roybal and his allies founded NALEO because at the time, too many Latinos were shut out of participating in our democracy.\n\nWe’ve come a long way. But 50 years later, we’re still fighting. For representation, to be treated with dignity, for equal protection under the law, and to fully participate in our democracy. With Ed Roybal’s vision and a lot of work, we have made progress. Just look at this room. Never before in American history have there been more Latinos registered to vote or more Latinos elected to office.\n\nNever before have we held more seats or had more political power. But while we celebrate progress, millions of Latinos across the country, right now, are wondering if anyone, including their elected representatives, is fighting for them. For their families, and friends. For people like Ruben Ray Martinez. Silverio Villegas Gonzales. Lorenzo Salgado Arajo. And Juan Sebastian Guerrero.\n\nAll killed at the hands of Trump’s ICE. Ruben was a United States citizen. And at just 23 years old, he had a whole life ahead of him. Silverio was a father of three, and had just dropped off his sons at school. And Lorenzo was the husband who proudly provided for his family. He was on his way to work. And Juan, in what may or may not be another case of mistaken identity, was also here with lawful work authorization.\n\nNALEO, we are in the fight of our lives, for our lives. When you stop and think about it, I know you know just as well as I do that victims of ICE’s terror aren’t just our constituents; they’re our neighbors, they’re our friends, they’re our family.\n\nAnd these aren’t just isolated incidents. They are deliberate. They are the predictable result of an administration that has chosen to try to govern through fear and intimidation. Today, too many Latinos are afraid to report crimes, to seek medical care, to go about their daily lives because they don’t know whether they’ll come home to their family at the end of the day.\n\nAnd let me be clear about this: this is not just about immigration. The same forces targeting our communities are also working to silence our political power. They’re manipulating congressional maps. They’re attacking voting rights. They’re undermining confidence in our elections. Just like they’re trying to decide who gets to be an American, they’re trying to decide whose voices’ count in our elections and whose don’t. We cannot allow them to get their way.\n\nNow I know what happens when this administration tries to silence people who speak out. You remember.\n\nBut I also hope you remember what happened immediately after I was forced to the ground and handcuffed. I stood back up. And we all have to keep standing up and speaking up, because if they can intimidate people out of the neighborhoods today, you know they’re going to try to intimidate them away from the polls on election day. They know Latino political power is growing. They know our votes matter.\n\nLatino political power is MAGA’s worst nightmare, and that’s why the next 112 days are so important. Not just because there’s an election, but because we must decide what kind of country we will leave for our children and our grandchildren.\n\nWill we allow fear to divide us, or will we use our power to organize and to mobilize to defend our democracy that generations before us fought so hard to build? This is our challenge, and it’s our responsibility to stand up and speak up and step up. We inherited more Latino political power than the previous generation. And by God, we will not be the generation that lets Trump take us backwards. So let’s get to work. And with that, let me call to the stage NALEO CEO Erica Bernal-Martinez.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-introduces-safeguard-kids-act-to-protect-children-from-ai-risks-at-school", "title": "Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Safeguard Kids Act to Protect Children from AI Risks at School", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Senator Rick Scott today introduced the Safeguard Kids Act, a bill to educate American K-12 students on risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI) and allow Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) Federal Block Grants to fund AI literacy and specialized counseling programs.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, “Artificial Intelligence has the potential to be the greatest information innovation since the printing press, but technology is only as good as our ability to use it well and for the right reasons. We cannot let AI be the wild west and hope our kids figure it out; that doesn’t work. It’s on us to guide them as they grow. We need to teach kids about the risks associated with AI, so they can be the kind of principled innovators, leaders, and job creators America’s future economy needs.”\n\nSCOOP: Townhall: EXCLUSIVE: Proposal Aims to Prevent Children From Using AI As a Therapist\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nAn October 2025 study identified 15 distinct ethical risks in AI chatbot behavior in mental health contexts — including false empathy, providing responses to reinforce users’ negative beliefs about themselves and others, and lack of crisis management. Transparency about the non-human nature and limitations of AI systems protects consumers and supports responsible innovation.\n\nSince 2022, there have also been over 200 complaints lodged with the Federal Trade Commission against ChatGPT specifically, with many of those cases involving AI-induced psychosis, suicides, and at least one murder. In one notable case, a young woman asked ChatGPT to write her suicide note.\n\nThis legislation does not increase government spending or increase the federal deficit.\n\nRead the full bill HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2026/07/14/chairmen-johnson-grassley-release-records-showing-jack-smiths-investigative-team-secretly-obtained-text-messages-from-44-members-of-congress-amid-trump-probe/", "title": "Chairmen Johnson, Grassley Release Records Showing Jack Smith’s Investigative Team Secretly Obtained Text Messages from 44 Members of Congress Amid Trump Probe", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.ronjohnson.senate.gov", "scraper": "ronjohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000293", "name": "Ron Johnson", "party": "Republican", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigative team obtained and reviewed text messages from White House personnel, including messages to and from 44 Members of Congress, as part of the Biden Department of Justice’s (DOJ) criminal investigation into President Trump. Evidence shows the investigators bypassed a required Filter Team review process, violating investigative protocols.\n\nThe bombshell discovery comes in new records released today by Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) as part of their ongoing Arctic Frost oversight. Johnson and Grassley requested the records from DOJ after receiving legally protected whistleblower disclosures.\n\nThe Justice Department’s letter to the chairmen and the provided records indicate Smith’s investigative team circumvented its own filter review process, which was established to protect privileged materials from being swept up in a criminal prosecution, and directly accessed the content of texts sent by Republican and Democrat senators and members of the House of Representatives to White House officials during Trump’s first term. Bypassing a Filter Team evades consideration of additional privileges, such as attorney-client privilege.\n\nBoth Johnson and Grassley’s text messages were obtained by Smith’s team.\n\n“This is yet another grotesque example of the Biden administration’s weaponization of the Justice Department,” Sen. Johnson said. “Jack Smith’s team acted with impunity as they disregarded their own protocols to obtain and access White House text messages, including messages to and from 44 Members of Congress. At this point, no one should be shocked by Jack Smith’s recklessness and blatant abuse of power, but they should be outraged.”\n\n“Jack Smith’s criminal investigation of President Trump was a runaway train that had no brakes. Based on the information that’s been produced to me and Senator Johnson, Biden DOJ and FBI investigators apparently ignored their own routine investigative protocols to obtain and review work-related messages from me and dozens of my Republican and Democrat colleagues who were outside the scope of the government’s investigation, ”Sen. Grassley said. “I hope my Democrat colleagues, several of whom had their own texts swept up, finally put partisanship aside and recognize the severity of these actions. Smith’s team ran roughshod over the Constitution even after repeated warnings. Jack Smith has answering to do, and I intend to have him before the Senate Judiciary Committee in the coming months to hold him accountable.”\n\nRead DOJ’s summary of the records here and access the records here.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe records, as summarized in a DOJ cover letter, provide evidence the Biden Justice Department “established a Filter Team to evaluate materials obtained in the course of both Jack Smith’s investigation relating to January 6 (referred to as ‘Project Coconut’) and his Mar-a-Lago documents investigation (referred to as ‘Project Cranberry’). The Filter Team’s purpose was to prevent investigators from the Special Counsel’s Office and the FBI (‘Investigative Team’) from accessing privileged materials among the records obtained during the course of these investigations.” The DOJ letter further states “the Special Counsel’s Investigative Team apparently bypassed the Filter Team and directly accessed these text messages,” in reference to Members’ communications.\n\nIn June 2023, the Special Counsel’s Office (SCO) subpoenaed the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to provide all text messages from October 2020 through January 20, 2021, from phones associated with a long list of personnel serving in the White House during President Trump’s first term, including Trump himself as well as: Mark Meadows, Dan Scavino, Ivanka Trump, Stephen Miller, Peter Navarro, John Ratcliffe, Kash Patel, Rudy Giuliani, Kellyanne Conway and Mike Pence.\n\nNARA provided the texts to SCO on August 21, 2023. Within half an hour, one of Smith’s senior lawyers, Thomas Windom, downloaded the texts and, within one hour, other members of Smith’s investigative team downloaded and began reviewing the texts. It appears the review was done without waiting for the Filter Team to evaluate and segregate privileged information.\n\nSmith’s team accessed texts to and from the following current and former senators and members of the House of Representatives:\n\n1. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)\n\n2. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.)\n\n3. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas)\n\n4. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)\n\n5. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)\n\n6. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah)\n\n7. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.)\n\n8. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.)\n\n9. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska)\n\n10. Senator David Perdue (R-Ga.)\n\n11. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)\n\n12. Senator Martha McSally (R-Ariz.)\n\n13. Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.)\n\n14. Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.)\n\n15. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio)\n\n16. Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.)\n\n17. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine)\n\n18. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.)\n\n19. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.)\n\n20. Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colo.)\n\n21. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.)\n\n22. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.)\n\n23. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio)\n\n24. Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.)\n\n25. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.)\n\n26. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.)\n\n27. Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.)\n\n28. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wis.)\n\n29. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.)\n\n30. Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.)\n\n31. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.)\n\n32. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.)\n\n33. Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.)\n\n34. Rep. Joshua Gottheimer (D-N.J.)\n\n35. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.)\n\n36. Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.)\n\n37. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.)\n\n38. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.)\n\n39. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.)\n\n40. Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.)\n\n41. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.)\n\n42. Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho)\n\n43. Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.)\n\n44. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.)\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/14/rosen-urges-dept-of-health-and-human-services-fema-to-respond-to-extreme-heat-emergency-in-nevada/", "title": "Rosen Urges Dept. of Health and Human Services, FEMA to Respond to Extreme Heat Emergency in Nevada", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen sent a letter urging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to increase efforts to ensure Nevada has the resources to respond to extreme heat. There were more than 500 heat-related deaths across Nevada in 2024, and the state has already experienced the hottest day of 2026. At the same time, mass firings of experienced workers at both FEMA and the Department of Health and Human Services have made it harder for these agencies to respond to emergencies in a timely manner.\n\n“I write today about the devastating effects of extreme heat across Nevada and urge you to take immediate actions that ensure communities have the resources they need to respond to extreme heat and protect the public health and safety of Nevadans. Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the United States, and in Nevada alone, more than 500 people died from heat-related deaths in 2024,” wrote Senator Rosen. “These extremely high temperatures threaten the health and safety of Nevada families and require a coordinated approach across all levels of government, including making resources available at HHS and FEMA for mitigating the effects of extreme heat.”\n\n“Reports that extreme heat experts have been laid off across federal agencies, including at the CDC, and that critical funding that supports heat-related alert systems and response efforts have been cancelled are incredibly concerning,” continued the Senator. “If true, I urge you to reverse course and ensure key resources and qualified personnel are available to communities so they can make informed decisions about and respond to extreme heat events.”\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\nAs extreme weather conditions become more prevalent and dangerous, Senator Rosen has made it a priority to ensure that Nevada has the resources it needs to handle weather emergencies. In May, Senator Rosen introduced a bipartisan bill to help protect drinking water infrastructure during extreme heat emergencies. She also helped deliver over $3.5 million in federal funding to disaster mitigation and emergency planning projects across Nevada. Last year, Senator Rosen introduced a bill to declare extreme heat as a major disaster, which would make affected communities eligible for federal emergency resources.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/14/video-rosen-helps-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-accountable/", "title": "VIDEO: Rosen Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil Accountable", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Before His Death, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) Secured An Agreement With The White House On A Sweeping Sanctions Bill Against Enablers Of Russia’s War in Ukraine\n\nFull remarks can be found HERE.\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen joined colleagues on both sides of the aisle in introducing a bipartisan bill to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The text of this bipartisan agreement was negotiated by the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and the White House before Senator Graham’s unexpected passing.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the Senate Armed Services Committee, and the Senate NATO Observer Group, Senator Rosen has been a strong supporter of Ukraine against Russian aggression. This June, Rosen introduced a bipartisan bill to expand security cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine. A version of this language was also included in the FY27 NDAA. Senator Rosen has called for the U.S. to reduce restrictions on Ukraine’s use of U.S.-provided weapons in its fight against Russia’s illegal invasion. She has also worked across the aisle to provide economic and security assistance to Ukraine, and she has repeatedly called to isolate and hold Russia accountable for its crimes and abuses against Ukraine.\n\nBelow is a full transcript of Senator Rosen’s remarks:\n\n“Well I want to thank Senators Blumenthal, Shaheen, everyone here for their leadership on the bipartisan effort.”\n\n“And we wouldn’t be here without the tireless work of Lindsey Graham. I traveled with Lindsey and Senator Whitehouse to the Munich Security Conference what seems like just a few months ago.”\n\n“This was really important to him, national security and working on international issues”\n\n“And Lindsey would always say,“if you give Putin an inch, he will take it.”\n\n“And he was absolutely right. A threat to Ukraine is not just a threat to Ukraine. It’s a threat to Europe. It’s a threat to the world.”\n\n“For more than four years, Ukraine has fought back against Putin’s brutal, unprovoked war, day in and day out, every night [against] their reign of terror.”\n\n“They have fought not only for their own freedom and sovereignty, but for the fundamental principle that borders cannot be redrawn by force.”\n\n“So we have a responsibility to stand with our democratic allies – to make clear to Putin and any other adversary around the globe that they cannot try to take over sovereign countries without consequences. They cannot do this.”\n\n“And so this bill, again, thank you to my colleagues, everyone here who worked with Senator Graham. The message is simple: if you help finance Putin’s war, there will be consequences.”\n\n“I’m proud to stand with all of you, we are proud to honor Lindsey, sad to say his final wish. But his wish to have this done and to stop Putin in his tracks.”\n\n“Thank you.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-deliver-faster-disaster-aid-becomes-law", "title": "Schatz Legislation To Deliver Faster Disaster Aid Becomes Law", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.schatz.senate.gov", "scraper": "schatz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001194", "name": "Brian Schatz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – A bipartisan housing package, which includes the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act, became law over the weekend. The Reforming Disaster Recovery Act, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), will help communities recover from major disasters more quickly by establishing a permanent and predictable funding process at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).\n\n“Right now, each time a disaster happens, communities in crisis are forced to wait for Congress to pass a disaster funding bill before HUD can help. Our new law will now mean they no longer have to wait. As soon as a disaster strikes, HUD will be able to help communities begin the process of recovery,” said Senator Schatz.\n\nThe provision will accelerate assistance to disaster-impacted communities by:\n\nCreating a disaster recovery fund to allow HUD to predictably assist communities;\n\nAuthorizing HUD to issue regulations to codify program requirements and reduce unnecessary red tape, delays, and unpredictability that stems from the current process;\n\nSupporting resilience as a part of – rather than separate from – disaster recovery;\n\nAuthorizing “quick release” funds to support grantee capacity right after an event;\n\nImproving federal coordination by establishing an office at HUD devoted to disaster recovery and resilience; and\n\nReducing unnecessary administrative burdens and interagency requirement conflicts.\n\nThe full text of the provision is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-curtis-seek-to-curb-rising-cases-of-transnational-repression-by-u-s-adversaries-with-bipartisan-bill-to-enhance-criminal-penalties-centralize-oversight-of-prosecutions/", "title": "NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Curtis Seek to Curb Rising Cases of Transnational Repression by U.S. Adversaries with Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Criminal Penalties, Centralize Oversight of Prosecutions", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and John Curtis (R-Utah) are introducing legislation designed to curb transnational repression (TNR), threats and violence by nations against individuals outside their borders, by creating the first federal definition for the crimes and instituting enhanced criminal penalties.\n\nThe bill’s introduction comes in the wake of China’s new Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion law, which Chinese leaders claim is the legal basis for targeting individuals outside of its borders who contravene its new law on ethnic unity – just one example of a nation targeting its citizens across borders, raising concerns of American and other governments around the world.\n\nOther recent cases of transnational repression have included attempts by Iran through proxies to kidnap and kill U.S.-based journalists critical of the Iranian regime.\n\nThe Stop Transnational Repression Act provides new tools to the Department of Justice; individuals convicted in connection with this new criminal definition would be subject to a sentencing enhancement of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and an additional fine of up to $100,000.\n\nThis marks the first time bipartisan legislation related to transnational repression has been introduced to enhance sentencing guidelines for federal cases prosecuting TNR offenses.\n\n“With transnational repression on the rise, it is critical that we take strong action to investigate and prosecute bad actors who would intimidate and attack dissidents and critics on U.S. soil. This is a bipartisan effort to counter a national threat that reports show is only expanding in scope, with new and brazen efforts by countries like China trying to expand its intimidation of those not in lock step with the regime. In order to safeguard fundamental rights and freedoms for everyone on U.S. soil, we need the clarity and the teeth that this bill provides, and I hope my colleagues will act quickly to pass our legislation,” said Senator Schiff.\n\n“No foreign government should be able to threaten or silence people on American soil. Whether it’s the Chinese Communist Party, the Iranian regime, or any other authoritarian government, transnational repression is an attack on both our sovereignty and our freedoms. This bipartisan bill gives law enforcement stronger tools to hold perpetrators accountable and makes clear that the United States will not tolerate these abuses,” said Senator Curtis.\n\nThe legislation also centralizes federal oversight of TNR prosecutions in the National Security Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and TNR criminal investigations in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The bill establishes annual reporting and briefing requirements to Congress, which would be facilitated by the Assistant Attorney General for National Security, and commissions a review by relevant agencies to assess available authorities in responding to TNR. It also enables a forward-looking framework by developing whole-of-government strategies to deter against AI-enabled coercion to further TNR.\n\nBackground:\n\nTransnational repression includes actions by officials and agents of foreign governments, or their proxies, to threaten, intimidate, coerce, surveil, stalk, silence, or plot to physically harm, kidnap, or kill American citizens or foreign nationals living in the United States.\n\nA recent comprehensive report by the international monitoring group Freedom House counted 126 new incidents of physical transnational repression in 2025. China has 319 documented incidents of transnational repression since 2014.\n\nRecent FBI cases that meet the TNR definition include apprehensions of agents from Iran and China, among other nations.\n\nThe Stop Transnational Repression Act of 2026 would:\n\nCodify a definition of transnational repression in the criminal code and include a sentencing enhancement of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and an additional fine of up to $100,000 if an individual is convicted of another offense under federal law and has, as part of the conduct constituting the offense, committed an act that falls within the definition of TNR;\n\nCentralize oversight of TNR prosecutions to the National Security Division of DOJ and TNR criminal investigations to FBI;\n\nEstablish an annual reporting and briefing requirement concerning acts of TNR, which would be facilitated by the Assistant Attorney General for National Security;\n\nEstablish one-time reports that direct relevant agencies to review and assess available authorities to respond to TNR; and\n\nTask the development of a whole-of-government strategy related to the use of AI in furthering TNR.\n\nSenator Schiff previously led legislation tackling transnational repression while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill was written in consultation with Freedom House and other international human rights organizations.\n\nThe full text of the bill can be viewed here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senator-schmitt-helps-secure-160m-nsf-award-for-university-of-missouri-kansas-city-to-spur-innovation-research/", "title": "Senator Schmitt Helps Secure $160M NSF Award for University of Missouri-Kansas City to Spur Innovation, Research", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Award Establishes UMKC-Led Critical Materials Crossroads as a Regional Innovation Engine\n\nU.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) celebrated the announcement of a $160 million award from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) for the University of Missouri-Kansas City-led (UMKC) Critical Materials Crossroads Engine. The award positions the Critical Materials Crossroads as a Regional Innovation Engine that will be a national leader in critical materials research and advanced manufacturing. For the Kansas City region, it is projected to support 10,000 jobs and generate $40 billion in economic output. NSF Engines partner with private-sector leaders to accelerate technological development and provide scientific and technological workforce expertise. Senator Schmitt championed the University of Missouri System’s effort to secure this award.\n\n“Missouri is doing its part to secure American dominance on the world stage. Kansas City’s NSF Engine will be an important driver in enhancing U.S. competitiveness and strengthening the domestic critical mineral supply chain. I am proud to support a transformational NSF investment that accelerates innovation, creates high-paying jobs, and establishes the Kansas City region as a national hub for critical materials and advanced manufacturing,” said Senator Schmitt.\n\nThe Kansas City region is among 12 teams across 20 states receiving NSF Engine Awards. Each team brings together regional organizations, higher education institutions, and private industry to drive and develop critical, cutting-edge technologies. Across the country, NSF Engines have attracted billions in state, local, and private sector investments to promote American competitiveness in key industries including chipmaking, agriculture, and artificial intelligence.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senator-schmitt-introduces-bill-to-restore-integrity-of-american-citizenship/", "title": "Senator Schmitt Introduces Bill to Restore Integrity of American Citizenship", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Bill Follows SCOTUS’ Disastrous Decision Upholding Unlimited Birthright Citizenship\n\nU.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee of the Constitution, introduced the American Citizenship Act to protect American citizenship and rein in birthright citizenship abuse. This announcement follows the Supreme Court’s decision declaring that current law grants birthright citizenship to the children of illegal and temporarily present aliens.\n\n“American citizenship is sacred—our nation, and its people, are bound together by the values and freedoms our forefathers fought a revolution to secure. But the Supreme Court’s erroneous interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment last month degraded the meaning of that citizenship by extending it to children born to illegal or temporary aliens—including ‘birth tourists’—who come to our country in violation of our laws. That is an egregious departure from the original meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment. I introduced the American Citizenship Act to restore that original meaning, challenge the Supreme Court’s decision, protect the sacred bond of American citizenship, and honor the legacy of our nation’s patriots who fought to protect what it means to be an American. It would restart our fight in the courts for sanity in birthright citizenship. While the Supreme Court’s decision threatens to destroy American citizenship, I am fighting to defend it,” said Senator Schmitt.\n\nSchmitt’s bill would restore the scope of citizenship to only the children of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.\n\nBackground:\n\nLast month, Schmitt announced he will introduce a constitutional amendment to protect American citizenship and rein in abuse of birthright citizenship.\n\nSchmitt led an amicus brief in support of President Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order defending the original meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment’s Citizenship Clause.\n\nAs Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Schmitt has led several hearings on the importance of protecting American citizenship. In March, Schmitt highlighted the threat of birth tourism, and recently, his hearings examined denaturalizations and restoring pride in American citizenship.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-morelle-announce-a-whopping-15-million-federal-award-for-university-of-rochesters-laser-discovery-research-and-job-creating-engine", "title": "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, MORELLE ANNOUNCE A WHOPPING $15 MILLION FEDERAL AWARD FOR UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER’S LASER DISCOVERY RESEARCH & JOB-CREATING ENGINE", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.schumer.senate.gov", "scraper": "schumer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000148", "name": "Charles E. Schumer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Fed $$ Comes From NSF Engines Program Schumer Created In His CHIPS & Science Law\n\nUniversity Of Rochester’s Laser Development Expansion Would Bolster Cutting-Edge Research, Create Good-Paying Jobs, Strengthen The Domestic Supply Chain, And Grow The Rochester-Finger Lakes’ Economy\n\nSchumer, Gillibrand, Morelle: New Fed $$ Will Boost Rochester’s Leadership In Research, Development And Manufacturing Laser Technology\n\nU.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Congressman Joseph Morelle today announced the University of Rochester-led STELLAR Engine has been selected for a $15 million award through the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)’s Regional Innovation Engines Program, which was created by Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law. This award builds on the lawmakers’ previous work to supercharge laser technologies' growth across the Rochester-Finger Lakes region by advancing laser technology research, education and workforce development, company creation, and manufacturing.\n\n“With this whopping $15 million National Science Foundation award, the future is bright for research, development, and manufacturing of cutting-edge laser technology in Rochester, the Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier – led by the University of Rochester. I created the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program in my CHIPS & Science Law with Upstate NY’s world-renowned universities, world-class workforce, and innovation ecosystem in mind,” said Senator Schumer. “The Rochester-Finger Lakes region has a proud history of excellence and innovation in optics, photonics, imaging, and lasers and will lead the charge to increase the domestic laser research and manufacturing so critical to America’s global competitive advantage. I will continue to be laser-focused on delivering new federal investment to advance this cutting-edge work.”\n\n\"The University of Rochester is a deserving recipient of this award, and I couldn't be prouder to see the STELLAR Engine recognized in the NSF Regional Innovation Engines competition,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “The Rochester-Finger Lakes region has long been a hub of optical technology and advanced manufacturing, and this award — up to $160 million over the next decade — builds on that proud legacy. Laser technologies are critical to both manufacturing and national defense, and STELLAR strengthens the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse Tech Hub designation I was proud to fight for.”\n\n“Rochester has always been a place where big ideas become real-world breakthroughs, and today’s announcement is another exciting chapter in that story,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “This investment will help create good-paying jobs, grow our local economy, and give more students and workers the opportunity to build careers right here in our community. I was proud to help secure funding for the NSF Engines program that made investments like this possible, and I congratulate the University of Rochester, the National Science Foundation, Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Governor Hochul, and all our partners for coming together to cement Rochester's place as a global leader in laser technology.”\n\nThe University of Rochester’s proposal, officially named “STELLAR: Advancing Laser Technologies in the Rochester NY/Finger Lakes Region,” includes a diverse coalition of partners in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region focused on accelerating the development of cutting-edge laser technologies, expanding opportunities for both emerging and established manufacturers, and strengthening U.S. scientific leadership in a technology area key to America’s global competitiveness. Schumer, who has long supported the University of Rochester’s application for funding for the program, explained in a letter to former National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan that the STELLAR Engine will foster workforce development opportunities in laser technologies, particularly in underserved communities in Rochester and rural communities in the Finger Lakes, while accelerating use-inspired R&D, entrepreneurship, and regional business development that will create jobs, strengthen the supply chain, and help drive long-term economic growth across the region.\n\nIn 2024, Schumer helped the Binghamton University-led Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine win the esteemed competition in its inaugural year, bringing $15 million in federal funding immediately, with up to $160 million total over the life of the program from the NSF to supercharge cutting-edge battery research and manufacturing in Upstate NY. Earlier this year, the Binghamton University-led engine was selected as an awardee for the second phase of the program, bringing up to $45 million over the next three years. The University of Rochester’s project will build upon the inaugural cohort’s work of developing new state-of-the-art technology, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth in Upstate communities.\n\nSchumer created the NSF’s Regional Innovation Engines Program in his CHIPS & Science Law as a program that falls under the NSF Directorate of Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships. Schumer proposed the creation of this Directorate originally in his bipartisan Endless Frontier Act, with a focus on delivering investment in research, workforce training, and entrepreneurship in key technology areas like AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, climate-smart research, advanced materials, and more. The NSF Regional Innovation Engines program catalyzes and fosters innovation ecosystems across the United States to promote and stimulate economic growth, job creation, and regional innovation.\n\nEach NSF Engine can receive up to $160 million over 10 years; actual amounts will be subject to a given NSF Engine's status and overall progress, as assessed annually.\n\nThe NSF funding award made today is being matched by $16 million in New York State support over the next six years, along with investment from other partners. The STELLAR (Science, Technology and Engineering for Laser and Laser Applications Research) project’s key partners include the Institute of Optics and Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) at URochester, Monroe Community College (MCC), Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), NextCorps, Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE), and AmeriCOM. This NSF investment will further position the Rochester-Finger Lakes region as a global hub for the optics, photonics, imaging, and laser industry. The Rochester and Finger Lakes region is already home to more than 150 optics, photonics, imaging, and laser supply-chain companies, as well as institutions and facilities that are national leaders in the field.\n\nThis advancement in the NSF Engines competition would not have been possible without years of steadfast advocacy by Senator Schumer to both save and increase funding for Rochester’s Laser Lab and the overall DOE ICF program, which supports the LLE, LLNL, and Sandia National Lab’s Z Pulsed Power Facility. In 2018, after a budget proposal recommended defunding the Laser Lab within three years and eliminating hundreds of high-tech jobs in Rochester, Schumer launched an all-out push to reverse the closure plan and instead increase funding for the Lab. Later that same year, Schumer announced that he had been successful in his push to reject the proposed cuts, and since has consistently delivered robust funding increases to the Lab and ICF program to make discoveries like today’s possible. The senator helped secure $75 million in FY2018, $80 million in FY2019 & FY2020, $82 million in FY2021, and $83 million in FY2022.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/photo-sen-tim-scott-meets-with-darline-graham-at-the-u-s-capitol-ahead-of-her-swearing-in-ceremony/", "title": "PHOTO: Sen. Tim Scott meets with Darline Graham at the U.S. Capitol ahead of her swearing-in ceremony", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.scott.senate.gov", "scraper": "timscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001184", "name": "Tim Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) met with Darline Graham at the U.S. Capitol, welcoming her to the Senate and the South Carolina delegation ahead of her swearing-in ceremony. Darline will serve the remainder of the late Lindsey Graham’s term.\n\nTo download high-res image, click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-welcomes-darline-graham-as-she-is-sworn-in-as-south-carolinas-senator/", "title": "Sen. Tim Scott welcomes Darline Graham as she is sworn in as South Carolina’s senator", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.scott.senate.gov", "scraper": "timscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001184", "name": "Tim Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released the following statement on Darline Graham, who was sworn in today as South Carolina’s United States Senator. Darline will fill the seat vacated by her late brother, Lindsey Graham.\n\n“Darline Graham will be a fantastic United States senator for the great people of South Carolina, and I welcome her to the South Carolina delegation,” said Sen. Scott. “Lindsey spent his whole life looking out for his sister, Darline, and it’s a wonderful tribute that she is now carrying his legacy of service across the finish line. She makes history today as the first woman to represent South Carolina in this chamber, and she does so with the prayers, respect, and full support of her colleagues. I am honored to welcome Senator Graham to the Senate, and I look forward to working closely together to continue serving South Carolinians and building on the legacy of Lindsey Graham in the months ahead.”\n\nLindsey Graham and his sister Darline had an inseparable bond. After the passing of both of their parents 15 months apart, Lindsey adopted his sister and took full responsibility caring for her. Darline stood alongside her brother during his more than two decades in public office, and she enters the Senate with experience in helping people with disabilities get jobs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-hassan-pappas-goodlander-applaud-va-signing-of-lease-for-new-cheshire-county-outpatient-clinic-to-expand-veterans-access-to-health-care", "title": "Shaheen, Hassan, Pappas, Goodlander Applaud VA Signing of Lease for New Cheshire County Outpatient Clinic to Expand Veterans’ Access to Health Care", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – Following advocacy from the New Hampshire Congressional delegation, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) alongside U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) applauded the signing of a PACT Act lease by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that will make West Chesterfield, New Hampshire, the home of a new Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), replacing the CBOCs in Keene and Brattleboro, Vermont. The announcement is a significant step toward expanding access to high-quality health care for veterans in the Granite State.\n\n“It’s imperative that the men and women who sacrificed everything to defend and serve our nation have access to first rate health care when they need it – no matter where they live in our state,” said Senator Shaheen. “For a long time, the Monadnock region was a health care desert for veterans until we worked with the VA to open its first and only health care facility more than a decade ago. This announcement is a continuation of that years-long effort and a crucial step toward bringing more health care services to veterans in Cheshire County and the entire Monadnock region.”\n\n“America’s veterans risked their lives to keep our country safe, secure, and free. We will never fully repay the debt we owe them, but we have an obligation to try each and every day,” said Senator Hassan. “This new outpatient clinic will help veterans in the Monadnock region access the health services they need closer to home. I will continue to work to help get our veterans access to the health care that they have earned and deserve.”\n\n“I’m thrilled to welcome this new VA outpatient clinic to Cheshire County,” said Congressman Pappas, member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and Ranking Member of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee. “Every veteran across New Hampshire should be able to access the care they need close to home, whether through a VA medical center, our community-based outpatient clinics, or community care. I’ll always fight for our veterans to receive the best possible care and to cut the red tape between them and the treatment they deserve.”\n\n“We have a sacred obligation to the women and men who have served our country in uniform. Our veterans put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and it’s my mission in Congress to ensure that they have access to the services, benefits, and healthcare they have earned,” said Congresswoman Goodlander, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. “This clinic will deliver quality care to these brave American heroes across the Monadnock Region and beyond, and I am proud to stand with our partners across New Hampshire to get our veterans the care they need.”\n\nAccording to the VA, the clinic will increase clinical capacity and provide Veterans with more convenient and timely access to VA care, with construction and facility preparation expected to be completed by fall 2028, and the first patient is planned to be seen by spring 2029. The new lease will expand and modernize Primary Care space while rightsizing a state of the art, energy efficient facility that delivers integrated Primary Care, Mental Health, Specialty Care, and Ancillary services, improving operational efficiency and the Veteran experience in the Keene, NH and Brattleboro, VT area. The project will lease 26,603 net usable square feet (NUSF) of replacement outpatient clinic space in the vicinity of West Chesterfield, NH, with 150 parking spaces, in support of the White River Junction VA Health Care System.\n\nSenator Shaheen has a long history of working to ensure New Hampshire’s veterans have access to high-quality health care. The new CBOC in Cheshire County will be a continuation of Shaheen’s efforts to bring VA facilities to the Monadnock region. Following successful, multi-year advocacy from Shaheen in 2011, the VA opened the Monadnock region’s first and only veterans’ health services facility as an “outreach clinic” in Keene, NH. In 2022, Shaheen worked to include provisions and helped pass the historic PACT Act, which expanded health care for veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. As a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations bill that was signed into law, Shaheen secured provisions to help veterans better access substance use disorder treatment.\n\nLast year Congressman Pappas led the New Hampshire delegation in introducing the Veterans Full-Service Care and Access Act, legislation that would require the VA to operate at least one full-service Veterans Health Administration hospital in each of the 48 contiguous states. In 2022 Pappas fought back against and stopped a Biden administration plan to close Community-Based Outpatient Clinics in Conway, Somersworth, and Portsmouth. Thanks to Pappas's advocacy, these clinics remain open today. In the same year, Pappas fought to pass the PACT Act as a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, which expanded VA health care to millions of veterans exposed to toxic substances like burn pits and Agent Orange. Since the PACT Act became law, the Department of Veterans Affairs has received more than 12,000 claims from New Hampshire veterans.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-statement-on-todays-vote-on-the-national-defense-authorization-act", "title": "Shaheen Statement on Today’s Vote on the National Defense Authorization Act", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on today’s vote on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\n\n“I believe it is vital that we both pass the NDAA and that we constrain the President’s lawless and costly war against Iran. Since the beginning of hostilities, we have failed to achieve any of the objectives the President laid out at its onset and the American people have been left paying the price. That is also why I have repeatedly pressed the Trump Administration for more transparency on their planning and execution of this conflict, and why I’ve voted multiple times for War Powers Resolutions to constrain the President’s ability to further prosecute the war. I am also disappointed that two amendments I voted for to both reduce the topline and withhold any authorization of funding for operations in Iran failed on party line votes during the Committee markup.\n\n“With the President re-launching his self-defeating war, I voted against the motion to end debate on the NDAA, so we can continue to advocate for greater transparency and an end to this conflict.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-celebrates-national-science-foundation-critical-mineral-accelerator-engine-coming-to-uaf", "title": "Sullivan Celebrates National Science Foundation Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine Coming to UAF", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "scraper": "sullivan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001198", "name": "Dan Sullivan", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Award Could Bring Up to $160 Million in Funding to Alaska\n\nWASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today celebrated an announcement from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that the Alaska Critical Minerals Collaborative (ACMC), led by the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), has been selected as one of the new NSF Regional Innovation Engines. The designation could bring up to $160 million in funding to Alaska over the next 10 years and will help advance critical mineral development, innovation, and collaboration across Alaska and the United States.\n\n“The new NSF Engine anchored at UAF, one of our nation’s premier research universities, will position the United States to lead not only in mineral production but also in the technologies that make mining smarter, safer, and more sustainable,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Alaska is home to 56 of the 60 minerals designated as ‘critical’ by the United States. That’s why I’ve championed efforts in the Senate to secure our nation’s critical mineral supply chains and realize Alaska’s untapped mineral potential to reduce America’s dangerous overreliance on China. ACMC’s proposal is another mineral initiative that I strongly advocated for, including through several letters and conversations with the leadership of the National Science Foundation. Alaska’s NSF mineral accelerator engine is one piece of a larger vision for UAF and our research institutions across the state that I’ve been pushing for years. UAF’s recently announced collaboration with the Department of War is another sign of the growing recognition of Alaska’s strategic importance and the state’s emergence as a world-class hub for research and innovation, including now in the critical minerals sector. I want to congratulate members of the Alaska Critical Minerals Collaborative on all your hard work in putting forward such a strong proposal.”\n\n“Senator Sullivan has long recognized that Alaska's critical minerals are essential to America's economic future and national security,” said Lee Ann Munk,director, Alaska Critical Minerals Collaborative. “His leadership in advancing domestic mineral development and secure supply chains has helped create the momentum that made this opportunity possible. We are grateful for his steadfast support and look forward to working together to ensure Alaska becomes the nation's leader in critical minerals innovation, technology, and workforce development.”\n\nBackground\n\nSen. Sullivan has focused heavily on strengthening domestic critical mineral supply chains and ensuring that federal scientific investments translate into real-world competitiveness, national security, and durable economic growth.\n\nBelow is a timeline of Sen. Sullivan’s recent advocacy for the ACMC proposal.\n\nIn July 2025 and October 2025, Sen. Sullivan led two Alaska congressional delegation letters of support endorsing the ACMC proposal.\n\nIn February 2026, Sen. Sullivan participated in a virtual site visit (roundtable) intended to provide NSF leaders and external reviewers with an Alaska leadership perspective as part of the ACMC’s final application review process. Roundtable participants included University of Alaska (UA) President Pat Pitney, UAF Chancellor Mike Sfraga, Alaska Department of Natural Resources leadership, Alaska Native Corporation representatives, mining industry stakeholders, and research partners. During the roundtable, Sen. Sullivan emphasized Alaska’s strategic importance to U.S. critical mineral supply chains, the strength of the cross-sector coalition supporting the engine, and his commitment to helping bridge federal coordination or policy gaps if ACMC’s proposal is selected.\n\nIn March 2026, Sen. Sullivan sent a follow-up letter to NSF leadership thanking them for the February 2026 roundtable and reiterating his support for the ACMC proposal.\n\nIn June 2026, Sen. Sullivan met with Brian Stone, acting director of the NSF, and conveyed his support for the ACMC application to the NSF Regional Engines Program.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-calls-on-democrats-to-support-the-bipartisan-national-defense-authorization-act/", "title": "Thune Calls on Democrats to Support the Bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:\n\nThune’s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n“Mr. President, before I begin my remarks this morning, I want to offer a word of welcome to the new senator from South Carolina.\n\n“Later today, we will swear in Darline Graham to fill the seat of her brother and our friend, Lindsey Graham.\n\n“And I know Darline will carry on Lindsey’s tireless service for South Carolina, and I look forward to serving with her.\n\n“Mr. President, like many of us, I represent a state with a rich heritage of military service.\n\n“And South Dakota continues to punch above its weight in our armed forces.\n\n“Our National Guard is frequently called up for critical deployments at home and around the world.\n\n“And Ellsworth Air Force Base is a key asset to our national defense.\n\n“In fact, today Ellsworth is the largest construction site in the Air Force as it prepares to host the first B-21 bombers next year.\n\n“During the recent state work period, I was glad to welcome Air Force Secretary Troy Meink – a South Dakota native – to Ellsworth.\n\n“We met with the base leadership and some of the airmen stationed there, and we saw the progress the base is making as it prepares for its important new mission.\n\n“Mr. President, whether responding to a natural disaster at home or fighting our enemies abroad, the men and women in America’s armed forces stand ready to answer the call.\n\n“They are our most important national security asset.\n\n“And we have an obligation here in Congress to ensure that they have everything they need for whatever the mission may be.\n\n“I know senators on both sides of the aisle take that obligation seriously.\n\n“And we must.\n\n“As I’ve said so often before, if you don’t get national security right, the rest is just conversation.\n\n“If we don’t make national security a priority here, we run the risk that Americans serving in uniform won’t have what they need when they need it.\n\n“Mr. President, that’s why the National Defense Authorization Act is one of the most important bills that we do each year.\n\n“It’s the bill that helps ensure our military is ready today and prepared for tomorrow.\n\n“And I’m proud that our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee – with the leadership of Chairman Wicker and Ranking Member Reed – have reported out a strong National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027.\n\n“For the 66th year in a row, the Armed Services Committee has produced a bipartisan NDAA.\n\n“And later today, we’re going to have a vote to proceed to this important bill.\n\n“Mr. President, we’ve had regular reminders over the last few years that we live in a dangerous world.\n\n“That America still has enemies – enemies that want to attack us, our allies, and our interests.\n\n“We’ve seen, too, how quickly warfare evolves in this day and age.\n\n“Mr. President, this year’s NDAA will not only help ensure that America can keep pace with those challenges, but also that we can outpace our adversaries.\n\n“It puts a heavy emphasis on unmanned systems – especially drones and counter-drone measures.\n\n“It also continues shipbuilding efforts to strengthen our naval fleet.\n\n“And as for our air power, this year’s bill will help ensure we maintain a force of at least 1,800 fighters and supports the new B-21 long-range strategic bomber.\n\n“Mr. President, there’s a lot I could talk about in this bill, from investing in our nuclear deterrent to supporting munitions production.\n\n“But I’ll mention just two more important aspects of this year’s bill.\n\n“First, it builds on efforts in last year’s NDAA to reform defense acquisition.\n\n“That includes allowing multi-year procurement contracts that allow the Pentagon to do business more efficiently with greater predictability and savings for taxpayers.\n\n“And Mr. President, I need to mention what this bill does for the men and women serving our country – and their families who serve alongside them.\n\n“This year’s NDAA supports a 3.6 percent pay raise for our troops.\n\n“And it invests in a number of quality-of-life improvements for them and their families.\n\n“Investments in education.\n\n“Housing.\n\n“Health care.\n\n“And child care.\n\n“Mr. President, our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee have put forward a strong bill.\n\n“A strong bill for our national security and for the men and women who defend our nation.\n\n“It’s my hope that we’ll be able to pass this bill out of the Senate soon and begin the process of working with our counterparts in the House and with the White House on a final bill.\n\n“Republicans are ready to go.\n\n“The question is, how will Democrats vote today?\n\n“Are there enough Democrat senators who support moving forward with a bipartisan – bipartisan, Mr. President – defense bill?\n\n“I see no reason there shouldn’t be.\n\n“But then again, Democrats have allowed the politics of obstruction to determine so many of their actions for the last year and a half.\n\n“I certainly hope that Democrats won’t now put politics ahead of support for our men and women in uniform.\n\n“But that’s up to them.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-banks-introduce-legislation-to-prohibit-taxpayer-dollars-from-funding-sexually-explicit-content-in-classrooms/", "title": "Tuberville, Banks Introduce Legislation to Prohibit Taxpayer Dollars from Funding Sexually Explicit Content in Classrooms", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-IN) and James Lankford (R-OK) in introducing the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act. This legislation would prohibit federal funding from being used by K-12 schools to develop, implement, facilitate, or promote programs, activities, or literature featuring sexually oriented content for minors.\n\n“Exposing children to sexually explicit material in classrooms is completely inappropriate and a gross abuse of taxpayer dollars. I will continue to work with my colleagues to remove this kind of content from our classrooms to protect the innocence of our young people,” said Sen. Tuberville.\n\n“The American taxpayer should not be funding sexually explicit content for minors, it’s that simple. I’m proud to lead this bicameral effort in the Senate to ensure children aren’t exposed to explicit, sexual themes in the classroom,” said Sen. Banks.\n\nFamily Research Council, Independent Women’s Forum, American Principles Project, Eagle Forum, Family Policy Alliance, Parental Rights Foundation, and Moms for America have endorsed the legislation.\n\nRead full text of the bill here.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nResearch has shown that exposure to sexual content at a young age can increase the risk of early sexual activity, unsafe sexual practices, and other risky sexual behaviors. In recent years, concerns have grown among parents regarding sexually explicit materials, activities, and themes being introduced in schools. Federal tax dollars should not be uses to expose minors to content that lacks educational value or is inappropriate for minors. The Stop the Sexualization of Children Act would prohibit federal funding from these supporting programs, while preserving instruction in core academic subjects.\n\nSpecifically, the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act would:\n\nProhibit the use of federal funds provided under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act for development, implementation, facilitation or promotion of literature or materials containing depictions or descriptions of sexually explicit content\n\nProhibit federal funding for programs or materials promoting concepts related to gender dysphoria and transgenderism\n\nPreserve funding for standard coursework\n\nEstablish clear guardrails to ensure federal education dollars are used for legitimate education purposes, rather than the sexualization of minors\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-cassidy-move-to-eliminate-fraud-in-federal-child-care-funding/", "title": "Tuberville, Cassidy Move to Eliminate Fraud in Federal Child Care Funding", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in introducing the Strengthening Transparency and Oversight to Prevent (STOP) Child Care Fraud Act. This legislation aims to protect American families’ tax dollars from fraudulent federal child care spending.\n\n“I appreciate the Trump administration’s efforts to root out waste, fraud, and abuse from our federal government,” said Sen. Tuberville. “We need to do everything we can in the Senate to support President Trump’s efforts and stand up for the American taxpayers. Under Tim Walz’s watch, $19 billion taxpayer dollars were stolen for fake ‘daycare centers.’ I’m proud to join the Strengthening Transparency and Oversight to Prevent (STOP) Child Care Fraud Act to make sure this never happens again.”\n\n“Every dollar spent on fraudsters is a dollar stolen from a child and family in need,” said Sen. Cassidy. “Americans trust us to use their federal tax dollars wisely. By strengthening accountability, we protect taxpayer dollars and ensure working families have access to quality child care.”\n\nRead full text of the legislation here.\n\nMORE:\n\nTuberville Launches Task Force to Eliminate Waste, Faud, and Abuse in Taxpayer-Funded Education\n\nTuberville, Husted Make Move to Crack Down on Student Aid Fraud\n\nTuberville Takes Action to Prevent Fraud in Child Care Following Somali Disaster in Minnesota\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-introduces-bill-to-stop-future-corruption-at-doj/", "title": "Tuberville Introduces Bill to Stop Future Corruption at DOJ", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) was joined by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Ron Johnson (R-WI), and Mike Lee (R-UT) in reintroducing the Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act, which would prevent future Democratic administrations from using federal settlement agreements as a backdoor funding source for liberal activist groups.\n\nThe Obama administration used settlement agreements to steer money to favored outside organizations instead of to victims or the U.S. Treasury. President Trump’s Department of Justice shut down the practice in 2017 and again in 2025 after the Biden administration brought it back. But without an act of Congress, a future administration could revive the policy with the stroke of a pen.\n\nSen. Tuberville’s bill would permanently ban the practice and ensure that settlement funds compensate victims, directly remedy the harm caused, or are returned to the U.S. Treasury.\n\n“We are one election away from these slush funds coming back, and everybody in Washington knows it,” said Senator Tuberville. “The Biden administration proved that the minute Democrats get the keys, they will reopen the loophole and start steering settlement money to their activist friends. I have fought this corruption since my first year in the Senate. Congress needs to put this ban into black-letter law so no future administration can bring this scheme back.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act would prohibit settling parties in a federal dispute from reducing their punishments by making “donations” to outside organizations. This bill would end the executive overreach of picking special interest groups to benefit from a settlement. For example, under President Obama’s Department of Justice (DOJ), settling parties were forced to pay a portion of their settlement obligations, under the guise of “donations,” to outside groups of the Department’s choosing that overwhelmingly pushed a partisan agenda. This practice turned federal settlements into liberal slush funds.\n\nMORE:\n\nNew Tuberville Bill Stops the Government from Directing Funds to Partisan Organizations\n\nTuberville: Congress Must Stop the Federal Government’s Slush Fund for Partisan Groups\n\nTuberville Joins Fox Business to Discuss His New Legislation to Stop Federal Slush Funds\n\nTuberville, Colleagues Call on AG Garland to Stop Sending Federal Funds to Partisan Organizations\n\nTuberville, Gooden Introduce Bill to Stop DOJ Officials from Funding Partisan Priorities with Corporate Settlement Dollars\n\nTuberville Bill to Stop DOJ Corruption Passes House\n\nSen. Tommy Tuberville Proposes Bill to End ‘Slush Fund’ Settlements to Far-Left Groups\n\nGooden, Tuberville Introduce Bill to Block ‘Slush Fund’ Payouts to Activist Groups in Legal Settlements\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-democrats-urge-omb-to-rescind-rule-politicizing-federal-grant-decision-making", "title": "Maryland Democrats Urge OMB to Rescind Rule Politicizing Federal Grant Decision-Making", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Maryland Congressional Delegation members – U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) – are calling out the Trump Administration’s attempts to undermine and politicize the federal grant-making process. In a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers press OMB to rescind a new proposed rule that would overhaul the grantmaking and cooperative agreement processes across the entire federal government, centralizing power within OMB, reducing transparency and accountability, undermining Congress, and clearing the path for the Trump Administration to continue weaponizing and politicizing the federal grantmaking process.\n\n“We write to express strong opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s sweeping proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” rule that would completely overhaul and politicize the grantmaking and cooperative agreement processes across the entire federal government,” the lawmakers begin.\n\nThey go on to stress the importance of federal grants, noting, “Across the state, federal investment supports research into our ocean and waterways as well as our air, crops, livestock and soil. Federal grants support advancements in health and medicine including research into the treatment of diseases such as pediatric cancer and sickle cell disease and drive the development of new technologies that will keep Americans healthy. Grant-funded childcare through Head Start and Early Head Start serves families from the Eastern Shore to Garrett County. These dollars power cutting-edge developments in space technology, satellites, AI, and quantum computing. Federal funds also allow organizations to support victims of sexual assault, violence, and other crimes. The proposed Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance represents a threat to every one of those efforts to better American lives, strengthen our economy, and keep our country competitive.”\n\nOn the proposed rule, the lawmakers write, “In reality, if finalized, this more than 400-page rule will make significant, sweeping, and binding policy changes to the Uniform Guidance across more than 40 federal grant-making agencies and offices responsible for awarding billions of dollars in funding and federal financial assistance each fiscal year. It would codify the Trump Administration’s campaign to eviscerate our research infrastructure and authorize more arbitrary cancellations, job losses due to funding uncertainty, and disruptions of work that require consistent data collection to maintain scientific validity.”\n\n“This rule would further centralize power within OMB giving it authority over the heads of dozens of federal agencies as well as merit-based processes in matters of grantmaking and cooperative agreements. In doing so, this rule would place layers of bureaucratic and political red tape between elected representatives who are Constitutionally-responsible for appropriations, the federal agencies whose resources support our state and help drive our local economies, and Marylanders who rely on grants to support valuable research and services,” they continue.\n\nThe lawmakers detail the impact of federal grants on Maryland, noting, “Since the beginning of the President’s term, the Administration and OMB’s intentional delay in spending appropriated funds, grant terminations and disruptions, and overall fewer federal grants being awarded has impacted billions of dollars in federal funding to Maryland, including our state and local governments, schools, and research institutions. As a result, hundreds of our constituents have lost their jobs, Maryland research institutions and universities are undergoing hiring freezes and layoffs, and graduate and post-doctoral programs have been forced to cut or limit admissions–all which threaten to stifle U.S. leadership and innovation for decades to come.”\n\n“The people of Maryland and the United States deserve actual transparency, reliability, and accountability from our federal government, not arbitrary rules and political interference from OMB that would weaken our scientific and research enterprise, risk more jobs, and slow down hard-won progress. We urge you to rescind this proposed rule immediately,” the lawmakers conclude.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nWe write to express strong opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s sweeping proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” rule that would completely overhaul and politicize the grantmaking and cooperative agreement processes across the entire federal government.\n\nYear after year, Maryland turns federal investment into public goods with national and global benefits. Across the state, federal investment supports research into our ocean and waterways as well as our air, crops, livestock and soil. Federal grants support advancements in health and medicine including research into the treatment of diseases such as pediatric cancer and sickle cell disease and drive the development of new technologies that will keep Americans healthy. Grant- funded childcare through Head Start and Early Head Start serves families from the Eastern Shore to Garrett County. These dollars power cutting-edge developments in space technology, satellites, AI, and quantum computing. Federal funds also allow organizations to support victims of sexual assault, violence, and other crimes. The proposed Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance represents a threat to every one of those efforts to better American lives, strengthen our economy, and keep our country competitive. We urge you to immediately rescind this proposed rule that will further risk evidence-based science, research, and innovation in Maryland and across the United States.\n\nOn Friday, May 29, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), in conjunction with federal grant-making agencies, published a proposed rule in the federal register with the stated intent to “improve and clarify government-wide policies and requirements related to the management of Federal financial assistance including grants and cooperative agreements.” The purported objectives of the proposed rule include: improving transparency, accountability, and oversight of federal funds; reducing recipient burden; and clarifying 2 C.F.R regulatory text– commonly referred to as the “Uniform Guidance”– as an OMB regulation.\n\nIn reality, if finalized, this more than 400-page rule will make significant, sweeping, and binding policy changes to the Uniform Guidance across more than 40 federal grant-making agencies and offices responsible for awarding billions of dollars in funding and federal financial assistance each fiscal year. It would codify the Trump Administration’s campaign to eviscerate our research infrastructure and authorize more arbitrary cancellations, job losses due to funding uncertainty, and disruptions of work that require consistent data collection to maintain scientific validity.\n\nThis rule would further centralize power within OMB giving it authority over the heads of dozens of federal agencies as well as merit-based processes in matters of grantmaking and cooperative agreements. In doing so, this rule would place layers of bureaucratic and political red tape between elected representatives who are Constitutionally-responsible for appropriations, the federal agencies whose resources support our state and help drive our local economies, and Marylanders who rely on grants to support valuable research and services.\n\nThe federal grantmaking process includes essential, non-political guardrails that this rule seeks to eviscerate. Should it be finalized, OMB would have the legal authority to cancel any grant at any time simply because it no longer aligns with “federal agency priorities.” In almost all circumstances, Maryland grant recipients would not be able to appeal that decision or have a neutral party, such as a judge, review it. Just last year, legal action helped restore millions of dollars in wrongfully cancelled funding by the Trump Administration for AmeriCorps, mental health services, and biomedical research, among others. This proposed rule would make such cancellations easier. Without the ability to appeal or contest an arbitrary cancellation, grant- supported research including clinical trials and jobs can end with the stroke of a pen. Allowing political appointees to have the final say, rather than merit-based processes or Congress’s decision to fund programs, does not advance the stated goals of transparency or accountability.\n\nFurther, the rule contains a tangle of undefined new standards that would not clarify regulations. Federal regulations must be sufficiently clear to allow recipients to understand and comply with their obligations in good faith. This proposed rule introduces new criteria for evaluating grants such as adherence to “gold standard science,” whether they “promote anti-American values,” or specific consideration for, “a history of questionable practices,” like “affiliation with a group that has undermined public safety” but does not provide meaningful definitions for these new standards. Grantees must even ensure that all subrecipients do not, “take actions that could significantly damage the reputation of the pass-through entity, the Federal agency making the award, or the Federal Government.” The rule does make clear, however, that non-compliance with any of the new vague and underdefined standards can result in immediate termination of support.\n\nBeyond the arbitrary standards that are ripe for abuse, this proposed rule seeks to prohibit freedom of association, speech, and the international collaboration that has made Maryland a leader not only in our region, but in the world. This regulation would bar researchers from using federal funds to publish the research they undertake with our collective resources and would prohibit researchers from attending professional conferences without pre-approval from the federal government. This rule would also presumptively prohibit many international collaborations and further restrict any scientific engagement with foreign entities. Fields from biomedical research to space science regularly put Marylanders in the position of leading work with teams of scientists and engineers in other countries. While security safeguards are always important, this rule would not strengthen them, but in practice, will limit freedom, research, and collaboration in the name of security.\n\nOf course, this proposal does not come in a vacuum; it is being offered in the midst of illegal attacks, uncertainty, and gutting of the entire U.S. scientific and research enterprise by the Trump Administration. We are facing the consequences of these actions in real time. In fiscal year 2025 alone, the Trump Administration indiscriminately terminated thousands of NIH grants and disrupted more than 300 clinical trials, putting thousands of patients including children at risk. Recent reports suggest hundreds of NIH grants are actively being delayed because of the Administration’s unprecedented politicalization of the NIH grant review process–and as a result, Maryland-specific NIH competitive awards have decreased by 33% in fiscal year 2026 compared to prior years.\n\nSince the beginning of the President’s term, the Administration and OMB’s intentional delay in spending appropriated funds, grant terminations and disruptions, and overall fewer federal grants being awarded has impacted billions of dollars in federal funding to Maryland, including our state and local governments, schools, and research institutions. As a result, hundreds of our constituents have lost their jobs, Maryland research institutions and universities are undergoing hiring freezes and layoffs, and graduate and post-doctoral programs have been forced to cut or limit admissions– all which threaten to stifle U.S. leadership and innovation for decades to come.\n\nThe people of Maryland and the United States deserve actual transparency, reliability, and accountability from our federal government, not arbitrary rules and political interference from OMB that would weaken our scientific and research enterprise, risk more jobs, and slow down hard-won progress. We urge you to rescind this proposed rule immediately.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-highlight-2-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-veteran-owned-small-businesses", "title": "Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Highlight $2 Million in Federal Funding to Support Veteran-Owned Small Businesses", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) joined the Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) at their annual INTERNATIONAL training program to present the organization and leaders from the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation (MCCCF) with a $2,000,000 federal investment to expand VIP and provide more resources to veteran-owned small businesses in Maryland and across the country. The Senators fought to secure this investment in Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations.\n\n“We can never fully repay our veterans for their sacrifice in serving our country. But we have a duty to support them when they return home – and that includes ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed. That’s why we fought to secure this $2 million in federal funds to build on our investments over the years and continue expanding the Veteran Institute for Procurement’s small-business and workforce training programs. I’ve been proud to partner with VIP to support their critical work over the years, and with these funds, the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation and VIP will continue to support veteran entrepreneurs and help veteran-owned small businesses continue to grow,” said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n\n“We have an obligation to do more than say thank you to those who served our country. We must ensure veterans have the health care they need, housing that is affordable and safe, and opportunities to generate wealth and truly thrive. I am proud to have partnered with Senator Van Hollen to secure $2 million to support veteran-owned businesses and veteran entrepreneurs. Small businesses are the backbone of Maryland and our nation. Veteran-owned small businesses help fuel our economy while supporting those who served,” said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.\n\nVIP delivers training programs that support small businesses owned by veterans – including those with service-connected disabilities – and help them secure federal small business contracts, pursue entrepreneurship, and invest in their workforces. It has served more than 3,600 veteran-owned businesses across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa. VIP graduates have secured over $50 billion in prime federal contracts and $15 billion in subcontract awards to date.\n\n“Veteran-owned small businesses in Maryland play a vital role in creating jobs and strengthening communities, while also contributing to the national economy,” said Barbara Ashe, National Director of the Veteran Institute for Procurement and President of the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation. “With the support of Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks, this funding enables us to help more Veteran entrepreneurs build sustainable companies that fuel economic growth locally and well beyond our state.”\n\nSenator Van Hollen has a long history of supporting VIP, including supporting the organization’s national expansion in 2011, securing $2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending in FY 2023, and supporting investments from the Small Business Administration to VIP.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-markey-garcia-fitzpatrick-in-reintroducing-legislation-to-strengthen-supports-for-airport-service-workers", "title": "Van Hollen Joins Markey, García, Fitzpatrick in Reintroducing Legislation to Strengthen Supports for Airport Service Workers", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and and Representatives Chuy García (D-Ill.-04) and Brian Fitzpatrick (D-Pa.-01) in reintroducing the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, legislation that would improve wages and working conditions for airport service workers. The legislation would also support working families and help stabilize the air travel industry as airlines pocket record profits while airport service workers remain stuck at minimum wage.\n\n“Our airports – and the workers that keep them running – are critical to our economy, moving millions of people and goods throughout our country every day. It’s past time these workers see the pay, benefits, and working conditions that they deserve. I am proud to fight for the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, legislation to provide improved wages, benefits, and labor standards to this vital workforce,” said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n“These workers serve through extreme temperatures, holiday travel surges, and even pandemics — yet too many still struggle with low pay, unaffordable care, and rising costs,” said Senator Markey. “Because airports are the gateway to the world for travelers, they must also be the gateway to stable, middle-class jobs for workers. I am proud to partner with Congressmen Garcia and Fitzpatrick to lead this bipartisan, pro-worker legislation.”\n\n“America’s airports support millions of jobs and move hundreds of millions of travelers each year. While U.S. airlines generated $6 billion in profit last year, airport frontline workers, who are predominantly Latino, Black and immigrant, are barely making ends meet. In fact 7 per cent of them live under the poverty level,” said Congressman Chuy García. “The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, seeks to ensure airport workers, who make our air travel possible, get the dignity and compensation they deserve for their hard work.”\n\n“Airport service workers are entrusted every day with the safety, order, and reliability of one of the most complex transportation systems in the world. We cannot ask them to carry that responsibility while denying them the economic security that comes with fair wages and meaningful benefits. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act establishes one clear principle: the value of the work does not change because a job is outsourced or a different contractor signs the paycheck. By investing in the people who keep our airports moving, we strengthen the entire aviation system—and uphold our obligation to the workers, families, and travelers who depend upon it,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.\n\nThe legislation is also cosponsored in the Senate by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).\n\n“Airport workers keep millions of Americans moving every day—and a job that keeps America moving should be a job that lets a family get ahead. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act will raise wages, strengthen benefits, and ensure these workers finally receive the dignity and respect they’ve earned. It’s past time Congress made sure good jobs take off at every airport in America,” said Senator Schumer.\n\n“It’s a no-brainer that we should be paying our airport service workers fairly for all they do to keep our transportation systems safe and running. I’m fighting hard alongside Senator Markey to make sure airport workers finally get the compensation they deserve, which will make our infrastructure even stronger in Massachusetts and across the country,” said Senator Warren.\n\n“Georgia’s airports connect tens of millions of travelers to the state’s incredible history, culture, and businesses,” said Senator Warnock. “This is only possible because of the airport service workers who keep our aviation system running. Our legislation is an important step toward ensuring these workers receive the support and compensation they have earned.”\n\n“Providing airport workers with fair compensation and protections is long overdue,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Airlines have consolidated power and raked in profits while airport service workers struggle to make ends meet. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act will deliver the fair pay and benefits these critical workers who keep our country moving deserve.”\n\n“Every Arizonan deserves to be fairly compensated for their hard work, including the men and women who keep our airports running smoothly,” said Senator Gallego. “The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act invests in airports that invest in their workers, ensuring airports are economic hubs not just for travels, but for the communities they’re located in. I’m proud to help reintroduce this legislation.”\n\n“Every day, thousands of airport workers get passengers to their next destination, but many don’t make enough to cover their basic needs. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act will make sure federal investments in our nation’s airports also support the workers who keep them running,” said Senator Murphy.\n\nThe Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is endorsed by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), UNITE HERE, and the Communications Workers of America (CWA).\n\n“I've given years of my life to this airport, keeping planes clean and passengers safe — and I still can't afford to take my kids to the doctor,” said Nicole Ray, a wheelchair agent at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. “Something is deeply wrong when the airlines I serve are posting record profits while I'm choosing between groceries and medicine. It’s time for Congress to decide whose side they’re on and pass the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act.”\n\n“Every day, airport service workers keep our country moving. They do the essential work that keeps our airports safe, our aviation system running, and millions of travelers connected. Airport service workers deserve more than our thanks, they deserve good jobs that provide dignity, security, and the opportunity to build a better life,” said April Verrett, President of Service Employees International Union (SEIU). “The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is about recognizing the value of that work. Congress should stand with the workers who keep our airports running and pass this legislation. When we invest in working people, we build a stronger economy and a stronger nation.”\n\n“Our tax dollars continue to be invested in the expansion and improvement of the nation’s airports. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act committed billions for airports, with the final $2.9 billion invested this year. However, airports are not just buildings with tarmacs and airplanes: a successful airport depends on its workers. Despite this, there are UNITE HERE members working in airport concessions and airline catering who are struggling to make ends meet. Some of them work multiple jobs and with no healthcare. Our investments must support a healthy workforce and offer wages that lift workers out of poverty — the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act would set a fair national standard for wages and benefits for airport workers across the United States,” said Gwen Mills, President of UNITE HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-murray-call-out-blanche-for-failing-to-meet-with-epstein-survivors-press-him-to-make-good-on-his-commitment", "title": "Van Hollen, Murray Call Out Blanche for Failing to Meet with Epstein Survivors, Press Him to Make Good on His Commitment", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), and Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, called on Acting United States Attorney General Todd Blanche to fulfill the commitment he made at the May 19, 2026, CJS Appropriations hearing to meet with Epstein survivors. The Senators’ letter comes nearly two months after Acting AG Blanche committed to meet with the survivors in response to the Senators’ questioning at the hearing and nearly seven months after the first tranche of Epstein files were released by DOJ in accordance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Despite repeated attempts from the Senators’ offices to facilitate a meeting, Blanche has still not done so.\n\nThe senators begin, “At the May 19, 2026, hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, we asked whether you would meet with Epstein survivors if we connected you with them. You responded, ‘Absolutely.’ It has been nearly two months since then, and even though we provided the Department of Justice (the Department) with the point of contact for the Epstein survivors—and have followed up on this request multiple times—the survivors have not received the promised outreach.”\n\n“Recently, reporting revealed that you were present at several meetings last summer in the White House Situation Room with the President’s closest advisors, confirming that the White House and the Department have been more interested in minimizing damage to the President relating to his personal friendship with Jeffrey Epstein than providing transparency to survivors and holding accountable those who may be implicated in Epstein’s crimes,” they note.\n\n“Your responsibility as Acting Attorney General is to pursue justice, not to shield the President. We therefore expect a response no later than July 28, 2026, confirming a date for the meeting with survivors you committed to hold,” the senators conclude.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Acting Attorney General Blanche:\n\nAt the May 19, 2026, hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, we asked whether you would meet with Epstein survivors if we connected you with them. You responded, “Absolutely.”\n\nIt has been nearly two months since then, and even though we provided the Department of Justice (the Department) with the point of contact for the Epstein survivors—and have followed up on this request multiple times—the survivors have not received the promised outreach. Additionally, our offices have not received any substantive responses from the Department indicating when the meeting will be scheduled.\n\nRecently, reporting revealed that you were present at several meetings last summer in the White House Situation Room with the President’s closest advisors, confirming that the White House and the Department have been more interested in minimizing damage to the President relating to his personal friendship with Jeffrey Epstein than providing transparency to survivors and holding accountable those who may be implicated in Epstein’s crimes.\n\nYour responsibility as Acting Attorney General is to pursue justice, not to shield the President. We therefore expect a response no later than July 28, 2026, confirming a date for the meeting with survivors you committed to hold.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-data-virginians-have-had-to-spend-1-8-billion-more-for-gas-since-start-of-the-iran-war/", "title": "New Data: Virginians Have Had to Spend $1.8 Billion More for Gas Since Start of the Iran War", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warner.senate.gov", "scraper": "warner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000805", "name": "Mark R. Warner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – As President Trump declares that the war with Iran has resumed, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) are underscoring new data that shows the extent to which the president’s war has driven up gas costs in Virginia and across the country. According to a new congressional report, since the war began on February 28, Virginians have paid a total of $1.8 billion more, or an extra $573 per household, on the gas they need to commute to work, run errands, pick up their kids, and live their daily lives. The cost per household in Virginia is one of the highest in the nation. Additionally, Virginia’s average gas price today sits at $3.75 per gallon, which is about 22 percent higher than it was before the president’s war of choice.\n\n“Because of the president’s war of choice, Virginians are facing higher gas, utility, and grocery costs,” said the senators. “Instead of ending this war and finally easing the burden that he has placed on American families, Trump is calling off the ceasefire, trading airstrikes with Iran, and blockading the Strait of Hormuz.”\n\nNationally, Americans have paid a total of $56.4 billion more, or $477 more per household, on gas. Today’s national average gas price sits at $3.86 per gallon, which is about 30 percent higher than before the start of the war.\n\n###\n\n* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for download here *\n\nPhotos may be used online and in print, and can be attributed to ‘The Office of Sen. Mark R. Warner", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-report-finds-over-two-million-children-have-lost-medicaid-since-trump-took-office/", "title": "New Report Finds Over Two Million Children Have Lost Medicaid Since Trump Took Office", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "A new report finds that more than two million fewer kids were enrolled in Medicaid in April 2026, compared to January 2025 when President Trump took office\n\nIn July 2024, Congressional Republicans cut $1 trillion from Medicaid\n\nSenator Reverend Warnock: “Two million vulnerable children have lost health care coverage for the sake of a billionaire tax break. That is a moral failure by our government and a betrayal of our responsibility to protect our children”\n\nWashington, D.C. – A new report from the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families finds that more than two million children have lost Medicaid coverage since President Trump took office in January 2025. This drop in the number of children covered by Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is alarming, as nearly half of all U.S. kids rely on the programs for health coverage.\n\n“This report should trouble the moral conscience of all Americans,” said Senator Warnock. “Two million vulnerable children have lost health care coverage for the sake of a billionaire tax break. That is a moral failure by our government and a betrayal of our responsibility to protect our children.”\n\nSenator Warnock has long championed efforts to expand affordable health care access. In June, he forced a vote to expand transparency surrounding Medicaid coverage loss nationwide. His effort to release the data was blocked by Senate Republicans 52-46. Last spring, the Senator released findings that the best way to get the most Americans working is to invest in Medicaid, making health care accessible to eligible Americans.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-votes-no-on-blank-check-for-iran-war/", "title": "Warnock Votes “NO” on Blank Check for Iran War", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "President Trump’s illegal war of choice in Iran has continued for 137 days\n\n14 service members have tragically lost their lives\n\nSenator Reverend Warnock: “This President needs guardrails, not a blank check”\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA)released the following statement after voting “NO” on the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act for the first time in his Senate career because it authorized a blank check for President Trump’s illegal war in Iran.\n\n“I cannot vote to fund an illegal war with no justification, no set goal, and no exit strategy. I’m proud to represent Georgia’s 100,000 servicemembers—it’s why I’ve voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act every year I’ve served in Congress. But at a time when Americans are struggling to cover the cost of gas, health care, and groceries, we should not be spending billions on another endless war that endangers our Servicemembers and makes our country less safe. This President needs guardrails, not a blank check,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.\n\nSince President Trump launched his illegal war in February 2026, Senator Warnock has been a fierce opponent of the Trump administration’s decision to deploy U.S.military forces in Iran. Last month, Senate Republicans moved to block the Senator’s war powers resolution to stop President Trump’s war in Iran from passing on the floor of the Senate. The President is yet to receive any authorization from Congress as required by Article I of the U.S. Constitution.\n\n###\n\nTitle and affiliation are provided for identification purposes only. A pastor and social justice advocate, Senator ReverendRaphael Warnock was elected to the United States Senate in 2021 and reelected for a full term in 2022. The Senator serves on the Senate Agriculture, Banking, and Finance committees, as well as the Senate Aging Committee.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/trumps-illegal-war-with-iran-has-forced-vermont-to-pay-113-million-more-for-gas-so-far/", "title": "Trump’s Illegal War with Iran Has Forced Vermont to Pay $113 Million More for Gas, So Far", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Vermont households have spent $441 more for gas since the war began\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee today released new data outlining how President Trump’s reckless and illegal war with Iran has driven up gasoline costs for Vermont families, farmers, and businesses. The new data shows that since the war began on February 28, Americans have spent a total of $56.4 billion more for gas. In Vermont, the increase in gas spending totals $113,105,145, with families spending $441 more on average, per household.\n\nU.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, released the following statement on the new data:\n\n“Vermont families are paying the price for President Trump’s illegal war with Iran. The average household has spent $441 more for gas, so far—and there’s no end in sight. The President needs to get out of this reckless war, which has caused incredible harm to our economy and driven up costs for families in Vermont and across the country.”\n\nView the data from JEC below:\n\nSenator Welch is a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit. He was a member of the Joint Economic Committee in the 118th Congress.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-and-cohen-introduce-bill-to-provide-relief-to-americans-facing-medical-bankruptcy/", "title": "Whitehouse and Cohen Introduce Bill to Provide Relief to Americans Facing Medical Bankruptcy", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release", "domain": "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", "scraper": "whitehouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000802", "name": "Sheldon Whitehouse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Whitehouse has long championed legislation to help people burdened by medical debt\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) today introduced legislation to help families burdened by unforeseen medical expenses. The Medical Bankruptcy Fairness Act of 2026 would reform the bankruptcy process to alleviate the strain on debtors and make the bankruptcy system work better for Americans.\n\n“The last thing a family should have to think about during a medical emergency is whether they’re going to lose their home because of bills for a surgery or treatments,” said Whitehouse. “This legislation will make our bankruptcy system fairer for, and more compassionate to, families who find themselves in financial straits because of bad luck and a health care system that allows too many patients to slip through the cracks.”\n\n“Nearly two-thirds of all personal bankruptcies involve medical debt — a number that is too high. Americans should not have to lose everything to receive the medical care they need,” said Congressman Cohen. “The Medical Bankruptcy Protection Act will provide much-needed cover for families facing bankruptcy because they got hurt or sick and make it easier for them to rebuild their lives.”\n\nUnlike many other debts, medical debt is involuntary, unexpected, and can grow at a rapid rate. People with medical debt report cutting spending on food, spending down their savings to pay for medical bills, borrowing money from friends or family members, or taking on additional debts.\n\nThe Medical Bankruptcy Fairness Act would create a more accommodating bankruptcy process for Americans forced into bankruptcy due to medical debt or who have lost their jobs due to a public health-related shutdown. Specifically, the bill would:\n\nWaive procedural hurdles like credit counseling that make little sense for those pushed into bankruptcy through no fault of their own;\n\nPermit the discharge of student loans for medically distressed debtors, which currently cannot be erased in bankruptcy for most debtors;\n\nProvide families a greater chance of keeping their homes by allowing the retention of at least $250,000 of home equity; and\n\nKeep medical bankruptcies off consumer credit reports.\n\nAccording to bankruptcy experts, medical debt remains a leading cause of personal bankruptcy filings in the United States. For individuals with limited assets, even a relatively small unexpected medical expense can be unaffordable. For people with significant medical needs, medical debt can pile up over time. A 2024 study suggests Americans owe at least $220 billion in medical debt, with 20 million people (nearly one in 12 adults) affected.\n\nThe Medical Bankruptcy Fairness Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\nThe Medical Bankruptcy Fairness Act is endorsed by the National Association of Consumer Advocates and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/chairman-wicker-leads-sasc-hearing-to-consider-four-senior-civilian-pentagon-nominees", "title": "Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing to Consider Four Senior Civilian Pentagon Nominees", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.wicker.senate.gov", "scraper": "wicker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000437", "name": "Roger F. Wicker", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to consider nominations for senior defense financial, acquisition, intelligence, and space leadership positions.\n\nJules W. Hurst III, nominated to be Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), Mr. Richard M. O’Malley, nominated to be Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Dr. Erich D. Hernandez-Baquero, nominated to be Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, and Dr. L. Roger Mason, Jr., nominated to be Director of the National Reconnaissance Office, all appeared before the committee.\n\nIn his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker highlighted the importance of modernizing defense budgeting, streamlining acquisition and sustainment, expanding resilient space capabilities, and improving intelligence collection and analysis, noting that each nominee would play a key role in strengthening the Department of Defense and supporting U.S. national security. The Chairman also took time in his remarks to honor the life of Sen. Lindsey Graham, a former member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\n\nRead Chairman Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered.\n\nThis hearing will come to order.?To begin with, the Senate has lost a giant. A champion. A former member of this committee who, though he went on to other jurisdictions, was one of the strongest advocates for American strength and American partnerships around the world and peace through strength. That is the late Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. And so, I would ask all of us to bow our heads for a moment of silence in memory of Senator Graham. Thank you very much.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/oregon-delegation-welcomes-major-federal-investment-in-states-semiconductor-industry", "title": "Oregon Delegation Welcomes Major Federal Investment in State’s Semiconductor Industry", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Federal lawmakers: Oregon team of nearly 100 partners awarded NSF Regional Innovation Engine Award that sets up receiving up to $160 million to grow Oregon semiconductor industry\n\nWashington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senate and House members welcomed today’s announcement that Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST), an Oregon consortium including nearly 100 partners from across the state, will receive up to $160 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation over the next decade to grow the state’s semiconductor ecosystem.\n\nOregon State University is the administrative home for FAST.\n\n“It’s always a good day when Oregon takes our deserved spot in the “FAST lane” for national leadership in semiconductor innovation and manufacturing,” said U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, who helped to lead the effort under the Biden administration to pass the CHIPS Act that aimed for federal investments just like this one in Oregon’s semiconductor industry. “Oregon is the beating heart of U.S. semiconductor production, which makes OSU a natural choice to lead one of just 12 new Regional Innovation Engines. This major federal investment will fuel cutting-edge research, good-paying jobs and economic growth in the Silicon Forest that will ripple throughout our entire state.”\n\n“This investment in Oregon State University’s NSF FAST Engine will further supercharge Oregon’s innovative semiconductor industry,” said U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley. “By bringing together researchers, businesses, and local partners, it will help turn new ideas into good-paying jobs and strengthen our state’s leadership in emerging semiconductor technologies. I’ll keep fighting to ensure Oregon has the federal support it needs to compete and grow.”\n\n“The NSF FAST Engine based at Oregon State University shows how government can successfully work with higher education institutions to spur regional innovation and career readiness in advanced fields,” said Rep. Suzanne Bonamici. “This significant investment in the semiconductor industry will strengthen our state's continued leadership in research, development, and a future-ready workforce.”\n\n“I am proud that Oregon State University was selected to receive this well-deserved grant. Demand for semiconductors is rising, and the NSF FAST Engine will help OSU design the world’s most advanced semiconductor chips,” said Rep. Val Hoyle. “This grant will bring industries in Oregon closer together across the state and foster innovation. It will also strengthen statewide educational partnerships, support Oregon’s semiconductor industry and improve pathways to semiconductor careers for students.”\n\n“Oregon is called the Silicon Forest for a reason. If we want to maintain our position as a leader in semiconductor research and technology, then we need to keep innovating,” said Rep. Andrea Salinas. “This grant from the National Science Foundation will help ensure we remain on the cutting edge of the technology revolution while utilizing the talents of the Oregon workforce by providing training and jobs throughout the high tech innovation economy.”\n\n“Proof that Oregon is THE place to invest in semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing. Another great bet on some of our country's best technology and brightest students,” said Rep. Janelle Bynum. “This funding makes sure that Oregon's next generation of innovators, leaders, and experts have the resources they need to secure good paying jobs and continue to build a strong economy”.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/oregon-lawmakers-demand-trump-reverse-course-on-plan-to-suppress-oregon-voters", "title": "Oregon Lawmakers Demand Trump Reverse Course on Plan to Suppress Oregon Voters", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Trump threatens Oregon election officials that do not comply with administration’s illegal and unconstitutional election requests\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Maxine Dexter and Janelle Bynum today sounded the alarm on the Trump administration’s threat against Oregon election officials unless they adhere to the administration’s plan to create a national voter database, potentially nullifying the voter registration of millions of registered Oregon voters.\n\n“It is clear that after these attempts to secure access to sensitive state voter data have been repeatedly rejected by the courts, you are resorting to public threats of prosecution and intimidation against elections administrators in order to coerce state officials to turn over their voter rolls and cede their constitutional duty to conduct elections to the executive branch,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.\n\nThe demand comes after the Trump administration threatened Oregon election officials with criminal prosecution over the administration’s claim of noncitizens voting. For months, Trump has tried to chip away at voter registration and vote-by-mail in an effort to interfere in the consequential November midterms.\n\nEarlier this year, Trump issued an executive order requiring the creation of a national voter database, which would require states to submit their voter registration lists to the federal government for review. The order was put on pause after it was blocked in court. Trump continues to push passage of his Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act in Congress, which would undermine vote-by-mail in an illegal and unconstitutional effort to undermine the rights of states to control their own election systems.\n\nLast month, Oregon lawmakers led the charge against a new rule issued by the U.S. Postal Service that would undermine Oregon’s vote-by-mail system.\n\nText of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nWe rebuke your threats against Oregon elections officials and demand the Department of\n\nJustice (DOJ) cease this targeted witch hunt of states’ election administration ahead of\n\nconsequential midterm elections.\n\nOn July 7, 2026, the most recent threat was issued by Assistant Attorney General for Civil\n\nRights Harmeet Dhillon and comes following repeated failures by the DOJ to illegally\n\nattempt to obtain Oregon voter rolls containing sensitive voter information through litigation\n\nin order to create an unprecedented national voter database. It is clear that after these\n\nattempts to secure access to sensitive state voter data have been repeatedly rejected by the\n\ncourts, the DOJ is resorting to public threats of prosecution and intimidation against elections\n\nadministrators in order to coerce state officials to turn over their voter rolls and cede their\n\nconstitutional duty to conduct elections to the executive branch.\n\nElection officials across the country are on the frontlines of our elections, they already face\n\nunprecedented attacks and face personal safety concerns. We should be working to protect\n\nelection officials regardless of political affiliation, not using government resources to further\n\nintimidate election officials that are following all federal laws, and consistently administering\n\nelections that are safe and secure, as is the case in Oregon.\n\nThese efforts are a direct attempt to undermine vote-by-mail, which is used successfully by\n\ntens of millions of eligible voters every election. Despite these efforts, the courts have also\n\nrepeatedly blocked implementation of President Trump’s executive orders that aim to restrict\n\nvote-by-mail. Faced with these combined failures, the DOJ is now attempting to coerce state\n\nelections officials with threats of prosecution in order to prevent Americans from voting.\n\nThese threats are a clear pattern in strategy to disenfranchise millions of voters in Oregon and\n\nnationwide and attack states’ constitutional right to manage and oversee elections. We\n\ndemand that you immediately cease these efforts", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-pallone-sound-alarm-on-devastating-impact-of-big-ugly-bill-on-maternal-health-care", "title": "Wyden, Pallone Sound Alarm on Devastating Impact of Big Ugly Bill on Maternal Health Care", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "In 2024, more than one-third of U.S. counties were considered maternity care deserts, which has drastically been made worse by Republicans gutting nearly $1 billion from Medicaid\n\nText of the Report (PDF)\n\nWashington, D.C. — Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr., D-N.J., are sounding the alarm on the devastating impact that Trump and Republican’s Big Ugly Bill is having on the already weak maternal health care system in the U.S.\n\n“Maternity wards across America are shuttering their doors as a direct result of Republican Medicaid cuts,” said Wyden. “For all their talk about being the party of 'family values,' Republicans are going out of their way to make it more difficult, dangerous, and expensive to start a family in this country. As these providers disappear and care evaporates, mothers and babies will pay the ultimate price.\"\n\nTrump’s disastrous health care legislation has done nothing to improve health care in America, it has only weakened it. Most states rely on Medicaid to fund maternal health wards, but after Republicans gutted nearly $1 trillion in funding from Medicaid, Americans are witnessing the fallout as states are forced to cut funding for birthing centers and obstetric clinics.\n\nThe report shares how Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill is forcing maternity care providers to all out close, cut back services, and halt expanded plan services across the country.\n\nThe report shares testimonials from workers in hospitals in states where Medicaid cuts have already been costly, and forced some closures. Now, many of these states are preparing for the worst, as hospitals and clinics alike are being forced to make the devastating decision to close their maternity wards, just to stay afloat.\n\nAll of this news comes as the United States is continuously given one of the worst maternal mortality rates of any developed country. Disproportionately, these rates negatively impact black women more than any group.\n\nWyden has long been a champion of maternal health care. In 2024, Wyden introduced the Keeping Obstetrics Local Act (KOLA), which aimed to bolster and preserve rural hospitals and clinics obstetric programs.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-senate-democratic-leaders-sound-alarm-on-trump-family-greed-following-new-financial-disclosures", "title": "Wyden, Senate Democratic Leaders Blast Trump Family Greed Following New Financial Disclosures", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "New records show the Trump family made $1.4 billion from cryptocurrency during the first year of his second term alone.\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said today he has joined Senate Democratic colleagues in sounding the alarm on the Trump family’s blatant and unprecedented misuse of the office of the President to line their pockets with billions of dollars from the cryptocurrency industry.\n\nJoining Wyden, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, in sending the letter were the ranking members of four other influential committees in the Senate. These include Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., ranking member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations; Dick Durbin, D-Ill., ranking member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary; Gary Peters, D-Mich., ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee.\n\n“President Trump’s new financial disclosures reveal the Trump family crypto ventures generated the vast majority of his income – about $1.4 billion in the first year of his second term alone,” Wyden and the senators wrote. “The President’s financial disclosures also revealed that unknown “Third Parties” own a stake in the Trump family’s World Liberty Financial. The disclosure comes in the wake of reports that the United Arab Emirates purchased a 49% stake in WLF.”\n\n“The disclosures heighten concerns about the President pushing Congress to pass crypto legislation in favor of the very industry he’s cashing in on, the Administration’s moves to exempt cryptocurrencies and service providers from existing financial services regulations, and its steps to weaken enforcement, including by disbanding the Department of Justice’s National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-votes-no-on-flawed-military-bill-to-fund-trumps-idiotic-war-in-iran-raise-gas-prices-and-threaten-americans-privacy", "title": "Wyden Votes ‘No’ on Flawed Military Bill to Fund Trump’s Idiotic War in Iran, Raise Gas Prices and Threaten Americans’ Privacy", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today voted no on the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, a massive bill that would have greenlit Trump’s endless war in Iran, devoted billions in unchecked military spending and included a host of provisions that would threaten Americans’ privacy and security. The bill failed to advance on a procedural vote.\n\n“I cannot support an outrageous $1.15 trillion in military spending while Donald Trump engages in an idiotic war with Iran that is doing nothing to make Americans safer, puts U.S. servicemembers and civilians in harm's way, and spikes the price of gas,” Wyden said.\n\n“This bill does nothing to address Secretary Hegseth’s politicization of our military, curb wasteful spending, or ensure robust oversight of shady defense contractors like Palantir and Elon Musk’s xAI.\"\n\n“I also cannot support new authorities included in the bill which seek to deepen and accelerate cooperation with Israeli contractors on surveillance and AI technologies that are ripe for abuse. On Netanyahu’s watch, surveillance technologies developed by Israeli companies have repeatedly been used by repressive regimes, contributed to human rights violations in Gaza, and have been used against Americans. The Netanyahu government’s actions in Gaza and West Bank make clear that the current Israeli government’s actions are not aligned with U.S. interests and the safety of civilians.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-applauds-selection-of-iu-led-coalition-as-nsf-impact-engine-to-advance-treatment-of-musculoskeletal-health-conditions/", "title": "Young Applauds Selection of IU-Led Coalition as NSF IMPACT Engine to Advance Treatment of Musculoskeletal Health Conditions", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.young.senate.gov", "scraper": "toddyoung", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000064", "name": "Todd Young", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) applauded the selection of an Indiana University-led coalition of industry, workforce, clinical, government, and research partners for a major U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) initiative.\n\nThe IU-led NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana has been selected as one of 12 new NSF Regional Innovation Engines, a highly competitive program designed to accelerate research — moving innovations from the lab to the marketplace while driving economic growth, job creation, and talent development. The NSF IMPACT Engine aims to connect Indiana’s world-class orthopedic industry, top universities, and health data resources to speed life-changing musculoskeletal innovations to the market.\n\nThe NSF Engine program was established through the CHIPS and Science Act, authored by Senator Young.\n\n“Indiana already leads the world in orthopedic manufacturing, and this designation builds on that foundation to cement our leadership in musculoskeletal innovation,” said Senator Young. “Through the CHIPS and Science Act, we made a deliberate investment in places like Indiana, where research excellence, industry strength and talent come together to compete globally. This engine will accelerate innovation, grow high-quality jobs, and ensure Indiana remains at the forefront of this critical sector.”\n\nBy connecting engineers, scientists, clinicians and industry, the NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana will build critical infrastructure to support high-impact discoveries, including development of what aims to be the world’s largest integrated musculoskeletal dataset. Partners include Eli Lilly, Zimmer Biomet, BioCrossroads, OrthoWorx, IU Health, Regenstrief Institute, Purdue University, and the University of Notre Dame.\n\nThe coordinated regional ecosystem will receive $15 million over two years, with the potential to eventually receive up to $160 million from NSF if progress is achieved on well-defined milestones. An additional $179 million in partner funding will help translate cutting-edge research into patient- and consumer-focused solutions while training the workforce needed to meet the state’s growing health care demands.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://youngkim.house.gov/2026/07/14/rep-young-kim-chairs-joint-subcommittee-hearing-on-strengthening-u-s-commercial-diplomacy-2/", "title": "Rep. Young Kim Chairs Joint Subcommittee Hearing on Strengthening U.S. Commercial Diplomacy", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://youngkim.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "youngkim.house.gov", "scraper": "youngkim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000397", "name": "Young Kim", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40) chaired a joint subcommittee hearing “Helping American Businesses Win Abroad: Strengthening U.S. Commercial Diplomacy.”\n\nAs Chair of the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, she argues that commercial diplomacy is foreign policy and calls for bold structural reforms to better compete with China.\n\nWatch remarks HERE or read BELOW:\n\n“Good morning and welcome to this joint East Asia and Pacific and Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee hearing titled “Helping American Businesses Win Abroad: Strengthening U.S. Commercial Diplomacy.”\n\nCommercial diplomacy is no longer a supporting function of foreign policy—it is foreign policy. The Trump Administration has made clear that economic security is national security, and that how we compete economically abroad directly shapes our strategic position in the world. This is the right time to take a hard look at whether our current approach to commercial diplomacy is fit for purpose.\n\nThe United States possesses strong tools to support American businesses overseas, but those tools are not always organized or deployed to maximize impact. Our current model is split across multiple agencies and unevenly implemented at our embassies and posts abroad. This can create gaps in execution, unclear lines of responsibility, and missed opportunities. At the same time, global competition is intensifying, and the demands on our commercial diplomacy system are only growing.\n\nWe see this challenge most clearly in our competition with China, which deploys a highly coordinated, state-backed approach to supporting its companies abroad. The challenge for the United States is not merely recognizing this reality, but ensuring our own system is structured to compete effectively.\n\nIncremental changes will not be enough. This moment calls for more fundamental—and potentially disruptive—thinking about how we organize and execute commercial diplomacy. We should be willing to question whether a structure largely unchanged for decades remains right for today’s challenges.\n\nThat includes examining whether consolidating commercial diplomacy functions—such as by moving the Foreign Commercial Service into the Department of State—could improve coordination and deliver better results. It also means considering whether the State Department itself needs to build a stronger, more specialized commercial diplomacy capability, potentially through reform of the economic officer track or the creation of a dedicated commercial diplomacy career track.\n\nUltimately, commercial diplomacy succeeds or fails at post. We must ensure we have the right people, with the right expertise, in the right places, and that they are properly empowered and incentivized to deliver results for American businesses. Structure, workforce, and incentives all matter if we are serious about helping U.S. companies win abroad.\n\nCongress has taken important steps to elevate commercial diplomacy, including through prior reforms focused on the role of Chiefs of Mission. Yet we also have a responsibility to assess whether deeper structural changes are needed to align our resources, authorities, and personnel systems with our strategic objectives.\n\nToday’s witnesses bring valuable firsthand experience from the field. We look forward to hearing what is working, where the system is falling short, and—most importantly—what changes would have the greatest impact. We are particularly interested in ideas that go beyond incremental fixes and address the underlying structure of the system itself.\n\nIf we want American businesses to win abroad, we need a new commercial diplomacy model that is coordinated and competitive. That may require us to rethink long-standing structures and consider bold new approaches. I look forward to a candid discussion on how we can get this right.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://youngkim.house.gov/2026/07/14/rep-young-kim-confronts-export-control-gaps-in-the-ai-arms-race-with-under-secretary-jeffrey-kessler/", "title": "Rep. Young Kim Confronts Export Control Gaps in the AI Arms Race with Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://youngkim.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "youngkim.house.gov", "scraper": "youngkim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000397", "name": "Young Kim", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Chair Young Kim (CA-40) participated in a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing titled “FY27 BIS Budget: The AI Arms Race and the ICTS Office” with Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).\n\nUnder Secretary Kessler testified on BIS’s role in enforcing U.S. export controls and its request to double its FY27 budget to support enforcement efforts, including preventing advanced AI chips from reaching China. Rep. Kim raised concerns about potential loopholes allowing Chinese companies to obtain U.S.-designed AI chips through overseas foundry subsidiaries, as well as the status of aligning U.S. chipmaking equipment export controls with allies like Japan and the Netherlands.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://youngkim.house.gov/2026/07/14/rep-young-kim-discusses-federal-reserve-monetary-policy-with-chairman-kevin-warsh/", "title": "Rep. Young Kim Discusses Federal Reserve Monetary Policy with Chairman Kevin Warsh", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://youngkim.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "youngkim.house.gov", "scraper": "youngkim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000397", "name": "Young Kim", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, participated in a hearing titled “The Federal Reserve’s Semi-Annual Monetary Policy Report” with Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh.\n\nDuring the hearing, Rep. Kim raised questions on affordability for consumers and small businesses, and expanding payment companies’ access to Federal Reserve infrastructure. She also raised the treatment of workforce housing investments under the Basel endgame rulemaking while highlighting her PACE Act.", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://zinke.house.gov/media/press-releases/zinke-applauds-usfws-decision-grizzly-bears", "title": "Zinke Applauds USFWS Decision on Grizzly Bears", "date": "2026-07-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://zinke.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "zinke.house.gov", "scraper": "zinke", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Z000018", "name": "Ryan K. Zinke", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Ryan Zinke released the following statement applauding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s publication of a draft revision to the January 2025 4(d) rule that would give states greater flexibility to manage grizzly bears.\n\n\"This announcement is a long time coming and very good news for many communities and the wildlife within the Yellowstone ecosystem and across bear country,\" said Secretary Zinke. \"Like the bald eagle before it, the recovery of the grizzly stands as one of America’s great conservation success stories - the culmination of decades of hard work and dedication on the part of the state, tribal, federal, and private partners. As a Montanan and former Secretary of the Interior who started this process, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together. I trust our state wildlife professionals in managing the bear population according to the best science going forward, as they do all our wildlife.”\n\nBackground\n\nSince serving as Secretary of the Interior and throughout his time in Congress, Zinke has led efforts to delist recovered grizzly bear populations and return management authority to Montana and other western states.\n\nIn June 2017, as Secretary of the Interior, Zinke announced the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s final rule delisting the recovered Greater Yellowstone grizzly population.\n\nIn February 2023, Zinke joined Rep. Harriet Hageman in introducing H.R. 1245, the Grizzly Bear State Management Act, to reinstate the 2017 delisting rule.\n\nIn July 2023, Zinke secured House Appropriations Committee approval of his amendment to delist Greater Yellowstone grizzlies in the FY24 Interior Appropriations bill.\n\nIn February 2025, Zinke led a congressional letter urging President Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to reverse Biden-era grizzly policies and return management authority to the states.\n\nIn July 2025, Zinke secured language in the FY26 Interior Appropriations bill directing the delisting of the Greater Yellowstone, Northern Continental Divide, and Bitterroot populations.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5129", "title": "Houlahan Demands Answers on the Death of Airman First Class Keon McDaniel of Grand Rapids", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "domain": "houlahan.house.gov", "scraper": "houlahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001085", "name": "Chrissy Houlahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee's Military Personnel Subcommittee, joined congressional colleagues in a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding answers on the June 16th death of Airman First Class Keon McDaniel. Airman McDaniel died during the influenza outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas following the Department of Defense’s April 2026 decision to make the annual influenza vaccine voluntary for servicemembers.\n\nCongresswoman Houlahan was joined by Reps. Hillary Scholten (MI-03), who represents the district where Airman McDaniel was from, Joaquin Castro (TX-20), whose district includes Lackland Air Force Base, Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), and Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08).\n\n“When tragedies like this occur, the American people and the Congress that represents them deserve immediate transparency and accountability,” the Representatives wrote in part. “We urge the Department to ensure that Airman McDaniel’s family receives timely and direct answers to any questions they may have about the circumstances of his death before any additional findings or information are made public. Keon’s family has already made the greatest sacrifice. They deserve to hear the truth directly from the Department, delivered with compassion and respect.”\n\nReps. Houlahan and Castro co-sponsored an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to require military servicemembers to be vaccinated for influenza. This amendment comes after the flu outbreak at Joint Base San Antonio in Rep. Castro’s district spread to nearly 300 servicemembers. House Republicans rejected the amendment. The Department of Defense has since reinstated the influenza vaccine requirement.\n\n“While the DoD made the right decision to reinstate the influenza vaccine requirement for new recruits, this outbreak at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland underscores the importance of science- based decision-making guided by medical professionals when making public health decisions affecting our servicemembers. Politicizing the administration of lifesaving vaccines has led to the death of a servicemember, the hospitalization of numerous trainees, and an expensive race to retroactively provide our servicemembers the health care they need and deserve,” the Representatives continued.\n\nThe full copy of the letter with the Representatives’ questions can be found here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5130", "title": "My Statement on Rep. Massie’s Amendment to H.R.8595", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "domain": "houlahan.house.gov", "scraper": "houlahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001085", "name": "Chrissy Houlahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "I voted YES on Rep. Massie's amendment to block U.S. military aid to Israel. This was a difficult vote, and there are no perfect options. The amendment as written is ill-defined and not likely to become law. But after years of devastating civilian suffering across the region and with no credible path to peace, I believe the status quo with Prime Minister Netanyahu is no longer tenable.\n\nThe United States should not provide military assistance as a blank check. Our security partnerships are strongest when they are grounded in accountability, American interests, and our shared values. This vote is not a rejection of Israel's right to exist or to defend itself. Israel remains one of America's closest allies, and I continue to support its ability to defend its people against Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and other terrorist organizations and hostile actors.\n\nI voted YES because I believe efforts to change course at this time offer the best opportunity to achieve the only outcome that can ultimately succeed: a future of security, dignity, and peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-his-vote-support-massie-amendment-8", "title": "REP. SMITH STATEMENT ON HIS VOTE IN SUPPORT OF MASSIE AMENDMENT #8", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "adamsmith.house.gov", "scraper": "adamsmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000510", "name": "Adam Smith", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 17, 2026) – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement after the vote on Massie Amendment #8 to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act:\n\n“This was a very close vote for me. I am a supporter of Israel, and I recognize they are under profound existential threat. We should not forget October 7th or the reality that Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran want to eliminate Israel. I also recognize that many of those who want the U.S. to completely abandon Israel do not support Israel’s right to exist and are willfully blind to the dangerous, violent, extremist beliefs of Hamas and others who threaten Israel.\n\n“I am deeply concerned about the tactics used by those on the far left to advocate for cutting off aid to Israel. To date, my family and I have had our home vandalized, a fire has been set in my driveway, my neighbors’ lives have been disrupted by demonstrations in the middle of the night, town halls meant to be forums for dialogue have been shut down, and a staff member has been physically assaulted. Those who engage in this type of behavior model a dangerous form of corrosive politics that seeks to intimidate those who disagree with them. We must be able to have civil discourse if we want to solve difficult problems, and I remain committed to open, respectful engagement.\n\n“Despite my support for Israel, for over two years I have been incredibly frustrated by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government and its total war approach in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and even at times in Syria. I understand that Israel has to confront threats to their existence and cannot let them go unchecked. Many of the people calling for a ceasefire on October 8th were people who wanted Hamas to succeed in destroying Israel. But Israel does not have to fight the way they have chosen to do so—a way that has caused enormous suffering and led to endless war. I have also been frustrated by Netanyahu’s refusal to find partners for peace amongst the Palestinian people. And I am absolutely appalled by the actions of Ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir in the Israeli cabinet. Their callous disregard for human suffering is constant and undermines the credibility of Israel. Lastly, Israel’s actions in the West Bank are indefensible. Lawless settlers commit violence against Palestinians and conduct land grabs while the IDF does little or nothing to stop them.\n\n“But after nearly two years of me raising these concerns with the Israeli government and U.S. supporters of Israel, nothing has changed. Many express sympathy for my views and assure me things will change, but that has not happened. I take this vote to try once more to get the attention of the Israeli government.\n\n“I still support Israel. I recognize the threats they face. But I have an obligation to try to get the attention of the Netanyahu government to force them to change their actions. My vote to stop $3.3 billion in military assistance to Israel is my effort to do that.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://aguilar.house.gov/2026/07/15/rep-pete-aguilar-statement-on-rep-massies-amendment-to-strike-israel-funding-from-fy2027-appropriations/", "title": "Rep. Pete Aguilar Statement on Rep. Massie’s Amendment to Strike Israel Funding from FY2027 Appropriations", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "domain": "aguilar.house.gov", "scraper": "aguilar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000371", "name": "Pete Aguilar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Press Releases\n\nRep. Pete Aguilar Statement on Rep. Massie’s Amendment to Strike Israel Funding from FY2027 Appropriations\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) issued the following statement:\n\n“I believe this amendment is the wrong approach to U.S. policy in the Middle East. By undermining the Obama-led Memorandum of Understanding, this amendment would compromise our national security, hurt our efforts to achieve peace in the region, and sabotage our ultimate goal of a two-state solution. This amendment could have far-reaching and unintended consequences, including threatening the U.S. embassy in Israel, undermining peace-building efforts and cutting off humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.\n\n“In the future, we will have the opportunity to review the nature and scope of our direct security and diplomatic assistance to Israel, but we should not do it as part of a rushed response to a poorly-drafted amendment to one appropriations bill. I believe it’s wrong to abandon our allies and walk away from our agreements during such a fragile moment. That is why I opposed this amendment and similarly opposed the Massie amendment to eliminate aid to Jordan. I also voted against the underlying bill because it weakens our national security and undermines our goal of building a lasting peace in the Middle East.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1700", "title": "Alford Highlights America First Wins in House-Passed FY27 National Security Appropriations Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "alford.house.gov", "scraper": "alford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000379", "name": "Mark Alford", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC— Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Security, State Department, and Related Programs (NSRP) funding bill for fiscal year 2027.\n\n“This FY2027 National Security, State Department, and Related Programs bill advances President Trump’s America First agenda,” said Congressman Alford. “We’re cutting spending $2.69 billion below last year’s level while delivering robust support for key allies like Israel and Taiwan and holding adversaries like Communist China and Iran accountable. This legislation prioritizes fiscal responsibility, protects American taxpayer dollars, promotes self-sufficiency in foreign assistance, and ensures our foreign policy strengthens U.S. national security.”\n\nCongressman Alford secured several priorities in the NSRP funding bill, including:\n\nCutting all federal funding for the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to ensure American taxpayers are not bankrolling left-wing content that undermines our national interest, while creating new global broadcasting programs under the direct oversight of the State Department.\n\nLanguage to ensure more foreign assistance provided by American taxpayers is Made in America by strengthening domestic procurement requirements.\n\nProvisions to advance President Trump’s America First Health Policy to ensure partner nations are increasing their cost-sharing.\n\nProvisions to ensure timely processing of visas and passports associated with the upcoming World Cup, which Kansas City will host this summer.\n\nAppropriate funding of National Security Investment Programs under the State Department to ensure that all foreign assistance is supporting national security—not woke projects overseas.\n\nProvisions urging the State Department to ensure that American defense manufacturing remains dominant and prevent foreign entities from undermining our defense industrial base.\n\nA summary of the bill is available here.\n\nBill text is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-al-green-questions-cfpb-director-trump-ponzi-scheme-complaints", "title": "Rep. Al Green Questions CFPB Director on Trump Ponzi Scheme Complaints", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "algreen.house.gov", "scraper": "algreen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000553", "name": "Al Green", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) — On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Congressman Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, shared remarks in a Financial Services Hearing entitled, “The Semi-Annual Report of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.\"\n\nYou can access and listen to Congressman Al Green's remarks by clicking here. The hearing remarks highlighted are also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://amo.house.gov/press-release/amid-rhode-island-hunger-crisis-ri-delegation-calls-for-the-return-of-promised-food-shipments-to-feed-the-hungry", "title": "Amid Rhode Island Hunger Crisis, RI Delegation Calls for the Return of Promised Food Shipments to Feed the Hungry", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://amo.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "amo.house.gov", "scraper": "amo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000380", "name": "Gabe Amo", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Providence, RI – TODAY, Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined Congressmen Gabe Amo (D-RI) and Seth Magaziner (D-RI) in sending a letter urging the Agricultural Marketing Service, an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, to replace the 16 canceled bonus commodity shipments of food designated for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. The shipments would have provided roughly 673,080 pounds of food, valued at $398,532.26, to feed Rhode Islanders in need.\n\n“Serving up to 100,000 Rhode Islanders per month, RICFB relies on bonus commodity shipments from AMS to supplement their work in addressing the growing hunger crisis in Rhode Island,” wrote the lawmakers. “Without the 16 canceled or returned shipments, RICFB will not be able to reach as many Rhode Islanders who need nutrition assistance. As such, we urge you, within all applicable rules and regulations, to prioritize the Rhode Island Community Food Bank for future bonus commodity shipments.”\n\nA full copy of the letter can be found HERE.\n\nBackground\n\nAs a member of the House Budget Committee, Congressman Amo is fighting to protect food assistance and help Rhode Islanders put food on the table.\n\nIn the Big, Ugly Law, Republicans cut $187 billion in funding from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), leaving working families even more vulnerable to Trump and Republicans’ cost-of-living crisis. Since the law’s enactment, approximately 4 million Americans, including 1.5 million children, have lost their SNAP benefits.\n\nLower SNAP benefits and higher grocery prices due to Trump’s tariffs are expected to drive more people to rely on local food pantries to feed their families.\n\nSince Trump and Republicans began their efforts to slash food assistance programs, Amo has visited the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and food pantries across the First Congressional District.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://amo.house.gov/press-release/amo-leads-democratic-effort-on-house-floor-to-stop-trump-s-dangerous-disinvestment-in-diplomacy-and-global-health", "title": "Amo Leads Democratic Effort on House Floor to Stop Trump’s Dangerous Disinvestment in Diplomacy and Global Health", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://amo.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "amo.house.gov", "scraper": "amo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000380", "name": "Gabe Amo", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – TODAY, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) offered a motion to recommit Republicans’ National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Actof 2027, warning that the bill would undermine American leadership abroad and make Americans more vulnerable to global health threats. Republicans rejected the motion to recommit, allowing the bill to advance.Congressman Amo’s motion to recommit would have sent the bill back to the Committee. If the House rules permitted, the Congressman would have offered an amendment to strike provisions that prohibit U.S. participation in international public health efforts.\n\n“Coordinating our public health response is common sense and prevents diseases like Ebola from reaching our shores,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “But at every turn, Trump and Republicans have abandoned American leadership on the world stage, pulled out of critical global health partnerships, and left Americans vulnerable to infectious diseases. We can’t stick our heads in the sand and ignore the outside world; we need to step up and lead it. This bill fails to provide the funds to make that possible, making our position in the world more precarious and our nation less prosperous. I won’t stop fighting Trump’s floundering foreign policy to ensure our security, stability, and leadership on the world stage.”\n\nWATCH HERE: Congressman Amo takes to the House floor to speak out against Republicans’ dangerous defunding of diplomacy and global health.\n\nBackground\n\nCongressman Amo introduced the Motion to Recommit H.R. 8595, which would have tabled the bill and prevented it from advancing. Republicans voted it down.\n\nAmo also aimed to amend the bill to stop Trump from keeping the U.S. out of global public health programs, including the World Health Organization and the Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Accord. House Republicans refused to consider this common-sense amendment.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://amo.house.gov/press-release/amo-statement-on-amendment-to-foreign-affairs-appropriations-bill-limiting-funding-to-netanyahu-government", "title": "Amo Statement on Amendment to Foreign Affairs Appropriations Bill Limiting Funding to Netanyahu Government", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://amo.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "amo.house.gov", "scraper": "amo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000380", "name": "Gabe Amo", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“The United States-Israel relationship should be grounded in shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and an aspiration for a peaceful future. Prime Minister Netanyahu's government, however, has repeatedly violated these principles. The rhetoric and actions of extremists, like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, make it impossible to defend the status quo.\n\nThe suffering of civilians in Gaza is unacceptable, the unchecked settlement expansion is reckless, and continued settler violence is unconscionable. President Trump’s blank check to Netanyahu has allowed a dangerous course that undermines the prospect of peace.\n\nRepresentative Massie's amendment is poorly constructed and overly broad, and I do not agree with many of the sentiments he’s publicly expressed. But it remains abundantly clear that the United States government must begin charting a new course that upholds American values in the Middle East, protects our national security interests, and demands accountability for how U.S. taxpayer dollars are used.\n\nI support Israel's right to exist. I will continue to support defensive efforts that save civilian lives, including Iron Dome, David's Sling, and the Arrow systems — none of which would be impacted by this amendment — while making clear that our dollars should not be divorced from our values.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4606", "title": "Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Backs Arrington Resolution Affirming States’ Right to Defend Against Border Invasion", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "arrington.house.gov", "scraper": "arrington", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000375", "name": "Jodey C. Arrington", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced strong support for H.Res.50, a resolution introduced by House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) affirming states’ constitutional authority to defend themselves when the federal government fails to secure the border.\n\nAttorney General Paxton's endorsement is the latest addition to a growing coalition that includes every Texas Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives, constitutional scholars, policy leaders, and law enforcement advocates. House passage of H.Res.50 would be a major accomplishment in safeguarding President Trump's border legacy and ensuring that states are never again left defenseless by the open-border policies of a future Democrat administration.\n\n“H.Res.50 serves as a vindication of Texas’s actions to defend its borders and a repudiation of the Biden-era legal attacks against our state. Importantly, it is a step toward strengthening border security going forward,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The Biden Administration allowed for the infiltration of illegal aliens and criminals into our country that led to an invasion-level border crisis. President Trump is doing tremendous work to save our country and secure our border. My office successfully defended SB 4, which protects Texas's right to arrest illegals, protect our citizens, and enforce immigration law. I am in strong support of H.Res.50 as it further affirms that the Constitution's Self-Defense Clause gives states an independent right to act when invaded, as Texas was under Joe Biden. When Texas joined the Union, it retained sovereign authority to defend its people and territory. I will stop at nothing to protect and preserve that right.”\n\n“Attorney General Paxton has been on the front lines defending Texas’ constitutional authority to protect its citizens against the invasion and disaster at our southern border created by the Biden administration,” said Chairman Arrington. “While President Trump is vigilantly securing our border and enforcing our immigration laws, Congress must act now to ensure Texas and other border states are never again defenseless against the open-border Biden-era policies that flooded our state and nation with dangerous criminal aliens and deadly fentanyl. If the past is prologue, we know exactly what we can expect from future Democrat administrations that want to take us back to open-border lawlessness. That’s why I introduced H.Res.50 – to ensure states like Texas are never again forced to be passive victims of a federal government that refuses to secure the border. I’m grateful to Attorney General Paxton for his bold leadership defending Texas’ sovereignty and for his strong support of H.Res.50. Congress should act now to ensure that no future administration can leave border states defenseless again.”\n\nBackground:\n\nChairman Arrington introduced H.Res.50 to reaffirm states’ constitutional authority to secure their borders and protect their citizens when the federal government fails to act.\n\nThe resolution is grounded in the Constitution’s Guarantee Clause (Article IV, Section 4) and Article I, Section 10, which preserves states’ sovereign authority to act in self-defense when facing invasion or imminent danger.\n\nUnder the Biden administration’s failed border policy, record levels of illegal border crossings, cartel activity, and drug and human trafficking placed unprecedented strain on border states and communities.\n\nDuring that time, Texas and other states were forced to take action to protect their citizens, while the federal government failed to fulfill its constitutional duty to provide for the common defense.\n\nH.Res.50 does not expand state authority – it affirms the constitutional balance of federalism, ensuring states are not left defenseless when Washington fails to act.\n\nThe resolution has garnered growing support from a broad coalition of policy organizations, legal scholars, law enforcement officials, and conservative leaders across Texas and the country.\n\nEvery Texas Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives has endorsed H.Res.50.\n\nYou can view the full support for H.Res.50 HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=774", "title": "25 Members of Congress Release Joint Statement on Massie Amendment to Republican Foreign Aid Budget Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "balint.house.gov", "scraper": "balint", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001318", "name": "Becca Balint", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, 25 Members of Congress, including Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) and led by Congressman Jim McGovern, Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, released the following statement in advance of voting yes on Amendment #8, which would halt certain U.S. funding to Israel, to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act:\n\n“As Members of Congress, it is our duty to ensure that our constituents’ hard-earned money is used in a way that advances America’s interests and values. For this reason, we do not support providing an additional $3.3 billion of American taxpayer dollars to be used for Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon—operations which have killed tens of thousands of civilians, led to the indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, and caused severe and ongoing humanitarian catastrophes. These are just the latest in a long string of human rights violations inflicted on Palestinian civilians. For nearly six decades, Israeli security forces and military authorities have enforced the occupation of the Palestinian territories, including through restrictions on freedom of movement, arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. It is clear that existing human rights conditions on the use of American security assistance have not been meaningfully enforced. Enough is enough.\n\n“Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve peace, freedom, security, stability, and self-determination. Those aims will only be achieved when their inherent dignity and inalienable rights are at the center of U.S. policy in the region. Diplomacy is the answer, and as long as America provides constant funding for more war, peace will always remain out of reach.\n\n“Our vote should not be interpreted as opposition to initiatives such as the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act programs or others that foster people-to-people engagement, strengthen civil society, and advance the long-term prospects for a just and lasting peace. We remain committed to supporting these and similar programs while ensuring that U.S. taxpayer dollars advance peace, security, and American interests and values.”\n\nThe statement was released by Representatives: Becca Balint (D-VT), Don Beyer (D-VA), Greg Casar (D-TX), Judy Chu (D-CA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), John Garamendi (D-CA), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL), Adelita S. Grijalva (D-AZ), Val Hoyle (D-OR), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-highlights-need-balance-disaster-resilience-housing-affordability", "title": "Barrett Highlights Need To Balance Disaster Resilience With Housing Affordability", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "barrett.house.gov", "scraper": "barrett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001321", "name": "Tom Barrett", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, during a Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing on disaster resilience and emergency preparedness, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) discussed balancing disaster resilience in construction permitting with housing affordability. In an exchange with U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President for Environmental Affairs and Sustainability Chuck Chaitovitz, Barrett highlighted the need for Congress to strengthen new construction against disasters while ensuring building requirements do not price ordinary Americans out of homeownership.\n\nClick here or the image above to watch Rep. Barrett’s testimony.\n\nBelow are highlights from their conversation.\n\nBarrett: Mr. Chaitovitz… I know you talk about resiliency and kind of preventative nature of things being an important and critical piece of this. Not directly under the jurisdiction of this committee, but certainly in front of us as members of Congress is this issue of housing affordability and the ability to get people into homes. We're short the number of homes that we need for the number of people that have demand for homes, and that's become a very critical concern for all of us.\n\nOne of the challenges with that, I think, is — we talked a little bit here on this panel about the building codes and building to the next highest level of building code that evolves over time, but within that is sometimes things that are not related to resiliency. They're related to energy efficiency or other things like that. Can you speak to that tradeoff a little bit? Because I think we want resilient homes that are not going to be vulnerable to natural disaster without over-regulations and things unrelated to that resiliency that are going to drive up the cost of homes and price out ordinary Americans.\n\nChaitovitz: Well, thanks so much for the question. I really appreciate it, and I'll go back to how I focused on the economic growth argument for resilience, and I'll turn to, Mr. Fugate mentioned the Alabama study, and there's specific numbers that building to the fortified standard would save in claims about $105 million in that area, and then reduce the amount of deductibles that homeowners would have to pay, and so if you're building to those higher standards, you are getting the economic payback. That also is very consistent with the study that we talked about before.\n\n$1 invested in preparedness gives you $13 in reduced losses in economic savings. That doesn't mean you're going to eliminate those losses, but for income, GDP, and jobs, that's going to mean more communities are able to respond and recover more quickly, and the same goes with homeowners. I think there's a good analogy there.\n\nBarrett: Sure, and I think that resiliency and maybe sturdiness of a home or a building, whether it's a public municipal building or whether it's an individual home is one aspect, certainly, but I have concerns that we're layering on additional burdensome regulations unrelated to the resiliency of a structure. Is that something that you think we can parse through and make sure that the regulations that we are asserting are ones that are actually designed to make homes more resilient but not unaffordable for people?", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://barrymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-barry-moore-leads-republican-pushback-against-democrat-attack-parents", "title": "Rep. Barry Moore leads Republican pushback against Democrat attack on parents' rights", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://barrymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "barrymoore.house.gov", "scraper": "barrymoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001212", "name": "Barry Moore", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.- This week, Congressman Barry Moore (AL-01) led a Republican response letter responding to an effort by 68 House Democrats to oppose greater parental transparency and accountability in children’s programming.\n\nRep. Moore’s letter, signed by 46 Republican Members of Congress and supported by Concerned Women for America, reaffirms that parents - not government bureaucrats or media companies - should have the final say over what their children watch.\n\n“The Left’s priorities are upside down. Sixty-eight House Democrats are choosing radical activists and woke corporations over the rights of parents by fighting against transparency and pushing their agenda onto children,\" said Congressman Barry Moore. \"Parents - not Washington bureaucrats, media executives, or special interest groups - should decide what their children watch and what values are taught in their homes. I will always stand with parents and fight to protect their right to raise their children according to their values.”\n\n“Parents overwhelmingly want to be informed of sexual content in children's TV shows. Our new poll found that 87% of parents want TV content ratings to advise them of violence, sexual content, or other sensitive themes like LGBTQ messaging or characters in children’s TV programming. Parents should be able to make informed viewing decisions for their families, but right now, parents have no way of knowing whether LGBTQ content is in a children's program. It’s time to give parents that choice,” said Penny Nance, CEO and President, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-bell-morelle-host-voting-rights-roundtable-stakeholders-and", "title": "Representatives Bell & Morelle Host Voting Rights Roundtable with Stakeholders and Community Organizers", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "bell.house.gov", "scraper": "bell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001324", "name": "Wesley Bell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "On Friday, Representatives Wesley Bell and Joe Morelle hosted a voting rights roundtable discussion to address the current state of voting rights in Missouri and across the country\n\nIn addition to Representatives Bell and Morelle, stakeholders from across the state joined the discussion\n\nBell believes that voting rights are preservative of all other rights and that every eligible American should have fair and equal access to the ballot box\n\nCongressman Bell: “Voting rights are preservative of all other rights. Without the right to vote, without access to the ballot box, all the other rights and liberties we hold dearly are in jeopardy”\n\nRanking Member Morelle: “We’ve all seen it – Donald Trump, House Republicans, and their allies on the Supreme Court are determined to prevent eligible Americans from participating in the election because they know cheating is the only way they will win.\"\n\nCongressman Bell, Ranking Member Morelle, and roundtable participants\n\nSt. Louis, Missouri – Last week, Representative Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) and Ranking Member of the House Administration Committee Joe Morelle (D-NY-25) hosted a voting rights roundtable discussion in St. Louis to discuss the current state of voting rights across the country.\n\nThe roundtable also featured voting rights and community organizers from across the state, as well as community stakeholders.\n\n“Voting rights are preservative of all other rights. Without the right to vote, without access to the ballot box, all the other rights and liberties we hold dearly are in jeopardy,\" said Congressman Bell. \"It's no secret that Republicans are working to eliminate Democratic seats — and that threat is real right here in Missouri, where they are actively targeting Rep. Cleaver's seat in Kansas City. Your vote is your voice, and I will do everything in my power to protect the voice of every St. Louisan. Thank you to Ranking Member Morelle and all the voting rights advocates on the front lines of this effort for joining our district roundtable.\"\n\n\"I was pleased to join Rep. Bell in St. Louis to continue our fight to protect fair and secure elections, ensure access to the ballot for all eligible voters, and crack down on rampant corruption once and for all,” said Ranking Member Morelle. “Donald Trump, House Republicans, and their allies on the Supreme Court are willing to do anything to hold onto power. That’s what the SAVE America Act, Trump’s mail-in voting executive orders, and the Callais decision are truly all about. We’re going to keep fighting like the future of our democracy depends on it, because it does.”\n\n\"The recent U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais is akin to the end of Reconstruction after the Civil War. The 13th Amendment freed the formerly captive (enslaved) people, the 14th Amendment gave them the right of citizenship and the 15th Amendment gave the African American the right to vote in order to ensure his participation as a full and equal citizen of the United States of America. As a result of Jim Crow and now gerrymandering of political districts which results in the diluting of the minority vote, we again find ourselves with the loss of representation the likes that America has not seen since the end of Reconstruction. With the emergence of this New Jim Crow environment the inability to have representation of your choice is the same as a repeal of our dream of full and equal citizenship for all Americans regardless of race, creed or color. The St. Louis City Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is committed to protecting your right to vote and to have representation of your choice!”\n\n“It was an honor to be part of this meaningful conversation on the importance of voting rights and representation. Every vote is a voice, every voice has power, and every election deserves trust when a ballot is cast. From registration to the ballot box, we must inspire our communities to participate, stay informed, and make their voices heard through clear and candid communication. The Black vote has always been a powerful force for progress, and it will continue to shape a stronger, more just future for our communities and our nation,” said Missouri Social Action State Coordinator LaVerne Bady.\n\nCongressman Bell has long been a staunch advocate for protecting voting rights in America. Believing that every eligible American should have fair and equal access to the ballot box, Bell has supported efforts to expand voter participation, defend fair elections, oppose voter suppression, strengthen the security of our elections, and much more.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://bera.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-bera-statement-on-massie-amendment-to-eliminate-israel-funding-in-state-department-and-national-security-appropriations-bill", "title": "Rep. Bera Statement on Massie Amendment to Eliminate Israel Funding in State Department and National Security Appropriations Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bera.house.gov/news", "domain": "bera.house.gov", "scraper": "bera", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001287", "name": "Ami Bera", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA-06), a senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committees, released the following statement ahead of the vote on Representative Thomas Massie’s (R-KY-04) amendment to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act that would prohibit funds in the bill from being used for Israel, including $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing:\n\n“I will vote present on today’s amendment put forward by Representative Thomas Massie to eliminate all funding for Israel in the State Department and National Security appropriations bill.\n\n“I have long supported the U.S.-Israel relationship and believe in Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state. I also firmly believe that a two-state solution is the only path to lasting peace, security, and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Achieving that goal will require a change in America’s approach toward the Netanyahu government.\n\n“This amendment is poorly drafted and overly broad. It would go beyond military assistance and restrict funding for humanitarian aid, refugee assistance, peacebuilding efforts, and U.S. diplomatic operations. Cutting these programs would undermine our ability to promote peace and stability in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and the broader region.\n\n“At the same time, I cannot vote against this amendment because I do not condone the Netanyahu government’s conduct of the war in Gaza and the resulting humanitarian crisis, its actions in Lebanon, its failure to confront escalating settler violence in the West Bank, and its role in drawing the United States into the current war with Iran. My present vote reflects my opposition to both the amendment as written and the policies of the Netanyahu government.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1536", "title": "Michigan Republicans: Canada's Apologies Won't Clear Michigan's Skies", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "bergman.house.gov", "scraper": "bergman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001301", "name": "Jack Bergman", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Reps. Jack Bergman, John James, Lisa McClain, and John Moolenaar are demanding immediate action from the Canadian government as another wildfire season brings dangerous smoke across the border and into Michigan communities.\n\nAfter repeated conversations sharing concerns, and a lack of meaningful progress, the Members are making clear that continued inaction from Canada is unacceptable. The Members say Canadian leaders have had years to address the underlying causes of worsening wildfires, yet American families continue to bear the consequences.\n\nIn a joint letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Michigan Republicans warned that patience has run out and called on Canada to move beyond promises and take real action to protect communities on both sides of the border.\n\nIn their letter, the Members argued that, \"We write today as members of Michigan's congressional delegation to raise our voices on an issue that has already drawn letters from our colleagues in past years: wildfire smoke drifting across the border from Canada into our communities. Additionally, last year, Reps. James and Bergman each wrote letters to your government to raise the alarm about wildfire smoke pouring across our border from Canada into our communities. We write jointly this time because a year has passed, the season has come around again, and nothing has changed except that our patience has run out.\"\n\nThe letter to Prime Minister Carney continued, \"We were told last year that this would be treated with urgency. It was not. We were told the causes, chronic under-investment in forest thinning, fuel reduction, and prescribed burns, along with inadequate enforcement against arson, were being addressed. They were not, or not adequately enough to matter to the people we represent. Provincial leaders have offered excuses instead of results, and in some cases have openly dismissed the health of American citizens as an inconvenience to their own summer. That attitude is unacceptable from a neighbor and an ally.\"\n\n\"We are done accepting apologies in place of action. If Canada will not manage its forests to prevent these fires, the United States will look elsewhere, and act on our own, to protect our people. That means our own agencies exploring direct involvement in cross-border fuel reduction and firefighting capacity. It means reconsidering how much benefit of the doubt this relationship continues to earn on an issue where American lungs are paying the price for Canadian inaction, year after year. Sovereignty comes with responsibility, and the responsibility to prevent a foreseeable disaster from crossing into another country's airspace has not been met.\"\n\nRead the full letter here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9159", "title": "Beyer Backs Amendment To Eliminate Security Assistance to Israel", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "beyer.house.gov", "scraper": "beyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001292", "name": "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement announcing his intent to vote for an amendment offered by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) to H.R. 8595, the FY27 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act that would cut U.S. assistance to Israel, primarily through reducing Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Israel by $3.3 billion:\n\n“It is past time for our nation to fundamentally reevaluate its security relationship with the state of Israel.\n\n“A military response to the heinous October 7th attacks was justifiable, but Israel’s ongoing campaigns across the region have cost the lives of tens of thousands of innocents and isolated Israel on the world stage. The wanton disregard for the human rights of civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon shown by the Israeli government and security forces, along with their contempt for international and U.S. law and implacable commitment to an ever-expanding campaign of settlement and occupation have made a dramatic course correction in the U.S.-Israeli partnership long overdue.\n\n“The disastrous Iran War has further demonstrated the strategic costs of our alliance which has grown closer even as it makes less sense for the United States. No foreign government is entitled to American taxpayer dollars or assistance, particularly those that have acted against U.S. interests and values, as Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government has done increasingly in recent years.\n\n“While imperfectly written, this amendment serves as a powerful message to the Israeli government that it cannot take U.S. security assistance for granted any longer. The enormous numbers of civilians killed in recent Israel Defense Force operations and the government’s tacit approval for the ongoing violence carried out by settlers in the West Bank has cost Israel the broad support among Americans it once enjoyed. It will likely take years to repair the ties between our two nations and for Israel’s government to regain the trust of the American people.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9160", "title": "Beyer, Schrier, Van Drew, Van Hollen, Luján Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Help Reduce Medical Misdiagnosis", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "beyer.house.gov", "scraper": "beyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001292", "name": "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.), Kim Schrier (D-Wash), and Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) announced their reintroduction of the Saving Lives and Reducing Health Care Waste by Improving Diagnosis in Medicine Act – bipartisan, bicameral legislation to address the alarming rate of medical diagnostic error in our country. U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The lawmakers’ legislation aims to prevent and mitigate the devastating impacts these errors can have, including misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, permanent disability, and death. Recent research published in March 2025 estimates that across health care settings, over 900,000 Americans a year suffer permanent disability or death because of diagnostic error. These findings build on a 2015 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that concluded most people will experience at least one diagnostic error in their lifetime, and it’s estimated that 80% of all harm caused by diagnostic error is preventable.\n\nThis legislation would create an Interagency Council on Improving Diagnosis in Health Care, as well as a new grant program for the establishment and maintenance of Research Centers of Diagnostic Excellence – such as the Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins – that advance research and progress in diagnostic quality, safety, and health care value.\n\n“Diagnostic delays affect millions of Americans, drive up health care costs, and contribute to thousands of preventable deaths each year – but it doesn’t have to be this way. Our bill invests in better data collection, stronger research, and sharing of best practices to improve diagnostic accuracy, deliver better outcomes for patients, and reduce health disparities. It also establishes Research Centers of Diagnostic Excellence to advance research, helps bring proven methods for preventing misdiagnosis into everyday clinical practice, and gives patients pathways to report delays and contribute to a growing body of data to inform policymaking. I thank Senators Van Hollen and Luján and Representatives Schrier and Van Drew for their leadership on this legislation, and will continue to work with colleagues to build support for it in the House,” said Representative Beyer.\n\n“Getting the right diagnosis at the right time can make the difference between life and death,” said Representative Van Drew. “Too many patients are suffering because of preventable mistakes that should never happen. This bipartisan bill focuses on improving the way we diagnose illnesses, giving doctors better tools and helping patients get the care they need sooner.”\n\n“Far too many Americans have experienced the loss, pain, and hardship that come with a misdiagnosed medical condition – and for many, these errors cause permanent disability or death. Medical diagnostic errors not only impact patients’ lives – they also cost patients and our nation billions of dollars each year. This legislation will invest in efforts to prevent and reduce diagnostic errors, giving medical experts, patients, and their families the research and resources they need to better treat patients and save lives,” said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the consequences of diagnostic errors, costing lives and burdening patients and our health care system with billions of dollars in avoidable costs. Every patient deserves an accurate diagnosis delivered in time to make a difference,” said Senator Luján. “That's why I'm joining my colleagues in reintroducing the Improving Diagnosis in Medicine Act to advance research and improve diagnostic quality and safety. No one should lose their life to a mistake we have the power to prevent.”\n\nDiagnostic errors stem from a wide variety of causes, including failure to provide an accurate or timely diagnosis; inadequate communication between providers, patients, and their families; a lack of information for patients on navigating the diagnostic process; and a system that discourages transparency and disclosure of diagnostic errors, which impedes attempts to learn from these events and improve diagnosis. The National Academies study concluded that: “Despite the pervasiveness of diagnostic errors and the risk for serious patient harm, diagnostic errors have been largely unappreciated within the quality and patient safety movements in health care.”\n\nThe Saving Lives and Reducing Health Care Waste by Improving Diagnosis in Medicine Act would:\n\nAuthorize a federal grant program for the establishment and maintenance of Research Centers of Diagnostic Excellence that advance research and progress in diagnostic quality, safety, and value in health care\n\nRequire the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to develop a strategic plan to modernize federal approaches and mechanisms to enable patients and their families to voluntarily report experiences of diagnostic error\n\nEstablish an Interagency Council on Improving Diagnosis in Health Care to:\n\nEnhance the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of diagnosis in health care;\n\nIdentify and eliminate systemic barriers to supporting research in improving diagnosis in health care; and\n\nIdentify knowledge gaps, research and data needs, and policies to strengthen the clinical and translational research pipeline to improve diagnostic safety and quality\n\nThe text of the bill is available here.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by Patients for Patient Safety US, the Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence, and Physician-Parent Caregivers.\n\n\"Diagnostic errors are the most common, the most costly, and the most catastrophic of serious medical errors. Diagnostic errors stem from a wide variety of causes, including inadequate communication between providers, patients, and their families; the absence of metrics to gauge performance, limited feedback to clinicians, and system failures, like lost test-results which happened in my family\", said Sue Sheridan, President and CEO of Patients For Patient Safety US. \"Much of the research to date has focused on defining the magnitude of the problem. This legislation moves us toward identifying solutions to equip clinicians, patients and their families with the tools needed to arrive at the right diagnosis timely. It will save lives. PFPS US commends Senators Van Hollen and Lujan, and Representatives Beyer, Schrier, and Van Drew for their leadership and willingness to take on difficult healthcare issues that others often overlook. We look forward to this bill moving through the legislative process and into law”.\n\n“Senator Van Hollen and Representatives Beyer, Dr. Schrier, and Van Drew should be warmly applauded by patients and clinicians everywhere for taking up the call\", said David Newman-Toker, MD, Ph.D, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins. \"Accurate diagnosis is a prerequisite for quality healthcare —put simply, it’s hard to apply the right treatment if you start out with the wrong diagnosis. Furthermore, failure to accurately diagnose is a major driver of excess healthcare costs. But diagnosis is also one of the most complex tasks in modern medicine; until we have a larger body of research that supports data-driven, reliable improvement strategies that are ‘shovel ready,’ our clinicians and healthcare system will be left struggling. There is much work yet to be done by all healthcare stakeholders to move this life-saving research forward.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-responds-confirmation-fbi-surveillance-members-congress", "title": "Congressman Biggs Responds to Confirmation of FBI Surveillance of Members of Congress", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "biggs.house.gov", "scraper": "biggs", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001302", "name": "Andy Biggs", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.- This week, U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released documents to confirm yet again that the Biden-led Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) spied on Members of Congress in Project Cranberry, accessing privileged information transmitted to and from former Trump-White House personnel during Special Counsel Jack Smith’s out-of-control investigation. Congressman Biggs was one of 44 Members of Congress whose information Smith’s team seized.\n\nIn his revelation, Senator Grassley noted that “Biden DOJ and FBI investigators apparently ignored their own routine investigative protocols to obtain and review work-related messages from … dozens of my Republican and Democrat colleagues who were outside the scope of the government’s investigation.”\n\n“As a student of history, I’ve long read about totalitarian governments that spy on and persecute political opponents to squelch dissent,”said Congressman Biggs.“I never believed that these authoritarian practices would be found at the highest levels of our American government, let alone that I would be a target of my own government for my lawful actions as a representative of the people and my political affiliation. If our government was willing to target Members of Congress, then they are certainly and shamelessly targeting everyday Americans without fear of reprisal. Those who knew about, supported, and led this operation against the opposition party – among others during the Biden Administration – must be held accountable for their actions. We must send a message to future administrations that these efforts are un-American and unlawful, and that these will not be tolerated from any political party.”\n\nRead the report from Chairman Grassley here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-passing-norfolk-city-councilman-paul-riddick", "title": "Scott Statement on Passing of Norfolk City Councilman Paul Riddick", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "bobbyscott.house.gov", "scraper": "bobbyscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000185", "name": "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement:\n\n“I am saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, former Norfolk City Councilman Paul Riddick. Paul devoted more than 30 years to serving the people of Norfolk. He brought a deep understanding of his community and an unwavering determination to improve the lives of his constituents. This is a tremendous loss for the City of Norfolk. My thoughts are with his family, friends, former colleagues, and everyone whose lives he touched through his years of public service.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://budzinski.house.gov/posts/budzinski-leads-letters-to-trump-administration-fighting-against-the-politicization-of-federal-grants", "title": "Budzinski Leads Letters to Trump Administration Fighting Against the Politicization of Federal Grants ", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://budzinski.house.gov/press", "domain": "budzinski.house.gov", "scraper": "budzinski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001315", "name": "Nikki Budzinski", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) led two letters urging the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to reconsider proposed changes to the federal grantmaking process that could undermine research, innovation, and critical investments in communities across the country.\n\nThe first letter, led by Representatives Budzinski and Troy Carter (D-La.), was signed by an additional 125 Members of Congress. The letter focused more generally on the impact the rule will have on the entire grant making system, and raises serious concerns about political appointees influencing decision making and overriding peer review.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote, “This proposal would represent the most sweeping and destructive transformation of the federal financial assistance system in modern history and would subordinate nonpartisan, merit-based grantmaking to political control, exposing the entire framework to serious constitutional challenge. With more than $1 trillion in annual Federal awards at stake, the consequences would be felt by every state, federally recognized tribe, city, county, research university, hospital, and countless nonprofits, community organizations, and private firms that deliver critical scientific studies and essential public service.”\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found HERE.\n\nBudzinski also joined Representative Sarah McBride (D-Del.) in leading a second letter, signed by 15 Members of Congress, raising concerns that the proposed rule would significantly threaten research and innovation in critical sectors like agriculture, directly impacting Illinois’ growers.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote, “Groundbreaking scientific discoveries have emerged from U.S. research institutions working in partnership with the international agricultural community, like developing large-scale penicillin production in a United States Department of Agriculture lab using research started abroad. We are concerned the proposed rule cuts out international partners, creates unnecessary red tape, and risks slowing agricultural innovation. In a global marketplace, international cooperation strengthens domestic agriculture and helps keep grocery prices lower for American consumers.”\n\nThe full text of the second letter can be found HERE.\n\nBudzinski has facilitated millions in federal grant money for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Notable recent funding includes a $51 million award for the Illinois Fermentation and Agricultural Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub, $7.5 million for environmental research, $4.2 million for energy and infrastructure research, and $1.2 million for the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-burchett-introduces-bill-allow-president-issue-cyber-letters", "title": "Congressman Burchett Introduces Bill to Allow to President to Issue Cyber Letters of Marque and Reprisal", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "burchett.house.gov", "scraper": "burchett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001309", "name": "Tim Burchett", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. (07/15/2026) -- Today, Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-02) introduced the Cyber Letters of Marque and Reprisal Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Senate version of this legislation.\n\nCybercrime poses a persistent and evolving threat to the United States, targeting individuals, businesses, and government institutions. Everything from financial scams to terrorist plots are facilitated through a vast cyberspace that our government agencies are tasked with protecting.\n\nThe Cyber Letters of Marque and Reprisal Act authorizes the President to commission private contractors and entities for the purpose of conducting limited cyberspace operations. Deputizing American patriots will bolster our ability to protect the U.S. against cyber criminals.\n\n“Widespread cybercrime represents an existential threat to our national security,” said Congressman Burchett. “Allowing private operators to aid the federal government in combatting these crimes will strengthen our ability to defend the United States against terrorism. I am proud to partner with Senator Lee again to protect Americans. He continues to be a strong advocate for cyber security in Congress”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/bynum-oregon-delegation-demand-reversal-trump-administrations-plan-suppress", "title": "Bynum, Oregon Delegation Demand Reversal of Trump Administration's Plan to Suppress Oregon Voters", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "bynum.house.gov", "scraper": "bynum", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001326", "name": "Janelle S. Bynum", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Yesterday, Representatives Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Maxine Dexter, and Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley sent a letter to the Trump Administration, urging the administration to withdraw its threat against Oregon election officials over its plan to create a national voter database, warning that the proposal could jeopardize the voter registrations of millions of Oregonians.\n\n“It is clear that after these attempts to secure access to sensitive state voter data have been repeatedly rejected by the courts, you are resorting to public threats of prosecution and intimidation against elections administrators to coerce state officials to turn over their voter rolls and cede their constitutional duty to conduct elections to the executive branch,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.\n\nThe demand comes after the Trump administration threatened Oregon election officials with criminal prosecution over the administration’s claim of noncitizens voting. For months, Trump has tried to chip away at voter registration and vote-by-mail in an effort to interfere in the consequential November midterms.\n\nEarlier this year, Trump issued an executive order requiring the creation of a national voter database, which would require states to submit their voter registration lists to the federal government for review. The order was put on pause after it was blocked in court. Trump continues to push passage of his Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act in Congress, which would undermine vote-by-mail in an illegal and unconstitutional effort to undermine the rights of states to control their own election systems.\n\nLast month, Oregon lawmakers led the charge against a new rule issued by the U.S. Postal Service that would undermine Oregon’s vote-by-mail system.\n\nText of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nWe rebuke your threats against Oregon elections officials and demand the Department of\n\nJustice (DOJ) cease this targeted witch hunt of states’ election administration ahead of\n\nconsequential midterm elections.\n\nOn July 7, 2026, the most recent threat was issued by Assistant Attorney General for Civil\n\nRights Harmeet Dhillon and comes following repeated failures by the DOJ to illegally\n\nattempt to obtain Oregon voter rolls containing sensitive voter information through litigation\n\nin order to create an unprecedented national voter database. It is clear that after these\n\nattempts to secure access to sensitive state voter data have been repeatedly rejected by the\n\ncourts, the DOJ is resorting to public threats of prosecution and intimidation against elections\n\nadministrators in order to coerce state officials to turn over their voter rolls and cede their\n\nconstitutional duty to conduct elections to the executive branch.\n\nElection officials across the country are on the frontlines of our elections, they already face\n\nunprecedented attacks and face personal safety concerns. We should be working to protect\n\nelection officials regardless of political affiliation, not using government resources to further\n\nintimidate election officials that are following all federal laws, and consistently administering\n\nelections that are safe and secure, as is the case in Oregon.\n\nThese efforts are a direct attempt to undermine vote-by-mail, which is used successfully by\n\ntens of millions of eligible voters every election. Despite these efforts, the courts have also\n\nrepeatedly blocked implementation of President Trump’s executive orders that aim to restrict\n\nvote-by-mail. Faced with these combined failures, the DOJ is now attempting to coerce state\n\nelections officials with threats of prosecution in order to prevent Americans from voting.\n\nThese threats are a clear pattern in strategy to disenfranchise millions of voters in Oregon and\n\nnationwide and attack states’ constitutional right to manage and oversee elections. We\n\ndemand that you immediately cease these efforts.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3505", "title": "Carbajal Statement on Massie Amendment to GOP Foreign Aid Budget Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "carbajal.house.gov", "scraper": "carbajal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001112", "name": "Salud O. Carbajal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the statement below following his “yes” vote on the Massie Amendment to H.R. 8595.\n\n“Today, I voted yes on Representative Massie’s amendment to not give Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration funding for more offensive weapons. While I do not agree with the entirety of the amendment, including its potential impacts to humanitarian funding, I cast a yes vote in recognition that we cannot continue to provide Netanyahu a blank check. I remain deeply opposed to how Netanyahu has conducted this war. His administration's strategy has fueled a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and resulted in the tragic loss of an inordinate number of civilian lives.\n\n“While I have always been and will continue to be a steadfast supporter of Israel, I cannot support Netanyahu's extremism, including his push for illegal settlements and condoning settler violence in the West Bank. These actions are untenable and harm the future security of both Israelis and Palestinians.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405244", "title": "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Introduces Bill to Increase Transparency in Rx Pricing, Lower Health Care Costs", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "castor.house.gov", "scraper": "castor", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001066", "name": "Kathy Castor", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14), Judy Chu (CA-28), Summer Lee (PA-12) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced the Drug Deal Disclosure Act, legislation that would require the public disclosure of the White House’s prescription drug pricing agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers and subject those agreements to independent review to determine whether they are actually lowering costs for patients and taxpayers.\n\n“Floridians and Americans deserve lower drug costs,” said Rep. Castor. “No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying for their lifesaving medications. After making health care out of reach for millions of Americans, the White House claims they are helping our neighbors afford prescription drugs through closed-door deals with pharmaceutical manufacturers. Americans are skeptical and deserve to know if those deals are truly lowering costs, or if they are another false promise. I was proud to work with my colleagues in the Congress to actually lower drug costs through Medicare negotiation, caps on insulin, no-cost vaccines and out-of-pocket limits. Our neighbors have waited long enough for fair prices for important medications, and I am committed to doing that in a transparent manner.”\n\n“President Trump has repeatedly claimed that his Administration’s private deals with pharmaceutical companies will lower prescription drug prices for American families. If that’s true, then he should have nothing to hide,” said Rep. Chu. “Democrats didn’t ask Americans to simply trust us when we lowered prescription drug costs through the Inflation Reduction Act, we passed a law that empowered Medicare to negotiate drug prices, capped insulin at $35 a month for seniors, limited annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, and held drug companies accountable for unjustified price hikes. Those reforms are already delivering real savings. If President Trump wants the American people to believe his secret deals with Big Pharma will do the same, then he should release the agreements and let the facts speak for themselves.”\n\n“No one in Western Pennsylvania should have to ration medicine or walk away from the pharmacy counter because Big Pharma and the Trump Administration are cutting deals behind closed doors,” said Rep. Lee. “More than one in four Pennsylvanians have already been forced to skip doses, cut pills in half, or leave prescriptions unfilled simply because of cost. People paying the price deserve to know who these agreements are really serving, and this bill would force the Administration to release these secret agreements and require independent analysis of whether they actually lower costs for patients and taxpayers. I’m proud to co-lead this bill and help build a healthcare system that works for the people, not billion-dollar corporations.”\n\n“Deals made by the White House are the business of the American people. President Trump claims to have made secret agreements with Big Pharma CEOs under the pretense of lowering prescription drug prices but these savings have yet to appear. The American people deserve answers and this legislation will bring them to light,” said Rep. Pappas. “Granite Staters are paying too much for life-saving prescription drugs and this administration and Republicans in Congress have only made health care access worse and costs higher. I remain committed to doing everything I can to improve care and lower costs, and I will not stand for shady deals and false promises made by the administration.”\n\nThe Drug Deal Disclosure Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to publicly disclose records, communications, agreements, and related materials concerning drug pricing agreements and other arrangements negotiated between the White House and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The bill would also require reporting to Congress and direct the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an independent analysis of the agreements’ economic and budgetary impacts.\n\nSpecifically, the legislation would:\n\nRequire HHS to publicly disclose agreements, communications, records, and related materials concerning covered agreements between the Trump Administration and pharmaceutical manufacturers;\n\nRequire disclosure of agreements involving Most-Favored-Nation pricing commitments, tariff exemptions, domestic investment commitments, Strategic National Stockpile agreements, Priority Review Vouchers, and other related arrangements;\n\nRequire HHS to report to Congress on all documents and information released or withheld, including the basis for any redactions; and\n\nDirect CBO and GAO to publish an independent assessment of the agreements’ impacts on patients, taxpayers, prescription drug costs, Medicare, Medicaid, competition, and federal spending.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-on-israel-funding-do-not-reward-a-wrongdoer", "title": "Castro on Israel Funding: “Do Not Reward a Wrongdoer”", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "castro.house.gov", "scraper": "castro", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001091", "name": "Joaquin Castro", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) spoke on the House floor in support of an amendment from Rep. Thomas Massie (KY-04) to block $3.3 billion in taxpayer funding for Israel’s military. Congressman Castro will vote in support of the amendment to H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027.\n\nView Congressman Castro’s remarks here.\n\nRemarks as delivered below:\n\nMadam speaker, Israel does not need, and quite honestly does not deserve, more American money for weapons. Prime Minister Netanyahu has taken Israel down an ugly path. The tragedy of October 7th has become a justification for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. Self-defense does not include indiscriminately bombing homes, hospitals, churches, schools or refugee camps.\n\nThere were even credible reports of children intentionally shot in the head and chest. For decades, our nation gave Israel billions to facilitate peace and a two-state solution. Instead, Israel has chosen more war and more occupation.\n\nToday, it occupies not only Gaza and the West Bank, but parts of Syria and Lebanon. If there are no consequences, why in the world would Benjamin Netanyahu change what he's doing? And words are not enough. Condemnations are not enough. If we hope to change Israel's behavior, we must use our leverage.\n\nThe American people have seen this tragedy with their own eyes. They have made their judgment. They do not support giving Israel more weapons. Do not reward a wrongdoer. Now it's up to us in this chamber to take action.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-demands-answers-on-the-death-of-airman-first-class-keon-mcdaniel-at-lackland-airforce-base-in-san-antonio", "title": "Congressman Castro Demands Answers on the Death of Airman First Class Keon McDaniel at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "castro.house.gov", "scraper": "castro", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001091", "name": "Joaquin Castro", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) joined a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding answers on the June 16th death of Airman First Class Keon McDaniel. Airman McDaniel died during the influenza outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, following the Department of Defense’s April 2026 decision to make the annual influenza vaccine voluntary for servicemembers.\n\n“When tragedies like this occur, the American people and the Congress that represents them deserve immediate transparency and accountability,” the lawmakers wrote. “We urge the Department to ensure that Airman McDaniel’s family receives timely and direct answers to any questions they may have about the circumstances of his death before any additional findings or information are made public. Keon’s family has already made the greatest sacrifice. They deserve to hear the truth directly from the Department, delivered with compassion and respect.”\n\n“While the DoD made the right decision to reinstate the influenza vaccine requirement for new recruits, this outbreak at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland underscores the importance of science- based decision-making guided by medical professionals when making public health decisions affecting our servicemembers. Politicizing the administration of lifesaving vaccines has led to the death of a servicemember, the hospitalization of numerous trainees, and an expensive race to retroactively provide our servicemembers the health care they need and deserve,” the lawmakers concluded.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nIn April, Defense Secretary Hegseth ended the flu vaccination requirement for all service members. After the flu outbreak at the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio that resulted in 285 cases, including 6 hospitalizations and the death of Airman McDaniel, Secretary Hegseth partially reinstated the influenza requirement for military recruits and basic trainees.\n\nIn June, Congressman Castro’s amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would have required the flu vaccine for all servicemembers. House Republicans rejected the amendment.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415757", "title": "EWTN News article on Smith's new anti-human trafficking legislation'Catholic anti-trafficking advocates urge Congress to pass stalled trafficking bill'", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Katherine Matt\n\nPublished July 15, 2026 at 9:33 AM ET\n\nWASHINGTON — Catholic sisters, survivor advocates, and lawmakers gathered on Capitol Hill Tuesday to urge Congress to quickly pass bipartisan legislation they say would strengthen protections for victims of human trafficking and help prevent future exploitation.\n\nHosted by the Alliance to End Human Trafficking and the National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, the July 14 congressional briefing focused on the need to reauthorize federal anti‑trafficking programs through fiscal 2029 and pass legislation to impose requirements on social media platforms to reduce harms to minors.\n\nSponsor Rep. Chris Smith, R‑New Jersey, titled his human trafficking bill the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 1144), and the measure is next up for House consideration. A separate bill, named the Kids Online Safety Act (S. 1748) by sponsor Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R‑Tennessee, has not yet seen action in the Senate Commerce Committee.\n\nSmith’s legislation would reauthorize federal anti-trafficking programs while expanding prevention initiatives, survivor services, and law enforcement training.\n\nKatie Boller Gosewisch and Fran Eskin-Royer speak to Veronica Dudo on “EWTN News Nightly,” July 14, 2026. U.S. Catholic advocates are urging lawmakers to address human trafficking and protect vulnerable populations, including children on the Internet. | Credit: “EWTN News Nightly”/Screenshot\n\nCatholic advocates emphasize prevention\n\nAdvocates at the briefing argued that prevention must become the centerpiece of the nationʼs anti-trafficking strategy.\n\nSister Ann Scholz, SSND, a founding member of the Alliance to End Human Trafficking, said the time has come for Congress to move beyond simply raising awareness about trafficking.\n\n“We believe this Congress has the opportunity to enact two pieces of bipartisan legislation that will move us closer to ending the scourge of human trafficking,” Scholz said, describing both bills as measures that emphasize prevention and protect vulnerable populations.\n\nFran Eskin-Royer, executive director for National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, said Congress has allowed the legislation to languish despite bipartisan backing. She said reauthorization would strengthen prevention efforts while updating federal responses to evolving forms of exploitation.\n\n“Both bills are not new. Theyʼve been around, and they are not moving … We need everyone to contact their members of Congress and urge that this bill pass,” Eskin-Royer told “EWTN News Nightly” host Veronica Dudo.\n\nThe briefing featured survivor leaders, legal experts, clinicians, and service providers who argued that preventing trafficking requires greater investment in education, technology safeguards, and long-term support for survivors.\n\nGina Cavallo, president of the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking and a survivor of trafficking, told attendees that legislation such as H.R. 1144 could have dramatically changed the course of her life.\n\n“Had these bills been put in place, this would not have happened to me,” she said. “My life could have been dramatically different.”\n\nCavallo recounted being failed by multiple institutions during her childhood, including family, schools, and law enforcement, leaving her vulnerable to exploitation. Rather than being recognized as a victim, she said, she was criminalized.\n\n“I had my childhood taken, my dignity, my dreams — everything,” she said, urging lawmakers to continue treating human trafficking as a bipartisan issue centered on protecting human dignity.\n\nKatie Boller Gosewisch, executive director of the Alliance to End Human Trafficking, told “EWTN News Nightly” that the crime remains vastly underreported worldwide.\n\n“According to the Global Slavery Index, on any given day, about 50 million people are caught in human trafficking,” she said, noting that the figure includes forced marriage, organ trafficking, sex trafficking, and forced labor.\n\nSmith calls for House vote\n\nSmith told attendees the bill’s consideration has been delayed despite broad bipartisan support.\n\n“It was supposed to be up yesterday,” Smith said, explaining that House leadership had postponed floor consideration. “Delay is denial. We need to get this bill on the floor.”\n\nSmith, who authored the original Trafficking Victims Protection Act in 2000, said the legislation has led to thousands of prosecutions over the past two decades but argued that reauthorization is needed to strengthen prevention efforts, expand survivor services, and address emerging forms of exploitation.\n\nCatholic leaders warn delay leaves greater risk\n\nAdvocates called on Congress to approve the legislation without further delay, arguing that every day of inaction leaves vulnerable people at greater risk.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415758", "title": "Opening statement of Co-Chairman Smith at hearing on VenezuelaHuman Rights in Venezuela: Status and Opportunity", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The following are excerpts of Co-Chairman Chris Smith’s (R-NJ) opening statement at the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission’s July 15th hearing, entitled “Human Rights in Venezuela: Status and Opportunity”:\n\nFor more than a quarter century, Venezuela has endured one of the gravest humanitarian and human rights crises in the history of our hemisphere. Many thousands have been killed by the Chavez-Maduro dictatorships: the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights documented almost 7,000 extrajudicial killings in 2018 and 2019 alone.\n\nThousands have been tortured and imprisoned. Millions have fled—nearly 8 million displaced. Families have been torn apart by repression, violence, and economic collapse.\n\nThese horrors were driven by the Chavez, and since 2013, Maduro dictatorships, which, of course, had close political, ideological and military-intelligence partnerships with Cuba. Chavez liked to call Castro his mentor and father figure, and for Maduro, likewise, Castro was “father,” “teacher,” and “comandante.”\n\nAs in Cuba, in Venezuela, a country rich in resources and educated, hard-working people was reduced to an impoverished dictatorship by socialists, who came to power under the slogan of “more democracy”—which, in practice, meant zero democracy.\n\nThis year marked a dramatic turning point. In January, Nicolás Maduro was arrested by U.S. forces, removed from power, and brought to the United States to face justice. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assumed acting leadership.\n\nThis was not only a triumph for President Trump, but remarkable progress for the people of Venezuela. As Andrés Martínez-Fernández testifies, “92% of Venezuelans were grateful to President Trump for the removal of Nicolas Maduro and 90% supported the U.S. becoming Venezuela’s primary ally. The same polling showed that many Venezuelans saw the regime’s collapse as a rare opening after years of repression.”\n\nYet whether this leads to genuine democratic recovery—or merely another chapter of struggle—remains an open question. It has not yet happened. Some prisoners have been released—but there are still many political prisoners. Whether Venezuela will become free and democratic depends on Venezuelans.\n\nBefore the arrest of Maduro, our government tried to promote freedom through various approaches—diplomacy, pressure, sanctions. None were successful. As the country navigates this transition, our goal must remain supporting conditions for Venezuelans themselves to restore accountable government, independent institutions, and economic opportunity.\n\nHistory shows that durable reform cannot be imposed from outside—but the U.S. can do much to help. Today, with a government in place with whom the Administration has a working relationship, we can engage with them in support of stabilization and recovery, and of course, we press for concrete reforms: dismantling repressive structures, ensuring political prisoners are fully freed without restrictions, advancing credible elections, and combating corruption and transnational crime.\n\nEffective humanitarian response to the earthquakes—coordinating with faith-based groups, and local communities—demonstrates how partnership can save lives, while respecting sovereignty.\n\nWe also need to learn from the errors of the Obama and Biden administrations, who attempted to impose narrow agendas on foreign countries by funding and empowering elite western NGOs – which were often resented by host countries. I’m confident the Trump Administration has learned the lesson of that mistake. And Secretary Rubio’s leadership has been remarkably effective.\n\nThe U.S. will provide international support more wisely—humanitarian relief, technical assistance, anti-corruption efforts, and election assistance, in which the U.S. government remains engaged, reins in elite NGO agendas, and focuses on supporting fair processes in Venezuela without privileging any parties or seeking to impose results.\n\nI thank our witnesses and look forward to their testimony on the current status and the path forward.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-chu-castor-lee-pappas-introduce-drug-deal-disclosure-act-force", "title": "Reps. Chu, Castor, Lee, Pappas Introduce Drug Deal Disclosure Act to Force Transparency for Trump's Secret Big Pharma Deals", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "chu.house.gov", "scraper": "chu", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001080", "name": "Judy Chu", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representatives Judy Chu (CA-28), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Summer Lee (PA-12), and Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced the Drug Deal Disclosure Act, legislation that would require the Trump Administration to publicly disclose its prescription drug pricing agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers and subject those agreements to independent review to determine whether they are actually lowering costs for patients and taxpayers.\n\nAs Americans continue to struggle with the high cost of prescription drugs, the Trump Administration has repeatedly claimed that a series of agreements negotiated with pharmaceutical companies will lower costs for patients. Yet despite public announcements and White House events promoting these arrangements, the Administration has refused to disclose the terms of the agreements, the concessions offered in exchange, and evidence that they will actually deliver lower prices.\n\n“President Trump has repeatedly claimed that his Administration's private deals with pharmaceutical companies will lower prescription drug prices for American families. If that's true, then he should have nothing to hide,\" said Rep. Chu. \"Democrats didn't ask Americans to simply trust us when we lowered prescription drug costs through the Inflation Reduction Act, we passed a law that empowered Medicare to negotiate drug prices, capped insulin at $35 a month for seniors, limited annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, and held drug companies accountable for unjustified price hikes. Those reforms are already delivering real savings. If President Trump wants the American people to believe his secret deals with Big Pharma will do the same, then he should release the agreements and let the facts speak for themselves.”\n\n“Floridians and Americans deserve lower drug costs,” said Rep. Castor. “No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying for their lifesaving medications. After making health care out of reach for millions of Americans, the Trump Administration claims they are helping our neighbors afford prescription drugs through closed-door deals with pharmaceutical manufacturers. Americans are skeptical and deserve to know if those deals are truly lowering costs, or if they are another false promise. I was proud to work with my colleagues in the Congress to actually lower drug costs through Medicare negotiation, caps on insulin, no-cost vaccines and out-of-pocket limits. Our neighbors have waited long enough for fair prices for important medications, and I am committed to doing that in a transparent manner.”\n\n“No one in Western Pennsylvania should have to ration medicine or walk away from the pharmacy counter because Big Pharma and the Trump Administration are cutting deals behind closed doors,” said Rep. Lee. “More than one in four Pennsylvanians have already been forced to skip doses, cut pills in half, or leave prescriptions unfilled simply because of cost. People paying the price deserve to know who these agreements are really serving, and this bill would force the Administration to release these secret agreements and require independent analysis of whether they actually lower costs for patients and taxpayers. I’m proud to co-lead this bill and help build a healthcare system that works for the people, not billion-dollar corporations.”\n\n“Deals made by the White House are the business of the American people. President Trump claims to have made secret agreements with Big Pharma CEOs under the pretense of lowering prescription drug prices but these savings have yet to appear. The American people deserve answers and this legislation will bring them to light,” said Rep. Pappas. “Granite Staters are paying too much for life-saving prescription drugs and this administration and Republicans in Congress have only made health care access worse and costs higher. I remain committed to doing everything I can to improve care and lower costs, and I will not stand for shady deals and false promises made by the administration.”\n\nThe Drug Deal Disclosure Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to publicly disclose records, communications, agreements, and related materials concerning drug pricing agreements and other arrangements negotiated between the Trump Administration and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The bill would also require reporting to Congress and direct the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an independent analysis of the agreements' economic and budgetary impacts.\n\nSpecifically, the legislation would:\n\n• Require HHS to publicly disclose agreements, communications, records, and related materials concerning covered agreements between the Trump Administration and pharmaceutical manufacturers;\n\n• Require disclosure of agreements involving Most-Favored-Nation pricing commitments, TrumpRx participation, tariff exemptions, domestic investment commitments, Strategic National Stockpile agreements, Priority Review Vouchers, and other related arrangements;\n\n• Require HHS to report to Congress on all documents and information released or withheld, including the basis for any redactions; and\n\n• Direct CBO and GAO to publish an independent assessment of the agreements' impacts on patients, taxpayers, prescription drug costs, Medicare, Medicaid, competition, and federal spending.\n\nThe Drug Deal Disclosure Act is the House companion to legislation introduced in the Senate by Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden and Senate Democrats.\n\nThis legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Don Beyer (VA-08), Andre Carson (IN-07), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Mark Takano (CA-39), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-garcia-votes-to-end-blank-check-for-weapons-to-israel", "title": "Congressman García Votes to End Blank Check for Weapons to Israel", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "chuygarcia.house.gov", "scraper": "chuygarcia", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000586", "name": "Jesús G. \"Chuy\" García", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García issued the following statement on his vote for the Massie amendment to the FY27 State Department appropriations bill. The amendment would cut $3.3 billion in military aid to Israel.\n\n“Throughout my time in Congress, I have consistently advocated to end our government’s use of our tax dollars to fund death and destruction abroad. As the Israeli government continues to commit genocide in Gaza, occupy the West Bank and southern Lebanon, and fuel the illegal war in Iran, my constituents and working people nationwide who are struggling to make ends meet are demanding an end to the blank check for weapons of war. As the Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, I was proud to vote for this amendment and to urge my colleagues to do the same. Today’s historic vote illustrates the momentum behind our movement for peace, justice, and dignity for all people without exception. We must build on this vote to achieve a long overdue change in U.S. policy towards Israel and Palestine, and finally uphold the values we stand for.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-garcia-and-fitzpatrick-sen-markey-reintroduce-legislation-to-strengthen-supports-for-airport-service-workers", "title": "Reps. García and Fitzpatrick, Sen. Markey, Reintroduce Legislation to Strengthen Supports for Airport Service Workers", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "chuygarcia.house.gov", "scraper": "chuygarcia", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000586", "name": "Jesús G. \"Chuy\" García", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Chuy García (IL-04) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), reintroduced the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, legislation that would improve wages and working conditions for airport service workers. The legislation would also support working families and help stabilize the air travel industry as airlines pocket record profits while airport service workers remain stuck at minimum wage.\n\n“America’s airports support millions of jobs and move hundreds of millions of travelers each year. While U.S. airlines generated $6 billion in profit last year, airport frontline workers, who are predominantly Latino, Black and immigrant, are barely making ends meet. In fact, 7 per cent of them live under the poverty level,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. “The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, seeks to ensure airport workers, who make our air travel possible, get the dignity and compensation they deserve for their hard work.”\n\n“Airport service workers are entrusted every day with the safety, order, and reliability of one of the most complex transportation systems in the world. We cannot ask them to carry that responsibility while denying them the economic security that comes with fair wages and meaningful benefits. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Actestablishes one clear principle: the value of the work does not change because a job is outsourced or a different contractor signs the paycheck. By investing in the people who keep our airports moving, we strengthen the entire aviation system—and uphold our obligation to the workers, families, and travelers who depend upon it,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.\n\n“These workers serve through extreme temperatures, holiday travel surges, and even pandemics — yet too many still struggle with low pay, unaffordable care, and rising costs,” said Senator Markey. “Because airports are the gateway to the world for travelers, they must also be the gateway to stable, middle-class jobs for workers. I am proud to partner with Congressmen Garcia and Fitzpatrick to lead this bipartisan, pro-worker legislation.”\n\n“Airport workers keep millions of Americans moving every day—and a job that keeps America moving should be a job that lets a family get ahead. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act will raise wages, strengthen benefits, and ensure these workers finally receive the dignity and respect they’ve earned. It’s past time Congress made sure good jobs take off at every airport in America,” said Senator Schumer.\n\n“I've given years of my life to this airport, keeping planes clean and passengers safe — and I still can't afford to take my kids to the doctor,” said Nicole Ray, a wheelchair agent at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. “Something is deeply wrong when the airlines I serve are posting record profits while I'm choosing between groceries and medicine. It’s time for Congress to decide whose side they’re on and pass the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act.”\n\n“Every day, airport service workers keep our country moving. They do the essential work that keeps our airports safe, our aviation system running, and millions of travelers connected. Airport service workers deserve more than our thanks, they deserve good jobs that provide dignity, security, and the opportunity to build a better life,” said April Verrett, President of SEIU. “The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is about recognizing the value of that work. Congress should stand with the workers who keep our airports running and pass this legislation. When we invest in working people, we build a stronger economy and a stronger nation.”\n\n“Our tax dollars continue to be invested in the expansion and improvement of the nation’s airports. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act committed billions for airports, with the final $2.9 billion invested this year. However, airports are not just buildings with tarmacs and airplanes: a successful airport depends on its workers. Despite this, there are UNITE HERE members working in airport concessions and airline catering who are struggling to make ends meet. Some of them work multiple jobs and with no healthcare. Our investments must support a healthy workforce and offer wages that lift workers out of poverty — the Good Jobs for Good Airports Actwould set a fair national standard for wages and benefits for airport workers across the United States,” said Gwen Mills, President of UNITE HERE.\n\n“Airline passenger service agents are on the frontlines of the airline industry in our nation’s airports – ticketing and boarding passengers, loading and unloading baggage and performing other essential services. Despite their indispensable role in keeping air travel efficient and the flying public safe, they are underpaid and overworked. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is a long overdue step towards closing wage and benefit disparities that will allow essential airport employees to live and work with dignity,” said Claude Cummings Jr., President of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).\n\nThe Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is cosponsored by Representatives: Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Greg Casar (TX-35), Angie Craig (MN-02), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Don Beyer (VA-08), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), and Maxine Waters (CA-43).\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).\n\nThe Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is endorsed by SEIU, UNITE HERE and CWA.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-ciscomani-and-pappas-introduce-air-care-vets-act", "title": "Reps. Ciscomani and Pappas Introduce AIR CARE for Vets Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ciscomani.house.gov", "scraper": "ciscomani", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001133", "name": "Juan Ciscomani", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani joined Representative Chris Pappas (NH-01) yesterday to introduce legislation aimed at improving the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) ability to diagnose veterans with service-related respiratory conditions. H.R. 9666, the AIR CARE for Vets Act (Advanced Imaging for Respiratory Care, Assessment, and Research Excellence for Veterans Act) prioritizes veteran access to quality imaging software used in diagnosing certain respiratory conditions resulting from time in service, including asthma and obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as lung cancer.\n\nThis issue is of critical importance to Congressman Ciscomani as Arizona’s 6th congressional district is home to nearly 80,000 veterans, the 9th largest veteran population by congressional district.\n\nCurrently, diagnosing respiratory illnesses and conditions in veterans is limited by standard testing procedures using whole-lung assessments. These assessments can be less sensitive to changes in lung function seen in early disease or when abnormalities are limited to a specific region. In addition, standard testing procedures including lung biopsy, are often both painful and invasive. Specifically, this affects the many veterans who were exposed to toxic smoke from open-air burn pits while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and who now suffer from chronic respiratory illnesses.\n\nIn response to these issues, there has been an increase in concern for improving the level of accessibility to updated “four-dimensional” imaging technology that would allow for more accurate testing. Bringing more advanced imaging technology to VA facilities would provide an ability to better diagnose our veterans.\n\n\"Our nation’s heroes deserve access to quality healthcare, including the most up to date technology to best diagnose service-related conditions. That’s what the AIR CARE for Vets Act is all about,\" said Rep. Ciscomani. \"Under this bill, veterans suffering from respiratory conditions and lung cancer would receive better quality care at the VA through the use of imaging software equipped to properly evaluate their symptoms. Better imaging software means an improved rate of diagnosis, which would save lives by catching issues like lung cancer sooner. The men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country deserve to know they are receiving the highest level of care possible at all stages, starting with quality evaluation of their symptoms.\"\n\n\"We owe everything to our veterans, and they deserve access to top of the line health care both during and following their service,\" said Rep. Pappas. \"Our legislation would establish a pilot program for VA to utilize innovative 4-D lung scanning technology, which improves identification of respiratory disorders and lung disease in veterans. For thousands of veterans living in New Hampshire, exposure to burn pits has significantly increased their chances of developing lung disease and this pilot program will improve the resources and care available to them now and in the years to come.\"\n\nLeaders of the AZ-06 veteran community have expressed support for the AIR CARE for Vets Act.\n\n\"As veterans, we face unique healthcare needs because of the challenges and environments we experienced during our time in service. The Air Care Act is a critical step toward meeting that need by expanding access to advanced, noninvasive lung screenings that can provide earlier detection and safer treatment options currently unavailable. We are grateful for Congressman Ciscomani’s leadership in introducing this bipartisan legislation to ensure the men and women who sacrificed so much for our country receive the care they have earned.\" - Tom Murphy, Mayor, Town of Sahuarita; Chair, Congressman Ciscomani's Veterans Advisory Council\n\n\"The Air Care Act will be instrumental in expanding access to innovative, noninvasive lung screenings for veterans in communities across the country. By advancing the use of cutting-edge technology, this legislation will help move us toward a future where our nation’s heroes can receive earlier, safer, and more effective care. I’m proud of Congressman Ciscomani’s leadership in introducing this bipartisan legislation to improve healthcare outcomes for those who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation.\" - Alex Wright, Colonel, US Air Force (Ret); Member, Congressman Ciscomani's Veterans Advisory Council\n\nThe AIR CARE for Vets Act would direct the VA to put a five-year pilot program in place using FDA-approved four-dimensional functional lung imaging software to assist in identifying respiratory disorders in veterans receiving care at the VA.\n\nThis legislation authorizes $5 million annually from Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) and Fiscal Year 2031 (FY2031) to be used for leasing eligible imaging software from approved developers and using this technology in VA medical facilities.\n\nRep. Ciscomani remains committed to introducing and passing legislation like the AIR CARE for Vets Act that directly supports the health and well-being of our veterans. Since taking office in 2023, Rep. Ciscomani has introduced 18 veterans-focused bills, four of which have passed the House this Congress.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-representative-juan-ciscomani-applauds-house-passage-fy2027-national", "title": "U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani Applauds House Passage of FY2027 National Security Funding Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ciscomani.house.gov", "scraper": "ciscomani", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001133", "name": "Juan Ciscomani", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - Representative Juan Ciscomani applauded today’s House passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act. As Arizona’s sole appropriator in Congress and a member of the NSRP subcommittee, Rep. Ciscomani helped advance the legislation, which strengthens America’s national security while reducing discretionary spending by 6% compared to Fiscal Year 2026.\n\nThe FY2027 NSRP bill allocates $47.32 billion to reinforce America’s national security priorities, confront global adversaries, aggressively combat the flow of fentanyl into the United States, and guarantee responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.\n\n\"America’s security is non-negotiable, and this legislation sends an unmistakable message: we will not tolerate threats to our nation, our allies, or our communities,\" said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. \"Through this powerful bill, we are reigning in wasteful spending, ensuring the responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, unleashing resources to crush the fentanyl crisis at its root, and standing firm against foreign adversaries who seek to undermine our way of life. As Arizona’s sole appropriator, I fought relentlessly to ensure Southern Arizona’s security needs were front and center. Today’s passage of the 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act is a clear step forward for our nation—America will always lead, defend, and prevail.\"\n\nKey Provisions Included in the FY27 NSRP Appropriations Act:\n\nCuts discretionary spending by 6% from FY2026 levels.\n\nStrengthens America’s alliances and vigorously counters Communist China.\n\nDirects $1.8 billion to aggressively counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.\n\nPrioritizes decisive efforts to eradicate fentanyl and illicit drug trafficking.\n\nBlocks U.S. resources from benefiting the Chinese Communist Party.\n\nUnequivocally prohibits funding for the Taliban.\n\nRepresentative Ciscomani remains committed to advancing policies that strengthen America’s national security posture on the global stage, secure the southern border, and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.\n\nThe House-passed FY27 NSRP Appropriations Act now moves to the Senate for further consideration.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2687", "title": "Rep. Cline Introduces Legislation to Ensure the DAR’s Membership is Limited to Women", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "cline.house.gov", "scraper": "cline", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001118", "name": "Ben Cline", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) introduced the Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act, which would amend the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)'s federal charter to add a membership eligibility requirement that limits membership to an individual who is a woman and otherwise satisfies the genealogical and membership qualifications established by the corporation.\n\nThis bill has garnered support from the Concerned Women for America, American Principles Project, Heritage Action, and Independent Women, and has been cosponsored by Reps. Pfluger (R-TX), Aderholt (R-AL), Hageman (R-WY), Cloud (R-TX), Fine (R-FL), Rulli (R-OH), Clyde (R-GA), Messmer (R-IN), Palmer (R-AL), Gallagher (R-CA), Barrett (R-MI), Scott (R-GA), Downing (R-MT), Patronis (R-FL), Stutzman (R-IN), Baumgartner (R-WA), Bentz (R-OR), Self (R-TX), Webster (R-FL), and Wilson (R-SC).\n\n###\n\nQuote Attributable to Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06):\n\n\"The DAR has a longstanding tradition of celebrating and empowering women who represent the exceptional heritage of the birth of our Nation. However, as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the organization has now abandoned the very principles on which it was founded. Rather than honoring and preserving a lineage-based organization for women, it has embraced radical gender ideology at the expense of the women it was created to serve. The Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act is common-sense legislation that requires the Congressionally-charted DAR to return to serving the true daughters of the American Revolution,” said Rep. Cline.\n\nQuote Attributable to Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee:\n\n\"The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was founded in 1890 to empower women to celebrate their unique legacy in the American founding, but today, the organization is insulting the very women it was designed to serve by denying the inherent dignity of womanhood and embracing radical gender ideology. Being a \"daughter\" of the Revolution is no longer a stipulation of membership, and the once highly selective organization now allows men masquerading as women to join the DAR's ranks. This month, the Supreme Court of the United States decided that womanhood belongs to biological women. DAR has a responsibility to the American public to uphold that common-sense truth, and Congressman Ben Cline's Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act will ensure that DAR belongs to the real daughters of the American Revolution, not to sons,\" said Penny Nance.\n\nQuote Attributable to Terry Schilling, President of American Principles Project:\n\n“The Daughters of the American Revolution have been staunch defenders of our American heritage for over 135 years. It's no surprise, then, that the radical left has made the DAR their next target, attempting to force this storied organization to allow biological males into their ranks. This is why the American Principles Project enthusiastically endorses Congressman Ben Cline’s Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act, legislation which would preserve the DAR's longstanding female-only membership. At a time when almost every women's space is under attack by gender ideologues, it is crucial that Americans of common sense stand up against this insanity. We commend Rep. Cline for his leadership on this issue and urge all members to support this bill,” said Terry Schilling.\n\nQuote Attributable to Daniel West, Government Relations Director for Heritage Action:\n\n“Until the left gave up on biological reality, it was understood The DAUGHTERS of the American Revolution was a women's only group. Rep. Cline's self-evident legislation reaffirms that membership in this storied institution is reserved for women and prevents confused men from interfering in a federally chartered women’s society. Heritage Action will not allow woke virtue-signaling to degrade historic organizations like the DAR,” said Daniel West.\n\nQuote Attributable to Beth Parlato, Senior Legal Counsel of Independent Women:\n\n“Women have the legal right to maintain institutions, spaces, and opportunities of their own. The Daughters of the American Revolution was founded by women, for women, and its identity should not be erased to satisfy \"gender ideology.\" Congressman Cline’s legislation recognizes a simple truth: a women’s organization must be allowed to remain a women’s organization. Independent Women is proud to support the Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act and its effort to protect the integrity and legacy of this historic institution,” said Beth Parlato.\n\n###\n\nBackground: In 2024, the Daughters of the American Revolution adopted a non-discrimination provision that its current leadership has interpreted as preventing the organization from denying membership based on an applicant's transgender identity.\n\nRead the full bill text: HERE", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-votes-counter-adversaries-reinforce-security-and-advance-america-first", "title": "Cole Votes to Counter Adversaries, Reinforce Security, and Advance America First Diplomacy", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cole.house.gov", "scraper": "cole", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001053", "name": "Tom Cole", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) voted in favor of H.R.8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for the Fiscal Year 2027. This legislation acts to maintain robust funding for our allies, counters our adversaries, and supports President Trump’s vision to refocus and realign foreign policy to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. After voting in favor of the legislation, Congressman Cole released the following statement:\n\n“True leadership isn't merely declared – it is upheld through the choices we make, the priorities we fund, and the resolve we show in putting America first and protecting our national interests. This legislation reflects that philosophy by replacing the drift of previous administrations with direction and ensuring our investments bolster U.S. security, influence, and prosperity. President Trump has made clear that our nation will lead with purpose and confidence – both at home and on the world stage. The Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee Chairman Díaz-Balart answered that call with legislation that prioritizes strength over symbolism, strategy over bureaucracy, and results over rhetoric. It directs resources to the highest-impact national security and economic priorities by reinforcing our alliances, pushing back decisively against adversaries like Communist China, and confronting illicit actors and transnational networks. It also eliminates billions in unnecessary spending because great nations are defined not by how much they spend, but by how wisely they invest. Today's passage demonstrates Article I in action – where the power of the purse strengthens America's security, advances our values, and ensures a stronger future,” said Congressman Cole.\n\nKey Provisions in the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, Fiscal Year 2027\n\nChampions America First foreign policy by redefining foreign assistance to promote self-sufficiency, bolster economic growth and stability, and protect United States national security.\n\nCodifies President Trump’s executive orders to ensure no wasteful spending on DEI or woke programs, climate change mandates, or radical gender ideologies.\n\nPrioritizes funds and policies to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States.\n\nMaintains all long-standing pro-life protections.\n\nAllows only the American flag and other official flags to be flown over United States embassies or consulates.\n\nHolds foreign governments accountable for persecuting people of faith.\n\nProvides unwavering support for Israel.\n\nIncludes Foreign Military Assistance for Taiwan and the Philippines.\n\nDenies the Chinese Communist Party access to U.S. backed resources.\n\nProhibits funds to the Taliban.\n\nPrioritizes fiscal sanity and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse by strategically investing in partners to help them achieve long-term goals in the interest of United States national security.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases/correa-votes-against-weakening-us-global-leadership", "title": "CORREA VOTES AGAINST WEAKENING U.S. GLOBAL LEADERSHIP", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "correa.house.gov", "scraper": "correa", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001110", "name": "J. Luis Correa", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Lou Correa (CA-46) released the following statement after voting ‘no’ on H.R. 8595, the FY27 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, which cuts diplomatic and humanitarian tools America relies on to maintain soft power. Correa also voted ‘no' on the Massie Amendment to H.R. 8595.\n\n\"The U.S. should work to maintain and strengthen our global influence, particularly through soft power; this bill does the opposite. It walks away from the partners and programs that keep threats away from our doorstep. Diplomacy is how America leads, how we build trust with our allies, and how we counter the influence of countries like China and Russia. Once we walk away from that, we don't get it back overnight – and our adversaries are more than happy to fill the gap we leave behind.\n\n\"This amendment is so vaguely written that it could have broad, unintended consequences. Written the way it is, it could shut down embassy operations, block funding for humanitarian aid helping refugees resettle, halt educational and cultural exchanges, and cut support for the Palestinian security forces currently operating in the West Bank. This amendment leaves far too much room for interpretation, and I can't vote for poorly crafted legislation that could unintentionally cut funding for critical humanitarian aid programs.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comment-letter-ct-delegation-members-slam-trump-administrations-new", "title": "In Comment Letter, CT Delegation Members Slam Trump Administration’s New “Medical Frailty” Restrictions", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "courtney.house.gov", "scraper": "courtney", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001069", "name": "Joe Courtney", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Reps. John Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) slammed the latest health care cuts imposed by the Trump Administration.\n\nIn a letter sent last week, the Members expressed their opposition to a new rule announced last month by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Department of Health and Human Services, which exceeds the law’s requirements in implementing new work reporting requirements and creates an unworkable and burdensome process for patients, providers, and states. Under the new restrictions, cancer patients and patients suffering from other debilitating diseases will be required to document that the disease actually impairs their ability to work or face losing their health care coverage.\n\n“The overwhelming impact of this rule is that eligible citizens will be denied Medicaid coverage, states will expend unacceptable resources processing complex paperwork, safety-net providers will be further burdened, and population health will decline,” the Members wrote.\n\nThe letter was submitted under a comment period for the rule, which is set to take effect on January 1st, 2027. Read the full letter text here.\n\nThe Big Ugly Bill (H.R. 1) cuts $1 trillion from the Medicaid program, America’s largest health care program, starting on January 1st, 2027. Due to this draconian cut to the health care system, 10 million Americans will lose their coverage, according to estimates by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-pens-new-op-ed-10000-new-shipbuilders-21st-century-arsenal", "title": "Courtney Pens New Op-Ed, “10,000 New Shipbuilders: the 21st Century Arsenal of Democracy”", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "courtney.house.gov", "scraper": "courtney", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001069", "name": "Joe Courtney", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – In case you missed it in the Connecticut Mirror, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) penned a CT Viewpoints piece, “Building 21st the Century Arsenal of Democracy.”\n\n“Earlier this month, an extraordinary gathering occurred in Westerly, Rhode Island, consisting of representatives of the U.S. Navy, state and federal officials from Connecticut and Rhode Island, and employer and employee leaders from industry organized by the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA) to mark a major milestone: 10,000 workers have now completed training through our region’s submarine workforce training pipelines and are hard at work rebuilding our nation’s undersea fleet,” Courtney writes.\n\nImage\n\nRead the full piece here in the Connecticut Mirror.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-trump-admin-policies-are-driving-record-student-loan-defaults", "title": "Courtney: Trump Admin Policies are Driving Record Student Loan Defaults. The Big Ugly Bill will Aggravate the Issue.", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "courtney.house.gov", "scraper": "courtney", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001069", "name": "Joe Courtney", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, during a House Education and Workforce Committee markup of H.R. 9609, a partisan bill that would codify the dismantling of the Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), a senior Member of the Committee, offered an amendment to the bill that would prevent core functions of FSA from being transferred to the Department of the Treasury until the Government Accountability Office releases a study on the Big Ugly Bill’s (H.R. 1’s) impacts on student loan limits and student loan repayment plans.\n\nUnder the policies of President Trump and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, which include the dismantling of the Department of Education, student loan defaults have hit record highs in 2026. The Big Ugly Bill will aggravate this trend by capping the amount of federal student loans that undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for, shoving students into the private student loan market where interest rates are higher and the cost of borrowing is higher.\n\n“When people are falling in default, their credit rating just totally tanks. The ability for people to move forward in life in terms of buying homes, starting businesses, just being able to pay the bills when their credit rating is absolutely devastated by a default,” Courtney said. “It’s clear that H.R. 1 is, amazingly, going to aggravate this trend.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-introduces-legislation-create-public-option-lower-health", "title": "Rep. Angie Craig Introduces Legislation to Create a Public Option, Lower Health Insurance Costs for Minnesotans", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "craig.house.gov", "scraper": "craig", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001119", "name": "Angie Craig", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig introduced legislation to create a public option and lower health care costs for Minnesotans struggling to afford sky-high insurance premiums.\n\nRep. Craig’s Medicare-X Choice Act builds on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicare frameworks to create a Medicare Exchange plan that would offer affordable health insurance options to families, individuals and small businesses and increase competition in the health insurance market. The bill would also permanently extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits that Congressional Republicans allowed to expire at the end of 2025, codify the “family glitch” fix and provide funding for a national reinsurance program – policies that Rep. Craig has long championed.\n\nAmericans are facing skyrocketing insurance premiums following the expiration of the ACA tax credits and the implementation of President Trump and Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid last year. As a result, 17,000 Minnesotans have dropped their MNSure coverage – the health insurance plan they purchased through the state’s ACA marketplace – this year alone.\n\n“Even before Republicans made historic cuts to Medicaid and stripped the American people of the ACA tax credits they relied on to afford health coverage, it was too expensive to be sick in this country,” said Rep. Craig. “Now, thousands of Minnesotans have lost MNSure coverage and countless others are paying through the roof just to access the basic health care they need. But it doesn’t have to be this way. A public option will offer folks across this country lower premiums for quality care, and that’s why I’m proud to be introducing this common-sense legislation in the house – to actually lower health care costs and increase competition in the marketplace.”\n\nSince coming to Congress in 2019, Rep. Craig has worked to lower health care costs and make quality care accessible to every Minnesotan.\n\nIn April, she introduced the Patient Refunds for Bad Denials Act to hold health insurance companies accountable for above-average denial rates and refund patients for medical payments that should have been covered by insurance. And in February, she introduced the Patient Debt Relief Act to ease the burden of medical debt on Minnesotans by protecting individuals from predatory debt collection practices and requiring hospitals to offer more manageable repayment options.\n\nIn 2022, the provision of Rep. Craig’s bill that capped insulin copays at $35/month for Medicare recipients was signed into law as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. That same year, Rep. Craig successfully pushed the Biden Administration to close the “family glitch” – a move that lowered health care costs for an estimated 62,000 Minnesotans.\n\nIn 2019, Rep. Craig introduced her first health care bill, the State Health Care Premium Reduction Act, which would provide funding for state reinsurance programs to directly lower premiums, out-of-pocket costs and deductibles, and make the ACA tax credits permanent.\n\nSenators Michael Bennett (D-CO) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate. Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Mike Quigley (D-IL-05) are original co-sponsors in the House. Her bill is supported by Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-statement-her-vote-against-massie-amendment", "title": "Rep. Craig Statement on Her Vote Against Massie Amendment", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "craig.house.gov", "scraper": "craig", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001119", "name": "Angie Craig", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement on her vote against Rep. Thomas Massie’s amendment to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act regarding funding for Israel.\n\n“Today’s vote was an unserious attempt by Rep. Thomas Massie to implement sweeping and irresponsible changes to America’s foreign policy.\n\n“Let me be clear. Benjamin Netanyahu’s reckless policies and the humanitarian crisis he has created in Gaza have damaged Israel’s reputation on the world stage and therefore jeopardized any progress toward weakening Hamas and implementing a necessary two-state solution. Not to mention, President Trump and Netanyahu’s dangerous and illegal war with Iran has driven up costs and put American troops in harm’s way. I firmly believe that the best thing for the U.S.-Israel relationship is for Netanyahu to lose his next election.\n\n“That said, the U.S.’ longstanding partnership with Israel is critical for maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East and a blanket ban on all foreign aid, including humanitarian programs, would not only endanger the Israeli people, but also American troops and our allies in the region.\n\n“Attempting to litigate these complex foreign policy conversations through an amendment to the national security appropriations bill undermines the importance of our alliance with Israel and threatens to undercut ongoing efforts to restore peace in the Middle East.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/crow-degette-neguse-pettersen-statement-on-massie-amendment-to-the-republican-budget", "title": "Crow, DeGette, Neguse, Pettersen Statement on Massie Amendment to the Republican Budget", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://crow.house.gov/news", "domain": "crow.house.gov", "scraper": "crow", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001121", "name": "Jason Crow", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) released the following statement after voting in favor of Congressman Massie’s amendment to the Republican budget:\n\n“Today we voted against additional taxpayer-funded military aid being given to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government.\n\n“We support Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. We believe that both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to safety, security, and self-determination.\n\n“We should not be giving military aid to any country that does not comply with our own laws and values. The Netanyahu government has failed to meet these standards.\n\n“The status quo is not tenable. We need a different path forward for America’s foreign policy rooted in values and consistent application of the law.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-bipartisan-lawmakers-urge-reinstatement-988-lgbtq-suicide-crisis-line", "title": "Davids, Bipartisan Lawmakers Urge Reinstatement of 988 LGBTQ+ Suicide Crisis Line", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "davids.house.gov", "scraper": "davids", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000629", "name": "Sharice Davids", "party": "Democrat", "state": "KS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Sharice Davids joined a bipartisan group of her colleagues to urge the Trump Administration to reinstate the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's LGBTQ+ phone line. One year ago, the administration ended the LGBTQ+ “Press 3” option. Following sustained bipartisan pressure and Congress appropriating funding to restore the service, the administration has announced plans to bring it back “by the end of the year” — but today’s coalition demanded that those lifesaving services be reinstated without further delay.\n\n“A year ago today, we stood here because the administration made the decision to shut down the 988 LGBTQ+ youth crisis line,” said Davids. “I said then that it was the wrong decision. It was and still is. Because this has never been about politics. It's about people. It's about a young person who feels completely alone and is trying to decide if tomorrow is worth it, and making sure someone is there to answer the phone in that moment.”\n\nSince its launch in 2022, the LGBTQ+ subline under the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has been a critical, life-saving resource for LGBTQ+ youth and adults facing mental health crises. The line has handled nearly 1.3 million calls, texts, and chats from LGBTQ+ individuals seeking support. Its closure comes at a time of growing need — just last year, over 40 percent of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide, according to national surveys.\n\nThe decision to shut down the LGBTQ+ subline drew widespread concern from mental health experts and civil rights organizations. Although the administration has pledged to reopen the line, advocates remain concerned that organizations with the most experience serving LGBTQ+ youth, including The Trevor Project, which helped establish the original program, may not be included in the updated 988 Lifeline.\n\nAlong with Davids, today’s press conference included Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), and Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), as well as The Trevor Project and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).\n\nIf you or someone you know is in crisis, please call, text, or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-davis-leads-bill-compel-trump-administration-release-all-relevant-records", "title": "Rep. Davis Leads Bill to Compel Trump Administration to Release All Relevant Records Related to Illegal Freezing of Child Care, Welfare, and Social Services Funds to IL, CA, CO, MN, and NY", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://davis.house.gov/media", "domain": "davis.house.gov", "scraper": "davis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000096", "name": "Danny K. Davis", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC: July 15, 2026, Representative Danny K. Davis introduced legislation to compel the Trump Administration to hand over all relevant records relating to the five-state freeze on the State-based Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) funding. If adopted, the Resolution of Inquiry would require HHS to transmit to Congress information related to the freeze, including internal communications about the real cause of the freeze, the various contracts that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is violating in addition to the statutory provisions, and how the freeze is being implemented. Multiple Democratic Representatives from Illinois co-sponsored this important oversight legislation, including: Nikki Budzinski; Sean Casten; Bill Foster; Jonathan Jackson; Robin Kelly; Mike Quigley; Jan Schakowsky; Eric Sorensen; and Bradley Schneider.\n\nIn January 2026, the Trump Administration withheld $10 billion in federal funding – over $1 billion for Illinois alone - for essential services that support millions of Americans served by the CCDF, TANF, and SSBG in five states – California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York. HHS has no statutory or constitutional authority to prevent states from accessing these funds. Importantly, in February 2026, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction to block the Trump Administration from withholding the funds to the five states until the legality of the freeze is decided. This injunction was fundamental to preventing harm to children, families, the elderly, people with disabilities, community organizations, and businesses that will occur without the court’s injunction. According to court documents filed this week, HHS conceded to reality and rescinded the freeze.\n\nAs the senior Democrat on the House Subcommittee with jurisdiction over child care, welfare, and social services funding, Rep. Davis and his Democratic colleagues on the House Ways and Means Committee have repeatedly requested information about the freeze. HHS has refused to provide information about any legal basis for the freeze, evidence of the so-called “fraud” listed as the pre-text for halting funds, and other basic facts about the stopping of funds. The ROI directs HHS to transmit copies of any document, audit trail, record, audio recording, memorandum, call log, correspondence (electronic or otherwise), written agreements, report, study, contract, staffing assignment, legal analysis or other communication in their possession, or any portion of any of these items related to key elements of the freeze.\n\n“Allowing the Administration to proceed without Congressional intervention sets a dangerous precedent of letting the Executive Branch ignore the laws Congress enacted governing guaranteed funding streams for all states,” said Rep. Davis. “This legislation would compel the Trump Administration to give Congress all relevant information related to the freezing of child care, social service, and welfare funds for Illinois, California, Colorado, Minnesota, and New York. Given the Administration’s recent $1.8 billion slush fund for President Trump and HHS’s recent politization of vaccines and other health initiatives, now more than ever, it is essential that Congress plays an active role in oversight to ensure that the Trump Administration is operating appropriately without political motivation and that this abuse of power does not occur again.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://dean.house.gov/2026/7/congresswoman-dean-s-statement-on-supporting-the-massie-amendment", "title": "Congresswoman Dean’s Statement On Supporting the “Massie Amendment”", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://dean.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "dean.house.gov", "scraper": "dean", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000631", "name": "Madeleine Dean", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), member of the House Foreign Affairs and Appropriations Committees, released the following statement on her vote for Amendment #8 ( the “Massie Amendment”) to the FY27 National Security, Department of State and Related Programs appropriations bill.\n\n“For nearly three years, I have mourned the unspeakable horrors of October 7th. I have met with the families of the slaughtered and the families of hostages as we fought to bring their loved ones, living and dead, home. I have been to Israel three times since the barbaric Hamas attacks — where I met directly with Prime Minister Netanyahu and members of his administration. I repeatedly implored them to pursue a just war, and warned that Israel would lose support if it did not.\n\nAt the same time, I have met with Palestinian-Americans, Palestinians living in Gaza and the West Bank — families who have lost so many and so much; I have met with healthcare and aid workers — both American and international — operating in Gaza and beyond.\n\nIt is evident that Mr. Netanyahu’s government continues to inflict atrocities and unspeakable crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, on innocent Palestinians, so many of them children.\n\nThat is why today I voted “yes” on Congressman Massie’s flawed amendment — to make clear from me: Not another dime to the Netanyahu government.\n\nIsrael is a friend and ally of the United States, and I have prized my opportunities to visit and get to know her people. But Netanyahu’s prosecution of this war has not made Israel safer. It has not brought stability to the Middle East. And it has not lived up to our American ideals or international law.\n\nAnd, yes, the Massie amendment is deeply flawed; it is too broadly written, and I have great concern for the State Department’s potential to cut funding for humanitarian aid.\n\nYet I want long-term peace, security, sovereignty, dignity, and hope for the Israeli and Palestinian people. Therefore, I cannot support more funding for Mr. Netanyahu’s continuing atrocities.\n\nWhile my colleagues in our Democratic Caucus may cast a variety of votes, we are all united in our hope for long-term peace — just as the Jewish tradition teaches Tikkun Olam.”\n\nRep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7109", "title": "Dingell Introduces Bill to Remove Financial Barriers for Hospice Patients", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) introduced the Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act, legislation requiring the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to test a model under which blood transfusions furnished to an individual receiving hospice care are paid separately from the hospice all-inclusive per diem payment under Medicare.\n\n“Patients at the end of life should never have to choose between the comfort of hospice care and the treatments that help them live with dignity. This bill removes financial barriers so more patients can access the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve,” said Congresswoman Dingell.\n\nThe CMMI must evaluate the model by comparing patients participating in the model with those outside of the model in relation to specified metrics, such as hospital utilization and days of hospice care before the end of life.\n\n\"Blood transfusions are a critical source of comfort and quality of life for many patients receiving hospice care,\" said Kate Fry, CEO of America's Blood Centers. \"This bipartisan legislation removes a financial barrier in the hospice benefit that too often forces patients to choose between hospice care and the transfusions they need. We thank Representative Dingell for championing this bill and for her continued leadership on issues that matter to blood donors and patients alike.\"\n\n“The Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies is proud to support the Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act. Every patient deserves access to safe blood transfusions, regardless of where they are in their care journey. This bill removes a significant obstacle for patients relying on the Medicare hospice benefit,” said Debra BenAvram, FASAE, CAE, CEO of AABB.\n\n“We commend Congresswoman Dingell for introducing the Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act,” said Robert Negrin, MD, president of the American Society of Hematology. “This bill addresses a longstanding gap in hospice care for patients with blood disorders by helping ensure they have access to critical transfusion support and comprehensive care.”\n\nU.S. Senator Jacky Rosen is leading companion legislation in the Senate.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7111", "title": "Dingell Requests Administration Release Delayed Great Lakes Funding to Combat Invasive Species", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) requested the Trump Administration release delayed funding that supports critical efforts to stop the spread of invasive species across the Great Lakes.\n\n“These funds, which were supposed to be obligated by July 1, 2026, have not been released. These dollars are critical for the State of Michigan and the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) in their fight to protect the Great Lakes from invasive species,” said Congresswoman Dingell.\n\nIn a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Congresswoman Dingell asked for the immediate release of delayed Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funding that supports critical efforts to stop the spread of invasive species across the Great Lakes. The funding delays have already forced Michigan to halt federally funded red swamp crayfish control efforts. Congresswoman Dingell warned that continued delays will threaten the health of the Great Lakes, the region’s economy, and the drinking water relied on by more than 40 million people.\n\nA copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:\n\nDear Secretary Burgum:\n\nThis letter expresses concern regarding the delay in Fiscal Year 2025 funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). These funds, which were supposed to be obligated by July 1, 2026, have not been released. These dollars are critical for the State of Michigan and the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) in their fight to protect the Great Lakes from invasive species.\n\nMichigan’s Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) is awaiting $806,428 for their invasive red swamp crayfish management project. The funding was supposed to be received on May 1, 2026. Since the red swamp crayfish’s initial 2017 invasion in Michigan, the MDNR’s work has been essential for suppressing their populations, mitigating their impacts to native species, habitats, and infrastructure, and advancing robust adaptive management for this invader within the entire Great Lakes region. The state has become a global leader in red swamp crayfish management but relies extensively on federal GLRI support for the program.\n\nThe delay in Fiscal Year 2025 GLRI funds has already impacted the MDNR’s ability to conduct red swamp crayfish management and resulted in the MDNR stopping all federally funded invasive crayfish control efforts in May 2026. Any further delays will have severe long-term implications for Michigan’s red swamp crayfish program. The MDNR and their partner Michigan State University will be forced to lay off five full-time staff. This would result in the loss of capacity to conduct red swamp crayfish response, control, monitoring, and research activities in Michigan. In turn, the species would spread unchecked across the Great Lakes region, increasing future control costs, and reducing the feasibility of future management efforts.\n\nThe Great Lakes Commission (GLC) is awaiting $933,809 for four projects that were to begin January 1, 2026. Instead, the projects --- the Regional Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Landing Blitz, the eDNA Inland Lake Pilot Project, the Great Lakes Watercraft Coordinated Data Sharing Pilot, and the next phase of regional coordination of outreach and engagement with the bait industry --- are all on hold because funding has not been received. Without this funding, GLC is unable to support their staff working on AIS issues and unable to address priority AIS issues identified by Great Lakes states across the entire region.\n\nThe Regional Great Lakes AIS Landing Blitz project works with representatives from all eight Great Lakes states to strengthen invasive species prevention efforts through small grant programs. These grants allow volunteers to go out to their local boat ramps to teach boaters and other recreators about the risks of spreading invasive species and the best practices they can take to protect the lakes they love. Over $150,000 goes to local partners to support states with the greatest need for additional boat inspection and outreach efforts. Without this small grant program, states lack the capacity and ability to provide consistent outreach, education, and boat inspections to recreational boaters, increasing the risk of AIS spreading into new waterbodies.\n\nAnother way that GLC battles invasive species is through their work to address introductions via bait. Their project to develop and produce a regional baitfish identification guide in collaboration with numerous partners across the Midwest is a critical effort to engage with the baitfish industry on preventative practices to best protect the Great Lakes region. Without the next phase of funding that was expected, GLC is unable to continue their outreach efforts and unable to produce the baitfish guide that was requested by state partners.\n\nOne of the largest projects that GLC’s Fiscal Year 2025 GLRI funding supports is the eDNA Inland Lake Pilot Project. This project aimed to set best practices for eDNA surveillance within inland lakes that a national effort could build on to expand to improve the efficiency of early detection and rapid response for aquatic invasive species. Many invasive species are difficult to track early in their invasion, and eDNA technology provides a highly sensitive approach to surveillance but needs more refinement before being rolled out at a larger scale. GLC and their partners on the project have already hired staff through planned awards to Michigan State University and two Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas within Michigan to support the project. These staff began work on the project in good faith, but all work had to be stopped due to the funding delay, and staff will be laid off if the delay continues.\n\nThe final project the GLRI funding supports is the Great Lakes Watercraft Coordinated Data Sharing Pilot project. This would allow Great Lakes jurisdictions to share watercraft data with others in the region through a cohesive data collection program. The program would inform regional and national boater movement models, improve understanding of risk, and drive management and prevention actions for invasives. Without data sharing many of these jurisdictions are left on their own and in the dark about the level of risk the bodies of water they are responsible for face from invasive species.\n\nThe Great Lakes are a vital asset for the United States. They hold 90 percent of the United States’ supply of fresh surface water and provide drinking water for well over 40 million people. More than 1.5 million jobs are tied to the Great Lakes, which are a key economic engine for the region that generates billions of dollars. Invasive species put all of this at risk, and these decisions will impact the lakes. It is far less expensive to invest in preventative actions and innovative management, like the projects led by MDNR and GLC, than to manage the fall out of unchecked invasive species spread.\n\nGiven the significant threats the Great Lakes face from invasive species, we ask the Department of the Interior to immediately release GLRI’s obligated funds for Fiscal Year 2025 to MDNR and GLC so they can resume their vital work to protect the lakes and the communities that depend on them for generations to come.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-crow-neguse-pettersen-statement-massie-amendment-republican", "title": "DeGette, Crow, Neguse, Pettersen Statement on Massie Amendment to the Republican Budget", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "degette.house.gov", "scraper": "degette", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000197", "name": "Diana DeGette", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO), Jason Crow (D-CO), Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) released the following statement after voting in favor of Congressman Massie’s amendment to the Republican budget:\n\n“Today we voted against additional taxpayer-funded military aid being given to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government.\n\n“We support Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. We believe that both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to safety, security, and self-determination.\n\n“We should not be giving military aid to any country that does not comply with our own laws and values. The Netanyahu government has failed to meet these standards.\n\n“The status quo is not tenable. We need a different path forward for America’s foreign policy rooted in values and consistent application of the law.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-responds-ct-insider-reporting-children-federal-custody-child", "title": "DeLauro Responds to CT Insider Reporting on Children in Federal Custody: “This is child abuse.”", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "delauro.house.gov", "scraper": "delauro", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000216", "name": "Rosa L. DeLauro", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) responded to reporting from Connecticut Insider which details how dozens of migrant children in Connecticut, some as young as five, were detained by federal agencies and kept separate from their families for hundreds of days:\n\n“President Trump promised his immigration enforcement agenda would target violent criminals. Instead, a five-year-old child, and dozens more like her, was detained and given only one hour a week to visit with her mother. This lasted 118 days.\n\n“It was not because she did not have a parent, it was not because she broke some law — she is five. It was deliberate cruelty, as the Trump administration prioritizes detention and deportation quotas over basic decency and due process. This is child abuse. The result is now dozens of traumatized children in Connecticut, possibly hundreds, with thousands more spread nationwide across this failed system.\n\n“President Trump and Stephen Miller were the architects behind the zero-tolerance family separation policy during the first Trump administration. They are intent on continuing this inhumane policy, just in a new form. We cannot allow this. I am demanding answers and will seek a full accounting of every child still needlessly detained. The administration must reunite these children with their families without delay.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-passage-bill-renaming-west-haven-va-clinic-after", "title": "DeLauro Statement on Passage of Bill Renaming West Haven VA Clinic after Medal of Honor recipient Captain Paul Bucha", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "delauro.house.gov", "scraper": "delauro", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000216", "name": "Rosa L. DeLauro", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WATCH: DeLauro Speaks on Captain Paul Bucha\n\nWASHINGTON —Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, and Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04), Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee, issued the following statements on House passage of H.R. 4647, the Captain Paul W. ‘Bud’ Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025:\n\n“I am grateful for this opportunity to put forward this legislation that would honor a man who embodied the highest ideal of service to his country, his fellow soldiers, and his community—Captain Paul ‘Bud’ Bucha, a longtime resident of Ridgefield and Medal of Honor recipient,” said Congresswoman DeLauro in remarks on the House floor. The Congresswoman continued: “Naming the West Haven VA Medical Center in his honor is a deserving tribute to a hero who fought for this country, earned its highest military distinction, and then continued to fight for veterans throughout his life.”\n\n\"Captain Paul Bucha was an American hero, and I'm grateful to my colleagues for joining Congresswoman DeLauro and me in our effort to rename the West Haven VA in his honor,” said Congressman Himes. “It is my hope that this act of our appreciation serves to enshrine his legacy of service, sacrifice, and courage for years to come and inspires everyone who walks through the doors of that facility.”\n\nCaptain Bucha received the Medal of Honor in 1970 for his heroic service while on active duty during the Vietnam War. Captain Bucha distinguished himself with extraordinary heroism while leading 89 men on a reconnaissance mission near Phuoc Vinh, Vietnam from March 16-19, 1968. Under heavy enemy fire from about 1,500 soldiers, he fearlessly directed defenses, personally destroyed a machine-gun bunker, and sustained a shrapnel wound. Using flashlights in complete view of enemy snipers, Captain Bucha also directed the medical evacuation of three air-ambulance loads of seriously wounded personnel. Under his leadership, D Company went on to become one of the most decorated units by the end of the war.\n\nBucha served as the President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society from 1995 to 1999, and advised President Obama on foreign policy during his 2008 Presidential campaign. He also served on the board of directors of Homes for Our Troops, a Veterans Service Organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes for severely injured Post-9/11 veterans, and as Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment and Training Services at the U.S. Department of Labor.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-us-aid-israel", "title": "DeLauro Statement on US Aid to Israel", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "delauro.house.gov", "scraper": "delauro", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000216", "name": "Rosa L. DeLauro", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement regarding her vote against a Republican amendment to the 2027 State and Foreign Operations (SFOPS) Appropriations Bill that would restrict all financial support to Israel, for both military and civilian purposes:\n\n“I have been a leader in Congress calling for a major surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza, and in advocating for a two-state solution that provides long term security for the Israeli and the Palestinian people. This amendment would put both of those goals in jeopardy.\n\n“Its vague wording gives the Trump Administration broad leeway to determine which programs are defunded and how. Based on the Trump Administration’s failure to meaningfully progress the 20-point peace plan and their track record of defunding international aid programs and diplomatic engagement, I have no doubt that the first programs they choose to cut will be longstanding initiatives that support peace-building activities, facilitate exchanges for students and scholars, assist with refugee resettlement, and provide for scientific and technical cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian organizations. The amendment is so broad that it could even potentially restrict essential U.S. embassy operations, threatening the safety of American citizens in the region.\n\n“I share the concerns of many Americans about U.S. support to Israel’s military operations, and successfully introduced an amendment to the 2027 Defense Appropriations Bill requiring reporting on the use of American weapons by Israel that could be in violation of the ceasefire. My amendment was designed to create transparency—this one does the opposite. The amount of discretion this amendment would provide to the Trump Administration in all aspects of this important relationship is unwise.\n\n“With the expiration of the current 10-year Memorandum of Understanding signed by President Obama and the state of Israel, it is time for a major realignment. Israel is a developed nation that is capable of procuring advanced weapons without US support. Therefore, we must ensure that any future security relationship with Israel is structured similarly to defense agreements with our Western and democratic allies. Maintaining Israel’s security in the region with countries like Iran still requires that we support Israel’s security with defensive systems like Iron Dome, Arrow, and David’s Sling. A new defense agreement must be based on respect for human rights and allow for a route to Palestinian sovereignty.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4380", "title": "DelBene Statement on the Massie Amendment", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "delbene.house.gov", "scraper": "delbene", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000617", "name": "Suzan K. DelBene", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement:\n\n“The American relationship with Israel must change for the good of both the Israeli and Palestinian people. We must find a path towards peace, and that requires thoughtful discussions and vetted policy. This poorly drafted and overly broad amendment does not just cut military aid to Israel. It also eliminates vital humanitarian assistance, halts funding that supports refugee resettlement, prevents the rebuilding of Gaza, disrupts U.S. diplomatic efforts, and weakens our ability to fight terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. We should not let Republicans dictate America’s position on the Middle East.\n\n“The way forward must be anchored in a two-state solution that provides a commitment for Israel’s security alongside a viable, independent Palestinian state. This must include a surge of humanitarian aid to alleviate civilian suffering, aid to rebuild Gaza, and an end to the illegal settler expansion in the West Bank.\n\n“The Netanyahu government is actively blocking this path. By pursuing a military-only strategy, Netanyahu has isolated Israel internationally, damaged its standing in the United States, and killed and displaced civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. Americans should not be subsidizing this reckless and dangerous behavior. As the Israeli Prime Minister says, Israel can finance its own military. While Israel has a right to exist and defend itself from Iran and terrorists, that right does not excuse the horrifying destruction of innocent life or actions that destabilize the entire region.\n\n“The path forward will not be an easy one, but we cannot accept the status quo. Today’s amendment would move us in the wrong direction by cutting humanitarian assistance and diplomatic aid. I voted against it and the underlying funding bill. I will keep working toward real solutions that bring us closer to a lasting and just peace in the Middle East.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4382", "title": "DelBene, Kelly Celebrate Ways & Means Committee Unanimous Passage of Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "delbene.house.gov", "scraper": "delbene", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000617", "name": "Suzan K. DelBene", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Mike Kelly (PA-16) released a joint statement after the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act, their legislation to reform and modernize prior authorization for seniors on Medicare Advantage, unanimously passed the Ways & Means Committee.\n\nThe bill, which has a bipartisan supermajority of nearly 300 House co-sponsors, now advances to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.\n\n“We are incredibly pleased to see the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act advance out of our committee and move to the full U.S. House of Representatives,” the members said. “This legislation puts patient care and patient outcomes first, and it will greatly modernize and streamline the prior authorization process. Today's vote moves this critical legislation one step closer to becoming law.”\n\nPrior authorization is a tool used by health plans to reduce unnecessary care by requiring health care providers to get pre-approval for medical services. But it’s not without fault. The current system often results in unconfirmed faxes of a patient’s medical information or phone calls by clinicians, which takes precious time away from delivering quality and timely care.\n\nPrior authorization continues to be the top administrative burden identified by health care providers, and three out of four Medicare Advantage enrollees are subject to unnecessary delays due to prior authorization. In recent years, the Office of the Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)raised concerns after an audit revealed that Medicare Advantage plans ultimately approved 75%of requests that were originally denied. More recently, HHS released a report finding that MA plans incorrectly denied beneficiaries’ access to services even though they met Medicare coverage rules\n\nHealth plans, health care providers, and patients agree that the prior authorization process must be improved to better serve patients and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens for clinicians. In fact, leading health care organizations released a consensus statement to address some of the most pressing concerns associated with prior authorization.\n\nMore than 35 million American seniors, including nearly 800,000 Washingtonians, are enrolled in Medicare Advantage.\n\nThe bill would:\n\nEstablish an electronic prior authorization process for MA plans including standardization for transactions and clinical attachments.\n\nIncrease transparency around MA prior authorization requirements and its use.\n\nClarify HHS’ authority to establish timeframes for e-prior authorization requests including expedited determinations, real-time decisions for routinely approved items and services, and other prior authorization requests.\n\nExpand beneficiary protections to improve enrollee experiences and outcomes.\n\nRequire HHS and other agencies to report to Congress on program integrity efforts and other ways to further improve the e-PA process.\n\nDelBene led similar legislation in the 118th Congress. The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act unanimously passed the House in the 117th Congress and was cosponsored by a majority of members in the Senate and House of Representatives.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-secures-water-infrastructure-wins-western-pa-biennial-water-0", "title": "Deluzio Secures Water Infrastructure Wins for Western PA in Biennial Water Resources Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "deluzio.house.gov", "scraper": "deluzio", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000530", "name": "Christopher R. Deluzio", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17), a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, voted to pass H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (otherwise known as WRDA) out of committee. This biennial, bipartisan legislation successfully passed out of committee unanimously.\n\nThe WRDA bill is a comprehensive legislative package that authorizes language for conservation, water, and the development of water and water-related resources. It authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, to conduct studies, construct projects, and research activities that can improve rivers and harbors of the United States. Next, the bill heads to the House Floor for debate and vote.\n\n“Rivers run through Western Pennsylvania and connect our region economically, geographically, and culturally,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I am proud that I was able to include some important provisions in the 2026 water resources bill that will support the waterways in our region, help direct more funding to our watershed, and support the people who work or play on or around our rivers.”\n\nSpecifically, the additions that Congressman Deluzio successfully advocated for in this year’s WRDA bill are:\n\nStudying Recreation on the Allegheny River as a Focus of Future Funding Opportunities\n\nThis request authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to study the addition of recreation on the Allegheny River as a project purpose.\n\nAdding recreation as a project purpose would allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Pittsburgh District to compete for recreation funding in the annual O&M budget and appropriations process.\n\nExpand Army Corps of Engineers Collaborations Across Pennsylvania\n\nThe Army Corps has a funding account that allows the Corps to collaborate with states, tribes, or local governments on public health and environmental protection projects", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases/25-members-congress-release-joint-statement-massie-amendment-republican", "title": "25 Members of Congress Release Joint Statement on Massie Amendment to Republican Foreign Aid Budget Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "dexter.house.gov", "scraper": "dexter", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000635", "name": "Maxine Dexter", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, 25 Members of Congress, led by Congressman Jim McGovern, Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, released the following statement in advance of voting yes on Amendment #8, which would halt certain U.S. funding to Israel, to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act:\n\n“As Members of Congress, it is our duty to ensure that our constituents’ hard-earned money is used in a way that advances America’s interests and values. For this reason, we do not support providing an additional $3.3 billion of American taxpayer dollars to be used for Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon—operations which have killed tens of thousands of civilians, led to the indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, and caused severe and ongoing humanitarian catastrophes. These are just the latest in a long string of human rights violations inflicted on Palestinian civilians. For nearly six decades, Israeli security forces and military authorities have enforced the occupation of the Palestinian territories, including through restrictions on freedom of movement, arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. It is clear that existing human rights conditions on the use of American security assistance have not been meaningfully enforced. Enough is enough.\n\n“Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve peace, freedom, security, stability, and self-determination. Those aims will only be achieved when their inherent dignity and inalienable rights are at the center of U.S. policy in the region. Diplomacy is the answer, and as long as America provides constant funding for more war, peace will always remain out of reach.\n\n“Our vote should not be interpreted as opposition to initiatives such as the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act programs or others that foster people-to-people engagement, strengthen civil society, and advance the long-term prospects for a just and lasting peace. We remain committed to supporting these and similar programs while ensuring that U.S. taxpayer dollars advance peace, security, and American interests and values.”\n\nThe statement was released by Representatives: Becca Balint (D-VT), Don Beyer (D-VA), Greg Casar (D-TX), Judy Chu (D-CA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), John Garamendi (D-CA), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL), Adelita S. Grijalva (D-AZ), Val Hoyle (D-OR), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY).", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-don-davis-issues-statement-attending-sons-us-army-infantry", "title": "Congressman Don Davis Issues Statement on Attending Son's U.S. Army Infantry Graduation", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "dondavis.house.gov", "scraper": "dondavis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000230", "name": "Donald G. Davis", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) released the following statement regarding his absence from votes in the U.S. House of Representatives on July 15 and July 16.\n\nAfter participating in House votes on Tuesday, July 14, Congressman Davis traveled to Fort Benning, Georgia, to attend Family Day, the Turning Blue Ceremony, and the graduation of his son, PFC Justin Davis, from U.S. Army Infantry One Station Unit Training with the 3rd Battalion, 54th Infantry Regiment.\n\nPhoto: Congressman Don Davis with his son, Justin.\n\n\"For every military family, there are moments that become part of a family's history and part of our nation's story,\" said Congressman Davis. \"Placing the Infantry blue cord on my son’s shoulder, watching him earn the title of United States Army Infantryman, and seeing him join the proud tradition of those who have defended our nation was one of the proudest moments of my life as a father. That moment represented months of discipline, sacrifice, perseverance, and Justin's unwavering commitment to serving our country. His achievement is a reminder that the freedoms we enjoy as Americans are preserved by those willing to answer our nation's call to serve.”\n\nCongressman Davis reaffirmed that representing the people of eastern North Carolina remains his foremost responsibility.\n\n\"I will continue working every day to represent the people of eastern North Carolina with integrity, accountability, and dedication,\" Davis continued. \"I am grateful for the courage of every servicemember, every veteran, and every military family whose sacrifice preserves our freedom and strengthens our nation. Their service and sacrifice help preserve the freedoms, security, and democratic ideals that define America.\"\n\nCompletion of Infantry One Station Unit Training marks the beginning of a Soldier's service in one of the Army's most demanding and respected career fields.\n\nNorth Carolina's First Congressional District is home to more than 56,000 veterans, and several critical military installations, including Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, U.S. Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City, and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point are in eastern North Carolina. The servicemembers, veterans, and military families connected to these installations strengthen our region through their service, leadership, and lasting contributions to our communities.\n\nCongressman Don Davis is a 1994 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and a U.S. Air Force veteran. He serves as Vice Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee and serves on the Readiness and Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittees.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://downing.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-downings-crow-tribe-water-rights-settlement-amendments-act-passes", "title": "Congressman Downing's Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act Passes House Natural Resources Committee", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://downing.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "downing.house.gov", "scraper": "downing", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000634", "name": "Troy Downing", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy Downing's bill, H.R. 726, the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025, passed the House Natural Resources Committee.\n\nThe legislation updates the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010 to provide the Crow Tribe with greater flexibility to develop water infrastructure and keep long-overdue projects on the reservation moving forward.\n\nThe original settlement ratified the water rights compact between the Crow Tribe and the State of Montana and authorized the Bureau of Reclamation to rehabilitate the Crow Irrigation Project (CIP) and construct a Municipal, Rural, and Industrial (MR&I) water system.\n\nH.R. 726 modernizes that framework by converting the MR&I component from a single centralized project into a more flexible, localized approach. Instead of one large system, the legislation allows the Tribe to develop smaller water and wastewater projects tailored to the needs of individual communities across the reservation.\n\nIn addition, the legislation extends the Crow Tribe's exclusive right to develop a hydropower project at the Yellowtail Afterbay Dam for five years, through 2030, helping support future energy development on the reservation.\n\n\"Access to clean and reliable water is critical for the Crow Tribe and the communities it serves,\" said Congressman Downing. \"I'm proud that H.R. 726 passed the House Natural Resources Committee. Advancing this legislation will provide the Tribe with the flexibility it needs to develop water and wastewater projects that work for local communities, as well as pursue hydropower development at Yellowtail Afterbay Dam. This bipartisan legislation honors our commitments to the Crow Tribe and invests in Montana's future.\"\n\nRead the bill HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025 provides critical updates to the 2010 Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act without any additional federal expenditures or alterations to existing water rights.\n\nThe original settlement authorized approximately $460 million for the MR&I water system, improvements to the Crow Irrigation Project, and hydropower development at Yellowtail Afterbay Dam.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-highlights-postal-service-improvement-areas", "title": "Johnson Highlights Postal Service Improvement Areas", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "dustyjohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000301", "name": "Dusty Johnson", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) sent a letter to U.S. Postmaster General David Steiner highlighting geographic areas of South Dakota still experiencing Postal Service delays and service issues.\n\n“A functional and efficient Postal Service is essential for many South Dakotans,” said Johnson. “While I’m encouraged to see some improvements in service, progress for southeastern South Dakota is failing to meet the standard of service South Dakotans expect. I’m looking forward to ongoing discussions with the Postmaster General on how we can work together to provide a Postal Service that works for South Dakota.”\n\nUnited States Postal Service data shows continued delivery delays for postal customers in the Sioux Falls metro area and southeastern South Dakota.\n\nSouth Dakotans can submit feedback to the United States Post Office’s Office of the Inspector General here.\n\nClick here to view the letter.\n\nBackground:\n\nJohnson surveyed thousands of South Dakotans in December 2025 about their experiences with USPS. He heard hundreds of stories about the impacts of delayed delivery and package routing negatively impacting families and businesses.\n\nJohnson hosted a roundtable event in Sioux Falls January 2026 to hear first-hand experiences with the Postal Service. Johnson was joined by Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX) who chairs the subcommittee which has oversight of the USPS.\n\nJohnson then sent a letter to Steiner detailing the Postal Services’ shortcomings in service. Rep. Sessions joined Johnson for a tour of the Sioux Falls mail processing facility on April 2, 2026.\n\nJohnson’s full letter to Steiner:\n\nPostmaster General Steiner,\n\nI am writing once again regarding the performance of the United States Postal Service (USPS) in South Dakota. Earlier this year, I shared concerns raised by thousands of South Dakotans, outlined persistent service challenges, and expressed my hope that by July 2026 we would be able to point to measurable improvements in service reliability, staffing, and delivery performance.\n\nI appreciate the work USPS has undertaken to improve operations over the past year. The latest performance data shows meaningful progress across much of South Dakota, demonstrating that operational improvements are possible even in some of the nation’s most geographically challenging rural delivery areas. Those improvements deserve recognition, and I appreciate the efforts of USPS employees and leadership who have helped produce them.\n\nHowever, South Dakotans in the Sioux Falls region still report delayed and missed deliveries, inconsistent service, staffing shortages, and disruptions affecting prescriptions, financial documents, newspapers, and small businesses. In a rural state like South Dakota, dependable mail service is not simply a convenience, it is essential infrastructure that families, businesses, and communities rely upon every day.\n\nThese concerns are reflected in USPS’s own performance data, attached to this letter. Using September 2025 – the closest available ZIP3 benchmark to the beginning of your tenure, as the point of comparison – USPS has achieved measurable improvements across nearly every South Dakota service region. ZIP3 regions 572 through 577 have all shown improvement across key inbound mail performance metrics. Those results are encouraging and demonstrate that meaningful progress is achievable.\n\nHowever, the two service areas that encompass nearly half of South Dakota’s resident – ZIP3 regions 570 and 571 – have experienced measurable declines over the same period. Given the success achieved elsewhere in the state, understanding why these two regions remain outliers is particularly important.\n\nI am encouraged by USPS’s decision to install a new PILS machine serving the 571 region. That investment reflects a recognition that additional operational capacity is needed, and I am hopeful it will produce the same measurable improvements that residents in other parts of South Dakota have already begun to experience.\n\nAt the same time, I recognize that no single investment is likely to resolve every operational challenge affecting service in the 570 and 571 regions. For that reason, I want to ensure the deployment of this new equipment is accompanied by whatever additional operational, staffing, or transportation improvements may be necessary to restore reliable service. My office stands ready to assist that effort wherever Congress can be helpful.\n\nAccordingly, I respectfully request a written response addressing the following:\n\nThe primary operational factors contributing to declining performance in ZIP3 regions 570 and 571, including staffing levels, vacancy rates, transportation networks, mail processing operations, facility capacity, or any other relevant challenges;\n\nThe specific actions USPS is taking to improve service in these regions, including how the new PILS machine fits into the agency’s broader operational strategy and whether successful practices implemented elsewhere in South Dakota can be applied in these service areas;\n\nThe measurable performance goals and anticipated timeline for improvement in the affected regions, including how USPS intends to evaluate and communicate progress; and\n\nAny legislative, regulatory, operational, or resource constraints that may be limiting USPS’s ability to improve service and where Congress may be able to provide assistance.\n\nMy objective is not simply to identify shortcomings, but to better understand how we can work together to improve mail service for the people of South Dakota. If there are barriers preventing USPS from delivering the level of service South Dakotans deserve, I want to understand what role Congress can play in addressing them.\n\nThe progress achieved across much of the state demonstrates that improvement is possible. I am hopeful the investments now being made in the Sioux Falls region will allow those same gains to extend to the communities that have yet to experience them. I look forward to working with you to ensure that every South Dakotan receives the reliable postal service they depend on.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,\n\nDUSTY JOHNSON\n\nMember of Congress", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-advances-fy27-national-security-and-state-department-funding-bill", "title": "Edwards Advances FY27 National Security and State Department Funding Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "edwards.house.gov", "scraper": "edwards", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000246", "name": "Chuck Edwards", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Edwards voted to pass the FY27 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill to strengthen America's national security and support key allies.\n\nThe FY27 National Security and State Department bill strengthens America's position abroad by supporting key allies like Israel, Taiwan, Jordan, and Egypt while confronting threats from Communist China, Iran, drug cartels, and other adversaries. The legislation refocuses foreign assistance on advancing U.S. national security and economic interests, while ensuring our international partners do their fair share.\n\nAdditionally, the bill cuts wasteful spending, increases oversight of foreign assistance programs, and ensures taxpayer dollars are spent on policies and programs that make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.\n\nAs Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, Congressman Edwards played a key role in advancing the legislation through the appropriations process.\n\n\"America's foreign policy should put the interests of the American people first,” said Congressman Edwards.“This bill strengthens our national security, supports our allies, counters our adversaries, and ensures taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. As Vice Chairman of the National Security and State Department Appropriations Subcommittee, I'm proud to help advance legislation that reinforces America's leadership abroad while demanding greater accountability for every dollar we spend.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-statement-republican-amendment-8-fy2027-national-security", "title": "Elfreth Statement on Republican Amendment #8 to the FY2027 National Security Appropriations Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "elfreth.house.gov", "scraper": "elfreth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000301", "name": "Sarah Elfreth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) voted present on Representative Massie’s amendment to the FY2027 national security appropriations bill and issued the following statement.\n\n“America’s relationship with our only liberal, democratic ally in the Middle East, Israel, deserves a serious policy discussion. The amendment that Representative Massie, a member with a record of antisemitism, put forward was instead political grandstanding – it was a ploy to divide Democrats masquerading as a legitimate policy debate. This amendment was written so broadly that it would further destabilize the Middle East and cut a wide range of longstanding funding for humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, and peace-building initiatives throughout the region, including the West Bank. We voted on this poorly written, sledgehammer of an amendment because Republicans were having a bad week politically – and they wanted Democrats to have a worse one. I refuse to participate in the brazenly political games of Republican leadership, which is why I decided to take my first present vote in Congress.\n\n“In taking this vote, I also want to make clear that the current dynamics of our allyship are not sustainable for the region and our nation. Over the past decade, the Israeli and the United States governments have experienced a serious, far-right shift under Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump. The American people feel unheard. This extremism has led the United States into an unnecessary, unconstitutional war with Iran, where the United States lost 14 servicemembers in combat and is currently spending untold billions of American taxpayer dollars – restarting strikes just this week. We must be clear-eyed in confronting the extremist leadership that is jeopardizing peace, a two-state solution, and American leadership abroad. Our responsibility is clear. Our two countries must together strengthen our democratic alliances worldwide, eradicate terrorism, adhere to the highest human rights standards, and focus on building a lasting peace for the region.\n\n“While there is much work ahead, I have long held the belief and the resolute hope in a lasting two-state solution. The people of Israel deserve safety and security, and the United States should continue to bipartisanly affirm Israel’s right to exist. The Palestinian people deserve self-determination and a surge of humanitarian aid – the exact type of aid that this amendment cuts. This decades-long issue is larger than our current leadership. It is our responsibility to craft and advance meaningful foreign policies that ensure all people – Israeli and Palestinian alike – can live and thrive without fear of violence. Today’s amendment failed to meet that serious standard.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3256", "title": "Congresswoman Escobar Statement on Human Rights Watch/ACLU Report on Camp East Montana", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement in response to a joint, 84 page report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on the conditions at Camp East Montana:\n\n“The joint report published by Human Rights Watch and the ACLU on conditions at Camp East Montana only further confirms what I have been sounding alarms about since the facility opened in August 2025.\n\n“In my nearly ten oversight visits to Camp East Montana, I have witnessed firsthand the dysfunction, neglect and incompetence of very highly paid contractors. Detainees, advocates and whistleblowers have also shared with me innumerable examples of the lack of medical care, legal services, hygiene, edible food and countless other issues. For months, I have raised these issues to ICE personnel and contractors; despite some changes and improvements, the most consequential and egregious problems persist.\n\n“Camp East Montana is a $1.24 billion tent city where oversight has been limited and challenging. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have attempted to address many of these issues legislatively, to both address the violations of federal standards at Camp East Montana and prevent this blueprint from being used across the country. During the appropriations process, I’ve tried including reporting requirements, funding entities that provide oversight to facilities like Camp East Montana, preventing the use of military installations for immigration detention facilities and more in our funding bills. Republicans have unfortunately blocked many of my efforts. Stephen Miller is the architect of this brutal, costly and inhumane immigration detention scheme, and Congressional Republicans have been complicit.\n\n“Camp East Montana is central to Trump's mass deportation strategy, a purgatory where immigrants — many of whom had legal protections, permission to be in the country and no criminal records — are warehoused after they have been disappeared from their communities. These tents were allegedly designed to hold people temporarily, but many immigrants have been held there for months without any end in sight, and this has been one of the many reasons why so many of the people held there endure mental health crises.\n\n“There is a new DHS Secretary and new ICE leadership in DC and in the El Paso sector, and I’ve shared much of this with them in the hopes of seeing significant changes made going forward. But I also continue to call for the immediate and permanent closure of this tent city. As I continue my oversight work, I'm grateful groups like the Human Rights Watch and ACLU amplify everything I’ve been detailing. We must hold all those responsible for atrocities like murder, corruption, fraud, waste and abuse accountable.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3257", "title": "Congresswoman Escobar Statement on Massie Amendment", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement:\n\n\"I will not support sending $3.3 billion to a Netanyahu government that has ignored our laws, interests, and values under both the Biden and Trump administrations. Israel's operations in Gaza and Lebanon have resulted in staggering civilian casualties, widespread destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, and other essential infrastructure, and an unbearable humanitarian cost, and the surge in state-backed settler violence in the West Bank becomes more alarming by the day.\n\n\"The Israeli and Palestinian people deserve to live in peace, security, and freedom. But, lasting, durable peace will not be achieved through endless cycles of violence, and providing Netanyahu with an unconditional blank check without accountability and stronger oversight does not make Israel or the U.S. safer, stronger, or more secure.\n\n\"While the Massie amendment is imperfect, I plan to vote ‘yes’.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2160", "title": "Ezell Celebrates Christening of Future USS George M. Neal at Ingalls Shipbuilding", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "ezell.house.gov", "scraper": "ezell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000235", "name": "Mike Ezell", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Last weekend, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) joined U.S. Navy leaders, HII executives, the Neal family, and shipbuilders at Ingalls Shipbuilding on Saturday to celebrate the christening of the future USS George M. Neal (DDG 131), the fourth Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer to be built at Ingalls.\n\nThe future USS George M. Neal is named in honor of Aviation Machinist's Mate Third Class George M. Neal, a Korean War veteran and recipient of the Navy Cross. Neal displayed extraordinary courage during a 1951 rescue mission after surviving a helicopter crash behind enemy lines, evading capture for nine days before becoming a prisoner of war. He was released in 1952 after enduring more than a year in captivity.\n\n“The christening of the future USS George M. Neal is a proud moment for Mississippi and our nation,” Ezell said. “George M. Neal’s courage, sacrifice, and service represent the very best of America, and it is fitting that this warship will carry his legacy for generations to come. I’m grateful to the hardworking men and women of Ingalls Shipbuilding whose craftsmanship strengthens our Navy, supports our Gulf Coast economy, and helps keep our nation safe.”\n\n“The future USS George M. Neal honors a legacy of extraordinary courage and sacrifice,” Under-Secretary of the Navy William Toti said. “As we christen this ship, we mark another step toward building the Navy our nation needs. Flight III destroyers are critical to our nation’s security, and we are proud to accept each one built by the skilled workforce at Ingalls.\"\n\n“As a company, HII does a lot of amazing things, but only people — human beings — build ships. They build ships with their hands, their minds and toughness. The people of Ingalls Shipbuilding are among the finest craftsmen and craftswomen on the face of the Earth,” Kastner said. “When she is delivered, DDG 131 will be the most powerful surface combatant in the world. She will be ready. She’ll be ready because the United States of America makes a conscious choice, generation after generation for now 250 years, to invest in U.S. Navy ships, built by Americans, in America.”\n\n“On behalf of my family, I express my deepest gratitude to the United States Navy, to the incredible honor, for this magnificent destroyer after my father, George Milton Neal,” Gray said. “We are forever grateful that his life of service, sacrifice and courage will be remembered through a ship that will one day defend our nation and carry his legacy throughout the world.”\n\nThe traditional christening ceremony featured remarks from senior Navy officials, HII leadership, and the ship's sponsor, Kelley Neal Gray, daughter of the ship's namesake, who performed the ceremonial bottle-breaking against the ship's bow.\n\nAs a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, Rep. Ezell emphasized the importance of Mississippi's shipbuilding industry to both the nation's defense and the Gulf Coast economy.\n\nDDG 131 is one of several Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers currently under construction at Ingalls Shipbuilding. These next-generation warships feature the advanced AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and the Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System, significantly enhancing the Navy's ability to counter evolving threats and maintain maritime dominance.\n\nIngalls Shipbuilding has delivered 36 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to the U.S. Navy and continues to play a critical role in building the future fleet that protects America's interests around the world.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=647", "title": "Leger Fernandez Votes to Cut Offensive Military Aid To Israel", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "fernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000273", "name": "Teresa Leger Fernandez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Leger Fernandez voted for an amendment to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act (H.R. 8595) introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) to prohibit funds appropriated by the Act from being used for Israel’s offensive weapons and activities.\n\n“Peace cannot be built with more bombs.\n\nCongress has a responsibility to make sure American taxpayer dollars reflect American laws, American values, and our commitment to human rights. When they do not, we have a duty to change course.\n\nI voted for the amendment because the United States cannot continue writing blank checks for offensive military assistance to Netanyahu’s government as he causes such death and destruction for innocent Palestinian civilians, villagers in the West Bank, and disrupts a world order that values peace and respect.\n\nThe Israeli and Palestinian people both deserve to raise their children free from terror, violence, and fear. Israel has the right to exist and to live in security. Both sides deserve to practice their religion and faith. That’s why I continue to support defensive systems that protect civilian lives, which are not affected by this amendment,” said Leger Fernández.\n\nThe House passed H.R. 8595 by a vote of 217-209, with Congresswoman Leger Fernández voting against the bill’s final passage. The bill undermines American diplomacy, weakens our national security, and makes significant cuts to lifesaving humanitarian aid.\n\nThis bill also advances the Republican voter suppression bill called the SAVE America Act.\n\n“The SAVE America Act will make it harder to register to vote, especially if you’re a woman, live in a rural community, serve in the military, or are a Tribal voter. If you’re wealthy enough to have a passport, you’re fine. But more than 21 million Americans don’t have one. Under the SAVE America Act, a REAL ID driver’s license in most states or other common forms of ID wouldn’t be enough to register. This isn’t about election security. It’s about making it harder for eligible Americans to vote. The only thing this bill is designed to save is Republicans’ electoral butts in November,” said Leger Fernández.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://figures.house.gov/media/press-releases/figures-introduces-legislation-support-alabama-farmers-impacted-trump", "title": "Figures Introduces Legislation to Support   Alabama Farmers Impacted by the Trump Administration’s Trade Policies", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://figures.house.gov/media", "domain": "figures.house.gov", "scraper": "figures", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000481", "name": "Shomari Figures", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Shomari C. Figures (AL-02) introduced the\n\nTariff Impacted Farmer Support Act of 2026 to provide targeted financial relief and support for farmers who produce cotton, peanuts, soybeans, corn, and poultry.\n\nFarmers across Alabama and the nation continue to face rising production costs, market volatility, and economic uncertainty that have placed extraordinary pressure on family farming operations. These challenges are compounded by retaliatory tariffs resulting from the Trump Administration's trade policies. For farmers operating on thin margins, a single year of substantial losses can threaten the long-term viability of their operations.\n\n“Alabama farmers are the backbone of our economy and of rural communities throughout the state,” said Congressman Figures. “Amid incredibly difficult economic challenges, farmers have repeatedly demonstrated their resilience and grit, but many smaller operations lack the financial reserves necessary to withstand prolonged market disruptions, lost export sales, and the uncertainty created by President Trump’s tariffs. Our farmers deserve our support, and my bill will provide the financial assistance needed to help preserve family farming operations, strengthen rural economies, and ensure that our producers can continue feeding, fueling, and clothing our nation.”\n\nCongressman Figures’ bill comes on the heels of a meeting with farmers in Macon County. During this meeting, farmers consistently warned about the dire circumstances they face due to rising costs, market instability and lower profits. In addition, farmers voiced concerns about receiving minimal assistance from President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” as well as the deployment of roughly $20 billion taxpayer bailout to the Government of Argentina while American agricultural producers are facing measurable financial strain.\n\nThe Tariff Impacted Farmer Support Act of 2026 would authorize up to $15 billion through the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide temporary direct assistance to qualifying agricultural producers of soybeans, cotton, corn, peanuts, and poultry.\n\nEligibility would be limited to agricultural producers of small and mid-sized family farms with total revenues of $500,000 or less, consistent with applicable definitions under the Food Security Act.\n\nCongressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) is an original co-sponsor. The Alabama Contract Poultry Growers Association endorsed the bill.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/fong-secures-local-wins-water-resources-development-act", "title": "Fong Secures Local Wins in Water Resources Development Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fong.house.gov", "scraper": "fong", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000480", "name": "Vince Fong", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unanimously passed H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, bipartisan legislation that authorizes critical water resources infrastructure projects across the country. Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) voted in support of the bill, successfully securing several key wins for the Central Valley.\n\n“Water is the lifeblood of our communities, and this legislation delivers critical investments in the water infrastructure our farmers, families, and businesses rely on every day,” said Congressman Fong. “From expanding water storage projects including Pine Flat Lake to protecting our reservoirs from the growing threat of wildfires, I fought to secure needed initiatives and projects that will strengthen our region’s water resilience and safeguard our future. These investments will help ensure that the Central Valley has the resources it needs to thrive for generations to come. I am grateful to Chairman Graves and my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for advancing this important legislation.”\n\n“The Friant Water Authority is grateful for Congressman Vince Fong’s leadership and dedication to ensuring a sustainable water future for our region,” said Johnny Amaral, CEO Friant Water Authority. “His efforts to incorporate the valuable findings from airborne snow observatories will significantly enhance our ability to optimize water resources. Furthermore, providing the Army Corps with additional authorities to proactively mitigate wildfire risks around our Valley’s reservoirs and lakes is a crucial step in safeguarding our communities and natural resources. Thank you, Congressman Fong, for your commitment to advancing our water management strategies through the Water Resources Development Act.”\n\n“As we continue advancing efforts to raise Pine Flat Dam and improve management of the Kings River watershed to reduce flood risk and strengthen long-term drought resilience, we strongly support the important provisions included in the House Committee-passed WRDA bill,” said David Merritt, General Manager of the Kings River Conservation District. “We appreciate Representative Fong's continued leadership and support for these critical water resource projects and look forward to working together to advance durable, long-term solutions that benefit the San Joaquin Valley.”\n\n“As we strive to raise Buchanan Dam and expand Eastman Reservoir as well as effectively manage the Chowchilla River watershed to mitigate flood risks and enhance drought resilience, we wholeheartedly support the provisions included in the House Committee Passed WRDA bill by Congressman Fong,” said Brandon Tomlinson, GM Chowchilla Water District. “We are grateful for Congressman Fong's leadership and Congressman McClintock and Gray’s support of our essential water resource projects and look forward to collaborating on enduring solutions for the San Joaquin Valley.\"\n\nWRDA is bipartisan legislation that Congress has passed every two years since 2014 to improve the nation's ports, harbors, inland waterways, flood protection, and water resources infrastructure. H.R. 9497 authorizes 133 new feasibility studies and 14 projects ready for construction, while streamlining U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) processes and empowering local stakeholders to deliver projects more efficiently.\n\nThanks to Congressman Fong's advocacy, H.R. 9497 includes the following wins for local communities:\n\nPine Flat Dam Raise\n\nAccelerates and expedites the completion of a feasibility study for the Pine Flat Dam Raise located in Fresno County, California, with the goal of advancing ecosystem restoration and bolstering water supply.\n\nEastman Lake Enlargement — Chowchilla Water Resiliency Project\n\nPlaces the Buchanan Dam Raise on the USACE's Expedited Projects List, accelerating a project that would increase Eastman Lake's capacity by 50,000 acre-feet and deliver approximately 8,750 additional acre-feet of surface water annually to Central Valley growers facing significant groundwater deficits.\n\nAirborne Snow Observatories (ASO/FIRO)\n\nDirects the USACE to incorporate Airborne Snow Observatory flights into reservoir water control manuals, providing real-time snowpack data to improve water storage decisions and reservoir operations across the Central Valley.\n\nWildfire Risk Assessments for USACE Dams and Reservoirs\n\nProvides new authorities for the USACE to proactively assess wildfire risk at USACE-owned reservoirs, develop mitigation action plans, and partner with non-federal entities to reduce wildfire-related threats to Central Valley water supply reliability. Local USACE projects include Redbank and Fancher Creek, Success Lake, Pine Flat Lake, Lake Kaweah, and Lake Isabella.\n\nAdditionally, H.R. 9497 delivers broader national benefits by:\n\nAuthorizing major infrastructure projects approved by the USACE\n\nReauthorizing the High Hazard Potential Dam safety program through 2031\n\nStrengthening flood risk management and levee maintenance programs\n\nImproving inland waterway navigation to support American commerce\n\nStreamlining USACE processes and reducing federal bureaucracy\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/ranking-member-foushees-opening-statement-at-hearing-on-space-commerces-mission-authorization-proposal", "title": "Ranking Member Foushee's Opening Statement at Hearing on Space Commerce's Mission Authorization Proposal", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "foushee.house.gov", "scraper": "foushee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000477", "name": "Valerie P. Foushee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC (July 15, 2026) — Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology is holding a Space Subcommittee hearing titled, “A Review of the Office of Space Commerce’s Mission Authorization Proposal.”\n\nSpace Subcommittee Ranking Member Valerie Foushee (D-NC) opening statement as prepared for the record is below:\n\nGood morning, and thank you Chairman Haridopolos for holding today’s hearing to review the Trump Administration’s mission authorization proposal. I want to welcome Director Jordan and thank you for being here to testify before the Subcommittee.\n\nMission authorization and a regulatory framework for novel space activities may seem far removed from the concerns most Americans face every day. Families are focused on whether they can afford health care, groceries, gas, housing, and education costs, and whether good-paying jobs and economic opportunities will be available in their communities. Those concerns must remain at the center of our work, and I am fighting to ensure that every American has affordable access to the everyday essentials and the resources they need to build a secure and prosperous future.\n\nSpace policy is connected to that work. Space-based technology and services support communications, navigation, weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, national security, and other systems that Americans rely on every day. In fact, if you used GPS or checked the weather on your phone this morning, you relied on technology in space. Space is, quite literally, in our pockets.\n\nBut space also inspires us to look beyond the everyday and creates opportunities to build the workforce and capabilities that move our country forward—just look at the successful Artemis II mission and the benefits it has already delivered.\n\nThe growing commercial space economy can also create jobs and expand economic opportunity, but those benefits must reach communities across the country, not just a select few. Like other emerging technologies, a mission authorization framework must strike the right balance between expanding economic opportunity and ensuring meaningful oversight, accountability and appropriate guardrails.\n\nThis is a governing challenge with which I’m deeply familiar through my work on artificial intelligence. As I have made crystal clear, technological progress cannot come at the expense of other important U.S. interests, including national security, scientific advancement, foreign policy, safety, privacy, and the environment. That is why we must consider the implications, impacts, and potential unintended consequences of any mission authorization proposal and process.\n\nLarge satellite constellations, for example, can interfere with optical and radio astronomy due to their reflectivity and radio transmission inference. Further, future commercial spacecraft that might land on the surface of Mars, could bring contamination that could affect the search for life, a fundamental scientific pursuit.\n\nWe must also carefully consider how new space technologies and mission proposals could affect orbital debris risks or threaten the sustainability of the space environment. Let me be clear. Supporting technological progress and requiring responsible behaviors from commercial companies are not competing goals. We can do both, and any mission authorization framework must reflect that principle.\n\nI look forward to hearing about the Office of Space Commerce’s mission authorization proposal, and looking ahead, I also hope the Subcommittee will seek input from other federal agencies, industry experts, scientists, and additional stakeholders.\n\nBefore I close, Mr. Chairman, I want to note my disappointment that the Committee was not provided with advanced notice of the Office of Space Commerce’s release of their mission authorization proposal, a briefing on the proposal, or even a briefing on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s fiscal year 2027 request for the Office of Space Commerce, despite multiple requests. This is not the transparency we expect as the Committee of jurisdiction.\n\nWith that, I thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-foushee-introduces-grad-student-affordable-housing-act-to-help-graduate-students-access-safe-affordable-housing", "title": "Rep. Foushee Introduces Grad Student Affordable Housing Act to Help Graduate Students Access Safe, Affordable Housing", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "foushee.house.gov", "scraper": "foushee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000477", "name": "Valerie P. Foushee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Data from the Education Data Initiative illustrates the scale of this burden: master’s and doctoral students pay an average of $12,554 and $14,548 for room and board at public universities, and $15,480 and $19,180 at private institutions. These rising costs add financial pressure on students pursuing advanced degrees in fields that serve classrooms, labs, hospitals, and more.\n\nIn North Carolina’s Fourth Congressional District, graduate and professional students play an indispensable role at institutions, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina Central University, and Duke University. These students contribute to classrooms, laboratories, hospitals, public service programs, and community-based research throughout the Research Triangle, even as many face significant housing cost burdens.\n\n“Graduate and professional students are integral to the mission of higher education. While pursuing advanced degrees, they teach, conduct research, provide patient care, and serve their communities in transformative ways. Yet the rising cost of housing continues to outpace many graduate student stipends and trainee compensation rates, creating barriers that can affect recruitment, retention, and student well-being. Expanding conversations around graduate student housing recognizes that affordable, stable housing is fundamental to educational opportunity and to sustaining the talent that will shape the future of research, healthcare, education, and public service,” said Jaden R. Smith, President of the Graduate and Professional Student Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-foushee-supports-massie-amendment-rejects-gop-foreign-affairs-funding-bill-with-harmful-riders", "title": "Rep. Foushee Supports Massie Amendment, Rejects GOP Foreign Affairs Funding Bill with Harmful Riders", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "foushee.house.gov", "scraper": "foushee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000477", "name": "Valerie P. Foushee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC (July 15, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) voted in favor of Congressman Thomas Massie’s amendment to restrict U.S. military assistance to Israel, while opposing the underlying Republican National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP/SFOPS) appropriations bill. Congresswoman Foushee released the following statement regarding the vote:\n\n“Congress has a responsibility to ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and that our foreign policy reflects our values, humanitarian standards, and national security interests. Today, I supported Congressman Massie’s amendment because Congress must exercise its oversight role and ensure accountability in how U.S. military assistance is provided.\n\n“Although I support this amendment, I do not support the broader Republican funding bill. This legislation weakens America’s national security by cutting critical diplomatic, humanitarian, and development programs that help prevent conflict, respond to crises, and strengthen communities around the world. This bill also includes extreme ideological riders, including provisions targeting women, LGBTQI+ communities, and vulnerable people, as well as the Republican-backed SAVE Act, which would make it harder for eligible Americans to exercise their right to vote. The inclusion of the SAVE Act transforms this already harmful bill into a direct attack on our democracy that must be rejected wholeheartedly and without hesitation.”\n\nAn Appropriations Committee Democrats factsheet on the standalone National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP/SFOPS) appropriations bill can be found here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5022", "title": "Frankel: Trump and Republicans Are Making America Less Secure", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "frankel.house.gov", "scraper": "frankel", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000462", "name": "Lois Frankel", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP), released the following statement after voting against House Republicans' Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill.\n\n\"This bill should have been our moment to strengthen America and show the world that American leadership still matters. Done right, it would have made our nation safer, stronger, and more secure—at home and abroad. Instead, it falls painfully short,\" said Rep. Frankel.\n\n\"Rather than making smart investments in the tools that prevent conflict and build peace and prosperity, the Trump Administration has embraced bullying, reckless tariffs, and a war that is costing our nation billions of dollars and countless lives, with no end in sight. Real security requires more than military force. It requires diplomacy. It requires development. It requires humanitarian leadership. It means showing up before a crisis becomes a catastrophe, before instability becomes extremism, and before conflict becomes war. That is how we build strong alliances, create trading partners, stop diseases before they reach our shores, and keep America's sons and daughters out of costly wars.\n\n\"Instead of repairing the damage caused by dismantling USAID, this bill doubles down. It slashes humanitarian assistance, weakens our diplomatic corps, undermines development programs that advance American interests, and turns its back on the partnerships that have strengthened our nation for generations. Foreign assistance is not charity—it is a strategic investment in our national security. When America steps back, our adversaries—including China—step in.\n\n\"As Ranking Member of the NSRP Subcommittee, I will continue fighting for a foreign policy that reflects our values and protects our security. A strong America requires both hard power and soft power. Our greatest strength has never been our military alone—it is our diplomacy, our alliances, our humanitarian leadership, and our enduring commitment to building a more stable, more prosperous, and more secure world. This bill fails to meet that standard, which is why I voted no.\"\n\nThe FY27 NSRP bill would", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1918", "title": "Franklin Votes To Advance FY27 National Security Appropriations Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "franklin.house.gov", "scraper": "franklin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000472", "name": "Scott Franklin", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Scott Franklin today issued the following statement after passage of H.R. 8595, the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act:\n\n\"The best way to protect the American people is to prevent threats from becoming conflicts. That requires more than the strongest military in the world. It also requires a foreign policy that strengthens our alliances, deters our adversaries and advances America's interests.\n\n\"This bill reflects that approach. It strengthens support for key allies, reinforces our position in the Indo-Pacific, invests in embassy security, provides additional resources to combat fentanyl trafficking and helps counter the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party. It also strengthens oversight of foreign assistance to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and focused on advancing America's national security interests.\"\n\n\"America cannot afford to treat diplomacy as an open-ended commitment without accountability or measurable results. Protecting our national security requires making smart investments, setting clear priorities and ensuring every taxpayer dollar serves a strategic purpose. This bill directs resources toward our highest national security priorities, helping protect the American people, support our allies and deter our adversaries.\n\n\"As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I was pleased to help advance this legislation through committee and support its passage on the House floor. This marks the third FY27 funding bill the House has passed, and I look forward to continuing that progress as we consider the remaining funding bills.\n\n\"I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take up this bill, along with the first two appropriations bills already passed by the House, so we can complete the appropriations process on time. Returning to regular order brings greater transparency, accountability and certainty to the funding process, and that's how Congress should be doing its work.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://fuller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fuller-introduces-the-shield-citizens-act-requiring-us-citizenship-for-federal-welfare-programs", "title": "Congressman Fuller Introduces the SHIELD Citizens Act, Requiring U.S. Citizenship for Federal Welfare Programs", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fuller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fuller.house.gov", "scraper": "fuller", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000485", "name": "Clay Fuller", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington D.C. - Congressman Fuller introduced the Securing Healthcare and Income Entitlements for Lawfully Domiciled Citizens Act, or the SHIELD Citizens Act, H.R. 9667, to keep federal welfare programs for citizens of the United States only, barring the programs for non-citizens.\n\nThe bill amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to require citizenship for TANF, SNAP, Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, federal housing assistance, WIC, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.\n\n\"Thirty years ago, this would have been a bipartisan issue, but this illustrates how far the radical left has shifted. Welfare programs funded by American tax dollars should not be the incentive, nor should they be available to non-citizens,\" said Congressman Fuller.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://fuller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fuller-votes-to-block-financial-surveillance-of-lawful-gun-owners", "title": "Congressman Fuller Votes to Block Financial Surveillance of Lawful Gun Owners", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fuller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fuller.house.gov", "scraper": "fuller", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000485", "name": "Clay Fuller", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Fuller voted to pass the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, barring payment card networks from tagging firearms retailers with special merchant codes that would let banks and credit card companies track lawful gun and ammunition purchases. The bill passed the House this evening and now moves to the Senate.\n\n“The government has no business building a list of who buys a firearm and who buys ammunition. That is a backdoor gun registry, and every gun owner in Northwest Georgia should be free of it. As the District Attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, I spent my career protecting law-abiding citizens, not tracking them,” said Congressman Fuller.\n\nThis legislation is crucial to prevent credit card issuers from singling out firearm retailers, and it directs the Department of Justice to enforce the ban and report to Congress each year on the resulting investigations.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://gabeevans.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gabe-evans-votes-advance-america-first-foreign-policy-and", "title": "Congressman Gabe Evans Votes to Advance America First Foreign Policy and Strengthen National Security", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gabeevans.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "gabeevans.house.gov", "scraper": "gabeevans", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000300", "name": "Gabe Evans", "party": "Republican", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Gabe Evans voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, legislation that prioritizes America's security, strengthens our alliances, confronts adversaries like Communist China and Iran, combats the flow of fentanyl into the United States, and ensures taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.\n\nIn addition to supporting the legislation, Congressman Evans successfully secured several of his requested priorities in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. These provisions reinforce U.S. leadership by directing the State Department to strengthen efforts to counter the Chinese Communist Party's growing influence in Latin America, expand hemispheric cooperation against cartels, narco-terrorist organizations, and illegal migration through the Shield of the Americas initiative, support Taiwan's long-term energy security, continue promoting democracy and religious freedom programs that advance American interests, and strengthen security at U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the Middle East.\n\n“As a veteran and former police officer, I understand that protecting Americans begins with strong leadership at home and abroad. This legislation puts America's interests first by strengthening our national security, supporting our allies, confronting our adversaries, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly instead of funding wasteful programs that do nothing to keep Americans safe. I was also proud to secure provisions that strengthen our partnerships throughout Latin America, counter Communist China's growing influence, reinforce support for Taiwan, and improve security for Americans serving overseas. These are commonsense priorities that make our nation stronger and safer.” — Congressman Gabe Evans\n\nThe Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act will:\n\nPut America First by prioritizing U.S. national security and requiring greater accountability from countries receiving American assistance.\n\nStrengthen efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking, transnational criminal organizations, and illegal migration.\n\nSupport key allies including Israel, Taiwan, Jordan, and Egypt while countering Communist China, Iran, Cuba, and other hostile regimes.\n\nProtect taxpayer dollars by reducing unnecessary spending, increasing oversight, and eliminating funding for wasteful programs.\n\nPrevent taxpayer funding for DEI initiatives, radical gender ideology, and other programs unrelated to America's foreign policy priorities.\n\nStrengthen America's leadership by promoting economic growth, stability, and self-sufficiency among trusted partners while ensuring foreign assistance advances U.S. interests.\n\nThe legislation reflects House Republicans' commitment to restoring an America First foreign policy that protects the homeland, supports our allies, confronts our adversaries, and ensures every taxpayer dollar advances the security and prosperity of the United States. This bill also continues support for key allies while directing resources toward countering the growing threats posed by Communist China, Iran, international drug cartels, and other foreign adversaries.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gillen-statement-rep-massies-amendment-eliminate-us-aid-israel", "title": "Rep. Gillen Statement on Rep. Massie’s Amendment to Eliminate U.S. Aid to Israel", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "gillen.house.gov", "scraper": "gillen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000602", "name": "Laura Gillen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) released a statement on Rep. Thomas Massie’s (R-KY) amendment that would cut all funding for Israel from the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act:\n\n\"The State of Israel is one of our most important allies and the only democracy in the Middle East. I firmly support Israel’s right to exist and defend itself from threats, including Iran and terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. This extremely harmful amendment would threaten our strategic alliance, undermine our national security interests and eliminate funding for important research and diplomacy in the region, including the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act, which supports Israeli-Palestinian people-to-people initiatives. That is why I staunchly opposed it. In Congress, I remain committed to ensuring the U.S.-Israel relationship remains a bipartisan issue and promoting peace, stability and a better future in the region.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perez-challenges-bpa-exit-from-columbia-river-fisheries-program", "title": "Gluesenkamp Perez Challenges BPA Exit from Columbia River Fisheries Program", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "domain": "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "scraper": "gluesenkampperez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000600", "name": "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez sent a letter to the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to request information on the decision to withdraw funding for the Select Area Fisheries Enhancement (SAFE) program and BPA’s plans to fulfill a statutory mandate to support native fish recovery.\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez visits Skamania Hatchery after concerns over its closure in April.\n\nSince its roll out in 1993, the SAFE program has created commercial and sport fishing opportunities in off-stem areas of the Columbia River. By supporting hatchery populations of salmon, it has alleviated harvest pressures on wild salmon populations in the main stem, while supporting regional economies.\n\n“This is a decision with real consequences,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “For decades, hatcheries have made sure there is a healthy population of salmon in the river. This isn’t abstract to people here– commercial and sport fishing is part of our heritage and our way of life. Supporting hatcheries is critical to sustaining the communities whose livelihoods depend on them.”\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez expressed concern that current estimates show BPA’s termination of funding will affect hatchery operations in Washington state. She argues this decision could put 7 million hatchery fish currently in production at risk, and risk jobs across Southwest Washington.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-s-bill-to-extend-lobster-right-whale-moratorium-earns-green-light-from-natural-resources-committee", "title": "Golden’s bill to extend lobster, right whale moratorium earns green light from Natural Resources Committee", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "golden.house.gov", "scraper": "golden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000592", "name": "Jared F. Golden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "ME", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — The House Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday approved a proposal by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) to extend until 2035 protections for Maine’s lobstermen from new regulations related to the North Atlantic right whale.\n\nThe committee advanced H.R. 9436, the Northeast Lobstermen Protection Act, to the House floor in a bipartisan 22-13 vote. The bill, led by Golden and Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), extends the moratorium on certain new regulations — including potential fishery closures — from 2028 to 2035.\n\n“I’m grateful to Rep. Lawler and my colleagues on the Committee for a strong show of bipartisan support for Maine lobstermen. In 2022, Congress enacted this regulatory pause and funded new efforts to gather information to support a data-driven process establishing rules that made sense for both the fishermen and the whales. But today the rulemaking process is behind schedule for reasons that have nothing to do with Maine fishermen. At the same time, those charged with gathering the necessary data say more time is needed to ensure regulations can incorporate the best available science. Mainers are not asking for much. We just need more time,” Golden said.\n\n“Protecting the North Atlantic right whale and supporting America's fishing communities are goals that can and must go hand in hand. By extending the current regulatory framework through 2035, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act provides the time needed to develop durable, science-driven solutions that protect this endangered species without imposing unnecessary burdens on fishermen. I’m grateful to Chairman Bruce Westerman for advancing this legislation through Committee and to Rep. Jared Golden for his partnership on this bipartisan effort,” Lawler said.\n\nThe moratorium was originally enacted in 2022 under President Joe Biden, with bipartisan support from the entire Maine delegation and Maine Gov. Janet Mills. Earlier this year President Donald Trump signaled his support for Golden’s proposed extension.\n\nTwo parallel but related processes related to crafting new rules for the protection of North Atlantic right whales are both behind schedule: Layoffs at NOAA and government shutdowns have delayed the start of the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team’s regulatory process, reducing the timeline for developing fishery management proposals. Meanwhile, scientists and researchers at Maine’s Department of Marine Resources (DMR) say more time is needed to ensure relevant data is available to inform the rulemaking process.\n\n“We are still gathering various types of data, and we anticipate that several of these data streams will not be able to be incorporated into decision-support tools due to the compressed timeline for rulemaking,” wrote Maine DMR Commissioner Carl Wilson in a Letter of Support for H.R. 9436. “An extension of the pause would ensure that there is time to incorporate this information, and that rulemaking is based on the best available science.”\n\nIn addition to the Maine DMR, the extension of the regulatory pause was supported in written testimony by the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, Maine Lobstering Union Local 207, Maine Lobster Advisory Council, New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association, New Hampshire Commercial Fisherman’s Association and Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association. Golden entered their letters into the Congressional Record.\n\nSelect portions of letters in support of H.R. 9436:\n\nJohn Drouin, Vice President, New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association: “H.R. 9436 strikes an appropriate balance between protecting one of the world's most endangered whale species and preserving the economic viability of historic fishing communities throughout the Northeast. It ensures that future management decisions will be informed by more complete scientific information while maintaining protections already in place.”\n\nDavid M. Tar, Chairman, Maine Lobster Advisory Council: “Maine fishermen want no harm to come to a right whale, from our, or any, fishing practices. We need some stability in management. … We strongly support extending the pause to 2035. It would allow regulators the time to make meaningful changes using the data that is improving every day.”\n\nVirginia Olsen, Director, Maine Lobstering Union Local 207: “A thoughtful extension would allow for the development of effective, enforceable, and economically realistic regulations that protect both the North Atlantic right whale and the people whose lives depend on these waters. We remain committed to being part of the solution and to working collaboratively toward outcomes that ensure a sustainable future for all.”\n\nPatrice McCaron, Executive Director, Maine Lobstermen’s Association: “Recent estimates indicate that the right whale population has increased for four consecutive years as births have exceeded deaths. Mortalities have declined from the levels experienced during the population downturn that began in 2011, when right whales increasingly shifted into Canadian waters where protections were not yet adequate. Canada has since adopted significant measures to reduce right whale deaths and serious injuries. Extending the pause through 2035 would give managers the time needed to formulate decisions based on a meaningful body of data. It would support management measures that protect right whales while avoiding unnecessary harm to Maine lobstermen, their families, and the coastal communities that depend on this fishery.”\n\nText of the legislation is available here. Video of Congressman Golden’s remarks before the Committee today is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-vicente-gonzalez-secures-over-14-million-brownsville-south-padre", "title": "Congressman Vicente Gonzalez Secures Over $1.4 Million for Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "gonzalez.house.gov", "scraper": "gonzalez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000581", "name": "Vicente Gonzalez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Contact: Alexis Torres\n\nBrownsville, Texas – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced $1,491,504 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to replace critical airfield signage, enhance safety, and improve operational efficiency at Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO). These funds are made possible through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024 that the Congressman fought to pass into law.\n\n“Brownsville’s airport is a vital gateway that fuels economic growth and connects families to communities across the border and throughout our nation,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Upgrading airfield signage is an investment in the airport’s long-term future and ensures that pilots and passengers alike can travel safely through our airport. I’m proud to deliver this funding and will continue working with our local leadership to build a world-class airport that meets the needs of our region.”\n\n“On behalf of Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, who has consistently been a strong advocate for our airport and the Rio Grande Valley. His continued support has helped secure this important $1.4 million FAA Airport Improvement Program grant. This funding will allow us to replace critical airfield signage, enhancing safety, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring our airport continues to meet the highest FAA standards. This investment strengthens our region's transportation infrastructure and supports the continued growth of South Texas. We are grateful for Congressman Gonzalez's unwavering commitment to our airport and the communities we serve,\" said Faisal Khalifa, Interim Airport Director, Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport\n\n“Thank you to Congressman Vicente Gonzalez for his continued advocacy and support in securing $1.49 million through the Airport Improvement Program for Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport. This investment to replace aging airfield signage will strengthen airfield safety, improve operational efficiency, and ensure our airport continues to meet the needs of residents, visitors, and the growing South Texas region. We are grateful for Congressman Gonzalez’s partnership in supporting critical infrastructure that benefits our community and promotes continued economic growth,” said City Commissioner District 2 Linda Macias.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/goodlander-introduces-bipartisan-bicameral-effort-to-accelerate-hydropower-production-and-lower-energy-costs/", "title": "Goodlander Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort to Accelerate Hydropower Production and Lower Energy Costs", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "goodlander.house.gov", "scraper": "goodlander", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000604", "name": "Maggie Goodlander", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) and Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), alongside Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Rep. Carol Miller (WV-01), introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation today to slash red tape that is slowing down hydropower permitting at Army Corps of Engineers dams.\n\n“The people of New Hampshire are paying some of the highest energy costs in the country, and hydropower is at the heart of lowering energy costs and making America the world’s clean energy superpower,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “Our bipartisan bill is simple: it cuts red tape and makes the rules of the road clear so that we can get reliable hydropower solutions built faster and bring prices down. From day one, I have worked across the aisle to cut energy costs, and I will keep leading the fight to build the affordable, reliable, and clean energy future New Hampshire families deserve.”\n\n“Hydropower is an increasingly important source of electricity in the U.S., and provides Montana’s second-largest source of electricity generation. As we prepare to meet the expected surge in demand for energy in the coming decades, we need to ensure the licensing process is fair and efficient. I’m proud to work with my bipartisan colleagues to increase Made-In-America hydropower and enact much-needed reforms,” said Senator Daines.\n\n“As electricity demand continues to grow, we need to make it easier to bring more affordable, reliable energy online,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation will help create a more consistent and efficient process for adding hydropower generation at existing dams, support American energy production, and lower costs for families and businesses. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense bill.”\n\n“I have long advocated for an all-of-the-above approach to energy production. To ensure the United States remains the leading energy producer and we have the ability to meet rising demands, it is essential that our existing infrastructure and federal processes are streamlined and efficient. I am happy to join my colleagues in introducing this common-sense legislation to benefit the Army Corps of Engineers and our hydropower industry,” said Congresswoman Carol Miller.\n\nThe bill directs the Army Corps of Engineers to establish standardized guidance for the review of Section 408 licenses — a requirement to add hydropower to existing non-powered Army Corps dams. The bill would help cut through unnecessary red tape and eliminate inconsistent licensing processes, so existing dams can be upgraded to produce reliable, low-cost hydropower. At a time when families are getting squeezed by high utility bills, the bill would help unlock affordable, homegrown power and lower costs for consumers.\n\n“Hydropower represents one of the most enduring and practical pathways to strengthening grid reliability and advancing our clean energy goals,” said Bob King, President of the Granite State Hydropower Association. “Reforming WRDA Section 408 is an essential step toward enabling responsible development at existing federally owned dams in New Hampshire and around the country, where new generation could deliver meaningful benefits to local communities without the need for new impoundments. I am greatly appreciative of Representative Maggie Goodlander’s work on this legislation and look forward to working with her to advance the bill.”\n\n“Section 408 reform is essential to unlocking more reliable, affordable, American hydropower,” said NHA’s Senior Director of Legislative Affairs, Matthew Allen. “For too long, developers seeking to add clean generation to existing U.S. Army Corps infrastructure have faced an unpredictable and duplicative review process that slows projects when we need all the new generation we can get. By bringing greater clarity, consistency, and accountability to Section 408 reviews, this bill will help move responsible hydropower development forward while preserving the Corps’ core mission. NHA thanks the bill’s sponsors, Rep. Maggie Goodlander, Sen. Steve Daines, Sen. Maggie Hassan and Rep. Carol Miller for advancing this commonsense fix and recognizing the role existing federal infrastructure can play in meeting America’s growing energy needs.”\n\nA one-pager on the bill is available here. The full text is here.\n\nADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:\n\nGoodlander has made lowering energy and utility costs a central part of her work in Congress:\n\nCracking down on runaway utility profiteering: Goodlander helped introduce the Lowering Utility Bills Act, legislation to rein in excessive profits by investor-owned electric utilities, gas utilities, and transmission providers by requiring them to use the lowest return on equity within an established range of reasonableness when setting rates. Goodlander is leading the charge to hold Liberty Utilities accountable after the company refused to serve natural gas customers in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, causing delays and higher costs for new homes in communities already struggling with the housing crisis. She also worked alongside New Hampshire’s Office of the Consumer Advocate to take on Eversource when the utility proposed a 43.4% rate hike, and pressed the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to crack down on utilities’ attempts to overcharge customers on their electric bills.\n\nLowering energy bills: Goodlander is helping to lead a number of bipartisan bills designed to bring down energy costs, including the bipartisan Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act, to expand support for home energy-efficiency upgrades and help households save money on utility bills while making homes safer and healthier. She has also championed the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a mission-critical program for millions of American families. Goodlander joined the New Hampshire delegation in opposing the Trump administration’s attempt to terminate New Hampshire’s $43.5 million Solar for All grant, which would have supported community energy projects and reduced utility bills for low-income households by 20 percent or more.\n\nImproving our power grid: Goodlander has championed the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, bipartisan legislation to support upgrades at existing hydroelectric dams, increase clean energy production, improve electric-grid reliability, and strengthen river health.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-gottheimer-sends-letter-to-the-department-of-homeland-security-and-u-s-immigration-and-customs-enforcement", "title": "RELEASE: Gottheimer Sends Letter to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement pushing for greater transparency following the deaths of two individuals during ICE operations.\n\nThe Honorable Markwayne Mullin\n\nSecretary\n\nU.S. Department of Homeland Security\n\n2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., SE\n\nWashington, DC 20528\n\nThe Honorable David Venturella\n\nActing Director\n\nU.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement\n\n500 12th Street, SW\n\nWashington, DC 20024\n\nDear Secretary Mullin and Acting Director Venturella:\n\nI am writing regarding two deaths over the past week involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. On July 7, 2026, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a longtime Houston resident, was shot and killed by an ICE agent during an attempted vehicle stop. On July 13, 2026, ICE agents fatally shot Johan Sebastian Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine. These incidents have caused real fear and confusion in the affected communities, and the public deserves a clear, factual account of what happened in each case.\n\nI respectfully urge the Department to support an independent investigation into both deaths, conducted without interference, and to make its findings public to the greatest extent possible. Transparency serves everyone, including the agents who carry out difficult and dangerous work, and it is the surest way to maintain public trust in federal law enforcement.\n\nI have also consistently called for increased training standards to ensure that our immigration enforcement is conducted with the highest levels of professionalism. All officers should receive training in de-escalation, constitutional search and seizure, and conducting operations appropriately in public and protest settings.\n\nFinally, it is deeply concerning that officers in both cases were not wearing body-worn cameras. I want to emphasize the importance of using body-worn cameras, which provide an objective account that benefits investigators, officers, and the public. With the substantial funding Congress has provided ICE and Customs and Border Protection, equipping agents with cameras and ensuring footage is preserved for any review is achievable and would protect officers and the public alike.\n\nTo help me and my constituents better understand your Department’s practices, I ask that you respond to the following:\n\nWhat training do ICE and Customs and Border Protection officers receive on vehicle stops, and specifically on when discharging a weapon at or into a moving vehicle is permitted?\n\nDHS previously announced it would equip officers with body-worn cameras.\n\nWhat share of ICE and CBP officers conducting field enforcement are currently issued cameras and required to activate them, and what is the timeline and cost estimate to reach full deployment?\n\nIn what percentage of use-of-force incidents over the past 12 months was body-worn camera footage actually captured?\n\nWhat are the Department’s policies on the retention of, and congressional access to, that footage?\n\nHow does ICE coordinate with state and local law enforcement before and during enforcement operations, and what steps does it take to ensure those partners are informed and that operations are carried out safely for officers and the public alike?\n\nOf the incidents involving a discharged weapon or serious injury since January 2025, how many have been referred to the DHS Office of Inspector General or the Department of Justice, what is the status of those reviews, and will the findings be shared with Congress?\n\nWhat additional resources, personnel, training, or statutory authorities does the Department believe it needs to improve both officer safety and public safety during enforcement operations?\n\nGetting the facts right in these two cases, and strengthening ICE’s accountability and use-of-force practices going forward, serves both the public and officers. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-house-unanimously-passes-gottheimers-bipartisan-legislation-to-rename-sussex-county-va-clinic-after-local-veteran-tony-gallopo", "title": "RELEASE: House Unanimously Passes Gottheimer’s Bipartisan Legislation to Rename Sussex County VA Clinic After Local Veteran Tony Gallopo", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, July 15, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), backed by the entire New Jersey delegation, to rename the Sussex County VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Newton the “Anthony J. ‘Tony’ Gallopo Veterans Affairs Clinic.” The bill was co-led by Air Force veteran Rep. Herb Conaway (NJ-3) and passed by voice vote and now heads to The U.S. Senate, where U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) will introduce a companion bill.\n\nWatch the floor speech here.\n\n“Today, the House passed our bill to enshrine the late Tony Gallopo’s legacy at the clinic he fought so hard to open,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Tony’s memory reminds us that it is our duty as Americans to not only honor all soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen, but also to do everything we can to fight for them when they return. With this bill now heading to the Senate, we are one step closer to reaffirming our enduring promise: to fight for our veterans the same way Tony did.”\n\nGallopo, a U.S. Navy veteran, was Vice Commander of the New Jersey Department of the American Legion and Commander of American Legion Post 86 in Newton. He was instrumental in getting the Newton clinic opened in 2017 and passed away in 2020.\n\nGallopo spent most of his early life in Bergen County before moving to Sussex County with his family. He was active in the Saddle Brook Fire Department before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. Following his service, Tony worked as a Corrections Officer and was an active member of the Paramus Elks. He is survived by his wife, Betsy, and daughters, Ashley, Sarah, and Ally.\n\nGottheimer and Gallopo worked side-by-side to expand health care access for veterans across Sussex and Warren Counties, including at the Newton Veterans clinic. Together, they cut through red tape to secure local health care referrals to Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and ImageCare Centers, and helped expand local access to lifesaving, in-person mental health and psychiatric care for veterans. Gottheimer posthumously honored Gallopo as a Fifth District Hometown Hero in 2021.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.\n\nGottheimer first introduced the bill in November 2025, joined by Gallopo’s wife Betsy and their daughters Ashley Kopec, Sarah Hill, and Ally Thorpe, and former American Legion Post 86 Commander Harry Kaplan, former Commander of the NJ Department of the American Legion Roger Genaro, Vice Commander of the NJ Department of the American Legion David Marciano, American Legion Post 86 Commander Bob Gilesus, and other friends and members of the community.\n\nToday’s passage builds on Gottheimer’s broader push to support veterans, including bills he introduced alongside this legislation to expand access to cutting-edge treatments for veterans with spinal cord injuries, streamline the VA benefits appeals process, improve oversight of state veterans homes, strengthen veteran suicide prevention programs, improve childcare access for veterans and their families, and permanently tie veterans’ benefits to cost-of-living increases.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-to-protect-children-gottheimer-introduces-new-bipartisan-bill-requiring-facial-recognition-age-verification-for-online-sportsbooks", "title": "RELEASE: To Protect Children, Gottheimer Introduces New Bipartisan Bill Requiring Facial Recognition Age Verification for Online Sportsbooks", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Above: Gottheimer introduces legislation to protect children.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), joined by Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour and additional supporting Members of Congress, introduced the bipartisan “Facial Recognition to Protect Children Act,” new legislation requiring prediction markets and online sportsbooks to use facial recognition technology to verify a user’s age before they can place a bet or trade.\n\nWatch Gottheimer’s full remarks here.\n\nLast year, American bettors wagered roughly $160 billion on sports, generating about $16 billion in industry revenue — more than Americans spend on movies, books, concerts, and professional sports tickets combined.\n\nResearch shows 36 percent of boys ages 11 to 17 have gambled in the past year, a figure that climbs to 40 percent for boys 14 to 17, and more than a quarter of those kids report real consequences, including stress, conflict at home, and problems at school, according to Common Sense Media.\n\nIn Iowa, more than 80 reports of underage betting have been sent to the state’s Division of Criminal Investigation.\n\nIn Tennessee, sportsbooks flagged more than 400 underage accounts in 2024, up from roughly 100 the year before.\n\nIt’s not just betting apps, either. A lot of video games today are designed to feel like gambling and hook kids early. Loot boxes, player packs, cosmetics. They train their brains on that same dopamine loop, priming them to bet with real money.\n\nKalshi and ParentsRISE support the bill, and Gottheimer has called on every single sportsbook and prediction market in this country to commit to this legislation — no excuses, no exceptions.\n\nThe Bipartisan Facial Recognition to Protect Children Act will:\n\nRequire prediction markets and online sportsbooks to use facial recognition technology to verify a user’s age, either when they log onto a platform or before they place a wager.\n\nRequire technology to read facial structure and patterns to estimate a user’s age — it does not store a user’s identity or personal biometric information.\n\n“We’re asking our kids to self-police their way past a system built entirely on the honor code. A kid can log into a parent’s, an older sibling’s, or a friend’s account and place a bet with no verification at all. Nobody checks. That’s it. That’s the whole system,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “We wouldn’t accept that at a casino in Las Vegas. We shouldn’t accept it on the phone in our kid’s back pocket.”\n\n“Protecting kids should be a no brainer and is a top priority at Kalshi,” said Tarek Mansour, CEO of Kalshi. “Beyond what’s required of us, we already self-regulate and have a suite of measures in place to keep minors off our platform. But this can’t just be one company’s responsibility — it has to be an industry standard. I am grateful to Congressman Gottheimer and Congressman Van Drew for driving it forward.”\n\n“We’re grateful to see action taken to address the harms of predatory betting apps and prediction markets to children. Meta has already struck a partnership integrating Kalshi’s real-money betting markets into Threads,” said ParentsRISE, a national, survivor-parent-led movement turning grief into power and loss into action. “We are glad these members see the threat of this next wave of products engineered for compulsive use.”\n\nThe bill is also originally cosponsored by Representatives Jeff Van Drew (NJ-2), Nick LaLota (NY-1), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-8), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Darren Soto (FL-9), Tom Suozzi (NY-3), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and Bruce Westerman (AR-4).\n\n“Prediction markets are becoming more popular, and we need to be realistic about the risks that can come with that for our children,” said Congressman Van Drew (NJ-2). “Kids should not be able to get onto these platforms and start placing bets. This bill puts another protection in place to help stop that from happening and gives parents some added peace of mind.”\n\n“Online gambling and prediction markets are expanding rapidly, but our guardrails to protect minors haven’t kept pace. Right now, the honor system is failing our kids, allowing underage users to bypass basic age restrictions with zero accountability,” said Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15). “By implementing proven facial recognition technology, we can safeguard children from the risks of underage gambling while protecting user privacy.”\n\n“As every parent knows, when you tell a kid not to do something, they almost always end up trying to do it. Kids under the age of 18 shouldn’t be making bets, but now it’s just a few taps away on their phones. Our commonsense, bipartisan bill will put a stop to it,” said Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-8).\n\nThe bill builds on Gottheimer’s broader record on kids’ online safety, including the Parents Decide Act, introduced with Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY), which requires device makers to verify age when a phone or tablet is set up. Gottheimer has also cosponsored Sammy’s Law, the Protecting Young Minds Online Act, the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act, and the Kids Online Safety Act, and is a member of the Children’s Safety Caucus.\n\nBelow: Gottheimer introduces legislation to protect children.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/transportation-committee-unanimously-approves-graves-water-resources-bill", "title": "Transportation Committee Unanimously Approves Graves' Water Resources Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "graves.house.gov", "scraper": "graves", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000546", "name": "Sam Graves", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today unanimously approved H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, which was introduced by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (MO-06). The bipartisan bill addresses improvements for the nation’s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation system, flood and storm risk management, environment, and other aspects of our water resources infrastructure.\n\nCommunities nationwide and the U.S. economy rely on WRDA-authorized investments in water resources infrastructure and projects of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). Since 2014, Congress has enacted a WRDA every two years to help improve water resources infrastructure. WRDA-authorized projects of the Corps are locally-driven projects that deliver regional and national benefits.\n\n“Not only does WRDA 2026 help build and maintain safe and reliable waterways, flood protection, and other water infrastructure for our country, it streamlines Army Corps of Engineers’ processes, provides reforms to improve project delivery, and empowers local stakeholders,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO). “For North Missouri in particular, WRDA 2026 advances a comprehensive flood control plan on the Missouri River, ensuring that people and property are the main priority when managing the river. It also expands the ways our levee owners can work with the Corps to build flood risk management infrastructure and provides necessary, streamlined assistance to levee districts facing maintenance challenges. It also strengthens my state’s representation in Missouri River basin management. I want to thank the other chief sponsors of this bill – T&I Ranking Member Rick Larsen, Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Frederica Wilson – for their work on this bill, and I look forward to moving it through the House of Representatives.”\n\nAs approved by the Committee today, WRDA 2026 authorizes 133 new feasibility studies for locally proposed water resources infrastructure projects and 14 projects that have been vetted by the Corps and are ready for construction authorization by Congress.\n\nIn addition, WRDA 2026 includes various policy changes to improve infrastructure project delivery. These include strengthening and reauthorizing alternative project delivery programs, emphasizing non-federal interests’ input for feasibility studies, and helping ensure non-federal interests can find the right Corps resources to get projects off the ground.\n\nThe bill improves the partnership between the Corps and non-federal interests by establishing offices with expertise on inland navigation, alternative delivery, water supply, and technical assistance. Policies in this bill will improve non-federal interests’ ability to obtain valuable technical assistance and to fund construction more quickly, as well as to encourage the Corps to increase use of multi-year contracts.\n\nWRDA 2026 provisions will better support the Corps’ navigation mission, improve the Corps’ accountability to Congress, strengthen flood and coastal storm risk management, and address dam safety through the reauthorization of the High Hazard Potential Dam program under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) National Dam Safety Program.\n\nWins for North Missouri:\n\nStreamlines the Corps of Engineers’ process so local partners can more easily make needed improvements to federal water projects.\n\nProtects the Missouri River by ensuring its waters cannot be diverted out of the basin to Western states without the Governor’s approval.\n\nDirects the Corps to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to slow the buildup of sediment in the largest reservoir system in the country, the Missouri River Reservoir System, preserving the storage capacity necessary to protect communities from flooding and support navigation.\n\nImplements a comprehensive flood protection plan on the Lower Missouri River that puts local levee districts and communities in the drivers seat to move new flood control projects forward with help from the Corps.\n\nEnsures members of the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC) elect their own chair, giving navigators, levee districts, communities, and other stakeholders a stronger voice in the committee.\n\nEnsures Mississippi River communities and levee districts aren’t hit with devastating new bureaucratic requirements until the Corps comes up with a workable plan to protect communities from flooding.\n\nAuthorizes a nationwide review of the inland waterways to identify ways to modernize and strengthen them for the future.\n\nEncourages the Corps to clearly communicate what land rights local interests actually need to maintain flood protection projects.\n\nClick here for legislative text and here for a summary of WRDA 2026.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://guthrie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=391101", "title": "Guthrie Votes in Favor of Legislation to Bolster U.S. National Security and Foreign Policy Mission", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://guthrie.house.gov/news", "domain": "guthrie.house.gov", "scraper": "guthrie", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000558", "name": "Brett Guthrie", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) issued the following statement following the House passage of H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027. If enacted, this legislation would allocate $47.32 billion in funding to strengthen America’s standing on the world stage and keep Americans safe.\n\n“I’m proud to support this legislation, which puts America’s national security interests first, supports our allies, takes action to counter our adversaries, and stops the flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl from coming into our country,” said Congressman Guthrie. “This bill rightfully refocuses our nation’s foreign policy to bolster our standing on the world stage and reinforces President Trump’s foreign policy agenda.”\n\nBackground:\n\nH.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027:\n\n– Provides $15.15 billion for the operations of the Department of State and several related agencies and commissions.\n\n– Provides $22.45 billion for global health, economic assistance, and humanitarian programs administered by the Department of State and the Department of the Treasury.\n\n– Allocates $1.66 billion for International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, which is an increase from the FY26 enacted level to counter the fentanyl crisis.\n\n– Redefines foreign assistance to promote self-sufficiency, bolster economic growth and stability, and protect United States’ national security.\n\n– Enhances stability in the Middle East by providing $3.3 billion in funding for the Foreign Military Financing Program for Israel and supports additional assistance to regional partners such as Egypt and Jordan.\n\n– Combats the Chinese Communist Party’s access to U.S. backed resources.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5955", "title": "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Massie Amendment", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gwenmoore.house.gov", "scraper": "gwenmoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001160", "name": "Gwen Moore", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“Today, I voted in favor of the Massie Amendment to the FY 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, which would impose a one-year moratorium on funding to Israel. This vote represents a continuation of my commitment to the pursuit of peace between the Israeli and Palestinian people. It is my belief that a shift in tactics is now necessary because of my growing frustration with the right-wing government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and its conduct throughout the region.\n\nSuccessive U.S. Administrations have tried to rein in the Netanyahu government only to find those interventions obstructed, including negotiating and implementing critically needed ceasefires that would stop the bloodshed.\n\nI remain singularly committed to peace, and it is my belief that the only way peace can be achieved is with a two-state solution where a sovereign Palestinian state exists alongside Israel. I wish the amendment had been more narrowly drafted so that it did not result in cuts to aid that has nothing to do with military actions or territorial expansions. I am especially pained that it would indiscriminately harm funding that fosters cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians. I hope that my vote for the Massie Amendment sends a clear signal that, while Israel, like all states, has a right to defend its borders and people, their actions must remain within the bounds enshrined in international law. U.S. aid should help create the conditions for a secure, prosperous, and peaceful future for Israelis, Palestinians, and the broader Middle East. My vote is especially well-timed to send this message, as it coincides with the looming expiration of the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding outlining U.S. aid to Israel.\n\nI continue to see Israel as a vital American ally in the Middle East and the Israeli people as deserving of support to meet the security challenges they face from Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other malignant actors in the region. In order to secure a lasting peace, the government of Israel must first reassess their current military posture; fully engage as a good-faith partner for peace, including in Lebanon and Gaza; address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region; take immediate steps to end illegal settlements in the West Bank and combat rising settler violence against Palestinian civilians.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=940", "title": "Congressman Hamadeh Supports Permanent Solution to America’s Twice-Yearly Clock Changes", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "hamadeh.house.gov", "scraper": "hamadeh", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001098", "name": "Abraham J. Hamadeh", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Washington, D.C. - Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) welcomed the House’s passage of The Sunshine Protection Act, for which he was an original cosponsor.\n\nThe Sunshine Protection Act eliminates the practice of daylight savings time, which changes clocks every spring and fall. Currently, Arizona and Hawaii are the only two states to refrain from participating in daylight savings time. This legislation brings Arizonans greater certainty and consistency throughout the year. Sleep experts and medical professionals support this commonsense bill, which institutes permanent daylight savings time.\n\n“I’ve always said that America should be a more like Arizona, which rejected the twice-a-year clock changing scheme that benefitted no one. We need more sunlight here in Washington DC and across the country,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “This bill not only brings real health benefits, it simplifies life for families and businesses across America. No more twice-a-year clock changes, no more confusion, just smoother business, stronger tourism, and easier interstate commerce.”\n\nCongressman Hamadeh joined a large bipartisan group of lawmakers in cosponsoring this legislation, which has gained widespread public support, and is strongly supported by President Trump. The bill modernizes the nation's timekeeping policy by making daylight saving time permanent, ending the disruptive clock changes forever.\n\nThe Sunshine Protection Act advanced through the full House of Representatives and is now “springing forward” to be considered by the Senate.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nResearchers at Stanford Medicine \"estimate that permanent standard time would result in some 300,000 fewer people having suffered from a stroke and result in 2.6 million fewer people having obesity. Permanent daylight saving time would achieve about two-thirds of the same effect.\"\n\n“We found that staying in standard time or staying in daylight saving time is definitely better than switching twice a year,” said Jamie Zeitzer, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and senior author of the study that published Sept. 15 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnson-introduces-historic-bill-fight-hepatitis-c", "title": "Congressman Johnson Introduces Historic Bill To Fight Hepatitis C", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "hankjohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "hankjohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000288", "name": "Henry C. \"Hank\" Johnson, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01), and Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-10) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2026 that builds a nationwide, federally coordinated “test-to-treat” elimination program for hepatitis C (HVC). The bill is supported by more than 100 public health and education organizations and is the House companion to the Cure Hepatitis C Act introduced by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA).\n\n“I am asking that we work together to raise awareness about hepatitis C – a silent killer – so that others at risk can get tested and treated,” said Rep. Johnson. After his own diagnosis and treatment for hepatitis C, the Congressman became a national advocate for access to treatment and destigmatization.\n\n“As a physician, I have seen what happens when a curable disease goes untreated simply because a patient couldn't access care,” said Dr. Miller-Meeks. \"Hepatitis C is beatable. We have the tools to eliminate it, and this bill puts them within reach of the Americans who need them most. This is a commonsense, fiscally responsible effort that will save lives and save taxpayer dollars. I am proud to lead it alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.”\n\n“Thanks to the tireless efforts of biomedical researchers and innovators, Hepatitis C is curable. Yet far too many people remain undiagnosed or unable to access treatment, and dozens die from the disease every day,” said Rep. DeGette. “This is simply unacceptable. We have the tools to stop this epidemic and curb the human and financial costs of this disease going untreated. I am pleased to work with my colleagues on legislation that will have the greatest positive impact to public health this Congress.”\n\nThe nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) scored the bill saving $6.6 billion over the next decade.\n\nHepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver swelling and inflammation. It can lead to serious liver damage, even death if untreated. It affects millions of Americans each year. More than half of untreated infections progress to chronic hepatitis C, which can cause life-threatening conditions. Hepatitis A and B pose similar risks but have preventative vaccines that considerably decrease their impact. Hepatitis C requires post-diagnostic treatment that can be difficult to attain. People covered under Medicaid were 46 percent less likely to receive treatment than those with private insurance, and only 1 of 3 of those with insurance received timely treatment.\n\nThe Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2026 would ensure that every American has timely access to screening, vaccination services, and linkage to care to address hepatitis through the following provisions:\n\n-- Establishing a dedicated HCV Elimination Program and national strategy;\n\nCreating a subscription-based drug procurement program to supply curative antiviral treatments at scale;\n\n-- Expanding access to treatment for underserved, high-risk, uninsured, tribal, correctional, and vulnerable populations;\n\n-- Funding a broad expansion of screening, diagnostics, outreach, public health infrastructure, provider training, and wrap-around services;\n\n-- Removing or reducing financial and administrative barriers (cost-sharing, prior authorization) for patients;", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://haridopolos.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-haridopolos-and-senator-moody-introduce-space-ready-20-act", "title": "Rep. Haridopolos and Senator Moody Introduce Space Ready 2.0 Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://haridopolos.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "haridopolos.house.gov", "scraper": "haridopolos", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001099", "name": "Mike Haridopolos", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos (FL-08), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, and Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) introduced the Space Ready 2.0 Act to modernize the roads, utilities, and other critical infrastructure that support NASA's missions and America's growing space industry.\n\nAs America's commercial space industry continues to grow at a record pace, NASA's aging infrastructure must keep up with increasing demand. The Space Ready 2.0 Act allows NASA to work with private companies to improve the infrastructure that supports launches while protecting taxpayer dollars through transparency and accountability.\n\n“We can't be number one on Earth if we're number two in space,” said Congressman Haridopolos. “The Space Coast has always been at the heart of America's space program. As more missions launch from Florida, we must ensure NASA has the infrastructure needed to support the next generation of exploration and keep America leading the world in space.”\n\n“Florida is leading America’s next great chapter of space exploration, but if we want to remain the world’s leader in space, our infrastructure must keep pace with the incredible growth we’re seeing on the Space Coast,” said Senator Moody. “The Space Ready 2.0 Act is a commonsense solution that empowers NASA and its commercial partners to modernize aging facilities without creating new spending programs, ensuring we remain competitive and mission ready. I’ll continue fighting to strengthen our nation’s space capabilities and keep the Sunshine State the launchpad for American innovation and exploration.”\n\nThe Space Ready 2.0 Act would:\n\nLaunch a pilot program allowing NASA to partner with public and private entities to improve shared infrastructure at NASA centers.\n\nModernize critical infrastructure, including roads, utilities, pipelines, and other shared facilities, to support growing government and commercial space operations.\n\nIncrease transparency through cost estimates, project timelines, annual reports to Congress, and clear cost-sharing agreements.\n\nProtect taxpayers by ensuring participation is voluntary and requiring unused private contributions to be refunded or redirected to eligible projects.\n\nProvide accountability by establishing congressional oversight and sunsetting the pilot program's contribution authority on December 31, 2031.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://harrigan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-pat-harrigan-co-leads-bipartisan-bill-give-parents-better-tools", "title": "Congressman Pat Harrigan Co-Leads Bipartisan Bill to Give Parents Better Tools to Manage Children's Screen Time", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://harrigan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "harrigan.house.gov", "scraper": "harrigan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001101", "name": "Pat Harrigan", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) joined Congressman George Whitesides (D-CA-27) in introducing the Tracking Online Time And Limits Screen Time (TOTAL Screen Time) Act, bipartisan legislation directing the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop a voluntary technical standard that would allow parents to set one screen time limit across phones, tablets, computers, gaming consoles, televisions, and other devices while protecting privacy and minimizing unnecessary data sharing.\n\n\"Parents know exactly how frustrating this is. You can set limits on your child's phone, but then they move to a tablet, a gaming console, or the TV and you're right back where you started,\" said Congressman Harrigan. \"The technology already exists to help families manage screen time, it just doesn't work together. This bill brings everyone to the table to develop one voluntary standard that gives parents a simple, consistent way to manage screen time across devices without sacrificing privacy or creating another government mandate.\"\n\nRather than creating new federal regulations, the TOTAL Screen Time Act brings together technology companies, child safety advocates, medical professionals, privacy experts, and standards organizations to develop a voluntary, cross-platform technical standard. The goal is simple: make it easier for parents to set one screen time limit that works across the devices their children use every day, while protecting cybersecurity and preventing the creation of a centralized database of children's activity.\n\nCongressman Harrigan will continue working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance practical, bipartisan solutions that strengthen families, protect children online, and ensure technology empowers parents instead of making their jobs harder.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://harrigan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-pat-harrigan-votes-support-national-security-and-america-first", "title": "Congressman Pat Harrigan Votes to Support National Security and America First Foreign Policy Priorities", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://harrigan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "harrigan.house.gov", "scraper": "harrigan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001101", "name": "Pat Harrigan", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) voted in favor of H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027, legislation that funds our nation's diplomatic and national security priorities while restoring accountability to how American taxpayer dollars are spent overseas.\n\n\"This is what it looks like when foreign policy is built around a simple question: does this make America safer and stronger? If the answer is no, we shouldn't be paying for it,\" said Congressman Harrigan. \"This legislation directs real resources toward countering China's global influence, stopping the flood of fentanyl killing Americans in every corner of this country, and cutting off funding to biased international bodies that have failed to earn our trust. At the same time, it eliminates wasteful and politicized spending that never should have been funded in the first place.\"\n\nThe legislation includes a number of provisions Congressman Harrigan has consistently pushed for, including:\n\nCountering China's Global Influence: Dedicates no less than $400 million to counter Chinese Communist Party influence worldwide, prohibits funds from supporting the Belt and Road Initiative, and blocks any assistance to the government of the People's Republic of China or the CCP directly.\n\nFighting the Fentanyl Crisis: Dedicates no less than $175 million specifically to counter the flow of fentanyl and fentanyl precursors into the United States from China, Mexico, and other source countries.\n\nEnding Wasteful and Ideological Spending: Blocks funding for the Green Climate Fund, the Paris Agreement, gain-of-function research, and any programs that promote gender ideology or discriminatory DEI practices, consistent with the President's executive orders.\n\nPutting America's Interests First: Prohibits contributions to the UN Human Rights Council, UNRWA, the International Criminal Court, and the World Health Organization, redirecting those resources toward America's own strategic priorities.\n\nCongressman Harrigan will continue working to ensure these America First priorities are fully funded and enacted as the legislation moves forward.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases/harshbarger-supports-fy27-funding-strengthen-national-security-and-counter", "title": "Harshbarger Supports FY27 Funding to Strengthen National Security and Counter Adversaries", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "harshbarger.house.gov", "scraper": "harshbarger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001086", "name": "Diana Harshbarger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) today voted to advance the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027, legislation that delivers on President Trump's America First agenda by cutting waste, countering adversaries such as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and ending the Biden-era woke spending spree.\n\n“An America First foreign policy means standing up for our own interests, not writing blank checks to countries and organizations that don't have our back. This bill delivers on that promise by realigning our foreign policy around the safety, strength, and prosperity of the United States, eliminating wasteful spending, ending woke programs that have no business representing American taxpayers abroad, and holding Communist China accountable at every turn. I'm proud to stand with President Trump and deliver on the America First agenda he promised the American people,” said Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger.\n\nKEY PROVISIONS:\n\nCounters the CCP by requiring opposition to multilateral development bank lending for the PRC and prohibiting funds that would help countries repay debt owed to Communist China.\n\nTakes on the fentanyl crisis by supporting the bureau of International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) to counter the flow of illicit drugs into the United States.\n\nProtects life and American values, maintaining long-standing pro-life protections including the Helms and Kemp-Kasten amendments, prohibiting funds for the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA), and eliminating spending on DEI, gender ideology, and climate programs in foreign assistance.\n\nProhibits funding for DEI initiatives, radical gender ideology, climate mandates, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and other programs inconsistent with President Trump's America First agenda.\n\nHolds foreign governments and bad actors accountable for persecuting people of faith, including by restricting assistance to Nigeria until measurable actions are taken to protect Christian communities suffering from religious violence.\n\nContinues to require the transition of global health programs toward greater country ownership and supporting the Department of State as they secure co-financing commitments from partner countries.\n\nImportantly, in an effort to force the Senate to pass the SAVE America Act, House Republicans attached the election integrity legislation to this must-pass appropriations bill before sending it to the Senate.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases/comisionado-residente-destaca-aprobacion-de-fondos-para-pasaportes-y-visas", "title": "Comisionado Residente destaca aprobación de fondos para pasaportes y visas temporales.", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "hernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001103", "name": "Pablo José Hernández", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Image\n\nJuly 15, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC — El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, anunció hoy que la Cámara de Representantes aprobó el proyecto de asignaciones para Seguridad Nacional, el Departamento de Estado y Programas Relacionados para el año fiscal 2027, que incluye fondos y disposiciones relevantes para Puerto Rico.\n\n“Esta aprobación representa un paso concreto para reducir los atrasos en pasaportes y visas, facilitar la contratación de trabajadores temporales y fortalecer la seguridad de Puerto Rico y el Caribe. Ahora trabajaremos para que estas disposiciones avancen en el Senado y se conviertan en ley”, expresó el Comisionado Residente.\n\nEntre las disposiciones aprobadas por la Cámara se encuentran:\n\n$533 millones para servicios consulares y de pasaportes, dirigidos a reducir los atrasos en solicitudes, disminuir los tiempos de espera para visas, ampliar la capacidad operacional y modernizar los sistemas y formularios del Departamento de Estado.\n\n$410.5 millones para el Peace Corps, que sostiene oportunidades de servicio internacional y programas de desarrollo comunitario en distintos países.\n\n$92.5 millones para la Iniciativa de Seguridad de la Cuenca del Caribe, destinada a fortalecer la capacidad de países socios para detectar e interceptar cargamentos de drogas y combatir organizaciones criminales\n\n$50 millones para programas de democracia en Venezuela, dirigidos a fortalecer las instituciones democráticas y la sociedad civil, y ayudar al pueblo venezolano a avanzar hacia un gobierno libre y representativo.\n\n$35 millones para programas de democracia en Cuba, dirigidos a apoyar la libertad, los derechos humanos y la sociedad civil en el Caribe.\n\n$3.5 millones para combatir la trata humana en América Latina y el Caribe, mediante alianzas entre organizaciones no gubernamentales y la Organización de los Estados Americanos.\n\nNo menos de $175 millones para combatir el fentanilo y otras drogas sintéticas, mediante una mayor coordinación entre agencias del orden público, acciones contra organizaciones criminales transnacionales y esfuerzos para interceptar drogas y sus precursores químicos antes de que lleguen a Estados Unidos.\n\nProcesamiento ágil de visas H-2A y H-2B: El proyecto ordena al Departamento de Estado acelerar la tramitación de estas visas y reducir atrasos que afectan a agricultores y otros patronos en Puerto Rico que dependen de trabajadores temporales para atender necesidades de personal.\n\nTras su aprobación en la Cámara, la medida deberá ser considerada por el Senado y posteriormente firmada por el presidente antes de convertirse en ley.\n\n###\n\nIssues: National Security", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases/comisionado-residente-logra-abrir-la-puerta-75-millones-para-atender-la-crisis", "title": "Comisionado Residente logra abrir la puerta a $75 millones para atender la crisis de agua en Puerto Rico.", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "hernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001103", "name": "Pablo José Hernández", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, anunció hoy que once prioridades presentadas por su oficina fueron incluidas en la Ley de Desarrollo de Recursos Hídricos de 2026 (H.R. 9497 - Water Resources Development Act of 2026) y aprobada por el Comité de Transportación e Infraestructura de la Cámara de Representantes federal.\n\nEl proyecto autoriza proyectos y estudios del Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército de los Estados Unidos relacionados con infraestructura de agua, control de inundaciones, protección costera y restauración ambiental. Tras su aprobación en comité, el proyecto avanza ahora hacia la consideración del pleno de la Cámara de Representantes.\n\n“Estamos utilizando todas las herramientas disponibles en el Congreso para atender los problemas de agua que afectan a nuestras comunidades. Este aumento permitiría ampliar la inversión en infraestructura de agua y alcantarillado y encaminar proyectos importantes para Puerto Rico. Sin embargo, todavía esperamos que la Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados responda nuestras comunicaciones y provea la información solicitada sobre la infraestructura crítica que requiere atención inmediata. Para resolver esta crisis, necesitamos recursos federales, pero también información, coordinación y acción por parte de la corporación pública”, expresó el Comisionado Residente.\n\nLas once prioridades incluidas en WRDA 2026 son:\n\nMás recursos para infraestructura de agua en Puerto Rico: El proyecto aumenta de $35 millones a $75 millones la autorización federal disponible para apoyar proyectos de agua potable y alcantarillado.\n\nHumacao: Incluye el Río Antón Ruiz y sus diques para desarrollar mejoras que reduzcan las inundaciones y protejan a Río Verde Mar, Punta Santiago y comunidades cercanas.\n\nCorozal: Autoriza $10 millones para mejorar los sistemas de agua y alcantarillado, incluidos acueductos comunitarios que sirven a familias con acceso limitado al agua.\n\nVega Baja: Autoriza un estudio de la Laguna Puerto Nuevo, o Laguna Quintín Valle, para evaluar dragado y otras soluciones contra inundaciones.\n\nLoíza: Autoriza un estudio para combatir la erosión costera, reducir los daños por marejadas y proteger hogares y comunidades cercanas a la costa.\n\nCeiba: Permite estudiar soluciones para proteger la costa y las comunidades frente a tormentas, inundaciones y erosión.\n\nYabucoa: Autoriza un estudio para reducir los daños por marejadas y fortalecer la protección de las comunidades costeras.\n\nRío Puerto Nuevo: Incluye lenguaje para realizar nuevos estudios de impacto que atiendan las preocupaciones de las comunidades aledañas.\n\nNaguabo: Autoriza un estudio para proteger la costa, reducir la erosión y disminuir los riesgos para las comunidades durante eventos atmosféricos.\n\nFajardo: Permite evaluar proyectos para proteger viviendas, infraestructura y recursos naturales frente a la erosión y las tormentas costeras.\n\nAcceso de Puerto Rico a un programa federal de protección de costas y ríos: El proyecto añade expresamente a Puerto Rico al Programa de Protección y Restauración de Costas y Ríos (Shoreline and Riverine Protection Program), permitiendo que la isla sea considerada para futuros estudios y proyectos dirigidos a reducir daños por inundaciones, huracanes y tormentas.\n\nLa aprobación en comité representa un paso importante dentro del proceso legislativo. El proyecto autoriza proyectos, estudios y programas federales, pero no asigna fondos de manera inmediata. Para entrar en vigor, aún debe ser aprobada por la Cámara de Representantes y el Senado, y posteriormente convertirse en ley.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://himes.house.gov/2026/07/15/connecticut-delegation-leads-rail-corridor-lawmakers-in-calling-for-sustained-federal-railway-improvement-funding/", "title": "Connecticut Delegation Leads Rail Corridor Lawmakers in Calling for Sustained Federal Railway Improvement Funding", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://himes.house.gov/statements-and-releases/", "domain": "himes.house.gov", "scraper": "himes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001047", "name": "James A. Himes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Jim Himes (CT-04), John Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), and Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy led 25+ lawmakers in requesting Congressional Leaders include multi-year federal funding for passenger rail improvement projects in the BUILD America 250 Act, Congress’ upcoming five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill.\n\n“Major rail infrastructure projects often take years to move from conception to completion. Because these investments require long-term planning and sustained commitments, uncertainty in future funding can delay project delivery and increase costs,” wrote the Members of Congress.\n\n“At a time when passenger rail ridership is growing, with Amtrak reporting 34.5 million customer trips in Fiscal Year 2025, and states are making significant investments in rail transportation, Congress should ensure that federal funding mechanisms reflect the realities of how these projects are delivered,” continued the lawmakers.\n\nThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021—the most recent surface transportation reauthorization passed by Congress—provided $66 billion in advance appropriations for rail programs through 2026. Since the legislation’s enactment, Connecticut has received approximately $2 billion in U.S. Department of Transportation rail grants. As currently drafted, the BUILD America 250 Act does not include multi-year appropriations for rail projects, undermining federal support for long-term rail improvement initiatives.\n\nThe Federal Railroad Administration’s 2026 Northeast Corridor Project Inventory identifies 26 Connecticut projects that remain in development, under construction, or awaiting completion, including the WALK Bridge, Devon Bridge, and Connecticut River Bridge replacement projects. Improving the rail infrastructure located within the Northeast Corridor is critical given it is the nation’s busiest passenger corridor, carrying more than 694,000 passengers on weekdays and 367,000 passengers on weekends.\n\nIn addition to the Connecticut’s Congressional Delegation, Representatives Matsui (CA-07), Norton (DC-AL), McBride (DE-AL), Wilson (FL-24), Jackson (IL-01), García (IL-04), Davis (IL-07), Neal (MA-01), Moulton (MA-06), Thanedar (MI-13), Ross (NC-02), Foushee (NC-04), McIver (NJ-10), Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Suozzi (NY-03), Velázquez (NY-07), Nadler (NY-12), Evans (PA-03), Amo (RI-01), Magaziner (RI-02), Rep. McClellan (VA-04), Vindman (VA-07), Beyer (VA-08), Randall (WA-06), Jayapal (WA-07), and Moore (WI-04) signed the letter in support of multi-year federal funding for rail improvement projects.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-uni-president-joins-hinson-highlight-bipartisan-bill-supporting-future", "title": "ICYMI: UNI President Joins Hinson to Highlight Bipartisan Bill Supporting Future Teachers", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hinson.house.gov", "scraper": "hinson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001091", "name": "Ashley Hinson", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — During her weekly press call, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) was joined by University of Northern Iowa President Mark Nook to discuss bipartisan legislation she introduced to modernize the TEACH Grant Program, making it easier for future teachers to afford college while ensuring proper guardrails for grant dollars.\n\nRep. Hinson has met with President Nook to talk about the challenges facing the TEACH Grant program and ideas for commonsense reforms and solutions. UNI’s teacher preparation program has become a model for success, and President Nook shared his experience with Iowa media alongside Rep. Hinson.\n\nPresident Nook highlighted UNI's unique role in preparing Iowa's educator workforce:\n\n\"Approximately 25% of all educators in the state come from UNI, and many of our students take advantage of the TEACH Grant that's out there.\n\n“...One of the problems that students face is that if they teach for one year, two years, or three years out of the required four but don't complete the fourth year, all of the grant converts into a loan.\"\n\nOn the solution to protecting future teachers:\n\n\"So what we've done with this new proposal, the new bill that Representative Hinson has introduced, is prorate that so that a student who graduates and teaches in a high-needs field for two or three years would essentially be working off that grant a year at a time…\n\n“One of the things that is also important in here is bringing accountability to the institutions. If an institution has a large percentage of its students who are converting these into loans instead of keeping them as grants, then we want to hold that institution accountable.\n\n\"I think this is probably the most important part of what we've done in this legislation—to bring accountability to the university and say, let's make sure people are helping students understand what these grants really are, how they work, what their obligations are, and then help them find the jobs they need so they can meet those obligations.\n\n\"Nothing is more important to us than helping people manage their student loan debt and come out of college with a really high-quality degree that prepares them for the profession they want to choose.\"\n\nRep. Hinson said the bill has a simple goal: making it easier for future teachers to pursue their calling while holding colleges accountable.\n\n\"Our kids deserve great teachers, and the students who want to answer that call shouldn't have unnecessary barriers standing in their way. As President Nook talked about, we also need to make sure institutions are fulfilling their end of the deal.\"\n\nCompanion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Jack Reed (D-RI). For more information on the bipartisan bill, click here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://horsford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-steven-horsford-statement-on-vote-regarding-us-military-assistance-to-israel", "title": "Rep. Steven Horsford Statement on Vote Regarding U.S. Military Assistance to Israel", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://horsford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "horsford.house.gov", "scraper": "horsford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001066", "name": "Steven Horsford", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) issued the following statement regarding his vote on an amendment concerning U.S. military assistance to Israel:\n\n“Congress has a constitutional responsibility to carefully review every dollar it appropriates and ensure that taxpayer funds reflect our values, our national interests, and the priorities of the American people. That responsibility is especially important when it comes to military assistance overseas.\n\nToday’s amendment was buried within a broader partisan appropriations process that continues to neglect the challenges facing working families here at home. Instead of focusing on lowering costs and strengthening America’s future, Republicans continue advancing policies that raise costs for working families while failing to invest in the health care, housing, education, and economic opportunity Americans need to thrive.\n\nFor many Nevadans, this vote is fundamentally about priorities. They want their tax dollars to reflect the needs of their communities.\n\nCongress has a responsibility to exercise meaningful oversight of U.S. military assistance provided to any country. American taxpayer dollars should never be appropriated automatically or without accountability. Security assistance should advance our national security interests, reflect our values, protect innocent civilians, and remain subject to rigorous congressional review.\n\nI remain unwavering in my support for Israel’s right to exist and defend itself, for the U.S.-Israel strategic partnership, and for the safety and security of the Jewish people. I unequivocally condemn Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attacks and reject antisemitism in all its forms.\n\nNothing in this amendment affects U.S. support for Israel’s critical defensive systems - including Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow, and THAAD - which remain essential to protecting Israeli civilians and maintaining regional security.\n\nAt the same time, support for an ally does not require Congress to abandon its oversight responsibilities. I believe Congress has a duty to ensure that assistance to every partner - including Israel - is consistent with American law, our national security interests, and our humanitarian values.\n\nI recognize that Members of Congress, including Democrats, reached different conclusions on this amendment in good faith while sharing a common commitment to Israel’s security and America’s alliance with Israel.\n\nThis amendment is not a comprehensive solution, nor is it the final step toward achieving lasting peace and security in the region. I will continue working to support humanitarian assistance for innocent civilians in Gaza, oppose violence against civilians, including extremist settler violence in the West Bank, and advance the conditions necessary for Israelis and Palestinians alike to live in peace, security, dignity, and self-determination.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-amendment-would-embolden-enemies-peace", "title": "Hoyer: This Amendment Would Embolden the Enemies of Peace", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "domain": "hoyer.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000874", "name": "Steny H. Hoyer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "\"I rise in strong disagreement with this amendment, which would dangerously undermine America’s national security. If adopted, it would – as Leader Jeffries rightly pointed out – limit our ability to confront terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah that expressly target American citizens and military personnel. And it would make it harder for America to use our relationships with Israel and regional partners to promote a negotiated two-state solution, the only realistic path to deliver on the promise of peace, security, and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.\n\n\"I understand the frustration many Members feel with some of the policies and actions of the current Israeli government – as well as their concerns about its commitment to the peace process and a two-state solution. However, this amendment would embolden the enemies of peace, those who seek the complete elimination of Israel, and those looking for an excuse to murder Jews. It is a vote to weaken our ability to engage in the region, and it is a vote against American security, against American interests, and against Americans’ safety. Vote 'no.'\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-we-ought-show-unwavering-support-ukraines-defense-its-homeland", "title": "Hoyer: We Ought to Show Unwavering Support for Ukraine's Defense of Its Homeland", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "domain": "hoyer.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000874", "name": "Steny H. Hoyer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks on the House Floor during general debate on H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027. Below are a video and transcript of his remarks:\n\nClick here to watch a video of his remarks.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-democrats-urge-omb-rescind-rule-politicizing-federal-grant-decision", "title": "Maryland Democrats Urge OMB to Rescind Rule Politicizing Federal Grant Decision-Making", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "domain": "hoyer.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000874", "name": "Steny H. Hoyer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Maryland Congressional Delegation members – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) – are calling out the Trump Administration’s attempts to undermine and politicize the federal grant-making process. In a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers press OMB to rescind a new proposed rule that would overhaul the grantmaking and cooperative agreement processes across the entire federal government, centralizing power within OMB, reducing transparency and accountability, undermining Congress, and clearing the path for the Trump Administration to continue weaponizing and politicizing the federal grantmaking process.\n\n“We write to express strong opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s sweeping proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” rule that would completely overhaul and politicize the grantmaking and cooperative agreement processes across the entire federal government,” the lawmakers begin.\n\nThey go on to stress the importance of federal grants, noting, “Across the state, federal investment supports research into our ocean and waterways as well as our air, crops, livestock and soil. Federal grants support advancements in health and medicine including research into the treatment of diseases such as pediatric cancer and sickle cell disease and drive the development of new technologies that will keep Americans healthy. Grant-funded childcare through Head Start and Early Head Start serves families from the Eastern Shore to Garrett County. These dollars power cutting-edge developments in space technology, satellites, AI, and quantum computing. Federal funds also allow organizations to support victims of sexual assault, violence, and other crimes. The proposed Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance represents a threat to every one of those efforts to better American lives, strengthen our economy, and keep our country competitive.”\n\nOn the proposed rule, the lawmakers write, “In reality, if finalized, this more than 400-page rule will make significant, sweeping, and binding policy changes to the Uniform Guidance across more than 40 federal grant-making agencies and offices responsible for awarding billions of dollars in funding and federal financial assistance each fiscal year. It would codify the Trump Administration’s campaign to eviscerate our research infrastructure and authorize more arbitrary cancellations, job losses due to funding uncertainty, and disruptions of work that require consistent data collection to maintain scientific validity.”\n\n“This rule would further centralize power within OMB giving it authority over the heads of dozens of federal agencies as well as merit-based processes in matters of grantmaking and cooperative agreements. In doing so, this rule would place layers of bureaucratic and political red tape between elected representatives who are Constitutionally-responsible for appropriations, the federal agencies whose resources support our state and help drive our local economies, and Marylanders who rely on grants to support valuable research and services,” they continue.\n\nThe lawmakers detail the impact of federal grants on Maryland, noting, “Since the beginning of the President’s term, the Administration and OMB’s intentional delay in spending appropriated funds, grant terminations and disruptions, and overall fewer federal grants being awarded has impacted billions of dollars in federal funding to Maryland, including our state and local governments, schools, and research institutions. As a result, hundreds of our constituents have lost their jobs, Maryland research institutions and universities are undergoing hiring freezes and layoffs, and graduate and post-doctoral programs have been forced to cut or limit admissions–all which threaten to stifle U.S. leadership and innovation for decades to come.”\n\n“The people of Maryland and the United States deserve actual transparency, reliability, and accountability from our federal government, not arbitrary rules and political interference from OMB that would weaken our scientific and research enterprise, risk more jobs, and slow down hard-won progress. We urge you to rescind this proposed rule immediately,” the lawmakers conclude.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Director Vought:\n\nWe write to express strong opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s sweeping proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” rule that would completely overhaul and politicize the grantmaking and cooperative agreement processes across the entire federal government.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/oregon-delegation-welcomes-major-federal-investment-in-states-semiconductor-industry", "title": "Oregon Delegation Welcomes Major Federal Investment in State’s Semiconductor Industry", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hoyle.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyle", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001094", "name": "Val T. Hoyle", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Federal lawmakers: Oregon team of nearly 100 partners awarded NSF Regional Innovation Engine Award that sets up receiving up to $160 million to grow Oregon semiconductor industry\n\nWashington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senate and House members welcomed today’s announcement that Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST), an Oregon consortium including nearly 100 partners from across the state, will receive up to $160 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation over the next decade to grow the state’s semiconductor ecosystem.\n\nOregon State University is the administrative home for FAST.\n\n“It’s always a good day when Oregon takes our deserved spot in the “FAST lane” for national leadership in semiconductor innovation and manufacturing,” said U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, who helped to lead the effort under the Biden administration to pass the CHIPS Act that aimed for federal investments just like this one in Oregon’s semiconductor industry. “Oregon is the beating heart of U.S. semiconductor production, which makes OSU a natural choice to lead one of just 12 new Regional Innovation Engines. This major federal investment will fuel cutting-edge research, good-paying jobs and economic growth in the Silicon Forest that will ripple throughout our entire state.”\n\n“This investment in Oregon State University’s NSF FAST Engine will further supercharge Oregon’s innovative semiconductor industry,” said U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley. “By bringing together researchers, businesses, and local partners, it will help turn new ideas into good-paying jobs and strengthen our state’s leadership in emerging semiconductor technologies. I’ll keep fighting to ensure Oregon has the federal support it needs to compete and grow.”\n\n“The NSF FAST Engine based at Oregon State University shows how government can successfully work with higher education institutions to spur regional innovation and career readiness in advanced fields,” said Rep. Suzanne Bonamici. “This significant investment in the semiconductor industry will strengthen our state's continued leadership in research, development, and a future-ready workforce.”\n\n“I am proud that Oregon State University was selected to receive this well-deserved grant. Demand for semiconductors is rising, and the NSF FAST Engine will help OSU design the world’s most advanced semiconductor chips,” said Rep. Val Hoyle. “This grant will bring industries in Oregon closer together across the state and foster innovation. It will also strengthen statewide educational partnerships, support Oregon’s semiconductor industry and improve pathways to semiconductor careers for students.”\n\n“Oregon is called the Silicon Forest for a reason. If we want to maintain our position as a leader in semiconductor research and technology, then we need to keep innovating,” said Rep. Andrea Salinas. “This grant from the National Science Foundation will help ensure we remain on the cutting edge of the technology revolution while utilizing the talents of the Oregon workforce by providing training and jobs throughout the high tech innovation economy.”\n\n“Proof that Oregon is THE place to invest in semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing. Another great bet on some of our country's best technology and brightest students,” said Rep. Janelle Bynum. “This funding makes sure that Oregon's next generation of innovators, leaders, and experts have the resources they need to secure good paying jobs and continue to build a strong economy”.\n\nMore information about the project is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-huffman-statement-on-state-and-foreign-operations-appropriations-amendment-8-vote", "title": "Rep. Huffman Statement on State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Amendment #8 Vote", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "huffman.house.gov", "scraper": "huffman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001068", "name": "Jared Huffman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - Today, Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) released the following statement after voting on the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act and Representative Thomas Massie’s (KY-04) amendment #8:\n\n“I almost never vote ‘present,’ but this amendment leaves me little choice. I support the central message behind it and have consistently opposed the Israeli government's unhinged policies of aggression, brutality, and territorial expansion. I've demonstrated that through my support for measures like the Lebanon War Powers Resolution, the Block the Bombs Act, Rep. McCollum's justice for Palestinians initiatives, and countless other legislative efforts to hold the Israeli government accountable for reprehensible actions.\n\nBut I cannot offer blanket support for an amendment so poorly drafted that it could be construed to go far beyond blocking offensive military assistance. As written, it risks cutting off support for humanitarian organizations, peacebuilding efforts, and protections for vulnerable Palestinians. On an issue this consequential, Congress has a responsibility to legislate with precision, not substitute sloppy drafting for serious policymaking.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-democrats-urge-omb-rescind-rule-politicizing-federal-grant-decision", "title": "Maryland Democrats Urge OMB to Rescind Rule Politicizing Federal Grant Decision-Making", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ivey.house.gov", "scraper": "ivey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "I000058", "name": "Glenn Ivey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Maryland Congressional Delegation members – U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) – are calling out the Trump Administration’s attempts to undermine and politicize the federal grant-making process. In a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers press OMB to rescind a new proposed rule that would overhaul the grantmaking and cooperative agreement processes across the entire federal government, centralizing power within OMB, reducing transparency and accountability, undermining Congress, and clearing the path for the Trump Administration to continue weaponizing and politicizing the federal grantmaking process.\n\n“We write to express strong opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s sweeping proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” rule that would completely overhaul and politicize the grantmaking and cooperative agreement processes across the entire federal government,” the lawmakers begin.\n\nThey go on to stress the importance of federal grants, noting, “Across the state, federal investment supports research into our ocean and waterways as well as our air, crops, livestock and soil. Federal grants support advancements in health and medicine including research into the treatment of diseases such as pediatric cancer and sickle cell disease and drive the development of new technologies that will keep Americans healthy. Grant-funded childcare through Head Start and Early Head Start serves families from the Eastern Shore to Garrett County. These dollars power cutting-edge developments in space technology, satellites, AI, and quantum computing. Federal funds also allow organizations to support victims of sexual assault, violence, and other crimes. The proposed Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance represents a threat to every one of those efforts to better American lives, strengthen our economy, and keep our country competitive.”\n\nOn the proposed rule, the lawmakers write, “In reality, if finalized, this more than 400-page rule will make significant, sweeping, and binding policy changes to the Uniform Guidance across more than 40 federal grant-making agencies and offices responsible for awarding billions of dollars in funding and federal financial assistance each fiscal year. It would codify the Trump Administration’s campaign to eviscerate our research infrastructure and authorize more arbitrary cancellations, job losses due to funding uncertainty, and disruptions of work that require consistent data collection to maintain scientific validity.”\n\n“This rule would further centralize power within OMB giving it authority over the heads of dozens of federal agencies as well as merit-based processes in matters of grantmaking and cooperative agreements. In doing so, this rule would place layers of bureaucratic and political red tape between elected representatives who are Constitutionally-responsible for appropriations, the federal agencies whose resources support our state and help drive our local economies, and Marylanders who rely on grants to support valuable research and services,” they continue.\n\nThe lawmakers detail the impact of federal grants on Maryland, noting, “Since the beginning of the President’s term, the Administration and OMB’s intentional delay in spending appropriated funds, grant terminations and disruptions, and overall fewer federal grants being awarded has impacted billions of dollars in federal funding to Maryland, including our state and local governments, schools, and research institutions. As a result, hundreds of our constituents have lost their jobs, Maryland research institutions and universities are undergoing hiring freezes and layoffs, and graduate and post-doctoral programs have been forced to cut or limit admissions–all which threaten to stifle U.S. leadership and innovation for decades to come.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://james.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1301", "title": "Michigan Republicans: Canada's apologies won't clear Michigan's skies", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://james.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "james.house.gov", "scraper": "james", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000307", "name": "John James", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington – Today, Reps. Jack Bergman, John James, Lisa McClain, and John Moolenaar are demanding immediate action from the Canadian government as another wildfire season brings dangerous smoke across the border and into Michigan communities.\n\nAfter repeated conversations sharing concerns, and a lack of meaningful progress, the members are making it clear that continued inaction from Canada is unacceptable. The members say Canadian leaders have had years to address the underlying causes of worsening wildfires, yet American families continue to bear the consequences.\n\nIn a joint letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Michigan Republicans warned that patience has run out and called on Canada to move beyond promises and take real action to protect communities on both sides of the border.\n\nIn their letter, the members argued that, \"We write today as members of Michigan's congressional delegation to raise our voices on an issue that has already drawn letters from our colleagues in past years: wildfire smoke drifting across the border from Canada into our communities. Additionally, last year, Reps. James and Bergman each wrote letters to your government to raise the alarm about wildfire smoke pouring across our border from Canada into our communities. We write jointly this time because a year has passed, the season has come around again, and nothing has changed except that our patience has run out.\"\n\nThe letter to Carney continued, \"We were told last year that this would be treated with urgency. It was not. We were told the causes, chronic under-investment in forest thinning, fuel reduction, and prescribed burns, along with inadequate enforcement against arson, were being addressed. They were not, or not adequately enough to matter to the people we represent. Provincial leaders have offered excuses instead of results, and in some cases have openly dismissed the health of American citizens as an inconvenience to their own summer. That attitude is unacceptable from a neighbor and an ally.\"\n\n\"We are done accepting apologies in place of action. If Canada will not manage its forests to prevent these fires, the United States will look elsewhere, and act on our own, to protect our people. That means our own agencies exploring direct involvement in cross-border fuel reduction and firefighting capacity. It means reconsidering how much benefit of the doubt this relationship continues to earn on an issue where American lungs are paying the price for Canadian inaction, year after year. Sovereignty comes with responsibility, and the responsibility to prevent a foreseeable disaster from crossing into another country's airspace has not been met.\"\n\nRead the full letter here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/07/15/jayapal-garcia-pingree-raskin-thompson-demand-independent-investigations-into-killings-of-lorenzo-salgado-araujo-johan-sebastian-guerrero/", "title": "Jayapal, Garcia, Pingree, Raskin, Thompson Demand Independent Investigations into Killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Johan Sebastian Guerrero", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "jayapal.house.gov", "scraper": "jayapal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000298", "name": "Pramila Jayapal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, are leading nearly 200 Members in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and are demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halt removal proceedings against the witnesses.\n\n“Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the Members. “Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.”\n\nOn July 7th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Salgado Araujo, a father of three U.S. citizens who had resided in the country for 35 years. He was reportedly not ICE’s target in their operation, and despite ICE’s claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle,” no evidence to substantiate that claim has been presented, and it is disputed by witnesses in the vehicle.\n\nOn July 13th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Guerrero, a father who also was reportedly not the target of enforcement actions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to have shot him in concern for “public safety” after he “attempted to flee.” The agency does not allege that at any point officers feared for their safety. Video of this killing shows ICE officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero even after he had been shot in the head.\n\nDHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 21 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals who posed no public safety threat. In two previous shootings, ICE has claimed that victims were also “weaponizing” their vehicles, claims that have turned out to be false statements as evidence emerged.\n\nIn addition to the demands for an independent investigation and the commitment that witnesses to the killing of Mr. Salgado Araujo not be deported, the Members are asking for a detailed breakdown of all training materials and guidelines around vehicle stops.\n\nThe full text of the letter to DHS Secretary Mullin and ICE Acting Director Venturella can be read here.\n\nThe letter was also signed by Alma S. Adams (NC-12), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Ami Bera (CA-06), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jason Crow (CO-06), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Bill Foster (IL-11), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Al Green (TX-09), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Pablo Jose Hernández (PR-At Large), Jim Himes (CT-04), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), William R. Keating (MA-09), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), John Larson (CT-01), George Latimer (NY-16), Susie Lee (NV-03), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), John Mannion (NY-22), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kristin McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Christian Menefee (TX-18), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen S. Moore (WI-04), Joseph D. Morelle (NY-25), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Richard Neal (MA-01), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Scott Peters (CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Josh Riley (NY-19), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Thomas R. Suozzi (NY-03), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Norma Torres (CA-35), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Derek Tran (CA-45), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), George Whitesides (CA-27), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/drs-joyce-murphy-and-schrier-introduce-bipartisan-patients-first-act", "title": "Drs. Joyce, Murphy, and Schrier Introduce Bipartisan Patients First Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "johnjoyce.house.gov", "scraper": "johnjoyce", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000302", "name": "John Joyce", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "July 15, 2026\n\nComprehensive Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) Reform Legislation Will Keep Patients Healthy, Preserve Competition, and Deliver Affordability\n\nWASHINGTON, DC - Today, Reps. John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), and Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), respective chairs of the GOP and Democratic Doctors Caucuses, introduced the bipartisan Patients First Act–comprehensive Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) reform legislation.\n\nThe Patients First Act is necessary to keep patients healthy, preserve competition, and deliver affordability. The legislation will reform the Medicare physician fee schedule, improving seniors’ access to care by strengthening the incentives for independent practice and reversing decades of consolidation that drives up the cost of care, especially in rural and underserved areas.\n\n\"The House of Medicine is at a crossroads. We can maintain the status quo that rewards more costly, less personalized care, or we can put our heads together to build a modern framework that addresses the challenges that impede physicians’ ability to care for their patients,\" said Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13). \"We often talk about expanding access to high-quality care, but without meaningful Medicare reimbursement reform, that mission becomes nearly impossible to achieve. Putting patients ahead of politics, we worked together to develop this comprehensive legislation to address a system that has for far too long undermined patient access to affordable, physician driven care within their communities. We can and must do better. This proposal deserves serious consideration because the future of patient care, the strength of our physician workforce, and the survival of independent practice all hinge on whether we choose to act rather than accept inaction. \"\n\n\"As a practicing urologist for more than 30 years, I've seen firsthand the challenges physicians face in keeping their doors open while providing the highest quality care for their patients,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03). \"Our current Medicare physician payment system is unsustainable. It has fueled consolidation, increased administrative burdens, and made it harder for independent physicians in rural communities to continue serving the patients who rely on them. The bipartisan Patients First Act delivers long-overdue reforms that strengthen independent practices, invest in primary care, and ensure physicians can spend more time caring for patients instead of navigating bureaucracy. When physicians succeed, patients receive better care, and that's exactly what this legislation is designed to achieve.\"\n\n\"Our nation is in a primary care crisis, and if we don’t act swiftly to reform the system, patients will lose access to care, costs will rise, and physician practices will continue to close,” said Congresswoman Dr. Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08). “Consolidation in our healthcare system is forcing small, independent physicians to sell their practices to corporate entities, decreasing choice and competition, and increasing costs for patients without delivering better quality. This bill gives stability to independent practices, reduces red tape and burdensome paperwork, and invests in primary care. By introducing the Patients First Act, we are addressing the challenges physicians face with a commonsense, bipartisan solution. Patients deserve better, and this bill delivers on that promise.\"\n\nKEY BACKGROUND:\n\nThe Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) is bipartisan legislation signed into law on April 16, 2015.\n\nMACRA:\n\nRepealed the SGR methodology for determining updates to the Medicare physician fee schedule (MPFS)\n\nEstablished a merit-based incentive payment system (MIPS) to consolidate and replace several existing incentive programs\n\nIncentivized the development of, and participation in, alternative payment models (APMs)\n\nIn a rapidly consolidating health care landscape, nearly seventy percent of medical practices nationwide are owned by hospitals or other corporations. One in ten physicians works for UnitedHealth or an affiliate. Running an independent physician practice is costly, with physicians increasingly forced to either close their doors or sell their practices due to low reimbursement rates and increasing practice expenses. When physician practices are acquired, costs go up for patients.\n\nNot only is care becoming more consolidated and costly, America is also facing a primary care crisis. Primary care providers foster a life-long relationship with patients and provide disease prevention, treatment and management. Today, less than five cents of every Medicare dollar go to primary care, even though it accounts for more than half of all physician visits. It’s no coincidence that more than 100 million Americans don’t have access to regular primary care.\n\nTHE PATIENTS FIRST ACT:\n\nTies physician reimbursement to an inflationary measure.\n\nEstablishes a primary care hybrid payment pilot program that pays PCPs a per-member-per-month payment along with regular services, better capturing the work PCPs do.\n\nEstablishes the POINTS program, which creates a physician and clinician-led task force at CMS to develop quality metrics that are streamlined and reduce administrative burden.\n\nFreezes A-APM participation thresholds for three years and creates notice and comment periods for CMMI mandatory models.\n\nIncreases the budget neutrality threshold from $20 million to $54.3 million.\n\nClick HERE for more information on the Patients First Act.\n\nIssues:Health", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-statement-on-massie-amendment-to-foreign-aid-budget-bill/", "title": "Brownley Statement on Massie Amendment to Foreign Aid Budget Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://juliabrownley.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "juliabrownley.house.gov", "scraper": "juliabrownley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001285", "name": "Julia Brownley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) released the following statement after passage of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027 (H.R. 8595).\n\n“I unequivocally believe in Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign Jewish state, and I am unwavering in my belief that Israel has the right to defend its people against hostile governments and proxy groups that seek its destruction. I also firmly believe that the Palestinian people have a right to dignity, security, and self-determination.\n\n“I also believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s actions in the Middle East have deeply undermined these efforts and recklessly escalated tensions in the region. His government’s actions have not advanced the cause of peace or security and have instead left both Israelis and Palestinians less safe. I do not see how we can continue down this path without a course correction.\n\n“I recognize that Rep. Massie’s amendment is not a serious effort to solve the current state of affairs in the Middle East. It’s also clear to me that the Republicans and the President have long ago ceased to want to take this historically bipartisan issue seriously, and to thoughtfully engage with Democrats to provide the leadership necessary to find a path forward to ending the violence, rebuilding Gaza, and securing the region.\n\n“My vote in favor of the Massie amendment is simply a vote for that course correction.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://kamlager-dove.house.gov/media/press-releases/kamlager-dove-statement-massie-amendment", "title": "Kamlager-Dove Statement on the Massie Amendment", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kamlager-dove.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "kamlager-dove.house.gov", "scraper": "kamlager-dove", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000400", "name": "Sydney Kamlager-Dove", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) released the following statement on Massie Amendment 8, which blocks U.S. military assistance to Israel in the 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. In this bill, 98.5% of the funding appropriated for Israel is designated for Foreign Military Financing.\n\n\"When I signed onto the Block the Bombs Act, I committed to opposing offensive military aid to the Netanyahu government while still supporting funding for defensive programs. That's why, after receiving assurances that funding for the Iron Dome would be unaffected, I voted to block taxpayer funding to Israel in the 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act.\n\n\"Key to my vote was the elimination of $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing to Israel. Over the years, Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly used U.S. military assistance to commit gross violations of human rights, prolong conflict, and retain his hold on power. I cannot in good conscience support using U.S. taxpayer dollars to help finance Netanyahu's war apparatus.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-introduces-ratepayer-justice-and-commercial-power-accountability", "title": "Kaptur Introduces Ratepayer Justice and Commercial Power Accountability Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "kaptur.house.gov", "scraper": "kaptur", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000009", "name": "Marcy Kaptur", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) introduced H.R. 9700, the Ratepayer Justice and Commercial Power Accountability Act, to protect ratepayers in cases where utility companies engage in corruption and misconduct that adversely impacts ratepayers and businesses and raises their utility bills. The legislation will create the Ratepayer Justice Fund to return money to both residential and business victims whose utility rates were increased as a result of corruption. The bill also invests in communities harmed by the corruption through grants and prioritized Federal funding for electric grid modernization. The legislation is designed to prevent a future FirstEnergy scandal from ever occurring again.\n\n“Utilities and utility executives have long engaged in corruption at public expense to turn an extra profit for themselves,” said Congresswoman Kaptur (OH-09). “Thousands of hardworking people across Northwest Ohio and many more across our Buckeye State were victims of the corrupt FirstEnergy scandal in which greedy utility executives gamed the system by bribing public officials, so they could in turn line their own pockets. Ratepayers were forced to pay over $1 Billion due to the executives’ actions and never got their money back. This new legislation creates a Federal system to return ratepayers’ their hard-earned money that was taken from them unjustly, and to support communities that have been wronged. By holding wealthy utilities, executives, and crooked politicians accountable for their malicious actions, we protect Americans’ wallets and prevent more scandals from taking place.”\n\nWhether utilities and their executives bribe public officials or manipulate regulators to increase electric and gas bills, the cost of this corruption falls on the customer. Congresswoman Kaptur’s legislation provides for a new Ratepayer Justice Fund which will capture the monies that utilities and utility executives gained through increasing their customers’ rates and return that money to ratepayers in the form of direct relief payments and grants to harmed communities.\n\nBusiness and residential victims would be able to file a claim for reimbursement through their annual Federal tax return and receive payment in the form of a refundable tax credit. Affected communities can also seek Ratepayer Community Restoration Grants from the US Department of Energy to repair economic damage and invest in infrastructure and clean energy. Congresswoman Kaptur has long championed accountability for FirstEnergy executives and to find ways to make ratepayers whole while preventing future malfeasance from utility companies.\n\nAdditionally, the bill requires mandatory jail time for any public official, utility executive, or lobbyist convicted of public corruption, fraud, or bribery in connection with utility misconduct.\n\nIntroduction of the bill comes on the heels of a mistrial last April in the public corruption case against the former FirstEnergy CEO and former FirstEnergy Senior Vice President, the one-year anniversary of FirstEnergy asking the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to be free of any punitive damages for their admitted misconduct, and the seventh anniversary of House Bill 6 becoming law in the State of Ohio (July 23, 2019)—a centerpiece of the FirstEnergy scandal and the largest public corruption case in Ohio’s history.\n\nIt also comes as FirstEnergy is asking the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio for approval to increase rates for ratepayers for three years beginning next summer. “I will not stand for FirstEnergy increasing any Ohioan’s electricity bills until justice is delivered to ratepayers and we have a full accounting of the criminality that occurred at the expense of our people. Justice delayed is justice denied. It is time for Federal action,” Kaptur added.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/2026/07/15/whip-clark-statement-on-massie-amendment-to-gop-foreign-aid-budget-bill/", "title": "Whip Clark Statement on Massie Amendment to GOP Foreign Aid Budget Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "katherineclark.house.gov", "scraper": "clark", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001101", "name": "Katherine M. Clark", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) released the following statement:\n\n“This week, House Republicans are putting forward a foreign aid budget bill that decimates American diplomacy, cuts desperately needed humanitarian aid, and further undermines our national security and right to vote.\n\n“Republicans have also included an overly broad amendment by Rep. Massie that blocks all foreign aid to Israel, including humanitarian funding for Palestinian refugees and civilians in Gaza. This is not an attempt to have a serious and necessary debate about offensive military aid to Israel. It’s more stunts from Congressional Republicans who would rather score cheap political points than lead.\n\n“However, it is clear that the status quo is not tenable. We should not provide a blank check for military aid to any country that does not comply with U.S. law, interests, and values. The Netanyahu government has failed to meet that standard. I will be voting yes, not because I agree with the entirety of the amendment, or the GOP’s cynical motivations for its consideration, but because I believe we must change course. While Democratic Members will make different decisions on this amendment in good faith, we are absolutely united in our shared goal of permanent peace.\n\n“Israel has the right to exist as a sovereign, secure, and democratic Jewish state. They have the right to defend their people and their territory. The United States should continue to have a strong strategic alliance with Israel and support its defense against governments and proxy groups that seek its destruction. We must continue to support Israel’s defensive systems like the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow and Thaad — which are not impacted by this amendment. And we must fight against the scourge of antisemitism whenever and wherever it appears.\n\n“There must be a new and sustainable path for true security in the Middle East. It cannot be achieved without surging aid to Gaza, halting construction of settlements in the West Bank, ending settler violence, and upholding the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. We cannot give up on peace and our work to build a better future for all children.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-introduces-legislation-reduce-healthcare-costs-seniors", "title": "Kean Introduces Legislation to Reduce Healthcare Costs for Seniors", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "kean.house.gov", "scraper": "kean", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000398", "name": "Thomas H. Kean, Jr.", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(July 15, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) announced the introduction of the Medicare Premiums Reduction Act of 2026, legislation that would reduce Medicare premiums for seniors to help address affordability challenges.\n\nUnder current law, Medicare Part B and D each add the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) surcharge to monthly premiums for seniors with an annual income of $109k or more.\n\nThis legislation would eliminate a surcharge on Medicare Parts B and D premiums for seniors making between $109,000 and $171,000 as an individual and between $218,000 and $342,000 as a married couple. This could provide an individual senior with savings of up to $241 per month or a senior couple with savings of up to $482 per month.\n\n“Healthcare costs, especially for seniors, can be a tremendous burden,” said Congressman Kean (NJ-07). “Reducing healthcare costs for every New Jersey family remains one of my top priorities. By eliminating unnecessary Medicare costs, we can help ensure seniors have access to the care they depend on without being forced to sacrifice their hard-earned savings.”\n\n\"Seniors in high-cost areas like Southern California should not be penalized with extra Medicare surcharges on top of their premiums simply because of where they live,\" said Rep. Young Kim (CA-40). \"The Medicare Premiums Reduction Act of 2026 provides real, immediate real relief so our seniors can keep more of their hard-earned retirement savings. I’m proud to team up with Rep. Kean to cut these unfair costs and give seniors the breathing room they deserve on their health care expenses.”\n\n“I contacted Congressman Kean because I know firsthand how the Medicare surcharges are hurting seniors,” said Peter Derosa, from Green Brook, New Jersey. “I am a certified financial planner with a master’s degree in economics from Rutgers University, have been doing retirement planning over 50 years, and am now semi-retired. Almost any distribution or rollover from a retirement plan now triggers IRMAA. The current tier levels are far too low. They are simply a backdoor way to increase the cost of Medicare for people who have worked their entire lives for the benefit. By eliminating the first two tiers of income that are currently subject to Medicare surcharges, Congressman Kean’s bill is identifying a problem and providing a solution for many seniors.”\n\nCongressman Kean has championed efforts to address affordability in Congress. In the 2025 Reconciliation package, Congressman Kean led the fight to quadruple the State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction to $40,000, delivering a major victory for New Jersey families.\n\nThe full text of the Medicare Premiums Reduction Act of 2026 can be found HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://keithself.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-keith-self-introduces-privacy-act-protect-americans-fourth", "title": "Congressman Keith Self Introduces the PRIVACY Act to Protect Americans’ Fourth Amendment Rights", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://keithself.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "keithself.house.gov", "scraper": "keithself", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001224", "name": "Keith Self", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Keith Self (TX-03) introduced the Protecting Rights in Video and Equipment Acquired Discovery (PRIVACY) Act. The legislation would require federal law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before accessing or querying surveillance data collected by state and local systems, including automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and other technologies.\n\n“Americans’ Fourth Amendment right to be secure in their privacy does not disappear just because of new technology or artificial intelligence,” said Congressman Self. “Americans have a constitutional right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, and our government is supposed to get a warrant before invading that privacy. This bill simply restores that protection. Get a warrant.”\n\nThe PRIVACY Act protects Fourth Amendment rights by:\n\nCreating a list of intrusive technologies and requiring federal law enforcement to obtain a warrant before accessing or querying data from those systems.\n\nLimiting retention of data obtained under a warrant to 30 days, unless the data constitutes evidence in a prosecution or a court grants a limited extension.\n\nProhibiting the use of federal funds to purchase or install of such intrusive technologies, with narrow exceptions.\n\nCongressman Eli Crane (AZ-02) and Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) are original cosponsors.\n\n“For decades, Americans’ Fourth Amendment rights have been desecrated as government entities adopt increasingly intrusive surveillance technologies. State and local systems now collect vast amounts of data, and federal agencies use that information to bypass warrant requirements and core privacy protections,” said Congressman Crane. “To counter these Orwellian tendencies, I’m proud to join Representative Self as an original cosponsor of the PRIVACY Act. This legislation closes these loopholes, limits retention of unrelated data, and restores the constitutional protections owed to every American.”\n\n“As the mass surveillance state has drastically expanded and evolved, so too have threats and violations of Americans' constitutional liberties — often in the name of improving public safety. Yet the American people’s Fourth Amendment rights have not changed and are not a suggestion; they are law,” said Congressman Clyde. “The PRIVACY Act provides critical protections to combat the federal government’s dangerous web of warrantless surveillance and data collection, including by devices like Flock cameras. I’m proud to support Rep. Self’s legislation, and I remain committed to restoring Americans’ Fourth Amendment freedoms amidst the rise of intrusive technologies.”\n\nBackground:\n\nOver 6,000 communities in 49 states have installed more than 120,000 Flock, Axon and other manufacturers' cameras that line our roadways and city parks, tracking Americans more than a billion times a day. Add in the other technologies such as electronic tracking of cell tower connections, device emissions and wide-area microphones, no American can avoid the reach of technological tracking.\n\nThe average American driver has their vehicle surveilled 6-8 times a day, allowing AI to determine their driving habits and track their movements, all without the need for a warrant. This allows large nationwide databases to be established to track every American even when they are not suspected of any particular malfeasance.\n\nThe 4th Amendment protection that Americans would be “secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects,” a promise that cannot be honored unless federal law enforcement operates with warrant requirements and with limited time for information retention.\n\nCompromises between 4th Amendment rights and law enforcement have always been part of the American landscape, but technology cannot be allowed to upset that balance. The Supreme Court has ruled that law enforcement cannot collect months of historical location records for no specific purpose, merely because they might want it later. This act codifies the Supreme Court rulings for federal law enforcement, setting specific bounds.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-delbene-celebrate-ways-means-committees-unanimous-passage-improving-0", "title": "Kelly, DelBene celebrate Ways & Means Committee's unanimous passage of \"Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act\"", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "kelly.house.gov", "scraper": "kelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000376", "name": "Mike Kelly", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (PA-16) and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released a joint statement after their legislation, H.R. 3514, the \"Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act,\" passed the Ways & Means Committee. The legislation passed unanimously by a vote of 42-0.\n\nThe legislation, which has a bipartisan supermajority of nearly 300 House co-sponsors, now advances to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.\n\n\"We are incredibly pleased to see the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act advance out of our committee and move to the full U.S. House of Representatives,\" the Members said. \"This legislation puts patient care and patient outcomes first, and it will greatly modernize and streamline the prior authorization process. Today's vote moves this critical legislation one step closer to becoming law.\"\n\n“Patients should be able to make medical decisions with their doctors without unnecessary red tape standing in the way,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act builds on the Ways and Means Committee’s bipartisan work to improve the prior authorization process and ensure Pennsylvania seniors have timely access to the treatments and care that are best for them. Medicare Advantage insurers should not excessively use prior authorization as a barrier to delay needed care. I appreciate Representative Kelly’s leadership in advancing reforms that increase transparency, reduce burdens, and put patients and their doctors back in charge of health care decisions.”\n\nYou can WATCH and DOWNLOAD Kelly's full committee remarks in the YouTube link above.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nPrior authorization is a tool used by health plans to reduce unnecessary care by requiring health care providers to get pre-approval for medical services. But it’s not without fault. The current system often results in unconfirmed faxes of a patient’s medical information or phone calls by clinicians which takes precious time away from delivering quality and timely care.\n\nPrior authorization continues to be the #1 administrative burden identified by health care providers, and three out of four Medicare Advantage enrollees are subject to unnecessary delays due to prior authorization. In recent years, the Office of the Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)raised concerns after an audit revealed that Medicare Advantage plans ultimately approved 75% of requests that were originally denied. More recently, HHS OIG released a report finding that MA plans incorrectly denied beneficiaries’ access to services even though they met Medicare coverage rules\n\nHealth plans, health care providers, and patients agree that the prior authorization process must be improved to better serve patients and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens for clinicians. In fact, leading health care organizations released a consensus statement to address some of the most pressing concerns associated with prior authorization.\n\nMore than 35 million American seniors, including more than 1.5 million Pennsylvanians, are enrolled in Medicare Advantage.\n\nSpecifically, the bill would:\n\nEstablish an electronic prior authorization process for MA plans including a standardization for transactions and clinical attachments.\n\nIncrease transparency around MA prior authorization requirements and its use.\n\nClarify HHS’ authority to establish timeframes for e-prior authorization requests including expedited determinations, real-time decisions for routinely approved items and services, and other prior authorization requests.\n\nExpand beneficiary protections to improve enrollee experiences and outcomes.\n\nRequire HHS and other agencies to report to Congress on program integrity efforts and other ways to further improve the e-PA process.\n\nPreviously, Rep. Kelly led similar legislation in the 118th Congress. The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act unanimously passed the House in the 117th Congress and was cosponsored by a majority of members in the Senate and House of Representatives.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/2026/07/15/rep-mullins-statement-on-foreign-aid-funding-vote/", "title": "Rep. Mullin’s Statement on Foreign Aid Funding Vote", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "kevinmullin.house.gov", "scraper": "kevinmullin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001225", "name": "Kevin Mullin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Mullin (CA-15) issued the following statement:\n\n“Today I voted NO on the House Republicans’ foreign aid funding bill because it threatens American diplomacy, slashes vital humanitarian aid, undermines our national security, and tries to strip away voting rights from Americans.\n\nWhile I voted no on the bill, I voted YES on an amendment to cut military and other funding to Israel. I did this to send a clear message to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu: stop the wars and seek peace in the region. I strongly support Israel’s right to exist and protect its citizens, but I cannot agree to continued American support of Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank that I believe stray from American values and law.\n\nThis was a deeply imperfect and overly broad amendment, and it was a difficult decision as I firmly believe we need more diplomatic, humanitarian, and refugee programs that promote peace. However, I oppose the Trump-Netanyahu war in Iran and believe Netanyahu’s war in Gaza has been a horrific and disproportionate response to the brutal attacks by Hamas on October 7th. Innocent Palestinians have suffered and I deeply oppose the settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank that every day further threaten chances of peace.\n\nI have long supported Israel’s defense from those who seek its destruction. Iron Dome and other purely defensive funding would not have been affected under this amendment. But I firmly believe that further loss of innocent life will never be the answer to this decades-long conflict.\n\nFor the sake of Israel’s global standing and for the security of the world, we need a change of course in the Middle East. The valued relationship between the U.S. and Israel will need repair and a full reset in a post-Trump and post-Netanyahu world. And as difficult as it may be, we cannot abandon work toward a future Palestinian state co-existing in peace with a Jewish and democratic Israel.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/2026/07/15/rep-mullins-statement-on-ice-shootings-in-maine-and-texas/", "title": "Rep. Mullin’s Statement on ICE Shootings in Maine and Texas", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "kevinmullin.house.gov", "scraper": "kevinmullin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001225", "name": "Kevin Mullin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "In the last week alone, ICE has shot and killed two more people on our streets – neither of whom were targets of their operations.\n\nThe inhumanity and racism from the Trump Administration and his rogue assassins are making our communities less safe.\n\nICE cannot be trusted, and Americans deserve independent investigations into these heinous shootings and the agents who break the law must be criminally prosecuted.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://kiggans.house.gov/2026/07/15/kiggans-supports-fy27-funding-bill-that-bolsters-national-security-and-supports-american-priorities-abroad/", "title": "Kiggans Supports FY27 Funding Bill that Bolsters National Security and Supports American Priorities Abroad", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kiggans.house.gov/feed/", "domain": "kiggans.house.gov", "scraper": "kiggans", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000399", "name": "Jennifer A. Kiggans", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) voted in favor of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027, the third of twelve Appropriations bills needed to fund the federal government for Fiscal Year 2027.\n\nThis bill shifts America’s foreign assistance programs to better align with domestic priorities while supporting our global allies. These measures strengthen our ability to counter threats from the People’s Republic of China and Iran, while supporting efforts to stop cartels from trafficking dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, across our southern border.\n\nCongresswoman Kiggans said, “If the United States wants to remain the strongest fighting force in the world, we must commit to making the necessary investments at home. This appropriations bill will support our allies, keep our adversaries on notice, and combat the flow of dangerous drugs into our communities. At a time of increasing global instability, these investments help ensure the United States remains secure, competitive, and prepared to meet the challenges ahead.”\n\nThe bill funds:\n\n$15.15 billion for the Department of State and related agencies, including:\n\n$6.15 billion for improvements in Embassy Security to protect U.S. personnel,\n\nAnd $186.1 million for the OIG to ensure accountability and transparency.\n\n$9.64 billion for the Department of State to conduct international security assistance, including:\n\n$1.66 billion for International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement programs to combat fentanyl trafficking and transnational criminal activity,\n\n$6.75 billion for the Foreign Military Financing Program to provide security assistance in Israel, Taiwan, and the Philippines to strengthen deterrence in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific,\n\nAnd $870 million to conduct Anti-terrorism operations.\n\nNearly $1.9 billion to counter China’s aggression, including:\n\n$1.8 billion to counter the PRC’s influence and protect U.S. national security interests in the Indo-Pacific,\n\nAnd $400 million for the Countering PRC Influence Fund.\n\nThe bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://knott.house.gov/media/press-releases/knott-serves-over-300-veterans-second-annual-veterans-event", "title": "Knott Serves Over 300 Veterans at Second Annual Veterans Event", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://knott.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "knott.house.gov", "scraper": "knott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000405", "name": "Brad Knott", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LILLINGTON, N.C. – Congressman Brad Knott (NC-13) hosted his second-annual Veterans Service Initiative Event in partnership with Harnett County, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and over 30 veterans-supporting vendors. The event was hosted at the Harnett County Library bringing together a wide variety of resources in one place to efficiently provide veterans the support they need. Congressman Knott’s event served over 300 veterans through on-site VA claims, vendor services, health screenings, dental care, and more.\n\n“Our veterans continually sacrifice so much for this country. Making sure they can easily access the care, benefits, and support they’ve earned is a responsibility I take seriously. No veteran should have to wander in a bureaucratic maze or feel like help is out of reach. I am eager to assist our veterans in getting through any of these complications to secure their benefits. Meeting with so many wonderful North Carolina veterans this weekend only reinforced how important this work is. I am committed to building on this momentum and continuing to show up for those who have served all of us, and I look forward to having more events like this in the future. If you are a veteran, please know my office is here for you. We are ready to help, and I encourage you to reach out.” - Congressman Brad Knott (NC-13)\n\n\"VA is proud to work with Congressman Knott to connect North Carolina Veterans with the benefits they earned and deserve. He is a strong advocate for NC-13 Veterans, and the annual VSI represents an incredibly successful proactive effort to reach that community,\" Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins said. \"When we work together to put Veterans first, good things happen.\"\n\n“We work hard in Harnett County and throughout the district to serve veterans to the best of our ability. Holding big events such as this one expands services and provides a greater resource capability. Resources and information are key to veterans and their families or caregivers, especially as they navigate their way through the Veterans Administration. Two full days of providing claims, benefits, resources, medical and dental services with astounding results made every moment of planning and servicing worth it! Special thanks to Congressman Knott and his staff, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, service officers from Johnston, Lee, Cumberland, Sampson, Harnett and the Garner Service Center Campbell University medical students and the dental team who serviced the veterans directly. Thanks again to all of the vendors and volunteers that made these days possible. What a great event!” - Amy Noel, Harnett County VSO Assistant Director\n\n“On behalf of the leadership team at Warrior Connection, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and deepest appreciation to Congressman Brad Knott and his team for facilitating and including us in the 2026 NC-13 VSI / Stand Down event. This was such a tremendous opportunity for Warrior Connection to reach so many of our combat veterans who could truly benefit from the Warrior Connection program. Furthermore, there were so many other resources and organizations who were brought together, all in one location, in the effort to support and care for America's greatest asset, her warfighters. Overall, the event was well organized and certainly beneficial to our veteran community in NC-13. Thank you, Congressman Brad Knott, and to your incredible team for all your hard work and efforts. The veterans of NC-13 can rest assured that they are not alone and never forgotten.” - Jason Eckman, Vice President of Warrior Connections\n\nThe event featured:\n\nOn-site VA claims\n\nFamily-friendly activities for veterans and their families\n\nMore than 30 vendors serving veterans\n\nFree medical screenings\n\nComplimentary breakfast and lunch\n\nDuring the second Trump Administration, VA has:", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-lawler-davids-moulton-mental-health-leaders-call-trump", "title": "Krishnamoorthi, Lawler, Davids, Moulton, Mental Health Leaders Call on Trump Administration to Immediately Restore LGBTQ+ 988 Lifeline Youth Crisis Services", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY), Sharice Davids (D-KS), and Seth Moulton (D-MA), along with leaders from The Trevor Project, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the Mental Health Liaison Group, to call on the Trump Administration to immediately restore the specialized LGBTQ+ youth crisis services formerly available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's \"Press 3\" option. Although the Department of Health and Human Services has committed to restoring the services before the end of the year, the bipartisan coalition urged the Administration to immediately implement the funding Congress has already appropriated and restore the specialized LGBTQ+ youth crisis services without further delay.\n\n\"Before the Trump Administration ended it, the 988 Lifeline's specialized LGBTQ+ youth crisis services connected with nearly 1.6 million young people during some of the darkest moments of their lives. When you reach that many young people, you're meeting a real need and making a real difference. Congress came together on a bipartisan basis to restore these lifesaving services and appropriated the funding to make it happen. Congress did its job. Now the Trump Administration must implement the law and restore these services without another day's delay,\" Krishnamoorthi said.\n\nCongressman Krishnamoorthi helped secure $33.1 million to restore the 988 Lifeline's specialized LGBTQ+ youth crisis services and introduced bipartisan legislation to protect them permanently. According to The Trevor Project, 41 percent of LGBTQ+ young people in Illinois seriously considered suicide in the past year, including 48 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-warns-trumps-devastating-research-cuts-threaten-americas", "title": "Krishnamoorthi Warns Trump's Devastating Research Cuts Threaten America's Scientific Leadership", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) warned today that the Trump Administration's proposed cuts to American scientific research are undermining U.S. competitiveness with China, threatening America's scientific leadership, and driving away top scientific talent during a House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party hearing on research security.\n\nQuestioning senior career officials from the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Department of Energy (DOE), Krishnamoorthi highlighted the Administration's proposed FY2026 budget cuts to each agency, including nearly a 60 percent reduction for NSF, a 40 percent reduction for NIH, and significant cuts to the Department of Energy's Office of Science, including Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois. Each official confirmed the proposed funding levels reflected in their agencies' own budget documents. Krishnamoorthi contrasted those reductions with OECD data showing China has surpassed the United States in research and development spending.\n\nThe Congressman said:\n\n“Research security is obviously a national priority, but unfortunately, research is insecure not just because of external threats, but because of internal ones due to unprecedented cuts, posing, I think, an existential threat to our research. While President Trump wants to cut funding, China is investing. This spring, OECD showed that China has topped the U.S. in R&D spending. We're killing the very research that we're attempting to protect. And that's wrong.”\n\nKrishnamoorthi then highlighted what he described as the real-world consequences of the Administration's cuts, citing canceled vaccine research, rising measles cases, the spread of New World screwworm, and Ebola before warning that the reductions were endangering Americans' health.\n\nFinally, Krishnamoorthi highlighted the experience of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Ardem Patapoutian, whose NIH grant was frozen before China offered to relocate his laboratory with guaranteed long-term funding. Citing a Nature poll showing that 75 percent of U.S. scientists are considering leaving the country, Krishnamoorthi warned that America's research enterprise is being weakened from within while China actively recruits top scientific talent.\n\nThe Congressman concluded:\n\n\"Trump's cuts are driving away talent. Trump's cuts are making us less healthy. Trump's cuts are leaving us with nothing left to steal. Research needs to be secure. But if there's no research left to steal, what's the point?\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases/expedited-access-to-biosimilars-act", "title": "Congressmembers Langworthy, Schrier Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Costs by Expanding Access to Biosimilars", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "langworthy.house.gov", "scraper": "langworthy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000600", "name": "Nicholas A. Langworthy", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.—July 15, 2026… Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) and Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) today announced the introduction of the Expedited Access to Biosimilars Act, bipartisan legislation to modernize the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) biosimilar approval process, reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers, and help bring lower-cost prescription drugs to patients faster.\n\nBiologics are among the most advanced medicines available, treating serious conditions including cancer, arthritis, Crohn's disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Because of the extensive research and development costs that are associated with these cutting-edge treatments, they are among the most expensive drugs on the market. However, once the patent on a biologic expires, manufacturers can develop a biosimilar, which the FDA must determine has no clinically meaningful differences from the original medicine in terms of safety or effectiveness. Biosimilars create competition in the marketplace and typically cost 15 to 35 percent less than their brand-name counterparts.\n\nAlthough the FDA already requires extensive scientific evidence before approving a biosimilar, manufacturers are often expected to conduct additional clinical studies even when existing evidence demonstrates the biosimilar is just as safe and effective as the original product. Those unnecessary studies can cost millions of dollars, delay competition, and keep lower-cost treatment options out of patients' hands.\n\nThe Expedited Access to Biosimilars Act eliminates unnecessary regulatory hurdles while preserving the FDA's authority to require additional clinical studies whenever they are scientifically warranted.\n\n\"Americans deserve access to safe, effective, and more affordable prescription drugs, and one of the best ways to lower costs is by encouraging competition,\" said Congressman Langworthy. \"Today, biosimilar manufacturers are often forced to complete duplicative clinical studies even when the science already demonstrates their products are just as safe and effective as the original biologic. Our bipartisan bill cuts unnecessary red tape, provides greater regulatory certainty, and helps bring lower-cost treatment options to patients faster without compromising the FDA's rigorous safety standards. This is a commonsense reform that will increase competition, expand patient choice, and help reduce prescription drug costs for families.”\n\n“As a doctor with Type 1 diabetes, I have seen firsthand how skyrocketing insulin prices have threatened access to lifesaving medication for too many Americans,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “It is past time the Food and Drug Administration improve the approval process for biosimilars, which are lower-cost, lifesaving, and effective treatments. I am glad to introduce this legislation to streamline the FDA’s process, lower drug prices, and make medicine more accessible for patients across the country.”\n\nThe legislation would:\n\nClarify that additional clinical studies are not automatically required before the FDA may approve a biosimilar when existing scientific evidence is sufficient.\n\nPreserve the FDA's authority to require additional clinical studies whenever they are necessary to ensure a biosimilar is safe and effective.\n\nRequire the FDA to notify manufacturers early in the review process if additional clinical studies will be required, providing greater certainty and helping avoid unnecessary delays.\n\nThe legislation is supported by a broad coalition of healthcare providers, patient advocates, employers, insurers, and biosimilar manufacturers, including Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing (CSRxP), the Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM), the ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC), the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), and Americans for Prosperity (AFP).\n\n“Biosimilars represent a significant and growing proportion of the therapies cancer centers like Roswell Park use today in caring for our patients. We are proud to support this important legislation from Congressman Langworthy because it helps expand and accelerate access to a broader range of effective, appropriate cancer treatments for people across our region.” -- Dr. Candace S. Johnson, President and CEO, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center\n\n\"For large employers who provide health coverage to millions of American workers and their families, the Expedited Access to Biosimilars Act is an essential step forward that modernizes the biosimilar approval pathway. We applaud Representatives Langworthy and Schrier for introducing this bipartisan, commonsense reform that will break market monopolies, expand therapeutic choices, and lower costs for employees that want to use biosimilars.\" -- Melissa Bartlett, Senior Vice President, Health Policy, The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC)\n\n“The bipartisan Expedited Access to Biosimilars Act would streamline the approval process for more affordable alternatives to high-priced brand name biologic drugs to foster greater competition and help lower drug prices for American patients. Removing costly, duplicative clinical testing requirements and adopting a more efficient Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review standard will remove regulatory challenges to bringing more biosimilar competition to market, more quickly. CSRxP supports this bipartisan, market-based solution, and encourages Congress to swiftly pass it into law.”—CSRxP\n\n“We congratulate you, Congressman Langworthy, on introducing a commonsense proposal that will benefit millions of Americans with no downsides. Removing needless barriers to lifesaving and life-enhancing therapies is exactly the sort of reform AFP exists to promote. Our activists will be working to help you enact this bill swiftly.” --Americans for Prosperity", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comment-letter-connecticut-delegation-members-slam-trump", "title": "In Comment Letter, Connecticut Delegation Members Slam Trump Administration’s New “Medical Frailty” Restrictions", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "larson.house.gov", "scraper": "larson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000557", "name": "John B. Larson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Reps. John B. Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) slammed the latest health care cuts imposed by the Trump Administration.\n\nIn a letter sent last week, the Members expressed their opposition to a new rule announced last month by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Department of Health and Human Services, which exceeds the law’s requirements in implementing new work reporting requirements and creates an unworkable and burdensome process for patients, providers, and states. Under the new restrictions, cancer patients and patients suffering from other debilitating diseases will be required to document that the disease actually impairs their ability to work or face losing their health care coverage.\n\n“The overwhelming impact of this rule is that eligible citizens will be denied Medicaid coverage, states will expend unacceptable resources processing complex paperwork, safety-net providers will be further burdened, and population health will decline,” the Members wrote.\n\nThe letter was submitted under a comment period for the rule, which is set to take effect on January 1st, 2027. Read the full letter text here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/connecticut-delegation-leads-rail-corridor-lawmakers-calling-sustained", "title": "Connecticut Delegation Leads Rail Corridor Lawmakers in Calling for Sustained Federal Railway Improvement Funding", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "larson.house.gov", "scraper": "larson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000557", "name": "John B. Larson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Reps. John B. Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05), and Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy led 25+ lawmakers in requesting Congressional Leaders include multi-year federal funding for passenger rail improvement projects in the BUILD America 250 Act, Congress’ upcoming five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill.\n\n“Major rail infrastructure projects often take years to move from conception to completion. Because these investments require long-term planning and sustained commitments, uncertainty in future funding can delay project delivery and increase costs,” wrote the Members of Congress.\n\n“At a time when passenger rail ridership is growing, with Amtrak reporting 34.5 million customer trips in Fiscal Year 2025, and states are making significant investments in rail transportation, Congress should ensure that federal funding mechanisms reflect the realities of how these projects are delivered,” continued the lawmakers.\n\nThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021—the most recent surface transportation reauthorization passed by Congress—provided $66 billion in advance appropriations for rail programs through 2026. Since the legislation’s enactment, Connecticut has received approximately $2 billion in U.S. Department of Transportation rail grants. As currently drafted, the BUILD America 250 Act does not include multi-year appropriations for rail projects, undermining federal support for long-term rail improvement initiatives.\n\nThe Federal Railroad Administration's 2026 Northeast Corridor Project Inventory identifies 26 Connecticut projects that remain in development, under construction, or awaiting completion, including the WALK Bridge, Devon Bridge, and Connecticut River Bridge replacement projects. Improving the rail infrastructure located within the Northeast Corridor is critical given it is the nation’s busiest passenger corridor, carrying more than 694,000 passengers on weekdays and 367,000 passengers on weekends.\n\nIn addition to the Connecticut’s Congressional Delegation, Representatives Doris Matsui (CA-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Chuy García (IL-04), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Richard E. Neal (MA-01), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Don Beyer (VA-08), Emily Randall (WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Gwen Moore (WI-04) signed the letter in support of multi-year federal funding for rail improvement projects.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-statement-massie-amendment", "title": "Larson Statement on the Massie Amendment", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "larson.house.gov", "scraper": "larson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000557", "name": "John B. Larson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“The humanitarian crisis in Gaza demands an immediate surge of aid to innocent civilians. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s blockade and President Trump’s failure to enforce existing human rights laws have prolonged needless suffering for far too long,” said Larson. “The amendment before us today would make that crisis worse by blocking aid to Palestinian refugees, defunding peacebuilding programs, and pushing a two-state solution further out of reach. That is why I voted against it. Hamas’s attack on October 7 was abhorrent. The indiscriminate bombing and suffering of the Palestinian people are abhorrent. The rise in antisemitism around the world is abhorrent. We must condemn all of these injustices clearly and without contradiction.\n\n“I will continue to oppose anyone who undermines peace, including actions by the Netanyahu government that threaten a viable two-state solution,” Larson continued. “The Trump Administration must enforce existing restrictions on weapons transfers while ensuring that food, medicine, shelter, and other humanitarian aid reach civilians. Prime Minister Netanyahu must restore access to Gaza for aid workers and halt any effort to annex the West Bank. I am a cosponsor of the West Bank Violence Prevention Act, which would sanction those who commit violence in the West Bank, and I support restoring funding for UNRWA to help deliver humanitarian relief at the scale this crisis requires. The United States must protect civilians, uphold international law, and pursue a lasting peace in which Israelis and Palestinians can live with safety, dignity, and self-determination.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ways-and-means-committee-votes-advance-larson-led-essential-caregivers", "title": "Ways and Means Committee Votes to Advance Larson-led Essential Caregivers Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "larson.house.gov", "scraper": "larson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000557", "name": "John B. Larson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) and every member of the House Ways and Means Committee voted to advance Larson and Senator Richard Blumenthal’s Essential Caregivers Act to the House floor on a bipartisan, unanimous basis. Larson and Blumenthal introduced their bill last year with Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), which would allow residents in nursing homes and similar facilities to designate two loved ones as “essential caregivers,” so everyone has in-person access to a loved one, including when visitations are restricted due to a declared emergency. These caregivers would maintain visitation rights to provide care and support to residents, while following the same health protocols as staff.\n\nView Rep. Larson’s full remarks here.\n\n“I have heard heartbreaking stories from constituents who were separated from their loved ones in long-term care during the pandemic, even families forced to miss a parent or grandparent’s final moments,” said Larson. “We can never allow the isolation that took place to happen again. That’s why Senator Blumenthal and I teamed up with our Republican colleague, Claudia Tenney from New York, to guarantee visiting access during future emergencies and also protect the safety of nursing home residents. I want to thank my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee for today’s strong, bipartisan vote to advance the Essential Caregivers Act. Congress owes it to the steadfast advocates who have bravely come forward with their stories to pass this bill.”\n\n“Today’s bipartisan vote by the Ways and Means Committee is an important step toward ensuring we never repeat the tragic, isolation nursing home residents faced during the pandemic,\" said Senator Blumenthal. \"This bill establishes a vital lifeline by guaranteeing access to essential caregivers when visitations are restricted, giving nursing home residents an invaluable connection to their loved ones. Our work is not finished, but I’m grateful to Representatives Larson and Tenney, Senator Cornyn and our bipartisan coalition for their invaluable collaboration as we work to pass this bill and continue efforts to protect both public health and human dignity.\"\n\nThe Essential Caregivers Act seeks to prevent a repeat of the prolonged isolation and lack of care that long-term care residents suffered from during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, Larson and Blumenthal’s bill ensures that in any future emergency, at least one designated essential caregiver is able to access their loved ones in a manner consistent with all applicable health and safety protocols. The bill also requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to set clear and fair guidelines for essential caregivers to enter facilities during an emergency that protect the safety of facility staff and residents.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-laurel-lees-safe-cloud-storage-act-advances-out-house-judiciary-committee", "title": "Rep. Laurel Lee’s Safe Cloud Storage Act Advances Out of House Judiciary Committee", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "laurellee.house.gov", "scraper": "laurellee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000597", "name": "Laurel M. Lee", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, the House Judiciary Committee advanced Congresswoman Laurel Lee’s bipartisan Safe Cloud Storage Act, legislation to help law enforcement modernize how it securely handles digital evidence in child sexual exploitation investigations.\n\nThe bill is led by Representative Laurel Lee and co-led by Steve Cohen (D–TN), Madeleine Dean (D–PA), and Brad Knott (R–NC). Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) is leading the Senate version of the Safe Cloud Storage Act, reflecting strong bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. The Safe Cloud Storage Act gives investigators access to secure, modern technology that can help accelerate investigations while protecting highly sensitive evidence.\n\n“As technology continues to evolve, law enforcement must have access to the modern tools necessary to protect children and bring predators to justice,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. “Too many investigators are still forced to rely on outdated storage methods that slow investigations and delay justice for victims. The Safe Cloud Storage Act provides a secure, accountable process that allows trusted technology partners to assist law enforcement while maintaining rigorous protections for sensitive evidence. I am grateful to my colleagues on the House Judiciary Committee for advancing this bipartisan legislation.”\n\n“We must do everything in our power to protect children from abuse and prosecute those who commit such despicable crimes — that include modernizing how law enforcement stores sensitive information so they can better purse justice,” Rep. Dean said. “Our bipartisan bill is a commonsense measure to enable law enforcement to securely use cloud-based storage to store materials for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) investigations, making arrests for online child exploitation more efficient. I’m grateful to work with Congresswoman Lee, and our colleagues in the House and Senate, as we continue to advocate for this important legislation.”\n\n“Our bipartisan Safe Cloud Storage Act is an important measure that will ensure law enforcement has access to important cloud-based tools to store evidence,” said Rep. Steve Cohen. “This bill removes a needless complication that can slow arrests and prosecutions for online child exploitation. I’m pleased to work with Representatives Laurel Lee (R–FL-15), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), and Brad Knott (R–NC-13) in moving this important bill to passage.”\n\n“I’m proud to work with Congresswoman Lee on this critical legislation, and I’m pleased to advance it out of Committee. As a former federal prosecutor, I know how essential it is to modernize evidence handling in the most horrific and sensitive cases,” said Rep. Brad Knott. “This bill will help ensure that heinous offenders are brought to justice more efficiently, that victims see accountability, and that strict standards govern the handling and protection of sensitive evidence; goals that clearly earned strong, bipartisan support today.”\n\nToday, many law enforcement agencies continue to rely on outdated or inadequate storage systems that can delay child exploitation investigations and increase operational burdens. The Safe Cloud Storage Act addresses a key barrier to modernizing evidence storage by providing limited liability protections to vetted, law enforcement-approved cloud service providers. This allows trusted technology partners to securely assist law enforcement while maintaining rigorous cybersecurity standards and protecting the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive evidence.\n\nThe legislation is supported by a broad coalition of law enforcement, child protection, and victim advocacy organizations, including the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), the Fraternal Order of Police, Thorn, Raven, the Child Rescue Coalition, the National District Attorneys Association, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, and the International Justice Mission.\n\nThe bill now heads to the House Floor for consideration.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6214", "title": "Chairman Lawler Introduces Bill to Replace UNRWA with Accountable Humanitarian Assistance", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 7/15/26… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) introduced the Replace UNRWA with Real Humanitarian Assistance Act, bipartisan legislation requiring the State Department to develop a comprehensive strategy to work alongside our international partners to dismantle the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) while ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian assistance for civilians in need.\n\nSpecifically, this bill requires the State Department to submit to Congress a plan to dismantle UNRWA operations throughout the Middle East, identify qualified governments and international or non-governmental organizations to assume responsibility for the services UNRWA currently provides, and outline a detailed proposal for transitioning those services while ensuring continuity of critical humanitarian assistance. The plan must also include oversight measures to ensure successor organizations meet strict standards for neutrality, transparency, and accountability.\n\n“UNRWA has repeatedly failed to meet the basic standards of accountability and neutrality that the international community should expect from any humanitarian organization. Credible reports have exposed serious failures within the agency, including employees with ties to terrorist organizations and educational materials that promote antisemitism and incite violence. Humanitarian aid must reach those who need it, not strengthen organizations that undermine peace and security. This legislation provides a responsible path to replace UNRWA with trustworthy partners while ensuring critical humanitarian assistance continues uninterrupted,” said Chairman Lawler.\n\n“Democrats and Republicans agree: we can’t keep funneling money through an organization that teaches kids to hate and employs Hamas terrorists involved in the October 7th attack. That’s why our bill requires a responsible, phased transition to replace UNRWA with accountable partners and makes sure aid reaches the people who need it. Aid should feed families, not fund terror,” said Rep. Gottheimer.\n\n“For decades, UNRWA has failed in its mission, and the status quo is simply not working. Following conversations with regional stakeholders, including the Christian Patriarchs in Jerusalem and Jordanian officials, regarding the stability of the region, I am convinced we need a new approach. Aid responsibilities need to be given to trusted partners who effectively deliver health care, education, and food, without lining the pockets of terrorist groups like Hamas. This legislation protects taxpayer dollars, advances our national security interests, and strengthens humanitarian efforts in the region,” said Rep. French Hill (AR-02).\n\n“UNRWA is a deeply compromised organization that is beyond any capability for reform. It’s time for the U.S. to implement a serious plan to eliminate and replace UNRWA once and for all,” said Deryn Sousa, Spokeswoman for AIPAC.\n\n“JINSA is proud to endorse the \"Replace UNRWA with Real Humanitarian Assistance Act.\" After decades of documented terror ties, radicalization, and corruption, UNRWA has forfeited any claim to serve as a credible humanitarian partner in the Middle East. Israeli intelligence assessments estimate over 10 percent of UNRWA's Gaza staff have ties to terror groups and roughly half have close family ties to them, underscoring UNRWA does not in good faith fulfill its goal of ameliorating the humanitarian situation of Gazans. As JINSA’s Gaza Futures Task Force concluded in The Day After: A Plan for Gaza, UNRWA should be dismantled and replaced by alternative mechanisms that can accomplish that goal and facilitate a more stable and secure future for Gaza. This legislation takes the necessary step of requiring the State Department to chart that transition,” said Matt Kenney, Vice President, Government Affairs, JINSA.\n\n“UNRWA does not resettle refugees; UNRWA recruits refugees. How an organization continues to exist for over half a century, despite receiving billions of dollars from the American taxpayer, yet has not managed to resettle one single refugee is beyond me. Even if one were to pretend that UNRWA wasn't overrun with terrorists, many of whom had a direct hand in 10/7, by any metric UNRWA is an institutional failure and deserves to lie in the dustbin of history,” said CUFI Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Hagee Parker.\n\n\"UNWRA has failed to achieve meaningful refugee assistance and resettlement as an organization. UNRWA has allowed itself to be coopted by terrorist groups that only seek the continuation of conflict and the destruction of Israel. UNRWA is beyond repair and the UN as a body is incapable of providing services and staff that are free from terrorist influence. FDD Action supports the Lawler/Gottheimer bill along with the dismantlement of UNRWA and the creation of alternative service providers for the Palestinian people that will meet the humanitarian needs of the moment and help build a civil society free of Hamas,” said Tyler Stapleton, Senior Director of Government Relations, FDD Action.\n\nIn May 2026, Lawler led more than 90 Members of Congress in urging the Administration to dismantle UNRWA’s operations and transition its responsibilities to credible, transparent organizations that are free of ties to terrorism while ensuring humanitarian assistance continues uninterrupted. The Replace UNRWA with Real Humanitarian Assistance Act codifies that effort by requiring the State Department to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to achieve that transition.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Michael McCaul (TX-10), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Don Bacon (NE-02), Randy Fine (FL-06), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Chris Smith (NJ-04), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Nick LaLota (NY-01), August Pfluger (TX-11), Joe Wilson (SC-02), Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02), Ann Wagner (MO-02), Julie Fedorchak (ND-At large), Max Miller (OH-07), Adrian Smith (NE-03), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Young Kim (CA-40), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), French Hill (AR-02), Darrell Issa (CA-48), and Craig Goldman (TX-12).\n\nFull text of the bill can be found HERE.\n\nCongressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6215", "title": "Lawler’s Legislation Protecting Northeast Lobster Industry Advances Through Natural Resources Committee", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 7/15/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) applauded the House Natural Resources Committee’s passage of the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to extend critical relief for Northeast fisheries by maintaining the current regulatory framework that governs American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries in the Northeast.\n\nThis bill provides stability for these fisheries and prevents unnecessary disruptions that could lead to closures, while allowing additional time to create innovative solutions to protect both the North Atlantic right whale and the future of Northeast fisheries. The Trump Administration has expressed strong support for this policy, stating that it aligns with Executive Order 14276, Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness and offering strong support for its passage through Congress.\n\nThis legislation passed in the House Natural Resources Committee and now will advance to the House floor.\n\n“Protecting the North Atlantic right whale and supporting America’s fishing communities are goals that can and must go hand in hand. By extending the current regulatory framework through 2035, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act provides the time needed to develop durable, science-driven solutions that protect this endangered species without imposing unnecessary burdens on fishermen. I’m grateful to Chairman Bruce Westerman for advancing this legislation through Committee and to Rep. Jared Golden for his partnership on this bipartisan effort,” said Congressman Lawler.\n\n“Lobster fishing contributes billions of dollars to Maine’s economy and employs thousands of Mainers, yet it has dealt with extreme regulatory uncertainty. Rep. Lawler’s bill extends the timeline for the National Marine Fisheries Service to implement regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act from 2028 to 2035. This allows the regulations to be based on the most up-to-date, complete scientific information available without placing undue burdens on lobstermen. I thank Rep. Lawler for supporting this vital industry,” said Chairman Bruce Westerman, House Committee on Natural Resources.\n\n“I’m grateful to Rep. Lawler and my colleagues on the committee for a strong show of bipartisan support for Maine lobstermen. In 2022, Congress enacted this regulatory pause and funded new efforts to gather information to support a data-driven process to establish rules that made sense for both the fishermen and the whales. But today the rulemaking process is behind schedule for reasons that have nothing to do with Maine fishermen. At the same time, those charged with gathering the necessary data say more time is needed to ensure regulations can incorporate the best available science. Maine fishermen are not asking for much. We just need more time,” said Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02).\n\nThis legislation amends the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 to maintain the existing moratorium on certain federal regulations affecting the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries through 2035. This extension supports the development of innovative gear technologies, such as ropeless/on-demand systems and whale deterrents.\n\nCongressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6219", "title": "ICYMI: Lawler Continues to Call on Administration to Restore LGBTQ+ 988 Youth Crisis Services", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 7/15/26… Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Sharice Davids (KS-03), and Seth Moulton (MA-06) stood alongside leaders from the Trevor Project and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for a bipartisan press conference calling for the swift restoration of specialized LGBTQ+ youth crisis services within the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and welcoming the Administration’s commitment to restore them.\n\nWATCH: LAWLER CONTINUES TO CALL ON ADMINISTRATION TO RESTORE LGBTQ+ 988 YOUTH CRISIS SERVICES", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-levins-statement-on-massie-amendment", "title": "Rep. Mike Levin’s Statement on Massie Amendment", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "levin.house.gov", "scraper": "levin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000593", "name": "Mike Levin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement on the Massie amendment:\n\n\"The suffering caused by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is staggering. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and families across the region, Israeli and Palestinian alike, have endured unimaginable loss. American policy must confront these realities honestly, not diminish them.\n\n\"The Massie amendment on the House floor today does not live up to that standard. Its overly broad language could strip funding from peacebuilding initiatives between Israelis and Palestinians, humanitarian aid for Palestinians in desperate need, refugee resettlement, and American diplomacy. It would hand the Trump Administration the power to decide what gets funded and what does not.\n\n\"The communities I represent know all too well what happens when President Trump spends taxpayer dollars however he sees fit. In my role on the House Appropriations Committee, I refuse to cede a single inch of my fight to reclaim Congress’s power of the purse from rogue, unelected Trump officials like Russ Vought. This amendment gives them more discretion, not less.\n\n\"I firmly believe in a future where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in peace, security, and self-determination. Prime Minister Netanyahu and the extremists he has empowered are actively working to make that future impossible. He has prolonged the war to preserve his own political survival and given a platform to those who dream of permanent occupation and annexation. I have made clear that Netanyahu must go. This fall, Israelis will have the chance to elect a new government dedicated to the dignity and security of both peoples, and I hope they will seize it.\n\n\"The violence settlers are inflicting on Palestinian families in the West Bank is abhorrent. It must end. That is why I have cosponsored the West Bank Violence Prevention Act to hold perpetrators accountable.\n\n\"Gaza must be rebuilt, and aid to its residents must flow unimpeded. Palestinians deserve to live free from bombardment, displacement, and blockade. Hamas must be disarmed so a viable path to peace exists. And as the United States negotiates the next Memorandum of Understanding on security assistance, I will insist it include real accountability. American aid must comply fully with American law, and it must never underwrite settlement expansion, annexation, or the collective punishment of civilians.\n\n\"None of this is easy. It demands a more principled, inclusive, and constructive kind of American leadership than the one we have now. I will keep fighting for policies that bring us closer to a just and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-introduces-bill-slam-door-third-world-countries-endangering", "title": "Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces Bill to Slam the Door on Third World Countries Endangering American Communities", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mace.house.gov", "scraper": "mace", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000194", "name": "Nancy Mace", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 15, 2026) – Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced the Third World Immigration Moratorium Act, slamming the door shut and banning aliens from dozens of third world countries from entering the United States. Many of these nations have repeatedly refused to cooperate with U.S. deportation orders, failed to provide basic vetting information on their own citizens, and left American communities to bear the consequences.\n\nThese are not countries who have earned the privilege of access to the United States. Many of these are state sponsors of terror, hostile regimes, and failed states with a proven track record of exporting violence and instability to American soil.\n\n\"The American people are done playing games and so are we. For too long, Washington has looked the other way while bad actors exploited every gap in our system and American families paid the price. Those days are over,\" said Congresswoman Mace. \"If you import the third world, you will become the third world. This bill makes crystal clear: entry into the United States is a privilege, not a right. We make absolutely no apologies for defending it.\"\n\nThe legislation prohibits entry of aliens from the following countries, which align directly with President Trump's Proclamation, Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States:\n\nAfghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Gambia, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and aliens with travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.\n\nTargeted exceptions are preserved for lawful permanent residents; dual nationals from non-designated countries; diplomatic and NATO treaty personnel; athletes competing in the World Cup, Olympics, or other major international sporting events; special immigrant visa holders, including those who served alongside U.S. forces; and individuals fleeing documented ethnic and religious persecution in Iran. The Secretary of Homeland Security retains discretionary waiver authority when entry serves a verified critical national interest.\n\n\"We are not a dumping ground for the third world's problems. This bill is a straightforward solution to keep dangerous aliens out and send a message to every country on this list: the free ride is over,\" Mace added.\n\nThe Third World Immigration Moratorium Act requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, to report to Congress every 180 days on whether the prohibitions should be continued, modified, or expanded.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://mannion.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-representative-mannion-ny-22-massie-amendment", "title": "Statement from Representative Mannion (NY-22) on the Massie Amendment", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mannion.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mannion.house.gov", "scraper": "mannion", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001231", "name": "John W. Mannion", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today released the following statement on the Massie Amendment:\n\n“Israel is a vital American ally and the only democracy in the Middle East. The best way to support the Israeli people and protect Israel’s long-term security is to reject an indefensible status quo and fundamentally reset our relationship with the far-right Netanyahu government.\n\nI voted yes on the Massie Amendment because the United States cannot continue providing military assistance without stronger oversight, meaningful accountability, and clear conditions governing how American weapons are used. I have and will continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself. But while this Amendment is flawed, the status quo is untenable.\n\nThe Netanyahu government must change course. Its conduct has caused intolerable suffering in Gaza, undermined the prospects for peace, and done tremendous damage to Israel’s standing around the world. This Administration has failed to use its influence to end the humanitarian crisis, ensure aid reaches innocent civilians, and bring this devastating conflict to an end. We can both support our ally and ensure that it complies with U.S law and American values.\n\nAmerican policy toward Israel and the Palestinian people must be firmly focused on achieving an enduring two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace, dignity, safety, and security. That is the only viable path toward lasting peace and stability in the region, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on a funding bill that gets us closer to that reality.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-diaz-balarts-national-security-bill-which-builds-historic", "title": "House Passes Díaz-Balart’s National Security Bill, which Builds on Historic Elimination of Wasteful Spending", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "scraper": "mariodiazbalart", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000600", "name": "Mario Diaz-Balart", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, issued the following statement after the House passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) appropriations bill H.R.8595.\n\nNSRP Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart said, “This Republican majority has delivered another critical piece of legislation to strengthen our national security while reducing spending. Under Chairman Cole’s leadership and the support of our colleagues, we have delivered nearly $12 billion in responsible cuts under the purview of this subcommittee since 2023.\n\nThe fiscal year 2027 bill continues this effort with an additional $2.69 billion in cuts from the fiscal year 2026 enacted level. The ever-increasing national debt is the greatest long-term threat to our country's stability and security, and this bill makes disciplined decisions to continue reining in spending, while responsibly maintaining our national security priorities.\n\nAmong its many achievements, this bill increases funding to counter narcotics and related law enforcement efforts, including to combat the trafficking of fentanyl, which has devastated every community in America. It maintains support for friends and valuable partners who align themselves with U.S. interests. It also continues a resounding support for a democratic transition to freedom for the people of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. All this while countering anti-American adversaries and ensuring full accountability and transparency of international organizations that have lost sight of their mission.\n\nOnce again, I thank my colleagues for their commitment to ensuring Congress upholds its responsibility to safeguard our national security while protecting taxpayer money.”\n\nChairman Tom Cole (R-OK) said, \"True leadership isn't merely declared – it is upheld through the choices we make, the priorities we fund, and the resolve we show in putting America first and protecting our national interests. This legislation reflects that philosophy by replacing the drift of previous administrations with direction and ensuring our investments bolster U.S. security, influence, and prosperity. President Trump has made clear that our nation will lead with purpose and confidence – both at home and on the world stage. Chairman Díaz-Balart answered that call with legislation that prioritizes strength over symbolism, strategy over bureaucracy, and results over rhetoric. It directs resources to the highest-impact national security and economic priorities by reinforcing our alliances, pushing back decisively against adversaries like Communist China, and confronting illicit actors and transnational networks. It also eliminates billions in unnecessary spending because great nations are defined not by how much they spend, but by how wisely they invest. Today's passage demonstrates Article I in action – where the power of the purse strengthens America's security, advances our values, and ensures a stronger future.”\n\nKEY TAKEAWAYS – FISCAL YEAR 2027 NATIONAL SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF STATE, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS BILL\n\nThe National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $47.32 billion, which is $2.69 billion (6%) below the Fiscal Year 2026 enacted level and continues to deliver on the America First agenda.\n\nWithin the total cuts, the NSRP bill maintains robust funding for our allies like Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Taiwan, and counters adversaries like Communist China, Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, and drug cartels, including those designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The bill supports the President’s vision to refocus and realign foreign policy to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, while ensuring all funds are spent consistent with relevant Executive Orders.\n\nChampions America First Foreign Policy by:\n\nRedefining foreign assistance to promote self-sufficiency, bolster economic growth and stability, and protect our national security.\n\nProviding increased funds for the America First Opportunity Fund to ensure the Secretary of State has the flexibility to quickly respond to unforeseen opportunities to advance the America First foreign policy agenda.\n\nRequiring consideration of a recipient partner country’s cooperation on United States priorities such as migration issues, opposition to foreign adversaries, burden sharing, support for Taiwan’s participation in multilateral forums, and the United Nations votes in determining economic assistance allocations.\n\nPrioritizing United States commercial interests, helping to create opportunities for American businesses abroad.\n\nProhibiting funds for organizations who may have hired terrorists that took part in the October 7th, 2023, mass atrocities – including the murder of 50 Americans since the initial attack – but refuse to cooperate with United States Inspector General investigations.\n\nSupports the Trump Administration and mandate of the American people by:\n\nUpholding America First priorities by promoting a foreign policy that supports our allies and counters our adversaries, focusing on the economic prosperity and national security of the United States, and eliminating contributions to multilateral organizations that are wasteful and antithetical to American values.\n\nSupporting President Trump’s executive orders to ensure no wasteful spending on DEI or woke programming, climate change mandates, or divisive gender ideologies.\n\nPrioritizing funding and policies to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States.\n\nProtects life, supports American values, and enhances our standing in the world by:\n\nProtecting long-standing pro-life provisions as well as enhancing oversight and transparency over program implementation to ensure American taxpayer dollars will not fund abortions.\n\nRemoving vague references to “gender” and clearly outlines our support for women and girls.\n\nSupporting religious freedom programs abroad and religious freedom protections for faith-based organizations delivering foreign aid.\n\nDefending United States sovereignty by prohibiting funds for the Arms Trade Treaty, and protecting the Second Amendment rights of Americans.\n\nBanning so-called “disinformation” and “misinformation” programs that violate the free speech rights of American citizens.\n\nAllowing only the American flag and other official flags to be flown over United States embassies and consulates.\n\nHolding foreign governments and bad actors accountable for persecuting people of faith, including by restricting assistance to Nigeria until measurable actions are taken to protect Christian communities suffering from religious violence.\n\nConfronting human trafficking by prohibiting funding for countries and organizations that continue benefiting from human trafficking of Cuban medical doctors, while directing the Secretary of State to pull visas for officials involved in such practices.\n\nBolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:\n\nProviding unwavering support for Israel by including no less than $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program funds.\n\nProviding robust assistance to Egypt and Jordan, two key U.S. partners.\n\nIncluding $500 million for the Foreign Military Financing Program for Taiwan to strengthen deterrence across the Taiwan Strait, and $200 million in military assistance for the Philippines, as well as availability of Foreign Military Financing loans and loan guarantees for such purpose.\n\nFully funding the Countering PRC Influence Fund at $400 million.\n\nProviding $1.8 billion for United States national security interests in the Indo-Pacific to counter the PRC’s malign influence.\n\nBarring funds for the PRC and the Chinese Communist Party by prohibiting—funds for countries to repay debt owed to China,\n\nfunds for international financial institutions generating loans to the PRC.\n\nProhibiting assistance to individuals or entities that support, finance, or facilitate the operations or commercial activities of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, Ministry of Interior, or their affiliates.\n\nPromoting freedom and national security in the Western Hemisphere.\n\nSafeguards American taxpayer dollars and preserves core functions by:\n\nPrioritizing fiscal sanity and the elimination of waste, fraud, and abuse by strategically investing in partners to help them achieve durable and sustainable goals consistent with United States national security interests.\n\nSupporting efforts to reduce duplication, eliminate siloes, and streamline foreign policy under the direction of the Secretary of State to support a nimble and effective Department.\n\nEliminating funding for unauthorized programs, organizations, or functions.\n\nEliminating funding for Biden-era executive orders on climate, gender, DEI, and extraneous or irrelevant programs that diluted the mission of America’s foreign policy.\n\nProhibiting funds for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).\n\nPrioritizing diplomatic engagement to favorably resolve commercial disputes abroad and to promote American business interests overseas.\n\nRefocusing attention on critical diplomatic functions, such as addressing passport applications and ensuring the safety and security of our embassies.\n\nA summary of the bill is available here.\n\nBill text is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/la-camara-de-representantes-aprueba-el-proyecto-de-ley-de-seguridad", "title": "La Cámara de Representantes aprueba el proyecto de ley de seguridad nacional del legislador Mario Díaz-Balart, que consolida la histórica eliminación del gasto innecesario", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "scraper": "mariodiazbalart", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000600", "name": "Mario Diaz-Balart", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "July 15, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Hoy el legislador Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), vicepresidente de la Comisión de Asignaciones de la Cámara de Representantes y presidente de la Subcomisión sobre Seguridad Nacional, Departamento de Estado, y Programas Relacionados, emitió la siguiente declaración tras la aprobación del proyecto de ley de Asignaciones para la Seguridad Nacional, Departamento de Estado y Programas Relacionados (NSRP, por sus siglas en inglés) del Año Fiscal 2027 (H.R. 8595).\n\nEl presidente de la Subcomisión NSRP, Mario Díaz-Balart, dijo: “Esta mayoría republicana ha impulsado otra pieza legislativa fundamental para fortalecer nuestra seguridad nacional mientras reduce el gasto innecesario. Bajo el liderazgo del presidente de la Comisión de Asignaciones, Tom Cole, y con el apoyo de nuestros colegas, desde 2023 hemos logrado casi $12 mil millones de dólares en recortes responsables bajo la jurisdicción de este subcomité.\n\nEl proyecto de ley para el año fiscal 2027 da continuidad a ese esfuerzo con $2,69 mil millones adicionales en recortes respecto al nivel aprobado para el año fiscal 2026. El creciente endeudamiento nacional representa la mayor amenaza a largo plazo para la estabilidad y la seguridad de nuestro país. Por ello, esta legislación adopta medidas fiscales responsables para seguir controlando el gasto, sin descuidar nuestras prioridades en materia de seguridad nacional.\n\nEntre sus muchos logros, este proyecto de ley aumenta los recursos para combatir el narcotráfico y fortalecer las labores de las fuerzas del orden, incluyendo los esfuerzos contra el tráfico de fentanilo, una droga que ha devastado comunidades en todo Estados Unidos. Asimismo, mantiene el respaldo a nuestros aliados y socios estratégicos que comparten y promueven los intereses de Estados Unidos. También reafirma nuestro firme compromiso con una transición democrática hacia la libertad para los pueblos de Cuba, Venezuela y Nicaragua. Todo ello mientras enfrenta a los adversarios de Estados Unidos y exige la plena responsabilidad y rendición de cuentas a las organizaciones internacionales que han perdido de vista su misión.\n\nUna vez más, agradezco a mis colegas por su compromiso con la responsabilidad constitucional del Congreso de proteger nuestra seguridad nacional y salvaguardar los recursos de los contribuyentes estadounidenses\".\n\nPUNTOS CLAVE – PROYECTO DE LEY DE ASIGNACIONES PARA EL AÑO FISCAL 2027 DE SEGURIDAD NACIONAL, DEPARTAMENTO DE ESTADO Y PROGRAMAS RELACIONADOS\n\nEl Proyecto de Ley de Asignaciones de Seguridad Nacional, Departamento de Estado y Programas Relacionados proporciona una asignación discrecional total de $47,32 billones, que es $2,690 billones (6%) por debajo del nivel promulgado para el año fiscal 2026 y cumple con la agenda América Primero.\n\nDentro de los recortes totales, el proyecto de ley de Asignaciones, NSRP, mantiene un financiamiento sólido para nuestros aliados tales como Israel, Jordania, Egipto y Taiwán y contrarresta a nuestros adversarios como la China Comunista, Irán, Venezuela, Cuba y los cárteles de la droga, incluidos los designados como Organizaciones Terroristas Extranjeras. El proyecto de ley apoya la visión del presidente Trump de reenfocar y realinear la política exterior para hacer que Estados Unidos sea más seguro, más fuerte y más próspero, al tiempo que garantiza que todos los fondos se gasten de acuerdo con las Órdenes Ejecutivas pertinentes.\n\nPrioriza Política Exterior de América Primero por:\n\nRedefinir la asistencia exterior para promover la autosuficiencia, impulsar el crecimiento y la estabilidad económica y proteger nuestra seguridad nacional.\n\nIncrementar los recursos del Fondo de Oportunidades de América Primero para que el secretario de Estado tenga la flexibilidad para responder rápidamente a oportunidades imprevistas y avanzar en la agenda de política exterior de América Primero.\n\nExigir que se tenga en cuenta la cooperación de países receptores en las prioridades de Estados Unidos tales como las cuestiones migratorias, la oposición a adversarios extranjeros, el apoyo a Taiwán y votaciones en las Naciones Unidas en la determinación de las asignaciones de asistencia económica.\n\nPriorizar los intereses comerciales de Estados Unidos y crear oportunidades para empresas estadounidenses en el extranjero.\n\nProhibir la asignación de fondos a organizaciones que hayan podido contratar a terroristas que participaron en las atrocidades masivas del 7 de octubre de 2023, incluyendo el asesinato de 50 estadounidenses desde el ataque inicial, y que se niegan a cooperar con investigaciones del Inspector General de Estados Unidos.\n\nApoya a la Administración Trump y el mandato del pueblo estadounidense al:\n\nDefender las prioridades de América Primero para la promoción de una política exterior que apoye a nuestros aliados, contrarreste a nuestros adversarios, se centre en la prosperidad económica y la seguridad nacional, y elimina las contribuciones a las organizaciones multilaterales que son derrochadoras y van en contra de los valores estadounidenses.\n\nApoyar las órdenes ejecutivas del presidente Trump para garantizar que no se hagan gastos innecesarios en Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión (DEI, por sus siglas en inglés) o programas “woke\", mandatos sobre el cambio climático e ideologías divisivas de género.\n\nPriorizar el financiamiento y las políticas para combatir el flujo de fentanilo y otras drogas ilícitas hacia Estados Unidos.\n\nProtege la vida, apoya los valores estadounidenses y mejora nuestra posición en el mundo al:\n\nProteger las disposiciones pro-vida de larga data, así como mejorar la supervisión y la transparencia sobre la implementación del programa para garantizar que el dinero de los contribuyentes estadounidenses no financie abortos.\n\nEliminar las referencias vagas al \"género\" y esbozar claramente nuestro apoyo a las mujeres y niñas.\n\nApoyar los programas de libertad religiosa en el extranjero y las protecciones de libertad religiosa para organizaciones religiosas que ofrecen ayuda extranjera.\n\nDefender la soberanía de los Estados Unidos prohibiendo los fondos para el Tratado sobre el Comercio de Armas y protegiendo los derechos de la Segunda Enmienda de los estadounidenses.\n\nProhibir los programas de desinformación que violan los derechos de libertad de expresión de los ciudadanos estadounidenses.\n\nPermitir que solo la bandera estadounidense y otras banderas oficiales del gobierno ondeen sobre las embajadas de Estados Unidos.\n\nExigir rendición de cuentas a gobiernos extranjeros y actores malignos por la persecución de personas de fe, incluso mediante la restricción de asistencia a Nigeria hasta que se tomen medidas concretas para proteger a las comunidades cristianas que sufren violencia religiosa.\n\nCombatir la trata de personas al prohibir el financiamiento a países y organizaciones que continúan beneficiándose de la explotación de médicos cubanos, y ordenando al Secretario de Estado revocar las visas de funcionarios involucrados en estas prácticas.\n\nRefuerza la seguridad nacional y las protecciones fronterizas de Estados Unidos al:\n\nProporcionar un apoyo firme a Israel con la inclusión de no menos de $3,300 billones en fondos del Programa de Financiación Militar Extranjera.\n\nOfrecer una sólida asistencia a Egipto y Jordania, dos socios clave de Estados Unidos.\n\nIncluir $500 millones para el Programa de Financiamiento Militar Extranjero para Taiwán para fortalecer la disuasión a través del Estrecho de Taiwán, así como $200 millones en asistencia militar para Filipinas, además de la disponibilidad de préstamos y garantías de préstamos bajo dicho programa para ese fin.\n\nFinanciar en su totalidad el Fondo de Lucha contra la Influencia de la República Popular China en $400 millones.\n\nProporcionar $1,800 billones para los intereses de seguridad nacional de Estados Unidos en el Indo-Pacífico y contrarrestar la influencia maligna de China Comunista.\n\nProhibir fondos para la República Popular China y el Partido Comunista Chino\n\nprohíbe los fondos para que los países paguen la deuda contraída con China\n\nprohíbe los fondos para instituciones financieras internacionales que generan préstamos a la República Popular China.\n\nProhíbe brindar la asistencia a individuos o entidades que apoyen, financien o faciliten las operaciones o actividades comerciales de las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Cuba, el Ministerio del Interior o sus entidades afiliadas.\n\nPromover la libertad y la seguridad en el Hemisferio Occidental.\n\nSalvaguarda el dinero de los contribuyentes estadounidenses y preserva las funciones básicas al:\n\nPriorizar la responsabilidad fiscal y la eliminación del despilfarro, el fraude y el abuso invirtiendo estratégicamente para ayudar a nuestros aliados a alcanzar objetivos duraderos y sostenibles en el interés de la seguridad nacional de Estados Unidos.\n\nApoyar los esfuerzos para reducir la duplicación, superar la fragmentación institucional y mejorar la coordinación de la política exterior bajo la dirección del secretario de Estado, con el fin de respaldar un Departamento ágil y eficaz.\n\nEliminar el financiamiento para ciertos programas, organizaciones o funciones no autorizadas.\n\nEliminar la financiación de las órdenes ejecutivas de la era Biden sobre el clima, el género, la DEI y los programas superfluos o irrelevantes que diluían la misión de la política exterior de Estados Unidos.\n\nProhibir la asignación de fondos a la Agencia de las Naciones Unidas para los Refugiados de Palestina en el Cercano Oriente (UNRWA, por sus siglas en inglés).\n\nPriorizar el compromiso diplomático para resolver favorablemente las disputas comerciales en el extranjero y promover los intereses comerciales estadounidenses en el exterior.\n\nVolver a centrar la atención en las funciones diplomáticas críticas, como atender las aplicaciones de pasaportes y garantizar la seguridad de nuestras Embajadas.\n\nPromueve la libertad y la democracia mientras protege los dólares de los contribuyentes estadounidenses al:\n\nPromover la libertad en el Hemisferio Occidental:\n\n$35 millones para programas de democracia en Cuba;\n\n$50 millones para programas de democracia en Venezuela;\n\n$15 millones para programas de democracia y religión en Nicaragua.\n\n$35 millones para las operaciones de la Oficina de Radiodifusión para Cuba (Radio y TV Martí).\n\nProhibir fondos para evitar la eliminación de Cuba de la lista de Estados patrocinadores del terrorismo e impedir la desaparición de entidades de la Lista Restringida de Cuba.\n\nProhibir fondos para países y organizaciones que continúan beneficiándose del tráfico de médicos cubanos, al tiempo que se instruye al secretario de Estado a negar visas de entrada a Estados Unidos a cualquier funcionario gubernamental u organización internacional involucrada en la explotación de médicos cubanos.\n\nRetiene ciertos fondos destinados a Colombia basado en la certificación antinarcóticos emitida por el Secretario de Estado. No se podrán comprometer fondos hasta que se presente un informe sobre las relaciones bilaterales con Colombia.\n\nExigir que la asistencia extranjera se dirija a países del Hemisferio Occidental que actúen como aliados e implementen políticas exteriores y domésticas coherentes con los valores e intereses de seguridad de Estados Unidos.\n\nSolicitar un informe de la Administración sobre los esfuerzos en Haití y fomentar la incorporación de organizaciones locales en su enfoque ante las crisis multisectoriales.\n\nAumentar la financiación y el enfoque estratégico hacia aliados en el Hemisferio Occidental, incluyendo Costa Rica y la República Dominicana, que trabajan en objetivos comunes para combatir el tráfico de narcóticos, luchar contra el crimen internacional y contrarrestar las amenazas antiestadounidenses.\n\nLea un resumen de la legislación en inglés aquí.\n\nLea la legislación en inglés aquí.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-diaz-balart-delivers-opening-remarks-fy2027-national-security", "title": "Rep. Díaz-Balart Delivers Opening Remarks on the FY2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "scraper": "mariodiazbalart", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000600", "name": "Mario Diaz-Balart", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations, delivered opening remarks while leading debate on the House floor in support for the FY2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill (H.R. 8595).\n\nRead opening remarks here and below:\n\n\"Mr. Chair, I am pleased to present the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill to the House for consideration and approval.\n\n\"Let me start by noting the untimely passing of our friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham. As Chairman of the State-Foreign Operations Subcommittee in the Senate, we worked together closely on our top priority – national security. Senator Graham was a tough negotiator but always an honorable partner. He will be greatly missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and staff.\n\n\"At the outset, I want to thank Chairman Cole for his invaluable leadership and commitment to ensuring that Congress upholds its responsibility to provide the tools necessary to safeguard our national security, along with his partner in this endeavor, Ranking Member DeLauro. I also want to thank Ranking Member Frankel for her longstanding friendship and valuable contributions during the bill development process. She is tough but always trustworthy.\n\n\"Mr. Chairman, this bill is very straightforward. If you are a friend or an ally of the United States, this bill supports you. But, if you are an adversary or are cozying up to our adversaries, then, frankly, you will not like this bill. This bill is the next step in strengthening our national security while reducing spending. Under Chairman Cole’s leadership, House Republicans have delivered nearly $12 billion in responsible cuts within the purview of this subcommittee since 2023. The FY27 bill continues this work with another $2.7 billion reduction.\n\n\"Yet, our national security priorities are funded at or above prior year levels. The bill maintains $1.8 billion for partners in the Indo-Pacific, including $500 million in military assistance for Taiwan. It provides unwavering support for Israel and fully funds the United States-Israel Memorandum of Understanding by providing $3.3 billion in security assistance.\n\n\"Recognizing the valuable partnerships in the Western Hemisphere, which continue to expand and realign under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rubio, the bill increases support for our friends and allies such as Paraguay, Argentina, and Costa Rica. As part of this effort, the bill increases funds to combat the trafficking of fentanyl, which has devastated every community across America. It also continues strong support for a democratic transition to freedom for the people of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. It supports religious freedom in Nigeria and around the world.\n\n\"Last year, the NSRP Subcommittee focused on responsibly transitioning PEPFAR programs to capable partner countries. PEPFAR is a great success story, but most of us agree the program cannot, and should not, go on forever. Working alongside the Administration, countries are now investing significant resources toward their own health, allowing this Committee to reduce funding, while maintaining the same outcomes. Just as critical as what the bill funds is what it does not fund, and how it demands accountability for every dollar.\n\n\"The bill prohibits funds to:\n\nThe People’s Republic of China,\n\nThe Communist Chinese Party, and from being used by other countries to repay debt owed to China.\n\nIt also prohibits lending to the PRC within the multilateral development banks.\n\n\"The bill continues a key provision adopted in the prior year that blocks assistance to anyone that supports, finances, or facilitates the operations of the Cuban military. It prohibits all assistance to the Taliban and puts Americans first by withholding funds from Mexico until water owed to the United States is delivered. Assessed funding for the United Nations is cut by $1.8 billion. No funds are included for the United Nations Regular Budget, and funds are prohibited to organizations such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, or UNRWA, which actively contradict U.S. priorities and national security interests.\n\n\"The bill helps secure justice for victims of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks, including 50 murdered Americans, by requiring full accountability for UNRWA staff involved. A key measure from last year’s House bill, which was enacted into law in FY26, is maintained, requiring the Secretary of State to consider the UN voting record of countries in determining the allocation of funds.\n\n\"The bill supports full implementation of key executive orders that reflect a clear commitment to:\n\na secure border,\n\nlimited government,\n\nfree speech and ending censorship;\n\nending DEI programs; and more.\n\n\"Finally, the bill maintains all long-standing pro-life provisions, prohibits funds to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), and upholds the President’s policy on Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance. These measures, alongside enhanced oversight and transparency, ensure American taxpayer dollars do not fund abortions, a policy that Americans overwhelmingly support.\n\n\"Before closing, I want to thank the staff on both sides of the aisle for their work on this bill. Mr. Chairman, I commend the Speaker for bringing this crucial legislation to the floor. It supports our allies and protects our national security in a smart, efficient, and thoughtful way. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and reserve the balance of my time.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://massie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395849", "title": "Massie, Khanna, Leger Fernández, Merkley, Luján Introduce the \"Epstein Files Transparency Act II\"", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://massie.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "massie.house.gov", "scraper": "massie", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001184", "name": "Thomas Massie", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "For Immediate Release\n\nContact: massie.press@mail.house.gov\n\nContact #: 202-225-3465\n\nWashington, D.C.- Rep. Thomas Massie announces the introduction of H.R. 9694, the Epstein Files Transparency Act II. This bill gives standing to state attorneys general, the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators, and members of Congress to challenge the Department of Justice (DOJ) in court for the DOJ's failure to comply with the disclosure of materials required by Public Law 119-38, the Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA). Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), Chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus, are co-leading the House legislation. Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) are leading the Senate version of the bill.\n\n\"Since the Epstein Files Transparency Act was signed into law on November 19, 2025, the Department of Justice has flagrantly and consistently ignored EFTA's disclosure requirements,\" said Rep. Massie. \"The Department of Justice continues to unlawfully withhold over 3 million Epstein files that should be released to the public. In addition, the DOJ is unlawfully maintaining heavy redactions on the files it is releasing. State attorneys general and victims should have the right to sue the Attorney General of the United States to compel compliance with a transparency law President Trump signed.\"\n\n\"Rep. Massie and I introduced our bill to release the Epstein files nearly a year ago. Since then, the DOJ has violated our law, delayed the release of millions of files, botched the redactions, and denied the survivors justice. That’s why I’m joining Rep. Massie and my colleagues to introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II that allows state attorneys general and survivors to sue the U.S. Attorney General and demand transparency,\" said Rep. Khanna.\n\n\"Todd Blanche and the Department of Justice have refused to release as many as 3 million Epstein files: they are hiding the truth from the American people and creating even more injustice and trauma for survivors,\" said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. \"When Trump’s administration does not comply with the law, there must be consequences. Attorney General Blanche is not fit to serve, should not be confirmed, and should instead resign. In the meantime, we must pass this bill to put power where it belongs—with survivors. No administration, no Attorney General, and no Department of Justice is above the law.\"\n\n\"At Trump’s bidding, the Department of Justice’s highest-ranking officials continue to break the law, denying justice to Jeffrey Epstein’s victims with an unprecedented cover-up of the abuse of our most vulnerable,\" said Sen. Merkley. \"As long as those in power continue to side with the Epstein Class and shield abusers from accountability for their horrific crimes, we need the Epstein Files Transparency Act II to strengthen the original law we wrote, crack down on the DOJ’s illegal non-compliance, and stand with survivors and those seeking justice. The rich and powerful cannot be allowed to escape justice, and the American public deserves the transparency it is crying out for.\"\n\n\"Nearly eight months after our Epstein Files Transparency Act became law, the Trump Department of Justice has failed to comply with the law by releasing the Epstein files and delivering justice for survivors,” said Senator Luján. \"That is why I am partnering with my colleagues to introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II to ensure accountability, transparency, and justice for survivors. Our legislation empowers state attorneys general and victims to challenge this Department of Justice for failing to provide the transparency and accountability that Epstein’s victims deserve.\"\n\nNew Mexico's Attorney General, Raúl Torrez, offered the following statement in support of EFTA II:\n\n\"Survivors have waited too long for answers, and my office has waited too long for the federal government to turn over the unredacted records we need to complete our criminal investigation,\" said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. \"This legislation gives state law enforcement the access this investigation requires, and it gives survivors control over their own records. Every day of delay is another day survivors are denied the justice they are owed.\"\n\nThe Epstein Files Transparency Act II:\n\nCreates a private right of action allowing state attorneys general, district attorneys, other authorized State officials, members of Congress, and victims to challenge and sue the U.S. Attorney General for unlawfully withholding, redacting, delaying, concealing, removing, or failing to publish Epstein-related records.\n\nGives victims the right to obtain full, unredacted records concerning themselves or the harm they suffered, including relevant FBI FD-302 reports.\n\nEnforces compliance with the existing law by subjecting DOJ and FBI officials to existing federal criminal penalties for knowingly concealing, destroying, falsifying, withholding, or misrepresenting files.\n\nRequires the Department of Justice to provide State and local prosecutors with unredacted records needed for investigations, prosecutions, and judicial proceedings, including secure access to classified materials.\n\nExplicitly prohibits the invocation of common law privileges, including deliberative process privileges, to evade disclosure requirements included in the original EFTA.\n\nIf the House does not consider EFTA II within seven legislative days, a discharge petition will be circulated.\n\nThe text of the Epstein Files Transparency Act II is available at this link.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://matsui.house.gov/media/press-releases/matsui-statement-house-amendment-cut-military-aid-israel-0", "title": "MATSUI STATEMENT ON HOUSE AMENDMENT TO CUT MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://matsui.house.gov/media", "domain": "matsui.house.gov", "scraper": "matsui", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001163", "name": "Doris O. Matsui", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) issued the following statement after voting YES on an amendment to H.R. 8595, cutting $3.3 billion in military funding to Israel.\n\n“The United States and Israel have a long and important relationship, and I will always support the safety and security of the Israeli people. But the status quo is untenable,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “I cannot support funding for military aid to any country that fails to comply with U.S. law, U.S. interests, and U.S. values. The Netanyahu government has failed to meet its commitments to peace, humanitarian access, and international law. In Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and now in its efforts to draw the United States further into conflict with Iran, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government has shown that it cannot be trusted to use these funds responsibly. That is why I voted yes today.”\n\n“This vote is about the conduct of a government—not Israel’s right to exist, and never the Israeli people. I will continue to support funding for critical defensive programs. Criticism of a government is never license for antisemitism or Islamophobia, and I will keep fighting both wherever they appear,” Matsui continued. “This amendment is not perfect. It is drafted broadly enough that it could affect more than Foreign Military Financing. True security requires a sustainable path: surging humanitarian aid to Gaza, halting settlement construction and settler violence in the West Bank, upholding Palestinian self-determination, and securing permanent peace.\n\n“Republican leadership brought this amendment up in bad faith to divide a growing pro-peace coalition,” Matsui concluded. “I will not let that bad faith obscure the truth: continuing to send military assistance to the Netanyahu government without accountability is not a path to peace.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-april-mcclain-delaney-statement-rep-thomas-massies-amendment-8", "title": "Congresswoman April McClain Delaney statement  on Rep. Thomas Massie's amendment #8 to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "scraper": "mcclaindelaney", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001232", "name": "April McClain Delaney", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney released the following statement after voting no on Rep. Thomas Massie's Amendment #8 to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act:\n\n“The future of the U.S.-Israel relationship requires serious, thoughtful policy, not political grandstanding. I voted against Representative Massie’s amendment stripping foreign military financing for Israel because it was poorly drafted, overly broad, undermined humanitarian aid, and failed to reflect the critical threats facing our country and global order. My vote should not be mistaken as support for unconditional military aid to Israel. I do not support providing a blank check to any government, and U.S. assistance must be consistent with our laws, interests, and values.\n\n“I believe the Democratic Caucus stands united in our hopes for a lasting peace and a two-state solution. We must consider the long-term effects of changing U.S. foreign policy. Forcing a vote on a cynical, unserious amendment that won’t be made into law is counterproductive.\n\n“The United States should continue to support Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state and to defend itself. That said, I urge the Netanyahu government to demonstrate a deeper commitment to humanitarian assistance, to safeguard innocent civilian lives, to put an end to settler violence on the West Bank, and advance a realistic path towards a two-state solution.\n\n“Next Congress, we will thoroughly and intelligently revisit the expiring Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Israel. We will have an opportunity to reshape the U.S.-Israel relationship to ensure respect for human rights and strong regional defense for U.S. interests and our Middle Eastern allies. As we look to the future, I want to be clear: the question is not whether we should change U.S. policy, but instead about what those changes should be.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mccollum-votes-present-massie-amendment", "title": "Congresswoman McCollum Votes Present on Massie Amendment", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mccollum.house.gov", "scraper": "mccollum", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001143", "name": "Betty McCollum", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "ASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman McCollum, the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement after voting against the Massie amendment, which would strike all $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing to Israel.\n\n“I have long been a vocal opponent of the way the United States provides a blank check to the Netanyahu government. For the last nine years, I have carried a bill to put limits on how all US dollars to Israel may be used, which would ensure that not one penny of taxpayer dollars is used by Israel to violate the human rights of Palestinian children. I am also a cosponsor on legislation like the Block the Bombs Act, which also places limits on US assistance to Israel\n\n“However, I cannot support Mr. Massie’s amendment as I have serious concerns that with the way it is so broadly written. As drafted, other foreign assistance—including vital assistance to Palestinians—could be cut off as well. For many of my colleagues in the majority, this amendment is just another way for them to carry out President Trump’s isolationist agenda to limit and, in some cases completely cease, US foreign assistance.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://mcdonaldrivet.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mcdonald-rivet-statement-following-foreign-operations", "title": "Congresswoman McDonald Rivet Statement Following Foreign Operations Appropriations Package Vote", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcdonaldrivet.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mcdonaldrivet.house.gov", "scraper": "mcdonaldrivet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001237", "name": "Kristen McDonald Rivet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) released the following statement following a vote on a foreign-operations-related appropriations package.\n\n“The Netanyahu government’s reckless actions have caused needless pain, suffering, and instability across the Middle East. It’s past time for America to fundamentally rethink how we can best create safety, security, and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians, which begins with holding our partners accountable and stopping the sale of offensive weapons to the Netanyahu government. Today’s ‘Massie amendment’ is not the answer. It is poorly drafted and overly broad, with counterproductive consequences for aid, the important peace-building programs, and the safety of Americans serving abroad. I voted against the amendment and the bill itself, and I look forward to working on proposals that actually help us reach a better future for everybody across the region — starting with sufficient aid reaching civilians, an actual permanent ceasefire, and a pathway to a two-state solution.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://mcdonaldrivet.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mcdonald-rivet-leads-bipartisan-coalition-renewing-push-strengthen-great-lakes", "title": "Rep. McDonald Rivet Leads Bipartisan Coalition in Renewing Push to Strengthen Great Lakes Icebreaking Fleet", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcdonaldrivet.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mcdonaldrivet.house.gov", "scraper": "mcdonaldrivet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001237", "name": "Kristen McDonald Rivet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) led a bipartisan letter signed by 20 Members of Congress, renewing the push for the United States Coast Guard to strengthen its Great Lakes icebreaking fleet to protect maritime commerce, transportation, and safety throughout the region. Last winter, the Great Lakes lost a third of its shipping season due to ice cover, impacting thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity.\n\n“When the Great Lakes freeze over, we count on the Coast Guard to keep our ships and our entire region’s economy moving. Last winter, we saw what happens when we try to get by with an old, inadequate fleet: ships can’t move, work is delayed, and people worry they could lose their jobs,” said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. “In December, the President signed my bill into law, which mandated the Coast Guard to lay out their plan to update our icebreaking capabilities on the Great Lakes. It’s time we get those reports and chart a productive path forward.”\n\nCongresswoman McDonald Rivet’s Great Lakes Icebreaker Act was signed into law in December 2025; the legislation mandated the Coast Guard produce a plan to design and build a new Great Lakes icebreaker and a report analyzing the effectiveness of the current icebreaking fleet. Those deliverables were due March 18, 2026, and June 16, 2026, respectively. The Coast Guard has yet to fulfill these requirements or a separate order to create a public database for Great Lakes icebreaking operations. The letter has been endorsed by the Lake Carriers’ Association and the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force.\n\nThe letter from the lawmakers reads, in part, “The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, and past authorizations, included multiple requirements for public transparency, strategic deployment, and new construction of Great Lakes icebreakers, which have yet to be fulfilled. Prioritizing and completing these overdue requirements is a necessary commitment to commerce, national security, and safety throughout the Great Lakes region…\n\n“We are grateful for the service provided by the men and women of the United States Coast Guard, and we urge you to prioritize the Great Lakes region during your expansion of the Coast Guard capacity and force size. Great Lakes icebreaking is essential for a prosperous region, and we look forward to your completion of these requirements before the next ice season.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://mcdowell.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcdowell-leads-letter-calling-doj-investigate-potential-logan-act-violations", "title": "McDowell Leads Letter Calling on DOJ to Investigate Potential Logan Act Violations by New York City Mayor's Office", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcdowell.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mcdowell.house.gov", "scraper": "mcdowell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001240", "name": "Addison P. McDowell", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Addison McDowell led a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche calling on the Department of Justice to investigate whether officials in New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Administration violated the Logan Act by engaging in unauthorized communications with the Islamic Republic of Iran.\n\n“Undermining national security has serious risks, and the mayor of New York should know better than to meddle in our foreign affairs during the height of negotiations between the White House and Iran,” Congressman McDowell said. “The Department of Justice needs to look into Mamdani's office and ensure they are not acting as rogue agents to the detriment of America's national security. Mamdani does not speak for America. President Trump earned the public's trust to ensure the safety and security of the United States.”\n\nAccording to reporting by the New York Post, New York City Commissioner for International Affairs Ana María Archila scheduled a meeting with Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir-Saeid Iravani, before the State Department intervened and the meeting was canceled.\n\nThe Logan Act prohibits unauthorized American citizens from negotiating with foreign governments on behalf of the United States. The letter asks the Department of Justice to investigate whether Commissioner Archila, acting on behalf of Mayor Mamdani, engaged in any unlawful communications or activity involving the Iranian government.\n\nCongressman McDowell was joined by 13 Members of Congress in sending the letter to Acting Attorney General Blanche.\n\nThe signatories include: Lauren Boebert (CO-04), Earl. L. \"Buddy\" Carter (GA-01), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Randy Fine (FL-06), Clay Fuller (GA-14), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Max L. Miller (OH-07), Riley M. Moore (WV-02), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), and Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13).", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400386", "title": "27 Members of Congress Release Joint Statement on Massie Amendment to Republican Foreign Aid Budget Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "mcgovern.house.gov", "scraper": "mcgovern", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000312", "name": "James P. McGovern", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, 27 Members of Congress, led by Congressman Jim McGovern, Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, released the following statement in advance of voting yes on Amendment #8, which would halt certain U.S. funding to Israel, to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act:\n\n“As Members of Congress, it is our duty to ensure that our constituents’ hard-earned money is used in a way that advances America’s interests and values. For this reason, we do not support providing an additional $3.3 billion of American taxpayer dollars to be used for Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon—operations which have killed tens of thousands of civilians, led to the indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, and caused severe and ongoing humanitarian catastrophes. These are just the latest in a long string of human rights violations inflicted on Palestinian civilians. For nearly six decades, Israeli security forces and military authorities have enforced the occupation of the Palestinian territories, including through restrictions on freedom of movement, arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. It is clear that existing human rights conditions on the use of American security assistance have not been meaningfully enforced. Enough is enough.\n\n“Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve peace, freedom, security, stability, and self-determination. Those aims will only be achieved when their inherent dignity and inalienable rights are at the center of U.S. policy in the region. Diplomacy is the answer, and as long as America provides constant funding for more war, peace will always remain out of reach.\n\n“Our vote should not be interpreted as opposition to initiatives such as the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act programs or others that foster people-to-people engagement, strengthen civil society, and advance the long-term prospects for a just and lasting peace. We remain committed to supporting these and similar programs while ensuring that U.S. taxpayer dollars advance peace, security, and American interests and values.”\n\nThe statement was released by Representatives: Becca Balint (D-VT), Don Beyer (D-VA), Greg Casar (D-TX), Judy Chu (D-CA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), John Garamendi (D-CA), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL), Adelita S. Grijalva (D-AZ), Val Hoyle (D-OR), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Emily Randall (D-WA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Jill N. Tokuda (D-HI), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases/mciver-attends-blanche-hearing-as-case-continuesmciver-attends-blanche-hearing-as-case-continues", "title": "McIver Attends Blanche Hearing, As Case Continues", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mciver.house.gov", "scraper": "mciver", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001229", "name": "LaMonica McIver", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congresswoman Prosecuted by Trump DOJ: “Blanche has repeatedly used the power of the Justice Department to target Trump’s political opponents and shield his friends…”\n\nWASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), who is facing criminal prosecution from Donald Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ), attended today’s hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee where Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche sought to become the Attorney General of the United States.\n\nBlanche, who personally ordered the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka outside of Delaney Hall in May 2025, is central to the DOJ's still-pending case against McIver. Body-worn camera footage from the incident at Delaney Hall revealed that Blanche gave direct orders that transformed a routine congressional oversight visit into a chaotic and highly publicized confrontation, ultimately leading to the controversial federal prosecution of McIver. At today’s hearing Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) questioned Blanche directly about the Mayor's arrest.\n\nMcIver made the following statement on today’s hearing:\n\n“Todd Blanche has repeatedly used the power of the Justice Department to target Trump’s political opponents and shield his friends—I’ve seen this firsthand. The attorney general should not be a personal attorney for the president, but a lawyer for the American people,” said Rep. McIver. “The attorney general's job is simple: uphold the rule of law and do right by the American people. Today's hearing shows once again that Todd Blanche will do neither. Instead, he'll continue to protect Donald Trump and his family from accountability, pursue politically motivated cases, and bend the Justice Department to serve his own ambitions, no matter who gets hurt.”\n\nBlanche retained authority over the case as it progressed through the legal hurdles. For months, apparently to hedge against lingering questions about the then-U.S. Attorney Alina Habba’s authority, Blanche also appeared on the government's court filings. Habba, like Blanche, served as Trump’s personal attorney before joining the DOJ.\n\nMcIver’s case is one of many that demonstrates Blanche's willingness to use the powers of his office to satisfy Trump’s desires. Today's hearing reinforced that pattern, underscoring that Blanche is not only unfit to serve as attorney general, but that his confirmation would further erode the Justice Department's independence and integrity.\n\nAdditional resources around Blanche’s involvement in the case against McIver are available upon request. Please reach out to NJ10Press@mail.house.gov.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://messmer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=317", "title": "Messmer Applauds Passage of the Sunshine Protection Act in the House of Representatives", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://messmer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "messmer.house.gov", "scraper": "messmer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001233", "name": "Mark B. Messmer", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) voted in support of H.R. 139, the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, in the House of Representatives, to make Daylight Saving Time permanent and end the twice-yearly practice Americans endure of changing the clocks backwards and forwards.\n\n“Hoosiers are tired of this needless activity,” said Rep. Messmer. “Making Daylight Saving Time permanent is long overdue and a needed relief from an outdated practice that no longer serves the needs of our modern economy. I have heard from the citizens of Indiana’s 8th District, and I am proud to support the Sunshine Protection Act.”\n\nThe Sunshine Protection Act would establish permanent Daylight Saving Time nationwide, eliminating the need to “spring forward” and “fall back” each year. By ending the biannual time change, the legislation aims to provide greater consistency for families, businesses, schools, and commuters while reducing the disruptions associated with changing the clocks. This bill has the support of the American Farm Bureau.\n\nTo learn more about Rep. Messmer's work in Congress, click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2918", "title": "Speaker Johnson on Reconciliation 3.0: Safeguarding American Elections is Important to the American People and it’s Important for the Future", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mikejohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "mikejohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000299", "name": "Mike Johnson", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — This afternoon, Speaker Johnson delivered remarks following House Republicans’ conference meeting with Vice President J.D. Vance regarding the budget resolution for Congressional Republicans third reconciliation bill — the SAVE and Protect America Act.\n\n“It's our best shot at enacting our party's top priority legislation, the SAVE America Act. It is important to the American people and it's important to the future. And there is nothing in this bill that every Republican in Congress cannot proudly get behind,” Speaker Johnson said. “Republicans support election integrity, our troops, and of course our farmers, and this vehicle will demonstrate all of that.”\n\nWatch Speaker Johnson’s full remarks here.\n\nBelow are Speaker Johnson’s remarks as delivered:\n\nWe just had a great meeting with the House Republican Conference. We’re delighted to have been joined by the Vice President, J.D Vance. You'll hear from him in just a moment. What we were here to address today, what you're all here to hear about is we're moving forward with Reconciliation 3.0 this morning. After many months of deliberation and discussion and contemplation, the House Budget Committee is moving forward with the budget resolution that will get us to Reconciliation 3.0.\n\nLet me tell you a few of the details about it. Given the Democrats’ absolute refusal to work with us on the nation's top priorities – and that includes election integrity and strengthening our nation's defense – we’re moving forward with a narrow, streamlined package to deliver on some of America's top priorities. It is a sad situation. This is where we are; Republicans have to do this on our own.\n\nThe budget resolution instructs four House committees to write Reconciliation 3.0. Those committees are the House Administration Committee, House Armed Services Committee, House Agriculture, and House Intelligence Committee. Each of them will have an important component part of it. The forthcoming reconciliation legislation sets out to accomplish two very important goals: one, to secure America's elections. We're going to pass the SAVE America Act into law as much of that as possible. The SAVE America Act ensures, as you know, that voters have proof of citizenship to register to vote, and they show a valid ID when they turn up to vote at the ballot box. These commonsense policies are reported by 83% of the American people. It's almost a 9 out of 10 public opinion poll in most of the polls that you look at.\n\nThe second objective is to protect and strengthen our homeland. How will we do that? We will provide supplemental funding for our troops with the Administration's request to support national defense and our farmers. That's very important stuff. The Budget Committee is scheduled to vote this budget resolution out of committee tomorrow, and we will pass it through the House next week. We'll send it to the Senate, and then they will pass it before the August district work period. After the Senate passes the budget resolution, our four instructed House committees can go to work to write the reconciliation bill itself. We're looking forward to this process. We intend for this to be a law-making exercise, which means the House and the Senate both have to pass the bill, and of course, the President signs it into law.\n\nThis budget resolution, which kickstarts Reconciliation 3.0 is a process. It's our best shot at enacting our party's top priority legislation, the SAVE America Act. It is important to the American people and it's important to the future. There is nothing in this bill that every Republican in Congress cannot proudly get behind. Republicans support election integrity, our troops, and of course our farmers, and this vehicle will demonstrate all of that. Once again, we're delighted again to have been joined by our Vice President who had a lot to say to the Republicans. They're very encouraged – he got multiple standing ovations. It's a good day to be a Republican.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://mikekennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-kennedy-advances-legislation-reduce-medical-billing-burden-native-american", "title": "Rep. Kennedy Advances Legislation to Reduce Medical Billing Burden on Native American Patients", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mikekennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mikekennedy.house.gov", "scraper": "mikekennedy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000403", "name": "Mike Kennedy", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – This week Congressman Kennedy’s legislation, H.R. 8658, the Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act, advanced through the House Natural Resources Committee. H.R. 8658 gives American Indian and Alaska Native patients a fair window to handle paperwork after a medical emergency by extending the Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) notification deadline from 72 hours to 15 days.\n\n\"When a family is dealing with a medical emergency, the last thing they should worry about is paperwork,\" said Congressman Mike Kennedy. \"As a physician, I've seen how chaotic those first hours and days can be. This bill gives American Indian and Alaska Native patients the time they need to focus on the emergency, not red tape, and protects them from medical bills they should never receive in the first place.\"\n\n“American Indian and Alaska Native patients facing a medical emergency should be focused on recovery, not paperwork,” said Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Bruce Westerman. H.R. 8658 reduces unnecessary billing burdens and helps ensure Indian Health Services patients receive timely emergency care. I commend Rep. Kennedy for advancing practical legislation that improves health care delivery for tribal communities.”\n\nBackground\n\nThe Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act:\n\nExtends the notification window from 72 hours to 15 days for Indian Health Service (IHS) patients who receive emergency care from a non-IHS provider.\n\nGives patients and families more time to notify IHS after an emergency, when paperwork is often unrealistic and medical needs are the immediate priority.\n\nHelps protect American Indian and Alaska Native patients from being left with medical bills or collections because of a short administrative deadline.\n\nMaintains the existing 30-day notification window for elderly or disabled patients\n\nThe Indian Health Service (IHS) is the federal agency responsible for providing medical care to American Indians and Alaska Natives. When IHS patients need care that cannot be provided directly through the IHS system, the Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) program covers the cost of care provided outside of IHS medical facilities. The PRC program must be notified of any request for authorization of payment for health care services from a non-IHS provider. If a patient fails to fulfill the notification requirement, the burden of cost falls on them.\n\nCurrently, when a patient receives emergency medical care from a non-IHS provider or at a non-IHS facility, the patient, someone acting on the patient's behalf, or the medical provider generally must notify the appropriate PRC authorizing official within 72 hours after treatment begins or after admission to the facility. If that notification requirement is not met, PRC payment may be denied, leaving patients at risk of receiving bills for care that should otherwise be covered.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/thompson-releases-statement-massie-amendment", "title": "THOMPSON RELEASES STATEMENT ON MASSIE AMENDMENT", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "mikethompson.house.gov", "scraper": "mikethompson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000460", "name": "Mike Thompson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement after voting “Present” on far-right extremist Rep. Thomas Massie’s amendment to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act. Massie’s amendment would have cut foreign aid to Israel, including humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians and funding for refugee resettlement, peace-building, and U.S. Embassy operations.\n\n“I stand firmly against sending offensive weapons to Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu has caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and I continue to call for the protection of Palestinian civilians, a surge of humanitarian aid in Gaza, and a two-state solution to bring peace and self-determination to Israelis and Palestinians,” said Thompson.\n\n“I cannot support this amendment because it is so poorly drafted and overly broad that it would defund our efforts to protect civilians and promote peace, taking us farther from our goals. At the same time, I stand firmly against Netanyahu’s conduct in Gaza and his efforts to drag us into conflict with Iran.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-sheriff-robert-rotter-confirmation-us-marshal", "title": "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Sheriff Robert Rotter on Confirmation as U.S. Marshal", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "millermeeks.house.gov", "scraper": "millermeeks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001215", "name": "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) delivered remarks on the House floor recognizing her constituent, Sheriff Robert Rotter, who was recently confirmed by the Senate to serve as U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Iowa.\n\nSheriff Rotter joined the Iowa County Sheriff's Office in 1990 and has dedicated more than three decades to public service. Before his nomination, he was serving his fifth term as Iowa County Sheriff, earning a reputation for leadership, service, and commitment to the people of Iowa. During his tenure, he spearheaded a program to safely dispose of expired and unused medications, keeping drugs out of the wrong hands, and launched a countywide active shooter training program that reached more than 1,500 students, teachers, and employees.\n\n\"Sheriff Rotter's hard work, leadership, and commitment to protecting others have earned him this amazing opportunity to continue serving our state and nation,\" said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. \"Congratulations, Sheriff Rotter, and thank you for your dedicated service to Iowa.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://min.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-rep-dave-min-massie-amendment-gop-foreign-aid-bill", "title": "STATEMENT: Rep. Dave Min on Massie Amendment to GOP Foreign Aid Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://min.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "min.house.gov", "scraper": "min", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001241", "name": "Dave Min", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Representative Dave Min (CA-47) released the following statement on voting yes on Amendment #8 to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act, offered by Rep. Thomas Massie.\n\n“I voted yes on the Massie Amendment because I cannot in good conscience vote to continue the status quo where American taxpayers are subsidizing the wars being waged by Israel under the direction of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It appears clear that Netanyahu’s government is seeking to expand and prolong war in the Middle East, with no interest in abiding by the terms of a two state solution, which has long been the guiding principle for U.S. military and diplomatic efforts in the region. American tax dollars should not be used to bankroll military action by other countries that do not align with the United States’ interests and values.\n\n“I will always stand for the right of Israel to exist and to defend itself, and I will be a staunch vote for the provision of defensive armaments, including components for the Iron Dome, to Israel – which are not affected by this amendment. This amendment would stop Israel from using the Foreign Military Financing program, which provides certain countries with grants or loans to purchase American offensive weapons and equipment. I remain committed to building lasting peace in the Middle East, and fostering security and freedom for Palestinians and Israelis alike.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-bill-improve-rural-health-care-passes-committee-unanimously", "title": "Moolenaar Bill to Improve Rural Health Care Passes Committee Unanimously", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "moolenaar.house.gov", "scraper": "moolenaar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001194", "name": "John R. Moolenaar", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman John Moolenaar's legislation H.R. 9642, the Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act, passed the Ways and Means Committee unanimously. The legislation would allow hospitals in rural communities to utilize Medicare funds already available to them to hire and pay physician anesthesiologists. Current law only permits these hospitals to use these funds to hire nurse anesthetists or certified anesthesiologist assistants.\n\n\"Rural Michiganders should be able to receive the same quality of health care as non-rural residents. My Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act will help rural hospitals recruit and pay physician anesthesiologists so their patients can access the level of care they deserve. I am grateful for Chairman Jason Smith and his leadership on the Ways and Means Committee to advance this commonsense, bipartisan legislation,\" said Moolenaar.\n\n“Rural Americans deserve access to reliable, high-quality health care regardless of where they live,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO-08). “Representative Moolenaar has consistently worked to address the challenges facing rural communities, and the Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act continues that effort by helping rural hospitals maintain access to critical anesthesia services. Too many patients today face long travel times or limited options because of provider shortages. This legislation is an important step toward ensuring Michigan seniors in rural communities can receive the care they need closer to home.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-huffman-introduce-legislation-improve-modernize-rural-health", "title": "Moolenaar, Huffman Introduce Legislation to Improve, Modernize Rural Health Care", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "moolenaar.house.gov", "scraper": "moolenaar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001194", "name": "John R. Moolenaar", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "This week, Congressman John Moolenaar and Congressman Jared Huffman (D-CA) introduced the Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act. The legislation would allow rural hospitals to use Medicare funding to hire physician anesthesiologists. Under current law, hospitals are only permitted to use Medicare funding to hire certified anesthesiologist assistants or nurse anesthetists.\n\n\"Rural Michigan residents deserve to have access to the highest quality health care available. That is why we must modernize Medicare's regulations and allow rural hospitals to recruit and pay physician anesthesiologists. Our commonsense, bipartisan legislation makes a small change to existing law to let these hospitals effectively use the funds already available to them and ensure Americans in rural communities can receive the anesthesia services they need, when they need them,\" said Moolenaar.\n\n“Rural hospitals and health centers, like the many throughout my district, serve communities that would otherwise have no access to essential health care. But their remote locations present many unique challenges – including building and sustaining a strong workforce,” saidRep. Huffman. “Our bill would remove barriers for anesthesiologists to participate in rural incentive programs that are a critical tool for rural medical facilities to attract and retain the staff they need to care for our communities.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2817", "title": "Moran Recognized by National Taxpayers Union for Protecting Taxpayer Rights", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "moran.house.gov", "scraper": "nathanielmoran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001224", "name": "Nathaniel Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) recognized as the Taxpayer Defender of the Month for May 2026. The Taxpayer Defender award is presented by the National Taxpayers Union to recognize leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to fiscal discipline, transparency, and protecting taxpayers. Further, the award highlights lawmakers who pair policy expertise with courage and common sense.\n\nMoran was chosen for his leadership abilities by securing bipartisan support for H.R. 6506, the Taxpayer Due Process Enhancement Act. This practical legislation modernizes the U.S. Tax Court to ensure taxpayers have an opportunity to challenge disputed tax liabilities with the IRS.\n\n“Accountability and transparency in our tax system are necessary to safeguard essential taxpayer rights,” said Rep. Moran. “I’m honored to receive NTU’s Taxpayer Defender Award, and I will continue to work to give taxpayers a clear, common-sense process to challenge disputed liabilities with the IRS. We must modernize our tax system, and I will continue to stand up for the taxpayers I represent by working to make this modernization and simplification a reality.”\n\nNTU Executive Vice President Brandon Arnold: “We are proud to select Representative Moran as our Taxpayer Defender of the Month. His work helps restore trust in government by making sure the American people have a fair and open path to challenge the IRS.”\n\nPictured: Rep. Nathaniel Moran and Alexander Ciccone, National Taxpayers Union Policy and Government Affairs Manager.\n\nRead more details on the legislation here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2818", "title": "Moran Advances Bipartisan Legislation to Bring Transparency to Medicare Advantage Spending Out of Committee", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "moran.house.gov", "scraper": "nathanielmoran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001224", "name": "Nathaniel Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) released the following statement after the bipartisan Medicare Advantage MLR Transparency Act was passed 42-0 out of the Ways and Means Committee. The legislation requires Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations to publicly disclose how much of their revenue goes toward patient care versus overhead.\n\n“Transparency and accountability must be at the center of reforming our healthcare system,” said Rep. Moran. “President Trump has made price transparency a cornerstone of his healthcare agenda, and this bill seeks to double down on that effort by pulling back the veil legislatively and requiring more information be made public about how Medicare Advantage dollars are spent. We are giving patients and taxpayers the clear, comparable information they need to hold these plans accountable, and make sure that they are actually going toward direct patient care.”\n\nThis bill codifies President Trump’s Great Healthcare Plan to hold insurance companies accountable and maximize price transparency:\n\nInjects transparency and accountability into MA spending by requiring MA plans to submit to CMS and publicly post on their website more detailed revenue and spending information.\n\nRequires CMS to align the standards of benefit information across all insurance types in the Medicare and commercial markets.\n\n“Medicare Advantage now serves more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries, but seniors and taxpayers still lack important information about how these plans receive and spend tax dollars,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08).“Transparency is essential to ensuring patients can make informed decisions about their health care and taxpayers can have confidence that their dollars are being used responsibly. Representative Moran’s Medicare Advantage MLR Transparency Act advances President Trump’s Great Healthcare Plan by bringing greater accountability to Medicare Advantage finances and benefit information. I appreciate Representative Moran’s leadership in ensuring East Texas seniors and taxpayers have the information they deserve.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) was established by the Affordable Care Act in 2010 to regulate revenue and administrative costs for certain insurance companies, including Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Under the MLR standard, most large insurers must spend at least 85% of revenue on direct medical care or quality initiatives, leaving no more than 15% for administrative overhead, compliance, policy implementation, and corporate profit.\n\nThere have been concerns that MLR reporting currently is difficult and confusing for the public to understand due to the multiple MA revenue spending streams—including benchmark payments, risk adjustment payments, Quality Bonus Program payments, and premiums—and count both clinical services covered by Medicare and supplemental benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing, or fitness, as direct medical care.\n\nAs a result, the MLR has proven ineffective at providing potential and current beneficiaries insight into how their premium dollars are and will be used.\n\nRead the full legislation here.\n\nWatch Rep. Moran’s full remarks here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-honors-former-nazareth-university-president-doctor", "title": "CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE HONORS FORMER NAZARETH UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT DOCTOR BETH PAUL", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "morelle.house.gov", "scraper": "morelle", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001206", "name": "Joseph D. Morelle", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, D.C.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced he delivered remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives in honor of former Nazareth University President Dr. Elizabeth “Beth” Paul, 10th President of Nazareth University.\n\nCongressman Morelle’s remarks, available below, will also appear in the Congressional Record. Video footage is available and can be viewed here.\n\n“I rise today to recognize Dr. Beth Paul as she concludes her tenure as President of Nazareth University after six years of remarkable leadership.\n\n“Beth arrived at Nazareth during one of the most difficult moments in modern higher education, taking the helm in the midst of a global pandemic.\n\n“Through steady leadership, vision, and determination, she helped guide the institution through extraordinary challenges while positioning it for a stronger future.\n\n“Under her leadership, Nazareth embraced a historic new chapter, transitioning from Nazareth College to Nazareth University and celebrating its centennial year—milestones that will shape the institution for generations to come.\n\n“Beth has been a passionate advocate for students, a champion of higher education, and a leader who understands that universities are not just places of learning—they are engines of opportunity, discovery, and service.\n\n“On behalf of our entire community, I thank my dear friend Dr. Beth Paul for her leadership, her service, and her unwavering commitment to helping students realize their potential.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-fry-bipartisan-school-background-check-bill-clears-judiciary-committee-heads-to-house-floor", "title": "Moskowitz, Fry Bipartisan School Background Check Bill Clears Judiciary Committee, Heads to House Floor", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moskowitz.house.gov/press", "domain": "moskowitz.house.gov", "scraper": "moskowitz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001217", "name": "Jared Moskowitz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "CHILD Act closes gap in nationwide background checks for contractors who work with students\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, bipartisan legislation led by Congressmen Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) and Russell Fry (R-SC-07) cleared the House Judiciary Committee and took a key step toward consideration by the full House of Representatives.\n\nThe Comprehensive Health & Integrity in Licensing and Documentation (CHILD) Act would amend the National Child Protection Act of 1993 to ensure that individuals working under contract with schools are covered by nationwide background-check requirements that already apply to other caregivers.\n\nThe bill represents Moskowitz’s ongoing effort to strengthen safety at Florida schools and ensure that every adult entrusted with the care of students is properly vetted.\n\n“Parents should never have to question whether the people working around their children at school have been thoroughly vetted,” said Congressman Moskowitz. “The CHILD Act closes a gap in the law by ensuring that contractors who work with students are subject to nationwide background checks. Clearing the Judiciary Committee is an important step forward and I look forward to bringing this commonsense, bipartisan school-safety measure to the House floor.”\n\n“Parents should be able to trust that when their children go to school, they are in safe, trustworthy environments,” said Rep. Fry. “The CHILD ACT gives parents that confidence by ensuring every contracted employee in a school setting can properly pass a background check. Today’s passage of our bipartisan legislation through the House Judiciary Committee is a major step in strengthening school safety, and I look forward to its consideration in the full U.S. House of Representatives.”\n\nMoskowitz, a member of the House Judiciary Committee and Florida’s former Director of Emergency Management, has made improving school safety a central focus of his work in Congress. Moskowitz has introduced multiple pieces of legislation to address school safety, including the bipartisan Measures for Safer School Districts (MSD) Act to improve emergency notification systems and strengthen school doors; the bipartisan Single Application for School Safety (SASS) Act to simplify the federal school-safety grant process; and the bipartisan EAGLES Act to establish a national program focused on preventing targeted violence in schools.\n\nMoskowitz is also leading the bipartisan ALYSSA Act, which would require silent panic alarms in schools, and the bipartisan Strengthening Our Schools (SOS) Act, which would invest in school resource officers. Together, these bills are designed to help Florida schools prevent threats, respond more effectively during emergencies, and keep students and educators safe.\n\nThe CHILD Act is endorsed by Students Against Destructive Decisions; Student Transportation & Education Equity Roundtable; Parents Helping Parents, Inc.; National Diversity Coalition; RaisingHOPE, Inc.; National Center on Adoption & Permanency; HopSkipDrive; and Streets Are For Everyone.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/vote-explainer-massie-amendment-hr-8595-national-security-department-state-and", "title": "Vote Explainer: Massie Amendment to H.R. 8595 — National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "moulton.house.gov", "scraper": "moulton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001196", "name": "Seth Moulton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) issued the following statement regarding his decision to vote in favor of Massie Amendment to H.R. 8595 — the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027.\n\n\"Today I will vote in favor of an amendment to remove $3.3 billion in U.S. taxpayer-funded Foreign Military Financing for Israel from this year's State Department appropriations bill. We simply cannot continue to condone Netanyahu’s actions that are against our moral conscience and our own national security interests by perpetuating the status quo.\n\n\"As Secretary Rubio said himself, Netanyahu pushed Trump into war with Iran, which has been an utter disaster for everyone except Iran. Netanyahu is also flagrantly violating international law and fundamental human rights by supporting settler violence and expanding territory in the West Bank. In responding to the horrific terrorist attacks of October 7th, Netanyahu has prosecuted a war in Gaza that has killed 60,000 civilians, including an estimated 21,000 children, with a strategy that has failed to dislodge Hamas, failed to produce a political endgame, and failed to provide any long-term plan beyond continued violence. He is now doing the same thing, without any long-term strategy or political endgame, in Lebanon, which even the Trump Administration has loudly opposed.\n\n\"Based upon my own experience in a counter-insurgency campaign, I have spoken out loudly, publicly, and repeatedly about these failures, and even made my case to Netanyahu and his top deputies in person—but as with so many similar pleas from U.S. military and political leaders, it has failed to produce results. So we must do more.\n\n\"In all of these cases, I personally believe that Israel is not only acting against America’s national security interests, but against its own long-term interests as well. Therefore, continuing unconditional assistance would be condoning an unacceptable status quo. Even Netanyahu himself recently called for ending U.S.-taxpayer support for Israeli defense. None of us should be to the right of Netanyahu.\n\n\"Withholding these funds would not leave Israel defenseless. Israel has a nearly $50B defense budget and Congress also gave Israel an additional $9B over and above annual appropriations in 2024. But the idea that U.S. taxpayers should foot the IDF’s bills when too many Americans are struggling to pay their own, and when so many of us, including many veterans of Middle Eastern wars, disagree with their strategy for how this materiel is used, is not something I can support. Importantly, this amendment preserves funding for Iron Dome, which saves not only Israeli lives, but Palestinian lives as well, by reducing retaliatory strikes which were the only option before effective defenses.\n\n\"The United States has a longstanding strategic relationship with Israel that clearly needs a reset. This amendment is a small but significant step in that direction.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-co-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-strengthen-access-physicians", "title": "Murphy Co-Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Access to Physicians in Eastern North Carolina", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "murphy.house.gov", "scraper": "murphy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001210", "name": "Gregory F. Murphy", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., alongside GOP Doctors Caucus Co-Chair Congressman John Joyce, M.D., and Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D., Chair of the Democratic Doctors Caucus, introduced the bipartisan Patients First Act - comprehensive Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) reform legislation.\n\nThe Patients First Act would greatly benefit Eastern North Carolina by preserving access to primary and specialty care physicians. The legislation strengthens incentives for independent practice and reverses decades of consolidation that have driven up the cost of care, especially in rural and underserved communities.\n\n\"As a practicing urologist for more than 30 years, I've seen firsthand the challenges physicians face in keeping their doors open while providing the highest quality care for their patients,\"said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03). \"Our current Medicare physician payment system is unsustainable. It has fueled consolidation, increased administrative burdens, and made it harder for independent physicians in rural communities to continue serving the patients who rely on them. The bipartisan Patients First Act delivers long-overdue reforms that strengthen independent practices, invest in primary care, and ensure physicians can spend more time caring for patients instead of navigating bureaucracy. When physicians succeed, patients receive better care, and that's exactly what this legislation is designed to achieve.\"\n\nBackground", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397519", "title": "Nadler Statement On H.R. 8595 Votes", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nadler.house.gov/news", "domain": "nadler.house.gov", "scraper": "nadler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000002", "name": "Jerrold Nadler", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) released the following statement regarding House consideration of H.R. 8595:\n\n“Today the House voted on H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2027. This legislation will weaken diplomatic and development capacities critical to national security and further isolate America on the global stage. Among other devastating cuts, it slashes $1.1 billion from international organizations—a blatant attempt to undermine American diplomacy around the world, as well as efforts to bolster global health and combat the climate crisis. The bill also includes specific and heinous attacks on women and LGBTQ+ individuals globally. Republicans also cruelly attached unrelated legislation to this bill that would undermine Americans’ democratic rights, including the fundamental right to vote, in service of a cynical partisan political agenda.\n\n“In addition to the underlying bill, the House also considered several dangerous amendments, including amendments that would undermine efforts to build a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.\n\n“Most significantly, the overly broad Massie amendment, which imposes a blanket prohibition on any funds in the bill being used for Israel, including embassy operations, critical peacebuilding programs like the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Program (MEPPA), and more. MEPPA is the legacy of my dear late friend and colleague Nita Lowey and plays a critical role in peacebuilding and people-to-people relations between Israelis and Palestinians. Such efforts are absolutely necessary for real progress ever to be made in the region towards a viable, lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.\n\n“I have made no secret my opinion of Prime Minister Netanyahu. I have often called him the worst leader in Jewish history since the Maccabean king who invited the Romans into Jerusalem over 2100 years ago. Netanyahu is responsible for Israel’s war crimes in Gaza, growing isolation in the region and around the world, and partisan politicization within American politics. He is responsible for the attempts to undermine Israel’s democratic character in service of keeping himself from facing justice, and for using the lives of innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians as political pawns in his monomaniacal quest to cling to power. Under his leadership, Hamas grew a stronghold in Gaza with tragically disastrous results, and the Palestinian Authority has been shortsightedly weakened, undermining any viable alternative. Settler violence has surged in the West Bank, and new Palestinian terrorist entities have arisen. In short, Netanyahu has been a disaster for Israel and for all those around the world concerned with the future of the region.\n\n“I do not question the many well-intentioned supporters of the amendment who voted for it as a means of sending a message of disapproval of Israel’s actions. I share their disapproval of these actions, and I will never shy away from expressing my critiques of Israel’s behavior loudly and publicly without fear. However, I refuse to support prohibiting funding for the very peace-building programs and activities that are perhaps our best hope at present of improving the reality on the ground and building towards long-term peace. These programs, funded in memory of Chairwoman Lowey, are persistently under attack, with their funding under constant risk. I simply will not join those undermining the heroic efforts of these peace-seekers.\n\n“I also want to strongly oppose the Tenney amendment, which called on the House to support upending the precarious status quo on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. As a progressive, I believe that religious freedom and equal access for all are important principles governing international relations. This amendment, however, fundamentally misapplied these principles to a tenuous and potentially dangerous situation on the Temple Mount. The status quo on the Temple Mount exists in a delicate arrangement, which is best explained by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s own words: “Muslims pray on the Temple Mount; non-Muslims visit the Temple Mount.” This policy was established in 1967 after Israel conquered the territory on which the Temple Mount stands, and it has been regularly reaffirmed by every Israeli Prime Minister and Government since.\n\n“It is only now, when there are extremists and previously convicted terrorists serving as members of the Israeli cabinet, that this extremely delicate agreement has begun to erode. Over the past years, instigated by Israel’s so-called “Minister of National Security,” radical Israeli extremists have been methodically testing the limits and attempting to move the goal posts of the fragile status quo agreement. These provocateurs understand the implications of their actions. In fact, many of the most important Ultra-Orthodox and Orthodox Rabbis in Israel forbid visiting the top of the Temple Mount on religious grounds. But these agitators and instigators selectively seek out particular Rabbinic advice that place kosher certifications on their inciting actions.\n\n“It was former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s visit to the Temple Mount that many believe triggered the outbreak of the Second Intifada. And in recent years, social media clips exposing Israeli police beating Muslim worshipers in and around al-Aqsa Mosque with clubs and rifle butts have provoked violent responses and provided the pretext for rockets from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and more. Any attempts to change the letter, or even the spirit, of the status quo agreement on the Temple Mount has the potential to beget untold levels of violence and further dramatically destabilize the region.\n\n“In addition to these amendments, I oppose the amendment aimed at defunding assistance to our vital ally Jordan, the United Nations and its important diplomacy around the world, the Global Environment Facility aiding in climate resilience in light of climate change around the world, and the Fulbright Program, which is the gold-standard of education and cultural exchange programs.\n\n“I am also deeply disappointed that the Republican majority refused to allow consideration of my bipartisan amendment to prohibit the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues (SEHI) from being eliminated or merged into another office. SEHI is the only office in the U.S. Government solely dedicated to advocating for Holocaust survivors. As I have said before, if this Administration truly cared about Holocaust survivors, they would strengthen the SEHI office—not eliminate it.\n\n“Today’s legislation will make the world less safe and less secure for generations to come. Unfortunately, I was unable to vote due to a family medical emergency in New York. Had I been present, I would have voted against this deeply shameful bill and the dangerous amendments considered by the House. When this bill is sent to the Senate, I urge them to take a more responsible course.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://neal.house.gov/2026/07/15/neal-statement-on-massie-amendment-8-to-gop-foreign-aid-budget-bill/", "title": "Neal Statement on Massie Amendment #8 to GOP Foreign Aid Budget Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "neal.house.gov", "scraper": "neal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000015", "name": "Richard E. Neal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Richard E. Neal released the following statement on the Massie Amendment #8 to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act:\n\n“The United States remains committed to our strong, strategic alliance with Israel and will continue to defend its sovereignty and right to exist as a secure Jewish state. Providing support for Israel’s defense systems, such as the Iron Dome, remains an important priority to protect both American and Israeli interests against those who seek Israel’s destruction. This amendment does not change that commitment or our resolve to eradicate Hamas’s reign of terror.\n\n“We also have a responsibility to ensure that governments receiving our aid meet the standard our values and laws require. What we are seeing in the Middle East is not sustainable and demands a new path grounded in peace, security, and the right to self-determination for all. That means delivering urgently needed humanitarian aid to the innocent children and families caught in the violence, pursuing a two-state solution, and confronting both terrorism and the cancer of antisemitism. Only then can we build a safer, more secure, and brighter future for everyone.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-votes-strengthen-national-security-support-american-allies", "title": "Newhouse Votes to Strengthen National Security, Support American Allies", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "newhouse.house.gov", "scraper": "newhouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000189", "name": "Dan Newhouse", "party": "Republican", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Press Release\n\nFor Immediate Release: July 15, 2026\n\nContact: Juan Ayala, (202) 713-7750\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement after voting in support of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2027. This legislation passed the House by a vote of 217-209.\n\n“At a time when our Nation’s national security is under constant threat from adversaries, we are delivering on legislation to provide resources to critical agencies that keep us safe,\" said Rep. Newhouse.\n\nNewhouse continued, \"Peace through strength will ensure the United States remains the shining city on the hill as a diplomatic and economic powerhouse. I applaud Chairman Diaz-Balart’s efforts to eliminate wasteful spending while prioritizing the programs that keep Americans safe.”\n\nBackground\n\nThe National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $47.32 billion, which is $2.69 billion (6%) below the Fiscal Year 2026 enacted level, and reflects priorities of the America First agenda.\n\nWithin the total cuts, the NSRP bill maintains robust funding for our allies like Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Taiwan and counters adversaries such as the Communist People’s Republic of China (PRC), Iran, Cuba, and drug cartels – including those designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The bill supports the President’s vision to refocus and realign foreign policy to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, while ensuring all funds are spent in a manner consistent with relevant executive orders.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=10E22530-548D-42F5-9C78-5A6B59BCBC0A", "title": "Norcross, Fitzpatrick, Heinrich introduce bipartisan, bicameral bill to increase construction pre-apprenticeships", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "norcross.house.gov", "scraper": "norcross", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000188", "name": "Donald Norcross", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressmen Donald Norcross (D-NJ) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), co-chairs of the Bipartisan Building Trades Caucus, have introduced the bipartisan Pre-Apprenticeships To Hardhats (PATH) Act to create, fund, and sustain pre-apprenticeship programs for all building and construction trades. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) is leading companion legislation in the Senate.\n\nPre-apprenticeships are a proven strategy for building a workforce ready to meet industry demands and will instruct participants on everything from basic literacy and math to work-readiness skills that can be tailored to the needs of students and labor markets.\n\nThe PATH Act will support more quality pre-apprenticeship programs and build a workforce ready to fill critical construction jobs by providing grants to be used for training, curriculum development, evaluations, and more. Eligible recipients for grants would include employers, unions, state and local workforce development boards, community-based organizations, postsecondary educational institutions, school districts, state education agencies, high schools, small businesses, and veterans’ service organizations.\n\n“Young people need to know that expensive four-year degrees are not the only way to earn a good living and provide value to your community,” Norcross said. “America needs to build more of everything from housing to energy to infrastructure, and pre-apprenticeships are the perfect entry point for the high-paying, fulfilling careers available right now. My own electrical apprenticeship kickstarted a life I’m extremely proud of and serves as my inspiration to create more of those opportunities for today’s workforce, too.”\n\n“A highly-trained, skilled trade workforce is essential to job creation and economic growth,” Fitzpatrick said. “As co-chair of the Congressional Building Trades Caucus, I am proud to join this bipartisan effort to further invest in apprenticeship programs, particularly in underserved communities nationwide.”\n\n“My Pre-Apprenticeships to Hardhats Act will help workers gain the skills and training they need to succeed in high-demand careers they can build their families around. These are the kinds of jobs that allow folks to put food on the table and get ahead,” Heinrich said. “I remain committed to solutions that expand pathways to in-demand jobs, grow our local workforce, and ensure New Mexico has the skilled workers it needs for the future.”\n\nThe PATH Act is endorsed by North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU).\n\n“North America’s Building Trades Unions understand the training and education pathways required to produce a highly-skilled workforce, and we fully support apprenticeship readiness programs,” said Sean McGarvey, president of North America’s Building Trades Unions. “The efforts in the PATH Act not only open the pipelines of the skilled trades to underserved communities across America, they are essential to securing a strong foundation for America’s middle-class and ensuring national and local economic growth.”\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://nunn.house.gov/2026/07/15/nunn-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-put-artificial-intelligence-to-work-on-iowa-farms/", "title": "Nunn Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Put Artificial Intelligence to Work on Iowa Farms", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "domain": "nunn.house.gov", "scraper": "nunn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000193", "name": "Zachary Nunn", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Don Davis (NC-01) today introduced the bipartisan Fostering Agricultural Research and Modernization through Artificial Intelligence (FARM AI) Act, legislation to accelerate the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) across American agriculture by modernizing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) research and workforce programs.\n\n“Iowa farmers have always been the first to put new technology to work when it helps them grow more efficiently, conserve resources, and stay competitive,” said Rep. Nunn. “Artificial intelligence is the next frontier. From yield mapping and precision nutrient application to disease detection and water conservation, AI gives farmers better information to make better decisions in real time. Our bipartisan FARM AI Act builds on the groundbreaking research already happening at Iowa’s universities while investing in the workforce needed to bring these innovations from the lab to the field. The future of agriculture shouldn’t be written by bureaucrats in Washington — it should be driven by the Iowa farmers who feed America.”\n\nIowa is already at the forefront of AI research in agriculture. The AI Institute for Resilient Agriculture, based at Iowa State University and supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, is developing AI-powered models of crops and entire farming systems to help breeders develop stronger varieties and help producers improve yields while using fewer resources.\n\nThat momentum continues to grow. Yesterday, the NSF announced Iowa State University will lead a new innovation network spanning Iowa and Nebraska that brings together community colleges, industry partners, entrepreneurs, and investors to spur innovation in the bioeconomy. While research is advancing rapidly, many producers still face barriers to putting these tools to work. High upfront costs, limited technical expertise, and a shortage of rural workforce training have slowed adoption of AI technologies on many farms. The FARM AI Act addresses those challenges by modernizing existing USDA programs to help move innovation from the laboratory to the farmgate.\n\n“Feeding America is national security, and the future of agriculture will depend on our ability to innovate,” said Rep. Davis. “We must strengthen research, expand workforce training, and give producers the tools they need to increase productivity, remain globally competitive, and ensure the United States continues to lead the world in agriculture.”\n\nSpecifically, the FARM AI Act would:\n\nDesignate artificial intelligence as a priority research area under USDA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) and expand AI research through the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AgARDA).\n\nEquip USDA Extension with the resources to help farmers responsibly adopt AI technologies and precision agriculture.\n\nExpand USDA grants and fellowships to strengthen the rural workforce and prepare the next generation of agricultural innovators.\n\nNominate a senior USDA official as the AI in Agriculture Advisor to coordinate federal AI efforts, align agency programs, and work with the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop national standards for agricultural AI.\n\nThe FARM AI Act is the House companion to bipartisan legislation introduced in the Senate by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Adam Schiff (D-CA).\n\nText of the bill is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-representative-ilhan-omar-introduces-resolution-urging-us-join", "title": "U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar Introduces Resolution Urging U.S. to Join International Criminal Court", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "omar.house.gov", "scraper": "omar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000173", "name": "Ilhan Omar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) introduced a resolution calling on the United States to become a full member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and revoke sanctions and visa bans on ICC officials.\n\nThe Congresswoman’s resolution comes days after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced his intention to dismantle the ICC, an independent, credible tribunal built to prosecute the worst crimes known to man. This move would be antithetical not only to American values, but to global stability and international law.\n\n“I have seen firsthand that impunity breeds more violence,” said. Rep. Omar. “Failure to address atrocities entrenches divisions, prevents healing, and fuels cycles of insecurity. The ICC is a court of last resort, stepping in only when there is credible evidence of war crimes, genocide, or crimes against humanity and a country is unwilling or unable to prosecute those responsible. It is a crucial tool for justice in places where victims have nowhere else to turn. If we truly believe in human rights and the rule of law, we should strengthen international justice—not undermine it. The United States should lead by example and show that no one is above the law.\"\n\nThe resolution is cosponsored by Representatives André Carson (D-IN), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Jesús \"Chuy\" García (D-IL), and Nydia Velázquez (D-NY).\n\nThe full text of the resolution is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-panettas-bill-rename-san-jose-va-clinic-after-pat-tillman-passes-house", "title": "Rep. Panetta’s Bill to Rename San Jose VA  Clinic After Pat Tillman Passes House", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "panetta.house.gov", "scraper": "panetta", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000613", "name": "Jimmy Panetta", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced that the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation he authored and introduced to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in San Jose the Corporal Patrick D. Tillman VA Clinic. The legislation is co-led by Rep. Ken Calvert (CA-41) and was cosponsored by every member of the California Congressional delegation.\n\nPat Tillman displayed immense passion on the football field, in the classroom,\n\nand in service to the U.S. Army after the September 11th attacks.\n\nThis legislation honors the legacy of South San Jose native Pat Tillman, who left a successful career in the NFL to serve his country in the U.S. Army following the September 11th terrorist attacks. Tillman’s service, his ultimate sacrifice, and commitment to our country embodies the very spirit of America.\n\nThe bill required support from the full California Congressional delegation for passage. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate, and Rep. Panetta will continue to work with colleagues from both parties to honor this American hero and help advance the legislation swiftly.\n\nRep. Panetta speaks on the House floor to push for the passage of\n\nhis bipartisan legislation to honor Corporal Tillman.\n\nTo watch the video, click HERE or on the above photo.\n\n“Renaming the San Jose VA clinic after Corporal Pat Tillman is about carrying on his legacy of patriotism and passion, as well as the progress we must make as a nation. Pat did nothing half-baked, did everything with a full heart, and represented the very best of our country in academics, athletics, and in service to the United States of America,” said Rep. Panetta. “In this day of division and dysfunction, we must always be reminded of the service and sacrifice for our great nation that Corporal Tillman exemplified. At the same time, the circumstances surrounding his death in friendly fire remind us how our Army, Congress, and our country must ensure that this never happens again and how we can always do better when it comes to serving those who serve us. I’m proud to lead the California delegation in this effort to rename a South San Jose VA clinic in Pat’s honor, and will work closely with our California Senators to ensure we properly cement his legacy.”\n\n“Pat Tillman answered the call of his country in the wake of September 11th, exchanging his Arizona Cardinals uniform for an Army Ranger uniform,” said Rep. Calvert. “His extraordinary sacrifice embodies the patriotism that inspires so many to serve. I am thankful the House has passed this bipartisan bill from my colleague, Rep. Panetta, to honor Pat’s legacy.”\n\nCorporal Tillman served with distinction in the 75th Ranger Regiment, deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He was killed in action by friendly fire in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004, and posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/pappas-demands-independent-investigations-into-killings-of-lorenzo-salgado-araujo-johan-sebastian-guerrero", "title": "Pappas Demands Independent Investigations into Killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Johan Sebastian Guerrero", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pappas.house.gov", "scraper": "pappas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000614", "name": "Chris Pappas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined nearly 200 Members in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths. The members are demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halt removal proceedings against the witnesses.\n\nIn their letter, the Members wrote, “Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status. DHS agents have shot at least 22 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals with no criminal records.”\n\nThey continued, “In several of these cases, DHS and its component agencies made unsubstantiated allegations about individuals its agents have shot and even killed, including Renée Good, Alex Pretti, Ruben Ray Martinez, Marimar Martinez, and Julio Sosa-Celis. DHS claimed that the shooting victims were attacking law enforcement officers, attempting to ‘weaponize’ their vehicles, and even called them domestic terrorists. In each case, evidence later emerged that contradicted these claims, showing that DHS representatives made false statements and DHS agents acted inappropriately, resulting in several cases against DHS’s victims to be dismissed with prejudice. As such, Trump’s DHS has lost the trust of the American people and can no longer be considered a reliable source of facts.”\n\n“We are calling for immediate independent investigations into both of these deaths, without interference… Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations,” the lawmakers concluded.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/pappas-introduces-drug-deal-disclosure-act-to-force-transparency-for-trump-s-secret-big-pharma-deals", "title": "Pappas Introduces Drug Deal Disclosure Act to Force Transparency for Trump's Secret Big Pharma Deals", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pappas.house.gov", "scraper": "pappas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000614", "name": "Chris Pappas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28), Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) in introducing the Drug Deal Disclosure Act, legislation that would require the Trump administration to publicly disclose its prescription drug pricing agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers and subject those agreements to independent review to determine whether they are actually lowering costs for patients and taxpayers.\n\nAs Americans continue to struggle with the high cost of prescription drugs, the Trump administration has repeatedly claimed that a series of agreements negotiated with pharmaceutical companies will lower costs for patients. Yet despite public announcements and White House events promoting these arrangements, the Administration has refused to disclose the terms of the agreements, the concessions offered in exchange, and evidence that they will actually deliver lower prices.\n\n“Deals made by the White House are the business of the American people. President Trump claims to have made secret agreements with Big Pharma CEOs under the pretense of lowering prescription drug prices but these savings have yet to appear. The American people deserve answers and this legislation will bring them to light,” said Congressman Pappas. “Granite Staters are paying too much for life-saving prescription drugs and this administration and Republicans in Congress have only made health care access worse and costs higher. I remain committed to doing everything I can to improve care and lower costs, and I will not stand for shady deals and false promises made by the administration.”\n\nThe Drug Deal Disclosure Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to publicly disclose records, communications, agreements, and related materials concerning drug pricing agreements and other arrangements negotiated between the Trump Administration and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The bill would also require reporting to Congress and direct the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an independent analysis of the agreements' economic and budgetary impacts.\n\nSpecifically, the legislation would:\n\nRequire HHS to publicly disclose agreements, communications, records, and related materials concerning covered agreements between the Trump Administration and pharmaceutical manufacturers;\n\nRequire disclosure of agreements involving Most-Favored-Nation pricing commitments, TrumpRx participation, tariff exemptions, domestic investment commitments, Strategic National Stockpile agreements, Priority Review Vouchers, and other related arrangements;\n\nRequire HHS to report to Congress on all documents and information released or withheld, including the basis for any redactions; and\n\nDirect CBO and GAO to publish an independent assessment of the agreements' impacts on patients, taxpayers, prescription drug costs, Medicare, Medicaid, competition, and federal spending.\n\nThe Drug Deal Disclosure Act is the House companion to legislation introduced in the Senate by Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, Senator Maggie Hassan, and Senate Democrats.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/pappas-statement-on-massie-amendment", "title": "Pappas Statement on Massie Amendment", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pappas.house.gov", "scraper": "pappas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000614", "name": "Chris Pappas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC - Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) released the following statement after voting present on an amendment offered by Representative Massie to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act:\n\n“I cannot support this amendment as written because it is overly broad. Enacting it would hamstring our humanitarian efforts in the region by limiting funding for programs that support Palestinian economic development and peacebuilding efforts between Israelis and Palestinians. It would also weaken our ability to combat Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations that threaten Americans and our allies.\n\n“At the same time, I have deep concerns about the path Prime Minister Netanyahu continues to pursue that undermines the long term security objectives of Israel and the United States. This path won’t lead to peace, only to more war and instability. The United States must stand for security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians alike.\n\n“I voted present today because I cannot support this amendment as written but also cannot support the disproportionate, extreme policies of the Netanyahu government.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://patronis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-jimmy-patronis-advances-legislation-to-lock-the-clock", "title": "Congressman Jimmy Patronis Advances Legislation to Lock the Clock", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://patronis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "patronis.house.gov", "scraper": "patronis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000622", "name": "Jimmy Patronis", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.- Late Tuesday evening, Congressman Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) advanced the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide and end the outdated twice yearly practice of changing the clocks.\n\n“Washington has a bad habit of making simple things harder than they need to be,” said Congressman Patronis. “Changing the clocks twice a year is one of those pointless headaches Americans are ready to leave behind. Families deserve consistency, not another government inconvenience disrupting their daily lives. The transition to Daylight Saving Time has been linked to more car accidents, sleep deprivation, and other health risks, which is why I was proud to co-sponsor this legislation. I want to thank Senator Rick Scott and Congressman Vern Buchanan for leading the charge on this commonsense bill. It’s time for Congress to catch up, end this outdated practice once and for all, and give the American people one less headache.”\n\nThe Sunshine Protection Act would:\n\nMake Daylight Saving Time permanent year-round.\n\nAllow states to opt out of the change if they pass legislation prior to federal action.\n\nThe legislation passed 308-117 and moves to the Senate for a vote.\n\nTo view H.R. 139 the Sunshine Protection Act click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://patronis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-jimmy-patronis-advances-water-bill-to-protect-northwest-florida-s-coast-and-way-of-life", "title": "Congressman Jimmy Patronis Advances Water Bill to Protect Northwest Florida’s Coast and Way of Life", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://patronis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "patronis.house.gov", "scraper": "patronis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000622", "name": "Jimmy Patronis", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.- On Tuesday, Congressman Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) advanced the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), legislation that delivers critical investments for Northwest Florida’s ports, waterways, and communities. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Patronis is fighting to bring resources home and deliver results that strengthen America’s Gulf Coast.\n\n“The people of Northwest Florida work hard, love this country, and deserve a government that works just as hard for them,” said Congressman Patronis. “Our ports, waterways, and coastline are critical to our economy, our national security, and our way of life. I’m proud to fight for these investments, bring resources home, and make sure Northwest Florida remains a strong part of America’s future.”\n\nThe Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study, construct, and improve critical water infrastructure projects.\n\nWRDA includes several key priorities for Northwest Florida, including:\n\nA study to deepen and widen the Port of Pensacola harbor to 40 feet, strengthening the region’s maritime economy.\n\nA study of the Choctawhatchee and Pea River Basins to improve flood control, water quality, and water supply.\n\n$50 million authorization for water and wastewater infrastructure projects across Florida’s First Congressional District to support growing communities.\n\nThe legislation was ordered to be reported favorably out of committee.\n\nTo view information on the Water Resources Development Act click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/worst-kind-betrayal-ahead-house-vote-congressman-pat-ryan-stands-hudson-valley", "title": "“THE WORST KIND OF BETRAYAL”: AHEAD OF HOUSE VOTE, CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN STANDS WITH HUDSON VALLEY VETERANS AGAINST HARMFUL GOP BILL", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "patryan.house.gov", "scraper": "patryan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000579", "name": "Patrick Ryan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "H.R. 9237 is the latest attempt to cut veterans benefits and is opposed by 20+ Veteran Service Organizations, including VFW, DAV, and IAVA\n\nRyan has joined his fellow Democratic veteran colleagues for weeks railing against the bill, which makes the largest cuts to veterans benefits in a generation\n\nThe GOP’s bill slashes veterans benefits, purging several service-connected disabilities from VA coverage and forcing veterans to pay more for home loans – all during a housing and healthcare affordability crisis and as war rages on in Iran\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Pat Ryan – an Iraq War combat veteran and the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in Congress – condemned a harmful GOP bill slashing benefits for veterans who have served this country. The bill – H.R. 9237 – is opposed by 20+ Veteran Service Organizations, including Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Iraq and Afghan Vets of America.\n\nH.R. 9237 creates the largest cut to veterans benefits in a generation, more than 1.5 million future veterans and servicemembers would lose benefits. Under this bill, veterans suffering from tinnitus, ringing or buzzing in the ears, caused by prolonged exposure to high-decibel military environments like gunfire, explosions, and heavy machinery, which is the most common service-connected disability, would no longer receive compensation. This bill also guts sleep apnea compensation and creates a dangerous precedent for the Administration to continue purging VA disability ratings.\n\nThe bill raises fees on veteran borrowers by $4 billion by nearly tripling VA home loan fees and forcing veterans to pay on average an additional $3,780. It also doubles the loan assumption fee – all while Americans face a growing housing affordability crisis.\n\nH.R. 9237 also shifts vital resources away from VA mental health and PTSD programs, strips away the VHA’s care-coordination role, and locks in privatization – weakening the integrated VA health system and risking lower-quality care.\n\nThe bill represents the latest step in Republicans’ long-running efforts to privatize veterans’ care and cut veterans benefits – this time, as a war in Iran enters its fifth month and has killed 13 U.S. servicemembers and wounded hundreds more.\n\n“Brave men and women sign up to serve because they trust us to have their backs. They trust that when they get home, the country they fought for will be ready to embrace them. This bill breaks that sacred trust,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Taking care of the heroes who risked their lives for this country is not a partisan issue – it’s a fundamental American value. We shouldn’t have to tear critical benefits away from our nation’s heroes to fund programs for others – especially not when the Pentagon has a $1.5 TRILLION budget and seemingly endless cash for Trump’s war in Iran. I’ve heard from countless local veterans about how devastating the impacts of this would be in the Hudson Valley – I’m proudly standing with them and voting NO on this betrayal.”\n\nThe bill is opposed by: the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Iraq and Afghan Vets of America, Hispanic Veterans Leadership Alliance, Black Veterans Project, Reserve Organization of America, Veterans Education Success, Student Veterans of America, Marine Corps League, Marine Corps Reserve Association, Minority Veterans of America, Common Defense, Vet Voice Foundation, National Security Leaders for America, Swords to Plowshares, The Chamberlain Network, United for Veterans Coalition, Veterans for Common Sense, Veterans for Responsible Leadership, 50501 Veterans.\n\n“As a Vietnam Veteran, it is so sad to hear when our Veterans are being cut short of the support that is needed for them,” said Nathan B. Grant, Post 37 Legion Commander, Poughkeepsie. “Our Veterans should not have any needs after serving in our Military. I believe that many untold stories need to be told for those who do not understand the pain that many of our Veterans go through.”\n\n“Veterans deserve our gratitude, and as they grapple with the high cost of living we can't afford to cut the VA benefits that they rely on to get by,” said Daniel Lennox-Choate, an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Central Valley. “I'm grateful to Pat Ryan for continuing to fight for our veterans and servicemembers.”\n\n“This package of bills does the opposite of taking care of America's veterans, by making it harder for veterans to access the benefits we have earned,” said Malia DuMont, an Army veteran and Chair of Congressman Ryan's Veterans and Military Families Advisory Board. “This comes on top of significant recent cuts to Department of Veterans Affairs doctors, and further hurts veterans who most need the help: those who are injured and disabled as a result of their military service. It is an insult.”\n\n“The Take Care of America's Veterans Act is a shell game: every cup hides a wounded soldier,” said Andee Hidalgo, a West Point graduate, Army veteran, and member of Congressman Ryan’s Veterans and Military Families Advisory Board. “A nation that can send a soldier to war can afford to care for the veteran who returns, without robbing one wounded warrior to pay for another. The Republican-sponsored bill moves money out of one veteran's pocket and into another's. Washington owes veterans more, not fewer — and certainly not a shell game.”\n\n“As a retired Army officer and veteran, I know that every service member accepts the risks of military service with the understanding that America will stand behind them if they are injured or become ill,” said Stan Warrick, West Point graduate and US Army veteran, Warwick. “We should be reinforcing that covenant by improving healthcare, strengthening benefits, and recognizing the sacrifices made not only by veterans, but also by their families and caregivers. This bill does the opposite. I appreciate Congressman Ryan's opposition to this bill and his commitment to service members and their families.”\n\n“The severe negatives of this bill ultimately outweigh the positives,” said Robert K. Lanier, Chief, U.S. Coast Guard, retired, Beacon. “By changing the disability rating schedule to reduce future compensation, shifting focus to costlier private care that threatens the sustainability of vital VA facilities, and imposing out-of-pocket costs on future disabled service members, this bill undermines the very support veterans have earned. Politicians have long exhibited public reverence for military service while dismantling post-service assistance; passing this Act degrades that reverence to mere cosplay, stands as an affront to those who swore to defend the Constitution, and proves that veterans truly deserve better.”\n\n“Buried inside [the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act] are provisions that slash disability compensation for veterans with tinnitus and sleep apnea, that allow Congress to rewrite the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities through legislation instead of the established medical process, and that significantly increase fees for veterans using the VA Home Loan program—all to pay for the package instead of funding these priorities through the normal appropriations process,” said Jess Finucan, Director of Policy & Advocacy of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). “We CANNOT accept legislation that takes benefits away from one group of veterans to pay for another. Veterans should never be used as the offset for helping other veterans.”\n\n“We reject the false premise that we must cut benefits for tomorrow's heroes or strip the rights of the workers who care for them to pay for the promises made to yesterdays,” said Craig Romanovich, Executive Director of the AFL-CIO’s Union Veterans Council (UVC). “To the lawmakers backing the bill: stop using veterans as political leverage. Protect our union VA workers and fund the Major Richard Star Act in the right way. A grateful nation pays its debts. It does not send veterans the bill.”\n\n“The Take Care of American’s Veterans Act breaks America’s sacred promise to our veterans: serve your country, then your country delivers the care and benefits you’ve earned and need,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “If this bill passes, servicemembers would return from Trump’s reckless Iran War to a weaker VA with poorer healthcare and fewer benefits. Our message here is clear: don’t cut veterans benefits—not now, not ever. Republicans should join me in supporting the discharge petition to pass the Major Richard Star Act.”\n\n“Veterans’ benefits are not offsets. When service members take their oath to protect and defend our country, we thank them with a promise to take care of them when they take off their uniform. It is reprehensible that Republicans are considering breaking that promise to one generation of veterans to pay for benefits for another,” said House Veterans Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano. “That is why I oppose the ‘Taking Benefits from America's Veterans Act’ and urge my Republican colleagues to support my discharge petition for the Major Richard Star Act instead.”\n\n“The so-called 'Take Care of America’s Veterans Act' does nothing of the sort. This bill constitutes the largest cut to veterans benefits in a generation. In pushing through this shameful bill, House Republicans are not only harming our veterans, they’re also completely ignoring the overwhelming support behind passing the standalone Major Richard Star Act,” said Congressman Gil Cisneros. “I’m proud to support Ranking Member Takano’s discharge petition, which would pass the Major Richard Star Act without any cuts to critical VA programs and benefits. When Republicans are ready to come to the table for serious negotiations, they can let us know.”\n\n“When Americans answer the call to serve, we make them a promise that their sacrifice will be honored in full,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. “The Take Care of America's Veterans Act breaks that promise. It claims to fix the wounded veteran's tax, but it caps their benefits and takes PACT Act benefits away from 1.5 million veterans to pay for it. The solution is the Major Richard Star Act. No shortchanging. No caps. No cuts.”\n\n“A bill that calls itself the ‘Take Care of America’s Veterans Act’ ought to live up to that name,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley. “It ought to walk the walk. Instead, this bill should be called the ‘America’s Veterans Beware Act.’ This bill would eliminate or reduce benefits for up to 1.5 million veterans, cut $57 billion in future disability payments over the next decade, further privatize mental health services and VA clinical research, and strip thousands of VA psychologists of their workplace rights. If we are to keep our promise to take care of those who have served us, we cannot turn our backs on them, and we cannot weaken the system designed to care for them.”\n\n“NFFE strongly opposes the so-called Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, a massive, deceptively titled legislative package that would strip veterans of earned benefits and weaken workplace rights for VA healthcare providers,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “Up to 1.5 million veterans would be affected by cuts to disability compensation to the tune of $57 billion over the next decade, among other reductions of critical programs. At a time when workplace morale is at record lows, this bill would also undermine collective bargaining rights for psychologists, harming the recruitment and retention of essential clinicians who provide direct care to our veterans. Veterans have earned these benefits through their service and sacrifice. Congress must reject these cuts and protect the healthcare we have promised to our military heroes.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-massie-amendment-8", "title": "Pelosi Statement on Massie Amendment #8", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "pelosi.house.gov", "scraper": "pelosi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000197", "name": "Nancy Pelosi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on Massie Amendment #8 to H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2027:\n\n“Today, the Massie Amendment presents an unfortunate choice to the House. As one who is committed to a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and supportive of a two-state solution, I respect Leader Jeffries’ decisive proposals to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. For the good of the Israeli people and the Palestinian people, it clear that U.S. policy must change to attain that goal.\n\n“The United States must be a force for security and stability. The American people are rightly demanding an end to a perpetual cycle of war, and the Netanyahu government cannot maintain its current course. Therefore, while this amendment is ill-conceived, I vote yes for the message that it sends.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1798", "title": "Pettersen, Crow, DeGette, Neguse, Statement on Massie Amendment to the Republican Budget", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "pettersen.house.gov", "scraper": "pettersen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000620", "name": "Brittany Pettersen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Representatives Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), Jason Crow (D-CO), Diana DeGette (D-CO), and Joe Neguse (D-CO) released the following statement after voting in favor of Congressman Massie’s amendment to the Republican budget:\n\n“Today we voted against additional taxpayer-funded military aid being given to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government.\n\n“We support Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. We believe that both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to safety, security, and self-determination.\n\n“We should not be giving military aid to any country that does not comply with our own laws and values. The Netanyahu government has failed to meet these standards.\n\n“The status quo is not tenable. We need a different path forward for America’s foreign policy rooted in values and consistent application of the law.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://pressley.house.gov/2026/07/15/pressley-simon-and-kamlager-dove-introduce-resolution-to-advance-reproductive-justice-and-support-families/", "title": "Pressley, Simon, and Kamlager-Dove Introduce Resolution to Advance Reproductive Justice and Support Families", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pressley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "pressley.house.gov", "scraper": "pressley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000617", "name": "Ayanna Pressley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Text of Resolution (PDF)\n\nWASHINGTON – In recognition of the 250th anniversary of American independence and the work still to be done to create a nation that lives up to the founding ideals of liberty and justice for all, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Representatives Lateefah Simon and Sydney Kamlager-Dove introduced the America 250 Reproductive Justice Resolution. This resolution affirms reproductive freedom as a fundamental human right and supports policies that advance reproductive justice, including universal healthcare, maternal healthcare, paid family leave, comprehensive sex education, and protections against pregnancy-related criminalization.\n\n“As we mark America’s 250th anniversary, we must also acknowledge that the fundamental freedoms this nation was founded on are not enjoyed by all its people—especially the right to one’s own body and reproductive freedom,” said Rep. Pressley, Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus. “As Trump and his co-conspirators attempt to deny essential reproductive health care, it’s more important now than ever that we affirm and fight for every person’s freedom to access reproductive care and make their own health care decisions. I’m proud to introduce this critical resolution with Congresswomen Lateefah Simon and Sydney Kamlager-Dove and work to build a world where bodily autonomy is enshrined as a right, not treated as a privilege.”\n\n“While Republicans are spending the 250th anniversary attacking our fundamental freedoms, we have to name what the future can and should look like for women and families. The reproductive justice movement was started by Black women in the 1990s, and I am honored to join my colleagues and reproductive justice leaders Congresswomen Pressley and Kamlager-Dove to introduce this resolution,” said Congresswoman Lateefah Simon. “As the Supreme Court and the Trump Administration rollback reproductive healthcare protections, wage a war on Medicaid and education, and drive prices ever upward, they are putting women, children, low-income people, and families in impossible situations. This resolution is our blueprint for what the reproductive justice movement needs to look like going forward, and we will fight until every person has the dignity, resources, and access to care that they deserve.”\n\n“Trump and Republicans are using America’s 250th birthday to push a dystopian, warped definition of freedom that actually restricts our freedoms, especially for women,” said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. “As we celebrate America at 250, we must reaffirm that our founding ideal of freedom includes not just reproductive freedom, but reproductive justice. Every woman should be free to access the full spectrum of reproductive health care—including abortion—and to decide when, if, and how to have children. Reproductive justice is a fundamental human right.”\n\nRead the full text of the resolution here.\n\nThis resolution is endorsed by: All Above All, Women’s March, UltraViolet Action, New Voices for Reproductive Justice, New Jersey Black Women Physicians Association, Oshun Family Center, SIECUS, Women with a Vision, Doula Alliance of Maryland, SisterReach Illinois and SisterReach, Inc., Women’s Law Project, IBBG, SiX Action, Avow, Working Families Party, Birth In Color, Women’s Health & Evolutionary Wellness, Planned Parenthood of Maryland, Black Women for Wellness Action Project, Guttmacher Institute, Black Muva Convos, Ibis Reproductive Health, ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE, National Health Law Program, Baltimore City Women’s Commission, Equality Federation, Forward Together, Reproductive Justice Maryland, Gender Justice, Cobalt, Ipas US, Pro-Choice Minnesota, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Women’s Health Specialists, Abortion Action Missouri, Men4Choice, MomsRising, SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, Medical Students for Choice, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, Catholics for Choice, Power to Decide, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice.\n\n“America was founded on the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—a promise that has too often been denied to women, people of color, immigrants, low-income communities, and gender-expansive people. As we mark this country’s 250th anniversary, we have a responsibility to reflect honestly on where America has fallen short and to push it toward the best version of itself,” said All Above All President Nourbese Flint. “At a moment when those in power are rolling back our rights—banning abortion, attacking trans people, targeting immigrant families—the For All Our Futures resolution insists on something bigger: a future where reproductive freedom, bodily autonomy, and the freedom to build our families are central to the American promise.”\n\nIn her time serving in Congress, Rep. Pressley has fought persistently to protect and advance reproductive justice and ensure fundamental life-saving reproductive health care for all.\n\nIn marking the fourth anniversary of the devastating Dobbs decision, Rep. Pressley uplifted and engaged families impacted by Republicans attacks on abortion care and issued a call to action to restore and expand access to abortion care, birth control, IVF, and true reproductive freedom.\n\nIn June 2026, during a speech on the House floor, Rep. Pressley commanded a moment of silence to honor those who have died because they were denied essential abortion care.\n\nIn June 2026, Rep. Pressley led a press conference with House Democratic Leadership to mark the fourth anniversary of the devastating Supreme Court Dobbs decision and offer her vision of seeing true reproductive justice realized and essential reproductive healthcare protected and expanded.\n\nIn June 2026, Rep. Pressley joined impacted individuals and abortion storytellers to initiate a powerful day of action for the fourth anniversary of the devastating Dobbs decision, offering a message of resilient community support and a commitment to ensure abortion care is treated as the fundamental human right it is. Video is available here.\n\nOn the anniversary of the Dobbs decision, Rep. Pressley introduced the Abortion Justice Act, sweeping, intersectional legislation to address access to abortion care and put forth a comprehensive vision of a just America where abortion care is readily available—without stigma, shame or systemic barriers—for all who seek it, regardless of zip code, immigration status, income, or background.\n\nRep. Pressley is a lead co-sponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), bicameral federal legislation to guarantee equal access to abortion care, everywhere.\n\nRep. Pressley is also a lead co-sponsor of the EACH Act, bold legislation to repeal the Hyde Amendment and help guarantee abortion coverage—regardless of how a patient gets their health insurance.\n\nShortly before the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, Rep. Pressley led a group of her Black women colleagues in writing to President Biden urging him to declare a public health emergency amid the unprecedented threats to abortion rights nationwide.\n\nRep. Pressley condemned the Supreme Court’s leaked draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade., and implored the Senate to protect abortion rights and slammed the white supremacist roots of anti-abortion efforts.\n\nRep. Pressley has been outspoken in demanding justice for Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old pregnant mother who was declared brain dead in February and was forced to remain on life support due to Georgia’s abortion ban. In June 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered an impassioned floor speech in which she underscored that Adriana’s case is far too common in the unjust history of denying Black women their dignity, humanity, and right to bodily autonomy – and that GOP abortion bans such as Georgia’s deepen this pain and bar critical healthcare freedom. Rep. Pressley issued a statement after Adriana’s infant son Chance was delivered via emergency Cesarean section and Adriana was taken off life support.\n\nIn May 2026, Pressley and her colleagues led 250 House and Senate Democrats in filing an amicus brief to the Supreme Court urging them to overturn a Fifth Circuit decision that would upend the FDA approval process and restrict access to mifepristone.\n\nOn August 18, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement applauding the passage of the updated Shield Act in Massachusetts, signed into law by Governor Maura Healey this month. The expanded Shield Act strengthens legal protections for people seeking reproductive and gender-affirming care in Massachusetts.\n\nOn July 3, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the final passage of Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill that will rip healthcare and food assistance away from millions of people, including in Massachusetts, push reproductive healthcare further out of reach nationwide, and fuel Trump’s unlawful mass deportation agenda.\n\nOn July 1, 2025, Rep. Pressley filed an amendment to Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill to protect and expand reproductive healthcare.\n\nOn June 26, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the harmful Medina v. Planned Parenthood ruling, the Supreme Court’s decision to allow South Carolina to bar Medicaid patients from receiving healthcare services at Planned Parenthood.\n\nOn June 24, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined House Democratic Leadership for a press conference to mark the somber anniversary and renew her calls for comprehensive legislation to protect abortion care and expand access to reproductive healthcare.\n\nOn June 23, 2025, Rep. Pressley and the women of the Massachusetts delegation, Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts President Dominique Lee for a press conference in solidarity with Planned Parenthood as they collectively fight to stop Republicans’ latest attack on reproductive freedom in the GOP’s Big, Ugly Bill.\n\nIn June 2025, Rep. Pressley demanded justice for Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old pregnant mother who was declared brain dead in February and was forced to remain on life support due to Georgia’s abortion ban.\n\nOn May 29, 2025, Rep. Pressley reintroduced a resolution demanding equitable access to reproductive and sexual healthcare for people with disabilities, and designating a day in May as “Disability Reproductive Equity Day.”\n\nOn May 21, 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered a powerful speech on the House Floor in which she slammed Republicans’ reconciliation bill that would slash Medicaid, which is necessary to ensuring safe, healthy reproductive care and maternal health nationwide.\n\nOn April 3, 2025, Rep. Pressley, alongside Reps. DeGette, Chu, Leger Fernández, Fletcher, Davids, Williams, sent a letter signed by 162 Members urging Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to restore all appropriated funding for Title X providers and coordinate an urgent meeting on the matter.\n\nOn April 2, 2025, Rep. Pressley rallied with Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), colleagues, and advocates outside the U.S. Supreme Court for Medicaid patients’ ability to access routine care at Planned Parenthood health centers.\n\nOn March 5, 2025, Rep. Pressley and the Reproductive Freedom Caucus issued a statement condemning Donald Trump’s plans to drop the U.S. government’s case against Idaho’s violation of Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) protections for emergency abortion care.\n\nIn January 2025, Rep. Pressley gave an impassioned speech condemning H.R. 21, Republicans’ cruel anti-abortion bill that criminalizes providers and denies families care.\n\nIn January 2025, Rep. Pressley was announced as Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus for the 119th Congress.\n\nIn October 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on Josseli Barnica, who died on Sept. 3, 2021 after being denied emergency abortion care in Texas as she suffered a miscarriage.\n\nIn September 2024, in a House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee Hearing, Rep. Pressley highlighted the harmful and deadly impact of abortion bans in America to date, and outlined in detail the shameful circumstances under which Amber Nicole Thurman died after being denied necessary abortion care in Georgia.\n\nIn May 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on a Louisiana bill that would classify medication abortion drugs mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled substances.\n\nIn April 2024, at a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley played “Fact or Fiction” with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf to emphasize the safety and efficacy of medication abortion drug mifepristone.\n\nShortly before the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, Rep. Pressley led a group of her Black women colleagues in writing to President Biden urging him to declare a public health emergency amid the unprecedented threats to abortion rights nationwide.\n\nRep. Pressley condemned the Supreme Court’s leaked draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade., and implored the Senate to protect abortion rights and slammed the white supremacist roots of anti-abortion efforts.\n\nIn August 2023, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the Fifth Circuit Court decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA.\n\nIn July 2023, Rep. Pressley, alongside Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Rep. Cori Bush (MO-01), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), reintroduced the Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act, legislation to help people with disabilities—who face discrimination and extra barriers when seeking care—get better access to reproductive health care and the informed care they need to control their own reproductive lives.\n\nIn July 2023, Rep. Pressley applauded the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of over-the-counter birth control.\n\nIn May 2023, Rep. Pressley applauded the FDA Advisory Committee’s unanimous, 17-0 vote to recommend the approval of the first-ever application for over-the-counter birth control. She and Senator Murray also held a press conference applauding the decision and urging the FDA to approval over-the-counter birth control without delay.\n\nIn May 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Ami Bera, MD (CA-06) and Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), reintroduced their bicameral Affordability is Access Act to ensure that once the FDA determines an over-the-counter birth control option to be safe, insurers fully cover over-the-counter birth control without any fees or out-of-pocket costs.\n\nIn April 2023, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Texas court ruling on mifepristone, and discussed the Texas case in a recent floor speech in which she affirmed medication abortion as routine medical care and access to mifepristone as essential. She later joined Governor Maura Healey, Senator Elizabth Warren (D-MA), and local leaders in announcing action to protect Mifepristone in Massachusetts.\n\nIn March 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Reps. Schakowsky, Lee, DeGette, Torres and Strickland, reintroduced the Abortion is Healthcare Everywhere Act harmful and discriminatory Helms Amendment and expand abortion access globally.\n\nIn March 2023, Rep. Pressley and Senator Hirono led their colleagues in reintroducing a bicameral congressional resolution honoring abortion providers and clinic staff.\n\nIn March 2023, Rep. Pressley delivered a speech in which she discussed the pending court case in Texas, which aims to restrict access to medication abortion across the entire nation. In her remarks, Rep. Pressley affirmed medication abortion as routine medical care, and accessibility to the abortion pill mifepristone as essential.\n\nIn September 2021, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Supreme Court’s inaction on SB-8, Texas’ restrictive abortion law. Later that month, she participated in a House Oversight Committee hearing to examine the threat posed by abortion bans and underscored the urgency of the Senate passing the Women’s Health Protection Act.\n\nIn April 2021, Rep. Pressley, along with Congresswomen Barbara Lee (CA-13), Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), led a group of 131 Democratic members in reintroducing the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act or the EACH Act, which would repeal the Hyde Amendment and ensure that all people, regardless of income, insurance or zip code, can make personal reproductive health care decisions without interference from politicians. She re-Introduced the legislation In January 2023.\n\nRep. Pressley has led calls in Congress for the FDA to remove medically unnecessary restrictions on the medication abortion drug mifepristone, and applauded the FDA’s action in January 2023 to allow retail pharmacies to dispense abortion medication pills.\n\nAs Chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus’s Abortion Rights and Access Task Force, Congresswoman Pressley led the fight to repeal the Hyde Amendments from annual Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bills and in July 2020 published a Medium post on the importance of doing so. She applauded the removal of the Hyde Amendment in President Biden’s FY2022 budget.\n\nIn May 2020, she led more than 155 Members of Congress in calling on House Democratic leadership to ensure that any future COVID-19 relief packages rejected Republican efforts to use the public health crisis to diminish abortion access.\n\nIn August 2021, Rep. Pressley, Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney, and Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Diana DeGette and Barbara Lee led more than 70 of their House Democratic colleagues in introducing a resolution in support of equitable, science-based policies governing access to medication abortion care.\n\nIn January 2023, Rep. Pressley introduced a resolution to condemn all forms of political violence in the U.S., regardless of its target or intent. That same day, she delivered a powerful speech on the House floor slamming Republicans’ harmful, misleading anti-abortion resolution.\n\nIn September 2022, Rep. Pressley hosted U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra at the Codman Square Health Center in Dorchester for a convening on their work to address the Black maternal health crisis and the criminalization of abortion care in states across the nation following the harmful U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health.\n\nIn May 2019, she led more than 100 colleagues in introducing H.Con.Res.40, a resolution reaffirming the House of Representative’s support for Roe v. Wade.\n\nIn June 2019, Rep. Pressley introduced H.R. 3296, the Affordability is Access Act, to make oral contraception available without a prescription.\n\nIn September 2016, as a member of the Boston City Council, Pressley championed a resolution calling on Congress and President Obama to repeal the Hyde Amendment and reinstate insurance coverage for abortion services.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-congratulates-thessalonica-lagafuaina-representing-american-samoa", "title": "Amata Congratulates Thessalonica Lagafuaina on Representing American Samoa", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "radewagen.house.gov", "scraper": "radewagen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000600", "name": "Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen", "party": "Republican", "state": "AS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata is congratulating Thessalonica Lagafuaina for representing American Samoa at the inaugural Close Up NextGen Roundtable: Decision 2026 in Washington, D.C.\n\nThessalonica Lagafuaina for representing American Samoa at the inaugural Close Up NextGen Roundtable\n\n“Congratulations to Thessalonica for representing American Samoa in this important national forum and contributing our territory’s perspective alongside students from across the country,” said Congresswoman Amata. “I am proud of her willingness to learn, engage in thoughtful discussion, and represent our islands with distinction.”\n\nHeld July 8–11, the inaugural NextGen Roundtable brought together young people from across the nation and U.S. territories to examine major public policy issues, engage in respectful dialogue, and strengthen the skills of informed civic participation. The program was hosted by the Close Up Foundation in partnership with the Stanford University Deliberative Democracy Lab, Generation Lab, and the Hoover Institution’s Center for Revitalizing American Institutions.\n\nLagafuaina with other conference members\n\n“This is the first year Close Up held the Next Gen Roundtable, and I was honored to represent our territory at this conference,” said Lagafuaina. “This is my second time representing American Samoa for the Close Up program.”\n\nLagafuaina previously represented American Samoa through the Close Up Foundation in 2025, when she and 13 other students traveled to Washington, D.C., for a two-week civic education program. During this year’s conference, she met students from across the United States and neighboring U.S. territories, reunited with mentors from her previous Close Up experience, and met Close Up President Mia Charity.\n\n“Close Up is such a great opportunity, especially for our local kids, as it gives them the chance to see and meet other kids from around the nation and other islanders from nearby territories,” said Lagafuaina. “It also aids in developing an open mind, understanding more about the government, and getting a close up experience of so many historical monuments and places.”\n\nLagafuaina said the experience strengthened her understanding of government while creating friendships and connections that will last beyond the conference.\n\n“Overall, I am grateful for the program and everything it had to offer; the lessons, skills, and many long term friendships,” said Lagafuaina.\n\n“I appreciate Thessalonica’s commitment to representing American Samoa, and I encourage more of our students to pursue opportunities like Close Up that broaden their horizons, strengthen their leadership skills, and inspire future public service,” said Congresswoman Amata.\n\nLagafuaina is a recent graduate of Tafuna High School, Class of 2026, and is from the villages of Nuʻuuli and Futiga.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-s-statement-celebrating-manu-flag-day", "title": "Amata’s Statement Celebrating Manu’a Flag Day", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "radewagen.house.gov", "scraper": "radewagen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000600", "name": "Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen", "party": "Republican", "state": "AS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement in celebration of Manu’a Flag Day 2026, sometimes called Manu’a Cession Day, which celebrates the historic decision in 1904 to officially join the United States.\n\nManua Flag Day flag raising\n\nManua Flag Day Pledge of Allegiance\n\nFlags being raised in Manu'a\n\n“It will be a delight to be in Manu’a celebrating with our people and Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula. Wherever American Samoans are on July 16th, we all think of our people in beautiful Manu’a, celebrating this important anniversary. In 1904, the chiefs of Manu’a made their major decision for future generations, resulting in the first official U.S. flag-raising in the islands of Ta’u, Ofu, and Olosega. Manu’a is a vital part of American Samoa, and I appreciate their warm welcome every time I’m there. I love to be there as often as possible each year when the wind and waves allow! Manu’a Flag Day is a wonderful tradition, and in just a few years now will be the milestone 125th anniversary. We honor and bless the memory of the islands’ wise forefathers, and we are thankful to be part of the United States, as well as to be together in one territory. For each patriotic day, we want to always be sure to especially appreciate our Toa o Samoa, past and present, in every Service of the Armed Forces, and our many military families who support their careers and take part in their sacrifice. May God bless the people of Manu’a, and this year’s celebration!”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-johnson-host-oversight-hearing-threat-democracy-posed-ices-use", "title": "Ramirez, Johnson Host Oversight Hearing on the Threat to Democracy Posed by ICE’s Use of Technology for Mass Surveillance", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ramirez.house.gov", "scraper": "ramirez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000617", "name": "Delia C. Ramirez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC — Yesterday, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Immigration Taskforce and Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee, and Congressman Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04) co-anchored a hearing, “The Tech Behind ICE: Oligarchs, Immigration Enforcement, and the Threat to Democracy,” on ICE’s use of technology for mass surveillance, threatening democracy and eroding civil rights. The hearing comes after an explosive report by Mijente outlined how technology is being utilized by the administration to supercharge the surveillance state and expand immigration enforcement.\n\nThe hearing also shed light on how a small group of tech oligarchs is benefiting economically and politically from the contracts provided by the Trump Administration. For example, Palantir, an AI software company powering ICE’s targeting system, received over $1.8 billion in government funding since January 2025 alone.\n\n“As a Chicagoan, I know Black and Brown communities are no strangers to overpolicing, surveillance, and criminalization. And I have had a front row seat as the Trump administration has aggressively accelerated the use of technology and artificial intelligence in its militarized immigration enforcement campaign. Private companies, like Palantir, ClearviewAI, and Flock Safety, are all amassing record-breaking profits from the surveillance, detention, and deportation of our friends, families, and neighbors,” said Rep. Ramirez. “Today’s witness will help us understand what Congress must do to defend our communities and civil liberties from DHS’s ever-expanding surveillance state.”\n\n\"I want to thank Rep. Ramirez for holding this critical shadow hearing. Americans cannot afford gas, groceries, or healthcare, yet the Trump Administration and MAGA Republicans are pouring money into funding these mass surveillance tools used by ICE agents operating with impunity. It has got to stop. We must fight back,\" said Rep. Johnson.\n\nDuring the hearing, the members of Congress heard from expert witnesses how the Trump administration’s use of technology and artificial intelligence in its immigration enforcement is eroding civil liberties, weakening democratic protections, normalizing mass surveillance, and deepening environmental and social harms in communities across the country. They also called on Members of Congress to act now, utilizing the power of subpoena, appropriations, and oversight to bring the CEOs of technology companies to testify in Congress and to protect communities from mass surveillance. The hearing included the testimonies of:\n\nParomita Shah, Executive Director, Just Futures Law\n\nTania Unzueta, Political Director and co-founder, Mijente\n\nJesse Franzblau, Associate Director of Policy, NIJC\n\nBruce Nestor, attorney, Minneapolis, Minnesota\n\nSenator Graciela Guzmán, Illinois State Senator\n\n“ICE and CBP are not only immigration policing agencies; they are also central pillars of the new security state with a rapidly expanding surveillance apparatus powered by AI-driven technologies, private contractors, and massive data-sharing systems. DHS hosts the largest biometric repository in the federal government and is actively involved in efforts to force -combine IRS, health, housing, and social security data with immigration data. Through biometric databases, data analytics, facial recognition, mobile phone extraction, license plate readers, drones, social media monitoring, and data broker networks, DHS agencies are now funded to build surveillance systems designed to identify, track, profile, and target people at an unprecedented scale,” said Shah in her testimony.\n\n“In 2018, Mijente, together with Paromita Shah and Mizue Aizeki, published the seminal report Who’s Behind ICE: The Tech and Data Companies Fueling Deportations. That report exposed how private technology and data companies were powering DHS enforcement and profiting from deportation. We named companies like Palantir, LexisNexis, and Amazon, corporations that remain central to ICE’s operations today,” said Unzueta in her testimony. “Nearly ten years later, that same surveillance infrastructure is generating even greater profits. Palantir alone has received more than $1.8 billion in federal contracts since 2025, including a $1 billion DHS agreement that allows ICE and CBP to buy its tools without competitive bidding. But what must be clear from the start is this: this is no longer just about profit. It is about power.”\n\n“Lawmakers must also act at the federal level, including by cutting funds for ICE or Border Patrol, and redirecting funds away from surveillance-related contracts and towards communities. Congress can also place restrictions on funding for surveillance technologies through the FY27 Appropriations process, place restrictions on surveillance authorities, freeze any new contracts, require stringent reviews of existing programs, require robust firewalls so DHS cannot use and abuse data from other agencies, and end the programs found to systematically violate privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties rights,” said Franzblau in his testimony.\n\n“The Administration’s aggressive acceleration of the use of technology and artificial intelligence in its militarized immigration enforcement campaign not only threatens the privacy and safety of immigrants and citizens alike but is also done with the intent of facilitating the repression of any opposition to the Administration and its increasingly authoritarian and unconstitutional behavior. What we have seen in Minnesota over the past six months is the use of paramilitary force to suppress political opposition. The growth in surveillance technology and the use of artificial intelligence to augment that physical force pose a direct threat to our remaining democratic institutions and freedoms and require immediate action by Congress before the forces of repression have grown too strong to be stopped by democratic and popular means,” said Nestor in his testimony.\n\n“I never imagined that, as a state legislator, I would write laws to protect Illinois residents from their own federal government. But that is exactly where we are. And if we think this ends with immigrants, history tells us otherwise. Every database expanded, every contract signed, every algorithm deployed, and every constitutional protection ignored becomes the foundation for the next abuse of power. Congress must stop that cycle: abolish DHS, end federal data purchases that sidestep constitutional protections, hold corporations accountable, and protect states defending our people,” said Senator Guzmán in her testimony.\n\nFor the full recording of the hearing, CLICK HERE.\n\nFor Congresswoman Ramirez’s remarks as prepared for delivery, CLICK HERE.\n\nFor Congressman Johnson’s remarks as prepared for delivery, CLICK HERE.\n\nFor witnesses' testimony, CLICK HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-statement-dhss-expansion-consolidation-police-state", "title": "Ramirez Statement on DHS’s Expansion & Consolidation of Police State", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ramirez.house.gov", "scraper": "ramirez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000617", "name": "Delia C. Ramirez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, released the following statement after reports that the ICE agent involved in the murder of Johán Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a 26-year-old father, in Maine was recently hired from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Police:\n\n“The Trump administration will consolidate every resource and every authority they can under DHS to expand their power to execute their authoritarian, fascist agenda. Whether it is \"rehiring\" VA police, deputizing federal employees like USPS inspectors, or enacting 287(g) agreements with local enforcement, the Trump administration's paramilitary force and police state is growing. And it is murdering people on the streets.\n\nBlack and Brown communities know too well the impacts of state-inflicted violence, overpolicing, surveillance, and criminalization. After a week of three fatal encounters with ICE in our communities, we can't in good faith support ANY expansion of the police or surveillance state. We must demand that not a single one of our taxpayer dollars goes to terrorize us, track us, chase us, shoot us, or kill us.\n\nWe must reimagine safety and security, invest in effective community violence intervention and prevention programs, and remember we keep us safe. Anything short of that is unacceptable.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://raskin.house.gov/2026/7/raskin-statement-on-massie-amendment-8-to-the-national-security-department-of-state-and-related-programs-appropriations-act", "title": "Raskin Statement on Massie Amendment #8 to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "raskin.house.gov", "scraper": "raskin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000606", "name": "Jamie Raskin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“The problem for me is that a ‘No’ vote will be characterized as a vote for the status quo and for supporting Netanyahu and his war of mass destruction and displacement in Gaza, which has killed more than 70,000 Palestinians and brought mass disease, hunger and suffering to the Palestinian people. This war was brought in response to the appalling terrorist attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which involved the murder of more than 1,200 Israelis and the brutal captureof more than 250 hostages, including family members and loved ones of my constituents. But voting ‘No’was indigestible for reasons I have been repeatedly spelling out ever since it became clear that Netanyahu’s prosecution of the war in Gaza—which was properly justified at inception as an operation to disarm and disable Hamas—was becoming a cauldron of civilian atrocities and human rights violations, some of them involving the families of my own constituents.A constituent from the Gaithersburg area lost dozens of members of her family to a bombing attack on their family compound in Gaza City, and my constituent Chef JoséAndréslost ten of his colleagues with World Central Kitchen to armed attacks. I have done everything in my power to move Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government away from policies that implicate them—and us—in mass human rights violations and shameful actions, but they have not engaged in serious dialogue with me or other Members of Congress.\n\n“A ‘Present’ Vote would also be justifiable under these circumstances because this whole amendment is plainly a political trick designed to divide the Democrats with full knowledge it will not pass. But voting ‘Present’ in this context could be seen by millions of people as a refusal to take a position on furnishing more weapons for Netanyahu’s war in Gaza and the violent chaos being perpetrated by settlers on the West Bank. It could also be read as indifference to the catastrophic folly of the Iran War that was the joint project of President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman. I am not neutral on the violence engulfing the Middle East. We must advance the cause of peace.\n\n“So I came to a ‘Yes’ vote to register my profound objection to providing billions of dollars of more weaponry and support to the Netanyahu government which has been shockingly reckless and deliberately indifferent towards human life and international human rights and humanitarian law governing the proper treatment of civilians in a military conflict.\n\n“This, to be sure, is also not an ideal solution. Although the Massie Amendment does not affect defensive weapons systems like Iron Dome and David’s Sling (which would be disqualifying in my mind), its blunt-instrument language potentially cuts some funding for valuable non-military diplomatic programs. I support these programs and believe we need to dramatically expand them and revitalize them as many of them have, in large part, been defunded by the Trump Administration. I reject Congressman Massie’s nativist, categorical opposition to foreign aid and extremist rhetoric.\n\n“But our funds and our weapons have been used in shameful violence and human rights violations against Palestinians by the government of Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has brought terrible isolation to Israel in the process. I am a passionate champion of democracy, national security and peace for all the people of Israel, as I am a passionate champion of democracy, security and peace for all the Palestinians. For the sake of everyone involved, I believe that we cannot blithely allow these dynamics of war and violence to continue. We need a reset in this relationship. There is a titanic struggle taking place on earth today between democracy and authoritarianism. As we fight to defend democracy, basic human rights and the rule of law in America, we must work to defend democracy, basic human rights and the rule of law all over the world, including amongst our closest allies.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://rileymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-riley-m-moore-applauds-passage-fy2027-national-security-and-state", "title": "Congressman Riley M. Moore Applauds Passage of FY2027 National Security and State Department Appropriations Bill, Secures Key Wins to Protect Persecuted Christians and Advance America First Priorities", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://rileymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "rileymoore.house.gov", "scraper": "rileymoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001235", "name": "Riley M. Moore", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore applauded House passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act, legislation that advances President Trump's America First foreign policy agenda, includes important language to further Rep. Moore’s efforts to stop the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, strengthens U.S. national security, and defends American taxpayers by cutting federal funding for the third year in a row.\n\nCongressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:\n\n\"Christians in Nigeria continue to endure horrific violence, murder, and persecution while a majority of the world turns a blind eye to their suffering. President Trump has taken bold actions to strike the terrorists in Nigeria, and this bill sends a clear message that the United States will continue to stand with persecuted Christians across the globe, especially in Nigeria.\n\nThe bill conditions US assistance to Nigeria on tangible progress in protecting Christians, particularly in addressing the threat posed by Fulani terrorists and returning internally displaced people to their ancestral lands. The bill also provides funding to support training and increasing accountability for police forces in Nigeria, and reaffirms the recommendations made in my recommendations to President Trump.\n\nThis important bill also holds foreign governments accountable and ensures American taxpayer dollars advance our national interests. I was proud to secure provisions that strengthen accountability, combat human trafficking, protect free speech, push back on mass migration, and advance President Trump's America First foreign policy.\"\n\nThe bill provides $47.32 billion in discretionary funding while reducing overall spending by $2.69 billion below Fiscal Year 2026 levels. It prioritizes support for allies and counters threats posed by Communist China, Iran, the Taliban, and transnational criminal organizations. It also eliminates funding for numerous Biden-era programs centered on climate mandates, DEI initiatives, and radical gender ideology.\n\nCongressman Moore, alongside NSRP Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart, secured several provisions in both the NSRP appropriations bill and the accompanying committee report focused on combating religious persecution, particularly against Christian communities in Nigeria.\n\nAmong Rep. Moore's victories are provisions conditioning 50% of U.S. assistance to Nigeria on measurable actions to U.S. assistance to Nigeria based upon Nigeria’s measurable actions to protect Christians against religiously-motivated violence. Rep. Moore also secured language prioritizing law enforcement partnerships with Nigeria, expanding efforts to prevent atrocities and human trafficking, documenting the effects of mass migration on host populations, protecting natural rights and national sovereignty initiatives, and preserving longstanding pro-life protections.\n\nThe legislation also includes language directing the State Department to report to Congress and the President on efforts needed to end targeted violence against Christians in Nigeria, dedicates funding to combat ritualized murder and organ trafficking in Africa, strengthens oversight of foreign assistance programs, and restricts the use of federal funds for censorship activities directed at American citizens.\n\nAdditionally, the bill maintains all longstanding pro-life protections, including the Helms, Kemp-Kasten, Siljander, Tiahrt, Hyde-Lantos, and other pro-life amendments.\n\nThe FY2027 NSRP Appropriations Act now advances as part of the House appropriations process for the upcoming fiscal year.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://rivas.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luz-rivas-statement-massie-amendment-republican-state-foreign", "title": "Congresswoman Luz Rivas Statement on Massie Amendment to Republican State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://rivas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "rivas.house.gov", "scraper": "rivas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000620", "name": "Luz M. Rivas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) released the following statement on Republican Amendment #8 to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act:\n\n“Foreign policy, especially issues involving the Middle East, should be considered by lawmakers in a thoughtful and strategic approach. Unfortunately, while I disagree with many of the actions of far-right Netanyahu, the Republican amendment is a poorly drafted and hyper-partisan amendment. More specifically, this amendment endangers the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid. Our country was in a different position when President Barack Obama entered the United States into a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2016. With the expiration of this MOU imminent, I believe change to our Middle East policy must happen to ensure the safety and security of both Israelis and Palestinians. These changes cannot come from a disgruntled Republican Member’s amendment that aims to divide Democrats and only allows for ten minutes of debate on the House Floor. For these reasons, I voted ‘no’ on this amendment, and will continue working with my colleagues to address the needs of both the Israeli and Palestinian people.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://robertgarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-robert-garcia-and-congresswoman-lisa-mcclain-pass-common-cents-act", "title": "Congressman Robert Garcia and Congresswoman Lisa McClain Pass “Common Cents Act” to End Production of the Penny", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://robertgarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "robertgarcia.house.gov", "scraper": "robertgarcia", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000598", "name": "Robert Garcia", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) and Congresswoman Lisa McClain (MI-09) announced that the “Common Cents Act,” which would legally end the minting of the penny and allow the option for businesses to round cash transactions to the nearest nickel, has passed out of the House of Representatives.\n\n“When it comes to taking on waste and making sure our tax dollars are spent wisely, it’s common sense that we should stop making a coin that costs nearly four times more than it’s worth to produce,” said Congressman Robert Garcia. “At a time when we should be focused on improving government efficiency, ending penny production is an obvious place to start.”\n\n“Washington has a spending problem, and it shows up in places big and small,” said Congresswoman Lisa McClain. “If the federal government is spending more to make a penny than the penny is worth, something is broken. House Republicans are proving that common sense still has a place in government by cutting waste and protecting taxpayer dollars.”\n\nThe bill follows the successful elimination of one-cent coins in several other countries, including Australia and Canada. As of 2026, the U.S. Mint ceased production of the penny. Non-cash transactions, such as credit card, debit card, mobile phone payments, and checks, would not be affected. All existing pennies would remain legal tender. The bill allows the Treasury the option to test a redesigned, lower-cost nickel that must ensure it saves money while continuing to work in vending machines.\n\nThe cost of producing a penny is roughly 3.7 times its face value, driven by rising metal prices. By eliminating the penny, this bill aims to reduce unnecessary costs, save taxpayer money, and streamline the U.S. currency system, eliminating waste and making it more efficient for both consumers and businesses.\n\nIn 2025, Congressman Robert Garcia and Congresswoman Lisa McClain introduced the Common Cents Act. Congressman Garcia is dedicated to eliminating waste, improving government efficiency, and saving taxpayer dollars. Last Congress, two of Congressman Garcia’s bipartisan bills, the Eliminate Useless Reports Act and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Inspector General Parity Act aimed at improving government efficiency were signed into law, which will save taxpayer dollars and promote more accountable government operations. Congressman Garcia previously introduced the FLASH Act (Fast-Track Logistics for Acquiring Supplies in a Hurry Act) to streamline procurement processes within the Department of Health and Human Services during emergencies. This legislation would eliminate waste, reduce delays, and ultimately save taxpayer dollars while streamlining access to essential resources.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://robertgarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-robert-garcia-statement-massie-amendment", "title": "Congressman Robert Garcia Statement on Massie Amendment", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://robertgarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "robertgarcia.house.gov", "scraper": "robertgarcia", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000598", "name": "Robert Garcia", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) released the following statement on his vote to support an amendment to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, which would withhold $3.3 billion in annual Foreign Military Financing to Israel.\n\n“Today, I am voting yes on an amendment to block $3.3 billion in American taxpayer dollars for Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli military.\n\nNetanyahu, like Donald Trump, is a corrupt authoritarian who should face criminal courts—not receive billions more for weapons.\n\nThe American people want lower housing costs and more affordable groceries, not more bombs and foreign wars,” said Congressman Robert Garcia.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairwoman-salazar-convenes-hearing-new-beginning-colombia-meets-vice", "title": "Chairwoman Salazar Convenes Hearing on a New Beginning for Colombia, Meets with Vice President-elect José Manuel Restrepo", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "salazar.house.gov", "scraper": "salazar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000168", "name": "Maria Elvira Salazar", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, chaired a hearing examining the future of U.S.-Colombia relations following the election of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella. Later, Salazar met with Colombia’s Vice President-elect José Manuel Restrepo and members of the incoming administration at the U.S. Capitol.\n\nThe hearing, titled “A New Beginning for Colombia,” focused on security cooperation, countering drug trafficking, economic ties, and the opportunity to strengthen the longstanding alliance between the United States and Colombia.\n\n“The Colombian people have chosen a new direction and a new vision for their country, one rooted in security, prosperity, and democracy,” said Chairwoman Salazar. “President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has made clear that Colombia is ready to once again stand as a strong and reliable partner of the United States. Today’s hearing was about looking ahead and ensuring America is ready to seize this moment, renew our historic ties, and open a new chapter for Colombia and the Western Hemisphere.”\n\nChairwoman Salazar questioned Assistant Secretary F. Cartwright Weiland of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement and Deputy Assistant Secretary for South America Luis Mendez about reports that a significant portion of the Colombian Air Force’s aircraft and helicopters are not mission-capable, limiting operations against coca cultivation and armed groups. She asked whether the United States can help restore those capabilities and bolster efforts against drug traffickers and guerrilla organizations.\n\nRep. Salazar also raised U.S. sanctions policy toward outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro and efforts to facilitate the safe return of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.\n\nWatch the full hearing here\n\nRep. Salazar Hosts Colombia’s Incoming Leadership at the U.S. Capitol\n\nFollowing the hearing, Chairwoman Salazar welcomed Colombia’s Vice President-elect José Manuel Restrepo, incoming Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar, incoming Defense Minister General Jorge Eduardo Mora López, and incoming Commerce Minister Mauricio Gómez to the U.S. Capitol for a meeting with Members of Congress.\n\nThe meeting offered an early opportunity for dialogue with the incoming government as Colombia prepares for its transition of power.\n\n“It was an honor to welcome Colombia’s incoming leaders to the United States Capitol at such an important moment for their country,” said Chairwoman Salazar. “The conversations we begin today will help shape the work ahead. I look forward to President-elect de la Espriella’s inauguration and to turning this moment of promise into a lasting new era for the United States and Colombia.”\n\nCongresswoman Salazar represents one of the largest Colombian communities in the United States in Florida’s 27th Congressional District. As Chairwoman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, she has made strengthening America’s relationships with democratic partners across the region a central priority of her work in Congress.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-andrea-salinas-statement-her-vote-against-national-security-department", "title": "Rep. Andrea Salinas’ Statement on Her Vote Against the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Spending Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "salinas.house.gov", "scraper": "salinas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001226", "name": "Andrea Salinas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) released the following statement regarding her vote against the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Spending Bill.\n\n“In accordance with my conscience and that of my constituents, I voted against the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Spending Bill.\n\n“This bill would authorize over $1 trillion to the Pentagon, the highest amount in U.S. history and a $234 billion increase over 2026. This comes as President Trump is waging an illegal war in Iran and Republicans are cutting SNAP and Medicaid. I refuse to authorize another dollar to help fund Trump’s illegal war. Republicans have also loaded this bill with poison pills, including anti-trans provisions and amendments that suppress the vote for millions of Americans. I cannot support a defense bill that undermines Americans’ civil rights.\n\n“During consideration of the bill, I also supported Rep. Massie’s amendment that would cut $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing to Israel. This is not a decision I made lightly. I firmly believe that Israel has a right to defend itself and the Jewish people need their own homeland but not at the expense of the lives of Palestinians and a homeland for the Palestinian people. This funding would have been used by Israel to purchase U.S. bombs and military equipment, and Israel has not demonstrated that they would use this military equipment responsibly with the U.S. interest to find a durable peace in the region. I stand ready to support our allies with the resources they need when it’s clear those resources will go toward self-defense and promoting lasting peace.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-sara-jacobs-statement-on-massie-amendment-to-republican-foreign-aid-budget-bill", "title": "Rep. Sara Jacobs Statement on Massie Amendment to Republican Foreign Aid Budget Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "sarajacobs.house.gov", "scraper": "sarajacobs", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000305", "name": "Sara Jacobs", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Sara Jacobs, the youngest Jewish Member of Congress, and 27 Members of Congress released the following statement after voting yes on Amendment #8, which would halt certain U.S. funding to Israel, to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act:\n\n“As Members of Congress, it is our duty to ensure that our constituents’ hard-earned money is used in a way that advances America’s interests and values. For this reason, we do not support providing an additional $3.3 billion of American taxpayer dollars to be used for Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon—operations which have killed tens of thousands of civilians, led to the indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, and caused severe and ongoing humanitarian catastrophes. These are just the latest in a long string of human rights violations inflicted on Palestinian civilians. For nearly six decades, Israeli security forces and military authorities have enforced the occupation of the Palestinian territories, including through restrictions on freedom of movement, arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. It is clear that existing human rights conditions on the use of American security assistance have not been meaningfully enforced. Enough is enough.\n\n“Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve peace, freedom, security, stability, and self-determination. Those aims will only be achieved when their inherent dignity and inalienable rights are at the center of U.S. policy in the region. Diplomacy is the answer, and as long as America provides constant funding for more war, peace will always remain out of reach.\n\n“Our vote should not be interpreted as opposition to initiatives such as the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act programs or others that foster people-to-people engagement, strengthen civil society, and advance the long-term prospects for a just and lasting peace. We remain committed to supporting these and similar programs while ensuring that U.S. taxpayer dollars advance peace, security, and American interests and values.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/27-members-congress-release-joint-statement-massie-amendment-republican", "title": "27 Members of Congress Release Joint Statement on Massie Amendment to Republican Foreign Aid Budget Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "schakowsky.house.gov", "scraper": "schakowsky", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001145", "name": "Janice D. Schakowsky", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON - Today, 27 Members of Congress released the following statement in advance of voting yes on Amendment #8, which would halt certain U.S. funding to Israel, to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act:\n\n“As Members of Congress, it is our duty to ensure that our constituents’ hard-earned money is used in a way that advances America’s interests and values. For this reason, we do not support providing an additional $3.3 billion of American taxpayer dollars to be used for Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon—operations which have killed tens of thousands of civilians, led to the indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, and caused severe and ongoing humanitarian catastrophes. These are just the latest in a long string of human rights violations inflicted on Palestinian civilians. For nearly six decades, Israeli security forces and military authorities have enforced the occupation of the Palestinian territories, including through restrictions on freedom of movement, arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. It is clear that existing human rights conditions on the use of American security assistance have not been meaningfully enforced. Enough is enough.\n\n“Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve peace, freedom, security, stability, and self-determination. Those aims will only be achieved when their inherent dignity and inalienable rights are at the center of U.S. policy in the region. Diplomacy is the answer, and as long as America provides constant funding for more war, peace will always remain out of reach.\n\n“Our vote should not be interpreted as opposition to initiatives such as the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act programs or others that foster people-to-people engagement, strengthen civil society, and advance the long-term prospects for a just and lasting peace. We remain committed to supporting these and similar programs while ensuring that U.S. taxpayer dollars advance peace, security, and American interests and values.”\n\nThe statement was released by Representatives: Becca Balint (D-VT), Don Beyer (D-VA), Greg Casar (D-TX), Judy Chu (D-CA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), John Garamendi (D-CA), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL), Adelita S. Grijalva (D-AZ), Val Hoyle (D-OR), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Emily Randall (D-WA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Jill N. Tokuda (D-HI), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-statement-house-vote-massie-amendment-ending-aid-israel", "title": "SCHNEIDER STATEMENT ON HOUSE VOTE ON MASSIE AMENDMENT ENDING AID TO ISRAEL", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "schneider.house.gov", "scraper": "schneider", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001190", "name": "Bradley Scott Schneider", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "\"Today’s Massie amendment vote will have no legislative impact, and it does nothing to advance the prospects for peace in the Middle East. This cynical Republican amendment was put forward to stoke division and divide people here in the United States, not to end the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians or provide a path forward.\n\n\"I will seek to understand how such a flawed legislative proposal – one that would hurt Israelis and Palestinians, as well as America’s standing in the world – generated support. We must work to rebuild a bipartisan consensus that supports Israel’s security and sovereignty as a Jewish and democratic state, while also recognizing the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and ultimately statehood.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-scholten-announces-39-million-support-medical-research-and", "title": "Congresswoman Scholten Announces $3.9 Million to Support Medical Research and Mental Health Care in West Michigan", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "scholten.house.gov", "scraper": "scholten", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001221", "name": "Hillary J. Scholten", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) announced $3,950,656 for medical research and mental health care initiatives across West Michigan. The funding is through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).\n\n“West Michigan continues to be a leader in groundbreaking medical research and important investments in mental health care,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “These awards will advance our understanding of cancer immunotherapy, strengthen cellular biology research, support critical mental health services for kids in our communities, and much more. I will keep advocating for federal investments like these that deliver for our communities.”\n\nIndividual awards listed below:\n\n$783,592 – Van Andel Research Institute\n\nThis funding will specifically support research into aging through the study of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS).\n\n$642,857 – Grand Valley State University (GVSU)\n\nThis funding will specifically support GVSU’s Advanced Nursing Education Workforce program.\n\n$620,093 – Van Andel Research Institute\n\nThis funding will specifically support research into arthritis and skin disease.\n\n$600,000 – Arbor Circle Corporation\n\nThis funding will specifically support the Arbor Circle Expanding Access to Childhood Healing (EACH) Project.\n\n$528,000 – Van Andel Research Institute\n\nThis funding will specifically support cellular research into protein-building mechanisms.\n\n$475,000 – Van Andel Research Institute\n\nThis funding will specifically support research in molecular biology.\n\n$249,000 – Van Andel Research Institute\n\nThis funding will specifically support research into bladder cancer treatment.\n\n$52,114 - Van Andel Research Institute\n\nThis funding will specifically support research into neuroscience and neurological disorders.\n\nThis funding reflects Congresswoman Scholten's ongoing commitment to bringing federal investment to Michigan's Third Congressional District. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Scholten announced $13.3 million for health care services and medical research in West Michigan.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/drs-schrier-joyce-and-murphy-introduce-bipartisan-patients-first-act", "title": "Drs. Schrier, Joyce, and Murphy Introduce Bipartisan Patients First Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "schrier.house.gov", "scraper": "schrier", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001216", "name": "Kim Schrier", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Reps. Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), and Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), respective chairs of the Democratic and GOP Doctors Caucuses, introduced the bipartisan Patients First Act–comprehensive Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) reform legislation.\n\nThe Patients First Act is necessary to keep patients healthy, preserve competition, and deliver affordability. The legislation will reform the Medicare physician fee schedule, improving seniors’ access to care by strengthening the incentives for independent practice and reversing decades of consolidation that drives up the cost of care, especially in rural and underserved areas.\n\n\"Our nation is in a primary care crisis, and if we don’t act swiftly to reform the system, patients will lose access to care, costs will rise, and physician practices will continue to close,” said Congresswoman Dr. Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08). “Consolidation in our healthcare system is forcing small, independent physicians to sell their practices to corporate entities, decreasing choice and competition, and increasing costs for patients without delivering better quality. This bill gives stability to independent practices, reduces red tape and burdensome paperwork, and invests in primary care. By introducing the Patients First Act, we are addressing the challenges physicians face with a commonsense, bipartisan solution. Patients deserve better, and this bill delivers on that promise.\"\n\n\"The House of Medicine is at a crossroads. We can maintain the status quo that rewards more costly, less personalized care, or we can put our heads together to build a modern framework that addresses the challenges that impede physicians’ ability to care for their patients,\" said Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13). \"We often talk about expanding access to high-quality care, but without meaningful Medicare reimbursement reform, that mission becomes nearly impossible to achieve. Putting patients ahead of politics, we worked together to develop this comprehensive legislation to address a system that has for far too long undermined patient access to affordable, physician driven care within their communities. We can and must do better. This proposal deserves serious consideration because the future of patient care, the strength of our physician workforce, and the survival of independent practice all hinge on whether we choose to act rather than accept inaction. \"\n\n\"As a practicing urologist for more than 30 years, I've seen firsthand the challenges physicians face in keeping their doors open while providing the highest quality care for their patients,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03). \"Our current Medicare physician payment system is unsustainable. It has fueled consolidation, increased administrative burdens, and made it harder for independent physicians in rural communities to continue serving the patients who rely on them. The bipartisan Patients First Act delivers long-overdue reforms that strengthen independent practices, invest in primary care, and ensure physicians can spend more time caring for patients instead of navigating bureaucracy. When physicians succeed, patients receive better care, and that's exactly what this legislation is designed to achieve.\"\n\nKEY BACKGROUND:\n\nThe Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) is bipartisan legislation signed into law on April 16, 2015.\n\nMACRA:\n\nRepealed the SGR methodology for determining updates to the Medicare physician fee schedule (MPFS)\n\nEstablished a merit-based incentive payment system (MIPS) to consolidate and replace several existing incentive programs\n\nIncentivized the development of, and participation in, alternative payment models (APMs)\n\nIn a rapidly consolidating health care landscape, nearly seventy percent of medical practices nationwide are owned by hospitals or other corporations. One in ten physicians works for UnitedHealth or an affiliate. Running an independent physician practice is costly, with physicians increasingly forced to either close their doors or sell their practices due to low reimbursement rates and increasing practice expenses. When physician practices are acquired, costs go up for patients.\n\nNot only is care becoming more consolidated and costly, America is also facing a primary care crisis. Primary care providers foster a life-long relationship with patients and provide disease prevention, treatment and management. Today, less than five cents of every Medicare dollar go to primary care, even though it accounts for more than half of all physician visits. It’s no coincidence that more than 100 million Americans don’t have access to regular primary care.\n\nTHE PATIENTS FIRST ACT:\n\nTies physician reimbursement to an inflationary measure.\n\nEstablishes a primary care hybrid payment pilot program that pays PCPs a per-member-per-month payment along with regular services, better capturing the work PCPs do.\n\nEstablishes the POINTS program, which creates a physician and clinician-led task force at CMS to develop quality metrics that are streamlined and reduce administrative burden.\n\nFreezes A-APM participation thresholds for three years and creates notice and comment periods for CMMI mandatory models.\n\nIncreases the budget neutrality threshold from $20 million to $54.3 million.\n\nClick HERE for more information on the Patients First Act.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-schrier-langworthy-introduce-bipartisan-bill-lower-prescription-drug", "title": "Reps Schrier, Langworthy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Costs by Expanding Access to Biosimilars", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "schrier.house.gov", "scraper": "schrier", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001216", "name": "Kim Schrier", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) recently introduced the Expedited Access to Biosimilars Act, bipartisan legislation to modernize the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) biosimilar approval process, reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers, and help bring lower-cost prescription drugs to patients faster.\n\n“As a doctor with Type 1 diabetes, I have seen firsthand how skyrocketing insulin prices have threatened access to lifesaving medication for too many Americans,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “It is past time the Food and Drug Administration improve the approval process for biosimilars, which are lower-cost, lifesaving, and effective treatments. I am glad to introduce this legislation to streamline the FDA’s process, lower drug prices, and make medicine more accessible for patients across the country.”\n\nBACKGROUND: Biologics are among the most advanced medicines available, treating serious conditions including cancer, arthritis, Crohn's disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Because of the extensive research and development costs that are associated with these cutting-edge treatments, they are among the most expensive drugs on the market. However, once the patent on a biologic expires, manufacturers can develop a biosimilar, which the FDA must determine has no clinically meaningful differences from the original medicine in terms of safety or effectiveness. Biosimilars create competition in the marketplace and typically cost 15 to 35 percent less than their brand-name counterparts.\n\nAlthough the FDA already requires extensive scientific evidence before approving a biosimilar, manufacturers are often expected to conduct additional clinical studies even when existing evidence demonstrates the biosimilar is just as safe and effective as the original product. Those unnecessary studies can cost millions of dollars, delay competition, and keep lower-cost treatment options out of patients' hands.\n\nThe Expedited Access to Biosimilars Act eliminates unnecessary regulatory hurdles while preserving the FDA's authority to require additional clinical studies whenever they are scientifically warranted.\n\n\"Americans deserve access to safe, effective, and more affordable prescription drugs, and one of the best ways to lower costs is by encouraging competition,\" said Congressman Langworthy. \"Today, biosimilar manufacturers are often forced to complete duplicative clinical studies even when the science already demonstrates their products are just as safe and effective as the original biologic. Our bipartisan bill cuts unnecessary red tape, provides greater regulatory certainty, and helps bring lower-cost treatment options to patients faster without compromising the FDA's rigorous safety standards. This is a commonsense reform that will increase competition, expand patient choice, and help reduce prescription drug costs for families.\"\n\nThe legislation would:\n\nClarify that additional clinical studies are not automatically required before the FDA may approve a biosimilar when existing scientific evidence is sufficient.\n\nPreserve the FDA's authority to require additional clinical studies whenever they are necessary to ensure a biosimilar is safe and effective.\n\nRequire the FDA to notify manufacturers early in the review process if additional clinical studies will be required, providing greater certainty and helping avoid unnecessary delays.\n\nThe legislation is supported by a broad coalition of healthcare providers, patient advocates, employers, insurers, and biosimilar manufacturers, including Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing (CSRxP), the Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM), the ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC), the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), and Americans for Prosperity (AFP).", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://sewell.house.gov/2026/7/rep-sewell-to-host-15th-annual-job-fair-in-selma", "title": "Rep. Sewell to Host 15th Annual Job Fair in Selma", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sewell.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "sewell.house.gov", "scraper": "sewell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001185", "name": "Terri A. Sewell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The 2026 Job Fair will be held at Wallace Community College Selma on Thursday, August 6\n\nSelma, AL — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced that she will host her 15th Annual Job Fair at Wallace Community College Selma in Selma, Alabama. The event will take place on Thursday, August 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It will bring together employers from across Alabama who are looking to fill open positions.\n\nWatch Rep. Sewell's video announcement here.\n\n\"Since coming to Congress, bringing jobs and economic opportunities directly to the people of Alabama's 7th Congressional District has been my top priority,\" said Rep. Sewell. \"That's why our annual Job Fair is one of the most important events we host all year. I'm especially excited to bring this year's event back to my hometown of Selma, where job seekers from across the Black Belt will have the opportunity to connect directly with employers, explore new opportunities, and take the next step in their career journey.\"\n\nNow in its fifteenth year, Rep. Sewell's annual job fair has become one of the premier workforce development events in Alabama's 7th Congressional District, connecting thousands of job seekers with employers and career resources. Each year, Rep. Sewell alternates between hosting the event in urban and rural communities to ensure that constituents throughout Alabama's 7th Congressional District have access to employment opportunities. This year's event will once again bring together employers from a wide range of industries, including automotive, restaurant and food management, transportation and construction, hospitality and retail, health services, utilities and telecommunications, manufacturing and production, staffing agencies, government agencies, and law enforcement. A full list of participating employers will be announced at a later date.\n\nThe job fair is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-ins will be accepted. Constituents should pre-register at Sewell.House.gov/JobFair.\n\nWHAT: Rep. Terri Sewell's 15th Annual Job Fair\n\nWHEN: Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.\n\nWHERE:\n\nWallace Community College – Selma\n\n3000 Earl Goodwin Parkway\n\nSelma, AL 36701\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/brown-statement-massie-amendment", "title": "Brown Statement on Massie Amendment", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "shontelbrown.house.gov", "scraper": "shontelbrown", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001313", "name": "Shontel M. Brown", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) releases the following statement on the Massie Amendment #8 to the State Department and National Security Appropriations Bill:\n\n“The Massie amendment was a false choice between eliminating all U.S. assistance to Israel, including humanitarian aid, and accepting the Trump-Netanyahu status quo. Foreign policy decisions this important shouldn’t be made via sloppy amendments to partisan spending bills.\n\n“I voted against the underlying bill and present on the amendment because it’s time to send a message that U.S. policy must evolve. As a supporter of the U.S.-Israel relationship and a believer that a two-state solution is critical to achieving real peace, I am severely concerned that the Netanyahu government is continuing on the exact wrong course.\n\n“It’s time for Congress to have an honest debate about how our policy must change to truly advance Israel's security, protect Palestinian dignity, and promote stability in the Middle East.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://simon.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-simon-votes-against-republican-foreign-aid-budget-bill", "title": "Congresswoman Simon Votes Against Republican Foreign Aid Budget Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simon.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "simon.house.gov", "scraper": "simon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001231", "name": "Lateefah Simon", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) voted against H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027 and released the following statement:\n\n“Today I voted against H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027.\n\n“A year after abruptly shuttering USAID and gutting the State Department - Republicans continue to make devastating and deadly cuts to foreign aid and diplomatic programs. This bill includes steep cuts to global health and diplomatic programs, which will undoubtedly lead to even higher rates of poverty, malnutrition, and death.\n\n“The President says he is interested in making our nation ‘stronger, safer, and more prosperous,’ yet everything he has done in the past year runs counter to this promise. Starting an illegal and unwanted war in Iran does not make us safer. Ceding America's voice at international institutions like the United Nations and cutting off resources for diplomacy does not make us stronger. Prohibiting funding for worldwide climate initiatives does not make us more prosperous.\n\n“I also voted for an amendment to block $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing for Israel. We cannot continue to give military and financial assistance to a government that is not following the Leahy Laws and violating international law.\n\n“I refuse to support a foreign policy that abandons the institutions we helped build, that leads to preventable deaths, and that chooses destruction over diplomacy and peace.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://simon.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-congresswoman-simon-fights-back-against-republican-attacks-equity", "title": "ICYMI: Congresswoman Simon Fights Back Against Republican Attacks to Equity, Delivers Opening Statement at House Oversight Committee Task Force Hearing on “Combatting DEI in American Institutions”", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simon.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "simon.house.gov", "scraper": "simon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001231", "name": "Lateefah Simon", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the House Oversight Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses held a hearing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in public institutions.\n\nAs the top Democrat on the Task Force, Congresswoman Simon highlighted Republicans’ true purpose behind attacking equity policies – to divide, distract, and entrench power. She highlighted systemic inequities and the need for policies that mitigate centuries of inequitable circumstances. In case you missed it, Congresswoman Simon’s opening remarks can be found below.\n\n“Before I begin my opening statement, in thinking about this hearing and thinking about the recent passing of one of my core mentors, I have been thinking about Dr. Clarence Jones, who was the attorney and speechwriter for Dr. Martin Luther King. Mr. Jones, for many folks who have followed the Civil Rights Movement, has been a seminal and clear voice of what is in front of us as a nation. I think of him. I think of his words and his teachings as we move through today's conversation.\n\n“I'm so thankful that we are all here to have the conversation. And I do also think that it's extremely appropriate that we're meeting today, just two weeks after the Supreme Court struck down Donald Trump's effort to redefine what it means to be an American, because that's the real issue at stake today. That's what we're talking about today. Who counts, who belongs and who deserves a seat at the table.\n\n“The question before us is simple. Will we welcome Americans who look and pray and love or think differently? Or will we turn our backs on the diversity that has always made this country stronger?\n\n“Mr. Chairman, these questions, we know, are not new. Throughout our history in this country, these arguments have been made by people convinced that they were defending America.\n\n“When Strom Thurmond held the floor on this campus for 24 hours against the Civil Rights Bill, he insisted that he hated no one and that he was only ‘defending the Constitution.’ George Wallace claimed he was ‘preserving order’ when he said segregation now, segregation tomorrow, and segregation forever.\n\n“In 1956, 101 members of [the House of Representatives] stood and signed the Southern Manifesto, insisting that school desegregation was unconstitutional. Yes, school desegregation was unconstitutional. And let me just say that one more time -- it was 101 members of the United States Congress who stood firmly with the ideals listed out in the Southern Manifesto.\n\n“They believed that they were on the right side of history. And that's not ancient history. That's the world that my own mother was born and raised in, in the deep rural South. I raised this history, Mr. Chairman, because the arguments before us today, this morning, are from a mirrored pattern.\n\n“Now, let me say something about the three letters [DEI] at the center of today's hearing. Our Chairman cited those three letters as a pretext for discrimination. That's not been the experience and the institutions that I've served and some that I've run. Those three letters meant ensuring that a veteran had the desk that they needed, that they could use. That disabled veteran rallied for accommodations, and they got it. It means a first- generation student who needed a mentor, and a worker who knew how to report the abuse that they had received, and they were heard.\n\n“None of that is quota. None of that takes a seat for anyone. The law forbids discrimination, and it forbids it for all of us, every single one of us in this room today. The majority will speak about fairness, but fairness means recognizing that for most of our history, there was one group of Americans who had been ushered to the front of the line. That is not hyperbole. That is fact.\n\n“After generations, that head start began to feel something like an inheritance and sharing that opportunity feels like loss. But acknowledging that head start, removing those barriers and expanding opportunity -- it's not discrimination. When someone sees a few more chairs at the table and calls it a takeover, we hear discomfort. That opportunity is no longer reserved for those who have always, and already, had it, but the opportunity belongs to every American.\n\n“Wealthy and powerful people want to weaponize that discomfort, to divide us, to divide you, to distract you, and to entrench the power that they still hold behind the scenes. But justice does not diminish anyone. It simply makes room for everyone.\n\n“If my colleagues truly cared about the thumb on the scale, the record is waiting. Black workers with the same credentials are still hired, this is fact, and paid less, with the same credentials [as] their white counterparts. Students from the wealthiest 1% of families in this country are more than twice as likely to attend top colleges than their middle-class counterparts with similar test scores. That is fact.\n\n“At Harvard, a study found that three out of four legacies, donors, staff, recruited athletes, those admits would not have been admitted without those preferences. That's a thumb on the scale, the heavy thumb on that scale has always been pressed for folks who needed it the least.\n\n“So, I have a question, as I close, for every single witness that has come here today and the ones that will follow: if fairness is truly your principle, are you prepared to challenge every unfair advantage? Or only the efforts designed to expand opportunity for those folks who have too often been left out?\n\n“Now, I love this country enough to tell the truth about it.\n\n“The signers of the 1956 Southern Manifesto against school desegregation were lawyers, and they were statesmen and electeds as well, sure of their footing, and the record kept their names. The record kept their names to place a count on what they chose. There will be a record of this morning as well, read one day by people who will never, never meet our faces. And they'll know, exactly what side we chose to defend. I've chosen mine. Mr. Chairman, I yield back.”\n\nOversight Democrats on the Task Force, led by Congresswoman Simon, will examine systemic barriers and unlawful discrimination in employment, education, housing, and healthcare; fight for the protection of essential services and programs; fight for guaranteed access to critical goods despite political pushbacks; and ensure the right of all Americans in having a fair shot to contribute to their nation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://stanton.house.gov/2026/7/stanton-statement-on", "title": "Stanton Statement on State Department Funding Vote and Massie Amendment", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "stanton.house.gov", "scraper": "stanton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001211", "name": "Greg Stanton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON DC – Today, U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (D-Ariz) issued the following statement:\n\n\"I will always vote in America's best interests. That's why I voted no on the FY 2026 State Department funding bill. I also voted no on Congressman Massie's amendment to it.\n\nAs a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I know how important it is for the United States to play a leading role in the world. It’s why I opposed Donald Trump’s gutting of USAID and his efforts to weaken NATO. I simply cannot support a Republican bill that slashes State Department funding even further, a 20 percent cut from two years ago.\n\nThis bill weakens our national security, hacks away at humanitarian aid programs, and guts the diplomatic tools we rely on to prevent conflicts before they start. Retreating from the world doesn't make America safer—in fact, just the opposite.\n\nSimilarly, the Massie amendment would undermine America’s ability to counter real threats from Iran and diminish our efforts to promote long-term stability across the region. It would not only cut off funding for security assistance, but also for humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, and peace-building programs, which are critical to building people-to-people ties between Israelis and Palestinians.\n\nStanding with an ally does not mean staying silent when its government takes actions that make peace harder to achieve. Benjamin Netanyahu and his government are actively working to undermine a two-state solution. The Netanyahu government's actions—including empowering extremists, expanding settlements, tolerating settler violence, and misusing American weapons—have weakened Israel's long-term security, severely damaged Americans’ trust in the Israeli government, and emboldened those who argue peace is impossible.\n\nMy vote against this flawed amendment is not a defense of those choices. Israelis will have a chance this October to elect a new government, and I sincerely hope Netanyahu loses power. I support sanctions against violent settlers, and the government officials that enable them, who are undermining security and stability in the West Bank. And we must work to rebuild Gaza and ensure aid to its residents is unimpeded.\n\nI also believe that the American taxpayer should no longer subsidize Israel’s defense budget. As the current security assistance agreement with Israel nears expiration, it is clear change is necessary.\n\nInstead, our defense partnership with Israel should resemble the partnerships we maintain with the majority of our allies. If Israel buys American weapons, it must be held accountable for how those weapons are used, fully consistent with American law and values.\n\nFamilies across the region, Israeli and Palestinian alike, have endured unimaginable pain and loss because of this conflict. Every Israeli and every Palestinian deserves to live with safety and dignity, free from the constant threat of violence.\n\nThe greatest threat to peace is the fatalistic belief that coexistence is impossible. I reject that fatalism, and I'll keep working toward a secure, Jewish, and democratic Israel living side by side with an independent Palestinian state.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-steil-led-housing-affordability-bill-becomes-law", "title": "ICYMI - Steil-Led Housing Affordability Bill Becomes Law", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "steil.house.gov", "scraper": "steil", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001213", "name": "Bryan Steil", "party": "Republican", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – On Saturday, July 11, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644) became law. This package of bills increases housing supply, reduces government regulation, cuts red tape for building and lending, and addresses high housing costs. It includes the Accelerating Home Building Act (H.R. 5907), a bill co-led by Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05).\n\n“Red tape and bureaucratic delays have put homeownership out of reach for many Wisconsin families,\" said Steil. \"The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a step forward to increase housing supply and reduce burdensome regulations to help make housing more affordable. I appreciate the strong bipartisan support to move this bill forward and help make life more affordable for working families.”\n\nCLICK HERE to read the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.\n\nCLICK HERE for a one pager on the bill.\n\nBackground:\n\nHousing costs continue to rise due to a lack of supply, workforce shortages, and costly government regulations. These costs have put homeownership out of reach for many families.\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act boosts housing supply by modernizing standards, cutting red tape to reduce the cost of manufactured homes by approximately $3,000. It updates federal permitting to ensure that projects without environmental impacts do not need to undergo additional environmental reviews.\n\nThis is the first meaningful housing reform package to pass Congress in over 30 years.\n\nThe bill passed the House on Tuesday, June 23rd, on a bipartisan vote of 358-32 and the Senate on Monday, June 22nd, on a vote of 85-5.\n\nSteil's Accelerating Home Building Act creates a grant program within the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help towns and cities implement pattern zoning, a process for architects and local governments to develop \"pattern books\" full of pre-approved, standardized plans and designs for use in their communities. This process tackles housing affordability by reducing red tape, lowering design costs, streamlining zoning approvals, and accelerating construction timelines.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steubes-years-long-fight-to-lock-the-clock-clears-the-house/", "title": "Rep. Steube’s Years-Long Fight to “Lock the Clock” Clears the House", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "domain": "steube.house.gov", "scraper": "steube", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001214", "name": "W. Gregory Steube", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Steube’s Years-Long Fight to “Lock the Clock” Clears the House\n\nCongressman Steube providing remarks on the House floor on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.\n\nWASHINGTON–The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation to end the twice-yearly changing of clocks and make daylight saving time permanent nationwide. The bill passed by a vote of 308-117 and now heads to the Senate.\n\n“This vote has been years in the making. In 2018, I was in a barbershop in Manatee County right after we changed our clocks, and I heard an entire room of Floridians frustrated about losing daylight in the evening,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “That conversation led me to introduce the Sunshine Protection Act in the Florida State Senate. We passed it that year and Governor Rick Scott signed it into law, but Florida couldn’t implement it until Congress acted. Now, after years of work, Congress finally gave Floridians and Americans across the country the vote we’ve been waiting for. It’s time to lock the clock!”\n\nFor Rep. Steube, this week’s vote is the culmination of a fight that began eight years ago in the Florida Legislature. As a Florida state senator in 2018, Rep. Steube carried legislation creating Florida’s own Sunshine Protection Act, committing the state to permanent daylight saving time contingent on Congress changing federal law. Since arriving in Washington, Rep. Steube has continued that fight as a cosponsor of the federal Sunshine Protection Act, and in November 2024 filed a discharge petition to force a floor vote after the bill stalled in committee.\n\nThe Sunshine Protection Act was introduced by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) and is led in the Senate by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.). The legislation would end the practice of changing clocks twice a year, allowing states to remain on daylight saving time year-round.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-stevens-demands-answers-death-airman-first-class-keon-mcdaniel", "title": "Congresswoman Stevens Demands Answers on the Death of Airman First Class Keon McDaniel of Grand Rapids", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "stevens.house.gov", "scraper": "stevens", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001215", "name": "Haley M. Stevens", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI-11) joined a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding answers on the June 16th death of Airman First Class Keon McDaniel of Grand Rapids. Airman McDaniel died during the influenza outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas following the Department of Defense’s April 2026 decision to make the annual influenza vaccine voluntary for servicemembers.\n\nCongresswoman Stevens was joined by Reps. Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), whose district includes Lackland Air Force Base, Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee's Military Personnel Subcommittee, Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), and Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI-08).\n\n“When tragedies like this occur, the American people and the Congress that represents them deserve immediate transparency and accountability,” the Representatives wrote in part. “We urge the Department to ensure that Airman McDaniel’s family receives timely and direct answers to any questions they may have about the circumstances of his death before any additional findings or information are made public. Keon’s family has already made the greatest sacrifice. They deserve to hear the truth directly from the Department, delivered with compassion and respect.”\n\nThe outbreak spread to hundreds of other recruits, and the Department has since reinstated the influenza vaccine requirement.\n\n“While the DoD made the right decision to reinstate the influenza vaccine requirement for new recruits, this outbreak at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland underscores the importance of science- based decision-making guided by medical professionals when making public health decisions affecting our servicemembers. Politicizing the administration of lifesaving vaccines has led to the death of a servicemember, the hospitalization of numerous trainees, and an expensive race to retroactively provide our servicemembers the health care they need and deserve,” the Representatives continued.\n\nThe full copy of the letter with the Representatives’ questions can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-haley-stevens-slams-gop-efforts-shut-down-department-education-cut-funding", "title": "Rep. Haley Stevens Slams GOP Efforts to Shut Down the Department of Education; Cut Funding From Michigan Families", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "stevens.house.gov", "scraper": "stevens", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001215", "name": "Haley M. Stevens", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens blasted Trump and Republican efforts to shut down the Department of Education and cut funding from vital programs that support Michigan families.\n\nAt a House hearing, Stevens railed against the efforts, highlighting the challenges Michigan teachers and students are already facing.\n\nWatch the full clip HERE.\n\n“I have spent countless hours with the educators, administrators, and families in Michigan. And over the last year and a half, we have discussed the challenges facing the teacher workforce pipeline, our inability to fully fund Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,” said Rep. Stevens.\n\n“We need to get back to the basics. Before we bely the American people and their tax dollars that this is some effort to serve you better and to streamline. Because it’s not. It’s more failed policy at our expense.”\n\nStevens also called out Republicans’ refusal to push forward common-sense legislation that addresses critical issues Michiganders face in schools. She highlighted her Addressing Teacher Shortages Act, a bill to help public schools recruit and train a new generation of teachers, which Republicans have refused to pass. Stevens further brought up Republican failures to fund supports for students with disabilities and their attempted cuts to Perkins CTE grants, urging her colleagues to put aside partisan games to serve students, teachers, and families across the country.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-subramanyams-statement-state-and-foreign-operations-appropriations-bill", "title": "Rep. Subramanyam’s Statement on State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "subramanyam.house.gov", "scraper": "subramanyam", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001230", "name": "Suhas Subramanyam", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) released the following statement after the House vote on the partisan National Security and Department of State government funding bill:\n\n“As the War in Iran drags on for the 5th month, House Republicans pushed a funding bill to the floor for the State Department that further isolates our country.\n\nIt contains 20% less funding for our diplomatic and international development work and it doesn’t include any funding for UNICEF or the United Nations, which will allow our adversaries to fill in the gaps. It cuts $500 million for global health programs, including HIV/AIDS prevention and health security, which means we will see more outbreaks and deaths.\n\nThe House also voted on several partisan, ‘gotcha’ amendments but failed to take up bipartisan amendments. For instance, while we need to have a serious conversation about our financial support for Israel and other countries in the region given the Iran war, these amendments were poorly conceived and would have undermined peacebuilding programs and embassy operations.\n\nMy own amendments on humanitarian aid to Gaza as well as Sudan, USAID, and preventing corruption in foreign policy were all ruled out of order by House Republicans and did not even get a vote.\n\nThe Trump administration and House Republicans have been a complete failure on foreign policy.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-lee-chu-castor-pappas-introduce-drug-deal-disclosure-act-to-force-transparency-for-trump-s-secret-big-pharma-deals", "title": "Reps. Lee, Chu, Castor, Pappas Introduce Drug Deal Disclosure Act to Force Transparency for Trump's Secret Big Pharma Deals", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "summerlee.house.gov", "scraper": "summerlee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000602", "name": "Summer L. Lee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Bill Text (PDF)\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – JULY 15, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12), alongside Representatives Judy Chu (CA-28), Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Chris Pappas (NH-01), introduced the Drug Deal Disclosure Act, legislation that would require the Trump Administration to publicly disclose its prescription drug pricing agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers and subject those agreements to independent review to determine whether they are actually lowering costs for patients and taxpayers.\n\nAs Americans continue to struggle with the high cost of prescription drugs, the Trump Administration has repeatedly claimed that a series of agreements negotiated with pharmaceutical companies will lower costs for patients. Yet despite public announcements and White House events promoting these arrangements, the Administration has refused to disclose the terms of the agreements, the concessions offered in exchange, and evidence that they will actually deliver lower prices.\n\n“No one in Western Pennsylvania should have to ration medicine or walk away from the pharmacy counter because Big Pharma and the Trump Administration are cutting deals behind closed doors,” said Rep. Lee. “More than one in four Pennsylvanians have already been forced to skip doses, cut pills in half, or leave prescriptions unfilled simply because of cost. People paying the price deserve to know who these agreements are really serving, and this bill would force the Administration to release these secret agreements and require independent analysis of whether they actually lower costs for patients and taxpayers. I’m proud to co-lead this bill and help build a healthcare system that works for the people, not billion-dollar corporations.”\n\n“President Trump has repeatedly claimed that his Administration's private deals with pharmaceutical companies will lower prescription drug prices for American families. If that's true, then he should have nothing to hide,\" said Rep. Chu. \"Democrats didn't ask Americans to simply trust us when we lowered prescription drug costs through the Inflation Reduction Act, we passed a law that empowered Medicare to negotiate drug prices, capped insulin at $35 a month for seniors, limited annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, and held drug companies accountable for unjustified price hikes. Those reforms are already delivering real savings. If President Trump wants the American people to believe his secret deals with Big Pharma will do the same, then he should release the agreements and let the facts speak for themselves.”\n\n“Floridians and Americans deserve lower drug costs,” said Rep. Castor. “No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying for their lifesaving medications. After making health care out of reach for millions of Americans, the Trump Administration claims they are helping our neighbors afford prescription drugs through closed-door deals with pharmaceutical manufacturers. Americans are skeptical and deserve to know if those deals are truly lowering costs, or if they are another false promise. I was proud to work with my colleagues in the Congress to actually lower drug costs through Medicare negotiation, caps on insulin, no-cost vaccines and out-of-pocket limits. Our neighbors have waited long enough for fair prices for important medications, and I am committed to doing that in a transparent manner.”\n\n“Deals made by the White House are the business of the American people. President Trump claims to have made secret agreements with Big Pharma CEOs under the pretense of lowering prescription drug prices but these savings have yet to appear. The American people deserve answers and this legislation will bring them to light,” said Rep. Pappas. “Granite Staters are paying too much for life-saving prescription drugs and this administration and Republicans in Congress have only made health care access worse and costs higher. I remain committed to doing everything I can to improve care and lower costs, and I will not stand for shady deals and false promises made by the administration.”\n\nThe Drug Deal Disclosure Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services to publicly disclose records, communications, agreements, and related materials concerning drug pricing agreements and other arrangements negotiated between the Trump Administration and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The bill would also require reporting to Congress and direct the Congressional Budget Office and Government Accountability Office to conduct an independent analysis of the agreements’ economic and budgetary impacts.\n\nSpecifically, the legislation would:\n\nRequire HHS to publicly disclose agreements, communications, records, and related materials concerning covered agreements between the Trump Administration and pharmaceutical manufacturers;\n\nRequire disclosure of agreements involving Most-Favored-Nation pricing commitments, TrumpRx participation, tariff exemptions, domestic investment commitments, Strategic National Stockpile agreements, Priority Review Vouchers, and other related arrangements;\n\nRequire HHS to report to Congress on all documents and information released or withheld, including the basis for any redactions; and\n\nDirect CBO and GAO to publish an independent assessment of the agreements’ impacts on patients, taxpayers, prescription drug costs, Medicare, Medicaid, competition, and federal spending.\n\nThe Drug Deal Disclosure Act is the House companion to legislation introduced by Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden and Senate Democrats.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by: Reps. Don Beyer (VA-08), Andre Carson (IN-07), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Mark Takano (CA-39), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-denied-opportunity-to-question-summit-county-election-director-during-congressional-hearing-on-election-observation", "title": "Rep. Sykes Denied Opportunity to Question Summit County Election Director During Congressional Hearing on Election Observation", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Despite Wednesday’s House Committee on Administration’s hearing featuring testimony from the election director responsible for administering elections in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) was denied the opportunity to participate in the hearing and question the witness.\n\nThe Subcommittee on Elections held a hearing titled “Election Observation: Best Practices and Congress’s Role,” which examined the role of election observers in promoting transparency and confidence in the electoral process. The hearing featured testimony from Lance Reed, Director of the Summit County Board of Elections, which administers elections for voters across Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.\n\nDuring his testimony, Reed discussed the importance of transparency in elections and the role observers play in ensuring election officials are carrying out their responsibilities with integrity. Reed also highlighted Summit County’s experience with a congressional election observer during the November 2024 election, stating that the Board of Elections had a positive experience with the observer assigned to monitor the process.\n\nRep. Sykes wanted to question Reed directly about election administration in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, including several issues affecting voters in Summit County that were not addressed during the hearing.\n\n“My constituents deserve answers from the people responsible for administering their elections,” said Rep. Sykes. “Director Reed was before Congress to discuss election administration in Summit County, yet I was denied the opportunity to ask him questions about issues that directly affect the voters I represent. Oversight only works when elected representatives have the ability to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and get answers. That is how we build trust in our elections and ensure every voter in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District can have confidence in the process.”\n\nRep. Sykes intended to ask Director Reed about:\n\nThe delayed reporting of election results following the 2024 election and what steps the Summit County Board of Elections is taking to ensure voters receive timely results in future elections;\n\nCommunication issues cited by election officials as contributing to delays in processing and reporting absentee ballots;\n\nThe 2024 effort to challenge Rep. Sykes’ voter eligibility based on information contained in her husband’s financial disclosure form;\n\nWhether similar voter challenges involving elected officials have resulted in hearings or investigations by the Summit County Board of Elections; and\n\nWhether the investigation and review of the challenge to Rep. Sykes’ voter eligibility represented an appropriate use of taxpayer resources.\n\nRep. Sykes submitted her questions for the congressional record to ensure the concerns of Ohio’s 13th Congressional District voters received the attention and consideration they deserve.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-opposes-national-security-funding-bill-condemns-inclusion-of-save-america-act", "title": "Rep. Sykes Opposes National Security Funding Bill, Condemns Inclusion of SAVE America Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted against H.R. 8595, the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, citing concerns that the legislation cuts funding for global health and refugee assistance, weakens severe weather preparedness, and includes the SAVE America Act, which would make it harder for eligible Americans to register to vote.\n\nOhio’s 13th Congressional District is home to refugee and immigrant families from countries including Afghanistan, Bhutan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Nepal, Syria, and Ukraine, making these global health programs especially important to local communities. This includes the Global Health Security agenda, which helps monitor and respond to infectious disease threats such as hantavirus and Ebola. It also includes the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. government’s global HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment program.\n\nIn 2024, Rep. Sykes led the Northeast Ohio delegation in requesting federal disaster assistance after flooding that led to emergency declarations in several counties, including Summit County. After severe flooding caused nearly $6 million in damage across Northeast Ohio, Rep. Sykes said Congress should be strengthening preparedness and response efforts rather than reducing investments that help communities prepare for and recover from future disasters.\n\n\"This bill was already unacceptable because it cuts critical investments in public health, disaster preparedness, and America's leadership around the world,\" said Rep. Sykes. \"But House Republicans made an already harmful bill even worse by forcing through the SAVE America Act at President Trump's direction. This is not election security. It is bureaucracy designed to trip people up and make it harder for eligible Americans to exercise their right to vote. It targets married women who changed their names, creates new obstacles for older Americans and people with disabilities, and puts unnecessary burdens between eligible voters and the ballot box. Instead of focusing on the challenges facing families and communities across this country, House Republicans chose to prioritize a partisan effort to restrict access to our democracy.\"\n\nRep. Sykes also opposed an amendment to the bill that would have eliminated U.S. assistance to Israel.\n\n\"Israel is one of our most important allies and I strongly support its security and right to defend itself. I opposed this amendment because it would have eliminated all funding for the American Embassy in Israel under this bill and cut billions in foreign aid to Israel, and also the Palestinian and Lebanese people. At this moment of continued volatility in the region, it is critical that the ceasefire be respected and that all parties avoid actions that could further escalate tensions. Long-term stability will depend on restraint, diplomacy, and a sustained commitment to peace and security for the region.\"\n\nThe bill passed the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-warns-trump-administrations-actions-are-weakening-fema-and-politicizing-disaster-relief", "title": "Rep. Sykes Warns Trump Administration’s Actions Are Weakening FEMA and Politicizing Disaster Relief", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) warned that President Trump’s actions are weakening the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) ability to fulfill its responsibility to Americans during emergencies by limiting the agency’s ability to prepare for and respond to disasters.\n\nDuring a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing titled, “Reforming FEMA: Ensuring the Nation’s Disaster Readiness Works for Americans,” Rep. Sykes highlighted concerns about FEMA staffing cuts, delayed and canceled preparedness and mitigation grants, and the diversion of FEMA resources away from emergency management efforts. She also raised concerns that political considerations may be affecting access to disaster assistance.\n\n“The federal government has a responsibility to be there for families when they are facing the worst moments of their lives,” said Rep. Sykes. “President Trump’s decision to politicize disaster relief is putting that promise at risk. Since January 2025, disaster declaration requests from Democratic governors have been approved at a rate of 23%, compared to 89% for Republican-led states. Americans should never have to wonder whether they will receive help after a disaster because of who they voted for or where they live. Disaster assistance must be based on need, not politics.”\n\nRep. Sykes questioned former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate about the operational impact of cutting FEMA staff and diverting agency resources to support the Trump Administration’s deportation efforts. She asked whether those decisions could undermine FEMA’s readiness and whether shifting resources away from emergency management was an effective use of agency capacity.\n\nRep. Sykes also asked Administrator Fugate about the potential impact of elevating FEMA to an independent agency with a Cabinet-level administrator who reports directly to the President and whether such a structure would make the agency more responsive during disasters.\n\nRep. Sykes drew on Northeast Ohio’s experience with back-to-back storms that caused widespread flooding two years ago. She led a bipartisan delegation letter urging Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to declare a state of emergency in nine counties and request assistance from FEMA.\n\nDuring that time, Northeast Ohio families turned to the federal government to help rebuild their homes and infrastructure, and FEMA was there to deliver. Rep. Sykes emphasized that Americans across the country deserve the same confidence that the federal government will be there when disaster strikes, and that assistance will be delivered based on need.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-tenneys-essential-caregivers-act-advances-through-ways-and-means", "title": "Congresswoman Tenney’s Essential Caregivers Act Advances Through Ways and Means Committee", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "tenney.house.gov", "scraper": "tenney", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000478", "name": "Claudia Tenney", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced that her bipartisan Essential Caregivers Act advanced through the House Committee on Ways and Means, bringing the legislation one step closer to ensuring residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities are never again isolated from their loved ones during a public health emergency.\n\nThe Essential Caregivers Act guarantees residents of long-term care facilities the right to in-person access to a designated essential caregiver, even when visitation is otherwise restricted during an emergency. The legislation responds directly to the devastating isolation experienced by seniors and individuals with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, when families were prevented from providing caretaking, advocacy, and emotional support. It also directs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to establish clear, uniform safety guidelines so essential caregivers can continue providing care while protecting residents and staff.\n\n“Families know their loved ones best, and they should never again be shut out of the care process,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “During COVID, too many seniors and residents with disabilities were left without the family members who helped feed them, comfort them, advocate for them, and recognize when something was wrong. Advancing this bipartisan bill through the Ways and Means Committee brings us one step closer to protecting patients, preserving dignity, and ensuring no resident is forced to experience a future crisis in isolation from their loved ones.”\n\n“Family caregivers are an essential part of our health care system, especially for seniors who rely on their loved ones for support, advocacy, and companionship,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “The COVID-19 pandemic showed the devastating consequences when seniors in nursing homes are cut off from the people who care for them most. The Essential Caregivers Act ensures that, even during an emergency, nursing home residents have access to a trusted caregiver who can provide critical assistance and help protect their well-being. I appreciate Representative Tenney for her leadership in standing up for seniors and their families.”\n\nWatch full remarks here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://timmoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-tim-moore-introduces-bipartisan-fema-caseworker-accountability-act", "title": "Congressman Tim Moore Introduces Bipartisan FEMA Caseworker Accountability Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://timmoore.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "timmoore.house.gov", "scraper": "timmoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001236", "name": "Tim Moore", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) introduced H.R. 9683, the FEMA Caseworker Accountability Act, which would hold Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) accountable for case management staff turnover. This bipartisan legislation is co-led by Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (D-NC-04).\n\n“When disasters strike, families deserve timely, reliable assistance from experienced caseworkers who can help them navigate the recovery process,” said Congressman Moore. “In the wake of Hurricane Helene, I've heard from far too many North Carolinians who have struggled to get clear answers from FEMA or faced unnecessary delays. This legislation will strengthen oversight by requiring reports on FEMA’s workforce challenges and the steps they are taking to improve retention rates.”\n\n“When our communities are experiencing extreme weather emergencies, like Tropical Storm Chantal or Hurricane Helene, FEMA is the place we turn to for support. While FEMA continues to play such a critical role in disaster relief, it’s important that Congress can verify the agency’s employment numbers and supports efforts to reduce employee turnover,” said Congresswoman Foushee. “I’m proud to introduce the FEMA Caseworker Accountability Act with Congressman Moore to help ensure FEMA remains properly staffed and that disaster relief is reaching our communities effectively.”\n\nAdditional Background:\n\nThe FEMA Caseworker Accountability Act would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit a report that includes the turnover rate, the average and median lengths of employment, and the steps FEMA is taking or planning to take to reduce the turnover rate. This legislation will provide Congress with the information necessary to evaluate FEMA’s workforce challenges and efforts to improve staff retention.\n\nUnder current law, FEMA is not required to report on the turnover and rotation among staff in case management, despite the longstanding concerns about staffing shortages and low employee retention rates during disaster response. By providing greater transparency into FEMA’s workforce, this legislation would help inform future efforts to strengthen the agency’s disaster response capabilities.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-joins-colleagues-in-calling-to-halt-33-billion-in-military-funding-to-israel", "title": "Rep. Tokuda Joins Colleagues in Calling to Halt $3.3 Billion in Military Funding to Israel", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "domain": "tokuda.house.gov", "scraper": "tokuda", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000487", "name": "Jill N. Tokuda", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington D.C. — U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) joined 26 of her colleagues in a joint statement ahead of a House vote on an amendment to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act that would halt $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing to Israel.\n\n\"As Members of Congress, it is our duty to ensure that our constituents’ hard-earned money is used in a way that advances America’s interests and values. For this reason, we do not support providing an additional $3.3 billion of American taxpayer dollars to be used for Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon—operations which have killed tens of thousands of civilians, led to the indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, and caused severe and ongoing humanitarian catastrophes. These are just the latest in a long string of human rights violations inflicted on Palestinian civilians. For nearly six decades, Israeli security forces and military authorities have enforced the occupation of the Palestinian territories, including through restrictions on freedom of movement, arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. It is clear that existing human rights conditions on the use of American security assistance have not been meaningfully enforced. Enough is enough.\n\nPalestinians and Israelis alike deserve peace, freedom, security, stability, and self-determination. Those aims will only be achieved when their inherent dignity and inalienable rights are at the center of U.S. policy in the region. Diplomacy is the answer, and as long as America provides constant funding for more war, peace will always remain out of reach.\n\nOur vote should not be interpreted as opposition to initiatives such as the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act programs or others that foster people-to-people engagement, strengthen civil society, and advance the long-term prospects for a just and lasting peace. We remain committed to supporting these and similar programs while ensuring that U.S. taxpayer dollars advance peace, security, and American interests and values.\"\n\nThe statement was released by Representatives: Jim McGovern (D-MA), Becca Balint (D-VT), Don Beyer (D-VA), Greg Casar (D-TX), Judy Chu (D-CA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), John Garamendi (D-CA), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL), Adelita S. Grijalva (D-AZ), Val Hoyle (D-OR), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Emily Randall (D-WA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4617", "title": "Tonko Statement on Massie Amendment Addressing Military Aid to Israel", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "tonko.house.gov", "scraper": "tonko", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000469", "name": "Paul Tonko", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) released the following statement on the amendment that would halt certain U.S. funding to Israel to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act:\n\n“Today, I will vote YES on the Massie amendment that addresses U.S. military aid to Israel.\n\n“Existing U.S. law prohibits military aid from being provided to entities found to be implicated in gross human rights violations. I believe the Netanyahu government met this standard with their horrific conduct in Gaza. Since then, Israel has sought to further entangle the United States in a war of choice against Iran and undermine efforts to secure a ceasefire. These actions have only destabilized the region and are actively harming efforts to achieve lasting peace and security for all sides.\n\n“This is far from a perfect amendment, and I support steps to allow for the continuation of funding for peacebuilding and humanitarian programs that are captured in this overly broad prohibition. However, I will not support additional military aid that enables Netanyahu to bomb other countries relentlessly with the implicit support of the American taxpayers.\n\n“While I strongly oppose the actions of Israel’s current government, I continue to stand in strong support of our local Jewish community and stand firmly against hate and antisemitism in any form. All Israelis and Palestinians deserve a future where they can live in peace and security. Unfortunately, the actions of the Netanyahu government, supported by U.S. assistance, take us farther away from that future every day.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-derek-tran-supports-massie-amendment-block-us-military-funding", "title": "Representative Derek Tran Supports Massie Amendment to Block U.S. Military Funding to Israel", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "tran.house.gov", "scraper": "tran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000491", "name": "Derek Tran", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) issued the following statement regarding Representative Thomas Massie’s (KY-04) amendment to H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027. The amendment would eliminate the $3.3 billion in United States military aid to Israel for the 2027 fiscal year.\n\n“American funding for the Israeli military has moved forward for years without real audit or oversight. I supported Representative Massie's amendment to end unconditional funding for Israel because it's time we treat Israel as the strong and wealthy nation it is — capable of standing on its own two feet and deserving of accountability. While imperfect, this amendment is an important signal that the United States will treat Israel as we would any other ally. Further actions, like those laid out in Leader Jeffries’ proposal, are necessary to build sustainable security in the Middle East,” said Representative Derek Tran. “I support continued funding to keep the Israeli people safe through tools like the Iron Dome, and I will work to ensure that funding for diplomatic programs is assured to build real, lasting peace in the region. As the leader of the free world, America must not only stand firm against our adversaries, but hold our closest allies to account.\"\n\nThe amendment was proposed as part of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027, which funds the U.S. Department of State, foreign assistance programs, and international broadcasting operations that advance American diplomacy and national security interests around the world. The amendment failed to pass by a vote of 314-104.\n\nAn Army Veteran, Representative Tran is a member of the powerful House Armed Services Committee and serves as a member of the Readiness and the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittees. Tran enlisted in the Army Reserve at age 18 to give back to the country that welcomed his refugee parents. He served for eight years and was activated for Operation Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom before earning an honorable discharge. Tran serves as a Co-Chair of the Democratic Caucus National Security Task Force. Representative Tran is a co-sponsor of the Block the Bombs Act, which would prevent the sale, distribution, and transfer of certain ammunition and artillery to the Israeli government.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://troycarter.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-carter-statement-massie-amendment-limiting-funding-israel", "title": "Congressman Carter Statement on Massie Amendment Limiting Funding for Israel", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://troycarter.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "troycarter.house.gov", "scraper": "troycarter", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001125", "name": "Troy A. Carter", "party": "Democrat", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) issued the following statement:\n\n“I have always supported Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas and other terrorist organizations that threaten its people. Israel has the right to live in peace and security, and nothing in my position should be interpreted otherwise.\n\n“But our support for an ally does not mean we should remain silent when innocent lives are being lost on such a devastating scale. The deaths of thousands of Palestinian civilians, especially women and children, the destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, and vital infrastructure, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis demand that we speak with both honesty and compassion.\n\n“In my view, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government has impeded efforts toward peace and protecting innocent civilians, including from violent attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. America has both the right and the responsibility to ensure that our assistance reflects our values and our commitment to human rights.\n\n“For that reason, I am supporting Representative Thomas Massie’s amendment. It is a vote for accountability. It is a vote to say that American support should encourage peace, protect innocent lives, and advance the values we stand for as a nation.\n\n“I continue to support the immediate release of every hostage, a permanent ceasefire, the full delivery of humanitarian aid, and renewed negotiations that lead to two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace, security, and mutual respect.\n\n“The people of Israel and Palestine deserve to live with dignity and hope. We cannot allow another generation of children to grow up surrounded by violence and loss.\n\n“I believe in the long-term partnership that the American people have with the people of Israel and in America’s enduring commitment to a more peaceful, stable, and secure Middle East. That future must include dignity, security, and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians. I firmly state that the policies of the Netanyahu government cannot continue.\n\n“Peace is never easy. But it is always worth pursuing. That is the future I will continue to work toward.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://troycarter.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-carter-budzinski-lead-125-lawmakers-opposing-trump-administrations", "title": "Reps. Carter, Budzinski Lead 125 Lawmakers in Opposing Trump Administration’s Extreme Federal Grantmaking Proposed Rule", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://troycarter.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "troycarter.house.gov", "scraper": "troycarter", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001125", "name": "Troy A. Carter", "party": "Democrat", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) recently sent a letter to Director Russell Vought, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), in strong opposition to the Office of Management and Budget's proposed rule to overhaul how federal grants are awarded and administered, impacting over $1 trillion in annual Federal awards.\n\n“This proposal would represent the most sweeping and destructive transformation of the federal financial assistance system in modern history and would subordinate nonpartisan, merit-based grantmaking to political control, exposing the entire framework to serious constitutional challenge,” the Members wrote. “With more than $1 trillion in annual Federal awards at stake, the consequences would be felt by every state, federally recognized tribe, city, county, research university, hospital, and countless nonprofits, community organizations, and private firms that deliver critical scientific studies and essential public services.”\n\nThe lawmakers oppose the proposed rule and urge OMB to withdraw this rulemaking in full.\n\nThis sweeping, partisan, and ideologically driven rewrite of federal grants guidance would, if finalized, overhaul and politicize the entire federal funding regime in America. As outlined in the letter, this proposal would:\n\nConcentrate political control over federal spending, reducing objective peer review of research funding to a non-binding suggestion;\n\nUndermine constitutionally protected rights by requiring compliance with vague, sweeping prohibitions on projects that may include references to “unlawful DEI,” “gender ideology,\" and “religious discrimination;”\n\nDisrupt billions of dollars in existing awards and programs; and\n\nIncrease the compliance burden on the organizations and governments that serve the public.\n\n“This proposal would hand political appointees unprecedented power to decide which communities deserve access to federal funding that Congress has already approved. Federal grants should be awarded based on law, peer-reviewed science, and community need—not political fealty,” said Jillian Blanchard, Senior Vice President of Climate Change and Environmental Justice at Lawyers for Good Government. “If finalized, this rule would put critical investments in public health, disaster resilience, clean energy, and infrastructure at risk while significantly increasing administrative burdens to the entire federal funding regime. We stand with Congressman Carter in opposing this dangerous proposal and defending a grants system that serves the American people and provides critical funding where it’s needed most.”\n\n“Instead of working to better the lives of the American people, protect public health, and ensure clean air and water for all, the Trump administration is pursuing yet another reckless, short-sighted, and ideologically motivated power-grab,” said Earthjustice Action Senior Legislative Representative Liz Ruben. “We thank Representatives Troy Carter, Nikki Budzinski, and the over 120 members of Congress who joined them on this letter for standing up for our communities and opposing this dangerous effort.”\n\n“Representatives Carter and Budzinski are right to sound the alarm about this sweeping effort to politicize federal grants. OMB’s proposal would allow political appointees to override expert review, disrupt existing awards, and make it harder for communities to secure the funding they need to protect public health and serve the public. We are grateful to every member of Congress standing with them to defend a fair, evidence-based grant system,” said Michelle Roos, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Network.\n\n“Giving political appointees the ability to bury real science and funnel federal research money toward disinformation won't make the problems we face go away, but instead, leave us dangerously unprepared to face very real threats,” said Margie Alt, director of the Climate Action Campaign. “Trump's Polluters First Agenda relies on ignoring the fact that the same fossil fuels causing the climate crisis are also making Trump's industry allies billions in profits. We are grateful to the more than 120 Members for standing up for scientific integrity, and for our lives.”\n\nAdditional lawmakers signing onto the effort include Reps. Gabe Amo (D-RI), Becca Balint (D-VT), Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Wesley Bell (D-MO), Ami Bera (D-CA), Donald Beyer (D-VA) Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Shontel Brown (D-OH), Janelle Bynum (D-OR), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), André Carson (D-IN), Ed Case (D-HI), Sean Casten (D-IL), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Judy Chu (D-CA), Gilbert Cisneros (D-CA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Herbert Conaway (D-NJ), Lou Correa (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Angie Craig (D-MN), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Danny Davis (D-IL), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Christopher Deluzio (D-PA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX), Bill Foster (D-IL), Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Laura Friedman (D-CA), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Daniel Goldman (D-NY), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Val Hoyle (D-OR), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Henry “Hank” Johnson (D-GA), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Timothy Kennedy (D-NY), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Greg Landsman (D-OH), John Larson (D-CT), George Latimer (D-NY), Summer Lee (D-PA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), John Mannion (D-NY), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Sarah McBride (D-DE), April McClain Delaney (D-MD), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Morgan McGarvey (D-KY), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Analilia Mejia (D-NJ), Christian Menefee (D-TX), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Grace Meng (D-NY), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Dave Min (D-CA), Joseph Morelle (D-NY), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Eleanor Norton (D-DC), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Scott Peters (D-CA), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Josh Riley (D-NY), Luz Rivas (D-CA), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Patrick Ryan (D-NY), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Adam Smith (D-WA), Darren Soto (D-FL), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Emilia Sykes (D-OH), Mark Takano (D-CA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Dina Titus (D-NV), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Lori Trahan (D-MA), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), George Whitesides (D-CA), Nikema Williams (D-GA), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).\n\nThis letter is endorsed by Lawyers for Good Government, Environmental Protection Network, Climate Action Campaign, Earthjustice, Natural Resources Defense Council, United Auto Workers (UAW), Oncology Advocates United for Climate and Health (OUCH) – International, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, Climate Psychiatry Alliance, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, Committee to Protect Public Mental Health, Physicians for Social Responsibility/Maine, Physicians for Social Responsibility/Texas, Physicians for Social Responsibility/San Francisco, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and Medical Students for a Sustainable Future.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2073", "title": "Congressman Van Drew Secures Major South Jersey Priorities in Water Resources Development Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vandrew.house.gov", "scraper": "vandrew", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000133", "name": "Jefferson Van Drew", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew released the following statement after securing key South Jersey priorities in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, which was approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.\n\n\"As one of the most coastal districts in America, South Jersey knows firsthand the importance of protecting our beaches, bays, and waterways and investing in our infrastructure,\" said Congressman Van Drew. \"I am proud to have secured eleven different priorities in this bill that will move critical projects forward. This is the most impactful WRDA bill that we have ever seen for South Jersey. These provisions support long-term solutions for erosion, safer waterways, stronger infrastructure, and better use of taxpayer dollars. They are practical investments that will protect South Jersey and benefit this area for generations to come.\"\n\nPriorities Secured:\n\nEast Point Lighthouse Shore Protection- Expands the ongoing Maurice River dredging study to include shoreline protection for the East Point Lighthouse.\n\nNorth Wildwood Shore Protection- Expedites the North Wildwood hurricane and storm damage reduction project using Hereford Inlet as the source of sand.\n\nCoastal Storm Risk Management Trust Fund Study- Includes Congressman Van Drew's provision directing a study to create a dedicated funding source for beach projects.\n\nDam Assessment and Mitigation Support (DAMS) Act- Reauthorizes the National Dam Safety Program through 2031 and includes Congressman Van Drew's DAMS Act provision to strengthen dam safety nationally.\n\nGreat Egg Harbor River Watershed Assessment- Adds the Great Egg Harbor River Watershed to the Corps' authorized watershed and river-basin assessment list.\n\nNew Jersey Intracoastal Waterway Rerouting- Authorizes a study to reroute the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway near Ventnor City to solve navigation challenges related to the Dorsett Avenue bridge.\n\nAbsecon Island Shoreline Project- Accelerates the Atlantic City hot spot erosion study.\n\nHot Spot Erosion Program Improvements- Strengthens Congressman Van Drew's program to address hot spot erosion by incorporating nature-based solutions.\n\nHigh Hazard Potential Dam Prioritization Study- Requires FEMA to study barriers preventing states from prioritizing dam projects with the greatest community benefit.\n\nBeneficial Use of Dredge Materials for Beaches- Requires the Corps to update its regulations to better account for the benefits of using dredged materials for beach nourishment and restoration projects.\n\nCoastal Infrastructure Improvement Act- Directs the Corps to research and test erosion mitigation technologies.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-supports-bipartisan-push-end-american-taxpayer-support", "title": "Rep. Gabe Vasquez Supports Bipartisan Push to End American Taxpayer Support for Israeli Military Operations", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vasquez.house.gov", "scraper": "vasquez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000136", "name": "Gabe Vasquez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 15, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) voted in favor of a bipartisan amendment to block $3.3 billion in security assistance and other funding for Netanyahu’s far-right Israeli government from the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. The amendment was introduced by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie (KY-04).\n\n“Hardworking New Mexicans’ tax dollars should not be spent on a blank check for Netanyahu’s far-right government to unleash senseless violence in Gaza and Lebanon, deny humanitarian aid, and continue the illegal settlements in the West Bank,” said Vasquez. “Enough is enough. The killing of innocent civilians and reckless destruction of homes and infrastructure must end. The American people should not take part in funding this senseless violence.”\n\nRep. Vasquez has repeatedly advocated against spending U.S. taxpayer dollars on conflicts in the Middle East that do not align with American values. His actions on this front include:\n\nBeing the first member of the New Mexico delegation to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict.\n\nSending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the Administration to bring the conflict in southern Lebanon to an end and ensure that any expenditure of taxpayer dollars to pay for weapons for Israel are authorized by Congress.\n\nPressed Pentagon officials on the Iran war, demanding answers for New Mexico regarding the war’s duration, cost, and the Administration’s lack of an exit plan.\n\nVoted in support of the Iran War Powers Resolution.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/07/15/vindman-statement-on-h-r-8595-amendment-vote/", "title": "Vindman Statement on H.R. 8595 Amendment Vote", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Vindman Announces More Than $1 MILLION in Federal Funding to Strengthen Head Start Programs in Orange County\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today celebrated that the U.S. Department of...\n\nVindman Introduces Legislation to Cut Red Tape and Lower Housing Costs for Veterans\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) and Abe Hamadeh...\n\nHUGE MILESTONE: Vindman Returns $7 Million in Backlogged Benefits to Virginians\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today announced that his office has now returned more...\n\nVindman Hears from More Than 780 Virginians in Support of His Legislation to Ban Members of Congress from Lobbying after Leaving Office\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) is leading the congressional...\n\nVindman Statement on America’s 250th Anniversary of Independence\n\nVindman: “Only in America can someone arrive as a refugee and, within a single lifetime, serve in the United States...\n\nVindman, McDonald Rivet Introduce Bill to Tackle Corruption, Ban Public Officials from Trading Stocks & Using Prediction Markets\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), Kristen McDonald Rivet (Mich.-08), Kevin...\n\nVindman Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Staffing at VA Health Clinics, Improve Care Offered to Vets\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) and Abe Hamadeh...\n\nFollowing Vindman Push, USDA Declares Disaster Designation for Virginia Farmers Impacted by Frost and Freeze Damage\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a Secretarial Disaster...\n\nVindman-Led Bill to Protect Americans and Combat Deadly Nitazenes Passes Out of Health SubCommittee\n\nIn August 2025, Vindman Introduced the First-Ever Bill in Congress to Combat the Alarming Rise of...\n\nVindman Votes For Bipartisan Housing Package to Lower Costs Including His Rural Housing Regulatory Relief Act\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) celebrated final congressional passage...", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/07/15/vindman-votes-to-keep-kids-safe-prioritizes-public-safety/", "title": "Vindman Votes to Keep Kids Safe, Prioritizes Public Safety", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today released the following statement after voting against H.R.139, which would make daylight saving time the nation’s permanent standard.\n\n“Permanent daylight savings time would mean later winter sunrises, forcing kids as young as 5 years old to wait for the morning bus in the dark. That raises real safety concerns for children, drivers, and pedestrians alike,” said Vindman. “As a dad, I could not support legislation that could compromise the safety of our children. Protecting Virginia families and ensuring children can get to school safely must come first. While I agree that we should all be on one system, I’m on team standard time!”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=692", "title": "Walkinshaw, Kaine Lead 51 Colleagues Demanding Answers After Trump Quietly Strips Protections from Career Federal Workers", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "walkinshaw.house.gov", "scraper": "walkinshaw", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000831", "name": "James R. Walkinshaw", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) are leading a congressional effort demanding answers from President Trump over the implementation of Schedule Policy/Career (Schedule P/C), a sweeping policy that strips civil service protections from thousands of career federal employees and could reshape the federal workforce around political loyalty instead of merit.\n\nIn a letter to President Trump, Walkinshaw, Kaine, and their colleagues call on the Administration to disclose the full scope of Schedule P/C, explain how employees were selected for reclassification, and detail its impact on the federal workforce, whistleblower protections, and the delivery of critical government services.\n\n“America’s career civil servants serve the Constitution and the American people, not any president or political party,” said Rep. Walkinshaw. “Schedule P/C threatens nearly 150 years of merit-based civil service protections by making it easier to fire dedicated public servants for political reasons. Congress and the American people deserve answers about how many employees have been affected, how these decisions were made, and what this means for the government’s ability to serve the public.”\n\n“Our career civil servants keep our government running,” said Senator Kaine. “Federal employees deserve the freedom to do their jobs professionally and without fear of political retaliation. The Trump-Vance Administration must explain to Congress, the federal workforce, and the public about how the implementation of Schedule P/C will affect the government’s ability to protect Americans and provide critical services that we all rely on.”\n\nThe lawmakers warn that Schedule P/C undermines the merit-based civil service established by the Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883, which ended the federal patronage system by requiring government jobs to be awarded based on merit instead of political connections. They argue the policy makes it easier to remove career employees without longstanding civil service protections and replace them with political loyalists.\n\nThe letter also warns that employees reclassified under Schedule P/C could lose critical whistleblower protections. Rather than reporting waste, fraud, or abuse through the independent Office of Special Counsel, affected employees could be forced to report misconduct within their own agencies, increasing the risk of retaliation and making it harder to expose wrongdoing.\n\nThe lawmakers are seeking answers to a series of questions, including:\n\n• How many federal employees and positions have been reclassified under Schedule P/C.\n\n• Which agencies, occupations, and grade levels have been affected.\n\n• The criteria used to determine which positions were labeled “policy-determining, policymaking, or policy-advocating.”\n\n• The total taxpayer cost of implementing Schedule P/C.\n\n• Whether the Administration plans to reclassify additional federal employees.\n\n• How the Administration will protect whistleblowers and comply with any court rulings concerning Schedule P/C.\n\nIn addition to Walkinshaw and Kaine, the letter is also signed by U.S. Senators Gary C. Peters (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela D. Alsobrooks (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam B. Schiff (D-CA), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Cory A. Booker (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bernard Sanders (D-VT) as well as Representatives Robert Garcia (CA-42), Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Nikki Budzinski (CA-37), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Donald S. Beyer Jr. (VA-08), Judy Chu (CA-28), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Alma S. Adams Ph.D. (NC-12), John W. Mannion (NY-22), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jennifer L. McClellan (VA-04), Eugene Simon Vindman (VA-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (MD-02), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott (VA-03), Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Susie Lee (NV-03), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Greg Landsman (OH-01), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Dave Min (CA-47), and Janelle S. Bynum (OR-05).\n\nThe lawmakers requested that the Administration respond by July 31, 2026.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=693", "title": "Warner, Walkinshaw Virginia Democrats Urge Administration to Extend Public Comment Period on Offshore Mining in Virginia", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "walkinshaw.house.gov", "scraper": "walkinshaw", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000831", "name": "James R. Walkinshaw", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), along with Reps. James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Don Beyer (VA-08), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) sent a letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) requesting a 30-day extension to the public comment period for BOEM’s Request for Information and Interest (RFI) on potential leasing offshore Virginia for mineral extraction.\n\nIn a letter sent to BOEM Supervisory Oceanographer Geoffrey Wikel, the lawmakers wrote, “We write regarding the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) recent publication of a Request for Information and Interest (RFI) regarding potential leasing offshore Virginia for mineral extraction, which opened a 30-day public comment period that is scheduled to conclude on July 23, 2026. We respectfully request that BOEM extend this public comment period by no less than 30 days in order to provide interested Virginia stakeholders with the opportunity to review the RFI and provide informed feedback on the proposed lease area.”\n\nThe lawmakers continued, “Notice of the comment period was published in the Federal Register on June 23, 2026, and BOEM provided for a 30-day comment period. We are deeply concerned the current comment period timeline in insufficient for Virginians to consider and prepare comments in response to BOEM’s RFI, which requests information on 18 wide-ranging topics, including geological conditions, archaeological resources, environmental sensitivity, and other uses of the RFI area; information on impacts of potential Outer Continental (OCS) mineral activities on Tribes and traditional cultural properties; information on appropriate fiscal terms for leasing; as well as technological feasibility of mining activities. It will take a considerable amount of time for interested stakeholders to review relevant materials and provide meaningful comments.”\n\n“Notably, this is the first time that BOEM has considered conducting a competitive lease sale for marine minerals in the Atlantic Ocean. A 30-day extension, at minimum, of the comment period is warranted based on the novel nature of the RFI, the size of the RFI area (over 2,700 square miles), and the complexity of the information sought by BOEM. An extension of the comment period is essential to ensure meaningful participation from the state, local, and Tribal governments of Virginia, other ocean users and industries, and the public,” the lawmakers concluded. “Thank you for your consideration of our request. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can provide additional information or assistance.”\n\nRead the full letter here and below.\n\nDear Mr. Wikel:\n\nWe write regarding the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) recent publication of a Request for Information and Interest (RFI) regarding potential leasing offshore Virginia for mineral extraction, which opened a 30-day public comment period that is scheduled to conclude on July 23, 2026. We respectfully request that BOEM extend this public comment period by no less than 30 days in order to provide interested Virginia stakeholders with the opportunity to review the RFI and provide informed feedback on the proposed lease area.\n\nNotice of the comment period was published in the Federal Register on June 23, 2026, and BOEM provided for a 30-day comment period. We are deeply concerned the current comment period timeline in insufficient for Virginians to consider and prepare comments in response to BOEM’s RFI, which requests information on 18 wide-ranging topics, including geological conditions, archaeological resources, environmental sensitivity, and other uses of the RFI area; information on impacts of potential Outer Continental (OCS) mineral activities on Tribes and traditional cultural properties; information on appropriate fiscal terms for leasing; as well as technological feasibility of mining activities. It will take a considerable amount of time for interested stakeholders to review relevant materials and provide meaningful comments.\n\nNotably, this is the first time that BOEM has considered conducting a competitive lease sale for marine minerals in the Atlantic Ocean. A 30-day extension, at minimum, of the comment period is warranted based on the novel nature of the RFI, the size of the RFI area (over 2,700 square miles), and the complexity of the information sought by BOEM. An extension of the comment period is essential to ensure meaningful participation from the state, local, and Tribal governments of Virginia, other ocean users and industries, and the public.\n\nThank you for your consideration of our request. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can provide additional information or assistance.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=707", "title": "Walkinshaw Statement on The FY2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "walkinshaw.house.gov", "scraper": "walkinshaw", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000831", "name": "James R. Walkinshaw", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) released the following statement.\n\n\"The FY2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act is legislation that should fund U.S. humanitarian, diplomatic, and democracy programs globally, including peacekeeping missions, cultural exchanges, civil society organizations, and efforts to address the root causes of conflict. Unfortunately, the partisan Republican proposal failed to do that and I voted no.\n\nThe Massie amendment would have eliminated $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing for Israel and barred funds for humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, peace-building efforts, and U.S. Embassy operations. This poorly-drafted amendment would have cut longstanding initiatives like the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace and Middle East Regional Cooperation programs, which promote dialogue and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. It also would have hamstrung U.S. intelligence and diplomatic efforts to protect Americans from Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations.\n\nFor those reasons, I joined pro-peace organizations like J Street in opposing the amendment. Its overly broad language threatened important peacebuilding work, and I believe there are better ways to confront the far-right Netanyahu government and secure the lasting peace that Palestinians, Lebanese people, and Israelis deserve. Clearly, U.S. policy toward the Middle East and Israel must change.\n\nHistorically, Israel has been an important U.S. ally, and a strong U.S.-Israel relationship remains in America's interest, but only if it is based on shared values of democracy and human rights. Increasingly, the Netanyahu government takes actions that fail to reflect those values. The 10-year Memorandum of Understanding signed under President Obama has provided security support to Israel and will soon expire. Israel is a wealthy nation with an advanced economy and, moving forward, should pay for its own weapons.\n\nIsrael faces real security threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and others. But the current Israeli government's military campaigns have caused massive civilian casualties in Gaza and Lebanon, destabilized the region, and not made Israelis safer. I'm particularly troubled by illegal settlement expansion and settler violence in the West Bank, which push a two-state solution — still the only viable path to security and prosperity for both peoples — further out of reach.\n\nTo replace the expiring MOU, Prime Minister Netanyahu is seeking an expanded security arrangement that deepens cooperation between the U.S. and Israeli militaries. I will not support that expansion until there is an end to illegal West Bank settlement activity, real progress toward peace and reconstruction in Gaza, and an end to Netanyahu's failed, never-ending total war approach.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=708", "title": "Walkinshaw, Jayapal, Garcia, Pingree, Raskin, Thompson Demand Independent Investigations into Killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Johan Sebastian Guerrero", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "walkinshaw.house.gov", "scraper": "walkinshaw", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000831", "name": "James R. Walkinshaw", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), a Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, joined Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, and nearly 200 colleagues in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halt removal proceedings against the witnesses.\n\n“Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the Members. “Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.”\n\nOn July 7th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Salgado Araujo, a father of three U.S. citizens who had resided in the country for 35 years. He was reportedly not ICE’s target in their operation, and despite ICE’s claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle,” no evidence to substantiate that claim has been presented, and it is disputed by witnesses in the vehicle.\n\nOn July 13th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Guerrero, a father who also was reportedly not the target of enforcement actions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to have shot him in concern for “public safety” after he “attempted to flee.” The agency does not allege that at any point officers feared for their safety. Video of this killing shows ICE officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero even after he had been shot in the head.\n\nDHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 21 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals who posed no public safety threat. In two previous shootings, ICE has claimed that victims were also “weaponizing” their vehicles, claims that have turned out to be false statements as evidence emerged.\n\nIn addition to the demands for an independent investigation and the commitment that witnesses to the killing of Mr. Salgado Araujo not be deported, the Members are asking for a detailed breakdown of all training materials and guidelines around vehicle stops.\n\nThe full text of the letter to DHS Secretary Mullin and ICE Acting Director Venturella can be read here.\n\nThe letter was also signed by Alma S. Adams (NC-12), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Ami Bera (CA-06), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jason Crow (CO-06), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Bill Foster (IL-11), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Al Green (TX-09), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Pablo Jose Hernández (PR-At Large), Jim Himes (CT-04), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), William R. Keating (MA-09), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), John Larson (CT-01), George Latimer (NY-16), Susie Lee (NV-03), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), John Mannion (NY-22), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kristin McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Christian Menefee (TX-18), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen S. Moore (WI-04), Joseph D. Morelle (NY-25), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Richard Neal (MA-01), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Scott Peters (CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Josh Riley (NY-19), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Thomas R. Suozzi (NY-03), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Norma Torres (CA-35), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Derek Tran (CA-45), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), George Whitesides (CA-27), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/25-members-of-congress-release-joint-statement-on-massie-amendment-to-republican-foreign-aid-budget-bill", "title": "25 Members of Congress Release Joint Statement on Massie Amendment to Republican Foreign Aid Budget Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "watsoncoleman.house.gov", "scraper": "watsoncoleman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000822", "name": "Bonnie Watson Coleman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, 25 Members of Congress, led by Congressman Jim McGovern, Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, released the following statement in advance of voting yes on Amendment #8, which would halt certain U.S. funding to Israel, to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act:\n\n“As Members of Congress, it is our duty to ensure that our constituents’ hard-earned money is used in a way that advances America’s interests and values. For this reason, we do not support providing an additional $3.3 billion of American taxpayer dollars to be used for Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon—operations which have killed tens of thousands of civilians, led to the indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, and caused severe and ongoing humanitarian catastrophes. These are just the latest in a long string of human rights violations inflicted on Palestinian civilians. For nearly six decades, Israeli security forces and military authorities have enforced the occupation of the Palestinian territories, including through restrictions on freedom of movement, arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. It is clear that existing human rights conditions on the use of American security assistance have not been meaningfully enforced. Enough is enough.\n\n“Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve peace, freedom, security, stability, and self-determination. Those aims will only be achieved when their inherent dignity and inalienable rights are at the center of U.S. policy in the region. Diplomacy is the answer, and as long as America provides constant funding for more war, peace will always remain out of reach.\n\n“Our vote should not be interpreted as opposition to initiatives such as the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act programs or others that foster people-to-people engagement, strengthen civil society, and advance the long-term prospects for a just and lasting peace. We remain committed to supporting these and similar programs while ensuring that U.S. taxpayer dollars advance peace, security, and American interests and values.”\n\nThe statement was released by Representatives: Becca Balint (D-VT), Don Beyer (D-VA), Greg Casar (D-TX), Judy Chu (D-CA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), John Garamendi (D-CA), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL), Adelita S. Grijalva (D-AZ), Val Hoyle (D-OR), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-statement-on-massie-amendment", "title": "Watson Coleman Statement on Massie Amendment", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "watsoncoleman.house.gov", "scraper": "watsoncoleman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000822", "name": "Bonnie Watson Coleman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted in favor of the Massie Amendment to strip $3.3 billion in U.S. military assistance to Israel from a State Department spending bill (H.R. 8595). Congresswoman Watson Coleman released the following statement:\n\n\"The ongoing horror in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon has shocked the world. The United States places an expectation on its allies to hold up certain standards of humanity. Israel has not only failed to meet those standards; it has engaged in a genocide against the Palestinian people. U.S. law prohibits assistance to foreign security forces when there is credible information of significant violations of human rights. Therefore, the continued military aid to the Netanyahu government violates both our morals and our laws. Last year I stated that:\n\n“The United States is not merely an observer in this tragedy - we are an active participant. We have supplied the weapons that have flattened neighborhoods, wiped out entire generations of families, and enabled Netanyahu’s relentless assault. The United States has an obligation to identify a red line and hold our allies accountable when they behave in a way that threatens every person’s right to peace and self-determination. We cannot claim to support a ceasefire while providing Prime Minister Netanyahu with the fire that has engulfed Gaza. There must be an arms embargo. If we truly believe in human rights and the dignity of all people, we must stop arming the very forces that are carrying out these atrocities.”\n\n\"The Massie amendment holds Israel to the same standard we should hold all our allies to and so I voted for it.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B965AA17-E8EB-4401-98AB-DB6EC75EE242", "title": "Webster Votes to Pass America First National Security Funding Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://webster.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "webster.house.gov", "scraper": "webster", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000806", "name": "Daniel Webster", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 8595, the Fiscal year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act.\n\n“This legislation rejects the Washington presumption that nothing can be cut from the budget in order to fund our nation’s priorities without increasing the deficit,” said Rep. Webster. “Through regular order, we are advancing America First policies that strengthen our national security, support key allies, confront our adversaries, and eliminate wasteful spending on programs that do not serve America’s interests. While there is more work to be done to restore fiscal discipline, this bill is an important step toward ensuring our national security and foreign policy priorities are accountable to the American people.”\n\nThe FY27 National Security and Department of State Appropriations Act restores fiscal responsibility by reducing spending by six percent while ensuring the United States continues to invest in our core national security priorities. The bill advances America’s national security and economic interests, reinforces oversight of foreign aid programs, eliminates spending on wasteful programs, and ensures taxpayer dollars are used to benefit American security.\n\nKey provisions include:\n\nReduces spending by 6% below the previously enacted level.\n\nEnsures foreign assistance advances America’s national interests\n\nSupports key allies like Israel and Taiwan.\n\nFunds efforts to counter Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific.\n\nStrengthens President Trump’s efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking and transnational crime.\n\nPreserves longstanding pro-life protections.\n\nBlocks funding for DEI, climate mandates, and radical gender ideology.\n\nProhibits funding for UNRWA, UNFPA, and the Taliban.\n\nEnhances oversight and accountability for taxpayer funded foreign assistance.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://whitesides.house.gov/2026/07/15/reps-whitesides-harrigan-mcclain-delaney-haridopolos-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-simplify-parental-controls-across-kids-devices/", "title": "Reps. Whitesides, Harrigan, McClain Delaney, Haridopolos Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Simplify Parental Controls Across Kids’ Devices", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://whitesides.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "whitesides.house.gov", "scraper": "whitesides", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000830", "name": "George Whitesides", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "TOTAL Screen Time Act would direct NIST to develop a single, interoperable standard so parents no longer have to manage screen time limits app-by-app and device-by-device.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. George Whitesides (D-CA), Pat Harrigan (R-NC), April McClain Delaney (D-MD), and Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) introduced the Tracking Online Time And Limits (TOTAL) Screen Time Act, bipartisan legislation to make it easier for parents to manage their children’s screen time across the growing number of devices in the average household.\n\nCurrently, screen time limits don’t work between devices, requiring parents to attempt to monitor each phone, tablet, computer, game console, and smart TV individually. When a child hits their limit on a smartphone, they can simply switch to a tablet or game console to start the clock over. This forces parents into an impossible guessing game: either micromanage a patchwork of fragmented timers across different devices, or risk their children spending hours ‘device-hopping’ from one screen to the next.\n\nThe TOTAL Screen Time Act aims to fix that fragmentation by directing the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop a voluntary technical standard that allows parents to set and enforce screen time limits seamlessly across covered devices. Rep. Whitesides introduced and spoke in favor of an amendment with similar provisions during a Science, Space, and Technology Committee markup in June.\n\n“As a parent, I’ve seen how hard it is to enforce any kind of screen time limits on one device for my kids, let alone multiple devices that all have different apps with different passwords,” said Rep. Whitesides. “This bill doesn’t tell families how much screen time is right for their kids – that’s a decision for parents to make. What it does is give parents the tools to actually enforce that decision, no matter what device their child picks up. It’s a commonsense, bipartisan fix to a problem nearly every parent in America has run into.”\n\n“As a father of two young girls, I know firsthand how hard it is for parents to keep up with screen time in a world where every device is fighting for our kids’ attention,” said Rep. Harrigan. “I’m proud to co-lead the TOTAL Screen Time Act with Rep. George Whitesides to help give parents real, practical tools to manage their kids’ screen time, without creating a new database of our children’s activity or compromising their privacy in the process. Parents shouldn’t need a computer science degree to protect their kids online, and this bill is a common-sense step toward making that easier.”\n\n“Parents shouldn’t have to navigate a maze of apps and devices just to protect their children online. As technology evolves, so should the tools families have to manage it safely. The TOTAL Screen Time Act is a practical, bipartisan step toward giving parents consistent, privacy-protective controls across the digital platforms their children use every day,” said Rep. McClain Delaney. “I’m proud to join Congressman Whitesides and my colleagues to help put parents back in the driver’s seat and create a healthier digital environment for our kids.”\n\n“The TOTAL Screen Time Act gives parents what they’ve been asking for: one seamless, interoperable standard to set and enforce screen time limits across every device their kids use, from phones to game consoles to TVs,” said Joel Thayer, Digital Progress Institute President.“It does this the right way, by design protecting children’s privacy, barring any centralized database of minor activity, and preserving cybersecurity, while requiring NIST to build the standard in consultation with the FTC, the Surgeon General, medical professionals, and child safety advocates. DPI is proud to support this bill and urges Congress to move quickly to get it into parents’ hands.”\n\n“Parents RISE! strongly supports Congressman Whitesides’ TOTAL Screen Time Act and applauds his leadership in giving families better tools to protect children’s digital well-being, said Julianna Arnold, Parents RISE! Executive Director. “A secure, privacy-protective standard that works across devices would provide parents with a practical way to set consistent limits. These tools are an important part of a broader child-safety framework that must also require technology companies to design products that protect children from foreseeable harm.”\n\nThe TOTAL Screen Time Act would:\n\nEstablish interoperable standards by directing NIST to develop a voluntary technical standard enabling parents to set and enforce screen time limits across multiple “covered devices,” including phones, tablets, computers, game consoles, and televisions.\n\nPrioritize privacy and security by requiring that the standard minimize data exchange between devices, prohibit the creation of a centralized database tracking minors’ activity, and preserve strong cybersecurity protections.\n\nEngage experts by requiring NIST to consult with the Federal Trade Commission, the Surgeon General, device manufacturers, medical professionals, and child safety and privacy advocacy organizations throughout the development of the draft and final standard.\n\nThis legislation builds on Rep. Whitesides’ ongoing work on children’s digital wellbeing. He has held roundtables with parents, educators, and students across the Santa Clarita and Antelope Valley to hear directly about how screen time and social media are affecting young people, and take that feedback to Washington.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-williams-introduces-resolution-support-glioblastoma-1", "title": "Congressman Williams Introduces Resolution in Support of Glioblastoma Awareness Day", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "williams.house.gov", "scraper": "williams", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000816", "name": "Roger Williams", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) introduced a bipartisan resolution expressing support for designating July 15, 2026, as \"Glioblastoma Awareness Day.\" Congressman Williams was joined by Representatives Brian Mast, Jake Auchincloss, and Jan Schakowsky in leading this resolution to raise awareness of Glioblastoma and honor those impacted by the disease. The late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced the companion resolution in the Senate, continuing efforts to recognize Glioblastoma Awareness Day, a cause he championed in honor of the late Senator John McCain.\n\n\"Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive and devastating forms of brain cancer, affecting thousands of Americans and families like mine every year,\" said Congressman Williams. \"By recognizing Glioblastoma Awareness Day, we honor the strength of those affected and renew our commitment to advancing research, improving treatment options, and one day finding a cure.\"\n\n“On the eighth annual Glioblastoma Awareness Day, July 15, 2026, we will gather as a community to amplify the voices, experiences, and urgent needs of everyone living with Glioblastoma, one of the most complex, treatment-resistant, and deadliest types of cancer,” said David Arons, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Brain Tumor Society. “We give our thanks to the leaders in the House and Senate who made the bipartisan resolutions possible, officially designating July 15, 2026, as Glioblastoma Awareness Day.”\n\n---\n\nBackground:\n\nGlioblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor and one of the deadliest forms of cancer.\n\nMore than 14,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with Glioblastoma in 2026.\n\nThe 5-year survival rate for Glioblastoma patients is only 7.1 percent, and the median length of survival for Glioblastoma patients is approximately nine months.\n\nH.Res. 1270 bill text here.\n\nSupporting Organizations: The National Brain Tumor Society\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=410870", "title": "Womack Votes for Fiscal Year 2027 Funding Bill to Protect America’s Interests Abroad", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://womack.house.gov/news", "domain": "womack.house.gov", "scraper": "womack", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000809", "name": "Steve Womack", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 15, 2026…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted in support of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act that was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nThis bill allocates $47.32 billion in discretionary spending to fund the Department of State and related agencies.\n\nCongressman Womack said, “Our national security is strongest when we invest wisely, and thanks to the leadership of my friend, Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart, this bill does exactly that. It strategically supports our allies while ensuring American taxpayer dollars do not benefit our foreign adversaries. I am encouraged that House leadership recognizes the importance of advancing this measure swiftly—not only to protect our national interests abroad, but also to restore regular order to the appropriations process.”\n\nBill highlights:\n\nBolsters United States national security and protects American interests abroad by:\n\nProviding unwavering support for Israel by including $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program funds.\n\nProviding robust assistance for key United States partners Egypt and Jordan.\n\nIncluding $500 million in Foreign Military Financing Program funding for Taiwan and $200 million for the Philippines.\n\nFully funding the Countering PRC Influence Fund at $400 million.\n\nProviding $1.8 billion for United States national security interests in the Indo-Pacific and to counter the PRC’s malign influence.\n\nDenying the Chinese Communist Party access to U.S.-backed resources.\n\nProhibiting assistance to individuals or entities that support, finance, or facilitate the operations or commercial activities of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, Ministry of Interior, or their affiliates.\n\nProhibiting funds to the Taliban.\n\nProhibiting funds for organizations who may have hired terrorists that took part in the October 7th, 2023, mass atrocities–including the murder of 50 Americans since the initial attack–but refuse to cooperate with United States Inspector General investigations.\n\nSupporting religious freedom programs abroad and religious freedom protections for faith-based organizations delivering foreign aid.\n\nHolding foreign governments and bad actors accountable for persecuting people of faith, including by restricting assistance to Nigeria until measurable actions are taken to protect Christian communities suffering from religious violence.\n\nConfronting human trafficking by prohibiting funding for countries and organizations that exploit Cuban doctors, while directing the Secretary of State to pull visas for officials involved in such practices.\n\nA summary of the bill is available HERE.\n\nThe bill text is available HERE.\n\nCongressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.\n\nwomack.house.gov\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/alsobrooks-votes-to-advance-water-resources-development-act-of-2026/", "title": "ALSOBROOKS VOTES TO ADVANCE WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2026", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.alsobrooks.senate.gov", "scraper": "alsobrooks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000382", "name": "Angela D. Alsobrooks", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "July 15, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works’ (EPW) Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, attended the EPW’s Committee markup of the Water Resources Development Act of 2026. After the markup, Senator Alsobrooks voted “yes” along with Committee colleagues to unanimously advance the Water Resources Development Act of 2026.\n\nWATCH ALSOBROOKS’ FULL QUESTIONING HERE\n\n“Every family, every business, every school, and every community depends on safe, abundant, reliable water—and on the partnerships that cross municipal lines and unite rural and urban communities to manage flood risk and harness the economic opportunities afforded to us by our waterways. In Maryland—whether you’re from the Eastern Shore or Mountain Maryland, Baltimore or the suburbs, we are all connected by the same rivers, the same streams, and the Chesapeake Bay,” said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\nSenator Alsobrooks is proud of the real results for Maryland included in this legislation:\n\nEnvironmental Infrastructure Implementation\n\nAmends Section 219, which authorizes the Army Corps to assist non-federal partners with local environmental infrastructure and water-related projects, to allow non-federal interests to lead design and construction and receive reimbursement for the federal share of costs, which will streamline implementation and lower costs.\n\nPotomac River Basin Water Supply Study\n\nMuch of Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Washington, DC, and parts of Northern Virginia rely on the Potomac River for drinking water. If the river were contaminated by a chemical spill, major infrastructure failure, or other emergency, there is only a limited amount of stored treated water available. The Army Corps has noted that some systems have only 24 to 48 hours of supply if the Potomac became unusable. This study will evaluate long-term and large-scale secondary water supply options in the Potomac River Basin, primarily for Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and DC.\n\nAssateague Island Shoreline Restoration\n\nAssateague Island has been eroding at an accelerated rate and is extremely vulnerable to breaching. This bill authorizes a study to extend federal participation in the shoreline restoration project.\n\nChesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program Authorization Increase\n\nThe Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program focuses on the restoration and rehabilitation of reef habitat to provide for self-sustaining native oyster populations and associated fish and wildlife habitat within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The program is roughly $38M away from its authorized cap of $120M. The bill increases authorized funds for the oyster recovery program from $120,000,000 to $150,000,000, allowing for critical oyster recovery work to continue.\n\nChesapeake & Ohio Canal Re-Watering Cost Share Adjustment\n\nUnder previous WRDA authorities, the federal government is responsible for 65 percent of project costs, and the City of Cumberland is responsible for 35 percent of the project costs. This high cost ratio is overly burdensome for Cumberland’s budget, and work is currently halted for the project. The cost share for the C&O re-watering project is adjusted from 65-35 to 90-10, allowing the Corps and Cumberland to begin to move forward with the project. The project will restore and rewater the historic C&O Canal terminus, supporting downtown revitalization, tourism, and economic development while complementing Cumberland’s broader flood risk management efforts.\n\nMussel Restoration Authorization\n\nAdds mussels to the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program, allowing Maryland to continue its mussel restoration work.\n\nCurtis Creek Maintenance\n\nThe Curtis Creek Federal Navigation Channel serves the U.S. Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, the Coast Guard’s only shipbuilding and major repair facility. The existing federal maintenance dredging authorization is limited to a depth of 22 feet, which no longer reflects the operational needs of the modern Coast Guard fleet. The Coast Guard is currently funding and completing an initial dredging of the channel to accommodate newer vessels. However, once that work is complete, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will only be authorized to maintain the channel at its currently authorized depth of 22 feet. This bill fixes that and allows the Corps to dredge to maintain a depth of 27 feet, provided the Corps determines that it is economically justified, important for national security benefits, and environmentally acceptable. Maintaining reliable access to the Yard is not just critical for our national security, but it is also important to Maryland’s economy. The Yard supports more than 6,500 jobs and generates approximately $900 million in annual economic output. Ensuring the channel can continue accommodating modern Coast Guard vessels protects these jobs, sustains Maryland’s maritime industrial base, and preserves the Yard’s long-term operational capability.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-ernst-lead-bill-to-cut-red-tape-expand-internet-access-in-rural-communities", "title": "Baldwin, Ernst Lead Bill to Cut Red Tape, Expand Internet Access in Rural Communities", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced bipartisan legislation to expand access to broadband in rural areas and ease the burden of regulatory costs for smaller broadband providers that rural communities rely on.\n\n“Wisconsinites in every corner of our state depend on reliable, high-speed internet to run their businesses, attend school, manage their farms, and so much more,” said Senator Baldwin. “Unfortunately, burdensome regulations intended for much larger companies are hurting our small broadband providers and limiting their ability to reach more people. My bipartisan bill cuts through that red tape and helps our local providers expand access to high speed, affordable internet for families and businesses across Wisconsin.”\n\n“Reliable broadband is essential for Iowa families, farmers, students, and small businesses,” said Senator Ernst. “I'm proud to partner with Senator Baldwin to cut unnecessary red tape through our bipartisan ACCESS Rural America Act so small, rural broadband providers can spend less time on paperwork and more time connecting rural America.”\n\nThe Access to Capital Creates Economic Strength and Supports (ACCESS) Rural America Act provides regulatory relief to rural telecommunications service providers by allowing them to submit streamlined financial reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These small companies—many of which are the sole service providers in their region—could be put out of business by regulatory costs and unnecessary red tape. Specifically, this bipartisan legislation would create an exemption from certain SEC public registration and reporting requirements for rural telecommunications companies. This will save these small companies from costly and burdensome requirements that were never intended for them.\n\nThe bill is supported by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association.\n\n“Federal Securities and Exchange Commission registration and reporting requirements intended for larger, publicly-traded firms pose significant challenges for, and can impose substantial burdens on, smaller, locally-owned companies with limited resources. NTCA therefore greatly appreciates the leadership of Senators Baldwin and Ernst in introducing the ‘ACCESS Rural America Act,’ which will help relieve these burdens and enable small providers to focus more on their core mission of deploying and operating advanced broadband networks in rural areas,” said Mike Romano, CEO of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association.\n\n“The Wisconsin contingent of rural local community-based providers are elated to see the bipartisan bill and to eagerly work with Senator Baldwin and her office on the ACCESS Rural America Act. As rural providers, our customers and stakeholders will benefit from the long-awaited relief of the bill to free up local providers to better serve rural America with lesser cost and restraint via additional SEC regulations. It is a great time to unleash the collective rural based providers for the likes of BEAD related and other funding programs as we celebrate the 30th year of The Telecommunications Act of 1996 that helped boost markets and innovation as this may have a similar effect. Many of these rural local community-providers in Wisconsin have existed and served for over about half of our nation’s 250-year celebration and endeavor to continue to serve deftly with bills like ACCESS Rural America Act paving the way. Thank you, Senator Baldwin, for your dedication to rural Wisconsin constituents on behalf of our community-based providers across the state,” said John Klatt, President of Lakeland Communications.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here. A one-pager on the bill is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-presses-trump-health-nominees-on-vaccine-conspiracy-theories-and-putting-politics-ahead-of-americans-health", "title": "Baldwin Presses Trump Health Nominees on Vaccine Conspiracy Theories and Putting Politics Ahead of Americans’ Health", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) pressed two of President Donald Trump’s top health nominees on vaccine skepticism and promotion of conspiracy theories and the ongoing politicization of public health and research threatening the health of Americans. During the confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Baldwin pressed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nominee, Dr. Erica Schwartz, on whether she thinks vaccines are safe and effective and whether political influence and pressure from President Trump would come before the health and safety of Americans. Senator Baldwin also questioned Trump’s nominee to lead the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Sean Kaufman, on his view of vaccines given his track record promoting the disproven link between safe vaccines and autism and previous statements that he would “rather perish” than allow his child to get the COVID-19 vaccine.\n\nThe hearing comes as President Trump and HHS Secretary RFK, Jr.’s agenda continues to threaten Americans’ health and safety, routinely putting politics before science. Under President Trump, the CDC has forced out thousands of career scientists and employees tasked with tracking infectious disease outbreaks and safety hazards, issued vaccine recommendations that undercut decades of settled science, and cut grants to states. Additionally, a recent rule pushed by the Trump Administration would create a government-wide mechanism requiring political review of every grant, add restrictions on what funded researchers can publish, and expand the President’s handpicked staff authority to terminate grants on a whim.\n\nThe Trump administration and HHS Secretary RFK, Jr.’s vaccine policy also continues to hurt Americans, including attempting to change the number of shots routinely recommended to children, including for flu, hepatitis A, rotavirus and meningococcal disease. President Trump’s first CDC Director, Susan Monarez, was fired last year after refusing to acquiesce to a demand from RFK, Jr. that she pre-approve a childhood vaccine schedule without scientific evidence. This spring, a study showing the effectiveness of COVID vaccines was blocked from publication by Trump officials. This administration’s work to undercut faith in vaccines comes as the United States is seeing record numbers of vaccine-preventable diseases. As of early July, 2,231 measles cases were confirmed, according to CDC data, already nearing 2025 totals. 93% of these cases have been linked to people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.\n\nA full video of Senator Baldwin’s questioning is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-blasts-democrats-for-blocking-the-national-defense-authorization-act/", "title": "Barrasso Blasts Democrats for Blocking the National Defense Authorization Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/", "domain": "www.barrasso.senate.gov", "scraper": "barrasso", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001261", "name": "John Barrasso", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“By voting against the National Defense Authorization Act, Democrats are disrespecting American troops. Democrats are undermining American security. Democrats are jeopardizing American strength.”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today blasted Democrats for blocking consideration of the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Senator Barrasso discussed how Senate Democrats continue to stand in the way of a pay raise for our troops and funding for the military capabilities needed to keep America safe.\n\nClick HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.\n\nSen. Barrasso’s remarks as delivered:\n\n“Few votes in this body are as important as the vote to fund our troops, our military. Yesterday, right here on this Floor of the United States Senate, every single Democrat voted to block that funding.\n\n“And just ten minutes ago the Minority Leader came to the Floor and bragged about the fact that the Democrats had blocked the funding for our military. He stood here and said they’re proud of the fact that they are once again choosing politics over the security of our nation. That’s what we’re facing here in the United States Senate today.\n\n“We’re talking about the National Defense Authorization Act, and this Congress has passed this bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act every year for the past 65 years. And when it came to the Floor of the Senate yesterday, the Minority Leader said to the Democrats, ‘Say no. Say no to the military.’ I’m going to go through the list of all the things they said no to yesterday.\n\n“This year should be no different than the other years – 65 years in a row. This year’s defense bill gives our military every tool it needs to keep us as Americans safe. It invests in peace through strength at home and abroad. Importantly, this bill provides a pay raise for the men and women who defend our nation.\n\n“Every single Democrat in this chamber joined Senator Schumer, joined Bernie Sanders, joined Elizabeth Warren, and said, ‘Nope. We’re not voting for it.’ ‘We’re not voting for it.’ That’s what they said. They refused to allow the debate to even begin. This is before the bill even started the debate here on the Floor of the Senate. And it’s interesting because many of them flip-flopped. What do I mean by that? It means first, many of them voted for the bill in the Committee to send it to the Floor, then it gets to the Floor, and what happens? All of them voted to block it from even beginning the debate. Apparently, Democrats were for it before they were against it.\n\n“Here’s what Democrats voted against. They voted against higher pay for our troops. They voted against better healthcare for our service members and their families. Democrats voted against better housing for our troops. Democrats voted against stronger deterrence. Democrats voted against a more lethal military. Democrats voted against a larger, stronger Navy. Democrats even voted against a modern nuclear deterrent. Don’t we want to deter nuclear war? This is at a time when nuclear weapons are proliferating all around the world.\n\n“In my home state of Wyoming, we have F.E. Warren Air Force Base. The airmen who serve there are the lynchpin of our land-based nuclear force. The deterrence there has been known over the decades as our nation’s ‘ace in the hole.’ That’s how it works. The desire to protect us as a nation. Democrats voted against all of it.\n\n“They actually even voted against expanding our military recruitment effort. They don’t want us to be able to recruit for the military, and they don’t want the military to be properly funded and equipped in a way to protect us as a nation. Democrats actually even voted against more savings for taxpayers. Democrats voted against protecting women’s sports at our military schools. They don’t want any of that. Democrats voted against promotions based on merit and merit alone. Oh no, you’ve merited and earned a promotion – no you’re not getting it on merit alone.\n\n“That’s who the Democrats have become. That’s the threat to our nation. This far-leftist group that’s telling the Democrats here on the Floor of the Senate what to do and for things that have been bipartisan in the past. They said ‘No, we can’t do that anymore. This left, far-left wing of the party is telling us what to do and how to march in step.’\n\n“Democrats voted against ending harmful DEI mandates. They voted against stronger border security. They like open borders. They don’t want border security. They voted against funding to combat against cartels that are moving poison into the country, killing young people in record numbers. Democrats voted against stopping the flood of deadly drugs and illegal border crossings.\n\n“Just two days ago, right here on the Senate Floor, Senator from Maryland, Senator Chris Van Hollen said this. He said, missile defense, to defend against incoming missiles for the American people he said, in his words ‘wasteful spending.’ It’s remarkable. Defending the country, ‘wasteful spending.’ That’s who the Democrats have become.\n\n“The Democrats act like penny-pinchers when it comes to pay our troops to protect our homeland. Yet they accept the astronomical cost of the waste, the fraud, the abuse. Free healthcare for illegal immigrants. The fraud that’s happening like we’re seeing in Minnesota. All of those things. The Democrats are for all of that, but they’re not for our troops and they’re not for defending our nation. That’s the Democrat Party of today. The Democrats of today are radical. They are extreme. They are dangerous. They are scary. Well the world’s a dangerous place. And by voting against the National Defense Authorization Act, Democrats are disrespecting the American troops. They are undermining American security, and Democrats are jeopardizing American strength.\n\n“Our friend Lindsey Graham, he believed in peace through strength. I do as well, as do most Americans. Not the Democrat party of today. It’s time for us to act on that belief. That America’s best when we are strong, and it helps make us more safe. It is time for the Senate to pass the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act. And it’s time for Democrats to act like Americans.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/07/15/bennet-hickenlooper-hurd-support-gorp-act-at-senate-energy-and-natural-resources-committee-hearing/", "title": "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Hurd Support GORP Act at Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Video of Bennet’s testimony is available HERE.\n\nWashington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet testified during the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining hearing in support of his Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection (GORP) Act. This is the first time this legislation has received a committee hearing.\n\nOver the last decade, Bennet has worked with Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and Congressman Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.), seven counties in Central and Western Colorado, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, local municipalities, local businesses, and public lands users from dirt bikers to ranchers and conservationists to develop this bill. This legislation would permanently protect key portions of the Gunnison Basin and the surrounding regions through a variety of public land management tools, including special designations focused on recreation, wildlife, scientific research, and conservation.\n\n“Over a decade ago, I stood on the banks of the Slate River in the Gunnison Basin and promised the local community that if they could agree on a shared vision to protect this landscape, I would carry a bill to help make that vision a reality, and they did…These conversations reflect a broad vision for the landscape, bipartisan agreement on common sense solutions, and ultimately strong support for the Gunnison Outdoor Resource Protection Act, or as we call it, the GORP Act.” Bennet said during his testimony.\n\n“The Gunnison Basin’s sprawling landscapes and breathtaking scenery are a gem of the West,” said Hickenlooper. “Let’s protect these lands for generations to come.”\n\nThe GORP Act would protect over 730,000 acres of public lands in western Colorado, safeguarding the region’s local economy, world-class recreation, ranching heritage, wildlife habitat, and clean air and water. The bill also includes provisions for recreational boating in Delta County and, at the request of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, transfers the Pinecrest Ranch from fee ownership to trust ownership.\n\nBennet drafted the GORP Act at the request of Gunnison County and based on a proposal from the Gunnison Public Lands Initiative. The bill also reflects the input from surrounding counties and feedback Bennet received during a public comment period held in 2022. Bennet and Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) first introduced the GORP Act in 2024 and reintroduced this legislation in 2025. U.S. Representative Jeff Hurd introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives in 2025.\n\nDuring this hearing, Bennet submitted more than 30 letters of support for the GORP Act into the record, including from The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, 7 counties, 5 cities and towns, over 110 local businesses, and 17 NGOs.\n\nThe text of the bill is available HERE. Maps of the areas designated by the bill are HERE. A summary of the bill is HERE. You can find additional information, including support letters and answers to frequently asked questions on the GORP Act website HERE.\n\nStatements of Support:\n\nColorado’s great outdoors are known around the world and this bill marks a valuable step in the protection and management of the incredible Gunnison Basin for future generations of Coloradans and visitors,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis. “I appreciate Senator Bennet’s and Congressman Hurd’s leadership on this issue and look forward to continuing to engage on this bill with them as it moves forward.\n\n“As a former resident of the Gunnison Valley and Western Colorado University graduate, I am intimately aware of the importance public lands, wildlife and outdoor recreation are to local communities’ economy and environment,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “Our forests, water, wildlife and open spaces are some of our most precious natural resources and outdoor recreation drives visitors and residents to our state to enjoy our diverse opportunities. I commend Senator Bennet, Representative Hurd and the many diverse stakeholders on developing the locally driven Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection Act. I look forward to working alongside all interested parties as this legislation makes its way through the U.S. Congress.”\n\n“The GORP Act is the product of the way we do business in Gunnison County: We sit down with our friends and neighbors and do the hard work of finding common ground and durable solutions that best serve our communities. Public Lands touch every aspect of our lives and are the backbone of our economy, our values and our way of life. I am proud of the work we have done to bring so many stakeholders- snowmobilers, ranchers, mountain bikers, hunters/anglers and conservationists to name a few- together,” said Jonathan Houck, Gunnison County Commissioner. “While GORP started in Gunnison County, I couldn’t be happier to stand with five neighboring Western Slope counties in support of this legislation, and I thank Senator Bennet for listening to our communities and to Congressman Hurd for supporting the hard work of his constituents in this part of his district.”\n\nDelta County is glad to have worked with Senator Bennet and Representative Hurd on the GORP Act,” said the Delta County Commissioners. “Its provisions for Delta County will provide public access to a boat ramp, ensure that the BLM can continue to permit existing motorized boat use, provide for adaptive management of our USFS lands, and bring forward a thoughtful balance of uses on public lands in the North Fork Valley. This legislation shows what’s possible when we roll up our sleeves and work together.”\n\n“As we traverse from Pitkin to Gunnison over West Maroon Pass, we are enjoying the awe of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The GORP Act expands our existing wilderness, protecting vistas and valley floors, providing stewardship and lasting protection for generations,” said Jeffrey Woodruff, Chair of the Board of Pitkin County Commissioners. “These valuable lands offer wildlife refuge, reserves for clean water, and access to quiet recreation. The GORP Act protects land residents view as sacred and visitors experience the spirit and value of conservation.”\n\n“Hinsdale County was proud to have collaborated with Senator Bennet, Gunnison County and Ouray County on the GORP Act,” said Kristie Borchers, Chair, Hinsdale County Board of County Commissioners. “We are excited that a key portion of the scenic Cimarron area where Hinsdale, Ouray and Gunnison County come together will be protected by this legislation. This bill will help protect our watersheds and the landscapes that attract the visitors who help drive our mountain town economies in the San Juan Mountains. We look forward to seeing the GORP Act move forward in Congress and we are excited to see Congressman Hurd introduce a companion version of this bill in the US House. The support on the ground for GORP is bipartisan and it’s great to see the bill have bipartisan support in Washington DC as well.”\n\n“The GORP Act sets the bar for collaborative and beneficial legislation,” said Lynn Padgett, Ouray County Commissioner. “I am forever grateful to Senator Bennet and his team and stakeholders like Gunnison, Hinsdale, and Ouray Counties for enthusiastically working together to include the proposed Uncompahgre Wilderness expansion and especially for protecting Turret Ridge. The peaks of the Cimarron Range are unique in their scenery and geology. The GORP Act not only protects important migration areas for elk and key habitats for lynx and moose. The GORP Act protects our precious wildlands, vital to our local economy and quality of life. We deeply appreciate that Representative Hurd has now joined the effort to pass this bill in the US House.”\n\n“As a rural mountain community whose economy, culture, and quality of life are deeply connected to public lands, Chaffee County understands the importance of thoughtful, locally informed conservation efforts that balance recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, historic uses, and sustainable economic vitality,” said the Chaffee County Commissioners. “The GORP Act reflects this balanced and collaborative approach. The public lands addressed through the GORP Act are an essential part of Colorado’s outdoor heritage and regional economy. Protecting these landscapes will help preserve critical wildlife habitat, safeguard watersheds that sustain downstream communities and agricultural operations, and maintain the outstanding recreational opportunities that support local businesses and tourism economies throughout central and western Colorado.”\n\n“As Mayor of Crested Butte I am beyond excited to see GORP receive its first hearing,” said Ian Billick, Mayor of Crested Butte. “This is a testament to the community conversation shepherded by Senator Bennet, as well as his foresight and hard work. Serious kudos to Representative Jeff Hurd for stepping up to support this bill as well, making it clear that when local communities invest their blood, sweat, and tears in working through hard conversations, in this instance for more than 10 years, bipartisan progress is possible! Working together we can make good things happen.”\n\n“We appreciate the Committee taking this important step towards the enactment of the GORP Act and stand ready to continue our support through the remainder of the legislative process” said members of the Gunnison Public Lands Initiative in a joint statement. “With the many significant challenges facing our public lands, waters, and Federal land management agencies, the enactment of the GORP Act has never been more important or urgent.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/video-blackburn-scorches-durbin-for-grandstanding-on-epstein-files-after-he-previously-blocked-subpoena-requests", "title": "VIDEO: Blackburn Scorches Durbin for Grandstanding on Epstein Files After He Previously Blocked Subpoena Requests", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "domain": "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "scraper": "blackburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001243", "name": "Marsha Blackburn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“When Ranking Member Durbin was Chairman in the last Congress, I tried repeatedly to subpoena the Epstein files so that we could get those banking records and those flight logs.”\n\n“Repeatedly, that was blocked.”\n\n“So, the Democrats at that point didn’t want to know what was in the Epstein files until they lost the majority, and then they were hell bent to get that.”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today during U.S. Attorney General Nominee Todd Blanche’s confirmation hearing, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) slammed Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) for pretending to care about the Epstein files after he previously blocked Senator Blackburn’s requests to subpoena the Epstein flight logs as Chairman of the Committee.\n\nSenator Blackburn spoke with Acting Attorney General Blanche about the tremendous success of the Memphis Safe Task Force and the need to pass her Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act, her Ban Birth Tourism Act, and her Fraud Accountability Act to support his work on these issues at the U.S. Department of Justice.\n\nClick here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks.\n\nRELATED\n\nBlackburn Schools Durbin After He Lies About Blocking Her Requests for Epstein Flight Logs", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-hawley-press-medicare-advantage-insurers-about-refusal-of-care-for-vulnerable-seniors", "title": "Blumenthal & Hawley Press Medicare Advantage Insurers About Refusal of Care for Vulnerable Seniors", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), a member of PSI, are demanding answers from Medicare Advantage insurers UnitedHealthcare, CVS, and Humana about the companies’ refusal of care for vulnerable seniors. In letters sent yesterday to the three insurers, the Senators pressed the companies for records and information after recent reports issued by the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General (HHS OIG) revealed the scale of insurers’ use of prior authorization to deny post-acute care to patients.\n\nPointing to the HHS OIG’s findings, Blumenthal and Hawley wrote in a letter to Jim Rechtin, President and CEO of Humana, “These findings follow and closely track those of an October 2024 staff report of PSI finding that Humana and other Medicare Advantage insurers disproportionately denied post-acute care to America’s most vulnerable patients. These new HHS OIG reports suggest that little has changed, and call into question claims your company has made since the release of the Subcommittee’s report that it is reining in prior authorization.”\n\nThe Senators continued, “In the period since the Subcommittee’s report, Humana and other large insurers have claimed that they are reducing the burden prior authorization poses for members and their healthcare providers.”\n\nThe Senators continued, “Because of an absence of comprehensive reporting requirements, Medicare Advantage insurers are able to hide the full extent of denials of care resulting from their abuse of prior authorization. HHS OIG’s recent reports make clear that critical data reporting gaps highlighted by the Subcommittee continue to obscure the full extent of this problem.”\n\n“This year, the federal government is projected to spend $76 billion more to cover Medicare Advantage enrollees than it would have if these beneficiaries were enrolled in Traditional Medicare…As Humana and others continue to deny claims at record rates and pursue lucrative technologies that threaten patient wellbeing, it is incumbent upon Congress to provide oversight of this vast expenditure of taxpayer dollars,” the Senators concluded.\n\nLast Congress, Blumenthal led an investigation into the barriers facing seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage in accessing care. As part of that probe, Blumenthal released a staff report detailing how the nation’s largest Medicare Advantage insurers use prior authorization to target stays in skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and long-term acute care hospitals in order to boost their profits.\n\nThe full text of Blumenthal and Hawley’s letter to Humana is available here and below. Similar letters were sent to CVS and UnitedHealthcare.\n\nDear Mr. Rechtin:\n\nTwo recent reports issued by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS OIG) contain troubling findings about the scale of prior authorization denials in the Medicare Advantage program by Humana and other large insurers. These findings follow and closely track those of an October 2024 staff report of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (“PSI” or “the Subcommittee”) finding that Humana and other Medicare Advantage insurers disproportionately denied post-acute care to America’s most vulnerable patients. These new HHS OIG reports suggest that little has changed, and call into question claims your company has made since the release of the Subcommittee’s report that it is reining in prior authorization. Accordingly, we write to request updated information about your company’s prior authorization practices.\n\nThe Subcommittee’s report was based on a review of more than 280,000 pages of documents from the three largest Medicare Advantage insurers, including internal emails and strategy documents, as well as prior authorization data not previously provided to regulators. The documents and data showed that Humana and other insurers denied prior authorization requests for admission to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs), and long-term acute care hospitals (LTCHs) at rates vastly higher than for other types of treatments. Stays in these facilities can be critical to recovery for vulnerable seniors who have been ill or injured. Documents obtained by the Subcommittee indicated that insurers sought ways to deny increasing shares of this expensive care.\n\nIn the period since the Subcommittee’s report, Humana and other large insurers have claimed that they are reducing the burden prior authorization poses for members and their healthcare providers. But the recent HHS OIG reports, which were based on data from approximately a year-and-a-half after the Subcommittee’s report, demonstrate that prior authorization’s disproportionate impact on post-acute care has, if anything, intensified.\n\nOne HHS OIG report found that the largest Medicare Advantage insurers denied prior authorization requests for admission to LTCHs and IRFs at substantially higher rates than other insurers.4 Humana, for example, denied 72 percent of IRF admission requests, while 16 smaller insurers covering Medicare Advantage beneficiaries denied an average of 41 percent of such requests. The report noted that it was “unclear why some [insurers] had denial rates that were much higher than their peers,” and that it potentially indicated that some insurers were pursuing non-standard interpretations or applications of coverage criteria for these facilities. HHS OIG has previously examined individual claims from large Medicare Advantage insurers and found that they denied post-acute care claims that would have been approved under Traditional Medicare, a potential violation of federal healthcare regulations.\n\nThe second HHS OIG report found that the largest Medicare Advantage insurers had among the highest rates of prior authorization denial for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).6 Humana denied 13.5 percent of all SNF prior authorization requests. As was the case with other insurers, almost all of those initial denials were subsequently overturned, and as HHS OIG noted, “each overturned denial represents a case in which the patient or their provider had to file an appeal to access SNF services that were medically necessary and covered by Medicare.” Research has shown that the delays associated with such needless denials are “associated with measurable patient harm.”\n\nThe data contained in these reports indicate that the disparities the Subcommittee revealed either endure or have grown worse. For example, PSI found that in 2022, Humana denied 6.3 percent of prior authorization requests for SNFs. According to HHS OIG, by June 2024 that figure had more than doubled. If extended on an annual basis, this increase would amount to thousands of additional denials of care for vulnerable seniors every year. Because of an absence of comprehensive reporting requirements, Medicare Advantage insurers are able to hide the full extent of denials of care resulting from their abuse of prior authorization. HHS OIG’s recent reports make clear that critical data reporting gaps highlighted by the Subcommittee continue to obscure the full extent of this problem.\n\nThe Subcommittee’s previous investigation followed reports that insurers had deployed artificial intelligence to limit beneficiary access to post-acute care.8 Data from PSI’s report demonstrated that denial rates for post-acute care had increased at the same time Humana and other insurers were investing in artificial intelligence and other predictive technologies used to evaluate admission requests for these facilities.9 Although each of the insurers insisted that all final denials had to come from human reviewers, the Subcommittee documented ways in which their employees may have been pressured to hew to machine-generated recommendations, and that contractors may have had greater flexibility when using predictive technologies.\n\nAs noted in a letter to your company last fall, the increasing reliance of large insurers on predictive technologies poses a profound risk for seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage.10 A majority of healthcare providers believe that predictive technologies will—or already have—result in an increase in prior authorization denials.11 And the potential misuse of these technologies is likely to expand as artificial intelligence becomes further integrated into our healthcare system.\n\nThis year, the federal government is projected to spend $76 billion more to cover Medicare Advantage enrollees than it would have if these beneficiaries were enrolled in Traditional Medicare.13 Despite the Trump Administration’s promises to crack down on excesses in the program, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ latest rules for the Medicare Advantage program abandoned plans to curtail overpayments, an announcement that sent the stock prices of the largest insurers skyward.14 As Humana and others continue to deny claims at record rates and pursue lucrative technologies that threaten patient wellbeing, it is incumbent upon Congress to provide oversight of this vast expenditure of taxpayer dollars.\n\nIn order to help the Subcommittee assess the prior authorization practices of Medicare Advantage insurers, please provide the information requested below by July 28, 2026. The period covered by this request is January 1, 2023 to the present.\n\nAll records15 referring or relating to Humana’s process for authorizing or covering post-acute care or services for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, including, but not limited to, the use of any algorithm, software, or artificial intelligence to determine medical necessity, payment, or authorization.\n\nAll records referring or relating to Humana’s handling of appeals of denials of post-acute care.\n\nA breakdown of the personnel relied upon by Humana to evaluate prior authorization requests for post-acute care by Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, including:\n\na. The number of employees, by year, with these responsibilities;\n\nb. The number of contractors, by year, with these responsibilities;\n\nc. The number of the employees and contractors identified in response to Questions 3(a) and 3(b) that are medical doctors.\n\nThe number of prior authorization requests your company has processed for admission to the following facilities, by year, from 2023 through the present:\n\na. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs);\n\nb. Inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs);\n\nc. Long-term acute care hospitals (LTCHs).\n\nFor each of the facility types identified in Question 4, please also provide, on an annual basis:\n\na. The number of prior authorization requests that received an initial denial;\n\nb. The number of these initial denials that were appealed;\n\nc. The number of these appeals that were overturned by Humana.\n\nFor Medicare Advantage beneficiaries admitted to SNFs, please provide, on an annual basis:\n\na. The number of Notices of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNCs) provided to these enrollees;\n\nb. The average length of stay preceding issuance of a NOMNC;\n\nc. The number of beneficiaries who received and then appealed a NOMNC, and the share of these appeals that were successful;\n\nd. The number of successful appeals of NOMNCs who subsequently received one or more coverage termination notices;\n\ne. For the enrollees described in Question 6(d), the average length of time between a successful appeal of an NOMNC and the issuance of a subsequent coverage termination notice.\n\nOrganizational charts reflecting corporate structure, officers, directors, and employees.\n\nA detailed explanation for the significant variation in denial rates between Humana and other Medicare Advantage insurers for prior authorization requests for admission to post-acute care facilities as described in the recent HHS OIG reports.\n\nWill Humana commit to supporting CMS regulations calling for more detailed reporting by Medicare Advantage plans to require a standardized field indicating responses to requests for admission to post-acute care facilities, broken down by facility type?\n\nDoes it remain the policy of Humana that final adverse determinations for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries cannot be made by AI or other predictive technologies?\n\nIf not, please provide a detailed description of when this change was implemented, as well as copies of all documentation reflecting the change in policy.\n\nWhich AI or predictive technologies have been employed by Humana for the evaluation of patient care or the payment for patient services? Please include the name of the technology, how it is used, and any limitations on its use.\n\nPlease describe any policies implemented since October 2025 to prevent predictive technologies from unduly influencing the work of human clinicians, and provide copies of each policy.\n\nAll records reflecting any complaints received by Humana about the use of algorithms, software, or artificial intelligence.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-murphy-applaud-house-passage-of-bill-to-name-west-haven-va-medical-center-after-us-army-captain-paul-bud-bucha", "title": "Blumenthal & Murphy Applaud House Passage of Bill to Name West Haven VA Medical Center After U.S. Army Captain Paul \"Bud\" Bucha", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives passage of a bill to rename the West Haven VA Medical Center in honor of U.S Army Captain Paul “Bud” Bucha — a longtime resident of Ridgefield and Medal of Honor recipient, who died on July 31st, 2024.\n\nIn August 2025, just days after the first anniversary of Captain Bucha’s death, the Senate unanimously approved legislation introduced by Blumenthal and Murphy to name the West Haven VAMC in his honor. Captain Bucha received care at the West Haven VAMC after his service and notably, at the end of his life. Today, the House passed an identical bill led by U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro.\n\n\"I am thrilled we are one step closer to renaming the West Haven VA Medical Center in honor of a true American hero — Captain Paul \"Bud\" Bucha. Our bill, which I led, honors Bud's bravery and service, and his tireless advocacy for fellow veterans. I am grateful for the strong show of support in the House, and now we must all work together to get this bill signed into law without delay,” Blumenthal said.\n\n“From his service in Vietnam to his tenacious advocacy for veterans in Connecticut, Captain Bucha left an impact everywhere he went. He was second to none in courage, and renaming the West Haven VA Medical Center in his honor will serve as an enduring reminder and a call to action to mirror his commitment to protect others and support our veterans,” Murphy said.\n\nCaptain Bucha received the Medal of Honor in 1970 for his heroic service while on active duty during the Vietnam War. Captain Bucha distinguished himself with extraordinary heroism while leading 89 men on a reconnaissance mission near Phuoc Vinh, Vietnam from March 16-19, 1968. Under heavy enemy fire from about 1,500 soldiers, he fearlessly directed defenses, personally destroyed a machine-gun bunker, and sustained a shrapnel wound. Using flashlights in complete view of enemy snipers, Captain Bucha also directed the medical evacuation of three air-ambulance loads of seriously wounded personnel. Under his leadership, D Company went on to become one of the most decorated units by the end of the war.\n\nCaptain Bucha’s dedication to serving others continued after his time in service. Bucha served as the President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society from 1995 to 1999, and advised President Obama on foreign policy during his 2008 Presidential campaign. He also served on the board of directors of Homes for Our Troops, a Veterans Service Organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes for severely injured Post-9/11 veterans, and as Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment and Training Services at the U.S. Department of Labor.\n\nBucha received care for PTSD at West Haven VAMC, and received neurological care for Alzheimer’s disease there. Bucha sadly passed at West Haven VAMC in July 2024. With the assistance of the West Haven VAMC, his brain was donated to the Center for Human Brain Discovery at Yale University. Under the lawmakers’ legislation, the West Haven VAMC will be the second Department of Veterans Affairs facility named in honor of a veteran in Connecticut.\n\nBlumenthal’s bill text is available here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-champions-water-affordability-program-as-senate-considers-key-water-resources-infrastructure-bills/", "title": "NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Champions Water Affordability Program as Senate Considers Key Water Resources, Infrastructure Bills", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“There’s no question that clean, safe, reliable, and affordable water is a basic right and is essential to public health.”\n\nClick here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks.\n\nU.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today participated in a Committee Business Meeting to consider the Water Resources Development Act. Senators Blunt Rochester and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) discussed the need for a program to expand affordable drinking water access.\n\nThe Water Resources Development Act passed out of committee with unanimous support.\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester’s remarks can be found here and below:\n\n“While I support this legislation wholeheartedly, I think there is an area where it falls short, and that is meeting our country’s growing affordability crisis. Americans are seeing higher costs everywhere, from the gas pump to housing, and they shouldn’t have to choose between their groceries and utility bills.\n\n“This is why Senator Padilla and I, with the support of utilities and community organizations, have been working on [a] water affordability program modeled after the highly successful LIHEAP program.\n\n“Water affordability has been a mounting crisis for years, and it’s only getting worse. From aging infrastructure to higher operational cost, water rates are skyrocketing, and Americans are struggling to pay their bills. This water affordability program would provide much-needed relief to families and give our water utilities the reliable revenue stream they need for regular maintenance.\n\n“There’s no question that clean, safe, reliable, and affordable water is a basic right and is essential to public health. Chairman Capito, I hope that you will continue to work with me and Senator Padilla on this very important effort, and I yield the remaining of my time to my colleague and partner in this very, very important work.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-questions-federal-reserve-chair-warsh-on-fed-modernization/", "title": "NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Questions Federal Reserve Chair Warsh on Fed Modernization", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“I hope that there will be the inclusion of other voices beyond economic experts and tech individuals, but actually families, businesses, people that are both consuming and impacted by AI”\n\nClick here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks.\n\nU.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today questioned Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh during a hearing on the Semiannual Monetary Policy Report. This report is shared with Members of Congress to provide updates on monetary policy and economic development efforts. Senator Blunt Rochester followed up on her questions from Warsh’s confirmation hearing, seeking clarity and specificity on his strategy for Fed modernization and the Fed’s plan to protect families as AI continues to develop.\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester’s remarks can be found here, and a key excerpt can be found below:\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester: “One of the things that you shared in your testimony was about the task forces that you have established, which I think is a really good idea. And I think the choices of things that you’re focused on, from communication to AI and the influence, all of those things are really important. On the AI [task force] in particular, I hope that there will be the inclusion of other voices beyond economic experts and tech individuals, but actually families, businesses, people that are both consuming and impacted by AI.\n\n“If you could talk a little bit more about the makeup of that one in particular, and how you will include people both in the task force, and how you will include Main Street in your ongoing work at the Fed?”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-questions-trump-cdc-nominee/", "title": "NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Questions Trump CDC Nominee", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“I am very, very concerned that even qualified people have either had to change their positions or quit.”\n\nClick here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks.\n\nU.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, today questioned Dr. Erica Schwartz, who President Trump nominated to serve as Director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).\n\nAs Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to dismantle critical Health and Human Services (HHS) programs and pursue policies that contradict science-backed research, Senator Blunt Rochester questioned Dr. Schwartz on her commitment to scientific evidence and her ability to maintain independence under Secretary Kennedy.\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester’s exchange can be found here, and a key excerpt is below:\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester: “In January, Dr. Oz, Dr. Bhattacharya, and Dr. Makary presented a memo to then-Acting CDC Director Jim O’Neil recommending the U.S. adopt a narrower childhood vaccine schedule, based primarily on a comparison with Denmark. Do you agree with the memo’s recommendation to no longer universally recommend all 17 vaccines?”\n\nDr. Schwartz: “I agree with the president of the United States, who asked HHS to take a look at that memo and to find out if those recommendations are sound or if they are not sound. So, if I’m confirmed as the CDC Director, you have my commitment to take a look at that said memo to understand whether comparing to Denmark makes sense or doesn’t make sense…”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/at-confirmation-hearing-booker-presses-blanche-on-independence-epstein-survivors-and-dojs-targeting-of-the-presidents-political-opponents", "title": "At Confirmation Hearing, Booker Presses Blanche on Independence, Epstein Survivors, and DOJ's Targeting of the President's Political Opponents", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, confronted Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, President Trump's former personal defense lawyer, during Blanche's confirmation hearing for Attorney General. Booker's questioning highlighted why Blanche cannot be trusted to run a Justice Department that answers to the Constitution and the American people instead of President Trump, his former client.\n\nBooker: \"This isn't a job interview. You've sat before this committee before. You've made promises time and time again before you got the job—first as Deputy Attorney General and now as Acting Attorney General. So this isn't a confirmation hearing. This is more of a performance review. And clearly, when it comes to the treatment of Epstein victims, when it comes to politically motivated prosecutions, when it comes to avoiding the appearance of impropriety with corporations, you failed.\"\n\nBooker: \"You've chosen Trump over truth” and “corporations over the Constitution.\"\n\nBooker: \"The attorney general's client is not the president. It's the American people. If your record and your testimony today should show us anything, it should show you, in my opinion, that you should not be confirmed to this job.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-castro-reintroduce-bicameral-bill-to-expand-advanced-coursework-opportunities-for-underrepresented-students", "title": "Booker, Castro Reintroduce Bicameral Bill to Expand Advanced Coursework Opportunities for Underrepresented Students", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) reintroduced the Advanced Coursework Equity Act, bicameral legislation that would create a federal grant program to help states and school districts increase the enrollment of underrepresented students in advanced coursework and academic programs. The Advanced Coursework Equity Act would allow eligible schools and school districts to receive up to $60 million to implement universal screening for advanced students, expand enrollment in advanced courses, cover course fees for low-income students, train or hire teachers for advanced courses, prepare students for postsecondary STEM pathways, and create or expand related efforts.\n\nBlack, Latino, and Native American students, students from low-income families, English learners, and students with disabilities are underrepresented in advanced programs and courses. While 1 in 10 students in American schools participate in the Advanced Placement (AP) program, just over 1 in 20 low-income, Black, and Native American students participate in these courses. A low-income student with reading and math achievement levels equal to those of a high-income student is half as likely to receive gifted services.\n\n“In classrooms across this country, there are brilliant young people whose gifts go unseen—not because they lack promise, but because opportunity never found them. Every child deserves more than a chance to learn; they deserve a real pathway to reach their fullest potential, no matter their ZIP code,” said Senator Booker.“The Advanced Coursework Equity Act gives every student a fair shot by ensuring they are identified for their potential, removing the cost barriers that keep too many from advanced coursework and AP exams, and expanding access to rigorous classes in every school—not just those in wealthier communities.”\n\n“Students at schools with fewer resources have immense talent, and should have the same opportunity to take advanced courses as their peers in wealthier school districts,” said Congressman Castro. “The Advanced Coursework Equity Act would support schools by covering exam fees and costs to hire and train teachers, helping students reach their full potential. Too often, students in low-income districts do not have the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities to colleges and universities, and that needs to change.”\n\n“Equal opportunity is about access, but right now, too many Black and Latino students are being denied access to rigorous coursework that is engaging and meets high standards. This means being denied a path to an enriching high school experience, success in higher education, and a rewarding career. The obstacles Black and Latino students face, including resource inequities and educator bias, can prevent their enrollment in advanced math and algebra in middle school and AP or IB courses in high schools. These structural barriers must be torn down and opportunity built up. That is why EdTrust is proud to endorse?the Advanced Coursework Equity Act. Led by Senator Cory Booker and Congressman Joaquin Castro, this important legislation would eliminate barriers and increase the enrollment of traditionally underserved students in advanced courses. We urge Congress to advance this bill immediately and make real the promise of education equity for our nation’s underserved students,”said Denise Forte, president and CEO of EdTrust.\n\n\"To truly unlock the potential of every student, we must remove the barriers that keep talented, underrepresented youth out of advanced classrooms. The Advanced Coursework Equity Act is a vital step forward, providing states and districts with the targeted resources needed to expand access, foster student success, and ensure that a student's background never dictates their academic trajectory. Teach Plus is proud to endorse this legislation, which builds a stronger runway for the next generation of leaders,\" said Kira Orange Jones, CEO of Teach Plus.\n\nThe Advanced Coursework Equity Act is endorsed by The Education Trust, All4Ed, College Board, Advance CTE, National Association for Gifted Children, Latinos for Education, National Center for Learning Disabilities, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, TeachPlus, National Rural Education Association, UnidosUS, Intercultural Development Research Association, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, National Urban League, National Educators Association and E3 Alliance.\n\nThe Advanced Coursework Equity Act is cosponsored by U.S.Senators Ben Lujan (D-NM), Dick Durbin (D-CT), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CFE85D24-67E6-4F39-A745-4FC1B7AA3964", "title": "Boozman Advances Arkansas Water Infrastructure Priorities", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.boozman.senate.gov", "scraper": "boozman", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, secured measures that will strengthen Arkansas water resources in legislation approved by the committee Wednesday.\n\nThe Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 authorizes flood risk management, navigation and ecosystem restoration projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in addition to reauthorizing the Environmental Protection Agency’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure programs, including increasing the State Revolving Funds. The biennial bill, which passed the committee unanimously, includes multiple provisions championed by Boozman to address water infrastructure needs in The Natural State.\n\n“Without reliable water infrastructure, communities in Arkansas and nationwide would suffer economically and face threats to public health. It underpins our country,” Boozman said. “This bipartisan bill is critical to support efforts to modernize and maintain water systems, from ports and inland waterways to drinking and wastewater access. I was pleased to secure important wins that will enhance our state’s ability to meet water needs across communities and industries.”\n\nBoozman-authored measures in the package include:\n\nThe bipartisan Futureproofing Local Operations for Water Systems (FLOWS) Act that would establish a grant program for publicly owned water or treatment systems in rural or critical need areas to deploy technology that improves reliability as well as strengthens cybersecurity. The program would provide $15 million for these grants from Fiscal Years 2027-2030.\n\nThe bipartisan Advancing Water Research and Collaboration (AWRC) Act to reauthorize and update a federal-state partnership through Water Resources Research Institutes – including the Arkansas Water Resources Center located at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville – to address local, state and regional water challenges with critical research and information sharing initiatives.\n\nA provision to expedite the assessment necessary to determine the scope and scale of needed repairs at Dardanelle Lock and Dam at Lake Dardanelle and to support operations at Arkansas Nuclear One.\n\nLanguage that enhances the partnership agreements for the Grand Prairie Region and Bayou Meto irrigation projects.\n\nAdding the University of Arkansas as an authorized entity for partnerships with the Corps to conduct research on supply chains within the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS).\n\nReinforcing the importance of continued funding for MKARNS system improvements.\n\nRequiring an update on implementation of the LAKES Act allowing Corps-managed recreation sites to reinvest a portion of on-site collected fees back into maintenance and repairs.\n\nWRDA 2026 also incorporates a Boozman-backed effort to expand funding eligibility for projects with fire suppression benefits in high-risk rural areas, known as the Firefighting Infrastructure for Rural and Exurban Smaller Municipalities Augmenting Residential Fuels Treatments (FIRE SMART) Act.\n\nThe legislation now heads to the Senate floor for consideration.\n\nThe full bill text is availablehere. A section-by-section overview is available here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-directly-secures-over-2-6-million-for-the-city-of-birminghams-village-creek-floodplain-restoration/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Directly Secures Over $2.6 Million for the City of Birmingham’s Village Creek Floodplain Restoration", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security Appropriations, recently directly secured $2.645 million for the City of Birmingham in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Act. This funding will support floodplain restoration at Birmingham’s Village Creek, which has suffered flooding events for more than 50 years.\n\nA portion of Village Creek\n\nVillage Creek—within the Black Warrior River watershed, the largest urban watershed in Alabama—runs 44 miles through the city of Birmingham and Jefferson County. The Village Creek floodplain constitutes 53 percent of Birmingham’s Special Flood Hazard Area, with water levels capable of rising at a rate of three feet per hour. Neighborhoods, commercial buildings, and critical facilities along the creek are at a high risk of flooding, with properties sometimes flooding several times per year. Since 1970, flooding has caused more than 17 federally declared disasters, tens of millions of dollars have been spent on flood recovery, and more than 30,000 structures have been impacted.\n\n“For decades, the City of Birmingham has worked to restore the Village Creek floodplain and implement a long-term solution to flooding. The more than $2.6 million I secured in FY26 Homeland Appropriations funding will significantly advance these efforts, particularly by reducing flooding during major storm events in Ensley and ensure residents and their communities remain safe. This funding is a critical and commonsense investment in floodplain restoration to mitigate storm damage, strengthen local infrastructure resilience, and improve the quality of life for Alabamians in the floodplain area for generations to come,” said Senator Britt.\n\nThe funding secured by Senator Britt will advance ongoing efforts to restore the Village Creek floodplain, reduce volume of stormwater flow into the creek, and reduce flooding in surrounding communities, including Ensley where its neighborhoods have dealt with flooding for decades. Additionally, it will improve transportation, remove flooding risks to motorists, and improve access to businesses throughout the area.\n\n“Every investment in flood mitigation is an investment in our neighborhoods, our families, and Birmingham’s future. This funding for the Village Creek Stormwater Park Floodplain Restoration project will help us build a more resilient city while creating environmental and recreational benefits for generations to come. We appreciate the support of our congressional delegation, and I especially want to thank Senator Katie Britt for her efforts to help secure these resources for Birmingham. Partnerships like these make a real difference for our residents,” said City of Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin.\n\nIn total, Senator Britt directly secured more than $14.97 million for Alabama in FY26 Homeland Security appropriations funding.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-eric-schmitt-colleagues-launch-anti-fraud-task-force-send-letter-applauding-trump-administration-efforts-offer-senate-support/", "title": "U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Eric Schmitt, Colleagues Launch Anti-Fraud Task Force, Send Letter Applauding Trump Administration Efforts, Offer Senate Support", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), along with seven of their Senate colleagues, recently announced the launch of a new Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force. The task force will examine fraud, waste, and abuse across federal programs, identify vulnerabilities in existing systems, and strengthen government accountability to ensure the proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars.\n\n“No Administration has been more committed to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse than the Trump Administration. I’m proud to join this effort in the Senate and work alongside the White House to eliminate fraud across the federal government. Americans deserve a government that is transparent, honest, and accountable, and this Anti-Fraud Task Force will help ensure taxpayer dollars are protected and public trust is restored,” said Senator Britt upon the launch of the task force.\n\n“The fraud epidemic burdening our country is one of the most pressing issues facing Americans today. It’s organized theft on a national scale, and the Americans paying the price are the ones swinging the hammer and driving the trucking working their tails off to make ends meet. The fraudsters taking advantage of America’s generosity to the tune of billions and billions of dollars should be exposed and held accountable. Our Task Force will go after the fraud rings and bad actors exploiting our systems and robbing Americans. Following President Trump’s lead, we’re declaring war on fraud,” said Senator Schmitt.\n\nSenators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) are also supporters of the task force.\n\nLast week, the task force sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald commending the Trump Administration’s anti-fraud efforts and requesting information to help Congress support and strengthen those initiatives moving forward.\n\nIn their letter, the Senators wrote, “We commend President Trump for the decisive action taken to establish the National Fraud Enforcement Division (NFED) and the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. Fraud is theft from hardworking American families, and Vice President Vance’s leadership as ‘Fraud Czar’ sends the right signal: this administration will no longer tolerate billions in organized theft from taxpayers through welfare programs, election schemes, contractor abuse, federally funded nonprofits, or elite institutions. The Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force is especially concerned with fraud schemes that undermine the constitutional foundations of self-government: honest elections, lawful citizenship, equal enforcement of federal law, federal-state cooperation, and Congress’s ability to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent consistent with law.”\n\n“Since taking office, the Trump-Vance Administration has made clear that fraud enforcement is once again a federal priority. The Task Force and NFED have driven the recovery of nearly $1 billion in misused taxpayer dollars through aggressive enforcement actions across the country, including major takedowns of welfare and entitlement scams that clawed back hundreds of millions from fraudulent SNAP, Medicaid, and housing claims. Vice President Vance’s spotlight on sponsored-immigrant benefit fraud has dismantled several high-dollar networks, while election-related prosecutions and voter-roll cleanups have secured convictions in interstate schemes. Particularly noteworthy are the swift actions against Minnesota-style operations. Large-scale, coordinated fraud networks involving daycare centers, nonprofits, and entitlement programs in Minneapolis that potentially diverted hundreds of millions, if not billions in federal funds. By targeting these interstate models head-on, the Task Force has sent a powerful message that no jurisdiction or network is above the law, delivering real money back to American taxpayers and protecting programs meant for working families. These tangible wins prove that America First enforcement works. The Task Force has already shown it will serve and protect the American people from fraudsters,” the senators continued.\n\nYou can read the full text of the letter here.\n\nSenator Britt has long supported eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse throughout the federal government and has applauded steps taken by the President Trump and his administration to protect American taxpayer dollars. She supports bipartisan legislation such as the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act and continues to work with Administration officials to hold criminals accountable for targeting taxpayer-funded programs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senators-katie-britt-cindy-hyde-smith-colleagues-urge-secretary-brooke-rollins-to-purchase-surplus-catfish-products/", "title": "U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Colleagues Urge Secretary Brooke Rollins to Purchase Surplus Catfish Products", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and several of their Senate colleagues recently endorsed a request made by the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to purchase surplus catfish products.\n\nIn a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the Senators asked Secretary Rollins to approve a request to purchase U.S. farm-raised catfish products through the Agricultural Marketing Service Section 32 Program. Senators Britt and Hyde-Smith were joined by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) in sending the letter.\n\n“The industry’s USDA Section 32 purchase request would provide needed relief by providing essential cash flow to farmers to help alleviate the severe financial strain imposed by inflationary pressures. USDA purchases of catfish would provide immediate relief and enable 2026 fish crops to be harvested and processed, while also supporting rural communities and providing nutritious, American-grown product to families, children, and those in need,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators’ letter stresses the importance of the U.S. farm-raised catfish producers to their states, with nearly $2.0 billion in economic output and more than 9,100 direct and indirect jobs affected by “a crisis of economic sustainability.” In Alabama, the catfish industry accounts for around 33% of all farm-raised catfish in the nation, employing more than 2,400 people, and contributing nearly $92 million to the state’s economy.\n\n“The industry has been caught in a severe inflationary squeeze, particularly from 2023 to the present, fundamentally altering its production economics. This pressure has consistently driven the cost of producing U.S. farm-raised catfish above the prices farmers receive for their fish, leading to three continuous years of negative financial returns,” the Senators wrote. “The industry’s rising costs are dominated by the increasing expenses of key inputs, especially feed and energy, which represent the backbone of catfish farming operations.”\n\nSection 32 is a permanently authorized program that allows the USDA to make emergency purchases of surplus U.S. commodities for distribution to domestic food assistance programs. The program is funded through 30 percent of the previous year’s customs receipts collected by the U.S. government from imported products.\n\nThe letter is a continuation of advocacy by the Senators to include farm-raised catfish, Gulf shrimp, and other commodities included in USDA Section 32 decisions.\n\nSenator Britt is proud to support the U.S. catfish industry and has consistently fought to protect domestic catfish markets by encouraging the purchase of surplus catfish products. Senator Britt is also a strong supporter of the Cormorant Relief Act, to allow catfish farmers to fight predatory cormorant populations.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-delivers-key-wins-for-west-virginia-in-bipartisan-water-resources-development-act-of-2026", "title": "Capito Delivers Key Wins for West Virginia in Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led the EPW Committee in unanimously passing the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026. The WRDA 2026 bill includes wins for all fifty states, including significant benefits for West Virginia’s water infrastructure.\n\nThe Water Resources Development Act is biennial legislation that authorizes flood risk management, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). WRDA 2026 also reauthorizes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drinking water and wastewater infrastructure programs, including the State Revolving Funds (SRFs). The bill supports locally driven projects that also deliver regional and national benefits, including strengthening our nation’s global competitiveness and supply chain, helping communities manage flood risk, and more.\n\n“This bipartisan legislation will have an incredible impact on West Virginia and our state’s water resources infrastructure. The Army Corps’ critical work is essential to managing flood risk and improving drinking and wastewater facilities across West Virginia. The EPA’s water infrastructure programs also help improve access to clean and safe drinking water in communities statewide. I am very pleased to share these wins that WRDA 2026 will deliver for our state, and I look forward to seeing the outcomes of this legislation in action,” said Chairman Capito.\n\nWEST VIRGINIA WINS SECURED BY CAPITO:\n\nSupporting Flood Control and Prevention Efforts, Ecosystem Restoration:\n\nAdjusts the cost-share for any future projects in West Virginia that are identified by the feasibility study for flood risk management in the Upper Guyandotte River Basin reducing financial burden for vulnerable communities.\n\nAuthorizes new feasibility studies to address flood risk for communities in West Virginia.\n\nEstablishes a new program for the Corps to assist with small projects for debris removal within streams in West Virginia.\n\nReaffirms how the Corps should carry out the Section 202 program, preserving Congress's original intent to provide comprehensive flood risk reduction for eligible southern West Virginia communities.\n\nReforms the Continuing Authorities Programs (CAP) to expedite the delivery of small projects for flood risk management, emergency streambank protection, and aquatic ecosystem restoration.\n\nUrges the Corps to expedite completion of studies/projects in:\n\nKanawha River Basin: feasibility study for flood risk management\n\nUpper Guyandotte River Basin: feasibility study for flood risk management\n\nMilton, WV: project for flood risk management\n\nHinton, WV – Bluestone Dam: project for dam safety modifications\n\nEnhancing Assistance for Environmental Infrastructure Projects:\n\nIncreases the authorized funding level for the Corps’ Section 340 and Section 571 environmental infrastructure programs, which support drinking water and wastewater projects across West Virginia.\n\nExpedites the environmental review process for projects funded under these programs.\n\nStrengthening the Corps’ Authorities to Address Water Resource Infrastructure Needs:\n\nImproves efficiency of reviews under the Corps’ 408 program and directs the Corps to regularly brief Congress on the status of the rulemaking for that program.\n\nProvides direction to the Corps to improve the cost estimates for and design of projects and establishes a preconstruction planning, engineering, and design account for the Corps.\n\nImproves authorities for non-federal interests to receive credit and reimbursement or contribute funds for projects to increase transparency and accelerate project delivery.\n\nEnhances the Corps’ outreach and education authority by including real estate and leasing authorities of the Corps.\n\nDirects the Secretary to ensure that Corps’ databases on recreational sites are consistent and compatible with similar databases from other federal agencies.\n\nIncreasing Authorized Funding for West Virginia’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) Programs:\n\nIncreases the clean water and drinking water SRF authorizations, which will increase the Federal water infrastructure investment in West Virginia.\n\nAllows West Virginia to prioritize how to spend Federal SRF dollars to maintain and build essential infrastructure to provide critical water and sanitation services, while expanding permissible SRF uses to address PFAS contamination or for lead service line removal projects.\n\nSupporting Efforts to Improve West Virginia’s Water Systems’ Resilience to Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities:\n\nMakes small water systems, like those found in West Virginia, eligible to receive grant money to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities.\n\nEncourages the EPA to partner with university programs with established water cybersecurity programs, like Marshall’s Institute for Cybersecurity, which will enable the program to further assist small water systems in WV and across the country.\n\nExpanding Investment in Workforce Development:\n\nTriples the authorized funding levels for the EPA’s Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Program.\n\nWater and wastewater systems – including those in West Virginia – are facing significant workforce challenges. This program will work to ensure that West Virginia and the nation have enough skilled system operators trained to face today’s challenges and serve a role that is incredibly important to American’s health and daily lives.\n\nThe bill text is availablehere.\n\nA section-by-section overview of the bill is available here.\n\nAn overview of West Virginia wins is available here.\n\nAn overview of national WRDA wins is available here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/epw-committee-passes-bipartisan-water-resources-development-act-of-2026", "title": "EPW Committee Passes Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee voted unanimously to pass the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 introduced by Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), and Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).\n\nThe Water Resources Development Act is biennial legislation that authorizes flood risk management, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). The bill authorizes 61 feasibility studies and 15 new or modified construction projects across the country. WRDA 2026 also reauthorizes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drinking water and wastewater infrastructure programs, including the State Revolving Funds (SRFs).\n\n“WRDA 2026 is an incredible bipartisan achievement that will strengthen water resources infrastructure and increase access to clean and safe drinking water nationwide. I look forward to the impact this bill will have on my home state of West Virginia as it supports flood risk management efforts, restores ecosystems, strengthens cybersecurity for critical water systems, and provides vital funding for water infrastructure projects across our state. I am proud to see this legislation move forward with strong bipartisan support,” said Chairman Capito.\n\n“The advancement of this significant package of legislation demonstrates a bipartisan commitment to maintaining and upgrading the nation’s water infrastructure. The Ocean State stands to benefit much from this bill, which support investments in safe drinking water and wastewater systems as well as flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and navigation,” said Ranking Member Whitehouse.\n\nClick here to view the bill text.\n\nClick here to view a section-by-section overview of the bill.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-presses-attorney-general-nominee-todd-blanche-on-independence-from-trump-during-confirmation-hearing/", "title": "Senator Coons presses Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche on independence from Trump during confirmation hearing", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.coons.senate.gov", "scraper": "coons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001088", "name": "Christopher A. Coons", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) questioned Todd Blanche, President Trump’s nominee for Attorney General of the United States, at his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing today, where he pressed Blanche on whether he would stand up to the president and highlighted Blanche’s past support for President Trump’s mass pardons for January 6 rioters who attacked Capitol Police officers.\n\nPresident Trump fired former Attorney General Pam Bondi in April, barely a year after taking office, amid reports that he had grown frustrated that the DOJ was not doing enough to prosecute his political opponents. Blanche, President Trump’s former personal attorney and Bondi’s deputy, took over as acting attorney general and is now seeking Senate confirmation to lead the department permanently.\n\n“You’re in charge of a Department of Justice I don’t recognize: prosecuting the president’s political enemies, firing rank-and-file prosecutors and FBI agents because of the cases they were assigned to, slashing grants for law enforcement and public safety,” said Senator Coons.\n\nSenator Coons also pushed Blanche on the proposed $1.8 billion “weaponization fund” he has tried to create for President Trump to reward political allies and President Trump’s blanket pardons of individuals charged in connection with the January 6 attack, including rioters who were convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers. Blanche struggled to answer questions about the pardons after Senator Coons confronted him with his own remarks at the Conservative Political Action Conference where Blanche “trumpeted [the pardons] as an achievement.”\n\nA video and full transcript of Senator Coons’ comments are available below.\n\nWATCH HERE.\n\nSenator Coons: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member. Acting Attorney General Blanche, thank you for your service and for appearing here. And thank you to your family and to the men and women of the Department of Justice who work tirelessly to fight crime and to make our nation secure, I’m grateful for their service.\n\nI’m sorry that your schedule apparently didn’t permit us to meet before this confirmation hearing, but I hope and expect we’ll find time to meet soon after today.\n\nBlanche: Absolutely.\n\nSenator Coons: Thank you. As I consider your nomination, like all other nominations to similar cabinet positions, I need to know you’re qualified to serve. You demonstrably are. That you have the policy views to serve well. We will discuss that today. And, most importantly in this role, that you have the independence to serve as the attorney general for the American people.\n\nAnd that last question has troubled me the most. You’re in charge of a Department of Justice I don’t recognize: prosecuting the president’s political enemies, firing rank-and-file prosecutors and FBI agents because of the cases they were assigned to, slashing grants for law enforcement and public safety.\n\nThese are some actions that, in your previous confirmation hearing before us, you said you would not take. Now, I appreciate your statement walking back the $1.8 billion “weaponization fund” that you created, but I question how it got that far, and we’ll get into that.\n\nYou sat in an appropriations hearing earlier this year before me and defended it at that time. In fact, if I remember correctly, you told me I was wrong for criticizing it. But following questions by Senators Durbin and Cornyn, I’m concerned it’s not dead yet, and I think we should talk that through.\n\nOverall, this is not what I believe the American people expect or deserve from the Department of Justice.\n\nHaving spent critical parts of January 6 in this room taking shelter from the mob, I just wanted to open with some questions. How many people were convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers on January 6?\n\nBlanche: I believe around 120, approximately, but I could be off a few more.\n\nSenator Coons: You are. The answer is more than 200. And how many of those individuals had their sentences commuted or were pardoned by President Trump?\n\nBlanche: President Trump either commuted or pardoned every defendant from the January 6 events.\n\nSenator Coons: That’s correct. And in this room right now, and outside this room, are Capitol Police officers protecting us in this hearing room. How many of them do you think might have friends or colleagues who were attacked by supporters of the president on January 6?\n\nBlanche: I don’t know the numbers, but I’m sure many of the Capitol Police officers who are here today worked, either were working on January 6th, or knew people who were.\n\nSenator Coons: I’ll just say that I consider a shameful slap in the face of the men and women of law enforcement for those convicted of assaulting police officers to have been pardoned.\n\nI know you were not serving as deputy attorney general when President Trump pardoned those folks, but you said just a few moments ago that you were not celebrating this decision by the president. He was exercising his constitutional power.\n\nBut earlier this year, in front of CPAC, a conservative event, I would say, from the transcript, you actually trumpeted it as an achievement. And I quote, saying, “If you look at what happened to the men and women convicted because of January 6, by 5 p.m. on January 20, every one of them was either pardoned or had their sentence commuted by President Trump. So, when folks say you’ve done nothing, I say you have a very short memory.”\n\nWould you say that you’re proud of President Trump’s decision to pardon individuals who assaulted law enforcement?\n\nBlanche: No, that’s not what I was saying there at all, Senator. So, I was responding to inquiries around why more hadn’t been done by the Department of Justice with respect to January 6 defendants. And so, my answer was that the January 6 defendants and some of their lawyers had a short memory because a lot had already been done. Indeed, by the end of the day on January 20, they had all been pardoned or commuted. So, I wasn’t celebrating it. I was merely stating a fact, which is that the January 6 defendants did receive a very generous pardon or commutation from President Trump. Every one of them on January 6.\n\nSenator Coons: A generous – and in my view, for those who had assaulted police officers – unwarranted, unjustified, ahistorical, and a terrible precedent.\n\nLet me move on to questions I’ve asked in previous hearings. Is President Trump, just as a simple matter of constitutional law, eligible to run for another term as president in 2028?\n\nBlanche: I don’t believe he is. No.\n\nSenator Coons: That is correct, in my view, reading of the plain language of the 22nd Amendment. Why do you think several of the judicial nominees of this administration have refused repeatedly to answer that question simply and clearly, as you just did, when I put it to them?\n\nBlanche: I have no idea why they answer questions.\n\nSenator Coons: Me neither. It was confounding.\n\nBlanche: You are asking me to speculate about something I don’t know.\n\nSenator Coons: Is the Department of Justice that you are running independent from the White House?\n\nBlanche: The Department of Justice, like every single department in the executive, is part of the executive. I mean, Article II of the Constitution gives the power of the executive to President Trump.\n\nSo, we certainly operate with integrity. We certainly operate in the single mindset to serve the American people and do the right thing.\n\nBut I am a member, if confirmed, I will be a member of the cabinet. I’m serving in the acting capacity that way now, just like the other cabinet members. And President Trump can fire me whenever he wants, so…\n\nSenator Coons: Do you have a sense why he fired your predecessor?\n\nBlanche: I have no idea. President Trump, we all serve with the pleasure of President Trump in this administration.\n\nSenator Coons: Did President Trump ever post on Truth Social directing your predecessor to get at it, to prosecute his perceived political enemies?\n\nBlanche: I don’t think those were his exact words, but no.\n\nSenator Coons: Those were not his exact words, but I thought it was the intention.\n\nIt is my impression, sir, that you are here rather than your predecessor because the president was unhappy with her failures to actually secure convictions of folks like Attorney General Tish James or former FBI Director Jim Comey.\n\nIf you’re confirmed and you’re asked to take an action you believe to be illegal or unethical, would you resign?\n\nBlanche: That will never happen. But yes, if it were to happen, I’m not going to violate my oath to the Constitution.\n\nSenator Coons: I appreciate that answer.\n\nYou did answer a question by a colleague about input that you gave to the president. Did you ever say no to the president on the slush fund, the anti-weaponization fund? Did you advise him against this?\n\nBlanche: I am not, will not, talk about communications I have with the president. I served as his lawyer for a couple years before he was elected. I’m the deputy attorney general and the acting attorney general, so I’m not going to talk about communications that I have with him.\n\nBut, Senator, I will say that President Trump trusts me to give him counsel. Counsel does not mean a recognized man, and so that’s, and that’s true in my case, like it should be in any attorney general’s case.\n\nSenator Coons: Let me just, for a minute, bear down on the anti-weaponization fund.\n\nYou’ve testified to the House: “We are not moving forward with that fund, period.” But you’ve repeatedly refused to put that commitment in writing or to submit a declaration to the court.\n\nYou’re an officer of the court, a member of the bar. You should be able to make that assertion in a court filing or even in a letter submitted to this body.\n\nOn May 19, you testified before the Justice Appropriations Subcommittee, “Since the case had been dismissed, there was no judge and no mechanism for judicial review.”\n\nBut in an opinion this week, a federal judge wrote, and I’m quoting, that your testimony was “at best misleading and at worst disingenuous,” explaining the court remained available to review this agreement had you sought relief.\n\nWhy not seek review of the settlement agreement or submit some record, some writing, given that the president continues to publicly champion this weaponization fund, and given your previous answer to me in another hearing that you wouldn’t say whether or not those who assaulted cops on January 6 would be eligible for multimillion-dollar payouts?\n\nBlanche: So, there’s a lot of questions there.\n\nFirst of all, we have put it in writing. It’s in repeated court filings in EDVA and D.C. So, this narrative that you won’t put it in writing happens not to be true.\n\nThe reason why neither myself nor Secretary Bessent agreed to put a declaration in is because there’s long-standing precedent that judges cannot ask cabinet secretaries or people like me to put in declarations. It has nothing to do with whether the fund is alive. I’m under oath today, and I’ve said it’s dead repeatedly. I said it to the House Oversight Committee, and I am happy to say as many times as necessary.\n\nAs far as what the judge said in Florida, just the last question you asked about Florida, that judge disagreed with what I said. I still believe that 11th Circuit precedent, which I’ve studied, I am right. So, we’ll see.\n\nSenator Coons: You did say earlier, “This is the most transparent Department of Justice in American history. We have nothing to hide.” And you started by saying, “We’re here to rebuild trust.”\n\nTwo decisions, or two OLC opinions, I’m very interested in. I’m the senior Democrat on defense and intelligence appropes. I’m the most senior member of the Foreign Relations Committee on my side who’s currently serving on this committee.\n\nI’m curious as to why the most transparent department has refused to release the OLC opinion that justifies the 66 strikes the military has conducted on boats in the Caribbean, which have killed more than 220 people, either a redacted version or in a classified setting to me and others who are in relevant decision-making positions.\n\nBlanche: Well, Senator, we made the head of OLC available on multiple occasions to explain that to you and other members of the committee, and that is extraordinarily transparent and unprecedented that we’ve done that. Whether an OLC opinion is released, there’s a lot of process that goes into that. But the idea that we were not transparent about our legal basis there is absolutely not true.\n\nSenator Coons: Okay, another chance to be transparent: The FISA court in March certified your Section 702 proceedings but found compliance deficiencies. This is an important power of the federal government that will soon be up again for vote, and you have not declassified that opinion.\n\nSenators Cotton and Warner, Republican and Democratic leads on Intelligence, in April wrote the administration saying that they expected declassification of this March opinion within two weeks. Yet it remains classified. You have a bipartisan request from the leadership of Intel. Will you declassify it or make it available to us?\n\nBlanche: We’ll continue to look at that. I agree with you that that’s a very important issue, and we need 702 reauthorized.\n\nSenator Coons: Thank you. Last question, if I could.\n\nThe Safer Supervision Act is co-sponsored by Senators Lee, Cornyn, Tillis, and Lankford, and it gives a path forward to making sure that federal probation and parole is more effective. We’ve discussed it before. Will you meet with me to talk about ways that this important criminal justice reform, supported by federal law enforcement, could move forward?\n\nBlanche: I think it’s, yes, absolutely. I very much agree with what you’re trying to do there, Senator.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-blunt-rochester-colleagues-send-letter-to-trump-administration-calling-for-answers-on-green-card-application-changes/", "title": "Senators Coons, Blunt Rochester, colleagues send letter to Trump administration calling for answers on green card application changes", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.coons.senate.gov", "scraper": "coons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001088", "name": "Christopher A. Coons", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "In a letter to USCIS, senators and representatives question the new requirements for green card applicants to apply abroad and demonstrate their presence is in the ill-defined “national interest”\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), U.S. Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), and dozens of their colleagues demanded an explanation from the Trump administration on the recent changes to the green card application process.\n\nIn a letter to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow, the lawmakers cited a recent USCIS memorandum that requires noncitizens seeking a green card to apply abroad, as well as – for the first time – establish their presence in the United States as “in the national interest.”\n\nThe lawmakers wrote: “We write to object to your new policy memorandum regarding adjustment of status. Adjustment of status is the statutory process by which immigrants may apply for lawful permanent residence, often called a ‘green card,’ from within the United States. On May 21, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum (PM-602-0199) with guidance claiming that adjustment of status is an ‘extraordinary form of relief.’ Without any basis in the law and in a departure from decades of precedent, this guidance creates a policy preference for consular processing abroad over adjustment of status in the United States, requiring applicants to meet new, undefined discretionary criteria to be processed domestically. We urge you to reverse this new policy and restore adjudications of adjustment of status applications in a manner consistent with the law, longstanding practice, and congressional intent.”\n\nThe lawmakers continued: “PM-602-0199 states that adjustment of status ‘is a matter of discretion and administrative grace not designed to supersede the regular consular processing of immigrant visas.’ This is simply incorrect. There is no statutory preference for consular processing, and legislative history shows that Congress has long maintained a strong preference in favor of allowing eligible noncitizens to adjust status in the United States. Adjustment of status was first introduced into law over 70 years ago, in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. The practice was introduced and later expanded in recognition of the significant number of eligible individuals seeking green cards who resided in the United States. In the limited circumstances in which Congress intended to restrict adjustment of status, statutory text has been amended to prevent certain classes of noncitizens from using the process. When individuals are in the United States and eligible for adjustment of status, legislative history shows that Congress has a strong preference that such individuals have an opportunity to adjust their status while remaining in the U.S.”\n\nThe lawmakers concluded, before making a series of requests for information: “By directing adjudicators to treat adjustment of status as an ‘extraordinary form of relief’ and by creating a policy preference for consular processing, the memorandum undermines the very purposes Congress sought to advance when enacting and amending section 245 of the INA. Congress established adjustment of status as a cornerstone of the modern immigration system to promote family unity, administrative efficiency, and economic stability. Any effort to dismantle that statutory framework through internal agency policy is unacceptable.”\n\nIn addition to Senators Coons, Blunt Rochester, Durbin, and Padilla, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.)\n\nIn addition to Raskin and Jayapal, the letter is also signed by U.S. Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), Donald Beyer (D-Va.), Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), André Carson (D-Ind.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Gilbert Ray Cisneros Jr. (D-Calif.), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), J. Luis Correa (D-Calif.), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), James Walkinshaw (D-Va.), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), April McClain Delaney (D-Md.), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), Lizzie Fletcher (D-Texas), Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Jesús “Chuy” Garcia (D-Ill.), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Val Hoyle (D-Ore.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Julie Johnson (D-Texas), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.), Timothy Kennedy (D-N.Y.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Christian Menefee (D-Texas), Grace Meng (D-N.Y.), Analilia Mejia (D-N.J.), Dave Min (D-Calif.), Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Nellie Pou (D-N.J.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Deborah Ross (D-N.C.), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Derek Tran (D-Calif.), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.), Marc Veasey (D-Texas), Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.), and Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.).\n\nRead the full letter below:\n\nDear Director Edlow:\n\nWe write to object to your new policy memorandum regarding adjustment of status. Adjustment of status is the statutory process by which immigrants may apply for lawful permanent residence, often called a “green card,” from within the United States. On May 21, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum (PM-602-0199) with guidance claiming that adjustment of status is an “extraordinary form of relief.”1 Without any basis in the law and in a departure from decades of precedent, this guidance creates a policy preference for consular processing abroad over adjustment of status in the United States, requiring applicants to meet new, undefined discretionary criteria to be processed domestically. We urge you to reverse this new policy and restore adjudications of adjustment of status applications in a manner consistent with the law, longstanding practice, and congressional intent.\n\nPM-602-0199 states that adjustment of status “is a matter of discretion and administrative grace not designed to supersede the regular consular processing of immigrant visas.” This is simply incorrect. There is no statutory preference for consular processing, and legislative history shows that Congress has long maintained a strong preference in favor of allowing eligible noncitizens to adjust status in the United States. Adjustment of status was first introduced into law over 70 years ago, in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952.2 The practice was introduced and later expanded in recognition of the significant number of eligible individuals seeking green cards who resided in the United States.3 In the limited circumstances in which Congress intended to restrict adjustment of status, statutory text has been amended to prevent certain classes of noncitizens from using the process.\n\nWhen individuals are in the United States and eligible for adjustment of status, legislative history shows that Congress has a strong preference that such individuals have an opportunity to adjust their status while remaining in the U.S. When expanding adjustment of status, Congress has often raised concerns with forcing noncitizens in the United States to use consular processing.5 A 1960 House Report accompanying legislation expanding adjustment of status expressed congressional dissatisfaction with “the fallacious procedure known as ‘preexamination’ . . . consisting of round trips to Canada for the sole purpose of obtaining an immigrant visa.”6 In the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act of 2000, Congress enacted into law transitional protection for individuals stuck in the employment-based green card backlog.7 The accompanying Senate report noted that the provision “enables these individuals to remain in H-1B status until they are able to receive an immigrant visa and adjust their status within the United States, thus limiting the disruption to American businesses.”\n\nPM-602-0199 would also create new criteria that do not exist in law—and are not supported by the law—for individuals to be processed for a green card from within the United States. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently noted: “This policy will have no noticeable impact on highly qualified applicants and skilled professionals who have followed the law. These aliens benefit the national interest and provide economic benefits to the United States and will continue to merit the favorable exercise of discretion.”9 However, for decades, adjustment of status has ordinarily been granted to eligible individuals unless there are adverse factors weighing against a favorable exercise of discretion.10 This is consistent with the law—if noncitizens are otherwise eligible for a favorable exercise of discretion that would result in a grant of adjustment of status, there is no legal or statutory basis to make an additional discretionary determination of “national interest” to allow them to be processed within the United States. Thus, the policy memorandum imposes what amounts to a new substantive standard—requiring applicants to affirmatively demonstrate that their adjustment serves the national interest or provides economic benefit—without any congressional authorization for such a test. Worse still, it does so without any effective date, explanation of how pending applications will be adjudicated, transition period, or clear guidance as to which categories of applicants would be affected.\n\nThis is a major policy shift. USCIS has long recognized Congress’s preference for allowing eligible noncitizens to obtain lawful permanent residence through adjustment of status in the United States.11 For decades, USCIS and its predecessor agencies have adjudicated millions of adjustment applications pursuant to section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Since 1980, more than half of all individuals granted lawful permanent residence have obtained that status through adjustment of status in the U.S. rather than consular processing abroad.12 If individuals are forced to pursue immigrant visas through consular processing abroad, many will face months or years of separation from spouses, children, parents, and other family members due to extensive visa appointment backlogs at U.S. consulates worldwide.13 And as discussed above, Congress has expressly weighed in against processes that would push individuals from within the United States to consular processing abroad.\n\nFor individuals who have built lives in the United States—including those who have children who are U.S. citizens, have stable employment, pay taxes, and participate in their communities—this forced separation will impose significant hardships on their U.S.-citizen family members and communities.15 The policy also threatens substantial economic disruption. Skilled workers, entrepreneurs, medical professionals, researchers, students transitioning to permanent residence, and employees sponsored by U.S. businesses may be forced to depart the country for extended periods while awaiting immigrant visa processing abroad.16 Such disruptions would impose significant costs not only on affected individuals and families, but also on American employers and the broader U.S. economy.\n\nBy directing adjudicators to treat adjustment of status as an “extraordinary form of relief” and by creating a policy preference for consular processing, the memorandum undermines the very purposes Congress sought to advance when enacting and amending section 245 of the INA. Congress established adjustment of status as a cornerstone of the modern immigration system to promote family unity, administrative efficiency, and economic stability. Any effort to dismantle that statutory framework through internal agency policy is unacceptable. As such, please provide responses to the following questions:\n\nWhat is the effective date of this policy? Is USCIS applying this policy to adjustment of status applications that were filed and pending before the memorandum’s release date of May 21, 2026?\n\nTo which categories of adjustment of status applicants does the policy apply?\n\nTo how many applicants does USCIS estimate this will apply?\n\nHas USCIS issued any formal written guidance or training to adjudicators regarding implementation of this policy? If so, please provide those materials.\n\nWhat standards or criteria are adjudicators being instructed to apply when exercising discretion under this policy? What supervisory review mechanisms are in place to ensure consistency in adjudication? Please provide any related materials.\n\nThe memorandum appears to establish a new standard requiring applicants to demonstrate that their adjustment of status serves the “national interest,” and DHS spokespersons have suggested this may include persons who provide an “economic benefit.” What are the criteria for “national interest” and “economic benefit” that would merit a favorable exercise of discretion to permit processing domestically?\n\nGiven that this policy will substantially increase demand for immigrant visa processing at U.S. consulates abroad, did USCIS consult with the Department of State in developing this policy?\n\nHow does USCIS intend to provide a viable pathway to lawful permanent residence for individuals who are subject to the immigrant visa consular processing pause, travel bans, or who cannot access consular processing due to the absence of a functioning U.S. consulate in their country of nationality?\n\nThe memorandum makes reference to noncitizens with “dual intent” as an exception, but includes a footnote stating that “maintaining lawful status in a dual intent nonimmigrant category is not sufficient, on its own, to warrant a favorable exercise of discretion.” How will this new policy be applied to individuals with dual intent seeking to adjust status within the United States?\n\nWe look forward to your prompt response to our inquiries.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-texas-to-receive-16m-to-improve-public-safety-reduce-recidivism/", "title": "Cornyn: Texas to Receive $16M to Improve Public Safety, Reduce Recidivism", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded $16,117,963 in federal grant funding to the Governor’s Public Safety Office to fight crime, protect communities across Texas, and reduce recidivism. The funding comes from the DOJ’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, which Sen. Cornyn voted to fund as part of last year’s Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, and will support local and statewide initiatives, including law enforcement personnel, training, and equipment, criminal justice programs, mental and behavioral health, and drug treatment and enforcement.\n\n“The Byrne JAG Program has a proven record of improving public safety by targeting risk factors correlated with violent crime and repeated offense,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This funding will reduce recidivism, fight crime, and empower law enforcement to better protect communities across Texas.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-tillis-urge-blanche-to-protect-life-counter-dangerous-mail-order-abortion-drugs/", "title": "Cornyn, Tillis Urge Blanche to Protect Life, Counter Dangerous Mail-Order Abortion Drugs", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) sent a letter to Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche ahead of his nomination hearing today in the Senate Judiciary Committee urging him to resolve the mail-order abortion lawsuit, Louisiana v. FDA, by agreeing to a court-ordered consent decree, which would end the unlawful Biden-era policy that removed in-person dispensing requirements for the dangerous chemical abortion drug, mifepristone, while FDA conducts its safety review.\n\nExcerpts from the letter are below, and the full text of letter can be viewed here.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote: “We write to express our growing concern that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has not acted to stop the abortion industry’s unlawful and unsafe mail-order abortion drug practice.”\n\n“It is well within the power of the Department of Justice, under your leadership, to resolve the Louisiana v. FDA litigation, which is now back before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. By agreeing to a consent decree under the supervision of the court, you can swiftly end this illegal, Biden-era policy and restore in-person dispensing requirements while we await FDA’s safety review,” they continued.\n\n“On June 24, we celebrated four years since the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson. But the sad truth is that the number of abortions has actually increased in that time. This is in large part because of the abortion industry’s efforts to expand the use of unsafe mail-order abortions. With every day that passes, more lives are at risk and are lost because of this harmful policy. DOJ can and must act,” they concluded.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-touts-lifesaving-success-of-bipartisan-safer-communities-act/", "title": "Cornyn Touts Lifesaving Success of Bipartisan Safer Communities Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Earlier this week on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) highlighted the lifesaving success of his Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was signed into law four years ago last month, and held a colloquy with Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) to address some of the misconceptions about the legislation. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.\n\nOn Investments in Mental Health and School Hardening:\n\n“What [the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act] did do is made an historic investment in mental health and school safety and commonsense measures to prevent dangerous individuals from being a harm to themselves and others.”\n\n“Texas, like all the states, has received significant amounts of money, in the case of Texas, hundreds of millions of dollars, from this law – more than $312 million to date – to strengthen our mental health care and school hardening, to make it more difficult for violent individuals to attack soft targets like schools typically have been.”\n\nOn Investments in Community Behavioral Health Clinics:\n\n“The BSCA, as it’s called, also expanded certified community behavioral health clinics around the country, which has allowed mental health clinics to expand their coverage to include not only mental health but substance abuse disorders.”\n\n“There are now more than 500 community-based mental health centers operating in 46 states.”\n\nOn Red Flag Laws:\n\n“One of the things I heard most in the recent campaign I ran in was that we had passed a red flag law, which would make it possible for an aggrieved partner or spouse or family member or maybe even a neighbor to basically turn in somebody and have their firearms confiscated without due process of law.”\n\n“The truth is, the BSCA actually makes it harder to implement red flag laws because you can’t do so and access this money unless you enhance the due process protections that are necessary to protect what is a constitutional right.”\n\n“We wanted to make sure that the funding that was available was available for crisis intervention programs, veterans courts, mental health courts, just to use a couple of examples, that did not have those red flag laws, while making sure those states that did could not gain access to this money unless they provided an enhanced due process procedure.”\n\n“It’s false to argue that the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act created an incentive for more states to pass new red flag laws, and the statistics bear it out. Only 4% of the total money appropriated were obligated to red flag-related activities.”\n\nOn Mandatory Wait Periods:\n\n“Another misconception I heard on the campaign trail or saw on social media was that somehow, we created a mandatory waiting period before somebody could access a firearm if they were going into a store to purchase it for those under 21. Once again, this is false.”\n\n“If a person’s record includes disqualifying criminal convictions or mental health adjudications, it shouldn’t matter whether it occurred a day before their 18th birthday, and what the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act allowed law enforcement officials to do is to go back and look at those juvenile records.”\n\nOn Straw Purchases and Firearm Trafficking:\n\n“This leads me to another important provision in the BSCA, which gives the Department of Justice tools to prosecute individuals for straw purchases.”\n\n“Straw purchases are the primary way that criminals and illegal aliens arm themselves, and the Trump administration has used these new criminal provisions enacted in the BSC[A] to target cartel members.”\n\n“Before BSCA, the only penalty a criminal faced for a straw purchase was lying on their firearms transaction of minor offense, which many prosecutors would not bother to pursue.”\n\n“Now, because of this law, the Department of Justice has a tool to combat cartel violence and prosecute individuals who engage in firearms trafficking.”\n\nOn His Legacy of Bipartisanship:\n\n“Working together with Senator Tillis, Senator Sinema, and Senator Murphy, we made sure we passed a law which actually would invest in mental health resources to identify individuals who were suffering before they became a danger to themselves and others.\n\n“We literally made the single largest investment when we passed this law four years ago in community-based mental health care and made our schools safer for all of our children, so they can focus on why they are in school in the first place – to learn – and parents don’t have to worry at home about, ‘Is my son or my daughter going to be safe?’ all the while protecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.”\n\n“As I reflect back on my time here in the United States Senate, there are a few legislative accomplishments I’ve made that have helped the people of Texas and our country at large – at least I hope that’s the case – but out of all of these, the BSCA was one of the most critical in tangibly making the country safer for families and children.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/everythings-bigger-in-texas-including-the-2026-world-cup/", "title": "Everything’s Bigger in Texas – Including the 2026 World Cup", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "When most Texans think of football, we think of Texas teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, Texas Longhorns, Fightin’ Texas Aggies, or even the local high school teams we root for under the Friday night lights. But to the rest of the world, football isn’t played on a 100-yard field – it’s played on a pitch and known as “fútbol.” The most anticipated event for billions of soccer fans across the globe is the quadrennial FIFA World Cup, and this summer, Texas became part of that story again as a host state for the 2026 World Cup.\n\nIn 1904, FIFA, short for the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, was founded in Paris by representatives from seven national football associations: Belgium, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The federation wanted to showcase the sport outside of the Olympic Games, as it was growing in popularity across the world. It wasn’t until 1930 that the first World Cup was played in Montevideo, Uruguay. Unlike today’s 48-team roster, only 13 nations competed in the inaugural game, including the United States. Ninety thousand fans witnessed history in the making when Uruguay beat Argentina 4-2 with the U.S. finishing third.\n\nNowadays, the FIFA World Cup is one of the largest events in the world, and the United States, Mexico, and Canada co-hosted this year’s events. Texas was one of 11 states to host the games. Dallas hosted nine matches, the most of any other host city, and Houston was home to seven. The 16 Texas-based matches are estimated to have generated more than $3 billion for the Texas economy.\n\nWhile tens of millions of Americans have tuned in to watch the games on TV, North Texas hosted a total of 631,843 fans, while Houston’s seven matches garnered 480,184 attendees. I was proud to have helped secure $625 million in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to help local law enforcement ensure the safety of players, teams, and fans. Houston was awarded more than $64 million and Dallas was awarded more than $51 million of this funding to bolster security for attendees, infrastructure, and venues.\n\nAs we look back on FIFA’s time in Texas, I want to take a moment to reflect on the cultural and economic impacts the matches have had outside the stadiums stretched across the Lone Star State.\n\nCities investing in stadium upgrades, transportation, and fan zones have helped boost tourism throughout the Lone Star State. Let’s take the viral Germany fan, Freddy, for example. Freddy stopped at one of Texas’ most iconic places, Buc-ee’s, and was shocked at what the beaver-themed gas station had to offer, sharing his experience for all to see on social media. His cross-country journey introduced many of his nearly 755,000 followers to Texas culture and will inspire others to see what the buzz is about in the Lone Star State.\n\nIn Houston, we also saw thousands of Netherlands fans flooding the streets in orange for their Oranje Fan Walk. And in North Texas, World Cup fans from Australia, Croatia, England, and Netherlands made their way to the Fort Worth Stockyards to purchase a cowboy hat and head down Exchange Avenue to see the cattle drive, followed by a rodeo and some world-famous Texas barbeque, and finishing the night at Billy Bob’s to line dance – a true Texas experience.\n\nAs millions of highly enthusiastic fans poured into Texas, many businesses felt the positive impact of the games. Fans took to the roads and traveled across the state to see what we had to offer, stopping at local spots along the way. Restaurants and bars had a hard time keeping up with the intake of customers, some even running out of food after they increased their inventory for the matches. But they wouldn’t change it for the world, as the World Cup helped to boost their businesses, gave the fans a memorable experience, and helped Americans see our nation through the eyes of someone discovering all our country has to offer.\n\nAs a lifelong Texan, I was excited to see fans from around the world travel to our state and embrace our culture. I was also glad to see our communities come together and give a big Texas welcome to those visiting. Long after the final whistle, the victory for Texas will be measured not only by the outcome of the World Cup, but also by the lasting friendships, memorable experiences, and global recognition of welcoming others to the Lone Star State.\n\nEverything is bigger in Texas, and during the 2026 World Cup, the Texas hospitality and the camaraderie between Texans and our guests from around the world were bigger than the game itself.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-douglas-county-manager-push-for-the-passage-of-the-douglas-county-lands-bill-in-key-senate-hearing/", "title": "Cortez Masto, Douglas County Manager Push for the Passage of the Douglas County Lands Bill in Key Senate Hearing", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jenifer Davidson, Douglas County Manager, pushed for the passage of the Douglas County lands bill in a Senate hearing. The Douglas County Economic Development and Conservation Act would improve land management in the Carson Valley, increase local economic and outdoor recreation opportunities, protect public lands, and preserve important Tribal cultural sites within Douglas County.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto is the Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. County Manager Davidson served as a witness for the committee and discussed the urgent need to pass Cortez Masto’s Douglas County Lands Bill.\n\n“The [Douglas County Lands] Bill is the culmination of extensive collaboration between local officials stretching back to 2009, with the earliest bill being introduced in 2013. […] It also represents the ‘Nevada style’ of legislating our local land management needs – bringing people together, identifying land-use needs, and making compromises. It includes support from local government, the local business community, conservationists, including Friends of Nevada Wilderness, and the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California,” said Senator Cortez Masto in her opening remarks.\n\n“Members of the Subcommittee, [the Douglas County Lands Bill] solves problems that grow more urgent with every year. Douglas County has done the work. We have built the consensus. Now we need Congress to finish the job,” said County Manager Davidson in her opening remarks.\n\nThe full text of the Douglas County Lands Bill can be found here, and a map of the proposal can be found here.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto has worked across the board to strengthen and diversify Nevada’s economy, protect Nevada’s public lands, and plan for responsible growth. She helped pass vital legislation to create thousands of new jobs in Las Vegas at the Apex Industrial Park. Cortez Masto has secured funding for large-scale water recycling projects in Nevada. She has fought against misguided proposals to allow the indiscriminate sale of public lands to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Cortez Masto has consistently pushed for the passage of her Southern Nevada Lands bill.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/epw-committee-unanimously-passes-the-water-resources-development-act", "title": "EPW Committee Unanimously Passes the Water Resources Development Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***Click herefor audio. Click here for video.***\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee unanimously passed its Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 today. Enacted every two years, WRDA authorizes essential U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) projects. WRDA has a long history of bipartisan passage under regular order. This year’s bill includes authorization of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drinking water and wastewater infrastructure programs.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) is the chairman of the Senate EPW Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which has jurisdiction over USACE and EPA water infrastructure programs. He highlighted the cooperative spirit necessary to pass WRDA, saying, “Passing the Water Resources Development Act out of our committee unanimously every two years—for over a decade—really is evidence that collaborative legislating still exists in the United States Senate. We should all be optimistic about that. Our bill supports projects across North Dakota like the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply Project that folks in Fargo and up and down the Red River Valley are very familiar with, and the Williston Levee, while also authorizing water infrastructure programs North Dakota, our tribes, and rural townships rely on. Our WRDA really does some wonderful things besides authorizing spending, it also cuts red tape within the Corps itself and for the states and communities coordinating with them. I’m really grateful and pleased our committee has kept WRDA a priority and delivered a bipartisan product to the Senate for final passage.”\n\nClick here for video\n\nSupporting North Dakota Projects\n\nAuthorized USACE projects across North Dakota are supported in the 2026 WRDA. It extends the authority of the Secretary of the Army to provide operation and maintenance assistance for the Devils Lake Flood Risk Reduction Project. To support water supply from the McClusky Canal, including the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply Project, this WRDA expresses the Sense of Congress the Secretary should ensure updates to the water control manual for Snake Creek Embankment and Lake Audubon Reservoir maintain the water levels necessary to support authorized purposes, including municipal and industrial water supplies.\n\nAdditionally, it directs the Secretary to coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies when carrying out activities related to the Williston Levee, as well as expedite any activities to address risks associated with the levee. The bill also addresses hurdles private landowners face when their property is adjacent or surrounded by USACE land, encouraging the Corps to facilitate better access for property owners.\n\nReforming USACE Review Processes\n\nThe USACE Section 408 program allows companies, individuals, and state governments to modify a USACE project, however, the application process is cumbersome. The 2026 WRDA alleviates these challenges by making the Corps set clear metrics and deliverable timelines for applicants, providing greater certainty and transparency. Similarly, it also directs the USACE to establish a categorical exclusion within 180 days for those Continuing Authorities Programs and Environmental Infrastructure, substantially streamlining projects with a federal cost share of $50 million or less.\n\nAllowing Aquifer Exemption for Class VI Wells\n\nThis year’s WRDA includes language directing the EPA to update regulations regarding Class VI aquifer exemptions. Current EPA regulations allow for exemptions other than Class VI when the criteria does not meet an underground source of drinking water. The language will eliminate a barrier contributing to delays for the widespread adoption of carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies important to the future of coal and oil operations across the state.\n\nStrengthening Water Infrastructure Programs\n\nIn a boost to rural water systems, this year’s WRDA authorizes and strengthens three key water infrastructure programs through Fiscal Year (FY) 2030 beginning with the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund, authorized at $3.75 billion and increasing by $500 million each year through FY 2030. Similarly, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund is authorized at $3.5 billion, an increase of $250 million annually. Since 2022, North Dakota has received over $386 million.\n\nWRDA also authorizes $26 million annually for Technical Assistance to Small Public Water Systems, which is critically important to help rural water systems across North Dakota comply with EPA regulations. It further assists North Dakotan communities by continuing an EPA grant program to assist publicly owned water systems and treatment works in rural areas, or areas experiencing critical water supply needs to design, construct, or maintain digital infrastructure technology.\n\nSupporting Recreation\n\nWRDA 2026 supports recreation areas in North Dakota by making the terrestrial noxious weeds program permanent and authorizing $75 million through 2031 to combat invasive species. It also requires the secretary of the Army to brief Congress on the implementation status of a 2024 WRDA provision directing up to 80% of recreation fees to the USACE sites at which they are collected for operations and maintenance.\n\nEnsuring Dam and Levee Safety\n\nNorth Dakota is home to hundreds of dams and levees, and this year’s WRDA authorizes important safety programs. Specifically, it extends the authorization of appropriations through FY 2031 for the Levee Safety Initiative assistance to states, tribes, and other entities to establish a levee safety program. It authorizes $60 million for the High Hazard Potential Dam Rehabilitation Program through FY 2031 and amends section 14 of the National Dam Safety Program Act to clarify the funding allocation requirements.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-joins-cortez-masto-cramer-to-honor-journeyman-lineworkers-recognition-day", "title": "Crapo Joins Cortez Masto, Cramer to Honor Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada) and Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota) led the passage of a bipartisan resolution to designate July 10, 2026, as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. The resolution recognizes the essential contributions of journeyman lineworkers in maintaining the nation's electric grid and restoring power following severe weather, natural disasters and other emergencies.\n\n“Journeyman lineworkers play a critical role in keeping our communities powered, connected and safe,” said Crapo. “These highly skilled professionals work under challenging and often dangerous conditions, and this resolution appropriately honors their dedication, expertise and service to Idahoans and Americans across the nation.”\n\n“Every year on July 10, we recognize the tireless dedication of journeyman lineworkers,” said Cortez Masto. “These men and women not only perform routine maintenance to our power grids, but they also restore electricity when our communities are struck by disasters, from wildfires to hurricanes. I am proud to stand behind our lineworkers and to introduce this bipartisan resolution honoring their steadfast commitment to our communities.”\n\n“Despite the freezing winter cold and sweltering summer heat, lineworkers across North Dakota ensure the power stays on when we need it the most,” said Cramer. “Growing up, my dad was a rural electric lineman, and I saw firsthand his hard work and commitment to keeping electrons flowing for our neighbors. Our resolution honors the thousands of journeymen lineworkers in America for their selfless dedication.”\n\nThe Resolution is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and Edison Electric Institute (EEI).\n\nAlso co-sponsoring the Resolution are U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Alan Armstrong (R-Oklahoma), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Delaware), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico), John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Ashley Moody (R-Florida), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Alex Padilla (D-California), Adam Schiff (D-California), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi).\n\nThe full text of the resolution can be foundhere.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-applaud-move-to-return-grizzly-bear-management-to-states", "title": "Crapo, Risch Applaud Move to Return Grizzly Bear Management to States", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) applauded the U.S. Department of the Interior proposal to provide new flexibility for western states in managing grizzly bears.\n\n“The recovery of the grizzly bear in the West is a conservation success story made possible by decades of work from state, tribal, federal and local conservation partners,” said Crapo. “For years, I have advocated for returning grizzly bear management to the states as recovery objectives and benchmarks have been achieved. Secretary Burgum’s announcement moves us one step closer to allowing Idaho wildlife professionals to manage a recovered grizzly population in a way that protects both the species and Idaho communities.”\n\n“It’s abundantly clear Idaho’s grizzly bear populations have widely exceeded recovery goals,” said Risch. “Increasing state authority to manage grizzly bears ensures our own local wildlife agencies, who understand Idaho’s environment best, can follow the science and make commonsense conservation decisions without bureaucratic inefficiencies.”\n\nThe announcement, made by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik, proposes a revised rule to increase management flexibility for grizzly bears in areas where the species has met, and in many cases exceeded, federal recovery benchmarks. The updated proposal ensures the Endangered Species Act is being used as Congress intended while continuing to support the species' long-term conservation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-secures-committee-approval-of-water-projects-for-utah-amid-intense-drought", "title": "Curtis Secures Committee Approval of Water Projects for Utah Amid Intense Drought", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.curtis.senate.gov", "scraper": "curtis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001114", "name": "John R. Curtis", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Video of the Senator’s Committee remarks can be found here, and a transcript is below.\n\nUtah is in a record drought. Everywhere I go, it’s “water, water, water, water.” And I think in many cases, as [there are] many pressing problems we have as a country and as a state, water still rises to the top.\n\nSo, I’m very pleased, particularly for the communities of Ephraim and Centerville, who will benefit from this in their ability to bring clean water to the residents and otherwise would not be able to do it without this bill.\n\nSo, I’d like to thank the Committee, the staff, [and] the Ranking Member yourself for making this possible.\n\nI’d also like to point out the Great Salt Lake and the impending needs there, and I look forward to furthering discussions with this Committee and other members to see how we can save a very, very important asset in the West.\n\nIt’s an environmental issue. It’s a standard of living issue. On many, many levels this is important and a very important role.\n\nAnd what I’m pleased with the Great Salt Lake is that my state’s not just waiting for the federal government. I have philanthropic help. I have local community help. I have state government help. Everybody is leaning into this, and I’m grateful the federal government is willing to lean in as well.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/07/15/daines-hassan-goodlander-miller-introduce-bill-to-bolster-made-in-america-hydropower/", "title": "Daines, Hassan, Goodlander, Miller Introduce Bill to Bolster Made-In-America Hydropower", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.daines.senate.gov", "scraper": "daines", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000618", "name": "Steve Daines", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Standardizes Review Procedures for Hydropower Licenses\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), as well as Representatives Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.-2) and Carol Miller (R-W.V.-01) today introduced bipartisan legislation to standardize the process for hydropower licenses at Army Corps of Engineers dams under Section 408 to ensure a uniform and consistent application and review process across districts.\n\n“Hydropower is an increasingly important source of electricity in the U.S., and provides Montana’s second-largest source of electricity generation. As we prepare to meet the expected surge in demand for energy in the coming decades, we need to ensure the licensing process is fair and efficient. I’m proud to work with my bipartisan colleagues to increase Made-In-America hydropower and enact much-needed reforms,” said Daines.\n\n“As electricity demand continues to grow, we need to make it easier to bring more affordable, reliable energy online. This bipartisan legislation will help create a more consistent and efficient process for adding hydropower generation at existing dams, support American energy production, and lower costs for families and businesses. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense bill,” said Hassan.\n\n“The people of New Hampshire are paying some of the highest energy costs in the country, and hydropower is at the heart of lowering energy costs and making America the world’s clean energy superpower. Our bipartisan bill is simple: it cuts red tape and makes the rules of the road clear so that we can get reliable hydropower solutions built faster and bring prices down. From day one, I have worked across the aisle to cut energy costs, and I will keep leading the fight to build the affordable, reliable, and clean energy future New Hampshire families deserve,” said Goodlander.\n\n“I have long advocated for an all-of-the-above approach to energy production. To ensure the United States remains the leading energy producer and we have the ability to meet rising demands, it is essential that our existing infrastructure and federal processes are streamlined and efficient. I am happy to join my colleagues in introducing this common-sense legislation to benefit the Army Corps of Engineers and our hydropower industry,” said Miller.\n\nRead the bill text HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Section 408 licensing process for Army Corps of Engineers dams can vary from district to district with different standards and timelines for producers. Standardizing the process and timeline will ensure that much-needed generation will be added to existing non-powered dams. According to a recent Army Corps assessment, approximately three gigawatts of power could be produced at existing Army Corps non-powered dams.\n\nStatement of Support:\n\n“Thank you Senators Daines and Hassan for this legislation that will help create much-needed clarity on an important aspect of permitting hydropower facilities – Clean Water Act reviews. With bipartisan support, this legislation is an important showcase that clean, affordable, and reliable hydropower should be a nonpartisan issue. Hydropower makes up nearly 23 percent of our generation portfolio at NorthWestern Energy, allowing our company to meet customer demand with affordable, reliable, and carbon-free power. Legislation like these will help ensure our hydro assets can remain a significant part of our portfolio for years to come.” – Brian Bird, President and Chief Executive Officer, NorthWestern Energy\n\n“Section 408 reform is essential to unlocking more reliable, affordable, American hydropower. For too long, developers seeking to add clean generation to existing U.S. Army Corps infrastructure have faced an unpredictable and duplicative review process that slows projects when we need all the new generation we can get. By bringing greater clarity, consistency, and accountability to Section 408 reviews, this bill will help move responsible hydropower development forward while preserving the Corps’ core mission. NHA thanks the bill’s sponsors, Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) and Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) for advancing this commonsense fix and recognizing the role existing federal infrastructure can play in meeting America’s growing energy needs.” – Matthew Allen, Director of Legislative Affairs, National Hydropower Association\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/07/15/icymi-the-times-of-central-asia-daines-tour-signals-an-emerging-u-s-caspian-corridor-strategy/", "title": "ICYMI: The Times of Central Asia: Daines’ Tour Signals an Emerging U.S. Caspian Corridor Strategy", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.daines.senate.gov", "scraper": "daines", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000618", "name": "Steve Daines", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines traveled to Central Asia last week- read reporting by the Times of Central Asia below.\n\nDaines’s Tour Signals an Emerging U.S. Caspian Corridor Strategy\n\nThe Times of Central Asia\n\nJuly 14, 2026\n\nSenator Steve Daines’s July 7–9 visit to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan brought three bilateral relationships into a single, compressed Caspian itinerary. In Baku, he met President Ilham Aliyev and senior economic and foreign-policy officials; in Astana, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and representatives of government and business; and in Ashgabat, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Although official accounts treated each stop separately, the sequence suggests a regional pattern whose significance exceeds any single announcement…\n\n…Daines’s itinerary marks an emerging corridor-centered effort aligned with the Trump administration’s broader Caspian engagement, even without a formal declaration of purpose…\n\n…Daines’s tour gave visible momentum to an emerging U.S. strategy for connecting Central Asia and the South Caucasus, consistent with the Trump administration’s emphasis on commercially grounded partnerships. Its institutional and financial architecture remains incomplete, but the direction is increasingly clear…\n\n…There is no single three-country framework. The relationships are advancing through bilateral charters, dialogues, commercial agreements, and high-level visits. For now, the common direction appears in the sequence and convergence of U.S. initiatives rather than in a unifying institution. Project selection, financing, and delivery remain the proper tests of Washington’s effort. A durable regional structure will emerge from those results rather than from a declaration alone.\n\nRead the full story in the Times of Central Asia HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-blackburn-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-emergency-communication-technology-that-could-help-saves-lives", "title": "Duckworth, Blackburn Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Emergency Communication Technology That Could Help Saves Lives", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, reintroduced legislation to improve emergency communication technology that could help save lives. The ITS Codification Act would codify the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS), which currently serves as the research and engineering laboratory at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and require ITS to develop emergency communication and tracking technologies to help locate trapped individuals in confined spaces where conventional radio communication is limited.\n\n“When people are in crisis and find themselves trapped in confined spaces, how quickly our first responders are able to conduct search and rescue often depends on these workers’ access to modern, reliable technology to save precious time,” said Duckworth. “Our bipartisan legislation would codify the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and require ITS to develop emergency communication and tracking technology to help save lives.”\n\n“First responders in Tennessee need access to reliable technology that will help them locate trapped individuals in confined spaces where radio signals fail,” said Blackburn. “Our bipartisan ITS Codification Act would drive the development of advanced communication technologies to help first responders save more lives when every second counts.”\n\nThis legislation comes at a time when Illinois leads the United States in the most tornado reports so far in 2026. The bill would help expedite recovery efforts for those impacted by events such as tornadoes, who may get trapped in rubble left from fallen buildings. The technology provided by the ITS Codification Act would help locate tornado victims, along with other victims of natural disasters, or crises.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-delivers-opening-statement-in-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing-on-president-trumps-nominee-to-be-attorney-general-todd-blanche", "title": "Durbin Delivers Opening Statement In Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing On President Trump’s Nominee To Be Attorney General, Todd Blanche", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement during the Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearing for Todd Blanche, President Trump’s pick to be Attorney General of the United States.\n\nBefore turning to his opening statement, Durbin addressed Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley’s (R-IA) comments about special prosecutor Jack Smith. Durbin again called for Committee Republicans to accept Mr. Smith’s offer to testify publicly under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Instead of allowing Mr. Smith to testify, Senate Judiciary Republicans continue to hold wasteful hearings to relitigate the 2020 presidential election, despite numerous other issues worth examining within the Committee’s jurisdiction.\n\nKey Quotes:\n\n“We are here because there is a vacancy in the office [of the Attorney General]. The President decided to fire [Mr. Blanche’s] predecessor after just 14 months on the job, after courts and grand juries blocked her from prosecuting the President’s political opponents. Seemingly, President Trump believes you, Mr. Blanche, will be more successful.”\n\n“When you were first nominated to be Deputy Attorney General, Democrats raised concerns about the President’s personal attorney serving as the top attorney of the Justice Department. The Attorney General is the chief law enforcement officer of the United States of America.”\n\n“Since you were confirmed, DOJ has literally violated dozens of court orders to advance Trump’s agenda. Last year, you declared that the Justice Department was ‘at war’ with the federal judiciary… I believe all of us on both sides of the table need to be more careful with our rhetoric when it comes to the judiciary.”\n\n“One of your first official actions as Acting Attorney General was establishing a nearly $2 billion weaponization or slush fund to benefit January 6 cop-beaters while immunizing President Trump from IRS liability. You defended the slush fund by claiming, ‘People that hurt police get money all the time.’ Despite resounding bipartisan criticism and admitting this was a mistake, you have refused to rescind the order creating this fund, [which] can still be found on DOJ’s website today.”\n\n“Earlier this week, a federal judge characterized your explanation of the settlement that led to this fund ‘at best, misleading and, at worst, disingenuous.’ You told me yesterday that the opinion was ‘a hit piece’ on you, another troubling attack on a judge for doing her job.”\n\n“Then there’s the cover-up of the Epstein files, which former Attorney General Bondi herself said you were ‘in charge of.’ Under your leadership, more than 1,000 FBI personnel were pulled off other priorities and directed to flag Epstein records [mentioning] President Trump.”\n\n“When scrutiny of the cover-up intensified, you participated in meetings in the White House Situation Room to strategize about how to protect President Trump, not Epstein’s survivors.”\n\n“When Congress forced the Administration to release the files, hundreds of survivors’ personal information was unredacted—victimizing them again. Meanwhile, the names of powerful Epstein allies remain protected, in clear violation of the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Your explanation? ‘It isn’t a crime to party with Mr. Epstein.’”\n\n“Mr. Blanche, these survivors deserve much better. I want to recognize many of the survivors who are in the audience today. I thank them for their courage in speaking out. Tomorrow, we will hear from one of them during the outside witness panel.”\n\n“I’m asking you, Mr. Blanche, before you leave this room, to agree to meet with these Epstein survivors personally and bring with you professionals from the Department of Justice to hear them out.”\n\n“You told me yesterday you want to be Attorney General because you love DOJ and you love prosecutors. But you have removed from the Department some of the most effective prosecutors that have ever served our government [for the President’s personal benefit]—purging career law-enforcement officials who won’t prioritize President Trump’s interests over their oath to the Constitution.”\n\n“More than 1,200 former career DOJ employees, who worked for both Republican and Democratic Administrations, sent the Committee a letter opposing your nomination because you have purged DOJ of thousands of experienced law-enforcement officials, putting our nation’s security at risk.”\n\n“You testified under oath last year that as Deputy Attorney General, you would consult with career ethics officials to avoid conflicts of interest, a significant concern since you received nearly $10 million as the President’s personal attorney. But you have gutted the DOJ offices that handle ethics and professional responsibility.”\n\n“Shortly after you were confirmed as Deputy Attorney General, you issued an order dismantling DOJ’s crypto enforcement team and shutting down ongoing criminal investigations of the crypto industry. At the time, you owned at least $159,000 worth of crypto-related assets. While you eventually divested, those assets didn’t go far. You simply transferred them to your children and grandchild. With the cryptocurrency enforcement unit out of the way, President Trump brought in $1.4 billion from his family’s cryptocurrency businesses in 2025 alone.”\n\n“You recently claimed that ‘there’s a ton of evidence that the 2020 election was rigged’ … You have also baselessly indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights organization that has worked tirelessly to expose violent extremists like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers—the same people who you gave a clean slate for their role in attacking our Capitol.”\n\n“And, despite my repeated requests, you have yet to produce the DOJ memorandum concluding it was ‘legally permissible’ for the President of the United States to accept the gift of a luxury airliner from the royal family of Qatar despite constitutional and statutory foreign gift prohibitions. Earlier this month, that jet was launched as Air Force One, despite credible reports of security vulnerabilities. Last weekend, DOJ responded not by addressing these security concerns, but by sending federal agents with subpoenas to the homes of the reporters who exposed these lapses.”\n\n“In less than 18 months at the Department of Justice, you have shown you are still President Trump’s personal attorney. Your tenure can be summed up in just four words: ‘I love you, sir.’ This was your response when asked what you would say to [President Trump].”\n\n“This nation deserves an Attorney General who loves the Constitution more than any single president—an Attorney General who is focused on keeping Americans safe and combatting corruption, not satisfying the President’s personal grievances.”\n\nVideo of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-front-of-epstein-survivors-durbin-presses-attorney-general-nominee-todd-blanche-to-meet-with-survivors-within-the-next-30-days", "title": "In Front Of Epstein Survivors, Durbin Presses Attorney General Nominee, Todd Blanche, To Meet With Survivors Within The Next 30 Days", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "During Blanche’s nomination hearing, Durbin asked for confirmation under oath that Blanche would meet with survivors of Epstein’s abuse; Durbin also demanded answers regarding the IRS settlement & January 6 pardons\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned President Trump’s pick to be Attorney General of the United States, Todd Blanche, during his Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearing. Durbin pressed Mr. Blanche on whether he would personally meet with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse within the next 30 days. Following Durbin’s repeated questions, Mr. Blanche would not commit to doing so.\n\n“[There are] 10 individuals who were exploited and abused by Mr. Epstein [and they] are here today. None of them have had a chance to speak to anyone in the Department or FBI though they have asked repeatedly. Can I get your word under oath that within the next 30 days, you will personally sit down with these 10 victims and hear their case in terms of what needs to be done by the Department of Justice?” Durbin pressed.\n\nMr. Blanche dodged Durbin’s question about meeting directly with the survivors and replied, “I have somebody from my office who spent her entire career working on cases like Mr. Epstein’s… She’s available to talk to them.”\n\n“She can sit right next to you when you meet with these survivors… Will you meet with these 10 survivors?” Durbin asked.\n\nMr. Blanche repeatedly dodged Durbin’s multiple requests for him to meet directly with the survivors and attempted to claim that “[i]f they have lawyers, I am prohibited from meeting directly with them.” Nothing prohibits a Department attorney, including the Attorney General, from meeting with represented parties if their counsel is present or gives explicit consent, and Durbin continued to press Mr. Blanche to meet with survivors within 30 days, and that Mr. Blanche must be in the room—not just his counsel.\n\n“You are dancing on the head of a pin here… We have these survivors who have the courage to come before this Committee and tell their terrible stories of how they were exploited,” Durbin noted.\n\nDurbin added, “If you are truly committed to extraordinary transparency, and you are willing to meet with these victims, I hope you will do it immediately or we’re going to hold you to it.”\n\nThe Trump Administration has repeatedly mishandled the Epstein files. Former Attorney General Bondi told the House Oversight Committee in May that Mr. Blanche was “in charge of the process and the entire release of the Epstein files.” Last year, FBI personnel reviewing the Epstein files were ordered to flag records that mentioned Donald Trump.\n\nCongress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA), which set a December 19, 2025, deadline for DOJ to provide a full, public production of the Epstein files. DOJ did not comply with this deadline. On December 31, DOJ sent an email seeking Assistant U.S. Attorney volunteers to review these records, and the review of the overwhelming majority of these files did not even begin until January 5, 2026—weeks after the statutory deadline.\n\nDurbin then asked Mr. Blanche about President Trump’s “Anti-Weaponization Fund” and its accompanying immunity provision. As part of the settlement agreement in President Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS, Mr. Blanche signed a document in which he attempted to provide President Trump, his family, and his businesses with immunity for any potential federal tax law violations committed prior to May 19.\n\n“Would you like to explain how we can give the President and his family and his businesses exemptions from complying with tax laws of the United States?” Durbin asked.\n\nMr. Blanche responded, “It is not an exemption to comply with the tax laws of the United States, it was part of a settlement… it was an agreement [that] any past audits would end.”\n\nThe settlement, which Mr. Blanche signed, stated the United States “releases, waives, acquits, and forever discharges each of the plaintiffs” when it comes to tax liability.\n\n“That’s how it reads. It’s pretty sweeping. You don’t believe that is a discharge forever from liability?” Durbin asked.\n\nMr. Blanche responded, “of any past filings, yes.”\n\n“How do you explain that to the American people? Everyone in this room, all of us, we have to follow the tax laws of the United States and if we don’t, we can be held responsible for it, to the point of criminal prosecution. Why did you decide that President Trump and his family and their businesses should be exempt from that same responsibility?” Durbin asked.\n\nMr. Blanche continued to defend the Trump family and the IRS settlement.\n\n“No matter what their liability [and] no matter what their violation of tax law, you signed a document that forever discharged them from any legal responsibility… How often do you think that has been done in the history of the United States?” Durbin asked, to which Mr. Blanche stated that he wasn’t sure if such a settlement has “ever been done with the President of the United States.”\n\n“It’s hard to explain to the American people that no one is above the law when that type of document was signed by you, forever discharging that family and that president from any liability for violating tax laws,” Durbin said.\n\nMr. Blanche responded that “nobody is above the law,” despite the fact that the settlement attempts to place President Trump above the law.\n\nDurbin then shifted to the January 6 rioters’ pardons. Many of the January 6 rioters pardoned by the President violently assaulted law enforcement officers, have shown no remorse for their actions, and have continued to commit crimes and endanger public safety.\n\n“Do you think a blanket pardon by the President of the January 6 rioters was the right thing to do?” Durbin asked.\n\nMr. Blanche deflected and responded that the “the Constitution gives the president the full power to pardon anybody for any reason he wants.”\n\n“Some of them physically assaulted policemen in the Capitol, [and] some of them are guilty of serious crimes before that day. For the President to give a blanket pardon to these individuals is something you cannot explain to the American people. You certainly cannot explain it to the policemen who almost lost their lives because of the attackers,” Durbin concluded.\n\nVideo of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-senate-committee-lears-about-fraud-from-nick-shirley", "title": "Ernst: Senate Committee Lears about Fraud from Nick Shirley", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) highlighted independent journalist Nick Shirley's investigation that exposed how Minnesota's notorious Quality Learing Center received $10 million tax dollars to provide child care despite having no children in attendance.\n\nErnst also blasted the failed leadership of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and California Governor Gavin Newsom for allowing fraud to flourish in their states, underscoring that the federal government loses up to $521 billion in fraud every year.\n\nWatch Ernst’s questioning here.\n\nBackground:\n\nAfter an estimated $9 billion or more was exposed in Minnesota fraud, Ernst worked to put safeguards in place to stop scams early and claw back any money ripped off from taxpayers with her Putting an N to Learing about Fraud Act that would tie funding to actual attendance, requiring reimbursement after services are provided, mandating long-term recordkeeping, and allowing audits by federal authorities.\n\nErnst kept up the drum beat and gave her January 2026 Squeal Award to Minnesota Governor Walz, calling out swindlers in Minnesota and everywhere that in the era of DOGE, crime no longer pays.\n\nIn February, Ernst challenged Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to explain how fraud was allowed to flourish and go unpunished in his state, calling him out for funds being “funneled away into fraudulent schemes” and reminding him of his own false claim that his state had “done enough” while Minnesota’s fraud schemes had already wasted more than $9 billion in tax dollars.\n\nAfter Ernst revealed that the infamous Quality Learing Center in Minnesota and questionable personal care companies in Ohio received financial support from the Small Business Administration, she directed the SBA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) to investigate each for potential fraud and to recover every cent that may have been stolen.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=CBDE990A-E16F-4AE2-848C-01FACF5F2640", "title": "Fischer Wildfire Disaster Assistance Bill Becomes Law", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.fischer.senate.gov", "scraper": "fischer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000463", "name": "Deb Fischer", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) issued the following statement after her bill, the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act, became law:\n\n“Nebraska farmers and ranchers will directly benefit from this law, and I am proud to have gotten it across the finish line,” Fischer said. “I will be urging USDA to quickly issue new guidance to FSA so producers can begin receiving this improved assistance.”\n\nFischer reintroduced this legislation on February 19, 2025. After returning from Nebraska to assess the Morrill fire damage with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Fischer successfully passed the bill with a unanimous vote on the Senate floor. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on June 23, 2026.\n\nThe legislation is supported by the Nebraska Cattlemen and the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation.\n\nBackground\n\nThe Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) were created to help to reduce the burden of natural disasters by providing producers with financial and technical assistance to repair and restore their land.\n\nThese programs, however, are often slow to respond to wildfires, floods, and other disasters. This means producers face significant delays and red tape when trying to access financial assistance.\n\nFor many producers, that significant time delay forces them to put off needed repair work, or risk beginning the recovery process without a guarantee of federal help.\n\nThe Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act addresses these issues by reforming the programs. The bill specifically gives producers impacted by disasters the option to receive an advance on cost-sharing relief that is based on existing USDA estimates.\n\nThis expedited option ensures family farmers and ranchers in dire need of help can begin the critical work of restoring their property to productive levels.\n\nThe Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act also reframes eligibility for relief from wildfire damage to include any wildfire caused or spread due to natural causes, as well as wildfires caused by the federal government.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-reintroduce-legislation-to-strengthen-supports-for-airport-service-workers/", "title": "Gallego, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Strengthen Supports for Airport Service Workers", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined his colleagues in reintroducing the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, legislation that would improve wages and working conditions for airport service workers. The legislation would also support working families and help stabilize the air travel industry as airlines pocket record profits while airport service workers remain stuck at minimum wage.\n\n“Every Arizonan deserves to be fairly compensated for their hard work, including the men and women who keep our airports running smoothly,” said Senator Gallego. “The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act invests in airports that invest in their workers, ensuring airports are economic hubs not just for travelers, but for the communities they’re located in. I’m proud to help reintroduce this legislation.”\n\nThe legislation is led in the Senate by Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and in the House by Representatives Chuy García (IL-04) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01).\n\nFull text of the legislation is available HERE.\n\n“I’ve given years of my life to this airport, keeping planes clean and passengers safe — and I still can’t afford to take my kids to the doctor,” said Nicole Ray, a wheelchair agent at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. “Something is deeply wrong when the airlines I serve are posting record profits while I’m choosing between groceries and medicine. It’s time for Congress to decide whose side they’re on and pass the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act.”\n\nThe Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is endorsed by SEIU, UNITE HERE and CWA.\n\n“Every day, airport service workers keep our country moving. They do the essential work that keeps our airports safe, our aviation system running, and millions of travelers connected. Airport service workers deserve more than our thanks, they deserve good jobs that provide dignity, security, and the opportunity to build a better life,” said April Verrett, President of SEIU. “The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is about recognizing the value of that work. Congress should stand with the workers who keep our airports running and pass this legislation. When we invest in working people, we build a stronger economy and a stronger nation.”\n\n“Our tax dollars continue to be invested in the expansion and improvement of the nation’s airports. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act committed billions for airports, with the final $2.9 billion invested this year. However, airports are not just buildings with tarmacs and airplanes: a successful airport depends on its workers. Despite this, there are UNITE HERE members working in airport concessions and airline catering who are struggling to make ends meet. Some of them work multiple jobs and with no healthcare. Our investments must support a healthy workforce and offer wages that lift workers out of poverty — the Good Jobs for Good Airports Actwould set a fair national standard for wages and benefits for airport workers across the United States,” said Gwen Mills, President of UNITE HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/at-intel-hearing-gillibrand-pushes-clayton-on-election-security-and-his-subpoenas-of-new-york-times-journalists/", "title": "At Intel Hearing, Gillibrand Pushes Clayton On Election Security And His Subpoenas Of New York Times Journalists", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, pressed director of national intelligence nominee Jay Clayton on the subpoenas he issued to multiple New York Times journalists who reported on security concerns involving President Trump’s Qatari-donated Air Force One.\n\nIn addition, Gillibrand pressed Clayton about election security and his refusal to state plainly that Joe Biden won the 2020 election.\n\nFootage of Senator Gillibrand’s questioning can be found here.\n\nTranscripts of key moments can be found below:\n\nON INTRUSIVE SUBPOENAS ATTACKING NEW YORK TIMES REPORTERS:\n\nSen. Gillibrand: I want to just continue the line of questioning that Senator Bennet had about the New York Times subpoenas. You said you don’t want to get into it. I understand that, but the reason why we’re asking these questions is because the subpoenas were issued so closely after a very long meeting at the White House. There seemed to be an unnecessary urgency behind it, and I’d like you to maybe comment on why there was this urgency. But more than that, they were served at the reporters’ homes, and that is fairly unusual. That is not the least—what term of art did you use?—the least…\n\nHon. Jay Clayton: Least intrusive.\n\nSen. Gillibrand: Intrusive means—serving at their homes. Normally, a subpoena would be issued at their place of business, a corporate office, but again, delivering it to a private home seems quite aggressive. So, can you address the urgency and the home service?\n\nHon. Jay Clayton: What I said before is, I’m not going to get into the specifics and the circumstances of the matters being investigated—\n\nSen. Gillibrand: Understood. So, I just want to talk about the process because I get you don’t want to talk about the substance.\n\nHon. Jay Clayton: Yeah, and then on the process, how quickly you would do something following the process depends on those facts and circumstances of the investigation, including the potential spoliation, you know, of information and the timeliness of the threat. I think I’m going to leave it at that, but I…these are, this is not a… this was a judgment, and it should always be a judgment that’s made collectively. That’s the way I look at these things.\n\nSen. Gillibrand: Well, I would just, I would just urge that this doesn’t sound like the proper independent legal process that we would normally expect for issuance of a subpoena. The characteristics surrounding it seem rushed, aggressive, with an unnecessary urgency. And I would just caution you: in your role, you are going to have many times when you may be influenced to engage in investigation because the White House is unhappy with a report. The thing about this particular issue is that the plane was reported on months ago, months and months ago, about the concerns that because it was built by Qatar, that it wouldn’t have the same security aspects that one would need to protect a president, and so this just doesn’t ring true that your process was a thoughtful, deliberative, and normal oversight process, and that is why this committee is deeply concerned. Do you understand that?\n\nHon. Jay Clayton: I understand your concerns.\n\nON ELECTION SECURITY:\n\nSen. Gillibrand: The second thing that this committee is concerned about [is] this issue of election security. Senator King tried to get you to say: did he win or not win the election? President Trump has an issue with whether he wins or doesn’t win elections, and it’s affected your office, and I need you to understand how it’s affected your office. After the 2016 election, there [were] allegations that there was foreign interference by Russia, and President Trump was very concerned that somehow his election was not on the up and up. And so, what he did in response when he became president, was he eliminated every aspect of your office’s oversight of the election process from cyberthreats. You had personnel that were very knowledgeable about cyberthreats, especially foreign influence—there were personnel at CISA, there were personnel at the FBI—and they were all fired. And then President Trump now wants to make sure that the 2020 election, that nobody says Biden won the election. So you can understand why this committee is concerned that you won’t say “Biden won the election,” because it just reeks of this insecurity by the Trump administration about election security. So when you say election security is important to you, I want to make sure that you understand the ODNI has a responsibility towards cybersecurity, towards election security, that’s not about voter fraud, but about the influence of foreign countries on our election security. Do you understand that?\n\nHon. Jay Clayton: Absolutely, and it is a significant concern of mine. One of the things that I did not get an opportunity to talk about before, cybersecurity has been part of my private sector and public sector practice for well over a decade, going on close to two decades.\n\nSen. Gillibrand: So, will you add that back to ODNI because it was taken out by Gabbard?\n\nHon. Jay Clayton: When I was talking—yes—when I was talking about processes and integrity of our election, cybersecurity is front of mind.\n\nSen. Gillibrand: So, will you restore the cybersecurity complement to your job, as well as the biosecurity threats, and as well as the Foreign Malign Influence Center?\n\nHon. Jay Clayton: I can commit to making an assessment, and to the extent that more resources are needed, or more focus is needed, or more coordination is needed…\n\nSen. Gillibrand: Well, we would urge there are more resources and focus needed in those three areas.\n\nHon. Jay Clayton: And I look forward to dialoguing with you on that.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-applauds-senate-passage-of-the-older-americans-act-reauthorization-act/", "title": "Gillibrand Applauds Senate Passage Of The Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The Older Americans Act (OAA) has provided vital nutrition, social, and health services to millions of seniors since its passage in 1965\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, released the following statement following unanimous Senate passage of the Older Americans Act (OAA) Reauthorization Act, which she reintroduced in 2025:\n\n“The OAA has been a lifeline for American seniors since its passage over half a century ago, and I am proud to have successfully led the charge for its reauthorization in the Senate. This lifesaving legislation will help our nation’s older adults age with dignity by supporting programs that provide nutrition assistance, meal deliveries, transportation services, caregiver support, long-term care, and more. We owe it to seniors to strengthen and continue funding these programs, and I am proud to see this legislation pass the Senate with unanimous support. The House must take up and pass this legislation immediately.”\n\nThe OAA Reauthorization Act renews funding for the OAA and strengthens services for American seniors. The OAA has provided vital nutrition, social, and health services to millions of seniors since its passage in 1965. Last reauthorized in 2020, the OAA expired in the 118th Congress.\n\nSpecifically, this year’s OAA Reauthorization Act reauthorizes the following programs through fiscal year 2030:\n\nthe national eldercare locator service;\n\nregional aging and disability resource centers;\n\ngrants to support counseling and assistance on pensions and other retirement benefits;\n\ngrants to support home-delivered nutrition services like Meals on Wheels;\n\nprograms to facilitate the delivery of supportive services to tribal organizations; and\n\nprograms to prevent elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.\n\nThe bill also modifies existing programs for older individuals to promote innovation and flexibility, strengthen program integrity, and better support family caregivers and direct care workers.\n\nThe full text of the bill can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-questions-blanche-at-attorney-general-nomination-hearing", "title": "Grassley Questions Blanche at Attorney General Nomination Hearing", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) questioned Department of Justice (DOJ) Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche while chairing Blanche’s nomination hearing to be U.S. Attorney General.\n\nBlanche committed to prioritizing antitrust enforcement to ensure family farmers and consumers get a fair price. He told Grassley he’s working to provide transparency and accountability in light of the revelations Grassley has uncovered through his Arctic Frost investigation.\n\nBlanche also detailed how the DOJ has worked to comply with the Epstein Transparency Act, including reviewing over six million pages of documents and providing unredacted versions to members of Congress. Blanche confirmed the DOJ is investigating the leads provided by Jeffrey Epstein’s victims and encouraged victims to meet with the DOJ and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).\n\nVideo and a transcript of Grassley and Blanche’s exchange follow.\n\nVIDEO\n\nUncovering Arctic Frost and Special Counsel Jack Smith’s lawfare:\n\nGRASSLEY: “Jack Smith and his team possessed and reviewed congressional information and other sensitive material when they shouldn’t have and they were advised not to. Describe the steps you’ve taken to impose accountability so that this egregious and partisan misconduct never happens again.”\n\nBLANCHE: “The biggest thing we can do, Chairman, is [to] be transparent about what happened, and that requires us doing a check on ourselves and on the work that happened before us and being transparent with this body and providing records to you.\n\n“I think when the American people understand and learn what happened, and the egregious abuses that happened, it will be a check on making sure it never happens again. We strive every day to not only move forward as a department doing the right thing, but to make sure that anything that happened in the past, whether it's releasing emails or admitting to things that the department did that we shouldn't have done, [we’re being] transparent with the American people about that.”\n\nGRASSLEY: I made messages public between Jack Smith’s office that appear to relate to the Trump classified document case. Those messages showed government personnel left open a classified facility and potentially mishandled classified information, causing a security violation.\n\nWhile defense counsel to Trump, did the government apprise you of these issues? And secondly, did the Biden Justice Department do any investigation into the misconduct?\n\nBLANCHE: “We were never advised at that time when I was defense counsel to President Trump, and I'm not aware of any investigation that was started by that alleged conduct.”\n\nAntitrust enforcement:\n\nGRASSLEY: “I've long been concerned about concentration and anti-competitive conduct in healthcare, technology, but particularly in agriculture. Family farmers deserve fair prices. I held a hearing on anti-competitive activities in this committee last October on the subject of agriculture. As I recall, as a result of that hearing, the president issued an executive order, and an investigation was started in your department. I sense some pause in that right now.\n\n“If confirmed, do you have a commitment that the Justice Department will make antitrust enforcement a priority?”\n\nBLANCHE: “Chairman, absolutely, you're right. President Trump issued an executive order. I have worked closely with Secretary Rollins on this very issue. We recently held a press conference announcing some of the work that we're doing to not only deal with the anti-competitive behavior that we've seen, but also to help ease prices in the cattle market around the country. So yes, Chairman, I commit to that.”\n\nComplying with the Epstein Transparency Act:\n\nGRASSLEY: “This committee has also received outreach concerning the department’s handling of the investigation and release of the Epstein files, and your role in it. Some allegations include problematic redactions, insufficient efforts to follow investigative leads, a refusal to meet with victims and questions surrounding the transfer of [Ghislaine] Maxwell to a lower security prison.\n\n“I want you to take the opportunity to respond to these allegations. What would you like this committee to know regarding these files?”\n\nBLANCHE: “When President Trump signed the Epstein Transparency Act, the Department of Justice undertook a Herculean task to review millions and millions of potentially responsive files. We were required under the statute to do this expeditiously and very quickly. The Department of Justice did so.\n\n“We reviewed over six million pages… The reviewers were qualified, experienced attorneys within the department and the FBI. They took pains to apply appropriate redactions.\n\n“There were mistakes that were made, and so approximately 1% of the redactions had to be fixed after we released the Epstein files, Chairman. We had dozens of lawyers on call, 24/7. Whenever we learned that any victim's name had been improperly not redacted, we immediately took the document down and fixed it as soon as we could. That doesn't excuse the mistakes, of which I take responsibility, but it does mean that we tried to fix them.\n\n“The other thing that we did, Chairman, is we made unredacted versions of the entire database available to everybody in this body, and we did that because of transparency. Remember, for four years there wasn't a peep about Jeffrey Epstein. The Biden administration did nothing to be transparent about the Epstein case.…\n\n“We have spoken with over 30 representatives of dozens and dozens of victims since this process started. Any victim, if they're here today, I would encourage them, or their lawyers, to meet with the FBI. We will 100% investigate. There are no closed investigations. If we learn today, if we learn next week, if we learn next month that there's an individual that we can investigate, indict and prosecute out of the Epstein files, you better believe we will.”\n\nRegulations governing mail-order abortion drugs:\n\nGRASSLEY: “Our committee has received a lot of outreach about the department’s litigation position in Louisiana v. FDA. The plaintiffs in this case challenged the relaxed regulations governing mail-order abortion drugs. Can you tell the committee about this case and explain what the Department’s doing?”\n\nBLANCHE: “President Trump is the most pro-life president in history, and the work that this Department’s doing in that space is something that hasn’t been done for 10 years… [I]t would be wrong for me to talk about any litigation strategy beyond what’s in our briefs. But suffice to say, Chairman, that, as we talk about in our briefs, we are not in any way defending what Biden and his administration did.”\n\nSpecial Counsel Robert Mueller and the Russia Hoax:\n\nGRASSLEY: “On March the 15th this year, I made public a signed and sworn statement from an FBI official. That statement says two important things: Special Counsel Mueller's team lacked a legal basis to pursue a FISA renewal on Walid Phares and investigate Tom Barrack, but did so anyway. What steps have you taken to investigate these very troubling criminal allegations? And if you haven't taken any action, why not?”\n\nBLANCHE: “We are investigating that, Chairman, and it would be inappropriate in this setting to get into the details of that investigation. But the sworn affidavit that we reviewed that you provided does raise serious allegations.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hassan-hosts-conversation-in-manchester-on-new-hampshires-battle-against-addiction", "title": "Senator Hassan Hosts Conversation in Manchester on New Hampshire’s Battle Against Addiction", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.hassan.senate.gov", "scraper": "hassan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001076", "name": "Margaret Wood Hassan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "MANCHESTER – This week, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan discussed with recovery community leaders what is working and what additional support is needed to continue to combat addiction in New Hampshire. After years of sustained effort at the federal, state, and local effort to combat fentanyl and other opioid addiction, in 2025, fatal overdoses declined by 14 percent nationally and 30 percent in Manchester.\n\n“Thanks to the tireless work of local leaders who help Granite Staters battling addiction, we’re finally beginning to see a drop in overdose deaths in New Hampshire. This progress is a result of the advocacy of Granite Staters in the recovery community, and it’s critically important that we do not let up in this fight,” said Senator Hassan. “I appreciated the opportunity to hear from leaders of organizations that help combat addiction about what programs have been working and the ways in which we can continue to expand access to the treatment and support that saves lives.”\n\nSenator Hassan continues working to combat the fentanyl crisis and expand access to evidence-based addiction treatment. At the end of last year, Senator Hassan played a key role in spearheading the passage of the bipartisan SUPPORT Act — legislation that expands the federal response to the fentanyl crisis and allows more training, equipment, and resources to flow to first responders as they support Americans battling addiction. Additionally, Senator Hassan helped introduce the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act, bipartisan legislation to improve access to medication-assisted treatment by allowing more addiction specialists to prescribe methadone. In 2022, Senator Hassan successfully passed into law her bipartisan Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act to increase the number of medical professionals authorized to prescribe medication-assisted treatment.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-on-msnow-the-bar-was-low-and-he-managed-to-go-under-it", "title": "Heinrich on MSNOW: “The Bar Was Low and He Managed to Go Under It”", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "VIDEO HERE\n\nWASHINGTON — This evening, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) appeared on MSNOW’s The Weeknight with Symone Sanders, Michael Steele, and Luke Russert where he reacted to Jay Clayton’s nomination hearing to be Director of National Intelligence (DNI) — touching on Clayton’s refusal to answer whether he was aware of Tulsi Gabbard’s presence while a search warrant was served in Fulton County, Georgia; whether Clayton is qualified for the job of DNI; President Trump’s anticipated primetime address tomorrow where he is expected to set the groundwork for denying the results of the 2026 midterm elections; and the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) obstruction of New Mexico’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes at Zorro Ranch.\n\n“The bar was so low and he managed to go under it,” said Heinrich, on Clayton’s testimony before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.\n\nHeinrich also warned that President Trump is expected to use tomorrow night's address to revive false claims about the 2020 election while laying the groundwork to challenge the legitimacy of the 2026 midterm elections, instead of answering for rising costs facing American families,“I think it's just worth taking a step back and realizing that the president isn't just doing this to create an atmosphere where he can create a false narrative and try to sway the outcome of the election. He also knows that every minute he's talking about some fake election denial scam, he's not having to answer for the cost of electricity, the cost of groceries, the cost of gasoline, the cost of diesel. All of the things that are going wrong in people's lives right now.”\n\nVIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, discusses Jay Clayton’s failed nomination hearing with MSNOW’s Symone Sanders, Michael Steele, and Luke Russert, July 15, 2026.\n\nOn Clayton commenting, “It was the first time that, in my recollection, I've thought about it recently,” when pressed by U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) on whether he was aware of former DNI Tulsi Gabbard’s presence while a search warrant was served in Fulton County, Georgia, tied to the 2020 election:\n\nHeinrich: “I don't know what that means. I don't. Especially if you're going to be the next DNI. I mean, come on. And it was just one thing after another in his, in his hearing...It was just the contrast of coming in and trying to say, ‘I'm going to speak truth to power. I'm going to be honest and forthright.’ And then your next question, you can't be honest and forthright.\n\n“Now you have Clayton, who sounds an awful lot like Bill Pulte, essentially just saying, ‘Yeah, I'm going to go along with whatever the President wants.’ The bar was so low. All he had to do was look like somebody who was more qualified and more honest than Pulte, and he couldn't do it.”\n\nOn whether Clayton is qualified for the job of Director of National Intelligence:\n\nHeinrich: “[This is] the world my colleagues live in today. Sometimes you have to choose between somebody who is completely unqualified and a political hack who will do anything for the President, and somebody who is just unqualified. And that was where a lot of people went into this hearing, thinking, okay, we've got to get this guy in there because Pulte's in there now and he's firing people and, you know, it's a mess. The bar was low and he managed to go under it.\"\n\nOn President Trump’s anticipated primetime address tomorrow, where he is expected to undermine the results of the 2020 presidential election and set the groundwork for denying the results of the 2026 midterm elections:\n\nHeinrich: “I think it's just worth taking a step back and realizing that the president isn't just doing this to create an atmosphere where he can create a false narrative and try to sway the outcome of the election. He also knows that every minute he's talking about some fake election denial scam, he's not having to answer for the cost of electricity, the cost of groceries, the cost of gasoline, the cost of diesel. All of the things that are going wrong in people's lives right now.”\n\nOn DOJ obstruction of New Mexico’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes at his Zorro Ranch:\n\nHeinrich: “It is alleged, but highly credibly alleged, that terrible things happened at Zorro Ranch where, just like everywhere else, Jeffrey Epstein set up shop. And we have an Attorney General who's serious about actually having that investigation and trying to seek justice for survivors. So, in the absence of that having occurred at the federal level, and the way that we would all like it to, this is the path to actually being able to hold some people to account — at least in the state of New Mexico.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-presses-jay-clayton-on-doj-obstruction-of-new-mexico-investigation-into-jeffrey-epsteins-crimes-at-zorro-ranch", "title": "Heinrich Presses Jay Clayton on DOJ Obstruction of New Mexico Investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s Crimes at Zorro Ranch", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "VIDEO HERE\n\nWASHINGTON — At a U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) pressed Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and nominee to be the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), on the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) refusal to provide evidence related to Jeffrey Epsein’s alleged crimes at Zorro Ranch in New Mexico to the New Mexico Attorney General. Heinrich also questioned Clayton about his role in the unconscionable, improper public release of sensitive information belonging to Epstein survivors and his comments about President Trump’s attempt to use a $1.8 billion slush fund to compensate violent criminals who beat up cops on January 6, 2021.\n\nHeinrich’s questions follow a recent letter from New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez to Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche and Associate Deputy Attorney General Diego Pestana, demanding that DOJ immediately turn over unredacted Epstein records that the Department has held for years. In the letter, AG Torrez stated that “more than 130 days have now elapsed since the New Mexico Department of Justice’s initial request” for unredacted records and called the DOJ’s delay “unreasonable under any rule of reason.”\n\nVIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) questions Jay Clayton on DOJ’s obstruction of investigation of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes at Zorro Ranch, July 15, 2026.\n\nOn Clayton responding to the New Mexico Attorney General’s request for evidence related to the Zorro Ranch investigation:\n\nSenator Heinrich: “Mr. Clayton. It is alleged, and I would add quite credibly, that Jeffrey Epstein committed some very serious crimes at his Zoro Ranch property in my home state of New Mexico. Yet, there has never been a federal search of that property. And in fact, in 2019, the Department of Justice directed New Mexico to pause its own investigation. And has most recently refused to provide the unredacted evidence needed for our attorney general to effectively carry out his investigation — despite federal and state laws requiring disclosure. I understand that as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, you led the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Can you commit to providing any relevant information to the New Mexico Attorney General and the unredacted documents that he has requested?”\n\nJay Clayton: “Yeah, I spoke to my team about this last night. That request is for unredacted documents. Those documents are subject to several protections, for those redactions, including a protective order of the court. My folks, I think, as we speak, are seeking dialog with the attorney general to see if we can reach an accommodation that is consistent with those protective orders.”\n\nHeinrich: “I would seriously encourage that cooperation and that spirit of working in cooperation between federal and state law enforcement. I think it is quite clear that it is likely that there are survivors, witnesses, and co-conspirators — whose names have been redacted — that are necessary for him to effectively complete that investigation. And, Mr. Chairman, I would also ask unanimous consent to enter into the record the letter from the New Mexico Attorney General to the Department of Justice.”\n\nSenate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Tom Cotton: “Without objection, I guess.”\n\nOn Clayton personally approving the release of survivors’ highly sensitive personal information to the public:\n\nHeinrich: “Mr. Clayton, in your role as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, you were tasked to personally certify that the unsealed grand jury material related to Jeffrey Epstein did not disclose victims’ personal information. The judge in that case stated that he added this protective order to ensure that an identifiable official within DOJ takes ownership of the sensitive and vitally important process of reviewing discovery. Due to what the Department of Justice later called technical or human error, the January 26 release of material included email addresses and even nude photos of potential Epstein victims. Lawyers for those victims said that this flawed process retraumatized the survivors and quote, ‘turned their lives upside down.’ You were in charge of this process during which highly sensitive personal data was made public. Did you personally certify the material as the judge ordered?”\n\nClayton: “The judge ordered certification of a subset of the materials. The materials that were in the Southern District.”\n\nHeinrich: “So, who takes responsibility for what I think was an unconscionable release of — an unnecessary release of —personal information for these victims.”\n\nClayton: “I think the Department of Justice has addressed that from the overall perspective.”\n\nHeinrich: “You know, Harry Truman used to have a sign on his desk that said, ‘The buck stops here.’ Who has a sign on their desk in this case?”\n\nClayton: “For the Southern District documents, it was me.”\n\nOn Clayton supporting President Trump’s $1.8 billon slush fund to compensate violent criminals who beat up cops on January 6, 2021:\n\nHeinrich: “In a media interview a couple of months ago, you were asked your position on the president's $1.8 billion fund for victims of weaponization. And you replied, ‘When we are investigating people and bringing charges against them, criminal charges against people, from a financial point of view they can be absolutely devastating. If people have been pursued inappropriately, I'm supportive of there being relief for that financial cost. That's it.’ Do you believe that people convicted of violent crimes related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and on U.S. Capitol police were pursued inappropriately in any way?”\n\nClayton: “Let me say this: Any physical violence against law enforcement is completely objectionable.”\n\nHeinrich: “Would it be appropriate for that fund to be used in cases where people were duly convicted of violent crimes in that case?”\n\nClayton: “Let me go back to my comment very quickly. I was not speaking of the fund. I was speaking generally. If you, I think this is a CNBC clip and I stand by what I said, which is if people have been inappropriately and intentionally subject to prosecution, they should have recourse.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-slams-trump-admins-massive-logging-proposal-as-latest-attack-on-americas-public-lands", "title": "Heinrich Slams Trump Admin’s Massive Logging Proposal as Latest Attack on America’s Public Lands", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on the U.S. Forest Service's (USFS) proposal to authorize an unprecedented emergency salvage logging project spanning more than five million acres across six national forests in Idaho and Montana.\n\n“Time and again, this administration has put the interests of billionaires and powerful industries ahead of America's public lands and the people who own them.\n\n“Active wildfire management requires targeted, science-based hazardous fuels treatments—not a blank check for sweeping clearcutting, new road construction, and fewer safeguards for the places that Americans hunt, fish, hike, camp, and enjoy with their families.\n\n“If the Forest Service is going to invoke extraordinary emergency authorities, it owes the public transparency and accountability. Instead, it released an eight-page notice with no maps, no meaningful project details, and no explanation for why this massive proposal qualifies as an emergency, while giving Americans just seven days to weigh in.\n\n“This is not part of a broader fire mitigation strategy. If it were, it wouldn’t sweep in areas where nearly 90 percent of the landscape falls outside high-risk firesheds, and it wouldn’t require a 25 percent increase in timber volume that incentivizes cutting larger, more fire-resilient trees instead of the smaller-diameter trees that pose the greatest fire hazard. Clearcutting and building roads won’t help prevent catastrophic wildfires, but they will benefit the timber industry at the expense of the lands that belong to the American people.\n\n“As Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I will continue holding the Forest Service accountable and demanding the transparency and public oversight Americans deserve as this process moves forward.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-spotlights-legislation-to-permanently-protect-caja-del-rio-criticizes-trump-admin-opposition-to-caja-del-rio-protection-act", "title": "Heinrich Spotlights Legislation to Permanently Protect Caja del Rio, Criticizes Trump Admin Opposition to Caja del Rio Protection Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, during a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee Hearing on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining to receive testimony on pending legislation, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Committee, spotlighted his Caja del Rio Protection Act, emphasizing the plateau’s cultural significance in New Mexico and the importance of public lands protections.\n\nIntroduced in May, Heinrich's Caja del Rio Protection Act permanently protects the Caja del Rio Plateau for future generations by establishing two new areas near Santa Fe — the Caja del Rio Special Management Area (SMA) and National Conservation Area (NCA) — to conserve and steward local cultural, spiritual, scenic viewshed, ecological, wildlife habitat, natural, geological, historical, and traditional values of the area and to enhance opportunities for Tribes to engage in the preservation and management of the area.\n\nVIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, spotlights his Caja del Rio Protection Act during the Public Lands, Forests, and Mining Subcommittee hearing, July 15, 2026.\n\n“The Caja del Rio Protection Act is an example of a home-grown legislative product and a representation of a partnership built from common ground,” began Heinrich. “The Caja del Rio is one of the Southwest’s most culturally significant landscapes that holds deep importance for land grants, acequia communities, for livestock permittees, and is vital to a number of Tribal communities.”\n\n“Threats such as desecration of petroglyphs, illegal dumping, and efforts to sell off public lands continue to endanger the plateau. These threats have united local governments, Tribes, Traditional Historic Communities, and community organizations to preserve the shared yet distinct heritages of the region... As a result, we have the Caja del Rio Protection Act,” continued Heinrich. “This bill also begins a new chapter in the stewardship of this land – one that includes opportunities for Tribes and Traditional Historic Communities to have a voice in land management plans. This bill recognizes that stewardship works best when it is shared.\"\n\nHeinrich’s full remarks as delivered are below:\n\nThank you, Chairman Barrasso and Ranking Member Cortez Masto for organizing this legislative hearing.\n\nI’m excited to have this opportunity to highlight a bill of mine that has been years in the making.\n\nThe Caja del Rio Protection Act is an example of a home-grown legislative product and a representation of a partnership built from common ground.\n\nIn this case, the common ground is permanent protection for the Caja del Rio Plateau.\n\nThe Caja del Rio is one of the Southwest’s most culturally significant landscapes that holds deep importance for land grants, acequia communities, for livestock permittees, and is vital to a number of Tribal communities.\n\nI cannot emphasize enough the level of traditional and cultural value that is held within this landscape.\n\nYet, threats such as desecration of petroglyphs, illegal dumping, and efforts to sell off public lands continue to endanger the plateau.\n\nThese threats have united local governments, Tribes, Traditional Historic Communities, and community organizations to preserve the shared yet distinct heritages of the region.\n\nAnd as a result, we have the Caja del Rio Protection Act.\n\nThis bill will create two new stewardship areas: a new Special Management Area on over 67,000 acres of U.S. Forest Service land; and a new National Conservation Area on over 17,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management land.\n\nIt will permit traditional uses, like herb and mineral gathering, hunting, and livestock grazing, and it will conserve an important wildlife corridor in New Mexico and preserve one of the most historically intact sections of El Camino Real.\n\nIt prevents new rights-of-way, giving the land an opportunity to heal in this brittle area, and taken together, these measures will protect the Caja for generations to come.\n\nThis bill also begins a new chapter in the stewardship of this land – one that includes opportunities for Tribes and Traditional Historic Communities to have a voice in land management plans.\n\nThis bill recognizes that stewardship works best when it is shared.\n\nI’d like to thank everyone who worked with my office in developing this proposal.\n\nAnd I’d also like to submit a number of letters and resolutions of support from Pueblos, counties, groups, elected officials, land grants, and others to show the immense coalition that is rallying behind this effort.\n\nAnd I’d ask unanimous consent for that.\n\nI’d like to end my statement today with a similar sentiment that I have shared in the past.\n\nThis hearing, and next week’s National Parks legislative hearing, will add to our growing list of land-based conservation bills ready for markup.\n\nMany of these bills have the same level of community support and input as my bill on the agenda today – yet those voices of support are going unheard.\n\nWith only six months left in this Congress, it is my hope that we will see conservation bills considered in future business meetings so that we can get them marked up, passed, and signed into law.\n\nI look forward to working with both of you, as well as Chairman Lee, in this effort.\n\nThank you.\n\nHeinrich additionally questioned John Crockett, Deputy Chief of State, Private and Tribal Forestry of the United States Forest Service (USFS), on the Caja del Rio Act, and criticized Crockett’s opposition of the legislation and his lack of knowledge on the Caja del Rio Plateau.\n\nOn Heinrich’s Caja del Rio Protection Act:\n\nHeinrich asked, “Mr. Crockett, in in your opposition to S. 4458, you cited timber production and mineral production in your opposition. Have you personally been to the Caja del Rio?”\n\nCrockett responded, “I have not personally been to the Caja del Rio.”\n\nHeinrich asked, “Do you know how much mineral potential or development there currently is?”\n\nCrockett, “I've not done the analysis on that.”\n\nHeinrich followed, “Actually, I think your staff has because it's in your written testimony. It says ‘mapping of the area does not show potential for mineral development, and there are no current operations in the area.’ In addition, it doesn't take more than a few minutes on the Caja del Rio to realize that the forest cover on the Forest Service lands is primarily one-seed juniper, Juniperus monosperma, which gets to be about nine feet tall and has no commercial production, and Pinus edulis, which is also a non-commercial species. I think probably the last time a ponderosa pine was actually harvested commercially on the plateau would have been before either of us were in our current positions. So I just think it's important that the facts line up here, and what we've heard today is a continual opposition to any level of conservation, but support for all the development pieces. And we don't have timber to develop here. We do have these other species, and they're important for firewood. We've protected that in this legislation. It’s also important to be able to do fire treatments on this plateau, and we have preserved the ability of the Forest Service to do that. I think it's important what Senator Cortez Masto said, which is that this is a balance. And if you look at the interests that came out to speak about these things at the local level, if you look at what the county said, if you consult with the Tribes, if you engage the agricultural interests, I think you would come to a very different conclusion about these pieces of legislation.”\n\nA video of Heinrich's remarks and questioning can be found here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-heinrich-schatz-senate-democrats-host-roundtable-with-labor-leaders-to-discuss-the-future-of-the-energy-workforce", "title": "VIDEO: Heinrich, Schatz, Senate Democrats Host Roundtable with Labor Leaders to Discuss the Future of the Energy Workforce", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) convened a roundtable with labor leaders to discuss the future of America's energy workforce and the policies needed to create good-paying union jobs, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and build the energy infrastructure to power the nation.\n\nDuring the roundtable, Heinrich highlighted his newly introduced Pre-Apprenticeships to Hardhats (PATH) Act legislation to strengthen the pipeline to high-quality careers by expanding access to registered pre-apprenticeship programs, addressing workforce shortages, and connecting more Americans with the skills needed to fill in-demand jobs across the energy, manufacturing, and construction sectors.\n\nFrom 2021 through 2024, the United States experienced an unprecedented clean energy manufacturing boom, spurred by historic investments in domestic manufacturing and energy infrastructure. Those investments helped spur hundreds of billions of dollars in private-sector investment, supported new factories across the country, and created hundreds of thousands of jobs in battery manufacturing, solar, transmission, advanced manufacturing, and other energy industries.\n\nBut as Heinrich, Schatz, and a number of their Democratic colleagues pointed out, Republicans' repeal of key energy tax credits has already begun reversing that progress. Since January 2025, companies have canceled, delayed, or scaled back projects that would have created more than 100,000 anticipated clean energy jobs, creating uncertainty for workers, manufacturers, and communities that were counting on those investments.\n\nVIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D- Hawai‘i), host a roundtable on the future of America’s energy workforce, July 14, 2026.\n\n“My dad was an IBEW lineman, and he spent his career working on the grid that kept our community firm. Because he had a good union job, he could reliably provide for my family, buy a home, and give myself and my siblings opportunities that he never had — opportunities that neither of my parents had — and that's what good energy jobs have always meant. They power the American dream,” said Heinrich. “We need policies that make it easier to build big things in America again. That's why I'm introducing the Pre-Apprenticeships to Hardhats or PATH Act today. That legislation will strengthen the pipeline to careers by expanding access to quality pre-apprenticeship programs, helping to address the workforce shortages we're seeing, and growing our economy by connecting more people with the skills they need to succeed.”\n\nHeinrich continued, “When we build here, we create jobs here — and when we create jobs here, we strengthen communities all across this great country.”\n\n“The Trump administration’s attacks on clean energy are costing working people in lost jobs and higher bills all across the country. Clean energy is cheap energy, and we need durable policies that lower costs for Americans and provide certainty for the workers who power our energy infrastructure,” said Schatz.\n\nHeinrich and Schatz’s roundtable was joined by U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y), Senate Democratic Leader, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), along with President of AFL-CIO Liz Shuler, General President of LIUNA Brent Booker, President of IUE-CWA Carl Kennebrew, Maryland State Senator and IBEW Local 24 Vice President Cory McCray, Director of USW District 1 Donnie Blatt, and Executive Director of BlueGreen Alliance Jason Walsh.\n\n“Investments in clean energy lower home energy bills, create good-paying union jobs, and strengthen American manufacturing—a win-win-win for workers, families, and communities,” said Leader Schumer. “Senate Democrats are fighting to lower costs and raise wages – that is the formula for making life more affordable – and when we take back the Senate, we will power the future with clean energy built and manufactured by union workers. Republicans can side with Big Oil and foreign supply chains, but we're with America’s working families.”\n\n“We are now at a place where there is no remaining pathway to climate safety if the fossil fuel industry’s free-to-pollute business model continues. We’ve run by all those highway exits, so we absolutely have to look at price on pollution. Pollute-for-free is just a no go,” said Whitehouse.\n\n“As the Trump administration attacks clean energy, blocking opportunities for good-paying jobs and raising Americans’ electric bills, we must push back. We need solutions that meet the moment and promote competitive U.S. clean energy technologies. I will continue fighting to tackle rising costs and support a cleaner, greener energy future,” said Van Hollen.\n\n“Congress plays an important role in helping meet the needs of the American people and American workers. A big part of that must be investing in clean energy—not because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s the necessary thing to do. We need industrial policy that’s good for workers, good for America, and good for the economy,”said Welch. “We’ll keep fighting for good jobs for hardworking people.”\n\n“Back at the start of the Biden administration, I was in discussions with some of the construction building trade leaders. The question was, how are we going to try to make sure that our investments in infrastructure in this country result in union jobs, particularly in the clean energy sector, so I came up with this idea of amplifying the tax credits and deductions... In 2022, when we passed the IRA, we got a structure, not with everything we had in the original bill, but prevailing wage and apprenticeships were really the key focus, and it amplified the tax credits fivefold if there was a project labor agreement related to prevailing wages and apprenticeships,” said Merkley.\n\n“There is such an opportunity for us on climate, yes, but on jobs,” said Klobuchar. “My state, we just had a record 64,000 clean energy jobs — growing twice as fast as all sectors of our state’s economy.”\n\n“There’s some new research out of Minnesota that shows that the Trump administration’s de facto freeze on wind energy has put 1,200 construction jobs, over 4,000 indirect and induced jobs, and $168 million dollars of economic impact all at risk because of their ideological attack on this one kind of energy, which is actually the most affordable kind of energy,” said Smith.\n\n“[Trump] declared a war on Iran for energy. He declared war on Venezuela for energy. He wants to declare war on Greenland for energy. But he’s declared war on the East Coast and their energy plan, and those are almost all union jobs,” said Markey.\n\n“We should be advocating for the fact that [Trump] curtailed this development of skilling and training for higher-wage jobs but now can’t even get an infrastructure bill out the door,” said Cantwell. “You’re not just constraining the worker, but the company, the community, [and] the competitive level of our nation.”\n\n“There is this extraordinary opportunity to create incentives for what we want to do,” said Wyden. “Trump still is trying to figure out how to help some of his friends because they know that we’re right in terms of clean energy credits. And now the question is, we’ve got to make sure that we understand where we go from here.”\n\n\"The labor movement is united on our goals for the future of the energy sector. We want a world where union workers are building, operating, and maintaining an all-of-the-above approach, where we’re investing in an affordable clean energy economy, and we’re protecting our communities from climate change—all at the same time. But the Trump administration has rolled back the progress we made on energy, manufacturing, and construction jobs and technology through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. We know there's a better path forward—including restoring that transformative legislation—and labor is committed to partnering with pro-worker elected officials and candidates to get there,\" said Liz Shuler, President of AFL-CIO.\n\n“The 540,000 members of the Laborers' International Union of North America are the backbone of our nation's infrastructure. Every single day, the highly-skilled men and women of LIUNA build the foundation of our nation’s economy. Nowhere is that impact felt more acutely than in the energy sector. For our members, an energy job isn't just a paycheck—it is a ticket to the middle class. When their livelihoods are under attack, it's up to us to stand up and fight because the path to energy security and economic prosperity runs directly through organized labor,” said Brent Booker, General President of LIUNA.\n\n“We have seen what is possible from the investment resulting from the Inflation Reduction Act... Most importantly, our union secured a labor peace agreement, setting a new industry standard that protects workers' rights to organize without fear of retaliation. When the Trump administration moved to block and shut down offshore wind plants, it stopped the creation of manufacturing jobs that IUE-CWA had prepared to organize and delayed the ratification of our energy agreement. The IRA focused on subsidizing energy generation, but going forward, we also need stronger policies to ensure that the equipment is manufactured domestically and we can rely on made-in-America green energy,” said Carl Kennebrew, President of IUE-CWA.\n\n“The apprenticeship is what shifted my trajectory... When I think about the apprenticeship experience, from lived experience as a member of the Maryland General Assembly, sitting in the Maryland State Senate, one of the only members that has graduated from a registered apprenticeship program, I tell folks about discipline, the opportunity to learn, and mentorship... As I think about 2026 and where we sit now, many people may think that workers are scared or concerned about change. Senator Heinrich, I think you said it right. I don't think workers are scared about change. I think they're scared about uncertainty,” said Cory McCray, Maryland State Senator and IBEW Local 24 Vice President.\n\n“USW members proudly work in a wide variety of industries critical to supporting clean energy, including steel, aluminum, cement, glass, and more. As we look to secure a strong future for workers and their communities, we must continue investing in next-generation technologies, building an economy that supports good union jobs, while also keeping us competitive on the global stage. We thank Sens. Heinrich and Schatz and their colleagues for holding this important conversation to discuss policies that support both clean energy and a strong domestic manufacturing base,” said Donnie Blatt, USW District 1 Director.\n\n“When Donald Trump stepped into the Oval Office in January 2025, we were on a path to a better future for working people and the planet, but Trump has put a torch to it,” said BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director Jason Walsh. “Serious damage has been done, but It’s not too late to start fixing what Trump and the GOP Congress have tried to destroy. We need leadership in Washington, D.C. who will focus on creating good-paying jobs generating clean energy and building the supply chains we need for America to achieve widespread prosperity, security, and equity.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-celebrate-committee-passage-of-colorado-priorities-in-biennial-water-bill/", "title": "Hickenlooper, Bennet Celebrate Committee Passage of Colorado Priorities in Biennial Water Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators secured authorization for up to $27 million for Colorado water projects\n\nLegislation heads to Senate floor for passage\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet celebrated the committee passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and the Colorado projects included within. WRDAis passed every two years to authorize projects that address water management, flood control, ecosystem restoration, and long-term clean water priorities.\n\n“We’re experiencing the worst drought in 1,200 years in the West,” said Hickenlooper. “Our new water future demands federal investment in Colorado communities that helps them create more resilient infrastructure, healthier ecosystems, and stronger waterways.”\n\n“Access to clean, reliable drinking water is critical for every Coloradan. As the state faces a hotter, drier future, Congress must invest in the infrastructure needed to keep our water supplies safe and dependable,” said Bennet. “I’m grateful for the committee passage of this vital water infrastructure bill, and that support for many of Colorado’s drinking water priorities are included.”\n\nThe 2026 WRDA includes several Colorado priorities that Hickenlooper and Bennet fought for, including:\n\nAdding Colorado to the list of states eligible for funding under Section 595, which provides technical, design, and construction assistance with critical infrastructure to small and rural communities. Colorado is currently the only Colorado River Basin state without eligibility for these funds.\n\nRobust reauthorization of the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds through 2030. Both programs are updated to address PFAS and lead service line replacement projects.\n\nLowering the state cost share for aquatic nuisance species monitoring, rapid response, and planning projects from 50% to 35%.\n\nHickenlooper and Bennet also secured $27 million in new authorities under the 2026 WRDA for Colorado projects:\n\n$10 million for Custer County to meet the water supply gap, mitigate water supply risks, optimize water resources, and provide benefits across the Arkansas River Basin.\n\n$10 million for Aurora to reduce stormwater drainage issues, reducing the likelihood of flooding.\n\n$7 million for Montezuma and La Plata Counties to continue efforts to replace Durango’s raw water pipeline. This funding also extends a Montezuma County water system to reach a largely elderly and retired community who have hauled water for decades.\n\nWRDA now heads to the Senate floor for a final vote.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/new-report-coloradans-have-spent-over1-billion-more-on-gas-since-iran-war-began/", "title": "New Report: Coloradans Have Spent Over$1 Billion More On Gas Since Iran War Began", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "As Iran War continues, the average Colorado family has spent $447 more on gas\n\nWASHINGTON – As President Trump’s war with Iran continues to escalate, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper highlighted how Coloradans are paying more at the gas pump. According to a new report by the Joint Economic Committee Minority, Coloradans have collectively spent $1,005,829,767 more on gas since the Iran war began, amounting to $447 more per family.\n\n“As President Trump’s war with Iran escalates, so do the costs for working Colorado families,” said Hickenlooper. “From farmers struggling to afford diesel to families paying more at the gas pump, this conflict — combined with the president’s illegal tariffs and massive health care cuts — has created a cost-of-living emergency. We’ve voted 11 times to end this illegal war. We’ll keep fighting to end it so we can get back to lowering costs and making life more affordable for Coloradans.”\n\nAcross the board, Coloradans are getting crushed by the ongoing cost-of-living emergency. A June report found that the average Colorado household has spent $3,300+ more on goods and services under President Trump, including:\n\nHousing Costs: Colorado families have spent $416 more on housing costs such as rent and mortgage payments since President Trump took office.\n\nGrocery Costs: Americans have paid $310 more for groceries in President Trump’s first year than in 2024. Grocery prices are up 4% since Trump took office, per the report.\n\nHealth Care: Monthly Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums have risen over 50% on average in 2026 compared to last year while deductibles surged to record highs increasing by more than $1,000 on average.\n\nHickenlooper has been a vocal opponent of the president’s illegal war since day one. Hickenlooper has consistently voted to end Trump’s highly unpopular and illegal war with Iran. He’s called out skyrocketing gas prices and costly impacts on farmers’ bottom lines. Hickenlooper has spoken multiple times on the Senate floor condemning Trump for sidestepping Congress and dragging America into a war that’s driving Americans’ cost-of-living through the roof.\n\nHe has also traveled Colorado to meet with workers, ranchers, and farmers getting crushed by the increasing prices fueled by the war. This May, Hickenlooper met with truckers, construction and plumbing small businesses, labor unions, and rideshare drivers to discuss how the President’s tariffs, and his reckless war in Iran – and the resulting spike in gas prices – is squeezing workers and cutting into margins for transportation-dependent industries. He heard from a rideshare driver who was struggling to keep food on the table thanks to the increasing prices caused by the war.\n\nA farmer on the Western Slope also told him the spiking costs of fertilizer and extreme drought make him wary of continuing to farm at all.\n\nHickenlooper is fighting to stop the president’s corrupt agenda that has rigged the system for the Epstein class while leaving working families behind. He fought against the president’s disastrous budget bill that gutted health care to pay for tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. He’s doing a state-wide tour of local hospitals and clinics to meet with Coloradans and hear how they are grappling with the increasing costs of health care.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-attorney-general-nominee-todd-blanche-on-doj-weaponization-rule-of-law", "title": "Hirono Presses Attorney General Nominee Todd Blanche on DOJ Weaponization, Rule of Law", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.hirono.senate.gov", "scraper": "hirono", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001042", "name": "Mazie K. Hirono", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "~ Watch Senator Hirono’s Questions Here ~\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, pressed Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche on his role in weaponizing the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) against President Trump’s perceived enemies during Mr. Blanche’s nomination hearing. During her question line, Senator Hirono also questioned Mr. Blanche on his failure to rescind the anti-weaponization slush fund and got Blanche to commit on the record to cooperating with the state of New Mexico’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch.\n\n“Mr. Blanche, you see nothing wrong with the President treating DOJ as his own personal law firm to use against his perceived enemies and as a way of helping his friends,” said Senator Hirono. “You oversaw the botched release of the Epstein files, denying justice once again to survivors who have been waiting so long for it. You have no business being the Attorney General of the United States.”\n\nEarlier in the hearing, following a question by Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), Mr. Blanche asserted that he is “the President’s lawyer.” Senator Hirono raised alarms about Blanche’s role in enabling DOJ to serve as President Trump’s personal law firm. She cited a social media post from President Trump calling for George Soros to be criminally charged, and a DOJ investigation into Soros that was opened shortly after that post. Senator Hirono also highlighted DOJ’s lawsuits seeking full voter lists as part of a campaign to suppress the votes of American citizens, asking Blanche if any of the judges in the 14 resolved lawsuits have sided with DOJ.\n\n“The answer is no,” said Senator Hirono. “These 14 federal judges, some of them were Trump appointees, disagreed with DOJ’s position.”\n\nSenator Hirono asked Blanche about public statements he previously made declaring “war” on federal judges who were ruling against the administration. Blanche clarified that he did not believe federal judges should be impeached for ruling against the administration.\n\nSenator Hirono concluded her line of questioning by pressing Blanche on his memo that effectively terminated DOJ’s cryptocurrency investigations and prosecutions. Senator Hirono led her colleagues in calling on DOJ to reconsider that memo. When the memo was issued, Blanche held significant cryptocurrency assets. Senator Hirono led her colleagues in a letter questioning Blanche’s cryptocurrency conflicts, but he has not responded. Since Blanche’s memo eviscerating cryptocurrency enforcement work, Americans have reported over $11 billion in crypto fraud losses to the FBI in the past year.\n\n“It is clear to me your leadership will be a continuation of what we have seen so far at the Trump Department of Justice. You are more likely to be called the Department of Retribution and Corruption,” said Senator Hirono.\n\nSince the beginning of President Trump’s second term, Senator Hirono has been fighting back against the Trump Administration’s flagrant attacks on the rule of law. In March, on the Senate Floor, Senator Hirono opposed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act which, unlike its name suggests, would make it significantly harder for Americans to exercise their right to vote. Additionally, Senator Hirono has consistently raised alarms about the Administration’s failure to adequately address cryptocurrency related crimes. Senator Hirono has also consistently sought justice for sexual assault survivors, including those assaulted by Jeffrey Epstein and President Trump.\n\nTo see the full video of Senator Hirono’s questions click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-introduces-legislation-to-expand-geothermal-energy-development", "title": "Hoeven Introduces Legislation to Expand Geothermal Energy Development", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven this week introduced the Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act, bicameral legislation to support the expanded development of geothermal energy. The bill, which follows the model of Hoeven’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Mineral Spacing Act, would eliminate duplicative federal permitting and ensure majority holders of a geothermal estate located on non-federal lands can exercise their property rights in developing these resources. Specifically, Hoeven’s legislation would remove the federal permitting requirement for geothermal operations in instances when:\n\nLess than half of the subsurface geothermal estate is owned by the federal government.\n\nGeothermal exploration and production activities are conducted on non-federal surface acres.\n\nThe operator has received a state permit.\n\n“Burdensome, duplicative federal regulations create roadblocks to developing the energy our nation needs. Even when there are no federal surface acres and the federal government owns a small share of a subsurface estate, geothermal operations reviewed and permitted by states are subject to a redundant federal permitting regime. This approach, which affects oil and gas production as well, severely hampers U.S. energy development,” said Hoeven “Just like my BLM Mineral Spacing Act, the HEATS Act would correct this overreach by the federal government, enabling us to produce more geothermal energy on non-federal lands and strengthening the property rights of mineral and land owners.”\n\nThe HEATS Act is co-sponsored by Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.). A companion to the bill has been introduced in the House by Representative Young Kim (R-Calif.). The full text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-joins-congressional-delegation-trip-to-united-kingdom-to-strengthen-economic-military-partnerships", "title": "Hoeven Joins Congressional Delegation Trip to United Kingdom to Strengthen Economic & Military Partnerships", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "LONDON, U.K. – Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) participated in a congressional delegation trip to the United Kingdom. Hoeven and the delegation met with:\n\nU.S. officials stationed in the U.K., including Ambassador Warren Stephens.\n\nAmerican forces deployed to Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford, which hosts a U.S. B-52 mission among other operations.\n\nHoeven, who serves as a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, reviewed U.S. operations in Great Britain.\n\nB-52s from Minot Air Force Base were stationed at Fairford from March until July 1.\n\nThe B-1s currently stationed at Fairford were previously reassigned to Grand Forks Air Force Base while Ellsworth Air Force Base underwent renovations.\n\nThe B-1 crews credited their time in Grand Forks with ensuring the unit’s readiness as the aircraft were deployed to the U.K.\n\nThe senator discussed with military commanders what further support is needed to ensure missions across Europe and the Middle East continue to be successful.\n\nGovernment officials, including Members of Parliament and officials from British intelligence services.\n\nHoeven and the delegation stressed that Great Britain and NATO need to meet their defense spending obligations, as well as work with the U.S. to put pressure on the Iranian regime and help achieve their shared objectives in the region.\n\nIndustry leaders to help realize additional trade opportunities between the two nations and strengthen economic ties.\n\nThe purpose of the trip was to reinforce the economic and military partnership between the U.S. and U.K., while calling on Great Britain to increase investment in its military so the two nations can more effectively counter adversaries and protect their interests around the globe.\n\n“Great Britain is a key strategic partner that hosts a range of U.S. missions, providing a forward deployment point to support our security interests in Europe and the Middle East,” said Hoeven. “This visit was an opportunity to strengthen our ties with the U.K. and ensure our warfighters are receiving the support they need. The B-52s from Minot were recently stationed at RAF Fairford, and the B-1s from Ellsworth, which were assigned to Grand Forks over the last year, are currently deployed to the U.K. as well. Importantly, we pressed for Britain and all of the NATO members to increase their military investment. We need our allies to step up to the plate, especially in the conflict with Iran, and work with us to protect our shared interests. We also discussed our shared economic interests, in addition to our strategic partnership, and met with industry leaders to help advance mutually beneficial trade opportunities.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-delivers-speech-on-senate-floor-honoring-fallen-ohio-police-officer/", "title": "Husted delivers speech on Senate floor honoring fallen Ohio police officer", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“Sgt. Ries was a dedicated public servant who put his life on the line every day and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community responding to a violent call.”\n\nView Husted’s remarks here.\n\nWASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) delivered a speech on the Senate floor today honoring Rittman Police Sgt. Scott Ries, who was killed in the line of duty on July 5, 2026.\n\nSgt. Ries was fatally shot while responding to a domestic violence call. He served with the Rittman Police Department for 10 years after nearly two decades with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office. He also previously served with the Sugar Grove Police Department.\n\nKey excerpts include:\n\n“Every day, the men and women of law enforcement leave home, not knowing what they will encounter.\n\n“They live life with the uncertainty of what the next hazard is that they might encounter during the call that they receive to go protect and serve.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Sgt. Scott Ries was shot and killed responding to one of those calls.\n\n“And today, I rise to honor one of Ohio’s bravest sons.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Sgt. Ries served and protected his community until the very last moment when he was responding to one of those calls.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Today, I want to take a few moments to honor his life, his service and his legacy.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Sgt. Ries was 54 years old and a native of Doylestown. He was a 10-year veteran of the police department.”\n\n. . .\n\n“His colleagues remember him as someone who wanted people to know that when they called for his help, he’d be there for them.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Sgt. Ries was a devoted husband and father.\n\n“I had a chance a few days ago to speak with his wonderful wife, Michelle.\n\n“He’s remembered as someone who was deeply involved in his family’s life, especially supporting his daughter’s cheerleading activities.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Sgt. Ries was a dedicated public servant who put his life on the line every day and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community responding to a violent call.”\n\n. . .\n\n“His wife and children and loved ones and fellow officers remain in our prayers.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Mr. President, Sgt. Scott Ries gave his life protecting his community and his neighbors.\n\n“I thank my colleagues for giving me a few moments to hear his story, and to join me in honoring his service and celebrating his life.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-senate-passage-of-bill-to-reauthorize-older-americans-act", "title": "Kaine Statement on Senate Passage of Bill to Reauthorize Older Americans Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, applauded Senate passage of legislation to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA). The legislation authorizes and increases funding for a range of programs and services to help older Americans age in their homes and communities. It also includes key provisions secured by Kaine, including his bill to strengthen advocacy for residents of nursing homes and other long-term care (LTC) facilities.\n\n“I’m glad that the Senate finally passed legislation I’ve been pushing for to reauthorize the Older Americans Act,” said Kaine. “This bill will help more Americans stay in their own homes and communities as they age and do so with the dignity they deserve. I was proud to champion several provisions, including one that will strengthen advocacy for residents of long-term care facilities. I urge the House to pass this bill and send it to the President’s desk.”\n\nKaine successfully secured the following provisions:\n\nStrengthening Advocacy for Long-Term Care Residents Act: Includes his Strengthening Advocacy for Long-Term Care Residents Act to strengthen the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program by instructing the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to establish categories of duties for volunteers and appropriate training requirements for volunteers based on those categories, reaffirm Congress’ intent that the Ombudsman program should be led by a full-time National Director, and require a study and report with a recommendation for the number of ombudsmen per LTC facility bed.\n\nDirect Care Workforce Training: Includes a provision of his Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act instructing ACL to create a technical assistance center to support the recruitment, training, and retention of direct care workers. In 2022, ACL established this center. This provision codifies the existence of this center in statute and expands its work to include supporting family caregivers.\n\nSupport for Area Agencies on Aging: Includes language to ensure proper implementation of a statute that allows Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) to contract with outside entities to bring in revenue that AAAs reinvest in their work to serve older Americans.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/walkinshaw-kaine-lead-51-colleagues-demanding-answers-after-trump-quietly-strips-protections-from-career-federal-workers", "title": "Walkinshaw, Kaine Lead 51 Colleagues Demanding Answers After Trump Quietly Strips Protections from Career Federal Workers", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) are leading a congressional effort demanding answers from President Trump over the implementation of Schedule Policy/Career (Schedule P/C), a sweeping policy that strips civil service protections from thousands of career federal employees and could reshape the federal workforce around political loyalty instead of merit.\n\nIn a letter to President Trump, Walkinshaw, Kaine, and their colleagues call on the Administration to disclose the full scope of Schedule P/C, explain how employees were selected for reclassification, and detail its impact on the federal workforce, whistleblower protections, and the delivery of critical government services.\n\n“America’s career civil servants serve the Constitution and the American people, not any president or political party,” said Rep. Walkinshaw. “Schedule P/C threatens nearly 150 years of merit-based civil service protections by making it easier to fire dedicated public servants for political reasons. Congress and the American people deserve answers about how many employees have been affected, how these decisions were made, and what this means for the government’s ability to serve the public.”\n\n“Our career civil servants keep our government running,” said Senator Kaine. “Federal employees deserve the freedom to do their jobs professionally and without fear of political retaliation. The Trump-Vance Administration must explain to Congress, the federal workforce, and the public about how the implementation of Schedule P/C will affect the government’s ability to protect Americans and provide critical services that we all rely on.”\n\nThe lawmakers warn that Schedule P/C undermines the merit-based civil service established by the Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883, which ended the federal patronage system by requiring government jobs to be awarded based on merit instead of political connections. They argue the policy makes it easier to remove career employees without longstanding civil service protections and replace them with political loyalists.\n\nThe letter also warns that employees reclassified under Schedule P/C could lose critical whistleblower protections. Rather than reporting waste, fraud, or abuse through the independent Office of Special Counsel, affected employees could be forced to report misconduct within their own agencies, increasing the risk of retaliation and making it harder to expose wrongdoing.\n\nThe lawmakers are seeking answers to a series of questions, including:\n\n• How many federal employees and positions have been reclassified under Schedule P/C.\n\n• Which agencies, occupations, and grade levels have been affected.\n\n• The criteria used to determine which positions were labeled “policy-determining, policymaking, or policy-advocating.”\n\n• The total taxpayer cost of implementing Schedule P/C.\n\n• Whether the Administration plans to reclassify additional federal employees.\n\n• How the Administration will protect whistleblowers and comply with any court rulings concerning Schedule P/C.\n\nIn addition to Walkinshaw and Kaine, the letter is also signed by U.S. Senators Gary C. Peters (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela D. Alsobrooks (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam B. Schiff (D-CA), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Cory A. Booker (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bernard Sanders (D-VT) as well as Representatives Robert Garcia (CA-42), Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Nikki Budzinski (CA-37), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Donald S. Beyer Jr. (VA-08), Judy Chu (CA-28), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Alma S. Adams Ph.D. (NC-12), John W. Mannion (NY-22), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jennifer L. McClellan (VA-04), Eugene Simon Vindman (VA-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (MD-02), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott (VA-03), Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Susie Lee (NV-03), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Greg Landsman (OH-01), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Dave Min (CA-47), and Janelle S. Bynum (OR-05).\n\nThe lawmakers requested that the Administration respond by July 31, 2026.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-announce-over-6-million-in-federal-funding-to-boost-public-safety-support-local-law-enforcement", "title": "Warner, Kaine Announce Over $6 Million In Federal Funding To Boost Public Safety, Support Local Law Enforcement", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $6,733,892 in federal grant funding for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to help state and local law enforcement agencies strengthen crisis intervention systems, expand evidence-based diversion strategies, and improve public safety across the Commonwealth. This funding comes from the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program and Byrne State Crisis Intervention Formula Program (SCIP). The SCIP program is made possible by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, landmark legislation championed by Sens. Warner and Kaine that includes commonsense provisions similar to those outlined in the senators’ Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence.\n\n“As former governors, we know firsthand that state and local law enforcement agencies are often asked to do more with fewer resources,” said the senators. “The safety of all Virginians – including those on the force – is dependent on law enforcement officers, behavioral health professionals, and community partners receiving the tools and training they need to respond effectively to public safety crises. We’re thrilled to announce these federal dollars that will strengthen crisis response, support evidence-based crime prevention, and make communities across Virginia safer.”\n\nThe grant awards include:\n\n$4,149,031 through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program to support state and local law enforcement agencies and criminal justice partners through evidence-based, coordinated, and data-driven initiatives. This funding will help improve law enforcement training equipment, technology, and intelligence-led policing programs; strengthen prosecution and court programs to enhance case processing and judicial effectiveness; expand prevention and education programs that promote partnerships and community-based crime reduction and public awareness; advance corrections programs, including reentry and supervision strategies and drug treatment and enforcement programs addressing opioid and fentanyl misuse; strengthen data systems and evidence-based decision-making; and bolster behavioral health response initiatives, including Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) and Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) programs.\n\n$2,584,861 through the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) to strengthen crisis intervention systems and expand evidence-based diversion strategies for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, substance use disorders, and violence-related risk factors. This funding will serve local governments, courts, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, behavioral health providers, community supervision agencies, specialty dockets, victim service organizations, and community-based organizations – including those in rural and underserved communities. This investment is expected to increase diversion capacity, expand access to behavioral health treatment and stabilization services, improve coordination of crisis response, increase engagement and specialty docket completion by participants, reduce recidivism and violent reoffending, and strengthen statewide crisis intervention infrastructure.\n\nSens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to protect law enforcement, strengthen public safety, and improve the criminal justice system. In April, they reintroduced the Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence Act, legislation to enact a series of commonsense gun violence prevention measures that have been approved by Virginia’s elected officials. The senators also supported the bipartisan First Step Act, a historic criminal justice law that reduced sentences for nonviolent offenders and lower recidivism rates. In 2020, they joined 31 of their Senate colleagues in introducing the Justice in Policing Act to improve police accountability for misconduct, increase transparency through better data collection, and improve police practices and training.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-in-sasc-hearing-kelly-questions-pentagon-official-on-trumps-wasteful-golden-dome-proposal/", "title": "WATCH: In SASC Hearing, Kelly Questions Pentagon Official on Trump’s Wasteful Golden Dome Proposal", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“We could spend more than $1 trillion and end up with a system that’s not going to work”\n\n“Missile defense is too important to pursue just based on aspiration alone”\n\nToday, during a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing, Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly questioned Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules W. Hurst III on the cost and effectiveness of the Golden Dome missile defense system before Congress commits hundreds of billions of dollars to a program that won’t meaningfully improve America’s security.\n\nKelly raised concerns about the cost of the Golden Dome and pressed into the effectiveness of the space-based interceptor layer: “Before Congress commits taxpayers to what could become the most expensive defense program in our nation’s history, we need some confidence that the system is going to deliver the capability that’s being promised. And to me, right now, it’s clear that it won’t. The most ambitious element of Golden Dome is the space-based interceptor layer, and that is going to face significant technical challenges. The costs, the physics, the likely reliability, in my view, do not support a full-scale space-based intercept architecture. This means that we could spend more than $1 trillion and end up with a system that’s not going to work, and it’s not going to meaningfully improve our security.”\n\nKelly pointed out that defeating the system is cheaper than building it: “Do you understand that defeating a system with countermeasures and decoys is cheaper than interceptors? […] That becomes a math problem, like an economics math problem is that the adversary’s ability to defeat the system is less expensive than our cost to build the system.”\n\nKelly called on the Pentagon to prove that Golden Dome is worth the investment: “There are things in the program that makes sense; detecting launches, even some other approaches to this. The space-based interceptor part is really, really hard, and the physics clearly favors the offense. So, we could go down this road, spend hundreds of billions of dollars and not get any return on that investment. And missile defense is too important to pursue just based on aspiration alone.\n\n“I want to make sure that we have a system that is technically achievable, strategically sound, and represents the best use of limited resources. So, the Department should be able to demonstrate not only what Golden Dome will cost, but that that it can realistically deliver on this promise of missile defense. And I have not seen any convincing evidence of that to date.”\n\nSen. Kelly questions Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules W. Hurst III about the Golden Dome at a SASC hearing.\n\nClick here to download a video of Kelly’s questions. See the transcript below:\n\nSenator Kelly:\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Hurst, the administration, I want to follow up on Senator King’s question about Golden Dome. So, it’s made it a priority. It is a significant investment in limited resources that we have. So, before Congress commits taxpayers to what could become the most expensive defense program in our nation’s history, we need some confidence that the system is going to deliver the capability that’s being promised. And to me, right now, it’s clear that it won’t. The most ambitious element of Golden Dome is the space-based interceptor layer, and that is going to face significant technical challenges. The costs, the physics, the likely reliability, in my view, do not support a full-scale space-based intercept architecture. This means that we could spend more than $1 trillion and end up with a system that’s not going to work, and it’s not going to improve, meaningfully, improve our security. So, Mr. Hurst, what analysis gives you confidence that Golden Dome is a responsible use of taxpayer dollars, rather than an extraordinarily expensive system that’s not going to achieve the stated objectives?\n\nMr. Jules W. Hurst III:\n\nSenator Kelly, I appreciate your background in this area. I would say I have confidence in this because I trust the program manager, General Guetlein, to make these kinds of determinations and change course inside the program, if necessary, to achieve an outcome at the appropriate cost for the taxpayer. This is a better issue to be held in a classified session, but if you haven’t gotten a brief from him, sir, I’d recommend it. It’s compelling.\n\nKelly:\n\nI’ve got gotten multiple briefs from him. Have you seen an analysis, a technical analysis that has convinced you that this is achievable? Or are you—just trust that he tells you we can do this?\n\nHurst:\n\nI believe it’s possible to have a space-based interceptor capability.\n\nKelly:\n\nBased on what?\n\nHurst:\n\nI think the big determination there is, what will the cost per unit be, whether or not it’s a field of capability that produces the kind of result we want.\n\nKelly:\n\nDo you understand that defeating a system with countermeasures and decoys is cheaper than interceptors?\n\nHurst:\n\nI’m familiar with some of the dynamics of an engagement in a space environment.\n\nKelly:\n\nSo that becomes a math problem, like an economics math problem is that the adversary’s ability to defeat the system is less expensive than our cost to build the system.\n\nHurst:\n\nIt will depend on how the technology turns out, but I think there’s an opportunity to avoid that exact engagement scenario in a manner that makes the system more effective.\n\nKelly:\n\nHow do we do that?\n\nHurst:\n\nI think, again, that’d be a better classified session.\n\nKelly:\n\nBut you know how we do that?\n\nHurst:\n\nI have had a brief on that and if that’s still what General Guetlein of thinking is, I think it’s a possibility that we should be interested in investing in the research and development dollars to procure.\n\nKelly:\n\nLet’s say if the Department cannot demonstrate that Golden Dome will provide the level of protection that the Administration publicly states it will. I mean, why would why would Congress be asked to commit more than $1 trillion over the lifecycle before these questions have all been answered? Because I’m not convinced, they’ve been answered.\n\nHurst:\n\nSenator Kelly, I haven’t heard that cost estimate of $1 trillion.\n\nKelly:\n\nFrom the CBO.\n\nHurst:\n\nIs that what we’re saying? Well, I think the Department’s cost estimate at the time that I was comptroller is $185 billion for the entire system. And the most compelling parts of Golden Dome for me are the situation of awareness aspects, which will pay dividends for the Department outside of just missile defense.\n\nKelly:\n\nI agree with that. So, there are things in the program that makes sense; detecting launches, even some other approaches to this. The space-based interceptor part is really, really hard, and the physics clearly favors the offense. So, we could go down this road, spend hundreds of billions of dollars and not get any return on that investment. And missile defense is too important to pursue this just based on aspiration alone. So, I want to make sure that we have a system that is technically achievable, strategically sound, and represents the best use of limited resources. So, the Department should be able to demonstrate not only what Golden Dome will cost, but that that it can realistically deliver on this promise of missile defense. And I have not seen any convincing evidence of that to date. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-kelly-confronts-dni-nominee-jay-clayton-on-whether-he-can-disagree-with-trump-and-deliver-intelligence-honestly/", "title": "WATCH: Kelly Confronts DNI Nominee Jay Clayton on Whether He Can Disagree with Trump and Deliver Intelligence Honestly", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Kelly: “This job is not about softening the edges when the truth is unpleasant. It’s about delivering information and making sure the president understands that information. And by the way, people risked their lives to get this information.”\n\nKelly: “If you can’t disagree with him when he’s not in the room, are you going to be able to disagree with him when you’re sitting across from him in the Oval Office or the Situation Room?”\n\nToday, during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly confronted the nominee for Director of National Intelligence, Jay Clayton, on his refusal to plainly state that former President Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election, and if that unwillingness to disagree with President Trump disqualifies him from a job that demands delivering unvarnished analysis and information.\n\nTo Kelly’s question of why President Biden’s election had been certified, Clayton acknowledged that Biden had “the most electoral votes” and was “declared winner,” but repeatedly refused to plainly state that Biden won.\n\nKelly called out the pattern of Trump nominees who refuse to disagree with the president on the most basic facts: “The reason why we struggle with this, and I think it’s especially important in the job you’re nominated for, is because it seems that folks who are nominated for these positions just fundamentally refuse to disagree with something the president says. And the problem I have with this is he isn’t in the room today. You’re going to be in a room with him many times, and at times you should have a difference of opinion. And if you can’t disagree with him when he’s not in the room, are you going to be able to disagree with him when you’re sitting across from him in the Oval Office or the Situation Room? That’s what I struggle with because this job is different, this job, it’s not about softening the edges when the truth is unpleasant. It’s about delivering information and making sure the president understands that information. And by the way, people risked their lives to get this information. And if it’s not transmitted to the president, if he doesn’t understand it—I mean, there’s going to be disagreements. We expect that. But I really struggle with this, especially in your position, because you can’t disagree with them on this, because he doesn’t like the fact that he lost in 2020. As you said, Joe Biden was certified because he got the most electoral votes. That means he won. But you still refuse to say that.”\n\nSen. Kelly questions Director of National Intelligence Nominee Jay Clayton.\n\nClick here to download a video of Kelly’s questions. See the transcript below:\n\nSenator Kelly:\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Clayton, thank you for being here. I’ve got a couple very basic questions, and then I want to get a little bit of your opinion on the threats we face if we have time. So, can you tell me why Joe Biden was certified as the winner of the 2020 election?\n\nDirector of National Intelligence Nominee Jay Clayton:\n\nI’m going back to my constitutional law here, but I don’t want to continue to have a debate about this. But I believe he had the most electoral votes.\n\nKelly:\n\nSo, he won the election?\n\nClayton:\n\nHe followed our process, had the most electoral votes, was declared the winner—\n\nKelly:\n\nWho has the most electoral votes? Is it the person that wins or the person that loses?\n\nClayton:\n\nI think that’s your characterization. I really, I’m not going to continue—\n\nKelly:\n\nThe reason why we struggle with this, and I think it’s especially important in the job you’re nominated for, is because it seems that folks who are nominated for these positions just fundamentally refuse to disagree with something the President says. And the problem I have with this is he isn’t in the room, today. You’re going to be in a room with him, many times, and at times you should have a difference of opinion. And if you can’t disagree with him when he’s not in the room, are you going to be able to disagree with him when you’re sitting across from him in the Oval Office or the Situation Room? That’s what I struggle with because this job is different. This job, it’s not about softening the edges when the truth is unpleasant. It’s about delivering information and making sure the President understands that information—and by the way, people risk their lives to get this information. And if it’s not transmitted to the President, if he doesn’t understand it–I mean, there’s going to be disagreements. We expect that. But I really struggle with this, especially in your position, because you can’t disagree with him on this, because he doesn’t like the fact that he lost in 2020. As you said, Joe Biden was certified because he got the most electoral votes. That means he won. But you still refuse to say that.\n\nClayton:\n\nAnd I was sitting at the SEC, when this occurred, and I can tell you that I, maybe people worked harder, but I don’t think anybody I know worked harder to make an effective transition to my successor at the SEC. And in terms of your question, I have every confidence that I will deliver on my job candidly, independently, and with my best judgment.\n\nKelly:\n\nBut just not in this room? Okay, let me move on. So, I want to just hear from you. What do you think our top threats are that we face as a nation today? Let’s just talk about the top three.\n\nClayton:\n\nFrom where I sit today. Terrorism, from many sources. I believe that we have done a good job of reducing the threat, but drug trafficking and the deaths from fentanyl into the United States were an incredible threat. The combination, I’m not going to speak about any specific illuminating that I’m not going to see at any specific country, but the combination in certain countries of cartels, military, and business is very dangerous. But lastly, I would I would say our traditional adversaries, Senator Kelly, that we’ve talked about.\n\nKelly:\n\nTerrorism, drugs, cartels and traditional, I assume you mean Russia, China.\n\nClayton:\n\nRussia, China, and Iran.\n\nKelly:\n\nWith regards to Russia and China, I have about 40 seconds left. You know, what specifically would you do as DNI to help our country deal with those threats? Since we only have 30 seconds just talk to me about Russia and Ukraine.\n\nClayton:\n\nRussia, Ukraine, China. One thing that I elaborated before that I think I can be extremely helpful on, is the economic strategies that are involved in our engagement with them across conflict and cooperation. You know, we still cooperate extensively with China on the world stage economically.\n\nKelly:\n\nDo you think the economic issue with Russia outweighs the national security risk to our allies?\n\nClayton:\n\nI think that they are very closely tied. How do a number of these threat actors fund themselves, its energy, other things. That’s extremely you know, I think you and I talked about this are some of our I would say, most formidable threat actors are the ones who are the most well-funded.\n\nKelly:\n\nAll right. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senators-kim-and-hirono-introduce-legislation-to-permanently-make-federal-services-language-accessible/", "title": "Senators Kim and Hirono Introduce Legislation to Permanently Make Federal Services Language Accessible", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Executive Board Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, introduced the Language Access for All Act to codify language access requirements for federal agencies and protect language access for the 25 million individuals in the United States with limited English proficiency. The legislation would prioritize customer service governance by reducing barriers to federal services and making sure federal agencies are equipped to meet diverse language needs.\n\n“There’s nothing more basic to the purpose of government than to help people,” said Senator Kim. “From accessing veteran benefits to help filing taxes, no one in our country should be barred from accessing critical assistance or resources because of language barriers. As the Trump administration goes after long-standing translation and language accessibility services, this legislation would make sure no president can stand between the American people and the agencies there to serve them.”\n\n“In limiting multilingual access to federal resources, the Trump regime’s extreme anti-diversity ideology is preventing millions of American citizens from accessing critical services including small business loans, Social Security benefits, and Medicare coverage,” said Senator Hirono. “By protecting interpreter and translation services, this legislation ensures that all Americans—no matter what language they speak— can get the services they need.”\n\nThe Language Access for All Act is being introduced as services come under threat from the Trump Administration. In March 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order (EO) 14224 that declared English as the official language of the United States and revoked EO 13166, a 25-year-old mandate that required agencies to provide critical language access to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). The Trump administration’s Department of Justice issued new guidance that minimizes multilingual services and redirects resources towards English language assimilation.\n\nThese policy changes threaten language access for the over 25 million people in the United States—eight percent of the U.S. population—with limited English proficiency. Asian Americans have among the highest language access needs of any racial group, with 32 percent having LEP. 12 percent of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders also have significant language access needs. And while Spanish language speakers make up the majority of those who speak another language in the United States, nearly 40 percent report speaking English “less than very well” in the most recent U.S. Census.\n\nThe Language Access for All Act of 2026 would modernize and strengthen the federal government’s language access services by formalizing EO 13166 and establishing a coordinated, accountable framework to ensure meaningful access to government services for individuals with limited English proficiency. Specifically, the legislation would:\n\nRequires federal agencies to ensure that individuals with LEP can meaningfully access the federally conducted programs and activities of the agency, including through translation and interpretation.\n\nCreates a public complaint system to track complaints regarding barriers to meaningful access at agencies.\n\nRequires agencies to develop and maintain language access plans consistent with EO 13166, with public notice and comment, and to submit plans to Congress and publish them on LEP.gov.\n\nEstablishes language access technical standards that allow individuals with LEP to access agency content. This applies to all agency communications, including AI and automated language assistance services.\n\nEnsures AI-assisted language services do not replace qualified translators and interpreters, comply with federal privacy requirements, and are continuously tested for bias, discrimination, and errors.\n\nCreates an interagency language access working group to provide guidance, coordination, and technical assistance.\n\nRequires each agency to designate a language access coordinator to lead implementation and serve as a point of contact.\n\nThe legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and was introduced in January 2026 in the House of Representatives by fellow members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus: Representatives Judy Chu (CA-28), Grace Meng (NY-06), Juan Vargas (CA-51), and Dan Goldman (NY-10).\n\n“For more than 25 years, both Democratic and Republican presidents have supported language accessibility across the federal government. Trump’s roll back of these protections is simply wrong. In my district, translation services are essential for parents applying for a home loan, seniors accessing Medicare, immigrants starting a small business, and disaster survivors accessing the FEMA’s resources. That is why I’m proud to co-lead the Language Access for All Act to ensure no one is denied health care, housing, or disaster assistance because English is not their first language. Language access is a civil right and rolling back these services is an attack on our immigrant communities,” said Representative Chu.\n\n“Every American deserves equal access to federal services and programs in a language they can understand. Language access is essential to ensure individuals are able to access small business loans or receive the right medical care,” said Representative Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. “I am proud to lead the Language Access for All Act in the House to safeguard translation services for individuals with limited English proficiency, including millions in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community. We will continue to fight against the Trump administration’s attacks on immigrants and the essential services that our communities rely on and deserve.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-key-nomination-hearing-king-challenges-potential-intelligence-head-on-ability-to-avoid-political-pressure", "title": "In Key Nomination Hearing, King Challenges Potential Intelligence Head on Ability to Avoid Political Pressure", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "domain": "www.king.senate.gov", "scraper": "angusking", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000383", "name": "Angus S. King, Jr.", "party": "Independent", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during a key hearing before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) questioned the potential lead Intelligence official on his ability to resist political pressure. In his exchange with Office ofDirector of National Intelligence (ODNI) nominee Jay Clayton, King stressed the importance of analytical integrity and the obligation of intelligence officials to provide objective, fact-based assessments free from political influence.\n\nSenator King began, “There's been some discussion earlier about the importance of analytical integrity. Telling truth to power. The Intelligence Community directive, which goes back to more than a decade, says this, ‘Any information from the Intelligence Community should be independent of political consideration. Analytic assessments must not be distorted by or shaped by advocacy of a particular audience or policy viewpoint. Analytic judgments must not be influenced by the force of preference for a particular policy.’ Do you concur with that?”\n\n“Yes,” Mr. Clayton responded.\n\nSenator King asked, “Who won the 2020 election?”\n\n“I'm not going to get into that,” Mr. Clayton replied.\n\n“Could you answer the question? Who won 2020 election? It’s a simple question,” Senator King repeated.\n\n“My answer to the Chairman, he asked me if I was an election denier. I am not an election denier. Joe Biden was certified as the President. He went through his process. We went through our electoral process. I can tell you, I was in my seat at the SEC—,” said Mr. Clayton.\n\n“I am asking a really simple question. Who won 2020 election?” Senator King repeated again.\n\n“As I said, we went through our processes and Joe Biden became the President of the United States,” Mr. Clayton responded.\n\n“That is not an answer to the question. I am asking one more time. Who won the 2020 election?” asked Senator King.\n\n“I'm here to talk about my qualifications,” replied Mr. Clayton.\n\n“One of your qualifications is to tell the truth to power and you will not answer reasonable questions,” said Senator King.\n\n“I've answered it many times,” replied Mr. Clayton.\n\n“You have not answered that. Saying that Joe Biden was certified is not an answer,” Senator King finished.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. He has repeatedly questioned Obama, Biden, and Trump Administration officials on their willingness to speak truth to power – even when the truth is politically inconvenient. Most recently, Senator King questioned an administration nominee on his independence and integrity – stressing that the nation’s most significant national security mistakes occur when “biased” information is given to leaders.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-questions-dni-nominee-jay-clayton-on-iran-threats-terror-financing-and-odni-reform/", "title": "Lankford Questions DNI Nominee Jay Clayton on Iran Threats, Terror Financing, and ODNI Reform", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.lankford.senate.gov", "scraper": "lankford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000575", "name": "James Lankford", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, today questioned Jay Clayton, President Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, on the growing terror threat from Iran and how his experience prosecuting terrorists, spies, and money launderers in the Southern District of New York prepares him to lead the intelligence community.\n\nYou can watch Lankford’s full remarks at the hearing HERE. You can download it HERE.\n\nExcerpts:\n\nOn Serving Policymakers with Clear Intelligence:\n\nLankford: “You have served the nation in multiple different roles, before and leading SEC, and did a very good job there, in the Southern District of New York in the US Attorney’s office. You’ve got a very unique experience and background walking in on intelligence. You’ve handled money laundering, drug kingpins. You’ve handled international terrorists, foreign terrorist organizations, counterespionage cases. You’ve handled a lot of things as a prosecutor in this. My question to you is, how does that experience, in knowing what is needed to actually prosecute individuals, affect how you approach this task in helping the intelligence community trying to be able to gather information?”\n\nClayton: “[…] The intelligence community is about providing information and analysis, not setting policy or making decisions. I look forward to playing that role as ODNI. I think that my experience as a consumer of that type of information will help me provide the information in the way that is best for the consumers I serve. […] The women and men of the intelligence community are incredible. I look forward to working with them, learning from them, and figuring out how to provide that best possible intelligence product.”\n\nOn Streamlining the Office of the Director of National Intelligence:\n\nLankford: “ODNI started out as a very small entity after the 9/11 attacks, as you know well. It has grown to a multi-thousand-person organization. […] We have a lot of people that are detailed from a lot of our intelligence agencies to the Director of National Intelligence office. […] You’ve led a lot of large organizations. Tell me, process wise, how you walk in to be able to look at, are we right size, right task? Do we have people here that need to actually be there? How do you make those decisions?”\n\nClayton: “[…] What is our mission? The safety and security of the American people. How do we deal with that every day? We provide decision makers with the best possible intelligence product. What is the structure over the intelligence community with the role that we have, which is supposed to be oversight and integration, not operations? What is the structure that best serves that? That’s how I intend to look at it. […] The analogy that is in my mind is a board of directors that oversees a number of subsidiaries. In most cases, that board of directors is fairly lean and relies on reporting from the subsidiaries. […] One thing you don’t want to do as a member of a board of directors, whether you’re in oversight or empowerment or both, is get into the day-to-day of management. You lose perspective.”\n\nOn the Threat from Iran:\n\nLankford: “You have handled terrorism cases coming straight out of Iran and threats that have come to us. For 47 years, the United States and American citizens all around the world have faced terrorism threats from Iran and the growth of the proxy terror organizations. What can you tell us at this point, based on your experience in the Southern District of New York and your prosecution side of things, and then also some of the work that you had done in the past just dealing with money laundering and the movement of money, the most effective way to be able to deal with the threats that we’re facing right now from Iran?”\n\nClayton: “The threat’s real. It’s not hypothetical. Look, all you need to do is look at the people who we have arrested in the last year and what they have done. They intend to do our citizens harm. They are well funded, and they are well funded through channels that we need to do a better job of monitoring. Our traditional banking channels I think are fairly well monitored. There are new channels, I would say digital asset platforms, other channels where funding takes place that we need to do a better job on.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lee.senate.gov/2026/7/lee-bill-authorizes-american-hackers-to-fight-foreign-cyber-attacks", "title": "Lee Bill Authorizes American Hackers to Fight Foreign Cyberattacks", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.lee.senate.gov", "scraper": "mikelee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000577", "name": "Mike Lee", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) today introduced legislation that would allow private American entities to prevent foreign cyberattacks against the United States. The Cyber Letters of Marque and Reprisal Act authorizes President Trump to issue letters of marque and reprisal to strategically deter and disrupt cyber operations against the U.S. The bill continues Senator Lee’s recent work to revive the use of traditional letters of marque and reprisal under the Constitution. Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN-02) introduced the House version of this legislation.\n\n“Our legislation allows American digital privateers to raid cartels, cybercriminals, and foreign adversaries, disrupting their operations and seizing their assets,” said Senator Mike Lee. “This is the ultimate in white hat hacking: stealing from America’s enemies at the direction of the President, and splitting the profits with the federal government.”\n\n\"Widespread cybercrime has become an existential threat to our national security,\" said Congressman Tim Burchett. \"Allowing private operators to aid the federal government in combatting these crimes will strengthen our ability to defend the United States against terrorism.\"\n\nBackground\n\nArticle I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution authorizes Congress to “grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal.” Once a commonly used tool against piracy, letters of marque authorized private citizens to seize enemy vessels with their cargoes and crew. In December 2025, Senator Mike Lee introduced a bill authorizing President Trump to allow private citizens and groups to join in defending the United States from cartels on land and sea.\n\nBuilding on that legislation, the Cyber Letters of Marque and Reprisal Act will allow the President to arm America’s hackers with authority to combat foreign cyberattacks against the United States. The bill authorizes the President to issue cyber letters of marque and reprisal to strategically deter and disrupt cyber operations against the U.S. and Americans, facilitate the return of stolen assets to Americans, and empower the private sector.\n\nThe Cyber Letters of Marque and Reprisal Act:\n\nAuthorizes the President or a designee to commission private persons to conduct cyber operations against designated cyberthreats through letters of marque and reprisal. The recipients of such letters are required to post a security bond in agreement with the President, and the recipients shall forfeit the posted bond if they violate the terms of the letter. The President may require up to 15% of the total assets recovered to fund bounty programs, which the President may facilitate for holders of such letters to claim. Holders of such letters are prohibited from knowingly conducting operations against U.S. citizens, required to log all their activities, and are limited to conducting only operations that are necessary to the mission.\n\nLimits the definition of “designated cyberthreat” to foreign individuals and entities responsible for cyberattacks against United States persons or assets owned or controlled by United States persons.\n\nAllows the President to issue guidance on qualifications to receive a cyber letter of marque and reprisal, as well as guidance for a holder of a cyber letter of marque and reprisal to operate within traditional domains.\n\nEnsures that a holder of a cyber letter of marque and reprisal shall be authorized to conduct operations in traditional domains of warfare in addition to the cyber domain if Congress authorizes the use of letters of marque and reprisal for such domains.\n\nEnsures that no cause of action authorized in a letter of marque and reprisal shall be maintained against a holder of such letter in any court.\n\nRead exclusive coverage from The Daily Caller here.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lee.senate.gov/2026/7/lee-questions-rideshare-giants-uber-and-lyft-on-pricing-antitrust-concerns", "title": "Lee Questions Rideshare Giants Uber and Lyft on Pricing, Antitrust Concerns", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.lee.senate.gov", "scraper": "mikelee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000577", "name": "Mike Lee", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) questioned rideshare giants Uber and Lyft with antitrust concerns following recent reports regarding their pricing. Senator Lee, who serves as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, questioned the companies on market power and concentration in the rideshare industry, transparency practices, information sharing, driver compensation, and the pricing of rides.\n\nIn part, Senator Lee wrote:\n\n“As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, I take seriously Congress’s responsibility to ensure that markets remain competitive and that American consumers benefit from that competition. Given the scale of your platforms, and the importance of rideshare services to the Americans who depend on them, I write regarding concerns about rideshare pricing, driver compensation, and your use of algorithmic systems in app-based rideshare markets.\n\n…\n\n“The Subcommittee intends to monitor these issues closely and may seek additional information.”\n\nRead the full text of the letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D50CDA82-2362-42FA-8AC6-C671A8DF0F83", "title": "In Memory of Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "scraper": "graham", "member": null, "text": "Jul\n15\n2026\nIn Memory of Senator Lindsey Graham\nShare This:\nhttps://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2026/7/in-memory-of-senator-lindsey-graham", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-welch-schiff-raskin-ocasio-cortez-introduce-legislation-imposing-gift-ban-on-supreme-court-justices/", "title": "Luján, Welch, Schiff, Raskin, Ocasio-Cortez Introduce Legislation Imposing Gift Ban on Supreme Court Justices", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Legislation Cracks Down on Lavish Gifts to Supreme Court Justices With $50 Limit Aligning Ethics Rules With Congress, Other Judges, and Federal Officials\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced the High Court Gift Ban Act, legislation to close a glaring ethics loophole that allows U.S. Supreme Court Justices to accept lavish gifts from wealthy benefactors and individuals with interests before the Court. U.S. Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\nUnlike other federal judges, Members of Congress, and executive branch officials—who are all bound by strict gift rules—Supreme Court Justices are not currently bound by any limits on the value of the gifts they can accept. Investigative reporting has shown that some Justices have exploited this loophole, taking in lavish “gifts” from wealthy benefactors and political allies worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars—benefits that, in some cases, look more like payments than presents.\n\nThe scale of these undisclosed perks is staggering. One analysis found that Justices have accepted at least 445 gifts worth nearly $5 million over the past two decades. Reports have detailed that Justice Clarence Thomas alone received more than $4.2 million in luxury travel and other benefits from wealthy individuals with interests before the Court, including trips to Bali, stays at exclusive private retreats, and even a forgiven loan to purchase a luxury motor coach.\n\nThe High Court Gift Ban Act would block Justices from receiving gifts valued at more than $50 in a single instance or more than $100 in aggregate over the course of a year. It would also cap gifts of personal hospitality, like free trips on billionaire’s yachts and private jets, which are currently unregulated. This brings the Supreme Court in line with similar ethical standards applying to Members of Congress and other federal officials.\n\n“Over the past several years, we’ve seen far too many reports detailing how lavish gifts and luxury travel have undermined public confidence in the Supreme Court,” said Senator Luján. “That’s why I’m proud to partner with colleagues to introduce the High Court Gift Ban Act, which would hold Supreme Court justices to the same ethical standards as other high-ranking federal officials. The Supreme Court — our nation’s highest and most powerful court — should be held to the highest ethical standards to protect our democracy from the influence of dark money and special interests.”\n\n“For years, conservative Supreme Court Justices have accepted expensive gifts and travel from their friends who have business before the Court. It’s unethical, and it’s why public trust in the Court has eroded. Those serving on the Supreme Court should be held to the same ethical standards as every other federal judge—and it’s high time they are,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Luján on this bill to increase accountability and restore public trust in our nation’s most powerful court.”\n\n“The Supreme Court has lost the trust of the American people, and Justices accepting lavish gifts from wealthy individuals with business before the court has only made matters worse. We need to put an end to these egregious conflicts of interest and can start by establishing basic ethical standards for the Justices,” said Senator Schiff.\n\n“In every other part of the federal government, taking lavish gifts from interested parties is called corruption—but at the Supreme Court, it’s bizarrely been treated as a job perk. A gaping ethics loophole has allowed Justices to accept lavish gifts from individuals who may have business before the Court, which totally undermines public confidence in judicial fairness and independence. Our bill closes this indefensible loophole by saying that Supreme Court Justices should follow the same basic gift rules as every other federal official and their fellow judges. Americans shouldn’t have to wonder whether wealthy litigants and interested parties are influencing Supreme Court decisions with trips to luxury resorts, flights on private jets, and cruises on luxury yachts,” said Ranking Member Raskin.\n\n“The Supreme Court is facing a major corruption crisis. As it stands, Supreme Court Justices are legally allowed to accept gifts from wealthy benefactors and people with special interests before the Court, actively furthering the distrust between working-class Americans and our legal institutions. That is why I am proud to introduce the High Court Gift Ban Act, alongside Congressman Jamie Raskin and Senator Ben Ray Luján, to remove the influence of dark money from our nation’s highest judicial body. We must pass this commonsense proposal to safeguard the sanctity of our legal institutions and democracy,” said Representative Ocasio-Cortez.\n\nThe High Court Gift Ban Act is endorsed by leading advocacy organizations, including: AFSCME, American Federation of Teachers, Alliance for Justice, American Humanist Association, Center for American Progress, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, Clean Elections Texas, Courage California, Court Accountability, Courts Matter Illinois, EarthJustice, Enough of Gun Violence, Equality California, FFRF Action Fund, Fix the Court, Free Speech for People, Government Information Watch, Greenpeace USA, Indivisible, Leage of Conservation Voters, MoveOn, National Association of Consumer Advocates, National Women’s Law Center, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Ohio Fair Courts Alliance, People for the American Way, People Power United, Public Citizen, Reproductive Freedom for All, Secular Coalition for America, Secure Elections Network, Stand Up America, Supreme Court Integrity Project, Take Back the Court Action Fund, True North Research, Voices for Progress, and The Workers Circle.\n\nFull text of the bill can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-western-caucus-members-applaud-trump-doi-move-returning-management-of-grizzly-bears-to-the-west/", "title": "Senate Western Caucus Members Applaud Trump DOI Move Returning Management of Grizzly Bears to the West", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.lummis.senate.gov", "scraper": "lummis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000571", "name": "Cynthia M. Lummis", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.—Senate Western Caucus members today applauded the Trump Department of the Interior for proposing new flexibility for western states in managing grizzly bears.\n\nThe announcement, made by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum alongside Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, Idaho Governor Brad Little, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik, proposes a revised rule to increase management flexibility for grizzly bears in areas where the species has met, and in many cases exceeded, federal recovery benchmarks. The updated proposal ensures the Endangered Species Act is being used as Congress intended while continuing to support the species’ long-term conservation.\n\n“For decades, Wyoming and other western states have proven that we know how to conserve and manage grizzly bear populations,” said Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis. “Western grizzly bear populations have been recovered for years, yet previous Democrat administrations chose to play politics with delisting instead of following the science. Our ranchers, wildlife managers, and rural communities live alongside these animals every day, and that experience is exactly why they should be the ones making these management calls, not bureaucrats thousands of miles away. I am pleased that President Trump and Secretary Burgum are keeping their commitment to returning power to the states and trusting states to manage what we’ve already worked to recover.”\n\n“It’s time for Wyoming – not Washington – to be in charge of managing grizzly bears. The Trump administration is putting power back into the hands of states and local communities who understand the situation and the science the best,” said Senator John Barrasso. “The evidence is clear. The grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem are thriving and do not need protection under the Endangered Species Act. In Wyoming, we’ve invested more than $50 million in this effort. We have a strong and proven track record of science-based management and have played a leading role in this successful recovery. I am proud to work with Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Director of Fish and Wildlife Services Brian Nesvik to ensure Wyoming can continue to properly manage these bears to a healthy population.”\n\n“It’s long past time to delist the grizzly bear,” said Senator Steve Daines. “I commend Secretary Burgum and his team for recognizing this and taking a good first step in the process by expanding state management of the grizzly.”\n\n“Today’s proposed rule marks an important step towards returning management of grizzly populations to the state level where it belongs,” said Senator Tim Sheehy. “I look forward to working with the Trump Administration going forward to delist the grizzly bear and support the needs of local communities.”\n\n“The recovery of the grizzly bear in the West is a conservation success story made possible by decades of work from state, tribal, federal and local conservation partners,” said Senator Mike Crapo. “For years, I have advocated for returning grizzly bear management to the states as recovery objectives and benchmarks have been achieved. Secretary Burgum’s announcement moves us one step closer to allowing Idaho wildlife professionals to manage a recovered grizzly population in a way that protects both the species and Idaho communities.”\n\n“It’s abundantly clear Idaho’s grizzly bear populations have widely exceeded recovery goals,” said Senator Jim Risch. “Increasing state authority to manage grizzly bears ensures our own local wildlife agencies, who understand Idaho’s environment best, can follow the science and make commonsense conservation decisions without bureaucratic inefficiencies.”\n\nRead more here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-celebrates-senate-passage-of-his-caring-for-caregivers-agenda-provisions", "title": "Senator Markey Celebrates Senate Passage of His “Caring for Caregivers” Agenda Provisions", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington (July 15, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, applauded the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Older Americans Act (OAA) Reauthorization Act, which included provisions from the Senator’s “Caring for Caregivers” agenda and other bills to weatherize and improve the air quality of older Americans’ homes, improve caregiver assessments used to identify barriers to resources, expand family caregiver supports such as respite care and peer support, and promote medically tailored meals and other Food is Medicine interventions.\n\n“The work of family caregivers is personal to me. When my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, my father cared for her in our home in Malden for thirteen years,” said Senator Markey. “My provisions to expand family caregivers’ access to peer and respite care, increase access to medically tailored meals, and weatherize older Americans’ homes are the types of supports I wish my father had. I’m proud to have the full support of the Senate in advancing this legislation, and I’ll continue working to make these programs a reality for the millions of caretakers in this country.”\n\nSenator Markey’s provisions in the OAA Reauthorization Act include:\n\nAllowing home modification funding to be used for weatherization projects, based on his Home Modifications for the Climate Crisis Act.\n\nImproving the air quality of older Americans’ homes and residences, based on his Home Modifications for the Climate Crisis Act.\n\nAmending caregiver assessments under the National Family Caregiver Support Program to improve the accessibility, quality of information, supports, and services, available to caregivers, based on his Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act.\n\nIncluding peer support as an eligible supportive service for family caregivers, based on his Family Caregiver Peer Support Act.\n\nIncluding respite care as an eligible supportive service to promote convenience and accessibility for family caregivers to older adults who need long-term care, including individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, based on his Respite Care and Resources for Everyone (CARE) Act and the Convenient Care for Caregivers Act.\n\nPromoting the use of innovative nutrition interventions, including medically tailored meals, based on his Disease Intervention through Nutrition Education (DINE) Act.\n\nIn November 2025, Senator Markey reintroduced the “Caring for Caregivers” legislative agenda, a comprehensive family caregiving package that calls for the economic security, support, and health and wellbeing of family caregivers and their loved ones. In April 2026, Senator Markey introduced a package of legislation during Earth Week, including bills to protect seniors by enabling safer and more resilient homes.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-warren-secure-key-wins-for-massachusetts-in-water-infrastructure-bill", "title": "Senators Markey, Warren Secure Key Wins for Massachusetts in Water Infrastructure Bill", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Water Resources Development Act passes through Senate Environment and Public Works Committee\n\nWashington (July 15, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works Committee, and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) today celebrated the favorable committee vote on the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (S. 4949), which included key priorities from the senators to support water infrastructure projects in Massachusetts, authorize billions of dollars in funding for clean and drinking water infrastructure, and authorize millions in grant funding for water system emergencies.\n\n“Improving our water infrastructure will bring down costs for families, prevent future wastewater emergencies, and better equip Massachusetts for the climate crisis,” said Senator Markey. “This legislation delivers cleaner, safer, more reliable water infrastructure from Haverhill to North Adams, and across the nation.”\n\nThe senators secured several crucial victories for Massachusetts. The legislation:\n\nEnsures the Army Corps moves forward with the Hoosic River flood risk feasibility study and uses criteria that better account for the project’s economic, safety, and environmental benefits. This provision is an important step toward securing Army Corps support for future flood risk mitigation work in North Adams.\n\nIncreases the authorization for the Army Corps to assist with wastewater infrastructure improvements in Haverhill following the wastewater emergency along the Merrimack River.\n\nExpedites the City of Boston’s coastal storm risk management project by allowing the project to move forward without having to meet overly burdensome planning requirements; authorizes new feasibility studies to evaluate solutions to prevent flood risk in Chelsea, Everett, the Charles River, the Chase Garden Creek, Attleboro, Woburn, Fitchburg, Hadley, and the Boston Harbor.\n\nAuthorizes dredging in the Essex and Ipswich Rivers to remove contamination and improve the navigability.\n\nAuthorizes the Congressionally Directed Spending projects for the Army Corps to assist towns with improving wastewater treatment facilities, desalination plants, and sewage infrastructure in Holyoke, Greenfield, Somerset, and Swansea.\n\nThe senators also fought for and secured several crucial legislative victories, including:\n\n$30 million in authorized funding for the Safe Drinking Water Act emergency grant program, as called for in the Senators’ Water Emergency and Technical Assistance Act (S. 4980), which can help provide immediate funding in the event of water system emergencies.\n\nMore than $30 billion in authorized funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.\n\nThe reauthorization of the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants Program at current levels of $280 million.\n\nThe reauthorization of the Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Grant Program at $100 million a year.\n\nReauthorizations of the Voluntary School and Child Care Lead Testing and Reduction Program, the Innovative Water Workforce Program, and the Emergency Filter Response Programs.\n\nThe legislation also includes Senator Markey’s Water Intelligence, Security, and Cyber Threat Protection Act (S. 1118), legislation that would provide funding for clean water and wastewater utilities to become members of the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (WaterISAC). The WaterISAC is a critical source of information and best practices for water systems to protect against, mitigate, and respond to cyber threats.\n\nSenator Markey has long worked to ensure bipartisan water resource and infrastructure legislation includes investments for Massachusetts. In 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, included Senator Markey’s provisions to increase funding for the federal assistance for the Small and Disadvantaged Communities Program to $510 million over five years, supporting the program’s efforts in guaranteeing clean drinking water in frontline communities, and to expand an existing grant program so that more municipalities could access federal funds to help develop systems to notify residents of sewer overflows. In the 2024 WRDA legislation, Senators Markey and Warren secured authorizations for projects in Haverhill, Oak Bluffs, Easthampton, Lowell, and Sandwich. Similarly, in the 2022 WRDA legislation, the senators secured project authorizations for communities including North Attleboro, Chelsea Creek, North Adams, the North Shore, Wellfleet, Truro, Sandwich and Chatham.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-applauds-improved-processing-speed-for-fallen-officer-benefits/", "title": "Senator Marshall Applauds Improved Processing Speed for Fallen Officer Benefits", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), applauds an announcement by the Department of Justice that processing speed for the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) Program has tripled in the last month, providing over $96 million in benefits to eligible surviving families of fallen public safety officers.\n\nThe PSOB Program provides benefits to family members of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders, as well as disability benefits to officers and their families in case of a catastrophic injury in the line of duty. These important benefits provide families with funds to help them adjust after loss or catastrophic disability, as well as assisting with education costs.\n\n“Growing up as the son of the El Dorado Police Chief, I saw firsthand what our officers risk every day to keep our communities safe. When an officer doesn’t come home, their family shouldn’t have to fight the government on top of everything else,” said Senator Marshall. “I’m glad DOJ is cutting the red tape and getting these benefits to families faster — that’s exactly how it should work, and I’ll keep pushing until every family gets what they’ve earned, when they need it.”\n\nFor more information on the DOJ announcement, click here.\n\nBackground:\n\nIn 2025, the state of Kansas lost four law enforcement officers in the line of duty: Undersheriff Brandon Gaede, Phillips County Sheriff’s Office; Deputy Elijah Ming, Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office; Officer Hunter Simoncic, Kansas City, Kansas Police Department; and Sergeant Scott Heimann, Hays Police Department.\n\nClick here for the Senate resolution honoring these officers on National Police Week and for more information on the work Senator Marshall is doing to support Kansas law enforcement.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-questions-cdc-aspr-nominees-on-americas-public-health-preparedness/", "title": "Senator Marshall Questions CDC, ASPR Nominees on America’s Public Health Preparedness", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Marshall Questions HHS Nominees at Senate HELP Committee\n\nWashington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), questioned President Trump’s nominees to lead two of the nation’s top public health agencies during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing. The witnesses included Sean Kaufman, M.P.H., nominee to serve as Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the Department of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Erica Schwartz, nominee to serve as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).\n\nThroughout the hearing, Senator Marshall emphasized restoring trust in public health, strengthening America’s preparedness for future pandemics, supporting innovation through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), and reducing the nation’s dependence on foreign sources of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).\n\nClick HERE to download the full video.\n\nHighlights from the hearing include:\n\nSenator Marshall: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For both of you, I’m going to ask you in a second about active pharmaceutical ingredients. You don’t have to tell me what the problem is—I want to talk about solutions. But before I get to that, I just want to compliment both of you. Dr. Schwartz, you have one of the most qualified résumés I’ve seen in front of this committee. You’re a two-star admiral—just incredible. Congratulations, and thank you. Most importantly, thank you for your character, your culture, your values, and all those things that I hope my kids and grandkids will look up to and say, “That’s the type of person I want to be, and that’s the type of position I want to have.” And Mr. Kaufman, I think you’re the right person for ASPR right now. I think it’s always good to go back and look at the fundamentals. So, what is ASPR? This is something I didn’t know much about until I got here, even though I’m a physician. It’s the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. Your motto is, “Stand Ready. Move Fast.” Your charge is overseeing medical and public health preparedness, response, and recovery. And I believe that, for such a time as this, you’ve been prepared to do this job. Your résumé reflects hands-on experience inside public health laboratories, frontline response experience to anthrax threats, and West Nile virus. You understand federal infrastructure and interagency coordination. You’ve led private-sector innovation in behavioral safety and disaster preparedness. Mr. Kaufman, you combine deep technical knowledge, real-world response experience, and proven leadership—exactly what we need to keep Americans safe. Now, so often, it seems like all this committee cares about is vaccines. In reality, that’s maybe one percent of both of your worlds—perhaps more, perhaps less. I happen to agree that there are concerns about mRNA technology. The protection is short-lived. These vaccines don’t stop transmission of the virus. There are significant risks associated with them, especially for young males, particularly young males who already have positive antibodies. Like you, I gave different advice to my parents than I did to my kids. But I guess what I’m looking for, Mr. Kaufman, is this: let’s say it’s the next virus, the next epidemic. Are you committed to making sure that America has access to whatever vaccines you deem safe and appropriate, so they can be put into the hands of doctors to make those recommendations for their patients?”\n\nMr. Kaufman: “Senator Marshall, thank you for the question. I also want to thank you. I’ve actually done a lot of great work in your state at the USDA facility in Manhattan, and I want to acknowledge that the staff there is phenomenal and excellent as well. To answer your question, I will be committed to leading a phenomenal team at ASPR. Primarily, there’s a small organization that many people may not have heard of—an island of excellence—called BARDA. BARDA is responsible not only for looking at new technologies, because what we face today is the ability of our adversaries to genetically modify organisms, creating novel threats that could put Americans drastically at risk, very similar to what we saw with COVID. So, BARDA is not only interested in creating vaccine countermeasures to protect Americans, but also therapeutics.”\n\nSenator Marshall: “Mr. Kaufman, I’m trying to get you some votes here. Are you committed to getting vaccines into the hands of doctors and nurses?”\n\nMr. Kaufman: “Absolutely. One hundred percent. I’m sorry I missed the softball.”\n\nSenator Marshall: “There you go. Dr. Schwartz, I mentioned APIs. You and I both know what the huge problem is. What’s the solution to bring API production back home?”\n\nDr. Schwartz: “Senator, I actually have to get smarter on that. I have to be brutally honest here—I haven’t really been following that issue. But I would definitely love to work with your team on it.”\n\nSenator Marshall: “My guess is that the diagnostics you’re using and the therapeutics you want available will require APIs, Mr. Kaufman. Now, maybe it’s BARDA’s turn.”\n\nMr. Kaufman: “That’s right. Yeah, there are new technologies. Right now, as you know, there’s a problem, and I’m so happy that you acknowledge it’s actually a very, very big problem. BARDA can look at technologies that use different types of ingredients, helping reduce our dependence on adversaries and shifting toward more biologically based future countermeasures rather than chemical ones. So, there are different strategies and technologies that the scientists at BARDA are looking into and will continue to explore to help protect America.”\n\nSenator Marshall: “But this is the problem that this committee needs to be looking at. This is the real problem. I mean, it’s great to see manufacturing moving back here—that we’re making vaccines and we’re making drugs again in this country—but we don’t have the APIs to do it, and very few companies are producing them. I hope this committee can take on that challenge and consider whatever we can do as a congressional body to address it as well. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-we-need-an-independent-investigation-into-dr-fauci/", "title": "Senator Marshall: We Need an Independent Investigation into Dr. Fauci", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Marshall Joins Fox Business, The Evening Edit\n\nWashington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Liz MacDonald on Fox Business’ The Evening Edit to discuss his call for the Department of Justice to appoint a special counsel to investigate Dr. Anthony Fauci following the recent release of declassified intelligence documents.\n\nDuring the interview, Senator Marshall outlined new evidence he says raises serious questions about Dr. Fauci’s role in the origins of COVID-19, the federal government’s response to the pandemic, and the treatment of whistleblowers, while calling for a full and independent investigation to ensure accountability and provide the American people with long-overdue answers.\n\nClick here to download the full video.\n\nOn his letter to the DOJ regarding Dr. Fauci’s Covid-19 involvement:\n\n“Yeah, Liz. Well, good evening. First of all, it seems like just yesterday that we lost a million Americans to COVID. Today, 20 million Americans are living with long COVID, and we still don’t have the answers. There’s still this cover-up that has never been uncovered. We’re fortunate that DNI Tulsi Gabbard, about a month ago, released this treasure trove of evidence confirming what I’ve been talking about for the past five years—that Dr. Fauci intervened in the 2021 intelligence report to President Joe Biden, and that he suggested which scientists should be consulted to provide that information. Even today, the CIA and the FBI agree with me that this virus came from a laboratory in Wuhan, China. She also released whistleblower evidence showing that anyone who disagreed with Dr. Fauci was threatened with losing their rank or even their job. That’s why we’re calling for a special investigation into Dr. Fauci’s involvement in the origins of COVID, the cover-up, and the funding of COVID research. We also want investigators to examine the treatment of the whistleblowers. And by the way, we want to investigate the autopen pardon that Dr. Fauci received as well. Is that even legal? A preemptive pardon issued by autopen? We want that investigated, too.”\n\nOn accountability owed to the American people:\n\n“Right. So, at a minimum, there was obstruction of Congress. It’s possible he lied to Congress as well. That’s why we need a special counsel to go in and sort all of this out, so the American people can finally know the truth and we can hold Dr. Fauci accountable once and for all.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"}
{"url": "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-mccormick-announces-nearly-10-billion-in-new-investment-supporting-4000-pennsylvania-jobs-at-2026-pennsylvania-defense-and-innovation-summit-2/", "title": "Senator McCormick Announces $10 Billion in New Investment supporting Nearly 5,000 Pennsylvania Jobs at 2026 Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "scraper": "davemccormick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001243", "name": "David McCormick", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Editor’s Note (July 16, 2026): This release has been updated to reflect Lockheed Martin’s announcement.\n\nCARLISLE, PA — U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) brought together the nation’s top defense, technology, and finance leaders at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, for the first-ever Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit. The two-day Summit advanced President Trump’s vision of Peace through Strength and catalyzed more than $10 billion in new investment supporting nearly 5,000 Pennsylvania jobs. Over 30 individual announcements were made advancing American shipbuilding, munitions, space industry, innovation, and emerging technologies such as AI and robotics.\n\nOver two days, more than 1,300 attendees — including 600-plus C-level executives, representatives from 500-plus organizations and more than 130 exhibitor booths — took part in over 1,500 meetings connecting investors, suppliers, workforce leaders, university researchers, warfighters, and Department of War officials.\n\n“Pennsylvania has powered American defense since the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps were founded in Philadelphia in 1775. That legacy carried us through the Arsenal of Democracy in World War II, and it’s carrying us today through advanced manufacturing, robotics, AI, and space,” said Senator McCormick. “This week, that legacy translated into results with nearly $10 billion in new investment and supporting over 5,000 jobs for Pennsylvania workers. President Trump has laid out a bold vision for American strength, and Pennsylvania is proving it can deliver, bringing the innovation, the workforce, and the will to build it.”\n\nThe list of announcements falls into three categories: 1) Defense Industrial Base, 2) Emerging Technology, and 3) R&D and Workforce.\n\nStrengthening the Defense Industrial Base\n\nRhoads Industries & General Dynamics Electric Boat (Philadelphia) — A 10-year, $2.5 billion strategic agreement for advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding to support U.S. Navy submarine construction from the Philadelphia Navy Yard, supporting approximately 1,350 jobs through 2035.\n\nHanwha Group / Hanwha Philadelphia Shipyard (Philadelphia) — New ship orders for the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel through the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), valued at $1.5 billion in program costs and supporting over 2,000 jobs.\n\nJPMorganChase (Philadelphia) — Nearly $25 million ($18 million in loans and investments, plus almost $6 million in grants) to strengthen Philadelphia’s shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing sector, helping expand a submarine manufacturing facility projected to create 450 permanent jobs, training hundreds of workers, and supporting up to 100 maritime suppliers.\n\nDay & Zimmermann (Philadelphia) — $2.3 billion contract to provide operations, maintenance, and modernization for the Hawthorne Army Depot in Nevada, delivered from its Philadelphia operations.\n\nEOS (Pittsburgh) — A strategic partnership with the Department of War to enhance the resilience of national defense infrastructure. Eos was awarded a Golden Dome for America contract to integrate mission-ready long-duration energy storage supporting requirements of the nation’s defense shield.\n\nJWF Industries (Windber, Cambria County) — More than $500 million in anticipated new defense manufacturing contracts and long-term agreements, alongside a 200,000-square-foot facility expansion supporting approximately 200 new jobs by December 2027.\n\nMack Defense (Allentown) — An additional Army order for 115 Heavy Dump Trucks for the Army National Guard, bringing 2026 orders to 208 trucks worth more than $84 million under a five-year contract worth up to $221.8 million.\n\nAir, formerly Govini (Pittsburgh) — A 10-year, $450 million expansion of its Pittsburgh office, expected to add 40 jobs.\n\nAttalon (new headquarters in Philadelphia) — An 80,000-square-foot facility opening in 2027 that more than quadruples U.S. precision coatings production for guided munitions, representing $30 million-plus in investment and 100 jobs.\n\nKratos Defense (York) — A new 167,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility, Kratos’ third in Pennsylvania, backed by more than $7 million in new production equipment and supporting 440-plus employees statewide.\n\nKarman Space & Defense (Horsham, Montgomery County) — A $2.7 million expansion to test and qualify advanced material technologies for the Navy surface fleet, creating about 20 new jobs and retaining 40.\n\nAdvanced Cooling Technologies (Lancaster) — A new 50,000-square-foot cold plate facility and expanded heat pipe production for satellites, defense systems, and AI data centers, with plans to hire up to 100 employees.\n\nSphere Brake Defense (Erie) — A $4.5 million U.S. Marine Corps contract for certification and production of sphere brake kits for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle fleet, supporting three additional Erie hires.\n\nAcutronic Group (Pittsburgh) — A $14–30 million investment in a new Pittsburgh facility — the world’s largest dedicated to rate tables, hardware-in-the-loop simulators, and stabilized platforms — expected to double its Pennsylvania workforce (about 100 jobs) over five years.\n\nU.S. Metal Powders / AMPAL (Palmerton, Carbon County) — A fourth production line expanding aluminum powder capacity to 52 million pounds annually, adding spherical aluminum powder for solid rocket motor propellant and missile defense programs ($10 million, 15 new jobs).\n\nFirepoint Energy (Tunnelton, Indiana County) — A pilot facility converting waste coal into synthetic jet fuel, power, and critical minerals, with testing showing 12 of the 13 minerals sought by the Department of War present in the feedstock ($170 million–$2 billion, 50 jobs).\n\nQintel (Pittsburgh) — An $84 million multi-year contract with U.S. Cyber Command, adding to existing work with the FBI, HSI, USSS, IRS, and Intelligence Community partners, from a 100-person, fully bootstrapped Pittsburgh headquarters.\n\nLockheed Martin (Lackawanna County) — A $60 million+ investment to expand its Archbald facility, creating approximately 700 new jobs. The investment will double the size of the facility, expand production of critical munitions capabilities, and strengthen America’s defense industrial base.\n\nFielding Emerging Technology — AI, Autonomy & Space\n\nBlade Diagnostics (Pittsburgh) — The U.S. Air Force is expanding Blade’s SmartBlend engine sustainment platform across the entire F-35 fleet, with projected savings of $1–2 billion.\n\nCarnegie Robotics (Pittsburgh) — Selected for Phase III of the Army’s GEARS/ATV-S autonomous ground logistics program, positioning the company for a future production opportunity worth up to $400 million across more than 750 Army tactical logistics vehicles.\n\nReflection (Pittsburgh) — Entered agreements to serve as an open-model AI provider to the Department of Energy and the Pentagon.\n\nVoyager Technologies & Astrobotic (Pittsburgh) — Completed an acquisition of Astrobotic (rebranded Voyager Lunar Systems, retaining approximately 150 Pittsburgh jobs) valued at up to $300 million, alongside a roughly $297 million NASA task order for lunar surface delivery.\n\nDeepwave Digital (Berks County) — Deploying RF AI systems, now in low-rate initial production flight tests with the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard, to protect American aircraft and crews ($30–70 million).\n\nAalyria Technologies (Pittsburgh) — Signed on to use a new DIU-funded Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) in Pittsburgh, growing its local team with CMU and Pitt talent.\n\nParallax Advanced Research & RIDC (Pittsburgh) — Building the new $10 million DIU-funded SCIF in Pittsburgh, enabling classified defense collaboration among government, industry, and academia, anchored by Aalyria, Qintel, Deepwave Digital, and Voicd.\n\nVoicd (Pittsburgh) — A CMU-developed, AI-powered voice intelligence platform that detects deepfake and synthetic speech and authenticates speakers, already adopted by the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Senate, with patents filed across the U.S., Europe, and China.\n\nRe:Build Manufacturing (New Kensington, Westmoreland County) — Launched a line of U.S.-assembled, NDAA-compliant lithium-ion drone battery packs as part of an $81 million investment to scale Pennsylvania drone manufacturing, expected to create up to 300 jobs.\n\nBuilding the R&D and Workforce Pipeline\n\nPenn State — A new 10-year Army support agreement (RIGSA), a five-year nuclear research and workforce partnership with Westinghouse (including annual fellowships, 40 paid summer internships, and exploration of a HORIZON research test reactor), and a new START+ gas turbine testing laboratory opening in August to support commercial and military engines, including the F-135, in partnership with the FAA, DOE, and RTX-Pratt & Whitney.\n\nPenn State National Security Institute — Gen. (Ret.) Gary Brito will serve as inaugural chair of the NSI Strategic Advisory Council.\n\nUniversity of Pittsburgh — Launched the MACAM consortium, spanning 13 Department of War medical research labs, CMU, and industry, to advance autonomous battlefield medicine, building on more than $500 million in Department funding since 2019 and $9 million in current MACAM awards.\n\nTrivedi Institute, University of Pittsburgh — New Institute for Space and Global Biomedicine, building Pennsylvania’s space and defense biomedicine ecosystem, with six jobs planned in year one.\n\nCarnegie Mellon University, Carnegie Foundry, ViDARR, and Envision Technology — Launched the Autonomous Systems Manufacturing Platform, leveraging more than $50 million in CMU investment to help U.S. companies rapidly scale secure, domestic production of autonomous systems.\n\nKeystone Space Collaborative — Announced as Pennsylvania’s dedicated statewide space industry organization, alongside a new Tri-State Space Compact with Ohio and West Virginia.\n\nVoyager Technologies & Geisinger Health (Montour County) — A Memorandum of Understanding making Geisinger Health the first biopharma and life sciences tenant of Voyager’s VISTA platform, enabling microgravity-based drug development and research ($1 million).\n\nVoyager Technologies & Penn State — MOU establishing a Penn State presence in the VISTA science park, connecting university researchers to microgravity research aboard the ISS and future commercial stations.\n\nLackawanna College (Scranton) — A $20 million skilled-trades and technology expansion, including a new Center for Technology and Innovation focused on robotics, energy, and cybersecurity, plus three new skilled trades centers.\n\nQE Manufacturing & Bucknell University — A $70,000 grant funding a 15-month collaboration studying AI-powered automation in precision manufacturing for aerospace and defense.\n\nPennsylvania College of Technology & BAE Systems (Lycoming County) — BAE renewed its support for Penn College’s welding programs with a $10,000 grant, supporting 360-plus students and feeding a direct pipeline into defense manufacturing, including BAE’s York site.\n\nU.S. Army AI2C & FUZE — Hosted the Robotics, AI and Autonomy Forum at CMU’s Robotics Innovation Center, drawing 350-plus attendees and 50-plus companies and academic partners from 28 states.\n\nSouthwest Pennsylvania Defense Ecosystem — A new government-industry-academia coalition spanning ten Southwest Pennsylvania counties to accelerate mission-focused innovation and speed technology transition to warfighters.\n\nThe Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit took place July 14–15, 2026, at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Hosted by Senator Dave McCormick, the Summit convened 1,300 attendees, including 600-plus C-level executives and 500-plus organizations, and featured a curated Pennsylvania Trade Show and Industry Day showcasing Pennsylvania’s leading defense companies, emerging startups, and critical suppliers, connecting them directly with government procurement officials, prime contractors, and private capital.\n\nThe Summit builds on last year’s inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, which brought together business, technology, labor, and government leaders to strengthen Pennsylvania’s role in powering America’s future. That summit catalyzed more than $92 billion in announced investment, the largest single-day private investment commitment in the Commonwealth’s history and remains on track to create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs. A year later, nearly every investment announced at the Summit is moving forward or expanding, underscoring Pennsylvania’s growing leadership in energy, AI, manufacturing, and national security.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/massie-khanna-leger-fernandez-merkley-lujan-introduce-the-epstein-files-transparency-act-ii/", "title": "Massie, Khanna, Leger Fernández, Merkley, Luján Introduce the “Epstein Files Transparency Act II”", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.- Rep. Thomas Massie announces the introduction of H.R. 9694, the Epstein Files Transparency Act II. This bill gives standing to state attorneys general, the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators, and members of Congress to challenge the Department of Justice (DOJ) in court for the DOJ’s failure to comply with the disclosure of materials required by Public Law 119-38, the Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA). Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, are co-leading the House legislation. Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) are leading the Senate version of the bill.\n\n“Since the Epstein Files Transparency Act was signed into law on November 19, 2025, the Department of Justice has flagrantly and consistently ignored EFTA’s disclosure requirements,” said Rep. Massie. “The Department of Justice continues to unlawfully withhold over 3 million Epstein files that should be released to the public. In addition, the DOJ is unlawfully maintaining heavy redactions on the files it is releasing. State attorneys general and victims should have the right to sue the Attorney General of the United States to compel compliance with a transparency law President Trump signed.”\n\n“Rep. Massie and I introduced our bill to release the Epstein files nearly a year ago. Since then, the DOJ has violated our law, delayed the release of millions of files, botched the redactions, and denied the survivors justice. That’s why I’m joining Rep. Massie and my colleagues to introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II that allows state attorneys general and survivors to sue the U.S. Attorney General and demand transparency,” said Rep. Khanna.\n\n“Todd Blanche and the Department of Justice have refused to release as many as 3 million Epstein files: they are hiding the truth from the American people and creating even more injustice and trauma for survivors,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “When Trump’s administration does not comply with the law, there must be consequences. Attorney General Blanche is not fit to serve, should not be confirmed, and should instead resign. In the meantime, we must pass this bill to put power where it belongs—with survivors. No administration, no Attorney General, and no Department of Justice is above the law.”\n\n“At Trump’s bidding, the Department of Justice’s highest-ranking officials continue to break the law, denying justice to Jeffrey Epstein’s victims with an unprecedented cover-up of the abuse of our most vulnerable,” said Sen. Merkley. “As long as those in power continue to side with the Epstein Class and shield abusers from accountability for their horrific crimes, we need the Epstein Files Transparency Act II to strengthen the original law we wrote, crack down on the DOJ’s illegal non-compliance, and stand with survivors and those seeking justice. The rich and powerful cannot be allowed to escape justice, and the American public deserves the transparency it is crying out for.”\n\n“Nearly eight months after our Epstein Files Transparency Act became law, the Trump Department of Justice has failed to comply with the law by releasing the Epstein files and delivering justice for survivors,” said Senator Luján. “That is why I am partnering with my colleagues to introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II to ensure accountability, transparency, and justice for survivors. Our legislation empowers state attorneys general and victims to challenge this Department of Justice for failing to provide the transparency and accountability that Epstein’s victims deserve.”\n\nNew Mexico’s Attorney General, Raúl Torrez, offered the following statement in support of EFTA II:\n\n“Survivors have waited too long for answers, and my office has waited too long for the federal government to turn over the unredacted records we need to complete our criminal investigation,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “This legislation gives state law enforcement the access this investigation requires, and it gives survivors control over their own records. Every day of delay is another day survivors are denied the justice they are owed.”\n\nThe Epstein Files Transparency Act II:\n\nCreates a private right of action allowing state attorneys general, district attorneys, other authorized State officials, members of Congress, and victims to challenge and sue the U.S. Attorney General for unlawfully withholding, redacting, delaying, concealing, removing, or failing to publish Epstein-related records.\n\nGives victims the right to obtain full, unredacted records concerning themselves or the harm they suffered, including relevant FBI FD-302 reports.\n\nEnforces compliance with the existing law by subjecting DOJ and FBI officials to existing federal criminal penalties for knowingly concealing, destroying, falsifying, withholding, or misrepresenting files.\n\nRequires the Department of Justice to provide State and local prosecutors with unredacted records needed for investigations, prosecutions, and judicial proceedings, including secure access to classified materials.\n\nExplicitly prohibits the invocation of common law privileges, including deliberative process privileges, to evade disclosure requirements included in the original EFTA.\n\nIf the House does not consider EFTA II within seven legislative days, a discharge petition will be circulated.\n\nThe text of the Epstein Files Transparency Act II is available at this link.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-slams-rampant-fraud-across-the-united-states-unveils-ballots-by-election-day-act/", "title": "VIDEO: Senator Moody Slams Rampant Fraud Across The United States, Unveils Ballots by Election Day Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, Senator Ashley Moody shined a light on the Fraud Economy that exists in America and called out Democrats who dismiss the issue and don’t even attend hearings exposing pervasive fraud. Senator Moody’s comments came during the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where she also unveiled the Ballots by Election Day Act, aimed at restoring trust in elections and implementing the same type of reforms that have made Florida’s elections a blueprint for the entire nation.\n\n“Dismantling the Fraud Economy and going after those who defraud the American taxpayer should be a 100-0 issue. Regardless of place or party, elected representatives should be asking ‘What are we going to do about it?’ Washington needs to work every single day at investigating fraud and passing new laws to prevent it. That’s why I am proud of the bills I have introduced to do just that and am introducing yet another bill, the Ballots by Election Day Act. This bill requires all ballots across the country to be received by the time polls close on Election Day. This simple, commonsense idea is one easy way we can restore faith in elections and implement a basic electoral safeguard to mirror Florida’s successful reforms—that took us from hanging chads and national embarrassment, to now results before bed and a national blueprint,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nSenator Moody announced her new bill, the Ballots by Election Day Act, aimed to implement a requirement that all ballots, including mail-in ballots, are to be received by election officials by the time polls close on Election Day. This mirrors Florida’s requirements to keep elections fair and free from fraud. The requirement does not apply to ballots subject to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).\n\nAmericans lose faith in our electoral process when Democrat-run jurisdictions take days to count ballots and even permit ballots to be accepted weeks after the election ended. This bill creates a uniform requirement across the country that no matter how you vote, everyone’s deadline is at the end of Election Day.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nTo view Senator Moody’s remarks before the committee, click here.\n\nSenator Moody has been the at the forefront of the Senate’s fight to combat fraud in tandem with the President, havingintroduced a handful of bills aimed at curbing the epidemic across the country.\n\nHer most recent effort, the Ballots by Election Day Act, aims to restore trust in the American election system by ensuing our elections are run in a secure manner and ballots are counted efficiently – much like how Florida runs elections.\n\nThis bill comes following a recent Supreme Court decision in Watson, and the Florida blueprint is what every state should replicate.\n\nSenator Moody has always been committed to combating fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars. Recently, Senator Moody:\n\no Introduced the Stop Child Care Scams Act to fight fraud in federal child care programs;\n\no Introduced the STOP Scams Against Seniors Act to protect seniors from scams and financial fraud;\n\no Introduced the No Aid for Ghost Students Act to stop fraudsters, often called “ghost students,” from using stolen or fake identities to submit FAFSA applications and take federal student aid money.\n\no Joined the Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force, an oversight effort focused on identifying fraud against the federal government, exposing systemic vulnerabilities, recovering taxpayer dollars, and advancing reforms that strengthen accountability;\n\no Introduced STOP Fraud in Medicaid Act to give state Medicaid Fraud Control Units new authority to investigate and prosecute those fraudulently bilking the system to obtain funds through benefitting claims in addition to fraudulent providers;\n\no Introduced the Punishing Health Care Fraudsters Act, which increases financial and criminal penalties for health care fraud across the board; and\n\no Cosponsored the SCAM Act, which would increase safety and protect the integrity of American citizenship by ensuring individuals who join terrorist organizations or are naturalized through fraud or deception can have their citizenship revoked.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-to-doj-did-you-change-our-gun-laws-and-put-lives-at-risk-to-help-trumps-kids-get-rich", "title": "Murphy, Blumenthal to DOJ: Did You Change Our Gun Laws and Put Lives at Risk to Help Trump's Kids Get Rich?", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.murphy.senate.gov", "scraper": "chrismurphy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001169", "name": "Christopher Murphy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) on Wednesday sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche demanding he turn over documents and any communications related to recently proposed DOJ and ATF rule changes which would effectively legalize mail order gun sales, granting a massive revenue source to GrabAGun Digital Holdings, an online firearms retailer owned, in part, by Donald Trump Jr. In the letter, Murphy and Blumenthal highlight evidence that Trump Jr.’s company, widely known as the “Amazon of Guns,” may have had advance notice of the Trump administration’s proposed rule changes, and were corruptly positioned to profit from those sweeping, dangerous changes to our gun regulations. The Senators also raised concerns about the major public safety risks associated with permitting the mass sale of guns directly to people’s homes, without requiring in-person identity verification with a federal firearms licensee (FFL).\n\n“We write to express serious concerns about the recent rulemakings released by Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and to ask for all communications between, to, or from, either the DOJ and/or ATF, and any person with a financial interest in GrabAGun, including Donald Trump, Jr. (“Trump Jr.”) from the date of President Trump’s inauguration through the date of this letter. Taken together, the proposed changes appear poised to expand opportunities for online dealers to facilitate the mass sale of guns directly to people’s doors and there is one online firearm company that conveniently and uniquely seemed to understand in advance that this may be an option.”\n\nThe Senators laid out the evidence that DOJ corruptly coordinated with Donald Trump Jr’s company: “In a May 13 earnings call two weeks after the regulations were announced, the company’s CEO noted that the combined rules would enable consumers to ‘complete the full compliance process remotely. That includes direct to home firearm delivery within an approved framework.’ He said this ‘could be the most significant change to firearms retail distribution in decades.’ He went on to note that ‘GrabAGun is uniquely positioned for this opportunity’ and comparatively ‘[f]ew companies are positioned to adapt this quickly if the rules change.’ It appears that GrabAGun had information about the potential change in the regulatory landscape and made a series of business decisions to capitalize on the moment.”\n\nThey questioned why Trump Jr’s company decided to aggressively build out their direct-to-consumer gun sale model while mail order gun shipping was still illegal: “Fortuitously, in January 2026, months before ATF announced regulation changes in April that would seemingly legalize at-home firearms delivery, GrabAGun launched Pew Logistics, which they described as ‘our white-labeled direct-to-consumer fulfillment solution.’ According to the company’s CEO, Pew Logistics is essentially an out-of the-box compliance and logistics solution for manufacturers who want to sell direct-to-consumer.”\n\nThe letter concluded by emphasizing that these corrupt rule changes will put lives at risk, empower violent criminals, and upend law enforcement infrastructure throughout the country: “The Trump Administration’s push to build the legal framework for these changes is insidious. The consequences would reshape gun trafficking, law enforcement, and public safety across America, and lives are quite literally on the line. Yet, it’s even more offensive if members of the President’s family had insider information and made business decisions to account for that.”\n\nThe Senators’ letter is available here. A full transcript of the letter is available below.\n\nDear Acting Attorney General Blanche:\n\nWe write to express serious concerns about the recent rulemakings released by Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and to ask for all communications between, to, or from, either the DOJ and/or ATF, and any person with a financial interest in GrabAGun, including Donald Trump, Jr. (“Trump Jr.”) from the date of President Trump’s inauguration through the date of this letter. Taken together, the proposed changes appear poised to expand opportunities for online dealers to facilitate the mass sale of guns directly to people’s doors and there is one online firearm company that conveniently and uniquely seemed to understand in advance that this may be an option.\n\nGrabAGun Digital Holdings Inc. (“GrabAGun”) is an online firearms retailer self-described as the “Amazon of Guns”. It is well known that Trump Jr. has a significant financial interest in GrabAGun and has served on the board of directors since at least March 2025, owns shares, and helped take the company public. Fortuitously, in January 2026, months before ATF announced regulation changes in April that would seemingly legalize at-home firearms delivery, GrabAGun launched Pew Logistics, which they described as “our white-labeled direct-to-consumer fulfillment solution.” According to the company’s CEO, Pew Logistics is essentially an out-of the-box compliance and logistics solution for manufacturers who want to sell direct-to-consumer.\n\nThen, in a May 13 earnings call two weeks after the regulations were announced, the company’s CEO noted that the combined rules would enable consumers to “complete the full compliance process remotely. That includes direct to home firearm delivery within an approved framework.” He said this “could be the most significant change to firearms retail distribution in decades.” He went on to note that “GrabAGun is uniquely positioned for this opportunity” and comparatively “[f]ew companies are positioned to adapt this quickly if the rules change.” It appears that GrabAGun had information about the potential change in the regulatory landscape and made a series of business decisions to capitalize on the moment.\n\nThe Trump Administration’s push to build the legal framework for these changes is insidious. The consequences would reshape gun trafficking, law enforcement, and public safety across America, and lives are quite literally on the line. Yet, it’s even more offensive if members of the President’s family had insider information and made business decisions to account for that.\n\nTherefore, we believe that GrabAGun’s competitors, the American people, and policy makers deserve to know whether GrabAGun employees were in communication with the ATF or DOJ about the development of the regulatory scheme. Please provide all communications by August 14, 2026.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-introduces-bill-to-block-trump-from-taking-qatari-jet-with-him-when-he-leaves-office", "title": "Murphy Introduces Bill to Block Trump from Taking Qatari Jet With Him When He Leaves Office", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.murphy.senate.gov", "scraper": "chrismurphy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001169", "name": "Christopher Murphy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, alongside U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), introduced legislation to block President Trump from taking the luxury jumbo jet gifted by the Qatari government with him for his own personal use after he leaves office. The Luxury Jet Ethics and Transparency Act would bar Trump from transferring the jet away from the U.S. Air Force to his personal control – in line with the brazenly corrupt plan he, his administration, and his family cling to. The bill would also require an independent GAO review of the cost of the jet’s retrofit and the potential conflicts of interest and national security impacts of the president accepting a $400 million plane from a foreign country.\n\n“It’s hard to decide what’s worse: accepting a $400 million bribe from a foreign government or spending a billion dollars in American taxpayer money to put gold plating on that bribe,” said Murphy. “For Donald Trump, it’s not enough to sell our national security to enrich himself. He also has to steal from American taxpayers.”\n\n“Jumbo jet, jumbo corruption,” said Markey. “So let’s 86 this 747 transfer to Trump after he leaves office, and pass the Luxury Jet Ethics and Transparency Act.”\n\n\"This President and his family are the most corrupt we’ve ever seen in the White House. And we know he will be corrupt as the day is long—planes, pardons, falsifying business records, and the list goes on. It is my responsibility, and the responsibility of Congress, to bar this President from transferring his new Qatari jet from the U.S. Air Force to his personal control. We need to take every possible step to stop this President from his own corruption. Our country deserves better,\" said Alsobrooks.\n\n“We cannot allow this brazen corruption to stand. American foreign policy decisions must be made based on the interests of our national security – not based on the highest bidder. Since the President wouldn’t reject the gift of a $400 million luxury jet, Congress must step in and prohibit Trump from transferring the jet away from the U.S. Air Force to his own personal control,” said Van Hollen.\n\n“Donald Trump has repeatedly used the Presidency to enrich himself and leave taxpayers with the bill—and it has to stop,” said Duckworth. “Accepting a foreign jet was a mistake from the start and a tremendous waste of resources. Trump burned through nearly half a billion taxpayer dollars, only to partially retrofit his Qatari-gifted 747 that is still less safe than the old Air Force One. Taxpayers deserve a guarantee that their money didn’t just go toward bankrolling needless upgrades for yet another private jet in this Grifter-in-Chief’s personal collection.”\n\n“Donald Trump and his regime are defined by rampant corruption, treating the presidency as a get-rich-quick scheme at the expense of the American people. Trump never should have been able to accept a $400 million gift from another country. Under no circumstances should he be able to keep a luxury jet, whose upgrades and retrofitting cost millions of taxpayer dollars, for his personal use. This common-sense legislation will ensure he cannot,” said Hirono.\n\n“President Trump continues to sell access and influence to the highest bidders. Without action, we stamp a Congressional seal of approval on this corruption,” said Merkley. “We need the Luxury Jet Ethics and Transparency Act because Americans deserve answers and accountability for the Trump Administration’s misuse of taxpayer funds for Trump’s luxury jumbo jet.”\n\nMurphy has led the charge in the Senate to call out the naked corruption of Trump accepting the Qatari jet. This month he sent a letter to the Secretary of the U.S. Air Force and a key government contractor to demand basic details about the jet’s costs to taxpayers, national security risks, and the questionable process the Trump administration pursued to upgrade the plane.\n\nWhen the Qatari gift was initially announced in June 2025, Murphy pushed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary Meink to explain how much it would cost to retrofit the plane and why taxpayers should have to pay for the refurbishment if Trump plans to take the plane with him after he leaves office.\n\nLater that month, Murphy led his Senate Democratic colleagues in standing up against the corruption of our foreign policy by forcing a vote to block arms sales to Qatar. In July 2025, he introduced an amendment to the FY26 Defense Appropriations Bill to prevent the luxury jet from being transferred to the Trump presidential library after the president leaves office. The amendment was defeated in a party-line vote with every Republican voting to defeat the amendment and allow the transfer.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-help-hearing-murray-grills-nominees-on-rapidly-growing-cyclosporiasis-outbreak-research-funding-commitment-to-following-scientific-evidence/", "title": "At HELP Hearing, Murray Grills Nominees on Rapidly Growing Cyclosporiasis Outbreak, Research Funding, Commitment to Following Scientific Evidence", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full questioning***\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today—at a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) hearing to consider pending nominations—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the HELP committee, questioned Trump’s nominees Sean Kaufman, to be Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Dr. Erica Schwartz, to be Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on the quickly growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, the administration’s reckless decision to cancel $500 million in mRNA vaccine research, and their commitment to following scientific evidence when making public health recommendations.\n\n[CYCLOSPORIASIS OUTBREAK]\n\nSenator Murray began by addressing the cyclosporiasis outbreak that has rapidly grown after Trump and the CDC eliminated mandatory reporting of the parasite last year.\n\nMURRAY: Dr. Schwartz, I want to start with you, do you think it is the role of the federal government to be tracking outbreaks like Cyclosporiasis?\n\nSCHWARTZ: Senator, thank you for scheduling and meeting with me and I hope to have a very productive conversation with you next week. I absolutely believe that one of the core missions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is tracking outbreaks domestically and also internationally.\n\nMURRAY: Well, I absolutely do think it is part of the critical role of it. And for everybody back home, and I think everybody is starting to realize there is a parasite spreading today, likely through some types of fresh produce, and it is sending people to the hospital with which doctors are calling explosive diarrhea. And here’s the thing, the CDC used to conduct surveillance on this very infection through a program called FoodNet. But in July 2025, thanks to Trump, CDC made reporting on that illness optional. Now, we are here a year later, and we are already seeing over 7,000 confirmed or under investigation cases, and over 100 hospitalizations with no single cause having yet been identified. And those numbers are growing every day.\n\nSo, Dr. Schwartz, you’re a physician, you’re a public health expert. Is there any scientific or medical justification for CDC having eliminated mandatory reporting of this parasite?\n\nSCHWARTZ: Senator, this is the first I have heard of that. Cyclosporiasis is a terrible, terrible disease. As you mentioned, watery, explosive diarrhea. Something you would not want anyone to experience.\n\nMURRAY: So, you were not aware that this was cancelled a year ago?\n\nSCHWARTZ: Senator I was not aware of that.\n\nMURRAY: Okay, if you are confirmed do you commit to reinstating the required reporting for cyclosporiasis?\n\nSCHWARTZ: You have my commitment to work with your staff and work with the CDC scientists to understand what can be done, why did it stop, and what we can do moving forward.\n\nMURRAY: Okay, it is the job of our public health agencies to catch outbreaks like this and to take action. And it is hard to do when you have removed the reporting requirement, or fired expert staff, or undermined trust and public health. So, for the record, to me RFK Jr. and Trump’s war on the CDC is now landing people in the hospital. Outbreaks happen, but we shouldn’t need thousands of people to get severely ill before we reinstate programs and systems that were haphazardly cancelled. So, I want you to follow up even when you’re confirmed.\n\n[mRNA TECHNOLOGY]\n\nSenator Murray then questioned both Mr. Kaufman and Dr. Schwartz about RFK Jr.’s reckless decision to cancel $500 million in mRNA vaccine research.\n\nMURRAY: I’m a huge proponent for vaccine research, which is why I too, as Senator Hickenlooper just asked you about, Mr. Kaufman, about cancelling the $500 million in mRNA vaccine research through BARDA, which they prepare our country for any kind of future issues like we all know we have had now. And last August, they cancelled that, and we know the mRNA technology has grown tremendously and provides new opportunities for biomedical research.\n\nYou said you agreed with the secretary’s decision to eliminate that. I am aware and Senator Hickenlooper is, I don’t understand how you want more research, but cancelling it is ok. And I just want it to be on the record, you’re fine with that being cancelled?\n\nKAUFMAN: Senator Murphy, it is the type of research—I’m sorry, Senator Murray, my apologies. Senator, I think it’s the type of research we’re looking at. I do believe that going back and learning about what we can improve and why things work well and why things didn’t is absolutely critical research but the research that was cancelled was actually investing in new technologies—\n\nMURRAY: Right, so we would be able to be ready for the next Covid. And I think for all Americans, we don’t want to live through it again. And I think we really need that kind of research.\n\nDr. Schwartz, you’re here too, so same question. Do you agree with the Secretary’s decision to cancel mRNA research funding?\n\nSCHWARTZ: Senator, this is the first I’m actually hearing about this. As a private citizen I certainly was not following that. As we had discussed before, mRNA technology is safe and effective, and I definitely would like to know more about this topic.\n\nMURRAY: Okay, I would like to ask you about that again. But, Mr. Kaufman, you’ve said that we need more research on people who received the COVID-19 vaccine. Well good news is CDC was doing just that. But then, in April, the CDC delayed and they ultimately blocked the release of a report that demonstrated that the COVID–19 vaccine was highly effective. And that study, which was eventually independently published in JAMA, showed a 50 percent decrease in hospitalization from that vaccine.\n\nAnd just for the record, this is important to me, this type of political interference is really, deeply disturbing. It doesn’t do anything to instill the trust, that you have talked about Dr. Schwartz in this committee, in our public health agencies.\n\n[FOLLOWING TRUMP AND RFK JR.’S AGENDA]\n\nFinally, Senator Murray asked Dr. Schwartz if she would blindly agree to RFK Jr.’s demands when it comes to vaccines or if she would consult the scientific evidence when making recommendations.\n\nMURRAY: I just want to ask you Dr. Schwartz, this is critical and I know some of my colleagues have pointedly asked you this.\n\nIf you are confirmed as CDC Director and Secretary Kennedy asks you to commit in advance to approving every recommendation that ACIP makes in the future, regardless of scientific evidence, will you do that?\n\nSCHWARTZ: Senator, the secretary would never ask me to do that it—\n\nMURRAY: This is not hypothetical. As you have heard, this happened with Susan Monarez who was in and fired and came back here and actually told us she was outed because of her scientific integrity. So, this is not hypothetical, it is a critical answer. So, I would like to know, will you if you are confirmed, commit in advance to approving every recommendation that ACIP makes in the future, regardless of scientific evidence?\n\nSCHWARTZ: You have my commitment senator…\n\nMURRAY: If the secretary of health asks you not to, will you defy him and follow the advice of ACIP?\n\nSCHWARTZ: I will follow the science wherever it leads Senator, you have my commitment on that.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-slams-trumps-doj-for-firing-lawfully-appointed-and-highly-qualified-u-s-attorney-for-the-western-district-of-wa/", "title": "Senator Murray Slams Trump’s DOJ for Firing Lawfully Appointed and Highly Qualified U.S. Attorney for the Western District of WA", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“Roger Rogoff’s is eminently qualified—throughout his career, he has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to public service, and he was appointed legally by the federal judges in the Western District of Washington. He should have never been fired, but the President wants to appoint an out-of-touch extremist who will put Trump over the rule of law. This administration doesn’t want to deal with advice and consent—they just want to install cronies to carry out a corrupt political agenda. The people of Washington state deserve someone in this role who will enforce the law fairly and responsibly—not some Trump administration sock puppet. The President needs to understand that DOJ works for the American people—it’s not his personal law firm to enforce his mob-style politics.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/watch-sen-ossoff-presses-director-of-national-intelligence-nominee-on-2020-election-results-fulton-county-raid/", "title": "WATCH: Sen. Ossoff Presses Director of National Intelligence Nominee on 2020 Election Results, Fulton County Raid", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WATCH: Sen. Ossoff’s full line of questioning\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, a member of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee, today pressed President Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence on the 2020 election results and the Fulton County raid earlier this year.\n\nToday, in a U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee Nomination Hearing, Sen. Ossoff pressed Walter “Jay” Clayton III, President Trump’s nominee to be the Director of National Intelligence, about who won the 2020 election and former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s presence during the FBI’s raid on the Fulton County elections office.\n\nWhen Sen. Ossoff asked Clayton, “Who won the 2020 election,” Clayton refused to answer the question and said, “I’m not going to do this with you.”\n\nIn response, Sen. Ossoff told Clayton, “You refuse to answer a basic question about who won a presidential election, but you asked to lead America’s Intelligence Community. Isn’t it humiliating to be unable to answer this question, to have to indulge the president’s delusions? We know, you know, everybody in this room knows the truthful answer to that question. Why can you not give it?”\n\nSen. Ossoff asked Clayton if he was aware that Director Gabbard was present at the Fulton County raid in Georgia earlier this year, to which Clayton said, “I was made aware of it by you yesterday.”\n\n“The first time you learned that Director Gabbard was present at that raid was in my office yesterday?” Sen. Ossoff replied. “Your answers lack credibility. Your testimony lacks credibility. You’re being evasive and you’re not being candid or forthright. And everybody across the country is going to watch this and know that.”\n\nClick here to watch Sen. Ossoff’s full line of questioning.\n\nPlease find a transcript of Sen. Ossoff’s line of questioning below:\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “You have an obligation to be honest and forthright with this Committee, correct?”\n\nCLAYTON: “Yes.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “And is it the case in the Juan Orlando Hernandez case that the President of the United States pardoned a man who had worked with the Sinaloa cartel to facilitate massive narcotrafficking into the United States?”\n\nCLAYTON: “I don’t remember the specifics of that case…”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “He was convicted in your district.”\n\nCLAYTON: “He was convicted. I’m just … we convict a lot of people for a lot of drugs.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “Convicted of narcotrafficking, yes?”\n\nCLAYTON: “Um, I believe so.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “You know so. At massive scale, yes?”\n\nCLAYTON: “Well, you’re telling me what I know. That’s kind of –– he was I believe –– look, I’ll take your word for it. He was a convicted narcotrafficker.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “Did the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, pardon a convicted narcotrafficker?”\n\nCLAYTON: “I believe we just discussed that. The president provided a pardon. Yes.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “Yes or no? Did the President of the United States pardon a convicted narcotrafficker?”\n\nCLAYTON: “Yes.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “Who won the 2020 election?”\n\nCLAYTON: “You know, we’re not –– I’m not. I’m not going to do this with you.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “This is a job interview. We’ve established that you have an obligation to be honest and forthright with the Committee, yes? You do have an obligation to be honest and forthright with the Committee?”\n\nCLAYTON: “Yes.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “Who won the 2020 election?”\n\nCLAYTON: “Like I said, I’m not –– I’m not going to get into that with you.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “But you do have an obligation to be honest and forthright with the Committee.”\n\nCLAYTON: “Is anything that I just said not honest or forthright?”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “Yes, you’re not being honest or forthright. Who won the 2020 election?”\n\nCLAYTON: “I think I’ve answered the question. We can keep doing this.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “Well, we’re going to keep doing it because you’re not being honest and forthright.”\n\nCLAYTON: “Nah, I’m not going to engage in the theater.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “It’s a simple question, Mr. Clayton.”\n\nCLAYTON: “And I’ve answered.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “Who won the 2020 presidential election?”\n\nCLAYTON: “I’ve answered it.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “You’re here asking for the support of senators to lead America’s Intelligence Community. We’ve established that you have an obligation to be honest and forthright with this Committee and with the American public, but you refuse to answer a simple matter of fact about the 2020 election, is that right?”\n\nCLAYTON: “No, that’s not right.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “Then answer the question: who won the 2020 election?”\n\nCLAYTON: “I have answered the question.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “Answer it. What is your answer?”\n\nCLAYTON: “I’ve given you my answer.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “What is your answer?”\n\nCLAYTON: “…”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “You refuse to answer a basic question about who won a presidential election, but you asked to lead America’s Intelligence Community. Isn’t it humiliating to be unable to answer this question, to have to indulge the president’s delusions? We know, you know, everybody in this room knows the truthful answer to that question. Why can you not give it?”\n\nCLAYTON: “I think I gave you the answer.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “Are you aware that Director Gabbard was present at the Fulton County raid in Georgia earlier this year?”\n\nCLAYTON: “You uh –– you discussed that with me yesterday in your office.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “Are you aware that Director Gabbard was present at the Fulton County raid earlier this year?”\n\nCLAYTON: “You, you brought it to me … my attention yesterday ––”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “What is going on here? You’ve said at the beginning of this you have an obligation to be honest and forthright with the Committee. I’m asking a very simple question: are you aware that Director Gabbard was present at the Fulton County raid earlier this year? Yes or no? Are you aware?”\n\nCLAYTON: “I was ––”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “You won’t answer that question.”\n\nCLAYTON: “I just said I was made aware of it by you yesterday.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “The first time you learned that Director Gabbard was present at that raid was in my office yesterday?”\n\nCLAYTON: “It was the first time that, in my recollection, I’ve thought about it recently. Now, was I aware of it before?”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “What?”\n\nCLAYTON: “You –– I mean, you brought it to my attention yesterday. I had not thought ––”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “So you had not known until ––”\n\nCLAYTON: “I had not –– I had not thought about it until you brought it to my attention yesterday.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “Your answers lack credibility. Your testimony lacks credibility. You’re being evasive and you’re not being candid or forthright. And everybody across the country is going to watch this and know that. Are you aware that former Director Gabbard testified that her presence at the raid was quote ‘requested by the president’?”\n\nCLAYTON: “I’m not aware of that until now.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “Okay, you are now aware of that.”\n\nCLAYTON: “Yeah.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “Are you aware that members of this committee are already probing Director Gabbard’s potential misconduct in this matter?”\n\nCLAYTON: “I don’t. I’m not privy to your probe into ––”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “Are you aware that the general counsel and deputy general counsel of your office have already provided testimony to this committee regarding this matter?”\n\nCLAYTON: “No.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “If the White House Chief of Staff or the president asks you to travel somewhere across the United States and oversee the execution of a domestic search warrant on a sensitive election facility, will you do it?”\n\nCLAYTON: “Umm that’s a hypothet––”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “Is that appropriate? Is that appropriate for the Director of National Intelligence?”\n\nCLAYTON: “That’s a hypothetical.”\n\nSEN. OSSOFF: “We all know it’s not appropriate.”\n\nCHAIRMAN: “Senator Ossoff your time is expired.”\n\nSEN OSSOFF: “Will you answer the question?”\n\nCHAIRMAN: “Your time is expired. Senator –––”\n\nSEN OSSOFF: “Will you give him the opportunity to answer the question? Is this not material right now, sir? Is it appropriate for the Director of National Intelligence to oversee the execution of domestic search warrants at sensitive election facilities? Yes or no?”\n\nCLAYTON: “I think you’re asking me, as you just said in your first comment to me ––”\n\nSEN OSSOFF: “Yes or no? Is it appropriate? No?”\n\nCLAYTON: “You are asking me to comment on a matter that you just said was under investigation.”\n\nSEN OSSOFF: “No, I’m asking you ––”\n\nCHAIRMAN: “Okay, Senator Ossoff, your time is expired.”\n\nSEN OSSOFF: “Disqualifying.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-presses-attorney-general-nominee-todd-blanche-during-confirmation-hearing/", "title": "WATCH: Padilla Presses Attorney General Nominee Todd Blanche During Confirmation Hearing", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) questioned President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Attorney General, Todd Blanche, during a Senate Judiciary confirmation hearing. Blanche was President Trump’s personal attorney in several criminal cases, including Trump’s New York hush money trial, in which the President was convicted of 34 felony counts. Blanche currently serves as Acting Attorney General and has overseen the Trump Administration’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund that could compensate or financially reward convicted January 6 insurrectionists.\n\nDuring the hearing, Padilla questioned Blanche about the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) failure to seek justice in federal immigration related shootings, including the shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Padilla highlighted that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents involved in the killings of American citizens have not faced justice and demanded transparent investigations from the DOJ into all such shootings.\n\nPadilla also demanded answers about Trump’s planned “anti-weaponization” slush fund, emphasizing Blanche’s role in the Administration’s plan to compensate or financially reward convicted January 6 insurrectionists. When Blanche claimed that the slush fund no longer exists, Padilla countered by noting that January 6 insurrectionists are seeking payouts through other avenues, like the Federal Tort Claims Act. Padilla slammed Blanche for failing to respond to repeated congressional inquiries regarding this slush fund. Blanche agreed that January 6 rioters who have committed federal crimes following the insurrection should be investigated and prosecuted and said that DOJ will “always vigorously defend our cases,” including against tort claims brought by January 6 insurrectionists.\n\nHe then pressed Blanche about the DOJ’s substantial funding delays affecting the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). He questioned Blanche on the DOJ’s timeline for grant approvals, and highlighted that as a result of the delays, many organizations have been forced to lay off staff and reduce services for domestic violence victims.\n\nPadilla concluded by stressing his lack of confidence in Blanche’s ability to operate in a non-partisan manner, including his ability to hold the Trump Administration accountable given his prior allegiance to Trump.\n\nPadilla has fought to hold Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ) accountable. This month, Padilla, along with Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), led fourteen Senators in urging Blanche and the DOJ halt any efforts to compensate January 6 rioters and commit to defending taxpayers in any January 6-related lawsuits. In May, Padilla slammed Blanche for establishing the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” slush fund and highlighted that the slush fund could be used to compensate or financially reward convicted January 6 insurrectionists. Last year, Padilla voted against advancing Blanche for U.S. Deputy Attorney General and warned against nominating Trump’s allies who refuse to commit to upholding key constitutional provisions.\n\nVideo of Padilla’s questioning is available here.\n\nKey excerpts:\n\nPADILLA: Do you believe that every human life is sacred?\n\nBLANCHE: Yes.\n\nPADILLA: So do I. A lot of my colleagues have made remarks about our colleague who recently passed. This last week, we’ve also seen Lorenzo Salgado Arajo fatally shot by an ICE agent during an enforcement operation in Houston. Earlier this week, Juan Sebastian Guerrero was killed in another fatal ICE-involved shooting in Maine. I’m not here to debate immigration policy or how immigration enforcement has been conducted by this administration. My questions are specific to law enforcement policy and best practices. Given that these are officer-involved shootings, federal officer-involved shootings. What role should the Department of Justice play in ensuring independent and transparent review and investigations over these incidents?\n\n[…]\n\nPADILLA: Here’s the bottom line: Why I’m asking these two questions, because in prior incidents, you referenced Minnesota earlier in your testimony. Alex Pretti and Renee Good were also fatally shot, and as far as we can tell, it’s been months and months. There’s been no justice in these cases. As far as I can tell, those officers were not fired. They have not faced any charges, so it does undermine any confidence anybody should have in the Department of Homeland Security’s ability, through the Inspector General or otherwise, to investigate its own. So I come back to the question: What should the role of the Department of Justice be when there’s federally officer-involved shootings?\n\nBLANCHE: Well, I very much disagree with the statement you just made.\n\n[…]\n\nPADILLA: I also need to be clear that January 6ers cannot – should not – be able to seek payouts from other sources, including the Federal Tort Claims Act. Do you commit to vigorously defending taxpayer money from being paid out to January 6 rioters, those who were convicted of their involvement with January 6, regardless of the source of funding from the Department of Justice?\n\nBLANCHE: You’re talking about a statute that exists and allows anybody to seek to file a suit against the United States. So I can tell you, we always vigorously defend our cases, but I can’t speak to a particular case.\n\n[…]\n\nPADILLA: And I know some people would suggest, “well, they’ve all been pardoned for their crimes on January 6, and so this may be fair game.” Are you aware that at least 97 January 6ers have been accused of new crimes since January 6, 2021, including violent crimes? By the way, child molestation, etc. That sounds like the worst of the worst to me.\n\nBLANCHE: If anybody commits a crime, they should be investigated, arrested, and prosecuted. So if you’re talking about people that committed federal crimes and they happen to have been pardoned before, they should be arrested and prosecuted. Yes.\n\nPADILLA: Well, I look, I look forward to that as well, and we’ll follow up and questions for the record.\n\n[…]\n\nPADILLA: Let me just end with this, Mr. Blanche. It’s a duty of the Attorney General of the United States to quote “operate free from partisan consideration and protect citizens’ rights to equal justice.” But what I’ve heard today fails to inspire much confidence in your ability to carry out that duty or to put federal law before loyalty to the president. I add to that, facts from the judiciary, district courts and 31 cases have recognized that the Administration has violated court rulings. The Solicitor General refuses to rule out, refusing to abide by court rulings that they circuit court rulings that they disagree with. In immigration cases alone, the Administration has admitted violating court orders. In the District of New Jersey alone more than 50 times. This does not sound like a Department of Justice. The American people deserve better, and a lot of nominees come before us and say, “Well, if I’m fortunate enough to be confirmed,” then this or that. I’m not buying that. I know you’re not confirmed for the top spot. You’re acting in the top spot. You were the number two from nearly the beginning of the term. Yes, a lot of this accountability falls on your shoulders. The American people deserve an Attorney General who will put the Constitution above political retribution. I don’t think you’re fit for this job.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-pushes-for-affordable-water-utility-bills-critical-flood-protection/", "title": "WATCH: Padilla Pushes for Affordable Water Utility Bills, Critical Flood Protection", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, advocated for affordable water utilities for families across the country and stronger flood protections for communities.\n\nAt an Environment and Public Works Committee hearing, Padilla and U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) proposed an amendment to the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA), legislation that would authorize flood risk management, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). WRDA also reauthorizes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drinking water and wastewater infrastructure programs. Padilla and Blunt Rochester’s amendment would make water utilities more affordable for American households.\n\n“Look, water affordability is a critical issue. It’s not a red state, blue state thing. This is for working families across the country,” said Senator Padilla. “But water and wastewater utility rates have been growing at twice the rate of inflation for 25 years, and we know that there’s programs that can work because we did it during the pandemic. We offered support for families that didn’t just help them pay their water bills. It helped prevent water shutoffs. It helped folks who had been in arrears reinstate their services. 1.4 million households across 49 states were helped, but that program has come to an end. We’re trying to reinstate it and improve upon it.”\n\nVideo of Padilla’s remarks is available here.\n\nAlthough Padilla and Blunt Rochester withdrew their amendment, the committee’s chairman, Senator Shelley Capito (R-W.Va.), committed to further collaboration on water affordability moving forward. The committee voted to advance WRDA. Padilla then delivered remarks highlighting the importance of flood protection and prevention across California and the nation.\n\n“I just wanted to take an opportunity to highlight one other issue of importance, and that’s continuing the critical flood protection work for the cities of Temecula and Murrieta, who have experienced devastating floods with loss of life,” said Senator Padilla. “Just last week, the Army Corps of Engineers completed a general reevaluation study that provides finally a certified cost estimate for the project. So as WRDA moves forward, I’d ask that the committee use the Corps’ completed study to increase the project’s cost ceiling, which is so critical for the flood protection work and for it to be able to continue.”\n\nPadilla has consistently advocated for strong federal investments in California’s water infrastructure and utilities. Following the committee mark-up, Californian organizations expressed support for Padilla’s advocacy.\n\n“We are grateful to Senator Padilla for his critical work on the Senate Water Resources Development Act,” said Port of San Francisco Executive Director Michael Martin. “The Bay waterfront is part of San Francisco’s identity — an essential, shared public asset that supports transportation, jobs, small businesses, housing, recreation, and historic places. This bill moves us closer to federal funding to defend the City against coastal flooding and sea level rise.” The bill includes a provision requiring the Corps to move forward more quickly with finalizing the City’s feasibility study for its downtown flood protection project, which will help the City access Federal funding sooner to undertake the project.\n\n“The legislation advancing today strengthens the federal partnerships we need to deliver meaningful results for Californians,” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crawfoot. “It gives new momentum to restore some of our state’s most vital landscapes—from critical dust suppression and habitat restoration at the Salton Sea to expanding a large-scale floodplain restoration and flood control project at one of California’s newest state parks, Dos Rios. Together, these efforts protect public health, restore ecosystems, and build a more resilient California.” The bill broadens the scope of the Corps’ comprehensive plan for restoring the Salton Sea to include lands owned by the Bureau of Reclamation, and deauthorizes federal levees to expedite the restoration of California’s new state park at Dos Rios.\n\n“Reauthorizing the Water Resources Development Act is critical to strengthening America’s supply chain and driving economic growth. At the Port of Long Beach, we are building the Port of the Future, and this legislation will help advance key infrastructure projects, including our planned Deep Draft Navigation Project, which will enhance navigational safety, improve cargo efficiency and strengthen the flow of goods to communities across the country,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba. “We are grateful to Sen. Padilla, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and our many federal partners for advancing the bill. Continued federal investment in our nation’s ports is essential to expanding trade opportunities, supporting jobs across all 50 states.”\n\n“Orange County is grateful for Senator Padilla’s leadership and support in advancing this important cost share change in the Senate’s Water Resources Development Act,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “This language represents a major boost for the Westminster East Garden Grove project that would deliver up to $150 million in additional federal funding to Orange County to strengthen flood protection, improve public safety, and support the long-term resilience of our communities. We look forward to continuing to work with Senator Padilla and our federal partners to ensure this critical provision moves through Congress and becomes law.”\n\nPadilla also raised concerns about Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan application delays that have impacted applicants across California. Padilla highlighted the provision in WRDA to monitor the average amount of time for loan processing.\n\n“In my state, multiple applicants, including the city of Hayward and Valley Water, have been literally waiting for a year or even longer for OMB and the EPA to approve their fully completed loan applications,” concluded Senator Padilla. “These are important projects that should be reviewed in a timely manner. As you know, time is money, but also the longer we wait, the more we risk further damage and devastation.”\n\nSenator Padilla also advocated for provisions in the bill that:\n\nAllow the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency to acquire properties in fee title to expedite needed flood protection work around Pajaro and Watsonville;\n\nAllow local water districts to undertake authorized wastewater and flood control projects under the Environmental Infrastructure Program and then seek reimbursement from the Corps;\n\nAuthorize new funding for Environmental Infrastructure projects in Silicon Valley and counties including San Mateo, Sonoma, Sacramento, Sutter, Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ventura;\n\nAuthorize feasibility studies for projects in Morro Bay, Hayward, Redondo Beach, Redwood City, and Pacifica, and a study modification for Buchanan Reservoir; and\n\nEnsure that the selected alternative for a beach restoration plan in Oceanside is acceptable to the city.\n\nVideo of Padilla’s remarks is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-grills-trumps-pick-to-be-nations-spy-chief", "title": "Reed Grills Trump’s Pick to be Nation’s Spy Chief", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence held a confirmation hearing for Walter “Jay” Clayton III, President Trump’s nominee to be the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Mr. Clayton currently serves as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. The hearing follows a previous controversial postponement in June when President Trump derailed Clayton’s confirmation hearing at the last minute to demand that Congress prioritize unrelated legislative goals, leading to the appointment of Federal Housing Finance Agency director Bill Pulte, who has no national security experience and is unqualified for the job, as ‘acting director.’\n\nThe DNI leads the nation’s 18 intelligence agencies. In his role as acting director, Pulte has undertaken troubling steps to terminate dozens of U.S. Intelligence officials.\n\nDuring today’s hearing, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), an ‘ex officio’ member of the Intelligence committee, asked Mr. Clayton about President Trump’s unexplained pardon of convicted drug trafficker Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, who was convicted in 2024 after a successful prosecution by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.\n\nHernández was serving a 45-year sentence in an American prison when President Trump granted him a “full and complete pardon” in 2025.\n\nDuring the hearing, Reed stated: “In a speech in September last year, you highlighted the great successes of the Southern District of New York, specifically calling out, and I quote, the successful prosecution of the former president of Honduras and other high-level Honduran officials for narcotics trafficking and firearms charges for partnering with some of the largest and most violent cartels in the world to distribute tons of cocaine to the United States.”\n\nReed asked Clayton if he was consulted about the pardon and Clayton reported he was not.\n\nClayton responded: “I’m not going to get into the pardon process here. The president’s pardon power, I think there’s only a few powers in our Constitution that are unreviewable and absolute. That’s one of them.”\n\n“Are you aware of any quid pro quo regarding the pardon?” Reed asked.\n\n“I’m not aware of any such thing,” Clayton replied.\n\n“Why would the President of the United States pardon someone that you had convicted and described as being involved in violent activities and allowing tons of cocaine to enter the United States?” Reed asked.\n\nClayton refused to discuss the pardon, claiming that it falls under the president’s authority.\n\nReed replied: “Well, it seems to me that all of the rhetoric that we have heard about fighting drugs and in fact we have killed over 200 people in the Caribbean and Pacific because they were not presidents of countries but minor dealers or transporters of heroin, and yet here is a kingpin… who gets to walk.”\n\nBy overriding the conviction of the former president of Honduras, President Trump undermined his own Justice Department’s credibility, signaling that high-level officials may be shielded when it suits President Trump’s interests, despite the facts and evidence clearly showing abuse of power and influence to support violent drug trafficking.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-rebukes-trump-for-threatening-another-us-federal-govt-shutdown", "title": "Reed Rebukes Trump for Threatening Another U.S. Federal Gov’t Shutdown", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – There are 77 days left to pass annual appropriations bills and fund the federal government ahead of the next fiscal year, which starts in October.\n\nBut this week, President Trump blindsided lawmakers across the political spectrum when he threatened to force a government shutdown unless Republican Senators abolish the filibuster, pass his election takeover scheme known as the so-called SAVE Act, and allow Republicans to advance any legislation they want through a party line vote.\n\nDuring a Monday interview on Fox & Friends about the so-called SAVE Act, President Trump told the hosts: “It’s so important that Republicans have to do it. It’s so insane. Otherwise, we’re going to have a shutdown in September.” Trump also added: “If you terminate the filibuster, everything goes away. And we do anything we want. We pass everything we want.”\n\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed calls Trump’s threat to deny taxpayers basic services “wasteful, irresponsible, and outrageous.” Senator Reed also notes that the regressive SAVE Act is an attempted power grab that even leading Republicans acknowledge is an unworkable ploy that would “hurt voters” and hand the president unprecedented authority to be the arbiter of electoral outcomes – something the Founding Fathers warned against.\n\nReed, a leading member of the Appropriations Committee, says it’s simple: Democrats want to follow regular order and establish a bipartisan agreement on domestic and defense spending so the Senate can pass balanced, bipartisan appropriations bills that help working Americans pay their bills and ensure the Trump Administration follows the law.\n\nMeanwhile, Republicans, who already control the White House, U.S. House of Representatives, and U.S. Senate, are prioritizing wasteful wars, White House vanity projects, and a new fleet of luxury aircraft for Trump and his political appointees. Instead of providing meaningful oversight, Congressional Republicans are handing President Trump more power and greenlighting his sky-high tariffs and inflation-inducing, billionaire-first economic policies.\n\nReed notes that Democrats have popular opinion on their side and are focused on lowering the costs of housing, health care, groceries, and transportation, while pushing back against the Trump Administration's controversial and unpopular health care cuts, price-raising tariffs, and executive overreach.\n\n“Democrats are laser focused on lowering costs, expanding opportunity, and ensuring the federal government works for the people it serves. Republicans want to pretend that the economy is great and that if they just give the wealthy a bigger tax break everything will be fine. It’s not fine. And it’s not okay that President Trump seems to be leveraging the Oval Office to pocket billions of dollars for himself while placing a heavier financial burden on working Americans. It’s not okay for Republicans to pass lopsided bills with limited oversight that reduce accountability while allowing the President’s allies to fly around in luxury aircraft at taxpayer expense. It’s time to put a stop to wasteful corporate subsidies for Big Oil and direct real savings and tax breaks to hardworking Americans,” said Reed.\n\nRepublicans have already used a party-line vote to fund Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) through 2029, but have failed to pass any of the 12 Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations bills through the House and the Senate.\n\n“Democrats want a budget for the middle-class that helps people, not a shutdown. We are fighting for a high quality of life at an affordable cost and a federal government that works better for families,” noted Reed.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-trump-planning-prime-time-speech-on-2020-election-allegations", "title": "Reed Statement on Trump Planning Prime-time Speech on 2020 Election Allegations", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today expressed deep skepticism about President Trump’s plans to deliver a prime-time national address on Thursday night regarding 2020 election allegations.\n\n“Once again, President Trump is seeking to undermine election integrity and relitigate the 2020 election, which he lost overwhelmingly,” said Reed. “Before every election he’s ever run, Donald Trump claims the election is rigged against him. Then, if he wins, he says it was fair and if he loses, he ramps up unfounded allegations of fraud and produces no actual evidence. If he had any evidence that could stand up in a courtroom, he’d submit it. Instead, he is going to go on national TV to try to mislead and maybe even flat out lie.\n\n“Donald Trump won an election when Barack Obama was President and when Joe Biden was President. He lost by 7 million votes in 2020 when he was President. Democrats didn’t rig anything and nothing was stolen from him. In fact, Trump’s own federal cyber experts and election security watchdogs declared the 2020 vote “the most secure in American history.”\n\nSenator Reed noted that foreign adversaries routinely seek to influence U.S. elections by spreading disinformation, amplifying political divisions, and attempting to undermine Americans’ confidence in democratic institutions. However, unclassified assessments from the U.S. Intelligence Community, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the FBI, the Senate Intelligence Committee, and bipartisan state election officials all note that what these foreign adversaries have not done is alter vote totals, hack voting machines to change election outcomes, or compromise the integrity of the 2020 presidential election.\n\nSenator Reed says the myth of stolen elections must not become a pretext for weakening America’s democratic system or stripping states and local election officials of their longstanding constitutional role in administering elections. Senator Reed says there must be robust, bipartisan support for strengthening election security, supporting state and local officials, and combatting foreign influence operations. Allowing the president to “take over” or federalize election administration does not achieve those goals, in fact, it undermines them.\n\n“Last week, President Trump purged members of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission,” said Reed. “This is part of the Trump Administration’s broader campaign to interfere with the 2026 mid-terms. He wants to create new barriers for eligible Americans to exercise their right to vote. He is trying to increase the executive branch’s control over U.S. elections in dangerous and unprecedented ways. That is why he keeps demanding passage of the repressive, unworkable, so-called SAVE Act which faces bipartisan opposition. His bill offers no resources and would simply throw the nation’s elections into chaos and disenfranchise millions of voters.\n\n“It is notable that President Trump is basing his latest assertions on so-called intelligence that a White House task force is set to declassify this week. The acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Bill Pulte is a partisan attack dog with zero intelligence experience. It is illegal for the DNI to be personally involved in a domestic criminal investigation. The trumped up investigation of Fulton County, Georgia is the same state where Donald Trump is on tape telling Georgia’s top election official to “find” enough votes to overturn the election result. President Trump’s exact quote to Georgia’s Secretary of State was: “I just want to find 11,780 votes.” The Republican election official replied by telling the President that Georgia’s results are correct,” continued Reed.\n\n“It’s also unfortunate that President Trump is echoing the talking points of America’s foreign adversaries when it comes to U.S. elections and trying to imply that Americans cannot trust their election systems. It’s time for President Trump to quit amplifying misinformation and acting like he’s an aggrieved victim and to start fixing the very problems he’s creating. I believe in the goodness of the American people, the wisdom of voters, and the rule of law. I urge Republicans to join Democrats in standing up for truly free, fair, safe, secure, and accurate elections. And I urge any networks that air this political, ego-fueled address to fact-check it and offer Democrats equal air time to rebut Trump’s falsehoods.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-issues-statement-after-voting-to-support-perkins-county-canal-nebraska-water-infrastructure/", "title": "Ricketts Issues Statement After Voting to Support Perkins County Canal, Nebraska Water Infrastructure", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "domain": "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "scraper": "ricketts", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000618", "name": "Pete Ricketts", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement after voting to pass the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) in the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works:\n\n“The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is critical to addressing water infrastructure needs across Nebraska and the rest of the country. This legislation includes my efforts to address ice jams along the Missouri River. It also includes provisions to improve government efficiency and expedite a permit to construct the Perkins County Canal. Efficient, predictable regulatory frameworks drive down costs. I’m glad to support this effort on behalf of Nebraskans.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Water Resource Development Act of 2026 (WRDA) includes an amendment from Senator Ricketts that would expedite permitting for Perkins County Canal construction. The legislation would require the Corps to issue a permit for construction before February 15, 2028.\n\nThe legislation also addresses ice jams along the Missouri River, flood risk management on the Platte River, and reporting for the Wehrspann Lake spillway basin. The legislation would require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite its 408 permitting process and to brief the Environment and Public Works Committee on endangered species on the Missouri River.\n\nThe legislation was voted out of committee unanimously.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-america-is-safer-when-putin-loses/", "title": "VIDEO: “America is Safer When Putin Loses”", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "domain": "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "scraper": "ricketts", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000618", "name": "Pete Ricketts", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) joined a press conference announcing a bipartisan Russian sanctions bill. This legislation was the result of the late Senator Lindsey Graham’s tireless efforts to protect Americans against Vladimir Putin. Sanctioning Russia will prevent the spread of its aggression and keep Americans safe.\n\n“America is safer when Putin loses,” said Ricketts. “Lindsey Graham was very clear-eyed about the threat Vladimir Putin created for the United States — the threat he was to the United States. And he knew that we are safer with peace through strength. And that’s why Senator Graham pushed this bill so hard — to make America safer.”\n\nWatch the video here.\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\n“America is safer when Putin loses.\n\n“Lindsey Graham was very clear-eyed about the threat Vladimir Putin created for the United States — the threat he was to the United States.\n\n“And he knew that we are safer with peace through strength.\n\n“And that’s why Senator Graham pushed this bill so hard — to make America safer.\n\n“This bill will put additional sanctions on Putin, the oligarchs, businesspeople in Russia, banks, the shadow fleet, who allow the president to put up to 100% tariffs on people who are buying Russian oil.\n\n“Who are supporting the war machine that is terrorizing Ukraine.\n\n“If Putin were to be successful in Ukraine, he will move on NATO members and then we will be involved directly in the war.\n\n“This sanctions bill will allow us to continue to put pressure on Russia so that we can end this war before that happens and make sure Putin loses.\n\n“Senator Graham’s commitment to this bill is part of his commitment to keeping our country safe — and all our commitment to keeping this country safe.\n\n“And I want to thank all my colleagues who are standing up here and all the ones who are on this bill and support getting this bill passed as quickly as possible so we continue to let Putin know he will not win in Russia.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-discusses-election-fraud-with-james-o-keefe-at-hsgac-hearing", "title": "Sen. Rick Scott Discusses Election Fraud with James O’Keefe at HSGAC Hearing", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, at a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) hearing on fraud across the country, U.S. Senator Rick Scott asked journalist James O’Keefe about his recent reports about election fraud in California.\n\nThis follows shocking reports of election fraud that occurred in the Los Angeles Mayoral and gubernatorial primary elections in California on June 2, 2026. Aside from HSGAC Ranking Member Senator Gary Peters, all Democrat committee members refused to attend the hearing.\n\nSenator Rick Scott asked, “Mr. O'Keefe, your team returned to Skid Row after the DOJ indicted somebody for election fraud and found the same operation running openly: cash for signatures, fake voter data, and coaching on forgery. So, walk us through what you documented and what it tells you about whether the indictment deterred anybody. How widespread is the model beyond Skid Row in Los Angeles? Based on your investigation, do you think this model could easily be replicated in other states and cities around the country?”\n\nWitness James O’Keefe responded, “Yeah, within seconds of appearing on Skid Row, I personally, disguised as a homeless person, caught this behavior happening in broad daylight. So, it's happening thousands of times… These people are logging in to an online database called Sigvalid.com and pulling real names and voters. Those people's votes are disenfranchised. We went to their homes, and we knocked on their doors. One of them said, ‘What if I wanted to vote in this election?’ This is a completely nonpartisan, nonpolitical issue.”\n\nClick HERE to watch Senator Rick Scott’s full line of questioning to witness James O’Keefe.\n\nCitizen journalist Nick Shirley, who exposed massive fraud in Minnesota and California, was also a witness before the committee.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nOn June 12, 2026, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate reports of voters being paid to register, voters registered to incorrect addresses, and irregularities in the recent mayoral primary in Los Angeles.\n\nSenator Rick Scott has been one of the loudest voices on passing the SAVE America Act. Earlier this week, he penned an op-ed in Fox News urging the Senate to deliver on key promises made to the American people, including election security, before leaving Washington, D.C. for a 5-week August recess.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-crapo-applaud-move-to-return-grizzly-bear-management-to-states/", "title": "Risch, Crapo Applaud Move to Return Grizzly Bear Management to States", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.risch.senate.gov", "scraper": "risch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000584", "name": "James E. Risch", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo (both R-Idaho) today applauded the Department of the Interior proposal to provide new flexibility for western states in managing grizzly bears.\n\n“It’s abundantly clear Idaho’s grizzly bear populations have widely exceeded recovery goals,” said Risch. “Increasing state authority to manage grizzly bears ensures our own local wildlife agencies, who understand Idaho’s environment best, can follow the science and make commonsense conservation decisions without bureaucratic inefficiencies.”\n\n“The recovery of the grizzly bear in the West is a conservation success story made possible by decades of work from state, tribal, federal and local conservation partners,” said Crapo. “For years, I have advocated for returning grizzly bear management to the states as recovery objectives and benchmarks have been achieved. Secretary Burgum’s announcement moves us one step closer to allowing Idaho wildlife professionals to manage a recovered grizzly population in a way that protects both the species and Idaho communities.”\n\nThe announcement, made by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik, proposes a revised rule to increase management flexibility for grizzly bears in areas where the species has met, and in many cases exceeded, federal recovery benchmarks. The updated proposal ensures the Endangered Species Act is being used as Congress intended while continuing to support the species’ long-term conservation.\n\n​", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-introduces-bill-to-increase-geothermal-energy-production/", "title": "Risch Introduces Bill to Increase Geothermal Energy Production", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.risch.senate.gov", "scraper": "risch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000584", "name": "James E. Risch", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) introduced the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now (CLEAN) Act to require the Bureau of Land Management to hold annual geothermal lease sales.\n\n“Idaho has long benefited from our abundant natural geothermal resources, and there is great potential to ramp up the production of this reliable energy to power our communities,” said Risch. “The CLEAN Act requires annual geothermal lease sales, cutting red tape and offering more efficient and responsible opportunities to access this natural resource.”\n\nThe CLEAN Act would:\n\nRequire annual lease sales that include at least 75% of eligible parcels nominated for geothermal development;\n\nRequire replacement lease sales be held in the event of a missed sale; and\n\nEstablish 30-day deadlines for consideration of permit applications.\n\nIn June, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the companion bill, H.R. 1687, introduced by U.S. Representative Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho). The bill now awaits action in the Senate.\n\nBoth traditional and enhanced geothermal technologies offer unique advantages that are distinguishing from other forms of energy, including the ability to be deployed nationwide, match local demand, and create pathways to high-paying jobs. In addition to generating electricity, geothermal heat can be used for district heating, industrial processes, mineral production, and aquaculture and agricultural applications.\n\n​", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/15/rosen-asks-state-department-what-its-doing-to-ensure-american-aid-reaches-venezuelans-affected-by-deadly-earthquakes/", "title": "Rosen Asks State Department What It’s Doing to Ensure American Aid Reaches Venezuelans Affected by Deadly Earthquakes", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Watch the full exchange HERE\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – During a hearing for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Western Hemisphere subcommittee, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) asked Ambassador Michael Kozak, Senior Bureau Official for the State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, about how the Department is ensuring that American aid to Venezuela is reaching the people affected by the deadly June earthquakes and is not diverted by corruption. As of today, the earthquakes have claimed the lives of more than 4,000 people, and an additional 16,000 have been injured.\n\nExcerpts from the exchange below:\n\nSenator Rosen: I have just a few seconds left. I want to ask about the catastrophic earthquakes last month. Nearly 4,000 Venezuelans have sadly lost their lives. We believe 16,000 sustained injuries, thousands more left homeless without adequate shelter as a result of these horrific earthquakes and experts estimate that Venezuela will require roughly $37 billion to recover, yet the country’s institutions just have very limited capacity to manage any reconstruction. Again, the risks of corruption are significant… How is the State Department working with international partners to ensure reconstruction assistance is coordinated, is transparent, is protected from corruption, and really helps these folks that have lost everything? What are you doing to help there?\n\nAmbassador Kozak: Yes, well what we have done so far is provide $386 million in assistance and this was largely food, medicine.\n\nSenator Rosen: Will you be using some of the oil revenue to help with reconstruction?\n\nAmbassador Kozak: That will come. This was U.S. assistance money that I’m mentioning now. That got us through the period of trying to recover people that were buried under rubble, and feeding people that had been displaced and so on. There are about, almost 18,000 people who have been displaced from their homes. In terms of the housing issue, trying to get adequate housing for people, that’s where we were looking for them using their own revenues. They should have plenty of cash flow to do that. We are providing advisors and so on. We have got one company that’s in, helping them look at buildings to see if they’re safe to be reoccupied again, or what repairs would be needed to make them so. We’re also looking at companies that can supply modular housing and this kind of thing to rapidly get housing in. So we are helping them select the people who can do this in an honest and transparent way and then looking to use the oil revenues to pay for it in the end. So that is the phase we are in right now, and that’s working. You are absolutely right, I mean, it’s a huge disaster for the country.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-dni-nominee-jay-clayton-at-senate-intelligence-committee-hearing", "title": "Rounds Introduces DNI Nominee Jay Clayton at Senate Intelligence Committee Hearing", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.rounds.senate.gov", "scraper": "rounds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000605", "name": "Mike Rounds", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today delivered the introduction for Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton at his nomination hearing in front of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Rounds first met Jay through his role on the Senate Banking Committee when Clayton was nominated and confirmed to be Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2017.\n\n“Jay is a consummate professional with a distinguished career in both the private and public sectors,” said Rounds. “The Senate previously confirmed him on a bipartisan basis to serve as the SEC Chair, and I’d like to think we were proven correct in judging his character the first time around.”\n\n“Jay’s time at the SEC and in the private sector has given him valuable experience with issues that the DNI faces on a daily basis: cyber threats from state and non-state actors, illicit finance, economic competition with China, and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence by both our adversaries and our own intelligence community,” continued Rounds. “He brings valuable insight into each of these areas that will serve him well.”\n\nClick HERE to watch Rounds’ full introduction. Read Rounds’ remarks as prepared for delivery below.\n\n+++\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\n\nToday, I have the privilege of introducing the Honorable Jay Clayton, President Trump’s nominee to serve as the next Director of National Intelligence.\n\nI first met Jay through my role on the Banking Committee when he was nominated by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate to be Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2017.\n\nHe’s a consummate professional with a distinguished career in both the private and public sectors. The Senate previously confirmed him on a bipartisan basis to serve as the SEC Chair, and I’d like to think we were proven correct in judging his character the first time around.\n\nIt’s no surprise President Trump would select him to serve in his cabinet. The DNI has to be a trusted, unbiased voice to provide ongoing intelligence to the President. I believe Jay will do great work in this role.\n\nJay is an accomplished lawyer with decades of experience, and he currently holds one of the most high-profile and demanding posts in the Department of Justice as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.\n\nHe’s made the most of his time in New York by prosecuting some of America’s worst enemies and threats to our national security: Mohamed Al-Sadia, the Iranian-Iraqi national responsible for over a dozen terrorist attacks in Europe and two attempted attacks in America, Nicolas Maduro, and multiple other narco-terrorists.\n\nThese efforts required extensive coordination with the intelligence community and larger national security enterprise, including the Department of Justice, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If confirmed, Jay’s experience at the helm in New York will serve him well as DNI.\n\nMr. Clayton chaired the SEC through a period of significant uncertainty for financial markets during the depths of the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020.\n\nHis success in leadership roles at the SEC and DOJ is strong evidence of his ability to be an effective coordinator as the Director of National Intelligence.\n\nMany of the most pressing national security threats we face today are cross-cutting issues that involve technology and economics and go beyond the IC’s traditional focus on foreign military capabilities and foreign leadership intentions.\n\nJay’s time at the SEC and in the private sector has given him valuable experience with issues that the DNI faces on a daily basis: cyber threats from state and non-state actors, illicit finance, economic competition with China, and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence by both our adversaries and our own intelligence community. He brings valuable insight into each of these areas that will serve him well.\n\nJay holds a TS/SCI clearance and has worked in highly classified compartmented environments requiring discretion and security compliance. As a result, he knows first-hand the critical importance of Section 702 of FISA. His extensive experience working across agencies is a quality needed as DNI. He has a working relationship with CIA director Ratcliffe that will make for a smooth transition into this leadership role.\n\nWhile Jay may not have served in the intelligence community, he has the right mix of practical experience working with the IC, including experience with the Justice Department and coordination with the Department of the Treasury. His professional background is important to the growing demands being placed upon the IC related to technology and economic competition. Furthermore, his diverse experience in the private sector, the SEC and as a U.S. attorney in a very active district give him the wealth of management, leadership, and organizational experience to succeed in coordinating with all the different equities that make up the Intelligence Community.\n\nIn closing, I offer my strong endorsement for Mr. Clayton to serve as the next Director of National Intelligence. Thank you.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-legislation-to-expedite-scientific-research-on-diseases", "title": "Rounds Introduces Legislation to Expedite Scientific Research on Diseases", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.rounds.senate.gov", "scraper": "rounds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000605", "name": "Mike Rounds", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) today introduced legislation to expedite scientific research on diseases through specimen collection. This is the first piece of legislation introduced using feedback from Rounds and Heinrich’s American Science Acceleration Project (ASAP), a national initiative to support making American science 10 times faster by 2030.\n\nThe Homestake AI Act would establish a pilot program in the Department of Energy (DOE) focused on the collection, cataloguing and sequencing of whole genomes and metabolites from samples collected in unique locations. This includes locations exposed to extreme properties such as high heat or pressure, locations at extreme risk of destruction in coming decades and other locations that hold potential for finding useful organisms to help advance health care treatments.\n\nThe Homestake AI Act was inspired by the case of the Gila monster. The Gila monster, native to the deserts of North America, can survive on just a few meals a year due to a digestion-slowing hormone in its venom. This discovery helped pave the way for Ozempic, a drug for diabetes patients to manage blood sugar.\n\n“The Homestake AI Act would take great strides to accelerate scientific research on diseases here in the United States,” said Rounds. “Evidenced by the Gila monster, species who survive in extreme environments usually hold an interesting secret to doing so. Increasing the amount of data we collect from these specimens could unlock cures to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes and different types of cancers. I’m pleased to be unveiling our first piece of legislation related to our ASAP initiative. Thank you to everyone who provided information to make this legislation possible.”\n\n“We need to leave no stone unturned in the race to discover cures and treatments for cancer, diabetes, and dementia,” said Heinrich. “Our Homestake AI Act will establish a new initiative at the Department of Energy that helps researchers harness the power of AI to identify, catalog, and sequence plants, animals, and microbes that may hold the secret to potential cures and treatments. This is how we keep America at the forefront of scientific innovation while saving lives.”\n\nSupporters of the Homestake AI Act include:\n\n“The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, SD. SURF is America’s Underground Lab and has a strong track record of supporting leading biological research deep underground,” said Mike Headley, Executive Director of SDSTA and Lab Director at SURF. “We’re excited to potentially play a role in the Extremophile Whole Genome Sequencing Initiative and thank Senators Rounds and Heinrich for their strong support of U.S. science leadership.”\n\n“Artificial intelligence is only as powerful as the infrastructure that supports it,” said Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, Chancellor of Dakota State University. “The Homestake AI Act, the first legislative initiative of the American Science Acceleration Project led by Senator Mike Rounds and Senator Martin Heinrich, recognizes that the next generation of breakthroughs will depend not only on advanced computing, but also on access to rich, high-quality biological data. By investing in the collection, preservation, and accessibility of genomic and metabolic data, this act lays the foundation for AI-driven discoveries that could transform how we prevent, diagnose, and treat countless health challenges. Building this research infrastructure today will ensure the United States remains at the forefront of scientific innovation and discovery for decades to come.”\n\n“Biological organisms’ diversity is an incredibly rich resource for America and the world,” said Barry Dunn, President of South Dakota State University. “Their genomes carry the information we need to harness a diversity of organisms' unique properties for our greater use. The Homestake AI Act is a critically important step toward discoveries that will change the way we live.”\n\n“The Homestake AI Act underscores the tremendous potential of artificial intelligence and scientific discovery to improve lives. By strengthening scientific datasets and accelerating research, this initiative can help unlock new insights into some of our most pressing health challenges,” said Sheila K. Gestring, President of the University of South Dakota. “At the University of South Dakota, we see every day how innovation, data-driven research and strong partnerships can advance knowledge and create meaningful impact. This legislation recognizes the value of investing in discovery today to improve health outcomes for future generations. We commend Senators Mike Rounds and Martin Heinrich for their leadership in advancing this forward-looking effort and strengthening America’s capacity for scientific innovation.”\n\n“South Dakota Mines strongly supports the Homestake AI Act,” said Dr. Brian Tande, President of the South Dakota School of Mines. “This bill would accelerate American science by using artificial intelligence and unique datasets to pursue breakthroughs in treating cancer, diabetes, dementia, and other serious diseases. It enhances the kind of bold research we do at Mines every day: driving innovation and improving lives.”\n\n“America's leadership in AI and biotechnology depends on building the scientific infrastructure that will power the next generation of discovery,” said Ylli Bajraktari, CEO of the Special Competitive Studies Project Action Program. “The Homestake AI Act recognizes that the genomes and molecular diversity of living organisms represent a strategic and largely untapped resource for innovation. By investing in the systematic collection and analysis of these data, the United States can accelerate the development of new therapies, fuel AI-driven scientific breakthroughs, and strengthen our nation's leadership in innovation, economic competitiveness, and national security for decades to come.”\n\n“AlphaFold solved protein structure prediction only because researchers spent decades building the dataset behind it,” said Josh New, Director of Policy at SeedAI. “The Homestake AI Act lets us jumpstart that process for genomics, treating untapped genomes as the national resource they are and turning them into an open library for American researchers that could speed new treatments for some of our worst diseases. The pace of scientific discovery is a choice, and the Homestake AI Act is a choice to move faster. This kind of effort is why we launched Accelerate Science Now, and SeedAI applauds Senators Rounds and Heinrich for their progress with the American Scientific Acceleration Project (ASAP) and commitment to keeping America the global leader in scientific discovery”\n\n“We are grateful to Senators Rounds and Heinrich for their bipartisan leadership on the Homestake AI Act,” said Chan Park, Head of U.S. and Canada Policy and Partnerships at OpenAI. “By creating a secure, interoperable collection of genomic data from extreme environments, this bill would give American scientists a powerful new resource to accelerate breakthroughs in medicine and other critical fields.”\n\n“I applaud the bipartisan effort of Senators Rounds and Heinrich to accelerate American scientific breakthroughs, especially those that directly improve individual health and well-being,” said Pat Gelsinger, General Partner at Playground Global. “From its inception, Playground Global has taken big bets on hard problems. The Homestake AI Act similarly recognizes that technological advancement alone won't cure cancer; it requires a moonshot. By ensuring America secures and responsibly shares relevant data, this bill unlocks new innovation opportunities by addressing a significant bottleneck to medical scientific progress.”\n\n“The Homestake AI Act proposes the creation of a national biological data resource for research that can accelerate progress on longstanding health challenges while strengthening the nation's scientific and national security capabilities,” said Fred Humphries, CVP of U.S. Government Affairs for Microsoft. “We commend Senators Rounds and Heinrich for their leadership.”\n\n“By supporting the collection, cataloguing, and sequencing of genomes and metabolites, the Homestake AI Act would help build a powerful scientific resource that could accelerate treatments for serious diseases, such as cancer,” said Eliezer Van Allen, MD, Chandra Nohria Family Chair for AI in Cancer Research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “Making these data broadly accessible to researchers, while safeguarding national security, is an important investment in American science that could save lives at Dana-Farber and across the country.”\n\n“For all human existence the language of life was an unreadable secret--until American scientists deciphered the DNA-based alphabet of life,” said Daniel Gluesenkamp, Executive Director of the California Institute for Biodiversity. “Today, the Homestake AI Act gives America a golden library card to the most powerful library in existence. The Institute for Biodiversity applauds the ambitious plan: send the best scientists on Earth to collect the rarest and most imperiled creatures, leverage AI to turn their secrets into miraculous medicines and new materials and store these priceless samples in repositories secure against even meteor strike. This legislation seizes a strategic opportunity to secure some of the most valuable resources in the world, and ensure American leadership in the most crucial technologies of the 21st century and beyond.”\n\n“Biomedical insights and innovation using AI begin with great data, and by preserving and sharing the genomes of extraordinary species, this bill helps turn nature's ingenuity into treatments and cures,” said Tom Secunda of the Secunda Family Fondation. “The Secunda Family Foundation is proud to support the Homestake AI Act, and I thank Senator Rounds and Senator Heinrich for their leadership.”\n\nClick HERE for full bill text.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-cassidy-applaud-senate-advancement-of-bipartisan-reauthorization-of-the-older-americans-act/", "title": "NEWS: Sanders, Cassidy Applaud Senate Advancement of Bipartisan Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.sanders.senate.gov", "scraper": "sanders", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000033", "name": "Bernard Sanders", "party": "Independent", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, July 15 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-La.) applaud the Senate unanimously passing the Older Americans Act (OAA), a critically important law that provides services supporting the health, independence and dignity of older adults across the nation. The bill’s reauthorization effort was also led by Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.).\n\n“I’m delighted that the Senate unanimously passed legislation last night to expand and improve the Older Americans Act,” Sanders said. “This legislation begins to pay attention to the urgent unmet needs of seniors in America and what we should do as a nation to reduce the senior poverty rate, prevent hunger, combat loneliness and isolation and improve the health and well-being of some of the most vulnerable people in our country. Not only does the Older Americans Act save lives and ease human suffering, it saves money. In fact, it costs less to feed a senior for an entire year through the Older Americans Act than it does for a senior to spend one night in a hospital. While there is much more that we must do to reduce the senior poverty rate in America and to make sure that every senior in America has access to the services they need this bi-partisan legislation is a very good step forward.”\n\n“The Older Americans Act helps Americans remain independent and connected to the communities they helped build. For more than 60 years, the Older Americans Act has connected seniors with services that help them age with dignity,” Cassidy said. “This bipartisan reauthorization ensures that support continues as the nation’s aging population grows.”\n\nThe OAA, first signed into law in 1965, funds a wide range of services. The act has provided vital nutrition, social, economic and health services to millions of older adults for over six decades. Last reauthorized in 2020, OAA expired in the 118th congress. The previous OAA reauthorization effort, also lead by Sanders and Cassidy, passed the Senate unanimously in 2024 but did not pass the House.\n\nThe bipartisan reauthorization of the Older American Act marks a major step forward in strengthening the nation’s commitment to older adults. The legislation expands critical nutrition, health and community-based services at a time when millions of older adults are facing growing unmet needs. It would reauthorize OAA programs through fiscal year 2030 and make improvements to better support family caregivers and direct care workers, Tribal seniors and those with disabilities in their communities.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-ahead-of-attorney-general-confirmation-hearing-sen-schiff-challenges-todd-blanche-on-conflicts-of-interest-over-family-firearms-company-and-gun-safety-regulatory-rollbacks/", "title": "NEWS: Ahead of Attorney General Confirmation Hearing, Sen. Schiff Challenges Todd Blanche on Conflicts of Interest Over Family Firearms Company and Gun Safety Regulatory Rollbacks", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) is demanding answers from Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on conflicts of interest Blanche has with his close family connection to a major firearm parts manufacturer.\n\nSchiff, who today will be part of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s confirmation hearing for Blanche to serve as Attorney General of the United States, is probing what role his connection to Check-Mate Industries has played in rollbacks of gun safety regulations, what financial benefits Blanche gains from his connection to the company, and why Blanche has visited the company in his official government capacity.\n\n“Under your leadership, the Department [of Justice] has…settled legal matters and brought new legal challenges that also stand to benefit Check-Mate Industries and the broader firearms industry, which raise additional conflict of interest questions. These actions, too, appear to have been taken despite clear risks to the public,” Senator Schiff wrote in a letter to Blanche Tuesday night.\n\n“The Attorney General of the United States must understand the immense and important responsibility the Department has to protect the public from gun crime and violence. For the Attorney General, conflicts of interest are unacceptable, and appearances of impropriety are inexcusable. The Attorney General must be someone who puts public safety first – not gun industry profits.”\n\nBlanche’s mother-in-law currently serves as the CEO and Chair of Check-Mate Industries, a gun magazine manufacturer based in Thomasville, Georgia. Schiff’s probe seeks answers from Blanche on financial benefits he receives through family connections to the company, as well as how his connection influenced regulatory changes on gun safety rules.\n\nUnder Blanche’s tenure as Acting Attorney General, the Trump administration has announced more than 30 proposed regulatory changes that would roll back critical gun safety measures designed to keep dangerous weapons off American streets and out of the hands of criminals and those who pose harm to others.\n\nThe full text of Blanche’s letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Acting Attorney General Blanche:\n\nIn light of your nomination to be Attorney General, I write to raise serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest between your official position at the Department of Justice (DOJ) and your close familial connection to Check-Mate Industries. In recent months, the Department has announced over 30 rules that would make significant and sweeping changes to federal firearms regulations – changes from which Check-Mate Industries and the broader firearms industry stand to benefit. At the same time, these changes would, as DOJ has admitted, create “greater” and “increased” risks to public safety, including, in some instances, “mass casualties” and “potential mass casualty events.”\n\nIn April 2026, you attended the National Rifle Association’s Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Houston, Texas. There, you were asked in a video interview whether you were “part of the gun industry.” You said, “Yes, I am.”\n\nAs you well know, the Department comprises numerous component agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). ATF’s mission is to protect the public from violent gun crime, which it does by enforcing federal firearms laws and, of course, regulating and overseeing the firearms industry. If confirmed, you will be responsible for industry regulation and oversight and, where appropriate, holding industry actors – including those who provide illegal firearms to gun traffickers, prohibited persons, and violent criminals – accountable. I am alarmed that a self-proclaimed “part” of the firearms industry could be expected to independently and impartially regulate and oversee that same industry. I am even more alarmed given the actions that the Department has already taken to benefit the industry at the expense of public safety. In other words, I do not believe that the fox should be trusted to guard the henhouse – especially one whose own family, as you have said, “has been in the gun manufacturing business for 40 years.”\n\nThe longstanding family business is Check-Mate Industries – a magazine manufacturer founded in 1972 by the late Thomas Vieweg and Regina Vieweg. Mrs. Vieweg, who now serves as Check-Mate Industries’ Chair and CEO, is your mother-in-law. Check-Mate Industries operates facilities in West Babylon, New York, and Thomasville, Georgia. Check-Mate Industries reports that, over the last four decades, it has “manufactured over 100 million firearm magazines for the U.S. Military, law enforcement, and leading firearms manufacturers.” In fact, Check-Mate Industries has received federal contracts as recently as the current Fiscal Year. Check-Mate Industries also sells pistol and rifle magazines to civilians. In Check-Mate Industries’ own words, “When you buy a new 1911 [pistol] or M1A [rifle] from a major manufacturer, there’s a good chance it came with a Check-Mate magazine in the box – even if our name wasn’t on it.”\n\nCheck-Mate Industries also manufactures high-capacity magazines (HCMs). HCMs allow shooters to fire more rounds without needing to reload. The more rounds a shooter can fire without reloading, the more wounds – fatal and non-fatal – the shooter can inflict on more victims. Since 2016, all 10 of the highest-casualty mass shootings in the United States have involved HCMs and assault weapons. HCMs are also used in everyday gun crime and gun violence. Firearms equipped with HCMs account for 22 percent to 36 percent of crime guns in most jurisdictions, with some estimates of up to 40 percent in cases involving serious violence, including homicides of law enforcement officers. To protect public safety, 15 states and Washington D.C. have enacted bans on HCMs.\n\nIn November 2025, you visited Check-Mate Industries in Georgia. Check-Mate Industries celebrated your Thomasville visit, posting on LinkedIn, “This week, we had the honor of hosting United States Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche …. He toured our operations, spent time with our CEO, Vice President, and our team members, and saw firsthand the precision, craftsmanship, and dedication that define Check-Mate.” Mrs. Vieweg reposted Check-Mate Industries’ post as her own, writing that Check-Mate Industries was “looking forward to seeing … Blanche at SHOT Show” and that attendees could “[s]top by the Check-Mate booth … [to] catch him there.” Three months later, you did, in fact, attend the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show – otherwise known as SHOT Show – in Las Vegas, Nevada.\n\nDOJ and ATF have since announced over 30 rules to “reduce burdens on” and “rebuild trust with” the firearms industry. On April 29, 2026, you – as Acting Attorney General – and ATF Director Robert Cekada made this announcement as you stood before nearly a dozen firearms industry lobbyists, including those from organizations who have called for ATF to be defunded and dismantledand then abolished altogether. You stated, “We listened to industry leaders – many of whom are in this room” because, “[f]or too long, regulations [had been] written without any real understanding of how firearms businesses operate.”\n\nThese rules make clear how the firearms industry operates: not for public safety, but for profit. These rules are filled with statements about increasing revenue for, saving costs to, and reducing burdens on the industry. At the same time, numerous rules contain statements that their so-called “regulatory reforms” could result in “greater” and “increased risks” to public safety. In at least two separate rules, the Department and ATF admit that these risks could even involve “potential mass casualty events” and “mass casualties.” In another, DOJ and ATF concede that such changes could make it harder for law enforcement “to track and stop violent offenders.” Those are just some of the stated risks. These new rules would also create more opportunities for gun traffickers, violent criminals, and prohibited persons to obtain illegal firearms, make it more difficult for law enforcement to investigate and solve gun crimes, and allow more gun dealers to engage in irresponsible and even unlawful business operations.\n\nIn addition, under your leadership, the Department has also settled legal matters and brought new legal challenges that also stand to benefit Check-Mate Industries and the broader firearms industry, which raise additional conflict of interest questions. These actions, too, appear to have been taken despite clear risks to the public. For example, in May 2025, DOJ announced a settlement with Rare Breed Triggers related to forced-reset triggers (FRTs). FRTs are replacement triggers that automatically return forward, or reset, after being pulled, which, in effect, turn semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic machine guns. The Department’s settlement reversed ATF’s longstanding classification of FRTs as machine guns, which, in turn, legalized these devices for the civilian market – even though civilian ownership of machine guns and the parts that convert firearms into machine guns has been banned under federal law for 40 years. Such rapid fire will empty magazines at a quick rate, making magazines with high capacity, like those manufactured by your mother-in-law’s company, Check-Mate Industries, more appealing to reduce the need to reload. In addition, DOJ has also filed lawsuits against HCM bans in Washington D.C. and Colorado. If these statutes are invalidated, it stands to reason that Check-Mate Industries would be able to regain access to these markets.\n\nI request written responses to the following questions by July 21, 2026:\n\nYou have previously acknowledged publicly your wife’s family owns Check-Mate Industries, a manufacturer of high-capacity firearms magazines, and has “been in the gun manufacturing business for 40 years.” Do you or your wife currently hold ownership in, or otherwise receive financial benefits from, Check-Mate Industries or its subsidiaries or affiliate businesses?\n\nIf so, please describe the nature of the financial benefits you or wife receive from Check-Mate Industries.\n\nIf confirmed, will you or your wife commit to divesting all ownership or financial interests you have in Check-Mat Industries?\n\nDo you believe your familial relationship with Check-Mate Industries or any of its subsidiaries creates a conflict of interest?\n\nIf not, why do you believe your relationship does not create a conflict of interest?\n\nIf confirmed, will you commit to recusing yourself from any cases or investigations involving Check-Mate Industries or its subsidiaries?\n\nDuring an April 2026 interview at the National Rifle Association’s Annual Meetings and Exhibits, you responded “Yes, I am” when asked if you are “part of the gun industry.” In reference to your relationship to Check-Mate Industries, you stated “I’ve been part of the fight, struggle, everything that we’ve been going through as a nation for really for 40 years.” What did you mean by this statement?\n\nIn that same interview, you stated “Any gun owner, anyone who is in the industry, whether you’re a manufacturer, you’re a reseller, you’re going to be, to realize that this Administration is going to do more to restore rights to where they belong than any other Administration in history.” Does your relationship to Check-Mate Industries influence your desire to “restore rights” for weapons manufacturers “more than any other Administration in history?”\n\nHave you ever discussed forthcoming regulations published by DOJ agencies, including by ATF, with lobbyists, employees, or shareholders of Check-Mate Industries?\n\nCheck-Mate has received federal contracts in FY26. Have you ever contacted anyone within the Administration regarding Check-Mate’s contracts?\n\nIf so, will you commit to providing complete records of those communications to my staff at least one week prior to a floor vote on your nomination?\n\nIf so, why did you believe your relationship to Check-Mate Industries did not create a conflict of interest?\n\nIn November 2025, in your capacity as Deputy Attorney General, you conducted an official visit to Check-Mate Industries’ Georgia facility. Why did you select Check-Mate Industries for this visit?\n\nHow did your family’s connection to Check-Mate Industries play a role in your decision to visit?\n\nWere there other facilities you considered visiting? If so, please explain why you ultimately decided not to visit them.\n\nIn May 2025, the Department announced a settlement with Rare Breed Triggers and reversed a longstanding classification of forced-reset triggers (FRTs) as machine guns, effectively legalizing these devices – which have been previously banned under federal law for 40 years – for the civilian market\n\nPlease describe the role you played in this settlement.\n\nDid your relationship with Check-Mate Industries play a role in your involvement with the case?\n\nDid your relationship with Check-Mate Industries inform your position in this case? If so, please explain.\n\nDid you consult with individuals at Check-Mate Industries at any point throughout the ongoing litigation with Rare Breed Triggers?\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to these concerns. DOJ’s mission is to uphold the rule of law and keep our nation safe. The Attorney General of the United States must understand the immense and important responsibility the Department has to protect the public from gun crime and violence. For the Attorney General, conflicts of interest are unacceptable, and appearances of impropriety are inexcusable. The Attorney General must be someone who puts public safety first – not gun industry profits. Given your track record so far at DOJ, I have strong concerns that you will do just the opposite.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-epw-committee-passes-bipartisan-water-resources-development-act-of-2026/", "title": "NEWS: EPW Committee Passes Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee voted unanimously to pass the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 introduced by Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), and Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).\n\nThe Water Resources Development Act is biennial legislation that authorizes flood risk management, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). The bill authorizes 61 feasibility studies and 15 new or modified construction projects across the country. WRDA 2026 also reauthorizes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drinking water and wastewater infrastructure programs, including the State Revolving Funds (SRFs).\n\n“I am proud to advance this critical bipartisan legislation to provide millions of Americans with access to clean drinking water and modernize waterways to support flood risk management. For California, urban and rural communities alike will receive much-needed funds for the delivery of essential needs. This is a significant step in the right direction that will serve Americans for generations to come,” said Senator Schiff.\n\n“WRDA 2026 is an incredible bipartisan achievement that will strengthen water resources infrastructure and increase access to clean and safe drinking water nationwide. I look forward to the impact this bill will have on my home state of West Virginia as it supports flood risk management efforts, restores ecosystems, strengthens cybersecurity for critical water systems, and provides vital funding for water infrastructure projects across our state. I am proud to see this legislation move forward with strong bipartisan support,” said Chairman Capito.\n\n“The advancement of this significant package of legislation demonstrates a bipartisan commitment to maintaining and upgrading the nation’s water infrastructure. The Ocean State stands to benefit much from this bill, which support investments in safe drinking water and wastewater systems as well as flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and navigation,” said Ranking Member Whitehouse.\n\nClick here to view the bill text.\n\nClick here to view a section-by-section overview of the bill.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-breaks-down-todd-blanche-hearing-condemns-continued-evasions-from-trump-nominees-on-cnn-and-ms-now/", "title": "WATCH: Sen. Schiff Breaks Down Todd Blanche Hearing, Condemns Continued Evasions from Trump Nominees on CNN and MS NOW", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined CNN’s OutFront with Erin Burnett and MS NOW’s The Briefing with Jen Psakito recap his questioning of Todd Blanche during the Acting Attorney General’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. He condemned Blanche’s role in the conception and approval of President Trump’s tax immunity deal and proposed slush fund, and Blanche’s leadership of a Department of Justice (DOJ) that has been weaponized to pursue prosecutions of the president’s enemies.\n\nThe Senator also spoke on the confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton as the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI), emphasizing his lack of confidence in Clayton’s ability to serve as the leader of the intelligence community if he is unable to state clearly the 2020 election results.\n\nView the full interviews here and here.\n\nKey Excerpts on CNN’s OutFront with Erin Burnett:\n\nOn Todd Blanche’s weaponization of the Justice Department:\n\n[…] He said yes to this slush fund. He said yes to this self-dealing IRS settlement that a judge just this week basically said was a fraudulent act of collusion. And referred Todd Blanche to the Bar Association in New York to look at his ethics or lack of ethics. There’s nothing it appears that he’s unwilling to do for the president. He even went to the length of telling the president he loves him at the podium at the Justice Department. And there you just saw him deny exactly what he said, which is he was asked about prosecuting the president’s enemies, and he said, “Yeah, there are people out there the president has had disagreements with, and he has not only the right to go after them, but a duty to do so. Those were his words, and much as he tries to dissemble, he owns that. And of course, the Justice Department is acting upon that. No self-right, you know, self-respecting prosecutor in his old office would bring a seashells case against James Comey or a case against my Senate colleagues for a video they made that Hegseth didn’t like. It would be unthinkable. And yet this is where Todd Blanche is today.\n\nOn Jay Clayton’s confirmation hearing:\n\nThis is a position where it is all the more important to be able to speak truth to power, to confront the president or members of Congress with unpleasant truths in order to protect the country. If Jay Clayton can’t say out loud that Donald Trump lost the election and Joe Biden won the election. Can we have any confidence then, when push comes to shove, when we need the straight scoop about threats to our country, that he’s going to level with us instead of merely singing by the president’s song sheet? It also suggests that if the president wants the intelligence agencies to cook up something to justify voter interference in the midterm elections. That Jay Clayton doesn’t have the backbone to stand up to him. That may be the most significant consequence because, of course, Tulsi Gabbard didn’t have the backbone to stand up to the president. There she was in Fulton County, Georgia, where she has no business being during an FBI raid seizing ballots. So, doesn’t harbor well in terms of what Clayton is willing to do or not do if Trump tries to interfere once again in the next election.\n\nOn Schiff’s continued efforts to bring the Iran War to an end:\n\nThere is every way to stop him if members of Congress vote to bring an end to this. We can defund these operations. We can pass these War Powers Resolutions with even greater bipartisan support. Force him to veto it, or if necessary, overcome a veto. But yes, we have all the power that we need in Congress to stop this. What we don’t have yet is sufficient bipartisan will to do it. But this appears to be going on without end, and it appears to be a classic definition now, sadly, tragically, of a quagmire.\n\nKey Excerpts on MS NOW’s The Briefing with Jen Psaki:\n\nOn the biggest takeaway from Todd Blanche’s confirmation hearing:\n\nI think the central question the senators had for him, he didn’t answer very well, and that is, ‘who do you represent?’ Do you represent the American people as the attorney general is supposed to, or do you represent Donald Trump? Are you still his criminal defense lawyer? And he has made it very clear he is still the president’s lawyer. He signs this settlement agreement, which a judge just said was basically collusion and a fraud, and just a pretense of some kind of a court proceeding to give a patina of respectability to something absolutely devoid of that. He’s made it clear that he will go after the president’s enemies. He’s made it clear that he believes the president has not only the right but the duty to go after his adversaries and abuse the Justice Department to do it. So, he has basically made it clear he is there to be an instrument of Donald Trump’s will to protect him, use the law as a shield to protect him, and also as a sword to go after his enemies.\n\n[…] Who wrote this tax giveaway for the president? I asked Blanche about it. It’s his name that signed it. He couldn’t tell us who wrote it. Now he said he assumed it was written by a Department of Justice lawyer or an IRS lawyer, but actually, when you look at the terms of it, it is so favorable to Donald Trump. You might surmise that it was actually written by his attorney. The person who is joined in filing the suit, the person who’s now been referred to the Florida Bar Association by that judge in Miami for potential disciplinary proceedings. That judge also referred Todd Blanche to the New York Bar. But we don’t know who wrote this thing. We don’t know why Todd Blanche was the only one who signed it. The agreement from the day before was signed also by someone from the IRS and someone else from the Justice Department. But this alone had Todd Blanche’s signature. So, he’s taken full ownership of this at one level and at another wants to deny any responsibility. I don’t know who wrote this thing.\n\nOn the potential future of the intelligence community under Jay Clayton:\n\n[…] They set the bar at Pulte. Isn’t anyone better than Pulte? Shouldn’t we just jump at Clayton because he’s not Pulte? Clayton has very little experience, and as you saw today during the hearing, he couldn’t even answer a basic question that would have required him to speak truth to power. He couldn’t say who won the election because he knows Donald Trump doesn’t want him to say that. If he can’t say who won the election in 2020, how can we count on Jay Clayton to give it straight to the president to Congress when the intelligence might contradict what the president prefers? I mean, let’s say there’s intelligence that Iran is cheating on this deal, but the president doesn’t want to believe it because he’s telling the public something otherwise. We need the director of national intelligence to both level the president say, “Sir, I’m sorry, but we have strong intelligence. The Iranians are cheating. Here’s what it looks like. Here’s our degree of confidence in it.” We need them to brief Congress this way. And what we saw with Tulsi Gabbard is a willingness to manipulate the intelligence, to basically tell an intelligence counsel, “No, I don’t like that conclusion. Rewrite it and fire people who won’t.” That is the worst thing you could ask for in a director of intelligence. Clayton gave us no confidence that he would be any different than Gabbard.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-what-happened-to-you-todd-blanche-sen-schiff-presses-acting-attorney-general-todd-blanche-on-recusals-trump-tax-immunity-deal/", "title": "WATCH: “What happened to you, Todd Blanche?” – Sen. Schiff Presses Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on Recusals, Trump Tax Immunity Deal", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schiff: “What happened to the Todd Blanche of the Southern District of New York that could convert him into you? Someone willing to say the president has both the right and the duty to prosecute his political enemies.”\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) pressed Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche at his nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on his role in the settlement reached by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the tax immunity deal created for the president in that agreement, and Blanche’s obligation to recuse himself from matters involving cases he handled as Trump’s personal criminal defense lawyer.\n\nWhile under oath, Blanche claimed, for the first time, that he recused himself from matters related to lawsuits in which he represented the president, including the case concerning the president’s involvement in the January 6 insurrection. Schiff pressed Blanche on why his recusal did not apply to the firing of DOJ career prosecutors involved in those cases, and Blanche’s role in preventing the release of a previous DOJ report detailing Donald Trump’s retention of classified documents.\n\nSchiff repeatedly called out Blanche for compromising his integrity for the president, using his power to further the president’s desire to target his political enemies while enriching himself, his family, and his allies.\n\nWatch the full clip here. Download the clip HERE.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nOn Blanche’s conflicts of interest:\n\nSchiff: Mr. Blanche, you represented the president in three, at least three, criminal cases: the hush money payment case in New York, the January 6th case, and the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case. You said when you appeared last before this committee, you would consult with ethics lawyers about that apparent conflict of interest in handling any case involving the president, having been his personal counsel. Did you consult with Joseph Tirrell, a senior ethics lawyer at the Department?\n\nBlanche: I believe I met with Mr. Tirrell. Yes.\n\nSchiff: Did Mr. Tirrell tell you that ethics laws and policies required that you not be involved in cases involving your prior representation of the president?\n\nBlanche: Yes.\n\nSchiff: So, in those three matters – the hush money payment case, the January 6th case, the Mar-a-Lago case, you were to recuse yourself?\n\nBlanche: I’m recused. Correct. Well, by the way, the cases are not ongoing, Senator. But to the extent there’s any work around those cases, yes, I’m recused.\n\nOn the release of Volume Two of the special counsel’s report on Mar-a-Lago:\n\nSchiff: You have also refused to release Volume Two of the special counsel’s report. That was an investigation into the Mar-a-Lago documents case. How is that not an abundant conflict of interest – refusing to release to the public an investigative report of an investigation into your client?\n\nBlanche: I am not a judge. A federal judge has said it cannot be released –\n\nSchiff: No, no, no, no, no. The department’s position under you, Mr. Blanche. The department’s position under you, Mr. Blanche, was do not release the report.\n\nBlanche: So that position –\n\nSchiff: If you went into court asking them to release it, it would be released by now. So how is that not a patent conflict of interest?\n\nBlanche: What you’re saying happens to not be true. I did not do that. What you’re talking about happened before I became the Deputy Attorney General –\n\nSchiff: So, you support the release of Volume Two?\n\nBlanche: No, I don’t. But I’m recused and had nothing to do with that case. Like, you can’t accuse me of violating my ethical rules and then lie about what I did.\n\nSchiff: So, you had nothing to do with the decision to prohibit the release of the report. You had nothing to do with the department’s position?\n\nBlanche: I wasn’t in court. I wasn’t the Deputy –\n\nSchiff: No, I’m not asking you whether you were in court. I’m asking you whether anyone sought your opinion or used your guidance in refusing to release Volume Two. You’re saying you had nothing to do with that decision?\n\nBlanche: When that litigation was ongoing, I was a private citizen, still representing the President of the United States. It was before March – since March, to the extent there’s been anything in front of that judge, I haven’t been part of it.\n\nSchiff: Mr. Blanche, I asked you in your last confirmation hearing whether you would release the report. Your answer was no. Your answer was not, “I will recuse my myself.” Your answer was “No, I will not release the report.” That was your testimony last before this committee. You subsequently were advised by ethics lawyers not to be involved in these matters, but it appears you were involved in these matters. Let me ask you about another matter.\n\nBlanche: I wasn’t involved. Well, you can’t say that it appears I was involved.\n\nSchiff: Let me ask you about another one you have your name on.\n\nBlanche: The truth has to matter at some point.\n\nSchiff: Yeah, it does matter, we just don’t hear much of it from you.\n\nOn Acting Attorney General Blanche’s decision to sign the slush fund:\n\nSchiff: You signed an agreement for the U.S. basically indicating that the Justice Department’s position that the statute of limitations applies doesn’t matter.\n\nBlanche: I didn’t. That’s not what I said. I didn’t say that anywhere.\n\nSchiff: Who rejected the 25 defenses the IRS had to this sham lawsuit? Who rejected them? Who said that these defenses we’re not going to accept, we’re just going to go with the president’s agreement and the slush fund and this immunity?\n\nBlanche: There was a lot of discussion internally about the case.\n\nSchiff: But you made the decision?\n\nBlanche: I – what’s the decision? What do you mean? What decision?\n\nSchiff: You made the decision to not defend the IRS and the Justice Department. You made the decision and said to sign this slush fund agreement.\n\nBlanche: We made the decision to settle the case. Correct.\n\nSchiff: Yeah, and in doing that, you basically decided that you were going to be the lawyer for the president and the lawyer for the IRS and the Justice Department. As the court found in this case there was no adversarial relationship.\n\nBlanche: Yes –\n\nSchiff: The court found it was a sham. It was a collusive relationship, and what I don’t understand, Todd Blanche, what happened to the Todd Blanche who was a prosecutor in the Southern District of New York? What happened to the prosecutor people had respect for? What happened to the prosecutor who once respected the rule of law? What happened to the prosecutor who said that there wouldn’t be a whiff of political partisanship and then prosecutes the president’s enemies over seashells cases, over making a video stating the plain law and Constitution? What happened to the Todd Blanche of the Southern District of New York that could convert him into you. Someone willing to say the president has both the right and the duty to prosecute his political enemies.\n\nBlanche: I never said that.\n\nSchiff: I cannot imagine the Todd Blanche of the old days would have ever done that. What happened to you, Todd Blanche? I’ll tell you this. I think Robert Caro had it right when he said that “Power doesn’t corrupt as much as it reveals.” I suspect it has just revealed who you are. And who you are is someone willing to sacrifice everything you once believed in for that title, for that position of Attorney General. And it is a sad story that we have seen from Trump appointee after appointee after appointee. We have seen people compromise themselves little by little, and then a lot by a lot until they’re sitting before this committee and trying to justify the unjustifiable.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-receives-highest-honor-from-national-guard-association-of-the-united-states-for-distinguished-service-in-support-of-us-national-defense", "title": "Shaheen Receives Highest Honor from National Guard Association of the United States for Distinguished Service in Support of U.S. National Defense", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee and co-chair of the Senate National Guard Caucus, was presented with the Harry S. Truman Award for Distinguished Service in Support of National Defense from the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) for her work throughout her career in support of U.S. national security. The Harry S. Truman Award for Distinguished Service in Support of National Defense was authorized by the NGAUS Board of Directors in 1968 and is the highest recognition conferred upon an individual by the Association. Photos from the award presentation can be found HERE.\n\n“My work on behalf of the National Guard has been a point of pride in both my Senate and gubernatorial careers so I’m very honored to be recognized today by the National Guard Association,” said Senator Shaheen. “My gratitude goes out to all the men and women who risk their lives every day in defense of our nation, particularly the New Hampshire Air National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing who deployed in support of Operation Epic Fury and the brave soldiers from New Hampshire’s own Charlie Company, 172nd Mountain Infantry Regiment, who deployed last month in support of Operation Spartan Shield.”\n\n“The Harry S. Truman Award is our association’s highest honor,” said retired Army Maj. Gen. Francis M. McGinn, the NGAUS president. “It is reserved for individuals who have made sustained contributions of exceptional and far-reaching magnitude to the defense and security of the United States in a manner worthy of recognition at the national level. Senator Jeanne Shaheen is that kind of patriot.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sheehy.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-sheehy-sworn-into-u-s-navy-reserve-by-president-trump/", "title": "Senator Sheehy Sworn into U.S. Navy Reserve by President Trump", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sheehy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.sheehy.senate.gov", "scraper": "sheehy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001232", "name": "Tim Sheehy", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday afternoon, Senator Sheehy participated in a swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office, where President Donald J. Trump swore the senator in as a Navy Reservist.\n\n“Fighting for our nation overseas as a Navy SEAL was one of the greatest honors of my life, and standing with my family in the Oval Office to be sworn into the Navy Reserve by President Trump was a humbling reminder that serving this country is a lifelong calling. I’m proud to continue serving both the people of Montana in the U.S. Senate and our nation in uniform, and I’ll never stop fighting for the country I love and all the brave Americans who answer the call to serve,” said Senator Sheehy.\n\nBackground:\n\nUpon graduating from the Naval Academy in 2008, Senator Sheehy was commissioned into the U.S. Navy and completed SEAL training. He completed several deployments and hundreds of missions as a Navy SEAL Officer and Team Leader, deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan, South America, and the Pacific region.\n\nSenator Sheehy was involved in dozens of engagements with enemy forces. After being wounded and injured in the line of duty in 2014, Senator Sheehy left active duty and started his veteran-led businesses with the vision of bringing some of the technological capability he observed during his military service to the civilian world to better protect Americans from public safety threats like wildfire.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/2026/07/15/slotkin-gillibrand-colleagues-press-pentagon-to-release-findings-on-deadly-iran-school-strike/", "title": "Slotkin, Gillibrand, Colleagues Press Pentagon to Release Findings on Deadly Iran School Strike", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "www.slotkin.senate.gov", "scraper": "slotkin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001208", "name": "Elissa Slotkin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON D.C. — This week, U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), joined by 23 other colleagues, are placing additional pressure on the Department of Defense to release its findings on the February bombing of an elementary school in Iran. The attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab reportedly killed around 120 children and roughly 175 people overall, making it the deadliest civilian casualty event tied to U.S. military action in decades.\n\nIn a letter sent to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, the senators urged the Pentagon to complete its investigation into the strike and publicly release its findings. The probe was reportedly turned in back in April but has remained under review by top military officials since then. The senators also asked the Department to give Congress a concrete plan for preventing a similar tragedy from happening again.\n\n“More than four months after the strike, and after the reported submission of the investigation in April, Congress and the American people still have not received the Department’s investigation and findings,” the senators wrote. “There is no justification for withholding an unclassified accounting of what happened, what went wrong, and what the Department is doing to prevent recurrence.”\n\n“These reported issues, if accurate, raise deeply troubling questions about the integrity of U.S. target development, the adequacy of target validation and vetting procedures, the interoperability of intelligence and targeting databases, the timeliness and reliability of intelligence used for lethal targeting, and the Department’s implementation of civilian harm mitigation policies,” the senators wrote. “They also raise urgent questions about whether the Department has sufficient targeting personnel, training, accountability mechanisms, and technical safeguards to support large-scale conventional operations.\n\nThe senators concluded, “The United States military has a legal and moral obligation to take all feasible precautions to prevent civilian harm. When a U.S. strike kills civilians, the Department owes Congress, the American people, and the victims’ families a clear accounting of what happened and a credible plan to prevent future failures.”\n\nIn addition to Senator Slotkin (D-MI), the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Senator Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\nRead the letter to Secretary Hegseth here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-democrats-must-come-to-their-senses-stop-obstructing-ndaa/", "title": "Thune: Democrats Must Come to their Senses, Stop Obstructing NDAA", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership:\n\nThune’s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n“It’s been a heavy week here in the United States Senate, with the tragic and unexpected passing of Senator Lindsey Graham.\n\n“Lindsey was a great American patriot.\n\n“He was a champion for the Republican Party.\n\n“And for many of us, he was a trusted and loyal friend and adviser.\n\n“And so, we mourn his loss, and we welcome his beloved sister Darline here to the United States Senate.\n\n“She will take up his duties and responsibilities as a senator for the state of South Carolina.\n\n“And I say all this in the context of, I wish we had Lindsey here, because right now we are dealing with an important national security matter, the National Defense Authorization Act, something that Congress has done every year now for the last 65 years.\n\n“And yesterday, we had what was simply a motion to proceed to get on the bill – actually, it was a cloture motion to proceed to get on the bill – and the Democrats blocked it, every single one.\n\n“And that, my friends, I believe is really unfortunate.\n\n“This is an issue that ought to be bipartisan.\n\n“It’s about the national security interest of this country, and the Democrats seem to be dug in and willing to play politics with America’s vital national security interests.\n\n“This is not about funding for Iran.\n\n“This is something we do on an annual basis, and we have for the last 65 years in a row.\n\n“So, I am hopeful that at some point the Democrats will come to their senses and realize that national security ought to be a priority for them.\n\n“It certainly is for us.\n\n“And we will give them more opportunities in which to change that vote, and to express their support for even moving forward and having the debate.\n\n“By the way, I would add that there were 38 Democrat amendments that were included in the National Defense Authorization Act that we tried to get up on the floor yesterday.\n\n“So, national security is important to this country.\n\n“Border security is important to this country.\n\n“The Democrats have a pattern, going back now over a year, of, you know, not wanting to pay air traffic controllers, not wanting to pay border security personnel, and in this particular case, holding hostage the pay increases for our men and women in uniform.\n\n“That is really unfortunate and unprecedented, and I certainly hope that soon they’ll come to their senses.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-on-ndaa-democrats-latest-national-security-hostage-taking-exercise/", "title": "Thune on NDAA: Democrats’ Latest National Security Hostage-Taking Exercise", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:\n\nThune’s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n“Mr. President, Americans tend to trust Republicans more than Democrats when it comes to national security, and boy oh boy, do Democrats seem determined to demonstrate why that is the case.\n\n“Yesterday afternoon, Democrats voted against the National Defense Authorization Act – the annual bill that authorizes spending for our nation’s defense.\n\n“Their ostensible excuse was the conflict in Iran.\n\n“Well, in case they were operating under a misconception, I am happy to tell them that this year’s National Defense Authorization Act is not an Iran funding supplemental.\n\n“It is the annual – annual – legislation authorizing the basic needs of our military and the basic needs of our men and women in uniform.\n\n“Needs that exist no matter what is happening in Iran.\n\n“Let’s just talk about what Democrats voted against yesterday.\n\n“They voted against a pay increase for our troops.\n\n“They voted against quality-of-life improvements for our troops.\n\n“They voted against the reform of the Pentagon’s acquisition process.\n\n“They voted against funding for unmanned systems, like drones and counter-drone measures – an essential security need in this day and age.\n\n“They voted against shipbuilding efforts to strengthen our naval fleet.\n\n“They voted against measures to maintain our nation’s air power.\n\n“They voted against including 38 of their own amendments!\n\n“I could go on here, Mr. President, but you get the point.\n\n“Once again, Democrats are playing fast and loose with our nation’s security.\n\n“I say once again, Mr. President, because Democrats have been playing fast and loose with our nation’s security all year.\n\n“First there was their record-breaking full-government shutdown last fall, which affected our military and all of our nation’s security agencies – to say nothing of the impact that it had on air travel.\n\n“Then there was their record-breaking shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which lasted a staggering 76 days.\n\n“Then, after that, Democrats refused to reauthorize a critical intelligence-gathering tool, which the Democrat leader himself has described as, I quote, a ‘very important tool for ensuring our national security.’\n\n“And now they’ve blocked the Senate from considering the National Defense Authorization Act.\n\n“And who knows what’s next?\n\n“Mr. President, in either a fit of self-delusion or an attempt to distract from their actions, Democrats are trying to peddle the narrative that somehow they can’t agree to anything because Republicans are trying to make things partisan.\n\n“That’s right, Mr. President.\n\n“Well, let me spend just a minute correcting the record here.\n\n“The National Defense Authorization Act that Democrats voted against yesterday?\n\n“Bipartisan.\n\n“That’s right, Mr. President.\n\n“The National Defense Authorization Act is bipartisan legislation.\n\n“Four Democrats voted for a bill – for a bill – at the committee markup.\n\n“Democrats’ record-breaking full-government shutdown in the fall?\n\n“Well, that was because they wouldn’t accept a nonpartisan, short-term, clean government funding extension to allow bipartisan negotiations to continue.\n\n“The Democrats’ record-breaking Department of Homeland Security shutdown?\n\n“Well, that was also because Democrats couldn’t take yes for an answer.\n\n“Democrats and Republicans had agreed on a bipartisan DHS funding bill; Democrats reneged on that agreement because they wanted to negotiate for more; and Republicans said yes to negotiation – and then Democrats shut down the department anyway.\n\n“Even though Republicans were willing to negotiate further.\n\n“Even though the White House repeatedly offered a robust package of reforms.\n\n“So as I said, Mr. President, I don’t know whether it’s self-delusion or deliberate deception, but I have heard few things more ludicrous than Democrats’ narrative that they can’t agree to legislation because Republicans are being partisan.\n\n“Here are the facts, Mr. President.\n\n“Democrats can’t bring themselves to authorize funding for our nation’s security – whether that’s security at our border, funding for our military, or paychecks for our troops.\n\n“It doesn’t matter how bipartisan the bill is.\n\n“Democrats can’t bring themselves to support our nation’s security.\n\n“Is it politics, Mr. President?\n\n“Do Democrats think that voting against our national defense and our nation’s military will gain them points with their base?\n\n“Or do they simply think they can afford to ignore our nation’s defense needs until some hostile actor takes advantage of our weakness?\n\n“I don’t know, Mr. President.\n\n“But I do know that our nation is less safe because of Democrats’ actions.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-calls-on-president-trump-to-ban-muslim-brotherhood-and-prohibit-sharia-law/", "title": "Tuberville Calls on President Trump to Ban Muslim Brotherhood and Prohibit Sharia Law", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) once again went to the Senate floor to talk about how Islamists have destroyed Europe and to warn about the looming threat this poisonous, murderous ideology poses to the United States. In his speech, Sen. Tuberville called on President Trump to ban the Muslim Brotherhood from the United States and to prohibit Sharia Law from being practiced within our borders.\n\nWatch excerpts from Sen. Tuberville’s speech below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.\n\n“I’ve come to the floor several times over the last year to warn about the looming threat [of] Islam, [which is] infiltrating the United States of America. You know, I know there are people sometimes [who] roll their eyes when I talk about this. But I express serious concerns about what Islam teaches and how it’s incompatible with our Judeo-Christian values. This is why I say that Islam is not a religion. It’s a death cult.\n\nDon’t believe me? Just look at the report that came out recently in the United Kingdom. This report, which I have a picture of behind me, made international news—’The Rape Gang Inquiry Report.’ […] This isn’t a flimsy report. It was introduced into parliament by Rupert Lowe, who had a successful career in finance before running for parliament in 2024, and is also cosponsored by five other members of the UK Parliament.\n\nThe explosive report says that Muslim rape gangs are operating in over 40% of the United Kingdom. The report details how white British girls are being trafficked and exploited by Muslim men across the United Kingdom. The report claims that there have been at least 250,000 victims who have been trafficked by these third-world Muslim immigrants. You know, the report describes a consistent pattern for the Muslim rape gangs. Girls, as young as eleven, were groomed with gifts, alcohol, and drugs. They were picked up from schools, from care homes, and subjected to gang rape, trafficking, torture, forced Islamic conversion, and lifetime trauma. These are some of the worst things that you can possibly imagine and really make you sick at your stomach. But it’s real and it’s happening to hundreds of thousands of young women across Europe.\n\nThe report states that roughly 87% of those convicted in the child sexual exploitation cases bore distinctive Muslim names—surprise, surprise. That’s because these heinous acts are acceptable and even encouraged under the teaching of Islam.\n\nIslam teaches that Muslims are superior to non-believers and enables Muslim men to treat non-Muslim girls as property—as property—available for sexual abuse. The doctrine of Muslim superiority is drawn from documents written by Mohammed, which clearly state that Muslims are superior and have a duty to ‘correct’ non-believers. For example, in one part of the Quran, it says that Muslims are the best of people in humanity as long as they maintain faith in Allah. At the same time, Muslims are taught to be hostile towards non-Muslims.\n\nIn addition, Mohammed told his followers that men are superior to women, men can marry women without consent as young as six years old, and men can sexually abuse and rape non-Muslim women. It’s their right, they think. Where is the outrage from the so-called feminist groups on this issue? They are nowhere to be found, unfortunately.\n\nThe report goes on to say that there was a deliberate failure in the United Kingdom to protect victims or to stop this from happening. Police discouraged reporting, destroyed evidence, and sometimes even shielded the evil men who were doing this to young women. The National Health Service discharged victims without making sure that they had a safe place to go home to. Schools excluded victims rather than protecting them. Taxi license authorities renewed permits for drivers without bothering to check if they were involved in any of the trafficking of victims. The major political parties, along with the UK government, willingly, willingly turned a blind eye to the blatant sex trafficking happening right under their noses. All in the name of being politically correct.\n\nLet me be clear about this. By refusing to address Islamic sex trafficking of hundreds of thousands of innocent girls, the UK government enabled these sick criminals. Folks, Europe is gone. Just go over there and visit. They’ve fallen victim to mass migration, which is wiping out the culture, identity, security and foundation of their countries. Did you know that the number one most popular name of baby boys born in the United Kingdom now is Mohammed? And it’s been that way for three years. You’d think it’d be Charles after the King [or] William after the next in line for the throne. Nope, it’s not. The millions of Muslims who have moved to the UK are having babies, and they’re naming them after the most popular figure, […] which is Mohammed. This is a takeover—a hostile takeover. And I’ve said this many times, Europeans have the right to fight back in the streets to take their countries [back]. […]\n\nWe saw an example [recently] in Scotland. A Scottish man took matters into his own hands when he reached a breaking point. He knew his government sold him out. There was no one to protect him or his family from violence, from these third-world Muslim migrants. […] So, to be clear, I’m not advocating for violence. But this will soon be the reality in every European country if they don’t start sending foreigners back to their home countries as soon as they possibly can. ASAP. When a government imports millions of third-world Muslims who refused to assimilate and actively […] want to destroy any semblance of the Western civilization, people are going to start taking matters into their own hands. That’s what usually happens.\n\nYou know, I wish I could say that United States is immune to such dangers, but sadly, what’s happening in Europe is a foreshadowing of what’s to come here in our own backyard if we’re not careful. Under the Obama and Biden administrations, third-world Muslims flooded, flooded […] American cities like Minneapolis; Dearborn, Michigan; and parts of Virginia with one goal in mind, one goal, to radically change the ethnic, religiou,s and political makeup of our country, the United States of America. That’s their plan. They’re doing it in Europe. Now they’re coming here.\n\nThanks to Barack Obama and Joe Biden, the enemy, folks, is now inside the gates. You’d have to be stupid to think that what’s happening in Europe couldn’t happen here in the United States. It’s happening as we speak. The same cult ideology that empowered human trafficking of white women in the United Kingdom is alive and well here in the United States for America.\n\nIn the 1980s, the Muslim brotherhood created a blueprint known as ‘The Project’ outlining a long-term plan to establish Islamic dominance worldwide by infiltrating Western institutions. That is their plan. The Project explicitly instructs Muslims to create parallel societies within their host countries and to reject all assimilation into Western culture. Since 1986, Herndon, Virginia, not too far from here, has been the home to the International Institute of Islamic Thought. Think about that—just down the road. This institute was established with the sole purpose of eliminating Western influence in every field of human knowledge. We’re talking science. We’re talking history, psychology, and politics. Then they would rebuild it […] from an Islamic viewpoint. It’s not our viewpoint. It’s not our history.\n\nSimply put, they’re taking advantage of our laws, and ultimately destroying our country. In short, The Project outlines a long-term plan to establish Islamic dominance worldwide by infiltrating and eventually taking control of the nation that they’re in. This document is operational, and it has a manual that has guided Muslim brotherhood networks for several decades. It isn’t just getting here. It’s been around a long time. You’re seeing parts of their plan play out today in several states like Texas, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York.\n\nYou know, even my state of Alabama has become a focal point of the Islamic network’s goal to destroy Christianity and to eliminate Western society. The RAIR Foundation recently uncovered some disturbing facts about the Birmingham Islamic society in my state. This so-called Islamic society admits to being 100% rooted in Sharia Law. It’s got ties to the North American Islamic Trust, which is linked to the Muslim brotherhood. RAIR Foundation’s research also claims that Birmingham’s Islamic Society has employed imams with direct ties to the Muslim brotherhood. The mosque’s constitution reveals that every aspect of the mosque’s operations, memberships, finances, and even personal affairs of its members are subject to Sharia Law. The Birmingham and Islamic Society’s constitution declares Sharia to be the supreme authority over the entire organization. To them, Sharia Law overrules all of our federal laws, state and local. I know the state of Alabama has passed a law to prohibit state courts from enforcing or considering any foreign, international, or religious law if it violates the U.S. or Alabama Constitution. I trust the Alabama courts will look into this as soon as possible in Birmingham.\n\nYou know, I’ve talked many times about how Sharia Law is fundamentally incompatible with our Constitution and our society. It has no place, no place in the United States. We’re living in a dangerous time where people are afraid to say the truth because they don’t want to be canceled or talked about. Bad things start to happen when good people sit idly by and do nothing to address the problems that are plaguing our society today. We can’t stay silent. If we do that, we’re no better than the leaders of the UK who sat on their hands while 250,000 young girls were raped and trafficked—250,000. What’s wrong with these people? […]\n\nFor too long, people have tiptoed around the issue, afraid to hurt somebody’s dang feelings or make somebody uncomfortable. But the time for being politically correct, it better be over. The truth is that radical Islam extremists want every single freedom-loving American to convert to Islam or be killed by the sword. That’s what they study and believe. Thanks to President Trump, our borders are secure and we’re stopping mass migration and turning away people who want to hurt our country. And we’ve got them here already. This action is saving our country right now, but it only takes the next Democrat Communist President to reopen the floodgates to mass immigration. The disease of Islam has been allowed to fester and spread in our country for a long time. The mullahs are just waiting until they’re in the majority to take our country and force Sharia Law on everybody that lives in the United States of America.\n\nFolks, it’s coming. So, the question is, will we continue this path and end up like the UK and the rest of the European countries? Or will we say enough is enough and refuse to give up our country to the enemy. I was glad to see President Trump officially designate the Muslim brotherhood as a terrorist organization. But that’s not quite enough. I’m calling on President Trump to ban the Muslim Brotherhood from this country. They don’t need to be here. They are enemies. They’re inside the gates. We also need to ban Sharia Law on a federal level, not just state levels. This hateful, murderous ideology has no place in our country, and it is growing. And we’re not saying anything about it. It doesn’t need to be here now, it doesn’t need to be here ever. We’d better wake up.”\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-chairs-personnel-subcommittee-hearing-on-tricare-pharmacy-program/", "title": "Tuberville Chairs Personnel Subcommittee Hearing on TRICARE Pharmacy program", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) chaired a hearing for the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel focused on improving the TRICARE pharmacy program.\n\nWatch excerpts from Sen. Tuberville’s opening remarks below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.\n\n“This hearing gives us an opportunity to examine a critical component of military health care, the TRICARE Pharmacy Program. Our witness today have a wide variety of experiences from policy oversight of the program, all the way to TRICARE beneficiaries using its services. I want to thank Dr. David Smith, Dr. Adam Kautzner, […] Doctor Lansford and Mr. Greg Reybold.\n\nAs someone who spent decades coaching young men and women to perform at the highest level, I understand that success depends on preparation, discipline, and access to the right tools. The same principle applies to our military. We cannot expect service members to maintain peak readiness if they cannot reliably access the medications and treatments they need.\n\nThe TRICARE Pharmacy Program serves millions of active-duty service members, retirees, and military families. For many beneficiaries, access to prescription [medications] is not a matter of convenience. It is essential to managing chronic conditions, recovering from injuries, maintaining health and mental health, and ensuring overall fitness for duty. As Congress […] continues to oversee military healthcare spending, we must strike the right balance between controlling costs and maintaining access. Savings achieved on paper are not real savings if they result in delayed treatment, reduced readiness, or additional healthcare costs down the road.\n\nI’m particularly interested in how the pharmacy program supports preventative care, injury recovery, behavioral health and overall forced readiness. We should be asking whether beneficiaries can access medications in a timely manner, whether military families and rural communities face unique challenges, and whether the department is using modern tools and data to improve outcomes while managing costs. I also want to understand how the Department is preparing for future challenges, including drug shortages, supply chain disruptions, and the growing costs associated with specialty medications.\n\nUltimately our goal should be straightforward—to provide American service members and their families with reliable access to high quality pharmacy services while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. I thank our witnesses for appearing here today and look forward to their testimony.”\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-lujan-beyer-schrier-van-drew-reintroduce-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-help-reduce-medical-misdiagnosis", "title": "Van Hollen, Luján, Beyer, Schrier, Van Drew Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Help Reduce Medical Misdiagnosis", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.), Kim Schrier (D-Wash), and Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) announced their reintroduction of the Saving Lives and Reducing Health Care Waste by Improving Diagnosis in Medicine Act – bipartisan, bicameral legislation to address the alarming rate of medical diagnostic error in our country. The lawmakers’ legislation aims to prevent and mitigate the devastating impacts these errors can have, including misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, permanent disability, and death. Recent research published in March 2025 estimates that across health care settings, over 900,000 Americans a year suffer permanent disability or death because of diagnostic error. These findings build on a 2015 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that concluded most people will experience at least one diagnostic error in their lifetime, and it’s estimated that 80% of all harm caused by diagnostic error is preventable.\n\nThis legislation would create an Interagency Council on Improving Diagnosis in Health Care, as well as a new grant program for the establishment and maintenance of Research Centers of Diagnostic Excellence – such as the Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins – that advance research and progress in diagnostic quality, safety, and health care value.\n\n“Far too many Americans have experienced the loss, pain, and hardship that come with a misdiagnosed medical condition – and for many, these errors cause permanent disability or death. Medical diagnostic errors not only impact patients’ lives – they also cost patients and our nation billions of dollars each year. This legislation will invest in efforts to prevent and reduce diagnostic errors, giving medical experts, patients, and their families the research and resources they need to better treat patients and save lives,” said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the consequences of diagnostic errors, costing lives and burdening patients and our health care system with billions of dollars in avoidable costs. Every patient deserves an accurate diagnosis delivered in time to make a difference,” said Senator Luján. “That's why I'm joining my colleagues in reintroducing the Improving Diagnosis in Medicine Act to advance research and improve diagnostic quality and safety. No one should lose their life to a mistake we have the power to prevent.”\n\n“Diagnostic delays affect millions of Americans, drive up health care costs, and contribute to thousands of preventable deaths each year – but it doesn’t have to be this way. Our bill invests in better data collection, stronger research, and sharing of best practices to improve diagnostic accuracy, deliver better outcomes for patients, and reduce health disparities. It also establishes Research Centers of Diagnostic Excellence to advance research, helps bring proven methods for preventing misdiagnosis into everyday clinical practice, and gives patients pathways to report delays and contribute to a growing body of data to inform policymaking. I thank Senators Van Hollen and Luján and Representatives Schrier and Van Drew for their leadership on this legislation, and will continue to work with colleagues to build support for it in the House,” said Representative Beyer.\n\n“Getting the right diagnosis at the right time can make the difference between life and death,” said Representative Van Drew. “Too many patients are suffering because of preventable mistakes that should never happen. This bipartisan bill focuses on improving the way we diagnose illnesses, giving doctors better tools and helping patients get the care they need sooner.”\n\nDiagnostic errors stem from a wide variety of causes, including failure to provide an accurate or timely diagnosis; inadequate communication between providers, patients, and their families; a lack of information for patients on navigating the diagnostic process; and a system that discourages transparency and disclosure of diagnostic errors, which impedes attempts to learn from these events and improve diagnosis. The National Academies study concluded that: “Despite the pervasiveness of diagnostic errors and the risk for serious patient harm, diagnostic errors have been largely unappreciated within the quality and patient safety movements in health care.”\n\nThe Saving Lives and Reducing Health Care Waste by Improving Diagnosis in Medicine Act would:\n\nAuthorize a federal grant program for the establishment and maintenance of Research Centers of Diagnostic Excellence that advance research and progress in diagnostic quality, safety, and value in health care\n\nRequire the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to develop a strategic plan to modernize federal approaches and mechanisms to enable patients and their families to voluntarily report experiences of diagnostic error\n\nEstablish an Interagency Council on Improving Diagnosis in Health Care to:\n\nEnhance the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of diagnosis in health care;\n\nIdentify and eliminate systemic barriers to supporting research in improving diagnosis in health care; and\n\nIdentify knowledge gaps, research and data needs, and policies to strengthen the clinical and translational research pipeline to improve diagnostic safety and quality\n\nThe text of the bill is available here.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by Patients for Patient Safety US, the Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence, and Physician-Parent Caregivers.\n\n\"Diagnostic errors are the most common, the most costly, and the most catastrophic of serious medical errors. Diagnostic errors stem from a wide variety of causes, including inadequate communication between providers, patients, and their families; the absence of metrics to gauge performance, limited feedback to clinicians, and system failures, like lost test-results which happened in my family\", said Sue Sheridan, President and CEO of Patients For Patient Safety US. \"Much of the research to date has focused on defining the magnitude of the problem. This legislation moves us toward identifying solutions to equip clinicians, patients and their families with the tools needed to arrive at the right diagnosis timely. It will save lives. PFPS US commends Senators Van Hollen and Lujan, and Representatives Beyer, Schrier, and VanDrew for their leadership and willingness to take on difficult healthcare issues that others often overlook. We look forward to this bill moving through the legislative process and into law”.\n\n“Senator Van Hollen and Representatives Beyer, Dr. Schrier, and Van Drew should be warmly applauded by patients and clinicians everywhere for taking up the call\", said David Newman-Toker, MD, Ph.D, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins. \"Accurate diagnosis is a prerequisite for quality healthcare —put simply, it’s hard to apply the right treatment if you start out with the wrong diagnosis. Furthermore, failure to accurately diagnose is a major driver of excess healthcare costs. But diagnosis is also one of the most complex tasks in modern medicine; until we have a larger body of research that supports data-driven, reliable improvement strategies that are ‘shovel ready,’ our clinicians and healthcare system will be left struggling. There is much work yet to be done by all healthcare stakeholders to move this life-saving research forward.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/key-house-committee-passes-warners-health-care-bills-to-lower-costs-and-expand-access-to-care/", "title": "Key House Committee Passes Warner’s Health Care Bills to Lower Costs and Expand Access to Care", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warner.senate.gov", "scraper": "warner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000805", "name": "Mark R. Warner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today welcomed House Ways and Means Committee’s unanimous passage of his Rural Patient Monitoring (RPM) Access Act and his Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act.\n\n“I am grateful to my colleagues on the House Ways and Means committee who stood up for patients on Medicare, especially those who live in rural and underserved communities,” said Sen. Warner. “These bills will expand access and lower costs. My RPM Access Act ensures seniors can regularly receive the medical consultations they need by expanding remote care options. My Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act modernizes the prior authorization process, cuts through red tape, and streamlines approvals so that providers can focus on their patients.”\n\nThe Rural Patient Monitoring (RPM) Access Act ensures Medicare patients in rural and underserved communities have access to remote physiologic monitoring services, which lower costs and improve access to care by using technology to collect and transmit patient health data to healthcare providers.\n\nSpecifically, the RPM Access Act would ensure high-quality remote physiological monitoring services are established and maintained for Medicare beneficiaries in rural and underserved geographies; allow rural areas to provide RPM services at the national average rate; and decrease patients’ total monthly cost. Under the RPM Access Act:\n\nRPM providers must be capable of responding to data anomalies detected by the monitoring service;\n\nRPM providers must be capable of promptly transmitting captured vitals and treatment management notes to electronic health record of the supervising provider; and\n\nThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services may require providers of RPM to report data to the Secretary of Health and Human Services in order to facilitate the evaluation of cost savings generated to the Medicare program through the proliferation of remote physiologic monitoring services.\n\nThe Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act is bipartisan, zero-cost legislation to improve access to care for seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. The bill focuses on streamlining the often cumbersome and time-consuming prior authorization process, ultimately allowing healthcare providers to spend more time on patient care rather than administrative burdens.\n\nThe Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act would:\n\nEstablish an electronic prior authorization process for Medicare Advantage plans, including a standardization for transactions and clinical attachments;\n\nIncrease transparency around Medicare Advantage prior authorization requirements and their use;\n\nClarify HHS’ authority to establish timeframes for e-prior authorization requests, including expedited determinations, real-time decisions for routinely approved items and services, and other prior authorization requests;\n\nExpand beneficiary protections to improve enrollee experiences and outcomes; and\n\nRequire HHS and other agencies to report to Congress on program integrity efforts and other ways to further improve the e-prior authorization process.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-kaine-announce-over-6-million-in-federal-funding-to-boost-public-safety-support-local-law-enforcement/", "title": "Warner, Kaine Announce Over $6 Million in Federal Funding to Boost Public Safety, Support Local Law Enforcement", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warner.senate.gov", "scraper": "warner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000805", "name": "Mark R. Warner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $6,733,892 in federal grant funding for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to help state and local law enforcement agencies strengthen crisis intervention systems, expand evidence-based diversion strategies, and improve public safety across the Commonwealth. This funding comes from the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program and Byrne State Crisis Intervention Formula Program (SCIP). The SCIP program is made possible by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, landmark legislation championed by Sens. Warner and Kaine that includes commonsense provisions similar to those outlined in the senators’ Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence.\n\n“As former governors, we know firsthand that state and local law enforcement agencies are often asked to do more with fewer resources,” said the senators. “The safety of all Virginians – including those on the force – is dependent on law enforcement officers, behavioral health professionals, and community partners receiving the tools and training they need to respond effectively to public safety crises. We’re thrilled to announce these federal dollars that will strengthen crisis response, support evidence-based crime prevention, and make communities across Virginia safer.”\n\nThe grant awards include:\n\n$4,149,031 through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program to support state and local law enforcement agencies and criminal justice partners through evidence-based, coordinated, and data-driven initiatives. This funding will help improve law enforcement training equipment, technology, and intelligence-led policing programs; strengthen prosecution and court programs to enhance case processing and judicial effectiveness; expand prevention and education programs that promote partnerships and community-based crime reduction and public awareness; advance corrections programs, including reentry and supervision strategies and drug treatment and enforcement programs addressing opioid and fentanyl misuse; strengthen data systems and evidence-based decision-making; and bolster behavioral health response initiatives, including Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) and Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) programs.\n\n$2,584,861 through the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) to strengthen crisis intervention systems and expand evidence-based diversion strategies for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, substance use disorders, and violence-related risk factors. This funding will serve local governments, courts, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, behavioral health providers, community supervision agencies, specialty dockets, victim service organizations, and community-based organizations – including those in rural and underserved communities. This investment is expected to increase diversion capacity, expand access to behavioral health treatment and stabilization services, improve coordination of crisis response, increase engagement and specialty docket completion by participants, reduce recidivism and violent reoffending, and strengthen statewide crisis intervention infrastructure.\n\nSens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to protect law enforcement, strengthen public safety, and improve the criminal justice system. In April, they reintroduced the Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence Act, legislation to enact a series of commonsense gun violence prevention measures that have been approved by Virginia’s elected officials. The senators also supported the bipartisan First Step Act, a historic criminal justice law that reduced sentences for nonviolent offenders and lower recidivism rates. In 2020, they joined 31 of their Senate colleagues in introducing the Justice in Policing Act to improve police accountability for misconduct, increase transparency through better data collection, and improve police practices and training.\n\n###\n\n* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for download here *\n\nPhotos may be used online and in print, and can be attributed to ‘The Office of Sen. Mark R. Warner", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-virginia-democrats-urge-administration-to-extend-public-comment-period-on-offshore-mining-in-virginia/", "title": "Warner, Virginia Democrats Urge Administration to Extend Public Comment Period on Offshore Mining in Virginia", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warner.senate.gov", "scraper": "warner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000805", "name": "Mark R. Warner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), along with Reps. Bobby Scott (VA-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Don Beyer (VA-08), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), and James Walkinshaw (VA-11) sent a letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) requesting a 30-day extension to the public comment period for BOEM’s Request for Information and Interest (RFI) on potential leasing offshore Virginia for mineral extraction.\n\nIn a letter sent to BOEM Supervisory Oceanographer Geoffrey Wikel, the lawmakers wrote, “We write regarding the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) recent publication of a Request for Information and Interest (RFI) regarding potential leasing offshore Virginia for mineral extraction, which opened a 30-day public comment period that is scheduled to conclude on July 23, 2026. We respectfully request that BOEM extend this public comment period by no less than 30 days in order to provide interested Virginia stakeholders with the opportunity to review the RFI and provide informed feedback on the proposed lease area.”\n\nThe lawmakers continued, “Notice of the comment period was published in the Federal Register on June 23, 2026, and BOEM provided for a 30-day comment period. We are deeply concerned the current comment period timeline in insufficient for Virginians to consider and prepare comments in response to BOEM’s RFI, which requests information on 18 wide-ranging topics, including geological conditions, archaeological resources, environmental sensitivity, and other uses of the RFI area; information on impacts of potential Outer Continental (OCS) mineral activities on Tribes and traditional cultural properties; information on appropriate fiscal terms for leasing; as well as technological feasibility of mining activities. It will take a considerable amount of time for interested stakeholders to review relevant materials and provide meaningful comments.”\n\n“Notably, this is the first time that BOEM has considered conducting a competitive lease sale for marine minerals in the Atlantic Ocean. A 30-day extension, at minimum, of the comment period is warranted based on the novel nature of the RFI, the size of the RFI area (over 2,700 square miles), and the complexity of the information sought by BOEM. An extension of the comment period is essential to ensure meaningful participation from the state, local, and Tribal governments of Virginia, other ocean users and industries, and the public,” the lawmakers concluded. “Thank you for your consideration of our request. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can provide additional information or assistance.”\n\nRead the full letter here and below.\n\nDear Mr. Wikel:\n\nWe write regarding the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) recent publication of a Request for Information and Interest (RFI) regarding potential leasing offshore Virginia for mineral extraction, which opened a 30-day public comment period that is scheduled to conclude on July 23, 2026. We respectfully request that BOEM extend this public comment period by no less than 30 days in order to provide interested Virginia stakeholders with the opportunity to review the RFI and provide informed feedback on the proposed lease area.\n\nNotice of the comment period was published in the Federal Register on June 23, 2026, and BOEM provided for a 30-day comment period. We are deeply concerned the current comment period timeline in insufficient for Virginians to consider and prepare comments in response to BOEM’s RFI, which requests information on 18 wide-ranging topics, including geological conditions, archaeological resources, environmental sensitivity, and other uses of the RFI area; information on impacts of potential Outer Continental (OCS) mineral activities on Tribes and traditional cultural properties; information on appropriate fiscal terms for leasing; as well as technological feasibility of mining activities. It will take a considerable amount of time for interested stakeholders to review relevant materials and provide meaningful comments.\n\nNotably, this is the first time that BOEM has considered conducting a competitive lease sale for marine minerals in the Atlantic Ocean. A 30-day extension, at minimum, of the comment period is warranted based on the novel nature of the RFI, the size of the RFI area (over 2,700 square miles), and the complexity of the information sought by BOEM. An extension of the comment period is essential to ensure meaningful participation from the state, local, and Tribal governments of Virginia, other ocean users and industries, and the public.\n\nThank you for your consideration of our request. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can provide additional information or assistance.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-moran-launch-bipartisan-effort-to-protect-community-water-supplies-and-improve-drought-resilience/", "title": "Warnock, Moran Launch Bipartisan Effort to Protect Community Water Supplies and Improve Drought Resilience", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jerry Moran introduced legislation that would establish a new office of water supply, water conservation, and drought resiliency at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers\n\nThe Securing America’s Water Supply Act would ensure communities have access to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ drought resilience and water supply expertise, strengthening the nation’s ability to protect valuable water resources and address water supply challenges while improving coordination between the Corps and local communities\n\nSenator Warnock: “A resilient water supply is crucial to the future of Georgia’s families, farmers, and businesses, and this new office will help provide communities the tools they need to protect this vital resource and build long-term drought resiliency”\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced bipartisan legislation to establish an office of water supply, water conservation, and drought resiliency within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help communities meet their long-term water needs and address new water supply challenges posed by drought and aging infrastructure. This new office will centralize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ drought resilience and water supply expertise, ensuring local communities have access to critical water supply resources and support to tackle future opportunities and challenges.\n\n“Our bipartisan bill will help Georgia communities, state agencies, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers work together to better address and manage our water resources responsibly,” said Senator Warnock. “A resilient water supply is crucial to the future of Georgia’s families, farmers, and businesses, and this new office will help provide communities the tools they need to protect this vital resource and build long-term drought resiliency.”\n\n“Establishing a dedicated Office of Water Supply, Water Conservation and Drought Resiliency will strengthen the Army Corps of Engineers’ mission of addressing water supply needs and support efforts to improve water availability and drought resilience,” said Senator Moran. “This new office will improve coordination with states and local partners, helping them access the authorities, programs and technical resources needed to make certain communities in Kansas and across the country have a reliable and sustainable water supply.”\n\n“This bill delivers critical support to the Corps of Engineers, strengthening its ability to support the water utilities that provide clean, reliable drinking water to people and businesses across metro Atlanta,” said Danny Johnson, Managing Director of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Natural Resources Department (ARC). “The Office of Water Supply gives the Corps the resources it needs to meet the Atlanta region’s water needs, now and into the future.”\n\n“Our nation’s water supply is at the core of our prosperity as it is vital for human life, industry, and agriculture,” said Brad Burnett, Chairman of the National Water Supply Alliance (NWSA). “Establishment of an Office of Water Supply, Water Conservation, and Drought Resiliency within the US Army Corps of Engineers will provide the focus needed within the federal government to support states and regional sponsors across the nation in maintaining and managing existing water supplies and developing new ones for the future.”\n\nSenator Warnock has long fought to implement lasting improvements to water supply infrastructure in Georgia. In June 2024, following a series of catastrophic water main breaks that left hundreds of thousands of Atlanta residents and local businesses without water services, Senator Warnock led a bicameral effort to secure nearly $1 million in federal funding to address chronic water infrastructure problems plaguing communities across Georgia. Senator Warnock was joined in this effort by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Congresswoman Nikema Williams (D-GA-05).\n\nThe Securing America’s Water Supply Act is supported by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and the National Water Supply Alliance (NWSA).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/senate-passes-welch-cramer-bipartisan-resolution-honoring-canada-and-mexico-as-cohosts-of-the-2026-fifa-world-cup/", "title": "Senate Passes Welch-Cramer Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Canada and Mexico as Cohosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Bipartisan resolution recognizes the first FIFA tournament to be jointly hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Peter Welch and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) today celebrated the Senate’s unanimous passage of their bipartisan resolution honoring the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Senators’ resolution celebrates that for first time in the history of the competition, the World Cup has been jointly hosted by three nations, with matches held across 16 North American cities, including 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada. The resolution underlines how this milestone was made possible by the spirit of continental unity and cooperation among America’s neighbors.\n\nThe 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a milestone in sporting history as the first to feature an expanded field of 48 national teams and a record 104 matches. America’s host cities for this year’s competition included Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle.\n\n“The ‘United Bid’ of America, Canada, and Mexico was made possible by a shared, strong partnership between our countries, grounded in mutual respect and centered on shared values of peace and prosperity. From Boston to Seattle, we’ve been thrilled to welcome folks from across the world to America to foster global peace, friendship, and fair competition. It was exciting to watch the U.S. Men’s National Team compete with grit and determination, which rallied so many Americans around this historic tournament,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join Senator Cramer in leading this effort thanking our great neighbors, Canada and Mexico, for their collaboration in bringing the world’s most popular tournament back home in a historic way.”\n\n“This year’s FIFA World Cup has been one for the books! Unanimously passing our resolution is a fitting way to send all teams home with respect for their accomplishments and appreciation for their sportsmanship. Welcoming the world with American hospitality while celebrating our shared love for soccer has been a highlight of the year,” said Senator Cramer.\n\nThe 2026 Men’s World Cup is the highest attended FIFA World Cup in the competition’s history, with a current all-time attendance record of 3,605,357. Prior to this year’s tournament, the 1994 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted by the United States, was the most attended tournament in history with over 3,587,000 spectators. The legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup fundamentally changed the trajectory of soccer in America, leading directly to the 1996 launch of Major League Soccer and the creation of new professional pathways for players from the United States.\n\nRead and download the full text of the resolution.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-grills-blanche-during-nomination-hearing-to-serve-as-attorney-general-todd-blanche-works-for-donald-trump-he-does-not-work-for-the-american-people/", "title": "Welch Grills Blanche During Nomination Hearing to Serve as Attorney General: “Todd Blanche works for Donald Trump. He does not work for the American people.”", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Welch pressed Trump’s former personal attorney and Acting AG Todd Blanche on his conflicts of interest during tenure as Deputy AG\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, grilled Acting Attorney General (AG) and AG nominee Todd Blanche on his role in the Trump Administration’s corruption of the pardon process at the Department of Justice (DOJ), and in negotiating a settlement between President Trump and the Internal Revenue Service. In his remarks, Senator Welch emphasized that Acting AG Blanche’s demonstrated loyalty to President Trump—his former client—is prioritized ahead of the Americans he has been entrusted to serve.\n\n“We cannot have a Justice Department that makes prosecutions of American citizens—whether they’re in office or not—on the basis of the political preferences of the president. Todd Blanche works for Donald Trump. He does not work for the American people,” said Senator Welch at a press conference following the hearing.\n\nWatch Senator Welch’s full remarks from the hearing below:\n\nRead and watch an excerpt from Senator Welch’s exchange with Acting AG Blanche about his involvement in the settlement granting President Trump legal immunity and creating the anti-weaponization slush fund:\n\nSen. Welch: I mean, that is truly bizarre that the chief executive gets his appointed person—who was formerly his personal attorney—to negotiate on his behalf, where at the end of the day, taxpayers are going to pay.\n\nActing AG Blanche: The other thing I’ll correct, though, is you used the word as if I negotiated. I wasn’t part of the negotiation, which I’ve said before.\n\nSen. Welch: Your department is—you had to sign off on it. That is your signature.\n\nActing AG Blanche: Yes, that’s true. Yes, that is my signature.\n\nSen. Welch: I mean, look: you’re at the top of the pile here. So, you don’t get involved in all the phone calls and all the details, but at the end of the day ,you have to do due diligence and satisfy yourself that you, in good faith, can sign off on the agreement. And you did. So that is your responsibility and I’m sure you accept that.\n\nActing AG Blanche: Correct. Yes, oh I do have responsibility for it. I agree with that.\n\nSen. Welch: That’s right.\n\n•••\n\nSenator Welch has called on Acting AG Blanche to resign and expressed strong opposition to Acting AG Blanche’s nomination to serve in the role permanently.\n\nIn May, Senator Welch led all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in demanding that the DOJ Inspector General (IG) launch an immediate, thorough, and quick investigation into President Trump’s creation of the nearly $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” emphasizing how President Trump’s slush fund, created from a settlement agreement in Trump v. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), represents waste, fraud, and abuse of an unprecedented magnitude and must be subjected to independent scrutiny.\n\nLast year, Senator Welch led Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee in requesting documents from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to determine the veracity of U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee during his nomination hearing in February 2025. Mr. Blanche testified at the hearing and in subsequent written answers to Members’ questions that he had no knowledge of the decision to dismiss the criminal charges against then-New York City Mayor Eric Adams, an assertion that has been contradicted by unsealed court documents—including a letter from then-Interim U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon to Attorney General Bondi—suggesting he was aware of the decision.\n\nThe Senator subsequently led every Senate Judiciary Committee Democrat in calling on Inspector General Michael Horowitz to investigate the truthfulness of Mr. Blanche’s testimony at his confirmation hearing.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-heinrich-schatz-colleagues-to-discuss-future-of-the-energy-workforce-with-labor-leaders/", "title": "Welch Joins Heinrich, Schatz, Colleagues to Discuss Future of the Energy Workforce with Labor Leaders", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Welch: “Now it’s time to have an industrial policy that’s good for workers, and good for America, and good for the economy.”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, this week joined Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Senate Democratic colleagues, and labor leaders to discuss the future of America’s energy workforce, policies that support clean energy and manufacturing jobs, and the impacts of the Trump Administration’s actions on workers. Senator Welch highlighted the need for Congress to invest in career and technical education opportunities to expand America’s clean energy workforce.\n\n“Congress plays an important role in helping meet the needs of the American people and American workers. A big part of that must be investing in clean energy—not because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s the necessary thing to do. We need industrial policy that’s good for workers, good for America, and good for the economy,” said Senator Welch. “We’ll keep fighting for good jobs for hardworking people.”\n\nWatch Senator Welch’s full remarks below:\n\nSenators Welch, Heinrich, and Schatz were joined at the roundtable by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nSenators heard from panelists including President of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) Liz Shuler; General President of Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) Brent Booker; President of Industrial Division of the Communications Workers of America (IUE-CWA) Carl Kennebrew; Director of Unity and Strength for Workers (USW) District 1 (Ohio/Michigan) Donnie Blatt; Maryland State Senator and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 24 Vice President Cory McCray; and Executive Director of BlueGreen Alliance Jason Walsh.\n\nWatch a livestream of the roundtable here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/chairman-wicker-issues-statement-on-the-ndaa", "title": "Chairman Wicker Issues Statement on the NDAA", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.wicker.senate.gov", "scraper": "wicker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000437", "name": "Roger F. Wicker", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement:\n\n“Senator Schumer has chosen to block a bipartisan NDAA from advancing on the Senate floor. He has delayed a bill that prioritizes our military service members and ensures they are better prepared for the challenges ahead. The NDAA would have included another 86 amendments, split evenly between Republicans and Democrats. These amendments included bipartisan packages on crime and drugs, bipartisan provisions to ensure America stays ahead of China on chips and artificial intelligence, and bipartisan oversight measures for the State Department and intelligence community.\n\nIt is difficult to understand this action given that the objections to beginning debate on the bill center on what is not in the bill. We have voted dozens of times on military action in Iran, both on the Senate floor and in our committee. Rather than requesting specific votes on Iran on the NDAA, Democrats simply voted against starting the process altogether. Similarly, the committee has already voted on the defense budget topline. This bill is not the proper vehicle to settle disagreements over the adequate balance between defense and domestic spending.\n\nI hope Senator Schumer will reconsider and allow the NDAA to come to the floor so that we can debate these topics and advance legislation containing over 1,100 individual ideas from every senator in this chamber.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-blumenthal-padilla-introduce-bill-to-crack-down-on-nitrous-products-protect-kids", "title": "Wyden, Blumenthal, Padilla Introduce Bill to Crack Down on Nitrous Products, Protect Kids", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "New bill takes aim at deceptive marketing, would establish programs for prevention and education grants\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Alex Padilla, D-Calif., today introduced legislation that would curb the rising abuse of nitrous oxide-related products among young Americans.\n\n“Companies need to be held accountable for predatory advertising that pushes these addictive products to kids,” Wyden said. “This is a public health issue, and just like I took on Big Tobacco years ago, I’m going to be on the forefront of protecting kids and consumers.”\n\n“Our measure cracks down on companies’ deceptive marketing of nitrous oxide,” said Blumenthal. “These companies are taking a page out of Big Tobacco’s playbook, targeting kids with colorful packaging and fruity flavors so they can get hooked on highly addictive products. By curbing predatory advertising and investing in prevention programs, our legislation will protect consumers and address the rising abuse of nitrous oxide.”\n\n“Nitrous oxide misuse has had serious impacts on young adults and communities across California, and we must protect young adults who are most susceptible to the terrible effects of these dangerous, unregulated products,” said Senator Padilla. “Our bill would address this growing public health threat and hold predatory companies accountable.”\n\nNitrous oxide misuse has risen sharply among young people, with deaths increasing more than 500% from 2010-2023 and significant spikes in poison center reports and ER visits nationwide. Health providers have also reported increasing incidents involving nitrous oxide-related neurological harm in young people.\n\nThe Nitrous Oxide Inhalation Prevention Act:\n\nEstablishes the first national framework to regulate access to nitrous oxide\n\nStrengthens Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight of retail access, packaging, labeling and sales practices related to nitrous oxide products\n\nEstablishes age restrictions, bans on flavored cartridges, and youth-targeted marketing.\n\nCreates prevention and education grants, to support community coalitions, schools, and first responders to address this emerging public health threat\n\nWyden also introduced the Duster Inhalation Prevention Act, a bill that establishes clear federal consumer safety standards to reduce inhalant misuse of compressed air dusters, often used to clean electronics. This bill would classify dangerous duster propellants as hazardous substances and ban the most dangerous aerosol duster products. Legislative text for that bill is here.\n\nA one-pager of the bill is here.\n\nLegislative text is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-demand-action-on-hidden-price-gouging-delivery-fees2", "title": "Wyden, Colleagues Demand Action on Hidden Price-Gouging Delivery Fees", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators: “At a time when the cost of living is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, these delivery app fees are nothing more than a greedy assault on consumers’ pocketbooks.”\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he has joined Senate colleagues to call on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to act swiftly to stop food and grocery delivery apps from using deceptive fees, surveillance pricing, and anti-consumer marketing tactics that drive up costs for consumers.\n\nThe senators’ demand comes as the FTC is considering a rule to address these deceptive fees.\n\n“For millions of Americans, including busy parents and people with mobility issues, food delivery is a lifeline, not a luxury. However, delivery apps are taking advantage of consumers by slapping on unexplained and misleading fees that lead to exorbitantly higher prices,” the senators wrote in their letter to FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson. “Delivery apps such as Uber Eats and DoorDash justify these additional charges under the pretext of long-distance deliveries, small orders, priority or express deliveries, and ‘regulatory compliance.’ To further obscure these fees, delivery apps often lump costs together and hide fees during the checkout process.”\n\nThe senators continued, “Price gouging through hidden fees and markups clearly falls within the Commission’s purview of combating unfair and deceptive acts and practices… The Commission’s recent advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on delivery app fees presents the perfect opportunity to close this gap.”\n\n“At a time when the cost of living is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, these delivery app fees are nothing more than a greedy assault on consumers’ pocketbooks. As such, we encourage the Commission to proceed with this rulemaking and pursue enforcement against deceptive hidden fees, surveillance pricing, and markups related to food and grocery deliveries,” the senators concluded.\n\nThe letter was led by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. In addition to Wyden, the letter was signed by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-named-a-2026-hero-of-main-street-by-the-national-retail-federation/", "title": "Young Named A 2026 “Hero of Main Street” By the National Retail Federation", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.young.senate.gov", "scraper": "toddyoung", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000064", "name": "Todd Young", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) was recognized as a 2026 “Hero of Main Street” by the National Retail Federation for his consistent work and support for the U.S. retail industry through legislative action and leadership.\n\n“I am honored to receive the ‘Hero of Main Street’ award from the National Retail Federation for my efforts to promote and support Hoosier small businesses. I will continue to advocate for legislation important to Indiana’s retail sector,” said Senator Young.\n\nThe “Hero of Main Street” award was created by NRF in 2013 to recognize a bipartisan group of lawmakers for their support of the retail industry’s public policy priorities. Award eligibility is based on key votes, bill sponsorship, and advocacy to advance the industry’s priorities.\n\nRetail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, driving the U.S. economy and creating jobs in communities throughout the country. In Indiana, retail directly supports more than 1.1 million local jobs and contributes more than $93 billion in economic activity.\n\n“From the merchants who helped found our nation to the retailers serving communities today, retail has played a critical role in America for the past 250 years,” said NRF Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French. “NRF is proud to recognize Senator Young as a ‘Hero of Main Street’ for their commitment to advancing policies that ensure the retail industry continues to drive our economy forward.”\n\nThis year, NRF honored 255 members of the House and Senate as “Heroes of Main Street” during the 2026 Retail Advocates Summit, the retail industry’s premier advocacy event in Washington D.C.", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://youngkim.house.gov/2026/07/15/rep-young-kim-highlights-ways-to-expand-access-to-credit-for-american-families/", "title": "Rep. Young Kim Highlights Ways to Expand Access to Credit for American Families", "date": "2026-07-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://youngkim.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "youngkim.house.gov", "scraper": "youngkim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000397", "name": "Young Kim", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, participated in a hearing titled”Beyond Silicon Valley: Expanding Capital Access Across America” with Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Russell Vought.\n\nDuring the hearing, Rep. Kim raised questions on the timeline for distributing Capital Magnet Fund dollars, building on her work with Treasury Secretary Bessent to release CDFI Fund resources before expiration. She also discussed her Small Dollar Loan Certainty Act and asked how the CFPB is balancing enforcement with consumer education to prevent fraud.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5132", "title": "House Intelligence Democrats Call on Intelligence Leadership to Rebut Trump’s Election Lies", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "domain": "houlahan.house.gov", "scraper": "houlahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001085", "name": "Chrissy Houlahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC— Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) joined fellow Democratic Members of the House Intelligence Committee in a letter to Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency John Ratcliffe, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Kash Patel, and Director of the National Security Agency Joshua Rudd, calling on them to protect the integrity of their agencies against Trump’s election conspiracies. The letter comes ahead of a speech by the President, in which he reportedly plans to reveal foreign plans to interfere in the 2020 election.\n\n“It is concerning that at a time when the Intelligence Community is not complying with its legal responsibilities to protect our upcoming elections, it appears focused instead on discrediting past elections without evidence,” the Members wrote. “The facts of the 2020 election have long been settled. The Intelligence Community assessed in a declassified Intelligence Community Assessment from 2021 that, ‘We have no indications that any foreign actor attempted to interfere in the 2020 US elections by altering any technical aspect of the voting process.’ No intelligence to the contrary has ever been provided to the Committee, despite repeated requests for updates. This declassified finding is backed by detailed intelligence in a classified version of the same assessment, including a version that remains restricted to the Gang of 8. Notably, this Intelligence Community Assessment was prepared during President Trump’s first term in office and coordinated by then-Director of National Intelligence Ratcliffe.”\n\nThe Members continued: “The President is within his authority to declassify intelligence, but if he does so in a way that is intended to mislead Americans about the most basic foundation of our democracy and that may compromise sources and methods, it is incumbent on you to stand up for the agencies you lead. Before any intelligence is publicly disclosed, it should be coordinated with all relevant Intelligence Community elements, reviewed under applicable analytic tradecraft standards, and provided to the congressional intelligence committees.”\n\n“We remind you that you are statutorily obligated to keep the Committee fully and currently informed, a requirement that should include notification of new intelligence related to election influence or interference as well as any significant declassification. A reckless effort to weaponize intelligence to support false claims about election security will have a lasting and destructive impact on the relationship between the Intelligence Community and its oversight committees, as well as on the trust of the American people. We sincerely hope you do not go down that road,” they concluded.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5133", "title": "Houlahan Paid Leave Bill Companion Introduced in Senate", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "domain": "houlahan.house.gov", "scraper": "houlahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001085", "name": "Chrissy Houlahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and John Boozman (R-AR) introduced a Senate version of Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) and Stephanie Bice (R-OK-05)'s historic bipartisan legislation to expand Americans’ access to paid family and medical leave. The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act would establish a competitive grant program for states that provide a minimum of six weeks of parental, caregiving, or medical leave, and it would create an interstate agreement to coordinate and harmonize paid leave benefits across participating states.\n\n“Four years ago, when I founded the House Bipartisan Paid Leave Working Group with Rep. Bice, I did so with a simple goal: to find durable, bipartisan policy solutions that help American workers, businesses, and families gain access to paid family and medical leave,” said Rep. Houlahan. “Today, I am proud that our bill, the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act, now has a Senate companion, and I applaud Senators Gillibrand and Boozman for their leadership and partnership in advancing this effort. For more than three decades, roughly three in four American workers have lacked access to paid leave. We have a real opportunity to help states build programs that change that reality. Today, we've charted a clear bipartisan, bicameral path forward, and I urge House and Senate leadership to seize this opportunity and finally deliver paid leave for more American families.” “No American should have to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for a new baby, a sick parent, or their own health,” said Sen. Gillibrand. “The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act is a commonsense, bipartisan step toward solving a challenge facing millions of hardworking families. By empowering states to create robust paid parental, caregiving, and medical leave programs, this bill would help protect Americans’ financial security and allow them the flexibility to deal with life’s emergencies without sacrificing their income. I will fight to pass this bill through Congress and will continue working until every American has guaranteed access to paid family and medical leave.” “As a former business owner, father of three daughters and Member of Congress, I have learned just how much there is to gain from expanding paid leave resources for working families,” said Sen. Boozman. “Our bipartisan, bicameral approach offers a flexible way for more states and employers to help fewer Americans face the dilemma between career progression and financial security or meeting theirs or a loved one’s needs. I am optimistic this model will spur wider adoption across the country and appreciated collaborating with my colleagues alongside passionate advocates to achieve meaningful progress that will support families and our economy.” “After years of hard work and dedication, I am thrilled that my colleagues in the Senate have introduced companion legislation to my bipartisan bill, the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act,” said Rep. Bice. “As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan House Paid Family Leave Working Group alongside Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, I have been proud to work across the aisle to advance practical solutions that support both families and businesses. As a mother myself, I understand the challenges parents face and the importance of ensuring they do not have to choose between caring for a newborn and earning a paycheck. We must continue this momentum and advance policies that address the real needs of America’s families.” Currently, nearly three-quarters of American workers do not have access to paid family leave. This means that millions of Americans are forced to make impossible choices between earning a living and caring for themselves or their loved ones in times of need, such as when they have a new baby, contract a serious illness, or have to care for an aging parent. A large body of research has shown that paid leave improves workers’ mental health, boosts employee retention and productivity, and spurs economic growth.\n\nThe More Paid Leave for More Americans Act encourages states to work together with private companies to adopt or expand scalable, sustainable access to paid leave benefits. It also creates an Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN) to build coordination and harmonization across the growing number of paid leave states. The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act is endorsed by Engage: Promoting Women’s Economic Security, AARP, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Action, Third Way, Chamber of Mothers, the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality, and Patriot Voices.\n\nThe full text of the Senate bill can be foundhere. The full text of the original House bill can be found here.\n\nA section-by-section summary of the Senate bill can be foundhere.\n\nA one-pager on the Senate bill can be foundhere.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-statement-massie-amendment-republican-foreign-aid-budget", "title": "Rep. Adams Statement on Massie Amendment to Republican Foreign Aid Budget", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "adams.house.gov", "scraper": "adams", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000370", "name": "Alma S. Adams", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), issued the following statement regarding her vote in opposition to the Massie Amendment to the National Security Department of State, & Related Programs Appropriations Bill, which failed in the House of Representatives on Wednesday evening, July 15, 2026.\n\n“I share the deep frustration so many Americans feel about how conflicts in Gaza and Iran have unfolded, and I have not been silent about the need for accountability and lasting peace. That is why I have co-sponsored the Block the Bombs Act to end the shipment of destructive weapons to Israel. However, a vague amendment that jeopardizes humanitarian and diplomatic efforts in the region is the wrong vehicle.\n\n“The Massie Amendment was broadly written; it included non-military funding cuts that would limit humanitarian aid, cut refugee resettlement support programs, reduce U.S. Embassy operations, and inhibit peacebuilding efforts in the Middle East.\n\n“I could not support a measure this broad, even to make an important point.\n\n“My opposition to this amendment is a rejection of a blunt instrument that would have caused collateral damage to programs that save lives.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-al-green-addresses-possible-cover-federal-ice-related-investigations-calls", "title": "Rep. Al Green Addresses Possible Cover-Up in Federal ICE-Related Investigations, Calls for Impeachment", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "algreen.house.gov", "scraper": "algreen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000553", "name": "Al Green", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) — On Thursday, July 16, 2026, Congressman Al Green delivered remarks on the House floor expressing concern about the possibility of a cover-up in federal investigations involving ICE-related fatalities in Houston, Maine, and Minnesota. During his remarks, Congressman Green also called for the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump.\n\nYou can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s speech on his official YouTube page or by clicking here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://amo.house.gov/press-release/rhode-island-federal-delegation-calls-on-cms-to-protect-rhode-islanders-health-coverage", "title": "Rhode Island Federal Delegation Calls on CMS to Protect Rhode Islanders’ Health Coverage", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://amo.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "amo.house.gov", "scraper": "amo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000380", "name": "Gabe Amo", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – TODAY, Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined Congressmen Gabe Amo (D-RI) and Seth Magaziner (D-RI) in sending a letter urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz to delay and reconsider implementing the agency’s Interim Final Rule (IFR) on “community engagement” requirements under Trump and Republicans’ Big, Ugly Law. The lawmakers warned the rule’s narrow interpretation of the medical frailty exemption could subject approximately 90,000 Rhode Islanders to new requirements, with an estimated 24,000 at risk of losing coverage. Under the new “community engagement” requirements, individuals receiving treatment for cancer, developmental disabilities, and other complex conditions could lose critical protections, as states would be forced to navigate significant new administrative burdens.\n\n“We urge the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to withdraw its Interim Final Rule (IFR) implementing Medicaid “community engagement” requirements under H.R. 1, particularly the medical frailty exemption. These work reporting requirements passed by Congressional Republicans and signed by President Donald Trump last year will not increase employment, but instead risk causing thousands of Rhode Islanders and millions of Americans to lose their health coverage during an affordability crisis,” wrote the lawmakers. “CMS must delay implementation and reconsider the rule before vulnerable and medically fragile individuals needlessly lose access to essential health care.”\n\nA copy of the full letter can be found HERE.\n\nBackground\n\nAs a member of the House Budget Committee, Congressman Amo has consistently opposed Trump’s cuts to Americans’ health care.\n\nIn April 2026, Amo grilled Trump’s Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Russell Vought, over his efforts to slash health care funding, forcing states to make impossible choices and pushing working families to the brink.\n\nIn December 2025, Congressman Amoled a town hall with HealthSource RI to answer Rhode Islander’s questions about health care coverage because of the Republican health care crisis.\n\nAmo joined behavioral and mental health leaders at Butler Hospital in October 2025 to discuss how Republican attacks on health care impede Rhode Islanders’ ability to access care.\n\nIn September 2025, Congressman Amo rallied with HealthSource RI Director Lindsay Lang, health care providers, patients, and community leaders at Blackstone Valley Community Health Care to demand that Republicans extend cost-saving Affordable Care Act health insurance tax credits that help Americans afford health care.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4609", "title": "Arrington Advances Reconciliation 3.0", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "arrington.house.gov", "scraper": "arrington", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000375", "name": "Jodey C. Arrington", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Budget Committee passed the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2027, a critical first step in unlocking the reconciliation process to support our troops, secure our elections, and strengthen our food supply.\n\nUpon passage of the resolution, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX–19) issued the following statement:\n\n“Republicans are united and undeterred in our fight to restore America's greatness,” said Chairman Arrington. “We don't have a country if we can't defend it, and we don't have a democracy if people can't trust the outcome of our elections. Passing Reconciliation 3.0 will support our troops, secure our elections, and SAVE America.”\n\nChairman Arrington delivered the following opening remarks at today's committee markup.\n\nClick here to watch.\n\nRemarks as delivered:\n\nAfter four years of lawlessness, incompetence, and what I think most Americans believe was a radical agenda after suffering one self-inflicted crisis after another, from the border chaos, to the cost-of-living crisis, 40-year-high inflation, to the projection of weakness on the world stage—the American people said, \"Enough.\"\n\nIn the historic 2024 election, the American people overwhelmingly elected Donald Trump and unified Republican leadership here in Washington.\n\nFrom day one, President Trump has hit the ground at Mach speed and moved with more purpose and urgency than any president in modern history, certainly in my lifetime. He has secured the border and stopped the flow of crime, criminals, and drugs that have been pouring into our communities and threatening the safety of our families.\n\nHe has rebuilt the military not on woke ideology but on warfighting, providing for the common defense, and restoring peace through strength.\n\nHe stopped the unfair trade practices that were perpetrated on our great nation, leveled the playing field for our farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and our workers.\n\nHe declared war on fraud. One million dollars every minute of every hour of every day for a year is what is leaking in fraud out of the people's government, and he has a whole-of-government attack on that—over $500 billion a year in fraud.\n\nHe's ended the gravy train, free-rider foreign dependence on America's defense, and a whole lot of other things that are making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.\n\nFor our part, Republicans in Congress passed the first reconciliation bill with no help from our Democrat colleagues to stop what would be the largest tax hike in history. We advanced what was the largest tax cut in history, providing permanent tax relief to hardworking Americans.\n\nWe also, in reconciliation one, ended the Green New disaster that was crushing American families and consumers with high energy prices and weakening our country. So, we're restoring American energy dominance.\n\nWe rooted out record savings in waste, fraud, and abuse: $1.6 trillion. That's twice as much as any Congress in the history of the United States. And I think, probably most importantly, we made the largest investment in the history of our country in national defense and border security.\n\nSo, we boosted the pay of our troops, along with their morale. And most importantly, we strengthened our military to provide for the common defense.\n\nAll of this, in the face of what I believe is unprecedented Democrat obstruction.\n\nSo let me make that case.\n\nExhibit A: the first longest shutdown in America's history.\n\nWe had an agreement. We put forward a clean continuing resolution to fund the government. We said, let's fund the government at what we agreed to fund it last year until we agree on how we're going to fund it this year.\n\nThe Democrats said no for the first time ever and shut the government down.\n\nHere were their demands: repeal the safeguards for American tax dollars to stop them from flowing to people who are not eligible, or who are here illegally, or are capable of working but refuse to work. So, repealing the work that we did to root out waste, fraud, and abuse—that was their demand.\n\nSecondly, later in the process, they demanded that we extend a COVID-era, fraud-ridden program that had defrauded taxpayers by tens of billions of dollars.\n\nThose were their unreasonable and ridiculous demands.\n\nFast forward: government shutdown number two.\n\nDemocrats held hostage the American people's safety and the Department of Homeland Security: our Coast Guardsmen who protect our ports, our Border Patrol who stand in the gap and risk their lives to defend our sovereign border, CISA agents who protect us against cyberattacks—all of it shut down because of what I would say is unserious and even dangerous demands that would have returned our country back to wide-open border chaos, and it would have imperiled the safety of our law enforcement.\n\nWe had to use Reconciliation 2.0 just to fund Homeland Security.\n\nMy Democrat colleagues would not do that unless we defunded ICE and CBP.\n\nSo, we had to use reconciliation as Republicans only—not a single Democrat—to open up Homeland and fund ICE and CBP.\n\nNot one Democrat voted to fund ICE and CBP.\n\nNow we're at Reconciliation 3.0.\n\nWe still have obstruction.\n\nI think as recently as two days ago, Democrats in the Senate said no collectively to what is historically a bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, which basically are the policies that undergird the entire Pentagon and America's military.\n\nThey've also held up FISA, which is a critical tool for our intelligence agencies to protect the American people.\n\nI can keep going down the list, but the message is loud, and it is clear to me that we're not going to get any help from our Democrat colleagues to do what I believe are two critical things to finish the fight that we said we would undertake for the people who gave us unified Republican leadership.\n\nHere's the first and most important one: support our troops in time of conflict.\n\nWe can debate where we are, why we're there. You can't debate supporting our sons and daughters in uniform who salute the Commander in Chief and risk their lives for our freedom, for our security, for our ideals, for our interests anywhere, anytime.\n\nThis is a defense supplemental. It should be bipartisan. We should be able to work collectively to stand with our troops.\n\nIt will not happen, ladies and gentlemen.\n\nWe are using reconciliation to just give baseline readiness—not Star Wars and Golden Dome and transformative modernization of the military, just the bombs, bullets, and battlefield readiness for our men and women in uniform to finish the fight successfully and return home safely—that's it.\n\nA $67 billion defense supplemental should be regular order.\n\nWe're going to use reconciliation because we're not going to let our troops be held hostage, like we saw our Coast Guardsmen and Border Patrol, etc.\n\nSecondly, we're going to strengthen our food supply.\n\nWe're not going to allow instability and a lack of resilience in the food supply.\n\nFood security is national security.\n\nWe're not going to be begging China or anybody to feed our families.\n\nThirdly, we have to do something to give confidence to the American people that there are, in fact, free, fair, and accurate elections.\n\nWe have a crisis in confidence in our elections.\n\nSay what you want about corruption and fraud, whether it is in pockets or pervasive, we have a public crisis in confidence.\n\nThis may be the greatest threat to our republic.\n\nVoter ID is not about politics; it's about public confidence, and it's an 80-20 issue.\n\nAnd we have put it on the floor. We have put it on the floor repeatedly and gotten zero help from our Democrat colleagues.\n\nBasic safeguards. Fundamental safeguards.\n\nYou need a voter ID to buy a six-pack of beer. You've got to show your ID to check into a hotel. Later on, we'll probably all be on an airplane. We'll have to show our ID.\n\nAnd yet, we're not getting any support to do that to give confidence and integrity to our elections.\n\nLook, voter ID is essential to the integrity of our elections.\n\nIntegrity in elections is indispensable as part of our representative government.\n\nEvery law passed by Congress, every judge confirmed, every president sworn into office derives their legitimacy from the confidence Americans have in our elections.\n\nIf Americans lose confidence in elections, they will lose confidence in our government, and even worse, they will lose confidence in their share of this great republic.\n\nWe celebrate 250 years. We all probably reread the Declaration of Independence.\n\nJust governments—the only just governments—derive their power from the consent of the governed.\n\nYou cannot have the consent of the governed, nor can you have a just government, if people don't have confidence—tens of millions of people—in the transfer of the will of the people to their representative leadership in this great nation.\n\nUntil we address that, we are walking on shaky ground, and we are hanging by a thin thread.\n\nSo, yes, we are going to use reconciliation to make a run at doing what we think will save this country for our children's future and for the remainder of this century.\n\nI can't think of a more important thing to work on.\n\nWe are united, and we are rallying to finish what we started when the American people sent us here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://babin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=14377", "title": "ICYMI: Fox News Publishes Rep. Brian Babin Op-Ed: \"SCOTUS Has Shown Congress a Path on Birthright Citizenship. Lawmakers Must Act.\"", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://babin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "babin.house.gov", "scraper": "babin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001291", "name": "Brian Babin", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Fox News published an op-ed by Congressman Brian Babin (R-TX), Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and author of the Birthright Citizenship Act, arguing that the Supreme Court has made clear that Congress must act to restore the original intent of the Fourteenth Amendment and reform America's birthright citizenship laws.\n\nIn the piece, Rep. Babin writes that Justice Brett Kavanaugh's recent concurrence outlined a legislative path forward, reinforcing that Congress, not the Executive Branch, is the proper institution to address birthright citizenship through federal law.\n\n\"The American people deserve an immigration system that rewards legal immigration, respects the Constitution, and places the interests of our citizens first,\" Babin writes. \"The Supreme Court has reinforced that lasting policy changes should come through the legislative process. My legislation provides exactly that vehicle.\"\n\nRep. Babin's Birthright Citizenship Act would clarify that automatic citizenship at birth applies only when at least one parent is:\n\n· A United States citizen or national;\n\n· A lawful permanent resident residing in the United States; or\n\n· A lawful immigrant serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces.\n\nIn the op-ed, Babin argues that the current interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment has created incentives for illegal immigration and birth tourism, citing recent investigations in Texas involving hospitals advertising \"birth packages\" for foreign nationals and alleged birth tourism operations.\n\n\"The Birthright Citizenship Act gives Congress the opportunity to restore integrity to our citizenship laws, eliminate incentives for illegal immigration, and reaffirm that American citizenship is a precious privilege—not an automatic entitlement available to anyone who crosses our borders,\" Babin writes.\n\nThe congressman concludes by urging lawmakers to act now.\n\n\"The time for debate alone has passed. The time for action is now.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2906", "title": "Bacon Announces $5.5 Million FAA Grant Supporting Eppley Airfield Expansion", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "bacon.house.gov", "scraper": "bacon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001298", "name": "Don Bacon", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Funding Brings Federal Support Bacon Has Helped Secure for Eppley to More Than $120 Million\n\nWashington, D.C. – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) announced today that Eppley Airfield received a $5,520,462 Fiscal Year 2026 Airport Improvement Program grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to support infrastructure improvements tied to the airport’s ongoing expansion. The funding will support reconstruction of the existing Locust Street Pump Station, including electrifying the pump motors and upgrading the control system to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.\n\nThroughout his ten years in Congress, Rep. Bacon has made improvements to Eppley Airfield one of his top priorities, helping secure more than $120 million through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Congressionally Directed Spending, Airport Improvement Program grants and other funding sources. These investments are supporting Eppley’s ongoing modernization, improving airport infrastructure, expanding capacity and strengthening Omaha’s connection to the rest of the country and the world.\n\n“It has been thrilling to see construction on the airport expansion take place and realize how much this will add to Omaha’s entrance,” said Rep. Bacon. “This latest grant builds on more than $120 million we have helped secure for Eppley Airfield and will support important infrastructure upgrades as the airport continues its transformation. This expansion will enable Eppley to meet the travel needs of the growing metropolitan Omaha area and welcome international flights. It will shape our region’s future for many decades to come and be vital for Omaha’s economy. I’m pleased to work with the leaders at Eppley and Sen. Fischer in creating what will become the best airport in the Midwest.”\n\n“This is fantastic news for Eppley Airport and the millions of travelers who rely on it. These continued federal investments are helping improve the capacity, safety, and efficiency of the airport. I am proud of the work Rep. Bacon and I have done to direct federal resources to Eppley over the years, and we will continue to do so in the future,” said Sen. Fischer.\n\n“The Omaha Airport Authority was pleased to be notified by Congressman Bacon’s office that Eppley Airfield will be receiving a Federal Aviation Administration grant from the Airport Improvement Program for upgrades to utility infrastructure at Eppley Airfield,” said Dave Roth, Chief Executive Officer of the Omaha Airport Authority. “The funds will support resilience of critical systems including upgrades to the primary storm water pumping station for the airfield and terminal areas.”\n\nThe Locust Street Pump Station project will replace and enhance existing diesel-fueled pump equipment with electric drive motors, rehabilitate stormwater pumps, upgrade controls and support related electrical improvements. The grant funds a portion of the project and is associated with a Congressionally Directed Spending grant that funds the remaining eligible portion.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2581", "title": "Congressman Baird Introduces Bill to Give States, Territories, and Tribes a Stronger Voice at EPA", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://baird.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "baird.house.gov", "scraper": "baird", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001307", "name": "James R. Baird", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) introduced H.R. 9663 the State Standing Committee Act. This bill establishes a State Standing Committee to advise the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The committee would give on-the-ground experience from each state and region counseling EPA decisions.\n\n\"The federal government always does better when local input is paramount in its decision making,\" said Congressman Baird. \"The EPA is no different, and this State Standing Committee can provide the key information, context, and expertise that only come from the states, territories, and tribes where much of the EPA’s work originates. I strongly urge my fellow committee members to pass the State Science Committee Act. Local experts should have input in the decisions directly affecting their own communities.\"\n\nThe State Standing Committee (SSC) would serve as a complementary body to the Science Advisory Board (SAB), which is tasked with providing the EPA Administrator national-level scientific counsel. However, unlike SAB members, who are appointed based on a broad range of backgrounds and qualifications, SSC members would be employees of state, territorial, or tribal agencies. By creating a formal mechanism for submitting region-specific scientific and technical advice, the SSC would help ensure that local expertise is represented and more effectively integrates local perspectives into federal policymaking and regulatory actions. When appropriate, SSC members could convene working groups to address regional or multi-jurisdictional issues.\n\nAdditional Background:\n\nThe State Standing Committee would include one member from each state, federal district, federal territory, and federally recognized tribe to advise the EPA on agency decisions.\n\nThe bill also expands the Science Advisory Board's authority to receive matters not only from the EPA Administrator but also appropriate congressional committees.\n\nMember Qualifications:\n\nReside within their respective state, federal district, federal territory, or federally recognized tribe.\n\nBe employed by a government agency within their respective jurisdiction responsible for environmental protection, natural resources, agriculture, or regulatory compliance with environmental standards.\n\nPossess relevant education, training, or professional experience to evaluate scientific or technical information.\n\nTo avoid conflicts of interest, State Standing Committee members may not simultaneously serve on or be employed by the EPA’s Science Advisory Board.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=775", "title": "Rep. Balint Introduces Amendment to Republican Budget Resolution to Stop Funding for Unauthorized War in Iran", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "balint.house.gov", "scraper": "balint", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001318", "name": "Becca Balint", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) introduced an amendment during the House Budget Committee's markup of the Republican budget resolution to strike $73 billion in funding for President Trump's unauthorized war in Iran.\n\nBalint's amendment would have prohibited funding for military action that has not been explicitly authorized by Congress, reaffirming Congress's constitutional authority to declare war and rejecting what she called another Republican \"blank check\" for President Trump's military escalation.\n\n\"A colleague on the other side earlier in this hearing said this was all a game...It's not a game at all. It's deadly serious,\" said Rep. Balint during the committee markup. \"Americans are disgusted when we think of the work that we do here as a game. And it's truly astounding that we're here, again, considering a highly partisan budget resolution for a third Republican reconciliation bill that increases costs and does nothing to help the people back home. So, let's level set. What are we doing here? Why are we here today? This is about waging war, a war that we were told for the last five months isn't really a war.\"\n\nBalint criticized Republicans for rushing the budget resolution through committee with little transparency while proposing tens of billions of dollars in additional military spending without identifying how it would be paid for.\n\n\"My [Republican] colleagues constantly howl that the deficit is one of the nation's greatest challenges, yet this resolution contains no substantive ideas for how to pay for this massive increase in spending,” Balint said. “Meanwhile, we hear constantly that we can't possibly afford healthcare or food for Americans...and yet, when it comes to approving tens of billions of dollars in additional Pentagon spending, they’re a rubber stamp...there's always time for more war.\"\n\nBalint noted that Congress had already passed a bipartisan War Powers Resolution directing the President to end U.S. military involvement in Iran absent explicit congressional authorization.\n\n\"Republicans are in charge of Congress, and they have repeatedly written a blank check for however much Donald Trump wants to pay for any of his pet projects and priorities. They have given up the people's power spelled out in Article I of the Constitution,” she remarked. “Our power as members of Congress is the people's power. That's why I'm introducing an amendment that would prohibit any spending on unauthorized wars, striking the $73 billion in spending [dedicated for the Department of Defense.]\"\n\nLater, Balint pushed back against Republican claims that opposing the funding package would weaken national security.\n\n\"With all due respect, Mr. Chair, I am sick and tired of hearing from my colleagues on the other side that Democrats want to put national security at risk. Tired of it. When I've got family members of people who are in harm's way right now in the Middle East, who are put in harm's way in Venezuela, who don't have confidence that we are making smart decisions about how we spend our military money. So please, spare me,” said Balint. “The bottom line is that this budget resolution is a poorly planned, poorly drafted backdoor deal to pay for President Trump's decision to start a war with Iran. It's irresponsible. He didn't know how he was going to get out of it. And we see it played out every single day on the news. We deserve so much better than that.”\n\nBalint urged her colleagues to support her amendment and reject the Republican budget resolution, arguing it prioritizes funding an unauthorized war over lowering costs and investing in the needs of American families. Ultimately, the amendment failed on a party-line vote, with every Republican on the committee voting against it.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://bera.house.gov/news/press-releases/bera-house-intelligence-committee-democrats-call-on-intelligence-community-leadership-to-rebut-trump-s-election-lies", "title": "Bera, House Intelligence Committee Democrats Call on Intelligence Community Leadership to Rebut Trump’s Election Lies", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bera.house.gov/news", "domain": "bera.house.gov", "scraper": "bera", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001287", "name": "Ami Bera", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) joined House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Ranking Member Jim Himes (CT-04) and all other Democratic members of the Committee in sending a letter to Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel, and National Security Agency Director Joshua Rudd. The Members called on the Intelligence Community leaders to protect the integrity and independence of their agencies and reject efforts to use intelligence to advance President Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election.\n\nThe letter comes ahead of President Trump’s speech tonight where he reportedly plans to reveal foreign plans to interfere in the 2020 election.\n\n“It is concerning that at a time when the Intelligence Community is not complying with its legal responsibilities to protect our upcoming elections, it appears focused instead on discrediting past elections without evidence,” the Members wrote. “The facts of the 2020 election have long been settled. The Intelligence Community assessed in a declassified Intelligence Community Assessment from 2021 that, ‘We have no indications that any foreign actor attempted to interfere in the 2020 US elections by altering any technical aspect of the voting process.’ No intelligence to the contrary has ever been provided to the Committee, despite repeated requests for updates. This declassified finding is backed by detailed intelligence in a classified version of the same assessment, including a version that remains restricted to the Gang of 8. Notably, this Intelligence Community Assessment was prepared during President Trump’s first term in office and coordinated by then-Director of National Intelligence Ratcliffe.”\n\nThe Members continued: “The President is within his authority to declassify intelligence, but if he does so in a way that is intended to mislead Americans about the most basic foundation of our democracy and that may compromise sources and methods, it is incumbent on you to stand up for the agencies you lead. Before any intelligence is publicly disclosed, it should be coordinated with all relevant Intelligence Community elements, reviewed under applicable analytic tradecraft standards, and provided to the congressional intelligence committees.”\n\n“We remind you that you are statutorily obligated to keep the Committee fully and currently informed, a requirement that should include notification of new intelligence related to election influence or interference as well as any significant declassification. A reckless effort to weaponize intelligence to support false claims about election security will have a lasting and destructive impact on the relationship between the Intelligence Community and its oversight committees, as well as on the trust of the American people. We sincerely hope you do not go down that road,” they concluded.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://bera.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-bera-introduces-legislation-to-protect-america-s-diplomatic-workforce", "title": "Rep. Bera Introduces Legislation to Protect America’s Diplomatic Workforce", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bera.house.gov/news", "domain": "bera.house.gov", "scraper": "bera", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001287", "name": "Ami Bera", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, introduced the Protecting America’s Diplomatic Workforce Act, legislation to safeguard employees at the Department of State and other foreign affairs agencies from unjustified reductions in force.\n\nThis week marks one year since more than 1,350 dedicated Civil and Foreign Service employees were terminated from the Department of State without adequate justification. Congress still has not received clear answers about the basis for these dismissals or the resulting loss of institutional expertise from America’s diplomatic workforce.\n\n“America’s diplomats and civil servants play an essential role in protecting our national security, assisting Americans overseas, and advancing our interests around the world,” said Representative Bera. “The mass dismissals carried out one year ago lacked the transparency, justification, and careful planning that decisions of this magnitude demand.”\n\n“This legislation would ensure future workforce reductions are based on merit, subject to meaningful congressional oversight, and carefully evaluated for their impact on America’s diplomatic presence and advance our values and interests around the world,” Bera continued. “We cannot afford to lose experienced public servants and decades of institutional knowledge without a clear and compelling justification.”\n\n“AFSA welcomes the introduction in the House of the Protecting America’s Diplomatic Workforce Act, which would restore transparency, fairness, and merit-based standards to the Foreign Service reduction-in-force process,” said American Foreign Service Association President John Dinkelman. “The bill would reverse the administration’s unilateral 2025 changes, codify longstanding RIF procedures, restore worldwide competition, and eliminate the nonsensical practice of treating individual offices as separate competitive areas.”\n\nThe legislation would apply to the Department of State, United States Agency for International Development, Millennium Challenge Corporation, United States International Development Finance Corporation, Peace Corps, Foreign Agricultural Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Foreign Commercial Service, United States Trade and Development Agency, and United States Agency for Global Media and its networks.\n\nOriginal co-sponsors of this legislation are Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), and Mike Quigley (IL-05).\n\nIn 2025, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen introduced companion legislation in the Senate.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9162", "title": "Beyer, Meeks, Walkinshaw, Titus Introduce Legislation to Expedite Return of Career Diplomats Wrongfully Forced Out of State Department", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "beyer.house.gov", "scraper": "beyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001292", "name": "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV), and Congressman James Walkinshaw (D-VA) today introduced the Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act to help rebuild America’s diplomatic corps by eliminating unnecessary and unprecedented barriers for experienced Foreign Service Officers who were involuntarily separated during the Trump Administration's mass reductions in force (RIF) beginning in January 2025. The legislation would allow eligible officers to return to service without having to retake the same written and oral entry exams they already passed before their service.\n\nNormally, Foreign Service Officers reappointed within five years of leaving the Service are not required to retake the Foreign Service Officer Test or its written and oral examination components to rejoin the Service after separation. The Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act would authorize the Secretary of State to waive those entry examinations when reappointing eligible career Foreign Service Officers who were involuntarily separated through RIFs between January 20, 2025, and January 31, 2030. The legislation applies only to career Foreign Service Officers who were serving in good standing at the time of their dismissal.\n\n“President Trump and Secretary Rubio’s reckless purge of the State Department inflicted lasting damage on America’s diplomatic capacity by driving out some of our nation's most experienced public servants,” said Rep. Beyer. “Our Foreign Service Officers have dedicated their lives to advancing America's interests, protecting our national security, supporting American citizens overseas, and strengthening our alliances abroad. After years of distinguished service, they shouldn’t have to jump through unnecessary bureaucratic hoops to return to jobs they never should have lost in the first place.”\n\n“The Trump purge of seasoned experts from the State Department have jeopardized the State Department, U.S. National Security and led to the greatest brain drain from our diplomatic corps in modern history,” said Ranking Member Meeks. “This legislation takes a positive step towards making it easier to reemploy those who were baselessly fired from their posts, and re-infuse our diplomatic corps with the expertise needed to address today’s many modern challenges.\"\n\n“Those who dutifully served as Foreign Service officers before the Trump Administration wrongfully terminated their service included some of our most talented and skilled international affairs experts in the United States government,” said Rep. Titus. “Our national security cannot afford to lose this institutional knowledge. The Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act would remove a barrier of reentry for these officers and ensure that they can continue to serve their country and foster a critical aspect of the nation’s soft power.”\n\n“The Trump Administration’s cuts to the State Department have cost our country experienced diplomatic talent critical to protecting our national security and advancing America’s interests abroad,” said Rep. Walkinshaw. “I’m proud to support Congressman Don Beyer’s Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act, which ensures career Foreign Service Officers forced out through no fault of their own do not have to retake a test for jobs they are already qualified to hold. This commonsense legislation will help strengthen America’s diplomatic corps and make our nation safer.”\n\nCongressman Johnny Olszewski (D-MD) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) are original co-sponsors of the Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act.\n\nThis legislation is also supported by the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).\n\n“The Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act would quickly bring back experienced professionals who were involuntarily separated through no fault of their own, while protecting them from future policies requiring them to retake any part of the entrance exam,” said AFSA President John Dinkelman. “With critical staffing gaps, we cannot afford to sideline proven talent and years of institutional knowledge when they are ready to return and fill essential roles for our country.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-opposes-funding-bill-and-amendment-that-undermines-diplomacy-and-regional-security", "title": "Congressman Bishop Opposes Funding Bill and Amendment that Undermines Diplomacy and Regional Security", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "bishop.house.gov", "scraper": "bishop", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B000490", "name": "Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement after voting against an amendment offered by Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky to the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. The amendment prohibited funds in the bill from being used for Israel as well as humanitarian aid for Palestinian refugees and civilians in Gaza.\n\n“Today, I opposed the Fiscal Year 2027 funding bill that funds our State Department and provides the resources to implement American foreign policy. This bill will lead to the continued erosion of American diplomacy, a foreign policy that ignores our highest ideals, and compromises our national security.\n\n“I also could not support the Massie Amendment. While it drew attention to how our support, including military aid, can be misused and abused, its broad language effectively cut off our nose to spite our face. I remain committed to supporting the rights, security, freedom, and self-determination of both Israelis and Palestinians. I remain opposed to expanding settlements and occupation.\n\n“But this amendment does not limit its effects to just Israelis and Palestinians. It jeopardizes the investment we need in regional missile defense and our ability to counter other regional state and non-state groups that threaten the United States.\n\n“This amendment did not enjoy bipartisan support and no Republicans, other than Congressman Massie, supported the measure. If we are going to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve a just and sustainable resolution, we need to work together to find a bipartisan solution.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/democratic-veterans-celebrate-defeat-republican-attack-veterans", "title": "Democratic Veterans Celebrate Defeat of Republican Attack on Veterans’ Benefits", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "bobbyscott.house.gov", "scraper": "bobbyscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000185", "name": "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, for the second time, U.S. House Republicans were forced to withdraw a flawed Republican bill, H.R. 9237, from floor consideration. This followed strong opposition from members of the Democratic Veterans Caucus highlighting how the bill would represent the largest cut to veterans’ benefits in history, including cutting benefits for common conditions like tinnitus and sleep apnea and raising fees on VA home loans.\n\nFollowing today’s withdrawal of this bill to cut veterans benefits, members of the Democratic Veterans Caucus Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), and Herb Conway (NJ-03) released the following joint statement.\n\n“Today, the House rallied around veterans and rejected this partisan attack on veterans’ benefits and the VA.\n\n“Members of the Democratic Veterans Caucus led the fight against this bill, and we will always come together to stand up for our troops and our fellow veterans.\n\n“House Republicans should think twice before ever again taking benefits away from our veterans in the name of ‘fiscal responsibility’ after they added trillions to the debt with their One Big Beautiful Bill and are trying to force through $67 Billion supplemental to pay for the disastrous Iran War.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-secures-stronger-protections-table-rock-lake-homeowners-wrda-2026", "title": "Rep. Burlison Secures Stronger Protections for Table Rock Lake Homeowners in WRDA 2026", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "burlison.house.gov", "scraper": "burlison", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001316", "name": "Eric Burlison", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) today announced that the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, including provisions he secured to help resolve longstanding property issues affecting homeowners around Table Rock Lake.\n\nFor years, some property owners have faced uncertainty stemming from decades-old property-line issues involving land managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After Congress attempted to resolve the issue in the last WRDA, the Corps adopted an interpretation contrary to legislative intent, resulting in sustained issues for homeowners on Table Rock Lake. As a result, Burlison began working with Corps leadership under the Trump administration and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee leaders to strengthen the law and provide clearer statutory direction for the Corps. The updated language is intended to provide a durable framework for resolving those longstanding cases while preserving the integrity of Table Rock Lake.\n\n\"This has been an issue for years, and I'm grateful we were able to bring everyone to the table to find the right solution,\" said Rep. Burlison. \"I appreciate everyone who worked in good faith to strengthen this language. I believe it provides the clarity needed to move forward and the certainty homeowners have been waiting for.\"\n\nBurlison thanked Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rick Larsen, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle, Lieutenant General William H. Graham Jr., Major General Kimberly Peeples Walter, and the many homeowners and local stakeholders whose persistence helped make the legislation possible.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases/news-casar-oversight-democrats-demand-investigation-ice-murdering-lorenzo", "title": "NEWS: Casar, Oversight Democrats Demand Investigation of ICE Murdering Lorenzo Salgado Araujo", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "casar.house.gov", "scraper": "casar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001131", "name": "Greg Casar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35), lead Democrat on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement, led Texas Democrats on the committee demanding an investigation into the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents.\n\nCasar is joined by Reps. Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Christian Menefee (TX-18).\n\nIn letters to the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General and to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, the members: demanded an independent investigation of the shooting; called for release of body and dash cam footage of the incident; and demanded protections for three witnesses to the shooting who may be being pressured to self-deport before an investigation can be concluded. The three witnesses are: Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego, Daniel Tirado Pantoja, and Mr. Salgado Araujo’s brother, Victor Hugo Salgado Araujo.\n\nThe letters raise concerns that officers involved in the shooting have been moved out of Houston, that ICE is not collaborating with local law enforcement and the Harris County District Attorney’s office, and that three surviving witnesses are being pressured to self-deport.\n\nIn a letter to the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General (DHS IOG), the members demand the IG’s investigation be “independent, transparent, and thorough.” They write that DHS IOG must maintain and preserve all available evidence, and that it must \"immediately report to us any further delays or denials of access to evidence.” They also call for release of “all body worn camera and dash cam footage” and all recorded communication between officers around the shooting.\n\n“The pattern of lies to cover up DHS misconduct is well-documented,” they say. “It is therefore critical that the Inspector General’s investigation into Mr. Araujo’s death be independent, transparent, and thorough.”\n\nA copy of the IG letter is available here.\n\nIn a separate letter to Acting ICE Director David Venturella, the members ask that ICE issue a stay on the removal of the three witnesses and release them from detention. They also demand that ICE preserve all available evidence and share it with DHS’ Office of Inspector General, and that it release “all body worn camera and dash cam footage” and all recorded communication between officers around the shooting.\n\nA copy of the letter to Director Venturella is available here.\n\n###\n\nCongressman Greg Casar represents Texas’s 35th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which runs down I-35 from East Austin to Hays County to the West Side of San Antonio. A labor organizer and son of Mexican immigrants, Casar serves as the Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus for the 119th Congress. He also serves on the Committee on Education and Labor and the Committee on Oversight and Accountability.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4954", "title": "Case Introduces Bipartisan Measure To Boost Affordable Housing Nationwide In Areas Designated For Transit Oriented Development", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "domain": "case.house.gov", "scraper": "case", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001055", "name": "Ed Case", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01), joined by Delegate James Moylan (Guam), has co-introduced his bipartisan Transit Oriented Development Act to drive greater development of affordable housing in areas designated for transit oriented development such as along the Honolulu Skyline.\n\n“The affordable housing shortage remains one of the most significant drivers of the unacceptably high cost of living facing most Americans”, said Case. “In my home state of Hawaiʻi, this crisis is particularly acute. Housing costs consume an outsized share of household income, forcing working families to make impossible choices between rent, groceries and health care.\n\n“Far too many of our keiki and kamaʻāina find themselves priced out of the communities they call home. To truly address affordability, we must not only increase the supply of housing but do so in ways that reflect the unique economic realities of our communities and lower overall living costs for families. That means building housing that is attainable, affordable, well-located and connected to jobs and services.”\n\nCase added: “One of the most important federal tools we have to do that is the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which has long been one of our nation's most successful programs for financing affordable rental housing. Yet the current allocation structure does not always reflect the significant differences in housing costs and development challenges that exist across the country. Because allocations are based principally on population, communities facing exceptionally high housing costs—including Hawaiʻi and other non-contiguous jurisdictions—often face greater difficulty producing affordable housing despite having substantial need.”\n\n“For families on Guam, the challenge isn’t just finding affordable housing—it’s finding housing that keeps them connected to jobs, schools, healthcare, and essential services,” said Delegate Moylan. “As America’s westernmost territory, we face unique development constraints and higher construction costs. This bipartisan legislation recognizes those realities by strengthening incentives to build affordable housing in communities where transportation and opportunity come together. I’m proud to co-lead this effort because it helps ensure federal housing policy works not only for the mainland, but for Guam and all of our island communities as well.”\n\n\"Increasing the TOD basis boost would significantly improve project feasibility around our lands in East Kapolei, including next to the Ka Makana Aliʻi Shopping Center, as well as in Moanalua Kai,” said Kali Watson, director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. \"The additional 25% basis boost would generate approximately $38,000 to $58,000 in additional equity per housing unit, or roughly $3.8 to $5.8 million for a 100-unit project. This would substantially reduce the financing gap and allow more housing for beneficiaries and further revenue-generating opportunities to advance the mission of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920.\"\n\n“I am pleased to support the reintroduction of the TOD legislation that I originally introduced in the 117th Congress in collaboration with Congressman Case,” said Kaialiʻi Kahele, Chairman of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and former U.S. Congressman for the Second District of Hawaiʻi.\n\n“The enhanced basis adjustment aligns with OHA’s strategic presence within the Iwilei–Kapālama Transit-Oriented Development area, including the proposed Kūwili Skyline Station, and provides an incentive for OHA’s future mixed-use development plans that integrate cultural revitalization, community services, and sustainable revenue generation.”\n\n\"The City is laying the foundation for one of Hawaiʻi's largest transit-oriented redevelopment efforts through the master planning of the Iwilei-Kūwili district, where our long-term vision includes more than 2,500 affordable homes surrounding the future Kūwili Skyline Station,” said Kevin D. Auger, Director, City and County of Honolulu Department of Housing and Land Management.\n\n“Delivering projects of this scale requires strategic land assembly, strong public-private partnerships, and financing tools that reflect the realities of building affordable housing in high-cost communities like Honolulu. Legislation that strengthens the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit for transit-oriented development would provide another important tool to help communities advance these critical housing initiatives and create more affordable homes near transit.\"\n\n\"Congressman Case's Transit-Oriented Development Act recognizes that affordable housing and high-quality public transportation go hand in hand,” said Roger Morton, Director, City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services. “For Honolulu, this legislation complements our investment in Skyline by encouraging more affordable housing near transit, reducing transportation costs for working families, and creating more connected, sustainable communities. We appreciate Congressman Case's leadership in advancing this practical approach for Hawaiʻi.\"\n\n“The Transit Oriented Development Act will help create a safer, more resilient, equitable, reliable, and efficient transportation system, said Mark Garrity, Executive Director of the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (Oahu MPO). “OahuMPO strongly supports this critical legislation.”\n\n\"This is simple and smart legislation that will stimulate affordable housing development along side of the transportation infrastructure that the government has invested in,” said Craig Watase, Chief Executive Officer of Mark Development, a developer of affordable housing in Hawaiʻi. “This will be a major factor in project feasibility of many affordable housing projects.\"\n\nCase continued: “Our Transit Oriented Development Act takes a targeted approach to addressing that challenge. The bill provides an enhanced Low-Income Housing Tax Credit incentive for affordable housing developments located within designated transit oriented development areas. This includes places that are already served by rail, bus, harbor or waterway transportation and are zoned for higher-density development.\n\n“By encouraging affordable housing near existing transportation infrastructure, we can help reduce transportation costs for residents, improve access to jobs and essential services and support more efficient and sustainable community growth.”\n\nText of the Transit Oriented Development Act of 2026 is here\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-introduces-bill-to-increase-transparency-for-proxy-voting-support-shareholder-rights", "title": "Casten Introduces Bill to Increase Transparency for Proxy Voting, Support Shareholder Rights", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "casten.house.gov", "scraper": "casten", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001117", "name": "Sean Casten", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) introduced the Multi-Class Stock Company Voting Transparency Act, legislation that directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to improve the transparency of the voting results at multi-class companies and strengthen the quality of information available to investors.\n\n“The Multi-Class Stock Company Voting Transparency Act would help American retirement savers, pension funds, and university endowments better understand exactly how multi-class stock structures are impacting their rights as shareholders,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “Investors deserve to know whether the board’s response to the outcome of a proposal reflects the preferences of the majority of shareholders—or whether super vote shareholders swayed the results.”\n\nShareholder proposals are an important mechanism for promoting good governance, corporate accountability, and transparency at public companies. The shareholder proposal process enables investors to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the companies that they own and offer their perspectives on important, financially material issues.\n\nAbout 75% of publicly traded companies have shares with equal voting rights, where one share represents one vote on the shareholder proposals that are presented at a company’s annual meeting. The remaining 25% of companies sell shares with differential voting rights, which are known as multi-class or dual-class structures. For example, a company may offer Class A shares that are in line with the ‘one share, one vote’ principle to the general public. Class B shares that represent 10 votes per share may be reserved for founders, executives, and industry insiders. This provides them with significantly more voting power, and, therefore, they can significantly influence the voting outcomes of shareholder proposals.\n\nCurrent SEC rules require that all public companies disclose the aggregate vote tallies for each shareholder proposal and whether each proposal passed or failed. The Multi-Class Stock Company Voting Transparency Act directs the SEC to conduct a rulemaking to require that multi-class companies also disclose the total number of votes cast for, against, or withheld on by Class A shareholders and Class B shareholders on each proposal, alongside other required disclosure information.\n\nThe legislation has been endorsed by the Council of Institutional Investors (CII).\n\nText of the legislation can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-booker-reintroduce-bicameral-bill-to-expand-advanced-coursework-opportunities-for-underrepresented-students", "title": "Castro, Booker Reintroduce Bicameral Bill to Expand Advanced Coursework Opportunities for Underrepresented Students", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "castro.house.gov", "scraper": "castro", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001091", "name": "Joaquin Castro", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced the Advanced Coursework Equity Act, bicameral legislation that would create a federal grant program to help states and school districts increase the enrollment of underrepresented students in advanced coursework and academic programs. The Advanced Coursework Equity Act would allow eligible schools and school districts to receive up to $60 million to implement universal screening for advanced students, expand enrollment in advanced courses, cover course fees for low-income students, train or hire teachers for advanced courses, prepare students for postsecondary STEM pathways, and create or expand related efforts.\n\nBlack, Latino, and Native American students, students from low-income families, English learners, and students with disabilities are underrepresented in advanced programs and courses. While 1 in 10 students in American schools participate in the Advanced Placement (AP) program, just over 1 in 20 low-income, Black, and Native American students participate in these courses. A low-income student with reading and math achievement levels equal to those of a high-income student is half as likely to receive gifted services.\n\n“Students at schools with fewer resources have immense talent, and should have the same opportunity to take advanced courses as their peers in wealthier school districts,” said Congressman Castro. “The Advanced Coursework Equity Act would support schools by covering exam fees and costs to hire and train teachers, helping students reach their full potential. Too often, students in low-income districts do not have the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities to colleges and universities, and that needs to change.”\n\n“In classrooms across this country, there are brilliant young people whose gifts go unseen—not because they lack promise, but because opportunity never found them. Every child deserves more than a chance to learn; they deserve a real pathway to reach their fullest potential, no matter their ZIP code,” said Senator Booker. “The Advanced Coursework Equity Act gives every student a fair shot by ensuring they are identified for their potential, removing the cost barriers that keep too many from advanced coursework and AP exams, and expanding access to rigorous classes in every school—not just those in wealthier communities.”\n\n“Equal opportunity is about access, but right now, too many Black and Latino students are being denied access to rigorous coursework that is engaging and meets high standards. This means being denied a path to an enriching high school experience, success in higher education, and a rewarding career. The obstacles Black and Latino students face, including resource inequities and educator bias, can prevent their enrollment in advanced math and algebra in middle school and AP or IB courses in high schools. These structural barriers must be torn down and opportunity built up. That is why EdTrust is proud to endorse the Advanced Coursework Equity Act. Led by Senator Cory Booker and Congressman Joaquin Castro, this important legislation would eliminate barriers and increase the enrollment of traditionally underserved students in advanced courses. We urge Congress to advance this bill immediately and make real the promise of education equity for our nation’s underserved students,” said Denise Forte, president and CEO of EdTrust.\n\n“To truly unlock the potential of every student, we must remove the barriers that keep talented, underrepresented youth out of advanced classrooms. The Advanced Coursework Equity Act is a vital step forward, providing states and districts with the targeted resources needed to expand access, foster student success, and ensure that a student's background never dictates their academic trajectory. Teach Plus is proud to endorse this legislation, which builds a stronger runway for the next generation of leaders,” said Kira Orange Jones, CEO of Teach Plus.\n\nThe Advanced Coursework Equity Act is endorsed by The Education Trust, All4Ed, College Board, Advance CTE, National Association for Gifted Children, Latinos for Education, National Center for Learning Disabilities, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, TeachPlus, National Rural Education Association, UnidosUS, Intercultural Development Research Association, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, National Urban League, National Educators Association and E3 Alliance.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-leads-110-democrats-in-demanding-dilley-trailer-prison-be-shut-down", "title": "Castro Leads 110 Democrats in Demanding Dilley Trailer Prison Be Shut Down", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "castro.house.gov", "scraper": "castro", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001091", "name": "Joaquin Castro", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. —Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) led a group of 111 Democratic House members in a nationwide call to end family detention and shut down the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas. In the letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the lawmakers highlight the brutality of family detention and the lasting trauma inflicted on children.\n\nThe lawmakers outlined the conditions at the facility leading to lasting trauma, writing, “Parents describe horrendous conditions at Dilley, leading to severe depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation amongst their children. Children have reported that their food is often contaminated with worms and mold and that they feel sick after drinking tap water. Families also report not being able to sleep at night because the lights are kept on in their rooms throughout the night….Medical care provided by CoreCivic staff is delayed, denied, and in many cases outright dismissed, even when children are suffering life-threatening medical emergencies.”\n\nThe lawmakers highlighted DHS’s violations of court-ordered protections of children’s rights, writing, “Despite this cruelty, your agency violates the Flores Settlement Agreement by routinely detaining children and families past the general 20-day detention limitation governed by the Flores Settlement Agreement (FSA). The FSA requires that children in immigration custody must be held in the least restrictive setting appropriate to their needs and be detained no longer than 20 days in unlicensed facilities. The Trump Administration consistently and systematically violates these requirements.”\n\nThe lawmakers called on DHS to terminate its contract with CoreCivic and shut down the facility, writing, “Many kids cannot comprehend why their lives suddenly went from spending their days at school learning and playing with their friends to being imprisoned at Dilley with no end in sight. We demand that you terminate CoreCivic’s contract to operate the Dilley facility and shut down the Dilley Immigration Processing Center immediately.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Biden Administration shut down Dilley in June 2024 after several human rights violation concerns were raised, such as inhumane conditions inflicting trauma on children, women, and families. Since January 2026, Congressman Castro has conducted six congressional oversight visits to the Dilley Trailer Prison to inspect conditions and meet with mothers, children, and fathers.\n\nCongressman Castro added, “No child should be in a place like the Dilley Trailer Prison. Under Trump, ICE is ripping children away from their families, school, and lives. They are given food and water that makes them sick. The lights never go off and they can’t sleep. When they need medical care, they are often ignored. So many kids I met with, like Liam Ramos, are depressed. They don’t understand what they’ve done wrong to be locked away. They should be treated like kids—not criminals. I am grateful that over 100 of my colleagues in Congress are joining the fight to shut down the Dilley Trailer Prison. Dilley must be shut down and we will not stop until we free the children.”\n\nThe letter is co-signed by: Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Ami Bera (CA-06), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Herb Conaway (NJ-03), Lou Correa (CA-46), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Al Green (TX-09), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Pablo Hernández (PR-AL), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), John Larson (CT-01), George Latimer (NY-16), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Christian Menefee (TX-18), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Richard Neal (MA-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Darren Soto (FL-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Frederica Wilson (FL-24).", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415761", "title": "WATCH: 'Rep. Chris Smith Sounds Alarm on Rising Antisemitism & House Vote to Cut Aid to Israel'", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, sat down with Tony Perkins on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins to discuss the recent House vote to cut off U.S. aid to Israel, as well as the rising trend of antisemitism following the October 7th massacre.\n\nThe full interview can be viewed by clicking here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-garcia-condemns-trump-s-ongoing-election-subversion", "title": "Congressman García Condemns Trump’s Ongoing Election Subversion", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "chuygarcia.house.gov", "scraper": "chuygarcia", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000586", "name": "Jesús G. \"Chuy\" García", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement after President Donald Trump’s speech attempting to undermine the 2026 election:\n\n“Tonight’s unhinged speech is the beginning of Trump’s attempt to overthrow the 2026 midterm election and to smear and criminalize noncitizens. This is what our insecure, delusional President does: if he doesn’t like the outcome of an election, he does everything in his power to subvert it. While these debunked claims by Trump and his cronies may seem laughable, they are a dire threat to democracy in America. The January 6th insurrection showed the country and the world that Republicans in Congress lack the spine to stand up to Trump’s authoritarianism. Now is the time for communities nationwide to mobilize against a federal takeover of elections, ICE at polling sites, and Trump’s pathetic lies. Whether through filing lawsuits, educating voters, volunteering at polling sites, holding the media accountable, or other tactics, we all have a role to play in preserving our right to vote in the face of Trump’s ongoing assault on democracy.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-representative-juan-ciscomani-named-hero-main-street-national-retail", "title": "U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani Named Hero of Main Street by the National Retail Federation", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ciscomani.house.gov", "scraper": "ciscomani", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001133", "name": "Juan Ciscomani", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani’s outstanding leadership and tireless advocacy for the retail industry and small business has earned him the 2026 Hero of Main Street Award from the National Retail Federation.\n\nThe congressman accepted the award on Tuesday at the Federation’s Retail Advocates Summit in Washington, D.C.\n\n\"I’m incredibly honored to receive the 2026 Hero of Main Street Award from the National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association,\" said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. \"Businesses throughout our communities have faced the growing burden of organized retail crime, making it clear that a bipartisan solution was needed to make a positive change across Arizona’s Sixth District. These criminal organizations are not only harming small businesses and retailers, but they are also putting American consumers at risk of violence and fraud. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 provides concrete solutions to combat these crimes, which often fuel other illicit activities, including drug and human trafficking.\"\n\nCongressman Ciscomani earned the recognition in part for his leadership as an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 (H.R. 2853).\n\nThe legislation would:\n\nStrengthen law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute organized retail crime.\n\nExpand federal tools to combat money laundering and interstate retail theft operations.\n\nEstablish a coordination center within the Department of Homeland Security to improve collaboration against organized retail and supply chain crime.\n\nAccording to the Federation’s website, the award recognizes \"members of Congress for consistent support of the retail industry’s public policy priorities\" and who support policies and initiatives \"that recognize the important contributions of the retail industry and have worked to encourage a vibrant, sustained and healthy retail sector.\"\n\nSince taking office in 2023, Representative Ciscomani has prioritized supporting Arizona’s small businesses and protecting Main Street in Congress. In addition to cosponsoring the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, he has cosponsored six other bills for America’s small businesses. He remains committed to advancing policies that strengthen local retailers and promote economic opportunity for hardworking men and women.\n\nLocal leaders thanked Rep. Ciscomani for his continued work for small businesses throughout Arizona's Sixth Congressional District.\n\n\"Congressman Ciscomani has consistently made an effort to engage with Arizona’s business community and hear directly from employers about the opportunities and challenges they face,\" said Kristen Sharp, President and CEO of Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. \"We appreciate his willingness to participate in local business discussions and congratulate him on being recognized by the National Retail Federation with its Hero of Main Street Award.\"\n\n\"As a small business owner here in southern Arizona, I am grateful for Congressman Ciscomani’s strong advocacy for small business,\" said Josh Jacobsen, restaurant owner and co-founder of the Tucson Crime Free Coalition. \"Juan has proven time and time again that he will fight to ensure small businesses have the resources and tools they need to thrive. He has our back and we know he’s there for us when we need him. I want to thank Congressman Ciscomani for leading the effort of protecting small business and look forward to seeing the positive impact of legislation like the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 here in Arizona.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://cisneros.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cisneros-statement-lies-and-misinformation-about-us-elections-trumps", "title": "Rep. Cisneros Statement on Lies and Misinformation about U.S. elections in Trump’s Speech", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cisneros.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "cisneros.house.gov", "scraper": "cisneros", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001123", "name": "Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Gil Cisneros (CA-31) released the following statement on lies, deception, and misinformation in Trump’s speech.\n\n“Tonight, President Trump delivered a dishonest speech about alleged corruption in our election system, with no evidence to back up his baseless claims. This is just another thinly veiled attempt to create chaos and sow distrust in our elections. His mission is as obvious as it is corrupt. He’s doing everything in his power to lay the groundwork for fraud when Republicans lose their Congressional majorities in the 2026 midterms.\n\nFor all his talk of protecting our elections, his address was nothing more than an attempt to prop up the SAVE Act. His bill to prevent the American people from voting.\n\nWhile the President manufactures lies and promotes conspiracy, I’ll continue to champion voting rights, fight to ensure everyone can make their voices heard in our elections, and work to protect our democracy.”\n\nRep. Cisneros is a Navy veteran and the former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. He currently serves on the House Armed Services and Small Business Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-introduces-bill-to-create-interagency-council-on-affordable-housing/", "title": "CLARKE INTRODUCES BILL TO CREATE INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "domain": "clarke.house.gov", "scraper": "clarke", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001067", "name": "Yvette D. Clarke", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nJuly 16, 2026\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.913.0126\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) introduced the Interagency Council on Affordable Housing Act, legislation that would create an interagency council to analyze and strengthen affordable housing in the United States.\n\n“In New York City and across the nation, the longstanding need to increase the supply of affordable and accessible housing has only grown more urgent as rising costs continue to overwhelm Americans. Congress has both the ability to address this dire crisis and the responsibility to deliver solutions to overcome it,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “The Interagency Council on Affordable Housing and Preservation (ICAHP) established by my legislation would emerge as a key asset for aspiring homeowners and renters alike by protecting the programs that enabled them to become stably housed and providing pathways for millions more low-income Americans to receive the same safety and security housing provides. Addressing the housing crisis will demand bold, creative solutions that prioritize the needs and safety of the most vulnerable Americans. The ICAHP will be the key to finding them.”\n\nToday, 11 million extremely low-income households pay at least half of their income toward housing. The National Low Income Housing Coalition states that not one single state can meet the demand for safe, affordable housing. Only 33 affordable and available rental homes exist for every 100 extremely low-income renter households. The Interagency Council on Affordable Housing and Preservation would advise on expanding the stock of affordable housing, protecting public housing, rural housing, and housing voucher programs, developing eviction defense programs, combating rent gouging, and encouraging fairness in the rental market.\n\nThe legislation is co-sponsored by Reps. Wesley Bell, Troy Carter, Jesús “Chuy” Garcia, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Jonathan Jackson, Seth Magaziner, Jim McGovern, Donald Norcross, Chellie Pingree, Delia C. Ramirez, Mark Takano, and Rashida Tlaib.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the National Leased Housing Association.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2026/07/16/higginsreintroduces-legislation-to-combat-computer-generated-comment-abuse-in-federal-rulemaking/", "title": "Higgins Reintroduces Legislation to Combat Computer-Generated Comment Abuse in Federal Rulemaking", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "clayhiggins.house.gov", "scraper": "clayhiggins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001077", "name": "Clay Higgins", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) reintroduced H.R. 9643, the Comment Integrity and Management Act, legislation to protect the federal rulemaking process by requiring agencies to verify that public comments are submitted by humans. Read the bill text here.\n\nThis legislation responds to the growing usage of artificial intelligence and automated tools to flood agencies with large volumes of computer-generated comments. These tactics dilute the views of legitimate individuals and can lead to a false sense of public opinion. The bill was previously passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in May 2024.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-named-co-chair-house-democratic-task-force-defend", "title": "Congressman Cleaver Named Co-Chair of House Democratic Task Force to Defend 14th Amendment", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cleaver.house.gov", "scraper": "cleaver", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001061", "name": "Emanuel Cleaver", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), announced his appointment as Co-Chair of the newly established House Democratic Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force, a coalition of Members dedicated to protecting the constitutional guarantees of equal protection, due process, birthright citizenship, and civil rights in the face of ongoing legal and political challenges.\n\nRep. Cleaver joins Representatives Analilia Mejia (D-NJ), Emily Randall (D-WA), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), and Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) in leading the Task Force, which will coordinate congressional oversight, engage constitutional scholars and legal experts, educate the public, and respond to efforts that undermine the rights secured by the Fourteenth Amendment.\n\n“As someone whose life has been shaped by the Civil Rights Movement and whose ministry and public service have always been rooted in the pursuit of justice, I know the promises of our Constitution are only as strong as our willingness to defend them,” said Congressman Cleaver. “The 14th Amendment is the constitutional foundation for equal protection, due process, and civil rights in America. When those protections come under attack, we cannot afford silence or complacency. I am honored to help lead this Task Force as we work to ensure these constitutional guarantees remain real and meaningful for every American.”\n\n“The 14th Amendment reminds us that the promise of the Constitution belongs to all of us. It serves as the basis for the civil rights movement and ensures that every American has equal rights in this country, no matter who they are or where they come from. As Trump and Republicans attempt to undermine these liberties, House Democrats stand united in fighting for equal opportunity and equal protection under the law, and I’m grateful to Reps. Mejia, Cleaver, Randall, Simon and Subramanyam for their leadership in this fight,” said Chairman Pete Aguilar.\n\n“We are witnessing a coordinated campaign by the Trump administration and a radicalized Supreme Court to dismantle the fundamental freedoms forged in the aftermath of slavery and protected by the 14th Amendment, including the right to vote, equal protection and due process under the law, and the citizenship of every child born on this soil. This is a deliberate strategy to silence the communities who fought hardest to build this democracy and to strip them of the rights they bled for,” said Rep. Analilia Mejia. “I formed the Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force with my colleagues because these rights have never been self-executing — they have been won through struggle, defended through sacrifice, and they will be defended again. Democracy is only possible with equality, and equality is only made possible by the 14th Amendment.”\n\n“Last week's decision affirmed the actual words in the constitution — that if you are born in this country, you are a citizen of this country — but the fact the 4 justices dissented shows that we’re not safe from these continuous attacks from Donald Trump, his administration, and what is an activist and extremist conservative Supreme Court. We have to continue fighting to ensure that the citizens of the United States are protected and that nothing erodes that constitutional protection,” said Rep. Emily Randall.\n\n\"The 14th Amendment granted citizenship BOTH to formerly enslaved people and all persons born in this nation. While the Supreme Court did their basic job in affirming the Constitution, threats to our constitutional and civil rights remain,\" said Rep. Lateefah Simon. Republicans are hell bent on redrawing this nation in their image. The 14th Amendment was fought for - not given, and I join my colleagues as leaders of this Task Force and the continued effort to fight for and defend the 14th Amendment.\n\n“Birthright citizenship continues to be under attack by the President Trump and his administration. I am excited to join my colleagues as we push to protect the 14th Amendment and make sure we uphold it for generations to come. It is a core principle that belonging in this country is a right you are born with, not a gift that can be taken away,” said Rep. Suhas Subramanyam.\n\nFollowing the Task Force’s launch, Rep. Cleaver joined his fellow co-chairs on the House floor during a Special Order Hour focused on defending the Fourteenth Amendment and warning against efforts to erode constitutional rights incrementally.\n\n“History teaches us that constitutional rights are rarely lost all at once,” Rep. Cleaver said during his floor remarks. “They’re chipped away slowly - one exception, one excuse, one precedent at a time - until Americans wake up and discover that what once seemed guaranteed has quietly disappeared. We will defend equal protection. We will defend due process. We will defend birthright citizenship. And we will continue fighting until the promise of the 14th Amendment is not merely something we celebrate in history books, but something every American can experience in their daily lives.”\n\nWatch Rep. Cleaver’s remarks from the House floor here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleavers-statement-rep-massies-amendment-gop-foreign-aid", "title": "Congressman Cleaver’s Statement on Rep. Massie's Amendment to GOP Foreign Aid Budget Bill & Policy in the Middle East", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cleaver.house.gov", "scraper": "cleaver", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001061", "name": "Emanuel Cleaver", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), released the following statement on his vote on Rep. Thomas Massie’s amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 State Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act.\n\n“This Republican foreign aid bill debated yesterday decimates needed humanitarian aid and undercuts American diplomacy around the world. Republicans included an amendment to the bill by Rep. Massie that could block all foreign aid to Israel, including programs I strongly support that are focused on peacebuilding and humanitarian aid. I voted no on Rep. Massie’s amendment because I ardently believe in peacebuilding programs which are working daily to bring people together, rather than divide them.\n\n“Despite its title and messaging, the amendment was drafted in such a broad way that it leaves the Trump Administration, who will implement it, with wide discretion to decide which funding accounts should be blocked. This creates the false impression that Congress had ended their support. That’s not honest policymaking, and it’s not how we should approach an issue with such profound humanitarian consequences.\n\n“Israel has the right to exist and the right to defend their people, and I believe the U.S. should continue to have a strong strategic alliance with Israel. However, the status quo is not tenable; not for the Israeli people long term, not for the Palestinians trying to live in an ever-shrinking territory in the West Bank, and certainly not for the people still suffering in Gaza.\n\n“It is outrageous that this Republican bill provided no aid for the Palestinian people continuing to suffer in Gaza.\n\n“If Congress is serious about examining and changing U.S. policy, then we should debate and vote on legislation that actually does what it claims to do.”\n\n###\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://clyde.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3696", "title": "Rep. Clyde Announces Launch of 2026 Congressional App Challenge", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clyde.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "clyde.house.gov", "scraper": "clyde", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001116", "name": "Andrew S. Clyde", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "GAINESVILLE, GA — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) invited middle and high school students in Georgia’s Ninth District to participate in the 2026 Congressional App Challenge, a nationwide competition that encourages young Americans to showcase their creativity and coding skills by designing original apps. The submission portal is now open, and students can register and submit their apps through October 26th, 2026.\n\n“The Congressional App Challenge is an excellent opportunity for young Georgians to demonstrate their creativity, ingenuity, and technical skills on a national stage,” said Clyde. “I encourage middle and high school students throughout the Ninth District to participate in this year’s competition, and I look forward to seeing their innovative submissions.”\n\nLast year’s competition featured six talented student submissions from across the Ninth District. First Place was awarded to Krish Tripathy’s “Pulmo Lens,” a deep learning-based web application that helps health care professionals detect pneumonia from chest X-rays faster and more accurately.\n\nRep. Clyde Congratulates the Ninth District’s 2025\n\nCongressional App Challenge First Place Winner Krish Tripathy\n\nBackground\n\nFirst launched in 2014, the Congressional App Challenge is the official computer science competition of the U.S. House of Representatives. The competition encourages students to create and submit their own app for the opportunity to receive national recognition.\n\nStudents may participate as individuals or in teams of up to four. Congressional App Challenge winners may be eligible to have their app featured on a display in the U.S. Capitol and put on the U.S. House of Representatives’ website. Additionally, winners will receive an invitation to the #HouseOfCode celebration on Capitol Hill.\n\nRules and guidelines are available HERE. For more information, please visit Rep. Clyde’s website and the Congressional App Challenge’s website.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-responds-trump-speech-obsessing-about-2020-election", "title": "Congressman Cohen Responds to Trump Speech Obsessing about the 2020 Election", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cohen.house.gov", "scraper": "cohen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001068", "name": "Steve Cohen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) watched President Trump’s prime time East Room speech to the nation tonight and made the following statement:\n\n“Donald Trump is obsessed with the 2020 election that dozens and dozens of audits and court rulings established he lost. Sowing doubt about election results, I fear, is preparation for attempting to undo the loss Republicans will suffer in the midterms this November. We need to be vigilant in recognizing his lies and standing up for democracy.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases/correa-statement-on-trumps-election-integrity-claims", "title": "CORREA STATEMENT ON TRUMP'S ELECTION INTEGRITY CLAIMS", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "correa.house.gov", "scraper": "correa", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001110", "name": "J. Luis Correa", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Lou Correa (CA-46) released the following statement in response to President Trump's primetime address regarding election integrity.\n\n“The President is concerned about election integrity, yet his administration has been dismantling the actual defenses that keep our elections secure. He gutted the election security team, defunded the Election Infrastructure-ISAC, and harassed almost 1,000 employees into leaving CISA, the agency responsible for defending our voting systems against foreign hackers.\n\n“If the president does have credible evidence of foreign meddling, then we must address it. But the SAVE America Act would not remedy any of the issues he raised. Non-citizens are already barred from registering and voting in federal elections, and would receive jail time or face deportation as a result. The SAVE America Act is redundant and makes voting for American citizens much more difficult. This bill would bar American citizens from using drivers’ licenses, military IDs, or Tribal IDs alone as proof of citizenship. People who have changed their names, including millions of married women, would not be allowed to use their birth certificates alone to prove their citizenship, either.\n\n“Here's the bottom line. President Trump knows that voters are smart. He knows voters are hurting economically. And he knows that if Democrats take back Congress this November, we're going to investigate the actual fraud, waste, and abuse in government. We will begin to stop these endless wars, reduce tariffs, reduce prices, and get our government back to being by the people, of the people, and for the people.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-introduces-bill-support-americans-wrongfully-denied-health", "title": "Courtney Introduces Bill to Support Americans Wrongfully Denied Health Care Coverage", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "courtney.house.gov", "scraper": "courtney", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001069", "name": "Joe Courtney", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), introduced the CLINIC Assistance Act, a bill to improve access to legal support for Americans whose medical treatment was denied coverage by health insurance companies. The CLINIC Assistance Act would establish a grant program through the Department of Labor to help law schools set up consumer advocate programs where patients can receive no-cost legal assistance with their insurance claim appeal.\n\n“One of the disturbing trends in health care is the rising number of claim denials that patients seeking urgently needed medically necessary treatment are left with,” Courtney said. “By establishing a federal grant program through the Department of Labor to support law clinics that specialize in navigating the complex appeals process, we can provide American patients, at no expense, with the expertise – and people – on their side when they’re wrongfully denied coverage.”\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-while-americans-endure-high-costs-due-his-war-tariffs-trump", "title": "Courtney: While Americans Endure High Costs Due to His War & Tariffs, Trump Obsesses About an Election that Happened Six Years Ago", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "courtney.house.gov", "scraper": "courtney", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001069", "name": "Joe Courtney", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) released the following statement on President Trump’s address to the nation.\n\n“In the midst of a war with Iran that the President unilaterally escalated this past week, once again driving up the cost of living for Americans, it’s beyond bizarre for the President to hold a national televised address to obsess about an election that happened six years ago,” Courtney said. “The results of that election were investigated by his own intelligence team and were litigated repeatedly by state and federal courts and Congressional committees with no verified evidence of tampering that would have changed the outcome. The people of eastern Connecticut would rather have their President focus on the cost of living struggles they are enduring right now because of his war with Iran and his high tariffs as opposed to focusing on a conspiracy theory that has no basis in reality. It’s time to move on from the 2020 election, Mr. President – the vast majority of Americans you are supposed to serve have a long time ago.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-pushes-trump-administration-shut-down-notorious-ice-0", "title": "Rep. Angie Craig Pushes Trump Administration to Shut Down Notorious ICE Processing Center Run by Private Prison Operator, CoreCivic", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "craig.house.gov", "scraper": "craig", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001119", "name": "Angie Craig", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig joined 108 of her colleagues in pushing the Trump Administration to shut down the notorious Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas run by private prison contractor, CoreCivic. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Rep. Craig and her colleagues blasted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and CoreCivic for profiting off the detention of migrant families, including children.\n\nDilley, where five-year old Liam Ramos was held after being picked up by ICE in Columbia Heights, MN, is the only ICE facility in the country dedicated to detaining families with children. Current and former detainees have been outspoken about the unacceptable and dehumanizing conditions at the facility, including food contaminated with worms and mold, a lack of adequate education for school-age children and delayed and denied medical care. Detainees blame both ICE and CoreCivic, a company in which President Trump owns stock.\n\n“Former and current detained families describe horrific conditions perpetuated by CoreCivic and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that are meant to strip them of their dignity and make them feel hopeless,” the Members wrote. “Americans have watched ICE’s brutality play out in their communities, but what happens behind the walls of the Dilley detention facility remains out of sight by design. DHS must stop imprisoning families, end this inhumanity, and close the Dilley detention facility.”\n\nThe Members specifically called out CoreCivic for using President Trump’s mass deportation agenda to profit millions of dollars from its contract with ICE.\n\n“Patrick Swindle, President and CEO of CoreCivic, recently boasted that CoreCivic provides the most humane, most efficient, most compliant, and best value to the government,” the Members continued. “Here, ‘best value’ means maximizing profit through lack of trained personnel, inedible food, and insufficient medical care. CoreCivic cares about their bottom line, not about the people in their care.”\n\n“No child and family should be imprisoned for seeking safety by legitimately following United States immigration laws,” the Members concluded.\n\nRep. Craig has taken the Trump Administration to task over its reckless and lawless immigration agenda and has fought to bring home Minnesotans wrongfully detained by ICE.\n\nLast month, she successfully secured the release of her constituent, Andrea Pedro-Francisco, who was held in ICE detention while suffering from an untreated ovarian cyst. In May, she traveled to El Paso, TX to visit Pedro-Francisco and conduct oversight of two ICE detention facilities—Camp East Montana and the El Paso Service Processing Center.\n\nEarlier this year, she conducted four oversight visits of the ICE processing center at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis. Following her third visit with Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05), she sent a letter to former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem expressing concern that no detainees were present during their visit despite reports that individuals were being held at Whipple and slamming Noem for previously denying them their constitutional right to conduct unannounced oversight visits. Rep. Craig also introduced articles of impeachment against former Secretary Noem in January before she was ultimately fired in March.\n\nShe has vocally opposed the opening of any new ICE facilities in Minnesota, including a proposed ICE detention center in Shakopee, which she successfully quashed alongside state and local leaders. And this Congress, she helped introduce the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act to establish standards of care for individuals held in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and ICE custody.\n\nYou can read the full text of the letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-pushes-trump-administration-shut-down-notorious-ice-processing", "title": "Rep. Angie Craig Pushes Trump Administration to Shut Down Notorious ICE Processing Center Run by Private Prison Operator, CoreCivic", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "craig.house.gov", "scraper": "craig", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001119", "name": "Angie Craig", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig joined 108 of her colleagues in pushing the Trump Administration to shut down the notorious Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas run by private prison contractor, CoreCivic. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Rep. Craig and her colleagues blasted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and CoreCivic for profiting off the detention of migrant families, including children.\n\nDilley, where five-year old Liam Ramos was held after being picked up by ICE in Columbia Heights, MN, is the only ICE facility in the country dedicated to detaining families with children. Current and former detainees have been outspoken about the unacceptable and dehumanizing conditions at the facility, including food contaminated with worms and mold, a lack of adequate education for school-age children and delayed and denied medical care. Detainees blame both ICE and CoreCivic, a company in which President Trump owns stock.\n\n“Former and current detained families describe horrific conditions perpetuated by CoreCivic and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that are meant to strip them of their dignity and make them feel hopeless,” the Members wrote. “Americans have watched ICE’s brutality play out in their communities, but what happens behind the walls of the Dilley detention facility remains out of sight by design. DHS must stop imprisoning families, end this inhumanity, and close the Dilley detention facility.”\n\nThe Members specifically called out CoreCivic for using President Trump’s mass deportation agenda to profit millions of dollars from its contract with ICE.\n\n“Patrick Swindle, President and CEO of CoreCivic, recently boasted that CoreCivic provides the most humane, most efficient, most compliant, and best value to the government,” the Members continued. “Here, ‘best value’ means maximizing profit through lack of trained personnel, inedible food, and insufficient medical care. CoreCivic cares about their bottom line, not about the people in their care.”\n\n“No child and family should be imprisoned for seeking safety by legitimately following United States immigration laws,” the Members concluded.\n\nRep. Craig has taken the Trump Administration to task over its reckless and lawless immigration agenda and has fought to bring home Minnesotans wrongfully detained by ICE.\n\nLast month, she successfully secured the release of her constituent, Andrea Pedro-Francisco, who was held in ICE detention while suffering from an untreated ovarian cyst. In May, she traveled to El Paso, TX to visit Pedro-Francisco and conduct oversight of two ICE detention facilities—Camp East Montana and the El Paso Service Processing Center.\n\nEarlier this year, she conducted four oversight visits of the ICE processing center at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis. Following her third visit with Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05), she sent a letter to former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem expressing concern that no detainees were present during their visit despite reports that individuals were being held at Whipple and slamming Noem for previously denying them their constitutional right to conduct unannounced oversight visits. Rep. Craig also introduced articles of impeachment against former Secretary Noem in January before she was ultimately fired in March.\n\nShe has vocally opposed the opening of any new ICE facilities in Minnesota, including a proposed ICE detention center in Shakopee, which she successfully quashed alongside state and local leaders. And this Congress, she helped introduce the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act to establish standards of care for individuals held in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and ICE custody.\n\nYou can read the full text of the letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/crow-statement-on-trump-lies", "title": "Crow Statement on Trump Lies", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://crow.house.gov/news", "domain": "crow.house.gov", "scraper": "crow", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001121", "name": "Jason Crow", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement on President Trump’s partisan speech of election denialism:\n\n“Tonight the American people heard more lies from an unwell President.\n\n“Donald Trump is obsessed with staying in office so he can enrich himself and his billionaire donors–disregarding the will of the voters. He’s desperately trying to cling to power and distract from his unpopular war, skyrocketing prices, incompetent leadership, and rampant corruption.\n\n“Our election system has been and remains safe and secure. Thousands of elections have happened all over the country at every level of government during the President’s time in office. Yet Trump only has a problem with one election, the one he lost.\n\n“As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I have seen no credible evidence of successful foreign interference with prior elections or foreign threats to the current election. The President’s attempt to cherry-pick intelligence or rewrite history does not change that.\n\n“Despite his lies and assault on our democracy, he will not succeed. The American people are fed up with failed leadership. Accountability is coming.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-calls-return-bipartisan-farm-bill-tradition-center-forward-discussion", "title": "Davids Calls for Return to Bipartisan Farm Bill Tradition at Center Forward Discussion", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "davids.house.gov", "scraper": "davids", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000629", "name": "Sharice Davids", "party": "Democrat", "state": "KS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) joined Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN-01) and Center Forward for a bipartisan discussion on the future of the Farm Bill coalition. During the event, Davids emphasized that supporting farmers, strengthening rural communities, and keeping food affordable have long been bipartisan priorities — and urged Congress to move away from political games and get back to working together.\n\n\"Kansas has a long history of showing that the Farm Bill works best when people come together,” said Davids. “Leaders like Senator Bob Dole and Senator Pat Roberts understood that supporting farmers and making sure families can put food on the table aren't competing priorities — they're connected. That's the bipartisan tradition that made the Farm Bill successful for decades. We need to stop playing political games, rebuild that coalition, and get back to passing a Farm Bill that gives producers certainty and keeps our food system strong.\"\n\n“As a fourth-generation farmer, I know firsthand the importance of delivering a strong, bipartisan Farm Bill that responsibly addresses the needs of my fellow Minnesotans,” said Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN-01). “While the Farm Bill is a critical tool for farmers and rural communities, it also serves as a crucial piece of legislation for strengthening food security across the country. Whether it be my colleagues in Congress or community members back home, what makes the Farm Bill effective is listening to others to ensure we are meeting the needs of Americans. I appreciated the opportunity to be a part of this bipartisan conversation about how we can continue to make the Farm Bill successful for generations to come.”\n\n“Bipartisan policymaking delivers durable results that benefit all Americans,” said Cori Kramer, Chief Executive Officer, Center Forward. “At Center Forward, we are proud to serve as Washington's leading bipartisan convenor, bringing together leaders to foster the conversations that make meaningful progress possible. We are grateful to Congresswoman Davids and Congressman Finstad for their commitment to pragmatic problem-solving as they work to advance the Farm Bill through Congress. Their leadership demonstrates that when lawmakers work across the aisle, they can build consensus and move important legislation forward on behalf of communities across the country — from rural towns to urban neighborhoods.”\n\nEarlier this year, Davids, a member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, voted to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill through the House Agriculture Committee, emphasizing the need to provide certainty for Kansas farmers, strengthen the nation's food supply, and help address rising costs for families after years of delays in Congress.\n\nFor decades, the Farm Bill has been one of Congress' most bipartisan pieces of legislation, bringing together lawmakers representing both rural and urban communities around a shared commitment to supporting American agriculture, strengthening conservation programs, expanding trade opportunities, and ensuring families can put food on the table. That longstanding coalition has become increasingly strained in recent years as partisan disagreements over nutrition programs have made it more difficult to reach the broad bipartisan consensus that has historically defined the legislation.\n\nLast year's partisan budget law, which Davids opposed, cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help pay for tax breaks that benefit billionaires. Those cuts are projected to reduce farm income by more than $30 billion over the next decade while threatening jobs throughout the food and agriculture supply chain. During consideration of the Farm Bill, Davids supported an amendment to reverse those SNAP cuts and restore the historic bipartisan approach that has long united the Farm Bill coalition, but the Republican majority rejected the proposal.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7112", "title": "Dingell, Tlaib Demand Answers Over Concerning Working Conditions at USPS Facility in Metro Detroit", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12) are demanding answers from the United States Postal Service (USPS) over reports of concerning working conditions at the Allen Park distribution center in metro Detroit. The reports follow the death of a postal service worker at the same distribution center in late 2025.\n\n“Staff, supervisors, and union representatives have raised concerns to our offices surrounding the labor conditions at the NDC. These reports include the improper rescission of positions, failure to provide fair and equitable treatment, denial of contractually guaranteed bathroom and meal breaks, inadequate training, intimidation through disciplinary write-ups and threats of termination, and management performing bargaining-unit work, including the elimination of overtime opportunities. Employees have also expressed concerns about safety hazards, citing an expedited mail process from management pressure, reductions in staffing, and minimal specialized training,”Congresswomen Dingell and Tlaib wrote.\n\nThe congresswomen reiterated the importance of safety for USPS workers and requested answers to a series of questions regarding the steps the facility is taking to ensure safety and more. This effort follows a November 2025 letter from the congresswomen seeking answers from USPS about the tragic death that occurred at the facility.\n\nA PDF copy of the letter is available HEREand text is below:\n\nDear Postmaster General Steiner:\n\nThis letter is regarding the labor and workplace safety concerns of workers at the USPS Detroit Network Distribution Center (NDC) in Allen Park, Michigan. We are concerned by the reports of unsafe and unfair practices at the facility.\n\nStaff, supervisors, and union representatives have raised concerns to our offices surrounding the labor conditions at the NDC. These reports include the improper rescission of positions, failure to provide fair and equitable treatment, denial of contractually guaranteed bathroom and meal breaks, inadequate training, intimidation through disciplinary write-ups and threats of termination, and management performing bargaining-unit work, including the elimination of overtime opportunities. Employees have also expressed concerns about safety hazards, citing an expedited mail process from management pressure, reductions in staffing, and minimal specialized training.\n\nThese reports are especially alarming after the death of Mr. Nicholas Acker at the facility in November of last year. In May, USPS received five serious citations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) investigation at the NDC, three of which resulted in fines totaling over $26,000. Within these citations, OSHA determined that employees were exposed to caught-in hazards via the mail conveyors, employees did not have adequate training to perform equipment repairs, and facility procedures were not followed amid shift changes and maintenance work. While these citations were separate from Mr. Acker’s death, they are still troubling. The safety of USPS workers is of the utmost importance, and USPS must ensure that protocols and standards are properly enforced.\n\nGiven the federal government’s responsibility to ensure worker safety and just treatment in its facilities, we request answers to the following questions:\n\n1. What kind of specialized training do employees receive in their roles?\n\n2. What measures does the facility take to ensure that staff are receiving necessary training for their roles?\n\n3. What measures does the facility take to ensure labor standards are responsibly met, including fair and equitable treatment of employees?\n\n4. What contractually obligated paid and unpaid breaks do employees receive?\n\n5. What are the expected procedures when an employee is unable to take a contractually obligated break due to workload, staffing shortages, operational demands, or management direction?\n\n6. What contractually obligated overtime compensation do employees receive?\n\n7. What are the expected procedures when an employee does not receive their contractually obligated overtime compensation?\n\n8. What impact has voluntary early retirement had on operational strain, including transitional staffing issues, localized shortages, position availability, and mail delivery?\n\n9. How does the facility address the aforementioned impacts of voluntary early retirements?\n\n10. How does the facility adhere to uniform and standardized safety protocols?\n\n11. What steps is the facility taking to ensure safety protocols are administered?\n\n12. Please describe the safety protocol training employees receive.\n\n13. What measures does the facility take to ensure that employees understand and follow the safety protocols?\n\n14. Please describe the accessibility of safety and grievance procedures for employees.\n\n15. What effect do staffing shortages and pressure for on-time mail delivery have on safety practices?", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/democratic-veterans-celebrate-defeat-republican-attack-veterans-benefits", "title": "Democratic Veterans Celebrate Defeat of Republican Attack on Veterans’ Benefits", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "deluzio.house.gov", "scraper": "deluzio", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000530", "name": "Christopher R. Deluzio", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, for the second time, U.S. House Republicans were forced to withdraw a flawed Republican bill, H.R. 9237, from floor consideration. This followed strong opposition from members of the Democratic Veterans Caucus highlighting how the bill would represent the largest cut to veterans’ benefits in history, including cutting benefits for common conditions like tinnitus and sleep apnea and raising fees on VA home loans.\n\nFollowing today’s withdrawal of this bill to cut veterans benefits, members of the Democratic Veterans Caucus Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), and Herb Conway (NJ-03) released the following joint statement.\n\n“Today, the House rallied around veterans and rejected this partisan attack on veterans’ benefits and the VA.\n\n“Members of the Democratic Veterans Caucus led the fight against this bill, and we will always come together to stand up for our troops and our fellow veterans.\n\n“House Republicans should think twice before ever again taking benefits away from our veterans in the name of ‘fiscal responsibility’ after they added trillions to the debt with their One Big Beautiful Bill and are trying to force through $67 Billion supplemental to pay for the disastrous Iran War.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/davis-nunn-introduce-bipartisan-bill-put-artificial-intelligence-work-north", "title": "Davis, Nunn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Put Artificial Intelligence to Work on North Carolina Farms", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "dondavis.house.gov", "scraper": "dondavis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000230", "name": "Donald G. Davis", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressmen Don Davis (NC-01) and Zach Nunn (IA-03) today introduced the bipartisan Fostering Agricultural Research and Modernization through Artificial Intelligence (FARM AI) Act, legislation to accelerate the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) across American agriculture by modernizing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) research and workforce programs.\n\n“Feeding America is national security, and the future of agriculture will depend on our ability to innovate,” said Congressman Davis. “We must strengthen research, expand workforce training, and give producers the tools they need to increase productivity, remain globally competitive, and ensure the United States continues to lead the world in agriculture.”\n\n“Iowa farmers have always been the first to put new technology to work when it helps them grow more efficiently, conserve resources, and stay competitive,” said Congressman Nunn. “Artificial intelligence is the next frontier. From yield mapping and precision nutrient application to disease detection and water conservation, AI gives farmers better information to make better decisions in real time. Our bipartisan FARM AI Act builds on the groundbreaking research already happening at Iowa’s universities while investing in the workforce needed to bring these innovations from the lab to the field. The future of agriculture shouldn’t be written by bureaucrats in Washington — it should be driven by the Iowa farmers who feed America.”\n\nSpecifically, the FARM AI Act would:\n\nDesignate artificial intelligence as a priority research area under USDA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) and expand AI research through the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AgARDA).\n\nEquip USDA Extension with the resources to help farmers responsibly adopt AI technologies and precision agriculture.\n\nExpand USDA grants and fellowships to strengthen the rural workforce and prepare the next generation of agricultural innovators.\n\nNominate a senior USDA official as the AI in Agriculture Advisor to coordinate federal AI efforts, align agency programs, and work with the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop national standards for agricultural AI.\n\nThe FARM AI Act is the House companion to bipartisan legislation introduced in the Senate by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Adam Schiff (D-CA).", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-targeted-biden-dojs-arctic-frost", "title": "Johnson Targeted by Biden DOJ’s Arctic Frost", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "dustyjohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000301", "name": "Dusty Johnson", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) released the following statement regarding Operation Arctic Frost in which President Joe Biden’s Department of Justice officials obtained and reviewed the Congressman’s text messages. The investigative team improperly reviewed the messages of 44 Members of Congress.\n\n“My text messages obtained by Jack Smith’s rogue investigation team shows an unprecedented level of carelessness for the rule of law and the constitutional separation of powers,” said Johnson. “I’m grateful to the whistleblowers who brought these acts to light and to the Senate Judiciary Committee for continuing this Congressional oversight.”\n\nJohnson will review the classified information obtained by the Justice Department.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary released evidence that the United States Department of Justice Special Counsel investigation lead by Jack Smith improperly obtained and reviewed text messages from Members of Congress from across political lines.\n\nThe Justice Department’s letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley can be viewed here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3258", "title": "Congresswoman Escobar Celebrates Announcement of BOTA Modernization Project Industry Day", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) celebrated the announcement that the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) will be hosting an Industry Day for the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) Land Port of Entry Modernization Project later this month.\n\n\"I’m proud to share that the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) will be announcing the three Design-Build finalist teams and encouraging small businesses in El Paso to network and seek potential partnerships. This marks yet another important milestone in the progress of the $500 million modernization of the Bridge of the Americas,\" said Congresswoman Escobar. \"I'm encouraging local contractors to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by attending GSA’s Industry Day on Monday July 27, 2026 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the EPCC Opportunity Center. I’m grateful to GSA for making local businesses a priority with their Industry Day and excited about the opportunity this presents.\"\n\nThe Industry Day, which will be held on Monday, July 27th at the EPCC Administrative Services Center Contractor Opportunities Center from 1-4pm MT, is an event for small businesses, subcontractors, suppliers and construction professionals to meet the three shortlisted Design-Build teams competing for the primary project contract.\n\nCongresswoman Escobar’s Push to Remove Commercial Traffic and Prioritize El Pasoans at the Bridge of the Americas:\n\nAugust 2022 - Congresswoman Escobar hosted a meeting with GSA to kick off stakeholder engagement for the BOTA modernization. Local government, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), Department of State, HOME, neighborhood associations near the bridge and other stakeholders attended to learn about the process. GSA committed to robust community engagement throughout the design concept and environmental impact process.\n\nFall 2022 - GSA hosted a series of community meetings where the Congresswoman helped ensure local community members were present and their voices heard at the highest levels.\n\nApril 7, 2023 – Congresswoman Escobar met with GSA to provide feedback on concerns and issues shared with her by El Paso stakeholders.\n\nJuly 5, 2023 – Congresswoman Escobar met with members of the San Xavier, Chamizal, and Washington-Delta neighborhood associations regarding their experiences with past construction projects impacting their communities and their concerns about the BOTA modernization project.\n\nJuly 19, 2023 – Congresswoman Escobar sent a letter to GSA requesting a Health Impact Assessment to be included as part of the Environmental Impact Survey process.\n\nOctober 19, 2023 –Congresswoman Escobar announced a series of listening sessions on BOTA with various stakeholders and sent out an email survey asking constituents their opinion on commercial traffic at BOTA.\n\nOctober 27, 2023 – Congresswoman Escobar hosted a convening of governmental stakeholders- United States federally, Texas state, local and Ciudad Juarez and State ofChihuahua attending.\n\nNovember 13, 2023 – Congresswoman Escobar hosted a virtual town hall with a legislative update, including an update on the BOTA LPOE modernization project, with over 2,000 constituents in attendance.\n\nNovember 17, 2023 – Congresswoman Escobar hosted a listening session with US and Mexico industry leaders (maquilas, custom brokers, trucking companies, etc).\n\nJanuary 2024 – Congresswoman Escobar hosted a listening session at the Chamizal Recreational Center with GSA, IBWC, and CBP leadership to hear from the community members including Familias Unidas, San Xavier and Washington-Delta Neighborhood Associations.\n\nMay 2024 – Congresswoman Escobar hosted a meeting with GSA, CBP, City and County to discuss BOTA and what can be done for City and County to prepare for additional traffic at other ports of entry.\n\nJuly 2024 – Congresswoman Escobar hosted an update meeting with local and federal governmental stakeholders for BOTA, including Juarez Mayor and ANAM Director.\n\nRelated News\n\nCongresswoman Escobar Celebrates 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Becoming Law\n\nJuly 11, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nCongresswoman Escobar Statement on Trump Refusal to Sign Bipartisan Housing Bill\n\nJune 24, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nCongresswoman Escobar Statement on Removal of Commercial Traffic at BOTA\n\nMay 27, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nTRANSCRIPT: Congresswoman Escobar Speaks at MILCON-VA Subcommittee, Questions VA Secretary\n\nMay 21, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3263", "title": "Congresswoman Escobar Leads Texas Democratic Delegation in Letter to HHS, ORR on Unaccompanied Minors", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) led a letter of the entire Texas Democratic Delegation to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Acting Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Angie Salazar voicing their concerns that ORR may be preparing to relocate unaccompanied minors, potentially to speed up their removals.\n\nThe full letter can be found below or here:\n\nSecretary Kennedy and Acting Director Salazar:\n\nWe are writing with urgent concerns regarding recent reporting that the Department of Justice (DOJ) requested the Texas Indigent Defense Commission’s (TIDC) assistance providing legal services to unaccompanied immigrant children. We, along with legal service providers and advocates who work extensively with unaccompanied minors, are concerned that the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), which is under the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), may be preparing to relocate unaccompanied minors to the State of Texas, potentially to speed up removals of unaccompanied minors.\n\nThe administration’s outreach to the Texas Office of the Attorney General and TIDC – in\n\nconjunction with the loss of ORR beds in other states while ORR bed capacity in Texas remains available – could signal impending plans to relocate unaccompanied minors from across the country to ORR facilities in Texas and we fear it may indicate plans for imminent mass removals of vulnerable children. This would not be the first time the administration attempted to rapidly remove unaccompanied minors from the United States; over Labor Day weekend last year, the administration tried to remove unaccompanied minors from the United States from Harlingen, Texas in the middle of the night.\n\nAccording to the Acacia Center for Justice, which currently holds the federal contract for\n\nmultiple legal service providers across the country, over 20,000 unaccompanied children in the U.S. currently have legal representation. The Acacia’s Center federal contract ends on July 31st, and the administration has yet to provide guidance on how ongoing cases will be handled or transferred once the contract ends. Relocating vulnerable minors abruptly to Texas would only result in separating them from their lawyers and critical support systems, while sending them alone to a state that no longer provides oversight of childcare facilities for immigrant children. This would result in an alarming number of children potentially having no representation at an immigration hearing or feeling pressured to voluntarily depart the country.\n\nIt is equally concerning that the administration is making efforts to reach out to TIDC for\n\nassistance with legal services for unaccompanied minors, while at the same time failing to pay legal service providers across the country, including in Texas, that are currently representing unaccompanied minors. One such provider, Estrella del Paso, has not received up to $765,000 in federal payments and is facing closure after 40 years of service to the El Paso, Texas community.\n\nFurthermore, it remains unclear if TIDC is legally allowed to provide services to unaccompanied minors. Per their mandate, TIDC currently supports legal services to low-income Texans for criminal indigent defense; the mandate does not provide for legal immigration services for unaccompanied minors. While the State legislature may amend their mandate if necessary, TIDC currently does not provide funding assistance for immigration-related work and would likely not be prepared to take over assistance for legal services once the federal contract with the Acacia Center expires on July 31st, which raises further concerns about children’s ongoing legal cases.\n\nWe urge you to respond to the following questions by July 23, 2026:\n\nDoes the administration currently have plans in place to relocate unaccompanied minors to the State of Texas?\n\nIf so, what is the timeline associated with these relocations?\n\nWhat plan does the administration have for the ongoing legal cases of unaccompanied minors that will be impacted once the federal contract for legal services expires on July 31st?\n\nWhat guidance has the administration provided to legal service providers who are currently representing unaccompanied minors regarding their ongoing cases and next steps?\n\nIf the administration has provided no guidance, please explain why.\n\nDoes the administration plan to provide this guidance before July 31st?\n\nWhen is the administration planning to release the belated payments to legal service providers, as it is currently required to by court order?\n\nThe wellbeing of the unaccompanied minors currently in the care of the Federal government and who have pending immigration cases must be prioritized, and we strongly reject any actions that would undermine their access to counsel or expedite their unprecedented removal. We urge the administration to strongly reconsider relocating minors away from their current homes, legal representation, and support systems, and to release the overdue funds to the legal service providers that are already providing these children with the legal representation they not only need but are legally required to receive.\n\nRelated News\n\nCongresswoman Escobar Statement on Human Rights Watch/ACLU Report on Camp East Montana\n\nJuly 15, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nCongresswoman Escobar Statement on Reported Pause of ICE Vehicle Stops\n\nJuly 14, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nLocked Away\n\nJuly 13, 2026 | Posted in In the News\n\nCongresswoman Escobar Demands More Information on La Tuna Closure from BOP\n\nJuly 9, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=648", "title": "Representative Leger Fernández, Attorney General Raúl Torrez Push New Legislation to Force DOJ to Release Remaining Epstein Files", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "fernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000273", "name": "Teresa Leger Fernandez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC — Attorney General Raúl Torrez today voiced support for the Epstein Files Transparency Act II, bipartisan legislation sponsored by U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-New Mexico) Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky), Ro Khanna (D-California) to amend the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The bill gives state attorneys general, district attorneys, and survivors the right to sue the U.S. Department of Justice for withholding or redacting records, bars the department from invoking privilege to justify withholding files, and creates criminal penalties for federal officials who conceal, destroy, or falsify records covered by the Act.\n\nNew Mexico has pursued records related to Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch property for months. The U.S. Department of Justice has not fully responded to the state's records requests, leaving New Mexico's investigation without access to files that bear directly on whether New Mexico laws were broken.\n\n\"Survivors have waited too long for answers, and my office has waited too long for the federal government to turn over the unredacted records we need to complete our criminal investigation,\" said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. \"This legislation gives state law enforcement the access this investigation requires, and it gives survivors control over their own records. Every day of delay is another day survivors are denied the justice they are owed.\"\n\n\"Todd Blanche and the Department of Justice have refused to release as many as 3 million Epstein files: they are hiding the truth from the American people and creating even more injustice and trauma for survivors,\" said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. \"When Trump’s administration does not comply with the law, there must be consequences. Attorney General Blanche is not fit to serve, should not be confirmed and should instead resign. In the meantime, we must pass this bill to put power where it belongs—with survivors. No administration, no Attorney General, and no Department of Justice is above the law.\"\n\nTorrez and Leger Fernandez are leading the fight to hold the U.S. Department of Justice accountable for failing to comply with the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act. Torrez said the enforcement gap this bill closes exists because the Department of Justice has chosen delay and obstruction over compliance with the law as written.\n\n\"The Department of Justice has had every opportunity to follow the law and has instead chosen stonewalling,\" said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. \"This bill takes that choice away. Survivors deserve a process that works regardless of whether the Department of Justice decides to cooperate.\"\n\nThe Epstein Files Transparency Act II:\n\nCreates a private right of action allowing State Attorneys General, district attorneys, other authorized State officials, and victims to sue the U.S. Attorney General for unlawfully withholding, redacting, delaying, concealing, removing, or failing to publish Epstein-related records.\n\nGives victims the right to obtain full, unredacted records concerning themselves or the harm they suffered, including relevant FBI FD-302 reports.\n\nEnforces compliance with the existing law by subjecting DOJ and FBI officials to existing federal criminal penalties for knowingly concealing, destroying, falsifying, withholding, or misrepresenting files.\n\nRequires the Department of Justice to provide State and local prosecutors with unredacted records needed for investigations, prosecutions, and judicial proceedings, including secure access to classified materials.\n\nExplicitly prohibits the invocation of common law privileges, including deliberative process privileges, to evade disclosure requirements included in the original EFTA.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=649", "title": "Leger Fernández, Heinrich Lead New Mexico & Texas Democrats to Introduce Legislation Reversing Rate Cuts for Veterans’ Essential Homecare Services", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "fernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000273", "name": "Teresa Leger Fernandez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) and U.S. led New Mexico and Texas congressional Democrats in introducing the Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act, legislation to reverse the Trump administration’s cuts to reimbursement rates for essential homecare services for veterans in New Mexico and Texas.\n\nAs of January 1, 2026, the reimbursement rate for veterans’ homecare services fell by nearly 20 percent in New Mexico and 43 percent in parts of Texas, which could result in homemaker and home health aide agency closures. Approximately 68,000 New Mexico veterans over the age of 65, in addition to many disabled veterans, rely on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare. Nationally, one in 10 of these veterans use at least one homecare service to maintain their independence and continue living in their own homes and communities.\n\nThe rate cuts come as the Trump administration is reportedly spending nearly $900 million a day on their war in Iran — putting their reckless war of choice above caring for veterans.\n\n\"Our veterans kept their promise to our country. We must keep ours to them. These reckless reimbursement cuts are making it harder for disabled veterans to receive the in-home care they rely on for everyday tasks like getting out of bed, bathing, getting dressed, or preparing meals. When home health providers can't afford to serve veterans, veterans pay a steep price. Our bill restores those cuts, brings transparency to how these rates are set, and makes sure the VA can never quietly pull the rug out from under veterans and their caregivers again,\" said Leger Fernández.\n\n“Homecare services are not luxuries. They are earned benefits that allow disabled and elderly veterans to remain in their homes and live with dignity,” said Heinrich. “The Trump administration has repeatedly refused to reverse its cuts to VA homecare reimbursement rates in New Mexico — denying veterans the care they have earned. It is insulting to New Mexico’s veterans that VA Secretary Collins refuses to even talk with me and my colleagues to defend these cuts. Meanwhile, veterans are struggling to pay for gas and groceries because of Trump’s war with Iran. It's bullshit. That’s why I’m introducing my Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act to reverse Trump’s harmful cuts, ensure veterans get the care they are owed and need, and require the VA to be transparent about any future reductions.”\n\nSpecifically, the Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act will reverse the reimbursement rate reductions that occurred in 2026 and require the VA to notify Congress of any future rate reductions.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Marc Veasey (D-Texas), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), and Al Green (D-Texas).\n\n“Our veterans and their families make the ultimate sacrifice to protect us – it’s our responsibility to make sure they’re cared for when they come home,” said Vasquez. “By cutting reimbursement rates for essential home healthcare services, this Administration is doing the opposite. These programs aren't a handout – they're earned. I’m proud to support this bill that would restore these benefits in New Mexico and make sure that our veterans get the support they need and deserve.”\n\n“Our veterans in New Mexico have answered the call to serve, and we have a responsibility to ensure they receive the care they deserve,” said Stansbury. “Slashing reimbursements for home-based care while this administration spends billions on an endless war betrays our nations promises to our veterans. The Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act will reverse these harmful cuts and help ensure our veterans can live with the dignity, independence, and support they deserve.\"\n\n“In South Texas, access to care means making sure veterans can receive the services they need where they live. Home-based care helps aging and disabled veterans stay safe, independent, and close to their families. This bill protects that care, supports the providers who deliver it, and ensures rural communities are not left behind,” said Cuellar.\n\n\"Home-based care is essential for disabled and elderly veterans in Texas's rural communities. Reversing the cuts to home health reimbursement will ensure that veterans with disabilities and serious health conditions can continue to receive the care they need. This is a necessity, not a luxury. Protecting these care options is crucial in making sure that our veteran communities can continue to live independently and with the support they deserve,\" said Veasey.\n\n“Our military heroes deserve good healthcare no matter their zip code,” said Castro. “The Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act would help make sure veterans living in rural areas receive the high-quality medical care they deserve. Congress should be making it easier for veterans to stay healthy, not harder. This bill will make VA care more accessible and timely.”\n\n“There are more than 50,000 veterans in South Texas, including 24,000 with service-connected disabilities; we need fewer barriers impeding access to health care, not more. Instead, this Administration does the opposite by hindering the VA’s ability to recruit and retain staff to operate rural homecare service programs and deliver our veterans the care they earned. With this bill, we will reverse a harmful one-size-fits-all approach that overlooks our smallest and most rural communities — and allow us to meet the individual needs of South Texas and beyond,” said Gonzalez.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the New Mexico Association for Home and Hospice Care, Texas Association for Home Care and Hospice, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Elizabeth Dole Foundation.\n\nThe full text of the bill is here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-flood-host-lincoln-town-hall-july-28th", "title": "Congressman Flood to Host Lincoln Town Hall on July 28th", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "flood.house.gov", "scraper": "flood", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000474", "name": "Mike Flood", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood announced he will hold a town hall in Lincoln, Nebraska on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. The town hall will be hosted at Nebraska Wesleyan University.\n\nDuring the town hall, Congressman Flood will provide an update on the work he is doing for Lincoln and Nebraska’s First Congressional District. There will be a question-and-answer period.\n\nCongressman Flood’s Lincoln Town Hall\n\nTuesday, July 28th\n\n5:00PM – 6:00PM CT\n\nVance D. Rogers Center for Fine Arts | Nebraska Wesleyan University\n\n5040 Huntington Ave, Lincoln, NE 68504\n\nNote: Doors open at 4:15pm\n\nNo signs, backpacks, or large bags are permitted in the venue. A clear bag policy will be in place.\n\nThis event is open to the public.\n\nFor questions about the town hall, please contact Congressman Flood’s Lincoln Office at 402-438-1598.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-introduces-legislation-improve-safety-and-sustainability-battery-supply", "title": "Foster Introduces Legislation to Improve Safety and Sustainability in the Battery Supply Chain", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "foster.house.gov", "scraper": "foster", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000454", "name": "Bill Foster", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the Critical Materials Processing Technology Testbed Act of 2026 to help the Department of Energy develop new, safer materials processing technologies needed to bolster our battery supply chain. This testbed would aim to kickstart a domestic materials processing industry in the United States with a focus on environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and minimizing resource intensiveness.\n\n“As our nation’s clean energy demands continue to grow, there’s more need than ever to safely process the critical materials that are used in electric car batteries, solar panels, and other electronics,” said Foster. “Currently, these materials are typically processed in countries with minimal safety regulations, causing damage to our environment and human health. A testbed managed by the Department of Energy would allow us to not only create a safer and more environmentally friendly battery supply chain, but also bring good manufacturing jobs to the U.S.”\n\nThis legislation was prompted by a hearing Foster chaired in the House Science Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, which found that materials processing constitutes a major impediment to strengthening the domestic battery supply chain.\n\nA copy of the bill can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://fuller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fuller-awarded-hero-of-main-street-by-national-retail-federation", "title": "Congressman Fuller Awarded “Hero of Main Street” by National Retail Federation", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fuller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fuller.house.gov", "scraper": "fuller", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000485", "name": "Clay Fuller", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Fuller has been named a 2026 Hero of Main Street by the National Retail Federation, or NRF, for his support of the small businesses and Main Street employers that power the nation's economy. The award, presented at NRF's annual Retail Advocates Summit in Washington, recognizes members of Congress who stand up for retailers and the communities they serve.\n\n\"I am honored to accept this recognition, but this award belongs to the small business owners of Northwest Georgia who open their doors, make payroll, and keep our towns running. I will keep fighting to get Washington off their backs and give them the freedom to grow,\" said Congressman Fuller.\n\nThe National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association, and retail businesses employ over 62,200 Northwest Georgians. Small businesses are the backbone of America, and Congressman Fuller continues to prioritize those foundations that keep Northwest Georgia strong.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/garbarino-bill-strengthen-airport-security-and-improve-travel-passes-house", "title": "Garbarino Bill to Strengthen Airport Security and Improve Travel Passes House", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "garbarino.house.gov", "scraper": "garbarino", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000597", "name": "Andrew R. Garbarino", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. –– This week, the House of Representatives passed Chairman Andrew Garbarino's (R-NY) Reimbursable Screening Services Program Extension Act of 2026 (RSSP Extension Act) as part of a slate of 10 bipartisan bills advanced by the House Committee on Homeland Security. The legislation expands TSA's Reimbursable Screening Services Program (RSSP) and extends the pilot program to increase airport screening capabilities, ease congestion at main security checkpoints, and enhance the passenger experience without compromising safety.\n\n“In the 25 years since the September 11th terrorist attacks, both the threats facing our nation and the demands placed on our aviation system have evolved drastically. We have a responsibility to ensure America’s aviation security can keep pace,” Chairman Garbarino said. “The best security measures are those that protect Americans while minimizing unnecessary burdens on the traveling public. Passing the Reimbursable Screening Services Program Extension Act of 2026 is an important step toward ensuring TSA has the resources needed to succeed in its no-fail mission and delivering a more seamless travel experience for the American people.”\n\nThis legislation is especially important for Long Island, where families, businesses, and visitors rely on safe and efficient air travel through nearby airports every day. By expanding TSA's screening capabilities and reducing congestion at security checkpoints, the bill will help strengthen aviation security while making travel more efficient for Long Islanders and millions of Americans.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perez-includes-tenino-sandstone-apple-in-the-congressional-america-250-time-capsule", "title": "Gluesenkamp Perez Includes Tenino Sandstone Apple in the Congressional America 250 Time Capsule", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "domain": "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "scraper": "gluesenkampperez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000600", "name": "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez announced her submission to the Congressional 250th Anniversary Time Capsule: A hand carved Tenino sandstone apple. This apple is made from a type of sandstone quarried in her district in Southwest Washington, and was carved by Master Stone Carver Keith Phillips of the Tenino Stone Carvers Guild.\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez visits Master Stone Carver Keith Phillips\n\nTenino sandstone carving is a proud tradition in Washington State. This stone has graced the capitals of the State and the Union. It has weathered storms, borne burdens, and endured the test of time. The Tenino Stone Carvers Guild has passed down the knowledge of this centuries-old craftsmanship and appreciation for Tenino’s sandstone heritage to future generations.\n\n“Tenino Sandstone makes up the history of both my district and my family. My great-great-uncle, Andrew Wilson, was a stonecutter in Tenino. My great-grandfather, Burt Gilmore, was the quarry master during the extraction of the stones used to build the Washington State Capitol. He worked at the same quarry that this stone came from.” Said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, “I’m proud to have it included and I hope future generations can appreciate its history and handiwork.”\n\nThe carved stone apple included in the Congressional Time Capsule\n\nThe time capsule will be buried beneath the U.S. Capitol Building, where it will remain until its opening in the year 2276. The selection of this stone apple represents not only recognition of the extraordinary craftsmanship passed down through generations in Southwest Washington, but also acknowledgment that Tenino sandstone, and the traditions it preserves, are part of our nation’s enduring cultural story.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/goldman-nadler-introduce-new-legislation-provide-previously-denied", "title": "Goldman, Nadler Introduce New Legislation to Provide Previously Denied Compensation for 9/11 Families", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "goldman.house.gov", "scraper": "goldman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000599", "name": "Daniel S. Goldman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Legislation Would Newly Make 150 9/11 Families Eligible For Compensation\n\nFamilies May Be Eligible to Receive An Average Of $295,000\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Jerry Nadler (NY-12) introduced the No 9/11 Family Left Behind Act, legislation that would ensure that 9/11 victims’ families who were previously prevented from receiving financial compensation can finally get it. Specifically, the bill would amend the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism (USVSST) Act to ensure that otherwise eligible 9/11 victims’ families who missed certain arbitrary deadlines and were therefore excluded from past distributions receive a lump-sum catch-up payment from the program.\n\n“As we approach the 25th anniversary of the horrific September 11th attacks, our obligation to the victims and their families has not diminished,” said Rep. Goldman. “The No 9/11 Family Left Behind Act would ensure that every family who lost a loved one that day remains eligible for compensation, including those excluded in recent years due to missed deadlines. These families, who suffered so much on that tragic day, deserve our unwavering support and I'm proud to introduce this act to show they will always have it.”\n\n“Congress has an enduring obligation to support the victims of the September 11th attacks and their families. We should not let bureaucratic hurdles stand in the way of justice. Although nothing can make up for twenty-five years of missed birthdays, anniversaries, and memories for those who lost loved ones on 9/11, we must do all we can for the people whose lives were changed forever that day,” said Rep Nadler.\n\nThe United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund (USVSST Fund) is a federal program administered by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The program compensates Americans who are victims of state sponsored terrorism by distributing funds from criminal and civil penalties imposed on sanctioned countries and entities to victims and their families. When victims or their families win lawsuits against foreign governments but cannot realistically collect the money, the U.S. government steps in to provide compensation that is funded by penalties and fines against certain sanctioned countries or forfeited assets.\n\nWhile the USVSST Fund is meant to provide critical relief to victims, arbitrary deadlines have inadvertently locked out certain otherwise eligible claimants – including victims of the 2001 9/11 attacks and their families. For instance, initially, 9/11 victims’ estates, spouses, and dependents were excluded from compensation via the Fund until Congress expanded eligibility in 2019, allowing them to receive payments for the first time in a third round of distributions.\n\nHowever, that expansion of eligibility was administered with the fixed application deadline of February 19, 2020, and subsequent legislation relied on that same deadline when determining eligibility for additional lump-sum catch-up payments. This created an immediate conflict among otherwise eligible claimants because those who missed the 2020 deadline due to lack of notice, hardship, or any other sort of delay were no longer eligible for compensation – despite meeting the eligible criteria to qualify for payment. It is estimated that approximately 150 9/11 families, or about 400-500 claimants, including spouses and dependents, would be eligible for compensation if the Fund were to be authorized for additional catch-up payments.\n\nSpecifically, the No 9/11 Family Left Behind Act of 2026:\n\nCreates a new category of catch-up payment eligibility\n\nDirects the USVSST Special Master to provide additional payments to claimants who:\n\nHave a qualifying terrorism judgment\n\nMeet the statutory eligibility criteria for compensation\n\nDid not receive the earlier catch-up payment because they missed the prior deadline.\n\nRequires that within 90 days of enactment, the Special Master notify people who qualify and explain how they can submit their claim\n\nPayments must be made within 90 days after eligibility is confirmed\n\n“When Congress passed the Fairness for 9/11 Families Act, I believed it would finally correct years of unequal treatment among 9/11 families. Instead, the law created a new harsh inequity among 9/11 widows and children since its very inception. As originally enacted, the law’s eligibility provisions excluded some 9/11 spouses and children, whose court judgments were entered after February 2020, thereby leaving some of us without access to substantial benefits that others who suffered the same exact loss on 9/11/01 were able to receive. Unlike the vast majority of 9/11 widows, the loss of my husband and child’s father was deemed worthless by a law curiously beginning with the word Fairness,” said Patricia Kavanagh Edwards, whose late husband Dennis Michael Edwards was killed in the World Trade Center attacks. Thanks to the dedication and persistence of Congressman Goldman, and support of Congressman Nadler, the “No 9/11 Family Left Behind Act of 2026” will ensure that those 9/11 families wrongly excluded are treated fairly, equally and that the law better reflects its intended purpose of supporting ALL those who continue to bear the lasting consequences of the September 11 attacks. Their efforts offer renewed hope to many 9/11 families who have spent years seeking equal treatment under the law.\n\n\"My siblings and I were not eligible for the earlier catch up payment. That exclusion felt arbitrary and hurtful, as though our loss was not significant enough to receive the same recognition that others received. This act would validate our loss and our struggles, and provide life-changing support that could begin to fill the financial gap that we experience because of 9/11,\" said Capt. Jordan Giordano, US Army Medical Corps, whose father John Giordano died on 9/11.\n\n“My father, William Minardi was killed in the 9/11 attacks. Through no fault of our own, my family and I were cut out of the “Fairness” for 9/11 Families Act, because we did not apply to the program by February 2020, even though the Fairness Act wasn’t passed until three years later, said Robert Mindardi. \"We have been asking Congress for years to fix this inequity. It has been difficult to be treated as “lesser” than other families whose loved ones were killed in the 9/11 attacks. Words cannot express my gratitude to House Member Daniel Goldman for leading this effort to make sure that no child or spouse of a 9/11 victim is left behind but this will have to do for now!”\n\nMy father died on 9/11. I was 11 at the time and the loss changed everything for our family. I am now 36, a single mother running my own small business while trying to raise my son,\" said Jessica Giordano, whose father John Giordano died on 9/11. \"The No 9/11 Family Left Behind Act of 2026 would finally correct a painful unfairness. Those of us who missed a filing deadline through no fault of our own have lived with the consequences of that technicality for far too long. A catch‑up payment would provide essential relief that could help my business grow, reduce the financial strain on my family, and let me plan instead of just surviving.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-vicente-gonzalez-moderate-republicans-prevent-washington", "title": "Congressman Vicente Gonzalez & Moderate Republicans Prevent Washington Extremists from Taking Benefits Away from South Texas Veterans", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "gonzalez.house.gov", "scraper": "gonzalez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000581", "name": "Vicente Gonzalez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Contact: Alexis Torres\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) stood with South Texas veterans and rejected an extreme House Republican legislative package, H.R. 9237, the so-called “Take Care of America’s Veterans Act,” which would significantly reduce disability benefits for 1.5 million future veterans, raise health care and homeownership costs for veterans, create a slush fund to enrich the President’s allies, and more.\n\n“When a veteran returns from service, our government has a responsibility to provide them with the resources and support they’ve rightfully earned,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Today, extreme Republicans in Washington tried advancing a radical bill that weaponized meaningful legislation, like the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act, to provide themselves political cover as they attempted to implement the largest cut to veterans benefits in a generation. I fought back, and the bill got pulled from the floor. South Texas is home to more than 50,000 veterans, and nearly half live with service-connected disabilities. We cannot turn our backs on those who proudly served.”\n\nThere is a false claim that the Major Richard Star Act—a bill to restore veterans’ military retirement and disability compensation to disabled veterans—can only be advanced through this larger package. By doing so, the VA benefits that are targeted for cuts in H.R. 9237 would be used to pay for costs that the Department of Defense (DOD) should be responsible for, not the VA. These expenses could easily be funded through the annual Defense spending bill. Notably, there is strong bipartisan support for a House discharge petition to force a standalone vote on the Major Richard Star Act, thereby avoiding the diversion of funds from other veteran benefits and services. Congressman Gonzalez and 214 Members have joined the discharge petition, and it only needs three more Members to reach the required 218 signatures.\n\nAfter being introduced on June 10, 2026, Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican leadership forced H.R. 9237 through the House of Representatives without any input from veteran service organizations (VSOs). Specifically, this legislation would:", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/goodlander-democratic-veterans-celebrate-defeat-of-republican-attack-on-veterans-benefits/", "title": "Goodlander, Democratic Veterans Celebrate Defeat of Republican Attack on Veterans’ Benefits", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "goodlander.house.gov", "scraper": "goodlander", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000604", "name": "Maggie Goodlander", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, for the second time, U.S. House Republicans were forced to withdraw a flawed Republican bill, H.R. 9237, from floor consideration. This followed strong opposition from members of the Democratic Veterans Caucus highlighting how the bill would represent the largest cut to veterans’ benefits in history, including cutting benefits for common conditions like tinnitus and sleep apnea and raising fees on VA home loans.\n\nFollowing today’s withdrawal of this bill to cut veterans benefits, members of the Democratic Veterans Caucus Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Herb Conway (NJ-03) released the following joint statement.\n\n“Today, the House rallied around veterans and rejected this partisan attack on veterans’ benefits and the VA.\n\n“Members of the Democratic Veterans Caucus led the fight against this bill, and we will always come together to stand up for our troops and our fellow veterans.\n\n“House Republicans should think twice before ever again taking benefits away from our veterans in the name of ‘fiscal responsibility’ after they added trillions to the debt with their One Big Beautiful Bill and are trying to force through a $67B supplemental to pay for the disastrous Iran War.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/goodlander-statement-on-rep-massies-amendment-to-h-r-8595/", "title": "Goodlander Statement on the State Department Appropriations Bill", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "goodlander.house.gov", "scraper": "goodlander", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000604", "name": "Maggie Goodlander", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) released the following statement after her vote on the State Department appropriations bill.\n\n“As a Member of Congress, it is my job to ensure American taxpayer dollars are spent out of necessity – and in a way that advances the interests and values of the United States of America. That is the spirit in which I voted today against sending an additional $3.3 billion American taxpayer dollars to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government.\n\n“My support for Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself as a Jewish and democratic state is ironclad. The amendment did not affect our support for Israel’s air-defense systems, which remain mission-critical to defending against persistent threats from some of America’s most brutal and determined enemies, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, and its terrorist proxies, including Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Hamas. My support for a peace agreement that guarantees Israel’s security and safeguards the human rights, dignity, and self-determination of the Palestinian people in their own state is equally ironclad.\n\n“Our alliance with Israel requires a reset. Having ignored the concerns of the vast majority of Americans about its conduct in Gaza, which devastated civilians while ultimately empowering Hamas, and its support for settler violence in the West Bank, the Israeli government cannot expect Americans to continue to provide it with unconditional aid. Subsidizing Israel’s defense budget also no longer makes sense given the country’s wealth and military dominance in its region. Even the Israeli government has acknowledged it no longer needs this support.\n\n“I am disappointed that Republicans intentionally weaponized this vote, bringing to the floor a deeply imperfect amendment drafted by a lead sponsor whose abhorrent and dangerous track record of virulent antisemitism I wholeheartedly reject and condemn. But my vote today reflects my belief that the United States and Israel should forge a more normal partnership, built not on dependence and aid, but on shared interests, shared principles and mutual accountability as we promote the dignity and security of Israelis and Palestinians alike.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-rep-gottheimer-house-intelligence-committee-democrats-warn-against-weaponizing-declassified-intelligence-ahead-of-trump-address", "title": "RELEASE: Rep. Gottheimer, House Intelligence Committee Democrats Warn Against Weaponizing Declassified Intelligence Ahead of Trump Address", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Thursday, July 16, 2026, ahead of President Trump’s primetime address in which he is expected to revive claims of fraud and foreign interference in the 2020 election, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), joined by House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Democrats, sent a letter to Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, FBI Director Kash Patel, and NSA Director Joshua Rudd, warning against any effort to selectively declassify intelligence to mislead the American public about the security of the 2020 election.\n\nThe letter notes that the 2020 election was among the most scrutinized in American history — litigated in multiple courts — and that the Intelligence Community’s own 2021 declassified assessment found no indication that any foreign actor altered the election process. They also note that no intelligence suggesting there was interference has ever been provided to the Committee, despite requests for updates.\n\nSee the full text of the letter here.\n\n“The facts of the 2020 election have long been settled. The Intelligence Community assessed in a declassified Intelligence Community Assessment from 2021 that, “We have no indications that any foreign actor attempted to interfere in the 2020 US elections by altering any technical aspect of the voting process.” No intelligence to the contrary has ever been provided to the Committee, despite repeated requests for updates,” the Intelligence Committee members wrote.\n\nThe Intelligence Committee members continued, “The President is within his authority to declassify intelligence, but if he does so in a way that is intended to mislead Americans about the most basic foundation of our democracy and that may compromise sources and methods, it is incumbent on you to stand up for the agencies you lead.”\n\nThe Committee Democrats also raised concern that the Intelligence Community is now more than two months late delivering a statutorily required report on foreign threats to the 2026 midterm elections — even as it appears focused on relitigating the settled facts of the 2020 election.\n\nThe letter reminds the Directors of their obligation to keep the Committee fully and currently informed of any new intelligence related to election security, and calls on them to ensure that any declassification is coordinated across the intelligence community and shared with the congressional intelligence committees before public release.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://gray.house.gov/media/press-releases/gray-renews-effort-secure-emergency-relief-central-valley-specialty-crop", "title": "GRAY RENEWS EFFORT TO SECURE EMERGENCY RELIEF FOR CENTRAL VALLEY SPECIALTY CROP GROWERS", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gray.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "gray.house.gov", "scraper": "gray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000605", "name": "Adam Gray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Adam Gray (CA-13) and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) led an effort to help ensure Central Valley specialty crop growers receive the emergency assistance they need as farmers continue to face rising costs, labor shortages, and increasing economic uncertainty.\n\nIn a letter sent to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Congressman Adam Gray (CA-13), Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), and a group of lawmakers from across the country called for at least $15 billion in emergency assistance to be dedicated to specialty crop producers as Congress considers the Administration's request for emergency assistance.\n\nThe letter outlines the unique challenges and structural disadvantages facing specialty crop producers and underscores the need to provide equitable economic relief to these growers across the country.\n\n“America’s specialty crop industry is essential to our nation’s food security, rural economies, and agricultural competitiveness. Providing dedicated emergency assistance will help preserve domestic production, strengthen supply chains, and sustain the family farms and agricultural jobs that provide consumers with safe, healthy, American-grown fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery crops, floriculture, and other specialty crops,” write the members.\n\n“As you consider providing additional economic assistance to American farmers, we urge you to ensure that specialty crop growers receive a minimum of $15 billion in emergency assistance to match the severity of their crisis and address the structural disadvantages that distinguish their challenges from those of other agricultural sectors,” concludes the members.\n\nThis is Congressman Gray’s latest effort to make sure Central Valley specialty crop growers receive the support they need. Previously, Congressman Gray played a central role in moving the bipartisan Farm Bill through the Agriculture Committee, secured a commitment from Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) on this effort to secure billions of dollars in long-overdue economic assistance, and secured additional specialty crop related wins in the Farm Bill on the House floor before it passed with bipartisan support.\n\nThe letter was also signed by Reps. Julia Brownley (CA-26), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Don Davis (NC-01), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Pablo José Hernández (PR-AL), Bill Keating (MA-09), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Josh Riley (NY-19), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Darren Soto (FL-09), Mike Thompson (CA-04) and Jill Tokuda (HI-02).", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=942", "title": "Congressman Abe Hamadeh Celebrates TSMC's $100 billion Investment in Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District and the America First Manufacturing Agenda", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "hamadeh.house.gov", "scraper": "hamadeh", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001098", "name": "Abraham J. Hamadeh", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - Arizona Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) today congratulated TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) and President Donald Trump after the White House and Department of Commerce announced a historic $100 billion additional investment in advanced semiconductor manufacturing and packaging facilities in Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District.\n\nThis investment will place Arizona at the forefront of the AI and semiconductor revolution, helping establish the Congressman’s district as the Silicon Desert. With the additional facilities, TSMC’s total U.S. investment will reach $265 billion across 12 leading-edge semiconductor and advanced packaging plants nationwide, according to the White House.\n\nThis major investment aligns with President Trump’s America First manufacturing agenda and will deliver thousands of high-paying jobs to Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District — opportunities the Congressman believes should prioritize our veterans.\n\nCongressman Hamadeh has made economic development a cornerstone of his service in Congress, championing Peace through Prosperity. He has worked relentlessly to enhance the livability and opportunity in Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District, while vigorously promoting the talent and potential of its workforce and of American workers nationwide.\n\n“This major investment is further proof that the Trump Administration is laser-focused on restoring American manufacturing dominance and securing U.S. technological leadership in artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductors,” said Congressman Hamadeh. “These targeted investments in Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District aren’t just welcome — they’re exactly the kind of bold, America-First moves our district needs. My constituents are ready to work, ready to build, and hungry for the high-paying jobs these projects will deliver right here in the Grand Canyon State.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nIn 2020, TSMC announced plans to invest $12 billion in Congressional District 8, bringing the world’s most advanced chip manufacturing to the United States. In December 2022, the company raised its total investment to $40 billion. TSMC Arizona is expected to create approximately 80,000 jobs over the next five years and position Arizona to produce 20% of the world’s most advanced semiconductors — the critical chips that power modern AI systems.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnson-joins-24-colleagues-joint-statement-massie", "title": "Congressman Johnson Joins 24 Colleagues In Joint Statement on Massie Amendment to Republican Foreign Aid Budget Bill", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "hankjohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "hankjohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000288", "name": "Henry C. \"Hank\" Johnson, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, 25 Members of Congress, led by Congressman Jim McGovern, Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, released the following statement in advance of voting yes on Amendment #8, which would halt certain U.S. funding to Israel, to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act:\n\n“As Members of Congress, it is our duty to ensure that our constituents’ hard-earned money is used in a way that advances America’s interests and values. For this reason, we do not support providing an additional $3.3 billion of American taxpayer dollars to be used for Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon—operations which have killed tens of thousands of civilians, led to the indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, and caused severe and ongoing humanitarian catastrophes. These are just the latest in a long string of human rights violations inflicted on Palestinian civilians. For nearly six decades, Israeli security forces and military authorities have enforced the occupation of the Palestinian territories, including through restrictions on freedom of movement, arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. It is clear that existing human rights conditions on the use of American security assistance have not been meaningfully enforced. Enough is enough.\n\n“Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve peace, freedom, security, stability, and self-determination. Those aims will only be achieved when their inherent dignity and inalienable rights are at the center of U.S. policy in the region. Diplomacy is the answer, and as long as America provides constant funding for more war, peace will always remain out of reach.\n\n“Our vote should not be interpreted as opposition to initiatives such as the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act programs or others that foster people-to-people engagement, strengthen civil society, and advance the long-term prospects for a just and lasting peace. We remain committed to supporting these and similar programs while ensuring that U.S. taxpayer dollars advance peace, security, and American interests and values.”\n\nThe statement was released by Representatives: Becca Balint (D-VT), Don Beyer (D-VA), Greg Casar (D-TX), Judy Chu (D-CA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), John Garamendi (D-CA), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL), Adelita S. Grijalva (D-AZ), Val Hoyle (D-OR), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnsons-statement-president-trumps-unhinged-election", "title": "Congressman Johnson’s Statement on President Trump’s Unhinged Election Security Speech", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "hankjohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "hankjohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000288", "name": "Henry C. \"Hank\" Johnson, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "DECATUR, GA — “Voters are not going to be distracted by Trump’s release of what are massively redacted declassified files that fail to prove that the 2020 election was stolen from him. Voters remain focused on the facts that he and his wealthy friends are getting richer and richer as gas, groceries and housing cost are driving everyone else towards the poorhouse, while his war of choice against Iran spirals out of control. Trump is desperate, and we must be on guard to defeat his devious scheme to interfere with the administration of the upcoming elections to avoid the butt-kicking he is about to get from the voters.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://harrigan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-pat-harrigan-introduces-legislation-stop-chinas-acquisition", "title": "Congressman Pat Harrigan Introduces Legislation to Stop China's Acquisition of American Aviation Companies", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://harrigan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "harrigan.house.gov", "scraper": "harrigan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001101", "name": "Pat Harrigan", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10), alongside original cosponsor Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), introduced H.R. 9707, the General Aviation Protection (GAP) Act, legislation to close national security gaps that have allowed Chinese state-backed entities to acquire more than 20 American general aviation companies over the past two decades.\n\n\"Walk into any regional airport in this country and you'll see a Cirrus on the tarmac, sleek, American-made, flying the flag. What you won't see is that the company building it has been owned by China's state-controlled AVIC since 2011, the same conglomerate that builds fighter jets and drones for the PLA. And Cirrus isn't the only one. For two decades, Chinese entities have been quietly buying up American aviation companies, absorbing our engineers, our manufacturing know-how, and our FAA certifications the whole time, and Washington never built a system to catch it. This bill is that system,\" said Congressman Harrigan.\n\n\"Protecting America's aviation industry from bad actors is essential to our national security and economic competitiveness,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “Foreign adversaries, especially the Chinese Communist Party, should not be allowed to exploit gaps in our laws to gain access to sensitive technologies, critical infrastructure, or the innovative companies that help keep our nation safe. The General Aviation Protection Act takes a commonsense approach to addressing CCP interference in the general aviation sector by strengthening oversight of foreign investments. This legislation will help to ensure that the security and integrity of our aircraft are protected, and that the American people can continue to rely on a robust domestic aviation sector.”\n\nChinese entities linked to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, a company already designated as a Chinese military company, have made more than 20 acquisitions of American general aviation manufacturers, engine producers, avionics developers, and flight schools since 2005. These companies build the engines, airframes, and avionics that feed directly into military pilot training and America's defense supply chain.\n\nThe GAP Act creates a new mandatory CFIUS review category for these acquisitions, with a rebuttable presumption of prohibition for Chinese-linked or foreign adversary-controlled buyers. It also extends CFIUS jurisdiction to aviation real estate near military installations, directs the reclassification of dual-use aviation technologies, closes the outbound investment gap, mandates audits of foreign-controlled avionics for hidden backdoors, and cuts off federal funding to any aviation company controlled by a foreign adversary.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases/harshbarger-helps-get-hawkins-countys-words-wheels-bookmobile-back-road", "title": "Harshbarger Helps Get Hawkins County's Words on Wheels Bookmobile Back on the Road", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "harshbarger.house.gov", "scraper": "harshbarger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001086", "name": "Diana Harshbarger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rogersville, TN — Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) this week helped deliver a donation of children's books to Hawkins County Schools through the U.S. Library of Congress Surplus Books Program, timed to coincide with the return of the county's “Words on Wheels” bookmobile, which had been out of service for several months due to engine trouble.\n\n“It is always a joy to help put more books in the hands of East Tennessee kids, and there's no better time than right as Words on Wheels gets back on the road,” said Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger. “I'm grateful to the Library of Congress and Joe Mahar for making these donations possible, and to Hawkins County's vehicle maintenance crew for their hard work getting this bookmobile running again. Programs like Words on Wheels keep kids reading all summer long, and I'm proud my office could play a small part in that.”\n\n“Congresswoman Harshbarger has been very generous with her willingness to contribute books from the Library of Congress surplus Book Program,” said Erika Phillips, Hawkins County Schools Health Coordinator.\n\nThe Words on Wheels bookmobile—a retired school bus retrofitted in 2022 to serve as a mobile library—had been sidelined after its engine failed following hundreds of thousands of miles of use. Hawkins County Schools' maintenance staff sourced and installed a remanufactured engine using leftover funds from last year's operating budget, avoiding the need for a budget amendment, according to Director of Schools Matt Hixson.\n\nThe books were delivered to the school system on Wednesday, July 15, and loaded directly onto the bookmobile ahead of upcoming back-to-school events. While Congresswoman Harshbarger was in Washington, D.C. for votes and unable to attend the delivery in person, her son, state Sen. Bobby Harshbarger, stood in on her behalf. The Words on Wheels program will be back in service for back-to-school events beginning later this month.\n\nICYMI in The Rogersville Review:Words on Wheels is back, with a little help\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases/harshbarger-introduces-legislation-hold-insurance-companies-accountable-sex", "title": "Harshbarger Introduces Legislation to Hold Insurance Companies Accountable for Sex-Rejecting Procedure Harms", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "harshbarger.house.gov", "scraper": "harshbarger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001086", "name": "Diana Harshbarger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Image\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) today introduced the Treatment and Restoration Uniformity and Transparency in Health Coverage (TRUTH in Coverage) Act, legislation requiring health insurance plans that cover sex-rejecting procedures to also cover restorative care for patients who suffer complications, adverse outcomes, or seek to restore healthy bodily function. Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.\n\n“It's outrageous that a health plan can cover sex-rejecting procedures but refuse to cover the restorative care patients need to address the harm they cause. That's not a fair deal for patients who want to restore healthy bodily function,” said Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger. “Patients should never be abandoned after undergoing life-altering, harmful medical interventions once reality sets in. As a pharmacist, I've seen insurance companies find every excuse in the book to avoid paying for the care patients actually need. My TRUTH in Coverage Act restores fairness, promotes transparency, and ensures patients aren't left paying the price for care their insurance should cover.”\n\n“As physicians, we take an oath to first do no harm. Unfortunately, too many Americans have undergone irreversible gender transition procedures only to be left with life-changing complications and nowhere to turn,” said Senator Roger Marshall. “Insurance companies have been more than willing to profit by covering these procedures, but when patients need care to treat complications and restore healthy human function, they're often left on their own. That's wrong. Patients deserve transparency before making life-altering medical decisions, and insurance companies should be consistent in their coverage when those decisions result in lifelong complications.”\n\nAcross the country, many private health insurance companies have profited handsomely by covering sex-rejecting procedures that aim to alter a person’s biological and anatomical characteristics. Yet patients who later experience complications, adverse medical outcomes, or seek restorative treatment often discover that while their insurance covered the original sex-rejecting procedures, it refuses to cover the care needed to treat resulting injuries or restore healthy bodily function.\n\nThe TRUTH in Coverage Act establishes a uniform federal coverage standard across private insurance markets by amending the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). The legislation applies not only to state-regulated health insurance plans but also to self-funded employer health plans governed by ERISA, ensuring protections for patients nationwide.\n\nUnder the bill, any health plan that elects to cover sex-rejecting procedures or is required to cover them by state or local law or regulation, must provide coverage for restorative care under terms that are no more restrictive than those applied to the original procedures. This includes deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, prior authorization requirements, and other treatment limitations.\n\nThe legislation does not require any health plan to cover sex-rejecting procedures. Rather, it ensures that if a plan provides such coverage, it must also cover healthcare to address the harm caused by these procedures, and to restore healthy human form and functioning, to the greatest extent practicable. The requirements would take effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2027.\n\nReps. Brian Babin (R-TX), Sheri Biggs (R-SC), Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), “Judge” John Carter (R-TX), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Clay Fuller (R-GA), Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ), Mike Kennedy (R-UT), John McGuire (R-VA), Mary Miller (R-IL), Marlin Stutzman (R-IN), and Matt Van Epps (R-TN) join as original cosponsors. Sen. Lummis (R-WY) is an original cosponsor in the Senate.\n\nKEY PROVISIONS:\n\nRequires health plans that cover sex-rejecting procedures to also cover restorative care addressing resulting harms, regardless of when the original procedure occurred or which plan covered it.\n\nProhibits insurers from imposing separate, more restrictive cost-sharing or treatment limitations on restorative care than those applicable to the original procedures.\n\nDefines restorative care broadly to include treatment for reproductive injury, endocrine dysfunction, cardiovascular and metabolic complications, surgical complications, mental health conditions, and other harms tied to sex-rejecting procedures.\n\nPreserves exceptions for treatment of documented disorders of sex development, emergency medical care, treatment of precocious puberty, and male circumcision.\n\nEstablishes a uniform federal standard applicable to both state-regulated health insurance markets and ERISA self-funded employer health plans.\n\nADDITIONAL INFORMATION:\n\nFull text\n\nOne-pager\n\nWhat they are saying\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=63D77B6B-C494-4915-8D6E-50C7EB907AB9", "title": "Hayes Introduces Resolution Declaring Federal Support For Americans With Disabilities", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "hayes.house.gov", "scraper": "hayes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001081", "name": "Jahana Hayes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced a resolution reaffirming federal support of the Americans with Disabilities Act and legislation instructing publicly-funded infrastructure projects to be made fully accessible to all. This effort not only recognizes the barriers people with disabilities face daily but makes accessibility a guiding principle for future policy. With more than 1 in 4 adults, or more than 70 million people, living with a disability, improved accessibility is necessary. Congresswoman Hayes and Senator Blumenthal have introduced similar resolutions in previous Congressional sessions.\n\nThe resolution aligns U.S. policy with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a widely supported international treaty ratified by over 85% of United Nations member states. The Convention recognizes global disability across various areas, including infrastructure design, communications, and accessibility.\n\n“Making government buildings accessible to all Americans should always be our standard. This resolution acknowledges that existing law falls short and policy can intervene to improve the lives of those with disabilities,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. “Persons living with disabilities should not have to worry about access to federally funded spaces. They deserve equal protection under the law, and I remain committed to legislative efforts that make that a reality.”\n\nThe Delcaring Federal Support for Americans with Disabilities Resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Wesley Bell (MO-01), Steve Cohen (TN-9), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), John Mannion (NY-22), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24)\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by The Arc, Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), Family Voices, the National Black Disability Coalition, and the United States International Council on Disabilities.\n\nThe resolution builds on efforts by Congresswoman Hayes to support Americans living with disabilities. In February, Congresswoman Hayes led her colleagues in writing to the Department of Justice requesting an update on efforts to adopt Public Rights-Of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG). Congresswoman Hayes has also championed legislation to phase out subminimum wages for individuals with disabilities and advocated for increased funding for home and community-based services (HCBS) for eligible persons with disabilities.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=EF246183-FF6E-40A5-BDB1-7984CA80A32F", "title": "Hayes Statement On Massie Amendment #8 Vote", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "hayes.house.gov", "scraper": "hayes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001081", "name": "Jahana Hayes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON D.C. – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement following her vote in support of Massie Amendment #8 to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act.\n\nI support Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state and homeland for the Jewish people, and recognize the close military, economic and strategic alliance we share. During my time in Congress, I’ve had a long-standing voting record in support of defense funding for Israel and remain committed to ensuring its safety and security.\n\nI am also horrified by UNICEF reports that children in Gaza have been killed, maimed, and displaced in a devastating war that is an affront to our shared humanity. The security and humanitarian situation in the region remains catastrophic, characterized by widespread destruction, mass displacement, severe aid blockages and high levels of acute food shortages. I continue to believe the Palestinian people have a right to self-determination and American actions should support that goal.\n\nIt is unfortunate that Massie Amendment #8 is poorly written and extremely broad and fails to acknowledge the humanitarian efforts, potential impacts on Embassy operations, educational and cultural exchanges, and the ongoing support for Palestinian Security Forces which are funded through this aid. I do not believe this amendment was drafted in pursuit of longstanding solutions, but instead to be another political wedge issue.\n\nWhile I do not agree with the entirety of the amendment, I do believe it opens the door to long overdue, hard conversations on U.S. military aid.\n\nIn the same way I have voted no to domestic funding for agencies who refuse to implement necessary reforms, I cannot vote to send American taxpayer dollars anywhere in the world without that same level of scrutiny.\n\nIn this moment, my constituents in the Fifth district of Connecticut are demanding more thoughtful and deliberate consideration of the path forward for the Israeli and Palestinian people. For these reasons I voted in support of the amendment.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases/profesor-de-universidad-de-dartmouth-reconoce-validez-del-estado-libre", "title": "Profesor de Universidad de Dartmouth reconoce validez del Estado Libre Asociado en el Congreso", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "hernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001103", "name": "Pablo José Hernández", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — En el contexto de la conmemoración del 74.º aniversario del Estado Libre Asociado, el Comisionado Residente Pablo José Hernández participó en un conversatorio en el Congreso junto al profesor David Rezvani, de Dartmouth College, sobre el estatus político de Puerto Rico. Rezvani, quien ha estudiado modelos de autonomía alrededor del mundo y es autor del libro Surpassing the Sovereign State, compartió su perspectiva sobre los distintos modelos de autonomía que hay en el mundo. En el evento participaron alcaldes, personal del Congreso y representantes de distintos sectores.\n\n“El profesor Rezvani es una voz refrescante porque se trata de una persona que no es puertorriqueña, que se especializa en el tema de autonomía en una de las mejores universidades del mundo, y que reconoce la validez y el potencial del ELA”, expresó el Comisionado Residente. “Aunque Puerto Rico es único, no está solo, y su libro nos demuestra que hay cerca de 70 modelos de países como Puerto Rico con relaciones autonómicas con países más grandes, que son democráticos y reconocidos internacionalmente.”\n\n“Una parte de mi libro examina los orígenes, el surgimiento y el estatus constitucionalmente afianzado de la unión parcialmente independiente entre Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico constituye un ejemplo paradigmático de cómo un Estado posimperial utiliza la independencia parcial para obtener las ventajas de un imperio sin asumir sus costos. La cuestión del estatus de Puerto Rico es sumamente controvertida. Muchos consideran que es una colonia de Estados Unidos. Otros, sin embargo, entienden que las facultades de Puerto Rico están formalmente afianzadas. Mi trabajo sostiene que Puerto Rico goza, en efecto, de una independencia parcial en lugar de constituir una colonia y que sus facultades están afianzadas mediante una convención no escrita.” señaló David Rezvani, investigador académico residente y profesor en Dartmouth College.\n\nDurante su comparecencia, el profesor Rezvani explicó que Puerto Rico no es una colonia de los Estados Unidos, que la ley PROMESA fue consentida por el gobernador y el comisionado residente de Puerto Rico cuando fue aprobada, y que Puerto Rico goza de lo que llamó “súper-poderes” autonómicos como su autonomía fiscal, su nacionalidad y su hospitalidad, que sirve para fomentar la industria del turismo y la manufactura en la isla. Además, compartió datos de su libro que reflejan que las colonias que buscaron soluciones intermedias, lo que llama “partially independent territories”, generalmente han superado a las colonias que optaron por la soberanía total e independencia.\n\n“En la medida que la estadidad no está disponible y los puertorriqueños no quieran la independencia, tenemos que pensar en cómo trabajamos y mejoramos lo que tenemos”, añadió el Comisionado Residente.\n\nPor su parte, el presidente de la Asociación de Alcaldes de Puerto Rico, Jorge ‘Georgie’ González, agradeció la invitación el evento, y destacó la importancia que tiene discutir el tema del status de una manera amplia e inclusiva. “Un ejemplo de ello es el proyecto de status (HR 9246) presentado por el comisionado residente, que incluye todas las opciones. Esa es la alternativa que nosotros apoyamos”.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/new-bipartisan-bill-to-enhance-aviation-safety-after-slackline-helicopter-tragedy", "title": "NEW: Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Aviation Safety After Slackline-Helicopter Tragedy", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hoyle.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyle", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001094", "name": "Val T. Hoyle", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Curtis (R-UT), and U.S. Representatives Cliff Bentz (R-OR-02) and Val Hoyle (D-OR-04) introduced the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act, with support from U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).\n\nThe new bipartisan legislation would direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address urgent aviation safety issues by reviewing and updating existing safeguards for temporary obstructions in the low-altitude airspace, such as slacklines.\n\n“Strengthening aviation safety is something that both Republicans and Democrats can get behind, especially following the tragic slackline collision that took the lives of four Oregonians earlier this year,” said Merkley. “The FAA must do all it can to keep the flying public safe, and our bipartisan McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act directs the agency to prioritize aviation safety. We must move swiftly to reduce the risk of any similar tragedy in the future.”\n\n“High-adventure activities in Utah, like slacklining, should not come at the cost of aviation safety, particularly for helicopter pilots who transport patients, fight wildfires, and support search and rescue missions,” said Curtis. “Our bipartisan bill takes a practical look at where the FAA can modernize its policies, improve coordination, and reduce unnecessary risks so everyone sharing our airspace can do so more safely.”\n\n“This tragic accident claimed cherished members of two Oregon families far too soon, and our hearts remain with everyone suffering this profound loss. As we look ahead, it is my hope that meaningful changes can be made to ensure a tragedy like this is never repeated,” said Bentz. “This legislation directs the FAA to review and update low altitude airspace safety regulations to help prevent similar incidents in the future.”\n\n“Last January’s deadly helicopter crash in Arizona exposed a serious safety challenge in low-altitude airspace. I've been vocal in the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee that action is needed so this kind of tragedy doesn’t happen again,” said Hoyle. “Oregonians know the value of both outdoor recreation and aviation, and we all share a responsibility to ensure that pilots, first responders and wildfire crews have the visibility and information they need to operate safely.”\n\n“Congress must act with urgency to ensure federal regulators are taking every possible step to prevent low-flying aircraft crashes with slacklines like the tragedy that cost the lives of four Oregonians earlier this year,” said Wyden. “This bill would accomplish that goal by setting deadlines for the Federal Aviation Administration to update and improve its policies and regulations for low-altitude airspace safety.”\n\n“David, Katelyn, Rachel, and Faith lost their lives in an Arizona helicopter crash that never should have happened. I've met with their family. No one should have to go through what they've been through. This bill makes sure the FAA acts quickly to prevent tragedies like this from happening again,” said Kelly.\n\nThe McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act follows a deadly helicopter crash caused by a collision with a slackline on January 2, 2026, that tragically claimed the lives of four Oregonians—David McCarty and his three nieces Rachel McCarty, Faith McCarty, and Katelyn Heideman. The bipartisan bill would instruct the FAA to use its authorities to review existing policies and regulations related to low-altitude airspace safety, including identifying appropriate policy, operational, or technical improvements such as updated requirements related to markings on slacklines.\n\nPreviously, Oregon's U.S. Senators pressed the FAA on implementing emergency safety actions following the deadly crash.\n\nThe bipartisan McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act is supported by key stakeholders and organizations, including the Vertical Aviation International (VAI), National Transportation Aviation Association (NATA), Balloon Federation of America (BFA), United Aerial Firefighters Association (UAFA), Air Medical Operators Association (AMOA), Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS), National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), BackcountryPilot.org, American Spray Drone Coalition, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Life Flight Network, National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), Commercial Drone Alliance, and Southern Utah University (SUU) Aviation.\n\nOn behalf of the McCarty and Heideman family, “We are very grateful and excited to see the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act be introduced. It is a crucial and urgent step towards making the airspace safer for pilots, passengers, cargo, and anyone using the airspace for work or recreation. We look forward to working on getting this across the finish line!”\n\n“No family should ever have to endure the heartbreak our community has experienced. While nothing can erase the unimaginable loss suffered by the McCarty and Heideman families, we are deeply grateful that Senator Merkley’s legislation seeks to turn this tragedy into meaningful action. If it can prevent even one family from experiencing the same pain, it will stand as a lasting legacy to David, Rachel, Katelyn, Faith, and the families who have endured so much,” said Oregon State Representative Bobby Levy.\n\n“Sen. Merkley’s bill takes an important step toward improving safety for pilots, crews, passengers, and the communities they serve. The Arizona accident was a tragic reminder of the serious risk temporary suspended obstructions can pose to low-altitude aircraft. This legislation focuses on practical steps to improve pilot awareness and help prevent future accidents,” said François Lassale, President and CEO, VAI.\n\n\"The National Air Transportation Association appreciates Senator Merkley’s attention to low-altitude airspace safety through the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act, which will improve awareness and communication around temporary obstructions. Safety is central to NATA’s mission, and a thoughtful FAA review can help reduce avoidable risks in the National Airspace System,” said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna.\n\n“Wildfire airspace overlaps public lands and recreation. Formal coordination with the FAA, Forest Service, BLM, and Park Service—paired with real outreach and right sized penalties for creating low altitude hazards—prevents tragedies before they happen. We strongly support this bill and urge swift passage,” said Paul Peterson, Executive Director, United Aerial Firefighters Association.\n\n\"As a former Marine Corps helicopter pilot and the CEO of an air medical organization whose crews fly thousands of low-altitude flights each year, I know firsthand how critical it is to identify and mitigate hazards before they become tragedies. This legislation reflects the kind of collaborative, data-driven approach that has long made aviation safer. We appreciate Senator Merkley's leadership in bringing together industry and government to make our national airspace safer for everyone,” said Ben Clayton, CEO, Life Flight Network.\n\n\"AMOA appreciates Senator Merkley's leadership in advancing this legislation and his commitment to improving helicopter safety through a thoughtful FAA review and collaboration with industry stakeholders,” said Sally Veith, Executive Director, Air Medical Operators Association.\n\n\"NASAO supports efforts to strengthen aviation safety in low-altitude airspace. Ensuring that temporary obstructions are properly identified and that pilots have access to accurate, timely information is critical to a safe national aviation system. We commend Senator Merkley for his leadership in introducing this bill,” said Gregory Pecoraro, President & CEO, National Association of State Aviation Officials.\n\n“The National Agricultural Aviation Association firmly endorses the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act. The requirements this act places on the FAA will help ensure no more aviators operating in the low altitude airspace lose their life because of an unmarked slackline or other hazard strung across the landscape,” said Matthew Woolard, President, National Agricultural Aviation Association.\n\n“The American Spray Drone Coalition (ASDC) strongly endorses the ‘McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act,’ reflecting our deep commitment to promoting high standards of low-altitude airspace safety for both crewed and uncrewed aviators. By directing the FAA to review existing safety policies, this legislation takes a critical first step toward assessing necessary improvements for temporary obstruction markings and ensuring obstacle data can be seamlessly integrated into modern digital flight planning tools,” said Eric Ringer, President, American Spray Drone Association.\n\n“The tragic slackline crash earlier this year underscored the importance of ensuring pilots have better awareness of potential hazards when operating at low altitude,” said Michael Robbins, President and CEO of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). “The McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act would direct the FAA to make common-sense but important changes to improve awareness for crewed and uncrewed aircraft alike, helping prevent tragedies like this one from happening again. We applaud Senator Merkley for his leadership on this issue and look forward to working with him to advance our shared vision of an airspace with zero collisions.”\n\nFull text of the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act as introduced in the Senate can be found by clicking here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-iveys-statement-voting-yes-massie-amendment-state-department", "title": "REP. IVEY’S STATEMENT ON VOTING YES ON THE MASSIE AMENDMENT TO STATE DEPARTMENT APPROPRIATIONS BILL", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ivey.house.gov", "scraper": "ivey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "I000058", "name": "Glenn Ivey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“House Republicans passed a foreign aid budget that guts American diplomacy, slashes humanitarian assistance when it is needed most, and weakens the tools we rely on to compete and lead in the world. In this funding bill, Republicans have chosen to offer an overly broad amendment by Rep. Massie that blocks all foreign aid to Israel, including humanitarian aid for Palestinian refugees and civilians in Gaza.\n\n“Although I have serious reservations about Rep. Massie’s amendment, the status quo of supporting the Netanyahu government cannot continue. The U.S.-Israel relationship is important, but it must be reset around accountability, defensive cooperation, respect for international law and a credible path to two states. Despite the amendment’s flaws, voting Yes sent a clear signal that Congress cannot continue treating the current aid relationship as automatic and that American policy must change.\n\n“During the administration of President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, I have consistently voted against additional funding for the Pentagon and the President’s unauthorized military operations. In particular, I have voted on the floor and in committee against supplemental funding for the Iranian War. President Trump and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu have dragged our countries into their war of choice with Iran, and I will not support it with American taxpayer dollars.\n\n“I cannot oppose further funding for unauthorized U.S. military operations in the region while continuing to treat military funds for the Netanyahu government as automatic, particularly when those operations are increasingly intertwined.\n\n“In a 2024 C-Span interview on the Israel-Hamas war, I laid out my thoughts about what needs to happen in the Middle East to secure peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike. I firmly believe that beyond this vote on the Massie amendment, which would not eliminate funding for Iron Dome and other defensive systems, it is critical for the United States to take the following affirmative steps to improve the situation on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank:\n\n1. supporting a surge in humanitarian aid, especially in Gaza, to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians;\n\n2. opposing settler violence and land incursions in the West Bank, and supporting the criminal prosecution of anyone committing violent acts;\n\n3. continuing to support a secure state for both Israelis and Palestinians, assisted by the United States, Arab states and European allies; and\n\n4. supporting an extended effort to rebuild Gaza in coordination with our Arab partners and European allies — essentially a Marshall Plan 2.0, adapted to the current realities in the region.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2574", "title": "Rep. Ronny Jackson Celebrates $14.8 Million Federal Grant for Sheppard Elementary School Improvements", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) celebrated Sheppard Elementary School, located on Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, being awarded a $14.8 million Military-Connected Schools Construction, Modernization, and Facilities Maintenance Program Grant through the Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA).\n\nThe grant will fund the construction of a new auditorium and significant renovations to the existing school building, enhancing educational opportunities for military-connected students and improving campus facilities for future generations. This award reflects the commitment of Sheppard Air Force Base to supporting military families and their children’s academic success through a safe, secure, and modernized learning environment.\n\n\"I am excited to see Sheppard Elementary School be selected to receive this critical funding,\" said Rep. Jackson. \"Our military families make tremendous sacrifices in service to our country, and their children deserve first-class facilities that advance their educational opportunities. This $14.8 million grant will provide lasting improvements that benefit our military-connected students, educators, and the entire Sheppard Air Force Base community. I was proud to support this effort and look forward to seeing this project move forward.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/07/16/jayapal-deluzio-ryan-introduce-legislation-to-break-up-meatpacking-monopolies-drive-down-grocery-costs/", "title": "Jayapal, Deluzio, Ryan Introduce Legislation to Break Up Meatpacking Monopolies, Drive Down Grocery Costs", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "jayapal.house.gov", "scraper": "jayapal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000298", "name": "Pramila Jayapal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), and Pat Ryan (NY-18), co-chairs of the Monopoly Busters Caucus, are introducing the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act, legislation to break up dominant meatpacking monopolies, rein in foreign-controlled corporate giants, and end unfair pricing practices that raise costs for American families and box out local farmers and ranchers. The legislation is bicameral, introduced in the Senate by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).\n\n“Massive corporations are driving up prices, making it unaffordable for working people to put food on the table,” said Jayapal. “It is a failure of our government to have allowed these corporate interests to swallow up the market, raising costs and putting hundreds of thousands of family farms out of business in the process. This bill is a critical step to level the playing field — to give independent ranchers and farmers a fair shot while ultimately lowering grocery bills for American families.”\n\n“Meatpacking monopolies are crushing hard-working small farmers, ranchers, and business owners—and are jacking up food prices for all of us,” said Congressman Deluzio. “In the richest country in the history of the world that likes our meat, we can’t let it become a luxury good. Let’s pass this bill to break up these monopolies and bring some relief to everyone they’re squeezing at the grocery store right now.”\n\n“Every time we walk into the grocery store, Hudson Valley families are getting squeezed by high prices because a few greedy corporations are raking in record-breaking profits. That’s unacceptable. Instead of taking on the monopolies driving up costs, like the four meatpacking companies that dominate the market, our fundamentally broken system rewards their greed while punishing our family-run grocers, farms, and restaurants,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “As the President’s wars and tariffs hurt our small businesses, we should be focused on lowering costs, strengthening our supply chains, and putting working families ahead of corporate special interests. This bill would break up the monopolies jacking up costs and give our local grocers and farms some extra support. I’ll keep fighting to crack down on price gouging, take on greedy monopolies, and make sure every family can afford to put food on the table.”\n\n“Trump keeps driving prices higher and higher. The American people are rightfully fed up,” said Leader Schumer. “Every visit to the grocery store has turned into relentless sticker shock for working families. It’s a consequence of Trump’s failed economic policies and the stranglehold the meatpacking monopoly holds over supply chains and grocery stores. Democrats in the Senate and House are united in bringing down costs for consumers, and I’m proud to champion the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act to tackle the skyrocketing food costs and deliver the relief working families demand and deserve.\n\nConsolidation in the meatpacking industry is rampant. For instance, 85 percent of the U.S. beef market is controlled by just four companies: Cargill, JBS, Tyson, and the National Beef Packing Company. This corporate consolidation allows these giants to unfairly extract value and take home maximum profits at the expense of farmers and consumers.\n\nThe Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act imposes structural reforms to restore competition to the industry. Specifically, it:\n\nMakes it unlawful for a major meatpacking conglomerate to control more than one major type of meat, i.e., pork, chicken, beef;\n\nImposes hard caps on the concentration of beef markets at both the regional and national levels and authorizes the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to order divestiture from the market if those caps are exceeded;\n\nProhibits foreign leverage over the domestic meat market, empowering FTC to protect competition and national security;\n\nDirects the FTC to enforce against discriminatory pricing practices in retail and wholesale meat markets that hit independent and neighborhood grocers the hardest;\n\nAuthorizes the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide financial assistance, loan guarantees, and technical assistance to farmers’ cooperatives and small business concerns to acquire meatpacking facilities divested under the Act; and\n\nCreates enforceable penalties for corporations that fail to properly divest, enforceable under the FTC Act.\n\nThis legislation builds upon a field hearing hosted by the Monopoly Busters Caucus earlier this year in which an independent rancher testified to the harmful effects of consolidation in the meatpacking industry.\n\n“North Dakota has some of the highest quality beef in the nation, and my fellow ranchers deserve a larger share of the profit for their hard work,” said Travis Anderson, North Dakota cattle rancher and member of Dakota Resource Council and the National Family Farm Coalition. “Breaking up the dominant meat processing companies while addressing horizontal integration would make the overall industry more fair and competitive, while also providing consumers with more affordable and abundant choices at the grocery store.”\n\n“The Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act takes on a root cause of the factory farm system that has devastated rural communities, workers, public health, and family farmers – the market power of a handful of giant meatpackers,” said Patty Lovera, policy advisor for the Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment. “It’s time to break up the massive companies that have consolidated livestock production and rigged the market against independent producers.”\n\n“Today, we will lose 63 farmers, and at the same time, Americans struggle to feed their families, and that’s no accident,” said Joe Maxwell, president of Farm Action Fund. “It’s the predictable result of decades of unchecked consolidation that has allowed a handful of corporations to control our food system. As a fourth-generation family farmer, I have witnessed this takeover firsthand. The Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act begins restoring the freedom to farm, the freedom to compete, and the freedom for families to afford the food they need. We applaud Representatives Jayapal, Deluzio, Ryan, and the other sponsors for confronting concentrated corporate power and standing with America’s farmers, workers, and consumers.”\n\n“For decades, four meatpacking giants have used their monopoly power to drive up grocery bills and squeeze out the farmers and ranchers who feed America,” said Morgan Harper, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the American Economic Liberties Project. “Rep. Jayapal’s bill takes direct aim at the root of the problem by breaking up the big four meatpackers and restoring real competition. Americans deserve food markets that reward hard work, not corporate gatekeepers. Congress should seize this opportunity to stand with families, farmers, and independent businesses instead of monopoly power.”\n\nThe Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act is also sponsored by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesus G. “Chuy” Garcia (IL-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Henry C. (“Hank”) Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), Emily Randall (WA-06), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).\n\nIt is endorsed by American Economic Liberties Project (AELP), Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment (CFFE), Consumer Federation of America, Demand Progress, Farm Action Fund, Food & Water Watch, Groundwork Action, Montana Cattlemen’s Association (MCA), National Family Farm Coalition (NFCC), Open Markets Institute (OMI), and Small Business Majority.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/07/16/jayapal-introduces-orlins-law-calling-for-the-protection-of-children-of-immigrants/", "title": "Jayapal Introduces Orlin’s Law Calling for the Protection of Children of Immigrants", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "jayapal.house.gov", "scraper": "jayapal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000298", "name": "Pramila Jayapal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, is introducing Orlin’s Law, legislation named for Orlin Hernandez Reyes. Three-year-old Orlin was murdered after his mother was deported and he was sent to live with a violent uncle, despite his mother’s request to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that her son be deported with her. As Jayapal introduces the legislation, she is also demanding answers from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and ICE Acting Director David Venturella as children continue to be separated from their parents.\n\n“Orlin was violently assaulted and killed after ICE took him from his mother — an immigrant with no criminal record who was picked up on her way to work. There are no words to express the outrage and heartbreak that we should all feel for this three-year-old boy,” said Jayapal. “There will never be justice for his family, because we cannot bring Orlin back. We can, though, in his memory demand that this never happen again, and ensure that the children of immigrants and immigrant families are protected and kept together.”\n\n“I begged them not to take me without my son,” Wendy Hernandez Reyes, mother of Orlin Hernandez Reyes. “I told the officers Orlin was just a baby, that I would go wherever they sent me, as long as he came too. They didn’t listen. Just weeks later, Orlin was gone. No child should die alone because no one stopped to ask what would happen to them after their mother was taken away. I’m supporting Orlin’s Law because I don’t want another parent to endure the pain I have suffered. Nothing will bring Orlin back, but I hope his story can help save another child’s life.”\n\n“Wendy did the one thing a mother in that moment could do: she begged ICE officers to keep her with her son,” Shalyn Fluharty, Lee & Godshall-Bennett, LLP, attorney for Wendy Hernandez Reyes. “Instead, she was deported alone, and Orlin was left with someone who would later kill him. This was not an unavoidable tragedy. It was the foreseeable consequence of separating a young child from his mother. Orlin’s Law will help ensure that families are not needlessly separated, that parents have the opportunity to make decisions about their children’s care if detained, and that no parent is deported without their child if they want to remain together. We owe that to Orlin, and to every child whose safety depends on the decisions our government makes.”\n\nAt the time of Orlin’s death, Acting ICE director Todd M. Lyons alleged that Orlin’s mother, Wendy Hernandez Reyes, had abandoned him and “chose to leave her son here with a violent murderer.” Lyon’s assertion is contradicted by court records and Ms. Hernandez Reyes’s account.\n\nOrlin’s Law would promote family unity and preserve parental rights by establishing a rule that prevents ICE from detaining parents and primary caregivers unless it can show, through clear and convincing evidence, that an individual poses a specific risk to public safety that cannot be mitigated through placement in a supervised release program. For any parent not released, the bill establishes an Office of Detained Parent Coordination to ensure that detained parents’ rights are respected and requires ICE to give parents every opportunity to make custody decisions for their child and to facilitate their participation in proceedings involving their child. It would also prevent ICE from deporting parents without their child, should they wish to take their child with them.\n\n“We commend Representative Jayapal for introducing Orlin’s Law to ensure that families are not needlessly separated due to immigration enforcement and that parents are able to make decisions about what happens to their children,” said Wendy Cervantes, director of immigration and immigrant families of the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) and director of the Children Thrive Action Network. “The bottom line is that Orlin should never have been separated from his loving mother, and no child should live in fear of losing a parent. Children have suffered some of the direst consequences of the Trump Administration’s reckless mass deportation campaign, including CLASP’s research that documents how our youngest kids are having their childhoods taken away, with the terror spreading across entire communities. We call on Congress to pass Orlin’s Law to mitigate the harm of immigration raids on children and to hold the Administration accountable by demanding that the Department of Homeland Security release comprehensive data on the number of children impacted by immigration enforcement and to follow its own policy to ensure detained parents can make decisions about their children’s care.”\n\n“Family separation did not end when the Trump administration’s border policy was struck down, it simply changed form. Under today’s mass deportation agenda, ICE is tearing young children from their parents, leaving them alone with no one to advocate on their behalf,” said Sarah Mehta, Deputy Director, Policy and Government Affairs for Immigration, American Civil Liberties Union. “Orlin’s Law would ensure that children can remain safely with their parents and loved ones, and that parents, not immigration agents, decide what is best for their children. We are grateful to Congresswoman Jayapal for leading this effort to keep children safe and families together.”\n\nJayapal worked closely with DHS officials to ensure Ms. Hernandez Reyes could return to the U.S. for Orlin’s funeral.\n\nThe full text of Orlin’s Law can be read here, and the full text of the letter to Mullin and Venturella can be read here.\n\nJayapal is joined in introducing Orlin’s Law by Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Judy Chu (CA-28), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Summer Lee (PA-12), Ted W. Lieu (CA-36), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25).\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the ACLU; Acacia Center for Justice; All Our Kin; Amnesty International USA; AP-OD (Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors); Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC; Center for Gender & Refugee Studies; Center for Law and Social Policy; Children’s Rights; Community Change Action; First Focus Campaign For Children; Justice in Motion; Kids in Need of Defense; MoveOn; National Center for Youth Law; National Immigrant Justice Center; National Immigration Law Center; Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice; We are CASA ; Women’s Refugee Commission; Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights; ZERO TO THREE; The Children’s Partnership; Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County; Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights; Northwest Immigrant Rights Project; OneAmerica; Voices for Utah Children; Wisconsin Head Start Association.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/07/16/leader-jeffries-house-democrats-will-strongly-oppose-the-gops-america-last-budget-resolution/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES: “HOUSE DEMOCRATS WILL STRONGLY OPPOSE THE GOP’S AMERICA LAST BUDGET RESOLUTION”", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference, where he emphasized that while House Republicans are ignoring the needs of everyday Americans, House Democrats remain committed to driving down the high cost of living and making life better for the American people.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: A few moments ago, yet again, another reckless Republican bill went down to defeat on the Floor of the House of Representatives. House Democrats are in the minority but continue to control the Floor as if we were in the majority, making progress on behalf of the American people, including by extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits earlier this year to protect the healthcare of more than 20 million Americans, by passing successfully a War Powers Resolution as part of our continuing effort to stop Donald Trump’s reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East. No more stupid wars that make life more expensive for the American people. And then, of course, this week, perhaps for the first time in the history of the United States of America, the majority party was forced to pull a bill relating to veterans because House Democrats, led by Mark Takano, have made clear all week that this bill doesn’t benefit hard-working veterans in the United States of America. It would actually hurt them.\n\nIn advance of Donald Trump’s speech, let me also be clear about one thing: Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential election. Something’s really wrong with this guy. I think he actually needs to be checked out. Why does he continue to focus on a conspiracy theory related to a 2020 presidential election that every rational person in the United States of America knows he lost? And yet, instead of focusing on actually driving down the high cost of living in an economy where hardworking American taxpayers are suffocating from the affordability crisis, Donald Trump continues to peddle election conspiracy theories.\n\nHouse Democrats are committed to making sure that we have a free and fair election in November. And when that occurs, we’re confident that we’re going to take back control of the United States House of Representatives. What Republicans are doing, since they were once again neutered on the Floor of the House of Representatives, is to advance an America Last budget resolution that will actually provide $60 billion in additional taxpayer money for Donald Trump’s reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East that has left Iran in a stronger position than they were in before this reckless war started and the American people in a weaker position economically as a result of high gas prices. And yet, Republicans continue to double and triple down on Operation Epic Failure. The war in Iran has been a disaster for the American people, and House Democrats will strongly oppose their America Last budget resolution and fight to actually restore the devastating cuts to Medicaid and to nutritional assistance that Republicans jammed down the throats of the American people with their One Big Ugly Bill last year.\n\nFull press conference can be watched here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/07/16/leader-jeffries-statement-on-donald-trumps-deranged-speech/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON DONALD TRUMP’S DERANGED SPEECH", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:\n\nDonald Trump has once again chosen to spew deliberate and dangerous lies because the economy is a disaster and he knows that the American people have had enough. He has cynically and corruptly decided to call into question our free and fair elections before a single ballot has been cast. Why? Republicans believe they need to cheat to win.\n\nThe strength of our democracy depends on every single American showing up to vote for a brighter future. Thankfully, the framers of the Constitution saw fit to have our elections administered at the state and local level, precisely to prevent them from being manipulated by an unhinged President.\n\nHouse Democrats will continue the fight to lower costs, make healthcare more affordable and protect the integrity of our elections. Change is coming to the United States of America.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-announces-15-million-federal-awards-zepf-center", "title": "Kaptur Announces $1.5 Million in Federal Awards for Zepf Center", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "kaptur.house.gov", "scraper": "kaptur", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000009", "name": "Marcy Kaptur", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "July 16, 2026\nPress Release\nWashington, DC —\nToday, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced that the Zepf Center in Toledo will receive two separate awards totaling\n$1.5 Million\n. Administered through the Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Mental Health Services, the awards will support the nonprofit’s 50-year record of providing behavioral and mental health care to those who need it most. The center’s Homeless Outreach and Person-Centered Engagement project, or HOPE, will receive\n$500,000\nto address the many needs of homeless individuals in Northwest Ohio. Another\n$1,000,000\nwill be awarded to the center to support their existing Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.\n“The Zepf Center has served our Northwest Ohio community for decades. Honored to play a role in securing funds to help them continue their goodwill services,”\nsaid Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09).\n“The need for mental health services has been steadily increasing in our Northwest Ohio region and across the nation. Because of organizations like the Zepf Center, individuals are able to access the care and support they need, giving them hope and assurance when it can otherwise be hard to find.”\n“Congresswoman Kaptur has been a tremendous champion for behavioral health and for the people we serve across Northwest Ohio. We are honored by her continued support and grateful for these critical federal investments,\"\nsaid Deb Flores, LSW, MPA, Chief Executive Officer, Zepf Center.\n\"The funding will strengthen our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic services and expand the reach of our HOPE program, helping us meet people where they are and connect them to vital trauma-informed care, housing, and recovery supports. Together, we are building healthier communities and creating pathways to hope for individuals and families throughout our region.”\nWith six locations throughout Lucas County, the Zepf Center serves children as young as 2-years-old to elderly adults. Their trauma-responsive comprehensive services include crisis support, psychiatric care, addiction recovery services, primary care, and homelessness assistance.\nThe center’s HOPE project launched in 2018 in partnership with Neighborhood Properties Inc to connect homeless individuals with sustainable and permanent housing and employment resources. Targeting individuals and families with mental health or substance abuse challenges, HOPE seeks to reduce the barriers that make it difficult for these groups to access stable housing by offering long-term solutions.\nA 2025 report by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that 2,214,000 Ohio adults have a mental health condition. Additionally, 1 in 5 of the 11,000 homeless individuals in Ohio experience serious mental health conditions and almost 18% of Ohio adults are affected by a substance use disorder. The Zepf center aims to tackle this issue head on by offering resources for the whole person and the whole family to overcome their challenges.\nAs a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Kaptur prioritizes bringing federal dollars home to the Northwest Ohio community. This investment builds on her previous support for the Zepf Center and mental health resources. In past years, Kaptur secured\n$1,250,000\nfor the center’s Northwest Ohio Fatherhood Connection\nand a\n$1,000,000\nCCBHC grant for center improvements\n.\n# # #\nIssues\n:\nJobs and the Economy\nHealth Care", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-murray-blast-doe-illegally-funneling-carbon-capture-funds-prop", "title": "Kaptur, Murray Blast DOE for Illegally Funneling Carbon Capture Funds to Prop Up Coal Plants, Demand Department Halts Plans", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "kaptur.house.gov", "scraper": "kaptur", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000009", "name": "Marcy Kaptur", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC — Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, sent a letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright calling on him to immediately halt the Department of Energy’s (DOE) plans to illegally spend funds provided for carbon capture programs to instead prop up coal plants.\n\nIn their letter, the top Democratic energy appropriators explain that using these funds to subsidize coal plants is not only illegal, but undercuts work funded explicitly by Congress to advance clean, affordable energy and cut costs for American families.\n\n“Congress provided funding to cut pollution and lower energy costs, which DOE is now diverting to instead subsidize big coal’s uneconomic power plants, raising costs for families,” write Kaptur and Murray. “The Department’s plan to repurpose $350 Million in dedicated carbon capture funding to restart and recommission coal-fired power plants is a misuse of public funds and a violation of Federal law.”\n\nThe lawmakers call on DOE to halt all obligations of funds to support these coal plants, writing: “The Department must immediately desist from obligating funds for these projects, provide a complete response to this letter, and begin complying with the law.”\n\nThey note that the Department has itself conceded that it plans to spend carbon capture funding on projects that do not include carbon capture, and they explain that after months of correspondence with the Department, it has failed to provide any acceptable legal justification: “We have raised our concerns repeatedly since the Department first announced this initiative in late September 2025. After more than eight months of correspondence, DOE has not provided the Committees a single legal justification that withstands scrutiny.”\n\nKaptur and Murray demand the Department refrain from obligating any awarded funds until it can demonstrate it is complying with the law and request detailed responses to their questions by August 7.\n\nThe full letter is available by clicking here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Wright:\n\nAmerican families are already struggling to afford to keep the lights on. They deserve a Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) that is actually focused on affordability, lowering their costs, and following the law—meaning spending every taxpayer dollar Congress provides to do just that. In the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA; P.L. 117–58), Congress provided funding to cut pollution and lower energy costs, which DOE is now diverting to instead subsidize big coal’s uneconomic power plants, raising costs for families. The Department’s plan to repurpose $350 Million in dedicated carbon capture funding to restart and recommission coal-fired power plants is a misuse of public funds and a violation of Federal law. No administration has the power to take funds Congress provided for one purpose and spend them on another.\n\nWe write specifically regarding the Department’s selection of awards under its Notice of Funding Opportunity, DE-FOA-0003605, “Restoring Reliability: Coal Recommissioning and Modernization,” which DOE publicly announced on June 4, 2026, and described to the Committees on Appropriations in Congressional notifications dated April 8, 2026 (NETL #26-13) and May 7, 2026 (NETL #26-19). Those notifications indicate the Department intends to obligate $350 Million in carbon capture funds provided in the IIJA to sustain aging coal-fired power plants with these awards, even though those funds were appropriated for carbon capture pilot and demonstration projects, and the selected activities do not align with that purpose. The funds are therefore not legally available to be spent on these awards, and any obligation or expenditure of the funds for these purposes violates the Antideficiency Act. The Department must immediately desist from obligating funds for these projects, provide a complete response to this letter, and begin complying with the law.\n\nWe have raised our concerns repeatedly since the Department first announced this initiative in late September 2025. After more than eight months of correspondence, DOE has not provided the Committees a single legal justification that withstands scrutiny. To the contrary, the Department has acknowledged in writing that its solicitations “were not fully clear” and has amended them after the fact, in an attempt to address the very defects we first identified. Those changes do not cure the problem—they confirm it.\n\nCongress appropriated these funds for carbon capture pilot and demonstration projects.\n\nThe $350 Million is drawn from two IIJA programs: the Carbon Capture Demonstration Projects Program and the Carbon Capture Large-Scale Pilot Projects Program. These are not general-purpose coal accounts. The funds are made available for “a carbon capture technology program for the development of transformational technologies that will significantly improve the efficiency, effectiveness, costs, emissions reductions, and environmental performance of coal and natural gas use, including in manufacturing and industrial facilities” (Section 962(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005). The statute clearly states that these are funds to demonstrate and pilot carbon capture technologies. Any plant that is awarded funds under this program is required to integrate carbon capture technologies that achieve emissions reductions.\n\nDOE selected projects that do not align with the purpose of these appropriated funds.\n\nBy DOE’s own description, the selected awards fund the construction, commissioning, recommissioning, overhaul, and restart of coal-fired power plants—not the demonstration of carbon capture technology. The aforementioned notifications that the Committees received state that “[p]rojects may be staged so that near-term reliability upgrades are federally cost-shared without requiring immediate carbon capture, utilization, and storage installation.” The Department plainly intends to use carbon capture appropriations for activities it concedes do not include carbon capture.\n\nDOE’s own published project descriptions make as much clear. For two of the awards, the Department describes the primary objective to be modernizing an existing coal plant “to ensure continued operation” in one and restarting a plant through “routine maintenance and repairs” in the other. Carbon capture is an afterthought, and only as a study. The first description states it “includes a carbon capture and utilization system front-end engineering design study;” the second states it “will also assess the feasibility of adding a carbon capture, utilization, and storage component.” The Department is clear—Federal funds are being used to restart coal plants, and at most, carbon capture would be studied. The two remaining awards, which fund new-build concepts described as having “integrated” capture, likewise only underwrite scoping, design, and viability-assessment work, not the construction or operation of any capture technology. None of the four award notifications include any demonstration or large-scale piloting of the carbon capture technologies that these appropriations were specifically provided for by Congress, consistent with the law.\n\nDOE has conceded that the original solicitations did not require carbon capture at all. The Department amended the Broad Agency Announcement on October 30, 2025, and the related Notice of Funding Opportunity on January 6, 2026, to add carbon capture “as a requirement,” explaining that the solicitations “were not fully clear.” Further, DOE told applicants the opposite of what it now tells Congress. The amended Notice of Funding Opportunity states, “Federal funds will be tied to pilot or demonstration outcomes, with non-CCUS reliability work covered through recipient cost share.” The Congressional notifications state that near-term reliability upgrades will be “federally cost-shared without requiring immediate” carbon capture. These statements are irreconcilable, and nothing the Department has said changes that the purpose of these funds is to demonstrate and pilot carbon capture technologies.\n\nObligating these funds would violate the Purpose Statute and the Antideficiency Act.\n\nThe Purpose Statute provides that appropriations “shall be applied only to the objects for which the appropriations were made except as otherwise provided by law.” Funds appropriated for carbon capture demonstration projects and large-scale carbon capture pilots are not available to restart and rehabilitate coal power plants unless the coal plants will only use the funds to carry out a carbon capture demonstration or pilot project. The Department has not identified any other legally available funds to cover these awards, meaning any resulting obligations would exceed the amounts available for the purpose and therefore violate the Antideficiency Act, which bars obligating or expending funds in excess of, or in advance of, available appropriations.\n\nRequested actions and information.\n\nGiven likely violations of the Purpose Statute and the Antideficiency Act, we demand that the Department refrain from obligating any funds under the DE-FOA-0003605 selections until it can demonstrate that these funds would be obligated lawfully. To evaluate the legality of these awards before funds are obligated, we request that no later than August 7, 2026, the Department:\n\nProvide the written legal opinion of the Office of the General Counsel analyzing the availability of Carbon Capture Demonstration Projects and Carbon Capture Large-Scale Pilot Projects appropriations for each selected award, including the specific statutory authority relied upon;\n\nFor each award, provide the amount of Federal funds budgeted for project phases prior to the incorporation of carbon capture, utilization, and storage, broken out by phase;\n\nReconcile the contradiction between the Notice of Funding Opportunity (non-CCUS reliability work covered through recipient cost share) and the Congressional notifications (near-term reliability upgrades federally cost-shared without immediate CCUS);\n\nIdentify, for each award, the appropriation account, program, and fiscal year of every dollar to be obligated; and\n\nProvide all records relating to the competitive process for these selections, including the evaluation and selection criteria applied and how they were satisfied.\n\nCongress provided this money to develop technology that makes energy cleaner and cheaper in the long run — not to subsidize big coal and force families to foot the bill. When an Administration takes funds Congress provided for one purpose and spends them on another, it breaks the law and betrays public trust. We expect the Department to follow the law and answer for its decision-making expeditiously.\n\nSincerely,\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/2026/07/16/whip-clark-gop-healthcare-attacks-will-not-go-unpunished/", "title": "Whip Clark: GOP Healthcare Attacks Will Not Go Unpunished", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "katherineclark.house.gov", "scraper": "clark", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001101", "name": "Katherine M. Clark", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined advocates from Protect Our Care to launch the Sick Of It! campaign to hold Republicans accountable for their healthcare cuts and deliver an agenda for working families. Below is a transcript of her remarks:\n\n“Here’s what the Republican Party is about to find out. That when you screw with people’s health, when you go after their families, when you mess with their kids, there will be a price to pay.\n\n“Republicans chose to make this the centerpiece of their agenda. They chose to cut Medicare, Medicaid, and the ACA.They chose to cut taxes for the billionaire class by taking health insurance away from millions of people — including their own voters! And in most cases, especially their own voters.\n\n“Because, this isn’t just about blue states. In my district, 23,000 people are losing their insurance under the Big Ugly Law. But in Mike Johnson’s district, it’s nearly 40,000.\n\n“We are going to make sure that each and every one of those voters knows exactly who is to blame. For every hospital closure we see across this country. For every illness that goes untreated. For every prescription that is going unfilled. And we are going to make sure people know it’s because Republicans saw fit to spend their money on tax cuts for the Epstein Class instead of making sure that kids can go to the pediatrician. Instead of making sure that cancer patients get the treatment they deserve.\n\n“Thanks again to Brad Woodhouse, to Protect Our Care, to all our partners who are here, and especially my colleagues. We’re going to make sure this attack on the health of working families does not go unpunished. Because the American people are Sick Of It!”\n\nThe full press conference can be viewed HERE. Photos of the event can be viewed HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/ahead-trumps-address-krishnamoorthi-warns-trump-politicizing-intelligence", "title": "Ahead of Trump's Address, Krishnamoorthi Warns Trump Is Politicizing Intelligence to Justify Federal Takeover of Elections", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Ahead of President Trump's address on election security tonight, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement:\n\n\"For nearly six years, President Trump has tried to rewrite the history of the 2020 election. Tonight, he appears prepared to use handpicked political loyalists and selective declassification to relitigate a settled election and create a pretext for an unprecedented federal takeover of this fall's elections. Our Intelligence Community exists to protect our country, not the President's ego. While Americans are worried about the rising cost of living, President Trump is once again trying to convince them he won an election he lost—and using that lie to legitimize an unprecedented federal takeover of the next.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-and-merkley-introduce-legislation-crack-down-predatory-colleges", "title": "Krishnamoorthi and Merkley Introduce Legislation to Crack Down on Predatory Colleges and Protect Students from Worthless Degrees", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) today reintroduced the Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act, bicameral legislation to protect students from predatory higher education programs—which are often run by for-profit colleges—that target financially vulnerable students, leave borrowers buried in debt, and force taxpayers to foot the bill for federal aid that never delivered on its promise.\n\nThe legislation would ensure that predatory and worthless degree programs are ineligible for federal financial aid dollars. The updated bill also responds to the Trump Administration's recent attacks on college affordability, including a final rule that fails to ensure federal student aid only flows to programs that keep their commitments to students and delays accountability for programs preparing students for occupations where a majority of workers receive tipped income.\n\n\"Students should never spend years earning a degree, take on tens of thousands of dollars in debt, and then discover they were never actually qualified for the career they were promised,\" said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. \"Higher education should be a pathway to the middle class—not a pipeline to debt. Our bill ensures colleges receiving taxpayer dollars actually prepare students for the careers they promise.\"\n\n\"Students should not be saddled with a worthless degree or mountains of debt for pursuing the dream of higher education,\" said Senator Merkley. \"The Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act restores common-sense protections so graduates are not left with unmanageable debt and ensures that federal funds are not going toward worthless college degrees. This is a win-win for both students and taxpayers—delivering on the promise of quality education, meaningful career opportunities, and the responsible investment of federal financial aid dollars.\"\n\nThe Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act would:\n\nEnsure students and taxpayers are not left footing the bill for predatory and worthless degree programs by making these programs ineligible for federal education assistance funds.\n\nRestore a strong debt-to-earnings standard for for-profit college programs and non-degree certificate programs at any school so that programs that consistently leave graduates with unmanageable debt relative to their earnings lose access to federal aid.\n\nEnsure the earnings premium test, which measures whether the typical graduate from a program who received federal aid earns at least as much as a typical high school graduate, applies to undergraduate certificate programs.\n\nGuarantee that programs preparing students for occupations where a majority of workers receive tipped income are not subject to a one-year delay in program eligibility consequences.\n\nRequire all programs—including distance education programs—to meet any federal or state licensure requirements and programmatic accreditation necessary for graduates to enter their intended field.\n\nEnsure states can apply and enforce their laws against online schools based in other states to provide consistent student protections.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07).\n\nThe bill is endorsed by The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS); AFT: Education, Healthcare, Public Services; New America's Higher Education Program; Third Way; EdTrust; and The Century Foundation.\n\n\"This bill takes important steps to protect students from worthless degrees that do not lead to the jobs they were promised and builds on efforts to ensure taxpayer dollars are not wasted on programs that do not deliver for students,\" said Christopher Madaio, Senior Advisor for Federal and State Accountability at The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS).\n\n\"Students deserve confidence that the degrees they pursue will open doors—not leave them with broken promises or unaffordable debt. By codifying and strengthening accountability for low-financial-value programs, this legislation reinforces the principle that federal dollars should support programs that deliver real opportunity and economic mobility. Third Way applauds Senator Merkley and Representative Krishnamoorthi for their leadership in protecting students and safeguarding taxpayers' investment in higher education,\" said Michelle Dimino, Director of Education at Third Way.\n\n\"Students deserve programs that deliver real economic opportunity, not mountains of unaffordable debt. The Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act would help restore meaningful accountability in higher education and protect students from low-value, often predatory programs,\" said Carolyn Fast, Director of Higher Education Policy and Senior Fellow at The Century Foundation.\n\n\"Research has consistently shown that the number one reason students go to college is to get a good job. This bill takes a meaningful step toward ensuring students can get that job and earn enough to repay the debt they take on when they enroll,\" said Wesley Whistle, Project Director for Student Success & Affordability at New America.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-and-smith-reintroduce-welcome-back-health-care-workforce-act", "title": "Krishnamoorthi and Smith Reintroduce Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act to Strengthen America's Health Care Workforce", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) introduced the Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act, legislation to help address the nation's persistent health care workforce shortage by helping internationally educated health care professionals overcome barriers to practicing in the United States. Of the two million college-educated immigrants currently living in the United States, roughly 14 percent hold health-related degrees. Yet many remain unable to work in their professions because of licensing, credentialing, language, and other barriers, even as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care providers across the country struggle to fill critical positions. According to the Migration Policy Institute, this underutilized talent represents a missed opportunity to strengthen the nation's health care workforce while contributing to an estimated $10 billion in lost federal, state, and local tax revenue each year.\n\n\"Across the country, communities are struggling with health care workforce shortages while highly qualified doctors, nurses, and other health professionals trained overseas remain sidelined by unnecessary barriers,\" Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. \"Our legislation will help connect these talented professionals with the support they need to earn U.S. credentials, join the workforce more quickly, and expand access to quality care for patients across the country.\"\n\n\"It makes no economic sense to have trained nurses and doctors working far outside their field while hospitals can't fill shifts and patients wait longer for care,\" said Congressman Smith. \"This bill doesn't lower a single standard — it removes barriers that keeps qualified professionals from contributing at the level of their skills. That's a practical, commonsense fix to a workforce problem employers across the country are asking us to solve.\"\n\n\"The 9th District is one of the most diverse in the nation, and that diversity is an economic asset. In Kent, SeaTac, Tukwila, and South Seattle, we have neighbors with health care degrees and years of clinical experience who want nothing more than to serve their communities,\" Smith continued. \"Putting their talents to work means shorter wait times, more culturally competent care, and stronger family incomes right here in King County.\"\n\nSpecifically, the Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act would establish a grant program administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to:\n\nSupport local- and state-level partnerships among health care organizations, community-based organizations, institutions of higher education, and state and local governments to help internationally educated health care professionals enter the U.S. health care workforce.\n\nHelp internationally educated health care professionals overcome barriers to licensure and employment by:\n\nAssisting with obtaining overseas academic and training records and navigating the U.S. licensing and credentialing process;\n\nProviding work-readiness programs, peer support, mentoring, and culturally competent career counseling;\n\nExpanding access to prerequisite coursework, continuing education, and English-language instruction; and\n\nSupporting opportunities to address classroom and clinical instructor shortages.\n\nPrioritize partnerships focused on helping health care workers serve rural communities or fill critical workforce shortages in underserved areas.\n\nThe legislation is supported by: Advocates for Community Health, Afghan Cultural Society, American Geriatrics Society, American Public Health Association, American Seniors Housing Association, America's Essential Hospitals, Arkansas United, Association of Clinicians for the Underserved, Association of Dental Support Organizations, Ballad Health, California Immigrants Resources Center, CGFNS International, Chemeketa Community College, Federation of American Hospitals, Gerontological Society of America, Global Cleveland, IMPRINT Coalition, Intealth, International Institute of Buffalo, Jewish Family Service of San Diego, LeadingAge, Lifepoint Health, Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, Medicos Unidos Venezuela, National AHEC Organization, National Association for Geriatric Education, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, National Association of Indian Nurses of America, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, National Black Nurses Association, National Immigration Forum, National League for Nursing, National Rural Health Association, National Skills Coalition, Pars Equality Center, Los Angeles, Philippine Nurses Association of America, Portland Refugee Support Group, Providence Public School, Restore Education, RUSA LGBTQ, Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning, Synergy Texas, Talent Beyond Boundaries, The International Medical Graduates Academy (TIMGA), The Welcoming Center, Tiyya Foundation, UnidosUS, Upwardly Global, US Together, Virginia Rural Health Association, Hospital and Healthcare Association, Welcome Back Initiative, Welcoming City, and World Education Services.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-responds-trumps-primetime-election-address-warns-it-could-lay", "title": "Krishnamoorthi Responds to Trump's Primetime Election Address, Warns It Could Lay the Groundwork for a Federal Takeover of the 2026 Elections", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) released the following statement after President Donald Trump used a primetime address to declassify election-related intelligence, renew false claims about the 2020 election, and announce new federal investigations:\n\n“As a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, I’ve spent years confronting the very real threats posed by China, Russia, and other foreign adversaries. Tonight, President Trump selectively declassified intelligence to try to rewrite the history of an election he lost. Even his own document release does not support his claim that the 2020 election was stolen. It confirms what we’ve long known: foreign adversaries targeted our democracy, but there is no evidence they changed a single vote or altered the casting or counting of ballots. President Trump lost the 2020 election fair and square. If he cared about election security, he wouldn’t be putting unqualified political loyalists in charge of our intelligence agencies or weakening the agencies responsible for protecting our elections from foreign threats. Instead, he’s reviving conspiracy theories about mail voting, pushing voter suppression, and laying the groundwork for an unprecedented federal takeover of our elections—all while ignoring the real challenges facing American families.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-langworthy-announces-1-million-federal-grant-expand-mental-health", "title": "Congressman Langworthy Announces $1 Million Federal Grant to Expand Mental Health Services for Chautauqua County Children", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "langworthy.house.gov", "scraper": "langworthy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000600", "name": "Nicholas A. Langworthy", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.—July 16, 2026… Congressman Nick Langworthy today announced that the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene has been awarded a $1,000,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support comprehensive community mental health services for children with serious emotional disturbances.\n\nThe funding is provided through the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED) program and will help strengthen access to coordinated behavioral health services for children and families throughout Chautauqua County.\n\n\"Every child deserves access to the mental health care and support they need to reach their full potential,\" said Congressman Langworthy. \"This $1 million investment will help ensure children facing serious emotional and behavioral challenges receive timely, comprehensive care closer to home while giving families access to the resources they need. Supporting the health and well-being of our communities means making sure children don't fall through the cracks, and I will continue working to bring federal resources back to Western New York and the Southern Tier that strengthen the services families need.”\n\nThe $1,000,000 grant will support the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene's efforts to provide coordinated, community-based mental health services for children with serious emotional disturbances, helping improve access to treatment, strengthen family support services, and promote better long-term outcomes.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-nick-langworthy-air-quality-crisis-caused-unchecked", "title": "Statement from Congressman Nick Langworthy on Air Quality Crisis Caused by Unchecked Canadian Wildfires", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "langworthy.house.gov", "scraper": "langworthy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000600", "name": "Nicholas A. Langworthy", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "July 16, 2026\n\n\"Americans should not be forced to breathe hazardous air year after year because Canada refuses to properly manage its forests. This is no longer a one-time emergency—it’s becoming an annual public health crisis. That is unacceptable.\n\nI am reaching out to Members of Parliament and the Canadian Ambassador to demand answers about the devastating impact Canada’s forest management failures are having on Western New York, the Southern Tier, and communities across the United States. Millions of Americans are paying the price for policies they had no role in creating.\n\nWe can all accept that nature is unpredictable. But repeated failures to reduce wildfire risk and manage forests responsibly are a policy choice. The United States cannot continue accepting dangerous air quality every summer as the new normal.\n\nCanada must take meaningful action to prevent these catastrophic wildfires and protect both Canadians and Americans. If it refuses to do so, there should be consequences. Our citizens should not be forced to suffer because another nation’s government failed to do its job.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4224", "title": "Larsen Demands Independent Investigations into Killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Johan Sebastian Guerrero", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "larsen.house.gov", "scraper": "larsen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000560", "name": "Rick Larsen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "This week, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined nearly 200 House Democrats in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halt removal proceedings against the witnesses.\n\n“Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the Members. “Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.”\n\nOn July 7th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Salgado Araujo, a father of three U.S. citizens who had resided in the country for 35 years. He was reportedly not ICE’s target in their operation, and despite ICE’s claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle,” no evidence to substantiate that claim has been presented, and it is disputed by witnesses in the vehicle.\n\nOn July 13th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Guerrero, a father who also was reportedly not the target of enforcement actions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to have shot him in concern for “public safety” after he “attempted to flee.” The agency does not allege that at any point officers feared for their safety. Video of this killing shows ICE officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero even after he had been shot in the head.\n\nDHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 21 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals who posed no public safety threat. In two previous shootings, ICE has claimed that victims were also “weaponizing” their vehicles, claims that have turned out to be false statements as evidence emerged.\n\nIn addition to the demands for an independent investigation and the commitment that witnesses to the killing of Mr. Salgado Araujo not be deported, the Members are asking for a detailed breakdown of all training materials and guidelines around vehicle stops.\n\nThe full text of the letter to DHS Secretary Mullin and ICE Acting Director Venturella can be read here.\n\nLarsen Demands ICE Accountability\n\nLast month, Rep. Larsen voted against a bill that would fund ICE without placing additional guardrails on the agency and requiring that the agency is required to follow the same rules as every other local, state and federal law enforcement agency.\n\nRep. Larsen supports strengthening accountability and oversight of ICE operations and DHS detention facilities, including:\n\nProhibiting ICE officers from wearing masks during arrests;\n\nRequiring ICE officers to be trained in de-escalation;\n\nProhibiting masked ICE officers from using restricted equipment, such as tear gas;\n\nEnding family and child detention;\n\nEnding DHS’s use of private detention facilities;\n\nProviding individuals in immigration detention with unlimited communication with legal counsel;\n\nRepealing the Alien Enemies Act, which President Trump has used to deport immigrants from Venezuela with no due process by accusing them of “invading” the United States; and\n\nA complete and independent investigation into the killings of unarmed civilians.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4225", "title": "Larsen Releases Statement on Trump’s Election Speech", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "larsen.house.gov", "scraper": "larsen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000560", "name": "Rick Larsen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Representative Rick Larsen released the following statement:\n\n“The President’s speech tonight should be about lowering costs and creating jobs. Instead, he will continue spreading lies about American elections. The truth is simple: Donald Trump lost the 2020 election. America’s elections are secure, transparent and run by state and local officials from both parties.\n\n“After the 2020 election, the CIA, the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies investigated the vote and found no evidence of foreign interference. More than 60 courts rejected challenges to the outcome of the 2020 election. Republican and Democratic election officials alike confirmed the results. There was no evidence of widespread fraud that changed the outcome of the election.\n\n“As Americans prepare to vote again this fall, I am focused on protecting the right of every eligible citizen to cast a ballot and have that ballot counted.\n\n“Before Election Day, I am supporting all efforts to protect access to the ballot box, defend Washington state’s secure vote-by-mail system and ensure election officials have the resources they need to administer free and fair elections. On Election Day, I will work to stop voter intimidation and ensure polling places around the country remain open. After Election Day, I will work to ensure all ballots are counted.\n\n“President Trump can lie all he wants, but the American people decide elections.”\n\nRep. Larsen is an advocate for free and fair elections, expanding access to the ballot and Washington state’s vote-by-mail system. For more than a decade, he has advocated for and reintroduced legislation to protect U.S. citizens who face disenfranchisement because of restrictive voter identification laws (America Votes Act). Rep. Larsen is a co-founder of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-calls-independent-investigation-killings-joan-sebastian-guerrero", "title": "Larson Calls for Independent Investigation into Killings of Joan Sebastian Guerrero and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "larson.house.gov", "scraper": "larson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000557", "name": "John B. Larson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) called for an independent investigation into the recent killing of Joan Sebastian Guerrero and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by ICE agents. Following his call for the resignation of U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin earlier this week, he sent a letter to federal officials, alongside nearly 200 Members of Congress, including the entire Connecticut House delegation, blasting the Trump Administration’s woeful inaction and failure to take any concrete steps to hold ICE accountable for their criminal actions.\n\nLast year, Rep. Larson was put on a “watch list” by the Trump Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for his forceful advocacy against the President’s anti-immigrant policies tearing apart Connecticut communities. He recently voted against the Republican immigration bill that handed another $70 billion to ICE and the Border Patrol, with no guardrails, oversight, or accountability.\n\n“The scenes out of Maine and Texas were horrifying, where ICE agents gunned down Joan Sebastian Guerrero and Lorenzo Salgado in broad daylight,” said Larson. “They should still be with us today. Rather than join with grieving loved ones and reeling communities to seek justice, President Trump and Secretary Mullin have tried to dodge accountability for the crimes that occurred on their watch. ICE has been transformed into the President’s personal army, terrorizing immigrant families with Gestapo tactics, and executing residents on our streets. Administration officials cannot be trusted to investigate these deaths. There must be an independent investigation to ensure true justice and accountability. ICE needs to be dismantled and disbanded, and Secretary Mullin should resign for his failures of leadership.”\n\nKey eyewitnesses who have disputed ICE’s claims about these shootings are now facing removal proceedings themselves. In response, nearly 200 Members of Congress are joining together to call for an independent investigation into the shootings and urging the administration to halt these outrageous threats of deportation.\n\nTheir full letter is available HERE.\n\n“Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” said the Members. “Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.”\n\nSince the start of President Trump’s second term in office, his federal immigration enforcement agents have shot at least 21 people, with six of these shootings being fatal. With several of these deadly cases, the administration has made unsubstantiated claims about the intentions and actions of the deceased, similar to the cases of Mr. Guerrero and Salgado Araujo. An independent investigation, without interference by DHS enforcement agencies, is the only way to get real clarity into why these deaths occurred and how they can stop.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6220", "title": "Lawler Strengthens Food Supply Oversight Of Imported Foods To Protect America’s Supply", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 7/16/26… Today, Congressman Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Protecting America’s Food Supply Act, legislation to improve oversight of imported food products by ensuring the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) foreign food inspection program is effectively protecting public health.\n\nSpecifically, this legislation directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of imported food products to evaluate public health risks, including safety violations, recalls, import volumes, and coordination between the U.S. and foreign regulators.\n\n“The safety of our nation’s food supply should never be taken for granted. As more food products are imported into the United States, we must ensure our oversight keeps pace to make sure that Americans have confidence in the food that they are feeding their families. This legislation will not only increase transparency and accountability, but it will help ensure our food system is addressing potential risks before they impact public health,” said Congressman Lawler.\n\nThe legislation also requires HHS to publicly report key information on imported food safety, including FDA inspection targets, the number of inspections completed, inspection trends by commodity and country of origin, and whether the FDA’s foreign food inspection program is meeting the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act and risk-based inspection standards.\n\nThe full text of the bill can be found HERE.\n\nCongressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-levin-introduces-new-bill-to-help-families-afford-ivf-costs", "title": "Rep. Mike Levin Introduces New Bill to Help Families Afford IVF Costs", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "levin.house.gov", "scraper": "levin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000593", "name": "Mike Levin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Bipartisan Bill Would Exempt Early Retirement Withdrawals from Tax Penalty to Pay for Fertility Treatments\n\nWashington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) and Rep. Mike Carey (OH-14) introduced a new bipartisan bill, the Fertility Cost Relief Act, to allow individuals to withdraw money from their IRA or 401K without penalty to help pay for fertility expenses.\n\nThe Fertility Cost Relief Act would allow an individual to withdraw up to $20,000 from their retirement account to pay for the cost of fertility treatment, including IVF, without penalty. Current law imposes a 10% tax penalty for any withdrawals before the age of 59½ from IRAs and 401Ks. Congress has created various exceptions to the early withdrawal penalty, but not for fertility treatment. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, IVF costs Californians up to $24,000 out of pocket.\n\n“The high cost of IVF treatment makes it difficult for thousands of Americans to start or grow their families. Family planning and fertility treatments are too costly and out of reach for too many Americans,” said Rep. Levin. “Our bipartisan Fertility Cost Relief Act would allow individuals to take money from their retirement accounts to build a family without a financial penalty. This bill would save families money and give them hope in the face of infertility challenges. I thank Rep. Carey for his partnership on this bill and look forward to it moving through the legislative process.”\n\n“The Fertility Cost Relief Act allows families struggling with infertility to make penalty-free early withdrawals from their retirement accounts to fund treatment, mirroring existing rules for expenses covering childbirth, adoption, and more,” said Rep. Carey. “This bipartisan piece of legislation helps more Americans grow their families using their already hard-earned money. Having introduced the Infertility Treatment Affordability Act earlier this Congress, I see Rep. Levin’s bill as a perfect complement. I am proud to champion multiple proposals that support family building, and I appreciate the opportunity to work with Rep. Levin on this important legislation.”\n\nThe bill originated from the experience of San Diego resident Walt Bishop with IVF costs. Walt paid approximately $25,000 for IVF and medications. This was on top of payments he made for other fertility treatments before moving to IVF. When Walt tried to take money out of his retirement account to cover the costs, he discovered that he would face early withdrawal penalties for using his own retirement savings to start a family. The Fertility Cost Relief Act would ensure no one is penalized for withdrawing money from a retirement account to build a family.\n\n“Our family's journey through infertility taught me that while the emotional toll can be heartbreaking, the financial burden can be just as crushing. For too many hopeful parents, the cost of fertility treatment stands between them and the family they've dreamed of building. I want to thank Congressman Mike Levin for introducing the Fertility Cost Relief Act and for recognizing that no one should have to give up on becoming a parent because they can't afford the care they need. This legislation gives families another meaningful financial tool to help make fertility treatment more accessible, bringing the dream of parenthood within reach for more Americans,” said Walt Bishop, Director of Government Affairs, City of San Diego.\n\n\"For more than 50 years, RESOLVE has worked alongside our patient community to reduce barriers to family building. We know that the cost of fertility treatment remains one of the biggest obstacles patients face, and we thank Representatives Levin and Carey for introducing bipartisan legislation that gives families greater financial flexibility to access the care they need. Every step that helps reduce the financial burden of fertility treatment brings more people closer to building the family they've dreamed of,” said Alise Powell, Director of Government Affairs, RESOLVE: The National Infertility and Family Building Association.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sanchez-brazil-301-investigation-was-always-pretext-tariffs", "title": "Sánchez: Brazil 301 investigation was always pretext for tariffs", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "lindasanchez.house.gov", "scraper": "lindasanchez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001156", "name": "Linda T. Sánchez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) released the following statement on President Trump imposing a 25 percent tariff on products imported from Brazil:\n\n“President Trump’s Section 301 investigation into Brazil was never about addressing unfair trade practices. It was always a pretext for imposing new tariffs.\n\n“When Trump first imposed sweeping tariffs on Brazil last year, he admitted they were political retaliation against Brazil for prosecuting former President Bolsonaro over his failed coup attempt— an effort that mirrored Trump’s own attack on our democracy.\n\n“After the Supreme Court struck down Trump’s illegal tariffs, including those on Brazil, he is now misusing Section 301 authority to reimpose the same tariffs on Brazil. Section 301 is meant to protect American workers and industries, not to be misused for political retaliation or to revive unconstitutional tariffs.\n\n“These tariffs will not create jobs, lower prices or protect American interests. Instead, they are being used to advance Trump’s personal interests at the expense of American families and businesses. Congress must act to restore accountability and stop this reckless abuse of power.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sanchez-trump-focused-conspiracy-theories-not-solving-americans", "title": "Sánchez: Trump is focused on conspiracy theories, not solving Americans’ problems", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "lindasanchez.house.gov", "scraper": "lindasanchez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001156", "name": "Linda T. Sánchez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) released the following statement after President Trump addressed the nation regarding his disproven conspiracy theories about widespread election fraud:\n\n“President Trump is reviving long-debunked conspiracy theories because he refuses to accept that he lost the 2020 election. Now he’s using those same lies as a pretext to interfere with the next election because he knows Republicans can’t defend their record.\n\n“Americans don’t want more of Trump’s baseless conspiracy theories. They want to know how he will lower costs that are rising because of his illegal tariffs and the war in Iran. They want ICE to stop terrorizing our communities and killing people in the streets. And they want healthcare restored to the millions of Americans he took it away from to pay for tax breaks for himself and his billionaire friends.\n\n“Trump has no answers because he and congressional Republicans created these problems. Instead, he’s falling back on his same tired, old playbook: lie about ‘stolen’ elections, undermine the next one and hope Americans stop focusing on the damage he’s doing.\n\n“It won’t work because we won’t let him.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://loudermilk.house.gov/2026/07/16/rep-loudermilks-bill-to-name-cobb-va-clinic-aftercol-mike-boyce-passes-house/", "title": "Rep. Loudermilk’s Bill to Name Cobb VA Clinic after Col. Mike Boyce Passes House", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://loudermilk.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "loudermilk.house.gov", "scraper": "loudermilk", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000583", "name": "Barry Loudermilk", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. (Thursday, July 16, 2026) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) issued the following statement after his legislation to name the Department of Veteran Affairs multispecialty clinic in Marietta, Georgia, after Colonel Michael H. Boyce (H.R. 5362) passed in the House:\n\n“My good friend and well-respected community leader, Colonel Mike H. Boyce, spent much of his life in service to his community, state, and nation. Through his service as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and later in elected office as the Chairman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, Mike was a tireless advocate for the health and welfare of our active duty servicemembers and our veterans.\n\n“Mike worked to ensure our servicemembers had the tools to succeed and was instrumental in establishing the Cobb County VA Clinic, which remains a vital resource for those who served our country honorably.\n\n“Recognizing Colonel Boyce through this legislation is a fitting tribute to an American hero whose service and advocacy inspired so many, and I greatly appreciate his wife, Judy, for working to continue his incredible legacy.”\n\nAdditional Quotes\n\n“Colonel Michael H. Boyce was a distinguished veteran, valued community member, and church leader,” said Rep. Austin Scott (GA-8). “I am proud to be a part of this legislation that serves to honor his life and legacy of service to his country and neighbors.”\n\n“Colonel Michael Boyce dedicated his life to serving our nation and improving the lives of Georgia’s veterans,” said Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-1). “His leadership in establishing the Cobb VA Clinic helped ensure that those who answered our nation’s call have greater access to the care they have earned. I’m proud to join Congressman Loudermilk and my Georgia colleagues in supporting this legislation to honor Colonel Boyce’s enduring legacy of service. Future generations will remember his unwavering commitment to freedom and those who protect it.”\n\n“Colonel Mike Boyce courageously served our nation, passionately led his community, and tirelessly advocated for his fellow veterans,” said Rep. Andrew Clyde (GA-9). “I’m proud to support Rep. Loudermilk’s effort to name the Marietta VA Multispecialty Clinic after Colonel Boyce to honor his remarkable life and service.”\n\n“Mike Boyce lived a life of extraordinary service, service to his country, the people of Cobb County, and the veterans of Georgia. He led the charge in establishing the first Cobb VA clinic and the county’s first Veterans Service Office,” said Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-6). “I cannot think of a more fitting tribute than to name the clinic in his honor as a thank you for the veterans he helped in his lifetime, and for all the servicemembers he will continue to help through his legacy.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://markharris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-leads-effort-protect-snap-retailer-fraud", "title": "Congressman Harris Leads Effort to Protect SNAP from Retailer Fraud", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://markharris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "markharris.house.gov", "scraper": "markharris", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001102", "name": "Mark Harris", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08) led a group of his House Republican colleagues in a letter to Acting Administrator Shiela Corley urging the Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prioritize experience, specialized personnel, advanced technology, and proven results as it selects a contractor to investigate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailer fraud.\n\n“SNAP is a vital lifeline for millions of Americans, and every dollar should help a family put food on the table, not benefit those who exploit the program,” said Congressman Harris. “With SNAP retailers processing approximately $236 million in taxpayer-funded transactions every day, we have a responsibility to ensure those dollars reach the people who need them most.\n\n“I applaud the Trump Administration and Secretary Rollins for their aggressive work to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in SNAP. As the FNA and USDA move forward with this important contract, we are urging the agency to build on that work by selecting a contractor best equipped to hold bad actors accountable and protect taxpayer-funded benefits for the people they are intended to serve.”\n\nCongressman Harris was joined in sending the letter by Representatives Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Mary Miller (IL-15), Keith Self (TX-03), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Randy Fine (FL-06), Ralph Norman (SC-05), and Derrick Van Orden (WI-03).\n\n“Hard-working taxpayers deserve to know their dollars are feeding families who truly need help, not lining the pockets of bad actors gaming the system. With USDA estimating over $3 billion lost to waste, fraud, and abuse in SNAP annually, FNA cannot afford to get this contract wrong. I'm proud to join Congressman Mark Harris in calling on USDA to select a contractor with the expertise, technology, and accountability needed to root out fraud and protect the integrity of SNAP for the families who depend on it,” said Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01).\n\n“More than $3 billion in taxpayer dollars is lost to SNAP waste, fraud, and abuse every year. We need aggressive oversight and zero tolerance for anyone exploiting this program. I have full confidence that the USDA under Secretary Rollins will put an end to the abuse,” said Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15).\n\n“For far too long, millions of taxpayer dollars have been lost to welfare fraud. Programs like SNAP were created to help our most vulnerable, not to be exploited by those gaming the system. President Trump and the American people have made it clear that rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse is a top priority. Every taxpayer dollar should be protected and used for its intended purpose, and I fully support every effort to ensure it is,” said Congressman Wesley Hunt (TX-38).\n\n“​I’m proud to stand with Congressman Harris and our colleagues to protect the integrity of the SNAP program. We must crack down on retailer fraud and ensure taxpayer dollars go to feeding American families — not to bad actors gaming the system. This is about accountability, and I’m glad we’re fighting for it together,” said Congressman Randy Fine (FL-06).\n\n“Just recently, a South Carolina woman was accused of stealing more than $76,500 in SNAP benefits from hardworking taxpayers. With our nation facing more than $39 trillion in debt and counting, we cannot continue allowing fraudsters to exploit federal programs. I commend the Trump Administration’s ongoing nationwide efforts to crack down on these illegal activities, and I urge the Department of Agriculture to take a hard look at this critical program to strengthen oversight and ensure the integrity of SNAP remains protected,” said Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05).\n\n“I was raised by a single mother and grew up in abject rural poverty. My family relied on food stamps, so I know firsthand how important SNAP is for families who truly need it. Organized SNAP fraud steals resources from the people who truly need them and undermines confidence in a critical program. I'm proud to join this effort to hold bad actors accountable, and ensure these benefits reach the American families they're intended to serve,” said Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03).\n\nKey excerpts from the letter include:\n\n“SNAP fraud is not a new problem, but it remains a persistent and costly one. In 2025, USDA estimated that over $3 billion per year is being lost to waste, fraud, and abuse in SNAP.”\n\n“We also suggest centralizing this critical work under a singular contract rather than dividing SNAP retailer investigation duties between several unique entities to help reduce inefficiencies, maintain adequate oversight, and maximize the impact of the work being done.”\n\n“We feel strongly that SNAP benefits should go to Americans in need, not to bad actors exploiting a program intended to feed the most vulnerable among us.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nOn June 10, 2026, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Administration issued a solicitation seeking a contractor to provide SNAP Retailer Investigations Services.\n\nMore than 37 million individuals and families redeem SNAP benefits at stores nationwide each month.\n\nSNAP-authorized retailers process more than $90 billion in taxpayer-funded transactions annually, or approximately $236 million each day.\n\nIn May 2025, based on SNAP eligibility data received by 29 states, USDA estimated that at least $3 billion per year was being lost to potential waste, fraud, and abuse in SNAP.\n\nRead the full text of the letter here.\n\nRead the Washington Reporter’s exclusive coverage of the letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-mccaul-pens-op-ed-honoring-senator-grahams-legacy-calling", "title": "ICYMI: McCaul Pens Op-Ed Honoring Senator Graham's Legacy, Calling on Congress to Pass Russia Sanctions Bill", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "mccaul.house.gov", "scraper": "mccaul", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001157", "name": "Michael T. McCaul", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee — penned an op-ed in The Washington Examiner honoring Senator Lindsey Graham's legacy and calling on Congress to pass his sanctions bill.\n\nImage\n\nCongress must honor Lindsey Graham's legacy by passing this bill\n\nChairman Emeritus Michael McCaul\n\nJuly 16, 2026\n\nRarely in life do you meet someone who genuinely embodies the weight and responsibility of the word “leader.” Sen. Lindsey Graham was one of those men. ... We shared the same worldview: America is strongest at home when we project strength abroad.\n\n[...]\n\nGraham and I were both in Ukraine near the end of his life. While we were not traveling together, we shared the same mission.\n\n[...]\n\nGraham knew this war would only end when maximum pressure is placed on Putin and he is forced to seek a negotiated agreement — one that gives the Ukrainian people true security guarantees, unlike the failed Budapest Memorandum. That is why he spent the last year working on a strong Russia sanctions bill, which I promised to introduce in the House.\n\n[...]\n\nAmerica has lost a giant, and the Senate has lost a statesman of unmatched conviction. His legacy will endure not just in the policies he championed but in the steadfast example of leadership he set for us all. There could be no greater tribute to his life and legacy than for Congress to pass his sanctions bill.\n\n[...]\n\nLet us move forward to realize Graham’s vision and achieve this noble pursuit of peace.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-returns-momentous-visit-ukraine-0", "title": "McCaul Returns from Momentous Visit to Ukraine", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "mccaul.house.gov", "scraper": "mccaul", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001157", "name": "Michael T. McCaul", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul returned from private travel to Ukraine. While there, he met with Ukrainian troops near the front lines of the war, observed drone operations, received an award from President Zelensky, and held robust discussions with several other government officials and military leaders. Chairman Emeritus McCaul released the following statement on his trip:\n\n\"Critics said this war would be over in four days, but four years later, reports from the battlefield reveal Ukraine is turning the tide. Empowered by the 2024 supplemental bill I fought to pass, Ukrainians have demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation — particularly in drone technology — inflicting unsustainable losses on the Russian Federation. Following the successful NATO summit, the optimism in Ukraine was palpable. It was an honor to meet again with President Zelensky and with troops near the front lines to applaud their success and reaffirm American solidarity.\n\n\"I commend President Trump for allowing Ukraine to produce its own Patriot systems — a critical defense against Russia’s large-scale attacks targeting not military assets, but innocent civilians. We must pair this support with crippling economic pressure on Vladimir Putin — as Lindsey Graham championed in Kyiv in his final days. Congress has a duty to carry this momentum forward and enact his strong Russia sanctions bill, which I will introduce in the House. Now is the time for moral clarity and conviction. The free world must not waver as we seek to halt Putin’s campaign of aggression and secure lasting peace.\"\n\nMcCaul was first escorted to the Donbas region, where he met with Ukrainian troops at a frontline operations center to learn about their success in the Donbas and assure them of U.S. support. This location was further east in Ukraine than any American official has traveled since the beginning of the war.\n\nMcCaul in the Donbas with a private security detail of former U.S. servicemen\n\nNext, McCaul traveled to Kyiv, where he met with President Zelensky, who presented him with the Order of Merit for his support for Ukraine — especially his work to champion and pass the 2024 supplemental package. In the meeting, they discussed the implications of the successful NATO summit, Ukraine's innovation and momentum on the battlefield, and congressional efforts to enact tough sanctions on Russia.\n\nMcCaul receives the Order of Merit from President Zelensky (photos courtesy of the Presidential Office of Ukraine)\n\nMcCaul meeting with the head of sanctions for President Zelensky's office\n\nMcCaul also met with Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Stefanchuk Ruslan Oleksiiovych and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha. In these meetings, discussions focused on how Ukraine is working to bolster its air defense as Russia continues its large-scale missile and drone attacks. McCaul expressed his continued support for deepening Ukrainian-American cooperation in air defense and affirmed President Trump's decision to allow Ukraine to produce its own Patriot systems. McCaul recently introduced a bill with Congresswoman Ma rcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) to increase security cooperation and strengthen defense capabilities between the United States and Ukraine.\n\nMcCaul with Chairman Stefanchuk (photos courtesy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine)\n\nMcCaul with Foreign Minister Sybiha (photo courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine)\n\nAt the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, McCaul surveyed Ukrainian-made drones — including offensive, counter-UAS, and transport drones — that showcase Ukraine's technological innovation. McCaul has often commended the Ukrainians for effectively turning the battlefield into a laboratory for advanced weapons systems.\n\nMcCaul at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (photo courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine)\n\nMcCaul then visited with both American and Ukrainian drone manufacturers — including SkyFall, which manufactures 7,000 drones per day — and spent time at a drone operations center to learn more about Ukraine’s use of modern warfare. At the drone center, he observed drones dropping supplies and planting mines.\n\nMcCaul at Pegasus Arms observing drone activity\n\nOn his final day in Ukraine, McCaul received a briefing from the International Cooperation Directorate of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, in which he learned about how Ukraine is turning the tide of the war, as well as how Russia is investing in its military in response.\n\nHe also visited a Bring Kids Back rehabilitation facility for children who had previously been kidnapped and sent to Russia, indoctrinated against their own country, abused and tortured in camps, or even sent to the front lines to fight on behalf of Russia. At the facility, he met with five children and their guardians — as well as doctors and psychiatrists helping the children — to hear their stories and share his support for the children of Ukraine. McCaul also viewed Russian textbooks that are being taught in the occupied territories, which contain propaganda preparing Ukrainian children for a broader war against NATO.\n\nReports indicate that 20,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted since the start of the war, with some estimates much higher, and McCaul has consistently championed their cause.\n\nMcCaul with doctors and patients at the rehabilitation facility (photos courtesy of Bring Kids Back)", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mccormick-introduces-bill-strengthen-americas-biotechnology", "title": "Congressman McCormick Introduces Bill to Strengthen America’s Biotechnology Leadership", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mccormick.house.gov", "scraper": "mccormick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001218", "name": "Richard McCormick", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07) introduced the Biotechnology Diplomacy Leadership Act, legislation to strengthen America's global leadership in biotechnology by establishing a dedicated biotechnology lead in the U.S. Department of State.\n\nAs biotechnology rapidly emerges as a critical arena of global competition, the United States faces growing pressure to maintain its leadership in innovation while countering strategic rivals. The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology recently recommended that the United States strengthen its biotechnology diplomacy, warning that the State Department currently lacks a senior official dedicated to coordinating America's international biotechnology strategy.\n\nThe Biotechnology Diplomacy Leadership Act addresses that gap by creating a Senior Biotechnology Official within the Department of State to coordinate U.S. biotechnology diplomacy across the federal government, advise the Secretary of State on biotechnology policy, deepen cooperation with allies and partner nations, strengthen biotechnology supply chains, and represent American interests in international biotechnology forums.\n\n\"America has always led the world in innovation, and biotechnology should be no different,\" said Congressman McCormick. \"If we want to win the next century, we need to treat biotechnology like the strategic asset it is. This bill ensures the State Department has the leadership necessary to advance American innovation, strengthen our partnerships, and keep our competitors one step behind.\"\n\n“Our diplomatic infrastructure has not kept pace amid rapid advances in biotechnology that are transforming public health, food security, national defense, and industries across our economy,” said Congressman Bera. “This bill addresses that challenge by creating a dedicated, high-level biotechnology position at the State Department to strengthen coordination with our allies and partners and ensure the United States remains at the forefront of scientific innovation and global leadership.”\n\n\"Leadership in biotechnology isn't just about inventing the next breakthrough—it's about shaping the global environment in which innovations succeed. This legislation will help the United States promote innovation, deepen collaboration with trusted partners, and ensure American leadership advances both our economic and national security interests,\" said NSCEB Vice Chair Michelle Rozo.\n\n“As shown by the work of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, the United States faces a critical gap in biotech diplomacy and collaboration with our allies,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor. “The establishment of a new senior biotechnology position within the Department of State is an important step towards increasing allied engagement where American competitiveness and security interests converge. With Honor Action proudly endorses the Biotechnology Diplomacy Leadership Act and applauds For Country Caucus member Rep. Rich McCormick and Rep. Ami Bera for their commitment to ensuring American biotech leadership.”\n\n\"If we're going to meet the moment, and lead a global community increasingly focused on winning the race to capture the national and economic security benefits of biotechnology, we need top level people in all key U.S. departments setting and coordinating a U.S. biomanufacturing strategy. We appreciate Rep. McCormick's and Rep. Bera's commitment to establishing this role within the Department of State, a critical step toward enhancing U.S. competitiveness in biotechnology,\" said American Alliance for Biomanufacturing (AAB).\n\n\"Novonesis strongly supports the Biotechnology Diplomacy Leadership Act. As a global leader in biosolutions, we see firsthand how critical it is for the United States to have a coordinated, high-level voice on biotechnology in our diplomatic engagements abroad. Expanding market access, strengthening supply chains, and ensuring U.S. biotechnology standards lead internationally aren't just innovation priorities — they're economic and national security imperatives. A senior biotechnology official at the State Department would give American companies like ours a stronger partner in translating our technological leadership into lasting global influence. We urge Congress to act quickly,\" said Amy Davis, Head of Public Affairs North America, Novonesis.\n\nBiotechnology is increasingly central to economic growth, public health, food security, and national defense. By strengthening U.S. diplomatic leadership in this critical field, the Biotechnology Diplomacy Leadership Act positions the United States to be in the driver's seat in shaping global biotechnology standards, expanding collaboration with trusted partners, and ensuring American innovation—not that of our adversaries—sets the pace for the future.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://mcguire.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-john-mcguire-introduces-maternal-access-treatment-act-2026", "title": "Rep. John McGuire Introduces the Maternal Access to Treatment Act of 2026", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcguire.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mcguire.house.gov", "scraper": "mcguire", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001239", "name": "John J. McGuire III", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative John McGuire (VA-05) introduced the Maternal Access to Treatment Act of 2026 or the MAT Act of 2026 to ensure incarcerated pregnant women struggling with substance abuse have the resources they need to recover.\n\n“Life is a miracle and must be protected,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “My commitment to safeguarding life includes ensuring the health of both the mother and child. It is imperative incarcerated pregnant women suffering from addiction receive the resources they need to recover. Doing so not only creates a second chance for the mother but protects the child from an unhealthy environment as they grow in the womb. Pregnant women in jail addicted to drugs are vulnerable and more likely to be victims of human trafficking, rape, and other violence. They are the least likely members of society to get back on their feet and have a normal life. My Maternal Access to Treatment Act of 2026, takes steps to ensure mom and baby have a chance at a better future.”\n\nBackground:\n\nRequires the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to provide medication assisted treatment (commonly known as MAT) to each pregnant woman in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons addicted to opioids\n\nA pregnant woman who is mentally competent may deny the provision of medication assisted treatment.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-menefee-joins-reps-casar-and-crockett-in-demanding-investigation-of-ice-murdering-lorenzo-salgado-araujo", "title": "Rep. Menefee Joins Reps. Casar and Crockett in Demanding Investigation of ICE Murdering Lorenzo Salgado Araujo", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menefee.house.gov", "scraper": "menefee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001245", "name": "Christian D. Menefee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Christian D. Menefee (TX-18) joined Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35) and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), all members of the powerful House Oversight Committee, in sending two letters demanding an investigation into the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.\n\nThe letters, sent to the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General and to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, demand:\n\nAn independent investigation into the shooting\n\nCall for the release of body camera and dash camera footage of the incident\n\nDemand protections for three witnesses to the shooting who may be being pressured to self-deport before the investigation can be concluded. Those three witnesses are Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego, Daniel Tirado Pantoja, and Mr. Salgado Araujo's brother, Victor Hugo Salgado Araujo.\n\nThe letters raise concerns that officers involved in the shooting have been moved out of Houston, that ICE is not collaborating with local law enforcement or the Harris County District Attorney's Office, and that the three surviving witnesses are being pressured to self-deport.\n\nIn a letter to the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General (DHS OIG), Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, the members demand that the IG’s investigation be \"independent, transparent, and thorough.\" They write that DHS OIG must maintain and preserve all available evidence and that it must \"immediately report to us any further delays or denials of access to evidence.\" They also call for the release of \"all body-worn camera and dash camera footage\" and all recorded communications between officers related to the shooting.\n\n\"The pattern of lies to cover up DHS misconduct is well-documented,\" the members wrote. \"It is therefore critical that the Inspector General's investigation into Mr. Araujo's death be independent, transparent, and thorough.\"\n\nIn a separate letter to Acting ICE Director David Venturella, the members ask that ICE issue a stay of removal for the three witnesses and release them from detention. They also demand that ICE preserve all available evidence and share it with DHS's Office of Inspector General, and that it releases \"all body-worn camera and dash camera footage\" and all recorded communications between officers related to the shooting.\n\nSince news of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo's fatal shooting first emerged, Congressman Menefee, whose district borders the Houston neighborhood where ICE agents shot and killed Lorenzo, has been demanding answers and accountability.\n\nOver the past week, Congressman Menefee has repeatedly pressed ICE, and other federal agencies for answers, called out inconsistencies in their public statements, pushed back on shifting explanations, and demanded transparency and accountability for the agency's actions.\n\nTo read the letter to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), click HERE.\n\nTo read the letter to Department of Homeland Security Inspector General (DHS OIG) click HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-speaks-house-floor-historic-housing-law-delivers-iowa-families", "title": "Miller-Meeks Speaks on House Floor as Historic Housing Law Delivers for Iowa Families", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "millermeeks.house.gov", "scraper": "millermeeks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001215", "name": "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) delivered remarks on the House floor highlighting the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, now law, and what it means for Iowa families working toward homeownership.\n\nIn her remarks, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks pointed to the housing affordability crisis facing families across the country. The average first-time homebuyer is now 40 years old, an all-time high, the share of first-time buyers has fallen by half since 2007, and the nation is short as many as 5.5 million homes. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act cuts the red tape that has slowed home construction, builds more homes to lower costs for buyers and renters, and bans large Wall Street firms from buying up single-family homes in Iowa communities.\n\n\"I rise today for the Iowa families who have been priced out of the American Dream,\" said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. \"Young couples work hard, save diligently, and still cannot afford a home in the communities they grew up in. This is the most significant housing reform in a generation. To every Iowan chasing that first home: help is on the way. The American Dream is worth fighting for, and I will never stop fighting for you.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://min.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-min-celebrates-uci-police-chief-liz-griffins-33-years-service", "title": "Rep. Min Celebrates UCI Police Chief Liz Griffin’s 33 Years of Service", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://min.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "min.house.gov", "scraper": "min", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001241", "name": "Dave Min", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Representative Dave Min (CA-47) spoke on the House Floor to recognize University of California, Irvine Police Chief Liz Griffin upon her retirement after more than 33 years in law enforcement and public service.\n\nRep. Min reflected on Chief Griffin’s seven years leading the UCI Police Department, where she advanced community-centered policing, strengthened transparency and accountability, and built greater trust across the campus community. Under her leadership, UCIPD earned national accreditation and set a lasting standard for safety, partnership, and public service.\n\nWATCH HERE\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\n“I rise today to honor the service of University of California, Irvine Chief of Police Liz Griffin.\n\nAfter more than 33 years of serving her community and law enforcement, including seven years serving Irvine, Chief Griffin is retiring.\n\nThroughout her career, Chief Griffin has led with integrity, transparency and a deep commitment to community centered policing at UC Irvine.\n\nChief Griffin's leadership helped the UCI Police Department implement initiatives that have set new standards for safety, accountability and public trust.\n\nHer work has expanded public access to safety data, helped to implement the community safety plan, strengthened partnerships across campus, and increased the representation of women in the policing workforce.\n\nUnder her leadership, UCIPD also earned national accreditation from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, placing it among the top 10% of university policing agencies nationwide.\n\nChief Griffin's legacy will continue at UCI and across the University of California system.\n\nI want to thank her for her dedication, hard work, and service, and wish her the very best in retirement.\n\nI yield back.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://min.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-rep-dave-min-trumps-national-address", "title": "STATEMENT: Rep. Dave Min on Trump’s National Address", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://min.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "min.house.gov", "scraper": "min", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001241", "name": "Dave Min", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Representative Dave Min (CA-47) released the following statement ahead of President Trump’s national address:\n\n“Donald Trump will go on TV later today and if reports are correct, he will once again try to rewrite the history of the 2020 election, the latest salvo in a sustained, coordinated 'Big Lie' to undermine Americans' faith in our democracy and, perhaps, to lay the groundwork for trying to steal the 2026 and 2028 elections ahead of us.\n\n“Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has clearly followed the authoritarian playbook laid out by despots like Putin, Erdoğan, and Chávez. His renewed claim that the 2020 election was rigged—presumably to justify stealing the 2026 midterms and future elections—is his latest desperate attempt to upend our democracy.\n\n“The facts are clear. Trump's claims of widespread voter fraud have been repeatedly and definitively debunked by Republican and Democratic election officials, national security leaders, and dozens of courts—including judges he has appointed. His campaign filed more than 60 lawsuits challenging the 2020 election and failed to produce evidence sufficient to overturn the results. Federal election security officials called the 2020 election ‘the most secure in American history.’\n\n“Our democracy depends on more than elections alone. It depends on the Constitution, the peaceful transfer of power, and the principle that the American people—not politicians—choose their leaders.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2822", "title": "Moran Leads Amicus Brief to SCOTUS Protecting First Amendment Rights", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "moran.house.gov", "scraper": "nathanielmoran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001224", "name": "Nathaniel Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) led an amicus brief in Hershey v. Bossier City to protect First Amendment rights and ensure religious persecution doesn’t persist in America. Rep. Glenn Grothman (WI-06) joined the amicus brief.\n\n“Mr. Hershey’s constitutional rights were treated as optional the moment officers decided to ignore them,” said Rep. Moran. “The Fifth Circuit's ruling lets that stand, creating circuit split that leaves citizens with weaker right to free speech and right to religious free exercise which is contrary to the Founders’ intent. The violation of these First Amendment rights should alarm everyone, regardless of politics or faith.”\n\nThe brief argues:\n\nDouble Protection — The Constitution “doubly protects” Hershey’s conduct as both free speech and free religious exercise. Public evangelism through pamphlets is a time-honored American tradition predating the Founding itself.\n\nObviousness Exception — Qualified immunity was never meant to shield officers from obvious constitutional violations. Hope v. Pelzer held no factually identical precedent is required when a violation is plain. That rule must extend to the First Amendment.\n\nCongressional Intent — Section 1983 was enacted to hold government actors accountable for constitutional violations—including violations of religious expression. The Fifth Circuit’s approach undermines that congressional mandate.\n\nCircuit Split — Other circuit courts have applied the obviousness exception to First Amendment claims and this case is essential to resolving this issue for Americans.\n\nBackground:\n\nIn February 2020, Richard Hershey was peacefully distributing religious leaflets on a public sidewalk near an arena in Bossier City, Louisiana. He caused no disturbance and avoided staircases and parking lots. Nearby, another individual was distributing commercial advertising without incident. Two Bossier City police officers and several private security guards ordered Hershey to leave, threatening arrest if he continued. When he cited his First Amendment rights, they claimed the sidewalk was private property—a claim that was factually false.\n\nMr. Hershey sued the City, the officers, and the security guards, alleging violations of the First Amendment under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. His claim against the City argued that inadequate training of its employees caused the constitutional violation (Monellclaim).\n\nThe district court dismissed the Monell claim and granted the officers qualified immunity. On appeal, the Fifth Circuit reversed the dismissal of the Monell claim but affirmed qualified immunity for the officers, citing prior en banc precedent declining to adopt an “obviousness” exception in the First Amendment context.\n\nRead the full amicus brief here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2828", "title": "Fox News: GOP lawmakers urge Supreme Court to strengthen First Amendment protections for street preachers", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "moran.house.gov", "scraper": "nathanielmoran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001224", "name": "Nathaniel Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Two House Republicans are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a case they say could strengthen First Amendment protections for religious speech, arguing police officers should not receive qualified immunity for \"obvious\" constitutional violations against Christian evangelist Richard Hershey.\n\n\"Mr. Hershey’s constitutional rights were treated as optional the moment officers decided to ignore them,\" Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-Texas, told Fox News Digital in a statement.\n\n\"The 5th Circuit's ruling lets that stand, creating a circuit split that leaves citizens with a weaker right to free speech and right to religious free exercise, which is contrary to the Founders’ intent. The violation of these First Amendment rights should alarm everyone, regardless of politics or faith.\"\n\nMoran and Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis., are leading an amicus brief supporting Hershey's petition to the Supreme Court, arguing the justices should resolve a split among federal appeals courts over whether government officials can claim qualified immunity for obvious First Amendment violations.\n\nMoran and Grothman’s brief argues the Constitution protects Hershey's sidewalk evangelism under both the free speech and free exercise clauses and maintains that qualified immunity should not shield officers from clear constitutional violations.\n\nIt also says Congress intended Section 1983 to hold government officials accountable for infringing constitutional rights and maintains that differing rulings between federal appeals courts make Supreme Court review necessary.\n\nLast month, First Liberty Institute and the law firm Clement & Murphy PLLC asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review a 5th Circuit decision that shielded Louisiana government officials from liability after they stopped Hershey from handing out Christian vegetarian literature on a public sidewalk outside a public park.\n\nAccording to court filings, in February 2020, Hershey was handing out Christian pamphlets near the Bossier City Arena in Louisiana when police officers and security personnel told him to stop and leave the area. First Liberty says there was no written policy governing leafleting on the public sidewalks surrounding the arena.\n\nThe legal group alleges Hershey was \"harassed and threatened with arrest and jail\" and tried to explain that he believed his activities were protected by the First Amendment. Hershey left the area and did not return, according to the petition, due to concerns that he would be taken into custody.\n\nHershey later sued five police and security officers, alleging they violated his constitutional free speech rights. A federal district court ruled the officers were entitled to qualified immunity, and the 5th Circuit upheld that decision on appeal.\n\n\"There is simply no excuse for the government actions alleged in petitioner’s complaint. In any other circuit — and in the Fifth Circuit if he were a prisoner asserting mistreatment — his case could proceed,\" the petition states. \"This Court should intervene and reaffirm that there is no novelty exception to the promise of §1983 when it comes to clearly established constitutional rights.\"\n\nHiram Sasser, executive general counsel at First Liberty Institute, told Fox News Digital in a statement, \"A right without a remedy is effectively unenforceable. Americans deserve the right to hold government officials accountable when their First Amendment rights are violated. We are grateful for Rep. Moran and his colleagues who support this important case submitted to the Supreme Court.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405761", "title": "Griffith Leads Fight to End Birthright Citizenship in U.S. Territories", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) introduced the End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act. This new measure comes in response to the Trump v. Barbara decision, where the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that children born in the United States to aliens who enter the country illegally have automatic access to constitutional protections as granted by the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.\n\nHowever, the Barbara decision does not address the birthright citizenship process in the U.S. territories, which differs from that of the 50 U.S. States and Washington, D.C. Currently, any child born in a U.S. territory (minus American Samoa) accesses U.S. citizenship automatically. But in the territories, citizenship rights must be granted by Congress and therefore are subject to Congressional scrutiny. Unlike in the States and Washington, D.C. where the Supreme Court has made clear that a Constitutional Amendment is needed to affect birthright citizenship laws, a simple change in statute can limit birthright citizenship in the territories.\n\nAccordingly, Congressman Griffith’s End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act is a statutory fix that clarifies U.S. birthright citizenship laws for those born in the territories. This bill expressly reserves birthright citizenship for those in the territories born to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents only. This bill helps fight against the “birth tourism” industry, which empowers foreign nationals to exploit U.S. citizenship laws.\n\nFollowing bill introduction, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement:\n\n“The Barbara decision leaves open the door for Congressional action on citizenship in the American territories. Because of the current birthright laws in place in the territories, any child born in a U.S. territory (minus American Samoa), regardless of a parent’s nationality, accesses U.S. citizenship automatically. I am leading a bill to crack down on birthright citizenship in the territories and combat foreign nationals who are exploiting loopholes in our citizenship laws to take advantage of U.S. generosity. This way, you have to be born to a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to have American citizenship in the territories! While this change is limited to the territories, it is the only step we can currently take to protect U.S. citizenship.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nUnder Congressman Griffith’s bill, natives of the territories who are U.S. citizens will still be able to extend U.S. citizenship to their children. This bill only affects those who are not U.S. citizens that give birth to children in the territories starting in January 2027.\n\nCurrently, four of the five inhabited U.S. territories have been granted U.S. citizenship by laws passed in Congress. These are Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.\n\nThese four territories exercise these powers because Congress extended such rights in statute through laws like the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. The Northern Mariana Islands have acquired such rights through a different statutory mechanism.\n\nThe U.S. territory of American Samoa is the lone exception. Those born in this territory are considered American nationals but have not been granted citizenship status by Congress.\n\nAccordingly, birthright citizenship does not apply currently in American Samoa.\n\nThe application under the Barbara case of birthright citizenship in the U.S. territories differs from what is established in the 50 U.S. States and Washington, D.C. according to Supreme Court cases.\n\nThe birthright discrepancy between the territories and the States dates to legal cases beginning in the early 20th century known as the Insular Cases.\n\nGenerally, these cases governed which constitutional protections apply in U.S. territories.\n\nAdditionally, since 2010, two federal courts of appeals cases have rejected the notion that those born in the U.S. territories access the same automatic rights by virtue of the Constitution as those in the U.S. states and Washington, D.C.\n\nA copy of the text for Congressman Griffith’s bill can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405762", "title": "Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 7.16.26", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "At the close of June, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) weighed in on various issues that impact the country.\n\nPerhaps the SCOTUS decision to receive the most media attention is Trump v. Barbara. This case concerns the Citizenship Clause in the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.\n\nThe Citizenship Clause specifically states, “all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”\n\nThe Trump Administration challenged this definition to argue the Citizenship Clause does not apply to children born in the United States to illegal immigrants. Through Executive action on birthright citizenship, automatic U.S. citizenship would not apply to these newborns.\n\nTrump’s Executive action became the subject of SCOTUS scrutiny in Trump v. Barbara.\n\nSCOTUS ruled against the Administration. Whether we like it or not, absent a Constitutional amendment, birthright citizenship will remain in place for the U.S. States.\n\nHowever, this ruling does not address the birthright citizenship process in the U.S. territories.\n\nCitizenship in the territories is distinct from that of the States.\n\nCurrently, four of the five inhabited U.S. territories have been granted U.S. citizenship by laws passed in Congress. These are Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.\n\nThese four territories exercise these powers because Congress extended such rights in statute through laws like the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. The Northern Mariana Islands have acquired such rights through a different statutory mechanism.\n\nThe U.S. territory of American Samoa is the lone exception. Those born in this territory are considered American nationals but have not been granted citizenship status by Congress.\n\nAccordingly, birthright citizenship does not apply currently in American Samoa.\n\nThe application under the Barbara case of birthright citizenship in the U.S. territories differs from what is established in the 50 U.S. States according to Supreme Court cases.\n\nThe birthright discrepancy between the territories and the States dates to legal cases beginning in the early 20th century known as the Insular Cases.\n\nGenerally, these cases governed which constitutional protections apply in U.S. territories.\n\nAdditionally, since 2010, two federal courts of appeals cases have rejected the notion that those born in the U.S. territories access the same automatic rights by virtue of the Constitution as those in the U.S. states.\n\nThus, the Barbara case leaves the door open for Congressional action on citizenship in the American territories. I am leading a bill to crack down on abuse of birthright citizenship in the territories. This bill should stop the so-called “birth tourism” that is taking place in the American territories.\n\nBecause of the current birthright laws in place in the territories, any child born in a U.S. territory (minus American Samoa) accesses U.S. citizenship automatically.\n\nAccordingly, business in the “birth tourism” industry, which Justice Clarence Thomas references in his dissent of Trump v. Barbara, empowers groups to exploit U.S. citizenship laws for personal gain.\n\nA New York Post article this year notes estimates of roughly 1,000 companies that offer “birth tourism” services.\n\nOne of the referenced China-based “birth tourism” companies advertises with the slogan “Create beautiful memories while having an American baby.”\n\n“Birth tourists” and their babies later return to the parent’s country of origin. But by providing U.S. citizenship to their child, one day their child can access the benefits that U.S. citizenship has to offer.\n\nThat can come in the form of work, education, voting in federal elections and more.\n\nThis is outrageous and I am working on a legislative fix.\n\nJust like Congress possesses the power to grant the territories Constitutional rights in statute, we have the power to take them away in statute.\n\nWhereas under Barbara a Constitutional amendment would be needed to change birthright citizenship in the 50 U.S. states, a simple statutory reform for the U.S. territories is a realistic solution with real world implications.\n\nAccordingly, I am leading the charge in Congress to rectify this problem, clarify U.S. citizenship laws in the territories and combat foreign nationals who are exploiting loopholes in our citizenship laws to take advantage of U.S. generosity.\n\nMy bill would stop “birth tourism” in the U.S. territories!\n\nWhile this change is limited to the territories, it is the only step we can currently take to effectively protect U.S. citizenship.\n\nIf you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at https://morgangriffith.house.gov/. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405763", "title": "Griffith Announces $3,012,885 HHS Grant to Twin Counties Region Head Start Programs", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Rooftop of Virginia CAP, based in Galax, Virginia, a $3,012,885 grant. The funding supports local head start projects. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“Head start and early head start services support communities in the Twin Counties region.\n\n“This HHS grant for more than $3 million helps Rooftop of Virginia maintain head start operations in the region.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAccording to its website, Rooftop of Virginia supports head start services in the City of Galax well as Carroll and Grayson Counties. More than 260 participants in the region benefit from its head start program.\n\nRooftop of Virginia operates three head start classrooms in the region.\n\nAs a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-cosponsors-bill-impose-50-gift-ban-supreme-court-justices", "title": "Moulton Cosponsors Bill to Impose $50 Gift Ban on Supreme Court Justices", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "moulton.house.gov", "scraper": "moulton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001196", "name": "Seth Moulton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) joined as a cosponsor of the High Court Gift Ban Act to close a glaring ethics loophole that allows U.S. Supreme Court Justices to accept lavish gifts from wealthy benefactors and individuals with active interests before the Court. The legislation is led by Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), alongside Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).\n\nUnlike members of Congress and executive branch officials, Supreme Court Justices are currently not bound by any limits on the value of the gifts they can accept. Investigative reports show Justices have exploited this loophole, accepting at least 445 undisclosed gifts worth nearly $5 million over the past two decades—including millions in luxury travel, private retreats, and personal loans from wealthy individuals with interests before the Court.\n\nThe High Court Gift Ban Act blocks Justices from receiving gifts valued at more than $50 in a single instance, or $100 in aggregate annually. It also caps \"personal hospitality\" perks—such as free trips on private jets and yachts—bringing the Supreme Court in line with the ethical standards governing the other branches of government.\n\n\"No public servant, especially a Supreme Court Justice with a lifetime appointment, should be accepting luxury vacations and six-figure personal gifts from billionaires,\" said Congressman Moulton. \"This bill is about basic accountability and restoring faith in our nation's highest court. No one in our government should be above the ethical standards the rest of us live by.\"\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-torres-introduce-duty-transparency-act-require-timely-notice-extended", "title": "Moulton & Torres Introduce the Duty of Transparency Act to Require Timely Notice for Extended Congressional Absences", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "moulton.house.gov", "scraper": "moulton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001196", "name": "Seth Moulton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) and Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) introduced the Duty of Transparency Act, legislation that would require Members of Congress to give constituents timely notice of an extended absence from voting. The full bill text is attached.\n\nUnder the bill, a Member who has a reasonable belief that they will not be physically present to participate in the proceedings of their chamber for 21 or more consecutive calendar days would be required to file a public disclosure statement within 5 calendar days of forming that belief. The disclosure would include the expected dates of the absence, an explanation for it, whether the Member will still be able to perform official duties, including remotely, and the contact information of a staff member who can be reached in the Member’s absence.\n\nThe bill would protect Members’ medical privacy: it would not require disclosure of any diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, or other protected health information, though a Member could choose to share additional detail beyond what is required. Members who are unable to comply with the initial filing deadline because they are incapacitated would be required to file once that incapacitation ends. For absences that continue, the bill would require an updated disclosure every 30 days.\n\nDisclosure statements would be filed with the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate, as applicable, and made publicly available on a website within 2 calendar days of filing. The requirement would apply equally to all Members, regardless of party or chamber, and failure to comply would fall under the jurisdiction of the applicable ethics committee.\n\nCurrently, there is no general requirement that Members proactively disclose extended absences to the public. Constituents often learn that their representative has missed a significant stretch of votes only through news coverage, vote tracking websites, or word of mouth, sometimes well after the fact.\n\nThe legislation is intended to close that gap. By requiring a public notice when an extended absence begins or is expected, the bill would give constituents a timely and reliable source of information rather than relying on outside reporting or speculation.\n\n“When a Member of Congress is absent from their job for an extended period of time, their constituents deserve to know,” said Congressman Moulton. “Transparency isn’t optional in public office. People deserve to hear directly from the Member representing them about whether they’re able to carry out the duties of the job they were elected to do. The Duty of Transparency Act simply asks members to be upfront with the people who put them there.”\n\n“When a public official is absent for an extended period of time, the public has a right to an honest explanation,” said Congressman Torres. “We are introducing the Duty of Transparency Act to require Members to disclose extended absences so constituents know where their representative is.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-co-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-prevent-ai-increasing-prior", "title": "Murphy Co-Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent AI Increasing Prior Authorization Denials", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "murphy.house.gov", "scraper": "murphy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001210", "name": "Gregory F. Murphy", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., alongside Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., M.D., introduced the Protecting Patients from Automated Denials Act, bipartisan legislation to establish safeguards on the use of artificial intelligence in Medicare Advantage prior authorization decisions.\n\n\"Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing healthcare at the speed of light, but we must protect the physician-in-the-loop,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. \"While advancements in diagnostics, research, and administrative work will advance medicine in incredible ways, the value of a trained physician and sentient influence cannot be eroded. This is especially important for prior authorization decisions - patients are not merely numbers on a spreadsheet. We cannot allow greedy health insurers to utilize AI to deny healthcare to those in need. I am proud to lead on this issue by establishing sensible guardrails that ensure the proliferation of AI in the field of medicine does no harm.\"\n\nBackground", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/posts/congresswoman-nikema-williams-statement-opposing-republicans-cuts-to-international-aid", "title": "Congresswoman Nikema Williams’ Statement Opposing Republicans’ Cuts to International Aid", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/press", "domain": "nikemawilliams.house.gov", "scraper": "nikemawilliams", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000788", "name": "Nikema Williams", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) released the following statement on Republicans’ slate of policies making cuts to humanitarian aid and promoting isolationism:\n\nCongresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said:\n\n“I voted no on the Massie amendment and the underlying bill yesterday because they were poorly written and overly broad. The bill would make across-the-board cuts to humanitarian aid that could impact embassy operations, educational and cultural exchanges, and ongoing support for Palestinian Security Forces. I believe our decisions and policies must be concise and decisive, especially when addressing the actions of the far-right Netanyahu regime.\n\nPalestinian people have a right to self-determination and American policy actions should support that goal through thoughtful and deliberate considerations of the path forward for the Israeli and Palestinian people. The Massie amendment was not a genuine step toward lasting peace.\n\nI believe Congress should always evaluate how taxpayer dollars are spent and work toward a foreign policy that advances peace, security, and accountability. The Republican proposals before us did not do that. Instead, these sweeping cuts would essentially isolate America from the world.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/committee-advances-rep-onders-bill-transfer-ccampis-administration-hhs", "title": "Committee Advances Rep. Onder’s Bill to Transfer CCAMPIS Administration to HHS", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "onder.house.gov", "scraper": "onder", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000177", "name": "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nJuly 16, 2026\n\nContact: Brooke Morgan\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Bob Onder (R-MO) issued the following statement after his bill, the Less Bureaucracy, Better Child Care for Student Parents Act, advanced out of the House Education & Workforce Committee.\n\nThis legislation transfers the day-to-day administrative responsibilities of the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program from the Department of Education’s (ED) Office of Postsecondary Education to the Administration for Children and Families within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a broader legislative package to codify recent interagency agreements between the Department of Education and various federal agencies.\n\n\"Every student deserves access to a quality education, and decisions that affect school funding can have a significant impact on the educational experience. Right now, too much funding allocated to the Department of Education is diverted to administrative costs instead of directly supporting students' education. As a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, I am proud to be on the front lines of advancing President Trump's goal of depowering the Department of Education and returning education decisions to state and local governments. Today, my bill, as part of a broader legislative package, passed out of committee, and my colleagues and I are one step closer to reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and ensuring American families receive the resources they need,\" said Representative Bob Onder.\n\nFollowing the markup, Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) said: “For too long, Washington has accepted outcomes that should be unacceptable. Too many children can’t read or do math at grade level. Too many students leave college without a degree or the skills they need to succeed. And the federal government has mismanaged a $1.7 trillion student loan portfolio, leaving more than 9 million borrowers in default. The question before the Committee today was simple: do we defend the bureaucracy that produced those results, or do we pursue reforms that put students, families, and workers first? Committee Republicans chose reform because we believe every American deserves the opportunity to succeed.”\n\nBackground Information\n\nThe Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program provides grants to colleges and universities to help low-income student parents access affordable, campus-based child care while pursuing postsecondary education.\n\nIn 2026, the Department of Education (ED) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) entered into an interagency agreement to transfer the administration of CCAMPIS from the ED to HHS. HHS already oversees some of the federal government’s largest child care programs, including Head Start.\n\nBecause child care programs are currently being administered across multiple federal agencies, states and institutions must navigate duplicative administrative processes and reporting requirements. Transferring CCAMPIS administration to HHS will help reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, improve coordination among federal child care programs, and ensure resources are more effectively directed toward supporting low-income student parents and their families.\n\nRep. Onder's legislation builds on this broader effort by permanently transferring administration of the CCAMPIS program to HHS. By placing the program within the federal agency primarily responsible for child care programs, the legislation would reduce duplicative administrative functions, improve efficiency and accountability, and help ensure that more federal resources are directed toward supporting low-income student parents and their families.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-15-members-press-pentagon-make-sunscreen-standard-issue-servicemembers", "title": "Pallone, 15 Members Press Pentagon to Make Sunscreen Standard Issue for Servicemembers", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pallone.house.gov", "scraper": "pallone", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000034", "name": "Frank Pallone, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – As summer puts renewed attention on the dangers of prolonged sun exposure, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, led 15 Members of Congress in calling on Trump’s Department of Defense to make sunscreen readily available to servicemembers year-round, arguing that access to basic skin cancer prevention should not depend on whether troops can bring their own supplies.\n\nIn their letter to Trump’s Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the lawmakers raised concerns that sunscreen is not included in personal protective equipment (PPE) issued to servicemembers and cited troubling accounts of some troops being prevented from using sunscreen sent by family members or purchased themselves while training or deployed.\n\nThe lawmakers noted that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and that military personnel face elevated risks because of prolonged ultraviolet exposure. Research cited in the letter found melanoma rates among active-duty servicemembers are 62 percent higher than among the general population, while veterans are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage disease.\n\n“The most common cancer in the United States is skin cancer, with at least one in five Americans developing it during their lifetime. Skin cancer, including the deadliest form, melanoma, is a unique and major threat to our military community who carry out their missions in environments of extreme solar radiation. Decades of studies going back to WWII confirm the linkage of exposure to the development of deadly melanoma. Shockingly, one of the most proven skin cancer prevention tools, sunscreen, is not included in PPE for military personnel. We have also learned that there are cases where servicemembers were prevented from using their own sunscreen during training and deployment,” the members wrote.\n\n“Skin cancer, including deadly melanoma, is a persistent threat to the men and women who bravely serve our country and whose service often exposes them to dangerous UV radiation. Veterans are 62% more likely than the general public to develop melanoma and are also much more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced disease. Importantly, over 90% of cutaneous melanomas are considered preventable through the use of sun safety tools such as sunscreen. We applaud Congressman Pallone for shining a light on this issue and encourage Secretary Hegseth to give our servicemembers the education and sunscreen they need to keep themselves safe,” said Kyleigh LiPira, Chief Executive Officer of the Melanoma Research Foundation.\n\n“As members of the military sacrifice daily to protect our country, the Department of Defense should consider providing them broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher as basic protection against skin cancer that preserves their health during their service to our nation,” said American Academy of Dermatology Association President Murad Alam, MD, MSCI, MBA, FAAD. “The American Academy of Dermatology Association applauds Representative Frank Pallone for his leadership for asking our Armed Services to provide this valuable protection from skin cancer as part of their Personal Protective Equipment. As the most common cancer in the United States, skin cancer is a preventable with sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.”\n\nThe Members requested information on current Department policies regarding sunscreen use; whether any regulations restrict servicemembers from receiving sunscreen in care packages or using their own products during training and deployment; and whether commanding officers are authorized to distribute sunscreen in the field. They also urged the Department to include sunscreen in standard PPE kits issued to military personnel.\n\nRead full letter here and below:\n\nSecretary Hegseth,\n\nWe write to raise concerns about the lack of sunscreen in personal protective equipment (PPE) for servicemembers and, based on troubling reports we have received from those directly affected, request answers to questions regarding shortfalls in existing policies. As members of the military sacrifice daily to protect our country, we have a responsibility to equip them with basic protection that safeguards their health during their service to our nation.\n\nThe most common cancer in the United States is skin cancer, with at least one in five Americans developing it during their lifetime. Skin cancer, including the deadliest form, melanoma, is a unique and major threat to our military community who carry out their missions in environments of extreme solar radiation. Decades of studies going back to WWII confirm the linkage of exposure to the development of deadly melanoma.1 Shockingly, one of the most proven skin cancer prevention tools, sunscreen, is not included in PPE for military personnel. We have also learned that there are cases where servicemembers were prevented from using their own sunscreen during training and deployment.\n\nBoth the U.S. Surgeon General and the World Health Organization have publicly recognized the growing impact of skin cancer and the role of sunscreen as important prevention tool. Having five or more sunburns doubles the risk of melanoma.2 A recent study using data from 1999 to 2018 showed that the likelihood of skin cancer diagnoses was higher in U.S. veterans than in nonveterans; which undoubtedly causes an increase of utilization and cost to the VA health care system.3 In the near term, readiness is diminished as servicemembers seek and undergo biopsies, recover from procedures, and receive treatment for advanced disease.\n\nAccording to a Uniformed Services University report, “melanoma is the most significant cancer to affect the active-duty military population.”4 A 2014 study published in Military Medicine found that the melanoma incidence rate among servicemembers was 62 percent higher than in the general population between 2000 and 2007.5 Additionally, aircrew were found to have an 87 percent higher rate of melanoma than the civilian population, while groundcrew had a nine percent higher rate of melanoma. 6\n\nRecent studies have reinforced these findings and demonstrated that ultraviolet exposure during military service can have lifelong effects. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that veterans have an 18 percent higher risk of stage III and a 13 percent higher risk of stage IV melanoma at initial diagnosis, indicating that when veterans are diagnosed with melanoma it is at a more advanced and dangerous stage.7 It is unconscionable that the men and women who serve our nation face an elevated risk of developing a deadlier form of cancer as a direct result of their service. Given the seriousness of this issue, we respectfully request answers to the following questions:\n\n1. What efforts is the Department currently undertaking to encourage sunscreen use among servicemembers?\n\n2. Are there any Department regulations that prohibit servicemembers from receiving sunscreen in care packages from family or using their own sunscreen during training and deployment?\n\n3. Are commanding officers authorized to dispense sunscreen? Cancer should not be a direct product of military service. Upwards of 90 percent of skin cancers, including melanoma, are considered preventable through the use of sun-safe behaviors such as daily sunscreen use.8 This low-cost, widely available prevention tool could save lives, reduce disease burden, and greatly decrease future health care spending in the VA system if provided to our servicemembers when they need it the most.\n\nWe urge you to immediately prioritize the inclusion of sunscreen in all PPE kits and look forward to receiving your response to our questions by July 23. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/bipartisan-support-grows-for-pappas-bill-to-strengthen-infrastructure-for-local-police-and-fire-departments", "title": "Bipartisan Support Grows for Pappas Bill to Strengthen Infrastructure for Local Police and Fire Departments", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pappas.house.gov", "scraper": "pappas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000614", "name": "Chris Pappas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The Problem Solvers Caucus endorsedCongressman Chris Pappas (NH-01)’s bipartisan Building Up Infrastructure for Local Departments (BUILD) Act (H.R. 2979), legislation to help small and rural law enforcement agencies and fire departments modernize outdated facilities and better meet the demands of public safety in the 21st century. Pappas is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus and has been rated among the most independent, bipartisan members of Congress.\n\nAcross the country, thousands of local law enforcement agencies and fire departments operate out of facilities that no longer meet the demands of modern public safety. More than 40 percent of all firehouses were built in the 1980s or earlier, with an estimated replacement cost of $70 billion to $100 billion, while many local law enforcement agencies face similar infrastructure challenges. This bipartisan legislation would help ensure small and rural departments have access to the modern infrastructure needed to meet today’s public safety challenges.\n\n“Upgrading our public safety infrastructure to modern standards is critically important for community safety. I know from my conversations with local law enforcement, fire fighters, and town representatives that this legislation is desperately needed,” said Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01). “I’m glad to have the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus endorse my legislation to provide police and fire departments with federal resources to make necessary facility upgrades, which will support our officers and improve public safety. I will continue to work alongside our local departments, officials, and with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advocate for the resources our communities need.”\n\nThis legislation earned praise from New Hampshire law enforcement and local officials in the rural towns of Candia and Danville when it was first introduced in 2023. It is also supported by the National Sheriffs’ Association, the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, and GIFFORDS.\n\nThe BUILD Act would:\n\nAuthorize a new BUILD grant program at the Department of Justice to modify, upgrade, or construct facilities for small local law enforcement agencies serving jurisdictions of less than 50,000;\n\nAuthorize a new BUILD-FIRE grant program at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to modify, upgrade, or construct facilities for small fire and fire/EMS departments serving jurisdictions of less than 50,000;\n\nRequire a GAO study of the sufficiency of the existing capital infrastructure of small public safety agencies over the near-term and long-term;\n\nRequire the Attorney General to conduct and publish a study of the met and unmet construction and renovation needs of a national sample of police departments; and\n\nRequire the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct and publish a study of the met and unmet construction and renovation needs of a national sample of fire departments.\n\nEligible projects could receive up to $4 million in funding for projects that would improve the provision of emergency services, training and development of public safety personnel, recruitment and retention of public safety personnel, community engagement, and overall community safety.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/pappas-and-ciscomani-introduce-bipartisan-air-care-for-vets-act", "title": "Pappas and Ciscomani Introduce Bipartisan AIR CARE for Vets Act", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pappas.house.gov", "scraper": "pappas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000614", "name": "Chris Pappas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) introduced legislation aimed at improving the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) ability to diagnose veterans with service-related respiratory conditions. H.R. 9666, the AIR CARE for Vets Act (Advanced Imaging for Respiratory Care, Assessment, and Research Excellence for Veterans Act) prioritizes veteran access to quality imaging software used in diagnosing certain respiratory conditions resulting from time in service, including asthma and obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as lung cancer.\n\nCurrently, diagnosing respiratory illnesses and conditions in veterans is limited by standard testing procedures using whole-lung assessments. These assessments can be less sensitive to changes in lung function seen in early disease or when abnormalities are limited to a specific region. In addition, standard testing procedures including lung biopsy, are often both painful and invasive. Specifically, this affects the many veterans who were exposed to toxic smoke from open-air burn pits while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and who now suffer from chronic respiratory illnesses.\n\nIn response to these issues, there has been an increase in concern for improving the level of accessibility to updated “four-dimensional” (4-D) imaging technology that would allow for more accurate testing. Bringing more advanced imaging technology to VA facilities would provide an ability to better diagnose our veterans.\n\n“We owe everything to our veterans, and they deserve access to top of the line health care both during and following their service,” said Congressman Pappas. “Our legislation would establish a pilot program for VA to utilize innovative 4-D lung scanning technology, which improves identification of respiratory disorders and lung disease in veterans. For thousands of veterans living in New Hampshire exposure to burn pits has significantly increased their chances of developing lung disease, and this pilot program will improve the resources and care available to them now and in the years to come.”\n\n\"Our nation’s heroes deserve access to quality healthcare, including the most up to date technology to best diagnose service-related conditions. That’s what the AIR CARE for Vets Act is all about,\" said Congressman Ciscomani. \"Under this bill, veterans suffering from respiratory conditions and lung cancer would receive better quality care at the VA through the use of imaging software equipped to properly evaluate their symptoms. Better imaging software means an improved rate of diagnosis, which would save lives by catching issues like lung cancer sooner. The men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country deserve to know they are receiving the highest level of care possible at all stages, starting with quality evaluation of their symptoms.\"\n\nThe AIR CARE for Vets Act would direct the VA to put a five-year pilot program in place using FDA-approved four-dimensional functional lung imaging software to assist in identifying respiratory disorders in veterans receiving care at the VA.\n\nThis legislation authorizes $5 million annually from Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) and Fiscal Year 2031 (FY2031) to be used for leasing eligible imaging software from approved developers and using this technology in VA medical facilities.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1804", "title": "Pettersen, Van Hollen Lead Lawmakers in Introducing Legislation to Bring Transparency to Corporate Abuse of Tax Havens, Job Offshoring", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "pettersen.house.gov", "scraper": "pettersen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000620", "name": "Brittany Pettersen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (Md.) led their colleagues in reintroducing the Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act, legislation to provide transparency around corporations’ use of tax havens and incentives to offshore jobs. This bill would require public companies to disclose their financial reporting on a country-by-country basis. Ensuring public access to this information would both provide investors the tools they need to understand the tax structures and risks of the businesses in which they invest and give Americans insight into the extent to which the tax system is incentivizing the outsourcing of American jobs or enabling corporations to dodge U.S. taxes. Senator Van Hollen and Representative Pettersen were joined in introducing this legislation by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.).\n\n“As everyday families struggle to find jobs and pay for basic necessities, corporations are dodging taxes by shifting profits outside the country and making the rest of us pay. I'm proud to support this legislation that will require companies to disclose foreign operations, and ensure corporations pay into the system here at home,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “The Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act will increase transparency, and make corporations start paying their fair share.”\n\n“While working Americans struggle to get by, large corporations continue to ship jobs overseas and take advantage of tax loopholes to hide their profits. This bill will provide critical transparency to both the American public and investors as to how these corporations abuse our broken tax system and the risks they are taking in the use of offshore tax havens. We must stand up for American workers, end incentives for big corporations to offshore jobs, and unrig our broken corporate tax code. Sunlight is the best disinfectant – shining a light on this issue is the first step,” said Senator Van Hollen.\n\nWhile the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act established a new global tax framework, it also introduced incentives for large U.S. companies to shift profits and jobs overseas. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act largely preserved those incentives. New research shows that in 2025, large corporations reduced their tax liability by more than $11 billion through the use of tax havens. Firms continue to benefit from shifting profits because they can pool income and foreign taxes across affiliates in both high- and low-tax countries, while foreign income remains subject to a significantly lower U.S. tax rate than domestic income.\n\nThe Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act would ensure there is more transparency in these tax practices by requiring large corporations to disclose basic information on each of their subsidiaries, and country-by-country financial information that sums together all of their subsidiaries in each country – including profits, taxes, employees, and tangible assets.\n\nAll of this information is already reported to the Internal Revenue Service, under an international Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development framework, but this legislation would ensure public disclosure to provide data on how international tax laws are working and where corporations are locating their business activities and taxes. Thus, when a corporation sends jobs overseas, their country-by-country financial report would show the extent to which the U.S. tax system is rewarding their behavior.\n\nThis legislation is supported by the Financial Accountability & Corporate Transparency (FACT) Coalition, Public Citizen, Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).\n\nPettersen has also consistently fought for corporate accountability, including authoring legislation as a Colorado state senator that closed offshore tax loopholes corporations were using to dodge state taxes, recovering millions of dollars for Colorado's public schools. She serves on the House Financial Services Committee, where she continues pushing for financial transparency on behalf of working families, and has championed the Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act in previous sessions of Congress as part of her broader effort to ensure corporations pay their fair share.\n\nA one-page summary of this bill is HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3014", "title": "RSC Chairman Pfluger Hosts Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for Member Meeting", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC), welcomed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to Capitol Hill for the RSC's member meeting this week.\n\nSecretary Rollins and the Trump Administration have put American farmers and ranchers first by expanding markets, rooting out fraud and abuse in the SNAP program, and protecting American farmland from foreign adversaries' ownership. The Secretary also spoke on the USDA's aggressive efforts to deploy sterile flies to eradicate New World Screwworm (NWS) along the southern border, including in Texas.\n\nRSC Chairman Pfluger applauded Secretary Rollins for her tireless work to deliver results for farmers and ranchers across the country. He reaffirmed that the RSC will continue working hand-in-hand with Secretary Rollins and USDA to strengthen rural America and ensure that our agricultural industry remains the envy of the world.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6092", "title": "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON THE 21ST CENTURY ROAD TO HOUSING ACT BECOMING LAW", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "plaskett.house.gov", "scraper": "plaskett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000610", "name": "Stacey E. Plaskett", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 16, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON THE 21ST CENTURY ROAD TO HOUSING ACT BECOMING LAW\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) issued the following statement after the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law, following the expiration of President Trump's ten-day window to sign or veto the bipartisan legislation:\n\n\"The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act authorizes the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program for three years and establishes a dedicated Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund in the Treasury Department. For the people of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, who know all too well what it means for Congress to pass one-off recovery funding after a storm has already taken everything, this is not an abstract policy win. It means faster resources, fewer bureaucratic delays, and a program that exists before disaster strikes rather than one we have to fight to rebuild from scratch every hurricane season.\n\n\"This law also removes the requirement that manufactured homes be built on a permanent chassis, a change that will lower construction costs and open up new design options for families in the Virgin Islands who rely on manufactured and modular housing to recover after a storm. It also directs the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to study how building codes and financing can expand modular construction, and reauthorizes the PRICE grant program for seven years for the repair, preservation, and improvement of existing manufactured homes and manufactured home communities.\n\n“The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act also strengthens financing for families trying to rebuild their homes. It creates a Whole-Home Repairs pilot program to provide grants and forgivable loans directly to homeowners and landlords for repairs and modifications, and a small-dollar mortgage pilot at the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to expand access to loans under $100,000. It also raises the loan limits on FHA-insured manufactured housing loans, so families can finance the full cost of the homes many of them depend on.\n\n\"This bill passed both chambers of Congress with large bipartisan majorities. It reflects the work of members on both sides of the aisle, including a new Treasury program pairing larger banks with Minority Depository Institutions and rural banks, and streamlined chartering rules to help new community banks form in underserved areas.\n\n\"The people of the Virgin Islands do not have the luxury of treating disaster recovery as a political football. We have lived through Hurricanes Irma and Maria. We know what it costs a family, a business, a whole community, when Washington drags its feet. This law does not fix every inequity faced by the Virgin Islands, but it is a meaningful step toward the kind of dependable disaster recovery infrastructure the Virgin Islands has needed for generations.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://pressley.house.gov/2026/07/16/pressley-blasts-gop-anti-woman-agenda-attacks-on-deia/", "title": "Pressley Blasts GOP Anti-Woman Agenda, Attacks on DEIA", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pressley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "pressley.house.gov", "scraper": "pressley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000617", "name": "Ayanna Pressley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Transcript: Pressley Blasts GOP Anti-Woman Agenda, Attacks on DEIA\n\nHouse Oversight Committee Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses\n\nJuly 14, 2026\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Today’s hearing is irrational. It is misguided, and it is consistent, consistent with the Republicans’ war on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.\n\nNow, Republicans control the White House. They rigged the Supreme Court. They have majorities in both chambers of Congress, and they are using the full weight of that power, the full force of that—and your taxpayer dollars, might I add—of this federal government in this moment to enact precise harm on working families.\n\nThere are no Oversight hearings on high unemployment and the rising costs, and there are no hearings on protecting voting rights or affordable health care coverage.\n\nInstead, Republicans have decided to focus on attacking everyday people who are just trying to make ends meet.\n\nTheir agenda is anti-Black, it is anti-immigrant, it is anti-LGBTQ, it is anti-worker, and again, since we’re talking about DEIA and the dismantling of it, it is also anti-veteran, it is anti-rural, it is anti-disabled, and it most certainly is anti-woman.\n\nDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives were created to promote fairness because there are real biases in America that disadvantage specific groups of people. That is a fact backed by mountains of data.\n\nWhile there has been progress, the work is unfinished. Actually, the work is piling up due to Republicans emboldening greater discrimination while simultaneously dismantling civil rights protections.\n\nFor example, women face systemic gender discrimination.\n\nI know you can’t tell by looking at the Republican Party, but women make up 50% of this country, and we deserve equal rights.\n\nSo I’m going to start with a simple question, and Ms. Feltscher Stepman, and I’m going to begin with you because actually, the fact that your women’s forum even exists, some might even consider that to be a DEI initiative.\n\nBut let me just ask you a question: Do you believe America should have gender equality, meaning that women and men should have equal rights under the Constitution and our laws? Yes or no?\n\nFELTSCHER STEPMAN: I believe that women and men—\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Yes or no?\n\nFELTSCHER STEPMAN: do have the Constitution—\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Yes or no? One more time to keep it clean here, do you believe America should have gender equality, meaning that women and men should have equal rights under the Constitution and our laws? Yes or no?\n\nFELTSCHER STEPMAN: I believe they should have equal rights. Yes.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Okay. And Dr. Shires, yes or no?\n\nDR. SHIRES: Yes.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Mr. Gonzalez, yes or no?\n\nMR. GONZALEZ: [inaudible]\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: All right. Well, unfortunately, the Constitution is silent on this topic, and that is why I’ve introduced legislation to add the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment, enshrining it as the law of this land.\n\nNow, look, y’all. Every Democrat in the House has signed on to my bill, but I’m still waiting on my Republican colleagues to join.\n\nSo, until we are able to codify gender equality in the Constitution, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies have supported women in every aspect of their lives.\n\nFor example, women have served in the military for more than 200 years. Yet Republicans in your anti-diversity campaign have denied multiple women promotions just because they are women. Not to mention those that just been fired.\n\nWomen get paid less money for doing the same work as men. But since Republicans are anti-equity, the EEOC, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, has weakened enforcement of pay discrimination laws, maintaining and widening our gender wage gap by the day.\n\nY’all have any daughters?\n\nNot to mention Black women making 65 cents on the dollar to white men.\n\nAnd finally, women are underrepresented in medical trials to find cures for diseases that affect us, but because Republicans are attacking inclusion, they cut funding for women’s health research projects.\n\nSo let me sum it up: anti-DEI is anti-woman.\n\nAnd those harms are compounded by attacks on voting rights like the so-called SAVE America Act that Republicans are fixated on passing, which could disenfranchise nearly 70 million women simply because their last names on their ID no longer match their birth certificates after being married, which pro-family people seem to care about.\n\nNot to mention the attacks on bodily autonomy. As women, our bodies are treated as a debate, and Republicans are passing laws that restrict what we do and when we do it. Something men have never had to struggle with.\n\nSo when it comes to Republicans on this committee who are all men enacting more harm on women through anti-DEI hearings like this one, we need to call it out and fight back.\n\nMr. Chair, I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record this June 2026 article from AfroTech titled “Civil Rights Organizations And Nonprofits Sign Letter Demanding Transparency And Response From The Trump Administration Regarding DEIA Ban.”\n\nCHAIR: Without objection.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://pressley.house.gov/2026/07/16/video-pressley-slams-cfpb-director-vought-for-gutting-consumer-protections-for-families-with-medical-debt/", "title": "VIDEO: Pressley Slams CFPB Director Vought for Gutting Consumer Protections for Families with Medical Debt", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pressley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "pressley.house.gov", "scraper": "pressley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000617", "name": "Ayanna Pressley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Transcript: Pressley Slams CFPB Director Vought for Gutting Consumer Protections for Families with Medical Debt\n\nHouse Financial Services Committee\n\nJuly 15, 2026\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Director Vought, I too am, I’m glad that you’re leaving.\n\nSadly, your harm will remain for generations to come.\n\nI have every reason to believe that history will judge you harshly, especially in that you were a key author of Project 2025—again, implications that we’ll be feeling for generations.\n\nLike this: $500 billion.\n\nDirector Vought, that’s how much medical debt Americans hold.\n\nIn fact, many families have medical debt over $50,000.\n\nNow, that may not be a lot of money to Republicans like Trump, who quote, “don’t think about Americans’ financial situation.” But that is a lot of money for most people.\n\nThis is debt people accumulated during the most challenging times in their lives, like battling cancer or recovering from an accident.\n\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, under Biden, issued rules making sure that medical debt would not be reported on credit reports and put guardrails around how that debt can be collected—commonsense things like companies not being able to come after you for bills you’ve already paid.\n\nNow, to be clear, these kinds of protections were supported by families throughout the country, Director Vought, in rural communities, in urban communities, in suburban communities and in Democratic and Republican districts.\n\nBut Director Vought, you took that away when you rescinded those rules.\n\nDirector Vought, give me one reason why companies should be able to harass cancer survivors to collect more than they owe for a medical bill?\n\nDIRECTOR VOUGHT: Well, they shouldn’t be able to harass, and we have laws on the books that, but the rules that we changed were specifically—\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Give me one good reason. You rescinded the rule where medical debt would not have been reported on credit reports—\n\nDIRECTOR VOUGHT: Because the statute wouldn’t allow—\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: You don’t have one good reason. Moving on.\n\nDIRECTOR VOUGHT: The statute literally said—\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: There is not one good reason. You claim, you avow that you are a self-proclaimed Christian nationalist, so I’m sure you spent some time in Sunday school.\n\nDIRECTOR VOUGHT: That’s a pejorative—\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: I’m sorry, did you happen upon a scripture that said, “Thou shall make their neighbor poorer, hungrier, sicker, and less safe?” That’s actually what you’ve done.\n\nDIRECTOR VOUGHT: I—\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: I didn’t ask you to speak. This makes no sense. You are as incompetent as you are cruel and callous.\n\nSeriously, there are millions of families who have had to deal with an unexpected medical crisis—including yours, I’m sure—because cancer and illness do not discriminate. They don’t care how fat your wallet is or what your zip code is.\n\nEveryone has been faced with some unexpected crisis that interrupted their life and destabilized their financial future—carrying the burden of caregiving, carrying the burden of sleepless nights, carrying the burden of debt unpaid, medical bills.\n\nBut what upsets me most—please look at me. What upsets me most is the shame that people carry about that debt.\n\nSo let me be clear to families throughout the country: the only people who should be ashamed of medical debt is the Republican Party because they have obstructed progress for affordable health care at every turn, and then they rescinded the rule that would have given you some relief—\n\nREP. STUTZMAN: Will the gentle lady yield?\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: I will not. This is my time.\n\nREP. STUTZMAN: Will the gentle lady yield?\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: I will not yield. This is my time, and he’s on his way out the door, and he needs to know exactly the harm he has caused. But the American people deserve to know—\n\nREP. STUTZMAN: We should talk about Obamacare—\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: I will not yield.\n\nFSC CHAIR HILL: It’s Ms. Pressley’s time.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Why are you speaking to me? Why are you speaking to me when I didn’t yield to you?\n\nDirector Vought, you have gutted the CFPB.\n\nYou have dropped settlements the CFPB brought against predatory companies that were supposed to provide relief to customers.\n\n$360 million to help people—gone.\n\nAmericans are in dire need of financial relief, but Trump and his co-conspirators, his cult of co-conspirators are making life worse for everyday people, and I mean everyone: women, the disabled, young people, seniors, veterans, immigrants, and especially people of color who are most burdened by debt and predatory collection reporting practices.\n\nThat is exactly why I introduced legislation to stop you from hurting people, like getting rid of consumer protections related to medical debt.\n\nThe American public deserves better. They deserve better than you.\n\nThey deserve a CFPB director who puts the consumer protection in this, who actually gives a damn instead of attacking hardworking families who are financially trapped by Trump’s reckless policies.\n\nConsumer protection should not be a partisan issue or a political game.\n\nYou have dedicated your career to helping corporations get richer, making families sicker, poorer, and less safe, and there is nothing Christian about that.\n\n—", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/randall-announces-task-force-defend-14th-amendment", "title": "Randall Announces Task Force to Defend the 14th Amendment", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "randall.house.gov", "scraper": "randall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000621", "name": "Emily Randall", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.— Last night, U.S. Congresswoman Emily Randall (D, WA-06), co-chair of the new Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force, spoke on the House floor alongside her fellow task force members to call attention to President Trump and Stephen Miller’s persistent attacks on birthright citizenship. The Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force will engage experts and convene Members to defend the Constitution, coordinate oversight and public education campaigns, and respond to actions by the Trump Administration that undermine the rights and protections guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.\n\n“Donald Trump and Stephen Miller attempted to rewrite the Constitution through an executive order banning birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants — the same legal arguments that were first used when a white supremacist wanted to deny U.S. citizenship to Chinese Americans,” said Rep. Randall on the House floor. “This is all part of a larger agenda to dehumanize Black and Brown people in this country, to strip away their rights, and to normalize questioning who belongs here, who is American enough.”\n\nOn January 20, 2025, the first day of President Trump’s second term in office, he signed Executive Order 14160, aimed at stripping birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants. Trump’s EO was immediately challenged, and the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear oral arguments on April 1, 2026. On June 30, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to strike down Trump’s Executive Order and upheld birthright citizenship. The Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force was launched shortly thereafter, with members voicing serious concern that four Justices ruled in favor of abolishing our constitutional amendment.\n\n“Last week's decision affirmed the actual words in the constitution — that if you are born in this country, you are a citizen of this country — but the fact the 4 justices dissented shows that we’re not safe from these continuous attacks from Donald Trump, his administration, and what is an activist and extremist conservative Supreme Court. We have to continue fighting to ensure that the citizens of the United States are protected and that nothing erodes that constitutional protection,” said Representative Emily Randall (D, WA-06).\n\nCongresswoman Randall will be co-chairing the task force alongside Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D, MO-05), Analilia Mejia (D, NJ-11), Lateefah Simon (D, CA-12), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10).", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/randall-votes-103-house-democrats-end-military-aid-israel", "title": "Randall Votes with 103 House Democrats to End Military Aid to Israel", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "randall.house.gov", "scraper": "randall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000621", "name": "Emily Randall", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, U.S. Congresswoman Emily Randall (D, WA-06) joined 103 members of the House Democratic Caucus in voting YES on an amendment that would cut $3.3 billion in annual funding for military aid to Israel. The amendment ultimately failed 104-313. Randall released this statement immediately after the vote:\n\n“My neighbors have been clear – they don’t want to see more of their taxpayer dollars go towards subsidizing Netanyahu’s endless violence and destabilization of Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and the region at large – especially not without any accountability or oversight for how American weapons are being used.\n\n“While I’m concerned about how the broad language in this amendment will affect the flow of humanitarian assistance, the risk of approving more offensive military aid without any guardrails is too great and will continue to put innocent civilians in harm's way.\n\n“My vote reflects the need for a fundamental change in our approach to the far-right Netanyahu government – one that is long overdue. That means no more additional funding for offensive weapons. I remain committed to protecting the flow of humanitarian aid while ending unconditional and unchecked military support.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/hill-country-flood-response-update-and-shelter-locations", "title": "Hill Country Flood Response Update and Shelter Locations", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "roy.house.gov", "scraper": "roy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000614", "name": "Chip Roy", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Heavy rainfall continues to impact communities across the Texas Hill Country, with significant flooding reported throughout the Guadalupe, Pedernales, Llano, and Nueces river basins and their tributaries.\n\nAs of this morning, more than 80 water rescues had been conducted, with additional rescues underway. First responders continue working around the clock to protect lives and assist affected communities.\n\nWhile forecasts indicate that the heaviest rainfall may shift north and west over the next 24 hours, isolated heavy downpours remain possible. With the ground already saturated, conditions can change quickly.\n\nPlease continue to:\n\n-Avoid flooded roads and low-water crossings.\n\n-Never drive around barricades or road closures.\n\n-Follow all guidance from local officials.\n\n-Move to higher ground immediately if you are in danger.\n\n-Call 911 in an emergency.\n\nPlease keep our first responders and affected neighbors in your prayers. The Hill Country has faced difficult challenges before, and we will get through this together.\n\nShelter Locations:\n\nKerr County\n\nCalvary Temple\n\n3000 TX-534 Loop\n\nKerrville, TX 78028\n\n*Calvary Temple is also serving as a reunification center.\n\nCitywest Church\n\n3139 Junction Highway\n\nIngram, TX 78025\n\nCenter Point ISD Gymnasium\n\n215 China Street\n\nCenter Point, TX 78010\n\nKendall County\n\nComfort High School\n\n143 US-87 North\n\nComfort, TX 78013", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-statement-reconciliation-30", "title": "Rep. Roy Statement on Reconciliation 3.0", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "roy.house.gov", "scraper": "roy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000614", "name": "Chip Roy", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement after the House Budget Committee approved the \"Reconciliation 3.0\" legislation, which provides stopgap funding for defense, agricultural relief, and implementation of the SAVE America Act, for which Congressman Roy is the lead House author:\n\n\"Today, the House Budget Committee considered and advanced the 'Reconciliation 3.0' legislation on a party-line vote.\n\nAlthough I participated in the first hour of committee debate, I was forced to leave before the vote to return to Texas, where catastrophic flooding continues to devastate the Hill Country. I returned home both to help my constituents, as well as to personally manage family concerns.\n\nI support the overall objective of this reconciliation effort and worked in good faith throughout the week to help move it forward. I remain hopeful that I can support the legislation on the House floor. However, I continue to have significant concerns that must be addressed, including the failure to offset the proposed spending, the inability to address other critical conservative priorities, and the lack of certainty regarding the final treatment of the SAVE America Act.\n\nAs this legislation moves through the House and Senate, my support will depend on several factors. First and foremost, it must include the full SAVE America Act as a mandatory requirement at each and every stage, not merely an optional policy incentivized through funding. Preserving the integrity of the original legislation is essential. Given unified Democrat opposition and continued resistance from some Senate Republicans, only that level of commitment would justify considering an exception to our longstanding principle that new spending should be fully paid for.\n\nSecond, there must be a firm, public commitment to fully offset the spending contained in the final 'Reconciliation 3.0' package through the next reconciliation bill or any supplemental appropriations measure.\n\nRepublicans must remain committed to fiscal responsibility by paying for every dollar of new spending and pursuing meaningful deficit reduction even as we use the reconciliation process to overcome partisan obstruction and advance policies that enjoy broad public support, as we did with ICE and CBP.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/updates-blanco-community-postal-services", "title": "Updates for the Blanco Community on Postal Services", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "roy.house.gov", "scraper": "roy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000614", "name": "Chip Roy", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "My office has received numerous inquiries from residents of Blanco and surrounding communities regarding the closure of the Blanco Post Office and disruptions to postal services. In response, my office immediately contacted senior leadership at the United States Postal Service (USPS) for information and sent an official letter of inquiry to the Postmaster General. I was able to speak with USPS senior leadership at the national and state level, where I expressed the frustrations of the Blanco community and pressed them to remedy the postal disruptions expeditiously. I received an official inquiry response from USPS and confirmation recently of a finalized lease for a new post office in Blanco.\n\nThe new facility will be located at 902 13th St Blanco, TX 78606. While a lease has been signed and USPS is preparing the location to open, it will take time before the appropriate renovations and infrastructure are in place for the full retail and delivery operations to be available. In the interim, residents can access full in-person postal services at the Johnson City Post Office, which has committed to additional hours of operation on Saturday to accommodate the Blanco community. USPS is also attempting to restore 24-hour access to Post Office Boxes in Blanco as soon as possible.\n\nThis disruption has been frustrating for the community, and I will continue working with USPS to ensure the new facility opens as quickly as possible and that Blanco residents regain full access to postal services. I will keep the community informed as additional updates become available.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-andrea-salinas-statement-reaffirming-integrity-us-elections", "title": "Rep. Andrea Salinas’ Statement Reaffirming the Integrity of U.S. Elections", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "salinas.house.gov", "scraper": "salinas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001226", "name": "Andrea Salinas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) released the following statement reaffirming the integrity of U.S. elections. Her statement comes in response to President Trump’s prime-time address to the nation.\n\n“Tonight, Donald Trump once again tried to put into question the integrity of our elections. Trump is trying to undermine confidence in the upcoming November elections to suppress votes and subvert democracy, but the American people won’t let him.\n\n“In Oregon and across the country, our elections are safe, secure, accurate, and fair. The 2020 election has been litigated, audited, and confirmed. No matter what Trump says or does, he lost the 2020 election. In Trump’s mind, the only “fair elections” are the ones he wins. Americans can see right through this.\n\n“Despite Trump’s attacks, Americans have stood firm, and the courts have stood with us. We will not be intimidated, and we will not stop fighting, because free, fair, and accessible elections are fundamental to the future of our democracy.”\n\nHere is what Oregonians can do to further strengthen democracy:\n\nVote—make sure your registration is up to date, have a plan to vote early, track your ballot, and make sure your friends and family do the same.\n\nCheck your facts—go to official sources of election information only – your Secretary of State and local elections officials. They’re always happy to answer questions.\n\nDon’t let the algorithms win—push back on the lies you see on social media with facts you checked with local elections officials. In Oregon:\n\nVoter rolls are updated and maintained daily.\n\nVote tallying machines are never connected to the internet.\n\nOregon verifies the citizenship of every voter during the registration process and checks their identities when counting ballots.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-salinas-calls-trump-restore-snap-benefits", "title": "Rep. Salinas Calls on Trump to Restore SNAP Benefits", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "salinas.house.gov", "scraper": "salinas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001226", "name": "Andrea Salinas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Image\n\nClick here to watch the remarks.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) delivered remarks on the House Floor calling on Republicans to restore SNAP benefits and help the 70,000 Oregonians who have lost food assistance.\n\nA transcript of her remarks is available below:\n\nM. Speaker, I rise today to mark one year of the Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill, which has left our children, veterans, and seniors hungry.\n\nWhen President Trump signed this bill, he promised to lower costs for everyday people. Instead, his bill cut billions of dollars for SNAP across the nation, including $425 million in my home state of Oregon.\n\nThese cuts are taking food off families’ tables. In Oregon, 70,000 people—parents, friends, and neighbors, have lost their food benefits.\n\nAnd why did Mr. Trump do this? To give tax cuts to his billionaire buddies.\n\nWhile the cost of healthcare and groceries skyrocket, families are losing the support they need to put food on the dinner table and pay their bills.\n\nM. Speaker, we must restore these devastating cuts to SNAP. No child, veteran, or senior in the wealthiest nation on the planet should go hungry because Congress chose tax breaks for billionaires over food for families.\n\nThank you, and I yield back.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2037", "title": "Scanlon Opposes the Sunshine Protection Act, Promotes the Sunshine for Our Kids Act", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "scanlon.house.gov", "scraper": "scanlon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001205", "name": "Mary Gay Scanlon", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WATCH Rep. Scanlon’s floor remarks.\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) this week spoke on the House floor about the Sunshine Protection Act, the bill that would make daylight saving time permanent. Citing the risks of this decision, Scanlon discussed her bill, the Sunshine for Our Kids Act, which would make standard time permanent instead.\n\nWhile the Sunshine Protection Act eventually passed the House 308-117, its fate in the Senate remains unclear. Opposition in the Senate cites late sunrises in the winter as detrimental to public health and safety, particularly for school-age children.\n\nBelow are Rep. Scanlon’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, during Tuesday’s floor debate.\n\n“Thank you.\n\nAs I think we can all tell from the ensuing debate here, there are serious issues that this body needs to be wrestling with, but the Speaker has chosen to put on the floor this week H.R. 139, a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent.\n\nSo, I think there's one thing everyone in this chamber can agree on: Americans do not like changing their clocks twice a year. So, the big question isn't whether we should ditch the switch. It's how. And unfortunately, the bill that the Speaker has chosen chooses the wrong solution by making daylight saving time permanent nationwide, while denying states the right to enact permanent standard time if they so choose, not if, but when they discover that Congress made the wrong choice.\n\nWe can all understand the appeal of an extra hour of sunlight in the summer, but permanent daylight saving time comes with serious health and safety concerns caused by even darker winter mornings.\n\nIf this bill becomes law, winter mornings across the country are going to look very different. Millions of Americans will wake up during the winter months in complete darkness, with the sun not rising until long after people get up and travel to school or work, or have to go about their days.\n\nIn much of upstate and northern New York, communities won't see the sunrise until well after 8:30 a.m.\n\nIn Michigan, it will be close to nine before the sun comes up, and in parts of the Pacific Northwest, sunrise will be pushed even later than 9 a.m.\n\nIn many parts of the country, children will be waiting for school buses in darkness. Parents will be driving to work before sunrise. Morning commuters, students, and pedestrians will be starting their day in the dark. Not because of the seasons, but because Congress decided to move the clock instead of following the sun.\n\nWe don't have to speculate about what would happen under permanent daylight saving time. We already tried it.\n\nDuring the 1974 energy crisis, Congress made daylight saving time permanent in a failed attempt to save energy.\n\nIt lasted less than a year. Families found themselves sending their kids to school in the dark, and there were a rash of fatal crashes involving school children. Communities raised serious safety concerns, and public support, which initially was quite strong, quickly collapsed. Congress repealed the policy within months.\n\nThe science has only become clearer since then.\n\nMedical and scientific experts have endorsed the move to permanent standard time because permanent daylight saving time disrupts our natural circadian rhythms, the internal clocks that regulate when we sleep and wake.\n\nThat disruption has been linked to higher rates of heart disease, stroke, chronic sleep deprivation, and other adverse health concerns. And these bad outcomes are even more serious and long-lasting than the sleep deprivation, traffic accidents, and heart attacks that follow the twice-yearly changes that we currently have.\n\nI've also heard directly from my constituents. Like most Americans, they're ready to ditch the switch.\n\nBut when I asked which permanent system they would prefer if they had to choose, the clear preference was for standard time. And a Gallup poll last year found that Americans preferred permanent standard time to permanent daylight saving time 2 to 1.\n\nThat's why I've introduced the bipartisan Sunshine for Our Kids Act with Representative Pat Harrigan from North Carolina. Our bill would end the clock changes and make standard time the national default. But importantly, it would also allow for states to adopt permanent daylight saving time through state law if they choose.\n\nIf we're going to make a permanent change that affects every American, we should follow the science, learn from history, and prioritize Americans' health, particularly that of our children.\n\nThat's why I urge a no vote on the rule and on H.R. 139.\n\nI yield back.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://scottpeters.house.gov/press-releases/rep-peters-slams-reckless-republican-spending-bill", "title": "Rep. Peters Slams Reckless Republican Spending Bill", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scottpeters.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "scottpeters.house.gov", "scraper": "scottpeters", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000608", "name": "Scott H. Peters", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-50) joined the full House Budget Committee for a markup of House Republicans' Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2027, their third reconciliation package of the 119th Congress.\n\nThe $95 billion proposal includes $73 billion for the war in Iran and Department of Defense, $12 billion in farm aid, and $10 billion for election grants to states tied to the SAVE Act. Meanwhile, estimates from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget project another $100 billion in new debt from this bill. Rep. Peters voted no.\n\n\"This Republican majority came to Congress promising fiscal responsibility. They said they cared about the deficit. But given the choice between governing responsibly and passing another bill that makes the debt worse, it seems like they are gearing up to make the wrong decision yet again,” Rep. Peters said. “Adding $100 billion to the national debt while asking Congress to pay for Trump’s reckless war in Iran, without Congressional approval, is the opposite of fiscal responsibility. That's compulsive borrowing, three times in less than two years.”\n\nOne year ago, the Republican majority passed their first reconciliation bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill adds more than $4.5 trillion in new debt. Then, following a months-long shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security, Republicans pushed through another reconciliation package that gave another $70 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).\n\nDuring the markup, Republicans also struck down an amendment offered by Rep. Peters that would have established common-sense guardrails and accountability standards for ICE and CBP, to help ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to fund abusive, unaccountable, or unconstitutional immigration enforcement practices.\n\n\"ICE has a $220 billion stockpile, yet its agents still aren't held to the basic standards of conduct every state and local police officer in this country must meet,” Rep. Peters continued. “They operate without accountability, wear masks, and use military-grade equipment while ripping families apart. Families in San Diego and across the country are living in fear because of ICE's poor training and non-existent standards, and it's clear Republicans have no interest in reform.\"\n\nRep. Peters has been a longtime advocate for fiscal responsibility. He co-chairs the Bipartisan Fiscal Forum in Congress and leads several bills to reform how Congress tackles the national debt limit and reduce the federal budget deficit.\n\nWatch the full House Budget Committee markup here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-brad-sherman-joins-colleagues-demanding-independent", "title": "Congressman Brad Sherman Joins Colleagues Demanding Independent Investigations into Fatal ICE Shootings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "sherman.house.gov", "scraper": "sherman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000344", "name": "Brad Sherman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) joined U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and nearly 200 Members in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and are demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halt removal proceedings against the witnesses.\n\n\"On the heels of two fatal shootings carried out by ICE in the span of a week, I joined my colleagues in demanding an independent investigation free from interference,\" said Congressman Sherman. \"The deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastián Guerrero demand answers. The conduct of ICE demands accountability.\"\n\n“Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the Members. “Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.”\n\nOn July 7th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Salgado Araujo, a father of three U.S. citizens who had resided in the country for 35 years. He was reportedly not ICE’s target in their operation, and despite ICE’s claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle,” no evidence to substantiate that claim has been presented, and it is disputed by witnesses in the vehicle.\n\nOn July 13th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Guerrero, a father who also was reportedly not the target of enforcement actions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to have shot him in concern for “public safety” after he “attempted to flee.” The agency does not allege that at any point officers feared for their safety. Video of this killing shows ICE officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero even after he had been shot in the head.\n\nDHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 21 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals who posed no public safety threat. In two previous shootings, ICE has claimed that victims were also “weaponizing” their vehicles, claims that have turned out to be false statements as evidence emerged.\n\nThe full text of the letter to DHS Secretary Mullin and ICE Acting Director Venturella can be read here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-smucker-supports-save-and-protect-america-act", "title": "Rep. Smucker Supports SAVE and Protect America Act", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "smucker.house.gov", "scraper": "smucker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001199", "name": "Lloyd Smucker", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Vice Chair of the House Budget Committee, released the following statement after voting in favor of the SAVE and Protect America Act, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2027:\n\n“Today, the House Budget Committee took an important step toward strengthening our national security and protecting the integrity of our elections.\n\n“I was proud to support the SAVE and Protect America Act because it begins the process of advancing priorities the American people overwhelmingly support—ensuring only eligible citizens vote in federal elections and providing our servicemembers with the resources they need to defend our nation.\n\n“These are common-sense priorities. Our military must always be prepared to meet emerging threats, and Americans deserve confidence that every legal vote is counted and protected.\n\n“Unfortunately, every Democrat on the committee voted against advancing this resolution. I believe supporting our troops and safeguarding election integrity should not be partisan issues.\n\n“I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation through the House and continue delivering on the priorities Americans sent us here to accomplish.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-delivers-for-small-distillers-with-direct-to-consumer-shipping-act/", "title": "Rep. Steube Delivers for Small Distillers with Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "domain": "steube.house.gov", "scraper": "steube", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001214", "name": "W. Gregory Steube", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Steube Delivers for Small Distillers with Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act\n\nWASHINGTON–U.S. Representative Greg Steube today introduced the Craft Distilled Spirits Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act of 2026, legislation that gives small, independently owned craft distilleries a pathway to ship their products directly to consumers across state lines. The bill is co-led by Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and is endorsed by the American Craft Spirits Association.\n\n“The federal government should not stand between a small distillery and an adult customer in a state that allows direct shipment,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “The Craft Distilled Spirits Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act of 2026 cuts the red tape and lets craft distillers ship directly to their consumers, while keeping states in the driver’s seat and keeping real safeguards in place. It’s a win for small businesses and for consumers who deserve more choices.”\n\n“It’s time to get rid of outdated regulations and establish a safe, legal way for small businesses to ship spirits to consumers,” said Rep. Subramanyam. “This commonsense bipartisan bill will create new markets for craft distillers, provide more certainty for our local businesses, and give consumers more choice.”\n\n“ACSA thanks Congressman Steube for introducing this legislation and helping elevate the conversation around market access and shipping for American craft distillers,” said Emily Pennington, CEO, American Craft Spirits Association. “We appreciate his leadership in bringing attention to the challenges small, independent craft distilleries face in reaching adult consumers. ACSA looks forward to working with the Congressman and policymakers at both the federal and state levels to develop practical solutions that expand consumer access, shipping and help American craft distilleries grow.”\n\nThe Craft Distilled Spirits Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act of 2026 allows independently owned craft distilleries producing no more than 250,000 gallons of distilled spirits annually to ship their products directly to consumers in another state, as long as both the shipping and receiving states permit direct shipment.\n\nThe bill requires purchasers to verify they are of legal age, requires shipping containers to be marked as containing alcohol and to require an adult signature upon delivery, and limits shipments to personal use only, not resale. State attorneys general retain the authority to bring civil enforcement actions against violations under the Webb-Kenyon Act, a 1913 federal law that preserves state enforcement authority over alcohol shipments.\n\nThe legislation preserves state authority over direct shipment laws while cutting red tape for small distillers seeking to reach customers beyond their home state.\n\nThe full text of the Craft Distilled Spirits Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act of 2026 is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-introduces-articles-of-impeachment-against-judge-who-released-cuban-plane-hijacker-from-ice-custody/", "title": "Rep. Steube Introduces Articles of Impeachment Against Judge Who Released Cuban Plane Hijacker from ICE Custody", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "domain": "steube.house.gov", "scraper": "steube", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001214", "name": "W. Gregory Steube", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Steube Introduces Articles of Impeachment Against Judge Who Released Cuban Plane Hijacker from ICE Custody\n\nWASHINGTON–U.S. Representative Greg Steube announced today he introduced articles of impeachment against John E. Steele, Senior District Judge for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, for high crimes and misdemeanors after he ordered the release of a convicted plane hijacker from ICE detention, disregarding the immediate danger the individual posed to the public and giving the executive branch less than 24 hours to appeal.\n\n“This is exactly the kind of activist judicial overreach the American people are sick of. ICE had a convicted aircraft pirate in custody while pursuing his removal, and Judge Steele ordered him released within 24 hours despite obvious public safety concerns,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “Judges do not get to override the safety of the American people because it is inconvenient for their docket. I introduced these articles of impeachment because federal judges must be held accountable when they abuse their office and put criminal aliens ahead of the communities they are sworn to protect.”\n\nThe Department of Homeland Security also condemned Judge Steele’s decision, with DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis calling it “yet another example of an activist judge trying to thwart President Trump’s mandate from the American people to remove criminal illegal aliens from our country.”\n\nOn July 8, 2026, Judge Steele granted a habeas corpus petition and ordered the release of Miakel Guerra Morales from an ICE detention facility. Guerra Morales is a Cuban national who took part in the 2003 hijacking of a commuter aircraft in Cuba, forcing the pilot to land in Key West, Florida. He was sentenced to 264 months in prison for aircraft piracy and conspiracy to interfere with a flight crew. After completing his sentence, ICE detained Guerra Morales in December 2025 while pursuing his removal from the country.\n\nThe articles of impeachment allege that Judge Steele abused his judicial discretion, ignored federal regulations authorizing continued detention of aliens who pose a special danger to the public, and ordered Guerra Morales’ release within 24 hours, denying the executive branch the opportunity to pursue appellate review. The resolution states that Judge Steele cited an alleged case management backlog as a basis for releasing an individual convicted of aircraft piracy back into American communities.\n\nThe resolution argues that Judge Steele’s ruling placed the interests of a criminal illegal alien above the security of the United States and the American people, and that his conduct constitutes an egregious dereliction of duty unbecoming of a federal judicial officer.\n\nThe full text of the resolution is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-haley-stevens-demands-independent-investigations-ice-killings-lorenzo", "title": "Rep. Haley Stevens Demands Independent Investigations into ICE Killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Johan Sebastian Guerrero", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "stevens.house.gov", "scraper": "stevens", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001215", "name": "Haley M. Stevens", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens joined over 200 House Democrats in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halt removal proceedings against the witnesses.\n\n“Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the Members. “Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.”\n\nThe letter comes after Rep. Stevens called the killings “horrifying and outrageous” earlier this week, as well as her introduction of the Hold ICE Accountable Act which would establish a process to appoint a special prosecutor to review alleged illegal conduct by agents with the Department of Homeland Security, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.\n\nDHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 23 people since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals who posed no public safety threat. In two previous shootings, ICE has claimed that victims were also “weaponizing” their vehicles, claims that have turned out to be false statements as evidence emerged.\n\nIn addition to the demands for an independent investigation and the commitment that witnesses to the killing of Mr. Salgado Araujo not be deported, the Members are asking for a detailed breakdown of all training materials and guidelines around vehicle stops.\n\nThe full text of the letter to DHS Secretary Mullin and ICE Acting Director Venturella can be read here.\n\nStevens has been leading the fight to hold ICE accountable in Congress and to rein in Donald Trump’s repeated abuses of power during his Administration:\n\nFollowing leadership and direct action from Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens, ICE announced it will abandon plans to convert a warehouse in Romulus into an immigration detention center and instead sell the facility.\n\nStevens introduced the Hold ICE Accountable Act to establish an independent Special Prosecutor to investigate unlawful conduct by DHS personnel.\n\nStevens called for the immediate removal of then-Secretary Kristi Noem and cosponsored an effort to impeach her in the House of Representatives. Following Noem’s removal, Stevens called on the Senate to delay confirmation of Noem’s successor unless ICE reforms were secured.\n\nStevens and her Michigan colleague, Rep. Hillary Scholten, visited an ICE detention facility in Baldwin, Michigan, to tour conditions and demand answers to their letter over the death of detainee Nenko Gantchev in ICE custody in December. Following their visit, Stevens and Scholten doubled down on their demands for answers from ICE and Secretary Noem.\n\nStevens cosponsored the PUBLIC SAFETY Act, a proposal to divert ICE’s $75 billion slush fund to state and local law enforcement agencies. Stevens also voted against the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which authorized the slush fund in the first place.\n\nLast year, Stevens cosponsored the VISIBLE Act to prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks and concealing their identities.\n\nStevens joined over 100 of her colleagues in demanding that ICE end its surge of officers in Minnesota and conduct a thorough investigation into the death of Renee Nicole Good at the hands of an ICE agent.\n\nStevens introduced the Stop Trump’s Abuse of Power Act, legislation to prevent the President from deploying the military against Americans without express consent from state officials, an authoritarian tactic this President has used repeatedly to fuel fear and intimidation during aggressive ICE crackdowns.\n\nStevens voted against the Laken Riley Act, which would sweep thousands of people into jails and detention centers at enormous taxpayer expense while diverting key law enforcement resources and potentially violating civil liberties.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stevens-leads-new-bill-refund-michigan-families-trumps-erratic-tariffs", "title": "Rep. Stevens Leads New Bill to Refund Michigan Families for Trump’s Erratic Tariffs", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "stevens.house.gov", "scraper": "stevens", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001215", "name": "Haley M. Stevens", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) announced the Tariff Refund Act, new legislation to return up to $1,700 to American households to offset higher prices over the past year from Trump’s erratic tariffs.\n\nThroughout the first year of the second Trump Administration, Donald Trump used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad and unpredictable tariffs on our allies, raising costs for American families here at home. In February of 2026, the Supreme Court blocked Trump from abusing IEEPA in the service of his political whims. Under court orders, the Trump Administration must now start refunding tariff revenues to businesses that apply for relief; however, no mechanisms exist to pay back the hardworking families who lost out on an estimated $231.35 billion as a result of Trump’s illegal tariffs.\n\nStevens’ Tariff Refund Act would return that money to Michigan families who paid the price for Trump’s reckless and unlawful trade agenda all last year.\n\n“Donald Trump’s tariffs have cost Michiganders in every aspect of their lives, from groceries to school supplies to home appliances,” said Rep. Stevens. “We must lower costs for hardworking families and give them relief from Trump’s out-of-control economy.”\n\nThe bill creates a formula for refunding the roughly $231 billion in tariff revenue to American families through direct checks valuing:\n\n$1,700 for married couples making less than $400,000 annually\n\n$1,275 for heads of households making less than $300,000 annually\n\n$850 for individuals making less than $200,000 annually\n\nRep. Stevens has been leading the fight in Congress to push back against Trump’s reckless tariffs and lower costs. Stevens introduced the No Tariffs on Groceries Act to stop Trump’s ability to raise grocery costs for Michigan families. She has repeatedly voted against his illegal war in Iran and slammed its impacts on skyrocketing gas prices. She also introduced the Stop Unfair Electricity Prices Act to lower electricity bills and hold utility companies accountable to Michigan consumers.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-rep-haley-stevens-dangerous-michigan-air-quality", "title": "STATEMENT: Rep. Haley Stevens on Dangerous Michigan Air Quality", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "stevens.house.gov", "scraper": "stevens", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001215", "name": "Haley M. Stevens", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to Michigan experiencing the worst air quality in the world today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement:\n\n“Today, families across Michigan woke up to some of the worst air quality in the world as wildfire smoke from Canada and northern Minnesota settled over southeast Michigan. To all Michiganders, we will get through this. I encourage everyone to follow public health guidance: stay indoors when possible, keep windows closed, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity.\n\n“This is a reminder that climate change is real, and its impacts are being felt here in Michigan. We must continue investing in clean energy, climate resilience, and the resources our communities need to protect public health and prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.\n\n“Please stay informed by checking local air quality updates and following guidance from public health authorities. Stay safe, Michigan.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://strong.house.gov/media/press-releases/strong-applauds-mark-mcdaniel-appointment-air-force-scientific-advisory-board", "title": "Strong Applauds Mark McDaniel Appointment to Air Force Scientific Advisory Board", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://strong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "strong.house.gov", "scraper": "strong", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001220", "name": "Dale W. Strong", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Dale Strong congratulated Huntsville native Mark McDaniel on his appointment to the Department of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board (DAF SAB). The Advisory Board provides independent advice and recommendations to Air Force leadership on science, technology, and modernization priorities affecting both the United States Air Force and United States Space Force.\n\n“Mark McDaniel’s appointment to the Scientific Advisory Board is a tremendous honor for both him and North Alabama,” said Representative Dale Strong. “Huntsville has long been at the forefront of our nation’s air, space, and missile defense capabilities, and Mark has played an important role in that legacy. His decades of leadership in aerospace, science, and national security make him exceptionally qualified to advise Air Force leadership on the challenges of tomorrow, and I am confident his expertise will help strengthen America’s technological edge for years to come.”\n\n“I am honored to join the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board and want to thank Congressman Strong and Secretary Hegseth for their faith in me. They are American patriots and work every day to strengthen our national defense,” said Mark McDaniel. “There is a lot of technology developed here in Alabama that can play a critical role for Golden Dome, Space Force, and the continued modernization of the Air Force, and I look forward to being a voice for that.”\n\nAppointment to the Scientific Advisory Board is reserved for distinguished leaders from industry, academia, and government with expertise in fields critical to the Department of the Air Force mission. Members are nominated by the Secretary of the Air Force and formally appointed by the Secretary of Defense to provide independent counsel on issues critical to maintaining America’s air and space superiority.\n\nMcDaniel is a longtime Huntsville resident whose career has spanned law, education, and aerospace policy. He has served on the NASA Advisory Council under five NASA Administrators and contributed to numerous initiatives advancing science, technology, and education at both the state and national levels. In addition to his public service, McDaniel has dedicated years to higher education at The University of Alabama in Huntsville and Faulkner University, helping prepare the next generation of leaders.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-condemns-republican-plan-to-further-dismantle-the-department-of-education-and-abandon-america-s-students", "title": "Rep. Summer Lee Condemns Republican Plan to Further Dismantle the Department of Education and Abandon America’s Students", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "summerlee.house.gov", "scraper": "summerlee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000602", "name": "Summer L. Lee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Video (Dropbox)\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – JULY 16, 2026 — Yesterday, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) a member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, condemned a package of ten Republican bills designed to retroactively codify and expand the Trump Administration’s ongoing dismantling of the Department of Education.\n\nThe legislation would scatter critical education programs, workers, and responsibilities across federal agencies that lack the experience, infrastructure, and central mission necessary to support America’s students and public schools.\n\nRepublicans advanced all ten bills during a full committee markup on Wednesday, July 15, despite concerns that the package would weaken congressional oversight, waste taxpayer dollars rebuilding systems that already exist, destabilize programs that students and schools rely on, and make those programs easier to eliminate in the future.\n\nDuring the markup, Rep. Lee said, “This isn’t about efficiency or cutting waste or states’ rights. It’s about setting these programs up to fail. A fractured system where no federal agency is accountable to the mission of improving public education did not and will not work. They’re going to make programs like Title I and TRIO so dysfunctional and ineffective that they’ll be able to cut them without hurting their chances at re-election.”\n\nRep. Lee highlighted the devastating consequences the dismantling of the Department of Education could have for students and families in Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District. For example, more than $34 million in Title I funding helps keep schools in the district operational. The Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania receives support through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, while first-generation and low-income students at the University of Pittsburgh rely on TRIO programs to help them complete their degrees.\n\nCongresswoman Lee voted against the legislation and urged her colleagues to reject efforts to strip students of federal protections, destabilize essential education programs, and abandon the federal government’s responsibility to ensure every child has a quality education.\n\nSee Rep. Lee’s full remarks below:\n\n“The Department of Education was established to protect students’ rights, remove barriers to learning, and ensure that every young person, no matter their zip code or background, has an opportunity to succeed. No wonder it’s being gutted. The bills we’re marking up today undercut the foundation of public education in this country. All in service of an authoritarian playbook that relies on an uneducated electorate, the erosion of public goods that don’t serve corporate interests and attacking marginalized communities.\n\n“The Trump Administration has already begun dismantling the Department of Education by signing executive orders, firing workers, cancelling grants, withholding funding, and transferring programs to other agencies that have no experience supporting students or schools. Congress needs to hold the administration accountable for illegally dismantling a federal agency. It’s why we have separation of powers. Instead, we’re marking up bills that retroactively codify it. The House is the closest thing we have to representative federal government, and you are ceding its constitutional authority to an aspiring dictator.\n\n“This whole operation is already costing millions of dollars. That’s money not going to students, schools, or “back to the states.” Ed workers are being sent to new agencies without offices or internet access to rebuild grant management systems that already existed.\n\n“Why would we send HBCUs to the Department of Labor? Student financial aid to the Treasury? No serious person believes these agencies are actually equipped to administer education programs.\n\n“This isn’t about efficiency or cutting waste or states’ rights. It’s about setting these programs up to fail. A fractured system where no federal agency is accountable to the mission of improving public education did not and will not work. They’re going to make programs like Title I and TRIO so dysfunctional and ineffective that they’ll be able to cut them without hurting their chances at re-election.\n\n“But my district can’t afford to lose these programs. Over $34 million in Title I funding keeps the schools in my district operational. Students have somewhere to go after school because the Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania gets funding from 21st Century Community Learning Centers. First-generation and low-income students at the University of Pittsburgh are able to graduate because of the support they get from TRIO.\n\n“And if we fully erode the federal government’s role in education, what happens to the children with disabilities in Florida who are pushed to use school vouchers where IDEA protections don’t apply? Or the immigrant students in Tennessee fighting for their right to attend public schools. The non-Christian students in Texas classrooms displaying the Ten Commandments. Trans girls in Idaho who just want to play soccer with their classmates. Black children in Southern states growing up with fewer voting rights than their parents. All the college students across the country whose student loan payments just increased.\n\n“I will not vote to take away the educational rights of young people in my district or any other.\n\n“We have a duty to ensure the best education for all children. This bill and the other nine bills we’re marking up today abandon that duty. I urge my colleagues to vote no. I yield back.”\n\nCongresswoman Summer Lee serves on the House Committee on Judiciary and the Committee on Education and Workforce. Since taking office in January 2023, she has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $2.7 Billion brought back to Western PA, including over $580 million for infrastructure, over $110 million for affordable transit, over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania, and over $55 million on clean energy efforts in and around schools to help keep our kids and communities safe. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 4,000 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-joins-education-and-workforce-dems-in-introducing-bills-to-protect-americans-from-wrongful-health-claim-denials", "title": "Rep. Summer Lee Joins Education and Workforce Dems in Introducing Bills to Protect Americans from Wrongful Health Claim Denials", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "summerlee.house.gov", "scraper": "summerlee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000602", "name": "Summer L. Lee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Bill Text (PDF) | Fact Sheet\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – JULY 16, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) alongside House Committee on Education and Workforce Democrats, introduced legislation to protect workers and families from wrongful health insurance claim denials and hold insurers accountable when they deny consumers a fair opportunity to appeal.\n\nCongresswoman Lee’s Consumer Appeal Rights Enforcement Act would give the Department of Labor the authority to impose civil monetary penalties against insurance companies, health plans, and other entities that violate federal requirements governing the review and appeal of denied health claims.\n\nThe legislation would strengthen enforcement of the full and fair review and internal appeal protections established under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and the Affordable Care Act’s external review requirements.\n\n“Families pay thousands of dollars every year for health insurance with the expectation that it will be there when they need it. But instead, too many people are forced to fight through confusing appeals, endless paperwork, and corporate bureaucracy while they are sick, injured, or caring for someone they love,” said Rep. Lee. “Insurance companies should not be able to wrongfully deny care and then face no consequences for violating patients’ rights. This legislation gives the Department of Labor the power to hold bad actors accountable and makes clear that denying working people a fair appeal is not simply the cost of doing business.”\n\nCongresswoman Lee introduced the legislation alongside Committee on Education and Workforce Democratic colleagues as part of a four-bill package designed to strengthen transparency, oversight, accountability, and consumer assistance for workers and families facing wrongful health claim denials.\n\nThe package follows Committee Democrats’ recent report, Denied: How the Health Care Industry Stacks the Deck Against Working Families, which examined the growing problem of wrongful health claim denials and the consequences for workers and their families.\n\nHealth insurance is, fundamentally, a promise between consumers and their health plan,” said Committee on Education and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03). “When working people do their part by paying thousands of dollars every year for coverage— they expect their plan to cover the care they need. Too often, insurers break that promise by denying legitimate claims and shifting costs onto families who can least afford it.”\n\nThe Consumer Health Claim Assistance Act, Health Claim Denial Transparency Act, Consumer Appeal Rights Enforcement Act, and CLINIC Assistance Act directly respond to the report’s call for stronger transparency, oversight, and accountability to ensure insurance companies and health plans honor the coverage they promise and that families can access and afford the care they need.\n\nCongresswoman Lee has made health care affordability, access, and corporate accountability central to her work in Congress. She haspressed pharmacy benefit manager executives over practices that increase prescription drug costs for patients,challenged nonprofit hospital monopolies over their impact on workers, patients, and taxpayers, andconvened federal health officials and community advocates to address rising health care costs for Western Pennsylvania seniors.\n\nLee has alsofought to protect Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and continues to advocate forMedicare for All and a health care system that guarantees coverage regardless of a person’s employment, income, immigration status, or medical history. The Consumer Appeal Rights Enforcement Act builds on that work by ensuring insurers and health plans can face meaningful consequences when they violate federal protections governing patients’ reviews and appeals.\n\nTo read the full bill text of the Consumer Appeal Rights Enforcement Act, click HERE.\n\nTo read the fact sheet for the Consumer Appeal Rights Enforcement Act, click HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-celebrates-up-to-160-million-federal-investment-to-advance-northeast-ohio-manufacturing", "title": "Rep. Sykes Celebrates Up to $160 Million Federal Investment to Advance Northeast Ohio Manufacturing", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) celebrated a major federal investment in Northeast Ohio's advanced manufacturing sector. The National Science Foundation (NSF) selected the Northeast Ohio Strengthening Manufacturing for American Resilience through Technology (NEO-SMART) coalition, led by Case Western Reserve University, as one of the nation's Regional Innovation Engines.\n\nThe award provides an initial $15 million over the next two years, with the potential for up to $160 million over the next decade to advance manufacturing innovation, strengthen domestic supply chains, expand workforce development, and create good-paying jobs across the region.\n\nRep. Sykes has advocated for federal investments that strengthen Northeast Ohio’s innovation economy, including submitting a programmatic request during the FY27 Appropriations process supporting $200 million for the NSF Engines Program. She has also supported the expansion of programs across organizations that contribute to the region’s research, workforce development, and economic growth.\n\n“Northeast Ohio has long been a leader in manufacturing and innovation, and this investment will help ensure our region remains at the forefront of both,” said Rep. Sykes. “By bringing together our universities, manufacturers, workforce partners, and community organizations, the NEO-SMART coalition will create new opportunities for workers and businesses alike. I was proud to advocate for federal investments that support partnerships like this, and I congratulate Case Western Reserve University and the entire coalition on this tremendous achievement.”\n\nThe NEO-SMART coalition includes more than 70 partners from industry, higher education, economic development, workforce development, and community organizations. Together, they will advance next-generation manufacturing technologies in metals, polymers, chemicals, and coatings. The coalition will also help commercialize new technologies, strengthen domestic supply chains, and prepare workers for careers in advanced manufacturing.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-joins-nearly-200-house-democrats-in-calling-for-independent-investigations-into-fatal-ice-shootings", "title": "Rep. Sykes Joins Nearly 200 House Democrats in Calling for Independent Investigations into Fatal ICE Shootings", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) joined nearly 200 House Democrats in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and are demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halt removal proceedings against the witnesses.\n\n“Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the Members. “Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.”\n\nOn July 7th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Salgado Araujo, a father of three U.S. citizens who had resided in the country for 35 years. He was reportedly not ICE’s target in their operation, and despite ICE’s claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle,” no evidence to substantiate that claim has been presented, and it is disputed by witnesses in the vehicle.\n\nOn July 13th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Guerrero, a father who also was reportedly not the target of enforcement actions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to have shot him in concern for “public safety” after he “attempted to flee.” The agency does not allege that at any point officers feared for their safety. Video of this killing shows ICE officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero even after he had been shot in the head.\n\nDHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 21 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals who posed no public safety threat. In two previous shootings, ICE has claimed that victims were also “weaponizing” their vehicles, claims that have turned out to be false statements as evidence emerged.\n\nIn addition to the demands for an independent investigation and the commitment that witnesses to the killing of Mr. Salgado Araujo not be deported, the Members are asking for a detailed breakdown of all training materials and guidelines around vehicle stops.\n\nRep. Sykes has also introduced the Critical Operation Oversight of Law Enforcement Intervention and Training (COOL IT) Act, legislation to modernize immigration officer training through annual scenario-based instruction focused on de-escalation, officer safety, crisis intervention, and community relations.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-tenney-celebrates-appointment-rich-andres-ustr-intergovernmental", "title": "Congresswoman Tenney Celebrates Appointment of Rich Andres to USTR Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "tenney.house.gov", "scraper": "tenney", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000478", "name": "Claudia Tenney", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today congratulated Niagara County Legislator Rich Andres on his appointment to the Office of the United States Trade Representative’s Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee (IGPAC).\n\nIGPAC advises USTR on how trade policy impacts state and local governments and the communities they serve. Andres, who also serves as the Niagara County District 8 Legislator, brings firsthand experience representing Niagara County families, small businesses, farmers, manufacturers, and local governments. His appointment ensures Western New York will have a strong local voice as federal trade policy is shaped and reviewed.\n\n“Rich Andres is a strong voice for Niagara County and Western New York, and his appointment to USTR’s Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee is great news for our region,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Trade policy has a direct impact on our farmers, manufacturers, small businesses, and hardworking taxpayers. Rich understands these issues and will bring commonsense Upstate New York values to this important advisory role. Thus, when USTR sought my recommendation for individuals to serve on the IGPAC, I strongly recommended Rich Andres to represent the interests of our region and our communities. I look forward to seeing him advocate for policies that strengthen American workers, support our local economy, and keep Western New York competitive.”\n\n“It is an honor to receive this appointment to serve on the United States Trade Representative’s Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee. My sincere appreciation goes to Ambassador Greer for the opportunity and Congresswoman Tenney for the encouragement to put my name forward. Domestic and international trade affects every citizen, and supporting the economic well-being of Western New York has been a priority for me, both as chairman of Niagara County’s Economic Development Committee and more broadly as a county legislator. I am looking forward to building on our region’s successes and ensuring Western New York has a strong voice on this important committee in the years ahead,” said Niagara Legislator Rich Andres.\n\n“Legislator Andres is a dedicated public servant and an excellent choice to serve on the U.S. Trade Representative's Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee. His tenure in the Niagara County Legislature has given him a deep understanding of the needs of Western New Yorkers and the challenges faced by the various business sectors in our community. I extend my congratulations to Legislator Andres on this appointment, and look forward to having a strong advocate for Western New York serving at the national level,” said New York State Senator Rob Ortt.\n\n\"Rich Andres has long been a dedicated advocate for Niagara County and Western New York, and his appointment to the U.S. Trade Representative's Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee is well deserved. Rich brings a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our local businesses, manufacturers, farmers, and communities. I have no doubt he will be a strong voice for our region as national trade policy is developed. Congratulations to Rich on this important appointment, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of his service,\" said Assemblyman Angelo Morinello.\n\n“Rich Andres is a forward-thinking and innovative legislator when it comes to economic development so he is a great fit for membership on the IGPAC. He will bring a local government perspective to trade issues and, given that Niagara County is located on an international border, he will offer a real-time perspective on how United States trade policy is impacting local communities. This appointment is a great honor, and one that Rich has earned,” said Niagara County Legislature Chairman Mike Hill.\n\n“The Niagara County Industrial Development Agency has a long history in working closely with Canadian companies and encouraging cross-border expansion. Rich Andres has been a leader in this effort and with this new appointment to the IGPAC, will be able to discuss the successes and challenges to cross border trade from a very local perspective. The IGPAC will benefit from his experience and we are excited about him having this great platform to express our concerns,” said Niagara County Commissioner of Economic Development Andrea Klyczek.\n\n“The Buffalo Niagara Manufacturers Association is pleased to welcome the appointment of Rich Andres to the U.S. Trade Representative's Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee. Given Rich's previous positions in Niagara County, and with a Western New Yorker now representing our region on this key committee, I believe our manufacturers will have a stronger voice in shaping evolving trade policy,” saidPeter Ahrens, Executive Director, Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance.\n\n\"I've had the privilege of working alongside Rich Andres for years and have seen firsthand his commitment to serving Western New York with integrity, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit. Rich understands that strong trade policy has a direct impact on our manufacturers, farmers, small businesses, and workers. His leadership and real-world experience make him an outstanding choice for the U.S. Trade Representative's Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee, and I congratulate him on this tremendous achievement, not only as a colleague, but as a dear friend,\" said Assemblyman Paul Bologna.\n\n\"Rich Andres appointment to the U.S. Trade Representative's Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee reflects his understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our manufacturing sector, and we are optimistic that his experience will help ensure our region's voice is heard in shaping national trade policy. We congratulate Rich on this well-deserved appointment and look forward to the positive impact his leadership will continue to have for manufacturers, workers, and communities across Western New York,” said Todd Tranum, Executive Director of the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier and President/CEO of Dream It Do It Western New York.\n\n“I'm pleased to hear about Legislator Rich Andres' appointment to the U.S. Trade Representative's Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee. It's great to have a local representative from Niagara County looking out for the agricultural interest of not only our region but our nation. Agriculture trade is important to the small farmer just as much to the large grower. Having fair markets to compete with will help the American farmer feed the world,” said Rob Hoover, Hoover’s Dairy.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-responds-to-president-trumps-remarks-on-election-integrity", "title": "Rep. Tokuda Responds to President Trump's Remarks on Election Integrity", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "domain": "tokuda.house.gov", "scraper": "tokuda", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000487", "name": "Jill N. Tokuda", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Hawaiʻi — U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's remarks on election integrity and the SAVE America Act.\n\n\"While families are wondering how they'll afford groceries, gas, and healthcare, Donald Trump is still obsessed with relitigating an election he lost six years ago. Elections were secure then, and they are secure now. Manufacturing doubt and pushing baseless conspiracies doesn't SAVE America—it weakens our democracy. Real leaders trust the American people. Only cowards try to make it harder for Americans to vote.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases/dan-bieu-derek-tran-buoc-chinh-phu-viet-nam-chiu-trach-nhiem-ve-cac-vi-pham", "title": "Dân Biểu Derek Trần buộc chính phủ Việt Nam chịu trách nhiệm về các vi phạm nhân quyền", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "tran.house.gov", "scraper": "tran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000491", "name": "Derek Tran", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Hôm nay, Hạ Viện Hoa Kỳ thông qua H.R. 8595 - Dự Luật Chuẩn Chi Ngân Sách năm 2027 cho An Ninh Quốc Gia, Bộ Ngoại Giao và Các Chương Trình Liên Quan, trong đó bao gồm đề nghị sửa đổi của Dân Biểu Liên Bang Derek Trần (CA-45) nhằm tăng cường trách nhiệm giải trình đối với chính phủ Cộng Sản Việt Nam về các vi phạm nhân quyền.\n\nVui lòng xem Dân Biểu Liên Bang Derek Trần phát biểu về đề nghị sửa đổi dự luật tại đây.\n\nĐiều khoản này sẽ phân bổ ngân sách cho Bộ Ngoại Giao Hoa Kỳ để tổ chức Đối Thoại Nhân Quyền Hoa Kỳ–Việt Nam thường niên, một công cụ ngoại giao quan trọng nhằm thúc đẩy chính phủ Việt Nam giải quyết các vi phạm nhân quyền, bao gồm việc giam giữ các nhà báo, những người bất đồng chính kiến và các lãnh đạo tôn giáo. Điều khoản này cũng tái khẳng định cam kết của Quốc Hội Hoa Kỳ trong việc thúc đẩy nhân quyền và các quyền tự do căn bản tại Việt Nam.\n\n\"Hoa Kỳ là ngọn hải đăng của tự do, dân chủ và luôn kiên định trong cam kết bảo vệ nhân quyền. Khi chính phủ Việt Nam tiếp tục hạn chế quyền tự do ngôn luận, tự do báo chí và quyền bày tỏ quan điểm chính trị một cách ôn hòa, Hoa Kỳ có trách nhiệm lên tiếng phản đối những hành vi vi phạm nhân quyền này. Những tù nhân lương tâm như Lê Hữu Minh Tuấn cần được đoàn tụ với gia đình, thay vì bị giam giữ trong các nhà tù tại Việt Nam. Tôi tự hào khi đề nghị sửa đổi của tôi nhằm buộc chính phủ Việt Nam chịu trách nhiệm về các vi phạm nhân quyền đã nhận được sự ủng hộ của Hạ Viện Hoa Kỳ. Các chương trình ngoại giao và viện trợ đối ngoại đóng vai trò thiết yếu trong việc bảo vệ lợi ích an ninh quốc gia của Hoa Kỳ cũng như thúc đẩy nhân quyền trên thế giới, và tôi sẽ tiếp tục đấu tranh tại Quốc Hội để bảo đảm các chương trình này nhận được sự hỗ trợ mạnh mẽ. Tôi kêu gọi Bộ Ngoại Giao sớm lên lịch và tổ chức kỳ Đối Thoại Nhân Quyền Hoa Kỳ–Việt Nam tiếp theo trong thời gian sớm nhất,\" Dân Biểu Derek Trần cho biết.\n\nĐạo Luật Chuẩn Chi Ngân Sách năm 2027 cho An Ninh Quốc Gia, Bộ Ngoại Giao và Các Chương Trình Liên Quan cung cấp ngân sách cho Bộ Ngoại Giao Hoa Kỳ và các chương trình viện trợ đối ngoại nhằm thúc đẩy hoạt động ngoại giao và tăng cường an ninh quốc gia của Hoa Kỳ.\n\nDự luật được Hạ Viện thông qua với kết quả biểu quyết 217 phiếu thuận và 209 phiếu chống.\n\nLà người gốc Việt đầu tiên được bầu đại diện Little Saigon của Orange County và cộng đồng người Việt hải ngoại lớn nhất thế giới tại Quốc Hội Hoa Kỳ, Dân Biểu Derek Trần là một tiếng nói mạnh mẽ trong việc đấu tranh chống các vi phạm nhân quyền tại Việt Nam.\n\nÔng là đồng tác giả của H.R. 3122 - Dự Luật Nhân Quyền Việt Nam, một dự luật lưỡng đảng nhằm tăng cường trách nhiệm giải trình đối với các quan chức của chính phủ Cộng Sản Việt Nam liên quan đến các hành vi vi phạm nhân quyền, đồng thời đưa các ưu tiên về nhân quyền và thương mại công bằng vào quan hệ Hoa Kỳ–Việt Nam.\n\nDân Biểu Derek Trần cũng là người bảo trợ chính thức cho nhà báo Lê Hữu Minh Tuấn, người bị chính phủ Cộng Sản Việt Nam kết án và giam giữ oan, thông qua Dự Án Bảo Vệ Quyền Tự Do của Ủy Ban Nhân Quyền Tom Lantos, và tiếp tục đấu tranh cho việc trả tự do cho các tù nhân lương tâm trên thế giới.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-tran-holds-vietnamese-government-accountable-human-rights", "title": "Representative Tran Holds Vietnamese Government Accountable for Human Rights Abuses", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "tran.house.gov", "scraper": "tran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000491", "name": "Derek Tran", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027, which included Representative Derek Tran’s (CA-45) amendment to hold the Vietnamese communist government accountable for human rights violations. The provision will direct State Department funding for the annual U.S.-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue, a critical diplomatic tool to press the Vietnamese government to address human rights violations, including the jailing of journalists, political dissidents, and religious leaders. It also reaffirms Congress’ commitment to advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms in Vietnam.\n\nWatch Representative Tran give remarks on the amendment here.\n\n“America is a beacon of freedom, democracy, and unwavering in its commitment to upholding human rights. As the Vietnamese government continues to restrict freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and peaceful political expression, the United States has a responsibility to stand up against these human rights abuses. Prisoners of conscience, like Le Huu Minh Tuan, should be reunited with their families and not imprisoned in a Vietnamese jail cell. I am proud that my amendment to hold the Vietnamese government responsible for human rights violations was supported by the House of Representatives. Diplomatic and foreign assistance programs are critical to protecting American national security interests and promoting human rights globally, and I will continue to fight for robust support for these programs in Congress. I urge the State Department to schedule and host the next U.S.-Vietnam Humans Right Dialogue as soon as possible,” said Representative Tran.\n\nThe National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027 funds the U.S. Department of State and foreign assistance programs that advance American diplomacy and national security.,\n\nThe bill passed 217–209.\n\nAs the first Vietnamese American elected to represent Orange County’s Little Saigon and the world’s largest Vietnamese diaspora, Representative Tran is a vocal advocate against human rights violations in Vietnam. Representative Tran co-led H.R. 3122, the bipartisan Vietnam Human Rights Act, to hold Vietnamese communist officials accountable for human rights abuses and establish human rights and fair-trade priorities for U.S.-Vietnam relations. Representative Tran serves as the official sponsor of Le Huu Minh Tuan, a Vietnamese journalist wrongfully imprisoned by the communist government, through the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission’s Defending Freedoms Project, and continues to fight for the release of prisoners of conscience around the world.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-holds-briefing-national-transportation-safety-board-answers-deadly", "title": "Rep. Vasquez Holds Briefing with National Transportation Safety Board for Answers on Deadly Civilian Plane Crash Near Ruidoso", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vasquez.house.gov", "scraper": "vasquez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000136", "name": "Gabe Vasquez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 14, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) met with National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officials to help identify answers and accountability for the deadly medical plane crash that took place near Ruidoso in May, following reports that military testing may have played a role in the crash.\n\nFollowing the tragic crash near Ruidoso, Rep. Vasquez requested a briefing from the NTSB to ensure appropriate steps are being taken to understand the cause of the accident, address any underlying safety issues, and protect New Mexicans from similar incidents in the future. On Tuesday, Rep. Vasquez received a briefing from NTSB Chairwoman Homendy and other NTSB officials, during which they shared that investigations are still underway and were delayed by the Seven Cabins Fire which engulfed the crash site following the accident.\n\n“This week, I communicated with NTSB officials that a thorough investigation must be concluded to fully understand the cause of this tragic and fatal crash, and prevent future accidents in the future,” said Vasquez. “No pilot or their passengers should fly in uncertain conditions with multiple challenging circumstances that are preventable, but outside of their control. My prayers are with the families of those who passed and I promise them to get answers and prevent future tragedies.”\n\nOn May 14, 2026, a medical transport plane crashed near Ruidoso in the Capitan Mountains. The plane had taken off from Roswell at 11:52 p.m. with a final destination of the Sierra Blanca Regional Airport in Alto, New Mexico. However, at 12:15 a.m., the plane crashed, killing all four passengers onboard and sparking the Seven Cabins wildfire in the surrounding area, which has since burned over 31,000 acres. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that the NTSB and FAA are investigating.\n\nIn mid-June, the NTSB released a preliminary report on the crash noting that the pilot of the aircraft was having navigational issues while jamming technology testing was concurrently underway by the Department of Defense at White Sands Missile Range.\n\nThe NTSB is responsible for conducting objective investigations into transportation safety incidents such as plane crashes and train derailments. They are also responsible for making safety recommendations and assisting victims and survivors of these disasters.\n\nVasquez has repeatedly worked to keep New Mexicans safe by holding the federal government accountable for aviation incidents impacting New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional district, including the abrupt El Paso airspace closure in February 2026:\n\nOn February 12, 2026, Reps. Vasquez and Escobar, as well as Senators Heinrich and Luján, demanded a classified briefing on the airspace closure.\n\nIn a hearing on March 17, 2026, Rep. Vasquez pressed DoD Assistant Secretary Joseph Humire for answers as to where the communications failure occurred and what steps the DoD was taking to prevent similar chaotic, dangerous situations from occurring in the future.\n\nVasquez also asked Humire about the risks counter-drone laser systems being used by the DoD posed to civilians and secured a commitment for a briefing from DoD officials on the incident, which took place on April 28, 2026.\n\nOn June 5, Vasquez secured a critical, bipartisan win in his ongoing fight to get the accountability and answers – an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act requiring the Department of Defense to provide a report on its coordination process with DHS and FAA, an explanation as to what caused the chaotic closure of the El Paso Airport in February, and details on how such incidents can be prevented in the future.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-statement-presidents-primetime-address-nation", "title": "Rep. Vasquez Statement on President’s Primetime Address to the Nation", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vasquez.house.gov", "scraper": "vasquez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000136", "name": "Gabe Vasquez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 16, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement in response to the President’s primetime address to the nation:\n\n“New Mexicans are suffering from the President’s failed economic policy — from skyrocketing gas prices to higher grocery costs to inflated healthcare — and the President is still focused on denying the 2020 election. I urge the President to focus on the pressing needs of all Americans and stop sowing doubt about the integrity of our elections and meddling with the midterms. The President’s focus should be on making Americans’ lives better, not jamming a voter disenfranchisement bill through Congress. New Mexicans see right through it.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/07/16/vindman-hears-from-more-than-200-virginians-who-have-experienced-delays-with-the-fredericksburg-va-health-care-center/", "title": "Vindman Hears from More Than 200 Virginians Who Have Experienced Delays with the Fredericksburg VA Health Care Center", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) is leading a congressional effortto increase transparency and accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), address staffing shortages at VA facilities across the country, and ensure veterans receive the timely, quality care they have earned.\n\nThis effort comes after Vindman heard from more than 200 Virginians who participated in a district-wide survey about their experiences accessing VA services.\n\nCurrently, veterans seeking care at the Fredericksburg VA Health Care Center are waiting more than 100 days for a primary care appointment and 70 days for a mental health appointment. The survey asked constituents to share if they or a veteran in their life have experienced delays or challenges getting care through the VA.\n\n“Veterans in Virginia’s Seventh District and across the country have earned the very best care our nation can provide, and long wait times for critical health services are unacceptable,” said Vindman. “I’ve heard from hundreds of Virginians whose appointments have been delayed, canceled, or disrupted because the VA doesn’t have the staff it needs. Those stories are why I’m leading the congressional effort to increase transparency and accountability at the VA and help ensure every veteran receives the timely, high-quality care they’ve earned. Our veterans kept their promise to America. We must keep our promise to them.”\n\nBelow are responses submitted by Virginia’s Seventh District residents who took the survey:\n\n—\n\n“I moved to Fredericksburg in May and the VA has been unable to see me since. I went in for urgent care, but the provider was absent. Every time I visited, the clinic was nearly empty, with more staff than patients. Even though their appointment schedule appeared open, they still refused to see me. I also couldn’t get appointments with neurology, ENT, psychiatry, or physical therapy.” — Katharine, Stafford\n\n“My husband had an appointment scheduled for December 2025. When he arrived, he was told it had been canceled because no physician was available. We made countless calls to reschedule and were repeatedly told someone would call us back. It’s now July and he still hasn’t received a new appointment.” — William, Stafford\n\n“It takes many months to get your appointment. It seems like there is no urgency on the part of the VA.” — Kimberly, Stafford\n\n“I needed to see a specialist, but my appointment was scheduled without my knowledge and then never happened. I’ve now been waiting for about four months. I’ve also had four different primary care providers in less than a year. They can’t seem to keep primary care doctors, which is incredibly disheartening.” — Christopher, Stafford\n\n“I scheduled an eye exam in July 2025, and the earliest available appointment was in February 2026. Before that appointment even arrived, the clinic canceled it and rescheduled me for July 2026. That meant waiting an entire year for an eye exam, even though I have a service-connected eye condition.” — Antonio, Stafford\n\n“Dental care has been a nightmare for me. I had a tooth extracted via VA Dental care and was approved for an implant over a year and a half ago. Time has passed and I’m nowhere near getting the implant. It’s been delay after delay.” — Billy, Prince William\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nIn June 2026, Vindman introduced bipartisan legislation to increase transparency and accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), helping address understaffing at facilities across the country, including the Fredericksburg VA Health Care Center, and ensure veterans receive the care they earned.\n\nPrior to that, Vindman called for accountability and a clear timeline to bring the facility to full capacity, ensuring our nation’s veterans receive the care they earned through their service in five different letters.\n\nVindman sent the first letter to Secretary Collins raising the concern on staffing, wait times, and the ability to best serve veterans on April 10, 2025. Read the letterhere.\n\nVindman sent the second letter to Secretary Collins raising the concern on staffing, wait times, and the ability to best serve veterans on October 6, 2025. Read the letterhere.\n\nVindman sent the third letter to Secretary Collins raising the concern on staffing, wait times, and the ability to best serve veterans on October 17, 2025. Read the letter here.\n\nVindman sent the fourth letter to Secretary Collins raising the concern on staffing, wait times, and the ability to best serve veterans on October 27, 2025. Read the letter here.\n\nVindman sent the fifth letter to Secretary Collins raising the concern on staffing, wait times, and the ability to best serve veterans on April 10, 2026. Read the letter here.\n\nA previously scheduled in-person meeting to address the staffing shortages and operational delays was also canceled, further delaying progress.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=694", "title": "Walkinshaw, Beyer, Meeks, Titus Introduce Legislation to Expedite Return of Career Diplomats Wrongfully Forced Out of State Department", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "walkinshaw.house.gov", "scraper": "walkinshaw", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000831", "name": "James R. Walkinshaw", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congressman James Walkinshaw (D-VA), Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), and Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV) today introduced the Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act to help rebuild America’s diplomatic corps by eliminating unnecessary and unprecedented barriers for experienced Foreign Service Officers who were involuntarily separated during the Trump Administration's mass reductions in force (RIF) beginning in January 2025. The legislation would allow eligible officers to return to service without having to retake the same written and oral entry exams they already passed before their service.\n\nNormally, Foreign Service Officers reappointed within five years of leaving the Service are not required to retake the Foreign Service Officer Test or its written and oral examination components to rejoin the Service after separation. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has required many former Foreign Service Officers to do just that as a condition of reappointment. This is despite these public servants returning to service within a five-year window and having already passed those examinations. The Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act would authorize the Secretary of State to waive those entry examinations when reappointing eligible career Foreign Service Officers who were involuntarily separated through RIFs between January 20, 2025, and January 31, 2030. The legislation applies only to career Foreign Service Officers who were serving in good standing at the time of their dismissal.\n\n“President Trump and Secretary Rubio’s reckless purge of the State Department inflicted lasting damage on America’s diplomatic capacity by driving out some of our nation's most experienced public servants,” said Rep. Beyer. “Our Foreign Service Officers have dedicated their lives to advancing America's interests, protecting our national security, supporting American citizens overseas, and strengthening our alliances abroad. After years of distinguished service, they shouldn’t have to jump through unnecessary bureaucratic hoops to return to jobs they never should have lost in the first place.”\n\n“The Trump purge of seasoned experts from the State Department have jeopardized the State Department, U.S. National Security and led to the greatest brain drain from our diplomatic corps in modern history,” said Ranking Member Meeks. “This legislation takes a positive step towards making it easier to reemploy those who were baselessly fired from their posts, and re-infuse our diplomatic corps with the expertise needed to address today’s many modern challenges.\"\n\n“Those who dutifully served as Foreign Service officers before the Trump Administration wrongfully terminated their service included some of our most talented and skilled international affairs experts in the United States government,” said Rep. Titus. “Our national security cannot afford to lose this institutional knowledge. The Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act would remove a barrier of reentry for these officers and ensure that they can continue to serve their country and foster a critical aspect of the nation’s soft power.”\n\n“The Trump Administration’s cuts to the State Department have cost our country experienced diplomatic talent critical to protecting our national security and advancing America’s interests abroad,” said Rep. Walkinshaw. “I’m proud to support Congressman Don Beyer’s Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act, which ensures career Foreign Service Officers forced out through no fault of their own do not have to retake a test for jobs they are already qualified to hold. This commonsense legislation will help strengthen America’s diplomatic corps and make our nation safer.”\n\nCongressman Johnny Olszewski (D-MD) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) are original co-sponsors of the Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act.\n\nThis legislation is also supported by the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).\n\n“The Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act would quickly bring back experienced professionals who were involuntarily separated through no fault of their own, while protecting them from future policies requiring them to retake any part of the entrance exam,” said AFSA President John Dinkelman. “With critical staffing gaps, we cannot afford to sideline proven talent and years of institutional knowledge when they are ready to return and fill essential roles for our country.”\n\nFull text of the Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-wied-introduces-bill-help-restore-us-manufacturing", "title": "Congressman Wied Introduces Bill to Help Restore U.S. Manufacturing", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "wied.house.gov", "scraper": "wied", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000829", "name": "Tony Wied", "party": "Republican", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) introduced the Restoring American Manufacturing (RAM) Act to provide resources to small businesses seeking to bring their manufacturing back to the United States.\n\nThe RAM Act would codify the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Make Onshoring Great Again Portal, connecting small businesses who seek to onshore their operations with verified U.S. manufacturers, producers, and suppliers.\n\n“Reshoring manufacturing is critical for restoring our nation’s economic independence, maintaining global supply chain control, and supporting American workers,” said Congressman Wied. “This online portal gives small businesses the resources they need to reshore their operations and revitalize Made in America manufacturing. I am proud to introduce this legislation to help bring American jobs back home and strengthen our economy.”\n\n“Small businesses make up over 98% of American manufacturers, and North Texas is no exception, as manufacturing is central to our local economy,” said Congresswoman Van Duyne. “The Small Business Administration already has the tools and partnerships to help small businesses onshore their manufacturing to the U.S., they just need an easy way to find those resources. The Reshoring American Manufacturing Act will do just that, which is why I am glad to help introduce this legislation.”\n\nBackground: Through executive orders from President Trump, prioritization from the SBA, and congressional action such as the One Big Beautiful Bill, the United States is revitalizing its manufacturing capabilities. While many large corporations have the resources needed to reshore their manufacturing capabilities, many small businesses do not and instead turn to the SBA for support. The Make Onshoring Great Again Portal is a website run by the SBA that provides information on its programs and partnerships with organizations such as IndustryNet, CONNEX, and IQS Directory, giving small businesses a clear starting point for reshoring their manufacturing capabilities.\n\nReps. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), and Brad Finstad (R-MN) are original cosponsors of this legislation.\n\nKey Provisions:\n\nRequires the Small Business Administration to establish, operate, and maintain a website that provides a list of resources and relevant agencies for small businesses seeking information on onshoring part or all of their manufacturing capacity to the United States.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/alsobrooks-keith-sonderling-is-the-wrong-pick-to-be-labor-sec/", "title": "ALSOBROOKS: KEITH SONDERLING IS THE WRONG PICK TO BE LABOR SEC", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.alsobrooks.senate.gov", "scraper": "alsobrooks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000382", "name": "Angela D. Alsobrooks", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "July 16, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), questioned Keith Sonderling, nominee for Secretary of Labor.\n\n“When we last met and had our last exchange, it was in February, and it was at that time that I asked you a question about whether collective bargaining agreements were legally enforceable. You shared with me that you were unfamiliar with the collective bargaining process, and in fact, went on to say this was basically above your pay grade and outside your area of expertise, and that you would ‘rely on career experts’ to work on those issues. And in the weeks that followed our exchange, I was horrified to see this Administration took successive action and steps to undermine the [collective bargaining agreement]’s and to hurt federal workers, and it started with the Executive Order removing collective bargaining rights for large portions of the federal workforce. It is so disturbing to me and really a horrible twist of fate that we are now faced with your nomination, a person who I have seen aid and abet this President’s protracted campaign against federal workers’ rights,” said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/alsobrooks-russell-vought-has-traumatized-our-civil-servants-and-destroyed-the-consumer-financial-protection-bureau/", "title": "ALSOBROOKS: RUSSELL VOUGHT HAS TRAUMATIZED OUR CIVIL SERVANTS AND DESTROYED THE CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.alsobrooks.senate.gov", "scraper": "alsobrooks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000382", "name": "Angela D. Alsobrooks", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "July 16, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, questioned Russell Vought, Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) during the hearing “The CFPB Semi-Annual Report: A New Day at the CFPB Through Reform.”\n\n“The 160,000 federal employees in my state – these are the patriots of our country who have worked for decades. They did not care whether the president is a Democrat or Republican. They are here to serve the American people, and they will not forget how they were treated, and neither will I. In fact, one Marylander who lost his federal job said the following, ‘I can’t tell you how terrifying it is to be a parent of two children faced with the thought that you cannot provide for your family.’ So, I ask you, is that the kind of trauma you were talking about? Did you intend to sow terror for parents who need to provide for their families?” said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-celebrates-success-of-her-988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline-on-fourth-anniversary", "title": "Baldwin Celebrates Success of Her 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on Fourth Anniversary", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the fourth anniversary of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is celebrating the proven success 988 has had on mental health outcomes. The fourth anniversary comes on the heels of a new study that found that since the launch of the three-digit crisis line, youth suicide deaths dropped 11% below projections, saving 4,372 lives.\n\n“I wrote the legislation to stand up the 988 crisis line because I knew that if we made getting help a little easier for people when they need it most, it would save so much heartache,” said Senator Baldwin. “Over the past four years, millions upon millions of Americans reached out and got support they needed, and this investment is saving lives. Despite the resounding success, Donald Trump and RFK, Jr. have tried to undercut and gut this tool – and I am not having it. I have been proud to stand up and fight back at every turn – and I’ll continue to do just that to make sure every call and text gets answered and every person gets the help they need.”\n\nSenator Baldwin wrote and passed the legislation to create the three-digit 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and has led the fight to ensure it gets properly funded each year. To support Wisconsin’s implementation of 988, the Senator also secured over $3 million in dedicated federal funding. When it was established, Baldwin and her Republican counterpart incorporated a specialized service for veterans, who disproportionately have suicidal ideation. Baldwin then successfully stood up a pilot program to address higher rates of suicide and mental health challenges among LGBTQ+ youth. Last July, President Trump eliminated the 988 Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth specialized services. As ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, Senator Baldwin fought to secure $535 million for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and to restore dedicated funding for LGBTQ+ youth specialized services in Fiscal Year 2026 funding legislation. Senator Baldwin also secured a commitment from Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to follow the law and restore the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline “Press 3” option that provides specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth.\n\nThe demand for 988 continues to rise, with the volume of calls, texts, and chats 15% higher than a year earlier and nearly 50% higher than two years ago. Since the lifeline launched, it has received over 23 million contacts, including over 15 million calls, 4 million texts, and 3 million chats. Last month, Senator Baldwin toured the 988-call center in Green Bay and held a roundtable with 988 Lifeline staff and local stakeholders about the impact the crisis line has had on mental health outcomes.\n\nWatch Senator Baldwin’s full video marking the fourth anniversary of the 988 hotline here: Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter. The full video is available for download here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-demands-the-surface-transportation-board-take-union-pacifics-threats-of-retaliation-against-shippers-seriously", "title": "Baldwin Demands the Surface Transportation Board Take Union Pacific’s Threats of Retaliation Against Shippers Seriously", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is urging the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to take Union Pacific’s threat of retaliation against shippers who do not support its merger with Norfolk Southern seriously. Baldwin’s call comes as Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena and company representatives have reportedly made numerous comments alleging retaliation against shippers who oppose the merger, including threats of predatory rate increases during contract renewals, unfair demurrage fines, drop-offs in service, or weaponized embargoes. Baldwin has been an outspoken critic of the mega-rail merger, citing the reduction of competition, worsening already poor service, and higher costs for Wisconsin farmers, manufacturers, and consumers.\n\n“Given what is at stake with a rail merger of this magnitude, I ask that you address threats of retaliation and make clear retaliation by railroads will not be tolerated by the STB,” wrote Senator Baldwin.\n\n“I am deeply concerned by Mr. Vena’s words and recent actions as his company attempts to see this merger process rubber stamped and approved with haste. Given the magnitude of this potential merger and the impact it would have on our nation’s freight economy and the supply chain, it is simply unacceptable for UP to engage in this type of behavior,” Baldwin concluded.\n\nThe merger, in which Union Pacific agreed to acquire Norfolk Southern, would be the most significant consolidation in freight rail in decades, reshaping the U.S. freight rail industry and supply chain. Baldwin has been critical of the rail merger, citing the continued consolidation in the railroad industry and impacts on manufacturers, agriculture, small businesses, and consumers.\n\nIn 2025, Senators Baldwin and Roger Marshall (R-KS) called on the Surface Transportation Board to scrutinize the impact of this merger on the already poor service and high costs experienced by American businesses and consumers that rely on freight rail. That letter came after President Trump illegally fired former STB member Robert Primus ahead of the proposed megamerger. As the STB considers this merger, Union Pacific’s CEO visited President Trump in the Oval Office and committed to helping fund the President’s $400 million White House ballroom.\n\nSince the 1950s, the rail industry has consolidated from over 100 Class I freight railroads to only six today, leaving U.S. manufacturers, utility companies, agricultural producers, and small businesses paying excessive rates despite poor service and reliability.\n\nA full version of this letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Chair Fuchs, Vice Chair Schultz, Member Hedlund, and Member Kloster,\n\nI write with concerns about the threat of potential retaliation by Union Pacific (UP) towards shippers and other rail stakeholders who choose not to publicly support the merger between UP and Norfolk Southern (NS). Threats of retaliation must be taken seriously, as they directly undermine the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB or Board) review process and could prevent shippers from meaningfully participating in a forthcoming public comment period on the merger application. Given what is at stake with a rail merger of this magnitude, I ask that you address threats of retaliation and make clear retaliation by railroads will not be tolerated by the STB.\n\nIt has come to my attention that UP CEO Jim Vena has made remarks at conferences and closed-door meetings threatening to retaliate against stakeholders who oppose their merger application. This includes comments from Mr. Vena at the Southwest Association of Rail Shippers 2026 Annual Meeting in Houston in March, when he issued a thinly veiled threat to raise rates for customers who did not publicly support the merger.\n\nThe STB has acknowledged retaliation by railroads in the past, and now is the time to send a clear message to railroads and shippers that it will not be tolerated. In January 2025, former Chairman Robert Primus made a statement addressing the widespread issue of retaliation, whether it be in the form of rate increases, cutbacks in service, or refusals to provide new service upon request. In 2023, former Chairman Martin Oberman expressed frustration with the difficulty of getting shippers to comment on matters before the Board due to fears of retaliation. The freight rail industry has a long history of retaliation, and I can assure you that shippers nationwide are taking these comments at face value. I have heard from numerous stakeholders that they are afraid to publicly relay their concerns, knowing that UP can retaliate against them. Threats of retaliation discourage stakeholders from participating and undermine the STB’s ability to conduct a rigorous review of the proposed merger. The Board needs to hear directly from shipper companies to better understand the impacts of the merger UP is proposing.\n\nI am deeply concerned by Mr. Vena’s words and recent actions as his company attempts to see this merger process rubber stamped and approved with haste. Given the magnitude of this potential merger and the impact it would have on our nation’s freight economy and the supply chain, it is simply unacceptable for UP to engage in this type of behavior. I urge the STB to address Mr. Vena’s comments and take rail stakeholders’ concerns seriously as you review the revised merger application.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-responds-to-trumps-speech-laying-groundwork-to-undermine-2026-election", "title": "Baldwin Responds to Trump’s Speech Laying Groundwork to Undermine 2026 Election", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released a statement in response to President Trump’s address to the nation. Over the past several months, President Trump has repeated his false claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him over 100 times while taking an all-of-the-above approach to try to interfere in the upcoming 2026 elections, including threatening to send federal agents to polling places and trying to limit mail-in voting.\n\n“Trump lost an election fair and square six years ago and has been lying about it ever since, not only because he’s a sore loser, but also because he is laying the groundwork to undermine our elections this November,” said Senator Baldwin. “President Trump should have given a primetime address on how we can work together to make rent a little cheaper or insurance premiums actually affordable – instead we got recycled conspiracy theories. The President has only made life harder and more expensive for families, and instead of leveling with folks and telling us how he will cut costs, he’s trying to evade accountability for it and hold on to power. Every minute that President Trump spends talking about election conspiracies and trying to undermine the next election is a minute he’s not working to deliver real relief to families stretching every paycheck.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-america-reports-on-fox-news-channel-2/", "title": "ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins America Reports on Fox News Channel", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined America Reports with Gillian Turner on Fox News Channel to discuss the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, the debate over birthright citizenship, and his Citizenship Act of 2026.\n\nClick the image above for full discussion.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Well, just a couple of weeks ago the Supreme Court released their decision and struck down President Trump’s Executive Order to stop birthright citizenship. The question that wasn’t before the courts, though, was about this issue of foreign invaders: we have 15 million illegals in our country, and they’re having anchor babies; we have birth tourists, billionaire Chinese that are using surrogates to have anchor babies in our country. It’s wrong; it’s not fair.”\n\n“Every single member of the Supreme Court, though, while they disagree about many things, on the right and the left, all nine of the Supreme Court Justices agree that children of invaders, of illegals who invade our country, should not be granted birthright citizenship by the 14 Amendment. My bill is the clearest and simplest solution.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-finnerty-on-newsmax/", "title": "ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Finnerty on Newsmax", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Finnerty on Newsmax to discuss the debate over birthright citizenship, his Citizenship Act of 2026, and the life and legacy of Sen. Lindsey Graham.\n\nClick the image above for the full discussion.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “At the end of the day, it’s absurd to think that even any democrat would believe that the babies of foreign invaders would be eligible for birthright citizenship. How could any Democrat even defend that to their voters on the left? I can’t imagine that if we brought my bill to a vote that any Democrat would vote against it, but these are radical Democrats. And by the way, they are the ones who are responsible under Joe Biden’s watch for flooding our country with over 15 million illegals. Each of those illegals is an invader in our country.”\n\n“My bill would meet constitutional muster; it’s a must-pass bill. Justice Kavanaugh in his concurrent opinion gave us the keys to unlock and define who is eligible for birthright citizenship, and the children of foreign invaders are not, and Congress must pass a bill to determine that. So that’s what my bill does. It is not fair; it is not right that babies of illegals would ever be eligible for birthright citizenship. We have to put a stop to it.”\n\n“I already miss Sen. Graham this week in the Senate. I’ve gotten to know his sister, the Governor appointed to take his place. She’s going to fill his shoes for the next six months, and South Carolina will vote for a new senator in November. I imagine the new senator will be just as much of an America-First fighter. I hope for this country that’s what Senator Graham would want for someone to replace him and fight for his America-First agenda.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-the-evening-edit-on-fox-business-network/", "title": "ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins The Evening Edit on Fox Business Network", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined The Evening Edit with Elizabeth MacDonald on Fox Business Network to discuss the debate over birthright citizenship and his Citizenship Act of 2026.\n\nClick the image above for the full discussion.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “It’s very simple, I am taking a page right out of Justice Kavanaugh’s playbook in his concurring opinion that Congress must act. Congress must determine and legislate that the children of illegals who are invaders into our country are not eligible for birthright citizenship. The Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s executive order, banning birthright citizenship, but all nine justices on the Supreme Court, from the right to the left, they all agree that children of invaders are not eligible… The Supreme Court doesn’t determine what an invasion is; Congress and the President do.”\n\n“My bill is as simple as that. I’ve had a lot of colleagues, like Sen. Tuberville, reach out and co-sponsor my bill. We don’t need a Constitutional Amendment, which we will never get with these radical Democrats; we can pass a simple bill like this one. And by the way, I’d love to get this bill on the floor of the Senate and dare the Democrats to vote against it. Can you imagine a Democrat going home to their state and explaining why they believe that illegals in this country, that their children are eligible for birthright citizenship.”\n\n“It’s happening, and it’s happening all over the country. Chinese billionaires that are paying surrogates to have babies in our country to turn them into anchor babies. It’s just wrong. There is a moral duty that Members of Congress, like myself, have to pass a bill to clarify that children of illegals should not be granted birthright citizenship. It’s common sense.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-america-is-worth-defending-and-celebrating/", "title": "Barrasso: America is Worth Defending and Celebrating", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/", "domain": "www.barrasso.senate.gov", "scraper": "barrasso", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001261", "name": "John Barrasso", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“The contrast is clear. Democrats stand for high taxes, open borders, and lawlessness. Republicans stand for freedom, liberty, and American greatness. America is worth defending. America is worth celebrating. America is worth fighting for. That’s what Republicans are committed to do. And that’s what the people of Wyoming did over July 4.”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today spoke about the contrast between the freedoms Americans cherish and the extreme, far-left policies of today’s Democrat Party.\n\nClick HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.\n\nSen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:\n\n“The people of Wyoming recently celebrated two historic milestones. July 4 was Independence Day. America turned 250 years old. July 10 is Wyoming Statehood Day. My home state of Wyoming turned 136 years old.\n\n“We celebrated with a full week of festivities. We had the iconic Cody Stampede Rodeo. We saw volunteers in Gillette serve over 4,000 hot dogs at the Independence Day community celebration. We saw Boy Scouts in Sheridan serve over 1,000 pancake breakfasts. My Rotary Club in Casper celebrated the values that started our country.\n\n“We had Wyoming bestselling author C.J. Box read the Declaration of Independence at a community gathering in Carbon County. The streets were packed for the Independence Day parade in Cody. Then, people gathered at Veterans Park for the annual ‘Let Freedom Ring’ celebration. The seats were full for the Big Wyo Rodeo in Sheridan and the Casper Rodeo finals on Saturday night.\n\n“Our entire delegation attended parades and festivities all around the state. That is the America we saw this month.\n\n“Yet there is another vision being offered to this country. It is the vision being offered by the Democrats. It is a vision of open borders, high taxes, and lawlessness. It is a vision that damages our communities and disrespects the values Americans hold dear.\n\n“Today’s Democrat Party has taken a radical turn to the left. Today’s Democrat leadership is enabling it.\n\n“America’s largest city – the home of Senator Schumer – is now being run by a professed socialist. Our nation’s capital is about to elect one too. People proclaiming to be socialists are winning Democrat primaries across the country.\n\n“In Michigan, a Democrat frontrunner for the United States Senate is campaigning with an extremist who blames America for the September 11 terrorist attacks. These were the attacks that, 25 years ago, cost the lives of 2,977 Americans.\n\n“Extremism drives the Democrat Party, and its influence is growing. Here is what they want.\n\n“Democrats want open borders. Democrats want to defund the police.\n\n“Democrats want to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Democrats want to abolish United States Border Patrol.\n\n“Democrats want to weaken law enforcement. They want to make it harder to remove illegal immigrant criminals from our communities.\n\n“Democrats want to pack the Supreme Court. They want judges who will rewrite the law and ignore the Constitution.\n\n“Democrats want to abolish the Electoral College. They want to make it possible for only a handful of big cities and blue states to control the selection of the next president.\n\n“Democrats want higher taxes. Democrats want hardworking American families to pay for healthcare for illegal immigrants.\n\n“Democrats want to keep affordable, available, reliable American energy in the ground.\n\n“That is today’s Democrat Party. They’re radical. They’re extreme. They’re dangerous. They’re scary.\n\n“You may have noticed, in the middle of a heatwave, the new Democrat Mayor told New Yorkers to turn up their air conditioning to 78 degrees. Why? Because the New York power grid was collapsing. Why was the New York power grid collapsing? Because New York Democrats – pressured by climate extremists –shut down their nuclear power plant.\n\n“Welcome to the Democrat Party of 2026.\n\n“Alarmingly, in this very chamber, Democrat leaders are cheering on the radical left. After socialists swept their primaries this summer, one Democrat Senator said this is a ‘very good trend.’ Another said it is a sign that their party is ‘alive and well.’ Another said we are seeing the ‘future of the Democrat Party.’\n\n“By contrast, Republicans continue to deliver results. We passed the Working Families Tax Cuts law. We stopped the largest tax increase in American history. We put more money back in the pockets of millions of hardworking Americans. 96 percent of Americans who make under $200,000 a year benefited from the Working Families Tax Cuts law.\n\n“Republicans secured the border. We passed the largest investment in border security in American history. We fully funded ICE and Border Patrol for the next three years. We are deporting illegal immigrant criminals.\n\n“The contrast is clear. Democrats stand for high taxes, open borders, and lawlessness. Republicans stand for freedom, liberty, and American greatness.\n\n“America is worth defending. America is worth celebrating. America is worth fighting for. That’s what Republicans are committed to do. And that’s what the people of Wyoming did over July 4.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/07/16/bennet-hickenlooper-hurds-crystal-reservoir-conveyance-act-unanimously-passes-senate-energy-and-natural-resources-committee/", "title": "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Hurd’s Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act Unanimously Passes Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, John Hickenlooper, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), and Congressman Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) celebrated the unanimous passage of their Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act (S. 2754) out of ENR. This legislation transfers ownership of the Crystal Reservoir and the associated dam and water infrastructure from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to the City of Ouray (the City).\n\n“The Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act is a common-sense piece of legislation that will protect Ouray’s water supply and a beloved recreation asset for future generations,” said Bennet. “This week’s bipartisan vote is an important step forward, and I’ll keep working to get this bill signed into law.”\n\n“Ouray can unlock the potential of the Crystal Reservoir if we get this bill across the finish line,” said Hickenlooper. “Communities like Ouray deserve to have control over their own water resources. It’ll boost recreation, make local water supplies more resilient, and help fight future wildfires.”\n\n“For too long, the people of Ouray have had to look at an empty reservoir that should be serving their community,” said Hurd. “Crystal Reservoir has the potential to support local water needs, strengthen wildfire response, benefit agriculture, and provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Moving the Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act forward is an important step toward returning this resource to local control, where the people who know the community best can make the decisions that shape its future. I’m grateful to Chairman Lee and the members of the committee for advancing this legislation, and I’ll keep working with my colleagues in the Senate to see this bill signed into law so Crystal Reservoir can once again serve the people of Ouray for generations to come.”\n\nThe bill would convey approximately 45 acres of federal land, including the Crystal Reservoir, Full Moon Dam, and Full Moon Ditch. The conveyance would occur at no cost to the City, in exchange for its assumption of responsibility for the operations, maintenance, and repairs of the Full Moon Dam and Full Moon Ditch. The conveyance prohibits commercial development on the property, requires compliance with Colorado water law, and maintains public access to the reservoir and nearby trails for outdoor recreation and wildland fire response.\n\nBennet visited the Crystal Reservoir in the fall of 2024, where he was joined by leaders from the City of Ouray, Ouray County, and the USFS. The USFS drained the reservoir in January 2024, leaving the City, local hot springs, wildland firefighters, and downstream agricultural producers without a critical water supply. The reservoir is also a well-loved recreation attraction and a needed water source for aerial wildland firefighting.\n\nThe text of the bill is available HERE. The legislative map can be found HERE. Letters of support can be found HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-darline-graham-introduce-legislation-with-60-cosponsors-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-accountable", "title": "BLUMENTHAL & DARLINE GRAHAM INTRODUCE LEGISLATION WITH 60+ COSPONSORS TO HOLD PURCHASERS OF RUSSIAN OIL ACCOUNTABLE", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Darline Graham (R-SC) led more than 60 members of the Senate in introducing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.\n\nU.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the effort last week and secured an agreement with the White House on Friday, before his death. Blumenthal and Lindsey Graham first introduced legislation to bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine in April 2025, and have spent the last year building support for the effort in Congress and the Administration.\n\n“Ukraine is at a critical crossroads — and we must meet this pivotal moment with a powerful sanctions bill. As Ukraine turns the tide on the battlefield, our Russia sanctions bill would be historically impactful in stopping Russia’s murderous slaughter,” Blumenthal said. “When Senator Graham and I last spoke, he was absolutely exultant, calling from Kyiv with news that President Trump would support this bill to impose scorching tariffs and sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil and stop them from fueling Putin’s war machine. Now is the time to push Russia toward peace. Ukraine is gaining net territory and reaching deep into Russia with its drones and missiles. Sanctions provide a path toward peace. Our bill is the product of lengthy, detailed, difficult bipartisan work, and now has broad bipartisan support. Passing this legislation right now would be a fitting tribute to Senator Graham’s fierce support for Ukraine’s freedom.”\n\n“Until the very day he passed, Lindsey remained focused on passing the Russia sanctions bill. Passing this legislation would honor my brother’s steadfast commitment to our national security and it would provide President Trump with additional leverage to bring this war to an end. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to President Trump’s desk,” said Senator Darline Graham.\n\n“Lindsey was a firm believer that the United States is a force for good around the world, and he worked tirelessly on this important effort,” said Thune. “I’m proud to support this legislation that not only honors our friend and colleague, but will also promote peace by cutting off the funding fueling Russia’s war machine. I can’t think of a better way to honor his legacy.”\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD); U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL); U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus; U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee; U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI); U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE); U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee; U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO); U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Chair of the Senate Banking Committee; U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME); U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Majority Whip; U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA); U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY); U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ); U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC); U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY); U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA); U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV); U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE); U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI); U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX); U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA); U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT); U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN); U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT); U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA); U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK); U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL); U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI); U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK); U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO); U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS); U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM); U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD); U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR); U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD); U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND); U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV); U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-OH); U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND); U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE); U.S. Senator Jim Justice (R-WV); U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD); U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX); U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA); U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY); U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK); U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL); U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC); U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS); U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL); U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA); U.S. Senator Alan Armstrong (R-OK); and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT).\n\n“Russia is losing ground, it is suffering tens of thousands of casualties each month and Ukraine continues to bring the consequences of the war to the Kremlin’s doorstep through its deep strike campaign. Putin is in an incredibly precarious position both at home and on the battlefield. This legislation would level tough new sanctions on Russia and choke off key export markets for the energy it sells to fund its war machine. We must seize on the opportunity before us to finally exert economic pressure on the Kremlin and bring this war to a close,” said Shaheen.\n\n“One of the many pillars of Senator Graham’s exemplary career of public service was his dedication to putting America’s national security first and promoting liberty around the world. It is an honor to help champion one of his highest priorities: imposing crushing sanctions to cripple Russia’s war machine and hold those fueling it accountable. Putin’s war against Ukraine has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, and it must end. Lindsey believed that getting this legislation passed and signed into law would be the most consequential thing he achieved in his career. I am sincerely grateful to Senators Blumenthal, Shaheen, and Wicker for their continued leadership on this issue and, very importantly, for the support of President Trump and the White House—these sanctions will provide President Trump with a critical tool to hold Russia accountable and secure a lasting peace,” said Britt.\n\n“This bipartisan bill that Senator Graham worked so tirelessly to advance couldn’t be better timed. Momentum in the war has shifted toward Ukraine and tightening sanctions on Russia and those key purchasers of Russian oil should help add pressure for the Kremlin to finally negotiate. Having just returned from the NATO Summit, I can share that we and our NATO allies are united in wanting to see Ukraine prevail in this bloody war started by Vladimir Putin. I am pleased to help co-lead this timely legislation,” said Durbin.\n\n“We should enact this bipartisan measure to exert maximum economic pressure on Putin’s war machine and help bring this unjust war to an end,” said Wicker.\n\n“Today’s bill continues the work of the late Senator Graham, my dear friend and one of Ukraine’s most relentless advocates in the Senate,” said Whitehouse. “This forceful, bipartisan measure will disrupt the Kremlin’s massive oil and gas economy, up the financial stakes, and help achieve victory for Ukraine.”\n\n“I am proud to support the imposition of new, hard-hitting sanctions on key sectors of Russia’s war economy, including the shadow fleet, and penalties on bad actors like China who help fund the war. Russia is not winning this war against Ukraine, and applying additional pressure now will force Putin to shift his calculus and bring us closer to ending the war. In honor of our friend Lindsey Graham, I strongly encourage my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to the President’s desk as soon as possible,” said Risch.\n\n“Ukraine is winning on the battlefield against Russian invaders, and there’s much more the United States can do to strangle Russia’s war machine without putting ourselves at risk. Curbing Russian revenue by sanctioning the foreign buyers of their oil that are keeping Russia’s economy and military afloat will strengthen Ukraine, weaken Moscow, and hasten a just and lasting end to this war,” said Coons.\n\n“Putin’s invasion of Ukraine unleashed destruction, chaos and bloodshed in the largest land war in Europe since World War II. Our legislation sends a clear message to Putin: your unprovoked, violent invasion comes at an enormous cost. The late-Senator Graham was a champion of this bipartisan legislation, and I’m proud to help move it forward as an original cosponsor,” Grassley said.\n\n“For over four years, the Ukrainian people have shown us what it looks like to fight and die for democracy, for their country, and for the West. Their courage in the face of Vladimir Putin’s war offers the greatest example of how to fight back against authoritarian aggression. Amid Putin’s intransigence at the negotiating table and daily attacks on civilians across Ukraine, Congress must make Russia pay a further price,” said Bennet. “This bill will impose greater pressure on Putin to end his unprovoked war, especially as Ukraine makes progress on the battlefield and as the Russian economy struggles under the weight of U.S. and allied measures. Only by demonstrating our firm resolve can the United States and our allies support Ukraine's pursuit of a just and durable end to this war and successfully defend the principle of a Europe whole, free, and at peace. Backing Ukraine today will be our best deterrence against authoritarian ambitions tomorrow.”\n\n“Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war has dragged on for more than four years. As Senator Graham knew well, raising the costs on Russia is the only solution. Our bill will further restrict their energy sales to strangle Putin’s war machine and bring him to the negotiating table. Congress should pass this bill immediately and help finish a war Lindsey fought so hard to end,” said Cotton.\n\n“This measure is a tribute to Senator Graham’s tenacious, bipartisan work in support of Ukraine, and a necessary step to deprive Putin’s war machine of financial resources for its illegal invasion,” said Reed.\n\n“South Carolina lost a statesman, and I lost a friend. Lindsey Graham spent his time in the Senate reminding us that peace is protected by strength, and that America has a responsibility to stand up to dictators who threaten our allies, our interests, and the values we hold dear,” said Tim Scott. “This legislation is a fitting way to honor Lindsey’s legacy: tough, principled, and focused on keeping America safe. Lindsey would be proud to see Republicans and Democrats come together in support of his and the President’s goal to end Moscow’s senseless war in Ukraine.”\n\n“Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine has gone on long enough, and I believe this legislation is an important step on bringing this bloody, unprovoked conflict to an end,” said King. “This war has already cost hundreds of thousands of lives on both sides unnecessarily, and we believe that this step will finally bring Putin face to face with the reality that he is not going to be successful in subjugating the Ukrainian people.”\n\n“This is a pivotal moment in the Ukrainian people’s fight to protect their freedom. While Ukraine continues to demonstrate impressive resilience and patriotism and real expertise on the battlefield, Russians are becoming increasingly exhausted by Putin’s war, which his own finance officials are telling him he can’t afford,” said Kaine. “This is the perfect time for the United States to bring down the full force of comprehensive sanctions on Russia, and I’m proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in putting forward a plan that would do that.”\n\n“Vladimir Putin’s brutal, unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine must end. As Ukraine makes important gains on the battlefield, now is the time to increase the economic pressure on Russia and those who continue to finance Putin’s war machine,” said Collins. “Senator Lindsey Graham understood the consequences of allowing Putin’s aggression to go unchecked and worked tirelessly to build bipartisan support for this consequential legislation. I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this bill, which would both honor Lindsey’s legacy and help pressure Putin to bring an end to this horrific war.”\n\n“The fastest way to end this illegal war is to cut off the money that Putin is using to fuel it,” said Kelly. “Stronger sanctions will put pressure on Putin and those helping him. This is a crucial step toward achieving lasting peace that protects Ukraine's sovereignty and strengthens U.S. national security.”\n\n“As Russia continues its needless bloodshed of innocent people and drags out peace talks, I am proud to join my colleagues in enacting crippling sanctions against them,” said Ernst. “This legislation carries forward the tireless work Senator Graham was doing until his final days and strengthens the fight I’ve led for years against Putin’s shadow fleet, shutting down the network of tankers and shell insurers keeping his oil money flowing and fueling this war.”\n\n“For more than four years, Vladimir Putin has conducted a brutal, unprovoked war against Ukraine in an attempt to take over a sovereign nation. The time is now for the U.S. to increase pressure and do all we can to end this war and send a clear message to Putin that he cannot act with impunity. This is why I’m joining my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring forward this critical bipartisan bill to make those who enable Russia’s energy and defense sectors pay a heavy price,” said Rosen.\n\n“Lindsey Graham was clear eyed on Putin and fought for years to build peace through strength,” said Ricketts. “This bill is a small part of his legacy combatting a foreign adversary threatening peace and prosperity for Americans. Sanctioning Putin and his cronies is necessary for undermining their aggression around the world.”\n\n“Senator Graham was unyielding in his support for the Ukrainian people as they fight to defend their sovereignty, and I can think of few ways more fitting to honor him than by finishing what he started and imposing strict sanctions on the bad actors who have supported Russia’s war against Ukraine,” said Cornyn. “I’m proud to join with my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation, which will honor Lindsey’s legacy, help dismantle Putin’s war machine, and strengthen U.S. national security.”\n\n“Standing with the Ukrainian people has been a bipartisan goal of our Congress for more than four years. This bill reaffirms that commitment by enacting the sanctions needed to curtail Russia’s primary source of income and cripple its war effort — the single most important thing the U.S. government can do to end Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine,” said Schiff.\n\n“The surest way to bring about peace through strength and get Putin to the negotiating table is to cut off the money funding his war machine. This bipartisan legislation delivers real consequences for those keeping Russia’s economy afloat. Senator Lindsey Graham spent years leading this fight, and passing this bill will be a fitting tribute to his commitment to American strength and the cause of freedom,” said Sheehy.\n\n“Since I visited Ukraine with Lindsey Graham and John McCain in 2016, Lindsey and I worked together in support of Ukraine’s democracy, meeting with President Zelenskyy multiple times and advocating for the return of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia. This legislation will add significant economic pressure on Russia, helping to move us closer to ending this war,” said Klobuchar.\n\n“As long as Vladimir Putin’s war machine is funded by countries willing to buy Russian oil and gas, the war in Ukraine will continue,” said Curtis. “This bipartisan legislation gives a powerful tool to increase pressure on Russia, hold its enablers accountable, and ensure Russia does not win this war.”\n\n“We must hold Russia and its enablers accountable, and stand with Ukraine,” said Fetterman. “This is just and important legislation. I know it will honor our late colleague Senator Lindsey Graham.”\n\n“These strong sanctions, a top priority I shared with my friend and our late colleague Senator Graham, are critically important to weakening Putin’s grip in Ukraine, imposing severe costs on those supporting Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression, and undermining the energy-fueled Russian war machine that threatens our allies,” said Sullivan.\n\n“Ukraine is in the fight of their lives, and this bipartisan announcement is the boost they need to inflict maximum pain on Russia,” said Duckworth. “Our bipartisan bill will rightfully hit foreign buyers of Russian oil with heavy sanctions, cutting Putin off from the money machine funding his unprovoked war of aggression against our ally. Senator Graham knew it and we do too: The United States must remain united with Ukraine, now and always.”\n\n“Ukraine is standing strong against Russian aggression, but the United States must use every tool possible to help secure a lasting peace for the Ukrainian people and the entire region,” said Peters. “Imposing strong sanctions on Russia would send a clear message that the American people will always stand alongside Ukraine against Putin’s invasion.”\n\n“Putin is a murderous KGB thug, and the countries still buying Russian oil and natural gas know they are funding his war against Ukraine. If we cut off Russia’s oil money, we cut off the weapons murdering Ukrainians. Lindsey Graham was an outspoken advocate for the freedom-loving people of Ukraine. Let’s finish what he started and put the pressure on Russia and everyone who bankrolls them,” said Lankford.\n\n“This bill honors Senator Lindsey Graham’s legacy by strengthening pressure on Russia and those who continue to finance Vladimir Putin’s illegal and brutal war against Ukraine, which threatens our own national security and economic interests. I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation to continue the work that our late friend and colleague fought so hard to advance,” said Hyde-Smith.\n\n“By securing this agreement with the White House to impose sanctions on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, Senator Graham delivered a powerful tool to hold those who are enabling Putin’s war accountable,” said Blackburn. “This bill will help bring this war to an end.”\n\n“Vladimir Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine has raged on for too long and cost countless innocent lives. This critical legislation will hold the enablers of Putin’s war machine accountable and represents one of the most consequential Congressional efforts to promote peace in Europe. Let’s get this done,” said Alsobrooks.\n\n“Senator Graham tirelessly worked to impose real consequences on Putin and end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This bipartisan and thoughtfully crafted legislation is a testament to his tremendous leadership,” said Boozman. “I am proud to join my colleagues and send a clear message that Senator Graham’s work will not go unfinished and that Moscow must finally end its unprovoked attack on Ukrainian sovereignty.”\n\n“The United States and our allies must stand up to Putin’s unprovoked war against Ukraine by choking off funds for his war machine and his political cronies. Putin’s invasion is a gross violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and it is critical that the United States support the people of Ukraine in repelling Russian aggression. This legislation will strengthen our efforts to hold Moscow accountable for the War in Ukraine,” said Van Hollen.\n\n“The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 will issue decisive consequences aimed at deterring Russian aggression. This bill sends a clear message: bullies have a price to pay for their actions. Vladimir Putin and Russia must face serious consequences for their destructive and unprovoked war on Ukraine,” said Cramer.\n\n“Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has killed far too many and upended global stability, must come to an end,” said Capito. “This legislation empowers President Trump to cut off the financial flows that enable Putin’s deadly invasion and to impose serious consequences on the countries that are helping finance Russia’s war machine. I’m proud to join my colleagues in honoring Senator Graham’s life by advancing this effort to strengthen America’s national security and give President Trump the economic leverage to secure a lasting peace.”\n\n“For years, Senator Lindsey Graham led the effort to hold Russia accountable for its aggression and support Ukraine’s fight for freedom. This bill honors his legacy by tightening sanctions on the energy exports and financial tools that sustain the Russian war machine. With support from the White House and a bipartisan group of senators, we are sending a clear message to Putin: America stands with Ukraine, and we will continue working to bring this unjust war to a durable end,” said Husted.\n\n“Russia relies on oil and gas revenue to fund its war against Ukraine, and those enabling this aggression should be held accountable,” said Hoeven. “This bipartisan legislation strengthens sanctions to increase pressure on Russia, reduce the resources fueling Putin’s aggression, and help advance a lasting peace. Senator Lindsey Graham dedicated tremendous effort to moving this legislation forward, and Congress should act to pass it.”\n\n“Senator Lindsey Graham was relentless in his quest to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for his unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Because of his extensive work over the years, we have an opportunity to help bleed Putin’s war machine dry. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for taking this necessary action,” said Fischer.\n\n“Senator Graham was one of the most formidable foes America’s enemies ever faced in the United States Senate. He was unapologetic and uncompromising in countering the threat the Russian regime poses to American national security and the safety and security of the American people. I worked alongside my friend for years to counter those malign activities, including through sanctions legislation aimed at depriving Putin’s war machine of the resources it needs to threaten America and our allies. This bipartisan legislation honors Senator Graham’s legacy while advancing the badly needed policies for which he tirelessly advocated. I urge my colleagues to pass it without delay,” said Cruz.\n\n“Lindsey Graham spent his final months fighting to make sure Putin knew America’s fuse hadn't burned out. Wyoming understands what it means to power the world responsibly, and it’s long past time Russia stopped profiting from war while claiming to seek peace. This bill puts real teeth behind that demand by telling every nation still buying Russian oil that they're choosing a side, and it puts Putin on notice that the road to any lasting peace runs through economic ruin if he refuses to take it,” said Lummis.\n\n“Russia’s unprovoked and illegal war against the people of Ukraine has left the nation scarred and battered over the last four years, but no less determined to defend its sovereignty,” said Murkowski. “The bipartisan Sanctioning Russia Act honors Senator Graham’s longstanding leadership in foreign affairs by supporting Ukraine while reaffirming America’s commitment to stand with peaceful democracies against the authoritarian regimes that seek to destroy them.”\n\n“The time to increase pressure on Moscow is now. Our overwhelmingly bipartisan sanctions package has the power to cripple Putin’s revenue streams by targeting the energy exports that bankroll Russia's unjust war machine. Our colleague and friend, Senator Lindsey Graham, worked tirelessly to stand up to Russian aggression, and now we have the opportunity to honor his leadership and cement his legacy,” said Budd.\n\n“This bipartisan legislation would make a difference against Russia’s unjust war in Ukraine and serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham,” said Moran. “America’s continued involvement and leadership throughout the world are critical to deterring Vladimir Putin. This legislation sends a clear message to friends and foes alike: you can do business with Russia, or you can do business with the United States, but you can’t do both. I look forward to voting for the Sanctioning Russia Act and sending it to the President to be signed into law.”\n\n“Imposing stronger sanctions on Russia will ensure America remains strong on the world stage and will help bring an end to Putin’s unjust war against Ukraine. I can think of no better way to cement the legacy of Lindsey Graham, who spent years of his life devoted to this cause and to fighting for freedom across the globe,” said Daines.\n\nThe Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.\n\nThe sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Russian Shadow Fleet.\n\nThe legislation also directs the President to impose up to 100 percent tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the majority of Russian oil, gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The new text limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and gas.\n\nA one-pager on the legislation is available here. The text of the bill is available here.\n\n-30-\n\nFollow Senator Blumenthal online:", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-questions-acting-director-vought-on-cuts-to-cfpb-impacts-on-consumer-protection/", "title": "NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Questions Acting Director Vought on Cuts to CFPB, Impacts on Consumer Protection", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“This is supposed to be a watchdog agency. People should be able to go there and find information that helps them.”\n\nClick here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s Remarks\n\nU.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today questioned Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Russell Vought, on the Trump administration’s cuts to the Bureau and potential impacts on consumers. Acting Director Vought has attempted to cut CFPB staff capacity by over 50 percent and has paused much of the Bureau’s ongoing rulemaking and enforcement activity.\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester focused her questions on efforts to protect servicemembers from predatory lenders, cuts to guidance that improves background screening, and limitations to consumer protection.\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester’s remarks can be found here, and a key excerpt can be found below:\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester: “Is a Military Lending Act violation against an active-duty service member actual consumer harm by your definition?”\n\nActing Director Vought: “Of course and we prioritize it in our guidance.”\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester: “Can you tell me, since you’ve been in the position, has the enforcement increased, decreased, or stayed the same?”\n\nActing Director Vought: “Well, it’s specific in terms of enforcement versus supervision and how we deal with — We take it very seriously.”\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester: “You say you take it seriously. It’s in your humility pledge. Has it increased, decreased, or stayed the same since you’ve been there?”", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-schumer-wyden-reintroduce-legislation-to-end-federal-ban-of-marijuana", "title": "Booker, Schumer, Wyden Reintroduce Legislation to End Federal Ban of Marijuana", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and U.S Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) reintroduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA), comprehensive legislation that would end the harmful federal prohibition of cannabis by removing cannabis from the list of federally controlled substances and empowering states to create their own laws. This legislation would be a historic step toward rectifying the failed policies of the War on Drugs and would help federal law better reflect the will of the vast majority of Americans, 91% of whom believe that cannabis should be legalized for either adult or medical use.\n\n\"For decades, generations have suffered unjustly under the failed War on Drugs and broken cannabis laws—hurting primarily people of color. It is long overdue that we stand up for them,\" said Senator Booker. \"I am proud to reintroduce this commonsense legislation, which will dismantle the unjust and outdated federal marijuana prohibition, establish a federal regulatory framework to protect public health and safety, expunge past convictions for low-level cannabis offenses, and deliver restorative justice to the communities most harmed by decades of failed drug policy.\"\n\n“The over-criminalization of cannabis has destroyed far too many lives, disproportionately harming communities of color,” said Leader Schumer. “Our Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act is necessary and would correct historical wrongs while investing in safety, research, workers’ rights, and banking accessibility for industry. The movement is budding, and I won’t stop until restorative justice is achieved. The American people overwhelmingly support the federal legalization of cannabis—it’s long past time the government caught up”\n\n“The only reefer madness I’m seeing is the continued federal prohibition of cannabis,” said Senator Wyden. “Our legislation is the most comprehensive proposal on the books to end federal cannabis prohibition while keeping public health and safety front and center. The federal government needs to get with the times, and our bill is the way to do it.”\n\nThe Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act would:\n\n· Protect public health by:\n\nEstablishing a Center for Cannabis Products to regulate production, labeling, distribution, sales, and other manufacturing and retail elements of the cannabis industry.\n\nInstructing the FDA to establish standards for labeling for cannabis products, including potency, doses, servings, place of manufacture, and directions for use.\n\nEstablishing programs and funding to prevent youth cannabis use.\n\nIncreasing funding for comprehensive opioid, stimulant, and substance use disorder treatment.\n\n· Protect public safety by:\n\nRemoving cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and eliminating federal prohibitions in states that have chosen to legalize medical cannabis or adult-use cannabis.\n\nRetaining federal prohibitions on trafficking cannabis in violation of state law; establishing a grant program to help departments combat black market cannabis.\n\nRequiring the Department of Transportation (DOT) to create standards for cannabis-impaired driving.\n\nDirecting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to collect data on cannabis-impaired driving, create educational materials on best practices, and carry out media campaigns.\n\nIncentivizing states to adopt cannabis open-container prohibitions.\n\n· Regulate and tax cannabis by:\n\nTransferring federal jurisdiction over cannabis to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).\n\nEliminating the tax code’s restriction on cannabis businesses claiming deductions for business expenses and implementing an excise tax on cannabis products.\n\nEstablishing market competition rules meant to protect independent producers, wholesalers, and retailers and prevent anti-competitive behavior.\n\n· Encourage cannabis research by:\n\nRequiring the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study and report on metrics that may be impacted by cannabis legalization.\n\nRequiring the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct or support research on the impacts of cannabis.\n\nRequiring the VA to carry out a series of clinical trials studying the effects of medical cannabis on the health outcomes of veterans diagnosed with chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder.\n\nRequiring the Bureau of Labor Statistics to regularly compile and publicize data on the demographics of business owners and employees in the cannabis industry.\n\nEstablishing grants to build up cannabis research capacity at institutions of higher education, with a particular focus on minority-serving institutions and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.\n\n· Prioritize restorative and economic justice by:\n\nUsing federal tax revenue to fund an Opportunity Trust Fund to reinvest in communities and individuals most harmed by the failed War on Drugs.\n\nEstablishing a Cannabis Justice Office at the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs.\n\nEstablishing a grant program to provide funding to help minimize barriers to cannabis licensing and employment for individuals adversely impacted by the War on Drugs.\n\nEstablishing expedited FDA review of drugs containing cannabis manufactured by small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.\n\nDirecting the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a grant program to provide communities whose residents have been disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs with additional funding to address the housing, economic, and community development needs of such residents.\n\nInitiating automatic expungement of federal nonviolent cannabis offenses and allowing an individual currently serving time in federal prison for a nonviolent cannabis offense to petition a court for resentencing.\n\nDisallowing the denial of any benefits or protections under immigration law to any noncitizen based on their use or possession of cannabis.\n\nPreventing discrimination in the provision of federal benefits against people who use cannabis.\n\n· Strengthen workers' rights by:\n\nRemoving unnecessary federal employee pre-employment and random drug testing for cannabis.\n\nEnsuring worker protections for those employed in the cannabis industry.\n\nEstablishing grants for community-based education, outreach, and enforcement of workers’ rights in the cannabis industry.\n\nThe Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\nRead a summary of the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C4C43C5E-1AFB-4ABF-9D76-D3E59FD9B8FA", "title": "Boozman, Gillibrand Introduce Bipartisan More Paid Leave for More Americans Act", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.boozman.senate.gov", "scraper": "boozman", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act, legislation to expand access to paid leave through an innovative state-driven, public-private partnership model while creating a national framework that empowers employers to administer this benefit efficiently across state lines.\n\nThe bill would authorize a three-year pilot program through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to help states, in partnership with private employers, offer paid family, caregiving or medical leave. It would also establish the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN) –– a working group of participating states to foster collaboration, reduce compliance burdens and create a standardized system for processing interstate claims.\n\n“As a former business owner, father of three daughters and Member of Congress, I have learned just how much there is to gain from expanding paid leave resources for working families. Our bipartisan, bicameral approach offers a flexible way for more states and employers to help fewer Americans face the dilemma between career progression and financial security or meeting theirs or a loved one’s needs. I am optimistic this model will spur wider adoption across the country and appreciated collaborating with my colleagues alongside passionate advocates to achieve meaningful progress that will support families and our economy,” said Boozman.\n\n“No American should have to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for a new baby, a sick parent, or their own health,” said Gillibrand. “The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act is a commonsense, bipartisan step toward solving a challenge facing millions of hardworking families. By empowering states to create robust paid parental, caregiving, and medical leave programs, this bill would help protect Americans’ financial security and allow them the flexibility to deal with life’s emergencies without sacrificing their income. I will fight to pass this bill through Congress and will continue working until every American has guaranteed access to paid family and medical leave.”\n\nCompanion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA).\n\n“After years of hard work and dedication, I am thrilled that my colleagues in the Senate have introduced companion legislation to my bipartisan bill, the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan House Paid Family Leave Working Group alongside Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, I have been proud to work across the aisle to advance practical solutions that support both families and businesses. As a mother myself, I understand the challenges parents face and the importance of ensuring they do not have to choose between caring for a newborn and earning a paycheck. We must continue this momentum and advance policies that address the real needs of America’s families,” Bice said.\n\n“Four years ago, when I founded the House Bipartisan Paid Leave Working Group with Rep. Bice, I did so with a simple goal: to find durable, bipartisan policy solutions that help American workers, businesses, and families gain access to paid family and medical leave. Today, I am proud that our bill, the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act, now has a Senate companion, and I applaud Senators Boozman and Gillibrand for their leadership and partnership in advancing this effort. For more than three decades, roughly three in four American workers have lacked access to paid leave. We have a real opportunity to help states build programs that change that reality. Today, we've charted a clear bipartisan, bicameral path forward, and I urge House and Senate leadership to seize this opportunity and finally deliver paid leave for more American families,” Houlahan said.\n\nRoughly one-quarter of American workers currently have access to employer-provided paid family leave benefits. Disparities among state paid leave policies also create compliance challenges for employers operating in multiple states. Currently, 14 states and the District of Columbia have enacted mandatory paid leave laws.\n\nThis bipartisan legislation addresses a significant coverage gap by encouraging states and private companies to adopt or expand scalable, sustainable access to paid leave benefits.\n\nUnder the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act, eligible states would be awarded grants to implement their paid leave program and participate in I-PLAN. The programs must provide at least six weeks of paid leave and replace at least 67 percent of wages while capping the benefit at 150 percent of the state’s average weekly wage rate. The bill instructs DOL to prioritize states that do not currently have an established paid leave program, emphasize paid family leave, participate in I-PLAN and have a lower percentage of the working population with access to paid leave benefits.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by Engage: Promoting Women’s Economic Security, AARP, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Action, Third Way, Chamber of Mothers and Patriot Voices.\n\n“Engage celebrates the work of Senator John Boozman and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand with the introduction of the Senate companion of the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act. The legislation incentivizes the public and private sectors to work together responsibly and address the unique challenges facing caregivers. This is meaningful bipartisan governing at its best,” said Engage Founder Rachel Pearson.\n\n“The introduction of the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act in the Senate marks a pivotal moment for working families across America. This bill cuts through the confusing patchwork of state-paid family and medical leave laws, making it easier for workers to access these benefits when they need them most. Too many Americans lack access to paid leave. While more than 70 percent of young children live in households where both parents work, only 27 percent of employers offer paid leave benefits. This bill helps more families access this necessary support, which is why BPC Action applauds Sens. John Boozman (R-AR) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) for their leadership. We also commend the House and Senate Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Groups for the collaboration that made this milestone possible,” said BPC Action President Michele Stockwell.\n\n“We appreciate that your legislation recognizes and supports paid leave for life’s major events, including caring for a loved one. America is at a watershed moment, with 10,000 Americans turning 65 a day, a workforce struggling to keep pace with demand, and an increasing number of family members taking care of loved ones as they age. Seventy percent of working-age caregivers, ages 18 to 64, work while also caregiving. Your legislation will help support both a strong economy and family well-being by better equipping workers with the tools they need to meet their responsibilities at home and at work,” said AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond.\n\nClick here to view text of the bill.\n\nClick here for a section-by-section summary.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-questions-acting-attorney-general-todd-blanche-during-his-confirmation-hearing/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Questions Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche During his Confirmation Hearing", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, participated in the confirmation hearing for Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve as Attorney General (AG) of the United States. During the hearing, Senator Britt honored the life and memory of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), discussed combating violent crime and supporting law enforcement, the mifepristone abortion pill, tackling the underage gambling crisis, and addressing elder financial fraud.\n\nSenator Britt began by addressing Acting AG Blanche’s commitment to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, and highlighted Democrat’s hypocrisy, saying, “I appreciate your commitment to all of the victims, the Epstein victims, your commitment to hear from them and fight for them. Thank you for saying that today. I only wish that my Democratic colleagues had that same level of conviction when it came to meeting with the families of those who have lost loved ones at the hands of illegal aliens … I can only hope that [Democrats] will answer the call and meet with their own constituencies who unfortunately have lost ones that they hold dear.”\n\nSenator Britt then praised the work the Department of Justice (DOJ) has done to address crime across the nation under Acting AG Blanche’s leadership: “I want to applaud the work that you and DOJ have done to reduce crime and violent crime across the country. We’ve heard it a number of times here today … in the chairman’s opening, to Senator Moody talking about it, to you talking about it. We currently have the lowest murder rate that we’ve had since 1900. When you’re looking at violent crime arrests, we are up 184%. This is real results. This is what you’re supposed to be doing, keeping Americans safe. We know that you’ve done that through a number of ways, tasks forces and joint operations, interagency cooperation … so we’re glad that our children are safer and that our communities are safer.”\n\nSenator Britt pointed to the success these task forces have had in Alabama, asking Acting AG Blanche, “Can you speak to the work of these task forces and the success that you’ve seen, and how you intend to build upon this work moving forward, if and when confirmed?”\n\nActing AG Blanche responded saying, “So the Homeland Security Task Force regime that we’ve set up in every single state and every single district in this country is designed to do … just what you were describing. So work not just with the federal government, not just DOJ, but to work with Department of Homeland Security, sheriffs, cops, local prosecutors, local law enforcement, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys to go into that community and eradicate it of human trafficking, drug dealers, narcoterrorism … and the results are evident in the statistics that we show.”\n\nIn her next line of questioning, Senator Britt honored the life and work of Senator Graham by discussing an issue they both care deeply about, protecting the lives of the unborn and the safety of mothers: “I want to take a brief moment, our distinguished and late colleague, Senator Graham, was excited about your nomination. He was passionate about many things which we saw here in this committee, just in amazing ways. One of the things that he was a champion of was the unborn, and that is a deeply held conviction that we both have. And I want to talk to you and address the issue of the chemical abortion drug that we have seen just spread coast to coast. As you know, pursuant to a Biden-era administrative action … there is no longer an in-person dispensing requirement in place for the drug, mifepristone. It allows it to literally be dispersed across state lines all across the country. We are losing children and we are putting women in harm’s way.”\n\nThe Senator then recounted the story of Jona Affholder, noting her attendance at the hearing, stating, “I know many people have read her story in recent news articles about her then boyfriend, now ex-boyfriend, a doctor, no less, actually forcing a crushed abortion pill into her mouth in the middle of the night, then taking her keys, holding her hostage so that she could not go get help. This is sick and twisted and must stop.” She then asked Blanche, “Can you commit to me today that this administration and DOJ will prioritize taking meaningful and thoughtful action to address the dangers that occurred in the current status quo to women all over this country?”\n\nBlanche voiced his commitment, saying “Absolutely, Senator. And it’s not only what the Department of Justice can do, but it’s what the FDA is doing right now, for the first time in a decade, actually doing real studies about the safety and the appropriateness of these drugs … I very much commit our resources to stopping this.”\n\nSenator Britt then shifted to the rising threat of illegal offshore gaming and the harmful effects on America’s youth: “I want to turn to an issue that I also raised with former Attorney General Bondi. And that’s illegal offshore gaming and the concern and the rise of illegal gaming amongst minors. In 2024, a study found that individuals who began gambling before the age of 18 are 50% more likely to develop an addiction to gambling. This has become a major issue among America’s youth, in particular America’s young men. Just last year in the Northern District of Alabama, we saw a case where ten men pleaded guilty to managing a sports betting operation and accepted over $2 billion in wagers via an offshore server located in Costa Rica. Senator Blumenthal and I have worked together on this issue and recently introduced the GAME Act, which would prohibit social media companies and advertising websites from targeting minors with sports betting advertising online. We also sent a letter to DOJ encouraging the department to use its existing statutory authorities to pursue injunctive relief and to block illegal offshore gaming operations. I want to tell you how much I appreciate the response. It was very substantive that I got to that letter. But can you also commit to me today that you’re going to make this issue a priority and take robust action to combat the reach of illegal gaming operations within the United States and then in particular, the targeting of minors through this?”\n\nBlanche responded with his commitment to continue to address this crisis.\n\nIn her final line of questioning, Senator Britt discussed preventing elder financial fraud and her bill, the GUARD Act, aimed at protecting the elderly from scammers and financial fraud: “As our society ages … it will continue to be a problem that we must take robust action to address, particularly given technological advances and other ways that this fraud is occurring. I introduced the GUARD Act with Senator Gillibrand, and it would allow state and local law enforcement agencies … to use certain federal grant funding to utilize [the] blockchain for investigating financial fraud. It would also permit federal law enforcement to assist state and local law enforcement with tracing tools for blockchain technology. I’m thrilled it was reported out of this committee by voice vote earlier this year. I know that DOJ has programs in place like [the] Elder Justice Initiative, but can you speak specifically to DOJ’s efforts with respect to elder financial fraud and the extent to which we will work to continue to make this a priority under your leadership and the importance of collaboration with state and local law enforcement officers as we work to bring justice to these people who have been abused?”\n\nBlanche responded, “Yes, Senator, we are very focused not only at main Justice, but at every U.S. Attorney’s office on protecting our elderly, who are absolutely victims of scams of any sort. And many of the scams are coming from overseas … and so we are we’ve, we’ve charged, I think, over 300 this year alone. We’ll keep on doing that, and it has been a priority, as it should be, and it will remain a priority of the Department to, to target these, these criminals again, many of whom are not even in this country, going after our senior citizens.”\n\nYou can watch the Senator’s full remarks here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senators-katie-britt-darline-graham-richard-blumenthal-jeanne-shaheen-roger-wicker-lead-bipartisan-group-of-62-senators-in-announcing-russia-sanctions-legislation-in-honor-of-u-s-senator-lin/", "title": "U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Darline Graham, Richard Blumenthal, Jeanne Shaheen, Roger Wicker Lead Bipartisan Group of 62 Senators in Announcing Russia Sanctions Legislation in Honor of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "‘[Lindsey] said that this would be the most consequential piece of legislation that he ever had an opportunity to get behind and get to the President’s desk…’\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Darline Graham (R-S.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and 57 of their bipartisan Senate colleagues today honored the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) by introducing legislation for which he secured White House support—the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026—to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine. This legislation has rapidly gained support and now has a group of 62 Senators who are committed to its passage.\n\nSenator Britt participates in a press conference on Tuesday, July 14, to honor Senator Lindsey Graham and discuss details of this legislation.\n\nSenator Lindsey Graham met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the effort last week at the 2026 NATO Summit and secured an agreement with the White House on Friday. Senators Graham and Blumenthal first introduced legislation in April 2025 to bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and have spent the last year building support for the effort in Congress and the Administration.\n\nSenator Britt said, “One of the many pillars of Senator Graham’s exemplary career of public service was his dedication to putting America’s national security first and promoting liberty around the world. It is an honor to help champion one of his highest priorities: imposing crushing sanctions to cripple Russia’s war machine and hold those fueling it accountable. Putin’s war against Ukraine has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, and it must end. Lindsey believed that getting this legislation passed and signed into law would be the most consequential thing he achieved in his career. I am sincerely grateful to Senators Darline Graham, Blumenthal, Shaheen, and Wicker for their continued leadership on this issue and, very importantly, for the support of President Trump and the White House—these sanctions will provide President Trump with a critical tool to hold Russia accountable and secure a lasting peace.”\n\n“Until the very day he passed, Lindsey remained focused on passing the Russia sanctions bill. Passing this legislation would honor my brother’s steadfast commitment to our national security and it would provide President Trump with additional leverage to bring this war to an end. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to President Trump’s desk,” said Senator Darline Graham.\n\n“Ukraine is at a critical crossroads — and we must meet this pivotal moment with a powerful sanctions bill. As Ukraine turns the tide on the battlefield, our Russia sanctions bill would be historically impactful in stopping Russia’s murderous slaughter,” said Senator Blumenthal. “When Senator Graham and I last spoke, he was absolutely exultant, calling from Kyiv with news that that President Trump would support this bill to impose scorching tariffs and sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil and stop them from fueling Putin’s war machine. Now is the time to push Russia toward peace. Ukraine is gaining net territory and reaching deep into Russia with its drones and missiles. Sanctions provide a path toward peace. Our bill is the product of lengthy, detailed, difficult bipartisan work, and now has broad bipartisan support. Passing this legislation right now would be a fitting tribute to Senator Graham’s fierce support for Ukraine’s freedom.”\n\n“Lindsey was a firm believer that the United States is a force for good around the world, and he worked tirelessly on this important effort,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune. “I’m proud to support this legislation that not only honors our friend and colleague, but will also promote peace by cutting off the funding fueling Russia’s war machine. I can’t think of a better way to honor his legacy.”\n\n“Russia is losing ground, it is suffering tens of thousands of casualties each month and Ukraine continues to bring the consequences of the war to the Kremlin’s doorstep through its deep strike campaign. Putin is in an incredibly precarious position both at home and on the battlefield. This legislation would level tough new sanctions on Russia and choke off key export markets for the energy it sells to fund its war machine. We must seize on the opportunity before us to finally exert economic pressure on the Kremlin and bring this war to a close,” said Senator Shaheen.\n\n“We should enact this bipartisan measure to exert maximum economic pressure on Putin’s war machine and help bring this unjust war to an end,” said Senator Wicker.\n\n“South Carolina lost a statesman, and I lost a friend. Lindsey Graham spent his time in the Senate reminding us that peace is protected by strength, and that America has a responsibility to stand up to dictators who threaten our allies, our interests, and the values we hold dear,” said Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott. “This legislation is a fitting way to honor Lindsey’s legacy: tough, principled, and focused on keeping America safe. Lindsey would be proud to see Republicans and Democrats come together in support of his and the President’s goal to end Moscow’s senseless war in Ukraine.”\n\nJoining Senators Britt, Graham, Blumenthal, Shaheen, and Wicker in introducing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 are Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.Dak.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Chair of the Senate Banking Committee Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), James Lankford (R-Okla.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.), John Hoeven (R-N.Dak.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Mike Rounds (R-S.Dak.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.Dak.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Angus King (I-Maine.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Adam Schiff (D-Cali.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).\n\nAt a press conference announcing the legislation, Senator Britt said, “I want to start by thanking Senators Blumenthal, Shaheen, Wicker, and Senator (Lindsey) Graham. The four of you have kept this moving. You’ve kept it going. You’ve gotten us to this point. But as we know, nobody has done more than Lindsey Graham. This is a moment … he’d love to see. (He) couldn’t believe we were all on one stage … He worked on this tirelessly, relentlessly … He knew it was the right thing to do, and he knew it was what we needed to do. I talked to him after he had spoken with President Trump, and he was overjoyed at talking and landing the plane in a place that we could all get behind, that would hold Putin accountable, and would allow us to move this through the Senate.\n\n“Senator Graham was larger than life in a number of ways. He was committed to putting America’s national security first. He was committed to us doing what we needed to do to keep people safe and to make sure we stood firmly on our values. Today, as we stand here, we remember him. We thank him for what he did to get us here. We thank all of his team for all that you did. We know Lindsey is looking down on this moment with a big smile. He said that this would be the most consequential piece of legislation that he ever had an opportunity to get behind and get to the President’s desk. Let’s not forget that, because he did a lot of big things, but this one, he believed would have the largest impact and would make the biggest difference. So, let’s do the right thing. Let’s hold Putin accountable and let’s honor Lindsey Graham as we move this forward.”\n\nThe Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Russian Shadow Fleet.\n\nThe legislation also directs the President to impose up to 100 percent tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the majority of Russian oil, gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The new text limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas or are among the top five facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion. The bill exempts countries whose Russian natural gas imports account for less than 15 percent of Russia’s total natural gas exports and that are taking significant steps to reduce those imports.\n\nYou can read the full text of the bill here and a one-pager on the bill here. The Senator’s full remarks can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ai-driven-program-blocking-wa-seniors-from-pain-relief-will-continue-after-republicans-vote-to-maintain-it", "title": "A.I.-Driven Program Blocking WA Seniors From Pain Relief Will Continue After Republicans Vote to Maintain It", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "A.I.-Driven Program Blocking WA Seniors From Pain Relief Will Continue After Republicans Vote to Maintain It\n\nIn floor speech after vote, Cantwell urges colleagues to “please get educated” after failure of resolution that could have halted WISeR, an A.I. pilot program blocking and delaying procedures for Medicare patients; WA seniors report going through multiple rounds of A.I.-driven denials while they suffer in pain waiting for treatment\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, legislation that could have halted an A.I. pilot program that has both delayed and denied doctor-prescribed treatments for Medicare patients in Washington failed after Republicans voted to continue to block seniors’ access to health care.\n\nAt the start of the year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) model across six states. In those states -- Arizona, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Ohio, Texas, and Washington – Medicare patients are subject to prior authorization requirements for 13 types of procedures or treatments. This means that a claim needs to run through an opaque A.I.-driven system that may deny it with no explanation – starting the whole process over again and setting the patient back weeks in the process. Moreover, although it is described as a pilot program, the Trump Administration plans to subject patients in these states to the WISeR model for six years.\n\nIn May, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution to overturn WISeR and halt the pilot program.\n\nToday, a vote to advance that joint resolution failed along party lines, 46-50. Sen. Cantwell delivered a speech on the Senate floor shortly after the vote concluded.\n\n“This model inserts a black box computer algorithm into the decisions that should be being made by a physician and the patient,” Sen. Cantwell said. “It puts a layer of bureaucracy between seniors and the care their doctors have recommended.”\n\nShe continued: “I'm asking my colleagues to please get educated on how devastating this can be for individual lives and ask yourselves if you believe in traditional Medicare and the doctor-patient relationship. If you do, I guarantee you we will force this administration to stop using this A.I. tool to deny care for our seniors.”\n\nVideo of Sen. Cantwell’s floor speech today is HERE; a transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks is HERE.\n\nA snapshot report released in April by Sen. Cantwell’s office included data from the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) showing that patients forced to deal with WISeR are waiting two to four times longer to get the care recommended by their doctors – from a previous average of around two weeks to the current average of four to eight weeks.\n\nIn their survey of three hospital systems with 16 hospital locations spanning across the State of Washington, WSHA heard directly from its members how WISeR has impacted care for Medicare patients since Jan. 1:\n\nAuthorization times for many medically necessary procedures have gotten longer (from about 2 weeks to 4-8 weeks)\n\nDelays mean patients are experiencing prolonged pain and reduced mobility, and some are turning to alternative treatment methods (For example: One of the most common procedures that now requires prior authorization under WISeR is an epidural steroid injection for back pain. Facing long approval delays and dealing with pain/limited mobility, some patients – who previously had no problem getting the procedure approved under Medicare – are now turning to opioids to help manage the pain)\n\nClaims are being sequenced based on authorization timing rather than clinical need\n\nDenials are often inconsistent with clinical criteria and lack clear reasoning\n\nBefore the vote, the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) released a statement in favor of the resolution:\n\n“The Washington State Medical Association strongly supports SJR 198 to overturn the CMS WISeR model. WISeR imposes a new layer of AI-driven prior authorization in traditional Medicare, creating unnecessary administrative burdens and delays that interfere with timely patient care. Medicare patients deserve access to medically necessary care without unnecessary barriers, and physicians should be able to focus on caring for their patients rather than navigating an unnecessary review process. We urge Congress to pass SJR 198 and protect access to care for Medicare beneficiaries.”\n\nSen. Cantwell grilled Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., about the WISeR rollout during a Finance Committee hearing in April. Video of their exchange isHERE; a transcript isHERE. Sen. Cantwell followed up the hearing with a letter to RFK Jr. demanding changes to the program. That letter can be read in full HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/at-roundtable-celebrating-john-lewis-legacy-cantwell-calls-out-trump-admin-attacks-on-vote-by-mail-we-will-not-be-intimidated", "title": "At Roundtable Celebrating John Lewis’ Legacy, Cantwell Calls Out Trump Admin Attacks on Vote-By-Mail: “We Will Not Be Intimidated.”", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "At Roundtable Celebrating John Lewis’ Legacy, Cantwell Calls Out Trump Admin Attacks on Vote-By-Mail: “We Will Not Be Intimidated.”\n\nNear anniversary of Rep. Lewis’ passing, faith leaders & voting rights advocates honor his legacy as a champion of free & fair elections; Forum held ahead of President Trump’s speech tonight, where he’s expected to once again challenge America’s free and fair elections\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during a roundtable forum with religious leaders, voting rights advocates, and her Senate colleagues to honor the life and legacy of Congressman John Lewis before tomorrow’s 6th anniversary of his passing, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell hammered on the Trump Administration’s ongoing attacks on vote-by-mail in the United States.\n\n“Who would have thought that at our 250th birthday, that is what we would have to deal with, but it is,” Sen. Cantwell said. “And there are people that don't want to move our country forward. They're trying to hold us back. I'm part of a task force with Senator Schumer, and many of you, to try to figure out how we're going to be ready to fight. Me personally, I am all in.”\n\nShe continued: “I'll be damned if I'm going to let them blow up ballot boxes in our state. When they blew up ballot boxes with bombs to discourage some of the most active Democratic areas from casting their vote, I went to Vancouver, Washington, and said, ‘We will not be intimidated.’ We have Republicans, and people who now are former Republicans, saying they will join the fight.”\n\nVideo of the full roundtable forum is HERE; a transcript and link to video of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks is HERE. Photos are HERE.\n\nSen. Cantwell has been a stalwart defender against overreach of the Trump administration into our elections, which has sought to impermissibly seize control of election administration from the states. Her other actions include:\n\nOn July 2, she sent a letter to the Postmaster General about the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) proposed illegal rule to implement President Trump’s March 31 executive order to interfere with vote-by-mail. Sen. Cantwell’s letter specifically noted the recent decisions of multiple federal courts that found Trump’s executive order unconstitutional and enjoined the USPS from implementing the proposed rule – including in a case brought by the NAACP – and demanded the USPS comply with those court orders.\n\nOn June 29, she celebrated the Supreme Court’s ruling in Watson v. Republican National Committee against an effort to stop states from counting mail-in ballots that are received after Election Day, even if they’ve been postmarked in time. The case, brought by the Republican National Committee, threatened the election administration practices of states like Washington.\n\nOn June 24, Sen. Cantwell co-sponsored the Right To Vote Act, legislation to create the first-ever affirmative federal voting rights guarantee for all eligible citizens.\n\nOn June 24, she also denounced President Trump’s announcement that he would not sign the 21st Century Road to Housing Act – an overwhelmingly popular, bipartisan bill that passed both the House and Senate earlier in the week to increase housing supply and bring down housing costs – until Congress passes the SAVE America Act. That legislation, which Trump has repeatedly demanded, would eliminate vote-by-mail and impose onerous new restrictions on voting and registering to vote. It would disenfranchise millions of Americans in the name of a voter fraud “crisis” that, even by the standards of the right-wing Heritage Foundation, straightforwardly does not exist. President Trump again demanded Congress pass the restrictive bill following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Watson v. Republican National Committee. Despite President Trump’s refusal to sign the bipartisan housing bill, it became law on July 11, since he failed to act on the bill within the time period prescribed by the Constitution after Congress sent him the legislation.\n\nOn June 23, she joined the entire Democratic Caucus in sending a letter to the USPS demanding it abandon attempts to restrict voting by mail called for by President Trump in his illegal and unconstitutional March 31 executive order attacking mail and absentee ballots.\n\nOn June 23, she also delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling out the Trump Administration’s war on mail-in voting as the latest frontier in a long history of voter disenfranchisement in the United States.\n\nOn June 17, she joined several of her Senate Democratic colleagues for a spotlight forum highlighting President Donald Trump’s illegal overreach into our free and fair elections.\n\nOn June 8, she joined 23 of her Senate colleagues in demanding answers over the Trump Administration’s decision to remove the most recent version of the Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual from the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) website without explanation.\n\nOn April 29, she was tapped by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to join a task force of senators defending our elections from interference.\n\nOn April 23, she joined colleagues in introducing the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act to protect the right to vote by mail and block President Trump’s illegal and unconstitutional March 31 executive order attacking mail and absentee ballots.\n\nOn April 22, she sent a letter to the USPS warning the agency against complying with the executive order, which would undermine mail-in voting.\n\nOn April 1, after the executive order on mail-in voting was announced, she issued a statement in opposition.\n\nOn March 18, she convened a group of current and former elected officials and representatives of nonpartisan voter advocacy groups for a virtual press conference on defending voter access. Video of that entire virtual press conference is HERE; video of Sen. Cantwell’s statement is HERE; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s statement is HERE.\n\nOn March 15, she issued a snapshot report showing that the SAVE America Act – the voter suppression bill President Trump has continued to demand Congress pass – would cost Washington state taxpayers more than $35 million this year alone.\n\nOn Feb. 24, Sen. Cantwell invited Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs as her guest to President Trump’s State of the Union address to draw attention to the issue.\n\nOn Feb. 20, she convened local leaders in Seattle for a press conference urging Washingtonians to fight back against these proposed new burdens to voting.\n\nOn Feb. 19, she gathered in Vancouver with the Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey and local chapter heads of the League of Women Voters and the NAACP for a press conference on how the SAVE America Act would disenfranchise voters.\n\nAlso on Feb. 19, she released a snapshot report showing who in Washington would face undue hurdles to voting if the SAVE America Act were signed into law. The report shows that certain populations – including people who live in rural areas, women who changed their name after marriage, and people who recently moved – would face additional, cumbersome burdens to prove their citizenship.\n\nOn Feb. 5, she appeared on MSNOW’s Morning Joe to push back against the Trump administration’s heightened efforts to interfere in state-run elections and collect private data on American voters. Video of Sen. Cantwell’s appearance is HERE; a transcript is HERE.\n\nOn Jan. 29, Sen. Cantwell joined Senate colleagues in a letter to then-Attorney General Pam Bondi, pushing DOJ to stop its unlawful pressure campaign to coerce dozens of states into providing the Trump Administration their voter rolls, which include voters’ personally identifiable information. DOJ has sued 24 states – including Washington state – and the District of Columbia demanding the personal information of their voters.\n\nOn Jan. 15, she joined Senate colleagues in a letter to USPS Postmaster General David Steiner raising concerns with recent developments affecting postmark practices. Right before the holiday season, USPS changed its postmark practices, which could have significant impacts on voters nationwide and in Washington state – including rural voters, military and overseas voters, and many others who rely on rely on the mail to safely and securely cast their ballot.\n\nOn Jan. 9, she joined 13 Senate colleagues in filing an amicus brief before the Supreme Court in the case Watson v. Republican National Committee. The case, brought by the Republican National Committee, threatened the election administration practices of states like Washington that permit mail ballots that are postmarked by Election Day to be counted when they are received within a certain number of days after Election Day.\n\nNext Article Previous Article", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-congratulates-bellevue-fentanyl-prevention-advocate-on-receiving-dea-award", "title": "Cantwell Congratulates Bellevue Fentanyl Prevention Advocate on Receiving DEA Award", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Congratulates Bellevue Fentanyl Prevention Advocate on Receiving DEA Award\n\nAgency recognized Washington mom as “one of America’s most effective voices in fentanyl prevention”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Terry Cole presented the Fentanyl Free America Prevention Award to Laura Lynch, a Bellevue mother who lost her teenage daughter, Brillion Lynch, to a fentanyl poisoning in April 2021, just days after her eighteenth birthday.\n\nIn the years since her daughter’s death, Laura Lynch has become an impactful advocate and delivered “One Pill Can Kill” presentations to more than 30,000 students in 20 schools across Washington state. Laura has also advocated for fentanyl prevention with youth organizations, parents, and civic leaders, and has visited multiple times with U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to work toward strong federal legislation to protect families from fentanyl.\n\n“Congratulations to Laura Lynch for receiving DEA’s Fentanyl Free America award for Excellence in Prevention. Laura’s decision to transform personal grief into prevention education and policy advocacy will help countless families. Our work at the federal level including developing legislation is made possible by unwavering advocates like Laura,” Sen. Cantwell said.\n\nSen. Cantwell has collaborated with Laura Lynch to develop additional federal action, including how to crack down on local dealers using social media to sell dangerous and potentially deadly counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl to unsuspecting young people. In 2023 and 2024, Sen. Cantwell also traveled across the State of Washington to 10 communities -- Tacoma, Everett, Tri-Cities, Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver, Port Angeles, Walla Walla, Yakima, and Longview – hearing from people on the front lines of the fentanyl crisis, including first responders, law enforcement, health care providers, and people with firsthand experience of fentanyl addiction.\n\nSen. Cantwell has since used what she heard and learned from Laura Lynch and people across the state to craft and champion specific bipartisan legislative solutions, including bills to expand a Washington state-developed, low-barrier fentanyl treatment pilot program across the United States; provide tools and resources to help states, local governments, law enforcement, and tribes respond to the opioid crisis in communities that need them most; crack down on the trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs, like fentanyl, using the U.S. transportation network; fight money laundering that supports and enables traffickers; and direct actions to fight new and emerging threats as the opioid crisis evolves, like xylazine and others.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-response-to-trumps-prime-time-speech-attacking-election-integrity", "title": "Cantwell Response to Trump’s Prime Time Speech Attacking Election Integrity", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Response to Trump’s Prime Time Speech Attacking Election Integrity\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – This evening, President Donald Trump delivered a prime time speech from the White House during which he baselessly attacked the integrity of elections in the United States.\n\nU.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement:\n\n“The President is wrong. Washington State’s universal vote-by-mail system is safe and secure and so was the 2020 election. Ask Mike Pence.\n\n“The question now is whether Congress continues to allow President Trump to undermine the Constitution, state law, and Americans’ right to cast their votes, or whether Congress will stand up and stop Homeland Security's unauthorized attempt to throw Americans off of the voting rolls.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-vote-against-annual-defense-policy-bill", "title": "Cantwell Statement on Vote Against Annual Defense Policy Bill", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Statement on Vote Against Annual Defense Policy Bill\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) voted against advancing the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an annual defense policy bill, on the grounds that it would give President Trump enormous leeway in pursuing his illegal war with Iran and fail to impose necessary guardrails on his willingness to send the military into U.S. cities.\n\nShe issued the following statement:", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-legislation-to-provide-employment-assistance-to-spouses-of-veterans-who-died-by-suicide/", "title": "Cassidy Introduces Legislation to Provide Employment Assistance to Spouses of Veterans who Died by Suicide", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "scraper": "cassidy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001075", "name": "Bill Cassidy", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today introduced the Veteran Suicide Spousal Career Services Act to ensure spouses of veterans who died by suicide because of a service-connected disability have access to career counseling and employment services.\n\n“When a veteran dies by suicide, the surviving spouse is left to rebuild a life after unimaginable loss. A steady job provides purpose, stability, and a path forward. This bill creates that opportunity,” said Dr. Cassidy.\n\nBackground", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-releases-letter-on-biddeford-shooting", "title": "Senator Collins Releases Letter on Biddeford Shooting", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins today responded to a letter from Governor Janet Mills about the Biddeford shooting involving ICE personnel. In the letter, Senator Collins reiterated her call for a thorough, full, and impartial investigation of the shooting by the independent Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), aided by the Department of Justice, which she has encouraged to work with local law enforcement in Maine.\n\nSenator Collins also detailed the legislative reforms she ensured were enacted in this year’s DHS appropriations process, including $20 million for body-worn cameras, a 17 percent increase in funding for the DHS OIG, and $2 million for de-escalation training.\n\nRead below or click here for the full letter text:\n\nDear Governor Mills:\n\nThank you for your July 15, 2026, letter in response to Monday’s fatal shooting in Biddeford involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel. I share your heartbreak for the people of Maine regarding this tragic shooting and agree that we need answers as to what transpired. This is why I, along with the entire Maine delegation, called for a thorough, full, and impartial investigation by the independent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) into the shooting. Senator King and I also wrote a letter to the Department of Justice requesting that it cooperate with state and local law enforcement to ensure that federal investigations into this shooting remain impartial and comprehensive.\n\nAs you may know, in January of this year the House and Senate Appropriations Committees reached a bipartisan agreement on a Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill. This bill included a number of accountability and transparency measures, such as additional funding for the DHS OIG, specific oversight of programs funded by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that I voted against, new de-escalation training requirements for ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, and Department-wide training for personnel on rights for the public to record encounters with ICE and CBP. After the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan negotiated bill, Democratic Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Patty Murray praised these reforms. In a stunning pivot, congressional Democrats walked away from their own negotiated reforms triggering a shutdown of DHS – the longest shutdown in federal government history.\n\nOver the ensuing eight weeks, the White House engaged Senate Democrats to try to negotiate additional meaningful legislative reforms. The White House offered congressional Democrats the following measures:\n\nProhibiting DHS from using appropriated funds, including OBBBA funds, to block or stage detention facilities during congressional oversight visits;\n\nRequiring the use of body-worn cameras for all DHS law enforcement personnel performing civil immigration enforcement duties and providing an additional $100 million to procure cameras (for a total of $120 million);\n\nProhibiting DHS from knowingly detaining and deporting U.S. citizens during civil immigration enforcement activities;\n\nProhibiting civil immigration enforcement operations within sensitive locations, including schools and hospitals;\n\nRequiring visible numerical identification for officers conducting civil immigration enforcement activities or engaging within the public;\n\nRequiring ICE to notify local law enforcement before conducting large-scale civil immigration enforcement operations;\n\nRequiring de-escalation and use of force training of ICE officers and agents; and\n\nRequiring detention standards of DHS facilities to revert to the previous Administration’s standards.\n\nYour letter highlights reforms similar to many of those that the White House proposed. Inexplicably, congressional Democrats rejected these reforms and instead chose to excise funding for ICE and U.S. Border Patrol from the annual appropriations process.\n\nDespite that decision, I worked hard to ensure that the final Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act retained many of the reforms that were negotiated in January. Included in the April law is $20 million for body-worn cameras, a seventeen percent increase in funding for the DHS OIG, and $2 million for de-escalation training. Unfortunately, the DHS shutdown delayed these reforms, and ICE is still waiting for the full deployment of the body-worn cameras and the completion of de-escalation training.\n\nNevertheless, the shootings this week, both in Maine and Texas, have raised serious questions and demand immediate action. This is why I have called for a halt in non-urgent traffic stops.\n\nWhile it is clear that ICE needs to improve its performance, it is important to remember that the work ICE does to protect our country goes far beyond immigration enforcement. ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is tasked with combating cartels, human trafficking, drug smuggling, child exploitation, forced labor, and more. Eliminating ICE would make our country less safe and endanger the lives and welfare of countless individuals.\n\nSincerely,\n\nSusan M. Collins\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-statement-on-president-trumps-oval-office-address/", "title": "Senator Coons statement on President Trump’s Oval Office address", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.coons.senate.gov", "scraper": "coons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001088", "name": "Christopher A. Coons", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) put out the following statement in response to President Trump’s prime time speech:\n\n“Tonight’s address from President Trump was a tantrum of sinister innuendo, conspiracy theories, and misdirection. Americans who tuned in tonight heard no new concrete or proven claims about foreign interference in our elections. There is unanimous agreement within the intelligence community that foreign adversaries did not succeed in interfering with the vote in the 2020 election. President Trump and his allies have filed dozens of lawsuits, launched countless investigations, and even sparked an insurrection to try to find voter fraud in the 2020 election. They have failed to do so every single time because none exists.\n\n“Unfortunately, these lies are no longer about one election President Trump lost six years ago. Since retaking the White House, President Trump has moved National Guard troops into our cities, repeatedly floated the possibility of deploying ICE agents at polling locations, and said the Postal Service won’t deliver mail-in ballots in states that don’t turn over sensitive information to his administration. Tonight’s speech is his latest effort to exert partisan control over the 2026 elections because he knows Republicans can’t win on their own record.\n\n“Should President Trump try to interfere in November’s election through illegal, un-American means, I believe he will fail. I will support every effort to defend our democracy, and I will not stop working to ensure every eligible vote will be counted.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-lankford-introduce-bill-to-help-unemployed-workers-start-small-businesses/", "title": "Senators Coons, Lankford introduce bill to help unemployed workers start small businesses", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.coons.senate.gov", "scraper": "coons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001088", "name": "Christopher A. Coons", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Jon Husted (R-Ohio) introduced the New Opportunities for Business Ownership and Self-Sufficiency (NO BOSS) Act today, legislation that would modernize the Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program so that laid off workers can more easily receive their normal unemployment insurance even while working full-time to start a new business.\n\nArtificial intelligence will likely reshape America’s economy and disrupt or displace jobs across many sectors. However, even as AI is expected to contribute to job losses, it will also lower barriers to entrepreneurship, making it easier than ever for workers to start a small business. The NO BOSS Act would ensure that workers experiencing a job transition don’t have to sacrifice their unemployment insurance payments to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.\n\nCurrent law allows states to operate SEA programs, which allow eligible unemployment insurance beneficiaries to continue receiving benefits while working full-time to launch a business rather than searching for traditional employment. However, outdated federal rules unnecessarily limit who can participate, leaving fewer workers with a meaningful opportunity to choose business ownership over traditional employment.\n\n“Every small business began with someone taking a chance on a new idea, and new AI tools will make it easier than ever to turn those ideas into business plans, sales, and storefronts,”said Senator Coons. “Americans shouldn’t have to choose between the safety net of unemployment benefits that they’ve paid into and the all-American opportunity to chase their entrepreneurial dream. As artificial intelligence reshapes the nature of work, this bill will help support American entrepreneurs, keep food on families’ tables, lift up small businesses, and keep our economy strong.”\n\n“If you lose your job, the government shouldn’t tell you the only way forward is to go work for somebody else. Some folks have a business idea they’ve been dreaming about for years, and losing a job might be the push to finally chase it. Right now, an outdated federal rule forces people on unemployment to spend their time applying for jobs they don’t want instead of building the business they do want. Our bill fixes that. If you’re willing to put in the work to start a business, hire your neighbors, and build something in your community, we should cheer you on, not stand in your way,” said Senator Lankford.\n\nThe NO BOSS Act would update the SEA program by:\n\nCreating new opportunities for unemployment insurance beneficiaries and encouraging small business formation\n\nEliminating the requirement that SEA beneficiaries must be “likely to exhaust benefits,” which implies the program can only be used by workers unlikely to find another job\n\nClarifying that developing a business plan and conducting market feasibility studies count as entrepreneurship work\n\nMaking it easier for more states to establish SEA programs modeled on the most successful state programs\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the Center for American Entrepreneurship, the Foundation for American Innovation, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, the R Street Institute, Shopify, Block, the Bipartisan Policy Center Action, and the Coalition to Protect America’s Small Sellers.\n\n“More Americans want to build something of their own than ever before, but too many can’t get past the cost and red tape of just starting. That’s the real shame, because 90% of entrepreneurs say they’d do it again if given the choice. The NO BOSS Act would tear down the hurdles standing between people and their ideas, making entrepreneurship a real choice for anyone, not just the ones who already have a safety net,” said Alexandra Clark, Shopify vice president of public affairs.\n\n“The American economy continues to evolve rapidly. According to our research on the Rise of the Modern Earner Economy, approximately a third of Americans – 117 million people – are now earning income from multiple sources, and a growing number of adults, especially younger, Gen Z workers, are seeking out opportunities to become independent entrepreneurs. At Block, we’re committed to understanding the needs of modern earners and creating tools to help underserved populations achieve success in today’s vibrant economy. We’re proud to support the bipartisan NO BOSS Act, as it’s a desperately needed step to help ensure federal policy keeps pace with changing realities for the American worker,” said Melissa Netram, US public policy and government affairs, Block.\n\n“New business filings and interest remain healthy, but Congress can help turn more of these entrepreneurial intentions into business launches by advancing practical reforms and measures that provide support to individuals through the transition period and time it takes to get a business off the ground. The NO BOSS Act provides such support,” said Karen Kerrigan, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council president & CEO.\n\n“Entrepreneurs and the new businesses they launch are disproportionately responsible for the innovations that drive economic growth and account for virtually all net new job creation,” said John Dearie, president of the Center for American Entrepreneurship. “The NO BOSS Act will improve and modernize UI by leveraging the power of entrepreneurship. The bill is a powerfully pro-innovation and pro-entrepreneurship reform to an important aspect of America’s employment policy apparatus. CAE thanks Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and James Lankford (R-OK) for their leadership and looks forward to working with them to ensure swift passage of the legislation.”\n\n“The NO BOSS Act is a commonsense proposal that empowers workers, improves our social safety net, and creates new opportunities. While self-employment rates and business start up rates remain lower than they were 30 years ago, the post-pandemic period has seen a movement towards more people pursuing their dreams and starting new businesses. This proposal can help the nation continue this positive momentum. The R Street Institute is pleased to support it,” said Eli Lehrer, R Street Institute president.\n\n“It has never been easier for one person with a good idea to start a business – but outdated restrictions still stand in the way. The NO BOSS Act removes these obstacles so more Americans can work for themselves,” said Luke Hogg, Foundation for American Innovation senior fellow.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-praises-announcement-of-saronics-port-alpha-project-at-the-port-of-brownsville/", "title": "Cornyn Praises Announcement of Saronic’s Port Alpha Project at the Port of Brownsville", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement in response to Governor Abbott’s announcement that Saronic is investing more than $3 billion to build the Port Alpha Project at the Port of Brownsville:\n\n“As threats from foreign adversaries continue to grow, I’m glad that Saronic has made a historic national security investment in our state by expanding their Texas presence to the Port of Brownsville,” said Sen. Cornyn. “The Port Alpha Project will create up to 10,000 jobs in the Rio Grande Valley, strengthen our critical shipbuilding workforce, and grow the maritime industrial base along the Texas Gulf Coast. There is no better place to innovate than the Lone Star State, and I look forward to welcoming Saronic’s new facility to the Port soon.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-rosen-demand-thorough-investigation-of-uspss-failure-to-deliver-mail-ballots-from-lyon-and-douglas-counties/", "title": "Cortez Masto, Rosen Demand Thorough Investigation of USPS’s Failure to Deliver Mail Ballots from Lyon and Douglas Counties", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) sent a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner and United States Postal Service (USPS) Inspector General Tammy Hull demanding they thoroughly investigate a recent incident in which more than 30 mail ballots from Douglas and Lyon Counties were not counted after being inexplicably marked as undeliverable.\n\n“On July 6, 2026, weeks after the conclusion of Nevada’s June Primary election, the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office received an envelope from USPS’s Mail Recovery Center containing 32 completed individual ballots intended for the Lyon County Clerk/Treasurers’ Office. Similarly, on July 15, 2026, our Secretary of State’s Office received two mail ballots intended to be delivered to the Douglas County Clerk-Treasurer’s Office. Each ballot was inexplicably marked by USPS as undeliverable and, therefore, unable to be counted—despite being correctly addressed to their respective county clerk’s office and postmarked in a timely manner,” the Senators began.\n\n“Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy. Nevada’s universal mail ballots system makes voting more accessible and is popular across party lines in both rural and urban counties. Since 2022, over 80 percent of voters have used mail-in ballots in Nevada in a safe and secure way. Errors of this magnitude are incredibly rare, making USPS’s failure to deliver lawful and correctly addressed ballots even more disturbing,” they continued.\n\n“To ensure mail ballots in the upcoming midterm elections and in all future elections reach their destination, as is required by federal law, USPS must expedite their review of these incidents and publicize the results of their investigation. Accordingly, we request USPS brief our offices by August 17, 2026, about the investigation and the solutions the agency will implement to prevent future errors in Nevada and across the country. We also request USPS OIG to report to our offices as to whether an independent OIG investigation is appropriate no later than August 1, 2026,” they concluded.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here.\n\nSenators Cortez Masto and Rosen have consistently worked to ensure that all Nevadans can vote in the manner that works best for them, including voting by mail. Both Senators successfully fought to prevent USPS from relocating outgoing mail processing operations from Reno, Nevada to Sacramento, California, which would have jeopardized the on-time delivery of mail ballots. They are committed to continuing to protect Reno’s local mail processing operations. Both Senators have urged USPS not to implement President Turmp’s illegal executive order that would restrict voting by mail and have joined legislation to protect mail voting against executive overreach. Senator Cortez Masto has introduced legislation to bolster protections for rural mail processing operations.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-to-acting-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-director-vought-stop-picking-winners-and-losers/", "title": "Cortez Masto to Acting Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Vought: Stop Picking Winners and Losers", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) grilled Russ Vought, the Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), during a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs (BHUA) Committee hearing. The Senator asked him about protections for veterans and the politicization of federal agencies under President Trump.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto began by asking Acting Director Vought about CFPB’s protections for veterans, including those in Las Vegas:\n\n“I’m going to submit for the record [an 8 News Now Las Vegas story] where I have a military veteran who has a dispute with a mortgage lender. Unfortunately, he is not getting […] any response and support from the CFPB,” Senator Cortez Masto told Acting Director Vought.\n\n“Happy to take a look at it, Senator,” Acting Director Vought responded.\n\n“I want more than that. I want to know what you are actually doing for veterans. I want a [report] from the CFPB, your staff, what you are doing to help veterans,” Senator Cortez Masto insisted.\n\nAfter stalling, Acting Director Vought eventually committed to providing Senator Cortez Masto a report on the CFPB’s work to help veterans.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto then pushed Acting Director Vought to commit to follow the recently-passed bipartisan housing law:\n\n“Since you’ve been there as the Director of OMB, you have defunded programs and whole agencies. […] We have just passed a bipartisan, bicameral housing trust fund, housing fund to address the housing needs in this country. Your boss didn’t support it. Are you committed to sending the funds there when we appropriate those funds based on the bipartisan, bicameral law that we have passed?” Senator Cortez Masto asked.\n\n“We have every intention of apportioning all funds that have been appropriated,” Acting Director Vought replied.\n\n“Without any politics?” Senator Cortez Masto confirmed.\n\n“We are going to make sure it’s spent based on the priorities of this Administration,” Acting Director Vought responded, refusing to commit to following the law.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto discussed OMB’s delays in funding for the Hight Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) grant program as an example of his agency’s harmful and ineffective operations. Vought delayed the anti-drug trafficking program funding for so long that law enforcement faced cutting back their programs and staff, making communities across the country less safe.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto concluded with a firm rebuke of Acting Director Vought’s pattern of playing politics with federal programs designed to help Americans get ahead. “And all I ask is stop playing the games. Stop playing the games. Stop picking winners and losers!”\n\nThroughout President Trump’s second term in office, Senator Cortez Masto has used her position on key Senate committees to hold Administration officials accountable for their abuses of power. During Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearings, she has pressed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum about his plans to cut Bureau of Reclamation funding and conduct mass public lands selloffs. In Senate Finance Committee Hearings, she has grilled Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about health care price hikes and health care fraudsters being let off the hook. She has demanded that BHUA hold a hearing regarding Jeffrey Epstein’s use of the U.S. financial system to commit his heinous crimes.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-expand-employment-opportunities-for-disabled-arkansans", "title": "Cotton Introduces Bill to Expand Employment Opportunities for Disabled Arkansans", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cotton.senate.gov", "scraper": "cotton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001095", "name": "Tom Cotton", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nJuly 16, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Expand Employment Opportunities for Disabled Arkansans\n\nWashington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced legislation to expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities aged 18 years or older. The Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act would enable anyone over the age of 18 to participate in a 14(c) program.\n\n14(c) programs are meant to enable employment opportunities for disabled individuals who may not otherwise be hired at full wage. The current law, passed in 2014, creates a complicated, multi-step process that is often a significant barrier to entry.\n\n“Hard-working Arkansans shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get a job. My bill would remove obstacles for any disabled adult to participate in the 14(c) program,” said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act would:\n\nPermit individuals 18 years or older to participate in 14(c) programs.\n\nEstablish that 14(c) employers can employ individuals aged 18 years and older if they document that a state agency failed to provide counseling and referrals to potential workers.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/epa-awards-nearly-95-million-to-north-dakota-for-drinking-water-programs", "title": "EPA Awards Nearly $9.5 Million to North Dakota for Drinking Water Programs", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $9,457,000 to the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s Emerging Contaminants in Small and Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program.\n\nThe funding will support North Dakota’s efforts to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants in drinking water.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/incoming-chief-of-space-operations-solidifies-commitment-to-grand-forks-and-und", "title": "Incoming Chief of Space Operations Solidifies Commitment to Grand Forks and UND", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***Click hereto download video. Click here for audio.***\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) today considered the nomination of Lieutenant General Douglas Schiess to serve as the next Chief of Space Operations. If confirmed, Schiess, who previously served at Grand Forks Air Force Base from April 1993 to September 1995 in multiple missile operations roles, would become the third leader of U.S. Space Force, succeeding Gen. Chance Saltzman.\n\nDuring the hearing, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the SASC Airland Subcommittee and co-chair of the Senate Space Force Caucus, secured Schiess’ commitment to maintain the Space Force’s partnership with Grand Forks Air Force Base and the University of North Dakota (UND). They also discussed preserving the service’s rapid acquisition culture as the Space Development Agency (SDA) transitions to a new format under the Space Force.\n\nThis year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes $250 million for a new Space Force operations facility at Grand Forks Air Force Base, expanding the installation’s role in next-generation space missions. During the hearing, Cramer highlighted Grand Forks’ existing SDA operations center and airborne ISR mission, calling it a natural fit for the growing Space Force presence on the base. He explained how the move cements North Dakota’s strong partnership with the Space Force.\n\nAsked by Cramer whether he would continue the Space Force’s partnership with Grand Forks, Schiess agreed he would.\n\nThe discussion then turned to the future of the SDA following its integration into the Space Force. Cramer said while it wasn’t his ideas to include a provision in the NDAA eliminating SDA, he supports ensuring the Space Force maintains the speed and innovation which made SDA successful, particularly as responsibility shifts to the new Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs).\n\n“I'm confident because of the Space Force's vision that the new Portfolio Acquisition Executives will operate and function much like the Space Development Agency director, particularly as it aims to get the [low Earth orbit] constellation, the transport layer, utilizing spiral development,” said Cramer.\n\nCramer stressed the importance of maintaining the pace of innovation as Schiess assumes leadership.\n\n“Now you get to implement them, and I’d be interested in how you see that playing out,” Cramer said.\n\nSchiess called SDA an “incredible organization” and said the Space Force intends to carry its successful acquisition practices into the new structure.\n\n“What I would say in working with Secretary Meink and if confirmed, continuing to work with him, the Portfolio Acquisition Executives are trying to take all of the things that the SDA did correct and put those in all of the PAEs,” said Schiess. “Secretary Meink talks about giving 90% of contracting to them. What I would say to you, if confirmed, I promise you to continue to work that so that all of our PAEs take some of that capability to bring on fast systems.”\n\nCramer encouraged the Space Force to continue leading innovation across the joint force. Earlier in the hearing, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) said he was a skeptic about the Space Force at first and noted how Cramer was the principal sponsor of its creation. King noted how the Space Force is providing an essential part of the deterrent and the defense of the nation.\n\nCramer pointed to Schiess’ exchange with King about the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), when King sought reassurance the Space Force wouldn’t be duplicating with NRO.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-us-department-of-health-and-human-services-awards-2-million-to-north-dakota", "title": "Sen. Cramer: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Awards $2 Million to North Dakota", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $2,027,850 through the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to support two North Dakota recipients. The funding will expand access to substance use disorder treatment, strengthen prevention efforts, and improve mental health services across the state.\n\nThe funding will be distributed to the following recipients:", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-at-hearing-on-treasury-nominees", "title": "Crapo Statement at Hearing on Treasury Nominees", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at hearing to consider nominees for the U.S. Department of the Treasury.\n\nAs prepared for delivery:\n\n“Thank you to our nominees, Mr. Brooke, Ms. Browne, Dr. Kothari and Mr. McMaster for being here today.\n\n“Congratulations on your nominations and thank you for your willingness to serve.\n\n“This is an important and timely hearing for the Finance Committee. Less than two weeks ago, we marked the first anniversary of the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\n“Over the past year, the Treasury Department has worked expeditiously to implement the law’s signature policies and to provide historic tax relief for working-class Americans.\n\n“While each of you have been nominated for distinct roles, if confirmed, you will all oversee important work at Treasury to implement these and other policies, with the shared goal to promote domestic investment and boost economic growth.\n\n“We will first hear from Francis Brooke, who is nominated to be the Deputy Secretary of the Treasury.\n\n“The Deputy Secretary of the Treasury assists in the development of policies in all aspects of the Treasury Department's activities.\n\n“Mr. Brooke has an extensive record of public service, most recently as the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for International Trade and Development, as well as Policy Director to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and as a senior White House official during the first Trump Administration.\n\n“I am confident this extensive background in government service has prepared him to support Secretary Bessent in the execution of important Treasury priorities, including the ongoing implementation of the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\n“If confirmed, I look forward to working with him on promoting economic growth and delivering on historic tax relief for all Americans.\n\n“Next, we will hear from Erin Browne, who is nominated to serve as Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs.\n\n“If confirmed, Ms. Browne will manage a significant portfolio of international economic matters, including issues relating to global macroeconomic and financial developments, international financial regulation, and international trade and investment.\n\n“In addition, she will oversee U.S. participation in international financial institutions and working groups.\n\n“Given her background, she is well qualified to manage these issues.\n\n“Most recently, Ms. Browne was a managing director and portfolio manager at PIMCO, a global asset management firm. She has also held senior positions at UBS and Citigroup, among other firms.\n\n“If confirmed, I look forward to working with her to ensure American leadership in global markets.\n\n“We will then hear from S.P. Kothari, who is nominated to be Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy.\n\n“The Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy is the Department of the Treasury’s principal economist and advises on the economic effects of tax and budget policy.\n\n“Dr. Kothari’s robust experience in academia, government and industry has well prepared him to provide this critical advice.\n\n“Prior to his current government service, Dr. Kothari was the Gordon Y. Billard Professor of Accounting and Finance at MIT’s Sloan School of Management, where he also served as Deputy Dean and head of the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting.\n\n“From 2019 to 2021, Dr. Kothari served as Chief Economist and Director of the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.\n\n“Prior to his tenure at SEC, he also held several roles in the private sector. If confirmed, I am confident his expertise will serve him well at Treasury.\n\n“Finally, we will hear from Hunter McMaster, who is nominated to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Financial Markets.\n\n“The Assistant Secretary oversees a complex portfolio relating to financial markets, including the federal debt, government credit, and lending policies.\n\n“Mr. McMaster joins the government from the private sector, where he was previously Head of Trading at Key Square Group. He has also held positions at Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, where he focused on foreign exchange and interest rate markets.\n\n“Since last year, he has also served as Counselor to the Secretary as well as Director of Policy and Planning.\n\n“I look forward to working with him, if confirmed, on policies to preserve the integrity and stability of the U.S. financial system.\n\n“I want to thank all of our nominees again for their time.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/07/16/daines-emphasizes-need-for-crypto-tax-framework-in-senate-finance-committee-hearing/", "title": "Daines Emphasizes Need for Crypto Tax Framework in Senate Finance Committee hearing", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.daines.senate.gov", "scraper": "daines", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000618", "name": "Steve Daines", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today spoke with Francis Brooke, nominee to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, and Sriprakash Kothari, nominee to be Assistant Secretary of the Treasury in a Senate Finance committee hearing. They discussed the need for federal regulatory framework for digital assets.\n\nWatch Daines’ full remarks HERE.\n\nDaines discussed the need for crypto tax framework:\n\nDaines: Congratulations to each of the nominees here today, and thank you for the willingness to jump back in the arena and serve. In partnership with the administration, this Congress has taken historic steps to advance American leadership in digital assets. In fact, we’ve established the first federal regulatory framework for payment stablecoins through the Genius Act, and I remain hopeful that Congress will finish the work we started on digital asset market structure legislation. There’s a very important piece of the framework that is unfinished, and that’s the tax code. The current tax code forces taxpayers to apply rules written decades before blockchain technology even existed. Taxpayers deserve rules they can understand. The IRS deserves rules they can administer. And the American entrepreneurs deserve certainty that allows them to build their businesses here rather than overseas. My comprehensive digital asset tax framework that I’ve been developing over the past year would accomplish those goals. It is built around some commonsense principles. Reduce unnecessary complexity, increase compliance, protect the tax base, and keep digital asset jobs and the innovation here in the United States. This is not about giving digital assets special treatment. Where digital assets function like securities or commodities, my proposal applies familiar tax principles, including wash sale rules, constructive sale rules, and elective mark-to-market regime. Where blockchain technology creates genuinely different transactions, the proposal provides tailored rules for stablecoin payments, network fees, staking, lending, investment trusts, passive validation activity, and charitable contributions. Importantly, it pairs this commonsense relief with strong guardrails to prevent abuse. The administration has made clear that America should lead the digital asset economy. We need now, here in Congress, to finish the tax side of that ledger, of course, the jurisdiction here in the Finance Committee. Mr. Brooke, could you explain how a comprehensive framework that would reduce needless complexity apply traditional tax safeguards where appropriate and include strong anti-abuse rules could improve compliance while at the same time protecting the tax base?\n\nBrooke: We need to make sure that the United States is the leader, that we’re the ones setting the standards.\n\nDaines: Dr. Kothari, you’ve spent your career studying how government rules affect markets, affect capital formation, affect economic behavior. Could you tell us what the consequences might be for American competitiveness if Congress continues to leave digital asset taxpayers in businesses without clear and administrable tax rules?\n\nKothari: If the U.S. has to have maintained a leadership position in digital assets, digital currency, then we need a regime that is clear in terms of rules of engagement and also we have to enforce those laws.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/07/16/daines-in-senate-foreign-relations-committee-confirm-chris-anderson-as-u-s-ambassador-to-cambodia/", "title": "Daines in Senate Foreign Relations Committee: Confirm Chris Anderson as U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.daines.senate.gov", "scraper": "daines", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000618", "name": "Steve Daines", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today spoke in a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, where urged his colleagues to swiftly confirm Christopher Anderson, President Trump’s nominee to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia. Anderson has served on Daines’ staff for more than four years.\n\nWatch Daines’ full remarks HERE.\n\nDaines’ opening remarks:\n\nToday I have the honor of introducing Christopher Anderson, President Trump’s nominee for Ambassador to Cambodia. He hails from Barron, Wisconsin, a small town with a population of 3,000, where he tells me that there are more turkeys than people.\n\nAnd Chris is a lot of things. He is the husband to Jen, sitting right behind him, and father of Charlotte, the 13-month-old beautiful little girl in that beautiful dress. But he’s also my national security advisor on my team. He has served in my office for over four years, where he’s led on all things related to foreign policy, defense, intelligence, cybersecurity, export control, sanctions, and veterans’ affairs.\n\nChris’s long career in national security began in February 2009, when following graduation from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a degree in economics, he decided to enlist in the Army. He was deployed to Afghanistan, where he conducted route clearance and led men in combat environment.\n\nFollowing his service in uniform, Chris moved to Washington, D.C., where he got his first job here in the Senate, working for my colleague and his home state, Senator Ron Johnson. After two years with Senator Johnson, Chris moved over to Senator Bill Cassidy’s military legislative assistant, where he worked for three years.\n\nUpon President Trump’s election in 2017, Chris once again answered the call to serve and took a job as senior advisor to the secretary of VA, where he was responsible for the department’s relationship with Congress.\n\nChris then pursued a master’s degree in project management from Penn State University. I said this specifically for the chairman’s benefit prior to joining my team. I know the chairman now understands you’re an intelligent man going to Penn State.\n\nChris has extensive experience dealing with foreign governments, negotiating agreements, advancing legislation, and managing personnel. He’s been one of my most trusted advisors during a tumultuous period in world history, providing steady, insightful advice that has informed much of the work I have done, including here on this committee. He’s traveled extensively across the Indo-Pacific, understands the core issues facing U.S. interests in the region.\n\nHe sits before us today as an Army veteran. a seasoned foreign relations expert who has a decade of experience working with foreign governments, a committed professional who has spent the last 17 years working in the front lines of U.S. national security. Chris embodies truly the best of American public service, answering the call time and time again, who will serve in this position with honor, with integrity, and determination.\n\nHis vast experience and dogged commitment to American interests make him uniquely qualified to serve in this ambassador post. I spent a number of hours with Secretary Rubio on Monday as we were traveling from Montana back to Washington, D.C.. I spoke about Chris to the secretary, and he specifically said the important role that he will play in Cambodia, a very strategic part of our geography at the moment with a lot of needs for the right kind of leader there on the ground. I’m certain our country will be safer, more secure, and more prosperous with him in Cambodia. And we’re going to miss having him in my office. But I know my team is incredibly proud as I am and excited about Chris’s next chapter.\n\nDaines on U.S. relations in Southeast Asia:\n\nDaines: Mr. Anderson, because of the Trump administration and ASEAN’s collaboration last year, we saw a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia that stopped a bloody border clash. You alluded to that in your testimony. Looking at the future, how do you see regional partnerships and forums as a platform for closer U.S. relations and regional stability across Southeast Asia?\n\nAnderson: Thank you for that question, Senator, and thank you for the kind introduction. I think that’s a great question that honestly not only the U.S. but also our regional allies in the area are asking. Obviously, ASEAN is a significant regional partner, and I look forward to working with Ambassador Kim to really advance those priorities.\n\nDaines on U.S.-Cambodia security cooperations:\n\nDaines: Mr. Anderson, how do you foresee the future of U.S.-Cambodia security cooperation?\n\nAnderson: Thank you, sir. And I can’t emphasize that this is, again, a question that our allies, specifically Five Eyes countries, are asking about the region… I think the first part of answering your question is engagement, how to lean forward into conversations with the government, and then looking forward at how to pursue those partnerships in an incremental, measured way as we match it with productivity on increasing the U.S. bilateral ties seeing things move forward together, not just pushing an investment and then hoping for change on the back end.\n\nDaines on U.S. investments in Cambodia:\n\nDaines: U.S. investment in Cambodia, frankly, has been limited, especially when compared to its neighbors in Vietnam and Thailand. Economic ties have been so important, such a part of driving U.S. relations in Southeast Asia, but really we haven’t quite found major success yet where you’re headed. If confirmed to Cambodia, Mr. Anderson, can you talk a little bit about why the investment climate in Cambodia has historically been difficult, as well as how you would work to bring more U.S. business investment into the country?\n\nAnderson: Yes, thank you, sir. Top priorities for me, if confirmed, would be scam centers, economic and security cooperation, and regional frameworks.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-secures-key-priorities-to-expand-clean-water-for-illinois-families-in-committee-passed-water-resources-development-act", "title": "Duckworth Secures Key Priorities to Expand Clean Water for Illinois Families in Committee-Passed Water Resources Development Act", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), founding Co-Chair of the Senate’s first-ever Environmental Justice Caucus, successfully secured several key priorities that would expand access to clean, safe and reliable water for Illinois families in the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, which passed unanimously out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW). This bill builds upon multiple legacy programs from Senator Duckworth’s Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act (DWWIA) of 2021, which was signed into law as a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) that provided the single largest investment in American history to help repair and modernize our crumbling and dangerous water infrastructure. WRDA 2026 will now go onto the full Senate for consideration.\n\n“This bipartisan bill reaffirms the Senate’s commitment to a simple principle: safe, reliable drinking water is not a luxury—it’s a necessity that everyone deserves, no matter their zip code,” Duckworth said. “My Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was the single largest federal investment in our water infrastructure in history, cleaning up our nation’s drinking water supply and replacing lead pipes that have poisoned our communities for too long. But our work to deliver clean water for all is not finished. There’s more work to be done, and I’m proud several key priorities that I fought for were included in this year’s legislation that passed the Environment and Public Works Committee. While I’m disappointed the funding levels fall short, I will continue pushing my colleagues across the aisle to join us in further strengthening job-creating investments in water infrastructure, especially replacing dangerous lead service lines and addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS. Our children’s health and safety are too important to shortchange.”\n\nWRDA 2026 would reauthorize many of the critical funding programs under DWWIA, which will expire at the end of this year. These programs under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provide money to states and local governments for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and other water infrastructure projects. The bill would also authorize critical projects under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for flood risk management and mitigation, navigation, ecosystem restoration, emergency management, recreation and interagency support services.\n\nAdditionally, the bill would reauthorize numerous EPA programs championed by Duckworth that provide critical financing and funding tools to states—including Illinois—to upgrade water infrastructure, including grant programs, the State Revolving Funds (SRFs), lead reduction, technical assistance, wastewater treatment and stormwater management programs. It would also authorize projects and funding for USACE secured by Senators Duckworth and Durbin to continue the operation and construction of critical inland waterways, locks and dams, restoration projects and storm mitigation efforts across Illinois.\n\nWhile the bill would provide much-needed continued funding to address our nation’s aging water infrastructure, it would fall short of the significant funding levels included in DWWIA for lead service line replacement and remediation of emerging contaminants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These pollutants pose serious health risks to communities and families across the country, making continued federal investment a top priority for Congress.\n\nKey Duckworth priorities and Illinois provisions included in this year’s WRDA would:\n\nReauthorize the Clean Water and Drinking Water SRFs. This bill would reauthorize and increase funding for these two financing tools. The SRFs are the most significant investment the federal government provides on an annual basis to the states and is the most critical water infrastructure financing tool at EPA.\n\nCodify the Lead Service Line Replacement & Emerging Contaminants State Revolving Fund Accounts. This bill would codify the two accounts created by DWWIA under the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to help finance infrastructure projects for the removal and treatment of lead and emerging contaminants, like PFAS.\n\nReauthorize the Voluntary Schools and Child Care Facilities Lead Testing and Reduction Grant program. This bill would reauthorize this program, created by Duckworth to deliver funding and assistance to school and childcare facilities to test their drinking water for lead contamination and remediate it if detected, protecting our children from lead poisoning.\n\nReauthorize the Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Grant program. This bill would reauthorize this program that allows EPA to provide grants directly to states or municipalities for projects that remove lead contamination from drinking water, including through the replacement of lead service lines.\n\nReauthorize the Technical Assistance to Small Public Water Systems program. This bill would reauthorize this program that allows EPA to provide grants to non-profit organizations that provide critical technical assistance services to communities of fewer than 10,000 people.\n\nReauthorize the Assistance for Small and Disadvantaged Communities program. This bill would reauthorize this program for small, disadvantaged or underserved public water systems that need additional financial assistance from EPA to provide their residents access to clean, safe and reliable water.\n\nReauthorize the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants program. This bill would include reauthorization for this program that allows EPA to provide funding to states and municipalities for the planning, design or construction of sewer overflow or stormwater management projects.\n\nReauthorize the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. This bill would reauthorize WIFIA, which allows EPA to provide long-term, low- to no-interest loans to states and municipalities to cover up to 49 percent of a large water infrastructure projects or a bundle of multiple smaller projects.\n\nReauthorize the Emergency Grant program. This program reauthorization allows EPA to provide emergency funding to public water systems to alleviate threats to public health.\n\nRequire a Report on Project Partnership Agreements (PPAs). PPAs are a critical way in which non-federal partners can support the work of USACE and get projects done in their community. This provision would require the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate current regulations and identify ways that non-federal sponsor participation through PPAs can be more financially equitable for communities.\n\nSupport Nonstructural Flood Mitigation Projects. This provision would instruct the National Nonstructural Committee at USACE to work with stakeholders to enhance the use of nonstructural projects, like home elevations or voluntary buyouts, in flooding management projects to reduce the devastating impacts caused by flooding.\n\nIncreases Environmental Infrastructure Funding for Cook and Lake Counties. This bill would increase the project funding authority under Section 219 for Cook and Lake County from $149 million to $162 million.\n\nCreate New Environmental Infrastructure Funding for Rock Island County. This bill would create a new Section 219 authority for Rock Island County for $5 million.\n\nCreate New Environmental Infrastructure Funding for the City of Chicago. This bill would create a new Section 219 authority for the City of Chicago for $1 million.\n\nCreate New Environmental Infrastructure Funding for the City of Mattoon. This bill would create a new Section 219 authority for the City of Mattoon for $5 million.\n\nCreate New Environmental Infrastructure Funding for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. This bill would create a new Section 219 authority for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago for $5 million\n\nTransfer Land to America’s Central Port. This bill would provide the authority to transfer approximately 321 acres of USACE-owned land adjacent to America’s Central Port in Granite City to the Port.\n\nAllow Rend Lake Water Supply Contract Modification. This bill would allow the State of Illinois to modify a previous USACE contract for the storage of the public water supply in Rend Lake in order to save the state between $600,000 and $2 million every year.\n\nExclude New Tolling, Lockage or Other Fees on the Inland Waterway System. Our inland waterway system is critical to Illinois’ economy and agricultural sector. New fees would have restricted the financial viability of using the river to transport grain and other goods, which is, by far, the most fuel-efficient way to move large quantities of goods and reduces congestion on Illinois’ highway system.\n\nExpedite Chief’s Report for Flood Risk Management on the Upper Des Plaines River. The bill would instruct USACE to expedite the creation of a chief’s report, the first step in critical USACE infrastructure projects, for flood risk management projects on the Upper Des Plaines River in Cook, DuPage and Lake Counties.\n\nExpedite Completion of the Ecosystem Restoration Project in Quincy Bay. The bill would instruct USACE to expedite the completion of this project which aims to reduce water volume loss from siltation by performing critical dredging and constructing sediment management infrastructure.\n\nExpedite Dredged Material Management Plan for Calumet Harbor. The bill would instruct USACE to prioritize the completion of this plan that will help inform discussions regarding dredged material waste from the harbor.\n\n-30-\n\nPrevious Article", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-delivers-opening-statement-ahead-of-outside-witness-panel-for-president-trumps-nominee-to-be-attorney-general-todd-blanche", "title": "Durbin Delivers Opening Statement Ahead Of Outside Witness Panel For President Trump’s Nominee To Be Attorney General, Todd Blanche", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Durbin also introduced the Democratic witnesses: Liz Oyer and Dani Bensky\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement ahead of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s outside witness panel for the nomination of Todd Blanche, President Trump’s pick to be Attorney General of the United States. Durbin also introduced the Democratic witnesses: Liz Oyer and Dani Bensky.\n\nMs. Oyer served as the Justice Department Pardon Attorney, a nonpolitical position, until she was fired in March 2025 by then-Deputy AG Blanche for refusing to rubberstamp restoring gun ownership rights to Mel Gibson, a convicted domestic abuser.\n\nMs. Bensky is a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse whose name and intimate details of her abuse were included in the released files, despite multiple attempts to have the Justice Department redact her information.\n\nKey quotes from Durbin’s opening statement:\n\n“Yesterday’s hearing I can’t easily forget in this room. Because I asked a question of Mr. Todd Blanche about the opportunity he had to meet with victims of Jeffrey Epstein. I asked him the same question the night before in my office. And he said, ‘Oh I’ll meet with anybody to talk about this.’ So I thought it was an easy question. Will you meet with those who are here today, the 10 or 12 survivors of Jeffrey Epstein? And he said no. He would not meet with them… That is incredible.”\n\n“After the hearing, I met them. I will never forget that meeting… Try to imagine, if you will, one of these young women saying to me, ‘Jeffrey Epstein abused me when I was 13 years old’… 13 years old. Visualize in your own family a daughter or granddaughter 13 years of age who was a victim of this sexual predator. Should she at least have a moment with the Attorney General to tell her story? Is that too much to ask? Apparently it was.”\n\n“I don’t believe a single member of the United States Senate would vote for this nominee after meeting with these survivors.”\n\n“Secondly, let me tell you what. I guess I was born in a different era from this President and the people around him. But I kind of understood going into public life that if you wanted to get rich, this was the wrong job. You’re supposed to take this job to serve the public, make enough money to get by, but not get rich. How did the President do in the first year of his second term? $1.4 billion added to his income from… cryptocurrency.”\n\n“Why is that even relevant to this conversation? Because the President opposed the cryptocurrency idea for years, switched his position, and then Mr. Blanche changed the federal [approach to prosecution] for cryptocurrency [enforcement]… To lessen the regulation of an industry which generates [a] $1.4 billion windfall for the President of the United States and money for the person who was Acting Attorney General is just plain wrong—just plain wrong. All the excuses in the world don’t make a difference.”\n\n“And I’ll tell you, that one document that he signed [IRS immunity]… Imagine if you will if you’ve ever heard of this, the President, his family, and his businesses, because of the document signed by Todd Blanche, because of that have no liability for any tax crimes they ever committed before the date of that document. No criminal liability.”\n\n“Every single one of us in this room has to obey the law, that is the basics in a democracy like ours. And when it comes to tax crimes, the same applies. Now there is an exception in the eyes of Todd Blanche and that exception is the President of the United States, his family, and his businesses. That is just plain wrong. This man should not be Attorney General.”\n\nVideo of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.\n\nKey quotes from Durbin’s introduction of the Democratic witnesses:\n\n“The first minority witness is Dani Bensky. I met her yesterday. Ms. Bensky is a choreographer and dance educator. She is also a survivor of abuse by convicted sex traffickers Jeffrey Epstein to whom she was trafficked when she was 17 years old.”\n\n“Ms. Bensky will tell us how due to the carelessness of the Justice Department, graphic details of her abuse as well as her identity were released many times despite her efforts to redact her information. She says that, ‘she won’t stop fighting till the world is safer.’ I thank her for her courage.”\n\n“My second witness is Elizabeth Oyer… She was the Justice Department Pardon Attorney until March 2025. She oversaw the pardon office now run by the failed nominee and MAGA extremist Ed Martin. Prior to her service in the Justice Department, Ms. Oyer was an assistant federal public defender in Maryland and a litigation partner at Mayer Brown. She is a graduate of Harvard Law School and the illustrious Georgetown University.”\n\n“She will tell us how her former office has devolved into a pay-to-play operation with mega donors jumping ahead of legitimate pardon candidates often without proper vetting—the height of corruption.”\n\n“How do we know this? Ms. Oyer was fired by Mr. Blanche just days after he took office for refusing to restore gun ownership rights to one of the President’s personal friends, convicted domestic abuser and actor Mel Gibson.”\n\nVideo of Durbin’s introduction of Ms. Oyer and Ms. Bensky is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s introduction of Ms. Oyer and Ms. Bensky is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s introduction of Ms. Oyer and Ms. Bensky is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-questions-outside-witness-panel-for-president-trumps-nominee-to-be-attorney-general-todd-blanche", "title": "Durbin Questions Outside Witness Panel For President Trump’s Nominee To Be Attorney General, Todd Blanche", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – During today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned the outside witness panel for the nomination of Todd Blanche, President Trump’s pick to be Attorney General of the United States.\n\nDurbin began by offering his condolences to witness Jennifer Bos, a mother from Illinois whose daughter, Megan, went missing and was found dead on the property of an undocumented immigrant.\n\n“Ms. Bos, it breaks my heart to hear the story of you and the loss of your daughter. I just want to say my heart goes out to you and to your husband. Carrying on for her and for your granddaughter is the greatest tribute you can give her, I am sure,” Durbin said. “I am sorry you went through this terrible tragedy.”\n\nDurbin then asked Ms. Dani Bensky, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, whose name and details of her abuse were included in the released files despite multiple attempts to have the Justice Department redact them, about her attempts to notify the Justice Department about this breach of privacy.\n\n“Ms. Bensky, it is hard to imagine that this government kept publishing your personal information. Did anyone notify them of this breach of privacy?” Durbin asked.\n\nMs. Bensky said that they notified the Justice Department “immediately” and even before the document release happened. She noted that there were hundreds of victims that were exposed and outed by Blanche’s botched release of the Epstein files. She explained how survivors have lost their jobs, lost confidentiality, and lost privacy.\n\nDuring yesterday’s hearing, Durbin pressed Blanche on whether he would personally meet with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse within the next 30 days. Following Durbin’s repeated questions, Blanche would not commit to doing so. However, Blanche met with Ghislaine Maxwell for nine hours of meetings over two days in July 2025.\n\n“I don’t understand how this [Acting] Attorney General can find 48 hours to visit with Ghislane Maxwell, who has been prosecuted for sex trafficking, and can’t find 30 minutes to meet with the survivors of that sexual predator,” Durbin said.\n\nMs. Bensky said that it is “not for a lack of trying” and that “many of us in this room would be interested in meeting with him today, if we could.”\n\nDurbin continued, “I don’t think his name should be called on the floor of the United States Senate until he meets with you. That is not too much to ask. Set aside two hours, four hours, whatever it takes. So that there is clearly an effort by this government to get all the information and make a judgment as to what to do with it. But to shun you and to snub you at this point, there is something else going on here. Someone told me once in politics there is always a good reason, and then there is always a real reason. What is the real reason why Todd Blanche does not want to meet with the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein?”\n\nMs. Bensky responded, “It appears from the outside reputational harm. That is what I think is at the core of this. He prioritizes the reputation of the administration over survivors of sexual abuse and of crime survivors in this country.” Ms. Bensky concluded by asking that members of the Committee put politics aside when it comes to this issue and cross party lines for something so important.\n\nVideo of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-receives-national-retail-federations-2026-champion-of-main-street-award", "title": "Durbin Receives National Retail Federation’s 2026 Champion Of Main Street Award", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Durbin receives award in honor of his leadership addressing the high cost of debit and credit card interchange fees & efforts to curb organized retail crime\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), author of the Durbin Amendment and the Credit Card Competition Act, received the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) 2026 Champion of Main Street Award in honor of his leadership to address the high cost of debit and credit card interchange fees and his efforts to curb organized retail crime.\n\n“As Americans are struggling with the rising cost of everyday essentials, I’ve made it a priority in Congress to put money back in their pockets. One way we can start is by challenging outrageous interchange fees,” said Durbin. “Throughout these battles against the Big Banks, I have been fortunate to have organizations like the National Retail Federation in my corner. I’m honored to receive the 2026 Champion of Main Street Award and will continue to fight on behalf of merchants and consumers.”\n\nA photo of Durbin receiving the award can be found here.\n\nIn Congress, Durbin has made it a priority to protect consumers. The Durbin Amendment, which passed in 2010, addressed debit card interchange fees. The Durbin Amendment sought to reduce the billions of dollars per year in excessive debit interchange fees that were being charged to merchants, and which were borne ultimately by consumers in the form of higher retail prices.\n\nDurbin and U.S. Senator Roger Marshall’s (R-KS) Credit Card Competition Act would direct the Federal Reserve to ensure that the largest credit card-issuing banks offer a choice of at least two networks over which an electronic credit transaction may be processed. Today, Visa and Mastercard control about 85 percent of the credit card market and refuse to negotiate fair terms with Main Street merchants. Currently, the average American family pays nearly $1,200 per year in swipe fees, while banks profit $111.2 billion annually from swipe fees.\n\nDurbin and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy’s (R-LA) INFORM Consumers Act, which was signed into law in December 2022 and went into effect in June 2023, requires online marketplaces to collect, verify, and disclose certain information about high-volume third-party sellers who offer new or unused consumer products for sale on the platform. INFORM’s goal is to add more transparency to online transactions and deter criminals from acquiring stolen, counterfeit, or unsafe items and selling them through these marketplaces.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-cuts-red-tape-clears-the-way-for-disaster-recovery", "title": "Ernst Cuts Red Tape, Clears the Way for Disaster Recovery", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – After a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) rule change created barriers for Iowans trying to access natural disaster recovery tools, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) stepped in to ensure disaster victims can access key information on resources.\n\nWhen Iowa was hit hard by tornadoes and flooding in 2024, Ernst pressed for answers on the staggering lack of coordination and competence federal agencies displayed in their response. A recently released report she requested found over 95% of Small Business Administration (SBA) information distributed in Iowa was not updated to reflect FEMA rule changes, directly impacting Iowans’ success in applying for federal disaster resources.\n\nThe report lays out additional measures to cut through the red tape and ensure outreach materials distributed by the SBA in the future are consistent, updated, and clear.\n\n“Hardworking entrepreneurs who lose their livelihoods in a natural disaster have no time to spare when it comes to rebuilding and recovery. Timely and efficient access to federal resources can make the difference between a business that reopens its doors and one that has to close up shop,” said Senator Ernst. “Failing to provide disaster victims with updated information is yet another way Biden’s SBA left small business owners behind. I’m proud to be working with the Trump administration to correct this and ensure the next time disaster strikes, folks have the information they need.”\n\nBackground:\n\nWhile in the Iowa National Guard, Ernst deployed multiple times to help Iowans recover from devastating floods and has long worked to cut government red tape so disaster victims can better access the tools they need. Most notably, she called for a one-stop shop that connects America’s rural communities to federal resources, now known as the Rural Partnership Network, a direct line of communication that helps coordinate hundreds of rural-focused federal support programs. In response to wide-spread, severe natural disasters in Iowa during 2024, Ernst called for full resources to support those impacted. She visited the Iowa communities affected and met directly with local leaders and emergency response officials to support recovery efforts. She also conducted oversight of FEMA to ensure recovery efforts remain free from politicization.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-delivers-fraudsters-day-of-reckoning-to-the-senate-floor", "title": "Ernst Delivers Fraudsters’ Day of Reckoning to the Senate Floor", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate DOGE Caucus Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is forcing Washington to choose between fraudsters and taxpayers by bringing her Protecting American Taxpayers Act up for a vote.\n\nWhile Uncle Sam loses up to $521 billion in fraud a year, Ernst is leading the effort to develop a comprehensive anti-fraud package with her colleagues. The legislation is projected to save taxpayers $240 billion by preventing fraud before it occurs, recovering stolen funds, and holding criminals accountable.\n\n“The American taxpayer is not a piggy bank for fraudsters, and it’s time Washington started acting like it,” said Senator Ernst. “Criminals steal more than $1 billion from taxpayers every single day. My Protecting American Taxpayers Act cracks down on these schemes, stops fraud before it starts, and recovers stolen dollars. By putting this bill up for a vote, every senator will have the chance to prove whether they stand with taxpayers or criminals.”\n\n“Iowans are fed up with billions of taxpayer dollars being lost every year to waste, fraud and abuse,” said Senator Grassley. “As a watchdog for those taxpayers, I’ve helped lead the charge to stop brazen criminals from stealing Americans’ hard-earned money. That’s why I’m proud to join Senator Ernst in introducing this comprehensive legislation to crack down on fraudsters, protect taxpayer dollars and curb wasteful spending. Our bill, which includes my Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act, shows how Republicans are standing up for the rule of law and protecting the pocketbooks of working families.”\n\n\"Making the government more efficient isn't a partisan issue, it's an American issue,” said Senator Lankford. “Loopholes in the law let fraudsters get away with billions in COVID recovery payouts while forcing taxpayers to foot the bill. The Protecting American Taxpayers Act closes those loopholes, by clawing back more than $65 billion in unspent COVID funds to make sure COVID criminals do not escape accountability simply because the clock ran out. I have spent years documenting Washington's Federal Fumbles, and I am proud my Recover Fraudulent COVID Funds Act is included in this package. The decades of government waste must come to an end.\"\n\n“Congress must do more to protect innocent Americans who are being defrauded left and right while crooks and illegal migrants profit,” said Senator Cornyn. “I’m proud to join my colleagues on this package of legislation, which includes my VSAFE Act to protect veterans from scams, to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly, scammers are held accountable, and fraud is rooted out once and for all.”\n\n“Fraudsters are always looking for the next weak spot, and for years Washington has made their job far too easy,” said Senator Marshall. “President Trump has brought a renewed focus to rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse, and Congress should seize this opportunity to make those reforms permanent. I'm proud to work with Senator Ernst on this legislation and pleased that my WALZ Act is included in the package. Together, these reforms close the loopholes that have cost taxpayers billions and better protect the hard-earned dollars of Kansas families.”\n\n“Nebraskans are honest, trusting people. We expect others to behave the same way,” said Senator Ricketts. “However, too many fraudsters are stealing taxpayer money. Our bill will combat this fraud, waste, and abuse. It will protect American taxpayer dollars and ensure our programs serve only Americans who need them.”\n\n“Scammers are using deep fakes to impersonate victims’ family members to steal their money with the elderly being the most vulnerable. As fraudsters continue to scheme, we need to use every tool we have to stay ahead of scams and better protect innocent Americans,” said Senator Husted. “My bill—the Protecting Deep Fake Scams Act—would protect Ohio’s seniors, families and small business owners from malicious actors who take advantage of their compassion. I’m grateful for Senator Ernst’s leadership in cracking down on fraud and look forward to getting this package across the finish line.”\n\n“Thanks to the Trump Administration, we’ve learned in recent months just how rampant fraud is across our federal government,” said Senator Britt. “This legislation takes important steps not only to crack down on this fraud once and for all and hold fraudsters accountable, but also to protect hardworking taxpayer dollars. I’m thankful to Senator Ernst for her tireless leadership, and I’m proud to join her and many of my colleagues in our continued efforts to crack down on waste, fraud, and abuse.”\n\n“Hard-working Americans expect their tax dollars to be used responsibly,” said Senator Young. “Senator Ernst's Protecting American Taxpayers Act takes important steps to prevent waste, strengthen oversight, and hold bad actors accountable. I'm proud this package includes my Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters Act, which helps ensure fraudsters cannot exploit programs intended to support legitimate small businesses. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this package across the finish line.”\n\n“TANF is an important program that is unfortunately susceptible to fraud, which takes resources away from needy families who depend on the program,” said Senator Daines. “I am proud to work with Senator Ernst to strengthen this critical program and ensure that the tax dollars that help fund it help those most in need.”\n\n“The American people expect accountability when the government spends their hard-earned tax dollars,\" said Senator Cramer. \"Grifters have been defrauding Americans and taking advantage of lax oversight for far too long. Our Protecting American Taxpayers Act roots out waste, fraud, and abuse throughout the government and saves taxpayers billions.”\n\n“For decades, Washington’s failed welfare programs allowed fraudsters to rig the system and waste taxpayers’ hard earned money,” said Senator Moreno. “It is time for our DC Democrat colleagues to decide whether they stand with hardworking Americans or with the criminals who have exploited the system for far too long.”\n\n“When hardworking moms and dads lie down to sleep at night, they’re worried about the cost of living. Fraudsters worry about finding new ways to steal from taxpayers. I’m sick of watching these crooks game the system and so are the American people,” said Senator Kennedy. “I’m proud to support the Protecting American Taxpayers Actwhich will help stop the outrageous theft, protect taxpayer dollars and hold these criminals accountable.”\n\n\"The notion that American tax dollars have been used to bankroll the very terrorists who want to destroy our country is an insult to the warfighters who have put their lives on the line in defense of Western civilization and our way of life,” said Senator Sheehy. “My No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act ensures not a single tax dollar ends up in the hands of America's enemies, and I’m proud to see it included in this package.”\n\n“Democrats and the Biden regime let fraud run rampant, allowing criminal illegal aliens and fraudsters to take advantage of our systems and steal billions of dollars from law-abiding Americans. We are pulling the curtain back. The fraudsters and bad actors exploiting hardworking Americans will be held accountable,” said Senator Schmitt. “I am proud to cosponsor Senator Ernst’s anti-fraud package. This is a start, and the Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force looks forward to building off this work to take down organized fraud rings across the country.”\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by Americans for Prosperity (AFP), National Taxpayers Union (NTU), and Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW):\n\n“American taxpayers should be able to count on the federal government being careful with their hard-earned dollars instead of losing them to waste and theft. Congress can and must do better. Senator Ernst’s Protecting American Taxpayers Act pulls together a variety of her and colleagues’ proposals to start cleaning up the mess. We commend their commitment to cutting government waste and urge Congress to enact this package soon,” said Kurt Couchman, Senior Fellow in Fiscal Policy at Americans for Prosperity.\n\n“NTU is proud to support the Protecting American Taxpayers Act, sponsored by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA). This well crafted bundle of reforms is projected to save taxpayers $240 billion over 10 years by stopping fraud before it happens, requiring stronger tracking of federal spending, and tracking down past fraudulent Covid spending. We applaud Senator Ernst and the twelve original cosponsors of this bill, and urge all Senators to support its passage,” said David Timmons, Senior Policy Manager at the National Taxpayers Union.\n\n\"The Protecting American Taxpayers Act, S. 4378, combines 15 separate bills into a single piece of legislation that should be supported by every senator who believes taxpayer dollars should not be subject to waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement. S. 4378 would make it harder to steal the taxpayer’s money and easier to recover those funds after they are pilfered. It would extend the statute of limitations to recover funds stolen during Covid and increase the recovery and prevention of improper payments. The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste supports S. 4378 and encourages senators to vote for this comprehensive, sensible bill when it is considered by the Senate,” said Tom Schatz, President of the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste.\n\nErnst’s Protecting American Taxpayers Act includes 16 initiatives supported by both Democratic and Republican senators:\n\nTo recover wasteful funds:\n\nSenator Ernst’s Stop Fraud Before Payment Act and Senator Marshall’s WALZ Act require payments be made as reimbursements only after a service has been provided;\n\nSenator Young’s Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters Act prevents criminals convicted of defrauding the Small Business Administration from receiving future assistance;\n\nSenator Ernst’s Returning Unspent COVID Funds Act claws back unused COVID funds, which has totaled more than $65 billion;\n\nSenator Paul’s Bonuses for Cost-Cutters Act allows Inspectors General to pay out bonuses to employees who uncover fraud in government programs; and\n\nSenator Ricketts’ Improper Payments Transparency Act requires data on improper payments in the president’s annual budget request.\n\nTo protect taxpayer dollars:\n\nSenator Daines’ JOBS for Success Act increases accountability for employment outcomes through updates to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program;\n\nSenator Banks’ No Funding for Foreign Agents Act prohibits funds from going to countries under travel bans or arms embargos; and\n\nSenator Sheehy’s No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act discloses cash assistance in Afghanistan to prevent Taliban access.\n\nTo stop fraudsters and hold them accountable:\n\nSenator Husted’s Preventing Deep Fake Scams Act establishes a task force to combat deep fake scams;\n\nSenator Ernst’s SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act and Senator Lankford’s Recover Fraudulent COVID Funds Act extend the statutes of limitations to ensure criminals are caught and held accountable;\n\nSenator Ernst’s Fraud Alert Systems Act requires the U.S. Treasury to have a description of every payment and crosscheck it;\n\nSenator Moreno’s Stopping Transfers of Public Funds Abroad Act requires individuals who want to conduct international wire transfers to certify that they do not receive public assistance;\n\nSenator Cornyn’s VSAFE Act of 2025 provides consistent scam prevention guidance for veterans; and\n\nSenator Grassley’s Expanding Whistleblower Protection for Contractors Act of 2025 closes loopholes in whistleblower protection laws.\n\nRead the bill here and one pager here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-at-naleo-conference-when-latinos-are-strong-the-country-is-strong/", "title": "Gallego at NALEO Conference: When Latinos are strong, the country is strong.", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "LOS ANGELES – Today U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) addressed attendees at the NALEO 43rd Annual Conference.\n\n“This has been a very tough year for our community without a doubt. We have been targeted. They’re racially profiling us. They’re hunting Latino working class men in the streets of our country right now. But we know one thing: Latinos are tough. We have dealt with the hardest. We will deal with the hardest. And we will always come up on top because we are not afraid to push back. We’re not afraid to defend our community and our families,” said Senator Gallego. “And we as Latinos show dedication to this country each and every day. From the young men on military bases to the single moms starting a business, these are everyday forms of patriotism and resistance that we push back. And we as leaders know that standing up for our dignity, demanding economic fairness, and protecting our families is not in opposition to America. It is the most American thing we could be doing.”\n\nThis past year, Senator Gallego has also spoken at LULAC’s 2026 National Convention, UnidosUS’ Prosperity Forward Convening, and the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals’ 2026 Homeownership & Housing Policy Conference.\n\nSee below for excerpts from today’s speech.\n\nOn Latinos in the military: “When the right-wing extremists go out and say that Latinos are not Americans, they could not understand how further from the truth they are. I invite them to go to any military base in this country right now. Walk onto any base. Walk onto any Marine Corps base because what you’ll hear are Latinos speaking English, Spanish, English, English, dancing, working together, and stepping up to protect our freedoms.”\n\nOn recent ICE shootings: “Two men just working hard and living their lives and speaking Spanish. Think about that. Two men that were killed for being Latino men, for doing what Latino men do: waking up, going to work to fight for their family, to fight for their country, to fight for the American dream. And because of that, they were targeted.”\n\nOn racial profiling: “Justice Kavanaaugh wrote that it’s okay to racially profile if you speak Spanish. If speaking English with an accent is also okay, or working on a construction site, landscaping or agriculture. All according to our Supreme Court are reasonable suspicions that you do not belong here. If you had met Rubén Gallego 30 years ago, I would have met all those reasons to be racially profiled and many of you too. He called it common sense. Was it common sense to racially profile these working-class Latino men and kill them? I don’t think so. Was it common sense Joan Sebastian got killed in Maine? I don’t think so. Is it common sense for ICE agents to stop my nephews and my family in Chicago and Phoenix because they decided to speak Spanish once in a while? Because that is the world that we have right now. And it’s all because of this administration. They want us to live in fear. They want us to feel like we’re not Americans.”\n\nOn Latinos and the economy: “We are the hardest workers in this country. Our grit and our perseverance are what makes the American spirit all about. We make the American spirit. You can just look at the numbers. Latina women establish the most amount of small businesses at six times the national rate right now in this economy. Just imagine that we are the youngest, fastest growing population in this country, which means that an investment in our community is literally an investment in the United States. When Latinos are rich, the country is rich. When Latinos are strong, the country is strong. “", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-blumenthal-call-for-inspector-general-investigation-into-reports-blanche-office-shut-down-investigation-of-trump-pay-to-play-clemency-scheme/", "title": "Gallego, Blumenthal Call for Inspector General Investigation into Reports Blanche Office Shut Down Investigation of Trump Pay-To-Play Clemency Scheme", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote Acting Inspector General for the Department of Justice Sean O’Neill calling for an investigation into reports that Trump administration political appointees in the office of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche may have interfered in a Department of Justice investigation into a potentially corrupt clemency scheme.\n\nThe case involves President Trump’s commutation of a seven-year sentence that was being served by David Gentile, a private equity executive who was convicted of defrauding thousands of everyday investors—including many retirees. Trump’s grant of clemency not only released Gentile from prison, it also cost the government and victims more than $15.5 million in restitution.\n\n“Recent reporting indicates the office of then-Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche may have intervened to kill an investigation into improper payments related to President Trump’s commutation of the sentence of David Gentile, less than two weeks into his seven-year sentence for his role in a $1.6 billion scheme that defrauded thousands of everyday investors,” the senators wrote.\n\n“In light of Acting Attorney General Blanche’s refusal to answer questions on the matter, and the great importance of the fair and impartial administration of justice, we request that the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General investigate the decision to close the Eastern District of New York’s investigation into the circumstances sounding the commutation of David Gentile’s sentence.”\n\nThe full letter is available HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-energy-and-water-bills-advance-in-senate-committees/", "title": "Gallego Energy and Water Bills Advance in Senate Committees", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Two of Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)’s bills aimed at conserving Arizona’s water and boosting clean energy production received committee consideration today.\n\n“Arizona is facing historic drought conditions and soaring energy costs; we need innovative solutions to tackle these problems, and that’s exactly what my bills being considered today are about,” said Senator Gallego. “I’m glad to see both of them advance and look forward to continuing to work to see them become law.”\n\nLanguage from Senator Gallego’s bipartisan Water Infrastructure Modernization Act was included in the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, which passed out of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously this morning. The legislation would incentivize community water systems to purchase and implement new water technologies, including those that can monitor water loss and contamination in real time, integrate artificial intelligence, identify infrastructure failures, and promote aquifer recharge.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/passed-senate-unanimously-supports-gallego-resolution-disapproving-of-any-sam-bankman-fried-pardon/", "title": "PASSED: Senate Unanimously Supports Gallego Resolution Disapproving of Any Sam Bankman-Fried Pardon", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that Bankman-Fried should under no circumstances receive a presidential pardon\n\nWASHINGTON – Last night, the Senate unanimously passed Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)’s resolution expressing that convicted crypto fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried, the co-founder of FTX, should not receive a presidential pardon, commutation, or any other form of Federal clemency.\n\n“It should not be considered controversial to say that someone like Sam Bankman-Fried – a fraudster who was convicted by a unanimous jury – should not be allowed to walk away scot-free. That’s exactly what the Senate affirmed when they passed my resolution,” said Senator Gallego. “Bankman-Fried stole billions from hardworking Americans. He’s a criminal who deserves to stay locked up.”\n\nBankman-Fried, who co-founded FTX in 2019, was convicted by a unanimous jury in 2023 to a 25-year prison sentence for wire fraud, securities fraud, commodities fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and other counts. Federal prosecutors at the time described the collapse of FTX as “one of the biggest financial frauds in American history,” with American customers losing more than $8 billion in savings, investments, and livelihoods.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-boozman-introduce-landmark-bipartisan-bill-to-expand-paid-family-and-medical-leave/", "title": "Gillibrand, Boozman Introduce Landmark Bipartisan Bill To Expand Paid Family And Medical Leave", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and John Boozman (R-AR) introduced historic bipartisan legislation to expand Americans’ access to paid family and medical leave. The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act would establish a competitive grant program for states that provide a minimum of six weeks of parental, caregiving, or medical leave, and it would create an interstate working group to coordinate and harmonize paid leave benefits across participating states.\n\n“No American should have to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for a new baby, a sick parent, or their own health,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act is a commonsense, bipartisan step toward solving a challenge facing millions of hardworking families. By empowering states to create robust paid parental, caregiving, and medical leave programs, this bill would help protect Americans’ financial security and allow them the flexibility to deal with life’s emergencies without sacrificing their income. I will fight to pass this bill through Congress and will continue working until every American has guaranteed access to paid family and medical leave.”\n\n“As a former business owner, father of three daughters and Member of Congress, I have learned just how much there is to gain from expanding paid leave resources for working families,” said Senator Boozman. “Our bipartisan, bicameral approach offers a flexible way for more states and employers to help fewer Americans face the dilemma between career progression and financial security or meeting theirs or a loved one’s needs. I am optimistic this model will spur wider adoption across the country and appreciated collaborating with my colleagues alongside passionate advocates to achieve meaningful progress that will support families and our economy.”\n\nCurrently, nearly three-quarters of American workers do not have access to paid family leave. This means that millions of Americans are forced to make impossible choices between earning a living and caring for themselves or their loved ones in times of need, such as when they have a new baby, contract a serious illness, or have to care for an aging parent. A large body of research has shown that paid leaveimproves workers’ mental health, boosts employee retention and productivity, and spurs economic growth.\n\nThe More Paid Leave for More Americans Act encourages states to work together with private companies to adopt or expand scalable, sustainable access to paid leavebenefits.\n\nSpecifically, the bill would:\n\nEstablish a competitive three-year pilot grant program, administered by the Department of Labor, to states who enact a paid leave program meeting the following requirements:\n\nProvides a minimum of six weeks of leave for any qualifying reason (parental, medical, or caregiving)\n\nIs delivered by the state in partnership with a “private entity” such as an insurance company or benefits administrator\n\nProvides, depending on earnings, a minimum 50–67% wage replacement, with benefits capped at 150% of the state’s average weekly wage\n\nEstablish the Interstate Paid LeaveAction Network, or I-PLAN, to coordinate and harmonize paid leavebenefits across participating states. This would benefit employers, states, and employees by facilitating streamlined benefit delivery and reducing administrative burdens.\n\nStates would receive a conforming grant between $1.5 and $8 million annually to participate in “good faith” in the I-PLAN.\n\nStates would also separately be eligible for implementation grants of between $1.5 and $8 million annually to help with costs associated with aligning their state paid leave program with the I-PLAN requirements, including administrative costs, technology, staffing and training, and outreach.\n\nInstruct the Department of Labor to prioritize pilot program grants for states that do not currently have an established paid leave program, emphasize paid family leave, participate in I-PLAN, and have a lower percentage of the working population with access to paid leavebenefits.\n\nThe More Paid Leave for More Americans Act is endorsed by Engage: Promoting Women’s Economic Security, AARP, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Action, Third Way, Chamber of Mothers, the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality, and Patriot Voices. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA).\n\nSenator Gillibrand is the Senate’s foremost champion for paid family and medical leave. Since 2013, she has repeatedly introducedthe Family and Medical Insurance Leave(FAMILY) Act, which would establish a national program guaranteeing 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave for every American. In 2023, Senator Gillibrand ledthe establishment of a bipartisan, bicameral paid leave working group to generate ideas for a national paid leave policy.\n\nThe full text of the bill can be foundhere.\n\nA section-by-section summary of the bill can be foundhere.\n\nA one-pager on the bill can be foundhere.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-holds-virtual-press-conference-slamming-trump-administrations-dangerous-rollbacks-of-gun-safety-regulations/", "title": "Gillibrand Holds Virtual Press Conference Slamming Trump Administration’s Dangerous Rollbacks Of Gun Safety Regulations", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to slam the Trump administration’s dangerous rollbacks of gun safety regulations.\n\n“Earlier this month, devastating mass shootings turned Fourth of July celebrations in nine states into a series of tragedies. Instead of taking action to protect our families, the Trump administration is rolling back dozens of commonsense gun safety regulations that are designed to keep our streets safe,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Dismantling these protections is a direct surrender to the gun lobby at the expense of American lives. It’s absolutely unconscionable, and I am doing everything I can to fight back.”\n\nEarlier this month, the Trump administration announced that it is scrapping dozens of gun regulations enforced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, including those that aim to block illegal firearm sales, provide oversight of private weapons transactions, and keep guns away from people with a history of mental illness. Gillibrand discussed the danger that these rollbacks pose to New Yorkers.\n\nGillibrand also shared the latest prosecution and gun seizure statistics around her interstate gun trafficking ban, which was passed into law as part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022.\n\nAs of March 31, 2026, Gillibrand’s anti-gun trafficking statute has been used to charge 1,065 suspected gun traffickers nationwide, and more than 330 of those defendants have already been convicted. Additionally, over 6,000 guns have been seized by law enforcement as a result of these prosecutions, including more than 500 in New York State.\n\nThe seized weapons include:\n\n574 AR-15s and AR-style weapons;\n\n694 machine gun conversion devices, which can convert semi-automatic pistols and rifles into fully automatic weapons in under a minute;\n\n251 ghost guns, which are completely untraceable homemade firearms.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-republicans-voting-to-allow-ai-to-deny-medical-care-to-seniors/", "title": "Gillibrand Statement On Republicans Voting To Allow AI To Deny Medical Care To Seniors", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, after Republicans voted to block her legislation to end the Trump administration’s WISeR pilot program, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to deny seniors’ medical claims, Senate Aging Committee Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) released the following statement:\n\n“Allowing AI to continue to delay and deny seniors’ medical care is completely immoral and absolutely unacceptable. While Trump and Republicans focus on helping private insurers and big AI companies pad their profits, Democrats are committed to preventing unaccountable machines from blocking seniors’ access to timely medical care. I will not stop fighting until the WISeR model is abolished once and for all.”\n\nThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)’ WISeR (Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction) Model, which was implemented on January 1, 2026, allows private insurance companies to use AI tools to delay and deny care to seniors on Traditional Medicare across six states. Specifically, the WISeR model introduced prior authorization requirements into Traditional Medicare for the first time ever, letting AI decide what care patients receive even after their doctors recommend a particular procedure or medication. The third-party AI companies involved in the program are also compensated for “averted expenditures,” rewarding those companies based on the volume or cost of care they deny to seniors on Medicare. A recent report showed that the WISeR model has been catastrophic for seniors in the six states where it has been deployed so far.\n\nIn September 2025, Senator Gillibrand called on the Trump administration to halt its WISeR experiment, and she introduced legislation in December 2025 to block the program’s implementation. After the WISeR model went into effect earlier this year, she introduced the legislation that was voted on today, S.J.Res.198, to repeal it.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-trumps-primetime-waste-of-time/", "title": "Gillibrand Statement On Trump’s Primetime Waste of Time", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Watch Here.\n\nToday, ahead of President Trump’s “speech,” U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) – who will be spending all of Friday traveling across New York talking about grocery prices – released the following statement and video:\n\n“At a time when families are paying more for less under this administration, instead of focusing on improving their lives, the president is focused on his own dangerous delusions.\n\n“It’s a stark reminder of this administration’s priorities: while Americans worry about paying their bills, the president is still obsessing over an election he lost six years ago. Donald Trump lost the 2020 election. Fair and square. It’s time for him to get over it.\n\n“And make no mistake: he is already laying the groundwork to undermine our elections this November.\n\n“The president is out of touch and out of his depth. He came into office promising to lower costs, but he’s made everything more expensive.\n\n“His tariffs are a failure, forcing families to pay a hidden tax on everything from groceries to household essentials. His war in Iran is a disaster, sending gas prices skyrocketing. And his signature policy accomplishment? Stripping healthcare from millions of hardworking Americans, just to hand massive tax breaks to the wealthiest few.\n\n“Americans deserve real relief – lower prices, accessible healthcare, and a cost of living that doesn’t price them out of their own lives. That is what I am fighting for every single day. I only wish the president and Republicans would join Democrats in that work, instead of using the Oval Office to lie to the American people.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/senate-judiciary-committee-advances-five-federal-judges", "title": "Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Five Federal Judges", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Daniel Mack Traynor, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit, by a vote of 11-10.\n\nAngela Veronica Colmenero, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas, by a vote of 11-10.\n\nKasdin Miller Mitchell, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Texas, by a vote of 11-10.\n\nMichael C. Martin, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan, by a vote of 14-7.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-expands-postal-service-investigation-questions-retention-of-new-york-consultants/", "title": "Hawley Expands Postal Service Investigation, Questions Retention of New York Consultants", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.hawley.senate.gov", "scraper": "hawley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001089", "name": "Josh Hawley", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) expanded his investigation into the United States Postal Service (USPS) after Postmaster General David Steiner refused to provide answers for the terrible postal service in Missouri. Senator Hawley questioned USPS’ apparent retention of a New York consulting firm while Missourians’ mail delivery lags, despite Congress passing thePostal Service Reform Act in 2022 to equip the agency to rectify service issues.\n\nSenator Hawley wrote, “To date, my office has received no documents in compliance with my June 30 letter. Is it your intention simply to ignore statutory oversight? I expect full compliance with my oversight requests immediately. This letter is to inform you that my office is formally expanding its investigation to include the retention of outside consultants by the United States Postal Service (USPS) so Congress can evaluate whether postal service leadership is appropriately prioritizing service improvements.”\n\nHe questioned the Postal Service’s use of outside consultants, stating, “In a March 4, 2026 interview, you revealed that USPS had consulted with Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) for a ‘brief engagement to help with planning for all scenarios.’ I was surprised to learn that you have hired a New York-based management consulting company, which is known for corporate restructuring. You also emphasized that service and staffing cuts were a consideration in USPS’ efforts to mitigate its financial losses, arguing that ‘we must be prepared to do what we have to do because we cannot rely on outside forces.'”\n\nSenator Hawley also inquired about why postal service for Missourians has not been fixed since Congress passed the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, which was requested by postal service leadership at the time to improve operations.\n\nHe concluded, “It is surprising to me that as you complain about this monetary crisis, you and other USPS executives continue to rake in annual bonus packages and have found plenty of cash to hire these outside consultants like A&M—all while service declines and far too many Americans are not receiving their mail. If the Postal Service plans to address its losses through hiring A&M, then Congress must be apprised of the nature of the engagement and A&M’s recommendations to ensure that USPS service standards—such as universal service and rural delivery—do not continue to decline in any agency restructuring plan. ”\n\nRead Senator Hawley’s full letter here or below.\n\nSenator Hawley’s investigation looks into the ongoing mail service failures plaguing Missouri, alongside potential criminal activity in abandoned mail and the alarming distribution of lavish bonuses to U.S. Postal Service (USPS) executives. Read more about Senator Hawley’s investigation here.\n\nJuly 16, 2026\n\nPostmaster General Steiner\n\nUnited States Postal Service\n\n475 L’Enfant Plaza SW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20260\n\nDear Postmaster General Steiner,\n\nTo date, my office has received no documents in compliance with my June 30 letter. Is it your intention simply to ignore statutory oversight? I expect full compliance with my oversight requests immediately. This letter is to inform you that my office is formally expanding its investigation to include the retention of outside consultants by the United States Postal Service (USPS) so Congress can evaluate whether postal service leadership is appropriately prioritizing service improvements.\n\nIn a March 4, 2026 interview, you revealed that USPS had consulted with Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) for a “brief engagement to help with planning for all scenarios.” I was surprised to learn that you have hired a New York-based management consulting company, which is known for corporate restructuring. You also emphasized that service and staffing cuts were a consideration in USPS’ efforts to mitigate its financial losses, arguing that “we must be prepared to do what we have to do because we cannot rely on outside forces.”\n\nAs you know, USPS’s financial situation has become increasingly dire in recent years. The Postal Service has lost an estimated $25 billion over the last three fiscal years—an embarrassing achievement on top of internal projections that USPS would run a $17 billion deficit over that period. And this fiscal year alone, under your leadership, USPS projects a loss of at least $8.1 billion. This all comes after Congress passed the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, which was requested by postal service leadership to help stem these losses and guarantee universal service. Despite that legislation, nothing appears to have changed.\n\nIt is surprising to me that as you complain about this monetary crisis, you and other USPS executives continue to rake in annual bonus packages and have found plenty of cash to hire these outside consultants like A&M—all while service declines and far too many Americans are not receiving their mail. If the Postal Service plans to address its losses through hiring A&M, then Congress must be apprised of the nature of the engagement and A&M’s recommendations to ensure that USPS service standards—such as universal service and rural delivery—do not continue to decline in any agency restructuring plan.\n\nTherefore, I reiterate my request for you to provide the documents, communications, and written responses enumerated in my June 30 letter. I also request a response to the additional questions on the engagement of outside consultants by Friday, July 24, 2026.\n\n1. In addition to my questions and documents in my June 30 letter on the same subject, please also describe the process by which Alvarez & Marsal was retained by USPS, and who at USPS hired these consultants.\n\n2. Please describe, in the last 10 years, every contract or instance in which USPS has hired management consultants for the same purpose and how much they were paid over the term of the contract.\n\n3. How much has USPS budgeted for the retention of Alvarez and Marsal, how much have these consultants been paid already, and how much will they be paid over the terms of their contract?\n\n4. What precisely was Alvarez & Marsal instructed to produce as a deliverable per the terms of their engagement?\n\n5. Was Alvarez & Marsal instructed to find ways to cut costs at USPS? If so, were they instructed to investigate the closure of rural post offices or the restriction of rural delivery?\n\n6. Was Alvarez & Marsal instructed to investigate executive compensation? Have they identified executive compensation as a cost that can be cut?\n\n7. Are you planning to release any deliverables by Alvarez & Marsal to Congress and the public?\n\nSincerely,\n\nJosh Hawley\n\nUnited States Senator", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-introduces-legislation-and-grid-initiative-aimed-at-delivering-cheap-reliable-power-to-working-families-and-businesses", "title": "Heinrich Introduces Legislation and Grid Initiative Aimed at Delivering Cheap, Reliable Power to Working Families and Businesses", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced the Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act, which would require grid operators to establish a fast-track process for connecting new energy projects to the electric grid, reducing delays and easing congestion.\n\n\"As electricity demand grows, we need to find better, faster ways to add more affordable, reliable power to the grid,”said Heinrich. “Right now, unnecessary delays are slowing projects that could help lower energy costs and deliver the low-cost energy we need. My Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act creates a fast-track to connect new energy projects so we can meet growing demand, improve reliability, and help keep electricity costs down for families and businesses.”\n\nAcross the country, new energy projects are stuck waiting years to connect to the electric grid in what are known as “interconnection queues,” delaying the affordable, reliable power that families and businesses need. Today, more than 2,000 gigawatts (GW) of energy generation and storage — more than twice the nation's existing electric generation capacity — are waiting in interconnection queues, with projects spending more than five years on average waiting to connect and roughly five years before they begin operating. These delays are driven in part by outdated rules that make it harder and more expensive to bring new energy online. Since 2017, the average cost of connecting a project to the grid has nearly doubled, rising from $225 per kilowatt (kW) to $422 per kW. In the PJM region alone, bringing just 10 percent of the projects currently waiting in interconnection queues online would have saved customers an estimated $3.5 billion, or 22 percent. Moving projects through the interconnection process faster is one of the quickest ways to increase energy supply, strengthen grid reliability, and help lower electricity costs.\n\nThe Grid Connection and Management Act aims to speed up that process by requiring regional transmission organizations (RTOs) to establish a fast-track pathway for qualifying energy projects to connect to the grid. In exchange for moving through an expedited review process, participating projects would agree to reduce their electricity output when requested by grid operators to maintain reliability. By shortening study times and creating a more predictable interconnection process, the bill will help bring new, cheap energy online faster.\n\nThe introduction of the Grid Congestion and Management Act is part of Heinrich’s Grid for Growth initiative, a roadmap to modernize the nation’s electrical grid and bring new, affordable energy online. Grid for Growth is a plan to meet surging electricity demand without shifting costs onto consumers and complements Heinrich’s ongoing efforts to pass a bipartisan permitting reform bill — ensuring that new transmission lines and clean energy projects can be built to meet rising electricity demand.\n\nHeinrich’s Grid Congestion and Management Act is endorsed by GridLab, Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), RMI, and Electricity Customer Alliance.\n\n“We cannot build a modern, high-demand economy on an outdated interconnection framework. Transitioning to a 'connect and manage' model is a reliable, proven way to connect new energy resources quickly while managing congestion in real time. The energy-only provisions in the BASED Act represent a critical leap forward for U.S. grid policy,”said Ric O’Connell, Executive Director of GridLab.\n\n“Too many of the solar and storage projects that America needs to meet growing energy demand and keep costs down for families are sitting in years-long interconnection queues. The Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act takes a significant step toward updating our interconnection policies for today’s critical energy technologies. The solar and storage industry thanks Ranking Member Heinrich for championing policies like the Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act that will keep costs down for Americans and bring solar and storage projects online faster,” said Erin Duncan, Vice President of Congressional Affairs at the Solar Energy Industries Association.\n\n“Throughout most of the US, we are struggling to connect new electricity generators to our grid. The exception is Texas who has used their “connect and manage” approach to add more generation and load to their grid than any other region. Learning from the successful Texas approach, this bill brings a “connect & manage” option to the rest of the country without interfering with how those grids operate. BASED will increase competition and reduce power costs, benefitting rate payers and industry alike,” said Chaz Teplin, who leads Clean Competitive Grids team within RMI’s Carbon-Free Electricity program.\n\n“With electricity demand and prices continuing to rise, customers urgently need new power supply options and a grid that powers economic growth and affordability,” said Jeff Dennis, Executive Director of the Electricity Customer Alliance. “Reforming interconnection processes to speed the connection of low-cost, ready-to-go, generation resources that can safely and reliably add needed new electrons in short order will help put downward pressure on power prices and expand the options for economically serving new demands.\"\n\nGrid for Growth: A Three-Principle Plan\n\nThe first principle,Connect What’s Ready, Fast, focuses on clearing the interconnection backlog that is driving up energy costs. The second principle, Get More from the Grid, calls for optimizing the grid with new technologies, such as dynamic line ratings, power flow control, and topology optimization, which have been shown to raise the capacity of existing lines by 50%. The third principle,Build Big, Lower Costs for Everyone, ensures the largest new users, driven primarily by data centers, manufacturing, and electrification, fund the grid investments their growth requires, rather than passing it to ratepayers. Together, the principles inform policies that will connect ready projects faster, get more capacity from the grid we already have, and build big while keeping costs fair.\n\nHeinrich’s Leadership on Transmission and Grid Infrastructure\n\nHeinrich has long been one of the Senate’s leading advocates for expanding and modernizing America's electric grid. He has consistently pushed to build more high-voltage transmission, reform the permitting process for major transmission projects, strengthen interregional planning, reduce interconnection delays, and ensure the grid can reliably deliver cheap, American-made energy while supporting economic growth. For the last decade and a half, Heinrich has been a steadfast champion of SunZia, one of the largest energy infrastructure projects in the Western Hemisphere, shepherding the project through lengthy permitting processes for nearly two decades. The project, based in New Mexico, is now fully operational and is delivering up to 3,650 megawatts (MW) of energy across the Southwest.\n\nIn March, Heinrich organized a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing examining the state of America's electric grid and solutions to lower electricity costs. During the hearing, Heinrich highlighted the need to expand interregional transmission, reduce transmission congestion, accelerate interconnection of new generation, and modernize the grid to meet growing electricity demand driven by manufacturing, data centers, and electrification. He called for investing in a \"Grid for Growth\" to strengthen reliability while lowering costs for consumers.\n\nIn July 2024, Heinrich voted to advance the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The legislation incorporated several provisions Heinrich had championed, including his Interregional Transmission Planning Improvement Act, provisions based on his FASTER Act and his bipartisan Geothermal Energy Optimization (GEO) Act, which puts geothermal projects on an equal footing with oil and gas projects on public land and will help accelerate the adoption of geothermal energy nationwide.\n\nIn May 2024, Heinrich welcomed the Biden administration’s Federal-State Initiative to Bolster America’s Power Grid, which brought together 21 states, including New Mexico, to meet electricity demand while delivering reliable, affordable, and resilient power. The initiative supports deployment of grid-enhancing technologies and better coordination between federal and state governments on transmission planning.\n\nIn April 2024, Heinrich welcomed U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm to New Mexico to highlight how investments from recent landmark legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act created a clean energy manufacturing renaissance in communities like Albuquerque and Belén, N.M.\n\nIn June 2023, Heinrich introduced the Facilitating America's Siting of Transmission and Electric Reliability (FASTER) Act, landmark legislation to modernize the permitting process for major interregional transmission projects. The legislation would designate the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as the lead permitting agency for qualifying transmission projects, establish a predictable permitting timeline, strengthen coordination among federal agencies, encourage community benefit agreements, and invest in local communities hosting transmission infrastructure.\n\nAlso in 2023, Heinrich introduced the Interregional Transmission Planning Improvement Act, legislation to improve planning and cost allocation for multi-state transmission projects. The bill would give FERC greater authority to ensure the costs of new transmission are allocated fairly among states that benefit from new infrastructure, helping remove one of the largest barriers to building interregional transmission.\n\nIn 2023, Heinrich delivered a keynote address at the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) Policy Forum, where he laid out his vision for expanding America's transmission network and announced his legislative priorities to improve how the nation plans, permits, and pays for transmission infrastructure. Heinrich argued that transmission must become \"the central piece\" of America's clean energy strategy and emphasized that future projects cannot spend more than a decade navigating permitting processes like SunZia did.\n\nIn 2023, Heinrich also published an op-ed, \"The Backbone of Our Clean Energy Future,\" arguing that expanding transmission is essential to improving grid reliability, lowering energy costs, strengthening resilience during extreme weather, and fully utilizing America's domestic energy resources. In the piece, Heinrich called for faster permitting, new federal financing tools, and investment incentives for nationally significant transmission projects.\n\nA one-page factsheet of the bill is here.\n\nA section-by-section summary of the bill is here.\n\nThe full text of the bill is here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-leger-fernandez-lead-new-mexico-and-texas-democrats-to-introduce-legislation-reversing-rate-cuts-for-veterans-essential-homecare-services", "title": "Heinrich, Leger Fernández Lead New Mexico & Texas Democrats to Introduce Legislation Reversing Rate Cuts for Veterans’ Essential Homecare Services", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) led New Mexico and Texas congressional Democrats in introducing the Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act, legislation to reverse the Trump administration’s cuts to reimbursement rates for essential homecare services for veterans in New Mexico and Texas.\n\nAs of January 1, 2026, the reimbursement rate for veterans’ homecare services fell by nearly 20 percent in New Mexico and 43 percent in parts of Texas, which could result in homemaker and home health aide agency closures. Approximately 68,000 New Mexico veterans over the age of 65, in addition to many disabled veterans, rely on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare. Nationally, one in 10 of these veterans use at least one homecare service to maintain their independence and continue living in their own homes and communities.\n\nThe rate cuts come as the Trump administration is reportedly spending nearly $900 million a day on their war in Iran — putting their reckless war of choice above caring for veterans.\n\n“Homecare services are not luxuries. They are earned benefits that allow disabled and elderly veterans to remain in their homes and live with dignity,” said Heinrich. “The Trump administration has repeatedly refused to reverse its cuts to VA homecare reimbursement rates in New Mexico — denying veterans the care they have earned. It is insulting to New Mexico’s veterans that VA Secretary Collins refuses to even talk with me and my colleagues to defend these cuts. Meanwhile, veterans are struggling to pay for gas and groceries because of Trump’s war with Iran. It's bullshit. That’s why I’m introducing my Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act to reverse Trump’s harmful cuts, ensure veterans get the care they are owed and need, and require the VA to be transparent about any future reductions.”\n\n\"Our veterans kept their promise to our country. We must keep ours to them. These reckless reimbursement cuts are making it harder for disabled veterans to receive the in-home care they rely on for everyday tasks like getting out of bed, bathing, getting dressed, or preparing meals. When home health providers can't afford to serve veterans, veterans pay a steep price. Our bill restores those cuts, brings transparency to how these rates are set, and makes sure the VA can never quietly pull the rug out from under veterans and their caregivers again,\" said Leger Fernández.\n\nSpecifically, the Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act will reverse the reimbursement rate reductions that occurred in 2026 and require the VA to notify Congress of any future rate reductions.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Marc Veasey (D-Texas), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), and Al Green (D-Texas).\n\n“Our veterans and their families make the ultimate sacrifice to protect us – it’s our responsibility to make sure they’re cared for when they come home,” said Vasquez. “By cutting reimbursement rates for essential home healthcare services, this Administration is doing the opposite. These programs aren't a handout – they're earned. I’m proud to support this bill that would restore these benefits in New Mexico and make sure that our veterans get the support they need and deserve.”\n\n“Our veterans in New Mexico have answered the call to serve, and we have a responsibility to ensure they receive the care they deserve,” said Stansbury. “Slashing reimbursements for home-based care while this administration spends billions on an endless war betrays our nations promises to our veterans. The Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act will reverse these harmful cuts and help ensure our veterans can live with the dignity, independence, and support they deserve.\"\n\n“In South Texas, access to care means making sure veterans can receive the services they need where they live. Home-based care helps aging and disabled veterans stay safe, independent, and close to their families. This bill protects that care, supports the providers who deliver it, and ensures rural communities are not left behind,” said Cuellar.\n\n\"Home-based care is essential for disabled and elderly veterans in Texas's rural communities. Reversing the cuts to home health reimbursement will ensure that veterans with disabilities and serious health conditions can continue to receive the care they need. This is a necessity, not a luxury. Protecting these care options is crucial in making sure that our veteran communities can continue to live independently and with the support they deserve,\" said Veasey.\n\n“Our military heroes deserve good healthcare no matter their zip code,” said Castro. “The Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act would help make sure veterans living in rural areas receive the high-quality medical care they deserve. Congress should be making it easier for veterans to stay healthy, not harder. This bill will make VA care more accessible and timely.”\n\n“There are more than 50,000 veterans in South Texas, including 24,000 with service-connected disabilities; we need fewer barriers impeding access to health care, not more. Instead, this Administration does the opposite by hindering the VA’s ability to recruit and retain staff to operate rural homecare service programs and deliver our veterans the care they earned. With this bill, we will reverse a harmful one-size-fits-all approach that overlooks our smallest and most rural communities — and allow us to meet the individual needs of South Texas and beyond,” said Gonzalez.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the New Mexico Association for Home and Hospice Care, Texas Association for Home Care and Hospice, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Elizabeth Dole Foundation.\n\nThe full text of the bill is here.\n\nEarlier this year, Heinrich, Leger Fernández, Vasquez, Stansbury, and Cuellar sent a letter urging VA Secretary Doug Collins to reverse the Trump administration’s cuts to reimbursement rates for essential home healthcare services for veterans. VA Secretary Collins responded to the lawmakers’ letter, where he refused to reverse the cuts and asserted that the rate reductions reflected an agency assessment that rates in New Mexico and rural Texas exceeded “prevailing market rates.” Heinrich released a statement condemning VA Secretary Collins’ refusal to reverse the cuts, where he stated, “This is the kind of DC talk I am sick of...This money should be going directly to their care, which is why I plan to introduce legislation that reverses Trump’s cuts to homecare reimbursement rates in New Mexico and ensures veterans get the care they are owed.”\n\nHeinrich also met with veteran-serving healthcare providers to discuss the impacts of the Trump administration’s rate cuts for veterans’ essential homecare services.\n\nFor additional background on Heinrich’s efforts to support New Mexico veterans, click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-trumps-attempts-to-manufacture-distractions-from-his-war-with-iran-high-gas-prices-and-the-skyrocketing-cost-of-everyday-essentials", "title": "Heinrich Statement on Trump’s Attempts to Manufacture Distractions From His War With Iran, High Gas Prices, & the Skyrocketing Cost of Everyday Essentials", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement reacting to President Trump’s Oval Office address where the president attacked American elections and set the groundwork for denying the results of the 2026 midterm elections, instead of addressing his role in starting a costly war with Iran, causing higher gas prices, and skyrocketing the costs of everyday essentials.\n\n“Trump’s own Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency called the 2020 election ‘the most secure in American history’ and said there was no evidence that votes were changed or ‘flipped.’\n\n“Trump’s claims tonight aren’t about election security. They’re about a sore loser who refuses to accept responsibility for rising costs and a failing economy, trying to lay the groundwork for claiming the next election is rigged if he doesn't like the outcome.\n\n“Enough with the manufactured distractions, made up lies, and rewritten history. Lower costs.”\n\nThis week, Heinrich, a member and former Chairman of the U.S. Joint Economic Committee (JEC), released astatement reacting to a new report from JEC Democrats that finds that New Mexico workers will lose hundreds of dollars in 2026 from the combined impact of President Trump’s tariffs and Republicans’ Big, Bad Bill. The report finds that under Trump’s tax and tariff policies:\n\nSecurity guards will lose around $890\n\nHome health aides and nursing assistants will lose around $860\n\nRetail sales workers will lose around $800\n\nAssembly and manufacturing workers will lose around $580\n\nGrade school teachers and sheet metal workers will lose around $280\n\nFire fighters and truck drivers will lose around $270\n\nFor more information on Heinrich’s actions to hold President Trump accountable for his illegal, costly, and reckless war on Iran, click here.\n\nFor more information on Heinrich’s work to combat President Trump’s tariffs and lower the cost of groceries and everyday essentials, click here.\n\nFor more information on Heinrich’s work to lower energy costs for New Mexico families, click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nm-delegation-responds-to-trump-administration-actions-to-undo-chaco-canyon-protections", "title": "N.M. Delegation Responds to Trump Administration Actions to Undo Chaco Canyon Protections", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) released the following statement in response to the news that the Trump administration is proposing to fully revoke a 20-year mineral withdrawal that has protected public lands surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park, and only allowing 14 days for public comment.\n\n“Chaco Canyon is a living, breathing cultural landscape that is central to the identity of Tribes throughout New Mexico. The Trump administration has been abdicating its responsibility for meaningful and complete Tribal consultation and continues to railroad communities through arbitrary deadlines and rushed decision-making. Secretary Burgum has also not kept his commitment to sending an official with decision-making authority to conduct in-person, individual consultation with each interested tribe.\n\n“This decision also comes on the heels of President Trump’s administrative action to reverse years of Tribally-led efforts to protect sacred sites in Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. It is clear where his priorities lie, and it is not with New Mexico, and it is not with Tribes.\n\n“Proposing to fully revoke protections for Chaco Canyon and only allowing 14 days to comment on this development is wrong, shameful, and a slap in the face to Tribes. Now is the time to use your voices and speak up to protect Chaco Canyon from oil and gas drilling.”\n\nLocated in northwestern New Mexico, the Greater Chaco landscape is a region of great cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to many Pueblos and Tribes that contains living sacred sites. Chaco was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is one of only 24 such sites in the United States.\n\nThe New Mexico Congressional Delegation has worked tirelessly to permanently protect Chaco Canyon.\n\nIn April, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the House Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee, Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) submitted a comment letter to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) urging the Trump administration to reverse course on its decision to initiate the process to undo a 20-year mineral withdrawal that has kept public lands surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park off-limits to new oil and gas leasing. Earlier that month, the New Mexico delegation sent statements in opposition to the Trump administration only granting seven days to submit scoping comments.\n\nLast November, Heinrich, Luján, and Stansbury hosted a press conference with Pueblo leaders on the actions needed to permanently protect the landscape.\n\nLast September, the N.M. Delegation hosted a press conference in front of the U.S. Capitol with 20 Governors and leaders from the Santa Ana, Picuris, Cochiti, Zia, Tesuque, Acoma, Santo Domingo, and Laguna Pueblos to demand the Trump administration permanently protect Chaco Canyon, and to invite U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to visit the Greater Chaco landscape before deciding its fate. Watch the video of the full press conferencehere.\n\nIn June 2025, the N.M. Delegation sent a letter initially inviting Secretary Burgum to visit Chaco Canyon and engage directly with Tribal leaders and local communities to hear about the profound cultural and spiritual significance of this sacred landscape. Secretary Burgum issued the directive to begin revoking the Chaco protections without experiencing it firsthand. Following Secretary Burgum’s directive, the N.M. Delegation sent a letter urging the Trump administration to reverse course on its decision to initiate the process to fully revoke Chaco Canyon’s protections.\n\nIn April 2025, the N.M. Delegation reintroduced legislation to protect Chaco Canyon and the greater sacred landscape surrounding the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The legislation was led by Luján in the U.S. Senate and Leger Fernández in the U.S. House of Representatives.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-condemns-trumps-primetime-address-false-election-claims/", "title": "Hickenlooper Condemns Trump’s Primetime Address & False Election Claims", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the below statement following President Donald Trump’s primetime address where he continued spreading lies and misinformation about America’s free and fair elections:\n\n“President Trump is once again peddling conspiracies to distract from his failures and doubling down on his efforts to make it harder to vote,” said Hickenlooper. “As governor, we expanded Colorado’s mail-in voting system, which Democrats and Republicans trust because it’s convenient, safe, and secure. No matter how many lies Donald Trump, Tina Peters, or other election deniers tell, we’ll keep fighting to protect your right to vote.”\n\nHickenlooper has consistently fought back against Trump and MAGA Republicans’ voter suppression bill, the SAVE America Act, and stood up to their attacks on mail-in-voting, a proven safe and secure voting method. As governor, Hickenlooper created the gold-standard mail-in-voting system in the country, providing millions of Coloradans with easier access to the ballot box. Hickenlooper cosponsors several pieces of voting rights legislation, including the For the People Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and the Freedom to Vote Act.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-cramer-judge-dan-traynors-nomination-to-8th-circuit-approved-by-committee-moves-to-full-senate-for-consideration", "title": "Hoeven, Cramer: Judge Dan Traynor’s Nomination to 8th Circuit Approved by Committee, Moves to Full Senate for Consideration", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer today issued the following statements after U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor’s nomination to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The nomination now moves to the full Senate for consideration.\n\n“Judge Traynor has a long, impressive career in the legal profession and is well qualified to serve on the 8th Circuit, following his time as U.S. District Judge for North Dakota. We need judges like him serving in our federal courts. He has a record of impartiality and professionalism, while being committed to the rule of law. We appreciate our colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee for working with us to promptly advance his nomination, and we will continue working to secure his approval by the full Senate,” said Senator Hoeven.\n\n“I’m grateful the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Dan Traynor’s nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. I’ve known Dan for more than 30 years and, without a doubt, his legal experience, character, and judicial temperament will make him an outstanding appellate judge. I look forward to supporting his nomination on the Senate floor,” said Senator Cramer.\n\nHoeven and Cramer announced Traynor’s nomination in May and have been working with the White House to advance his nomination to fulfill a vacancy resulting from U.S. Circuit Judge Ralph Erickson assuming senior status.\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-marks-10th-anniversary-of-general-atomics-operations-at-grandsky", "title": "Hoeven Marks 10th Anniversary of General Atomics’ Operations at GrandSKY", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "EMERADO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement marking the 10th anniversary of General Atomics’ operations at GrandSKY:\n\n“We’ve built North Dakota into the premier location for unmanned aviation. As one of GrandSKY’s anchor tenants, General Atomics has been a tremendous partner in this effort, and we appreciate the company’s continued investment in our UAS ecosystem over these past 10 years,” said Hoeven. “When we first began working to establish our unmanned industry more than 20 years ago, GrandSKY was just an idea. Through years of collaboration and effort, we secured a lease to establish the technology and business park at the air base, and we got to work finding the right tenants to make this first-of-its-kind initiative a success. As we worked with General Atomics’ leadership, including CEO Linden Blue and President Dave Alexander, it was clear the company would be a natural fit. Today, we look back on how far we’ve our efforts have taken us and celebrate a decade of successful partnership.”\n\nFollowing his efforts to secure an enhanced use lease with the Air Force to establish GrandSKY, Hoeven played a key role in bringing anchor tenants, including General Atomics and Northrop Grumman, to the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) business and technology park. Hoeven held multiple meetings with General Atomics leadership, both in Washington, D.C. and North Dakota, in a bid to locate the company’s UAS training center in the Grand Forks area. Hoeven announced the original 10-year lease between GrandSKY and General Atomics in 2015, helped break ground on the facility later that year and marked its grand opening in 2017.\n\nSince that time, Hoeven has worked to expand the operations at GrandSKY, supporting General Atomics as it increased its presence and activities at the park, growing into a multi-mission hub for the company. This includes:\n\nTwo permanent hangars, a temporary hangar and two office facilities totaling more than 100,000 square feet.\n\nMore than 100 employees on site, supporting air systems training, flight testing and related operations.\n\nOut of its GrandSKY location, the company provides training to its military and federal partners, including the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and Customs and Border Protection.\n\nThe company also provides training for operators from nine international partners, including the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Belgium, Japan, Canada, Taiwan and Poland.\n\nApproximately 600 students per year receive training at GrandSKY through General Atomics’ courses.\n\nTesting and validation of beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, utilizing a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) waiver that Hoeven secured.\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-murkowski-introduce-legislation-to-boost-health-care-workforce-address-shortages", "title": "Kaine, Murkowski Introduce Legislation to Boost Health Care Workforce, Address Shortages", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, introduced the Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act, legislation to address health care workforce shortages across the country. The bill would help internationally educated health care professionals overcome common barriers to entering the health care workforce in the United States.\n\n“Everywhere I go in Virginia—especially in rural communities—I hear about health care workforce shortages. We should think creatively to address those shortages and ensure we’re tapping into all of the resources and talents of those in the United States,” said Kaine. “One way we can do this is by making it easier for people who were trained internationally and have significant experience to enter the health care workforce. I’m proud to introduce this bill that would help these professionals serve their communities.”\n\n“Many of our rural communities face significant obstacles to providing quality health care because of workforce shortages. This legislation would create opportunities for qualified health care professionals to help meet the needs of Alaskans,” said Murkowski. “These health care professionals have found a home in Alaska and are ready and willing to answer the call to serve their communities. It is a win for everyone when we recognize their value and welcome their expertise into our nation's health care workforce.”\n\nAccording to the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), over two million college-educated immigrants in the U.S. are either unemployed or underemployed, and approximately 270,000 of these individuals hold health-related degrees but are working below their level of training or are not working in health care. The Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act would help tap the talents of these individuals—who are living in the U.S. and legally able to work—and make it easier for them to enter the health care workforce at a level commensurate with their education, skills, and experiences.\n\nSpecifically, the Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act would create a grant program administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration to:\n\nSupport communities in developing local- and state-level partnerships between health care organizations, community-based organizations, higher education, and state and local governments to help connect internationally educated health care professionals with the resources they need to enter the health care workforce.\n\nAddress barriers internationally educated health care professionals trying to enter the health care workforce face by –\n\nAssisting with obtaining overseas academic or training records and providing support throughout the U.S. licensing and credentialing process.\n\nDeveloping work-readiness, peer support, mentoring, and culturally competent career counseling opportunities.\n\nEstablishing opportunities to complete necessary prerequisite courses, continuing education training, and English-language learning.\n\nSupporting growth opportunities to address classroom and clinical instructor shortages.\n\nGive priority to partnerships focused on supporting health care workers serving rural communities or filling a workforce shortage within a community.\n\nThe legislation is supported by: Advocates for Community Health, Afghan Cultural Society, American Geriatrics Society, American Health Care Association, American Public Health Association, American Seniors Housing Association, Americas Essential Hospitals, Arkansas United, Association of Clinicians for the Underserved, Association of Dental Support Organizations, Ballad Health, California Immigrants Resources Center, Chemeketa Community College, Federation of American Hospitals, Gerontological Society of America, Global Cleveland, IMPRINT Coalition, Intealth, International Institute of Buffalo, Jewish Family Service of San Diego, LeadingAge, Lifepoint Health, Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, Medicos Unidos Venezuela, National AHEC Organization, National Association for Geriatric Education, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, National Association of Indian Nurses of America, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, National Black Nurses Association, National Center for Assisted Living, National Immigration Forum, National League for Nursing, National Rural Health Association, National Skills Coalition, Pars Equality Center, Los Angeles, Philippine Nurses Association of America, Portland Refugee Support Group, Providence Public School, Restore Education, RUSA LGBTQ, Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning, Synergy Texas, Talent Beyond Boundaries, The International Medical Graduates Academy (TIMGA), The Welcoming Center, Tiyya Foundation, TruMerit, UnidosUS, Upwardly Global, US Together, Virginia Center for Assisted Living, Virginia Health Care Association, Virginia Rural Health Association, Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, Welcome Back Initiative, Welcoming City, and World Education Services.\n\nFull text of the legislation is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-announces-bipartisan-effort-to-increase-male-educators-and-mentors/", "title": "Kelly Announces Bipartisan Effort to Increase Male Educators and Mentors", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Bills strengthen paid teaching opportunities and national service programs to recruit more men\n\nToday, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly introduced a two-bill package—the Educators for America Act and the Building Community in America Act—to expand pathways for Americans to serve as teachers, mentors, and volunteers. The bills bolster paid teaching opportunities and national service programs to boost recruitment, with a focus on increasing the number of men participating. Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA-09) is leading companion legislation in the House, and Senator John Curtis (R-UT) is a cosponsor of the Building Community in America Act.\n\nThe legislation addresses teacher shortages, declining community engagement, and increasing concerns about loneliness and disconnection among young people. Men today make up just 23 percent of public-school teachers and 28 percent of AmeriCorps volunteers, despite the important role teachers, mentors, and volunteers play in young people’s development. These bills reflect the work of many organizations that have spent years highlighting these challenges and advancing practical, community-based solutions.\n\n“Every kid deserves positive role models, and every community is stronger when more people step up to serve,” said Kelly. “My years in the Navy taught me that service gives you purpose, responsibility and a stronger connection to your community. Right now, too many schools need teachers, and too many mentoring programs need volunteers. We need more men to become teachers, mentors, and volunteers. When more people serve, our kids and our communities are better off.”\n\n“At a time when too many young men feel lonely and isolated, we should be creating more opportunities to mentor, volunteer, and connect to a great purpose,” said Curtis. “By helping connect more young men to meaningful service and mentorship programs, our legislation will make our communities healthier, more resilient, and more connected.”\n\n“Boys in this country are struggling—in school, in work, and in life. Part of the reason is that so many of them are growing up without men showing up for them, as teachers, coaches, or mentors,” said Congressman Smith. “This legislation starts to fix that by getting more men into the classrooms and service programs where kids actually spend their time. I’m proud to lead this effort in the House.”\n\n“We need good men – mentors, leaders and role models – in our communities and in our classrooms. The best antidote to a bad man online is a good man in flesh and blood, in the lives of our boys. The declining share of men in K-12 teaching and in community organizations ought to be setting off alarm bells across the country. Sen. Kelly’s bills represent a serious effort to address this problem, and are the first of their kind. It is easy to talk about the importance of male role models. These bills actually do something to promote them,” said Richard V. Reeves President, American Institute for Boys and Men.\n\n“Connection is one of the strongest protective factors a young person can have. As the father of four boys, I know how important it is for young people to have caring adults who model respect, responsibility, and service. We appreciate Senator Kelly’s leadership in expanding opportunities for more men to become teachers, mentors, and volunteers and helping more young people build those meaningful relationships,” said Usiel Barrios, Director of Strategic Development at Amistades.\n\n“Every day, I have the privilege of helping young men find guidance, purpose, and hope for the future. When boys are surrounded by strong mentors and a community rooted in faith, service, and compassion, they grow into better men, fathers, leaders, and neighbors. We appreciate Senator Kelly for recognizing the importance of mentorship and service, and we’re grateful for his leadership on the Building Community in America Act. We look forward to continuing our work to strengthen families and our community,” said Pastor David L. Wade.\n\nThe legislation is also supported by the American Institute for Boys and Men, the National Education Association, the National Rural Education Association, the National Center for Teacher Residencies, and MENTOR.\n\nClick here to view the full list of supporting organizations and statements.\n\nBackground:\n\nAmerica’s schools and communities are facing shortages of teachers, mentors, and volunteers at a time when many young people report feeling increasingly isolated and disconnected. Men made up one-third of public-school teachers in the early 1980s but account for just 23 percent today. Only 17 percent of bachelor’s degrees in education are earned by men, and one in eight teaching positions nationwide is either vacant or filled by a non-fully certified teacher. Research suggests male teachers can have a positive impact on boys’ academic outcomes.\n\nCommunity engagement has also declined in recent decades. Research shows volunteering strengthens social connections, improves mental and physical health, and increases civic engagement, yet men represent just 28 percent of AmeriCorps volunteers. Boys also face longer waitlists for mentors, and one in four boys and young men lacks an adult male mentor they can rely on.\n\nThe Educators for America Act would:\n\nEnsure federally supported Teacher Quality Partnership residency programs prioritize the recruitment and selection of teacher candidates who are underrepresented in the profession, including men.\n\nStrengthen the teacher workforce by expanding pathways into the classroom through teacher residency programs, which allow aspiring teachers to earn while they learn.\n\nHelp schools recruit more educators while increasing access to positive role models for students.\n\nThe Building Community in America Act would:\n\nPrioritize national service programs that recruit and train underrepresented participants, including men.\n\nExpand opportunities to serve in youth mentoring, after-school programs, conservation, disaster response, public safety, violence interruption, reentry services, skilled trades, apprenticeships, and workforce development.\n\nStrengthen communities by encouraging more Americans to volunteer, mentor, and serve.\n\nClick here to read the full text of the Educators for America Act and here for a one-pager.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-arizona-democrats-demand-answers-on-measles-outbreak-in-arizona-ice-detention-centers/", "title": "Kelly, Arizona Democrats Demand Answers on Measles Outbreak in Arizona ICE Detention Centers", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "This week, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), alongside Representatives Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), and Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07), demanded answers from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director David Venturella regarding the latest, ongoing measles outbreak in Arizona ICE detention facilities. The letter is in response to the confirmed measles cases at the Florence Service Processing Center and the Central Arizona Florence Correctional Center.\n\n“Given the highly contagious nature of measles and the increased risk of transmission in congregate detention settings, this development raises serious questions about the adequacy of ICE’s infection prevention and containment measures,” wrotethe lawmakers.\n\nThis is the second reported measles outbreak at a detention facility in Florence this year.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers demand that more be done to prevent future outbreaks, emphasizing that DHS has a responsibility to protect all those in the facility, from detained individuals to personnel to the surrounding communities, from exposure to this highly contagious disease. The lawmakers request detailed information by July 20, 2026, on the Department’s response to the outbreak, including:\n\nThe steps being taken to contain the current outbreak and prevent further transmission;\n\nThe findings and recommendations from ICE’s after-action review following the January 2026 outbreak;\n\nInfection prevention and control measures currently in place at both facilities;\n\nMedical care and isolation protocols for individuals diagnosed with or exposed to measles; and\n\nThe Department’s plans to prevent future outbreaks of infectious disease in ICE detention facilities.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-shaped-bill-to-secure-arizonas-water-future-clears-committee/", "title": "Kelly-Shaped Bill to Secure Arizona’s Water Future Clears Committee", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously advanced the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA), legislation shaped by Arizona Senator Mark Kelly that strengthens Arizona’s water infrastructure, accelerates long-delayed projects, and supports rural and tribal communities across the state. As a senior member of the committee, Kelly secured provisions to help Arizona communities build water infrastructure projects more quickly, invest in drinking water and wastewater systems, expand water infrastructure for rural and tribal communities, improve wildfire and flood resilience, and authorize new investments in water infrastructure projects.\n\nAuthorized every two years, WRDA directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works Program, which supports flood control, ecosystem restoration, navigation, and water infrastructure projects nationwide. This year’s legislation also reauthorizes the Environmental Protection Agency’s Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure programs, ensuring continued federal investment in communities working to modernize aging water systems and improve access to clean, reliable water.\n\n“Arizona knows better than most that water isn’t something we can take for granted. As drought continues to strain the Colorado River and our communities keep growing, we have to make smart investments now to secure our water future,” said Kelly. “This bipartisan bill helps communities modernize aging water systems, build new infrastructure, protect families from floods and wildfires, and move long-delayed projects forward. These are practical solutions that will help Arizona become more resilient.”\n\nThrough Kelly’s leadership, WRDA 2026 includes major investments to modernize drinking water and wastewater infrastructure across Arizona while authorizing new projects that will strengthen water reliability, conserve scarce resources, and support growing communities.\n\nCity of Kingman Water Service Line Improvements: Authorizes $10 million to replace aging water service lines, strengthening the city’s water distribution system, conserving water resources, and supporting future growth.\n\nCity of Page Wastewater Treatment Facility: Increases the project’s authorization by $10 million, bringing the total authorization to $20 million to complete critical wastewater infrastructure improvements.\n\nCity of Tucson Southlands Recycled Water Loop: Increases authorization by $5 million, bringing the total authorization to $35 million to expand Tucson’s reclaimed water system, reducing reliance on groundwater and Colorado River water.\n\nSanta Cruz County Water and Wastewater Infrastructure: Authorizes $10 million to reconstruct aging water infrastructure and improve long-term system reliability.\n\nCity of Buckeye Central Reclaimed Water Line: Increases authorization by $8 million, bringing the total authorization to $20 million to construct a reclaimed water line that will conserve an estimated 2.5 million gallons of groundwater each day.\n\nAdditionally, the following pieces of legislation sponsored or co-led by Senator Kelly are included in the bill: the Community Water Project Acceleration Act, the Futureproofing Local Operations for Water Systems Act, the Advancing Water Research and Collaboration Act, the FIRE SMART Act, the Western Water Infrastructure Fairness Act, and the Wildfire Prevention and Recovery Act.\n\nSee below for a breakdown of key Arizona priorities Kelly secured in WRDA 2026:\n\nACCELERATING COMPLETION OF CRITICAL WATER PROJECTS\n\nKelly secured provisions directing the Army Corps of Engineers to accelerate or continue work on critical flood control, ecosystem restoration, and water infrastructure projects throughout Arizona.\n\nRio de Flag Flood Control Project (Flagstaff): Reauthorizes the project at its updated cost, allowing construction to move forward on the decades-long effort to protect Flagstaff from catastrophic flooding.\n\nRio Salado Oeste (Phoenix): Allows the Army Corps to complete the project’s feasibility study without delay, advancing restoration of nearly eight miles of the Salt River corridor.\n\nWinslow Levee Project (Winslow): Accelerates completion of flood protection improvements to remove the City of Winslow and surrounding communities from a flood plain.\n\nCave Buttes Dam (Scottsdale): Advances repairs to the Cave Buttes Dam, which protects protecting more than one million downstream residents and billions of dollars in property in Scottsdale and the East Valley.\n\nMcMicken Dam (Surprise): Expedites rehabilitation of the McMicken Dam flood control infrastructure protecting Luke Air Force Base and surrounding West Valley communities.\n\nAdditional Arizona projects supported in the WRDA 2026 bill include the Globe McCormick Wash Flood Control Project, Lower Santa Cruz River Flood Control Project, El Corazon Recreation and Ecosystem Restoration Project, Gila River Indian Community Renewable Energy Pilot Project, Navajo Nation Bird Springs Watershed Management Plan, and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community habitat restoration project.\n\nSTRENGTHENING WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS\n\nKelly secured provisions to expand federal support for drinking water, wastewater, and rural water infrastructure programs on which communities across Arizona rely.\n\nDrinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds: Reauthorizes the nation’s largest drinking water and wastewater infrastructure programs through 2030 while increasing authorized funding levels.\n\nIndian Reservation Drinking Water Program: Reauthorizes $75 million annually for tribal drinking water infrastructure projects, including dedicated support for tribes throughout the Lower Colorado River Basin.\n\nSewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants: Reauthorizes a critical grant program that helps communities upgrade aging sewer systems and improve stormwater management.\n\nPFAS Point-of-Use Filtration Pilot Program: Establishes a new competitive grant program to help communities reduce PFAS contamination in drinking water.\n\nSee below for a summary of Kelly-led bills included in the final WRDA package:\n\nKelly’s Community Water Project Acceleration Act\n\nAllows locally-led water infrastructure projects receiving limited Army Corps funding to move into construction more quickly by streamlining federal review requirements.\n\nIn Arizona, many projects funded through the Corps’ Western Rural Water Program will be able to begin construction faster.\n\nKelly’s Futureproofing Local Operations for Water Systems (FLOWS) Act\n\nCreates a new grant program to help small and rural water utilities deploy smart technologies.\n\nSupports investments in leak detection, pressure management, water quality monitoring, and other modern water system technologies that improve reliability and reduce water loss.\n\nKelly’s Advancing Water Research and Collaboration (AWRC) Act\n\nReauthorizes the U.S. Geological Survey’s Water Resources Research Institutes.\n\nSupports research partnerships, including at the University of Arizona, to develop innovative solutions to western water challenges.\n\nKelly’s FIRE SMART Act\n\nExpands eligibility for federal water infrastructure assistance to include projects that improve fire suppression capabilities in high-risk rural communities.\n\nHelps communities replace aging water infrastructure that supports wildfire response.\n\nWestern Water Infrastructure Fairness Act:\n\nAllows eligible rural and economically disadvantaged Arizona communities to receive up to a 90 percent federal cost share for Army Corps water infrastructure projects funded through the Western Rural Water Program.\n\nWildfire Prevention and Recovery Act:\n\nRequires the Army Corps to conduct wildfire risk assessments on lands it manages, beginning with a pilot program in Arizona.\n\nWill reduce wildfire risk near Army Corps facilities in Arizona, including Alamo Lake, Whitlow Ranch Dam, and Painted Rock Dam.\n\nSee what Arizona leaders are saying about the provisions Kelly secured for the state:\n\n“I want to thank Senator Mark Kelly and Senator Ruben Gallego for their leadership in advancing the expansion of Tucson’s Southlands Recycled Water Loop in the Senate’s Water Resources Development Act. In Tucson, every drop of water counts. This investment advances Tucson’s One Water vision by expanding the use of reclaimed water, protecting precious groundwater, and our Colorado River allocation. Investments like these are critical in supporting new jobs, housing, and economic opportunity that makes sense for Tucson,” said Mayor Regina Romero, City of Tucson. “I appreciate the Senate Committee’s inclusion of new authorities to help communities address PFAS in drinking water. Arizona’s Senators have been strong partners in protecting Tucson’s water resources and strengthening the infrastructure that keeps our community healthy, resilient, and prepared for the future. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Kelly, Senator Gallego, Representative Adelita Grijalva and Representative Juan Ciscomani as Congress advances a final WRDA bill.”\n\n“Addressing McCormick Wash is critical to protecting residents, businesses, public infrastructure, and emergency access in the City of Globe from flooding while supporting the long-term safety and economic vitality of our community. Senator Kelly understands the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure, and his continued advocacy for the city is making a real difference. We appreciate his partnership and look forward to working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to move this project forward as quickly as possible,” said Globe Mayor Al Gameros.\n\n“Senator Kelly has been a tireless advocate for the Town of Superior and has fought to ensure federal programs help address the unique challenges we face. Thanks to his leadership, the FIRE SMART Act will allow us to access additional federal resources to fortify and protect our Town from catastrophic wildfire,” said Superior Mayor Mila Besich.\n\n“The City of Flagstaff extends its sincere gratitude to Senator Kelly for his leadership in securing key provisions within the Water Resources Development Act of 2026. By directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to adjust the cost framework for the Rio de Flag project, this legislation marks a major step forward for this long-awaited initiative. This provision underscores the vital need to safeguard our residents, local businesses, and essential infrastructure from future flood risks. We thank Senator Kelly for his steadfast commitment to Flagstaff and look forward to partnering with the Army Corps to deliver this critical community investment,” said Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett.\n\n“Senator Kelly knows that in Kingman, the need for reliable and clean water supply is a must. We thank him for all his hard work in including us in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) reauthorization bill,” said Kingman City Manager Tim Walsh.\n\n“Thank you to both Senators Kelly and Gallego for their support of critical water infrastructure needs here in Santa Cruz County. With their support, these resources will bring much needed storm water and sewer protection to the community,” said Santa Cruz County Chair John Fanning.\n\n“Pima County deeply appreciates Senator Kelly’s tireless work to advance the El Corazon aquatic restoration project. This project represents a significant investment in Southern Arizona’s future by restoring critical aquatic habitat, improving watershed resilience, enhancing outdoor recreation, and supporting the long-term health of our environment and communities. Senator Kelly has been a strong advocate for Arizona’s water resources and infrastructure needs, and we appreciate his commitment to this important project. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deliver the benefits of this project to Pima County residents for generations to come,” said Pima County Chair Jennifer Allen.\n\n“We are grateful to Senator Kelly for his leadership in securing language in the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the Winslow Levee Project. This provision recognizes the importance of protecting our residents, businesses, and critical infrastructure from future flooding while helping move this long-awaited project forward. On behalf of the City of Winslow, I thank Senator Kelly for his continued commitment to our community and look forward to working with the Corps to deliver this critical investment,” said Winslow Mayor Roberta “Birdie” Cano.\n\n“We are grateful to Senator Kelly for his leadership in securing passage of the Water Resources Development Act and for his continued advocacy on behalf of the City of Buckeye.” Said Mayor Orsborn. “The $20 million authorization for the City represents an important opportunity to support critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects as our community continues to grow,” said Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn.\n\n“Senator Kelly understands the importance and urgency for securing Page’s water supply, and we thank him for his leadership in directing additional federal resources to support this critical project for the city and surrounding area,” said Bryan Hill, General Manager of Page Utility Enterprises.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=71EBCA8D-E8EF-44C0-9546-AEBA6EF26A52", "title": "Klobuchar, Schmitt Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Americans from Anticompetitive Tactics Monopolizing the Online Search Market", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "scraper": "klobuchar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000367", "name": "Amy Klobuchar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) introduced the bipartisan Securing Enforcement of Americans’ Right to Competition at Home (SEARCH) Act to prevent dominant search engines from blocking smaller competitors and preferencing their search products in other lines of business. The bipartisan legislation would put into law many of the remedies sought by the Justice Department after it won its case against Google for illegally maintaining a monopoly in online search.\n\n“Through three administrations, the Justice Department has proven in court that Google has stifled competition and created barriers to user choice,” Klobuchar said. “Upstart search engines should be able to compete and innovate, bringing new tools to consumers. That’s why Congress should put the guardrails in place that both the Biden and Trump Administrations have said are necessary to bring competition to online search.”\n\n“Big Tech monopolies are shaping what information Americans see and censoring free speech. A handful of search engines dictate how virtually every American accesses information, meaning the companies controlling those search engines hold massive power over what people see online and control the most basic infrastructure of human speech and freedom of information in the digital sphere,” Schmitt said. “That is unacceptable. As Missouri’s Attorney General, I sued Google over its illegal online search monopoly and its efforts to crush competitors, as well as fought Big Tech companies’ collusion with left-wing organizations and the administrative state that censored conservatives. Now, I am proud to work with Senator Klobuchar to offer a bipartisan path to protect one of the key tenets of modern American society: free speech online.”\n\nThe SEARCH Act would ban dominant search engines from blocking smaller competitors by paying distributors to make them users’ default choice, a practice federal courts have found violates antitrust laws by illegally maintaining a monopoly. The legislation would also require dominant search engines to share data and syndicate search results to foster competition in a market that has had little for decades, and require search access points to offer users choice screens so users can easily find and switch to alternative search engines.\n\nThe SEARCH Act is enforceable by antitrust enforcers at the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission or state attorneys general.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-merkley-massie-khanna-leger-fernandez-introduce-the-epstein-files-transparency-act-ii/", "title": "Luján, Merkley, Massie, Khanna, Leger Fernández Introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act II, legislation that gives standing to state attorneys general, the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators, and members of Congress to challenge the Department of Justice (DOJ) in court for the DOJ’s failure to comply with the disclosure of materials required by Public Law 119-38, the Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA). U.S. Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY), Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) are leading the House legislation.\n\nSenators Luján and Merkley, and Representatives Massie and Khanna, introduced and passed into law the original Epstein Files Transparency Act to ensure full transparency for the American people, accountability for those who conspired with Epstein, and justice for victims. The Trump administration has failed to fully comply with the law.\n\n“Nearly eight months after our Epstein Files Transparency Act became law, the Trump Department of Justice has failed to comply with the law by releasing the Epstein files and delivering justice for survivors,” said Senator Luján. “That is why I am partnering with my colleagues to introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II to ensure accountability, transparency, and justice for survivors. Our legislation empowers state attorneys general and victims to challenge this Department of Justice for failing to provide the transparency and accountability that Epstein’s victims deserve.”\n\n“At Trump’s bidding, the Department of Justice’s highest-ranking officials continue to break the law, denying justice to Jeffrey Epstein’s victims with an unprecedented cover-up of the abuse of our most vulnerable,” said Senator Merkley. “As long as those in power continue to side with the Epstein Class and shield abusers from accountability for their horrific crimes, we need the Epstein Files Transparency Act II to strengthen the original law we wrote, crack down on the DOJ’s illegal non-compliance, and stand with survivors and those seeking justice. The rich and powerful cannot be allowed to escape justice, and the American public deserves the transparency it is crying out for.”\n\n“Since the Epstein Files Transparency Act was signed into law on November 19, 2025, the Department of Justice has flagrantly and consistently ignored EFTA’s disclosure requirements,” said Representative Massie. “The Department of Justice continues to unlawfully withhold over 3 million Epstein files that should be released to the public. In addition, the DOJ is unlawfully maintaining heavy redactions on the files it is releasing. State attorneys general and victims should have the right to sue the Attorney General of the United States to compel compliance with a transparency law President Trump signed.”\n\n“Rep. Massie and I introduced our bill to release the Epstein files nearly a year ago. Since then, the DOJ has violated our law, delayed the release of millions of files, botched the redactions, and denied the survivors justice. That’s why I’m joining Rep. Massie and my colleagues to introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II that allows state attorneys general and survivors to sue the U.S. Attorney General and demand transparency,” said Representative Khanna.\n\n“Todd Blanche and the Department of Justice have refused to release as many as 3 million Epstein files: they are hiding the truth from the American people and creating even more injustice and trauma for survivors,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “When Trump’s administration does not comply with the law, there must be consequences. Attorney General Blanche is not fit to serve, should not be confirmed, and should instead resign. In the meantime, we must pass this bill to put power where it belongs—with survivors. No administration, no Attorney General, and no Department of Justice is above the law.”\n\n“Survivors have waited too long for answers, and my office has waited too long for the federal government to turn over the unredacted records we need to complete our criminal investigation,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “This legislation gives state law enforcement the access this investigation requires, and it gives survivors control over their own records. Every day of delay is another day survivors are denied the justice they are owed.”\n\nSpecifically, the Epstein Files Transparency Act II:\n\nCreates a private right of action allowing state attorneys general, district attorneys, other authorized State officials, members of Congress, and victims to challenge and sue the U.S. Attorney General for unlawfully withholding, redacting, delaying, concealing, removing, or failing to publish Epstein-related records.\n\nGives victims the right to obtain full, unredacted records concerning themselves or the harm they suffered, including relevant FBI FD-302 reports.\n\nEnforces compliance with the existing law by subjecting DOJ and FBI officials to existing federal criminal penalties for knowingly concealing, destroying, falsifying, withholding, or misrepresenting files.\n\nRequires the Department of Justice to provide State and local prosecutors with unredacted records needed for investigations, prosecutions, and judicial proceedings, including secure access to classified materials.\n\nExplicitly prohibits the invocation of common law privileges, including deliberative process privileges, to evade disclosure requirements included in the original EFTA.\n\nSenator Luján called for an independent audit and report to Congress about the DOJ’s practices in redacting information of the public release of the Epstein Files. Senator Luján also visited the DOJ to view the unredacted Epstein files.\n\nThe text of the Epstein Files Transparency Act II is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/n-m-delegation-responds-to-trump-administration-actions-to-undo-chaco-canyon-protections/", "title": "N.M. Delegation Responds to Trump Administration Actions to Undo Chaco Canyon Protections", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) released the following statement in response to the news that the Trump administration is proposing to fully revoke a 20-year mineral withdrawal that has protected public lands surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park, and only allowing 14 days for public comment.\n\n“Chaco Canyon is a living, breathing cultural landscape that is central to the identity of Tribes throughout New Mexico. The Trump administration has been abdicating its responsibility for meaningful and complete Tribal consultation and continues to railroad communities through arbitrary deadlines and rushed decision-making. Secretary Burgum has also not kept his commitment to sending an official with decision-making authority to conduct in-person, individual consultation with each interested tribe.\n\n“This decision also comes on the heels of President Trump’s administrative action to reverse years of Tribally-led efforts to protect sacred sites in Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. It is clear where his priorities lie, and it is not with New Mexico, and it is not with Tribes.\n\n“Proposing to fully revoke protections for Chaco Canyon and only allowing 14 days to comment on this development is wrong, shameful, and a slap in the face to Tribes. Now is the time to use your voices and speak up to protect Chaco Canyon from oil and gas drilling.”\n\nLocated in northwestern New Mexico, the Greater Chaco landscape is a region of great cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to many Pueblos and Tribes that contains living sacred sites. Chaco was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is one of only 24 such sites in the United States.\n\nThe New Mexico Congressional Delegation has worked tirelessly to permanently protect Chaco Canyon.\n\nIn April, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the House Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee, Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) submitted a comment letter to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) urging the Trump administration to reverse course on its decision to initiate the process to undo a 20-year mineral withdrawal that has kept public lands surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park off-limits to new oil and gas leasing. Earlier that month, the New Mexico delegation sent statements in opposition to the Trump administration only granting seven days to submit scoping comments.\n\nLast November, Heinrich, Luján, and Stansbury hosted a press conference with Pueblo leaders on the actions needed to permanently protect the landscape.\n\nLast September, the N.M. Delegation hosted a press conference in front of the U.S. Capitol with 20 Governors and leaders from the Santa Ana, Picuris, Cochiti, Zia, Tesuque, Acoma, Santo Domingo, and Laguna Pueblos to demand the Trump administration permanently protect Chaco Canyon, and to invite U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to visit the Greater Chaco landscape before deciding its fate. Watch the video of the full press conference here.\n\nIn June 2025, the N.M. Delegation sent a letter initially inviting Secretary Burgum to visit Chaco Canyon and engage directly with Tribal leaders and local communities to hear about the profound cultural and spiritual significance of this sacred landscape. Secretary Burgum issued the directive to begin revoking the Chaco protections without experiencing it firsthand. Following Secretary Burgum’s directive, the N.M. Delegation sent a letter urging the Trump administration to reverse course on its decision to initiate the process to fully revoke Chaco Canyon’s protections.\n\nIn April 2025, the N.M. Delegation reintroduced legislation to protect Chaco Canyon and the greater sacred landscape surrounding the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The legislation was led by Luján in the U.S. Senate and Leger Fernández in the U.S. House of Representatives.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-warren-demand-answers-from-burlington-ice-field-office-following-fatal-shooting-in-maine", "title": "Senators Markey, Warren Demand Answers from Burlington ICE Field Office Following Fatal Shooting in Maine", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Letter Text (PDF)\n\nWashington (July 16, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) today wrote to David Wesling, Acting Field Office Director for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Boston Field Office, following an ICE agent’s killing of Joan Sebastian Guerrero, a 26-year-old man, in Biddeford, Maine earlier this week. This is the second fatal shooting by ICE in less than a week—the other being the July 7 fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, Texas—and it follows a string of other tragic and preventable deaths at the hands of ICE agents in recent months. Given the Burlington Field Office’s direct jurisdiction over enforcement operations in Maine and New England, the senators demand a full, transparent, and independent accounting of this killing.\n\nIn the letter, the senators wrote, “The killings of both Mr. Guerrero and Mr. Araujo reflect a disturbing pattern: warrantless, aggressive, and indiscriminate ICE enforcement operations ending in the loss of life. In the last few days, ICE has sharply escalated enforcement activity nationwide. Over a five-day span in late June, ICE agents made more than 10,000 arrests nationwide, roughly 2,000 per day, following the White House’s request for increased arrests. In Massachusetts, this surge has hit hard: ICE has been detaining people at ICE check-ins and biometrics appointments, in the street and at traffic stops, triggering alarm from immigrant advocates who report increased detentions of individuals, including many without criminal history. Meanwhile, in Maine, ICE activity has continued even after the January enforcement surge which ICE dubbed ‘Operation Catch of the Day.’ The incursion of ICE into our cities and the drastic uptick in enforcement have heightened the risk of volatile and harmful encounters, making our communities less safe.”\n\nIn both Mr. Araujo and Mr. Guerrero’s cases, DHS confirmed that the victims were not the target of ICE’s operations and that agents were not wearing body cameras. These cases, taken together, illustrate that the Biddeford shooting was not an aberration but part of a broader, escalating pattern of force that demands immediate scrutiny and reform.\n\nThe senators requested answers by July 30, 2026, to questions including:\n\nWhat was the Burlington Field Office’s specific role in planning, overseeing, or authorizing the Biddeford operation?\n\nWhy were the ICE officers in the Biddeford operation not equipped with body-worn cameras?\n\nHas the ICE officer who shot Mr. Guerrero been involved in any prior use-of-force incidents?\n\nWhat are the current use-of-force policies for vehicle stops? Were these policies followed in the Biddeford shooting?\n\nDid the ICE officers involved in the Biddeford shooting receive any training with respect to vehicle stops?\n\nWhat reforms does the Burlington Field Office plan to implement to prevent fatal shootings by its ICE officers?\n\nWhat communications occurred between the Boston Field Office and DHS headquarters regarding the pace and intensity of enforcement operations in New England in the weeks before the shooting, given the reported nationwide arrest surge?\n\nSenator Markey is leading efforts to hold ICE and DHS accountable for their violations of Americans’ First Amendment rights, including their weaponization of surveillance technologies against peaceful protestors, immigrants, and American citizens.\n\nOn July 1, Senator Markey and Rep. Max Frost (FL-10) wrote to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and David Venturella, Senior Official Performing Duties of the Director for ICE, renewing their calls for a clear answer on whether ICE has created a database to track protesters. In responses to separate letters that Senator Markey and Rep. Frost sent to DHS and ICE in February, the agency evaded the lawmakers’ questions about whether ICE maintains a database of protesters.\n\nIn May, Senator Markey and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) led their colleagues in a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding the agency abandon its dangerous proposal, included in DHS’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027, to develop “smart glasses” for its immigration officers.\n\nIn February, Senator Markey, along with Senator Merkley, Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), introduced the ICE Out of Our Faces Act, bicameral legislation that would ban ICE and CBP from acquiring and using facial recognition technology (FRT) and other biometric identification systems.\n\nAlso in February, Senator Markey wrote to ICE’s Acting Director Todd Lyons demanding that Lyons immediately confirm or deny reports that the agency is maintaining a so-called “domestic terrorists” database to track individuals protesting ICE activities.\n\nIn January, Senator Markey wrote to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Boston Acting Field Office Director David Wesling, demanding answers about conditions at the ICE field office in Burlington, Massachusetts, and the conduct of ICE agents in the Commonwealth. This letter followed Senator Markey’s previous December letter to Acting Director Wesling, raising concerns about the cruel conditions at the Burlington field office.\n\nIn November 2025, Senator Markey wrote to CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott, urging the agency to immediately cease using a system of license plate readers (LPRs) and predictive algorithms to monitor the movements of individual Americans. CBP is reportedly using the system to “identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious.”\n\nAlso in November, Senator Markey led his colleagues in requesting that ICE cease the use of their biometric phone application known as Mobile Fortify following a previous unanswered request.\n\nIn September 2025, Senators Markey and Merkley wrote to ICE’s Acting Director Todd Lyons, demanding that ICE cease use of Mobile Fortify and requesting detailed information about its policies and practices surrounding the use of biometric technology.\n\nIn July 2025, Senator Markey, along with Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Schiff (D-Calif.), sent a letter to then-Secretary of DHS Kristi Noem on the DHS’s usage of Predator drones and aerial surveillance against peaceful protesters in Los Angeles. In the letter, the senators raised concerns about the threat to the protesters’ privacy and their constitutional rights that are guaranteed by the First Amendment.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-bipartisan-water-infrastructure-bill-advances-in-the-u-s-senate-includes-key-priorities-for-oregon/", "title": "Merkley: Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Bill Advances in the U.S. Senate, Includes Key Priorities for Oregon", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley—a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee—announced today the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 cleared a key hurdle by passing out of the EPW Committee.\n\nWRDA is critical, bipartisan legislation that authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) projects and policy initiatives in Oregon and across the nation. This includes maintaining Oregon’s ports, inland waterways, locks, dams, and other water infrastructure, as well as supporting flood and coastal storm management and ecosystem restoration work. The bipartisan bill now heads to the full Senate for a vote.\n\n“WRDA 2026 has a lot of wins for our state, and I am pleased these critical Oregon priorities are one step closer to becoming law. I’ll keep fighting to ensure our waterways and water infrastructure are well-maintained and resilient for generations to come,” said Merkley, who helped write the bill as a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “Oregon’s coast and rivers are the lifeblood of our state. Updating and modernizing aging water infrastructure—including ports, levees, dams and much more—will better prepare our communities for droughts and floods and improve access to safe, reliable drinking water.”\n\nWRDA 2026 includes several projects and policy initiatives that benefit Oregon:\n\nCole Rivers Hatchery – Prioritizes the completion of the hatchery project.\n\nColumbia River Treaty – Extends the flood risk management provision from the Columbia River Treaty through 2029.\n\nColumbia River Clean-Up Act – Includes this bill led by Senator Merkley and Representative Hoyle (OR-04) to reauthorize the region’s Geographic Program that helps reduce toxins in the Basin.\n\nCoos Bay – Clarifies that in the construction of the container port, the Corps will be responsible for routine maintenance up until the authorized depth level.\n\nFinancial Assistance for Drawdown Impacted Communities – Authorizes a new Environmental Infrastructure Authority at $33 million for communities impacted by deep drawdowns in the Willamette Valley System and provides a mechanism for communities to access Emergency Army Corps funding for emergency clean water supply.\n\nFlood Risk Reduction – Authorizes a feasibility study for a flood risk reduction and watershed resilience project in Hood River County.\n\nHarmful Algal Blooms – Authorizes a project to mitigate harmful algal blooms at Ross Island Lagoon.\n\nLeaburg and McKenzie Hatchery Water Supply – Authorizes a feasibility study for the water supply at this fish hatchery.\n\nLower Columbia River Turning Basin Improvements – Authorizes the construction of improvements to the Turning Basin near Longview, Washington, to enhance safety on the Columbia River.\n\nTillamook Bay – Authorizes the establishment of a stepped channel and routine dredging at the entrance of Tillamook Bay to reduce hazards of breaking surf and restore predictable navigation conditions to the bay.\n\nSection 219 Environmental Infrastructure Authority – Modifies the most significant Environmental Infrastructure authority, Section 219, to allow non-Federal interests to lead design and construction and receive reimbursement for the Federal share of costs, which will streamline implementation and lower costs.\n\nDredged Material Management Plan – Modifies the cost share to alleviate financial burdens for the construction of aquatic disposal facilities to hold dredged material.\n\nAquatic Nuisance Funding – Modifies the cost share for the Corps’ Aquatic Invasive Species Program to 35 percent.\n\nLand Use – Removes restrictive covenants for federal land for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.\n\nSmall Ports – Prioritizes the publication of implementation guidance from WRDA 2024 to assist with projects at emerging harbors (marina dredging).\n\nWRDA 2026 also contains critical Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water infrastructure programs under the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act. Highlights include:\n\nStrengthening the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, which provide funding for water and wastewater projects across the country.\n\nClean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) – $3.5 billion per year.\n\nDrinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) – $3.75 billion in FY 2027, increasing by $25 billion each year to reach $4.5 billion by FY 2030.\n\nAuthorizes new uses for the Drinking Water SRF for rural and high-fire-risk communities that have projects that benefit drinking water and fire suppression activities.\n\nIncreasing funding for the Merkley-created program Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) to $65 million.\n\nSupporting key programs and initiatives to reduce plastics in our environment such as:\n\nThe Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program at $55 million.\n\nThe Trash Free Waters Program at $10 million.\n\nThe drinking water and wastewater infrastructure grant program at $10 million each.\n\nA new study, championed by Merkley, directing the EPA to evaluate new and upcoming technologies to help identify, classify, capture, and potentially remove micro and nano plastics from drinking water and wastewater systems.\n\nEstablishing new grant programs to enhance cybersecurity resiliency in our water systems, allow water systems to incorporate digital technology modernization into their systems, and support point-of-use filtration for households.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-krishnamoorthi-fight-back-against-predatory-for-profit-colleges-scamming-students-with-worthless-college-degrees/", "title": "Merkley, Krishnamoorthi Fight Back Against Predatory For-Profit Colleges Scamming Students with Worthless College Degrees", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) reintroduced legislation to protect students from predatory higher-education programs—which are often run by for-profit colleges—that target financially vulnerable students, leave borrowers buried in debt, and force taxpayers to foot the bill for federal aid that never delivered on its promise.\n\nThe bicameral Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act ensures that predatory and worthless degree programs are ineligible for federal financial aid dollars. Merkley and Krishnamoorthi’s updated bill also responds to the Trump Administration’s recent attacks on college affordability, including a final rule that fails to ensure that federal student aid only flows to programs that keep their commitments to students and delays accountability for students enrolled in programs that prepare them for occupations where a majority of workers receive tipped income.\n\n“Students should not be saddled with a worthless degree or mountains of debt for pursuing the dream of higher education,” said Merkley. “The Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act restores common-sense protections so graduates are not left with unmanageable debt and ensures that federal funds are not going toward worthless college degrees. This is a win-win for both students and taxpayers—delivering on the promise of quality education, meaningful career opportunities, and the responsible investment of federal financial aid dollars.”\n\n“Students should never spend years earning a degree, take on tens of thousands of dollars in debt, and then discover they were never actually qualified for the career they were promised,” said Krishnamoorthi. “Higher education should be a pathway to the middle class—not a pipeline to debt. Our bill ensures colleges receiving taxpayer dollars actually prepare students for the careers they promise.”\n\nThe bicameral Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act would:\n\nEnsure that students and taxpayers are not left footing the bill for predatory and worthless degree programs by making these programs ineligible for federal education assistance funds.\n\nRestore a strong debt-to-earnings standard for for-profit college programs and non-degree certificate programs at any school so that programs that consistently leave graduates with unmanageable debt relative to their earnings lose access to federal aid.\n\nEnsure that the earnings premium test, which measures whether the typical graduate from a program who received federal aid is earning at least as much as a typical high school graduate, applies to undergraduate certificate programs.\n\nGuarantee that programs that prepare students for employment in occupations where a majority of workers receive tipped income are not subject to a one-year delay in program eligibility consequences.\n\nRequire all programs—including distance education programs—to meet any federal or state licensure requirements and programmatic accreditation that is necessary for graduates to enter their intended field.\n\nEnsure that states can apply and enforce their laws against online schools based in other states to provide consistent student protections.\n\nThe Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act is cosponsored by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07). The bill is endorsed by The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS), New America’s Higher Education Program, Third Way, EdTrust, The Century Foundation, and AFT: Education, Healthcare, Public Services.\n\n“This bill takes important steps to protect students from worthless degrees that do not lead to the jobs they were promised and builds on efforts to ensure taxpayer dollars are not wasted on programs that do not deliver for students,” said Christopher Madaio, Senior Advisor for Federal and State Accountability at The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS).\n\n“Students deserve confidence that the degrees they pursue will open doors—not leave them with broken promises or unaffordable debt. By codifying and strengthening accountability for low-financial-value programs, this legislation reinforces the principle that federal dollars should support programs that deliver real opportunity and economic mobility. Third Way applauds Senator Merkley and Representative Krishnamoorthi for their leadership in protecting students and safeguarding taxpayers’ investment in higher education,” said Michelle Dimino, Director of Education at Third Way,\n\n“Students deserve programs that deliver real economic opportunity, not mountains of unaffordable debt. The Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act would help restore meaningful accountability in higher education and protect students from low-value, often predatory programs,” said Carolyn Fast, Director of Higher Education Policy and Senior Fellow at The Century Foundation.\n\n“Research has consistently shown that the number one reason students go to college is to get a good job. This bill takes a meaningful step towards ensuring students can get that job and earn enough to be able to repay the debt they take on when they enroll,” said Wesley Whistle, Project Director for Student Success & Affordability at New America.\n\nPreviously, Merkley led the charge to overturn a new rule that caps federal student loans and overhauls the student loan system. He also wrote the Savings Opportunity and Affordable Repayment (SOAR) Act to better protect student loan borrowers from unaffordable payments and runaway balances due to rapidly accruing interest, while offering a clearer path to debt relief after at least a decade of payments.\n\nFull text of the Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act can be found by clicking here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/new-bipartisan-bill-to-enhance-aviation-safety-after-slackline-helicopter-tragedy/", "title": "NEW: Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Aviation Safety After Slackline-Helicopter Tragedy", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Curtis (R-UT), and U.S. Representatives Cliff Bentz (R-OR-02) and Val Hoyle (D-OR-04) introduced the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act, with support from U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT).\n\nThe new bipartisan legislation would direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address urgent aviation safety issues by reviewing and updating existing safeguards for temporary obstructions in the low-altitude airspace, such as slacklines.\n\n“Strengthening aviation safety is something that both Republicans and Democrats can get behind, especially following the tragic slackline collision that took the lives of four Oregonians earlier this year,” said Merkley. “The FAA must do all it can to keep the flying public safe, and our bipartisan McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act directs the agency to prioritize aviation safety. We must move swiftly to reduce the risk of any similar tragedy in the future.”\n\n“High-adventure activities in Utah, like slacklining, should not come at the cost of aviation safety, particularly for helicopter pilots who transport patients, fight wildfires, and support search and rescue missions,” said Curtis. “Our bipartisan bill takes a practical look at where the FAA can modernize its policies, improve coordination, and reduce unnecessary risks so everyone sharing our airspace can do so more safely.”\n\n“This tragic accident claimed cherished members of two Oregon families far too soon, and our hearts remain with everyone suffering this profound loss. As we look ahead, it is my hope that meaningful changes can be made to ensure a tragedy like this is never repeated,” said Bentz. “This legislation directs the FAA to review and update low altitude airspace safety regulations to help prevent similar incidents in the future.”\n\n“Last January’s deadly helicopter crash in Arizona exposed a serious safety challenge in low-altitude airspace. I’ve been vocal in the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee that action is needed so this kind of tragedy doesn’t happen again,” said Hoyle. “Oregonians know the value of both outdoor recreation and aviation, and we all share a responsibility to ensure that pilots, first responders and wildfire crews have the visibility and information they need to operate safely.”\n\n“Congress must act with urgency to ensure federal regulators are taking every possible step to prevent low-flying aircraft crashes with slacklines like the tragedy that cost the lives of four Oregonians earlier this year,” said Wyden. “This bill would accomplish that goal by setting deadlines for the Federal Aviation Administration to update and improve its policies and regulations for low-altitude airspace safety.”\n\n“David, Katelyn, Rachel, and Faith lost their lives in an Arizona helicopter crash that never should have happened. I’ve met with their family. No one should have to go through what they’ve been through. This bill makes sure the FAA acts quickly to prevent tragedies like this from happening again,” said Kelly.\n\nThe McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act follows a deadly helicopter crash caused by a collision with a slackline on January 2, 2026, that tragically claimed the lives of four Oregonians—David McCarty and his three nieces Rachel McCarty, Faith McCarty, and Katelyn Heideman. The bipartisan bill would instruct the FAA to use its authorities to review existing policies and regulations related to low-altitude airspace safety, including identifying appropriate policy, operational, or technical improvements such as updated requirements related to markings on slacklines.\n\nPreviously, Oregon’s U.S. Senators pressed the FAA on implementing emergency safety actions following the deadly crash.\n\nThe bipartisan McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act is supported by key stakeholders and organizations, including the Vertical Aviation International (VAI), National Transportation Aviation Association (NATA), Balloon Federation of America (BFA), United Aerial Firefighters Association (UAFA), Air Medical Operators Association (AMOA), Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS), National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), BackcountryPilot.org, American Spray Drone Coalition, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Life Flight Network, National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), Commercial Drone Alliance, and Southern Utah University (SUU) Aviation.\n\nOn behalf of the McCarty and Heideman family, “We are very grateful and excited to see the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act be introduced. It is a crucial and urgent step towards making the airspace safer for pilots, passengers, cargo, and anyone using the airspace for work or recreation. We look forward to working on getting this across the finish line!”\n\n“No family should ever have to endure the heartbreak our community has experienced. While nothing can erase the unimaginable loss suffered by the McCarty and Heideman families, we are deeply grateful that Senator Merkley’s legislation seeks to turn this tragedy into meaningful action. If it can prevent even one family from experiencing the same pain, it will stand as a lasting legacy to David, Rachel, Katelyn, Faith, and the families who have endured so much,” said Oregon State Representative Bobby Levy.\n\n“Sen. Merkley’s bill takes an important step toward improving safety for pilots, crews, passengers, and the communities they serve. The Arizona accident was a tragic reminder of the serious risk temporary suspended obstructions can pose to low-altitude aircraft. This legislation focuses on practical steps to improve pilot awareness and help prevent future accidents,” said François Lassale, President and CEO, VAI.\n\n“The National Air Transportation Association appreciates Senator Merkley’s attention to low-altitude airspace safety through the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act, which will improve awareness and communication around temporary obstructions. Safety is central to NATA’s mission, and a thoughtful FAA review can help reduce avoidable risks in the National Airspace System,” said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna.\n\n“Wildfire airspace overlaps public lands and recreation. Formal coordination with the FAA, Forest Service, BLM, and Park Service—paired with real outreach and right sized penalties for creating low altitude hazards—prevents tragedies before they happen. We strongly support this bill and urge swift passage,” said Paul Peterson, Executive Director, United Aerial Firefighters Association.\n\n“As a former Marine Corps helicopter pilot and the CEO of an air medical organization whose crews fly thousands of low-altitude flights each year, I know firsthand how critical it is to identify and mitigate hazards before they become tragedies. This legislation reflects the kind of collaborative, data-driven approach that has long made aviation safer. We appreciate Senator Merkley’s leadership in bringing together industry and government to make our national airspace safer for everyone,” said Ben Clayton, CEO, Life Flight Network.\n\n“AMOA appreciates Senator Merkley’s leadership in advancing this legislation and his commitment to improving helicopter safety through a thoughtful FAA review and collaboration with industry stakeholders,” said Sally Veith, Executive Director, Air Medical Operators Association.\n\n“NASAO supports efforts to strengthen aviation safety in low-altitude airspace. Ensuring that temporary obstructions are properly identified and that pilots have access to accurate, timely information is critical to a safe national aviation system. We commend Senator Merkley for his leadership in introducing this bill,” said Gregory Pecoraro, President & CEO, National Association of State Aviation Officials.\n\n“The National Agricultural Aviation Association firmly endorses the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act. The requirements this act places on the FAA will help ensure no more aviators operating in the low altitude airspace lose their life because of an unmarked slackline or other hazard strung across the landscape,” said Matthew Woolard, President, National Agricultural Aviation Association.\n\n“The American Spray Drone Coalition (ASDC) strongly endorses the ‘McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act,’ reflecting our deep commitment to promoting high standards of low-altitude airspace safety for both crewed and uncrewed aviators. By directing the FAA to review existing safety policies, this legislation takes a critical first step toward assessing necessary improvements for temporary obstruction markings and ensuring obstacle data can be seamlessly integrated into modern digital flight planning tools,” said Eric Ringer, President, American Spray Drone Association.\n\n“The tragic slackline crash earlier this year underscored the importance of ensuring pilots have better awareness of potential hazards when operating at low altitude,” said Michael Robbins, President and CEO of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). “The McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act would direct the FAA to make common-sense but important changes to improve awareness for crewed and uncrewed aircraft alike, helping prevent tragedies like this one from happening again. We applaud Senator Merkley for his leadership on this issue and look forward to working with him to advance our shared vision of an airspace with zero collisions.”\n\nFull text of the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act as introduced in the Senate can be found by clicking here.\n\nThis press release has been updated.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-moody-works-with-hhs-to-make-food-in-florida-hospitals-healthier-and-praises-tampa-general-being-the-first-to-sign-the-make-hospital-food-healthier-pledge/", "title": "Senator Moody Works with HHS to Make Food in Florida Hospitals Healthier and Praises Tampa General Being the First to Sign the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Ashley Moody is working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make food in Florida hospitals healthier. Today, Tampa General became the very first hospital in the nation to sign the HHS Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge. The hospitals that sign the pledge are committing to providing healthier, more nutritious food for patients. Tampa General has pledged to limit ultra-processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, added sugar, deep fried foods, and so many more menu items that contribute to chronic disease.\n\n“If any place should serve healthy food, I think we can all agree, it’s a hospital. I’m excited Tampa General is leading the charge by signing on to the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge. This announcement comes after my office has worked with HHS to find ways to ensure Florida is at the forefront of improving our nation’s health,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\n“Hospitals exist to heal people, and the food they serve should help patients recover—not contribute to the chronic disease that brought so many there in the first place. That’s why the Trump administration launched the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge. Every patient deserves real, nutritious food that supports healing. I commend Tampa General Hospital for leading by example and encourage every hospital to join us,” saidSecretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.\n\n“Real food starts with America’s farmers and ranchers, who produce the safest, most abundant food supply in the world. President Trump has made it clear that making America healthy again begins with putting wholesome, American-grown food back at the center of our institutions. USDA is proud to partner with Secretary Kennedy and HHS to ensure more wholesome, nutrient-dense food reaches our schools, hospitals, and communities. We are thrilled Tampa General is joining this pledge, because when we connect patients and families with American-grown foods, we strengthen public health while supporting the hardworking producers who make it all possible,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nAs part of the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge, hospitals that sign the pledge commit to aligning patient food services with the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. That means they plan to:\n\nLimit ultra-processed foods.\n\nLimit sugar-sweetened beverages.\n\nEnsure meals limit added sugar.\n\nLimit processed meats and foods high in added sugars, sodium, and artificial additives.\n\nEmphasize whole grains over refined grains.\n\nPrioritize minimally processed proteins, including plant-based options.\n\nEmphasize vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, seafood, and healthy fats.\n\nUse baked, broiled, roasted, stir-fried, or grilled preparation methods; eliminate deep frying.\n\nSenator Moody talked with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. during a committee hearing about the department’s efforts to improve Americans’ health via dietary changes.\n\nPrior to the current administration, the overwhelming majority of medical students received no nutrition education—less than 1% of lecture hours in medical schools were dedicated to nutrition. Earlier in the year, HHS secured historic agreements with more than 50 top medical schools in America to require comprehensive nutrition education. Six Florida schools were part of this agreement.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-honored-by-bipartisan-group-for-constituent-services/", "title": "VIDEO: Senator Moody Honored by Bipartisan Group for Constituent Services", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, a bipartisan group, The Congressional Management Foundation, honored Senator Moody for her work to serve the constituents of Florida. Although Senator Moody has only been in office for little over a year, the exceptional work her office has done to serve Floridians won her the Democracy Award for Constituent Service. Since taking office, Senator Moody has helped thousands of constituents including over a thousand veterans and service members.\n\n“I came to Washington to fight for Floridians and make sure the people trust we are working for them. Constituent service is often the most difficult, emotionally demanding role in public service. It is quiet, relentless, behind-the-scenes problem-solving. Yet, it is the heartbeat of our office. There is nothing more meaningful, and nothing more deeply rewarding, than knowing your hard work materially improved someone’s life when they had nowhere else to turn. While my name might be on the door, I know full well that this award belongs entirely to our constituent services team. They are the ones on the front lines, answering the phones, and doing the heavy lifting every single day,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody is the first Senator to win this award after just one year in Congress.\n\nThe Best of Constituent Service category recognizes offices that demonstrate outstanding dedication through effective casework, timely resolution of individual issues, personalized support, and a relentless focus on ensuring constituents receive the help they need.\n\nWinning this award indicates outstanding attention to detail, empathy, and persistence in solving constituent requests. Some examples of outstanding constituent service include, but are not limited to:\n\nan office’s casework procedures and outcomes,\n\nsupporting constituents navigating federal grants,\n\nand processes for vetting and nominating students to military service academies.\n\nThe Congressional Management Foundation is the premier bipartisan foundation dedicated to strengthening the first branch of government. The Democracy Awards are CMF’s signature program recognizing the best in congressional non-legislative achievements.\n\nTo learn more about CMF’s Democracy Awards, click here.\n\nTo learn how Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL)’s office can serve you, click here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=4FA3513B-7F1A-476B-AA2C-07ABF1060330", "title": "Sen. Moran, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Sanction Purchasers of Russian Oil", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.moran.senate.gov", "scraper": "moran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000934", "name": "Jerry Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Moran spoke on the Senate floor, paying tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham & reaffirming U.S. support for Ukraine\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) this week joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues in introducing the Sanctioning Russia Act, the result of an agreement negotiated by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and the White House that would hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. Sen. Moran cosponsored Sen. Graham’s original legislation, introduced in April 2025, that would bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia.\n\n“As we reflect upon the life of our colleague, our friend, our fellow citizen, a patriot toward the United States of America and a friend really of the world, Senator Lindsey Graham, we honor his commitment to promoting liberty and fighting tyranny throughout the world,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation would make a difference against Russia’s unjust war in Ukraine and serves as a fitting tribute to the cause Senator Graham championed throughout his life and service in the United States Senate.”\n\n“The White House has taken an important step in endorsing this longstanding legislation,” continued Sen. Moran. “The message is clear to friends and foe alike: you can do business with Russia or the United States, but not both. I welcome Leader Thune’s intention to bring this to a vote quickly and send it to the President’s desk.”\n\nSen. Moran spoke on the Senate floor following introduction of the legislation, paying tribute to Senator Graham and emphasizing the need for increased economic pressure on Russia. Watch Sen. Moran’s full floor remarks here.\n\nWatch Sen. Moran’s Remarks on Introduction of the Sanctioning Russia Act HERE\n\nSpecifically, the Sanctioning Russia Act would:\n\nImpose sanctions targeting Russia’s war machine – legislation includes mandatory sanctions on Vladimir Putin, senior Russian political and military leaders, oligarchs, state-owned enterprises, Russian financial institutions, Russia’s largest state energy projects and foreign companies supporting Russia’s defense industrial base.\n\nExplicitly sanction Russia’s Shadow Fleet and any foreign person or vessel that is used by the Russian government for sanctions evasion.\n\nEnforce targeted duties on top purchasers of Russian oil and gas – imposes tariffs on imports from countries that are the world’s top five purchases of Russian oil or natural gas or are among the top five facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion.\n\nProvide for presidential waiver authority – contains a waiver, consistent with other mandatory sanctions legislation, allowing the President to waive sanctions, restrictions or duties upon a justification and certification to Congress that the waiver is in the national interest of the United States.\n\nRepeal the sunset of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 – applies additional pressure directly on Iran as it continues to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.\n\nFull text of the Sanctioning Russia Act can be found HERE.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/landless-bill-advances-from-senate-committee", "title": "Landless Bill Advances from Senate Committee", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "scraper": "murkowski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001153", "name": "Lisa Murkowski", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today announced that her bill allowing five Alaska Native communities to form urban corporations and receive land entitlements under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) passed out of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR) by voice vote. The legislation, which would remedy a decades-long inequity for Haines, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Tenakee, now heads to the Senate floor for consideration.\n\nSenator Murkowski’s bill, S.2554, the Alaska Native Landless Equity Act, would amend ANCSA to allow these five communities to form Alaska Native urban corporations and receive 23,040 acres—or one township—of federal land. The communities were excluded from ANCSA when it was enacted on December 18, 1971. Last month, H.R. 41, Congressman Nick Begich’s (R-Alaska) companion legislation, passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support and no recorded opposition.\n\nClick here to watch Senator Murkowski’s remarks\n\nClick here to see the one-pager on Senator Murkowski’s legislation.\n\nSome of the strongest advocates for protecting the Tongass National Forest have weighed in with their support for this legislation.\n\nTRANSCRIPT\n\nWell, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Indeed, we are trying to fix this.\n\nAgain, this has been one of those efforts that, when you think about legislation you have worked over the course of a legislative career, the engagement that goes on within the communities, the engagement that goes on with different groups, the engagement that goes on with legislators...\n\nThis dais changes from time to time, and from Congress to Congress. I've had the opportunity to work with various ranking members on this, and now with Senator Heinrich, as we work to again educate and try to reinforce the wrong that we are attempting to right here.\n\nI think oftentimes when you think about the Alaska Native Claims Settlement (Act), you think, \"Okay, a settlement is a settlement. 50 years ago. One and done.\" And in fairness, it is all about ensuring that the terms of the settlement, as were agreed to, actually translate into the opportunities that settlement was intended to provide.\n\nI mentioned the outreach that we have been engaged in. At the beginning, it was very much viewed as a fight (over) giving back federal land into the hands of individuals. Environmental concerns were expressed that we were going to allow untrammeled environmental degradation of the land. (There were) lots of concerns, and I think a lot of scare tactics that were there.\n\nThere are no better stewards of our Alaska's lands than the people who have lived on them for thousands of years. We have been able to not only to engage with but turn the views of many of the initial opponents to this legislation, among them The Wilderness Society, The Nature Conservancy, some of the strongest protectors of environmental values in the Tongass. Both have written letters of support for this bill, recognizing that we need to find this balance while also addressing the inequities (faced by) the Native people who were left out.\n\nI added the letters from The Nature Conservancy and The Wilderness Society to our hearing record in February, so I don't feel like I need to add them here. But I'll just remind (people) that this should not be the controversial measure it has historically been viewed as.\n\nI think all you need to do is look at the House and their recent actions on this. They worked on this bill, together, across the aisle, reported it from full committee… and the full chamber passed it on suspension by a voice vote with no recorded opposition.\n\nSo I’m just going to remind you: no opposition in the House—in this current House, where we don't see a lot of measures, particularly lands measures, (move without opposition). I think there's good reason for that, because it comes back to the inequity that we have seen and an effort to do right by the Alaska Native people who were excluded so many decades ago.\n\nAgain, I want to thank all who have worked with us, and I especially want to thank Senator Heinrich for your engagement on this. I understand your views toward conservation, and we respect them. The concern we hear from so many back home is that, when we're (talking) about an area where so much of the land is already federally owned and so much is already in conservation status, there’s just not a lot left over. So, again, making sure we can get ourselves to a good place on this is deeply appreciated.\n\nI appreciate your willingness to have this measure move out by voice today. I acknowledge that you have asked to be recorded as a \"no,\" and my goal, and my ambition, and that of (my) team, is to help you and your team get to a place where we can all be supportive of rectifying this long-overdue wrong.\n\nWith that, I thank the committee, and I look forward to further engagement and moving this (legislation) and passing it into law.\n\nThank you very much.\n\nBackground: ANCSA transferred 44 million acres of land to more than 200 regional, village, and urban corporations to resolve land claims throughout Alaska—but did not include the five Southeast communities of Haines, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Tenakee.\n\nThe lands selected for conveyance to the new ANCSA Native Corporations in the bill were chosen by the landless communities in consultation with the Alaska Native communities, affected communities, local stakeholders, the U.S. Forest Service, and the public to allow for consideration of existing land uses.\n\nConsistent with ANCSA, each community will form an urban corporation and receive approximately 23,040 acres identified on the maps referenced in the legislation. The total amount of land to be transferred equals roughly 115,000 acres and will account for less than 0.7% of the Tongass National Forest’s 17 million acres.\n\nThe Alaska delegation has introduced landless legislation since the early 1990s with Congressman Don Young leading the fight. In 2020, the delegation pivoted and introduced legislation with proposed land selections identified on maps. In December 2023, ENR favorably reported the Alaska Delegation’s Landless legislation.\n\nClick here to view maps of proposed land selections that would be conveyed to the five communities through the legislation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-schatz-introduce-major-legislative-package-to-support-native-children-families-and-communities", "title": "Murkowski, Schatz Introduce Major Legislative Package to Support Native Children, Families, and Communities", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "scraper": "murkowski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001153", "name": "Lisa Murkowski", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai?i), Vice Chairman of the Committee, introduced the Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act (S.4976), a comprehensive legislative package aimed at advancing the well-being and future opportunities of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children. A culmination of Senator Murkowski’s longstanding commitment to improving outcomes for Native children and families, this legislation builds on more than a decade of work to identify and address the unique challenges facing Native communities. This bill was developed based on the recommendations and themes of the report, The Way Forward, by the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children, issued in February 2024.\n\nThe Commission, established through bipartisan legislation co-led by Senator Murkowski and former Senator Heitkamp, was created to conduct the first comprehensive, national examination of the programs, systems, and supports serving Native children. Through years of hearings, listening sessions, and site visits across Indian Country, the Commission elevated the voices and experiences of Native children, families, Tribes, and Native organizations. Its final report provided a roadmap for strengthening federal programs, improving coordination and service delivery, addressing data challenges, and supporting culturally grounded solutions that better meet the needs of Native children and communities.\n\n“Every Native child carries the strength, hope, culture, and future of their community, and we have a responsibility to ensure they have every opportunity to thrive. Throughout my time in the United States Senate and my visits to hundreds of Alaska Native communities, I have seen the challenges families face, but I have also seen the incredible strength, resilience, and solutions that come from within these communities. The Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act reflects what I have learned from listening to Native families, youth, leaders, and communities across Alaska and Indian Country—that lasting change comes from supporting the solutions communities know will work best for their children,” said Chairman Murkowski.\n\n“The Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act is an investment in the future of Native Hawaiian families. It strengthens support for Native Hawaiian children, improves health and housing, invests in education and language revitalization, and ensures Native Hawaiians have a seat at the table in shaping programs that affect their community,” said Vice Chairman Schatz.\n\n“The National Congress of American Indians celebrates the introduction of the Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act by Senator Lisa Murkowski and Senator Brian Schatz. Ten years ago, the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children became law, charged with identifying solutions for the crisis facing Native children. Today, we finally have an opportunity to act on those recommendations. The Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act proposes over $800 million in investments, including nearly half a billion dollars that could begin flowing through set-asides to Indian Country immediately. These are real resources that Tribal Nations will use to protect children, strengthen families, and build lasting systems of care. Our children have already waited a decade. They cannot afford further delay. Congress must act now to pass this legislation and ensure Native children and families receive the support and opportunities they deserve,” said Larry Wright, Jr., Executive Director for the National Congress of American Indians.\n\n“The Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act marks a historic and comprehensive federal commitment to meeting the unique needs of Native children and families. By addressing health, education, housing, nutrition, and justice through an integrated legislative approach, this bill embodies the collective voices and expertise of our communities that informed the Commission’s work. Meaningful reform at this scale is not typically swift or simple. It is built on years of testimony, deep engagement, and rigorous analysis of the systems impacting Native children nationwide. This bill transforms those efforts into actionable, cross-sector policy solutions. Cook Inlet Tribal Council strongly supports this legislation and extends our sincere gratitude to Senator Murkowski for her unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of Native children and families,” said Gloria O’Neill, President and CEO of Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc.\n\n\"Native children thrive when decisions about their well-being are informed by the communities, cultures, and traditions that have sustained our people for thousands of years. The introduction of this legislation reflects a growing recognition that Native leaders must have a meaningful role in shaping policies that impact Native children and families. We are encouraged by this collaborative approach and remain committed to advancing solutions that support healthy, strong, and resilient Native communities,” said Ben Mallott, President of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN).\n\n\"Mahalo nui loa to Senators Murkowski and Schatz for their leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of our children. The Native Children’s Act will provide a broad range of resources to address systemic barriers and challenges which impede progress for Native families. Although we support all sections of the bill, we especially appreciate the provisions aimed at providing stable and direct funding to Native American language schools and programs, including special training for teachers required to master both language fluency and subject matter expertise. Those provisions acknowledge the transformational success of Native American language medium education, and the decades of determined efforts by Native American communities to preserve, protect and revitalize their own cultures and languages,” said Dr. Kauanoe Kamana, President of the ?Aha Punana Leo, the sole Native Hawaiian educational organization providing statewide Hawaiian language revitalization-focused childcare, early education and follow-up support into adulthood. “Passage of this legislation will hold the federal government accountable to carry out the trust responsibility of the United States. Most importantly, this legislative effort by Senators Murkowski and Schatz promises to move us closer to a future where Native children have a chance to reach their full potential.”\n\nAdditional stakeholder quotes can be found here.\n\nThe Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act turns years of listening into action by advancing solutions shaped by Native communities, strengthening Tribal self-determination, and supporting the health and well-being of future generations.\n\nThe legislation included eight titles aimed at improving the livelihoods of Native children and families in the areas of justice, housing and homelessness, education, childcare and workforce issues, nutrition, the expansion of research and data capabilities, and physical, behavioral, and environmental health.\n\nA section-by-section summary of the legislation can be found here.\n\nAdditional information on Chairman Murkowski’s work to develop the Native Children’s Implementation Act can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-help-hearing-murray-grills-trumps-secretary-of-labor-nominee-on-wasteful-interagency-agreements-trumps-anti-worker-agenda/", "title": "At HELP Hearing, Murray Grills Trump’s Secretary of Labor Nominee on Wasteful Interagency Agreements, Trump’s Anti-Worker Agenda", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full questioning***\n\n***WATCH and READ: Senator Murray’s full opening remarks***\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today—at a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) hearing to consider Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Labor—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the HELP committee, grilled Trump’s nominee Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling on the Department of Labor’s (DOL) wasteful interagency agreements with the Department of Education (ED) and a recent proposed rule that if finalized rips away minimum wage and overtime protections from 3.7 million home care workers.\n\n[INTERAGENCY AGREEMENTS BETWEEN DOL AND ED]\n\nSenator Murray began by calling Sonderling out for working with Secretary Linda McMahon to senselessly move some of the complex education programs that help kindergarteners and other elementary school students from ED to DOL.\n\nMURRAY: Acting Secretary Sonderling, right now you are working with Secretary McMahon to take over Department of Education programs to help Trump “abolish” that Department.\n\nIt makes zero sense that DOL, an agency whose expertise is in supporting wage earners and job seekers, that it’s being tasked now with taking over complex education programs from the Department of Education to help kindergarteners and other elementary school students.\n\nDo you know how many programs at the Department of Labor are focused on elementary school students?\n\nSONDERLING: I can tell you that it makes a lot of sense for us to work with the Department of Education. You have education systems—\n\nMURRAY: I asked you a specific question and I have very little time. Do you know how many programs?\n\nSONDERLING: We have our IAA agreements under the Economy Act—\n\nMURRAY: I am asking if you know how many are focused—I will tell you. The answer is none. None of them. And that’s concerning because while some offices within your department are taking on a set of responsibilities they have no experience dealing with—they are also struggling to manage their own grant programs.\n\nAs recently as this last January, a report from the DOL Inspector General noted the Employment and Training Administration is “challenged in effectively managing its grant portfolio.”\n\nActing Secretary Sonderling, do you believe it is a smart management decision to add more grant responsibilities to an agency that’s consistently unable to handle those tasks?\n\nSONDERLING: I think it makes a lot of sense. Our systems at the Department of Labor are more sophisticated based on prior reports and implementing those recommendations than the Department of Education system. They are on a legacy G-5 system. We use Grant Solution, which is the same system that WIOA title funds are distributed by from the labor side and from the education side to the same states and from an efficiency standpoint from the states who take this money they are used to having to go to Education and Labor.\n\nThe IAA is not dealing with policy it’s dealing with providing the Department of Education a service. And I can tell you that the Department of Education career staff have been detailed to the Department of Labor and they are making those policy decisions regarding the pre-K-12 program, regarding OCTAE, regarding those other decisions where the Department of Labor is assisting them on the backend with these grant systems, working with states. And the states love this. 21 states have now submitted a joint plan for efficiency for getting that very important money to pre-K-12 institutions.\n\nMURRAY: Let me just say, I appreciate smart new reforms—but the facts are, these arrangements are wasteful—one of them cost taxpayers an extra million dollars! And the rest, the Administration has refused now to tell us for months how much they cost or really anything else, despite bipartisan demands for that information.\n\nAnd it’s not working! In one case, ED transferred responsibilities to you only for you to have to send that work to yet another Department because DOL lacked the expertise to handle it.\n\nSONDERLING: On July 1st at midnight $1.5 billion came over to the Department of Labor. It was out by 1:00, 2:00 in the morning. There was no lag. The money went out to the states in our updated system, and the Department of Labor will continue to provide those services under the IAAs which are lawful under the Economy Act, and also is most efficient for taxpayers and the states getting these monies.\n\nMURRAY: I will just say again, I just have to tell you Americans want an agency that is focused on the education of early learners all the way through. They don’t want it shuffled off to another department that they cannot find out the information or don’t have the expertise to do it. That is my opinion. Let me move on here because I just have a minute left.\n\n[RIPPING AWAY OVERTIME AND MINIMUM WAGE PROTECTIONS]\n\nSenator Murray then questioned Sonderling about a rule proposed on July 2nd that would strip minimum wage and overtime protections away from 3.7 million home care workers by DOL’s own estimate.\n\nMURRAY: The Labor Department founding mission is “to promote the welfare of wage earners.” You’ve run this Department for three months. And in that time, you’ve formalized taking overtime away from four million people, moved to cut care workers’ minimum wage, teed up longer hours for 14-year-olds, and defended a budget that leaves workers in the dust.\n\nSo, let me [ask] a very specific question: On July 2nd of last year, DOL proposed a new rule about wages and overtime pay for home care workers. If this draft rule is finalized, how many workers will be stripped of minimum wage and overtime protections?\n\nSONDERLING: This is a very complicated issue we have worked on for a long time and the current rule, you know, has essentially created a secondary market where workers are not getting overtime, they’re not getting protections. Those who are you know, receiving the services, are not going to companies to get the proper background checks. So this rule will allow third parties to come back in to properly manage the payroll, to properly manage their ability to do background checks, and have more workers and continuity of care.\n\nMURRAY: You didn’t answer my question.\n\nSONDERLING: What the prior rule did was, people were not getting overtime. When 40 hours hit, they would get a different person—\n\nMURRAY: I’m out of time and I’m going to correct the record here. Because if this draft rule is finalized, which is what my question was to you, it’s 3.7 million home care workers who will be stripped of minimum wage and overtime protections. That’s how many home care workers the Department is working to rip away minimum wage and overtime protections from. And Mr. Chairman, to me that is anti-worker.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-kaptur-blast-doe-for-illegally-funneling-carbon-capture-funds-to-prop-up-coal-plants-demand-department-halts-plans/", "title": "Murray, Kaptur Blast DOE for Illegally Funneling Carbon Capture Funds to Prop Up Coal Plants, Demand Department Halts Plans", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, sent a letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright calling on him to immediately halt the Department of Energy’s (DOE) plans to illegally spend funds provided for carbon capture programs to instead prop up coal plants.\n\nIn their letter, the top Democratic energy appropriators explain that using these funds to subsidize coal plants is not only illegal, but undercuts work funded explicitly by Congress to advance clean, affordable energy and cut costs for American families.\n\n“Congress provided funding to cut pollution and lower energy costs, which DOE is now diverting to instead subsidize big coal’s uneconomic power plants, raising costs for families,” write Murray and Kaptur. “The Department’s plan to repurpose $350 million in dedicated carbon capture funding to restart and recommission coal-fired power plants is a misuse of public funds and a violation of Federal law.”\n\nThe lawmakers call on DOE to halt all obligations of funds to support these coal plants, writing: “The Department must immediately desist from obligating funds for these projects, provide a complete response to this letter, and begin complying with the law.”\n\nThey note that the Department has itself conceded that it plans to spend carbon capture funding on projects that do not include carbon capture, and they explain that after months of correspondence with the Department, it has failed to provide any acceptable legal justification: “We have raised our concerns repeatedly since the Department first announced this initiative in late September 2025. After more than eight months of correspondence, DOE has not provided the Committees a single legal justification that withstands scrutiny.”\n\nMurray and Kaptur demand the Department refrain from obligating any awarded funds until it can demonstrate it is complying with the law and request detailed responses to their questions by August 7.\n\nThe full letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Secretary Wright:\n\nAmerican families are already struggling to afford to keep the lights on. They deserve a Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) that is actually focused on affordability, lowering their costs, and following the law—meaning spending every taxpayer dollar Congress provides to do just that. In the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA; P.L. 117–58), Congress provided funding to cut pollution and lower energy costs, which DOE is now diverting to instead subsidize big coal’s uneconomic power plants, raising costs for families. The Department’s plan to repurpose $350 million in dedicated carbon capture funding to restart and recommission coal-fired power plants is a misuse of public funds and a violation of Federal law. No administration has the power to take funds Congress provided for one purpose and spend them on another.\n\nWe write specifically regarding the Department’s selection of awards under its Notice of Funding Opportunity, DE-FOA-0003605, “Restoring Reliability: Coal Recommissioning and Modernization,” which DOE publicly announced on June 4, 2026, and described to the Committees on Appropriations in Congressional notifications dated April 8, 2026 (NETL #26-13) and May 7, 2026 (NETL #26-19). Those notifications indicate the Department intends to obligate $350 million in carbon capture funds provided in the IIJA to sustain aging coal-fired power plants with these awards, even though those funds were appropriated for carbon capture pilot and demonstration projects, and the selected activities do not align with that purpose. The funds are therefore not legally available to be spent on these awards, and any obligation or expenditure of the funds for these purposes violates the Antideficiency Act. The Department must immediately desist from obligating funds for these projects, provide a complete response to this letter, and begin complying with the law.\n\nWe have raised our concerns repeatedly since the Department first announced this initiative in late September 2025. After more than eight months of correspondence, DOE has not provided the Committees a single legal justification that withstands scrutiny. To the contrary, the Department has acknowledged in writing that its solicitations “were not fully clear” and has amended them after the fact, in an attempt to address the very defects we first identified. Those changes do not cure the problem—they confirm it.\n\nCongress appropriated these funds for carbon capture pilot and demonstration projects.\n\nThe $350 million is drawn from two IIJA programs: the Carbon Capture Demonstration Projects Program and the Carbon Capture Large-Scale Pilot Projects Program. These are not general-purpose coal accounts. The funds are made available for “a carbon capture technology program for the development of transformational technologies that will significantly improve the efficiency, effectiveness, costs, emissions reductions, and environmental performance of coal and natural gas use, including in manufacturing and industrial facilities” (Section 962(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005). The statute clearly states that these are funds to demonstrate and pilot carbon capture technologies. Any plant that is awarded funds under this program is required to integrate carbon capture technologies that achieve emissions reductions.\n\nDOE selected projects that do not align with the purpose of these appropriated funds.\n\nBy DOE’s own description, the selected awards fund the construction, commissioning, recommissioning, overhaul, and restart of coal-fired power plants—not the demonstration of carbon capture technology. The aforementioned notifications that the Committees received state that “[p]rojects may be staged so that near-term reliability upgrades are federally cost-shared without requiring immediate carbon capture, utilization, and storage installation.” The Department plainly intends to use carbon capture appropriations for activities it concedes do not include carbon capture.\n\nDOE’s own published project descriptions make as much clear. For two of the awards, the Department describes the primary objective to be modernizing an existing coal plant “to ensure continued operation” in one and restarting a plant through “routine maintenance and repairs” in the other. Carbon capture is an afterthought, and only as a study. The first description states it “includes a carbon capture and utilization system front-end engineering design study;” the second states it “will also assess the feasibility of adding a carbon capture, utilization, and storage component.” The Department is clear—Federal funds are being used to restart coal plants, and at most, carbon capture would be studied. The two remaining awards, which fund new-build concepts described as having “integrated” capture, likewise only underwrite scoping, design, and viability-assessment work, not the construction or operation of any capture technology. None of the four award notifications include any demonstration or large-scale piloting of the carbon capture technologies that these appropriations were specifically provided for by Congress, consistent with the law.\n\nDOE has conceded that the original solicitations did not require carbon capture at all. The Department amended the Broad Agency Announcement on October 30, 2025, and the related Notice of Funding Opportunity on January 6, 2026, to add carbon capture “as a requirement,” explaining that the solicitations “were not fully clear.” Further, DOE told applicants the opposite of what it now tells Congress. The amended Notice of Funding Opportunity states, “Federal funds will be tied to pilot or demonstration outcomes, with non-CCUS reliability work covered through recipient cost share.” The Congressional notifications state that near-term reliability upgrades will be “federally cost-shared without requiring immediate” carbon capture. These statements are irreconcilable, and nothing the Department has said changes that the purpose of these funds is to demonstrate and pilot carbon capture technologies.\n\nObligating these funds would violate the Purpose Statute and the Antideficiency Act.\n\nThe Purpose Statute provides that appropriations “shall be applied only to the objects for which the appropriations were made except as otherwise provided by law.” Funds appropriated for carbon capture demonstration projects and large-scale carbon capture pilots are not available to restart and rehabilitate coal power plants unless the coal plants will only use the funds to carry out a carbon capture demonstration or pilot project. The Department has not identified any other legally available funds to cover these awards, meaning any resulting obligations would exceed the amounts available for the purpose and therefore violate the Antideficiency Act, which bars obligating or expending funds in excess of, or in advance of, available appropriations.\n\nRequested actions and information.\n\nGiven likely violations of the Purpose Statute and the Antideficiency Act, we demand that the Department refrain from obligating any funds under the DE-FOA-0003605 selections until it can demonstrate that these funds would be obligated lawfully. To evaluate the legality of these awards before funds are obligated, we request that no later than August 7, 2026, the Department:\n\nProvide the written legal opinion of the Office of the General Counsel analyzing the availability of Carbon Capture Demonstration Projects and Carbon Capture Large-Scale Pilot Projects appropriations for each selected award, including the specific statutory authority relied upon;\n\nFor each award, provide the amount of Federal funds budgeted for project phases prior to the incorporation of carbon capture, utilization, and storage, broken out by phase;\n\nReconcile the contradiction between the Notice of Funding Opportunity (non-CCUS reliability work covered through recipient cost share) and the Congressional notifications (near-term reliability upgrades federally cost-shared without immediate CCUS);\n\nIdentify, for each award, the appropriation account, program, and fiscal year of every dollar to be obligated; and\n\nProvide all records relating to the competitive process for these selections, including the evaluation and selection criteria applied and how they were satisfied.\n\nCongress provided this money to develop technology that makes energy cleaner and cheaper in the long run — not to subsidize big coal and force families to foot the bill. When an Administration takes funds Congress provided for one purpose and spends them on another, it breaks the law and betrays public trust. We expect the Department to follow the law and answer for its decision-making expeditiously.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/on-senate-floor-murray-urges-colleagues-to-end-trump-administrations-ai-program-that-is-delaying-and-denying-seniors-health-care/", "title": "On Senate Floor, Murray Urges Colleagues to End Trump Administration’s AI Program that is Delaying and Denying Seniors’ Health Care", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Murray: “People choose Traditional Medicare because they want to make their health care decisions with their doctor—not with a private company that’s out to make a profit.”\n\nICYMI: Murray, Cantwell Introduce Resolution to Overturn A.I.-Driven Program That’s Overruling WA Doctors & Delaying Care for Seniors\n\n***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full speech***\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), spoke on the Senate floor ahead of a vote on her Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn a new pilot program implemented by the Trump administration that’s using artificial intelligence (AI) to conduct prior authorization in Traditional Medicare to deny or delay certain procedures for seniors.\n\nIn December last year, Senator Murray introduced the Seniors Deserve SMARTER (Streamlined Medical Approvals for Timely, Efficient Recovery) Care Act, legislation that would prohibit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) from implementing the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) model that began on January 1, 2026 and is set to last for six years in six selected states, including Washington state.\n\nSenator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below:\n\n“I wanted to talk today about not just how Republicans are making health care more expensive, but also how they are making it just plain worse for seniors. President Trump came into office saying that he wouldn’t cut Medicare. But that was clearly a lie. Because right now, his administration is trying to privatize Medicare—in part, by putting AI between Medicare beneficiaries and their health care!\n\n“In January of this year—under Secretary Kennedy’s and Dr. Oz’s leadership—CMS began this pilot program that uses AI to require prior authorization in Traditional Medicare. For the first time ever. And it is set to run for 6 years. They call it the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction model—well, they got the wasteful and inappropriate part right!\n\n“The ‘WISeR’ Model uses AI to deny vulnerable seniors the care they need and that their doctors recommend. Not only that, but the for-profit contractors that conduct this prior authorization are paid a percentage of the cost of care that they deny. They are literally incentivized to rip health care away from seniors because that is better for their bottom line. When your business model relies on denials, denials are what seniors are going to get—and that is perverse.\n\n“WISeR was rolled out in the beginning of this year in my home state of Washington and five other states, without safeguards, and without any transparency, and without the best interest of Medicare beneficiaries at the heart of the program.\n\n“President Trump is saying: forget the doctors who went to medical school and took an oath to do no harm—AI knows better when it comes to health care decisions for our seniors. The consequences of that poor judgement are real and they are life threatening.\n\n“I hear from Medicare patients in Washington state all the time who are suffering in debilitating pain for weeks because they are not getting the care they need, thanks to this harmful model.\n\n“Patients like Joanne—she’s a Medicare beneficiary from Quilcene, Washington. She went to her doctor for severe pain and an MRI showed that a herniated disc was pressing on her sciatic nerve. Joanne’s doctor prescribed an epidural injection to help ease that pain. This was standard, routine care—care that, before this year, she would have been able to get quickly after it had been recommended by her doctor.\n\n“But because of this WISeR model, she had to wait 6 weeks to get approval. That means that thanks to WISeR, Joanne had to deal with unnecessary, un[treated] pain for six weeks. Because of this nonsense delay, her day-to-day life was disrupted—and the burden fell on her then to fight for the care she needed.\n\n“This is simply outrageous! But that is also WISeR working by design. And that is a direct impact of the Trump administration’s actions.\n\n“We’ve seen way too many stories like Joanne’s from states that have been selected for this pilot program—no way should an algorithm decide if seniors should get the care that they need.\n\n“That’s why I joined my colleagues in introducing a resolution to overturn this model. And I want all of my colleagues to join me in voting for it so we can make sure seniors in my state and all over this country can once again receive their health care on time, without interruption.\n\n“Let’s just use our common sense: it is clear as day that some AI model should never be at the wheel making health care decisions left and right.\n\n“And it’s not just patients I hear from, I’ve met with health care providers all over my state. Whether it’s a rural hospital or a doctor in Seattle—no one has had anything good to tell me about prior authorization in Traditional Medicare.\n\n“Now I ran for office exactly because I believe regular people deserve a say in how their government is run—and that is especially true when it comes to the government deploying AI technology.\n\n“I don’t know any senior, Republican or Democrat, who asked President Trump to let AI decide if their doctor-recommended treatment was necessary. Of course, AI can help make things more efficient or do good things, but that’s not what the WISeR model is doing!\n\n“So, let’s get to the crux of it, as a country, we make a promise to American seniors: if they paid their taxes throughout their careers, they earned their Medicare coverage. Full stop. WISeR breaks that promise to seniors with these senseless, AI driven prior authorizations that deny and delay care.\n\n“Let me be clear, many seniors choose traditional Medicare over other options because traditional Medicare rarely requires prior authorizations. People choose traditional Medicare because they want to make their health care decisions with their doctor—not with a private company that’s out to make a profit.\n\n“Simply put, the WISeR model—which again delays and denies necessary care to Medicare patients—it is reckless and irresponsible.\n\n“I want my Republican colleagues to join us in voting to get rid of WISeR once and for all, because M. President, this should not be a partisan issue.\n\n“We all have seniors in our states that deserve the highest level of care, without having to deal with red tape and delays. Thanks to Trump, AI is getting in between seniors and their health care: in Arizona, in New Jersey, in Ohio, in Oklahoma, in Texas, and my state of Washington.\n\n“We have an opportunity to stop this harmful, experimental pilot program before more seniors are harmed. No senior in America should have to appeal their pain and suffering to a machine.\n\n“To my colleagues, if it was your spouse or parent who needed care, who would you want to decide if they get their treatment? Their doctor or a for-profit algorithm? Would you want them to suffer in pain for weeks for care they are entitled to?\n\n“I know what my answer is. Let’s maintain the promise of Medicare. Let’s pass this resolution.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/sen-murrays-opening-remarks-at-help-hearing-on-keith-sonderlings-nomination-to-be-secretary-of-labor/", "title": "Sen. Murray’s Opening Remarks at HELP Hearing on Keith Sonderling’s Nomination to be Secretary of Labor", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full opening remarks***\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today—at a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) hearing to consider Keith Sonderling’s nomination to be Secretary of Labor—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), delivered the following opening remarks on the Department of Labor’s mission to support and protect workers, and how Sonderling’s record at the Department of Labor makes him grossly unqualified for the job.\n\nSenator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below:\n\n“Thank you, Chair Cassidy. Thank you Acting Secretary Sonderling for being here today.\n\n“I am going to be straight where I stand here. The Department of Labor has a straightforward mission. It is right there in the name—it’s not called the Department of big business and billionaires. It is called the Department of Labor. DOL exists to protect the people who do the work in this country. It exists to make sure an honest day’s work means a fair wage, a safe workplace, and a voice on the job.\n\n“That mission is more important than ever since this President and this Republican Congress decided that their policy priorities would be trillions in deficit-busting tax cuts for billionaires and giant corporations, and starting new wars in the Middle East. That agenda has worked for the very richest and for defense contractors. Elon Musk became a trillionaire!\n\n“But the basics? Groceries, health care, gas? All of that has gotten more and more expensive for regular working people. All while millions of Americans lose their health care, inflation is sky-high, and there is no end in sight to Trump’s costly war.\n\n“That’s the state of our economy for working families thanks to this President—that’s the reality for everyone who doesn’t get a tax write-off for their private jet.\n\n“So, now you are here, asking this committee for a promotion since your predecessor apparently created such a hostile and scandal plagued work environment, she was pushed out. But let’s clear: you are not a bystander to this administration’s anti-worker policies and agenda.\n\n“You were confirmed as Deputy Secretary in March of last year. You have run it as Acting Secretary since April. I just talked about the harm this Republican majority has done to our economy—but you’ve built your own anti-worker record at DOL. You rescinded the overtime rule in May—slamming the door on time-and-a-half pay for more than 4 million workers who already aren’t making much to begin with.\n\n“At the same time, you’re working to rescind the independent contractor rule. You want to let giant corporations classify workers as contractors so that they don’t have to pay them minimum wage and overtime—a conservative estimate finds this rule would rob workers of $3.7 billion a year—that is an outright grift. You are also pushing a joint-employer rule to let giant corporations take advantage of employment structures, so they aren’t liable when people like janitors or nurses get a paycheck stolen, or when there are child labor violations or other workers’ rights violations.\n\n“But here is what every worker watching needs to understand: this Department treats its own employees exactly the way it is letting the worst employers treat theirs.\n\n“For example, Trump’s Department of Labor fired ninety percent of the office that worked to protect workers from discrimination by federal contractors since 1965! And when they did that, they ignored the four months’ notice its own union contract required. The Department of Labor—violating a labor contract. You can’t make that up!\n\n“Then, this Department of Labor stood by while this administration stripped collective bargaining rights from more than a million federal workers. And you actually helped this administration pressure the federal agency that helps protects our civil servants! And when the Bureau of Labor Statistics did its job and reported honest employment numbers the President didn’t like, its commissioner—was fired with no cause.\n\n“Who should workers call when this administration has been nothing short of outright hostile toward workers—in its policies and towards its own employees?\n\n“I don’t even have time to really get into how you have undercut this agency’s capacity to crack down on wage theft and child labor violations. But needless to say, it will not be easy to rebuild what you broke.\n\n“Finally, I have to raise something I never imagined addressing at a hearing for a Secretary of Labor. In January, this Department’s official account posted a video captioned: ‘One Homeland. One People. One Heritage. Remember who you are, American.’ Historians immediately recognized the echo of the Nazi slogan: ‘one people, one realm, one leader.’ Nobody had to really squint to make that connection. Union leaders condemned that. Your own career employees called it disturbing.\n\n“And that was not a one off. It has been a pattern. Under your leadership, this Department posts constant propaganda about ‘Americanism,’ you decry ‘globalism,’ and make misleading comments about ‘native-born’ workers. It is so apparent this Department is posting this kind of garbage as a wink and a nod to extremists and to get a rise out of everyone else who is paying attention.\n\n“But you need to hear it from somebody: this kind of language and imagery is a disgrace.\n\n“Mr. Sonderling, Frances Perkins—the woman who we can thank for the minimum wage, for the forty-hour work week, for Social Security—she built this Department to stop employers with records like yours.\n\n“So, I’ll close with this: the four million workers whose overtime you shut the door on didn’t get a vote on that policy.\n\n“But I have a vote here in the Senate. And I fear any vote to confirm you is for more of the same: to strip overtime protections for our workers, to undercut our unions, and to let giant corporations get away with robbery—literally.\n\n“America does need a Labor Secretary who understands our workers who should not be denied overtime pay, who will prosecute wage theft and child labor violations, who believes we should increase the minimum wage, who understands America is way overdue for a national paid leave program, and who will stand up every minute for every worker’s right to form a union.\n\n“That’s just where I stand.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-advocates-for-protection-against-election-interference-amid-trump-election-chaos/", "title": "Padilla Advocates for Protection Against Election Interference Amid Trump Election Chaos", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight over federal elections and California’s former Secretary of State, convened a voting rights breakfast roundtable with Senate Democrats’ Election Protection Task Force and faith organizations and civil rights groups to sound the alarm on the Supreme Court’s rollback of voting rights and President Trump’s election interference efforts. During the event, Padilla discussed legislative and oversight efforts to strengthen federal elections and previewed a bill he will be introducing to increase accountability for Trump’s continued attempts to undermine and interfere in federal elections.\n\nAt the roundtable, attendees discussed their concerns about the threats to voting rights and the Trump Administration’s ongoing threats to federal elections. The event was held to mark the sixth anniversary of former Congressman John Lewis’ passing and Padilla underscored the importance of continuing Lewis’ voting rights work which remains critically important ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The breakfast was co-hosted by the Faithful Democracy coalition, and opening remarks were delivered by Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Bishop William J. Barber II and Rev. Dr. Della J. Owens-Barber, and Rabbi David Saperstein.\n\n“This is an interfaith group and it’s beautiful to see so many different faith traditions united by the common belief that everybody deserves to be treated with dignity and that every voice deserves to be heard by our government,” said Senator Padilla. “As we remember the life and the legacy of John Lewis, I also reflect on not just the religious and faith leaders that he marched with, but those that marched with him. There’s 110 days between now and Election Day. And clearly, we have a lot of work to do.”\n\nAmid President Trump’s unlawful attempts to take over elections, Padilla emphasized his upcoming bill would strengthen election safeguards and hold accountable those who attempt to interfere with elections.\n\n“I used to serve as California Secretary of State, so I know how elections work in California and through the network of secretaries around the country, and I can assure you our elections are safe. They are secure,” continued Senator Padilla. “But our democracy is strongest when every eligible voter has an easy opportunity to vote and have their vote counted.”\n\nIn addition to Padilla, the roundtable included remarks from U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D- Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) also attended. The roundtable also included remarks from Bishop William J. Barber II, President of Repairers of the Breach and Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, Rev. Dr. Della J. Owens-Barber, Rabbi David Saperstein from the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, Rev. Paul Raushenbush, President & CEO of Interfaith Alliance, Maya Wiley, President & CEO of Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Haris Tarin, VP of Policy and Programming of Muslim Public Affairs Council, Laurie Carafone, Executive Director of NETWORK Advocates for Catholic Social Justice, Harman Singh, Executive Director of the Sikh Coalition, Darcy Hirsh, VP of Government Relations & Advocacy at the National Council of Jewish Women, Bishop Julius C. Trimble, General Secretary of the General Board of Church and Society, Ria Chakrabarty, Senior Policy Director at Hindus for Human Rights, Bishop Vashti McKenzie, President of the National Council of Churches, Rev. Carlos Malavé, President and Founder of the Latino Christian National Network, Sr. Carol Zinn, Executive Director of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, Juan Proaño, CEO of LULAC, Margaret Mitchell, CEO of YWCA USA, and Demetria McCain, Director of Policy at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.\n\nAs California’s former Secretary of State, Padilla knows first-hand the importance of taking proactive steps to protect the fundamental right to vote. Last month, Padilla and Schumer convened a Rules Committee Democrats and Senate Democrats’ Election Protection Task Force spotlight forum focused on state and local responses to combat efforts by the Trump Administration to undermine election administration in the upcoming midterm elections. Padilla and his Senate colleagues also demanded answers from Trump Administration officials about their lack of election security preparation, insufficient coordination with Congress and election officials, and unsupported public claims about voting system vulnerabilities.\n\nVideo of Padilla’s remarks from today’s roundtable is available here.\n\nFull livestream of the event is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-responds-to-trumps-election-conspiracy-address/", "title": "Padilla Responds to Trump’s Election Conspiracy Address", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee, which oversees federal elections, released the following statement on President Trump’s continued unfounded election denial claims during a primetime address to the nation:\n\n“Let me lay out the facts: Donald Trump lost the 2020 election. Period. Despite his false claims, there is no evidence of any widespread voter fraud in that election and we heard nothing new today. Remember, Donald Trump was President at the time and even his own Administration said the election was safe and secure. It’s been more than half a decade, with numerous audits, recounts, and more than 60 court cases, each finding no evidence of widespread voter fraud. Clearly, this is no longer about an election Donald Trump lost six years ago. It’s about him laying the groundwork to try to ‘take over the voting’ in the upcoming midterm elections. Donald Trump is desperate to pass the anti-voter SAVE Act and sow doubt in our elections because Republicans will have to face voters in November — and voters are ready to hold them accountable for Trump’s unauthorized war in Iran, higher prices for gas, groceries, rent, and healthcare, and Trump’s shameless corruption.\n\n“As California Secretary of State for the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, I oversaw safe and secure elections with record voter participation — the sign of a strong democracy. Donald Trump’s conspiracy theories about the integrity of our elections are false. We cannot and will not let him erode trust in American democracy.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-committee-advances-padilla-bill-to-support-ecological-restoration/", "title": "Senate Committee Advances Padilla Bill to Support Ecological Restoration", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing on U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s (D-Calif.) bipartisan bill to restore a long-lost salmon run on the San Joaquin, California’s second longest river. The bill advanced out of committee by voice vote.\n\n“As droughts, floods, rising project costs, and funding delays continue to threaten watersheds across our state, Congress has a responsibility to restore salmon and improve recreational access to free-flowing rivers in areas like the San Joaquin Valley,” said Senator Padilla. “I am proud to see my bill to authorize additional funding to support ecological restoration of the San Joaquin River advance. My bill also mitigates water supply losses for Friant Division farmers, and I will continue to advocate for bolstering drought resiliency and water supply across California.”\n\nThis bipartisan bill would authorize additional funding for the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act. To further support the ongoing implementation of the San Joaquin River Restoration Program (SJRRP), this legislation would raise the cap on federal appropriations for the program by $500 million while increasing the authorization of appropriations for Friant Division canal improvements.\n\nCongress authorized the SJRRP following the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement, which was the result of an 18-year lawsuit over operations of the Friant Division of the Central Valley Project. The SJRRP is a comprehensive, long-term effort in the Central Valley to restore flows to the San Joaquin River from Friant Dam to the confluence of the Merced River and restore a self-sustaining Chinook salmon fishery in the river, while reducing or avoiding adverse water supply impacts from restoration flows.\n\nBecause the original estimated cost of implementation has risen, the restoration program needs continued funding for projects that are vital to securing a healthy river.\n\nIn addition to Padilla, the bill is cosponsored by Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.).\n\nPadilla has consistently advocated for strong federal investments in California’s water infrastructure. Yesterday, Padilla advocated for affordable water utilities and stronger flood protections for communities at a Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works markup. Earlier this year, Padilla secured $54 million in federal funding for the Pajaro River Flood Risk Management Project in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties to increase flood protection.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-calls-out-vought-for-needlessly-blocking-aid-to-vulnerable-americans-and-making-us-servicemembers-more-vulnerable-to-financial-scams", "title": "Reed Calls Out Vought for Needlessly Blocking Aid to Vulnerable Americans & Making U.S. Servicemembers More Vulnerable to Financial Scams", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***VIDEO: Reed Questions OMB Director Vought***\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – His days in his second job as acting director of the Consumer Financial Bureau (CFPB) may be numbered, but today Russell Vought, whose full-time job is Director of the Office Management and Budget (OMB), got an earful from U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) who hammered Vought for failing to release approximately $750 million in affordable housing construction funds; a recent OMB proposal to end merit-based review of federal grant funding and inject hyper-partisanship into the decision-making process; and for Vought’s gutting of the CFPB, specifically the Office of Servicemember Affairs and its examination function which is leaving U.S. servicemembers vulnerable to exploitation by predatory lenders.\n\nEarlier this month, Senator Reed led 22 of his colleagues in demanding that the Trump Administration swiftly release $750 million in stalled affordable housing construction funding that has been held up by the Trump Administration for over a year. The funding is primarily from the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF) and Housing Trust Fund (HTF), which can be leveraged by states and local organizations use to develop, preserve, rehabilitate, and increase the supply of affordable housing. In his questioning of Vought, Reed pointed out that this funding could be used to build or rehabilitate about 63,000 affordable homes across the nation and wouldn’t cost taxpayers a dime, as CMF and HTF funds come from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac profits, not taxpayers.\n\nAdditionally, Reed criticized the Trump Administration’s recent OMB proposal that would place all federal grants under constant threat of penalty or termination and subject them to hyper-partisan coercion from President Trump’s political appointees. The OMB’s proposed rule to end the federal government’s longstanding merit-based, largely independent, peer review process for grantmaking decisions would stunt scientific progress, weaken national security, and undermine Congress’s constitutional power of the purse while allowing President Trump and all future presidents to weaponize federal grants for political purposes.\n\nAs a creator of the CFPB’s Office of Servicemember Affairs and a leading defender of the Military Lending Act, Senator Reed blasted Vought’s gutting of the primary federal consumer watchdog which has left U.S. servicemembers increasingly vulnerable to financial manipulation from payday lenders and other bad actors who seek to exploit active-duty personnel and their families. Reed credits his own experience as a former U.S. Army officer who commanded paratroopers in the 82nd Airborne as a central component of his efforts to create the dedicated watchdog to protect the financial security of servicemembers and their families. Since becoming OMB Director and acting director of CFPB, Vought has cut staff at the Office of Servicemember Affairs from 47 personnel to just 9 staff members while simultaneously slashing CFPB supervisory staff by 85%. Meanwhile, enforcement actions meant to return illegal fees collected from servicemembers have ground to a halt.\n\nA video of Senator Reed’s questioning of Director Vought can be found here and a full transcript follows below:\n\nSENATOR REED: Mr. Vought, we have a housing supply crisis in the United States which is obvious to everyone. Yet, the Trump Administration is sitting on $750 million in homebuilding funds, mostly from the affordable Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund that could build or rehabilitate about 63,000 homes across the country. These programs are not funded by the taxpayer. They are funded from a portion of the profits of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. 22 of my colleagues joined me in writing on June 30 urging you to release these funds which you are holding. Will you commit to releasing these funds? And when will you do it?\n\nDIRECTOR VOUGHT: I'm happy to look at that. I did see your letter and we will be happy to follow up. We are looking to expeditiously move on all of those apportionments as quickly as we can.\n\nREED: How quickly is quickly?\n\nVOUGHT: Well, it's halfway through the fiscal year. We obviously want to make sure that the funds get to the agency and they can be spent.\n\nREED: You have been sitting on those funds now for more than a year. I doubt you'll need much more time. I urge you to respond quickly, actually immediately.\n\nYou have also proposed a regulation to overhaul the federal grantmaking process that would effectively end merit-based decisions and give political appointments unprecedented control of $1 billion in federal grants. There have been 350,000 comments already about your proposal – most of them I suspect are in opposition. In fact, we have already seen the effects of this kind of approach to decision-making. Last month, the Trump Administration began dismantling the NSF Ocean Observation Initiative which provides critical, real-time monitoring of our oceans. The political appointees who made the decision clearly did not know what they were doing, not understanding the science, and were forced to quickly reverse their decision. How will this rule ensure that political litmus tests will not be used to make grants?\n\nVOUGHT: Senator, I think that this rule is about ensuring we have democratic control of the spending that is going out at the executive branch agencies so that when you have a policy official in charge of an agency based on themselves being in the cabinet, those are the ones making the final call on how and what we are spending money on through the grant program. I was up here last year, I think you were there, talking about the recissions process. One of the biggest questions I got was, Mr. Director, why don't you just not spend it on this or that? You have an opportunity to impose your own policy objectives. To the extent that's a valid argument, this CFR is part of that process. We want to make sure that NIH is not spending money on gain-of-function research that contributed to the last pandemic just because Tony Fauci, who was not a policy official of a political nature, decides it's a wise thing to do.\n\nREED: Excuse me, so you have a non-doctor, nonscientist making decisions about scientific research which seems to me to be a fairly bad approach.\n\nVOUGHT: In that case…\n\nREED: Let me move on. I was the lead sponsor of the Military Lending Act, based on my experience as a soldier. In February of 2025, I sent you a very simple letter asking for an explanation and I still have not had a response. In fact, you are not at all very responsive. In June 2025, you testified to me at the Appropriations Committee that you specifically made military lending and enforcement a priority.\n\nWell, let's look at the record. Before your tenure, the CFPB took 40 enforcement actions that yielded $363 million in relief for servicemembers. You have taken only two enforcement actions, securing only $6.75 million. Again, as Senator Warren has pointed out, you released the Navy Federal Credit Union from an obligation to refund $80 million in illegally charged fees to U.S. servicemembers. And this argument that oh, they’ll all pay because it's a cooperative… These people were denied funds. You said stop, we are not going to pay them back.\n\nYou have reduced the Office of Servicemember Affairs from 47 employees to 9. You have reduced the CFPB’s supervision staff by 85% and cut the number of annual exams from hundreds to only 70. You are basically abandoning the troops and the soldiers, sailors, and airmen that are being exploited by payday lenders, by all sorts of used car dealers and everything else.\n\nTo me that is a shame. Because you would probably be the first one to stand up and say how much you do for servicemembers. You are not doing anything for servicemembers. My time has expired.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-trumps-prime-time-speech-on-2020-election-allegations", "title": "Reed Statement on Trump’s Prime-time Speech on 2020 Election Allegations", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Tonight, after President Trump delivered a primetime address seeking to relitigate the 2020 election and sow doubt about election integrity, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement:\n\n“Tonight, President Trump demonstrated his distrust of the American people and their right to vote in a free and fair election, because his administration has failed to control prices, has involved ourselves in an expensive, difficult, and at this point, indefinite war. Trump knows that, and he’s trying to figure a way to distract the American public. And, to also position himself so that he can deny the results of this election. So distraction and denial were the themes tonight. This is a hoax that President Trump hopes he can inflict upon the American public so that they doubt the forthcoming elections. This is all about his personal political survival. It has nothing to do about giving the American people the right – which they have – to voice their opinion on who should lead this country and how it should be lead.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-combatting-fraud-waste-and-abuse/", "title": "VIDEO: Combatting Fraud, Waste, and Abuse", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "domain": "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "scraper": "ricketts", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000618", "name": "Pete Ricketts", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, during his weekly press call with Nebraska media, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed his work in the Senate to combat fraud, waste, and abuse. Ricketts also highlighted how the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will lower the cost of housing and make the Good Life more affordable.\n\n“Too many people are stealing and abusing tax dollars. These people lie and cheat to line their own pockets. In some cases, they send stolen money overseas,” said Ricketts. “This illegal behavior drives up the cost of living. It also burdens programs meant to help Americans who need it. Too many politicians made stealing from the government easy. I’m fighting to put an end to this fraud, waste, and abuse.”\n\nWatch the video here.\n\nTRANSCRIPT: “First, let me share an update on the housing bill.\n\n“As of Friday, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is officially law.\n\n“This is the most comprehensive housing bill to pass Congress in 36 years.\n\n“It’s a real achievement to cut through the red tape and regulation that drives up housing costs.\n\n“For example, HUD and USDA have grant programs that they don’t work together on.\n\n“This bill will require them to work together in a streamlined manner to get their processes to get out the money faster.\n\n“The housing law will also get rid of the requirement for manufactured homes to have a trailer or chassis.\n\n“This regulatory requirement was from 50 years ago.\n\n“Removing this requirement knocks off about $10,000 from the cost of manufactured homes.\n\n“It will also get rid of the requirement to do environmental reviews on infill sites where these reviews have already happened.\n\n“We don’t need to duplicate things that have already been done.\n\n“These are just a few examples of how this law will streamline the process of building a home to be able to help bring down the cost of homes.\n\n“With that, let’s move on to what we are working on this week, which is addressing fraud, waste, and abuse.\n\n“Nebraskans are honest, trusting people.\n\n“We expect others to behave the same way.\n\n“However, that’s not always the case.\n\n“Too many people are stealing and abusing tax dollars.\n\n“These people lie and cheat to line their own pockets.\n\n“In some cases, they send stolen money overseas.\n\n“This illegal behavior drives up the cost of living.\n\n“It also burdens programs meant to help Americans who need it.\n\n“Too many politicians made stealing from the government easy.\n\n“I’m fighting to put an end to this fraud, waste, and abuse.\n\n“The Trump Administration has unearthed widespread misuse of government resources.\n\n“In Minnesota and California, we’ve learned of extensive fraud and abuse.\n\n“A federal prosecutor said that at least half of the Medicaid funding for 14 Minnesota-run programs was stolen.\n\n“That’s at least $9 billion in taxpayer money.\n\n“In one case in California, over $50 million in Medicare benefits were stolen.\n\n“This is just one example of the pervasive fraud and abuse in California.\n\n“Los Angeles County alone accounts for about 34% of hospice care fraud in the U.S.\n\n“A CBS News study found that 93% of Los Angeles County hospice care providers have at least one indication of fraud.\n\n“Funds meant to support those in hospice are being used for personal gain.\n\n“Even in Nebraska, our state auditor has found abuse.\n\n“People live in homes worth half a million dollars and receive paychecks for over $100,000.\n\n“Then, they draw benefits from the Women, Infants, and Children or WIC Program.\n\n“WIC wasn’t designed for those folks.\n\n“WIC is a safety net designed to help women, infants, and children in need.\n\n“We must stop people from abusing this program and taking away resources from the people who it was meant for.\n\n“To build on these efforts, I co-founded the new Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force.\n\n“We are identifying vulnerabilities in existing programs.\n\n“We’re strengthening government accountability.\n\n“And we’re ensuring proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars.\n\n“The Government Accountability Office looked at fraud between 2018 and 2022.\n\n“They established between — they estimated rather, that between $233 billion and $521 billion a year in taxpayer money was being stolen.\n\n“We are working to stop this bleeding of taxpayer dollars.\n\n“I also have a bipartisan bill to increase transparency on improper federal payments.\n\n“Improper payments are when the government overpays, underpays, or pays the wrong person.\n\n“The Improper Payments Transparency Act would require the President to provide data on improper payments in the annual budget request.\n\n“Transparency brings accountability.\n\n“My bill is included in the Protecting American Taxpayers Act.\n\n“This is a legislative package to combat fraud, and we expect to vote on it soon.\n\n“The Working Families Tax Cuts also fights against fraud.\n\n“We placed work and eligibility requirements on Medicaid and SNAP.\n\n“We did this to prevent abuse of American taxpayer dollars, like what we are seeing in Nebraska.\n\n“Medicaid and SNAP should benefit moms and children, the elderly, and the disabled.\n\n“That’s who these programs were created for.\n\n“These reforms ensure that dead people do not remain enrolled on Medicaid.\n\n“They also make sure that people cannot be enrolled in multiple states.\n\n“As we often do, Nebraska led the nation to pursue work requirements for Medicaid expansion members.\n\n“To receive Medicaid, able-bodied Americans without young kids will need to be productive in their community.\n\n“Americans will have to contribute to their community by working, volunteering, or studying for 20 hours a week.\n\n“These work requirements are less restrictive than what is currently required for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, program.\n\n“That’s not too much to ask.\n\n“These requirements will help preserve the programs for who they are designed for\n\n“These will also increase participation in the workforce and save taxpayers about $250 billion.\n\n“That’s a win-win-win.\n\n“We also tightened requirements on illegal immigrants.\n\n“Our system was never intended to subsidize non-Americans.\n\n“There were over 1.2 million illegal immigrants receiving Medicaid benefits.\n\n“These reforms make sure only Americans can get government assistance.\n\n“Fraudsters have stolen from Nebraskans and the American people for too long.\n\n“I am working to combat fraud, waste, and abuse.\n\n“We need to protect Americans, our tax dollars, and our values.\n\n“This is how we preserve our great nation for another 250 years.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-ricketts-commemorates-lindsey-graham/", "title": "VIDEO: Ricketts Commemorates Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "domain": "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "scraper": "ricketts", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000618", "name": "Pete Ricketts", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today on the Senate Floor, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) commemorated the life and legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC).\n\n“Lindsey Graham was part of the glue for the Senate — not just for Republicans, but for Republicans and Democrats… When Lindsey would see an issue, he would hop on a plane and go fix it, whether it was overseas or in my home state of Nebraska,” said Ricketts. “Susanne and I are praying for Darline, and the rest of her family, and Lindsey’s staff at this tragic time. And indeed, for our entire country as we’ve experienced the loss of this larger-than-life patriot, Lindsey Olin Graham.”\n\nWatch the video here.\n\nTRANSCRIPT\n\nSenator Ricketts: “Mr. President, I rise today to talk about our colleague Lindsey Graham, who tragically passed away last weekend.\n\n“Lindsey Graham was the definition of the word patriot.\n\n“He loved this country and dedicated his life to serving this country.\n\n“He was from humble backgrounds.\n\n“His parents ran a bar, and again, tragically, he lost his parents at a young age.\n\n“His mom died when Lindsey was 20, and his dad died when he was 22.\n\n“And so, as a young man, he took over the care of his sister Darline, who was only 13 years old.\n\n“He was the first in his family to go to college and then got a law degree.\n\n“He joined the Air Force, and to help take care of his sister, he adopted her so she could get his Air Force benefits.\n\n“He served our country in the Air Force, the National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve.\n\n“Total of 33 years, retiring with the rank of colonel and a Bronze Star.\n\n“He began his career in politics in 1992 in the South Carolina Legislature and got elected to the U.S. Congress — the House of Representatives — in 1994.\n\n“He was the first Republican to be elected from his district since 1877.\n\n“He served in the House for eight years and then came to the Senate in 2002, taking over for Strom Thurmond.\n\n“And he has been a dynamic personality in this body.\n\n“And I’ve had the privilege to get to know him and call him my friend.\n\n“Lindsey Graham was part of the glue for the Senate — not just for Republicans, but for Republicans and Democrats\n\n“He worked across the aisle.\n\n“Just a few days ago, my colleague from Delaware was talking about how he worked with Lindsey Graham on a number of different items.\n\n“One was a conservation fund that also fights terrorism.\n\n“He remarked that Lindsey, in his way, was able to boil down why this was so important.\n\n“And had hats created that said, ‘Good for animals, bad for terrorists.’\n\n“And that was very typical of Lindsey because he could boil things down very simply to be able to make a point, almost like a country lawyer.\n\n“He’d say, ‘How many people think that for example if Iran had a nuclear weapon, they’d use it on us? Raise your hand.’\n\n“They’d raise their hands.\n\n“And he’d say, ‘How many people think it would be bad if they got a nuclear weapon?’\n\n“Of course, all those people would raise their hands.\n\n“‘How many people think we should stop them from getting a nuclear weapon?’\n\n“They’d raise their hands.\n\n“That’s the simple way that Lindsey would make his point.\n\n“He was super smart and had an incredible sense of humor.\n\n“It was not often fun if you were on the other side of that sense of humor sometimes.\n\n“At one of our Budget Committee hearings, Lindsey Graham was presiding, and we had one of our members who was going through all sorts of points and charts and so forth.\n\n“When the presentation came to an end, Lindsey Graham said something to the effect, ‘Well, next time we’re going to record that, and we’re taking it down to Gitmo because it’ll be more effective down there.’\n\n“So, you wanted to make sure that you were talking to the right audience and making your points quickly with Lindsey.\n\n“He was also very charming and was very direct.\n\n“When he would go talk to foreign leaders, he would be able to get across those simple ideas the way he did with audiences back at home.\n\n“And be able to express directly through humor, through charming them.\n\n“To help them understand where their interests were aligned with our interests.\n\n“How we needed to work together to keep the people of their country safe and the people of our country safe.\n\n“Lindsey was very clear-eyed about the dangers of dictators like Vladimir Putin.\n\n“He understood that when Putin is losing, we’re winning.\n\n“We’re safer.\n\n“He was appalled by the invasion of Russia into Ukraine.\n\n“That unprovoked aggressive attack.\n\n“He was a fierce advocate for supporting Ukraine, not only because of the injustice of what Russia is doing to Ukraine, but because Lindsey understood what the threat to the United States and the people of American would be if Putin were successful.\n\n“If they’re successful in Ukraine, they’re going to go after a NATO member.\n\n“And then we will have boots on the ground in Europe.\n\n“Lindsey was trying to keep us safe by advocating for the Ukrainians.\n\n“When Lindsey would see an issue, he would hop on a plane and go fix it, whether it was overseas or in my home state of Nebraska.\n\n“He came to Nebraska several times.\n\n“I love the man.\n\n“I had the privilege of spending time with him here over the last three and a half years.\n\n“He liked Coke Zero and Riesling Wines.\n\n“He was charming, funny, intelligent, and dedicated to this country.\n\n“Our body and this country are losing a lot with Lindsey Graham.\n\n“We’re losing some of the humor we have.\n\n“We’re losing some of the glue that holds us together.\n\n“We’re losing a fierce patriot, and our country is the worse off for it.\n\n“Susanne and I are praying for Darline, and the rest of her family, and Lindsey’s staff at this tragic time.\n\n“And indeed, for our entire country as we’ve experienced the loss of this larger-than-life patriot, Lindsey Olin Graham.\n\n“Lindsey, I know you’re looking down on us from upstairs, and you’re going to do your best to guide us from up there.\n\n“We really, really miss you.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-reacts-to-president-trump-s-release-of-ccp-election-interference-evidence", "title": "Sen. Rick Scott Reacts to President Trump’s Release of CCP Election Interference Evidence", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Rick Scott issued the following statement following President Trump’s speech Thursday night:\n\n“Tonight’s revelations in President Trump’s speech were truly shocking. Communist China is our enemy and will stop at nothing to undermine our republic and destroy our way of life. The deep state will stop at nothing to stay in power and control the American people.\n\n“It should be clear to every American citizen — Republican, Democrat, and Independent — that it has never been more crucial to secure our elections against fraud and foreign interference.\n\n“We need the SAVE America Act now. The Senate should be in Washington working around the clock to get this done. Use or lose the filibuster. Cancel recess. Whatever it takes. However long it takes.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-rep-john-moolenaar-ask-sec-chairman-paul-atkins-to-block-sanctioned-ccp-companies-access-to-u-s-markets", "title": "Sen. Rick Scott, Rep. John Moolenaar Ask SEC Chairman Paul Atkins to Block Sanctioned CCP Companies’ Access to U.S. Markets", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott and U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, Chairman of the House Select Committee on China, sent a letter to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins requesting the agency restrict sanctioned Chinese companies' access to U.S. capital markets to protect America's economy\n\nOn June 8, 2026, the Department of War issued a revised list of Chinese military companies operating directly or indirectly in the United States, as required by statute. The updated list expanded significantly from the prior year, adding 65 additional entities and representing the most comprehensive U.S. government assessment to date of companies that may support or contribute to the capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army. However, certain companies identified on the Section 1260H list continue to access U.S. capital markets, allowing them to raise capital from American investors.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote said, “China has long sought to take advantage of American markets seeking to enrich themselves and threaten our national security. These Chinese companies, including those on the Chinese military company blacklist, have no business trading on U.S. exchanges. We respectfully urge the Commission to consider what actions within its existing authority might appropriately address the ability of these sanctioned companies to access U.S. capital markets and raise funds that may support Communist China’s political, economic, or military objectives.”\n\nTo address this problem, the lawmakers call on the SEC to establish clearer investor warnings, including a ticker symbol, for sanctioned companies from countries of concern, and leverage existing authority to impose temporary trading suspensions on securities issued by those companies.\n\nThis letter is a continuation of Senator Scott’s efforts to untangle Communist China from the U.S. economy. As Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, he has held multiple hearings to shed light on the national security risk Chinese involvement has in financial markets.\n\nIn April 2025, the Committee held a joint hearing with the U.S. House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, “Financial Aggression: How the Chinese Communist Party Exploits American Retirees and Undermines National Security,” to expose the significant threats posed by Communist China to American investments, with a focus on the urgent need for seniors to safeguard their retirement savings from the CCP’s predatory practices.\n\nOn Wednesday of this week, Chairman Scott hosted a hearing titled, “Behind the Label: Foreign Ownership and Control in America's Drug Supply Chain” to expose the disturbing degree to which Communist China controls the drugs in America’s medicine cabinets.\n\nSCOOP: GOP lawmakers push for SEC to flag, suspend trading of Chinese military-linked stocks\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below:\n\nDear Chairman Atkins:\n\nOn June 8, 2026, the Department of War (DOW) released a revision to the statutorily required Section 1260H list of Chinese military companies operating directly or indirectly in the United States.1 DOW’s expansion of the 1260H list – adding 65 entities beyond last year’s list – represents the most robust assessment of the threat posed by these companies to the U.S. These companies have no business trading on U.S. exchanges, and we respectfully urge the Commission to consider what actions within its existing authority might appropriately address the ability of these companies to access U.S. capital markets and raise funds that may support the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) modernization efforts.\n\nThe Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has broad oversight jurisdiction over American national exchanges by law and regulation. Section 23(a)2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) authorizes the SEC to make such rules and regulations as necessary or appropriate to implement the Act. Section 6(b)(5)3 of the Exchange Act further provides that the rules of a national securities exchange must be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, and to protect investors and the public interest. Additionally, Section 12(k) authorizes the Commission to summarily suspend trading in any security for a period not to exceed 10 business days where it determines such action is in the public interest, and necessary for the protection of investors.4 Under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (as amended), the SEC can also suspend trading of securities of foreign companies that fail to meet the same regulatory and transparency standards required of U.S. companies.\n\nAccordingly, we encourage you to utilize your pre-existing authorities to initiate the following actions within 60 days of the postmarked date of this letter:\n\n1). Initiate a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to establish a ticker-level disclosure requirement for sanctioned issuers.\n\nWe would require U.S. national securities exchanges to append a standardized suffix or flag to the ticker symbol of any listed company within 30 days of that company's designation on any U.S. government sanctions list, including but not limited to the Section 1260H list of Chinese military companies. This designation should also be disclosed prominently in any Exchange Act periodic report (such as a Form 20-F or Form 6-K) filed with the Commission by the relevant issuer. Such a ticker-level flag would function analogously to existing exchange-assigned suffix codes that alert investors to material status changes, such as filing delinquencies or bankruptcy proceedings, and would provide investors with clear, visible notice of national security related designations.\n\nThe Chinese military companies to which this proposed rulemaking would apply include Alibaba Group (BABA, listed on the NYSE), Nio, Inc. (“NIO”, listed on the NYSE), Baidu, Inc. (BIDU, listed on NASDAQ), and Hesai Group (HSAI, listed on NASDAQ). BYD Company and Tencent Holdings currently trade in U.S. markets through Over-the-Counter (OTC) American Depositary Receipts rather than direct exchange listings, and the Commission may wish to consider whether analogous disclosure requirements would be appropriate for OTC traded securities as well.\n\n2). Utilize existing Section 12(k) authority to temporarily suspend trading upon sanctions designation.\n\nSecond, we request that the Commission temporarily suspend the trading of securities of any company headquartered in, or beneficially owned by an entity or government of, a foreign country of concern upon such company’s addition to a sanctions list maintained by the U.S. government. 6 A temporary ten business day suspension would provide the Commission with a reasonable opportunity to assess whether additional or more permanent action is warranted, while signaling to the market that designation carries consequences. Section 12(k) expressly vests the Commission with discretion to act in the public interest and in the protection of investors, and this measured application of that authority would seem well within that mandate.\n\nWe respectfully request a written response by the close of business on July 23, 2026, indicating the Commission's assessment of and intentions with respect to these requests. Thank you for your consideration and for your service to the Commission.\n\nSincerely,\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/16/rosen-cortez-masto-demand-investigation-of-uspss-failure-to-deliver-mail-ballots-from-lyon-and-douglas-counties/", "title": "Rosen, Cortez Masto Demand Investigation of USPS’s Failure to Deliver Mail Ballots from Lyon and Douglas Counties", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) sent a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner and United States Postal Service (USPS) Inspector General Tammy Hull demanding they thoroughly investigate a recent incident in which more than 30 mail-in ballots from Douglas and Lyon counties were not counted after being inexplicably marked as undeliverable.\n\n“On July 6, 2026, weeks after the conclusion of Nevada’s June Primary election, the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office received an envelope from USPS’s Mail Recovery Center containing 32 completed individual ballots intended for the Lyon County Clerk/Treasurers’ Office. Similarly, on July 15, 2026, our Secretary of State’s Office received two mail ballots intended to be delivered to the Douglas County Clerk-Treasurer’s Office. Each ballot was inexplicably marked by USPS as undeliverable and, therefore, unable to be counted—despite being correctly addressed to their respective county clerk’s office and postmarked in a timely manner,” the Senators began.\n\n“Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy. Nevada’s universal mail ballots system makes voting more accessible and is popular across party lines in both rural and urban counties. Since 2022, over 80 percent of voters have used mail-in ballots in Nevada in a safe and secure way. Errors of this magnitude are incredibly rare, making USPS’s failure to deliver lawful and correctly addressed ballots even more disturbing,” they continued.\n\n“To ensure mail ballots in the upcoming midterm elections and in all future elections reach their destination, as is required by federal law, USPS must expedite their review of these incidents and publicize the results of their investigation. Accordingly, we request USPS brief our offices by August 17, 2026, about the investigation and the solutions the agency will implement to prevent future errors in Nevada and across the country. We also request USPS OIG to report to our offices as to whether an independent OIG investigation is appropriate no later than August 1, 2026,” they concluded.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found HERE.\n\nSenators Rosen and Cortez Masto have consistently worked to ensure that all Nevadans can vote in the manner that works best for them, including voting by mail. Both Senators successfully fought to prevent USPS from relocating outgoing first class letter mail processing operations from Reno, Nevada to Sacramento, California, which would have jeopardized the on-time delivery of mail ballots. They are committed to continuing to protect Reno’s local mail processing operations. Both Senators have urged USPS not to implement President Trump’s illegal executive order that would restrict voting by mail and have joined legislation to protect mail voting against executive overreach.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/16/rosen-pushes-trump-ambassador-nominee-to-denounce-past-holocaust-statements/", "title": "Rosen Pushes Trump Ambassador Nominee to Denounce Past Holocaust Statements", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Watch the full exchange HERE.\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Today, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) pushed Trump’s nominee for Ambassador to Slovakia, Doug Mastriano, to denounce his previous antisemitic statements. Mastriano has compared abortion and his gubernatorial campaign loss to the Holocaust, and has kept close ties to a known Holocaust conspiracy theorist. Mastriano has also called the separation of church and state a myth, and has parroted conspiracy theories about 9/11.\n\nBelow is an excerpt from the exchange:\n\nSenator Rosen: Mr. Mastriano, in October 2022, your wife said at one of your campaign events that the two of you ‘probably love Israel more than a lot of Jews do.’ Yes or no, do you agree with that statement?\n\nMr. Mastriano: Both Rebbie and I have a deep love and appreciation for the Jewish people and the nation of Israel.\n\nSenator Rosen: I appreciate that. So can you confirm that you’ve repeatedly compared things to the Holocaust, such as abortion or your loss to Governor Shapiro? Just a yes or no, have you compared those things to the Holocaust?\n\nMr. Mastriano: I have been working closely with the Jewish community for Senate Bill 127 in Pennsylvania to institute Holocaust education across the state, and I think any use of comparisons is unwise.\n\nSenator Rosen: So you’re saying you didn’t make those statements?\n\nMr. Mastriano: No, I think it diminishes, and today I would not do that.\n\nSenator Rosen: So you made the statements but you are renouncing the statements.\n\nMr. Mastriano: There was a social media post that I would not post today, I think anything that uses the Holocaust to make a modern comparison is unwise.\n\nSenator Rosen: Well I appreciate that because you will be representing the United States in Slovakia where nearly 69,000 Slovak Jews were murdered during the Holocaust, over 75% of the entire Slovak Jewish population, and so we have to be sure that you will represent this country. We know that you’ve maintained a relationship with Andrew Torba, founder of extremist social platform Gab. Gab became notorious after the gunman who murdered 11 worshipers at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue posted his manifesto there. And so despite his documented history of antisemitism, the rhetoric, the Holocaust denialism, your campaign paid Gab for promotional services. I want to finish with this for now, you can denounce your past associations with antisemites, you can point to your support of Israel, but for me I’m not sure that neither excuses you or erases the record.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-schatz-led-efforts-to-boost-medicare-funding-for-hawaii-hhs-increases-state-medicare-reimbursements-for-hospitals-by-nearly-17-million-every-year", "title": "Following Schatz-Led Efforts To Boost Medicare Funding For Hawai‘i, HHS Increases State Medicare Reimbursements For Hospitals By Nearly $17 Million Every Year", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.schatz.senate.gov", "scraper": "schatz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001194", "name": "Brian Schatz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Following legislation and efforts led by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it will begin the process to increase the amount that hospitals in Hawai‘i can be reimbursed by Medicare to perform outpatient care, such as emergency department visits and imaging services, for enrolled seniors. Once the proposed change is finalized, Hawai‘i is set to receive an estimated $17 million in additional Medicare funding every year.\n\n“This is a big win for Hawai‘i. With millions more in Medicare funding for Hawai‘i hospitals every year, seniors across the state will continue to have access to the health care services they need,” said Senator Schatz.\n\nHistorically, rural states have faced significant cost disparities for Medicare reimbursement that drive up costs for both hospitals and patients. Schatz has led legislation that recognizes the unique cost-of-living challenges that hospitals in Hawai‘i face and would increase reimbursements for hospitals in Hawai‘i to ensure that they can continue to serve seniors.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-joins-blumenthal-darline-graham-to-introduce-legislation-with-60-cosponsors-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-accountable/", "title": "NEWS: Schiff Joins Blumenthal & Darline Graham to Introduce Legislation with 60+ Cosponsors to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil Accountable", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Before his death, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) secured an agreement with the White House on new text to bring sweeping sanctions against the enablers of Russia’s war in Ukraine\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Darline Graham (R-S.C.) who led more than 60 members of the Senate in introducing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.\n\nU.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the effort last week and secured an agreement with the White House on Friday, before his death. Blumenthal and Lindsey Graham first introduced legislation to bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine in April 2025, and have spent the last year building support for the effort in Congress and the Administration.\n\n“Standing with the Ukrainian people has been a bipartisan goal of our Congress for more than four years. This bill reaffirms that commitment by enacting the sanctions needed to curtail Russia’s primary source of income and cripple its war effort — the single most important thing the U.S. government can do to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,” said Schiff.\n\n“Ukraine is at a critical crossroads — and we must meet this pivotal moment with a powerful sanctions bill. As Ukraine turns the tide on the battlefield, our Russia sanctions bill would be historically impactful in stopping Russia’s murderous slaughter,” Blumenthal said. “When Senator Graham and I last spoke, he was absolutely exultant, calling from Kyiv with news that President Trump would support this bill to impose scorching tariffs and sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil and stop them from fueling Putin’s war machine. Now is the time to push Russia toward peace. Ukraine is gaining net territory and reaching deep into Russia with its drones and missiles. Sanctions provide a path toward peace. Our bill is the product of lengthy, detailed, difficult bipartisan work, and now has broad bipartisan support. Passing this legislation right now would be a fitting tribute to Senator Graham’s fierce support for Ukraine’s freedom.”\n\n“Until the very day he passed, Lindsey remained focused on passing the Russia sanctions bill. Passing this legislation would honor my brother’s steadfast commitment to our national security and it would provide President Trump with additional leverage to bring this war to an end. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to President Trump’s desk,” said Senator Darline Graham.\n\n“Lindsey was a firm believer that the United States is a force for good around the world, and he worked tirelessly on this important effort,” said Thune. “I’m proud to support this legislation that not only honors our friend and colleague, but will also promote peace by cutting off the funding fueling Russia’s war machine. I can’t think of a better way to honor his legacy.”\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.); Katie Britt (R-Ala.); Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Roger Wicker (R-Mo.); Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.); Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chris Coons (D-Del.); Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa); Michael Bennet (D-Colo.); Tom Cotton (R-Ark.); Jack Reed (D-R.I.); Tim Scott (R-S.C.); Angus King (I-Maine); John Barrasso (R-Wyo.); Tim Kaine (D-Va.); Susan Collins (R-Maine); Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.); Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.); Thom Tillis (R-N.C.); Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.); Joni Ernst (R-Iowa); Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.); Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.); Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i); John Cornyn (R-Texas); Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.); Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.); John Curtis (R-Utah); John Fetterman (D-Pa.); Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska); Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.); Gary Peters (D-Mich.); James Lankford (R-Okla.); John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.); Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.); Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.); Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.); John Boozman (R-Ark.); Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.); Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.); Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.); Jon Husted (R-Ohio); John Hoeven (R-N.D.); Deb Fischer (R-Neb.); Jim Justice (R-W.Va.); Mike Rounds (R-S.D.); Ted Cruz (R-Texas); John Kennedy (R-La.); Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.); Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska); Rick Scott (R-Fla.); Ted Budd (R-N.C.); Jerry Moran (R-Kan.); Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.); Dave McCormick (R-Pa.); Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.); and Steve Daines (R-Mont.).\n\n“Russia is losing ground, it is suffering tens of thousands of casualties each month and Ukraine continues to bring the consequences of the war to the Kremlin’s doorstep through its deep strike campaign. Putin is in an incredibly precarious position both at home and on the battlefield. This legislation would level tough new sanctions on Russia and choke off key export markets for the energy it sells to fund its war machine. We must seize on the opportunity before us to finally exert economic pressure on the Kremlin and bring this war to a close,” said Shaheen.\n\n“One of the many pillars of Senator Graham’s exemplary career of public service was his dedication to putting America’s national security first and promoting liberty around the world. It is an honor to help champion one of his highest priorities: imposing crushing sanctions to cripple Russia’s war machine and hold those fueling it accountable. Putin’s war against Ukraine has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, and it must end. Lindsey believed that getting this legislation passed and signed into law would be the most consequential thing he achieved in his career. I am sincerely grateful to Senators Blumenthal, Shaheen, and Wicker for their continued leadership on this issue and, very importantly, for the support of President Trump and the White House—these sanctions will provide President Trump with a critical tool to hold Russia accountable and secure a lasting peace,” said Britt.\n\n“This bipartisan bill that Senator Graham worked so tirelessly to advance couldn’t be better timed. Momentum in the war has shifted toward Ukraine and tightening sanctions on Russia and those key purchasers of Russian oil should help add pressure for the Kremlin to finally negotiate. Having just returned from the NATO Summit, I can share that we and our NATO allies are united in wanting to see Ukraine prevail in this bloody war started by Vladimir Putin. I am pleased to help co-lead this timely legislation,” said Durbin.\n\n“We should enact this bipartisan measure to exert maximum economic pressure on Putin’s war machine and help bring this unjust war to an end,” said Wicker.\n\n“Today’s bill continues the work of the late Senator Graham, my dear friend and one of Ukraine’s most relentless advocates in the Senate,” said Whitehouse. “This forceful, bipartisan measure will disrupt the Kremlin’s massive oil and gas economy, up the financial stakes, and help achieve victory for Ukraine.”\n\n“I am proud to support the imposition of new, hard-hitting sanctions on key sectors of Russia’s war economy, including the shadow fleet, and penalties on bad actors like China who help fund the war. Russia is not winning this war against Ukraine, and applying additional pressure now will force Putin to shift his calculus and bring us closer to ending the war. In honor of our friend Lindsey Graham, I strongly encourage my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to the President’s desk as soon as possible,” said Risch.\n\n“Ukraine is winning on the battlefield against Russian invaders, and there’s much more the United States can do to strangle Russia’s war machine without putting ourselves at risk. Curbing Russian revenue by sanctioning the foreign buyers of their oil that are keeping Russia’s economy and military afloat will strengthen Ukraine, weaken Moscow, and hasten a just and lasting end to this war,” said Coons.\n\n“Putin’s invasion of Ukraine unleashed destruction, chaos and bloodshed in the largest land war in Europe since World War II. Our legislation sends a clear message to Putin: your unprovoked, violent invasion comes at an enormous cost. The late-Senator Graham was a champion of this bipartisan legislation, and I’m proud to help move it forward as an original cosponsor,” Grassley said.\n\n“For over four years, the Ukrainian people have shown us what it looks like to fight and die for democracy, for their country, and for the West. Their courage in the face of Vladimir Putin’s war offers the greatest example of how to fight back against authoritarian aggression. Amid Putin’s intransigence at the negotiating table and daily attacks on civilians across Ukraine, Congress must make Russia pay a further price,” said Bennet. “This bill will impose greater pressure on Putin to end his unprovoked war, especially as Ukraine makes progress on the battlefield and as the Russian economy struggles under the weight of U.S. and allied measures. Only by demonstrating our firm resolve can the United States and our allies support Ukraine’s pursuit of a just and durable end to this war and successfully defend the principle of a Europe whole, free, and at peace. Backing Ukraine today will be our best deterrence against authoritarian ambitions tomorrow.”\n\n“Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war has dragged on for more than four years. As Senator Graham knew well, raising the costs on Russia is the only solution. Our bill will further restrict their energy sales to strangle Putin’s war machine and bring him to the negotiating table. Congress should pass this bill immediately and help finish a war Lindsey fought so hard to end,” said Cotton.\n\n“This measure is a tribute to Senator Graham’s tenacious, bipartisan work in support of Ukraine, and a necessary step to deprive Putin’s war machine of financial resources for its illegal invasion,” said Reed.\n\n“South Carolina lost a statesman, and I lost a friend. Lindsey Graham spent his time in the Senate reminding us that peace is protected by strength, and that America has a responsibility to stand up to dictators who threaten our allies, our interests, and the values we hold dear,” said Tim Scott. “This legislation is a fitting way to honor Lindsey’s legacy: tough, principled, and focused on keeping America safe. Lindsey would be proud to see Republicans and Democrats come together in support of his and the President’s goal to end Moscow’s senseless war in Ukraine.”\n\n“Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine has gone on long enough, and I believe this legislation is an important step on bringing this bloody, unprovoked conflict to an end,” said King. “This war has already cost hundreds of thousands of lives on both sides unnecessarily, and we believe that this step will finally bring Putin face to face with the reality that he is not going to be successful in subjugating the Ukrainian people.”\n\n“This is a pivotal moment in the Ukrainian people’s fight to protect their freedom. While Ukraine continues to demonstrate impressive resilience and patriotism and real expertise on the battlefield, Russians are becoming increasingly exhausted by Putin’s war, which his own finance officials are telling him he can’t afford,” said Kaine. “This is the perfect time for the United States to bring down the full force of comprehensive sanctions on Russia, and I’m proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in putting forward a plan that would do that.”\n\n“Vladimir Putin’s brutal, unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine must end. As Ukraine makes important gains on the battlefield, now is the time to increase the economic pressure on Russia and those who continue to finance Putin’s war machine,” said Collins. “Senator Lindsey Graham understood the consequences of allowing Putin’s aggression to go unchecked and worked tirelessly to build bipartisan support for this consequential legislation. I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this bill, which would both honor Lindsey’s legacy and help pressure Putin to bring an end to this horrific war.”\n\n“The fastest way to end this illegal war is to cut off the money that Putin is using to fuel it,” said Kelly. “Stronger sanctions will put pressure on Putin and those helping him. This is a crucial step toward achieving lasting peace that protects Ukraine’s sovereignty and strengthens U.S. national security.”\n\n“As Russia continues its needless bloodshed of innocent people and drags out peace talks, I am proud to join my colleagues in enacting crippling sanctions against them,” said Ernst. “This legislation carries forward the tireless work Senator Graham was doing until his final days and strengthens the fight I’ve led for years against Putin’s shadow fleet, shutting down the network of tankers and shell insurers keeping his oil money flowing and fueling this war.”\n\n“For more than four years, Vladimir Putin has conducted a brutal, unprovoked war against Ukraine in an attempt to take over a sovereign nation. The time is now for the U.S. to increase pressure and do all we can to end this war and send a clear message to Putin that he cannot act with impunity. This is why I’m joining my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring forward this critical bipartisan bill to make those who enable Russia’s energy and defense sectors pay a heavy price,” said Rosen.\n\n“Lindsey Graham was clear eyed on Putin and fought for years to build peace through strength,” said Ricketts. “This bill is a small part of his legacy combatting a foreign adversary threatening peace and prosperity for Americans. Sanctioning Putin and his cronies is necessary for undermining their aggression around the world.”\n\n“Senator Graham was unyielding in his support for the Ukrainian people as they fight to defend their sovereignty, and I can think of few ways more fitting to honor him than by finishing what he started and imposing strict sanctions on the bad actors who have supported Russia’s war against Ukraine,” said Cornyn. “I’m proud to join with my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation, which will honor Lindsey’s legacy, help dismantle Putin’s war machine, and strengthen U.S. national security.”\n\n“The surest way to bring about peace through strength and get Putin to the negotiating table is to cut off the money funding his war machine. This bipartisan legislation delivers real consequences for those keeping Russia’s economy afloat. Senator Lindsey Graham spent years leading this fight, and passing this bill will be a fitting tribute to his commitment to American strength and the cause of freedom,” said Sheehy.\n\n“Since I visited Ukraine with Lindsey Graham and John McCain in 2016, Lindsey and I worked together in support of Ukraine’s democracy, meeting with President Zelenskyy multiple times and advocating for the return of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia. This legislation will add significant economic pressure on Russia, helping to move us closer to ending this war,” said Klobuchar.\n\n“As long as Vladimir Putin’s war machine is funded by countries willing to buy Russian oil and gas, the war in Ukraine will continue,” said Curtis. “This bipartisan legislation gives a powerful tool to increase pressure on Russia, hold its enablers accountable, and ensure Russia does not win this war.”\n\n“We must hold Russia and its enablers accountable, and stand with Ukraine,” said Fetterman. “This is just and important legislation. I know it will honor our late colleague Senator Lindsey Graham.”\n\n“These strong sanctions, a top priority I shared with my friend and our late colleague Senator Graham, are critically important to weakening Putin’s grip in Ukraine, imposing severe costs on those supporting Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression, and undermining the energy-fueled Russian war machine that threatens our allies,” said Sullivan.\n\n“Ukraine is in the fight of their lives, and this bipartisan announcement is the boost they need to inflict maximum pain on Russia,” said Duckworth. “Our bipartisan bill will rightfully hit foreign buyers of Russian oil with heavy sanctions, cutting Putin off from the money machine funding his unprovoked war of aggression against our ally. Senator Graham knew it and we do too: The United States must remain united with Ukraine, now and always.”\n\n“Ukraine is standing strong against Russian aggression, but the United States must use every tool possible to help secure a lasting peace for the Ukrainian people and the entire region,” said Peters. “Imposing strong sanctions on Russia would send a clear message that the American people will always stand alongside Ukraine against Putin’s invasion.”\n\n“Putin is a murderous KGB thug, and the countries still buying Russian oil and natural gas know they are funding his war against Ukraine. If we cut off Russia’s oil money, we cut off the weapons murdering Ukrainians. Lindsey Graham was an outspoken advocate for the freedom-loving people of Ukraine. Let’s finish what he started and put the pressure on Russia and everyone who bankrolls them,” said Lankford.\n\n“This bill honors Senator Lindsey Graham’s legacy by strengthening pressure on Russia and those who continue to finance Vladimir Putin’s illegal and brutal war against Ukraine, which threatens our own national security and economic interests. I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation to continue the work that our late friend and colleague fought so hard to advance,” said Hyde-Smith.\n\n“By securing this agreement with the White House to impose sanctions on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, Senator Graham delivered a powerful tool to hold those who are enabling Putin’s war accountable,” said Blackburn. “This bill will help bring this war to an end.”\n\n“Vladimir Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine has raged on for too long and cost countless innocent lives. This critical legislation will hold the enablers of Putin’s war machine accountable and represents one of the most consequential Congressional efforts to promote peace in Europe. Let’s get this done,” said Alsobrooks.\n\n“Senator Graham tirelessly worked to impose real consequences on Putin and end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This bipartisan and thoughtfully crafted legislation is a testament to his tremendous leadership,” said Boozman. “I am proud to join my colleagues and send a clear message that Senator Graham’s work will not go unfinished and that Moscow must finally end its unprovoked attack on Ukrainian sovereignty.”\n\n“The United States and our allies must stand up to Putin’s unprovoked war against Ukraine by choking off funds for his war machine and his political cronies. Putin’s invasion is a gross violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and it is critical that the United States support the people of Ukraine in repelling Russian aggression. This legislation will strengthen our efforts to hold Moscow accountable for the War in Ukraine,” said Van Hollen.\n\n“The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 will issue decisive consequences aimed at deterring Russian aggression. This bill sends a clear message: bullies have a price to pay for their actions. Vladimir Putin and Russia must face serious consequences for their destructive and unprovoked war on Ukraine,” said Cramer.\n\n“Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has killed far too many and upended global stability, must come to an end,” said Capito. “This legislation empowers President Trump to cut off the financial flows that enable Putin’s deadly invasion and to impose serious consequences on the countries that are helping finance Russia’s war machine. I’m proud to join my colleagues in honoring Senator Graham’s life by advancing this effort to strengthen America’s national security and give President Trump the economic leverage to secure a lasting peace.”\n\n“For years, Senator Lindsey Graham led the effort to hold Russia accountable for its aggression and support Ukraine’s fight for freedom. This bill honors his legacy by tightening sanctions on the energy exports and financial tools that sustain the Russian war machine. With support from the White House and a bipartisan group of senators, we are sending a clear message to Putin: America stands with Ukraine, and we will continue working to bring this unjust war to a durable end,” said Husted.\n\n“Russia relies on oil and gas revenue to fund its war against Ukraine, and those enabling this aggression should be held accountable,” said Hoeven. “This bipartisan legislation strengthens sanctions to increase pressure on Russia, reduce the resources fueling Putin’s aggression, and help advance a lasting peace. Senator Lindsey Graham dedicated tremendous effort to moving this legislation forward, and Congress should act to pass it.”\n\n“Senator Lindsey Graham was relentless in his quest to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for his unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Because of his extensive work over the years, we have an opportunity to help bleed Putin’s war machine dry. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for taking this necessary action,” said Fischer.\n\n“Senator Graham was one of the most formidable foes America’s enemies ever faced in the United States Senate. He was unapologetic and uncompromising in countering the threat the Russian regime poses to American national security and the safety and security of the American people. I worked alongside my friend for years to counter those malign activities, including through sanctions legislation aimed at depriving Putin’s war machine of the resources it needs to threaten America and our allies. This bipartisan legislation honors Senator Graham’s legacy while advancing the badly needed policies for which he tirelessly advocated. I urge my colleagues to pass it without delay,” said Cruz.\n\n“Lindsey Graham spent his final months fighting to make sure Putin knew America’s fuse hadn’t burned out. Wyoming understands what it means to power the world responsibly, and it’s long past time Russia stopped profiting from war while claiming to seek peace. This bill puts real teeth behind that demand by telling every nation still buying Russian oil that they’re choosing a side, and it puts Putin on notice that the road to any lasting peace runs through economic ruin if he refuses to take it,” said Lummis.\n\n“Russia’s unprovoked and illegal war against the people of Ukraine has left the nation scarred and battered over the last four years, but no less determined to defend its sovereignty,” said Murkowski. “The bipartisan Sanctioning Russia Act honors Senator Graham’s longstanding leadership in foreign affairs by supporting Ukraine while reaffirming America’s commitment to stand with peaceful democracies against the authoritarian regimes that seek to destroy them.”\n\n“The time to increase pressure on Moscow is now. Our overwhelmingly bipartisan sanctions package has the power to cripple Putin’s revenue streams by targeting the energy exports that bankroll Russia’s unjust war machine. Our colleague and friend, Senator Lindsey Graham, worked tirelessly to stand up to Russian aggression, and now we have the opportunity to honor his leadership and cement his legacy,” said Budd.\n\n“This bipartisan legislation would make a difference against Russia’s unjust war in Ukraine and serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham,” said Moran. “America’s continued involvement and leadership throughout the world are critical to deterring Vladimir Putin. This legislation sends a clear message to friends and foes alike: you can do business with Russia, or you can do business with the United States, but you can’t do both. I look forward to voting for the Sanctioning Russia Act and sending it to the President to be signed into law.”\n\n“Imposing stronger sanctions on Russia will ensure America remains strong on the world stage and will help bring an end to Putin’s unjust war against Ukraine. I can think of no better way to cement the legacy of Lindsey Graham, who spent years of his life devoted to this cause and to fighting for freedom across the globe,” said Daines.\n\nThe Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.\n\nThe sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Russian Shadow Fleet.\n\nThe legislation also directs the President to impose up to 100 percent tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the majority of Russian oil, gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The new text limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and gas.\n\nA one-pager on the legislation is available here. The text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-joins-slotkin-gillibrand-colleagues-to-press-pentagon-to-release-findings-on-deadly-iran-school-strike/", "title": "NEWS: Schiff Joins Slotkin, Gillibrand, & Colleagues to Press Pentagon to Release Findings on Deadly Iran School Strike", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and 22 other colleagues to place additional pressure on the Department of Defense to release its findings on the February bombing of an elementary school in Iran. The attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab reportedly killed around 120 children and roughly 175 people overall, making it the deadliest civilian casualty event tied to U.S. military action in decades.\n\nIn a letter sent to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, the Senators urged the Pentagon to complete its investigation into the strike and publicly release its findings. The probe was reportedly turned in back in April but has remained under review by top military officials since then. The Senators also asked the Department to give Congress a concrete plan for preventing a similar tragedy from happening again.\n\n“More than four months after the strike, and after the reported submission of the investigation in April, Congress and the American people still have not received the Department’s investigation and findings,” the Senators wrote. “There is no justification for withholding an unclassified accounting of what happened, what went wrong, and what the Department is doing to prevent recurrence.”\n\n“These reported issues, if accurate, raise deeply troubling questions about the integrity of U.S. target development, the adequacy of target validation and vetting procedures, the interoperability of intelligence and targeting databases, the timeliness and reliability of intelligence used for lethal targeting, and the Department’s implementation of civilian harm mitigation policies,” the Senators wrote. “They also raise urgent questions about whether the Department has sufficient targeting personnel, training, accountability mechanisms, and technical safeguards to support large-scale conventional operations.”\n\n“The United States military has a legal and moral obligation to take all feasible precautions to prevent civilian harm. When a U.S. strike kills civilians, the Department owes Congress, the American people, and the victims’ families a clear accounting of what happened and a credible plan to prevent future failures,” the Senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Schiff, Slotkin, and Gillibrand, the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai’i), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Hegseth and Admiral Cooper:\n\nWe write regarding the Department of Defense’s investigation into the February 28, 2026 strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School for girls in Minab, Iran, which reportedly killed approximately 120 children and at least 175 people in total. If true, this incident would constitute the U.S. military’s largest civilian casualty incident since 1991. The Department must promptly provide Congress with the complete and unredacted investigation, and submit a concrete plan to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again.\n\nRecent press reporting indicates that the investigation ordered by Admiral Cooper was submitted in April but remains under review by senior DoD leadership. That reporting further indicates that investigators have identified multiple potential failures, including that an analyst noted as early as 2019 that the site appeared to have changed from a naval facility into a school, but that remark was entered into a digital intelligence tool that was not connected to the authoritative targeting database used to develop strike targets. The reporting also indicates that the site was reviewed multiple additional times in subsequent years without the targeting database being updated. Additional reporting from this week alleges that warnings were made in the system indicating the intelligence for the targets was dated, but those warnings were ignored for “expediency” even though the Administration spent weeks planning for President Trump’s war of choice.\n\nThese reported issues, if accurate, raise deeply troubling questions about the integrity of U.S. target development, the adequacy of target validation and vetting procedures, the interoperability of intelligence and targeting databases, the timeliness and reliability of intelligence used for lethal targeting, and the Department’s implementation of civilian harm mitigation policies. They also raise urgent questions about whether the Department has sufficient targeting personnel, training, accountability mechanisms, and technical safeguards to support large-scale conventional operations.\n\nMore than four months after the strike, and after the reported submission of the investigation in April, Congress and the American people still have not received the Department’s investigation and findings. There is no justification for withholding an unclassified accounting of what happened, what went wrong, and what the Department is doing to prevent recurrence.\n\nAccordingly, we request that the Department of Defense and U.S. Central Command take the following actions no later than July 20, 2026:\n\nPromptly finalize the investigation into the February 28 strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School and provide Congress with the complete and unredacted investigation.\n\nProvide an unclassified version of the report to Congress, suitable for public release.\n\nSubmit to Congress a prevention and remediation plan that identifies the specific corrective actions the Department will take to ensure this does not happen again.\n\nProvide a briefing to Congress on the investigation and all steps being taken to ensure errors of this kind do not happen again.\n\nThe United States military has a legal and moral obligation to take all feasible precautions to prevent civilian harm. When a U.S. strike kills civilians, the Department owes Congress, the American people, and the victims’ families a clear accounting of what happened and a credible plan to prevent future failures.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your response.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-seeks-federal-investigation-into-potential-price-gouging-by-big-oil-companies/", "title": "NEWS: Sen. Schiff Seeks Federal Investigation into Potential Price Gouging by Big Oil Companies", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Six of the world’s biggest fossil fuel companies – Chevron, Shell, BP, ConocoPhillips, Exxon and TotalEnergies are projected to make $94 billion combined in profits this year. That is $2,967 a second.\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is demanding the Department of Justice (DOJ) launch a federal investigation into potential price gouging by big oil companies and to publicly report its findings to Congress.\n\nIn a letter sent to the DOJ, Schiff outlined the need to determine whether oil companies have used recent market volatility as cover to sustain artificially high margins at the pump and to identify any anticompetitive conduct, collusion, or unfair pricing practices that have contributed to oil profits at the expense of bringing down prices.\n\n“The Department must move swiftly to hold big oil companies accountable for potential price gouging, and remain vigilant for profiteering at the pump. I request that the Department keep the public informed of the scope and progress of this review, and provide a report to Congress within thirty days,” wrote Senator Schiff.\n\nSchiff’s push for an investigation comes as even President Trump has called out oil companies, saying recently that Americans are being “gouged.”\n\nBackground:\n\nEarlier this month, Senator Schiff held a press conference outside of a gas station with the highest gas prices in Los Angeles to announce actions he was taking to hold big oil companies accountable. Schiff also announced new legislation to levy an excess profits tax on big oil companies, who are projected to rake in approximately $94 billion in profits in 2026, $13.5 billion more than last year. The Senator has previously championed a windfall profits tax on oil companies as a way of shifting the cost burden of gas prices off of American families – who have been spending at least $1.00 a gallon more compared to last year, thanks to Trump’s war in Iran.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Acting Attorney General Blanche,\n\nI am writing to urge the Department of Justice to conduct a thorough and formal investigation into potential price gouging by oil companies, and publicly report its findings to Congress. As you know, President Trump stated on Truth Social in late June that “the big Oil Companies are not dropping their price at the pump commensurate with the sharply lower prices they are paying for Oil,” and announced that he had instructed the Department to immediately begin looking into the matter. The Administration must reverse course on its long track record of enriching oil and gas companies by launching this overdue investigation.\n\nWhen gas prices fail to track falling crude oil costs, American consumers bear an unfair burden that federal authorities have both the power and the duty to examine. In April 2026, at the height of the war with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, West Texas Intermediate crude peaked at $112 per barrel. The price of WTI has since collapsed to as low as $68 per barrel. While the price of crude has declined by nearly 40 percent, consumers have not seen a commensurate decline in the price of gasoline. The AAA national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline remains approximately $3.88, a mere decrease of around 30 cents from a month ago, and well above the national average of $3.17 a year ago. And in California, Californians already pay among the highest prices for gas in the nation, with prices for a gallon of gas averaging $5.38. Meanwhile, a recent analysis found that the world’s largest oil and gas companies are projected to rake $96 billion in profits in 2026, $13.5 billion more than last year. Rather than pass along savings from falling crude oil prices to consumers, oil companies are maintaining high prices and raking billions in profits in the process.\n\nThe Department must examine wholesale and retail pricing data for gasoline sold across the country to determine whether price movements have reasonably reflected changes in crude oil costs, and whether companies have used recent market volatility as cover to sustain artificially high margins at the pump. The Department’s Antitrust Division must take immediate action to determine whether oil companies are profiteering at the expense of consumers by identifying any anticompetitive conduct, collusion, or unfair pricing practices that have contributed to profits at the expense of bringing down prices, and holding bad actors accountable for squeezing consumers at the pump.\n\nThe Department must move swiftly to hold big oil companies accountable for potential price gouging, and remain vigilant for profiteering at the pump. I request that the Department keep the public informed of the scope and progress of this review, and provide a report to Congress within thirty days. I thank you for your attention to this matter.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-senator-schiff-reacts-to-trumps-renewed-election-fraud-claims/", "title": "STATEMENT: Senator Schiff Reacts to Trump’s Renewed Election Fraud Claims", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schiff: “Trump knows he has failed to deliver on any of his campaign promises, has raised costs of American families instead of lowering them, and gotten us into another Middle Eastern war nobody wanted. Terrified that voters will send his party packing in the midterms, he is falling back on some old lies and putting out new ones.”\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) released the following statement responding to Donald Trump’s primetime address, in which he leveled unsubstantiated claims of election fraud and cast doubt on future elections:\n\n“Tonight, the same President who once badgered Georgia’s Republican Secretary of State to find 11,780 votes that didn’t exist, so he could overtake Biden’s lead in the state in 2020, put out a whole new set of lies about our elections, past and present.\n\n“Trump knows he has failed to deliver on any of his campaign promises, has raised costs of American families instead of lowering them, and gotten us into another Middle Eastern war nobody wanted. Terrified that voters will send his party packing in the midterms, he is falling back on some old lies and putting out new ones.\n\n“All of his claims and the selective release of any documents must be treated with the greatest skepticism given the President’s many lies and misrepresentations about our elections. Even so, tonight he produced no evidence that China or any other country manipulated a single U.S. voting system or changed a single vote. He is merely trying to undermine confidence in our elections, so he can seize voter data under the guise of protecting it, and subvert elections he is convinced his party is losing. He will not succeed.\n\n“The reality is that foreign governments do try to influence our elections—in fact, Trump has previously encouraged Russia to do exactly that. He has also repeatedly ignored and dismissed previous, credible intelligence about foreign interference in elections because it did not fit his political agenda. But when it comes to identifying real threats and giving our election administrators the resources to fight them, Trump’s actions speak louder than his words tonight.\n\n“Under Trump’s leadership, he has gutted resources committed to combatting foreign malign influence. Funding for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and local election security grants have been slashed under the Trump administration. Seasoned FBI and other federal agents have been pulled off the beat to chase conspiracies and aid Trump’s chaotic and unlawful deportation agenda. And Trump himself has discounted these threats as hoaxes in the past, breaking from bipartisan tradition of taking the hard work of our intelligence community seriously.\n\n“What the President presented tonight was not a leveling with the American people. It was a renewed attempt to inject fear and cloud reality ahead of the next election in November and provide pretext for seizing voter data, and discrediting and interfering with election results. By now it should be obvious that Trump intends to repeat his playbook from 2020, and attempt to deny any result he does not like. And tonight was just another attempt by him to avoid accountability and defeat in November.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-prepares-america-for-repeated-trump-election-fraud-claims-on-cnn/", "title": "WATCH: Sen. Schiff Prepares America for Repeated Trump Election Fraud Claims on CNN", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper to discuss the upcoming primetime address by President Trump and the latest exposure of President Trump’s corruption and insider trading scandals.\n\nSchiff also continued his condemnation of President Trump’s incompetent handling of the illegal Iran war, emphasizing the need to pass a War Powers Resolution to check the president’s power.\n\nView the full interview here.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nOn Trump’s new corrupt Truth Social self-enrichment scheme:\n\n[…] What people, I think, need to recognize: this is not a blind trust that the president has. So, when the White House says he has no advance notice of what his manager, portfolio manager, is buying — that may or may not be true. But he finds out about it once they buy it. And when he later that week posts something favorable about that company, he knows that money, that extra value, goes into his pocket. And now this added story about how you can pay a premium to get, first access to his social media posts that move markets. If you’ll give him a cut, that’s basically what it is. He gets part of the profits of Truth Social. This is the president saying, “Give me a cut, and I’ll give you the opportunity to make money off my statements, just as I make money off my own statements.”\n\nOn the bill to ban congressional and presidential stock trading:\n\nIt’s not completely dead, and I think it has at least some measure of bipartisan support, much more overwhelming on the Democratic side. But Republicans, even that are in agreement with us that we should ban this practice, they hate crossing the president. And the president having singled out one of them, that’s a strong deterrent to actually putting in the hard work to get it done. And obviously this isn’t going to move in either House unless Republican leadership is willing to move it.\n\nOn Trump’s comments on California election fraud:\n\nLook he’s made a bunch of absurd claims about California elections. Always, he’s done this going back several years now. Made false claims of massive fraud of millions of undocumented people voting. All nonsense. In this election, he has blamed manipulation somehow for Spencer Pratt’s loss. Spencer Pratt lost because he was completely out of step with voters in Los Angeles. The more MAGA he became, the more votes he lost.\n\nOn Trump’s handling of the Iran War:\n\n[…] But now that we are back in a full military exchange with Iran, now that the president is contemplating even potentially putting troops on the ground — I would expect we will get more support. Some of the people who voted with us before will vote with us again. And we might get new people voting with us as this war has gone on and on and on. The support for these resolutions has only increased. And it increasingly looks like we’re in a quagmire now, where the president doesn’t know what he’s doing, doesn’t know what to do. Announces we’re going to charge tolls in the strait, something he said was illegal, and then 24 hours later says we’re not going to charge tolls in the strait. So, I think the incompetent handling of the war, the risk that the war may escalate again, and the fear, frankly, a lot of Republicans have that he is killing their chances in the midterms, may motivate Republicans to vote with us.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-presses-former-attorney-general-on-todd-blanches-view-of-the-weaponization-of-the-justice-department/", "title": "WATCH: Sen. Schiff Presses Former Attorney General on Todd Blanche’s View of the Weaponization of the Justice Department", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing concerning Todd Blanche’s nomination to be Attorney General, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) pressed former Attorney General John Ashcroft, who testified in support of Blanche, on whether he agrees with Blanche’s assessment that the president is entitled to use the Justice Department to prosecute his political enemies.\n\nSchiff also questioned Ashcroft on whether he had ever had a grand jury unanimously refuse to indict in a prosecution case brought by his Justice Department, which has occurred several times under Blanche’s leadership.\n\nWatch the full clip here. Download the clip HERE.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nOn Blanche’s view of the president’s weaponization of the Justice Department:\n\nSchiff: Mr. Ashcroft, thank you for your service. I wanted to ask you about some remarks the [Acting] Attorney General made when he said that he thought the president – he was asked about the president targeting his political opponents and enemies for prosecution. And I don’t subscribe to the – what I think is the false equivalence. We’ve never seen a president behave this way, where he openly and privately calls on the Attorney General to prosecute his enemies. And I want to ask you about that, Mr. Ashcroft, because Mr. Blanche has said that he believes the president has both the right and the duty to use the Justice Department to go after his enemies. Do you subscribe to that view?\n\nAshcroft: Thank you, Senator. I believe that the Attorney General of the United States has the right and responsibility to enforce the law uniformly. And if the law has been broken by the president’s enemies, he has a duty. They do not become exempt from following the law merely by their enmity to the President of the United States. As a matter of fact, the people who break the law are in enmity with the people of the United States, whose expression of what is the law has been developed in this body, in the Congress of the United States. So, we used to call people who break the law public enemies. And so, my view is that whether a person has been a political supporter or not of the President of the United States is not the determining factor regarding prosecution. It’s whether a person has violated the law, and in enforcing the law, the Attorney General is carrying out the will expressed in the Congress.\n\nSchiff: Mr. Attorney General, you realize, having sat here, my time is very limited. That really isn’t my question. My question is: do you think it is appropriate for the president to call on the Attorney General to prosecute one of his enemies, and acting on that, request the president for the Attorney General to do so.\n\nAshcroft: The President of the United States is the executive branch of the United States whose charge it is to enforce the laws of the United States.\n\n[…]\n\nSchiff: So, Mr. Ashcroft –\n\nAshcroft: So the president, I believe, his job is to have an administration which calls for the enforcement of the laws of the United States without regard to the political preferences of the people who are perpetrators or accused individuals in the system.\n\nSchiff: Okay, I’m not sure that I understand your answer, except you seem to accept the premise that it is okay now for a president to call the Attorney General and ask him to prosecute his enemies. You don’t seem to have a problem with that.\n\nOn the erosion of the Justice Department’s independence:\n\nSchiff: […] And if the president’s enemy takes a photo of seashells, do you think it’s appropriate to prosecute them? If Senators make a video stating the plain law and Constitution that you can disobey an illegal order, you think it’s okay for the president or others to call on them to be prosecuted? I don’t think so. I don’t think so. And I don’t think you would have done that as Attorney General. I hope you wouldn’t have. If you would have, you were not the Attorney General I thought you were. […] What has never been appropriate, and particularly so after Watergate, was for the Attorney General of the United States to break that wall and call on his Attorney General to prosecute his enemies. And I would say even without any basis to do so. And this Justice Department has been willing to do so and has gone before grand juries. And we have never, I think, seen the likes of this either in these high-profile cases where the grand jurors, in some cases, to a person, have refused an indictment. How often did you have that happen to you, Mr. Ashcroft? Last question I’ll ask you. How often, Mr. Attorney General, did you seek an indictment as a prosecutor, and have not a single grand juror vote to indict? Did that ever happen to you?\n\nAshcroft: I don’t know. I just don’t know.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senator-schmitt-calls-for-citizenship-illegally-obtained-by-foreign-diplomats-children-to-be-revoked/", "title": "Senator Schmitt Calls for Citizenship Illegally Obtained by Foreign Diplomats’ Children to be Revoked", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Urges Trump Admin to Investigate Illegal Grants of Birthright Citizenship, Close Loophole Allowing Diplomats’ Children to Gain Citizenship Documents\n\nU.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin requesting they investigate the extent of illegal grants of citizenship documentation to foreign diplomats’ children, implement policies and procedures to prevent it from occurring in the future, identify the individuals who have illegally procured citizenship documentation in this manner, and revoke those individuals’ illegally procured citizenship documentation.\n\n“I write regarding foreign diplomats improperly claiming birthright citizenship for their children born in the United States during their diplomatic missions. Neither the Constitution nor federal statutory law grants foreign diplomats’ children birthright citizenship. Yet public reporting indicates that potentially thousands of foreign diplomats’ children have been given citizenship documentation. Foreign diplomats’ children using improperly procured citizenship documentation to illegally claim citizenship degrades the meaning of American citizenship, undermines our sovereignty, and threatens our national security.”\n\n“I therefore urge both of your agencies to take immediate action to investigate the extent of illegal grants of citizenship documentation to foreign diplomats’ children, implement policies and procedures to prevent it from occurring in the future, identify the individuals who have illegally procured citizenship documentation in this manner, and revoke those individuals’ illegally procured citizenship documentation.”\n\n“The Fourteenth Amendment confers American citizenship upon persons born in the United States while ‘subject to the jurisdiction thereof.’ For more than a century, statutory law, judicial precedent, and executive-branch policy have recognized that foreign diplomats’ children born in the United States are not ‘subject to [its] jurisdiction’ and therefore do not acquire citizenship at birth. Indeed, even though the majority in Trump v. Barbara wrongfully expanded birthright citizenship to cover the children of illegal aliens and temporarily present aliens, it too recognized that the children of diplomats do not acquire birthright citizenship,” wrote Senator Schmitt.\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nFollowing the Supreme Court’s decision extending birthright citizenship to the children of illegal aliens and temporarily present aliens, Schmitt introduced a bill to restore the original understanding of the scope of birthright citizenship from the time of the Fourteenth Amendment. Under the bill and the original understanding of the Fourteenth Amendment, the children of illegal aliens and temporarily present aliens, such as “birth tourists,” would not be granted birthright citizenship.\n\nSchmitt also announced he will be introducing a constitutional amendment to rein in birthright citizenship and put Americans first by restoring the meaning and integrity of American citizenship.\n\nSchmitt led an amicus brief in support of President Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order defending the original meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment’s Citizenship Clause.\n\nAs Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Schmitt has led several hearings on the importance of protecting American citizenship. In March, Schmitt highlighted the threat of birth tourism, and his recent hearings examined denaturalizations and restoring pride in American citizenship.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senator-schmitt-praises-acting-ag-blanches-crackdown-on-crime-and-support-for-rule-of-law-calls-for-swift-confirmation/", "title": "Senator Schmitt Praises Acting AG Blanche’s Crackdown on Crime and Support for Rule of Law, Calls for Swift Confirmation", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. SENATE — Today, at the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for Todd Blanche to be U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) praised the Acting Attorney General and the Trump Administration for working to crack down on violent crime, eliminate fraud, and uphold the rule of law. Following the Biden Administration’s unprecedented persecution of its political opponents and failure to prosecute criminals, Senator Schmitt emphasized how Blanche and the Trump Administration are restoring the Department of Justice (DOJ) to its proper mission and upholding America’s constitutional framework.\n\nWatch the Senator’s questioning HERE.\n\n“These calls to defund ICE, this hammer-and-sickle wave that came through New York a few weeks ago [and] that’s now dominating the discussion on the other side of the aisle. The central plank, of course, is ‘defund the police,’ overthrowing Western civilization. This is not your grandfather’s Democrat Party… It’s all meant to undermine and demoralize. I saw it in my time as Attorney General in Missouri where we had a Soros-funded prosecutor who refused to prosecute crime, and police officers—many retired early, fewer came into the ranks to protect and serve… you’re helping, I think, restore that with your focus on violent crime [and] your focus on fraud…\n\n“I heard one of my colleagues say that this is the most troubled Department of Justice in history. I happened to live through the previous administration, where you had a Department of Justice completely weaponized against political opponents. They tried to throw their chief political opponent in jail. Ruin his family’s lives. You were his lawyer to see some of that, and I was in a court room in New York to see some of that… Aimed against Catholics in this country who happened to attend a traditional Catholic Latin mass. Went after parents—under the Patriot Act—for showing up to school board meetings to object to Critical Race Theory or the masking of their kids…\n\n“So, this weaponization, let’s draw a distinction. When you go after your political opponents: that’s weaponization. When you hold people accountable, who weaponized the justice system, that’s not the same thing.”\n\nIn Senator Schmitt’s line of questioning, he highlighted how—in just 100 days—Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has made significant strides to tackle endemic fraud. Senator Schmitt described how under Blanche’s leadership, the DOJ has taken actions like establishing the National Fraud Enforcement Division and carrying out the largest takedown of health care fraudsters in the Department’s history. Senator Schmitt also praised Blanche’s efforts to clear out the backlog of immigration cases that piled up under the Biden Administration, facilitating deportations of illegal aliens, as well as historic levels of denaturalization cases. During his questioning, Blanche committed to ensuring law enforcement and DOJ use all available resources to deport criminal illegal aliens and combat disastrous sanctuary policies; investigate illegal practices the left uses to improperly sway elections; litigate against racial gerrymandering; and protect free speech from Big Tech censorship regimes.\n\nWatch the Senator’s line of questioning HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-accepting-applications-for-fall-2026-internships/", "title": "Sen. Tim Scott accepting applications for fall 2026 internships", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.scott.senate.gov", "scraper": "timscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001184", "name": "Tim Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is now accepting applications for internships in his Washington, D.C., North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville offices for fall 2026.\n\nThe internship program offers undergraduate and graduate students the chance to work with public service professionals and gain practical experience in constituent services, federal policy, and more. Students of all majors, particularly those studying governmental affairs, public policy, or communications, are welcome to apply.\n\nWashington, D.C. Office: In Washington, interns will research legislation, attend congressional hearings and briefings, assist with press tasks, and help manage correspondence on various issues. Responsibilities also include answering phones and other administrative tasks. Interns in this office will gain a stronger understanding of the lawmaking process, while also improving their communication and customer service skills.\n\nSouth Carolina Offices (North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville): In the state offices, interns will take an active role in the community, working on state-based projects while also answering phones, completing research, and being an integral part of day-to-day office operations. Interns in these offices are able to assist with issues that affect South Carolinians each day.\n\nInternship hours are flexible to accommodate students’ course schedules but generally run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students may also gain course credit for completing the internship program. Interested students can apply through Senator Scott’s website at www.scott.senate.gov/constituent-services/internships. For additional questions, contact the internship coordinator at internships@scott.senate.gov or (202) 224-6121.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/insulin-act-co-leads-applaud-legislations-advancement-to-key-committee", "title": "INSULIN Act Co-Leads Applaud Legislation’s Advancement to Key Committee", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and John Kennedy (R-LA) applauded the inclusion of their bipartisan INSULIN Act in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee markup next week. The bipartisan legislation to cap the monthly out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 enjoys strong bipartisan support, with 14 Senators from each party backing the bill.\n\n“We are pleased to see that our bipartisan legislation to make insulin more affordable will come before the Senate HELP Committee for consideration next week,” said Senators Shaheen, Collins, Warnock and Kennedy. “With our constituents crying out for financial relief, our bipartisan bill represents an immediate step Congress can take with overwhelming bipartisan support to lower costs for the millions of Americans who need insulin each and every day just to survive. We strongly urge our colleagues on the HELP Committee to vote in favor of advancing the INSULIN Act in its entirety, which is sorely needed to lower costs for Americans with diabetes, regardless of their insurance status.”\n\nPolling released last month from the American Diabetes Association found that 40% of respondents who rely on insulin report paying more than $150 per month for insulin, and 76% of respondents across political parties support a $35 limit on cost sharing for insulin.\n\nThe Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act would cap the monthly out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 for Americans on private and employer-sponsored insurance and create a pilot program to provide insulin at the same cost to Americans without insurance. In addition to Shaheen, Collins, Warnock and Kennedy, the legislation is supported by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Angus King (I-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Katie Britt (R-AL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jim Justice (R-WV), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jim Banks (R-IN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/2026/07/16/slotkin-introduces-merit-act-to-require-national-security-experience-for-intelligence-leadership/", "title": "Slotkin Introduces MERIT Act to Require National Security Experience for Intelligence Leadership", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "www.slotkin.senate.gov", "scraper": "slotkin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001208", "name": "Elissa Slotkin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The MERIT Act comes as an unqualified loyalist of President Trump serves as acting DNI– and while the broader weaponization of the intelligence community is at risk\n\nWASHINGTON D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) introduced the Minimum Experience Requirements for Intelligence Transition (MERIT) Act, legislation that would require any individual serving as Director of National Intelligence (DNI),including in an acting or interim capacity, to have extensive national security experience. The requirement reiterates the standard already applied to Senate-confirmed DNIs under the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, championed by Senator Susan Collins and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.\n\nThe bill comes as Bill Pulte serves as Acting DNI, and ahead of President Trump’s address on elections this evening. Bill Pulte has spent his career in private equity and real estate and has no prior national security experience. As a federal housing official, he accessed and weaponized confidential mortgage records to target the President’s perceived enemies. With access to the full breadth of U.S. intelligence tools and information as DNI, he would be able to further weaponize government resources for political gain. The President has made clear he expects Pulte to use the position to investigate his unsubstantiated claims of “rigged elections” and to declassify material at his own discretion.\n\n“As someone who was detailed to DNI as a CIA officer, I know firsthand that the DNI should be focused on foreign threats, not used to further conspiracy theories about stolen elections,” said Senator Slotkin. “The American people need intelligence leaders focused on defending our country, and who have experience in national security. Whether in a temporary role or otherwise, we need serious people who won’t misuse the IC’s time, personnel and tools to relitigate elections and undermine confidence in our democracy.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThroughout his time in office, President Trump has kept up a sustained effort to undermine confidence in U.S. elections. He has:\n\nRepeated false fraud claims. Over the past six months, President Trump has repeated his claim that elections are “rigged” nearly every day, at least 107 times. Going back to his first-ever campaign, the 2016 Iowa Caucuses, he has alleged voter fraud or a rigged process on at least a dozen separate occasions. In his first ever race, the 2016 Iowa Caucuses, he refused to accept he lost and alleged voter fraud.\n\nAttempted to nationalize control of elections. The President has called on Republicans to “nationalize” the midterm elections and take over election administration in at least 15 states and has pushed legislation and rule changes that voting-rights advocates warn would disenfranchise millions of voters. He has dismantled our Election Assistance Commission, which helps every state carry out their elections. He has pushed our U.S. Postal Service to restrict mail-in-voting unless states have given over their voter rolls to the DOJ. And he pressed the Supreme Court to gut parts of the Voting Rights Act, allowing states to silence the voices of minority voters.\n\nWeaponized our intelligence community: The President has used the power of our intelligence community to selectively declassify intelligence to support his false claims about elections. He has directed the intelligence community to target his enemies through the creation of weaponization working groups and the implementation of NSPM-7. And he has sent the former Director of National Intelligence Gabbard to a partisan raid of ballots in Fulton County, Georgia.\n\nAttempted to seize election materials. Following the 2020 election, the administration drafted an executive order to direct the military to seize voting machines and election materials in battleground states; the President has since said he “should have” signed it. This year, armed FBI agents seized ballots in Fulton County, Georgia, the Department of Justice demanded 2024 ballots and related records from Detroit’s Wayne County, and federal investigators have probed the 2020 election results in Arizona. DOJ has also sued 30 states to obtain their voter rolls.\n\nRefused to rule out troops or armed agents at the polls. The President has left open the possibility of deploying troops or armed federal agents to polling places, including during the upcoming midterms. Multiple senior officials, including the Acting Attorney General, the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security, and other political appointees, have repeatedly declined to rule this out when asked directly, by Senator Slotkin and others.\n\nAs the Administration continues to erode public trust in our election systems, and as Bill Pulte, an unqualified loyalist of the President, serves as a leader in the intelligence community, the broader intelligence community is at risk of becoming weaponized against the American people for the political gain of the President. This is a dangerous precedent that would allow for future leaders to utilize the intelligence community’s resources to further false conspiracy theories.\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-secures-wins-for-alaska-in-committee-passed-water-infrastructure-package", "title": "Sullivan Secures Wins for Alaska in Committee-Passed Water Infrastructure Package", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "scraper": "sullivan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001198", "name": "Dan Sullivan", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Bill Continues Progress on Juneau Flooding Solution, Nome Deep-draft Port\n\nWASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee, this week voted with all his colleagues to advance the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 from committee with a number of significant provisions for Alaska. These include provisions providing continued funding for water and sewer infrastructure in rural Alaska communities,addressing the recurring glacial lake outburst flooding in Juneau, Alaska, and offering significant cost savings for the community of Nome as it builds the nation’s first Arctic deep-draft port.\n\n“Alaska is a resource-rich but infrastructure-poor state. Building out our infrastructure is a critical way to bring down our state’s high cost of living and make life more affordable for all Alaskans,” said Sen. Sullivan. “My team and I worked hard to ensure this year’s WRDA legislation prioritizes Alaska’s infrastructure needs and delivers major investments in our communities. Among other priorities, this year’s WRDA will help cut through red tape and fast-track a permanent engineering solution to the yearly threat of glacial flooding in Juneau and maintain the significant progress on our nation’s first Arctic deep-water port in Nome, which will strengthen Arctic security and reduce the cost of goods for the people of Nome and communities across the region. I was also able to include provisions that focus the Corps’ attention on building up the resilience of western Alaska villages that have dealt with erosion and severe storms and provide adequate funding and staffing for the Corps to fulfill its permitting duties in our vast state in a timely manner. Finally, this important legislation will also continue to deliver clean running water and flush toilets to rural communities across Alaska, an effort that I’ve led since I first got to the Senate. I’ll be working with my colleagues to advance this legislation on the Senate floor and get it to the President’s desk for his signature.”\n\n“Thanks to Senator Sullivan’s steadfast efforts, the Arctic Deep Draft Port in Nome is a reality,” said Nome Mayor Kenny Hughes. “Construction is underway this summer, and the provisions he has secured in the 2026 WRDA bill in today’s mark-up will help to ensure that this vital infrastructure project is one step closer to supporting national security missions and the region’s economy.”\n\n“This bill is critical to protecting our community from devastating flooding,” said Juneau Mayor Beth Weldon. “Juneau is fighting for our very future, and we are beyond grateful to Senator Sullivan for his tenacity and leadership in that fight at the federal level.”\n\n“Throughout the years, Senator Sullivan has fought relentlessly for the Arctic Deep Draft Port,” said Nome Port Director Joy Baker. “His dedication and leadership have been instrumental as we have navigated the challenges that come with such a significant project, and we sincerely appreciate his vision and support.”\n\n“Access to safe, reliable water is foundational to good health and to the strength of communities across Alaska,”said Natasha Singh, president and CEO of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. “The Water Resources Development Act will play a vital role in improving the health and well-being of many people served by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium by investing in water and sanitation. ANTHC thanks Senator Dan Sullivan for his efforts on this important legislation and for his tireless support of the people and communities we serve. We are encouraged to see the bill advancing through the legislative process and strongly support its final passage.”\n\nRegarding Alaska’s priorities, Sen. Sullivan’s provisions in WRDA 2026:\n\nFast-track relief for the Juneau glacial outburst flooding challenge by directing the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to expedite the process and proceed directly to preconstruction planning, engineering, and design.\n\nProhibit any reduction in the scope or capability of the Port of Nome project and classify its supporting infrastructure as serving a federal interest in national security, with the potential to significantly reduce the cost of the project to the local community.\n\nDesignate the west coast of Alaska as a federal priority area, compelling the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to prioritize funding, investigations, and design to combat coastal erosion and storm surge in the aftermath of Typhoon Halong.\n\nGreen-light new feasibility studies for Kodiak Harbor, Scow Bay Harbor in Petersburg, Kodiak Island Borough flood and bank stabilization, Talkeetna flood and bank stabilization, and Unalaska coastal storm risk management.\n\nDirect the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to fast-track and complete ongoing feasibility studies for the Homer Harbor modification and the separate Port of Nome Inner Harbor project.\n\nMandate that the Corps adequately staff and resource the Alaska District’s regulatory and permitting missions to account for the state’s massive geography and unique circumstances.\n\nSecure $13.7 million in direct authorizations—working with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)—for local drinking water and wastewater projects, including $7 million for Sitka, $3.3 million for Nelson Lagoon, $2.1 million for Ouzinkie, and $1.3 million for Soldotna.\n\nReauthorize the Safe Water for Small and Disadvantaged Communities program at $140 million annually and authorize $60 million annually for Alaska Native village sanitation, crucially expanding eligibility to cover emergency operations and maintenance repairs.\n\nReauthorize $55 million annually for materials management infrastructure, alongside $30 million annually for drinking water, wastewater, and Trash Free Waters grants—programs and grants established by Sen. Sullivan’s 2020 Save Our Seas 2.0 Act.\n\nMandate a report on how to incorporate commercial fish landings into the Corps’ benefit-cost metrics in Alaska, breaking down barriers that have historically disadvantaged Alaska harbor projects.\n\nMandate a 90-day report on the Corps’ implementation of Executive Order 14153, including a review of staffing and the implementation of Alaska’s resource development priorities.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-celebrates-americas-250th-birthday/", "title": "Thune Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:\n\nThune’s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n“Mr. President, we recently celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – the 250th birthday of our country.\n\n“On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration.\n\n“The document laid out the causes which impelled the colonists’ separation from Great Britain.\n\n“But more than that, it laid out the political beliefs that would govern the new nation.\n\n“‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.’\n\n“Unalienable rights.\n\n“Rights inherent in man, given by God.\n\n“Rights that exist before government, and that it is the job of government to protect.\n\n“Government not by divine right or military might, but by consent.\n\n“A government that represents the people, not the will to power.\n\n“A revolutionary document, Mr. President.\n\n“Pun intended.\n\n“Many of the ideas in the Declaration, of course, were not new.\n\n“It was a document built on the wisdom of the ages, on the tradition of British common law, on the inheritance of Christianity, and the colonists’ own experiment in self-government in the colonies.\n\n“Jefferson himself, writing in 1825, said of the Declaration, and I quote, ‘Neither aiming at originality of principle or sentiment, nor yet copied from any particular and previous writing, it was intended to be an expression of the American mind, and to give to that expression the proper tone and spirit called for by the occasion. All its authority rests then on the harmonizing sentiments of the day, whether expressed in conversation, in letters, printed essays, or in the elementary books of public right, as Aristotle, Cicero, Locke, Sidney, etc.’\n\n“But while many of the ideas in the Declaration were not new, the document was nevertheless, as I said, revolutionary.\n\n“Because the Declaration marked an event essentially unique in human history.\n\n“There had been philosophical treatises laying out principles of government.\n\n“But this was not a philosophical treatise.\n\n“It was the founding of a government, of a new nation, based on philosophical principles.\n\n“A nation inaugurated not by conquest but on a set of ideas.\n\n“And what ideas, Mr. President.\n\n“All men are created equal.\n\n“Where before in the history of governments do we find that?\n\n“All men are created equal.\n\n“No one is given special dignity by nature. No man has a divine right to rule over any other.\n\n“No.\n\n“All men are created equal.\n\n“Created equal and endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights.\n\n“Rights that cannot be taken away.\n\n“Rights that are not the gift of government, but … of nature and of nature’s God.\n\n“Rights that government must defer to and defend.\n\n“Mr. President, as everyone knows, the United States is currently hosting the World Cup.\n\n“And the media has been filled with stories on how much visitors to this country are enjoying the United States.\n\n“They’re encountering the American character – generous, optimistic, big-hearted, friendly.\n\n“And they are embracing it.\n\n“And it occurs to me, Mr. President, that that American character almost unquestionably has a lot to do with our founding principles.\n\n“When you believe that all men are created equal, when you believe that they have God-given rights and dignity – well, that has consequences.\n\n“All men are created equal.\n\n“There is no class of divinely appointed rulers.\n\n“No hereditary aristocratic class.\n\n“No barrier set to prevent you from rising.\n\n“Those principles have consequences.\n\n“So I don’t think it’s surprising that Americans are generous and big-hearted and optimistic and friendly.\n\n“I think it’s the natural consequence of the principles that we espouse.\n\n“Mr. President, every Fourth of July is a day of celebration.\n\n“But this one, marking 250 years, was particularly special.\n\n“South Dakota was honored to welcome President Trump to our fireworks at Mount Rushmore – a truly spectacular event.\n\n“There’s no better place to reflect on the majesty of this great country.\n\n“It’s fitting too, though, that along with the celebrations – along with the fireworks and the parades and the hot dogs and the hamburgers – that July 4th be a day of thanksgiving.\n\n“For the Declaration of Independence and the nation it founded.\n\n“For the blessings of liberty.\n\n“And for all those who have pledged their lives to its defense, from the founding of our country to the present day.\n\n“Mr. President, Ralph Waldo Emerson, in his ‘Concord Hymn,’ referred to the opening shot of the battles of Lexington and Concord as, and I quote, ‘the shot heard round the world.’\n\n“Well, Mr. President, if I may borrow his phrase, I think it’s fair to say that the Declaration was the statement heard round the world.\n\n“It is still – still – heard around the world, to this day.\n\n“And I pray it will be heard until the end of time.\n\n“May God bless our beloved country and keep us faithful to the principles for which we stand.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-speaks-at-confirmation-hearing-for-cdc-director-hhs-nominee/", "title": "Tuberville Speaks at Confirmation Hearing for CDC Director, HHS Nominee", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) spoke with Dr. Erica Schwartz, President Trump’s nominee for Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Sean Kaufman, President Trump’s nominee for Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), during today’s Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing.\n\nDuring the hearing, Sen. Tuberville discussed federal vaccine policy, alternative treatment options, and the need to rebuild Americans’ trust in the nation’s public-health system. Sen. Tuberville also spoke about the importance of nutrition, physical fitness, and disease prevention.\n\nExcerpts from Sen. Tuberville’s statement can be found below or viewed on YouTube or Rumble.\n\nTUBERVILLE: “Mr. Chairman, thank you. Thank you both for being here today. Thank you for your willingness to serve, to go through the education you have gone through, and thanks for your dedication to our country.\n\nTalking about vaccines, I would hope the federal government would stay out of the damn vaccine business. I’ve got young grandkids, and they want them to take 70 vaccines before they are two years old. That is bullcrap. Let the parents decide that decision. That doesn’t need to belong in the federal government. Now, if you want to recommend them, I am all for that. But, my God, let’s get away from this nonsense.\n\nI want to get into something that the Biden administration got involved in. It is called monoclonal antibodies. Most of us have never heard of that, but they were saving lives. The Biden administration wouldn’t let you have them unless you had the damn vaccine. That is ridiculous. That is ridiculous. Mr. Kaufman, how are you going to handle that situation if and when we have our next disaster in this country—caused by humans, basically, given how the federal government got involved in COVID—how would you handle that?”\n\nKAUFMAN: “Senator, thank you for the question.\n\nIn 2014, I had the opportunity to serve at Emory University’s Serious Communicable Diseases Unit, where Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol were treated for Ebola during the 2014 epidemic. I witnessed firsthand a gentleman […] within hours of receiving a dose of monoclonal antibody therapy, I saw that gentleman come alive—so much so, that we actually ordered Chick-fil-A for him.\n\nThat is in his book; you can read it. I also have a brother who got COVID really, really bad. He went to Florida, and got monoclonal antibody therapeutic solutions, and recovered very well. I believe that, with the threats we face today, with the ability to identify through genome sequencing, and customize monoclonal antibody therapeutic solutions, we must be absolutely prepared with this technology. It must be ready to roll to be more prepared today than ever before.”\n\nTUBERVILLE: “Thank you.\n\nUnder the previous administration, unless you took the vaccine, you could not have these [antibodies]. That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard. We killed millions of people who should not have been killed because of that decision. We are [too] worried about vaccines. Yeah, we got great vaccines. Let’s give them to people if they want them. If people do not want to take them, then to heck with it. That is our right. This is a free country. That is the reason we do not have trust in this country. So, Mr. Kaufman, how are you going to get trust back in our country through your position? Because in my state of Alabama, they don’t trust public health. They don’t trust the federal government, and I don’t blame them. They surely don’t trust the public-health system in our country.”\n\nKAUFMAN: “Thank you, Senator, for that question.\n\nAs a private businessman, one thing I always did to evaluate whether we did a great job or not is we would ask our clients upon finishing the work, ‘Are we trusted more than we were before?’ I think the indicators today show that, during COVID, we did not necessarily have, maybe, the best showing in public health. I appreciate the question because it gives me a chance to address something as well. Earlier, I was asked by a senator, ‘Are the mRNA vaccines safe and effective?’ Absolutely. But you know what—I am [going] to put an asterisk because, and this is important—many, many, many millions, millions and millions of people around the world took those vaccines and did not suffer. But I cannot sit here and forget those who did. With any medical intervention, there will always be adverse events. It is insensitive—and it erodes trust—when we choose to write those people off or fail to acknowledge that they have legitimate issues. And though I believe vaccines are safe and effective, I think it is important, if I am going to serve the American population, that all of those individuals are recognized, treated with compassion, and acknowledged.”\n\nTUBERVILLE: “Yeah.\n\nDr. Schwartz, I just got a minute here, but I’d love to hear this, Secretary Kennedy and I share the same desire about nutrition. I think it’s more and more important every day [to talk] about nutrition, because what we eat is killing us. Absolutely killing\n\nus. What role are you going to play in the CDC helping us have good food that is safe for us and safe for our kids? What is your role going to be?”\n\nSCHWARTZ: “Coach, if I can call you that—”\n\nTUBERVILLE: “Please.”\n\nSCHWARTZ: “Thank you for meeting with me earlier. I am all in on the Make America Healthy Again agenda. When I look at what the Secretary and [the President] have already done, they have introduced nutrition education into medical schools. I will not tell you when I graduated from medical school, but I can tell you that we did not have nutrition education in medical schools at the time when I was in medical school.\n\nThe Secretary is also introducing physical-fitness testing. In my generation, we did physical-fitness testing; this generation did not. He is removing those petroleum-based dyes, food dyes from food products. I am fully committed, if I am confirmed as CDC Director to continuing focusing on the Make America Healthy again. Because we are looking at those things that are happening that can prevent disease, and that is exactly what I have done my entire life as an occupational-medicine physician. I am all about looking at those upstream effects, looking at those things that can prevent diseases and continuing to Make America Healthy again.”\n\nTUBERVILLE: “Well, thank you. Work on nutrition, work on physical fitness, work on exercise. [Points to cell phone] This damn thing right here is killing our kids and killing everybody in this country because they are sitting around looking at it all day long. If we do not do something about it, it is going to be our fault—not our kids’ fault.\n\nThank you.”\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-speaks-at-confirmation-hearing-for-department-of-labor-secretary-nominee/", "title": "Tuberville Speaks at Confirmation Hearing for Department of Labor Secretary Nominee", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) spoke with Keith Sonderling, President Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor. During the hearing, Sen. Tuberville and Mr. Sonderling discussed the efforts the Trump administration is taking to root out waste, fraud, and abuse of federal tax dollars, as well as expanding 401(k) retirement investments to include cryptocurrency.\n\nExcerpts from Sen. Tuberville’s remarks can be found below or viewed on YouTube or Rumble.\n\nON WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS\n\nTUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Sonderling, welcome. Glad you’re here. I haven’t seen this many Gators in a long time in one spot. I think I recognize a few throwing stuff at me when I used to coach down there. You know, I can’t think of other than Jordan-Hare Stadium—”\n\nSONDERLING: “It was Senator Moody doing that.”\n\nTUBERVILLE: “Yeah. Other than Jordan-Hare Stadium and Bryant-Denny Stadium, The Swamp, Ben Hill Griffin [Stadium], is a hard place to play. And I really enjoyed kicking y’all’s ass when I came down there […] but welcome. And thanks for what you’ve done. You’ve done an outstanding job. We’re looking forward for you to continue that. You know, you’re a member of Vice President Vance’s task force team to try to stop this abysmal amount of fraud and money being stolen from the taxpayers. $100 million an hour the last I heard. I can’t imagine that. And, so, you’re on that task force. Are you working with the states? How are you collaborating with the states to get this done to stop this damn fraud?”\n\nSONDERLING: “So, my role on the task force is related to unemployment insurance fraud, and Department of Labor plays a significant role in making sure that there’s no fraud because all fraud is a theft on taxpayer dollars. And what we saw in the unemployment system during COVID time, $135 billion was stolen. Gone. Stolen by crime, stolen by foreign actors. Social security numbers were being stolen. Millions of dollars were going out to people in jail, to dead people. Somebody who was born in the year 2154 successfully applied for unemployment insurance and was able to get it.\n\nSo, countless stories like that hurts the American workers who actually need that money. So, under the Vice President’s leadership on the task force, we have the license now to finally stop this and go after states that are not complying. So, I sent a letter to 53 governors and governors of territories, basically saying that we are tired of the fraud, and we want you to put these measures in for the fraud to stop. And if you don’t, then there’s going to be consequences, and there’s never been consequences before, and President Trump is allowing us to do that.\n\nSo, more importantly, we’re telling the states verify first, and pay later. Stop paying first and verifying later, and that’s how much money has gone out. So, really pushing on the states to get the technology to verify who they are, and we’re trying to help them. We’re building a centralized system called unemployment.gov that Alabama is helping us with. And we see, you know, Alabama is an amazing example.\n\nYou know, they’ve really gone after this. And when they had improper payments, the last two years, they got 100 percent of it back. They have some of the lowest fraud and improper payment rates in the country because they’re verifying. They’re going and making sure that person is alive, that person lives in Alabama, that person worked in Alabama, they’re going to the employer: ‘this person worked for you? Or is this a fraudster in China?’ And they’re doing it, and it’s showing results.\n\nAnd not only that, they’re following up with employers: ‘is this person even eligible for it?’. And that’s not to what happening, you know, specifically in Democrat states like New York that is still paying $2 million out every single day. So, our inspector general, Anthony D’Espacito, we have a partnership together. So, I’m doing the front-end side where we’re gonna make sure states like Alabama has done, put in those controls, and then we’re gonna go after those criminals. We’re gonna go after the frauds with criminal prosecutions through our IG. So, this is one of the most important things we could do with the Department of Labor is stop the theft of taxpayer dollars.”\n\nTUBERVILLE: “Yeah, I think AI is gonna be the key. I think it’s gonna be the savior for fraud. There’s no way humans can mentally keep up with $5 trillion a year. We can’t do it.\n\nI don’t care how smart you are. And so, we have to have machines to do that. And we got to stop it. We’re over $40 trillion in debt. It’s ridiculous. And we’re talking about AI earlier with Senator Hawley. I’ll be, hopefully, governor next year of Alabama. We’re gonna start in elementary school teaching our kids AI. We can talk about AI. All we want if we don’t teach it, it’s not gonna work.\n\nSo, we have to learn it at a young age, and we’re already preparing for that for young kids in elementary school all the way up to high school. And they have to learn to use it the right way, ethically. And that’s the future. Our education system is abysmal right now. It’s going to heck in a handbasket. I worked [in] it for 35 years. I know our federal government’s being broken because all this fraud, but we have to be able to educate our kids in this AI.”\n\nSONDERLING: “Education needs to lead the jobs.”\n\nON RETIREMENT FUNDS\n\nTUBERVILLE: “Couple of other things. I just wanna say, you know, we have this 401[k] plan that we’re trying to get through for retirement funds, through private equity, cryptocurrency, one of my bills called the Financial [Freedom] Act, and we’re trying to get it through committee. And what does all this mean for the average American and the retirement accounts if we can pass a bill like this where they can actually get something out of the retirement?”\n\nSONDERLING: “We’re very working very hard at the Department of Labor to make sure that 401(k) plans have access to alternative investments just like union pensions do, just like state pensions do. Right now, the 401(k) market is largely in index funds, and those workers deserve private assets. They deserve diversification just like somebody with a pension plan. So, this is one of my top initiatives to make sure that there’s parity now between the pension system and the 401(k) system to be able to diversify for individuals, you know, who just have a 401(k), to get into those private markets that were previously only for accredited investors.\n\nThis is how President Trump is gonna make America wealthy again by allowing everyone to democratize that access, allow everyone these opportunities outside of just very conservative index funds. And at the department, we don’t push one fund over the other. We lay the mutual framework and let the employers decide under their fiduciary obligations, which is the best for their employees.”\n\nON H-1B VISA PROGRAM\n\nTUBERVILLE: “You don’t have to answer this question, but I just want to throw it out there. Our H-1B program sucks. Okay? Microsoft is firing people and hiring foreign labor and that’s wrong. And we have to hire American workers, and I hope you’re on top of that. Thanks, Mr. Chairman. […]”\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-pettersen-lead-lawmakers-in-introducing-legislation-to-bring-transparency-to-corporate-abuse-of-tax-havens-job-offshoring", "title": "Van Hollen, Pettersen Lead Lawmakers in Introducing Legislation to Bring Transparency to Corporate Abuse of Tax Havens, Job Offshoring", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.-07) led their colleagues in reintroducing the Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act, legislation to provide transparency around corporations’ use of tax havens and incentives to offshore jobs. This bill would require public companies to disclose their financial reporting on a country-by-country basis. Ensuring public access to this information would both provide investors the tools they need to understand the tax structures and risks of the businesses in which they invest and give Americans insight into the extent to which the tax system is incentivizing the outsourcing of American jobs or enabling corporations to dodge U.S. taxes. Senator Van Hollen and Representative Pettersen were joined in introducing this legislation by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.).\n\n“While working Americans struggle to get by, large corporations continue to ship jobs overseas and take advantage of tax loopholes to hide their profits. This bill will provide critical transparency to both the American public and investors as to how these corporations abuse our broken tax system and the risks they are taking in the use of offshore tax havens. We must stand up for American workers, end incentives for big corporations to offshore jobs, and unrig our broken corporate tax code. Sunlight is the best disinfectant – shining a light on this issue is the first step,” said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n“As everyday families struggle to find jobs and pay for basic necessities, corporations are dodging taxes by shifting profits outside the country and making the rest of us pay. I'm proud to support this legislation that will require companies to disclose foreign operations, and ensure corporations pay into the system here at home,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “The Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act will increase transparency, and make corporations start paying their fair share.”\n\n“For too long, many of the world’s most profitable corporations have taken advantage of foreign tax havens to skirt paying their fair share here in the U.S. And it only became easier when Republicans passed their tax plan, which was chockfull of new incentives for corporations to ship profits and jobs overseas,” said Senator Durbin. “We cannot let this go unnoticed. With the Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act, we can finally hold these corporations accountable.”\n\n“It’s wrong that corporations can use their wealth to secretly exploit foreign tax havens while everyday Americans contribute their fair share,” said Senator Whitehouse. “This common-sense legislation would shine a light on the murky world of offshore tax dodging to hold corporations accountable and provide important information to investors.”\n\n“While hardworking American families are paying their fair share, many of the world’s most profitable corporations abuse tax havens to avoid paying the taxes they owe,” said Senator Blumenthal. “This critical legislation ensures necessary transparency for consumers and investors about how corporations are taking advantage of our country’s broken tax system and sending their jobs overseas. The Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act makes it easier to hold corporations accountable for tax avoidance.”\n\n“Big companies know how to scheme our tax system and hide their profits – all while hard-working families are playing by the rules and paying their fair share. It’s a sham. We need to right this ship, and it starts with some basic transparency so Americans can see exactly how these wealthy companies are abusing our tax system and shipping their profits and American jobs overseas,” said Senator Baldwin.\n\n“Corporations have long abused offshore loopholes to avoid paying their fair share in taxes and move their profits overseas—and jobs along with it,” said Senator Duckworth. “Consumers deserve to know if the companies they’re buying from are outsourcing American jobs to other countries and dodging American taxes. It’s long past time that we pass our commonsense legislation to help deliver transparency and hold these corporations accountable.”\n\n“Americans should not have to pay while corporations exploit tax loopholes to avoid paying their fair share,” said Senator Smith. “President Trump has made it easier than ever for big corporations to get away with dodging U.S. taxes through foreign tax havens, and American are forced to foot the bill as more jobs and investment move overseas. This bill would hold corporations accountable by requiring them to publicly report tax information on their foreign activities and reveal the extent of their offshore tax avoidance.”\n\n“Our tax law in the United States is totally broken–we have a system where corporations are incentivized to ship profits and good-paying jobs overseas. The American people deserve full transparency about how companies are using these loopholes to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. We’re working to ensure that corporations are held accountable for hiding profits in foreign tax havens,” said Senator Welch.\n\nWhile the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act established a new global tax framework, it also introduced incentives for large U.S. companies to shift profits and jobs overseas. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act largely preserved those incentives. New research shows that in 2025, large corporations reduced their tax liability by more than $11 billion through the use of tax havens. Firms continue to benefit from shifting profits because they can pool income and foreign taxes across affiliates in both high- and low-tax countries, while foreign income remains subject to a significantly lower U.S. tax rate than domestic income.\n\nThe Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act would ensure there is more transparency in these tax practices by requiring large corporations to disclose basic information on each of their subsidiaries, and country-by-country financial information that sums together all of their subsidiaries in each country – including profits, taxes, employees, and tangible assets.\n\nAll of this information is already reported to the Internal Revenue Service, under an international Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development framework, but this legislation would ensure public disclosure to provide data on how international tax laws are working and where corporations are locating their business activities and taxes. Thus, when a corporation sends jobs overseas, their country-by-country financial report would show the extent to which the U.S. tax system is rewarding their behavior.\n\n“Billionaires and large corporations continue to rake in record profits while exploiting tax loopholes to avoid paying their fair share in U.S. taxes,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “Many of these companies are moving jobs overseas to benefit their bottom line, while draining resources from the communities they leave behind. The Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act would ensure long overdue transparency for these large corporations that are offshoring jobs and profits to avoid paying U.S. taxes. It is unacceptable that while working people pay our taxes, many of the most profitable corporations pay little or nothing in taxes. Corporate tax avoidance means less funding for the services people need to go to work—like health care, child care, and public transportation. We thank Sen. Van Hollen and his colleagues for introducing this legislation to shine a light on corporations who are moving jobs overseas to avoid taxes, and we urge Congress to act swiftly to pass it.”\n\nRobert Weissman, co-president, Public Citizen, said “Corporations mock their duty to pay taxes by pretending that that they earned their profits in tax haven countries, depriving the government of tax revenue for urgent priorities like healthcare, education and addressing the climate crisis -- and making suckers of those of us who do pay our taxes, fair and square. Sen. Van Hollen and Rep. Pettersen’s Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act would simply use the sunlight of disclosure to disinfect this dirty corporate practice. Every member should support this commonsense measure.”\n\n“We applaud Senator Van Hollen and Representative Pettersen for leading this vital legislation to pull back the curtain of tax secrecy and strengthen our tax system,” said Zorka Milin, policy director at the FACT Coalition. “Recent accounting disclosures have provided fresh evidence of widespread tax haven use among the nation's largest and most profitable companies. Increased transparency is essential to creating a fairer corporate tax system that raises needed revenue and protects American manufacturing and jobs from offshoring.\"\n\n“The Trump administration's regrettable choice to end cooperation with the OECD's global minimum tax makes it all the more important for the U.S. to require detailed tax disclosures. The Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act would pull back the curtain on the rampant offshoring our most profitable corporations are currently engaged in,” said Matthew Gardner, Senior Fellow, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.\n\nThis legislation is supported by the Financial Accountability & Corporate Transparency (FACT) Coalition, Public Citizen, Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-intel-vice-chair-warner-statement-on-president-trumps-speech-tonight/", "title": "Senate Intel Vice Chair Warner Statement on President Trump’s Speech Tonight", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warner.senate.gov", "scraper": "warner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000805", "name": "Mark R. Warner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement:\n\n“Tonight, Americans heard the president once again repeat claims about our elections that have been investigated for years and repeatedly rejected by the Intelligence Community, the FBI, DHS, DOJ, bipartisan state election officials, audits, recounts, and the courts. The facts have not changed.\n\n“As Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I have spent years overseeing our nation’s efforts to defend against foreign meddling in our elections. China is a serious strategic competitor, and it absolutely seeks to advance its interests at America’s expense. So do Russia and Iran. We should confront those threats with facts, not distort them for political purposes.\n\n“The Intelligence Community’s conclusions have been remarkably consistent across Republican and Democratic administrations. Foreign adversaries conduct espionage, cyber operations, propaganda, and influence campaigns designed to divide Americans and undermine confidence in our democracy. The Intelligence Community also concluded that China considered – but ultimately did not deploy – an influence campaign intended to affect the outcome of the 2020 election, and that no foreign government altered vote totals, hacked voting machines, or compromised the integrity of our election infrastructure. Even the minority view that President Trump cites agreed there was ‘no information suggesting China tried to interfere with election processes.’\n\n“That distinction matters. The greatest danger to our elections right now is false narratives seized upon here at home as a pretext to convince Americans their elections cannot be trusted – or worse, to justify unprecedented federal intervention in elections that the Constitution entrusts to the states. Americans should recognize that danger for what it is. Our democracy depends on confidence in elections that are administered according to law by the states, not on falsehoods invoked to justify unprecedented government intervention.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-pushes-federal-reserve-chair-kevin-warsh-to-implement-artificial-intelligence-policy-that-protects-all-americans-not-just-tech-executives/", "title": "Warnock Pushes Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh to Implement Artificial Intelligence Policy That Protects All Americans, Not Just Tech Executives", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "According to a Bloomberg analysis, spending on artificial intelligence has risen to about 8 percent of U.S. gross domestic product\n\nAmericans’ retirement accounts are increasingly tied to the artificial intelligence industry, driven by massive increases in the stock prices of chip and AI companies\n\nEarlier this year, Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock introduced legislation to support America’s workforce amid the rise of artificial intelligence\n\nSenator Warnock: “But here’s my problem: Americans are worried about what AI will mean for the economy, and I’m worried that this viewpoint isn’t represented at the Fed”\n\nWashington, D.C. – Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee’s Economic Policy Subcommittee, questioned Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh about how to protect Americans from potential economic uncertainty tied to the growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry.\n\n“I’d be worried about a massive economic slowdown. You know, the impact of Wall Street on Main Street, and I’d be worried about job losses,” said Senator Warnock. “Stock prices tumbling would mean Americans could not retire as planned, and I don’t want to see taxpayers holding the bag should this AI bubble pop…But here’s my problem: Americans are worried about what AI will mean for the economy, and I’m worried that this viewpoint isn’t represented at the Fed.”\n\nAccording to a recent Bloomberg analysis, AI spending accounted for approximately 8% of U.S. gross domestic product and was a leading driver of economic growth. Despite growing alignment between the tech industry and top Wall Street investors, major AI firms have yet to generate meaningful profits. During Wednesday’s Banking Committee hearing, Senator Warnock pushed Chair Warsh to consider this as he seeks input on AI.\n\nSenator Warnock has championed protections for American workers as automation and AI reshape the workforce and economy. In February, Senator Warnock introduced the Investing in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act to increase investments in worker training and prepare workers for jobs of the future. He also successfully secured $65 million in funding for the Georgia Institute of Technology to help the university remain a national leader in computer science research and innovation.\n\nWatch the Senator’s full remarks HERE\n\nSee below a transcript of Wednesday’s hearing exchange\n\nSenator Reverend Warnock (SRW): “The American economy is heavily leveraged on the success of artificial intelligence, and this is an issue that I’m very interested in—been engaging and talking to folks in the industry and folks outside of the industry, various stakeholders. According to a Bloomberg analysis, AI spending most recently climbed to about 8% of the U.S. gross domestic product, driving the country’s economic growth. Chair Warsh, you have long been bullish on AI. However, up to now, despite investors betting big on them, none of the major AI models have been meaningfully profitable. What are the consequences to our economy if none of these companies ever become profitable?\n\nFederal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh (KW): “So, if they were to disappoint investors, I think the capital markets would dry up for them, and some of that capital investment would be curtailed.”\n\nSRW: “I guess that’s one way of putting it. I guess I’m getting at where ordinary folks are in the midst of that. The markets behind the markets are real people who have retirement savings and who are trying to make their present as well as their future work. American retirement accounts are increasingly tied to AI, and so there’s the human issue driven by massive increases in the stock prices of chip and AI companies. You might talk about the current markets in a way. It sort of—it is tall and narrow. Let’s imagine if we are in an AI bubble. What would happen to our economy, and more specifically, Americans’ retirement savings, if that bubble popped?”\n\nKW: “So, I think it’s a fair question, Senator. I take it seriously. I’m not in the business of providing a Wall Street newsletter, but I’ll say broadly to your question about the effects on the economy: booms and busts do not help the real economy, and they don’t make the central bank’s job easier. What the central bank is trying to achieve is price stability—full employment—all in the context of financial stability.\n\n“On the question of these AI companies, certainly the surge in their investment and the surge in their valuations is notable. But I’ll also note one other thing, Senator. Over the course of the last couple of months, we’ve seen the market cap—both of the public companies and of private companies—under some pressure at the overall indexes. We do seem to see a broadening out now. Why is that? Because earnings now for the last several quarters more broadly are moving up. I don’t want to suggest that should give us any complacency, but what the Fed’s looking for is economic strength to broaden and the inflation that we talked about earlier to become more narrow.”\n\nSRW: “So, I’d be worried about a massive economic slowdown. You know, the impact of Wall Street on Main Street, and I’d be worried about job losses. Stock prices tumbling would mean Americans could not retire as planned, and I don’t want to see taxpayers holding the bag should this AI bubble pop. I’m not against AI. AI is not going anywhere. It has both promise and peril. I just want us to be thinking critically about this from all angles.\n\n“Earlier this month, you announced a new task force to assess the effect of AI on productivity and jobs. The three individuals you chose for the task force are tech executives who have directly worked for or with AI labs. All three of them. Yes or no, will the Fed include anyone on this task force with an alternative viewpoint on AI? For example, anyone who represents the workers whose lives may be up ended by increased adoption of AI tools and technology?”\n\nKW: “So, Senator, it’s a fair question. As I mentioned to your colleague a few moments ago, what I’d say is one of the people on those task forces is an academic. Now I don’t want to suggest that the academic is representing some…”\n\nSRW: “You don’t want to suggest that the academic is being academic—”\n\nKW: “—I don’t want to suggest that, but this isn’t a faculty lounge discussion. What I do want to suggest is that academic’s work has spent a lot of time talking about prior technology shocks and the displacement that it has on labor. The assurance I can give you is that these three people on that task force, like the other task forces, they’re not the deciders. You’retalking to one of the deciders. The 19 of us around the FOMC with a breadth of backgrounds and interest, we’re going to decide what we think of their conclusions.”\n\nSRW: “As a decision maker, I always want various viewpoints. I certainly have nothing against an academic expertise. I think you know that that’s important, and it’s too often ignored in some of the appointments that we’ve seen around here lately. But here’s my problem: Americans are worried about what AI will mean for the economy, and I’m worried that this viewpoint isn’t represented at the Fed.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-honored-with-national-retail-federations-2026-champion-of-main-street-award/", "title": "Welch Honored with National Retail Federation's 2026 “Champion of Main Street” Award", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Welch has championed bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act to protect small retailers and businesses\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee and Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, this week received the National Retail Federation’s 2026 “Champion of Main Street” award for his leadership and work to ensure small businesses and retailers in Vermont and across the country get their fair share. The NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, with members including department stores, catalog, Internet, and independent retailers, restaurants, grocery stores, multi-level marketing companies, and vendors.\n\nIn his remarks, Senator Welch called on Congress to pass the bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA), which would prevent the credit card duopoly of Visa and Mastercard from charging American businesses higher fees than anywhere else in the world.\n\nPhoto Credit: National Retail Federation\n\nRetail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, driving the U.S. economy and creating jobs in communities throughout the country. In Vermont, retail directly supports more than 66,000 jobs and contributes $9.2 billion in economic activity. Vermont boasts nearly 82,000 small businesses, which represent 99% of all businesses in the state, and employ over 62% of Vermont’s overall workforce—higher than the national average. Small businesses in Vermont also employ a diverse workforce, with 43.8% of small businesses in the state owned by women and 6% owned by veterans.\n\nUnder the Credit Card Competition Act, the Federal Reserve would issue regulations that require banks with over $100 billion in assets to enable at least two unaffiliated credit card networks, one of which must be outside of the top two largest networks, to process transactions on credit cards the banks issue. This would empower small business owners to pick the network that best suits their needs and inject real competition into the credit card market—opening the door for new market entrants, encouraging innovation and enhanced security, and exerting competitive constraints on the Visa-Mastercard duopoly. It is estimated that the CCCA would save merchants and consumers over $16 billion each year.\n\nSenator Welch has led efforts to combat market consolidation in the retail industry and ensure Vermont’s small businesses get a fair shot at success. In addition to the CCCA, the Senator is a cosponsor of the Fair Competition for Small Business Act, which would help protect small retailers from monopolistic, big-box stores that make it difficult for smaller operations to succeed.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-statement-on-trumps-election-lies/", "title": "Whitehouse Statement on Trump’s Election Lies", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release", "domain": "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", "scraper": "whitehouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000802", "name": "Sheldon Whitehouse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Providence, RI – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse issued the following statement after President Trump’s primetime address to the nation:\n\n“Tonight seems to be the ceremonial kickoff of President Trump’s campaign to interfere in the November election. Trump has badly lost independent voters, even MAGA is disheartened; he is failing and unpopular, and he’s dragging his party down with him in the midterms. We are witnessing a failed, unstable president now trying to misuse the powers of the federal government to taint an American election, backed by his coterie of creepy billionaires.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/chairman-wicker-leads-sasc-hearing-to-consider-chief-of-space-operations-nominee", "title": "Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing to Consider Chief of Space Operations Nominee", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.wicker.senate.gov", "scraper": "wicker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000437", "name": "Roger F. Wicker", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to consider the nomination of the next Chief of Space Operations.\n\nLieutenant General Douglas A. Schiess, USSF, nominated to be General and Chief of Space Operations, appeared before the committee.\n\nIn his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker emphasized the growing importance of space as a warfighting domain and the need to strengthen the U.S. Space Force to meet evolving threats from strategic competitors. The chairman also highlighted the importance of accelerating space acquisition, building a more agile workforce, and ensuring the Space Force has the resources and leadership necessary to maintain America's strategic advantage.\n\nRead Chairman Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered.\n\nThe committee meets today to consider the nomination of Lieutenant General Douglas Schiess, who is nominated to be the Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force.\n\nThis hearing comes at a pivotal moment for both our nation's security and the future of the Space Force. If confirmed, General Schiess will become the third Chief of Space Operations. That distinction reflects the relative youth of this service. While the Space Force has already proven its value to the Joint Force, it is still building the institutions, culture, talent pipeline, and operational concepts that will define the service for generations.\n\nThe Space Force was established because our nation recognized that superiority in space is essential to maintaining deterrence on Earth. Today, that mission is more important than ever. The next Chief of Space Operations will assume responsibility as two trends converge: First, the strategic environment is becoming more dangerous even as the demands on the service continue to grow.\n\nThe United States no longer has the luxury of viewing space as a permissive environment. China and Russia have made clear that they see space as a critical warfighting domain. They continue to invest in capabilities designed to challenge America's military advantage. Beijing and Moscow are developing weapons to disrupt our satellites, degrade our communications, interfere with navigation, and threaten the systems that enable every joint military operation.\n\nSo, to meet that challenge, we need two things: increased resources and faster production timelines. On the latter point, I am pleased to see how the Space Force is adopting the FORGED Act’s requirements for Portfolio Acquisition Executives. This is a significant opportunity to streamline decision-making, improve accountability, and accelerate the development and fielding of the resilient space capabilities that our warfighters need. We must successfully implement these reforms if the Space Force is to keep pace with rapidly evolving threats and deliver operational advantages at the speed today's strategic environment demands.\n\nAll of this will require an agile workforce. Congress enacted the Personnel Management Act, the PMA, to help the Space Force build such a team. The PMA gives the Space Force the flexibility to build and sustain a workforce that can move seamlessly between full-time and part-time service, which can attract specialized talent, and that can adapt as mission requirements evolve.\n\nCongress has an important role to play in ensuring that the Space Force has the resources, authorities, and leadership necessary to meet those challenges. We also have a responsibility to help the American people understand why the Space Force exists and why its mission matters. Space capabilities underpin our national security, our economy, and our way of life. Space technology enables the systems we use for missile warning, precision navigation, communications, intelligence collection, and the operations of every military service. As the threat in space grows, public understanding must grow as well. The American people should understand that investments in the Space Force are investments in our security, our prosperity, and our strategic advantage.\n\nOne of the defining responsibilities of the next Chief of Space Operations will be ensuring that the Space Force grows at a pace that matches the threat. Our competitors are rapidly expanding their forces and fielding new capabilities. The United States cannot afford to respond with incremental growth while the threat accelerates. So, I look forward to hearing how General Schiess will expand the Space Force to meet increasing mission requirements.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/wicker-darline-graham-introduce-legislation-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-accountable", "title": "Wicker, Darline Graham, Blumenthal, and Shaheen Introduce Legislation to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil Accountable", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.wicker.senate.gov", "scraper": "wicker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000437", "name": "Roger F. Wicker", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Darline Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined more than 60 members of the Senate in introducing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.\n\nU.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the effort last week and secured an agreement with the White House on Friday, before his death. Blumenthal and Lindsey Graham first introduced legislation to bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine in April 2025, and have spent the last year building support for the effort in Congress and the Administration.\n\n“We should enact this bipartisan measure to exert maximum economic pressure on Putin’s war machine and help bring this unjust war to an end,” said Wicker.\n\n“Until the very day he passed, Lindsey remained focused on passing the Russia sanctions bill. Passing this legislation would honor my brother’s steadfast commitment to our national security and it would provide President Trump with additional leverage to bring this war to an end. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to President Trump’s desk,” said Senator Darline Graham.\n\nThe Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.\n\nThe sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Russian Shadow Fleet.\n\nThe legislation also directs the President to impose up to 100 percent tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the majority of Russian oil, gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The new text limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and gas.\n\nA one-pager on the legislation is available here. The text of the bill is available here.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD); U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL); U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus; U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee; U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI); U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE); U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee; U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO); U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Chair of the Senate Banking Committee; U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME); U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Majority Whip; U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA); U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY); U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ); U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC); U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY); U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA); U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV); U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE); U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI); U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX); U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA); U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT); U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN); U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT); U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA); U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK); U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL); U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI); U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK); U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO); U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS); U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM); U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD); U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR); U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD); U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND); U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV); U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-OH); U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND); U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE); U.S. Senator Jim Justice (R-WV); U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD); U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX); U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA); U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY); U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK); U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL); U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC); U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS); U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL); U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA); U.S. Senator Alan Armstrong (R-OK); and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT).\n\n“Lindsey was a firm believer that the United States is a force for good around the world, and he worked tirelessly on this important effort,” said Thune. “I’m proud to support this legislation that not only honors our friend and colleague, but will also promote peace by cutting off the funding fueling Russia’s war machine. I can’t think of a better way to honor his legacy.”\n\n“Ukraine is at a critical crossroads — and we must meet this pivotal moment with a powerful sanctions bill. As Ukraine turns the tide on the battlefield, our Russia sanctions bill would be historically impactful in stopping Russia’s murderous slaughter,” Blumenthal said. “When Senator Graham and I last spoke, he was absolutely exultant, calling from Kyiv with news that President Trump would support this bill to impose scorching tariffs and sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil and stop them from fueling Putin’s war machine. Now is the time to push Russia toward peace. Ukraine is gaining net territory and reaching deep into Russia with its drones and missiles. Sanctions provide a path toward peace. Our bill is the product of lengthy, detailed, difficult bipartisan work, and now has broad bipartisan support. Passing this legislation right now would be a fitting tribute to Senator Graham’s fierce support for Ukraine’s freedom.”\n\n“Russia is losing ground, it is suffering tens of thousands of casualties each month and Ukraine continues to bring the consequences of the war to the Kremlin’s doorstep through its deep strike campaign. Putin is in an incredibly precarious position both at home and on the battlefield. This legislation would level tough new sanctions on Russia and choke off key export markets for the energy it sells to fund its war machine. We must seize on the opportunity before us to finally exert economic pressure on the Kremlin and bring this war to a close,” said Shaheen.\n\n“One of the many pillars of Senator Graham’s exemplary career of public service was his dedication to putting America’s national security first and promoting liberty around the world. It is an honor to help champion one of his highest priorities: imposing crushing sanctions to cripple Russia’s war machine and hold those fueling it accountable. Putin’s war against Ukraine has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, and it must end. Lindsey believed that getting this legislation passed and signed into law would be the most consequential thing he achieved in his career. I am sincerely grateful to Senators Blumenthal, Shaheen, and Wicker for their continued leadership on this issue and, very importantly, for the support of President Trump and the White House—these sanctions will provide President Trump with a critical tool to hold Russia accountable and secure a lasting peace,” said Britt.\n\n“This bipartisan bill that Senator Graham worked so tirelessly to advance couldn’t be better timed. Momentum in the war has shifted toward Ukraine and tightening sanctions on Russia and those key purchasers of Russian oil should help add pressure for the Kremlin to finally negotiate. Having just returned from the NATO Summit, I can share that we and our NATO allies are united in wanting to see Ukraine prevail in this bloody war started by Vladimir Putin. I am pleased to help co-lead this timely legislation,” said Durbin.\n\n“Today’s bill continues the work of the late Senator Graham, my dear friend and one of Ukraine’s most relentless advocates in the Senate,” said Whitehouse. “This forceful, bipartisan measure will disrupt the Kremlin’s massive oil and gas economy, up the financial stakes, and help achieve victory for Ukraine.”\n\n“I am proud to support the imposition of new, hard-hitting sanctions on key sectors of Russia’s war economy, including the shadow fleet, and penalties on bad actors like China who help fund the war. Russia is not winning this war against Ukraine, and applying additional pressure now will force Putin to shift his calculus and bring us closer to ending the war. In honor of our friend Lindsey Graham, I strongly encourage my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to the President’s desk as soon as possible,” said Risch.\n\n“Ukraine is winning on the battlefield against Russian invaders, and there’s much more the United States can do to strangle Russia’s war machine without putting ourselves at risk. Curbing Russian revenue by sanctioning the foreign buyers of their oil that are keeping Russia’s economy and military afloat will strengthen Ukraine, weaken Moscow, and hasten a just and lasting end to this war,” said Coons.\n\n“Putin’s invasion of Ukraine unleashed destruction, chaos and bloodshed in the largest land war in Europe since World War II. Our legislation sends a clear message to Putin: your unprovoked, violent invasion comes at an enormous cost. The late-Senator Graham was a champion of this bipartisan legislation, and I’m proud to help move it forward as an original cosponsor,” Grassley said.\n\n“For over four years, the Ukrainian people have shown us what it looks like to fight and die for democracy, for their country, and for the West. Their courage in the face of Vladimir Putin’s war offers the greatest example of how to fight back against authoritarian aggression. Amid Putin’s intransigence at the negotiating table and daily attacks on civilians across Ukraine, Congress must make Russia pay a further price,” said Bennet. “This bill will impose greater pressure on Putin to end his unprovoked war, especially as Ukraine makes progress on the battlefield and as the Russian economy struggles under the weight of U.S. and allied measures. Only by demonstrating our firm resolve can the United States and our allies support Ukraine's pursuit of a just and durable end to this war and successfully defend the principle of a Europe whole, free, and at peace. Backing Ukraine today will be our best deterrence against authoritarian ambitions tomorrow.”\n\n“Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war has dragged on for more than four years. As Senator Graham knew well, raising the costs on Russia is the only solution. Our bill will further restrict their energy sales to strangle Putin’s war machine and bring him to the negotiating table. Congress should pass this bill immediately and help finish a war Lindsey fought so hard to end,” said Cotton.\n\n“This measure is a tribute to Senator Graham’s tenacious, bipartisan work in support of Ukraine, and a necessary step to deprive Putin’s war machine of financial resources for its illegal invasion,” said Reed.\n\n“South Carolina lost a statesman, and I lost a friend. Lindsey Graham spent his time in the Senate reminding us that peace is protected by strength, and that America has a responsibility to stand up to dictators who threaten our allies, our interests, and the values we hold dear,” said Tim Scott. “This legislation is a fitting way to honor Lindsey’s legacy: tough, principled, and focused on keeping America safe. Lindsey would be proud to see Republicans and Democrats come together in support of his and the President’s goal to end Moscow’s senseless war in Ukraine.”\n\n“Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine has gone on long enough, and I believe this legislation is an important step on bringing this bloody, unprovoked conflict to an end,” said King. “This war has already cost hundreds of thousands of lives on both sides unnecessarily, and we believe that this step will finally bring Putin face to face with the reality that he is not going to be successful in subjugating the Ukrainian people.”\n\n“This is a pivotal moment in the Ukrainian people’s fight to protect their freedom. While Ukraine continues to demonstrate impressive resilience and patriotism and real expertise on the battlefield, Russians are becoming increasingly exhausted by Putin’s war, which his own finance officials are telling him he can’t afford,” said Kaine. “This is the perfect time for the United States to bring down the full force of comprehensive sanctions on Russia, and I’m proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in putting forward a plan that would do that.”\n\n“Vladimir Putin’s brutal, unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine must end. As Ukraine makes important gains on the battlefield, now is the time to increase the economic pressure on Russia and those who continue to finance Putin’s war machine,” said Collins. “Senator Lindsey Graham understood the consequences of allowing Putin’s aggression to go unchecked and worked tirelessly to build bipartisan support for this consequential legislation. I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this bill, which would both honor Lindsey’s legacy and help pressure Putin to bring an end to this horrific war.”\n\n“The fastest way to end this illegal war is to cut off the money that Putin is using to fuel it,” said Kelly. “Stronger sanctions will put pressure on Putin and those helping him. This is a crucial step toward achieving lasting peace that protects Ukraine's sovereignty and strengthens U.S. national security.”\n\n“As Russia continues its needless bloodshed of innocent people and drags out peace talks, I am proud to join my colleagues in enacting crippling sanctions against them,” said Ernst. “This legislation carries forward the tireless work Senator Graham was doing until his final days and strengthens the fight I’ve led for years against Putin’s shadow fleet, shutting down the network of tankers and shell insurers keeping his oil money flowing and fueling this war.”\n\n“For more than four years, Vladimir Putin has conducted a brutal, unprovoked war against Ukraine in an attempt to take over a sovereign nation. The time is now for the U.S. to increase pressure and do all we can to end this war and send a clear message to Putin that he cannot act with impunity. This is why I’m joining my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring forward this critical bipartisan bill to make those who enable Russia’s energy and defense sectors pay a heavy price,” said Rosen.\n\n“Lindsey Graham was clear eyed on Putin and fought for years to build peace through strength,” said Ricketts. “This bill is a small part of his legacy combatting a foreign adversary threatening peace and prosperity for Americans. Sanctioning Putin and his cronies is necessary for undermining their aggression around the world.”\n\n“Senator Graham was unyielding in his support for the Ukrainian people as they fight to defend their sovereignty, and I can think of few ways more fitting to honor him than by finishing what he started and imposing strict sanctions on the bad actors who have supported Russia’s war against Ukraine,” said Cornyn. “I’m proud to join with my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation, which will honor Lindsey’s legacy, help dismantle Putin’s war machine, and strengthen U.S. national security.”\n\n“Standing with the Ukrainian people has been a bipartisan goal of our Congress for more than four years. This bill reaffirms that commitment by enacting the sanctions needed to curtail Russia’s primary source of income and cripple its war effort — the single most important thing the U.S. government can do to end Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine,” said Schiff.\n\n“The surest way to bring about peace through strength and get Putin to the negotiating table is to cut off the money funding his war machine. This bipartisan legislation delivers real consequences for those keeping Russia’s economy afloat. Senator Lindsey Graham spent years leading this fight, and passing this bill will be a fitting tribute to his commitment to American strength and the cause of freedom,” said Sheehy.\n\n“Since I visited Ukraine with Lindsey Graham and John McCain in 2016, Lindsey and I worked together in support of Ukraine’s democracy, meeting with President Zelenskyy multiple times and advocating for the return of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia. This legislation will add significant economic pressure on Russia, helping to move us closer to ending this war,” said Klobuchar.\n\n“As long as Vladimir Putin’s war machine is funded by countries willing to buy Russian oil and gas, the war in Ukraine will continue,” said Curtis. “This bipartisan legislation gives a powerful tool to increase pressure on Russia, hold its enablers accountable, and ensure Russia does not win this war.”\n\n“We must hold Russia and its enablers accountable, and stand with Ukraine,” said Fetterman. “This is just and important legislation. I know it will honor our late colleague Senator Lindsey Graham.”\n\n“These strong sanctions, a top priority I shared with my friend and our late colleague Senator Graham, are critically important to weakening Putin’s grip in Ukraine, imposing severe costs on those supporting Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression, and undermining the energy-fueled Russian war machine that threatens our allies,” said Sullivan.\n\n“Ukraine is in the fight of their lives, and this bipartisan announcement is the boost they need to inflict maximum pain on Russia,” said Duckworth. “Our bipartisan bill will rightfully hit foreign buyers of Russian oil with heavy sanctions, cutting Putin off from the money machine funding his unprovoked war of aggression against our ally. Senator Graham knew it and we do too: The United States must remain united with Ukraine, now and always.”\n\n“Ukraine is standing strong against Russian aggression, but the United States must use every tool possible to help secure a lasting peace for the Ukrainian people and the entire region,” said Peters. “Imposing strong sanctions on Russia would send a clear message that the American people will always stand alongside Ukraine against Putin’s invasion.”\n\n“Putin is a murderous KGB thug, and the countries still buying Russian oil and natural gas know they are funding his war against Ukraine. If we cut off Russia’s oil money, we cut off the weapons murdering Ukrainians. Lindsey Graham was an outspoken advocate for the freedom-loving people of Ukraine. Let’s finish what he started and put the pressure on Russia and everyone who bankrolls them,” said Lankford.\n\n“This bill honors Senator Lindsey Graham’s legacy by strengthening pressure on Russia and those who continue to finance Vladimir Putin’s illegal and brutal war against Ukraine, which threatens our own national security and economic interests. I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation to continue the work that our late friend and colleague fought so hard to advance,” said Hyde-Smith.\n\n“By securing this agreement with the White House to impose sanctions on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, Senator Graham delivered a powerful tool to hold those who are enabling Putin’s war accountable,” said Blackburn. “This bill will help bring this war to an end.”\n\n“Vladimir Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine has raged on for too long and cost countless innocent lives. This critical legislation will hold the enablers of Putin’s war machine accountable and represents one of the most consequential Congressional efforts to promote peace in Europe. Let’s get this done,” said Alsobrooks.\n\n“Senator Graham tirelessly worked to impose real consequences on Putin and end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This bipartisan and thoughtfully crafted legislation is a testament to his tremendous leadership,” said Boozman. “I am proud to join my colleagues and send a clear message that Senator Graham’s work will not go unfinished and that Moscow must finally end its unprovoked attack on Ukrainian sovereignty.”\n\n“The United States and our allies must stand up to Putin’s unprovoked war against Ukraine by choking off funds for his war machine and his political cronies. Putin’s invasion is a gross violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and it is critical that the United States support the people of Ukraine in repelling Russian aggression. This legislation will strengthen our efforts to hold Moscow accountable for the War in Ukraine,” said Van Hollen.\n\n“The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 will issue decisive consequences aimed at deterring Russian aggression. This bill sends a clear message: bullies have a price to pay for their actions. Vladimir Putin and Russia must face serious consequences for their destructive and unprovoked war on Ukraine,” said Cramer.\n\n“Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has killed far too many and upended global stability, must come to an end,” said Capito. “This legislation empowers President Trump to cut off the financial flows that enable Putin’s deadly invasion and to impose serious consequences on the countries that are helping finance Russia’s war machine. I’m proud to join my colleagues in honoring Senator Graham’s life by advancing this effort to strengthen America’s national security and give President Trump the economic leverage to secure a lasting peace.”\n\n“For years, Senator Lindsey Graham led the effort to hold Russia accountable for its aggression and support Ukraine’s fight for freedom. This bill honors his legacy by tightening sanctions on the energy exports and financial tools that sustain the Russian war machine. With support from the White House and a bipartisan group of senators, we are sending a clear message to Putin: America stands with Ukraine, and we will continue working to bring this unjust war to a durable end,” said Husted.\n\n“Russia relies on oil and gas revenue to fund its war against Ukraine, and those enabling this aggression should be held accountable,” said Hoeven. “This bipartisan legislation strengthens sanctions to increase pressure on Russia, reduce the resources fueling Putin’s aggression, and help advance a lasting peace. Senator Lindsey Graham dedicated tremendous effort to moving this legislation forward, and Congress should act to pass it.”\n\n“Senator Lindsey Graham was relentless in his quest to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for his unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Because of his extensive work over the years, we have an opportunity to help bleed Putin’s war machine dry. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for taking this necessary action,” said Fischer.\n\n“Senator Graham was one of the most formidable foes America’s enemies ever faced in the United States Senate. He was unapologetic and uncompromising in countering the threat the Russian regime poses to American national security and the safety and security of the American people. I worked alongside my friend for years to counter those malign activities, including through sanctions legislation aimed at depriving Putin’s war machine of the resources it needs to threaten America and our allies. This bipartisan legislation honors Senator Graham’s legacy while advancing the badly needed policies for which he tirelessly advocated. I urge my colleagues to pass it without delay,” said Cruz.\n\n“Lindsey Graham spent his final months fighting to make sure Putin knew America’s fuse hadn't burned out. Wyoming understands what it means to power the world responsibly, and it’s long past time Russia stopped profiting from war while claiming to seek peace. This bill puts real teeth behind that demand by telling every nation still buying Russian oil that they're choosing a side, and it puts Putin on notice that the road to any lasting peace runs through economic ruin if he refuses to take it,” said Lummis.\n\n“Russia’s unprovoked and illegal war against the people of Ukraine has left the nation scarred and battered over the last four years, but no less determined to defend its sovereignty,” said Murkowski. “The bipartisan Sanctioning Russia Act honors Senator Graham’s longstanding leadership in foreign affairs by supporting Ukraine while reaffirming America’s commitment to stand with peaceful democracies against the authoritarian regimes that seek to destroy them.”\n\n“The time to increase pressure on Moscow is now. Our overwhelmingly bipartisan sanctions package has the power to cripple Putin’s revenue streams by targeting the energy exports that bankroll Russia's unjust war machine. Our colleague and friend, Senator Lindsey Graham, worked tirelessly to stand up to Russian aggression, and now we have the opportunity to honor his leadership and cement his legacy,” said Budd.\n\n“This bipartisan legislation would make a difference against Russia’s unjust war in Ukraine and serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham,” said Moran. “America’s continued involvement and leadership throughout the world are critical to deterring Vladimir Putin. This legislation sends a clear message to friends and foes alike: you can do business with Russia, or you can do business with the United States, but you can’t do both. I look forward to voting for the Sanctioning Russia Act and sending it to the President to be signed into law.”\n\n“Imposing stronger sanctions on Russia will ensure America remains strong on the world stage and will help bring an end to Putin’s unjust war against Ukraine. I can think of no better way to cement the legacy of Lindsey Graham, who spent years of his life devoted to this cause and to fighting for freedom across the globe,” said Daines.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-claytons-humiliating-hearing-proves-reform-is-the-only-path-forward-on-fisa-section-702", "title": "Wyden: Clayton’s Humiliating Hearing Proves Reform Is the Only Path Forward on FISA Section 702", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Following the confirmation hearing for Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the following statement on the state of FISA Section 702:\n\n“Jay Clayton’s humiliating performance yesterday proved what I have said for months: the only path forward to renew Section 702 of FISA is reform. A man who will not even acknowledge that Joe Biden won the 2020 election cannot be trusted to protect the American people from abuses of the most powerful surveillance apparatus the world has ever seen. Clayton wouldn’t stand up to Donald Trump if his life depended on it.”\n\nIn his hearing on Wednesday, Clayton refused to answer basic questions about his role in subpoenaing three New York Times reporters, the pardon of a convicted cocaine trafficking kingpin, or why he has spread baseless conspiracy theories to try to undermine the legitimacy of U.S. elections.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-reintroduce-legislation-to-end-federal-ban-of-marijuana", "title": "Wyden, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to End Federal Ban of Marijuana", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he has joined Senate colleagues to reintroduce legislation that would end the harmful federal prohibition of cannabis by removing cannabis from the list of federally controlled substances and empowering states to create their own laws.\n\nThe Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act would take a historic step toward fixing the failed policies of the War on Drugs, and would help federal law better reflect the will of the vast majority of Americans who believe cannabis should be legalized for either recreational or medical use.\n\n“The only reefer madness I’m seeing is the continued federal prohibition of cannabis,” Wyden said. “Our legislation is the most comprehensive proposal on the books to end federal cannabis prohibition while keeping public health and safety front and center. The federal government needs to get with the times, and our bill is the way to do it.”\n\nWyden has long fought to end the federal prohibition on cannabis and build a safe, regulated national market. Beginning in 2017, Wyden partnered with U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., to introduce the \"Path to Marijuana Reform,\" establishing a comprehensive framework to deschedule cannabis, grant tax equity to small businesses, and ensure fair banking access. As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Wyden co-authored and introduced the landmark Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act alongside Senate leadership to eliminate federal economic hurdles and modernize tax policy for state-sanctioned cannabis enterprises.\n\nWyden has also consistently championed restorative justice measures that expunge nonviolent federal cannabis records and reinvest federal resources into communities historically and unfairly targeted by the War on Drugs.\n\nThe legislation reintroduced today was co-led by Wyden, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. The legislation was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, D-Colo., John Fetterman, D-Pa., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Gary Peters, D-Mich., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., Ed Markey, D-Mass., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Peter Welch, D-Vt.\n\nA summary of the bill is here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-demands-trump-admin-to-protect-americans-from-surveillance-backdoors-and-stand-up-to-proposed-canadian-spying-law", "title": "Wyden Demands Trump Admin to Protect Americans from Surveillance Backdoors and Stand Up to Proposed Canadian Spying Law", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Foreign Surveillance Demands Put Americans’ National Security and Safety at Risk; Would Turn US Technology Into a Tool for Foreign Spying\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today urged the Trump Administration to act quickly to protect U.S. national security and the safety of Americans’ communications from the serious threat posed by a proposed Canadian spying law, known as Bill C-22.\n\nWyden warned that the law threatens to weaponize American technology, by forcing U.S. companies to secretly conduct surveillance of Americans, in a letter to Marco Rubio, in his capacity as the President’s National Security Advisor, and Acting Attorney General, Todd Blanche, sent today.\n\n“Bilateral trust with our closest intelligence partners cannot be built on the secret subversion of American cybersecurity infrastructure,” Senator Wyden wrote. “We must ensure that Canada's domestic legislation does not create a back door into the devices of American officials.”\n\nA \"glaring statutory vacuum\" currently exists under U.S. law, which does not explicitly prohibit American companies from secretly facilitating foreign surveillance of U.S. citizens—even if the target is the President or a senior government official, Wyden wrote.\n\nThe letter requests the administration:\n\nEvaluate Bill C-22: Determine whether Canada’s proposed spying law will permit the Canadian government to demand surveillance assistance from U.S. companies like Apple and Google targeting Americans, including the previously listed scenarios.\n\nLeverage CLOUD Act Negotiations: Utilize the ongoing U.S.-Canada CLOUD Act agreement negotiations to establish ironclad, explicit prohibitions against these extraterritorial technical and prospective engineering mandates.\n\nDefend U.S. Government Infrastructure: Take all necessary administrative and regulatory steps to insulate U.S. government officials and the American public from foreign surveillance demands against American firms.\n\nCanada is not the first country to pursue dangerous powers to weaken the security of American technology. In February 2025, the press revealed the U.K. secretly demanded that Apple weaken the security of encrypted iCloud backups to facilitate surveillance demands. Then Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, confirmed in a letter to Congress that foreign mandates requiring U.S. firms to engineer surveillance backdoors violates privacy rights, and creates potential for cyber exploitation by hostile actors. The U.K. finally scaled back their requests to Apple, after U.S. officials raised objections.\n\n“The U.S. government cannot allow foreign governments to coerce U.S. companies into conducting surveillance against Americans, least of all our own intelligence, military, and diplomatic personnel. We must ensure that U.S. companies cannot be secretly ordered to facilitate the surveillance of Americans,” concluded Senator Wyden.\n\nWyden warned that without new protections, foreign governments could force American technology companies to take a host of actions that threaten Americans’ safety and privacy, including:\n\nMandating Local Backups: Requiring that new data backups for American targets that have not enabled end-to-end encryption be stored in the foreign jurisdiction.\n\nDisabling End-to-End Encryption for Target Backups: Forcibly disabling end-to-end encryption for specific American targets and requiring new unencrypted data be stored on the company’s local servers.\n\nImplementing a \"Ghost Key\": Requiring that new encrypted data backups for American targets be stored in the foreign jurisdiction but rendered accessible via a hidden, government-controlled \"ghost\" decryption key.\n\nRelocating and Demanding Software Signing Keys: Requiring that the company store in the foreign jurisdiction a copy of the encryption keys used to sign software updates for the devices of American targets—keys that are ordinarily secured within the U.S.—rendering them vulnerable to foreign government seizure.\n\nDelivering Spyware via Software Updates: Forcing trusted American firms to assist in the delivery of foreign-government spyware to American targets via compromised software updates.\n\nThe full letter is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://yakym.house.gov/posts/yakym-fallon-introduce-bill-to-end-federal-ban-on-firearms-in-federal-park-buildings", "title": "Yakym, Fallon Introduce Bill to End Federal Ban on Firearms in Federal Park Buildings", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://yakym.house.gov/press", "domain": "yakym.house.gov", "scraper": "yakym", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000067", "name": "Rudy Yakym III", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) and Congressman Pat Fallon (TX-04) introduced the Federal Lands Lawful Carry Act (H.R. 9719), legislation to end the blanket ban on carrying firearms inside buildings on federal lands.\n\nUnder current policy, law-abiding visitors must disarm before entering facilities such as visitor centers, ranger stations, and restrooms, even if they are allowed to carry in all other parts of the park.\n\n“Hoosiers who can lawfully carry shouldn’t lose that right when they step into a federal park building,” said Rep. Yakym. “This legislation closes a loophole that turns responsible gun owners into accidental criminals and lets park rangers focus on managing our public lands instead of enforcing unnecessary restrictions.”\n\n“Americans’ Second Amendment rights are under assault, and we in Congress must do all we can to ensure that they retain their God given right to bear arms,” said Rep. Fallon. “That includes the right to bear arms on Federal lands, including forests, National Parks, and lands held by the USACE. I have written Army Secretary Driscoll in the past requesting that he address this issue, and I am proud to join my colleague, Rep. Yakym on his bill that would codify Americans’ rights to carry on such lands.”\n\nThe bill is supported by Gun Owners of America (GOA), the National Rifle Association (NRA), and the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF).\n\n“When law-abiding Americans are enjoying the natural beauty of our country, they shouldn’t have to worry about crossing arbitrary boundaries and losing their God-given right to protect themselves and their families,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of NRA-ILA. “This legislation would greatly reduce the confusion surrounding the patchwork of where Americans can exercise their Right to Keep and Bear Arms on federally managed land. On behalf of our millions of members and gun owners nationwide, we would like to thank Representatives Yakym and Fallon for their leadership on this important issue.”\n\n“GOA worked with Congress to restore the right to carry firearms in national parks in 2009. However, using the restroom or entering an information center to ask a question remains an unconstitutional ‘crime’ — entering a federal building with a firearm. Outdoorsmen and other public land users cannot be denied the free exercise of their Second Amendment rights on public land,” said Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs at GOA. “Gun Owners of America is proud to endorse Representatives Rudy Yakym’s and Pat Fallon’s Federal Lands Lawful Carry Act, which would restore the right to bear arms on our public lands and buildings run by the Department of the Interior, Department of War, and Department of Agriculture.”\n\nBackground:\n\nVisitors to most federal lands may currently carry firearms in accordance with the laws of the state where the land is located. However, a blanket federal restriction prohibits carrying firearms inside buildings on that same land, including visitor centers, ranger stations, and restrooms. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) land goes further, banning firearms both on the land itself and within its buildings.\n\nThe policy is currently being challenged in federal court. Last month, the Second Amendment Foundation and Firearms Policy Coalition, joined by a Texas gun owner, filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, contesting the ban on carrying firearms inside National Park Service buildings such as gift shops, bathrooms, and museums.\n\nWhat the Federal Lands Lawful Carry Act Does:\n\nExpands Second Amendment Rights\n\nExtends constitutional carry to federal park buildings and USACE land in the 29 states that recognize it, including Indiana.\n\nLifts the blanket firearm ban on federal park buildings and USACE land in all other states.\n\nHarmonizes firearm regulations between federal park buildings and surrounding federal land. View the full list of agencies HERE.\n\nPrevents Incidental Violations\n\nEliminates the need for visitors to navigate conflicting firearm rules within the same area.\n\nAllows park rangers to focus on park management rather than enforcing firearm restrictions.\n\nRespects States’ Rights\n\nPreserves state law authority, including in more restrictive states.\n\nEstablishes a framework for future alignment as state laws evolve.\n\nRead the full bill HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://youngkim.house.gov/2026/07/16/rep-young-kim-pushes-to-secure-americas-critical-mineral-supply-chains/", "title": "Rep. Young Kim Pushes to Secure America’s Critical Mineral Supply Chains", "date": "2026-07-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://youngkim.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "youngkim.house.gov", "scraper": "youngkim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000397", "name": "Young Kim", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Chair Young Kim (CA-40) participated in a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing titled “Ending Supply Chain Dependency: Aligning Tools, Capital, and Partnerships.”\n\nDuring this hearing, Rep. Kim highlighted her DOMINANCE Act, which passed the House in June and would establish Energy Security Pacts to align diplomatic, financing, and technical tools across agencies to strengthen allied critical minerals supply chains.\n\nShe also emphasized the importance of strengthening the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), highlighting its reauthorization in the Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA, which tripled the agency’s investment cap and created a $5 billion equity revolving fund. She noted that her FLEETS Now Act would build on these reforms by expanding DFC’s ability to invest in strategic port infrastructure critical to resilient supply chains.", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-legacy-john-lewis", "title": "Rep. Adams on the Legacy of John Lewis", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "adams.house.gov", "scraper": "adams", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000370", "name": "Alma S. Adams", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, July 17, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), issued the following statement to mark the 6th anniversary of the death of Congressman John Lewis.\n\n\"Today, on the John Lewis ‘Good Trouble’ Day of Action, we honor the life, legacy, and enduring courage of Congressman John Lewis—a man who devoted his life to protecting one of the most fundamental rights in our democracy: the right to vote.\n\n\"John Lewis understood that the promise of America is only as strong as the ability of its people to participate in it. He marched, organized, and endured brutal violence so that future generations would have the opportunity to make their voices heard at the ballot box.\n\n\"The progress we have made did not come easily. Countless Americans sacrificed, struggled, and, in some cases, gave their lives to expand access to the ballot and make our democracy more inclusive. We honor their sacrifices by remaining vigilant in protecting the freedoms they fought so hard to secure.\n\n\"As we reflect on Congressman Lewis’ legacy, we must also recognize that the work of upholding our democracy continues.\n\n\"Every eligible voter deserves an equal opportunity to participate in our elections, free from discrimination, intimidation, or unnecessary barriers. Every community deserves confidence that its voice will be heard and that every legally cast ballot will be counted.\n\n\"That is why I continue to support efforts to strengthen voting rights protections, including the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would restore and strengthen protections that recent Supreme Court rulings have weakened.\n\n\"The best way to honor John Lewis is through action. I encourage every eligible voter to verify their registration, ensure their information is up to date, learn about voting requirements in our state, and make a plan to participate in upcoming elections.\n\n\"North Carolina voters can check their registration information at https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering/checking-your-registration\n\n\"On this Day of Action, let us recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of building a democracy where every person has the opportunity to participate in free, fair, open, and safe elections. John Lewis called voting 'the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democratic society,' and we must use it.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/smith-and-krishnamoorthi-reintroduce-welcome-back-health-care-workforce-act", "title": "Smith and Krishnamoorthi Reintroduce Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act to Strengthen America's Health Care Workforce", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "adamsmith.house.gov", "scraper": "adamsmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000510", "name": "Adam Smith", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 17, 2026) — Today, Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) introduced the Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act, legislation to help address the nation's persistent health care workforce shortage by helping internationally educated health care professionals overcome barriers to practicing in the United States. Of the two million college-educated immigrants currently living in the United States, roughly 14 percent hold health-related degrees. Yet, many remain unable to work in their professions because of licensing, credentialing, language, and other barriers, even as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care providers across the country struggle to fill critical positions. According to the Migration Policy Institute, this underutilized talent represents a missed opportunity to strengthen the nation's health care workforce while contributing to an estimated $10 billion in lost federal, state, and local tax revenue each year.\n\n\"It makes no economic sense to have trained nurses and doctors working far outside their field while hospitals can't fill shifts and patients wait longer for care,\" said Congressman Smith. \"This bill doesn't lower a single standard — it removes barriers that keeps qualified professionals from contributing at the level of their skills. That's a practical, commonsense fix to a workforce problem employers across the country are asking us to solve.\"\n\n\"The 9th District is one of the most diverse in the nation, and that diversity is an economic asset. In Kent, SeaTac, Tukwila, and South Seattle, we have neighbors with health care degrees and years of clinical experience who want nothing more than to serve their communities,\" Smith continued. \"Putting their talents to work means shorter wait times, more culturally competent care, and stronger family incomes right here in King County.\"\n\n\"Across the country, communities are struggling with health care workforce shortages while highly qualified doctors, nurses, and other health professionals trained overseas remain sidelined by unnecessary barriers,\" said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. \"Our legislation will help connect these talented professionals with the support they need to earn U.S. credentials, join the workforce more quickly, and expand access to quality care for patients across the country.\"\n\nSpecifically, the Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act would establish a grant program administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to:\n\nSupport local- and state-level partnerships among health care organizations, community-based organizations, institutions of higher education, and state and local governments to help internationally educated health care professionals enter the U.S. health care workforce.\n\nHelp internationally educated health care professionals overcome barriers to licensure and employment by:\n\nAssisting with obtaining overseas academic and training records and navigating the U.S. licensing and credentialing process;\n\nProviding work-readiness programs, peer support, mentoring, and culturally competent career counseling;\n\nExpanding access to prerequisite coursework, continuing education, and English-language instruction; and\n\nSupporting opportunities to address classroom and clinical instructor shortages.\n\nPrioritize partnerships focused on helping health care workers serve rural communities or fill critical workforce shortages in underserved areas.\n\nThe legislation is supported by: Advocates for Community Health, Afghan Cultural Society, American Geriatrics Society, American Public Health Association, American Seniors Housing Association, America's Essential Hospitals, Arkansas United, Association of Clinicians for the Underserved, Association of Dental Support Organizations, Ballad Health, California Immigrants Resources Center, CGFNS International, Chemeketa Community College, Federation of American Hospitals, Gerontological Society of America, Global Cleveland, IMPRINT Coalition, Intealth, International Institute of Buffalo, Jewish Family Service of San Diego, LeadingAge, Lifepoint Health, Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, Medicos Unidos Venezuela, National AHEC Organization, National Association for Geriatric Education, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, National Association of Indian Nurses of America, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, National Black Nurses Association, National Immigration Forum, National League for Nursing, National Rural Health Association, National Skills Coalition, Pars Equality Center, Los Angeles, Philippine Nurses Association of America, Portland Refugee Support Group, Providence Public School, Restore Education, RUSA LGBTQ, Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning, Synergy Texas, Talent Beyond Boundaries, The International Medical Graduates Academy (TIMGA), The Welcoming Center, Tiyya Foundation, UnidosUS, Upwardly Global, US Together, Virginia Rural Health Association, Hospital and Healthcare Association, Welcome Back Initiative, Welcoming City, and World Education Services.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/smith-announces-bipartisan-effort-increase-male-educators-and-mentors", "title": "Smith Announces Bipartisan Effort to Increase Male Educators and Mentors", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "adamsmith.house.gov", "scraper": "adamsmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000510", "name": "Adam Smith", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 16, 2026) — Today, Washington Congressman Adam Smith introduced a two-bill package—the Educators for America Act and the Building Community in America Act—to expand pathways for Americans to serve as teachers, mentors, and volunteers. The bills bolster paid teaching opportunities and national service programs to boost recruitment, with a focus on increasing the number of men participating. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) is leading companion legislation in the Senate, and Senator John Curtis (R-UT) is a cosponsor of the Building Community in America Act.\n\nThe legislation addresses teacher shortages, declining community engagement, and increasing concerns about loneliness and disconnection among young people. Men today make up just 23 percent of public-school teachers and 28 percent of AmeriCorps volunteers, despite the important role teachers, mentors, and volunteers play in young people’s development. These bills reflect the work of many organizations that have spent years highlighting these challenges and advancing practical, community-based solutions.\n\n“Boys in this country are struggling—in school, in work, and in life. Part of the reason is that so many of them are growing up without men showing up for them, as teachers, coaches, or mentors,” said Congressman Smith. “This legislation starts to fix that by getting more men into the classrooms and service programs where kids actually spend their time. I’m proud to lead this effort in the House.”\n\n“Every kid deserves positive role models, and every community is stronger when more people step up to serve,” said Kelly. “My years in the Navy taught me that service gives you purpose, responsibility and a stronger connection to your community. Right now, too many schools need teachers, and too many mentoring programs need volunteers. We need more men to become teachers, mentors, and volunteers. When more people serve, our kids and our communities are better off.”\n\n“At a time when too many young men feel lonely and isolated, we should be creating more opportunities to mentor, volunteer, and connect to a great purpose,” said Curtis. “By helping connect more young men to meaningful service and mentorship programs, our legislation will make our communities healthier, more resilient, and more connected.”\n\n“We need good men – mentors, leaders and role models – in our communities and in our classrooms. The best antidote to a bad man online is a good man in flesh and blood, in the lives of our boys. The declining share of men in K-12 teaching and in community organizations ought to be setting off alarm bells across the country. Sen. Kelly’s bills represent a serious effort to address this problem, and are the first of their kind. It is easy to talk about the importance of male role models. These bills actually do something to promote them,” said Richard V. Reeves President, American Institute for Boys and Men.\n\n“Connection is one of the strongest protective factors a young person can have. As the father of four boys, I know how important it is for young people to have caring adults who model respect, responsibility, and service. We appreciate Senator Kelly’s leadership in expanding opportunities for more men to become teachers, mentors, and volunteers and helping more young people build those meaningful relationships,” said Usiel Barrios, Director of Strategic Development at Amistades.\n\n“Every day, I have the privilege of helping young men find guidance, purpose, and hope for the future. When boys are surrounded by strong mentors and a community rooted in faith, service, and compassion, they grow into better men, fathers, leaders, and neighbors. We appreciate Senator Kelly for recognizing the importance of mentorship and service, and we’re grateful for his leadership on the Building Community in America Act. We look forward to continuing our work to strengthen families and our community,” said Pastor David L. Wade.\n\nThe legislation is also supported by the American Institute for Boys and Men, the National Education Association, the National Rural Education Association, the National Center for Teacher Residencies, and MENTOR.\n\nClick here to view the full list of supporting organizations and statements.\n\nBackground:\n\nAmerica’s schools and communities are facing shortages of teachers, mentors, and volunteers at a time when many young people report feeling increasingly isolated and disconnected. Men made up one-third of public-school teachers in the early 1980s but account for just 23 percent today. Only 17 percent of bachelor’s degrees in education are earned by men, and one in eight teaching positions nationwide is either vacant or filled by a non-fully certified teacher. Research suggests male teachers can have a positive impact on boys’ academic outcomes.\n\nCommunity engagement has also declined in recent decades. Research shows volunteering strengthens social connections, improves mental and physical health, and increases civic engagement, yet men represent just 28 percent of AmeriCorps volunteers. Boys also face longer waitlists for mentors, and one in four boys and young men lacks an adult male mentor they can rely on.\n\nThe Educators for America Act would:\n\nEnsure federally supported Teacher Quality Partnership residency programs prioritize the recruitment and selection of teacher candidates who are underrepresented in the profession, including men.\n\nStrengthen the teacher workforce by expanding pathways into the classroom through teacher residency programs, which allow aspiring teachers to earn while they learn.\n\nHelp schools recruit more educators while increasing access to positive role models for students.\n\nPrioritize national service programs that recruit and train underrepresented participants, including men.\n\nExpand opportunities to serve in youth mentoring, after-school programs, conservation, disaster response, public safety, violence interruption, reentry services, skilled trades, apprenticeships, and workforce development.\n\nStrengthen communities by encouraging more Americans to volunteer, mentor, and serve.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1703", "title": "Rep. Mark Alford Applauds NSF’s $160 Million Kansas City Award Following His Push and Letter of Support", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "alford.house.gov", "scraper": "alford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000379", "name": "Mark Alford", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mark Alford applauds the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) decision to award the University of Missouri-Kansas City-led Critical Materials Crossroads Engine up to $160 million in federal funding, following bipartisan advocacy efforts including a letter of support he sent to help secure the investment.\n\nRep. Alford joined colleagues in urging NSF to select the Kansas City region, highlighting its strong workforce, infrastructure and leadership in advanced manufacturing and research.\n\n“This is a big win for Missouri’s Fourth District and for America’s future,” said Mark Alford. “Rebuilding our domestic supply chains for critical materials strengthens our national security, supports energy independence and drives economic growth. I was proud to send a letter supporting this effort, and I’m glad to see that work deliver real results for Missouri.”\n\nThe Critical Materials Crossroads Engine, led by the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), brings together more than 260 partners across higher education, industry, government and workforce organizations. The initiative aims to expand domestic production of materials essential to modern technologies, including semiconductors, batteries, aerospace components and medical devices.\n\nThe investment positions the Greater Kansas City region as a national hub for critical materials innovation, commercialization and workforce development. According to regional estimates, the effort could create approximately 10,000 jobs by 2036 and generate up to $40 billion in economic output.\n\n“This investment reinforces that the Heartland has the workforce, infrastructure and expertise to lead in rebuilding America’s industrial base,” Alford added.\n\n“Kansas City is uniquely positioned to drive innovation and ensure the United States is no longer dependent on foreign adversaries for the materials that power our economy and national defense.”\n\nThe award includes an initial $15 million over two years, with the potential to grow to $160 million over the next decade if key milestones are met.\n\nThe NSF Regional Innovation Engines program supports cross-sector partnerships to accelerate critical technologies, strengthen regional economies and maintain U.S. leadership in innovation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-honors-legacy-his-friend-honorable-john-lewis-calls", "title": "Congressman Al Green Honors the Legacy of His Friend, the Honorable John Lewis, Calls for Voting Rights Protections", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "algreen.house.gov", "scraper": "algreen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000553", "name": "Al Green", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, D.C.) — On Friday, July 17, 2026, Congressman Al Green commemorated the enduring legacy of civil rights icon and former Congressman theHonorable John Lewis, whose remarkable courage and commitment to justice helped transform America by securing and protecting the fundamental right to vote.\n\nCongressman John Lewis’ leadership during the Civil Rights Movement, including his willingness to face violence on the Edmund Pettus Bridge during the historic march known as Bloody Sunday, inspired the conscience of our nation and helped lead to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. His sacrifice, along with the sacrifices of countless others, expanded the promise of democracy and reaffirmed that every American deserves an equal voice at the ballot box.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-al-green-declares-president-trump-will-face-articles-impeachment", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Al Green Declares President Trump Will Face Articles of Impeachment", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "algreen.house.gov", "scraper": "algreen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000553", "name": "Al Green", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) — On Thursday, July 16, 2026, Congressman Al Green delivered remarks on the House floor declaring that President Donald J. Trump will face articles of impeachment.\n\nYou can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s speech on his official YouTube page or by clicking here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://amo.house.gov/press-release/amo-fights-back-against-republican-budget-that-increases-debt-funds-illegal-war-and-fails-to-lower-costs", "title": "Amo Fights Back Against Republican Budget that Increases Debt, Funds Illegal War, and Fails to Lower Costs", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://amo.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "amo.house.gov", "scraper": "amo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000380", "name": "Gabe Amo", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – YESTERDAY, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI), Member of the House Committee on the Budget, called out Republicans' latest budget boondoggle, which would add $95 billion to the deficit while making it harder to vote and doing nothing to lower costs for Rhode Islanders.\n\nAmo introduced an Amendment to reverse the energy cuts in the Big, Ugly Law and lower costs for consumers.\n\n“Two years ago, President Trump made a promise to drive down prices, he hasn’t kept it,” said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). “From his Big, Ugly Law, to his erratic tariffs, to his illegal war with Iran, he has slashed health care and clean energy projects, driven grocery prices through the roof, and caused gas prices to skyrocket. Americans deserve lower costs and more opportunity, not another foreign war in the Middle East that adds to our debt, jacks up costs, and makes us less safe. I’m a NO on Trump’s latest disastrous budget, and I will keep fighting to stop chaos, end the war, and lower costs. ”\n\nWATCH HERE: Congressman Amo Speaks Directly to Rhode Islanders about Republicans Refusal to Lower Costs and Willingness to Fund Trump’s Iran War\n\nBackground\n\nCongressman Amo, a Member of the House Committee on the Budget, offered an amendment to Republicans' latest Budget Reconciliation bill that would have reversed the energy cuts in the Big, Ugly Law that are driving up costs and making life more expensive for Rhode Islanders.\n\nAmo has been a staunch opponent of Trump’s Big, Ugly Law attempting to amend it before it was passed to protect Medicaid and SNAP.\n\nThe Congressman has also traveled across the First Congressional District meeting with Rhode Islanders impacted by Trump’s devastating Big, Ugly Law.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=776", "title": "Balint, Nearly 200 House Democrats Demand Independent Investigations into Killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Johan Sebastian Guerrero", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "balint.house.gov", "scraper": "balint", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001318", "name": "Becca Balint", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) joined Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, and nearly 200 colleagues in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halt removal proceedings against the witnesses.\n\n“Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the Members. “Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.”\n\nOn July 7th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Salgado Araujo, a father of three U.S. citizens who had resided in the country for 35 years. He was reportedly not ICE’s target in their operation, and despite ICE’s claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle,” no evidence to substantiate that claim has been presented, and it is disputed by witnesses in the vehicle.\n\nOn July 13th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Guerrero, a father who also was reportedly not the target of enforcement actions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to have shot him in concern for “public safety” after he “attempted to flee.” The agency does not allege that at any point officers feared for their safety. Video of this killing shows ICE officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero even after he had been shot in the head.\n\nDHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 21 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals who posed no public safety threat. In two previous shootings, ICE has claimed that victims were also “weaponizing” their vehicles, claims that have turned out to be false statements as evidence emerged.\n\nIn addition to the demands for an independent investigation and the commitment that witnesses to the killing of Mr. Salgado Araujo not be deported, the Members are asking for a detailed breakdown of all training materials and guidelines around vehicle stops.\n\nThe full text of the letter to DHS Secretary Mullin and ICE Acting Director Venturella can be read here.\n\nThe letter was also signed by Alma S. Adams (NC-12), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Ami Bera (CA-06), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jason Crow (CO-06), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Bill Foster (IL-11), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Al Green (TX-09), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Pablo Jose Hernández (PR-At Large), Jim Himes (CT-04), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), William R. Keating (MA-09), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), John Larson (CT-01), George Latimer (NY-16), Susie Lee (NV-03), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), John Mannion (NY-22), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kristin McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Christian Menefee (TX-18), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen S. Moore (WI-04), Joseph D. Morelle (NY-25), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Richard Neal (MA-01), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Scott Peters (CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Josh Riley (NY-19), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Thomas R. Suozzi (NY-03), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Norma Torres (CA-35), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Derek Tran (CA-45), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), George Whitesides (CA-27), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=777", "title": "Balint, Warren Lead Lawmakers in Calling for Antitrust Regulators to Closely Scrutinize Fox Takeover of Roku, Ensure Review is Free from Political Favoritism", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "balint.house.gov", "scraper": "balint", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001318", "name": "Becca Balint", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Text of Letter (PDF)\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), a member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust, and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, wrote to Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, who oversees the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, urging the agency to “closely scrutinize” Fox Corporation’s (Fox) proposed $22 billion takeover of Roku, Inc. (Roku) and commit to reviewing the merger “free from political interference and in an impartial fashion.”\n\n“We are concerned that, given the Department of Justice’s recent rubber-stamping of deals that may violate antitrust law – and in particular, your apparent role interfering in nonpartisan antitrust enforcement — the (DOJ) may not give this transaction the close review it deserves,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\nRepresentatives Jerold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust; Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.); Chuy Garcia (D-Ill.); Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.); Summer Lee (D-Pa.); and Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) also joined in signing the letter.\n\nIn recent months, senior DOJ leadership, including Associate Attorney General Woodward, and politically connected lobbyists reportedly intervening in antitrust enforcement actions such as the Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)-Juniper Networks merger settlement, which led to the firing of then-Antitrust Division senior official Roger Alford and another deputy after they objected to the interference.\n\nIf approved, the Fox-Roku merger would combine the country’s two largest free, ad-supported streaming television services. The result would be greater control by Fox-Roku over how viewers watch TV, the device they use to watch, and what programs they watch, meaning fewer choices for viewers and likely highercosts. The entertainment and streaming industries have seen rapid consolidation in the previous year, including with the Disney-Fubo and Paramount-Skydance deals.\n\n“Eliminating a significant competitor would reduce consumer choice for free streaming services and could give the combined entity market power to start charging for a previously free service,” warned the lawmakers.\n\nAssociate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, who currently leads the DOJ’s Antitrust Division, has reportedlydirected Antitrust Division attorneys to settle antitrust law enforcement cases instead of taking them to trial. Additionally, just three days after his recent designation, Antitrust Division attorneys were reportedly told that the review of the potential Paramount-Warner Bros. merger would be closed.\n\n“We are concerned that settlements invite opportunities for more backroom deals like the ones we have seen during this administration, and will weaken enforcers’ ability to go after antitrust violations in order to lower prices for American families,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\nAntitrust law prohibits mergers whose effect “may be substantially to lessen competition, or to tend to create a monopoly,” and the DOJ and Federal Trade Commission’s Merger Guidelines require agencies to “examine whether a trend toward consolidation in an industry would heighten … competition concerns” when investigating whether a merger violates the antitrust laws.\n\n“In order to uphold the Antitrust Division’s responsibility to protect competition and consumers, we urge DOJ to closely scrutinize the proposed Fox-Roku deal under antitrust law and seek your commitment that the review will be conducted free from political interference and in an impartial fashion,” the lawmakers concluded.\n\nSenator Warren has led the way in fighting back against the Trump administration’s apparent use of federal agencies for political favoritism:\n\nIn July 2026, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) celebrated the news that a coalition of 12 attorneys general filed a lawsuit challenging the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, saying the “megamerger would mean higher costs and fewer choices for Americans.”\n\nIn April 2026, Senator Warren (D-Mass.) joined Senator Booker (D-NJ) in introducing the Correcting Lapsed Enforcement in Antitrust Norms for Mergers Act (CLEAN Mergers Act) to restore integrity and independence to federal antitrust enforcement.\n\nIn April 2026, Senators Warren (D-Mass.) and Klobuchar (D-Minn.) led Senator Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Representatives Jayapal (D-Wash.), Deluzio (D-Pa.), Balint (D-Vt.), Craig (D-Minn.), Nadler (D-N.Y.), and Raskin (D-Md.) in requesting that the Department of Justice (DOJ) Acting Inspector General (IG) William M. Blier open a new, independent investigationinto potential corruption involving the DOJ’s antitrust-related activity.\n\nIn February 2026, Senator Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Balint (D-Vt.) led colleagues in pressing Attorney General Pam Bondi on whether there was corruption and political favoritism at the Department of Justice (DOJ) involving the agency’s questionable review of the massive merger between real estate giants Compass and Anywhere Real Estate. The lawmakers’ push followed the ouster of top DOJ antitrust official Gail Slater.\n\nIn December 2025, Senators Warren (D-Mass.) and Blumenthal (D-Conn.) called for Attorney General Pam Bondi to recuse herself from the Department of Justice (DOJ)’s review of any Warner Bros. merger due to potential conflicts of interest related to her former employer, lobbying firm Ballard Partners. A DOJ spokesperson had indicated that Bondi would lead the Trump administration’s review of the merger, alongside DOJ Antitrust head Gail Slater.\n\nIn September 2025, Senators Warren (D-Mass.), Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Booker (D-N.J.), and Blumenthal (D-Conn.) sounded the alarm on Stanley Woodward’s nomination for Associate Attorney General at the Department of Justice (DOJ), ahead of his Senate confirmation vote expected as early as next week as part of a batch of 100 nominees. Since April 2025, Woodward had served as Counselor to Attorney General Pam Bondi.\n\nIn June 2025, Senators Warren (D-Mass.), Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Booker (D-N.J.), and Blumenthal (D-Conn.) wrote to Judge P. Casey Pitts of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, urging the court to use its power under the Tunney Act to determine whether the Department of Justice (DOJ) approved Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.’s (HPE) $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks (Juniper) based on political favors.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://barragan.house.gov/2026/07/17/upcoming-events/", "title": "Upcoming Events", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://barragan.house.gov/news", "domain": "barragan.house.gov", "scraper": "barragan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001300", "name": "Nanette Diaz Barragán", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Eighth Annual Senior Briefing and Luncheon | August 14, 2026\n\nIt’s almost time for my favorite event of the year, our Annual Senior Briefing and Health Fair in Carson!\n\nI’m honored to host this event every year at the Carson Community Center. We bring together older Americans from across our communities to share helpful information and resources, offer free health screenings, vaccinations, and check ups, and more!\n\nThis year, we’ll have:\n\nFree eye exam\n\nFree blood pressure checks\n\nFree diabetes screenings\n\nFree cognitive health screening\n\nFree dental Screening\n\nFree heart screenings\n\nFree thyroid exams\n\nWe’ll also be serving a free, hot meal!\n\nIf you have any questions, or to let us know you’re coming, please call my office at 310-831-1799. I hope to see you there!\n\n¡Ya casi es hora de mi evento favorito del año, nuestra Feria Anual de Salud y Sesión Informativa para Personas Mayores en Carson!\n\nMe siento honrado de organizar este evento cada año en el Centro Comunitario de Carson. Reunimos a estadounidenses mayores de todas nuestras comunidades para compartir información y recursos útiles, ofrecer exámenes de salud, vacunas y chequeos completamente gratis, ¡y más!\n\n¡También serviremos una comida caliente gratuita!\n\nEste año, vamos a tener:\n\nExamen de la vista\n\nPrueba de presión arterial\n\nPruebas de glucosa\n\nSalud cognitiva\n\nEvaluaciones dentales\n\nEvaluaciones cardíacas\n\nExámenes de la tiroides\n\nSi usted tiene alguna pregunta, o para hacernos saber que está viniendo, por favor llame a mi oficina al 310-831-1799. ¡Espero verte allí!", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-beyer-jacobs-introduce-bipartisan-bill-require-human-oversight-over", "title": "Barrett, Beyer, Jacobs Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Require Human Oversight Over Autonomous And AI Weapons", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "barrett.house.gov", "scraper": "barrett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001321", "name": "Tom Barrett", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressmen Tom Barrett (MI-07), Don Beyer (VA-08), and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) introduced the Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act (H.R. 9729) to ensure that no autonomous or artificial intelligence-enabled weapon system used by the United States military can carry out an intentionally lethal strike without meaningful human oversight or a human decision-maker in the loop. The bill would establish a clear legal requirement that commanders and operators retain appropriate levels of human judgment in decisions involving the use of lethal force.\n\n“Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly critical role in strengthening our national defense, but it should never be the one making life-or-death decisions,” Barrett said. “We must establish safeguards now to ensure these technologies are used ethically and transparently. This bipartisan bill sets clear limits to make sure people stay in control whenever lethal force is involved while allowing our military to continue leading the world in technological innovation.”\n\n“No machine should ever be allowed to independently decide to kill a human being because allowing AI systems to independently select and engage targets carries serious risks. Machines cannot understand morality or the value of human life, nor can they be held accountable for mistakes, war crimes, or catastrophic escalation,” said Beyer. “These life and death decisions must remain in human hands. As AI becomes more powerful and more integrated into military systems, Congress has a responsibility to establish clear guardrails and responsible standards for the military use of AI. Our legislation would ensure that a human decision-maker always remains in the loop and integral to the chain of command when lethal force is involved.”\n\n“AI mistakes on the battlefield have the potential to be catastrophic: civilian casualties, friendly fire, unintended escalation, and calculations made on faulty data,” said Jacobs. “These aren’t risks worth taking – not when they can result in unnecessary lives lost or war. That’s why I’m proud to join Congressman Beyer and Congressman Barrett in introducing legislation to ensure that humans are meaningfully involved before autonomous or AI-enabled weapon systems are used for lethal force. This is a common-sense step to help our military keep pace with emerging technologies while upholding our commitments to international humanitarian law and ethics.”\n\nBarrett also recently introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to prohibit the use of artificial intelligence to independently carry out offensive lethal force. Although the amendment was not made in order for House floor consideration, Barrett has continued working with colleagues on bipartisan legislation to establish statutory guardrails for the military use of AI-enabled and autonomous weapons.\n\nClick here to read the bill.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-introduces-two-more-bills-reform-campaign-finance-limit-fundraising", "title": "Barrett Introduces Two More Bills to Reform Campaign Finance, Limit Fundraising and Out-of-State Spending", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "barrett.house.gov", "scraper": "barrett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001321", "name": "Tom Barrett", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) introduced two new bills in his plan to Reform Campaign Finance, which is part of his broader Blueprint for a Better America.\n\nThe Campaign Accountability and Parity (CAP) Act (H.R. 9726) and Outside Influence Prevention Act (H.R. 9727) would cap congressional campaign fundraising and require political action committees (PACs) to raise at least half of their funds from the state in which they are advertising.\n\n“The balance between campaigning and representing the people in Congress is completely out of whack. No member of Congress should be spending more money to get reelected than it costs to do the work people elected them to do in the first place,” said Barrett. “These new bills in my plan to Reform Campaign Finance will finally put the people first by leveling the playing field, capping congressional campaign funds to align with the cost of running a congressional office, and limiting out-of-state spending.”\n\nIn the House of Representatives, the average Members’ Representational Allowance (MRA) is approximately $1.9 million. This is the annual allowance a congressional office is given to support the member of Congress in his or her official and representational duties. The MRA, which is determined by a formula and funded through the appropriations process, may be used for official expenses, including staff compensation, mail, office equipment and supplies, district office space, and more.\n\nThe Campaign Accountability and Parity (CAP) Act would limit congressional campaigns from spending more than an amount equivalent to the average MRA within a single year.\n\nThe Outside Influence Prevention Act would require any PACs that make independent expenditures to promote or attack a candidate to raise at least half of their funds from the state in which those dollars are spent.\n\nBarrett has consistently emphasized that Congress and state legislatures must be able to reclaim their authority over campaign finance rules. Last month, he introduced the Constitutional Campaign Finance Reform Amendment (H.J.Res. 191), which makes clear that the Constitution allows Congress and states to regulate and limit campaign contributions and spending.\n\nThe new bills come after Barrett and the House unanimously passed two other campaign finance bills Monday evening:\n\nThe Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act (H.R. 3535) to extend the ban on foreign spending in American elections to include state and local ballot initiatives, referenda, and recall elections.\n\nThe FEC Administrative Improvements Act (H.R. 8738) to modernize the Federal Election Commission, expand online filing requirements, and allow for political committees to use credit cards instead of checks.\n\nAbout Barrett’s Blueprint for a Better America:\n\nRestoring Trust in Government: Making Government Serve the People, Not Special Interests\n\nReviving the American Dream:Helping Families Afford Homes in Mid-Michigan\n\nMaking Health Care Affordable Again:Lowering Costs for Working Families\n\nRecalibrating American Foreign Policy: Ending Endless Wars and Promoting Peace Through Strength\n\nReforming Campaign Finance:Putting Governing Before Campaigning\n\nMaking America Healthy Again: Prioritizing Public Health Over Corporate Profits", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9164", "title": "Beyer, Barrett, Jacobs Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Requiring Human Control Over Autonomous Weapons", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "beyer.house.gov", "scraper": "beyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001292", "name": "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Congressman Tom Barrett (R-MI), and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA) introduced the Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act to ensure that no autonomous or artificial intelligence-enabled weapon system used by the United States military can carry out an intentionally lethal strike without meaningful human oversight or a human decision-maker in the loop. The bill would establish a clear legal requirement that commanders and operators retain appropriate levels of human judgment in decisions involving the use of lethal force.\n\n“No machine should ever be given the power to decide to kill a human being on its own. Allowing AI systems to independently select and engage targets carries serious risks; machines cannot understand morality or the value of human life, nor can they be held accountable for mistakes, war crimes, or catastrophic escalation,” said Rep. Beyer. “These life and death decisions must remain in human hands. As AI becomes more powerful and more integrated into military systems, Congress has a responsibility to establish clear guardrails and responsible standards for the military use of AI. Our legislation would ensure that a human decision-maker always remains in the loop and integral to the chain of command when lethal force is involved.”\n\n“Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly critical role in strengthening our national defense, but it should never be the one making life-or-death decisions,” Rep. Barrett said. “We must establish safeguards now to ensure these technologies are used ethically and transparently. This bipartisan bill sets clear limits to make sure people stay in control whenever lethal force is involved while allowing our military to continue leading the world in technological innovation.”\n\n“AI mistakes on the battlefield have the potential to be catastrophic: civilian casualties, friendly fire, unintended escalation, and calculations made on faulty data,” said Rep. Jacobs. “These aren’t risks worth taking – not when they can result in unnecessary lives lost or war. That’s why I’m proud to join Congressman Beyer and Congressman Barrett in introducing legislation to ensure that humans are meaningfully involved before autonomous or AI-enabled weapon systems are used for lethal force. This is a common-sense step to help our military keep pace with emerging technologies while upholding our commitments to international humanitarian law and ethics.”\n\nThis legislation is also supported by organizations including Council for a Livable World, Common Defense, and Win Without War.\n\n“Council for a Livable World is pleased to support the Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act as it would mark a clear step forward toward ethical oversight of emerging military technologies, which thus far have been outpacing guardrails and regulations,\" said Council for a Livable World Executive Director and Former Congressman John Tierney. “This bill identifies and proposes a remedy to the dangers of unmitigated autonomy of weapons, particularly weapons of mass destruction. Every lawmaker should understand the importance of keeping Americans safe by ensuring a human is always involved in decisions affecting human life. Unlike humans, machines can't apply judgments based on values and morals, and all available evidence shows machines have an alarming propensity for error. Americans should not have to face the consequences of automated weapons technology running amok. It's essential that policy makers debate and resolve how to address this critical security issue, and we applaud Rep. Beyer's focus on such a serious and urgent matter.”\n\n“Common Defense strongly endorses the Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act,” said Common Defense Political Director Naveed Shah. “As an Army veteran who served in Iraq, I know the moral responsibility that comes with taking human life in combat, decisions that must never be handed over to machines. This bill ensures meaningful human control over lethal autonomous systems, restores accountability to war-making, and prevents machines from deciding the rules of engagement.”\n\n“Decisions impacting human life and safety should never be handed off to algorithms,” said Win Without War Government Relations Associate Sofia Guerra. “When these systems fail, whether through bad data or rubber-stamp approvals, the costs are incalculable. This bill is a critical step to ensure that humans, accountable to both international law and the consequences of their actions, are making the most serious decisions regarding the use of force.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9165", "title": "New Dems Oppose Effort to Greenlight Trump’s Illegal Tariffs", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "beyer.house.gov", "scraper": "beyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001292", "name": "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, New Democrat Coalition Chair Brad Schneider (IL-10) and New Dem Trade & Tariffs Task Force Chair Don Beyer (VA-08) issued a statement in opposition to the Sanctioning Russia Act, which would grant the President power to enact more sweeping tariffs without Congressional approval.\n\n“The American people do not want and cannot afford more of President Trump’s illegal, cost-raising tariffs. Unfortunately, the Sanctioning Russia Act is nothing more than a backdoor attempt to greenlight tariffs of up to 100 percent on our major trading partners while surreptitiously handcuffing Congress’ ability to stop Trump from further escalating his global trade war.\n\n“New Dems wholly support leveraging strict sanctions to punish those who fuel, drive, and profit from Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine. There are many commonsense proposals in Congress to support Ukraine’s efforts to defend its freedom and sovereignty – this legislation is most definitely not one of them. Instead, it undermines U.S. support for Ukraine when they need us most.\n\n“We urge our colleagues to block this effort to hand over more tariff power to a President who is hellbent on spreading chaos and corruption, raising costs on American families, and destroying our most vital trade relationships.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/07/17/icymi-buchanan-calls-for-senate-to-pass-his-permanent-daylight-saving-time-bill-in-sarasota-herald-tribune-op-ed/", "title": "ICYMI: Buchanan Calls for Senate to Pass His Permanent Daylight Saving Time Bill in Sarasota Herald-Tribune Op-Ed", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "domain": "buchanan.house.gov", "scraper": "buchanan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001260", "name": "Vern Buchanan", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“Now the Senate has the Opportunity to Finish the Job.”\n\nWASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan penned an op-ed in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune celebrating the bipartisan House vote to pass his Sunshine Protection Act (H.R. 139), a bill to make daylight saving time permanent year-round and end the twice-annual clock change, and calling on the Senate to pass his bill and send it to the president’s desk to be signed into law.\n\n“Americans are ready to lock the clock,” writes Buchanan in the op-ed. “Florida has led the conversation on this issue for years, and the House has now acted with broad bipartisan support. It’s time for the Senate to send this commonsense legislation to the President’s desk.”\n\nRead the full op-ed here or below:\n\nFloridians want more daylight time. Congress must deliver it.\n\nCongressman Vern Buchanan\n\nFor years, Americans have asked a simple question: Why are we still changing our clocks twice a year?\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives has finally taken a major step toward ending that outdated practice by passing my bill, the Sunshine Protection Act, in a bipartisan 308-117 vote. My bill makes daylight saving time permanent nationwide, bringing consistency to families, opportunities to businesses and health benefits to communities across the country.\n\nFloridians have long understood the value of more daylight in the evening. As the Sunshine State, we know that extra daylight means more time for families to enjoy parks, ballfields, and local events after work and school. It also benefits restaurants, retailers and countless small businesses that rely on evening activity.\n\nTwice each year, Americans are forced to adjust their schedules because of a practice that no longer fits the way we live today. Those clock changes disrupt sleep, create unnecessary confusion and have been linked to increases in traffic accidents and workplace injuries during the transition periods. Permanent daylight saving time will eliminate those disruptions while giving Americans the consistency in schedule they deserve.\n\nThis is a commonsense reform, not a partisan one. The overwhelming bipartisan support in the House reflects what Americans have been saying for years: It’s time to stop changing the clocks.\n\nI have championed this issue since 2018 because I understand that good government should make everyday life easier, not more complicated. The Sunshine Protection Act is a real solution that supports families, strengthens local economies and eliminates an unnecessary government mandate that affects every American twice a year.\n\nNow the Senate has the opportunity to finish the job.\n\nAmericans are ready to lock the clock. Florida has led the conversation on this issue for years, and the House has now acted with broad bipartisan support. It’s time for the Senate to send this commonsense legislation to the President’s desk.\n\nI am proud of the many benefits my bill will provide to every corner of our great nation, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.\n\nU.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan represents Florida’s 16th Congressional District, which includes Manatee County and the southern portion of Hillsborough County.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-kat-cammack-welcomes-fda-rule-modernizing-orange-juice-standard", "title": "Congresswoman Kat Cammack Welcomes FDA Rule Modernizing Orange Juice Standard for Florida Growers", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "cammack.house.gov", "scraper": "cammack", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001039", "name": "Kat Cammack", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LAKELAND, Fla. — Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) today welcomed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's final rule modernizing the federal Standard of Identity for pasteurized orange juice during an announcement with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas, Senator Ashley Moody, and Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15).\n\nThe updated standard lowers the minimum Brix level from 10.5 to 10 degrees, allowing processors to produce 100 percent orange juice using more of the fruit Florida actually grows, in response to a 2022 petition from Florida Citrus Mutual and the Florida Citrus Processors Association. Citrus greening and repeated hurricanes have lowered the natural sugar content of Florida oranges, and the previous standard forced processors to blend in imported juice to meet a threshold today's Florida crop could not reliably reach. FDA estimates the rule will save manufacturers more than $50 million annually.\n\n“For years, Congressman Scott Franklin and I have been working alongside Florida's citrus growers because they kept telling us the same thing: Washington's rules no longer matched the reality in Florida's groves. Citrus greening, hurricanes, and freezes changed the fruit, but the federal standard never changed with it. We introduced legislation, worked directly with FDA, and kept pushing until Washington finally listened,” said Congresswoman Kat Cammack. “I'm grateful to Secretary Kennedy and Acting Commissioner Diamantas for delivering a commonsense, science-based solution. Now, more Florida oranges can go into Florida orange juice, helping strengthen one of our state's signature industries and ensuring this proud Florida tradition can continue for generations to come.”\n\n“President Trump is ending an outdated regulation that forced American orange juice producers to rely on foreign imports and an obsolete sugar standard,” said HHS Secretary Kennedy. “We are cutting red tape, saving the industry more than $50 million each year, strengthening American supply chains, and creating a level playing field for U.S. citrus growers — all while maintaining the safety, quality, and taste Americans expect. That is America First policy, guided by gold-standard science.”\n\n“Florida citrus has long set the standard for quality around the world, and our growers deserve every opportunity to compete and succeed,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. “Today’s announcement demonstrates what can happen when growers, industry leaders, and elected officials work together to solve real problems. I’m proud to partner with Representative Cammack in advancing this commonsense update to the federal Brix standard, which preserves the quality consumers expect, and creates new opportunities for Florida-grown citrus to thrive.”\n\nCongresswoman Cammack is the only Florida member of the House Agriculture Committee and a cosponsor of the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act (H.R. 933), the House legislation led by Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) that pressed for the change. In the 2026 Farm Bill, she secured the extension of the citrus greening research trust fund through 2031. After the January and February freezes, she led the full Florida delegation letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins that produced a federal disaster declaration for impacted producers. She and Rep. Franklin are also co-leading the $3.5 billion Florida agriculture disaster aid package now before Congress.\n\nFlorida orange production has fallen roughly 92 percent since 2005 because of citrus greening and repeated hurricanes, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. For growers in Marion County and across North Central Florida, the updated standard means more Florida-grown fruit can stay in the carton, reducing reliance on imported juice and providing greater incentive to keep groves in production. The rule helps preserve one of Florida's signature industries while supporting growers, processors, and jobs throughout the state's citrus supply chain.\n\n###\n\nCongresswoman Kat Cammack proudly serves Florida's Third Congressional District, covering 12 counties in North Central Florida. She serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Committee on Agriculture.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-statement-on-governor-abbotts-failed-buoy-border", "title": "Castro Statement on Governor Abbott’s Failed “Buoy Border”", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "castro.house.gov", "scraper": "castro", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001091", "name": "Joaquin Castro", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SAN ANTONIO, TX — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement following reports that over 100 buoys dislodged after heavy rains and floods in Texas:\n\n“More than 100 of Governor Abbott’s buoys broke loose during deadly floods in Texas. Buoys with sharp razors are now causing damage to neighborhoods and have shut down a bridge that transports thousands of vehicles a day.\n\n“Abbott’s 'buoy border' was a reckless idea from the very start and border communities remain collateral damage.”\n\nAdditional Background:\n\nIn August 2023, Congressman Castro led members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Texas Democratic delegation on a trip to Eagle Pass, Texas to see the buoys and razor wire in the river and to engage with local authorities and community members about the impact of Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Start on asylum-seekers, federal immigration enforcement, and the local community.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415760", "title": "SeafoodSource article on CECC letter to President Trump'US commission on China calls for ban on Chinese seafood'", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Chris Chase\n\nPublished July 17, 2026\n\nThe Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) is calling on the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to ban seafood caught or processed by China, citing concerns over forced labor.\n\nCECC Chair Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Co-Chair Representative Christopher Smith (R-New Jersey), along with commissioners Representative Dale Strong (R-Alabama) and Representative Tom Suozzi (D-New York) wrote a letter to Trump calling for an executive order to ban seafood either caught by Chinese-linked vessels or processed in China.\n\n“The reason is simple. Chinese seafood is too often produced through forced labor and enters our market at prices honest American fishermen cannot match. That is not competition. It is abuse shipped into the United States,” the letter states.\n\nThe U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China is calling on U.S. President Donald Trump to completely ban all seafood imports from China | Photo courtesy of the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China\n\nThe letter referenced Trump’s April 2025 executive order, and said that order acknowledged the challenges faced by the U.S. seafood industry due to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and forced labor in seafood supply chains. It states that among those challenges, China is the biggest obstacle to advancing the U.S. seafood industry’s competitiveness.\n\n“China is the most immediate test of your policy, leveraging its vast fishing fleets and processing plants to cheat American fishermen, exploit vulnerable workers, and project power at sea,” the letter states. “The United States should not help pay for these egregious behaviors. I urge you to use your authority to make our country the least hospitable market in the world for Chinese harvested seafood.”\n\nThe CECC has criticized Chinese seafood in the past, and its most-recent annual report in 2025 called on the U.S. to scrutinize Chinese seafood and do more to combat forced labor. Seafood from China has been under higher scrutiny from the U.S. government since a 2023 report by The Outlaw Ocean Project identifying forced and Uyghur labor in the Chinese supply chain. The organization followed that report up with evidence of North Korean labor in the Chinese seafood supply chain, and the CECC called for investigations by the government following the reports.\n\nThe latest letter calls for even more action against China in light of both those public investigations and congressional testimony that has occurred since.\n\nIt also points out that multiple federal agencies have identified China as a forced-labor concern, including the Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which has added seafood to its list of priorities under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.\n\n“Those steps were right. The United States market is awash in criminally tainted seafood from China,” the letter states.\n\nThe CECC said eliminating IUU-associated seafood from the U.S. market would benefit U.S. commercial fishing, increasing the value of fisheries and landings.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415762", "title": "Protecting American fishermen and seafood marketsRep. Smith, Sen. Sullivan lead letter to President Trump urging ban of Chinese seafood linked to forced labor and illegal fishing", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "A bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers and members of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) are asking President Trump to issue an Executive Order banning seafood harvested by Chinese-linked vessels or processed in China from entering the United States.\n\nThe letter was spearheaded by CECC Co-Chair Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Chair Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and signed by fellow CECC Commissioners Reps. Dale Strong (R-AL) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY).\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers commend President Trump’s April 2025 Executive Order (EO 14276) to restore American seafood competitiveness and urge the Administration to take the next step by closing the U.S. market to marine products linked to the People’s Republic of China (PRC)’s forced labor and illegal fishing practices.\n\n“We urge you to use your authority to make our country the least hospitable market in the world for Chinese harvested seafood,” write the Members of Congress. “Chinese seafood is too often produced through forced labor and enters our market at prices honest American fishermen cannot match. That is not competition. It is abuse shipped into the United States.”\n\nThe letter details abuses across China’s seafood industry, including debt bondage, passport confiscation, violent abuse, labor trafficking, avoidable deaths, and coercive labor transfers. These abuses affect workers aboard fishing vessels, in seafood-processing plants, and in aquaculture operations, including operations connected to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and Tibet.\n\nThe lawmakers note that “federal agencies have already recognized the seriousness of this risk,” underscoring that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has identified fish harvested by Chinese distant-water vessels as a forced labor concern, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made seafood a high-priority enforcement sector under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (PL 117-78), of which Smith was an original co-sponsor.\n\nThe Members of Congress further reiterate the food-safety concerns associated with Chinese seafood, stating that “the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has imposed import controls on certain seafood from China and Hong Kong because of unsafe drug and additive risks, including products farmed and harvested outside China, but processed there.”\n\nThe letter also warns that China’s distant-water fishing fleet is not merely a commercial enterprise, but rather “a subsidized maritime force that takes resources, pressures coastal states, and expands Beijing’s influence.” As such, the co-signers urge the President to adopt an import prohibition modeled on existing restrictions on Russian seafood and designed to prevent evasion through transshipment, relabeling, repacking, or processing in third countries.\n\n“The United States cannot inspect every vessel or police every agreement the Chinese routinely break, but we can decide what enters our market. If you engage in illegal fishing and use slave labor, you should not have access to the American market,” the lawmakers argue.\n\n“Banning Chinese seafood from the United States would back American fishermen, protect American consumers, support our allies, and cut off profits from a system built on abuse and coercion.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-chu-commends-federal-court-order-requiring-immediate-reforms", "title": "Rep. Chu Commends Federal Court Order Requiring Immediate Reforms at Adelanto ICE Processing Center", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "chu.house.gov", "scraper": "chu", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001080", "name": "Judy Chu", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. District Judge Sunshine S. Sykes has ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to immediately overhaul conditions at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center after finding that detainees are likely to succeed on claims that their constitutional and disability rights are being violated.\n\nThe ruling stems from a class-action lawsuit brought by detained immigrants and immigrant rights organizations citing detainee deaths, inadequate medical care, insufficient nutrition, and unsafe drinking water, unsanitary living conditions, and failures to accommodate people with disabilities.\n\nJudge Sykes ordered DHS and ICE to implement sweeping reforms to medical care, sanitation, food service, recreation, disability accommodations, and visitation while the litigation proceeds. Within 14 days, ICE must submit a comprehensive remedial plan for medical care and disability accommodations, and two independent, court-appointed monitors will oversee compliance.\n\nRep. Judy Chu (CA-28), who has conducted oversight of the Adelanto facility, pressed ICE officials over documented abuses, and has called for its closure for more than a decade released the following statement:\n\n“Today’s ruling affirms what we have known all along. Detainees held at Adelanto have been suffering and dying in unacceptably cruel and inhumane conditions. And those who have raised the alarm, including detainees participating in a hunger strike whom I met with last month, have faced solitary confinement or even deportation in retaliation for speaking out.\n\nICE must comply fully and immediately with the court's order, implement every required reform without delay, and ensure that every person in its custody receives the constitutional protections and basic human dignity they are owed.\n\nWhile this ruling is an important victory for detainees and their families, it cannot erase the years of preventable suffering that occurred before the court intervened. I will continue fighting to permanently close the Adelanto ICE Processing Center because no amount of court supervision can fix a detention system that has repeatedly failed to protect human life.”\n\nSince the start of President Trump’s second term, five people have died while in ICE custody at Adelanto or shortly after being transferred from the facility. At least 13 people have died in connection with Adelanto since it opened, making it one of the deadliest ICE detention centers in the country. Over the years, detainees, advocates, medical professionals, and oversight officials have documented serious concerns at the facility, including delayed medical treatment, unsanitary conditions, inadequate access to hygiene products, barriers to communicating with attorneys and family members, and deaths that even ICE has deemed preventable.\n\nThe Adelanto ICE Processing Center is operated by GEO Group, a private prison contractor that receives millions of taxpayer dollars each year to detain immigrants on behalf of the federal government.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-ciscomani-speaks-necessity-modernizing-nogales-port-entry-importance", "title": "ICYMI: Ciscomani Speaks on Necessity of Modernizing Nogales Port of Entry, Importance for Trade and Border Security in Arizona", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ciscomani.house.gov", "scraper": "ciscomani", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001133", "name": "Juan Ciscomani", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani recently spoke with 535 News in Washington on his continued efforts to modernize the Dennis DeConcini Land Port of Entry (LPOE) in Nogales, Arizona, and the impact modernizations would have on trade between the United States and Mexico and security at the border. Representative Ciscomani has been a committed advocate of modernizing the DeConcini LPOE to strengthen the security of the Arizona-Mexico border and improve the overall flow of goods across the border.\n\n\"Strong trade and border security are paramount for southern Arizona. As Representative of a border district, I am dedicated to ensuring the border is secure and the flow of trade across the border remains uninterrupted,\" said Rep. Ciscomani. \"The flow of agriculture products alone is essential for the flourishing of local communities, specifically our ranchers and farmers in rural areas. I remain committed to advocating for modernizations at the DeConcini Port of Entry to make sure Arizona continues to be a leader in international trade and that our border stays secure.\"\n\nIn a letter to the Department of Homeland Security and General Services Administration, Rep. Ciscomani was joined by his Arizona colleagues Reps. Greg Stanton and Abe Hamadeh in urging Secretary Mullin and Administrator Forst to take immediate action in modernizing the Port to strengthen the local and national economy, and border security.\n\n\"We write to underscore the urgent need to advance the modernization of the Dennis DeConcini Land Port of Entry (LPOE) in Nogales, Arizona. As one of the busiest ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border, the DeConcini LPOE is critical to our nation’s economic vitality and border security,\" the lawmakers write. \"We respectfully request your leadership in accelerating all remaining pre-construction activities and ensuring the project is fully prioritized within the upcoming General Services Administration (GSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Five-Year Capital Investment Plan. The DeConcini LPOE serves as a vital link between Arizona and Mexico, facilitating millions of lawful crossings each year. In 2025 alone, the port processed more than 7 million personal vehicle passengers and approximately 3.5 million pedestrians. Despite this volume, the facility’s core infrastructure has not kept pace with current operational demands. Originally constructed in 1931 and last significantly updated in 1994, U.S. CBP has confirmed that the current facility no longer meets mission requirements.\"\n\nThe DeConcini LPOE is in critical need of infrastructure updates to improve the facility’s configuration and to fix the issue of the nearby International Outfall Interceptor and stormwater tunnels beneath the facility creating dangerous flooding and overflows of sewer drainage. Current conditions at the facility expose Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel to harmful substances and conditions, impacting their ability to carry out their respective duties. Additionally, current facility setup does not allow for the effective deployment of modern inspection and pre-clearance systems. This also impacts the facility’s use of non-intrusive inspection (NII) technologies which are critical to the mission of CBP personnel.\n\nLong-overdue modernizations of the DeConcini LPOE are essential for ensuring trade at the Arizona-Mexico border remains strong and our border security personnel have the tools they need to keep the border secure. Issues at the DeConcini LPOE affect more than just the facility itself. These issues impact the overall strength of Arizona’s economy, hurting local businesses and daily life. The flow of everyday goods that are necessary for the flourishing of Arizona, from agriculture products to medical supplies, is heavily affected by the Port’s need for improvements.\n\nRep. Ciscomani remains committed to fighting for modernizations at the DeConcini LPOE as these improvements are more than necessary for our local and national economy and security.\n\nWatch Rep. Ciscomani’s full interview with 535 News HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2026/07/17/higgins-legislation-naming-lafayette-va-clinic-after-veteran-rodney-c-hamilton-sr-passes-house/", "title": "Higgins’ Legislation Naming Lafayette VA Clinic after Veteran Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. Passes House", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "clayhiggins.house.gov", "scraper": "clayhiggins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001077", "name": "Clay Higgins", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued a statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6963, legislation designating the outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lafayette, Louisiana, as the “Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. VA Clinic.”\n\n“Rodney Hamilton dedicated his life and career in service to the United States of America and our Veterans. His lifelong advocacy made it possible to establish Lafayette’s state-of-the-art VA clinic, and it is fitting that every Veteran assisted by this clinic will know his name,” said Rep. Higgins. “I am proud to have led this Louisiana delegation effort, and look forward to its swift passage in the Senate.”\n\nLouisiana delegation members Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), Congresswoman Julia Letlow (R-LA), Congressman Cleo Fields (D-LA), and Congressman Troy Carter (D-LA) are co-sponsors of the legislation. Supporting organizations include the American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Disabled American Veterans state chapters. Read the full text here.\n\nCongressman Higgins led debate in favor of the legislation on the House floor before it passed unanimously by voice vote. Watch his full remarks here.\n\nRodney Hamilton was born in 1932 in Fort Worth, Texas, and moved to Lafayette, Louisiana, in 1948, where he would reside until his death in 2020. At the age of 17, Hamilton joined the Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. He was wounded in combat in September 1951 and was awarded the Purple Heart. After his tenure in the Marine Corps, Hamilton became a Lafayette community leader. He served in Lafayette’s city government from 1968-1972 and later founded the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Action Coalition.\n\nAs a longtime Veterans advocate, Hamilton played a crucial role in establishing the VA clinic in Lafayette, which opened in 2016. The road leading to the Lafayette VA Clinic was named in Hamilton’s honor in 2017.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-davids-call-release-delayed-funding-supporting-local", "title": "Reps. Cleaver, Davids Call for Release of Delayed Funding Supporting Local History and Tourism", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cleaver.house.gov", "scraper": "cleaver", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001061", "name": "Emanuel Cleaver", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Sharice Davids (D-KS), are calling on the Trump Administration to immediately release overdue federal funding approved by Congress more than five months ago that supports museums, historic sites, classrooms, and tourism throughout western Missouri and eastern Kansas.\n\nDespite Congress approving the funding earlier this year, National Heritage Areas across the country, including the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA), have yet to receive the resources they rely on to keep staff employed, preserve historic sites, expand educational programming, and support local economies.\n\n“These repeated delays in funding are causing significant strain on our [National Heritage Areas] - many of which rely on small staffs and robust volunteer networks,” wrote the Members. “[The Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area] is facing this shortfall - and on the verge of having to lay off staff - while servicing a record number of grant applications, providing opportunities to 122 percent more students compared to the last fiscal year, and meeting increased tourism demand from the semiquincentennial and the FIFA World Cup 2026.”\n\nFederal investments in National Heritage Areas help preserve historic landmarks, support museums and cultural organizations, provide grants to local communities, expand education opportunities for students, and attract visitors whose spending strengthens local businesses. Every federal dollar invested through National Heritage Areas is matched by at least one dollar in private funding and generates more than five dollars in additional nonfederal investment.\n\nEstablished in 2006, the FFNHA connects more than 300 museums, historic sites, libraries, trails, and cultural organizations across 41 counties in Missouri and Kansas. Together, these partners tell the story of the western frontier, Bleeding Kansas, the Civil War, Brown v. Board of Education, Native American history, and influential Americans such as President Harry Truman and Amelia Earhart.\n\nAnnual federal funding also enables Freedom’s Frontier to award grants to local organizations, preserve historic sites, develop classroom programming, support heritage tourism, and coordinate projects that many smaller museums and nonprofit organizations could not undertake on their own.\n\nRead the Members’ full letter to OMB Director Vought here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://cloud.house.gov/posts/the-exceptional-members-backing-accountability-in-federal-spending", "title": "The Exceptional Members Backing Accountability in Federal Spending", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cloud.house.gov/press", "domain": "cloud.house.gov", "scraper": "cloud", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001115", "name": "Michael Cloud", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congress Members Seek Accountability in Federal Spending\n\nDaily Signal\n\nDaniel West | July 17th, 2026\n\nWhen people think of the rights and responsibilities of a legislator, they typically first imagine lawmaking: the slow and arduous task of crafting laws and policies. Thankfully, some members of Congress are moving beyond a passive view of lawmaking and are recovering a fuller picture of what it means to exercise their duties as elected representatives, namely by fighting fraud in federal grants.\n\nThis week, 34 members of the House and the Senate submitted a comment letter to the White House Office of Management and Budget on a proposed rule to strengthen accountability and oversight of federal grantmaking.\n\nLed by Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., and Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, these members are taking an active role in highlighting how the Trump administration’s actions to encourage oversight and accountability over public funds align with congressional intent set forth in federal law.\n\n“It is vital that recipients of government assistance comply with federal law,” the members wrote in a comment letter submitted to OMB. “As members of the United States Congress, we have an interest in ensuring that federal funds do not flow to projects or recipients that violate laws passed by our institution—or constitutional provisions passed by Congress and ratified by the States. And as representatives of the American people, we have an interest in stopping these funds from advancing peripheral and experimental ideologies that seek to destabilize the American project and harm the American people.”\n\nLegislators take an oath to support and defend the Constitution, bear true faith and allegiance to the same, and “faithfully discharge the duties of the office.” These are “duties,” plural, in recognition of the multiple functions of a legislator.\n\nOver time, members of Congress overpromised and underdelivered, leading citizens to expect less of their elected representatives in Washington, D.C.\n\nIn some ways, this is good; the federal government should not be the first stop to solve societal problems. But it can also cause problems, as our Republic cannot function if those elected to serve lose the public’s trust.\n\nThe 34 members of Congress highlight this at the end of their letter: “We commend OMB for seeking to ensure that all assistance disbursed by the federal government aligns with the Constitution and with federal law. The American people deserve no less.”\n\nAt a time when the American people are frustrated with Congress being more talk than action, it is refreshing to see representatives work with the administration to take back the reins from unelected bureaucrats in the administrative state.\n\nThe OMB’s proposed rule makes commonsense changes such as connecting the dots between government agencies to ensure fraudsters can no longer scam one agency, get flagged, then scam a different one.\n\nAs one example, Minnesota saw scams targeting federal child nutrition programs, then housing support programs, and finally taking advantage of programs to aid children with autism. By expanding the U.S. Treasury’s “Do Not Pay” tool the opportunities for fraud plummet, as proven by the recovered $11.7 billion in fiscal year 2025.\n\nAnother simple but effective tool would require grantees to submit certification of services rendered before the government authorizes payment.\n\nNo more pay first, chase fraud later.\n\nThese rule changes are the executive branch working to faithfully execute the law as Congress intended. While it is easy to be cynical, most laws are crafted by Congress not to produce loopholes for fraud. Thus, Congress has a responsibility to see that the executive carries out these functions with maximum integrity.\n\nWe should all encourage more of this inter-branch cooperation to secure public funds. The way the federal government stewards taxpayer dollars is a direct reflection of its respect for those it represents.\n\nSocialists spend like drunken sailors because they have little respect for those whom they are supposed to serve. Conservatives have long sought to ensure an efficient and effective government that promotes subsidiarity, which means this cleanup of federal financial management could not come at a better time.\n\nAs Americans reflect on 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, we should all recommit to upholding our rights and duties as citizens, starting with restoring trust in the stewardship of public funds.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-cleaver-call-release-delayed-funding-supporting-local-history-tourism", "title": "Davids, Cleaver Call for Release of Delayed Funding Supporting Local History, Tourism", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "davids.house.gov", "scraper": "davids", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000629", "name": "Sharice Davids", "party": "Democrat", "state": "KS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "This week, U.S. Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO-05) called on the Trump Administration to release overdue federal funding that supports museums, historic sites, classrooms, and tourism across eastern Kansas and western Missouri. Congress approved the funding more than five months ago, but local organizations are still waiting for the money they rely on to keep staff employed and programs running.\n\n“These repeated delays in funding are causing significant strain on our [National Heritage Areas] – many of which rely on small staffs and robust volunteer networks,” wrote the Members. “[The Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area] is facing this shortfall – and on the verge of having to lay off staff – while servicing a record number of grant applications, providing opportunities to 122 percent more students compared to the last fiscal year, and meeting increased tourism demand from the semiquincentennial and the FIFA World Cup 2026.”\n\nThe federal funding helps preserve historic landmarks, support museums and cultural organizations, provide grants to local communities, expand educational opportunities for students, and attract visitors whose spending supports local businesses. Every federal dollar invested through National Heritage Areas is matched by at least one dollar in private funding and generates more than $5 in additional nonfederal investment.\n\nEstablished in 2006, the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA) connects more than 300 museums, historic sites, libraries, trails, and cultural organizations across 41 counties in Kansas and Missouri. Together, these partners tell the story of the western frontier, Bleeding Kansas, the Civil War, Brown v. Board of Education, Native American history, and influential Americans like President Harry Truman and Amelia Earhart.\n\nThe annual federal funding also allows Freedom's Frontier to award grants to local organizations, preserve historic sites, develop classroom programming, support heritage tourism, and coordinate projects that many smaller museums and nonprofits could not undertake on their own.\n\nThe official letter from Davids and Cleaver is available here or below:\n\nDear Director Vought,\n\nWe write to you regarding critical funding for our nation’s 62 National Heritage Areas (NHAs) for fiscal year (FY) 2026. In January 2026, President Trump signed into law the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, which included annual appropriations for NHAs through the National Park Service (NPS) at $30.985 million. Since this bill was signed into law over five months ago, many NHAs – including the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA), which encompasses much of eastern Kansas and western Missouri – have not received their annual funding (around $500,000 per NHA) or any continuing resolution funding passed into law prior to January. This comes after FY25 funding for NHAs was significantly delayed with FFNHA not receiving their award until weeks before the end of the last fiscal year.\n\nNHAs are an excellent example of public-private partnerships that preserve our nation’s history, showcase our cultural heritage, and boost local economies. With modest federal appropriations, NHAs secure a minimum 100-percent match in nonfederal dollars to provide irreplaceable educational and tourism opportunities. FFNHA tells important stories of American settlement of the western frontier, Bleeding Kansas and the Civil War, Brown v. Board of Education and significant figures in our nation’s history such as President Harry Truman, Amelia Earhart, and the Native tribes of the Great Plains.\n\nNHAs contribute billions to the U.S. economy annually and support hundreds of thousands of jobs, leveraging each dollar of federal funding into more than $5 of nonfederal resources. For example, FFNHA provided 54 percent of its FY25 income from nonfederal sources. Our nation’s 62 NHAs provide an excellent and sustainable model of economic development at little cost to the federal government and are critical to telling our nation’s story amidst the America250 celebration.\n\nThese repeated delays in funding are causing significant strain on our NHAs – many of which rely on small staffs and robust volunteer networks; annual NPS appropriations are critical to attracting private donations, planning grants and historic preservation efforts, and executing educational opportunities. FFNHA is facing this shortfall – and on the verge of having to lay off staff – while servicing a record number of grant applications, providing opportunities to 122 percent more students compared to the last fiscal year, and meeting increased tourism demand from the semiquincentennial and the FIFA World Cup 2026.\n\nWe respectfully request that you immediately disburse these FY26 appropriations for NHAs and provide us with an outline of the award process and the reason for these delays. Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter. We look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7114", "title": "Dingell Introduces Resolution Recognizing Importance of Diversity in Federally Funded Health Research", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) introduced a resolution recognizing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in federally funded health research to advance scientific excellence, and ensure equitable outcomes for patients in the United States.\n\n“Medical research should be guided by science, not politics. If we want to develop the next generation of treatments and cures, our research must reflect the people those discoveries are meant to serve,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “Americans deserve confidence that taxpayer-funded research is evidence-based and focused on improving health outcomes for everyone.”\n\nThe resolution comes as the Trump administration considers a sweeping proposal that researchers warn would inject politics into the federal scientific grant process and weaken the longstanding peer review system used to evaluate federally funded biomedical research. The proposal has drawn opposition from physicians, scientists, patient advocates, and leading scientific organizations, who argue it would undermine scientific integrity and America’s leadership in medical innovation.\n\nThe resolution is endorsed by the HIV Medicine Association, Alliance for Aging Research, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer, GO2 For Lung Cancer, The Infectious Diseases Society of America, Gerontological Society of America, American Society for Microbiology, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, and the Union of Concerned Scientists.\n\n“The Alliance for Aging Research applauds Congresswoman Dingell’s lifelong commitment and continued leadership to ensure the findings of taxpayer funded biomedical research are relevant to all patients. Broad, vague, and politically opinionated prohibitions on essential research considerations such as diversity and inclusion only serve to undermine scientific integrity and ultimately, our global leadership in health innovation,” said Scott Frey, Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Government Relations.\n\n“Maintaining scientific integrity in medical research and ensuring that research study participants reflect the diversity of our population and the disproportionate impacts of diseases is critical for the health of all Americans. Because infectious diseases spread from person to person, it is in everyone’s interest to support research that helps keep everyone in our communities healthy. Placing politics above scientific merit and enabling drastic swings in research priorities every four years will undermine scientists’ ability to deliver lifesaving new cures and weaken our capacity to develop medical countermeasures for future outbreaks and biothreats,” said Ronald G. Nahass, MD, MHCM, FIDSA; President, Infectious Diseases Society of America.\n\n\"Giving federal political appointees (under any administration) the power to decide what science gets funded would quickly destroy the innovation that has enabled the United States to be the world leader in science for the past 70 years,\" said James C. Appleby, CEO of the Gerontological Society of America.\n\n\"By introducing significant uncertainty and politics into federal health research, the Federal Financial Assistance rule proposed by the Office of Management and Budget would set back efforts to end the HIV epidemic in America and around the globe. Researchers must address the needs of the populations most heavily impacted by HIV, including people of color and LGBTQ+ and transgender individuals in their studies. They must also be able to maintain international collaborations that continue groundbreaking developments in treatment, vaccine, and cure research in order to dramatically alter the trajectory of the HIV epidemic for all,\" said Anna K. Person, MD, FIDSA — Chair, HIVMA.\n\n“ASM is deeply concerned that the proposed ban on DEI will harm programs to increase participation in science - harming, not helping, scientific progress and the effectiveness of government funding and of private sector needs. In fact, diversity in thoughts, perspectives and experiences is not only desirable, but essential to solve complex problems, which is what science is about,” said Stefano Bertuzzi, American Society for Microbiology, CEO.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7116", "title": "CUT THE CRAP: Dingell, Colleagues Press Administration for Answers as Michigan Becomes Epicenter of Parasitic Outbreak", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI-08), Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12) pressed administration leaders at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for answers on the federal response–or lack thereof–to the nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis. The parasitic, foodborne infection has spread nationwide, but Michigan has emerged as an epicenter of the crisis, reporting more than 5,000 cases as of July 17.\n\nIn their letter to the acting heads of the CDC and FDA, the lawmakers expressed their concerns that recent federal staffing cuts and hollowed-out public health infrastructure are crippling the government's ability to track the infection, warn the public, and isolate the source.\n\n“While cases have been reported nationwide, Michigan has emerged as the epicenter of the outbreak, with thousands of confirmed illnesses and new cases continuing to be identified each day. The rapid increase in cases, coupled with the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle our nation’s public health infrastructure, raises serious questions about the federal government’s ability to effectively detect, investigate, and respond to public health emergencies,” the lawmakers said.\n\nThe lawmakers closed the letter with a series of questions and reiterated the importance of a strong public health system: “The people of Michigan — and all Americans — deserve confidence that the food they purchase and consume is safe. They also deserve a strong federal public health system that works in close partnership with state and local h\n\nealth departments to rapidly identify foodborne threats, provide clear and timely guidance to the public, and prevent additional illnesses.”\n\nA copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:\n\nDear Acting Director Bhattacharya and Acting Commissioner Diamantas:\n\nWe write as members of Congress from Michigan, with serious concerns regarding the outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a foodborne parasitic infection which has now been detected in at least 34 states and continues to spread without an identified source. While cases have been reported nationwide, Michigan has emerged as the epicenter of the outbreak, with thousands of confirmed illnesses and new cases continuing to be identified each day. The rapid increase in cases, coupled with the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle our nation’s public health infrastructure, raises serious questions about the federal government’s ability to effectively detect, investigate, and respond to public health emergencies.\n\nCyclosporiasis is a foodborne illness that causes frequent diarrhea, along with other symptoms which can be severe, including abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and dehydration. To the best understanding of experts in foodborne illness, infection can occur when people consume food contaminated with infected human fecal matter. It generally does not spread from person to person, and the incubation period can take days to weeks after exposure, making outbreaks difficult to trace and contain. Furthermore, many individuals never receive diagnostic testing, while others experience mild or no symptoms, meaning numerous infections likely go unreported. As a result, the official case numbers may represent only a fraction of the outbreak’s actual size.\n\nMichigan has reported more than 3,700 cases — by far the largest concentration identified anywhere in the country — with reported cases increasing by approximately 20 to 30 percent each day. Michigan records roughly 50 cases of cyclosporiasis annually, meaning the current numbers are extremely alarming. The scale of the current outbreak represents one of the largest foodborne illness investigations the state has undertaken in recent years.\n\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has been working tirelessly to interview individuals testing positive for cyclosporiasis for common food exposures. Their work has pointed to potential sources of illness, including lettuce and salad greens. However, identifying the contaminated product and preventing additional illnesses requires the full capacity of our nation’s public health infrastructure, particularly where supply chains cross state and international borders.\n\nTo date, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — the two regulatory entities primarily responsible for responding to foodborne illness outbreaks — have yet to identify a specific source responsible for the outbreak, meaning Americans searching for the best available guidance from experts on how to keep themselves and their families safe are left without one reliable, central source for information. It is more important than ever that Americans receive timely, detailed, and science-based guidance on how to reduce their risk of infection and how to best protect themselves and their families.\n\nWhile the nature of the parasite is likely a factor in a source not yet being identified, staffing cuts at key agencies like CDC and FDA raise serious questions about a lack of necessary expertise and of the ability to adequately respond to the outbreak. Since Fiscal Year 2024, CDC staffing has reportedly declined by about 27 percent, including staff at the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), which is responsible for preventing the spread of illnesses like cyclosporiasis. Likewise, thousands of employees were fired from the FDA in early 2025, including staff from the Human Foods Program, which oversees food safety at the agency. These cuts have limited agencies’ ability to prevent, track, and respond to this kind of outbreak.\n\nWe are also concerned by changes that have weakened the nation’s foodborne illness surveillance systems. The Administration has made states use of FoodNet, the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, optional for all but two pathogens, limiting yet another tool we have historically relied on. FoodNet has long provided critical data to help investigators identify, monitor, and track cases of foodborne illness caused by eight specific pathogens including cyclospora. Experts have warned that the loss of this data could hinder health officials’ ability to track cases and identify trends that could point to a particular source.\n\nGiven the seriousness of this outbreak and the concerns surrounding the ability of CDC and FDA to manage this ongoing outbreak with limited resources, we respectfully request your response to the following questions by July 24, 2026.\n\n1. What is CDC's current assessment of the scope of the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak, including the total number of confirmed and suspected cases by state?\n\na. Can you explain what factors may be limiting the ability to obtain an accurate case count?\n\n2. What investigative steps have CDC and FDA taken to identify the source of this outbreak? Has the CDC and FDA met with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services regarding this outbreak?\n\n3. Do CDC and FDA agree with the assessment of Michigan health officials identifying lettuce or salad greens as the possible source of illness?\n\n4. What barriers are preventing CDC and FDA from acting on leads identified by Michigan investigators?\n\n5. When do CDC and FDA anticipate being able to identify the source of this outbreak?\n\n6. How many CDC and FDA personnel are currently assigned to this investigation, and how does that compare to staffing levels for comparable foodborne illness outbreaks over the past five years?\n\na. Do you plan to hire additional staff to manage and investigate the source of this outbreak?\n\n7. How has making states’ participation in FoodNet optional for cyclosporiasis surveillance affected CDC’s ability to detect, monitor, and investigate the current outbreak?\n\na. Is there any plan for CDC to recommend restoring mandatory participation in FoodNet? If not, why?\n\n8. Can you detail the coordination between CDC, FDA, state health departments, and other partners to identify the source of contamination?\n\n9. What steps is CDC advising the public to take to keep themselves safe? Please share the latest food safety guidance that has been issued.\n\n10. What efforts are CDC and FDA taking to spread awareness and educate the public on the risks of illness and preventative measures?\n\nThe people of Michigan — and all Americans — deserve confidence that the food they purchase and consume is safe. They also deserve a strong federal public health system that works in close partnership with state and local health departments to rapidly identify foodborne threats, provide clear and timely guidance to the public, and prevent additional illnesses. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your response.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/democratic-house-trade-working-group-members-issue-statement-president", "title": "Democratic House Trade Working Group Members Issue Statement on President Trump Not Extending the USMCA Trade Deal As-Is", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "delauro.house.gov", "scraper": "delauro", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000216", "name": "Rosa L. DeLauro", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, members of the Democratic House Working Group, chaired by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, released the following statement following news that the Trump Administration would not extend the trilateral US-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade pact for another sixteen years as-is.\n\nMembers issuing the statement: Representative DeLauro, Representative Dean, Representative Deluzio, Representative Dingell, Representative Hoyle, Representative Kaptur, Representative Lynch, Representative McGovern, Representative Mrvan, Representative Nadler, Representative Pingree, Representative Pocan, Representative Raskin, Representative Schakowsky, Representative B. Scott, Representative Tonko\n\n“Over a hundred House Democrats and dozens of major labor unions, environmental, farm, faith and consumer groups demanded renegotiation of President Trump’s USMCA because it has failed American workers and the environment. Corporations have continued to exploit lower environmental and labor standards and rock-bottom Mexican wages 40 percent below industrial wages in China to continue to offshore jobs. Now that the Administration has recognized that President Trump’s USMCA cannot continue in its current form, we will continue to lead the Democratic Caucus in pushing for a renegotiated USMCA that works for working families, and protects our farms and manufacturing sector, and the environment.\n\n“It is time for a new era of trade policy, as laid out in the Democratic Fair Trade for Working Families Resolution—an era of strong labor, wage, and environmental standards, strong rules of origin and clear Made in America requirements, robust enforcement mechanisms to combat violations, no limits on food safety, environmental or Big Tech oversight, and guardrails against offshoring. These are the issues that we will be prioritizing as we prepare to renegotiate USMCA, and we urge the Trump Administration to join us and American workers in fighting for a level playing field.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-jayapal-ryan-introduce-legislation-break-meatpacking-monopolies-drive", "title": "Deluzio, Jayapal, Ryan Introduce Legislation to Break Up Meatpacking Monopolies, Drive Down Grocery Costs", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "deluzio.house.gov", "scraper": "deluzio", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000530", "name": "Christopher R. Deluzio", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Pat Ryan (NY-18), three co-chairs of the Monopoly Busters Caucus, are introducing the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act, legislation to break up dominant meatpacking monopolies, rein in foreign-controlled corporate giants, and end unfair pricing practices that raise costs for American families and box out local farmers and ranchers.\n\n“Meatpacking monopolies are crushing hard-working small farmers, ranchers, and business owners—and are jacking up food prices for all of us,” said Congressman Deluzio. “In the richest country in the history of the world that likes our meat, we can’t let it become a luxury good. Let’s pass this bill to break up these monopolies and bring some relief to everyone they’re squeezing right now.”\n\n“Massive corporations are driving up prices, making it unaffordable for working people to put food on the table,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “It is a failure of our government to have allowed these corporate interests to swallow up the market, raising costs and putting hundreds of thousands of family farms out of business in the process. This bill is a critical step to level the playing field — to give independent ranchers and farmers a fair shot while ultimately lowering grocery bills for American families.”\n\n“Every time we walk into the grocery store, Hudson Valley families are getting squeezed by high prices because a few greedy corporations are raking in record-breaking profits. That’s unacceptable. Instead of taking on the monopolies driving up costs, like the four meatpacking companies that dominate the market, our fundamentally broken system rewards their greed while punishing our family-run grocers, farms, and restaurants,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “As the President’s wars and tariffs hurt our small businesses, we should be focused on lowering costs, strengthening our supply chains, and putting working families ahead of corporate special interests. This bill would break up the monopolies jacking up costs and give our local grocers and farms some extra support. I'll keep fighting to crack down on price gouging, take on greedy monopolies, and make sure every family can afford to put food on the table.”\n\nMeatpacking is a heavily consolidated industry in the United States. For example, 85 percent of the U.S. beef market is controlled by just four companies: Cargill, JBS, Tyson, and the National Beef Packing Company. This corporate consolidation allows these giants to unfairly extract value and take home maximum profits at the expense of farmers and consumers, all while stifling competition.\n\nThe Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act imposes structural reforms to restore competition to the industry. Specifically, it:\n\nMakes it unlawful for a major meatpacking conglomerate to control more than one major type of meat, i.e., pork, chicken, beef;\n\nImposes hard caps on the concentration of beef markets at both the regional and national levels and authorizes the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to order divestiture from the market if those caps are exceeded;\n\nProhibits foreign leverage over the domestic meat market, empowering FTC to protect competition and national security;\n\nDirects the FTC to enforce against discriminatory pricing practices in retail and wholesale meat markets that hit independent and neighborhood grocers the hardest;\n\nAuthorizes the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide financial assistance, loan guarantees, and technical assistance to farmers’ cooperatives and small business concerns to acquire meatpacking facilities divested under the Act; and\n\nCreates enforceable penalties for corporations that fail to properly divest, enforceable under the FTC Act.\n\nThis legislation builds upon a field hearing hosted by the Monopoly Busters Caucus earlier this year in which an independent rancher testified to the harmful effects of consolidation in the meatpacking industry.\n\nNorth Dakota has some of the highest quality beef in the nation, and my fellow ranchers deserve a larger share of the profit for their hard work,\" said Travis Anderson, North Dakota cattle rancher and member of Dakota Resource Council and the National Family Farm Coalition. \"Breaking up the dominant meat processing companies while addressing horizontal integration would make the overall industry more fair and competitive, while also providing consumers with more affordable and abundant choices at the grocery store.\"\n\n“The Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act takes on a root cause of the factory farm system that has devastated rural communities, workers, public health, and family farmers – the market power of a handful of giant meatpackers,” said Patty Lovera, policy advisor for the Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment. “It’s time to break up the massive companies that have consolidated livestock production and rigged the market against independent producers.”\n\n\"Today, we will lose 63 farmers, and at the same time, Americans struggle to feed their families, and that's no accident,” said Joe Maxwell, president of Farm Action Fund. “It's the predictable result of decades of unchecked consolidation that has allowed a handful of corporations to control our food system. As a fourth-generation family farmer, I have witnessed this takeover firsthand. The Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act begins restoring the freedom to farm, the freedom to compete, and the freedom for families to afford the food they need. We applaud Representatives Jayapal, Deluzio, Ryan, and the other sponsors for confronting concentrated corporate power and standing with America's farmers, workers, and consumers.\"\n\n“For decades, four meatpacking giants have used their monopoly power to drive up grocery bills and squeeze out the farmers and ranchers who feed America,” said Morgan Harper, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the American Economic Liberties Project. “Rep. Jayapal’s bill takes direct aim at the root of the problem by breaking up the big four meatpackers and restoring real competition. Americans deserve food markets that reward hard work, not corporate gatekeepers. Congress should seize this opportunity to stand with families, farmers, and independent businesses instead of monopoly power.”\n\nThe Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act is also sponsored by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesus G. \"Chuy\" Garcia (IL-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Henry C. (\"Hank\") Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), Emily Randall (WA-06), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).\n\nIt is endorsed by American Economic Liberties Project (AELP), Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment (CFFE), Consumer Federation of America, Demand Progress, Farm Action Fund, Food & Water Watch, Groundwork Action, Montana Cattlemen's Association (MCA), National Family Farm Coalition (NFCC), Open Markets Institute (OMI), and Small Business Majority.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3273", "title": "Congresswoman Escobar Statement Following   Dangerous Trump Speech to Cast Doubt on Election Safety", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement after Donald Trump gave a rambling, dangerous speech from the White House:\n\n“Since the 2020 election, more than 60 judges – some of whom Trump appointed – rejected lawsuits challenging the results. Numerous recounts and audits have only reaffirmed that he lost. Prominent Republicans and members of his own administration disputed every single one of his claims.\n\n“Trump knows he lost in 2020. Tonight’s rambling speech by the President was about casting doubt on the upcoming elections in November. He is laying the groundwork to overturn the results of the midterms if Republicans lose power, which is widely expected to happen.\n\n“Voters in El Paso and across the country must remain vigilant. The only cure to a president cosplaying as a king and his loyal party, only too eager to look away, is for the people to defend our democracy. Our country, our institutions, and our rights are under attack; it’s up to us to put a stop to this in November.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases/telcoin-ceo-paul-neuner-address-flyover-fintech-lincoln-nebraska-aug-4th", "title": "Telcoin CEO Paul Neuner to Address Flyover Fintech in Lincoln, Nebraska on Aug. 4th", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "flood.house.gov", "scraper": "flood", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000474", "name": "Mike Flood", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Flood announced that Telcoin CEO Paul Neuner will address his upcoming Flyover Fintech Conference in Lincoln, Nebraska on August 4, 2026.\n\n\"I am thrilled to announce that Telcoin Digital Asset Bank Founder and CEO Paul Neuner will address Flyover Fintech this August,\" said Congressman Flood. \"Paul is a pioneer in digital asset innovation, and Telcoin Digital Asset Bank's effort to become the first Digital Asset Depository Institution chartered under Nebraska's Financial Innovation Act shows why our state is leading the way on responsible fintech policy. I’m excited for Paul to share his insight on building trusted financial infrastructure for the future of digital assets. Flyover Fintech has become a must-attend event for anyone following the future of finance and fintech, and I encourage anyone interested to register soon to reserve their spot.\"\n\nPaul Neuner is the founder and CEO of Telcoin and Telcoin Digital Asset Bank which became the first Digital Asset Depository Institution chartered by the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance under the Nebraska Financial Innovation Act. Before Telcoin Digital Asset Bank, he was an entrepreneur in cybersecurity and telecom fraud management, including as founder and CEO of Mobius Wireless Solutions, which built revenue assurance and fraud management solutions for mobile network operators globally. Paul also previously founded the Internet application development department of Ernst & Young Technologies.\n\nFlyover Fintech conferences feature a wide variety of speakers, ranging from members of the House Financial Services Committee to leading voices in the fintech industry. Additional speakers and panelists for Flyover Fintech 2026 will be announced in in the coming weeks.\n\nRegistration for the conference is now open at www.flyoverfintech.com. Additional details about the location and information about hotels and travel are also available there.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5023", "title": "Frankel Responds to Trump’s Primetime Attack on Voting Rights", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "frankel.house.gov", "scraper": "frankel", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000462", "name": "Lois Frankel", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s Thursday evening election remarks:\n\n“President Trump’s address last night was another attempt to distract the American people with falsehoods and long-debunked conspiracy theories about our elections instead of addressing the issues families care about most,” said Rep. Frankel.\n\n“While Americans are paying more for groceries, housing, and health care, President Trump and Republicans are focused on spreading election misinformation and advancing legislation that makes it harder for eligible Americans to vote. The facts remain unchanged: the 2020 election was secure—a conclusion confirmed by the Trump Administration’s own review, bipartisan election officials, independent audits, and the courts.\n\n“Along with House Democrats I will continue fighting to lower costs, protect Social Security and Medicare, defend the freedom to vote, and hold accountable anyone who abuses public office for personal gain. We stand with the dedicated state and local election officials who protect the integrity of our elections, and we will continue working to ensure every eligible American can cast a ballot freely and confidently. The strongest answer to fear and misinformation is participation. Make a plan to vote, vote early if you can, and encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same. In our democracy, the most important title is not President or Representative—it is citizen.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1919", "title": "Franklin Celebrates Final Rule Modernizing Orange Juice Brix Standard", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "franklin.house.gov", "scraper": "franklin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000472", "name": "Scott Franklin", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Scott Franklin today welcomed the final federal rule modernizing the nation's outdated standard of identity for pasteurized orange juice, the culmination of his years long bipartisan effort to update a decades old regulation and support Florida's citrus industry.\n\nThe rule lowers the federal minimum Brix standard for pasteurized orange juice from 10.5 percent to 10 percent, bringing federal policy in line with modern growing conditions. It will help Florida citrus growers make greater use of domestically grown fruit, reduce reliance on imported juice, remove an unnecessary regulatory burden and preserve the quality consumers expect from 100 percent orange juice.\n\n\"This final rule is a critical victory for Florida citrus and the growers working tirelessly to keep this iconic industry alive,\" said Congressman Scott Franklin. \"For years, our producers have battled citrus greening, hurricanes, freezes and rising production costs while operating under a federal regulation written for a different era. This rule finally brings federal policy in line with today's agricultural realities by cutting unnecessary red tape, helping American growers get more value from the fruit they produce and reducing our reliance on imported orange juice. I'm grateful to Secretary Kennedy, Senator Moody, our Florida delegation and our citrus industry leaders for helping deliver this long overdue win for Florida agriculture.\"\n\nThe finalized rule was announced today in Lakeland by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Senator Ashley Moody, underscoring the importance of Florida's citrus industry and this long awaited regulatory reform.\n\n“President Trump is ending an outdated regulation that forced American orange juice producers to rely on foreign imports and an obsolete sugar standard,” said HHS Secretary Kennedy. “We are cutting red tape, saving the industry more than $50 million each year, strengthening American supply chains, and creating a level playing field for U.S. citrus growers — all while maintaining the safety, quality, and taste Americans expect. That is America First policy, guided by gold-standard science.”\n\n“When I heard an outdated FDA rule was threatening the survival of Florida’s great citrus growers, I immediately went to work—filing the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act and meeting with the White House to expedite a solution. Today is proof that the juice was worth the squeeze. Florida’s citrus farmers are an integral part of Florida’s culture, and I will always fight to ensure they have the support they need to continue growing and making a living,” said Senator Ashley Moody. “Thank you to everyone who worked so cohesively to make this happen, including Sec. Kennedy, Rep. Franklin, Rep. Lee, Rep. Cammack, and our industry partners. This is a major win for our state.”\n\nThe federal Brix standard establishes the minimum level of naturally occurring sugar and soluble solids required for pasteurized orange juice. The previous 10.5 percent standard was established more than 60 years ago, long before citrus greening and repeated natural disasters fundamentally changed growing conditions in Florida. As a result, many healthy, marketable Florida oranges could no longer meet the outdated federal standard despite producing safe, high-quality juice.\n\nFranklin has led congressional efforts to modernize the federal standard for several years after hearing directly from Florida growers and processors about the challenges created by the outdated regulation. He first introduced the bipartisan Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act in 2023, with Senator Marco Rubio introducing companion legislation in the Senate. Franklin reintroduced the legislation in 2025 with broad bipartisan support from the Florida congressional delegation, while Senator Ashley Moody led the companion bill in the Senate. He also authored an op-ed in the Tampa Bay Times highlighting the need to modernize the federal standard.\n\nFranklin also advanced the effort through the appropriations process by securing language in the House Appropriations Committee's Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies funding bill directing the Food and Drug Administration to modernize the federal standard of identity for pasteurized orange juice. The report language directed the agency to complete its review considering the significant challenges facing Florida's citrus industry.\n\nEarlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration proposed updating the federal standard to align with Franklin's legislation. Today's final rule delivers long awaited regulatory relief for Florida citrus growers, strengthens domestic orange juice production and ensures federal policy reflects the realities of modern citrus production.\n\nThis final rule reflects what can happen when Congress works directly with growers, processors and industry leaders to remove outdated regulations that no longer serve the people they intend to help.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://fuller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fuller-introduces-resolution-supporting-the-efforts-of-the-trump-administration-to-obtain-a-rehearing-of-the-decision-of-the-supreme-court-of-the-united-states-in-trump-v-barbara", "title": "Congressman Fuller Introduces Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Trump Administration to Obtain a Rehearing of the Decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in Trump v. Barbara", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fuller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fuller.house.gov", "scraper": "fuller", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000485", "name": "Clay Fuller", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Earlier this week, Congressman Fuller introduced a resolution in support of the Trump administration's efforts to obtain a rehearing of the Supreme Court's decision that children born in the United States to parents who are unlawfully or temporarily present in the country are \"subject to the jurisdiction\" of the United States and are therefore guaranteed citizenship at birth under the Fourteenth Amendment.\n\nOn June 30, 2026, the Supreme Court issued its 5–4 decision in Trump v. Barbara, ruling that nearly all children born in the United States are entitled to birthright citizenship regardless of their parents' immigration or legal status. In doing so, the Court struck down President Donald Trump's 2025 executive order, which sought to deny automatic citizenship to children born in the United States to parents who were in the country illegally.\n\n“America is for Americans, not illegal aliens who intend to exploit birthright citizenship as a loophole. Birthright citizenship is being used as a weapon to dilute the value of American citizenship, and it must end. The Supreme Court has made it clear that it refuses to stop the invasion taking place through our broken immigration system. I will continue to fight alongside President Trump and his administration to prioritize the future of American children over the future of illegal immigrants,” said Congressman Clay Fuller.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/goldman-schumer-gillibrand-call-investigation-trump-admin-plan-move-army-corps", "title": "Goldman, Schumer, Gillibrand Call for Investigation Into Trump Admin Plan to Move Army Corps of Engineers Offices From NYC to New Jersey", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "goldman.house.gov", "scraper": "goldman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000599", "name": "Daniel S. Goldman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Dan Goldman (NY-10), Senate Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand led 7 members of the New York congressional delegation in demanding an investigation into the Trump Administration’s decision to move the Army Corps of Engineers New York District and North Atlantic Division’s (NAN) offices from federally owned facilities in Manhattan and Brooklyn to office space leased from a private party in New Jersey. The members are asking the Government Accountability Office to conduct an independent investigation to determine if the move complies with all relevant laws and regulations.\n\nThe letter was also signed by Reps. Laura Gillen (NY-04), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Grace Meng (NY-06), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), and Yvette Clarke (NY-09).\n\n“We write to request the Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigate the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) New York District and North Atlantic Division’s (NAN) planned relocation of its New York District offices from federally owned facilities in Manhattan and Brooklyn to office space leased from a private party in New Jersey,” wrote the members. “Substantial concerns exist regarding whether USACE has complied with applicable Department of Defense regulations and directives governing the acquisition of leased real property, including requirements relating to economic analysis, approval procedures, consideration of available federal space, and evaluation of alternatives. Publicly available information suggests the agency may have moved forward with the solicitation process before completing required analyses or approvals. Doing so raises serious concerns relating to wasteful spending and accountability of public funds.\n\nThe members continued: “The limited operational and financial rationale that USACE has provided in support of the relocation appears incomplete and inconsistent. Numerous concerns have been raised regarding increased employee attrition, diminished coordination with local and state stakeholders, longer travel times to project sites, disruption to ongoing infrastructure projects, and the substantial costs associated with vacating existing federally owned space. USACE has provided no evidence that it considered increased costs of moving to an annual leasing structure, which would give a private landlord significant leverage to increase costs once staff have moved in. USACE also appears to have failed to consider available alternatives, such as retaining the current offices or delaying or phasing a relocation plan, raising serious concerns relating to responsible use of public funds.”\n\n\"IFPTE applauds Congressman Goldman, Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and several Members of the New York Congressional Delegation who have requested that GAO investigate the Army Corps’ decision to move District and Division Offices out of New York City. Because our members at the Army Corps are dedicated to their work and to fulfilling the agency's mission, we oppose this wasteful, disruptive, and ill-considered effort that will delay projects, drive up costs, hurt emergency response and economic development, and increase the risk of failure. This Congressional request for a GAO investigation is necessary because Army Corps leadership has not been forthright on the relocation process, the cost-benefit analysis, nor the harmful impacts that this office move will create,\" said Matthew Biggs, President of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE).\n\nIn March, Rep. Goldman led a bipartisan letter to the Army Corps and the General Services Administration (GSA) expressing concerns about the move and how it would adversely affect the Corps’ ability to undertake its core missions in the New York area.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here or below:\n\nDear Acting Comptroller General Brown:\n\nWe write to request the Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigate the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) New York District and North Atlantic Division’s (NAN) planned relocation of its New York District offices from federally owned facilities in Manhattan and Brooklyn to office space leased from a private party in New Jersey. Given Congress’s oversight responsibilities regarding Department of Defense real property management, appropriations, and federal leasing practices, we request that GAO examine whether USACE’s actions comply with applicable statutes and regulations. An independent investigation is critical to determine the extent to which officials at the USACE and Department of Defense are operating in accordance with the law.\n\nPursuant to the Comptroller General’s authority to issue decisions concerning appropriated funds and fiscal law, we request a decision regarding the legality of the proposed relocation of functions from federally owned space in New York City to privately owned space in New Jersey. USACE NAN currently occupies federally owned office space in New York City that supports\n\nmission-critical civil works, resiliency, navigation, infrastructure, and emergency management operations throughout the New York region.\n\nDespite the longstanding federal presence of these offices and their proximity to major projects, local stakeholders, and state and municipal partners, USACE has initiated an accelerated procurement process to relocate personnel to privately leased office space in New Jersey. Specifically, by letter dated February 23, 2026, the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), Adam Telle, directed USACE NAN to relocate operations from federally owned space in New York City to New Jersey. According to publicly available procurement materials, USACE issued a Request for Lease Proposals (RLP) seeking private office space in New Jersey, with proposals due by April 27, 2026. The timeline is accelerated: the Assistant Secretary directed that New York leadership functions be located in the new or an interim location by August 15, 2026 and the rest of main District office activities conducted out of the new or an interim location by December 31, 2026. We understand from the publicly available RLP materials that the agency intends to rely on 10 U.S.C. § 2661 as authority for this lease acquisition rather than proceeding through the General Services Administration (GSA) leasing process traditionally used for federal office space acquisitions.\n\nSerious questions exist regarding whether USACE is appropriately invoking 10 U.S.C. § 2661 as authority for what appears to be a long-term office relocation involving civilian personnel and administrative functions. Prior GAO decisions have recognized limits on the Department of Defense’s authority under Section 2661 with respect to multiyear lease arrangements and the use of annual appropriations for long-term obligations. While the RLP is written to seek only a series of individual, one-year leases, a permanent headquarters relocation plainly cannot be intended as a one-year arrangement – it is clearly a longer-term move. This raises serious questions as to whether USACE is improperly using 10 U.S.C. § 2661(b), authority that is intended to be used for short term, primarily non-civilian functions, to avoid subjecting this lease to GSA regulation and oversight.\n\nIn addition, questions remain regarding compliance with the notice, reporting, and waiting-period requirements set forth in 10 U.S.C. § 2662. Section 2662 requires that military departments may not enter rental property transactions until 14 days after the submission of a special report to Congress. We previously requested clarification from the Department of the Army regarding whether required Congressional notifications had been made before the agency proceeded with the lease solicitation process. To date, it remains unclear whether these statutory requirements have been satisfied or will be satisfied prior to finalization of a lease.\n\nEven if USACE had independent authority to acquire lease space, it would still be required to comply with the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) guidance on funding leases acquired under that authority, as well as the agency’s own internal policies, regulations, and Procedures. Substantial concerns exist regarding whether USACE has complied with applicable Department of Defense regulations and directives governing the acquisition of leased real property, including requirements relating to economic analysis, approval procedures, consideration of available federal space, and evaluation of alternatives. Publicly available information suggests the agency may have moved forward with the solicitation process before completing required analyses or approvals. Doing so raises serious concerns relating to wasteful spending and accountability of public funds.\n\nThe limited operational and financial rationale that USACE has provided in support of the relocation appears incomplete and inconsistent. Numerous concerns have been raised regarding increased employee attrition, diminished coordination with local and state stakeholders, longer travel times to project sites, disruption to ongoing infrastructure projects, and the substantial costs associated with vacating existing federally owned space. USACE has provided no evidence that it considered increased costs of moving to an annual leasing structure, which would give a private landlord significant leverage to increase costs once staff have moved in. USACE also appears to have failed to consider available alternatives, such as retaining the current offices or delaying or phasing a relocation plan, raising serious concerns relating to responsible use of public funds.\n\nFinally, we are concerned that this relocation does not represent an isolated action but instead reflects a broader effort to relocate USACE regional offices from federally owned facilities into privately leased space nationwide. If true, this heightens the concerns listed above and raises broader concerns regarding federal expenditures, real property management practices, and\n\npotential circumvention of traditional GSA oversight mechanisms.\n\nGiven the potential for significant waste that will result from a move, we seek an independent review of the legal mechanisms USACE is using for the move as well as the effect of such a move on stewardship of taxpayer funds and whether USACE’s actions or any portion thereof violates the Anti-deficiency Act.\n\nWe respectfully request that GAO conduct an audit and issue a report including the following:\n\n1. A detailed review of all actions taken by USACE, the Department of the Army, and the Department of Defense in identifying, approving, and implementing the proposed relocation of the New York District offices. Such review should include:\n\nA timeline of decisions and actions taken regarding the proposed relocation and lease acquisition;\n\nAn accounting of the names, titles, and offices of officials involved in approving or directing the relocation;\n\nAll analyses, memoranda, budgets, or internal evaluations relating to or used in the justification for relocating from federally owned space to privately leased facilities;\n\nAny evaluations regarding employee attrition, recruitment impacts, operational disruption, commuting burdens, or project delivery impacts associated with the relocation; and\n\nAny analyses comparing continued occupancy of existing federal facilities with relocation alternatives.\n\n2. A detailed review of USACE’s reliance on 10 U.S.C. § 2661 as authority for the proposed lease acquisition. Such review should include:\n\nWhether the contemplated lease structure complies with limitations applicable to leasing authority under Section 2661;\n\nWhether the lease structure creates obligations inconsistent with appropriations law or the Antideficiency Act;\n\nWhether the agency’s proposed use of annual lease structures is consistent with prior GAO legal interpretations; and\n\nWhether the proposed lease arrangement effectively functions as a multiyear lease obligation.\n\n3. A detailed review of USACE’s compliance with 10 U.S.C. § 2662 and related congressional notification requirements. Such review should include:\n\nWhether all required notices and reports were submitted to Congress;\n\nThe dates on which any required submissions were made;\n\nWhether the agency inappropriately initiated activities prior to satisfying statutory waiting-period requirements.\n\n4. A detailed review of USACE’s compliance with Department of Defense directives, procedures, and regulations governing real property acquisition and leasing. Such review should include:\n\nWhether required economic analyses were completed prior to issuance of the RLP;\n\nWhether required approvals were obtained from appropriate Department of Defense officials;\n\nWhether the agency evaluated the availability of federally owned or otherwise available government property before pursuing leased space;\n\nWhether the agency complied with all internal procedures governing lease acquisitions exceeding applicable financial thresholds.\n\n5. An evaluation of whether any actions taken by USACE or other federal officials violated applicable statutes, appropriations restrictions, or Department of Defense procedures governing real property acquisition and leasing.\n\nOn the basis of this investigation, we further request that GAO issue a legal determination on the following questions:\n\nWhether USACE’s reliance on 10 U.S.C. § 2661 as authority for the proposed lease acquisition is lawful and consistent with the scope of leasing authority granted under that statute;\n\nWhether the proposed lease structure complies with limitations applicable to leases entered pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 2661, including limitations concerning multiyear obligations and the use of annual appropriations;\n\nWhether the contemplated lease arrangement creates obligations inconsistent with the Antideficiency Act or other federal appropriations restrictions, including but not limited to whether Civil Works appropriations are legally available for costs associated with this relocation;\n\nWhether use of Civil Works appropriations for this purpose constitutes impermissible reprogramming, augmentation, or diversion of funds from congressionally authorized purposes.\n\nWhether USACE’s proposed use of short-duration or annually renewable lease structures is consistent with prior GAO legal interpretations concerning Department of Defense leasing authority;\n\nWhether USACE and the Department of the Army have complied with all statutory notice and reporting obligations required under 10 U.S.C. § 2662 prior to initiating or proceeding with the lease procurement process;\n\nWhether the proposed leasing arrangement improperly circumvents or avoids the GSA’s leasing authority and oversight responsibilities under 40 U.S.C. § 585 and related federal property statutes;\n\nWhether USACE complied with applicable Department of Defense directives, regulations, and procedures governing the acquisition of leased real property, including requirements relating to: economic analysis, approval procedures, evaluation of alternatives, consideration of federally owned or otherwise available government property, and documentation supporting the necessity of relocating mission-essential personnel;\n\nWhether the agency adequately considered the operational and financial consequences of the proposed relocation, including workforce attrition and recruitment impacts; disruptions to project operations. impacts on coordination with local, state, and federal stakeholders; costs associated with vacating federally owned facilities; and long-term leasing costs and exposure to future rent increases; and\n\nWhether the February 23, 2026 directive itself authorized or contemplated obligations absent available appropriations or leasing authority.\n\nGiven the significant implications of and planned timeline for the proposed move, we would\n\nrespectfully request the expeditious review of these questions as soon as possible.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6149", "title": "Unannounced Gomez Inspection Reveals ICE Is Temporarily Closing Downtown LA Detention Facility, Transferring 22 People to Santa Ana", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gomez.house.gov", "scraper": "gomez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000585", "name": "Jimmy Gomez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WATCH: Congressman Gomez reports from outside the B-18 detention facility following today’s inspection\n\nLOS ANGELES, CA — An unannounced congressional inspection by Congressman Jimmy Gomez today revealed that ICE is temporarily closing its B-18 detention facility in Downtown Los Angeles and transferring all 22 people currently detained there to a facility in Santa Ana.\n\nICE officials disclosed the planned closure and transfers after Gomez arrived at B-18 without advance notice to inspect conditions inside the facility. Officials told Gomez that the facility is being temporarily closed because ICE expects demonstrations in the area this weekend.\n\nThe closure and transfers had not been publicly announced before Gomez’s inspection.\n\n“The public only knows about this because we showed up unannounced and demanded answers,” said Congressman Gomez. “I sued the Trump administration to protect Congress’s right to conduct these inspections, and I won. ICE cannot operate behind closed doors, and I will keep showing up to hold them accountable.”\n\nToday’s disclosure demonstrates the importance of preserving Congress’s authority to conduct unannounced inspections of immigration detention facilities. After the Trump administration attempted to block Members of Congress from entering ICE facilities without advance notice, Gomez personally sued the administration and won, restoring Congress’s ability to conduct surprise oversight visits.\n\nSince the Trump administration began its immigration raids in Los Angeles, Gomez has repeatedly confronted ICE and worked to protect the constitutional rights of people in his district. He went directly from the airport to Chinatown during the initial raids and successfully pressed federal agents to leave the area to defuse the situation. He has also conducted repeated detention-facility inspections, trained community members to serve as legal observers, organized town halls and provided legal resources to thousands of constituents.\n\nGomez also introduced the Make Housing Affordable and Defend Democracy Act, legislation that would redirect the Trump administration’s $175 billion funding increase for ICE and Customs and Border Protection toward housing affordability and working families.", "collected_at": "2026-07-19T07:26:21Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5299", "title": "Grothman Bill to Streamline Foreign Medical Accreditation Advances Through Education and Workforce Committee", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "grothman.house.gov", "scraper": "grothman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000576", "name": "Glenn Grothman", "party": "Republican", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06)'s Less Bureaucracy, Better Foreign Medical Accreditation Act advanced through the House Committee on Education and Workforce, clearing the way for consideration by the full House of Representatives.\n\nThe legislation would transfer responsibility for foreign medical accreditation from the U.S. Department of Education to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), placing the program within the federal agency best equipped to oversee medical education and the healthcare workforce.\n\n\"President Trump has made it a priority to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure the federal government is focused on doing its job efficiently,\" Congressman Grothman said. \"Foreign medical accreditation is a healthcare issue, not an education issue. The Department of Health and Human Services has the expertise to oversee this process, and moving these responsibilities there is simply common sense. This bill cuts red tape, improves accountability, and ensures these important functions are handled by the agency best suited for the job. I'm pleased the Education and Workforce Committee advanced this legislation, and I hope to see it considered by the full House.\"\n\nBackground Information\n\nForeign medical accreditation is the process by which foreign medical schools are evaluated to ensure their graduates meet standards comparable to those required of medical schools in the United States. These responsibilities are currently carried out by the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA, which is currently housed within the Department of Education.\n\nAs part of President Trump's effort to reduce the size and scope of the Department of Education and return education authority to the states, the Department of Education entered into an Interagency Agreement with HHS on November 18, 2025, to begin transferring these responsibilities. Because HHS oversees many federal healthcare and medical workforce programs, it is better positioned to administer foreign medical accreditation.\n\nThe Less Bureaucracy, Better Foreign Medical Accreditation Act would permanently codify that transfer by:\n\nMoving all foreign medical accreditation functions from the Secretary of Education to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5956", "title": "Moore, Warren, Booker, Adams, Underwood, Pressley, Dingell Work to Improve Maternal Health", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gwenmoore.house.gov", "scraper": "gwenmoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001160", "name": "Gwen Moore", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "According to the CDC, more than 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Research has found that doula and midwifery care can reduce the use of C-sections and pre-term births and improve mothers’ wellbeing. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI), Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) Cory Booker (D-N.J), and Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), Alma Adams (D-N.C.) introduced the Mamas First Act, which would expand access to this care for mothers who rely on Medicaid.\n\n“Across this nation, 40 percent of moms depend on Medicaid when they give birth. Instead of gutting and sabotaging Medicaid, we need to strengthen it so we can save lives. The Mamas First Act would provide mothers with access to evidence-based supportive care that can lead to healthier outcomes for them and their babies. At a time when stark disparities in maternal mortality continue to hit our communities hard, I am thrilled to have such incredible colleagues and advocates supporting the Mamas First Act and the ongoing fight to save lives,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore.\n\n“Instead of slashing health care for millions of Americans like Republicans in Congress are hellbent on doing, we should be expanding access to care to protect every momma and baby. It’s unthinkable that the richest country in the world would also have one of the highest maternal mortality rates. The Mamas First Act will help fix this crisis by improving access to high-quality care and rooting out the deep disparities and systemic racism in our health care system,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren.\n\n“The Mamas First Act meets a crisis that is costing mothers their lives—especially Black and Indigenous women who walk into delivery rooms carrying risks no family should bear,” said Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). “By ensuring Medicaid reimburses doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support professionals, this bill delivers the trusted care that keeps mothers safe and babies alive. Congress must act now.”\n\n“The quality of care a pregnant woman receives should not depend on the color of her skin, where she lives, or her ability to pay. Each childbirth is different, and women and their doctors should be empowered to decide what care is best. By providing access to adequate and proper maternal services, including doulas and midwives, we will help end the maternal mortality crisis in our country and ensure our children start their lives out healthy and strong,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell.\n\n“Support from care workers like doulas and midwives can make the difference between a positive and healthy pregnancy outcome, and a devastating one. Every mom should be able to access this critically important care,” said Congresswoman Lauren Underwood. “As Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I’m proud to join Congresswoman Gwen Moore to introduce the Mamas First Act, a bold step to address our country’s maternal mortality crisis by expanding Medicaid coverage to include doula, midwife, and lactation care. Together, we can, and must, take decisive action to save lives and end disparities.”\n\n“Every mother deserves the care and support needed for a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery,” said Congresswoman Adams, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “That is why I am proud to support the reintroduction of the Mamas First Act. Research shows that doula and midwife care can improve maternal health outcomes and reduce pregnancy-related complications. Yet the United States continues to face an unacceptable maternal mortality crisis, and Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than women of other racial and ethnic groups. Moms can’t wait, and neither should Congress. We must expand access to high-quality maternal care and ensure every mother has the opportunity to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5957", "title": "Moore, Durbin, Schatz, Gillibrand Introduce Child Marriage Prevention Act", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gwenmoore.house.gov", "scraper": "gwenmoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001160", "name": "Gwen Moore", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Bicameral legislation takes important steps to help end child marriage in America\n\nAccording to the Tahirih Justice Center, between 2000 and 2021, more than 314,000 minors (i.e., under the age of 18) were married in the United States. In certain instances, girls as young as 10 were married to men decades older. Child marriage is legal in 34 states, including Wisconsin. Congresswoman Gwen Moore, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the Child Marriage Prevention Act, which would take steps to reduce child marriage across the United States.\n\n“The practice of child marriage should not exist anywhere, especially not in the U.S. But in 34 states, including Wisconsin, child marriage is legal. Young girls are put on a harmful trajectory in life that keeps them from controlling their own futures when they enter, or are forced to enter, into these marriages. I am proud to partner with Senator Durbin to protect young people from this predatory and harmful practice. Our legislation takes a critical first step toward ending child marriage and protecting our children,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore.\n\n“Child marriage overwhelmingly affects underage girls who are married to adult men, often with dire consequences for their life outcomes,” said Senator Durbin. “The bill builds on the work of countless survivors and advocates across the country to ban child marriage in the United States. We must enact this legislation at a federal level to protect the future of hundreds of thousands of young girls who have been stripped of their independence.”\n\n“It’s unacceptable that hundreds of thousands of young girls are still forced into marriages they want no part of,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will help finally end this practice in the United States by updating our immigration laws and encouraging states to ban child marriage for good.”\n\n“Child marriage leaves girls vulnerable to abuse and exploitation,” said Senator Gillibrand. “It is a predatory, manipulative practice that has no place in 21st century American society. The Child Marriage Prevention Act makes commonsense changes to help eliminate child marriage across the United States and protect our kids, and I look forward to getting it passed.”\n\n“Girls are only as safe as the laws designed to protect them,” said Casey Carter Swegman, Director of Public Policy at Tahirih Justice Center. “For years, the United States has condemned child marriage abroad while failing to address the ways our own laws leave children here and around the world vulnerable to exploitation under the guise of marriage. The Child Marriage Prevention Act is a critical step toward changing that. By supporting states to take action to end child marriage and closing legal loopholes that can be used to exploit children, this bill sends a clear message: child marriage is wrong no matter where it occurs and we must end it! We are incredibly grateful to Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Moore for their leadership and to the many survivor advocates that have inspired and informed this urgently needed legislation.”\n\nSpecifically, the Child Marriage Prevention Act would:\n\nEstablish a National Commission to Combat Child Marriage to study, evaluate, and report on eliminating child marriage in the United States;\n\nRequire a report by the Government Accountability Office examining the harmful impacts of child marriage across the United States;\n\nIncentivize states to ban child marriage (such as through increased Violence Against Women Act grant funding);\n\nFund states-based task forces to examine and issue recommendations for eliminating child marriage in their individual states;\n\nProhibit child marriage from occurring on federally funded land or buildings or property owned by the federal government (such as military bases).\n\nInstruct the Attorney General to promulgate a model state statute that prohibits child marriage.\n\nThis bill would also close immigration loopholes that facilitate child marriage, requiring that both parties in a couple seeking a marriage-based visa be at least 18 years of age at the time of filing and for the U.S. petitioner to have been at least 18 years of age at the time of their marriage, with rare exceptions.\n\nIn addition, this bill would amend how a proxy marriage (in which one of the two parties is not physically present for the ceremony) can be established for immigration purposes, replacing a problematic consummation requirement that incentivizes rape, with a requirement that parties to a marriage have previously met in person within two years of the date of the ceremony.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://harder.house.gov/media/press-releases/screwworms-harder-announces-new-bill-to-protect-valley-livestock-from-flesh-eating-maggots", "title": "SCREWWORMS: Harder Announces New Bill to Protect Valley Livestock from Flesh-Eating Maggots", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://harder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "harder.house.gov", "scraper": "harder", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001090", "name": "Josh Harder", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "First outbreak of New World Screwworm flies in decades discovered in Texas last month, already spread to New Mexico\n\nHarder’s bill invests in early detection and prevention to protect agriculture communities and stop screwworms from spreading\n\nSTOCKTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced new bipartisan legislation to protect Valley livestock and agriculture communities from a growing outbreak of flesh-eating insects. Harder’s Protecting America’s Herds Act invests in early detection and prevention of New World Screwworm flies to control the outbreak and ultimately keep these parasites out of the Valley.\n\nParasitic swarms just broke into the U.S., and they’re headed for the Valley:\n\nScrewworm flies have been eradicated in the U.S. since the 1960s, but just last month new cases were detected in Texas, and the outbreak has already spread to New Mexico.\n\nThese parasites lay eggs in open wounds of livestock, which hatch into flesh-eating maggots that can kill animals and even infect humans.\n\nThe spreading outbreak also threatens to drive up beef prices, which have already climbed over a dollar per pound since 2025 before the outbreak even began.\n\n“These parasitic swarms kill livestock, drive up beef prices, and can even infect people - we have to stop this outbreak before it spreads even more,” said Rep. Harder. “My bill jumpstarts detection and prevention efforts by giving local agriculture communities the resources and support they need to keep Valley livestock healthy. Passing this bill ASAP should be a no-brainer.”\n\nHow Harder’s bipartisan bill gets the screwworm outbreak under control:\n\nEarly Detection and Prevention – Deploys inspectors and trains producers on identification, treatment, prevention, and case reporting.\n\nPriority Risk Funding – Fast-tracks funding to the states and communities at the highest risk of screwworm introduction or spread.\n\nInteragency Coordination – Enhanced coordination with U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, veterinarians, and state animal health officials.\n\nThe Protecting America’s Herds Act is endorsed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Public Lands Council, and the American Sheep Industry.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://harrigan.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-congressman-pat-harrigan-pens-op-ed-how-congress-can-lower-americans", "title": "ICYMI: Congressman Pat Harrigan Pens Op-Ed on How Congress Can Lower Americans' Energy Bills", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://harrigan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "harrigan.house.gov", "scraper": "harrigan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001101", "name": "Pat Harrigan", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.—In a new op-ed for Breitbart, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) argues that Washington is sitting on one of the most effective tools to lower Americans' energy bills, but outdated tax rules are preventing it from being fully utilized. He explains how his bipartisan Nuclear Rate Stabilization Act would remove unnecessary barriers to nuclear investment, accelerate the construction of new reactors, strengthen American energy security, and help deliver lower electricity costs for families.\n\nYou can read the full piece here or below.\n\nWashington Is Sitting on the Cure for High Energy Bills; It’s Called Nuclear\n\nEvery month, families across the United States open their electric bill and brace themselves. Prices keep climbing, and too often the explanation they get is a shrug and a reference to “the grid.” What they are rarely told is that Washington already has a tool sitting on the shelf that could bring real relief, and it is the tax code itself standing in the way of using it.\n\nThat tool is nuclear energy. It is the most powerful source of electricity on earth, it produces zero emissions, and a single reactor can run reliably for decades, providing the kind of steady baseload power that solar and wind simply cannot match on their own. If we are serious about energy independence and lower bills, nuclear has to be part of the answer. The problem is not the technology. The problem is the paperwork.\n\nCongress already passed a clean energy investment tax credit worth 30 to 50 percent of construction costs for new nuclear projects. On paper, that should be a game changer. In practice, outdated accounting rules force utilities to stretch that credit out over the full 40-year life of a reactor, diluting its value to almost nothing in the years when it actually matters, when a plant is being built and rates are being set. On top of that, the credits tied to nuclear construction cannot be sold or transferred to outside investors, unlike credits for battery storage and other clean energy projects. That leaves utilities sitting on paper value they cannot use, while the capital they need to build the reactor stays out of reach.\n\nThis is not a partisan problem, and it should not have a partisan solution. That is why I introduced the Nuclear Rate Stabilization Act alongside Congressman Jimmy Panetta, a Democrat from California. Our bill gives nuclear projects the same opt-out from these normalization rules that battery storage projects already have, and it allows those tax credits to be transferred to third parties. In plain terms, it lets the incentives Congress already approved actually reach the people they were designed to help: ratepayers.\n\nThe Nuclear Energy Institute and companies like Elementl Power have already voiced support, because they see the same bottleneck utilities do every day. Projects that could be moving forward are instead stuck waiting on financing that a simple fix to the tax code would unlock. Every year that passes without this fix is another year of reactors that do not get built, jobs that do not get created, and savings that never reach a family’s monthly bill.\n\nWe are entering an era of surging electricity demand, driven by manufacturing growth and a push to bring American industry back home. Meeting that demand with reliable, clean, American-made power is not optional; it is a necessity for both our economy and our national security. Nuclear energy is how we do that without sacrificing reliability or handing more leverage to foreign energy suppliers.\n\nThe Nuclear Rate Stabilization Act will not build a single reactor on its own. But it clears away a bureaucratic obstacle that has been quietly strangling nuclear construction for years. It is a small fix with a large payoff: more reactors built, more American jobs created, and lower energy bills for the families who have waited long enough for relief. Congress should pass it without delay.\n\nPat Harrigan is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a degree in nuclear engineering. He now represents North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he serves on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=10259", "title": "RELEASE: HILL VOTES TO STRENGTHEN AMERICAN DIPLOMACY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ABROAD", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "hill.house.gov", "scraper": "hill", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001072", "name": "J. French Hill", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) voted for H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027, which passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 217-209. The bill strengthens American diplomacy and national security abroad, cuts foreign aid and counters our adversaries while supporting key allies, and supports education programs abroad like the Fulbright Exchange Program.\n\nRep. Hill said, “House Republicans are bringing sanity back to foreign spending and making sure every dollar we send abroad serves America's national security. Arkansans never asked for their hard-earned tax dollars to be spent pushing 'woke' fads like DEI programs and gender ideology experiments on our strategic partners and allies. I voted for this bill to fund the things that actually advance our best interests, our diplomatic and intelligence operations, security assistance for real allies, and programs that reflect American values like religious freedom, the fight against human trafficking, and the Fulbright Exchange program. We're also cutting off the regimes that work against America and demanding more accountability from those receiving our money. This bill respects taxpayers, advances our actual interests, and delivers the foreign policy Americans have been asking for.”\n\nBackground:\n\nH.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027, provides a total discretionary allocation of $47.32 billion, which is $2.69 billion, or 6 percent, below the FY26 enacted level. The bill champions a foreign policy agenda that supports our allies, counters our adversaries, and eliminates contributions to organizations that are wasteful and contradictory to American values. It codifies President Trump's executive orders to completely defund DEI programs, climate change mandates, and radical gender ideology programs, and maintains all long-standing pro-life provisions. It also counters the malign influence of the Chinese Communist Party by fully funding the Countering PRC Influence Fund at $400 million, denying the CCP access to U.S.-backed resources, and prohibiting countries from using U.S. aid to repay debts owed to Communist China.\n\nRep. Hill’s Priorities", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://horsford.house.gov/media/press-releases/horsford-joins-republic-services-workers-on-recycling-line-at-largest-recycling-facility-in-the-nation", "title": "Horsford Joins Republic Services Workers on Recycling Line at Largest Recycling Facility in the Nation", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://horsford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "horsford.house.gov", "scraper": "horsford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001066", "name": "Steven Horsford", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) visited the Southern Nevada Recycling Center as part of his ongoing \"Congressman on the Job\" series, a district-wide initiative in which he works alongside Nevada workers to experience firsthand the challenges and achievements shaping the Fourth District's economy.\n\nCongressman Horsford spent the day on the sorting line alongside Republic Services employees at the largest recycling facility in the nation, hand-sorting recyclables and experiencing firsthand the physical demands the job requires. Nevada is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, facing mounting pressure from extreme heat, water scarcity, and a surge in waste that existing infrastructure is straining to keep up with. The workers on that line aren't just sorting recycling, they're on the front lines of the state's environmental future.\n\n\"People think Las Vegas is just hospitality but right here in our city sits the largest recycling facility in the entire country,\" said Congressman Horsford. \"Nevada is at the epicenter of environmental innovation, and the workers at Republic Services perform the grueling, physically demanding work that keeps our communities clean. Spending the day on this sorting line reminded me why strong federal investments in recycling infrastructure, clean jobs, and environmental policy aren't just good for our planet, they're good for Nevada families.\"\n\nThe visit underscores Congressman Horsford's long record of advocacy for environmental policy, clean energy investment, and worker protections. Republic Services operates one of the most advanced recycling operations in the country, processing millions of tons of material annually and employing thousands of workers nationwide.\n\nClick Here to watch full video.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-delivers-keynote-address-faith-and-politics-institutes-redeeming-souls", "title": "Hoyer Delivers Keynote Address at Faith and Politics Institute's \"Redeeming the Souls of Our Nation\" Dinner", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "domain": "hoyer.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000874", "name": "Steny H. Hoyer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered the keynote address at The Faith and Politics Institute's \"Redeeming the Souls of Our Nation\" Dinner ahead of the sixth anniversary of the passing of Congressman John R. Lewis (GA-05) on Friday, July 17th, 2026. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\n\"Thank you, Shana. I want to congratulate you and your eleven colleagues from Cohort Five on completing your fellowship. Each of you has taken it upon yourself to carry the banner for which John Lewis stood and taught throughout his life. He would be so proud of this group – and excited to meet Cohort Six, which is beginning its fellowship year.\n\n\"John Lewis was more than my friend. He was an inspiration, my colleague, and – most importantly – my brother. When John came to Congress in 1987, I sought him out. I had been serving in the House for six years, but John was already a hero of mine when he first stepped onto the Floor as a freshman. He and I both had our formative political experiences during the Civil Rights Movement. John, of course, was a student leader of that movement. He marched, he sat in, he was jailed and beaten. He organized Freedom Rides. When he 'walked with the wind' across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, in 1965, John became an icon at just twenty-five years old. The following year, I was a young lawyer and Congressional staffer running for State Senate in Maryland. I ran on a desegregation and fair-housing platform. I won because I went door to door in the African American community and worked to register and turn out the Black vote in a district that George Wallace had carried in 1964 and where many Black voters told me no one had ever asked them to cast a vote before, let alone some skinny white kid who had just finished law school. After I was elected, one of the first votes I cast in 1967 was to repeal Maryland’s 300-year-old law banning interracial marriage. I was twenty-seven. Not much older than you are now. Never underestimate the impact young people can have on our democracy, on our communities, and on shaping the direction of this country. We saw it with great Americans like Alexander Hamilton, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Dolores Huerta – and we see that same determination today in young people like you.\n\n\"Many of you today remember John in his older years. But for those of us who knew him over the decades, John always carried the same youthful spirit that first led him organize fellow students in the 1960’s. In 1960, he sat in against segregation in Nashville. In 2016, he sat in against gun violence on the Floor of the House of Representatives. In 1963, he spoke before Dr. King at the March on Washington and challenged this nation to do something about police violence. In 2020, in his final weeks, he called on us not to give up in seeking justice after the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. By 1966, John had already been arrested forty times for protesting segregation and voter suppression. In the twenty-first century, he was arrested for protesting against genocide in Darfur and for the rights of immigrants. Dr. King called him 'the boy from Troy.' Even until his last days, John held on to the restlessness and fearlessness of a young man. He dared to dream and never let it go. I have referred to him as 'Saint John.' The most Christ-like individual I have met over the course of my life – a man who lived his faith, suffered for what he believed to be right, and challenged all of us to take risks for change. The Beloved Community of which he spoke often was as much a hopeful vision as it was sacred challenge. It calls on us to imagine an America where change stems from nonviolence, where progress springs from kindness, and where unity comes from mutual respect.\n\n\"For the young people here tonight – the Fellows and the Scholars – who are emerging leaders in the movement for equality, justice, and opportunity, I urge you to do what John did: never stop dreaming of what could be and never stop fighting to make it so. As John demonstrated, the passion and determination you have now need never diminish as the years progress. We may grow older and grayer but hope and faith and conviction must never age. When I walked beside John over the bridge in Selma, year after year at the annual pilgrimage, I could see on his face something timeless, something steady. It was, I now understand, the face of a twenty-five-year-old who dreamed, who yearned, who believed in what others said was impossible. Now, I look upon your faces. I see the same idealism and impatience. Embrace it. Harness it. Never let it go.\n\n\"In his final message to his fellow Americans, published after he died, John described it as 'the highest calling of your heart.' This calling gives you purpose. Surely, it will be the instrument of a better future for us all. One of John’s heroes was Senator Robert Kennedy. Kennedy, speaking to students in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1966, said: 'Everyone here will ultimately be judged – will ultimately judge himself – on the effort he has contributed to building a new world society and the extent to which his ideals and goals have shaped that effort.' By that standard, John Robert Lewis’s actions and life were testament to his fidelity to his ideals and goals. Dr. King, Gandhi, and Mandela – I’m sure – all said upon receiving John into their company: 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' Like two of the three servants in Jesus’s Parable of the Talents, John multiplied the message he had received, and the community was more beloved because of it. May God bless and keep the memory of my friend John Lewis. And may his legacy continue to be honored and exalted in your work.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2576", "title": "Rep. Ronny Jackson Leads Letter Supporting Trump Administration’s Investigation into Proxy Advisor Industry", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) sent a letter to Chairman Ferguson of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Acting Attorney General Blanche of the Department of Justice (DOJ) requesting information on their continued investigations into politically-motivated proxy advisor firms.\n\nThe letter comes following President Trump’s signing of Executive Order (EO) 14366 “Protecting American Investors from Foreign-Owned and Politically-Motivated Proxy Advisors.” EO 14366 raises concerns about foreign-owned proxy advisor firms, Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC (Glass Lewis), collectively controlling approximately 90 percent of the proxy advisor industry, wielding enormous influence over America’s largest companies. Furthermore, the EO highlights that these firms have used their influence to encourage shareholder votes advancing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that do not prioritize shareholder value or financial returns.\n\nISS and Glass Lewis have also challenged Texas Senate Bill 2337, which requires proxy advisory firms to publicly disclose when their voting recommendations for Texas companies are based on non-financial factors, including ESG and DEI. Additionally, both firms have opposed eight individual Texas corporate redomicile proposals that recently came before shareholders, raising concerns about coordinated anticompetitive activities between the businesses to block corporations moves to the state.\n\n“For too long, a small number of foreign-owned proxy advisor firms have exercised outsized influence over U.S. businesses, pushing radical ESG and DEI agendas to the detriment of American consumers and the Texas economy,” said Rep. Jackson. “I’m proud to support President Trump and his administration’s efforts to investigate these politically-motivated firms for unfair, deceptive, and anticompetitive practices. I look forward to working with my colleagues to provide greater transparency and accountability into the industry and ensure everyday investors can have confidence that proxy voting recommendations are made in the best financial interests of shareholders.\n\nThe letter may be found here, and additional background from The Daily Signal may be found here. Representatives Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Keith Self (TX-03), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Chip Roy (TX-21), Roger Williams (TX-25), Lance Gooden (TX-05), August Pfluger (TX-11), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Craig Goldman (TX-12), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Randy Weber (TX-14), John Carter (TX-31), Brandon Gill (TX-26), and Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) joined Rep. Jackson in signing the letter.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2577", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Ronny Jackson Targets Anti-Trust Proxy Giants for Pushing Woke DEI and Green New Scam Policies", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — A new story from The Daily Signal highlights Rep. Ronny Jackson’s (TX-13) work to hold two dominant proxy advisor firms accountable for using their market power to force American companies to implement their woke political agendas.\n\nThis comes as Rep. Jackson sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson backing the Trump administration's investigation into Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis, citing concerns that the firms have used their outsized influence to advance DEI and ESG priorities while engaging in anticompetitive conduct.\n\nIn case you missed it…\n\nRonny Jackson Targets Anti-Trust Proxy Giants Accused of Pushing ‘Woke DEI and Green New Scam’ Policies\n\nThe Daily Signal\n\nJuly 17, 2026\n\nFIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—Two private companies currently dominate more than 90% of the proxy advisory market, controlling significant influence over corporate America, and Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, is demanding answers.\n\nIn a letter obtained by the Daily Signal to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Andrew N. Ferguson, chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, Jackson points to specific examples of these companies advising with a leftist agenda in mind rather than investor returns.\n\n“Two foreign-owned proxy advisory firms have used their 90 percent market share to impose radical diversity quotas and net-zero mandates on American companies,” Jackson told the Daily Signal.\n\n“ISS and Glass Lewis have become socialist political activists, putting woke DEI and Green New Scam policies ahead of shareholder returns. Americans want capitalism, not corporate terrorism,” Jackson said.\n\nIf an American holds stocks through a mutual fund, pension fund, or 401(k), ISS or Glass Lewis could be hired to analyze the shareholder proposals and recommend how votes should be cast.\n\nThis is not the first time ISS and Glass Lewis have been accused of imposing a leftist political agenda. On Dec. 11, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Protecting American Investors From Foreign-Owned and Politically Motivated Proxy Advisors.”\n\nThe executive order directed federal agencies to review proxy-adviser regulations, examine potential antitrust concerns, and investigate whether the firms were advancing DEI and ESG activism. The president advised the agencies to take action if needed.\n\nNow, Jackson is seeking an update on the investigation.\n\nIn the letter, Jackson writes that he is “concerned by Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS) and Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC (Glass Lewis) and their continued use of their more than 90 percent share of the proxy advisor market to conduct anticompetitive activities, imposing political agendas on American companies and colluding to oppose companies’ efforts to redomicile to the state of Texas.”\n\n“Most recently, ISS and Glass Lewis each recommended that shareholders oppose ExxonMobil Corp.’s decision to move its legal domicile to Texas—the state where the company has been operationally headquartered since 1989.”\n\nJackson argues that ISS and Glass Lewis failed to disclose a potential conflict when recommending against ExxonMobil’s move to Texas. The firms are in a legal battle challenging the state of Texas and Attorney General Ken Paxton. They recently sued the state over a Senate bill requiring the proxy-adviser law.\n\nJackson also wants to review the FTC’s and DOJ’s efforts to examine potential violations of federal antitrust laws by ISS and Glass Lewis.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/2026/07/17/masslive-mass-lawmakers-seek-ice-probe-after-2-killings-say-maine-death-wasnt-isolated/", "title": "MassLive: Mass. lawmakers seek ICE probe after 2 killings; say Maine death wasn’t isolated", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "katherineclark.house.gov", "scraper": "clark", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001101", "name": "Katherine M. Clark", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Every Democratic member of Massachusetts’ House delegation joined nearly 200 congressional Democrats across the country on Friday to demand independent investigations into the fatal shootings of two men by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Texas and Maine, escalating pressure on the agency after its second deadly shooting in less than a week.\n\nThe request follows a letter sent Thursday by Sens. Edward J. Markey and Elizabeth Warren to the acting director of ICE’s Boston field office demanding answers about the fatal shooting of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine.\n\nFollowing the second deadly shooting by ICE in less than a week, Massachusetts Democrats argued Guerrero’s death was “not an aberration” but part of a broader escalation in immigration enforcement operations.\n\n“The killings of both Mr. Guerrero and Mr. Araujo reflect a disturbing pattern: warrantless, aggressive, and indiscriminate ICE enforcement operations ending in the loss of life,” Markey and Warren wrote.\n\nThey pointed to Guerrero’s death and the July 7 fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston as evidence that ICE’s recent enforcement surge has raised questions about the agency’s use-of-force practices.\n\nThe House letter, signed by all nine Democratic members of Massachusetts’ congressional delegation, calls on the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to investigate both deaths.\n\nLike Markey and Warren, the lawmakers argued the shootings raise broader concerns about ICE accountability and officer conduct. The letter was signed by Reps. Richard Neal, James McGovern, Lori Trahan, Jake Auchincloss, Katherine Clark, Seth Moulton, Ayanna Pressley, Stephen Lynch and Bill Keating.\n\nWarren and Markey also asked new Acting Field Office Director David Wesling to explain the Boston field office’s role in the Biddeford operation, why agents were not equipped with body-worn cameras, whether the officers involved had a history of use-of-force incidents and what steps ICE plans to take to prevent future fatal shootings.\n\nInvestigations into Guerrero’s death are being conducted by the Maine Attorney General’s Office, the FBI and ICE.\n\nQuestions mount after ICE officer identified\n\nCalls for oversight intensified Thursday after The Associated Press identified the ICE officer who shot Guerrero as David Brouillette, an Army veteran whose relatives said he has a history of mental health struggles and violent behavior.\n\nThe Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had previously criticized attempts to identify the officer, telling MassLive that efforts to confirm his identity amounted to “doxxing” a federal law enforcement agent. Doxxing is the processing of collecting and publishing sensitive information about a person typically so others will harass, publicly ridicule or hurt them, according to a “frequently asked questions” document on the Massachusetts Attorney General’s website.\n\nFollowing the AP report, several congressional Democrats renewed calls for reforms and independent investigations. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, of Connecticut, called the revelations “absolutely appalling,” while Rep. Bennie Thompson, of Mississippi, the ranking Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, questioned ICE’s vetting and training practices. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Sen. Alex Padilla of California also called for greater accountability.\n\n“These cases, taken together, illustrate that the Biddeford shooting was not an aberration but part of a broader, escalating pattern of force that demands immediate scrutiny and reform,” Markey and Warren wrote.\n\nThursday’s letter is also the latest in a broader effort by Markey to challenge ICE and DHS enforcement and surveillance practices. Since September 2025, he has introduced legislation and sent a series of letters to target facial-recognition technology, suspected databases used to track protesters, proposed “smart glasses” for immigration officers, biometric surveillance programs, aerial monitoring of protests and conditions at the ICE Burlington field office.\n\nIt remains unclear whether Guerrero was the person agents sought to detain. Sen. Angus King’s office said he was not under a deportation order, CNN reported. The Maine Attorney General’s Office has said preliminary evidence indicates Guerrero was driving “in the direction of the officer” when shots were fired.\n\nBut witness Daniel Boucher told the Portland Press Herald he saw Guerrero exit the vehicle while bleeding heavily and heard him say, “I tried to stop.”\n\n—", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-raja-krishnamoorthi-presents-palatine-police-department-239000", "title": "Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Presents Palatine Police Department with $239,000 in Federal Funding He Secured for New Police Motorcycles and Electric Bicycles", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "PALATINE, Ill. — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today joined Palatine Police Chief William Nord, Deputy Chief David Brandwein, and local leaders to present the Palatine Police Department with $239,000 in federal Community Project Funding he secured for the department's Community Engagement and Patrol Enhancement Project. The funding will be used to purchase new police motorcycles and electric bicycles, giving officers greater mobility to patrol parks, school zones, trails, bike paths, and other areas traditional patrol vehicles cannot easily access while strengthening traffic enforcement and community policing. The investment will help officers better serve residents throughout the Village of Palatine.\n\n\"Every family deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, and every police officer deserves the tools they need to protect our communities,\" said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. \"I was proud to secure this funding to help the Palatine Police Department strengthen public safety, support the dedicated officers who serve this community every day, and ensure taxpayer dollars are invested where they'll make a real difference for the people of Palatine.\"\n\nThe Community Engagement and Patrol Enhancement Project will improve officer mobility, strengthen traffic enforcement, expand community policing, and help the Palatine Police Department continue building strong relationships with the residents it serves.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-renews-call-reject-todd-blanche-citing-epstein-cover-and", "title": "Krishnamoorthi Renews Call to Reject Todd Blanche, Citing Epstein Cover-Up and Loyalty to Trump Over the Constitution", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) released the following statement renewing his call for the Senate to reject Todd Blanche's nomination to serve as Attorney General following Blanche's Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings:\n\n“A month ago, I led my colleagues in urging the Senate to reject Todd Blanche's nomination because he led the Trump Administration's cover-up of the Epstein files, lacked the independence required of an Attorney General, and repeatedly demonstrated that his first loyalty is to President Trump, not the Constitution and the American people. His confirmation hearings only reinforced those concerns. Under Mr. Blanche's leadership, the Department of Justice exposed the identities of Epstein survivors while continuing to withhold the full Epstein files Congress and the American people were promised. Time and again, Mr. Blanche has put President Trump's political interests ahead of survivors, ahead of the rule of law, and ahead of the Constitution he is sworn to uphold. His refusal to reject the Administration's efforts to use the Department of Justice to launch an unprecedented federal takeover of our elections only confirmed that he lacks the independence and judgment required of an Attorney General. The Senate should reject his nomination.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4226", "title": "Larsen’s Water Resources Bill Clears Committee Hurdle", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "larsen.house.gov", "scraper": "larsen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000560", "name": "Rick Larsen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "This week, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02)’s Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA 2026) passed out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by a unanimous vote of 66-0. The bipartisan, biennial bill protects Northwest Washington’s environment, supports Columbia River Treaty negotiations and authorizes critical investments in Northwest Washington ports, inland waterways, flood management systems and other water resources infrastructure.\n\n“You cannot have a big league economy with little league infrastructure. In the Pacific Northwest and across the country, investments in ports, harbors and inland waterways support good-paying jobs and are key to long-term economic growth,” said Rep. Larsen, who is the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 continues bipartisan efforts to improve water resources infrastructure in Northwest Washington and across the country. I look forward to bringing this bill to the House floor for a vote later this year.”\n\nSince 2014, Congress has enacted a WRDA every two years to help improve the nation’s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation system, flood and storm risk management, environment and other aspects of water resources infrastructure. WRDA 2024 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and included many of Larsen’s local priorities, including funding environmental infrastructure assistance to Western Washington communities and expanding the Tribal Partnership Program (TPP) to make it easier for the Corps to partner with Northwest Tribes on projects.\n\nWashington State Wins in WRDA 2026\n\nThe 2026 WRDA invests in Washington state transportation and infrastructure priorities, including restoring the Puget Sound, addressing Nooksack River flooding and ensuring that critical Corps projects across the state can continue. Wins for Washington in WRDA 2026 include:\n\nNooksack River Flooding: Authorizes a new feasibility study for flood risk reduction in the Nooksack River, which Whatcom County can use for long-term planning to address flooding concerns. Rep. Larsen has been working with local leaders to develop a plan to address Nooksack River flooding. Earlier this year, he advocated for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster relief funds to help communities recover from December 2025’s devastating floods and has championed FEMA flood mitigation grant funding so that local communities can prepare for future floods.\n\nPuget Sound and Adjacent Waters (PSAW): Increases the per project funding cap to $20 million, ensuring projects like Spencer Island restoration in Snohomish County continue to move forward. In 2018, Rep. Larsen successfully included an amendment in WRDA 2018 to increase the per project cap for PSAW to $10 million.\n\nPuget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project (PSNERP): Allows the Corps to cost-share the relocation of related infrastructure for PNSERP projects at Lilliwaup Estuary, Tahuya Estuary, Snow Creek and Salmon Creek and Nooksack Estuary. Rep. Larsen previously worked to authorize $451 million for PSNERP in WRDA 2016. The Puget Sound is the largest estuary by water volume in the United States, and Rep. Larsen's bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the National Estuary Program through 2031 to protect the Puget Sound and other estuaries around the country passed the House last December.\n\nColumbia River Treaty: Extends temporary authority for the United States to pay for pre-planned storage of water in Canada while United States and Canada continue to negotiate a new Columbia River Treaty. The United States’ current authority expires in 2027. The hydropower that the Columbia River Treaty provides benefits towns and cities across Northwest Washington, and Rep. Larsen has advocated for the Columbia River Treaty’s renewal for over a decade. Larsen supports efforts to negotiate a modern Columbia River treaty that manages flood risks and ensures a reliable clean energy supply, and is working with local stakeholders to gather input ahead of negotiations.\n\nPreventing Invasive Aquatic Species: Clarifies that indirect costs incurred by non-federal partners remain eligible for credit or reimbursement under the Corps’ Watercraft Inspection authority, which funds state efforts to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species. Invasive golden, quagga and zebra mussels continue to expand their footprint in the Pacific Northwest. Early detection monitoring, watercraft inspection and decontamination and eradication efforts are critical to preventing further spread.\n\nLower Columbia River Channel Maintenance: Clarifies that the cost of constructing a dredged material disposal facility for operation and maintenance of the Lower Willamette and Lower Columbia River is a federal responsibility that can be drawn from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF). These facilities are necessary for dredging operations to maintain the Columbia River waterway, which moves over $31 billion in cargo annually and supports 40,000 local jobs.\n\nLower Columbia River Turning Basin: Authorizes the Chief’s Report for Lower Columbia Turning Basin improvements. Traffic has continued to grow in the Lower Columbia River, with an increase in larger vessels that need room to safely turn and park. These improvements will allow for the better positioning of vessels, increase opportunities to use nearby tug service and improve efficient movement of vessels transporting goods.\n\nHMTF Allocations for Donor and Energy Transfer Ports: Removes discretion for administration to utilize a provision in WRDA 2020 requiring funding from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. The Ports of Seattle and Tacoma are donor ports.\n\nOffice of Community Outreach and Affordability: Creates an Office of Community Outreach and Affordability within the Corps to help communities that may have difficulty navigating the Corps’ planning and construction processes.\n\nCorps Study Process: Requires the Corps and the non-federal sponsor to establish an agreed-to timeframe (with milestones) for studies and allow the non-federal sponsor to request time extensions based on project complexity and sponsor’s goals.\n\nFor the legislative text of WRDA 2026, click here.\n\nFor a summary of WRDA 2026, click here.\n\n###\n\nRelated News\n\nLarsen Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Support Point Roberts and Pene-Exclave Communities\n\nJune 24, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nLarsen Cheers Trump Administration Backing Off Plan to End Key Ocean Monitoring Initiative\n\nJune 18, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nLarsen’s Bill to Reauthorize Northwest Straits Commission Passes House\n\nJune 4, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nLarsen Introduces Bill to Expand Rural Health Care Access for Tribes, Military Families\n\nMay 22, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-statement-court-decision-blocking-trump-administration-access", "title": "Larson Statement on Court Decision Blocking Trump Administration Access to Connecticut Voter Records", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "larson.house.gov", "scraper": "larson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000557", "name": "John B. Larson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“Secretary Thomas and Attorney General Tong showed us how you stand up to a bully and win,” said Larson. “The Trump Administration has proven time and time again that they cannot be trusted with the American people’s sensitive records. Citizens in other states have already been purged from the voter rolls because of their illegal election interference. We must never let that happen in Connecticut. If last night was any indication, the President’s push to take over our elections is far from over. He’d rather promote debunked election lies, than do anything to lower costs for the American people. His SAVE Act would not only make it harder for women, people of color, and even our troops, to cast their ballots—it would force states to hand over your voting records to Trump’s lackeys. I will continue to defend your right to vote from these attacks and safeguard your privacy from his administration’s potentially criminal misuse of confidential records.”\n\nRep. Larson has voted against the SAVE Act three times and continues to oppose any effort to make it harder for citizens to cast their ballots. He spoke out against the Trump Administration’s lawsuit against Connecticut in February—and has led efforts to stop the President’s attempts to weaponize federal agencies as part of a national election takeover, including the Social Security Administration (SSA), U.S. Postal Service (USPS), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Trump’s voter purge database has already been struck down in court, and his DOJ has so far lost every case it has brought to obtain Americans’ voter records.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-laurel-lee-hosts-secretary-robert-f-kennedy-jr-announce-fda-proposal", "title": "Rep. Laurel Lee Hosts Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Announce FDA Proposal Supporting Florida Citrus Industry", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "laurellee.house.gov", "scraper": "laurellee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000597", "name": "Laurel M. Lee", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Lakeland, FL – Today, Representative Laurel Lee (FL-15) hosted Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL), Representative Kat Cammack (FL-03) and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson for a press conference alongside Florida citrus growers and industry leaders to discuss the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) proposed rule to modernize the federal Brix standard for not-from-concentrate pasteurized orange juice.\n\nThe Brix standard measures the amount of naturally occurring sugars and other soluble solids in orange juice and is part of the federal standard of identity for not-from-concentrate pasteurized orange juice. Established decades ago, the current standard no longer reflects the realities facing Florida citrus growers. As growing conditions have evolved over time, many otherwise high-quality Florida oranges no longer meet the decades-old threshold, despite producing safe, nutritious, and great-tasting juice.\n\nFDA’s proposed rule would lower the minimum Brix standard from 10.5° to 10.0°, an update that would provide greater flexibility for Florida citrus growers while preserving the quality consumers expect. It is a commonsense update that reduces unnecessary regulatory burdens while preserving the quality standards consumers trust. By modernizing the federal standard, the proposal better reflects today's agricultural conditions while supporting one of Florida's signature industries.\n\n“President Trump is ending an outdated regulation that forced American orange juice producers to rely on foreign imports and an obsolete sugar standard,” said HHS Secretary Kennedy. “We are cutting red tape, saving the industry more than $50 million each year, strengthening American supply chains, and creating a level playing field for U.S. citrus growers — all while maintaining the safety, quality, and taste Americans expect. That is America First policy, guided by gold-standard science.”\n\n“American farmers deserve every opportunity to compete, succeed, and lead the world with the products they grow here at home,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. “I appreciate Secretary Kennedy’s leadership in advancing this thoughtful, commonsense proposal to modernize the federal Brix standard. By updating a decades-old federal standard to reflect the realities of modern agriculture while preserving the outstanding quality consumers expect, this proposal creates new opportunities for Florida-grown citrus, strengthens domestic production, and gives Florida growers the opportunity to compete on the strength of the exceptional product they’ve produced for generations.”\n\n“When I heard an outdated FDA rule was threatening the survival of Florida’s great citrus growers, I immediately went to work—filing the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act and meeting with the White House to expedite a solution. Today is proof that the juice was worth the squeeze. Florida’s citrus farmers are an integral part of Florida’s culture, and I will always fight to ensure they have the support they need to continue growing and making a living,” said Senator Ashley Moody. “Thank you to everyone who worked so cohesively to make this happen, including Sec. Kennedy, Rep. Franklin, Rep. Lee, Rep. Cammack, and our industry partners. This is a major win for our state.”\n\n“When Congressman Scott Franklin and I first started working on this issue, Florida growers kept asking us one simple question: Why are we being forced to blend imported juice into a product made from perfectly good Florida oranges? The answer was an outdated Washington regulation that had not kept pace with citrus greening, hurricanes, freezes, and the realities in Florida’s groves,” said Congresswoman Kat Cammack. \"For years, we have worked with Florida Citrus Mutual, the Florida Citrus Processors Association, the Florida Farm Bureau, FDA, and our colleagues in Congress to fix it. We introduced legislation, took the case directly to the agency, and kept pushing until Washington listened. I’m grateful to Secretary Kennedy and Acting Commissioner Diamantas, Congressman Scott Franklin, Congresswoman Laurel Lee, and our partners across Florida’s citrus industry for helping make this commonsense, science-based solution possible. Now, more Florida oranges can go into Florida orange juice, and one of our state’s proudest industries has a stronger path forward.”\n\n“For too long, outdated regulations have failed to reflect the realities facing Florida citrus. Citrus greening has changed our industry in ways no one could have imagined when many of these standards were written decades ago. Updating the minimum Brix standard is about modernizing regulations, so they reflect today’s science and today’s growing conditions,” said Jeb Smith, President & CEO of Florida Farm Bureau. “I want to thank Secretary Kennedy, Acting Commissioner Diamantas, Senator Ashley Moody, Congresswoman Kat Cammack, Congresswoman Laurel Lee, Congressman Scott Franklin, and the Trump Administration for recognizing an issue that Florida citrus growers have been raising for years and for moving to address it with the urgency needed.”\n\n\"Florida's citrus growers appreciate our steadfast partners, like Representative Laurel Lee, Representative Kat Cammack and Senator Ashley Moody, who have worked alongside us every step of the way to modernize the decades-old standard of identity for orange juice,” said Matt Joyner, Executive Vice President & CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “With this regulatory change in place, growers can use more Florida-grown oranges to bring high-quality, nutrient-dense orange juice to breakfast tables across the nation and the world.\"\n\nWatch Rep. Lee’s remarks from the Press Conference here.\n\nBackground:\n\nUnder current federal regulations, the standard of identity for not-from-concentrate pasteurized orange juice requires a minimum Brix level of 10.5%, a measurement of naturally occurring sugar and soluble solids in orange juice. As growing conditions have evolved over time, many perfectly flavorful and nutritious Florida oranges no longer meet that outdated threshold. As a result, processors often must rely more heavily on imported juice to meet the existing standard, limiting opportunities for domestic growers.\n\nThe FDA's proposed rule would update the minimum Brix requirement to 10.0%, helping ensure that more Florida-grown oranges qualify for premium not-from-concentrate juice while preserving the taste, nutrition and quality consumers expect.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6221", "title": "Lawler Introduces Public Service Retirement Tax Relief Act to Cap Federal Taxes on State and Local Government Pensions", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 7/17/26… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Public Service Retirement Tax Relief Act, legislation to cap federal income taxes for retirees’ government pensions. The tax cap would provide up to $10,000 in relief for individual filers and up to $20,000 for qualifying joint filers in which both spouses receive a State or local government pension. All other income would continue to be taxed under current law, and the cap would apply only to eligible State and local government pension income.\n\n“After a lifetime of serving their communities, retired teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants deserve to keep more of the pensions they worked so hard to earn. Our retirees on fixed incomes are burdened by high federal tax bills. I'm proud to introduce this legislation to provide relief, help retirees keep more of their hard-earned retirement income, and better afford everyday expenses,” said Congressman Lawler.\n\nCurrently, state and local government pensions are taxed as ordinary income under federal law. This legislation establishes a cap on the amount of federal income tax retirees can owe on those pensions, helping provide greater financial certainty while allowing public servants to keep more of the retirement benefits they earned.\n\nFull text of the bill can be found HERE.\n\nCongressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-rallies-staten-island-realtors-support-capital-gains-tax-relief", "title": "Malliotakis Rallies with Staten Island Realtors in Support of Capital Gains Tax Relief to Protect Seniors’ Nest Eggs", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "malliotakis.house.gov", "scraper": "malliotakis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000317", "name": "Nicole Malliotakis", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(STATEN ISLAND, NY) — Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) joined local Staten Island Realtors and seniors at the Great Kills Friendship Club to rally support for H.R. 9064, the Nest Egg Protection Act, and H.R. 1340, the More Homes on the Market Act.\n\nMalliotakis' legislation, the Nest Egg Protection Act, would lower the capital gains tax burden on seniors selling homes that have long served as their nest eggs by temporarily increasing the capital gains tax exclusion to $1 million for individuals and married couples aged 65 or older. To qualify, homeowners must have owned their primary residence for at least 25 years. This would allow seniors to keep more of their hard-earned equity while helping bring more homes onto the market.\n\nUnder current law, individuals may exclude up to $250,000 in capital gains from federal taxes on the sale of their primary residence, while joint filers may exclude up to $500,000—exclusion amounts that have not been increased since 1997. Any gain above those amounts is subject to capital gains tax.\n\nIn addition to her legislation, Malliotakis discussed H.R. 1340, the More Homes on the Market Act, legislation she cosponsors which provides additional capital gains tax relief for homeowners of all ages to help bring more homes onto the market. The legislation doubles the current home sale capital gains exclusion from $250,000 to $500,000 for individuals and from $500,000 to $1 million for married couples, with future increases adjusted for inflation.\n\n“After already quadrupling the state and local tax deduction to $40,000, we are continuing our work to deliver tax relief for New York homeowners. Today, I join Staten Island Realtors and seniors to highlight two commonsense bills that would provide much-needed capital gains tax relief for longtime homeowners and help address our housing shortage,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “My legislation provides targeted, temporary relief for seniors who have owned their homes for decades, allowing them to sell or downsize without losing so much of the retirement savings they spent a lifetime building. By easing that tax burden and removing barriers to selling, we can help bring more homes onto the market and open the door to homeownership for young families and first-time buyers.”\n\n“Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis deserves tremendous credit for introducing this long-overdue legislation to raise the capital gains tax exclusion for seniors selling their homes from $500,000 to $1 million. It is the responsibility of elected officials to improve affordability for all Americans and ensure hardworking taxpayers are not overtaxed by an outdated tax code. This threshold has not been updated since the 1990s, despite decades of rising home values that have unfairly increased the tax burden on many seniors. I urge my colleagues across the aisle to join Congresswoman Malliotakis in supporting this commonsense measure and finally deliver this long-overdue tax relief,” said Assemblyman Michael Tannousis.\n\n“The Staten Island Board of REALTORS® supports the Nest Egg Protection Act as a common-sense approach to increasing housing inventory while helping seniors keep more of the equity they have earned over a lifetime. By reducing a major tax barrier to selling, this proposal could encourage more longtime homeowners to right-size their housing and create opportunities for the next generation of homebuyers,\" said Sandy Krueger, CEO, Staten Island Board of REALTORS®.\n\n\"This legislation would have an immediate effect on inventory since it reduces some of the financial strain on seniors who are deciding to sell. It also will provide a strong benefit for those who have lost their partner by giving them a financial lift and assisting them in selling so that they can improve their quality of life without the fear of losing the equity in their home to capital gains taxes,\" said Frank Reali, Broker, Safari Realty.\n\n\"This proposed legislation is keeping up with the current status of the real estate market. Pricing continues to increase and for our seniors who have worked their entire lives to have the American dream of homeownership, they face the challenge of worrying about paying massive capital gains taxes when they helped build our neighborhoods and communities. Thank you Congresswoman Malliotakis for proposing this common sense legislation,” said George S. Wonica ‘Jr’ - Broker/Appraiser - REAL Brokerage & Past President - Staten Island Board of Realtors & Brooklyn Board of Realtors.\n\n“For years, we’ve watched seniors become prisoners of their own success. They did everything right, bought a home, paid the mortgage, stayed in the community, and now the tax code punishes them for moving. Congresswoman Malliotakis’ proposal removes a major barrier, frees up housing inventory, and creates opportunities for both seniors and young families. It’s one of the smartest housing ideas I’ve seen in years,\" said Celia lervasi, International Realty Services.\n\n“This is a bill that is long overdue, and we definitely need this to happen with Nicole’s help and others,” said Steve Caro, Agent, Robert DeFalco Realty. “This is going to open up a lot, especially for our seniors, and then they can downsize and open up homes for the new generation.”\n\n“Every real estate professional knows there are homes that are effectively frozen. Many seniors aren’t staying put because they want to, but because the tax consequences of selling have become too great. I thank the Congresswoman for recognizing that reality and introducing a bill that helps restore the freedom to make the housing decisions that are right for them. That’s good for seniors, good for families looking to buy a home, and good for the overall housing market,” said Joanne Costa, Joanne Costa Realty.\n\nWatch the full press conference HERE.\n\nCongresswoman Malliotakis has consistently fought to make life more affordable for homeowners and seniors, helping secure an increase in the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap to $40,000 for homeowners. Malliotakis also authored the bonus senior deduction included in the Working Families Tax Cuts, which provides qualifying seniors age 65 and older with a bonus deduction of up to $6,000 for individuals and $12,000 for married couples, helping many keep more of their Social Security benefits tax-free. According to the U.S. Treasury, over 35 million seniors have claimed this enhanced deduction.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://mcbride.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mcbride-marks-anniversary-congressman-john-lewis-passing-call-defend", "title": "Rep. McBride Marks Anniversary of Congressman John Lewis' Passing with Call to Defend Voting Rights and Democracy", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcbride.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mcbride.house.gov", "scraper": "mcbride", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001238", "name": "Sarah McBride", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — This week, U.S. Representative Sarah McBride (D-Del.) took to the House floor to commemorate the sixth anniversary of Congressman John Lewis' passing, honoring the civil rights icon's legacy. In her remarks, Rep. McBride urged Congress to continue the fight to protect voting rights and strengthen American democracy amid renewed efforts to disenfranchise Americans.\n\nA video of Rep. McBride's remarks is available here. The full transcript of her speech as delivered is below:\n\nMr. Speaker,\n\nI rise today to mark both the anniversary of a profound loss and the reminder it serves at this moment in our nation’s story.\n\nSix years ago, Congressman John Lewis passed away. A titan of the Civil Rights Movement who worked tirelessly to deliver justice, expand equality, and secure the right to vote for every American — including Black Americans.\n\nToday, however, we are navigating a moment where the work he devoted his life to is increasingly under threat. We have seen executive actions that would make it harder for Americans to vote. We have witnessed renewed attempts to undermine confidence in our elections and intimidate those who administer them.\n\nRight now, in this very Congress, we are facing a renewed push to establish what amounts to a modern day poll tax on Americans.\n\nMost recently, the Supreme Court has facilitated the dismantling of Black political representation in this chamber and greenlit racial discrimination in voting, so long as the proponents simply say it’s for ‘partisan purposes.’\n\nCongressman Lewis often spoke of his hopefulness for the future, because he was adamant that tomorrow could be better and more just than today.\n\nIt is our job to pick up that mantle and continue that work.\n\nIn 2020, while commemorating the anniversary of Bloody Sunday on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Congressman Lewis reminded us of his important rallying call: to get into what he called “good trouble” to help redeem the soul of America.\n\nThroughout his miraculous life, he never lost faith in the central ingredient of change — the necessary foundation of democracy, his belief in the capacity for other people to change and, therefore, for our country to change.\n\nHe reminds us that hope is not reserved for moments when progress feels inevitable or easily attainable — we must harness it, most especially, in moments like this one: when the reasons for hopelessness seem greatest, that is when the legacy of ‘good trouble, necessary trouble’ is most essential.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://mcdonaldrivet.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mcdonald-rivet-pfas-task-force-call-pentagon-accelerate-pfas-cleanup-near", "title": "Rep. McDonald Rivet, PFAS Task Force Call on Pentagon to Accelerate PFAS Cleanup Near Military Facilities", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcdonaldrivet.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mcdonaldrivet.house.gov", "scraper": "mcdonaldrivet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001237", "name": "Kristen McDonald Rivet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON— Today, bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force Co-Chairs Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), and Jen Kiggans (VA-02) called on the Department of Defense (DOD) to immediately address overdue PFAS forever chemical cleanup and transparency requirements.\n\n“DOD has failed to clean up the dangerous, forever chemicals that have hurt hundreds of communities across the country. Cleanup timelines have been pushed back and slow-rolled repeatedly without providing communities the transparency they deserve,” said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. “Since President Trump signed our bill into law, these deadlines are not optional. DOD needs to step up and work with us to protect the health and wellbeing of the families living near these contaminated sites.”\n\nPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” have contaminated soil, surface water, groundwater, and food across the country, including hundreds of military installations and surrounding communities, with over a dozen located in Michigan. Some PFAS can cause harmful health effects, including damage to the immune system, reproductive issues, and an increased risk of certain cancers.\n\nCongresswoman McDonald Rivet’s Military PFAS Transparency Act, which was signed into law in December 2025, required DOD to accelerate cleanup strategies for PFAS and increase public transparency surrounding cleanup efforts and timelines by June 16, 2026. However, DOD has failed to do so, and instead recently delayed cleanup timelines by up to 20 years at nearly 200 sites across the country.\n\nThe letter from the lawmakers reads, in part, “Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemical substances pose an ongoing and immediate health risk to millions of Americans. Research provided by DOD suggests that exposure to high levels of certain PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes such as reproductive issues and increased risk of some cancers, and the DOD PFAS Task Force stated that reports indicate most people in the United States have been exposed to PFAS and have PFAS in their blood. Further, EPA’s water monitoring data and state tests found that PFAS have been detected in tap water serving millions nationwide. This is a widespread and urgent public health crisis.\n\n“Nationally, there are over 700 military sites with known or suspected PFAS contamination from DOD activities. We are extremely concerned about DOD’s efforts to permanently address this contamination to support the members of our Armed Forces and the surrounding communities, as DOD has significantly delayed progress… It is unacceptable that DOD has continued to deprioritize these cleanup efforts despite its legal obligation and continued resources and direction to do so from Congress.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://mikekennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/kennedy-onder-bill-put-stop-all-transgender-medical-interventions-minors", "title": "Kennedy, Onder bill to put a stop to all transgender medical interventions for minors nationwide passes House Judiciary Committee", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mikekennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mikekennedy.house.gov", "scraper": "mikekennedy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000403", "name": "Mike Kennedy", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mike Kennedy (UT-03), Congressman Bob Onder’s (MO-03) Chloe Cole Act, a landmark bill that will put a stop to one of the most dangerous medical procedures in modern history has cleared a major hurdle and passed the House Judiciary Committee.\n\nThe Chloe Cole Act will stop transgender procedures for minors nationwide, specifically targeting puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical procedures. The legislation is named after Chloe Cole, a prominent detransitioner who underwent a double mastectomy at age 15 and later advocated against transgender interventions.\n\n“As both a physician and a legislator, my primary commitment has consistently been the safety and well-being of our children. We are seeing a disturbing trend where radical ideologies have overtaken evidence-based medicine, causing irreversible and terrible damage to children,” said Congressman Kennedy. “The evidence shows that puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical procedures are extremely harmful and simply the wrong approach. I led the way in 2023 by passing landmark legislation in Utah that set the standard for states around the nation in stopping these evil practices, and the Chloe Cole Act takes that success to the national level. This is a legally durable, constitutionally sound, and clear path forward to stopping a practice that results in the mutilation of children under the guise of care.”\n\n“As a member of Congress, a physician, a parent, and a concerned American, I am committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of our nation’s children,” said Congressman Bob Onder (MO-03). “That is why I am proud to reintroduce the Chloe Cole Act of 2026. The importance of this legislation is non-negotiable. This is a landmark bill that will permanently end one of the most dangerous and barbaric medical practices in modern history.”\n\nWhen it comes to gender transition interventions — puberty blockers, hormones like testosterone and estrogen, and surgical procedures — evidence continues to show from American medical groups that this is the wrong approach to getting these kids the help they need.\n\nChildren should never be subjected to a medical system that pushes life altering medical procedures and hormone interventions that are incredibly harmful.\n\nThe Chloe Cole Act has support from the following organizations:\n\nHeritage Action, Alliance Defending Freedom, Do No Harm, American Principles Project, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Independent Women’s Law Center, CatholicVote, Association of Christian Schools International, American College of Pediatricians.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/modeled-after-iowa-law-rep-miller-meeks-introduces-bill-shield-kids-predatory", "title": "Modeled After Iowa Law, Rep. Miller-Meeks Introduces Bill to Shield Kids from Predatory AI", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "millermeeks.house.gov", "scraper": "millermeeks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001215", "name": "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "IOWA — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01) has introduced the Conversational AI Services Act, federal legislation to protect children and teenagers from the unique psychological risks posed by generative AI chatbots. The bill is modeled directly after Iowa's SF 2417, signed into law earlier this year by Governor Kim Reynolds with unanimous, bipartisan support.\n\n\"As a physician and a former Director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, I am deeply concerned about the toll the digital world is taking on our youth's mental health. We cannot allow the mistakes of the social media era to be repeated with Artificial Intelligence,\" said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. \"Parents are crying out for help. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa has proven that we can protect kids from deceptive AI without crushing technological innovation. I am proud to introduce this common-sense, conservative legislation to ensure American children can learn from AI safely, without being manipulated or exposed to explicit content.\"\n\n\"Iowa is leading the way in responsible AI legislation, first at the state and now at the federal level. By preventing chatbots from posing as humans, our state law protects kids from dangerous mental-health outcomes. Congress should pass Representative Miller-Meeks' bill without delay to ensure no child in our nation is left unsafe.\" - Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds\n\nThe Conversational AI Services Act will:\n\nEmpower parents by requiring AI operators to provide parental supervision tools for a minor's screen time and account settings.\n\nBan deceptive personas by prohibiting AI from simulating romantic relationships, claiming sentience, or acting as an unlicensed medical or mental health professional.\n\nStop tech addiction by banning gamification features, like unpredictable reward points, designed to artificially increase screen time.\n\nProtect against explicit content by requiring strong guardrails against the generation of sexually explicit material for minors.\n\nProvide crisis support by requiring AI services to direct users expressing suicidal ideation to expert crisis hotlines.\n\nThe legislation takes a pro-innovation, risk-based approach, explicitly exempting internal business tools, basic smart speakers, and B2B services to ensure American businesses remain at the forefront of the global AI economy.\n\nTo read the full bill text, click HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-reaffirms-leadership-election-security-following", "title": "CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE REAFFIRMS LEADERSHIP ON ELECTION SECURITY FOLLOWING PRESIDENT TRUMP'S LATEST FALSE CLAIMS", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "morelle.house.gov", "scraper": "morelle", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001206", "name": "Joseph D. Morelle", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Rochester, N.Y.)—Following President Trump's Address to the Nation last night, Congressman Joe Morelle, Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration and the top House Democrat on election security, reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the integrity of American elections and ensuring every eligible voter can cast a ballot freely and have it counted fairly.\n\n\"President Trump's pathetic and unserious rantings last night were an attempt to re-hash old lies and conspiracy theories as a pretext to undermine the results in November by casting false doubt on the integrity of our democratic systems,\" said Congressman Joe Morelle. \"Real election security is not about helping one politician save face. It is about making sure every American citizen can cast a ballot freely and have it counted fairly. House Democrats are preparing for the 2026 midterms with facts, not fear, and we will not let one person's craving to retain power dictate the outcome of this election.\"\n\nFor families across Rochester, confidence in our elections means knowing that every eligible voter has the opportunity to make their voice heard and that every lawful ballot will be counted fairly. As misinformation about our democratic process continues to spread, Morelle said protecting public trust requires “preparation, transparency, and accountability,” not fear or conspiracy theories.\n\nFollowing the President's address, Morelle joined C-SPAN to respond to the President's remarks and fact-check his numerous false claims about the 2020 election. You can watch that interview here.\n\nSince January 2023, Morelle has served as Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, making him the leading House Democrat responsible for election security and election administration. In that role, he has led House Democrats' efforts to prepare for emerging threats to our democratic institutions and strengthen confidence in free and fair elections.\n\nUnder Congressman Morelle’s leadership, House Democrats have:\n\nConvened strategy sessions with Democratic Members of Congress and key validators and civil society groups to prepare for potential election interference scenarios. These meetings remain ongoing.\n\nLaunched a new task force dedicated to rooting out corruption across the federal government while advancing policies focused on stability, affordability, and opportunity.\n\nConducted election security hearings and public briefings across the country—including alongside House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries—to educate Americans about election procedures and their rights as voters.\n\nHeld Trump administration officials accountable through Congressional hearings and markups, ensuring transparency and oversight on behalf of the American people.\n\nAs Congress prepares for the 2026 midterm elections, Morelle said he will continue working with election officials, community leaders, and his colleagues in Congress to protect the right of every eligible American to vote and maintain confidence in the integrity of our democratic process.\n\nFor more information on Congressman Morelle's work to protect free and fair elections, visit his website here. To learn more about the Committee on House Administration's work on election security, visit the Committee's website here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-house-democrats-demand-independent-investigations-fatal-ice-shootings", "title": "Moulton, House Democrats Demand Independent Investigations into Fatal ICE Shootings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Johan Sebastian Guerrero", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "moulton.house.gov", "scraper": "moulton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001196", "name": "Seth Moulton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) joined nearly 200 House Democrats in sending a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director David Venturella demanding independent investigations into the recent fatal ICE shootings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers explicitly request that DHS commit to five actions to ensure accountability and transparency:\n\nWill you commit to allowing all noncitizen witnesses to remain in the United States for the duration of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), DHS Office of Inspecter General (OIG) and any state or local investigations into both of these deaths, so they may provide eyewitness testimony to investigators?\n\nWill you commit to not interfering with any ongoing investigations, and to ensuring truly independent investigations into both of these cases, as well as completing investigations into the other ICE-related shootings that have occurred?\n\nWill you commit to ensuring that all investigators, including those from the FBI, OIG, and any state and local offices have access to all witnesses and evidence related to both of these deaths?\n\nGiven the enormous amount of funding provided to ICE and CBP both last year and this year, will you commit to immediately providing body cameras to all ICE and CBP agents and ensuring that footage is made available in any ongoing investigations, including any footage of all victims of DHS-related fatal shootings?\n\nPlease provide a detailed breakdown, including providing copies of all training materials, on how much and what kind of training your officers undergo, as it relates to vehicle stops including when or how discharging weapons into vehicles is or is not permissible.\n\nThe lawmakers' urgent demands follow the July 7th killing of Mr. Salgado Araujo in Texas and the July 13th killing of Mr. Guerrero in Maine. Neither individual was the intended target of the ICE operations.\n\n“When law enforcement operations result in the tragic loss of human life—especially involving individuals who were not the targets of the operation—there must be absolute transparency and accountability” said Congressman Seth Moulton. “The families of Mr. Salgado Araujo and Mr. Guerrero deserve answers, not shifting narratives. We need an independent investigation to uncover the truth and reevaluate the protocols that allowed these devastating incidents to occur.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://neal.house.gov/2026/07/17/neal-announces-1092000-in-federal-funding-for-blandford-water-treatment-and-distribution-system-upgrades/", "title": "Neal Announces $1,092,000 in Federal Funding for Blandford Water Treatment and Distribution System Upgrades", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "neal.house.gov", "scraper": "neal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000015", "name": "Richard E. Neal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Blandford, MA – Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Blandford Town Administrator Cristina Ferrera, Select Board Chair Jackie Coury, and Water Commission Chair Brad Curry to announce $1,092,000 in federal funding for water treatment and distribution system upgrades. This allocation was made possible through community project funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Small, Underserved, and Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program. Congressman Neal included funding for this project in the Fiscal Year 2026 spending bill.\n\n“It’s a privilege to be in Blandford and to join town officials in announcing this much needed investment for these vital pieces of community infrastructure. This is about the basics: ensuring families and children in every community can access the same high public health standards.” Congressman Neal said. “Everyone should be able to trust the safety and reliability of the water system they rely on for daily needs, and funding like this will make all of us healthier and safer.”\n\nThis project will comprehensively upgrade the Water Treatment Facility and distribution system to achieve permit compliance, ensure safe, reliable drinking water, and strengthen fire protection for the residents of Blandford and travelers using the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Service Plaza on I-90.\n\n“On behalf of the Town of Blandford, we are deeply grateful to Congressman Neal and his office for their support in helping secure this important funding for our community. For a small rural town like Blandford, investments in water infrastructure are not simply capital projects; they are matters of public health, regulatory compliance, emergency preparedness, and basic municipal sustainability. Blandford is held to the same public health and drinking water standards as much larger communities, but we must meet those obligations with a fraction of the staffing, rate base, and financial capacity.” Town Administrator Cristina Ferrera said. “This funding allows us to move forward with a critical project that will strengthen the reliability of our water system and help address Safe Drinking Water Act compliance needs. We are sincerely appreciative of this assistance, and we also hope this visit highlights the continuing reality faced by small towns across Western Massachusetts: the need is real, the mandates are significant, and timely funding support can make the difference between a community being able to act proactively or being forced to respond only after a problem becomes urgent.”\n\nThe Town is currently using approximately $290,000 of this funding for the installation of a new skid-mounted Packaged Generator System, which will assist Safe Drinking Water Act compliance and improve the reliability of the Town’s drinking water system.\n\nUnder guidelines issued by the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, members of Congress requested community project funding for projects in their state for Fiscal Year 2026. Requests were restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments, and eligible non-profit entities, were permitted to receive CDS funding. This project is one of fifteen projects submitted by Congressman Neal, investing in a variety of initiatives throughout the First Congressional District of Massachusetts.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://neal.house.gov/2026/07/17/neal-blasts-trumps-election-conspiracies/", "title": "Neal Blasts Trump’s Election Conspiracies", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "neal.house.gov", "scraper": "neal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000015", "name": "Richard E. Neal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SPRINGFIELD, MA— Congressman Richard E. Neal released the following statement blasting President Trump for spreading more debunked falsehoods regarding the security of U.S. elections:\n\n“The President knows he’s failed the American people. Wages can’t keep up with his inflation, he can’t find his way out of a war he started that nobody wanted, and families are watching their savings dry up while he gets rich off rampant corruption. Trump knows the American people are rejecting his failures, and with November approaching, he’s resorting to desperate, debunked lies about our elections to muddy the waters and suppress the vote before Americans can deliver accountability.\n\n“Our elections remain safe and secure from foreign interference, and there remains no evidence that tampering occurred. The real threat is a President who undermines that security by spreading dangerous lies and breaking election security efforts across the government. Americans should remain confident that due to the resiliency of those in the intelligence community, and the patriotism of election workers across the country, their vote remains sacred, secure, and cannot be diminished by the President’s delusions.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/assistant-democratic-leader-neguse-only-person-america-whos-getting-richer", "title": "Assistant Democratic Leader Neguse: “The only person in America who's getting richer these days is Donald Trump”", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "neguse.house.gov", "scraper": "neguse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000191", "name": "Joe Neguse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — In case you missed it, Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse was joined by Ranking Members Robert Garcia, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Richard E. Neal, Committee on Ways and Mean, for his monthly news conference earlier this week. The Members spoke of President Donald Trump’s pervasive self-dealing and House Democrats’ efforts to put a stop to this administration’s unparalleled corruption.\n\nClick HERE to watch the full press conference.\n\nFind a transcription of Rep. Neguse’s opening remarks below.\n\nNEGUSE: I'm here today with two of our most prominent Ranking Members in the House Democratic Caucus—Ranking Member Richie Neal, of course, of the prestigious Ways and Means Committee, and Ranking Member Robert Garcia of the Oversight Committee.\n\nAnd we're here to convey a very simple message to the American people. There's a lot going on right now, but something that I believe was lost in the news over the course of the last several weeks is the simple fact that in the history of our country, no president has profited off of public office more than Donald Trump. According to financial disclosures released just a few weeks ago, roughly, I believe, 15 days ago, the president's income in 2025 soared to over $2.2 billion. Think about that $2.2 billion with a “b,” more than half of which was generated by his crypto empire that him and his family have been busily building.\n\nHow do we know that Donald Trump is using the White House to increase his personal wealth? Because, besides the fact that these brazen self-enrichment schemes are happening in broad daylight, the numbers, the empirical data, tell the story. In 2024, before returning to office, Trump's profits were just under a third of what they were in his first year back in Washington, D.C.\n\nMeanwhile, the American people are struggling—from Massachusetts to California to Colorado, where I have the privilege of serving. Under the Trump Administration, gas prices are up, groceries are more expensive, affordable health care is out of reach for millions. Not to mention the social safety net, meant to support families and communities across our country, has been ripped out from under them.\n\nAt the end of the day, the Congress has a constitutional obligation to hold this President and his administration accountable and to root out corruption wherever we see it. And I am grateful that we have two incredibly talented Ranking Members who are committed to doing precisely that.\n\nContinue reading for additional quotes from Representatives Neal and Garcia:\n\n“Tax laws are supposed to apply equally, whether you're a school teacher, a small business owner, or indeed the President of the United States. The administration continues to try to bend the institutions of governance to their will for the purpose of advancing his own interest,” said Ranking Member Neal. “[A federal judge in Florida] has spoken, and now Congress has a responsibility to continue to demand clear accountability. And if we don't put our eyes and scrutiny of these matters, it ill serves our constitutional function and it allows this enrichment that we’re witnessing to continue. The American people deserve more.”\n\n“[A]s Americans are struggling with gas, groceries, the cost of goods, paying the rent, Donald Trump and their family are enriching themselves…The crypto scheme might be the most blatant corrupt thing that the folks and people in the community can see, but what we're not seeing are the real estate deals being done by the sons, we're also not seeing the direct work that Jared Kushner is doing to enrich himself and his family with an investment fund that the Saudis pumped $2 billion in, we're not seeing the corruption of selling pardons, the corruption of selling pay-to-play at the White House, literally ticketed events at the People's House. And so, whether it's the crypto scheme, whether it's the real estate deals, whether it's the selling of pardons, whether it's the sons enriching themselves off real estate deals after their father's doing diplomacy, all of that comes back to a White House that is centered on enriching themselves and at the same time taking away from taxpayers,” said Ranking Member Garcia.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-supports-legislation-preserve-integrity-dar", "title": "Palmer Supports Legislation to Preserve the Integrity of the DAR", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "palmer.house.gov", "scraper": "palmer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000609", "name": "Gary J. Palmer", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) cosponsored the Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act. This legislation, introduced by Rep. Ben Cline (VA-06), amends the federal charter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to preserve the organization’s historic mission by including an eligibility requirement that limits membership to biological women that meet the genealogical eligibility requirements.\n\nUpon cosponsoring this legislation, Rep. Palmer released the following statement:\n\n“It should be common sense that to be a part of the Daughters of the American Revolution, you have to be a daughter. Unfortunately, common sense has become a casualty of the left's radical agenda,” said Rep. Palmer. “This legislation protects the integrity of the DAR by preserving its historic purpose. Congress will not allow radical activists to erase womanhood from one of our nation's oldest patriotic organizations. I am proud to cosponsor this bill, and I thank Rep. Cline for his leadership on this issue.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-panetta-joins-rep-jayapal-and-nearly-200-lawmakers-demanding-independent", "title": "Rep. Panetta Joins Rep. Jayapal and Nearly 200 Lawmakers in Demanding Independent Investigations into Killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Johan Sebastian Guerrero", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "panetta.house.gov", "scraper": "panetta", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000613", "name": "Jimmy Panetta", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined Reps. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), and nearly 200 Members in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and called on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to halt removal proceedings against the witnesses.\n\n“Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the lawmakers. “… Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.”\n\n“These fatal shootings by your agents demand real accountability and immediate action to ensure this violence does not continue,” continued the lawmakers. “Failure to impose meaningful consequences sends a message to your Department that agents can act with impunity, risking public safety and people’s lives. We call on you to take immediate corrective action.”\n\nOn July 7, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Salgado Araujo, a father of three U.S. citizens, who had resided in the country for 35 years. He was reportedly not ICE’s target in their operation, and despite ICE’s claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle,” no evidence to substantiate that claim has been presented, and it is disputed by witnesses in the vehicle.\n\nOn July 13, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Guerrero, a father who also was reportedly not the target of enforcement actions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to have shot him in concern for “public safety” after he “attempted to flee.” The agency does not allege that at any point officers feared for their safety. Video of the killing shows ICE officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero even after he had been shot in the head.\n\nDHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 21 people just since the start of this Administration. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals who posed no public safety threat. In previous shootings, ICE has also claimed that victims were “weaponizing” their vehicles, claims that have not been substantiated as evidence has emerged.\n\nIn addition to the demands for an independent investigation and the commitment that witnesses to the killing of Mr. Salgado Araujo not be deported, the lawmakers are asking for a detailed breakdown of all training materials and guidelines around vehicle stops.\n\nThe letter was also signed by Alma S. Adams (NC-12), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Ami Bera (CA-06), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jason Crow (CO-06), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Bill Foster (IL-11), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Al Green (TX-09), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Pablo José Hernández (PR-AL), Jim Himes (CT-04), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), William R. Keating (MA-09), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), John Larson (CT-01), George Latimer (NY-16), Susie Lee (NV-03), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), John Mannion (NY-22), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Christian Menefee (TX-18), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen S. Moore (WI-04), Joseph D. Morelle (NY-25), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Richard Neal (MA-01), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Scott Peters (CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Josh Riley (NY-19), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Thomas R. Suozzi (NY-03), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Norma Torres (CA-35), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Derek Tran (CA-45), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), George Whitesides (CA-27), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).\n\nRep. Panetta’s Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act would strengthen protections for undocumented immigrant victims and witnesses of crimes who cooperate with law enforcement. His legislation aims to reduce barriers that prevent survivors from seeking justice and ensure they are not penalized for coming forward. The three men traveling with Mr. Salgado Araujo when he was shot, all now detained by ICE, have each filed for U-Visa protection. The program currently faces wait times of more than seven years, which Rep. Panetta’s bill would address.\n\nThe full text of the letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and ICE Acting Director David Venturella is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Mullin and Acting Director Venturella:\n\nWe write to ensure accountability in the aftermath of two horrible deaths over the past week in Texas and Maine. On Tuesday, July 7, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, the father of three U.S. citizens, and a 35-year resident of the United States, was driving to work when officers in an unmarked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicle attempted to stop his van. Reports indicate that Mr. Salgado Araujo was not even the actual target of ICE at the time; the ICE operation was targeting two Guatemalans, who were not among the men in the van. ICE claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle” and an ICE agent shot him in response. Neither ICE nor the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have provided any evidence to substantiate this claim. On July 13, just 6 days later, ICE fatally shot a 25-year-old Colombian national, Johan Sebastian Guerrero, in the head multiple times, even though he was not part of a targeted enforcement action. DHS claims that Mr. Guerrero merely attempted to flee in a vehicle, and that an ICE officer shot him out of concern for “public safety.” DHS does not allege the officer feared for his safety. Video footage shows officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero and throwing him on the street, even after shooting him in the head.\n\nBoth of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status. DHS agents have shot at least 22 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals with no criminal records.\n\nIn several of these cases, DHS and its component agencies made unsubstantiated allegations about individuals its agents have shot and even killed, including Renée Good, Alex Pretti, Ruben Ray Martinez, Marimar Martinez, and Julio Sosa-Celis. DHS claimed that the shooting victims were attacking law enforcement officers, attempting to “weaponize” their vehicles, and even called them domestic terrorists. In each case, evidence later emerged that contradicted these claims, showing that DHS representatives made false statements and DHS agents acted inappropriately, resulting in several cases against DHS’s victims to be dismissed with prejudice. As such, Trump’s DHS has lost the trust of the American people and can no longer be considered a reliable source of facts.\n\nAfter shooting and killing Mr. Salgado Araujo, ICE agents took into custody the three other men who were in the van with him: his brother, Victor Hugo Salgado Araujo, and two employees, Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego and Daniel Tirado Pantoja. All three of these men have independently disputed ICE’s account and stated that Mr. Salgado Araujo did not try to ram any agents with the van. Now, reports are emerging that these men—eyewitnesses to the shooting who can provide essential evidence to investigators—have been placed in removal proceedings. This is completely unacceptable.\n\nUnfortunately, this is not the first time ICE has attempted to deport homicide witnesses in its custody. After a coroner ruled Geraldo Lunas Campos’ death at the ICE detention facility Camp East Montana a homicide, his family had to get a court order to ensure ICE did not deport the detained witnesses to the crime. One witness was moved and deported before the court got a chance to rule. It is essential that the same miscarriage of justice does not occur here.\n\nWe are calling for immediate independent investigations into both of these deaths, without interference. We are also calling on ICE to stop any removal proceedings against the witnesses to Mr. Salgado Araujo’s killing for the duration of the investigation. Investigators must be given access to the testimony of Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego, Daniel Tirado Pantoja, and Victor Hugo Salgado Araujo, and the witnesses should have no threat of retaliation or deportation to provide their testimony.\n\nSimilarly, DHS must not interfere with any investigations into the death of Mr. Guerrero. Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.\n\nIn order to ensure justice occurs in these cases, as well as ensuring that such incidents do not continue to happen, please provide answers to the following questions as soon as possible, but no later than July 30, 2026:\n\n1. Will you commit to allowing all noncitizen witnesses to remain in the United States for the duration of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), DHS Office of Inspecter General (OIG) and any state or local investigations into both of these deaths, so they may provide eyewitness testimony to investigators?\n\n2. Will you commit to not interfering with any ongoing investigations, and to ensuring truly independent investigations into both of these cases, as well as completing investigations into the other ICE-related shootings that have occurred?\n\n3. Will you commit to ensuring that all investigators, including those from the FBI, OIG, and any state and local offices have access to all witnesses and evidence related to both of these deaths?\n\n4. Given the enormous amount of funding provided to ICE and CBP both last year and this year, will you commit to immediately providing body cameras to all ICE and CBP agents and ensuring that footage is made available in any ongoing investigations, including any footage of all victims of DHS-related fatal shootings?\n\n5. Please provide a detailed breakdown, including providing copies of all training materials, on how much and what kind of training your officers undergo, as it relates to vehicle stops including when or how discharging weapons into vehicles is or is not permissible.\n\nThese fatal shootings by your agents demand real accountability and immediate action to ensure this violence does not continue. Failure to impose meaningful consequences sends a message to your Department that agents can act with impunity, risking public safety and people’s lives. We call on you to take immediate corrective action.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/pappas-goodlander-lead-legislation-to-combat-substance-use-disorder-in-house", "title": "Pappas, Goodlander Lead Legislation to Combat Substance Use Disorder in House", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pappas.house.gov", "scraper": "pappas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000614", "name": "Chris Pappas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "This week Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) introduced the Turn the Tide Act in the House of Representatives. This legislation would deliver more than $65 billion in federal funding over the next ten years for substance use treatment and prevention. This legislation would expand critical treatment programs, prioritize prevention and increase access to care by addressing workforce shortages. U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan introduced this legislation in the Senate.\n\n“It’s clear that investing in substance use treatment and prevention works,” said Congressman Pappas. “This administration has repeatedly tried to devastate our efforts to combat and prevent addiction, but what we actually need is continued investment to ensure treatment and prevention programs can reach everyone across our communities. This crisis is deeply personal for Granite Staters, and I will always fight to deliver New Hampshire the resources we need to save lives and help our communities stop this crisis.”\n\nSpecifically, the Turn the Tide Act:\n\nIncreases State Opioid Response (SOR) treatment grant funding to $5.5 billion per year over the next five years and provides needed flexibility so that providers can treat patients who have non-opioid related substance use disorders, such as methamphetamine or other substances.\n\nExpands the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Recovery Housing Program and ensures states receive more consistent funding to support patients in recovery.\n\nEstablishes a new grant program modeled off of the successful Manchester Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team program to assist children who have been exposed to trauma, often as a result of substance use disorders among family members or friends.\n\nRequires that private insurers and Medicare Part D plans cover Naloxone without any co-pay or deductible requirements and prohibits insurers from setting up administrative barriers, like prior authorization, that delay start of medication-assisted treatment.\n\nLast year Pappas led 50 of his House colleagues in urging Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy to reverse the cancellation of almost $12 billion in federal grants for state health services from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which included $80 million in public health funding for New Hampshire. He also led a call for the Administration to immediately reinstate illegally fired SAMHSA workers alongside leading members of the Addiction, Treatment, Recovery Caucus, Mental Health Caucus, and Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force. A court ultimately ordered that the workers be reinstated in December 2025.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1801", "title": "Rep. Pettersen Leads CO Dem Delegation in Again Demanding Answers From Trump Admin on New Colorado ICE Facility as DHS Continues to Dodge Lawmakers’ Questions", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "pettersen.house.gov", "scraper": "pettersen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000620", "name": "Brittany Pettersen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) led Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO), Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Jason Crow (D-CO) in again pressing the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for accountability following the announcement of a 5-year GEO Group contract to operate a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Hudson, doubling the capacity for immigrant detention in the state of Colorado.\n\nDHS dodged answering the lawmakers’ questions from a February 24, 2026 letter which raised serious, and unresolved, concerns about the Hudson facility. The Department’s lack of response has deepened the lawmakers’ concerns about the Administration's lack of transparency regarding this facility.\n\nIn the letter, the Lawmakers wrote: “The reports of this new facility moving forward are particularly concerning with the continued rise of deaths in ICE detention and at the hands of ICE agents acting with impunity in communities across the country. The agency’s documented pattern of unlawful detentions, failure to comply with Congressional oversight, and harm to our communities makes this expansion not just misguided, but dangerous. Against this backdrop, we strongly oppose any increase in detention capacity in Colorado.”\n\nPettersen has consistently voted against Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda, including opposing over $45 billion in funding for immigration enforcement in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act\" and over $70 billion in the second partisan reconciliation package. As we have witnessed the surge in ICE killings nationwide, she has also supported legislation to require DHS and ICE officers to clearly identify themselves during enforcement actions. After reports of individuals being detained in short-term holding facilities for as long as 39 days, she introduced legislation to ensure detainees cannot be held in those facilities for longer than 12 hours.\n\nSee the full text of the letter HERE and below:\n\nDear Secretary Mullin and Acting Director Venturella:\n\nWe write to express our profound concern at the announcement of a 5-year contract with the GEO Group to operate a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Hudson, Colorado. The reports of this new facility moving forward are particularly concerning with the continued rise of deaths in ICE detention and at the hands of ICE agents acting with impunity in communities across the country . The agency’s documented pattern of unlawful detentions, failure to comply with Congressional oversight, and harm to our communities makes this expansion not just misguided, but dangerous. Against this backdrop, we strongly oppose any increase in detention capacity in Colorado.\n\nThe operation of the so-called Big Horn facility as an ICE detention facility will dramatically expand ICE’s detention capacity in Colorado, increasing the available detention beds from 1,532 at the Aurora GEO Detention Facility to more than 2,700 beds across the state. As we stated in our February 2026 letter, we are deeply concerned that the remote location of the facility will hinder oversight and reduce access to legal representation for individuals in detention. The Hudson site is difficult to reach by public transportation and far from legal service providers and local service organizations.\n\nThe GEO Group and ICE have a proven track record of obstructing congressional oversight of the Aurora GEO Detention Facility, refusing Members of Congress’ ability to access to the facility, withholding answers to oversight questions, and failing to respond to congressional casework inquiries. We are concerned that these actions will continue at the Big Horn Facility. Your agency did not respond to the February 24, 2026 letter from members of the Colorado delegation addressed to then-Secretary Noem and then-Acting Director Lyons — a letter raising serious, unresolved concerns about the Hudson facility . Once again, we are demanding answers.\n\nThe Department’s lack of response only deepened our concerns about transparency and oversight of this facility. We request your response to the following by July 31, 2026:\n\n1. What steps did the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) take to share its plans for the new facility with relevant local leaders, community members, advocacy groups, and other relevant partners? 2. What steps will be taken to ensure that the Big Horn Facility will consistently meet adequate health and safety standards, as required by the Performance- Based National Detention Standards 2008, the Performance-Based National Detention Standards 2011, the National Detention Standards 2019, and the Family Residential Standards?\n\n3. What steps will DHS take to ensure that the new facility will respond appropriately to congressional oversight as required under Pub. L. No. 118-47, div. C, tit. V 527 (a), 138 Stat 460, 619, and affirmed by Case No. 25-cv-2463?\n\n4. How will DHS ensure that detainees within the Big Horn Facility maintain adequate access to family visitation and meetings with relevant counsel and representatives?\n\n5. Are there any other contracts or anticipated new contracts with the GEO Group for ICE Department of Homeland Security detention facilities in Colorado?", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6093", "title": "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS DEATH OF FOUR-YEAR-OLD BOY ON ST. CROIX", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "plaskett.house.gov", "scraper": "plaskett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000610", "name": "Stacey E. Plaskett", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 17, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS DEATH OF FOUR-YEAR-OLD BOY ON ST. CROIX\n\nSt. Croix, USVI — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement after the death of a four-year-old boy on St. Croix, who was rushed to Juan F. Luis Hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound Thursday evening and died despite emergency treatment:\n\n\"Today, our territory is grieving the loss of a baby—a four-year-old boy whose life was taken far too soon. No family should ever have to bury a child, and no community should have to carry this kind of pain. My heart is broken for this little boy and for everyone who loved him.\n\n\"To his parents: I am deeply sorry. There are no words that can reach the depth of what you are feeling. Please know that we as a community are holding you close, and that you do not carry this grief alone. To his family, and to everyone who knew and loved this child, his grandparents, his siblings, his neighbors, his community, please lean on one another in the days ahead. Grief like this is not meant to be carried in silence.\n\n\"I want to thank the first responders and medical staff at Juan F. Luis Hospital who fought to save this child's life. We must continue to do everything in our power to keep our children safe.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases/sold-out-or-held-back-pou-bill-takes-aim-ticket-holdbacks", "title": "Sold Out or Held Back? Pou Bill Takes Aim at Ticket Holdbacks", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pou.house.gov", "scraper": "pou", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000621", "name": "Nellie Pou", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) has introduced the Halting Organizers and Live-Event Distributors from Boosting Artificial Capacity with Known Seating Act, (HOLDBACKS Act), new legislation to crack down on deceptive ticket sales practices that can leave Americans paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars more for concerts, sporting events, and other live entertainment.\n\nThe bill would require primary ticket sellers to be upfront about how many tickets will actually be available when sales begin. It would also prohibit sellers from deliberately holding back tickets or misleading consumers about availability in order to create the appearance of a sellout and drive prices higher.\n\n“As Americans know all too well, buying tickets has become an expensive and frustrating experience,” said Congresswoman Pou. “People wait in long online queues, and when they can finally see a seating chart and watch the blue dots disappear, they feel pressure to buy tickets they think are almost sold out, sometimes at prices higher than they wanted to spend. If a show appears to be sold out, sometimes fans go on the secondary marketplace to buy tickets at inflated prices. Then, miraculously, more seats to that show or that sporting event that everyone thought was sold out appear and change the marketplace again. Consumers deserve honesty, not marketplace manipulation or ripoff games. The HOLDBACKS Act will shine a light on ticket sales so families can compete on a level playing field instead of wondering whether the deck was stacked against them from the start.“\n\n“The opaque manner in which FIFA released tickets for the World Cup matches provided great frustration for soccer fans and brought a new light to this issue. In fact, a new block of seats was released for the final match just the other day. Admittedly, my limited bill requiring transparency is intended to only address one of the myriad anti-consumer problems with the ticket industry. The House-passed TICKET Act would address upfront pricing, fees and speculative tickets, and I urge the Senate to pass that measure immediately.”\n\nCongresswoman Pou’s legislation comes as demand for live events continues to grow across the country, including during this year’s FIFA World Cup held in the United States. As interest in major sporting events and concerts reaches record highs, ensuring that ticket sales are transparent has become increasingly important and has underscored the need for stronger federal protections.\n\nUnder the HOLDBACKS Act, ticket sellers would have to disclose in advance how many tickets will be offered to the general public and the full advertised cost of those tickets before sales begin. Once tickets go on sale, sellers could not intentionally withhold seats or mislead buyers about how many tickets remain available in order to push prices higher.\n\nReports over the past several years have highlighted growing concerns about ticketing practices for concerts, professional sports, and other major events. Fans have frequently described watching tickets disappear within seconds, only to see many of those same seats later offered at higher prices. The HOLDBACKS Act seeks to give consumers greater confidence that they are competing for tickets in a fair and transparent marketplace.\n\nAs the Ranking Member of Congress’s Task Force overseeing security and operations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Congresswoman Pou has worked to ensure the tournament is successful and welcoming for fans from around the world.\n\nThe HOLDBACKS Act builds on that work by helping make sure those same fans have a fair opportunity to buy tickets for future events at honest prices instead of being misled by artificial scarcity or scheming sales practices.\n\nThis past May, Congresswoman Nellie Pou and Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee Frank Pallone led an investigation into the FIFA Organization demanding urgent answers from FIFA on a ticket sales process that has become increasingly confusing, expensive, and unfair for fans with the games. Soon after Pou’s investigation, New York, New Jersey, and Texas Attorneys General announced their own investigations into FIFA’s ticket sales.\n\nWhile serving in the New Jersey State Senate, Pou spearheaded state legislation that sought to protect ticket buyers by prohibiting website operators from offering tickets to events using intentionally misleading domain names for consumers.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-welcomes-over-55-million-head-start-grant", "title": "Amata Welcomes Over $5.5 Million Head Start Grant", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "radewagen.house.gov", "scraper": "radewagen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000600", "name": "Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen", "party": "Republican", "state": "AS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomed official notice of $5,509,857 for American Samoa’s Head Start program, a major grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and their Administration for Children and Families.\n\nCongresswoman Uifa'atali Amata and Director Maefau Dr. Mary Lauagaia Taufete'e\n\n“I would like to thank Program Director of Early Childhood Education Fonofili Muaava, along with everyone who works with our bright young children or ensuring our territory meets federal requirements for this very helpful support,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Education is among our most important permanent priorities, along with health care, and through ASDOE we can see to it that each generation has more opportunity and access to quality education than the one before. Thank you also to all of our hardworking teachers of all our students of any age, and Education Director Maefau Dr. Mary Lauagaia Taufete’e.”\n\nSince establishing Head Start, Congress continues to appropriate funds yearly for the program. The vision of Head Start is to help children succeed in school, as well as in life and careers, by focusing on children under 5 years old and their early reading and math skills.\n\nThis federal funding helps the American Samoa Department of Education cultivate programs for early K-12 education, consistent with the program’s priority to assist lower income communities.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://rivas.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luz-rivas-secures-50-million-authorizations-san-fernando-valley", "title": "Congresswoman Luz Rivas Secures $50 Million in Authorizations for the San Fernando Valley in Key Water Bill", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://rivas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "rivas.house.gov", "scraper": "rivas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000620", "name": "Luz M. Rivas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) released the following statement after the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed the Water Resource Development Act of 2026 (WRDA), which includes an authorization of $28 million for the City of San Fernando and an authorization of $22 million for the City of Los Angeles to improve its water infrastructure in the east San Fernando Valley.\n\n“I am proud to secure $50 million in federal funding authorizations in this year’s WRDA bill to help the Cities of San Fernando and Los Angeles improve water infrastructure,” said Congresswoman Rivas. “This authorization will support the increased water demands that have been exacerbated by extreme heat, prolonged droughts, and the ongoing climate crisis. While Republicans may be in disarray, I urge them to quickly put this important bill on the House Floor for a vote so San Fernando Valley residents can have the resources and tools they need to access clean and usable water.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Water Resource Development Act of 2026 (WRDA) is an omnibus legislation used to authorize various water resources projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). USACE is the agency that develops water resources projects, such as ports and harbors, the inland waterway navigation network, flood and storm protection, and other water resources.\n\nThe bill was reported favorably from the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure by a vote of 66-0, and will go to the House Floor for a vote. Authorizations that are included in WRDA must still have funds appropriated by Congress for implementation.\n\nThe following requests from Congresswoman Rivas were included in WRDA:\n\n$28 million for the City of San Fernando to improve their water infrastructure, including water supply and distribution systems;\n\nAn additional $22 million to address the need for flood mitigation, stormwater and wastewater management in the east San Fernando Valley;\n\nA study on hydrology and expanding recreational opportunities at Hansen Dam; and\n\nThe transfer of responsibility of four channels in CA-29 from USACE to Los Angeles County Public Works.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/hill-country-flood-response-aftermath-and-resources", "title": "Hill Country Flood Response Aftermath and Resources", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "roy.house.gov", "scraper": "roy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000614", "name": "Chip Roy", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "With rain continuing to fall and water levels remaining a serious concern, I encourage everyone across Central Texas to stay alert, exercise caution, and heed the guidance of local officials. Some areas of the Hill Country have received more than 27 inches of rain in just over a day, creating life-threatening flooding.\n\nAmid these dangerous conditions, our Hill Country community witnessed the extraordinary courage and professionalism of our first responders. I want to thank the local, state, and federal personnel who have worked tirelessly to protect lives. Over the past two days, more than 200 rescues have been conducted as these men and women responded around the clock to help those in harm’s way.\n\nPlease also join me in praying for the families of the two individuals who tragically lost their lives, and that there are no further fatalities as this event continues to unfold.\n\nThe effects of this flooding have been felt across communities throughout the Hill Country. My office remains in close coordination with emergency management officials and recovery teams to help ensure resources are available and communities receive the support they need.\n\nAs conditions improve, our focus will shift from emergency response to recovery and rebuilding. I have every confidence that the people of the Hill Country will once again come together to support their neighbors, honor those we have lost, and rebuild stronger than before.\n\nToday and throughout the weekend please utilize the following resources, pray for recovery, and stay safe.\n\nRoad Closures from Debris and Flooding: DriveTexas.org\n\nTexans who sustained damage caused by severe storms and flooding are encouraged to report damage through the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool\n\nTexas Flood Recovery Resources can be found at TexasFlood.org\n\nReport Roads in Need of Repair: txdot.gov\n\nShelter Locations: tdem.texas.gov/shelter\n\nKerr County\n\nCalvary Temple (also serving as a reunification center)\n\n3000 TX-534 Loop\n\nKerrville, TX 78028\n\nCitywest Church\n\n3139 Junction Highway\n\nIngram, TX 78025\n\nCenter Point ISD Gymnasium\n\n215 China Street\n\nCenter Point, TX 78010\n\nKendall County", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/dignity-act-coalition-surpasses-100-endorsements", "title": "The DIGNITY Act Coalition Surpasses 100+ Endorsements", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "salazar.house.gov", "scraper": "salazar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000168", "name": "Maria Elvira Salazar", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — One year after Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX) introduced the DIGNITY Act (H.R.4393), the coalition behind the legislation has surpassed 100 organizational and stakeholder endorsements. The milestone underscores growing national support for the only viable and bipartisan immigration reform proposal currently in Congress.\n\nEmployers, manufacturers, farmers, restaurants, builders, educators, scientists, faith leaders, families, mayors, community leaders, immigrant advocates, and veterans, groups that often disagree on immigration policy, have united behind a bipartisan framework that restores the rule of law, strengthens America's workforce, and provides a practical solution to a broken immigration system.\n\n\"You can tell a lot about a bill by who's willing to stand behind it. Today, we have farmers standing next to faith leaders, employers standing next to Dreamers, people who agree on almost nothing else in politics, all backing the same solution,\" said Rep. María Elvira Salazar. \"Washington doesn't see agreement like that very often. Now my job is to turn that agreement into law.\"\n\nThe coalition's growth has translated into measurable progress on Capitol Hill. The DIGNITY Act now has the support of 40 Members of Congress, has been endorsed by the Problem Solvers Caucus, and continues to attract lawmakers and stakeholders committed to advancing meaningful immigration reform that is good for America.\n\nBeyond Congress, the DIGNITY Act has expanded national engagement on immigration reform through the National DIGNITY Tour, policy forums, roundtables, and meetings with employers, workers, Dreamers, mixed-status families, faith leaders, and community organizations across the country. Those conversations have helped strengthen the legislation while broadening support for a practical path forward.\n\nThe complete list of the 100+ organizations supporting the DIGNITY Act are below and can also be found here.\n\nDignity Act Endorsements (100+): A-1 Global Holdings, African American Farmers of California, AFU Action, AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management, American Bakers Association, American Business Immigration Council (ABIC), American Families United, American Global Logistics, American Latino Coalition, American Legion, Americans for Prosperity, American Seniors Housing Association, American Sustainable Business Network, Anti-Defamation League, Arlington Latino Chamber of Commerce, Asian American Christian Collaborative, Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Associated Equipment Distributors, Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America, Bethel Consulting Group LLC, Brick Industry Association, Business Roundtable, Center for American Progress, Christian Family Coalition of Florida, Citizens Denied, Cleaning Coalition of America, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, Critical Labor Coalition, Democrats for Life of America, EnglishUSA, Essential Workers Immigration Coalition (EWIC), Evangelical Immigration Table, Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP), FWD.us, Global Detroit, Greater Houston Partnership, GROW our STEM Workforce Coalition, Hispanic Construction Council, IEEE-USA (Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers), IIUSA, ISSA (Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions), Improve the Dream, Jewish Federation of North America, Labor Hub USA, Latin Chamber of Commerce Nevada, Laredo Chamber of Commerce, LeadingAge, LIBRE Initiative, Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), Migrants Foundation Inc, MIRA USA, Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Evangelicals, National Association of Home Builders, National Association of Landscape Professionals, National Association of Manufacturers, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), National Council of Chain Restaurants, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), National Hispanic Construction Alliance, National Hispanic Health Foundation, National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, National Immigration Forum, National Latino Evangelical Coalition, National Parents Union, National Restaurant Association, National Retail Federation, National Roofing Contractors Association, Nisei Farmers League, Niskanen Center, Pastors Association of south New Jersey, Power & Communication Contractors Association (PCCA), Power Design, Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, Problem Solvers Caucus, Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), Puerto Rico Builders Association (PRBA), Reshoring Initiative, Repatriate our Patriots, Secure Growth Initiative, SIMBA Chain, Small Business Majority, South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, SPIE - the International Society for Optics and Photonics, State Business Executives, Steel Tank Institute-Steel Plate Fabricators Association (STI-SPFA), Structural Building Components Association, TESOL International Association, Texas Business Leadership Council, Texas Restaurant Association, Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRIA), Third Way, United for TPS Nepal (UTPSN), United States Hispanic Business Council, United States Immigrant Center (USIC), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. for Success Coalition, Vanteo, Walroth-Sadurní Law, WERC, Why Not Act, Woodpack Global, World Relief.\n\nThe DIGNITY Act\n\nIntroduced by Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX), the DIGNITY Act modernizes America's immigration system, restores the rule of law, and establishes a permanent solution for long-term undocumented immigrants who meet strict requirements.\n\nRecent Milestones\n\nOver the past year, the DIGNITY Act has continued to build support through new endorsements, nationwide engagement, and sustained public attention.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases/beyer-barrett-jacobs-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-requiring-human-control-over-autonomous-weapons", "title": "Beyer, Barrett, Jacobs Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Requiring Human Control Over Autonomous Weapons", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "sarajacobs.house.gov", "scraper": "sarajacobs", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000305", "name": "Sara Jacobs", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Congressman Tom Barrett (R-MI), and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA) introduced the Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act to ensure that no autonomous or artificial intelligence-enabled weapon system used by the United States military can carry out an intentionally lethal strike without meaningful human oversight or a human decision-maker in the loop. The bill would establish a clear legal requirement that commanders and operators retain appropriate levels of human judgment in decisions involving the use of lethal force.\n\n“No machine should ever be given the power to decide to kill a human being on its own. Allowing AI systems to independently select and engage targets carries serious risks; machines cannot understand morality or the value of human life, nor can they be held accountable for mistakes, war crimes, or catastrophic escalation,” said Rep. Beyer. “These life and death decisions must remain in human hands. As AI becomes more powerful and more integrated into military systems, Congress has a responsibility to establish clear guardrails and responsible standards for the military use of AI. Our legislation would ensure that a human decision-maker always remains in the loop and integral to the chain of command when lethal force is involved.”\n\n“Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly critical role in strengthening our national defense, but it should never be the one making life-or-death decisions,” Rep. Barrett said. “We must establish safeguards now to ensure these technologies are used ethically and transparently. This bipartisan bill sets clear limits to make sure people stay in control whenever lethal force is involved while allowing our military to continue leading the world in technological innovation.”\n\n“AI mistakes on the battlefield have the potential to be catastrophic: civilian casualties, friendly fire, unintended escalation, and calculations made on faulty data,” said Rep. Jacobs. “These aren’t risks worth taking – not when they can result in unnecessary lives lost or war. That’s why I’m proud to join Congressman Beyer and Congressman Barrett in introducing legislation to ensure that humans are meaningfully involved before autonomous or AI-enabled weapon systems are used for lethal force. This is a common-sense step to help our military keep pace with emerging technologies while upholding our commitments to international humanitarian law and ethics.”\n\nThis legislation is also supported by organizations including Council for a Livable World, Common Defense, and Win Without War.\n\n“Council for a Livable World is pleased to support the Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act as it would mark a clear step forward toward ethical oversight of emerging military technologies, which thus far have been outpacing guardrails and regulations,\" said Council for a Livable World Executive Director and Former Congressman John Tierney. “This bill identifies and proposes a remedy to the dangers of unmitigated autonomy of weapons, particularly weapons of mass destruction. Every lawmaker should understand the importance of keeping Americans safe by ensuring a human is always involved in decisions affecting human life. Unlike humans, machines can't apply judgments based on values and morals, and all available evidence shows machines have an alarming propensity for error. Americans should not have to face the consequences of automated weapons technology running amok. It's essential that policy makers debate and resolve how to address this critical security issue, and we applaud Rep. Beyer's focus on such a serious and urgent matter.”\n\n“Common Defense strongly endorses the Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act,” said Common Defense Political Director Naveed Shah. “As an Army veteran who served in Iraq, I know the moral responsibility that comes with taking human life in combat, decisions that must never be handed over to machines. This bill ensures meaningful human control over lethal autonomous systems, restores accountability to war-making, and prevents machines from deciding the rules of engagement.”\n\n“Decisions impacting human life and safety should never be handed off to algorithms,” said Win Without War Government Relations Associate Sofia Guerra. “When these systems fail, whether through bad data or rubber-stamp approvals, the costs are incalculable. This bill is a critical step to ensure that humans, accountable to both international law and the consequences of their actions, are making the most serious decisions regarding the use of force.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2039", "title": "Scanlon Introduces Legislation to Expand Social Security Survivor Benefits for Widowers and Surviving Divorced Spouses", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "scanlon.house.gov", "scraper": "scanlon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001205", "name": "Mary Gay Scanlon", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) today introduced the Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act, legislation that would update arbitrary restrictions on benefits for widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses, and increase Social Security benefits for more than one million Americans. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Senate companion bill.\n\nUnder current law, widow(er)s who develop a disability after their spouse dies are not allowed to claim survivor benefits until they reach the age of 50, and the value of these benefits is severely reduced if they claim them before reaching full retirement age. More than one-third of widow(er)s also have their benefits limited by an obscure provision known as the “widow(er)’s limit,” which permanently reduces widow(er)s’ survivor benefits if their deceased spouse claimed retirement benefits before retirement age.\n\n“Social Security has been a critical and essential lifeline for retired, disabled, and low-income workers for decades,” said Rep. Scanlon. “Obscure benefit caps and outdated arbitrary legal restrictions have created obstacles for beneficiaries, particularly women, during some of the most vulnerable periods in their lives. I’m proud to introduce the SWIFT Act to tackle those barriers and increase Social Security benefits for deserving Americans in need.”\n\nThe Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act would:\n\nAllow widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses with disabilities to receive 100% of the survivor benefit they are entitled to regardless of their age;\n\nGive widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses the ability to increase the value of their survivor benefits beyond current arbitrary caps;\n\nEnable widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses caring for children to receive child-in-care benefits until their children are age 18 or 19 if still in school; and\n\nRequire the federal government to proactively provide information to widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses about benefits they are eligible for, claiming options, and important deadlines.\n\nThe bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-11), Seth Moulton (MA-06), and Chellie Pingree (ME-01).\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the National Committee To Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Social Security Works, National Association of Disability Representatives, Strengthen Social Security Coalition, Alliance for Retired Americans, Justice in Aging, and AFL-CIO.\n\nFind the full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"}
{"url": "https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-fitzpatrick-introduce-bipartisan-honor-act-end-tax-credits", "title": "SCHNEIDER, FITZPATRICK INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN HONOR ACT TO END TAX CREDITS FOR BUSINESSES DEALING IN RUSSIA", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "schneider.house.gov", "scraper": "schneider", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001190", "name": "Bradley Scott Schneider", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), members of the House Ways and Means Committee, announced the introduction of the Hindering Oppressive Nations from Obtaining Revenue Act or HONOR Act to eliminate the ability of firms and individuals to claim a foreign tax credit against taxes paid to the Russian government. Senators Cortez Masto and Cornyn introduced the Senate version in January, and it was passed by unanimous consent in April.\n\n“For more than twelve years, Russia has carried out an unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine,” said Schneider. “All of Europe and the U.S. must stand with the Ukrainian people. We cannot allow companies that finance Russia’s regime and continue Putin’s illegal war to get a tax break. I’m glad to work with my colleague Rep. Fitzpatrick to hold Russia accountable, stand with our ally Ukraine, and protect our nation’s security.”\n\n“America’s tax code should never reward those who help bankroll the enemies of freedom. Every dollar paid to the Kremlin strengthens Vladimir Putin’s war machine and prolongs his brutal assault on Ukraine. The HONOR Act sends a clear message: companies that choose to finance tyranny will not be subsidized by the American taxpayer. We will stand with the Ukrainian people, defend the free world, and confront Russian aggression with the strength and resolve it demands,” said Fitzpatrick.\n\nThe bill would add Russia to the Section 901(j) list of sanctioned countries, a list of countries in which taxes paid can’t be offset by the foreign tax credit. Currently, the list includes North Korea, Iran, Syria, and Sudan.\n\nView the full bill text here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://scottpeters.house.gov/press-releases/peters-salazar-coons-murkowski-relaunch-bill-to-strengthen-federal-action-on-climate-threats", "title": "Peters, Salazar, Coons, Murkowski Relaunch Bill to Strengthen Federal Action on Climate Threats", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scottpeters.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "scottpeters.house.gov", "scraper": "scottpeters", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000608", "name": "Scott H. Peters", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Rep. María Salazar (R-FL-27), Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the National Coordination on Adaptation and Resilience for Security (NCARS) Act of 2026 to develop an organized federal response to climate hazards that threaten human health and well-being, critical infrastructure, and natural environments.\n\n“San Diegans know first-hand the consequences of climate change, from destructive wildfires and prolonged drought to dangerous heat waves and rising seas that threaten our coastline. My constituents can't afford more delays,” Rep. Peters said. “The NCARS Act would streamline resources, improve coordination, and hold agencies accountable so we can better prepare for and respond to the growing climate threats our communities face. I'm glad to once again have bicameral, bipartisan support as we move this commonsense legislation forward.”\n\n\"Miami is ground zero for rising waters, and our neighborhoods cannot afford more delay. Every year we wait to plan for natural disasters, the costs go up and the damage gets worse,\" said Rep. Salazar. \"That's why I'm proud to co-lead the National Coordination on Resilience for Security (NCARS) Act. This legislation will help us build stronger infrastructure, improve coordination across the federal government, and keep our people safe for generations to come.\"\n\n“We can’t leave Americans to face extreme weather events – from winter storms to weeks of record high heat – alone,” said Senator Coons. “As the lowest lying state in the nation, Delaware is no stranger to how climate change can impact homes and businesses. This bill will create a national, coordinated strategy to bring together government and the private sector to protect communities, our economy, and our national security from the potentially devastating effects of climate change.”\n\n\"Alaskan communities continue to face an increasing number of damaging natural disasters, including catastrophic flooding, coastal erosion, severe storms, landslides, wildfires, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and permafrost thaw. Over the past year alone, communities across our state have endured multiple disasters that damaged critical infrastructure, disrupted essential services, and put lives at risk,\" said Senator Murkowski. \"I'm glad to once again partner on bipartisan, bi-cameral legislation to develop and implement a unified National Resilience Strategy, with input from federal, state, Tribal, local, and private-sector partners. Alaska's unique geography and exposure to every type of natural hazard underscore the need for a coordinated federal approach that helps communities prepare for, adapt to, and recover from disasters more effectively.”\n\nIncreasingly frequent and severe weather-related catastrophes are a stark reminder that frontline communities like San Diego are at risk as the climate crisis worsens. Over the past 20 years, there have been 47 natural disasters in San Diego, costing millions or even billions of dollars to repair each time.\n\nMeanwhile, natural disaster damages cost the United States $217.8 billion in 2024 compared to just $28.6 billion during Rep. Peters’ first year in Congress in 2013.\n\nAccording to FEMA, each dollar invested in resilience saves roughly $6 when disaster strikes. Vulnerable populations also face increasing harm from slow-onset climate hazards like sea level rise and permafrost thaw, which are often overlooked in comparison to punctuated disaster events but can also have significant impacts on human health, property, and critical infrastructure.\n\nThe NCARS Act would:\n\nSet a National Adaptation and Resilience Strategy and an Implementation Plan with federal, state, local, private sector, and non-profit partners.\n\nEstablish a Chief Resilience Officer in the White House to implement the plan.\n\nCreate interagency working groups to streamline efforts and ensure accountability.\n\nCreate a federal information hub to streamline resilience resources to communities.\n\nNCARS was also introduced in 2023 and 2022.\n\nThe bill is supported by the Woodwell Climate Research Center, Alliance for Global Water Adaptation, American Flood Coalition Action, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, American Public Works Association (APWA), American Society of Civil Engineers, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, City Parks Alliance, Environmental Council of the States, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Federation of American Scientists, Geos Institute, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, International Code Council, Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, National Association of Counties, National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, National Recreation and Park Association, Reinsurance Association of America, Taxpayers for Common Sense, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), The Pew Charitable Trusts, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Union of Concerned Scientists, World Wildlife Fund.\n\nA one pager on NCARS is available here. A section-by-section is available here. The full NCARS bill text is available here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://stanton.house.gov/2026/7/stanton-ansari-grijalva-introduce-bill-to-redirect-ice-funding-to-public-schools-require-sale-of-detention-warehouses", "title": "Stanton, Ansari, Grijalva Introduce Bill to Redirect ICE Funding to Public Schools, Require Sale of Detention Warehouses", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "stanton.house.gov", "scraper": "stanton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001211", "name": "Greg Stanton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), and Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) introduced the Fund Schools, Not ICE Act. The legislation would redirect billions of dollars in funding passed as part of Republicans’ second reconciliation bill for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to Title I schools, and require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to sell 11 recently purchased warehouse detention facilities.\n\nTitle I, Part A is the nation's largest federal K-12 education program, supporting schools serving low-income students. Nearly 20 percent of public school funding in Arizona comes from the federal government, making federal investments critical to supporting Arizona classrooms facing chronic underfunding.\n\nThe legislation would transfer any unobligated ICE funding provided under Republicans’ reconciliation bill, which gave ICE with an additional $38.5 billion in funding through 2029, to Title I, Part A grants for local school districts. As of May, ICE has $62 billion on hand.\n\n“Public school districts across the country are facing massive challenges and chronic underfunding, yet again this Administration funneled billions in taxpayer funds for its dangerous mass deportation agenda,” said Rep. Stanton. “ICE's poorly trained force is not making Americans safer – it’s causing chaos and fear. My legislation ensures that our classrooms, not ICE, have the resources and support they need to educate our next generation.”\n\n“ICE has done nothing to keep our communities safe. Instead, they have used the billions of dollars in funding handed over by Trump and Republicans to terrorize our communities and murder American citizens,” said Rep. Ansari. “Our schools are safe places, and our resources should be used to support students, not expand ICE’s presence in our communities. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in introducing this legislation.”\n\n“Instead of wasting billions of taxpayer dollars on inhumane, for-profit detention warehouses and pouring even more money into a lawless agency that is murdering people on our streets, we should be investing in our children and strengthening our public schools. At a time when the Trump administration is systematically defunding public education, this bill puts our students ahead of Trump’s cruel mass deportation agenda,” said Rep. Grijalva.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://stanton.house.gov/2026/7/stanton-demands-answers-on-cyclospora-outbreak-raises-concerns-over-food-safety-surveillance-cuts", "title": "Stanton Demands Answers on Cyclospora Outbreak, Raises Concerns Over Food Safety Surveillance Cuts", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "stanton.house.gov", "scraper": "stanton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001211", "name": "Greg Stanton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding answers about the nationwide Cyclospora outbreak—warning that HHS's rollback of foodborne disease surveillance and reduced coordination with state and local health departments have undermined the nation’s ability to quickly detect and respond to multistate outbreaks.\n\nIn the letter, Stanton questions a July 2025 HHS decision which cut FoodNet’s required surveillance list of pathogens from eight down to just two, making active surveillance for Cyclospora optional. FoodNet, established in 1995, is a partnership between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and state health departments that actively identifies foodborne illnesses by coordinating with hundreds of laboratories nationwide.\n\n\"Families deserve to know that the food they're buying is safe to consume,\" Stanton said. \"But instead, thousands of people are becoming sick while the administration undoes key public health systems that detect outbreaks and identify contaminated food.\"\n\nWhile HHS has defended the changes to FoodNet stating that it eliminates duplicative work, it fails to identify which surveillance systems replaced FoodNet's active Cyclospora monitoring or demonstrate that they provide the same level of timely, coordinated federal-state monitoring.\n\nThe letter also notes other actions that have reduced public health capacity, including the termination of $11.4 billion in grants supporting state and local health departments and the dismantling of the CDC's Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, which housed federal expertise on Cyclospora and other parasitic diseases.\n\nAccording to the CDC, there are more than 7,000 cases in at least 34 states, with over 140 confirmed hospitalizations as of May 1, 2026. Stanton’s letter requests answers by August 3, 2026, including:\n\nWho directed the decision to reduce FoodNet's required surveillance, and what scientific or budget analysis supported it;\n\nWhat funding has been reduced or redirected from FoodNet and related foodborne disease programs since January 2025;\n\nHow many employees working on foodborne disease and parasitic disease surveillance have been terminated, reassigned, or left vacant;\n\nWhich surveillance systems now perform the active laboratory outreach previously conducted through FoodNet;\n\nHow many personnel are currently assigned to the federal Cyclospora outbreak response;\n\nWhat evidence supports HHS's claim that these changes have not affected the current outbreak investigation.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-leads-wi-republican-delegation-requests-epa-hold-canada-accountable-for-wildfire-pollutants", "title": "Steil Leads WI Republican Delegation, Requests EPA Hold Canada Accountable for Wildfire Pollutants", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "steil.house.gov", "scraper": "steil", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001213", "name": "Bryan Steil", "party": "Republican", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "July 17, 2026\n\nJanesville, WI – Today, Congressmen Bryan Steil (WI-01), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), and Tony Wied (WI-08) wrote to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, requesting the department review available actions under the U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement (AQA) to help address ongoing wildfire smoke in Wisconsin originating from Canada.\n\n“Record-breaking wildfire smoke is inflicting real harm on Wisconsin families. We cannot allow this to continue. Canada must meet its clean air promise and prevent future wildfires from impacting Wisconsin families,” wrote the Representatives. \"We write to respectfully request that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) take all appropriate measures under the U.S.-Canada AQA to address the impact of Canadian wildfire smoke on families in the Great Lakes Region and the Northeast.\"\n\nRead the letter here.\n\nBackground:\n\nSmoke from recent wildfires, including those originating in Canada, has drifted into the United States, creating hazardous air quality ratings across Wisconsin.\n\nOn Thursday, July 16, 5 of the 10 worst areas for air quality in the world were in southern Wisconsin.\n\nAir Quality Index ratings exceeded 500 in many portions of Wisconsin, including Brown, Waukesha, and Kenosha Counties.\n\nMilwaukee saw its worst air quality on record, with an AQI of 566 - significantly higher than cities like Beijing (73) and Delhi (160).\n\nWildfires like those originating in Canada are a source of significant pollutants including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.\n\nThe U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement was signed by the U.S. and Canada in 1991 and expanded in 2000. The agreement is designed to help reduce toxic air pollutants including ozone and particulate matter.\n\nUnder the agreement, the U.S. can raise concerns surrounding particulate emissions to force consultations with Canadian officials within 30 days.\n\nIf a resolution is not reached, the U.S. can refer the dispute to a third party or enter formal negotiations.\n\nThe letter requests that the EPA utilize this mechanism to address the impacts of ongoing wildfires and help mitigate future occurrences.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/recap-rep-haley-stevens-takes-trump-administration-fights-michigan-families", "title": "RECAP: REP. HALEY STEVENS TAKES ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION, FIGHTS FOR MICHIGAN FAMILIES", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "stevens.house.gov", "scraper": "stevens", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001215", "name": "Haley M. Stevens", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – This week, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens continued her fight against the Trump administration’s chaos agenda, standing up for Michigan families on public health, education, rising costs, and ICE accountability.\n\nON MONDAY:\n\nRep. Stevens slammed Trump’s ICE following two fatal shootings of civilians in Texas and Maine and re-upped the call for her Hold ICE Accountable Act.\n\n“The blatant disregard for human life from Donald Trump's ICE is horrifying and outrageous,” said Stevens. “The families deserve justice.”\n\nON TUESDAY:\n\nRep. Haley Stevens sounded the alarm over Michigan’s growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, slamming RFK Jr. for dismantling public health safeguards and calling for his impeachment.\n\n“Michigan families deserve leaders who trust science, strengthen public health, and act with urgency—not politicians who dismantle the very systems that keep us safe,” said Stevens.\n\nON WEDNESDAY\n\nAt a House hearing, Stevens blasted Trump and Republican efforts to shut down the Department of Education and cut critical support for students, teachers, and families.\n\n“I have spent countless hours with the educators, administrators, and families in Michigan. And over the last year and a half, we have discussed the challenges facing the teacher workforce pipeline, our inability to fully fund Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,” said Rep. Stevens.\n\n“We need to get back to the basics. Before we bely the American people and their tax dollars that this is some effort to serve you better and to streamline. Because it’s not. It’s more failed policy at our expense.”\n\n“It’s more failed policy at our expense,” said Stevens, while calling for investments to address teacher shortages, support students with disabilities, and protect career and technical education.\n\nON THURSDAY\n\nRep. Stevens introduced the Tariff Refund Act, which would provide up to $1,700 to qualifying households to offset costs from Trump’s tariffs.\n\n“Donald Trump’s tariffs have cost Michiganders in every aspect of their lives, from groceries to school supplies to home appliances,” said Rep. Stevens. “We must lower costs for hardworking families and give them relief from Trump’s out-of-control economy.”\n\nCongresswoman Stevens also joined more than 200 House Democrats in demanding independent investigations into the deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero and demanding accountability over the horrific actions of ICE and DHS agents.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-shri-thanedar-congresswoman-kat-cammack-introduce-bipartisan-customer-property-protection-act", "title": "Congressman Shri Thanedar, Congresswoman Kat Cammack Introduce Bipartisan Customer Property Protection Act", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "thanedar.house.gov", "scraper": "thanedar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000488", "name": "Shri Thanedar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13) and Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03) introduced HR 9717, the Customer Property Protection Act, bipartisan legislation that creates regulations to ensure customer assets that are held by a commodity broker are protected in the scenario that the commodity broker goes bankrupt.\n\n“As a lifelong serial entrepreneur, I know first-hand the innovative power of new financial technologies, and am encouraged by the rapid innovation currently taking place in the commodity sector,” said Congressman Thanedar. “But with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) last reauthorized in 2008, current CFTC regulations are out of date for today’s commodity markets, undermining present consumer confidence in these vital markets.\n\nOur Customer Property Protection Act provides needed protections for consumers who use commodity brokers to invest in America’s rapidly growing commodity markets by ensuring that cash, securities, or other broker property will go to consumers in the event of a commodity broker’s bankruptcy if current customer property isn’t enough to make consumers whole. I am grateful for Representative Cammack’s bipartisan leadership with me on these common-sense consumer protections.”\n\n“Americans deserve to be confident that their funds with commodity brokers are handled safely and responsibly. This legislation will help ensure that market participants are not forced to bear the consequences of misconduct or mismanagement,” said Congresswoman Kat Cammack. “The Customer Property Protection Act clarifies the treatment of customer funds by prioritizing them ahead of general creditors in the event of a commodity broker bankruptcy. I’m proud to join my colleague, Rep. Thanedar, in co-leading this commonsense customer protection for America’s futures markets.”\n\nThe full text of the legislation can be viewed here.\n\nCongressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://timmoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-tim-moore-announces-more-49-million-fema-funding-hurricane-helene", "title": "Congressman Tim Moore Announces More Than $4.9 Million in FEMA Funding for Hurricane Helene Recovery Projects in NC-14", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://timmoore.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "timmoore.house.gov", "scraper": "timmoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001236", "name": "Tim Moore", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) announced more than $4.9 million in federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Helene recovery across North Carolina's 14th District. Projects include critical infrastructure repairs, utility restoration, and debris removal.\n\n“This funding is an important step forward in the recovery from Hurricane Helene,” said Congressman Moore. “From debris removal in Burke County to utility repairs in Chimney Rock, this funding will help restore critical infrastructure and support the work that remains ahead. I appreciate President Trump, Secretary Mullin, and the folks at FEMA for helping ensure Western North Carolina’s recovery keeps moving forward.”\n\n$2,566,448.10 will go to Chimney Rock Village for permanent water and sewer line repairs following severe damage from Hurricane Helene. These repairs include replacing damaged sewer and force mains, installing new manholes and lift stations, upsizing storm drainage, restoring pavement, and implementing erosion control measures. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.\n\n$1,537,543.93 will support debris removal operations throughout Burke County following Hurricane Helene. The project will remove approximately 19,603 cubic yards of vegetative debris from private property sites across the county under the Private Property Debris Removal Program, helping reduce safety hazards and support ongoing recovery efforts. This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.\n\n$605,074.86 will go to the City of Morganton to support pump station electrical repair or replacement due to severe damage caused by Hurricane Helene. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.\n\n$143,419.42 will go to the Town of Lake Lure to replace building contents, vehicles, and barges damaged by Hurricane Helene. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.\n\n$108,756.26 will go to Polk County to repair or replace roadways, embankments, and culverts as a result of Hurricane Helene. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2074", "title": "Congressman Van Drew Stands Up for Veterans' Benefits, Calls for Passage of Major Richard Star Act", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vandrew.house.gov", "scraper": "vandrew", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000133", "name": "Jefferson Van Drew", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC - Congressman Van Drew issued the following statement after working to prevent the Taking Care of America's Veterans Act from advancing to final passage in its current form due to serious concerns over using reductions in certain veterans' disability benefits to pay for other provisions in the bill.\n\n\"Doing right by our veterans has always been one of my highest priorities, and this bill contains many provisions that I strongly support,\" said Congressman Van Drew. \"But the way it is paid for is unacceptable. It would reduce disability compensation available to veterans who file claims for service-connected health conditions. We should never take benefits away from one group of veterans to provide benefits to another. That is why I could not in good conscience support it in its current form. I have spoken directly with the VFW and veterans across South Jersey, and they share these serious concerns.\n\n\"I am a proud cosponsor of the Major Richard Star Act and signed the discharge petition to bring it to the floor. The bill would end the unfair offset that prevents certain combat-injured veterans who were medically retired before reaching 20 years of service from receiving both their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation. These veterans earned both benefits through their service and sacrifice, and they should not be forced to choose between them. Congress should pass the Major Richard Star Act as written and then work together to advance the other worthwhile provisions in a responsible way that does not make disabled veterans pay the bill. We can and must do better for every veteran.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://vanduyne.house.gov/2026/7/van-duyne-leads-resolution-condemning-omar-suleiman-for-celebrating-death-of-sen-lindsey-graham", "title": "Van Duyne Leads Resolution Condemning Omar Suleiman for Celebrating Death of Sen. Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vanduyne.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "vanduyne.house.gov", "scraper": "vanduyne", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000134", "name": "Beth Van Duyne", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24) led a resolution, with the Republican Study Committee, condemning Omar Suleiman for celebrating the death of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and acknowledging that House Democrats invited him to serve as Guest Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2019.\n\nHours after Sen. Graham’s passing over the weekend, Omar Suleiman, Founder and President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research in Irving, Texas, publicly celebrated Graham’s death, writing that he hoped Graham would “live an eternity in ruins.”\n\n“I awoke on Sunday morning like many of my colleagues to the shocking news of Sen. Graham's passing – he dedicated his life to public service as a legislator and military officer,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “The outpouring of love and appreciation for Sen. Graham was incredible and heartwarming to see. Equally, the hatred and truly evil attacks against him were utterly shocking, especially one that I saw from my hometown by an Islamist religious leader, Omar Suleiman.”\n\nRep. Van Duyne continues, “Omar Suleiman’s response to Senator Lindsey Graham's death was not merely tasteless, it was depraved. He sneered, ‘Bye Lindsey,’ and condemned him to ‘an eternity in ruins.’ That is not compassion. It is not faith. It is the language of hatred from a man who presents himself as a religious leader.”\n\nRep. Van Duyne was joined by Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger (R-TX-11), and U.S. Representatives Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24), Erin Houchin (R-IN-09), Randy Weber (R-TX-14), Troy Nehls (R-TX-22), Michael Cloud (R-TX-27), Keith Self (R-TX-03), Wesley Hunt (R-TX-38), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01), Ronny Jackson (R-TX-13), Pat Fallon (R-TX-04), Craig Goldman (R-TX-12), Jake Ellzey (R-TX-06), Brian Babin (R-TX-36), Chip Roy (R-TX-21), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX-02), Michael McCaul (R-TX-10), Jodey Arrington (R-TX-19), Brandon Gill (R-TX-26), Roger Williams (R-TX-25), John Carter (R-TX-31), Morgan Luttrell (R-TX- 08), Randy Fine (R-FL-06), Abraham Hamadeh (R-AZ-08), and Monica De La Cruz, (R-TX-15) in introducing the resolution.\n\nResolved, that the House of Representatives:\n\nHonors the public service of Senator Lindsey Graham;\n\nExpresses gratitude to Senator Graham for his commitment to advance America's foreign policy and national security;\n\nRecognizes Senator Graham's role in strengthening the relationship between the United States and Israel;\n\nCondemns the statement of Omar Suleiman celebrating the death of Senator Graham; and\n\nSupports the work of House Republicans in raising awareness about the dangers of Sharia Law and its incompatibility with American legal principles, Constitutional governance, and individual liberty.\n\nEXCLUSIVE: Fox News first reported on this story. Read that story HERE.\n\nFull resolution text HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/07/17/vindman-demands-independent-investigations-into-killings-of-lorenzo-salgado-araujo-johan-sebastian-guerrero/", "title": "Vindman Demands Independent Investigations into Killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Johan Sebastian Guerrero", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today joined U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (Wash.-07), Sylvia Garcia (Texas-29), Chellie Pingree (Maine-01), Jamie Raskin (Md.-08), and Bennie G. Thompson (Miss.-02) in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halt removal proceedings against the witnesses.\n\n“Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the Members. “Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.”\n\nOn July 7th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Salgado Araujo, a father of three U.S. citizens who had resided in the country for 35 years. He was reportedly not ICE’s target in their operation, and despite ICE’s claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle,” no evidence to substantiate that claim has been presented, and it is disputed by witnesses in the vehicle.\n\nOn July 13th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Guerrero, a father who also was reportedly not the target of enforcement actions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to have shot him in concern for “public safety” after he “attempted to flee.” The agency does not allege that at any point officers feared for their safety. Video of this killing shows ICE officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero even after he had been shot in the head.\n\nDHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 21 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals who posed no public safety threat. In two previous shootings, ICE has claimed that victims were also “weaponizing” their vehicles, claims that have turned out to be false statements as evidence emerged.\n\nIn addition to the demands for an independent investigation and the commitment that witnesses to the killing of Mr. Salgado Araujo not be deported, the Members are asking for a detailed breakdown of all training materials and guidelines around vehicle stops.\n\nThe full text of the letter to DHS Secretary Mullin and ICE Acting Director Venturella can be read here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/michigan-republican-delegation-sends-letter-demanding-action-canadian", "title": "Michigan Republican Delegation Sends Letter Demanding Action on Canadian Wildfires", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "walberg.house.gov", "scraper": "walberg", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000798", "name": "Tim Walberg", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) led members of the Michigan Republican Delegation in sending a letter to the Ambassador of Canada to the United States, Mark Wiseman. The letter requests a meeting with the Ambassador to discuss efforts that can be taken to improve wildfire prevention and protect the health and safety of residents.\n\n\"As you know, wildfires are a challenge our countries share, and they pose a significant threat to life, property, and the communities we have the privilege of representing,\" the lawmakers write. \"This crisis has been largely driven by decades of inadequate forest management that allowed hazardous fuels to accumulate, leading to larger, and more devastating fires. That is why we passed bipartisan legislation in the United States House of Representatives, H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act, to increase resilience to catastrophic wildfires, promote collaboration across state and federal agencies, restore forest health, and encourage more active forest management.\"\n\n\"The cooperation between our two countries is paramount to protect the health and safety of our constituents,\" the lawmakers continue. \"As a shared challenge both of our countries face, we would like to work with you to find solutions that will increase forest management, improve wildfire prevention, and enhance wildland fire suppression efforts to limit harmful wildfire smoke.\"\n\n\"Therefore, we promptly request a meeting no later than July 24, 2026, to discuss what steps can be taken to address the wildfires plaguing both of our countries, any progress being made in Canada on wildfire containment, prevention, and forest management, and how the United States can assist in providing active solutions to benefit Canadians and our constituents,\" the lawmakers conclude.\n\nThe lawmakers' letter can be found in full here.\n\nThe letter was signed by Reps. John Moolenaar (MI-02), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Tim Walberg (MI-05), Tom Barrett (MI-07), and Lisa McClain (MI-09).", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=410872", "title": "From the Front: July 17, 2026", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://womack.house.gov/news", "domain": "womack.house.gov", "scraper": "womack", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000809", "name": "Steve Womack", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "From the Front Newsletters\nFrom the Front: July 17, 2026\nShare on Facebook\nShare on X\nPrint this Page\nShare by Email\nWashington,\r\n      July 17, 2026\nClick here to read this edition.\nRead more.\nJOIN MY EMAIL LIST\nSUBSCRIBE", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/alsobrooks-joins-60-colleagues-in-cosponsoring-legislation-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-accountable/", "title": "ALSOBROOKS JOINS 60+ COLLEAGUES IN COSPONSORING LEGISLATION TO HOLD PURCHASERS OF RUSSIAN OIL ACCOUNTABLE", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.alsobrooks.senate.gov", "scraper": "alsobrooks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000382", "name": "Angela D. Alsobrooks", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "July 17, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) joined Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Darline Graham (R-SC), and over 60 members of the Senate in introducing the Senator Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.\n\nU.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the effort last week and secured an agreement with the White House on Friday, before his death.\n\n“Vladimir Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine has raged on for too long and cost countless innocent lives. This critical legislation will hold the enablers of Putin’s war machine accountable and represents one of the most consequential Congressional efforts to promote peace in Europe. Let’s get this done,” said Alsobrooks.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD); U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL); U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus; U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee; U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI); U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE); U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee; U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO); U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Chair of the Senate Banking Committee; U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME); U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Majority Whip; U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA); U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY); U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ); U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC); U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY); U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA); U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV); U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE); U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI); U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX); U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA); U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT); U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN); U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT); U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA); U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK); U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL); U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI); U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK); U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO); U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS); U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM); U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD); U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR); U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD); U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND); U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV); U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-OH); U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND); U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE); U.S. Senator Jim Justice (R-WV); U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD); U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX); U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA); U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY); U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK); U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL); U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC); U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS); U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL); U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA); U.S. Senator Alan Armstrong (R-OK); and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT).\n\n“Ukraine is at a critical crossroads — and we must meet this pivotal moment with a powerful sanctions bill. As Ukraine turns the tide on the battlefield, our Russia sanctions bill would be historically impactful in stopping Russia’s murderous slaughter,” Blumenthal said. “When Senator Graham and I last spoke, he was absolutely exultant, calling from Kyiv with news that President Trump would support this bill to impose scorching tariffs and sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil and stop them from fueling Putin’s war machine. Now is the time to push Russia toward peace. Ukraine is gaining net territory and reaching deep into Russia with its drones and missiles. Sanctions provide a path toward peace. Our bill is the product of lengthy, detailed, difficult bipartisan work, and now has broad bipartisan support. Passing this legislation right now would be a fitting tribute to Senator Graham’s fierce support for Ukraine’s freedom.”\n\n“Until the very day he passed, Lindsey remained focused on passing the Russia sanctions bill. Passing this legislation would honor my brother’s steadfast commitment to our national security and it would provide President Trump with additional leverage to bring this war to an end. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to President Trump’s desk,” said Senator Darline Graham.\n\n“Lindsey was a firm believer that the United States is a force for good around the world, and he worked tirelessly on this important effort,” said Thune. “I’m proud to support this legislation that not only honors our friend and colleague, but will also promote peace by cutting off the funding fueling Russia’s war machine. I can’t think of a better way to honor his legacy.”\n\n“Russia is losing ground, it is suffering tens of thousands of casualties each month and Ukraine continues to bring the consequences of the war to the Kremlin’s doorstep through its deep strike campaign. Putin is in an incredibly precarious position both at home and on the battlefield. This legislation would level tough new sanctions on Russia and choke off key export markets for the energy it sells to fund its war machine. We must seize on the opportunity before us to finally exert economic pressure on the Kremlin and bring this war to a close,” said Shaheen.\n\n“One of the many pillars of Senator Graham’s exemplary career of public service was his dedication to putting America’s national security first and promoting liberty around the world. It is an honor to help champion one of his highest priorities: imposing crushing sanctions to cripple Russia’s war machine and hold those fueling it accountable. Putin’s war against Ukraine has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, and it must end. Lindsey believed that getting this legislation passed and signed into law would be the most consequential thing he achieved in his career. I am sincerely grateful to Senators Blumenthal, Shaheen, and Wicker for their continued leadership on this issue and, very importantly, for the support of President Trump and the White House—these sanctions will provide President Trump with a critical tool to hold Russia accountable and secure a lasting peace,” said Britt.\n\n“This bipartisan bill that Senator Graham worked so tirelessly to advance couldn’t be better timed. Momentum in the war has shifted toward Ukraine and tightening sanctions on Russia and those key purchasers of Russian oil should help add pressure for the Kremlin to finally negotiate. Having just returned from the NATO Summit, I can share that we and our NATO allies are united in wanting to see Ukraine prevail in this bloody war started by Vladimir Putin. I am pleased to help co-lead this timely legislation,” said Durbin.\n\n“We should enact this bipartisan measure to exert maximum economic pressure on Putin’s war machine and help bring this unjust war to an end,” said Wicker.\n\n“Today’s bill continues the work of the late Senator Graham, my dear friend and one of Ukraine’s most relentless advocates in the Senate,” said Whitehouse. “This forceful, bipartisan measure will disrupt the Kremlin’s massive oil and gas economy, up the financial stakes, and help achieve victory for Ukraine.”\n\n“I am proud to support the imposition of new, hard-hitting sanctions on key sectors of Russia’s war economy, including the shadow fleet, and penalties on bad actors like China who help fund the war. Russia is not winning this war against Ukraine, and applying additional pressure now will force Putin to shift his calculus and bring us closer to ending the war. In honor of our friend Lindsey Graham, I strongly encourage my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to the President’s desk as soon as possible,” said Risch.\n\n“Ukraine is winning on the battlefield against Russian invaders, and there’s much more the United States can do to strangle Russia’s war machine without putting ourselves at risk. Curbing Russian revenue by sanctioning the foreign buyers of their oil that are keeping Russia’s economy and military afloat will strengthen Ukraine, weaken Moscow, and hasten a just and lasting end to this war,” said Coons.\n\n“Putin’s invasion of Ukraine unleashed destruction, chaos and bloodshed in the largest land war in Europe since World War II. Our legislation sends a clear message to Putin: your unprovoked, violent invasion comes at an enormous cost. The late-Senator Graham was a champion of this bipartisan legislation, and I’m proud to help move it forward as an original cosponsor,” Grassley said.\n\n“For over four years, the Ukrainian people have shown us what it looks like to fight and die for democracy, for their country, and for the West. Their courage in the face of Vladimir Putin’s war offers the greatest example of how to fight back against authoritarian aggression. Amid Putin’s intransigence at the negotiating table and daily attacks on civilians across Ukraine, Congress must make Russia pay a further price,” said Bennet. “This bill will impose greater pressure on Putin to end his unprovoked war, especially as Ukraine makes progress on the battlefield and as the Russian economy struggles under the weight of U.S. and allied measures. Only by demonstrating our firm resolve can the United States and our allies support Ukraine’s pursuit of a just and durable end to this war and successfully defend the principle of a Europe whole, free, and at peace. Backing Ukraine today will be our best deterrence against authoritarian ambitions tomorrow.”\n\n“Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war has dragged on for more than four years. As Senator Graham knew well, raising the costs on Russia is the only solution. Our bill will further restrict their energy sales to strangle Putin’s war machine and bring him to the negotiating table. Congress should pass this bill immediately and help finish a war Lindsey fought so hard to end,” said Cotton.\n\n“This measure is a tribute to Senator Graham’s tenacious, bipartisan work in support of Ukraine, and a necessary step to deprive Putin’s war machine of financial resources for its illegal invasion,” said Reed.\n\n“South Carolina lost a statesman, and I lost a friend. Lindsey Graham spent his time in the Senate reminding us that peace is protected by strength, and that America has a responsibility to stand up to dictators who threaten our allies, our interests, and the values we hold dear,” said Tim Scott. “This legislation is a fitting way to honor Lindsey’s legacy: tough, principled, and focused on keeping America safe. Lindsey would be proud to see Republicans and Democrats come together in support of his and the President’s goal to end Moscow’s senseless war in Ukraine.”\n\n“Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine has gone on long enough, and I believe this legislation is an important step on bringing this bloody, unprovoked conflict to an end,” said King. “This war has already cost hundreds of thousands of lives on both sides unnecessarily, and we believe that this step will finally bring Putin face to face with the reality that he is not going to be successful in subjugating the Ukrainian people.”\n\n“This is a pivotal moment in the Ukrainian people’s fight to protect their freedom. While Ukraine continues to demonstrate impressive resilience and patriotism and real expertise on the battlefield, Russians are becoming increasingly exhausted by Putin’s war, which his own finance officials are telling him he can’t afford,” said Kaine. “This is the perfect time for the United States to bring down the full force of comprehensive sanctions on Russia, and I’m proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in putting forward a plan that would do that.”\n\n“Vladimir Putin’s brutal, unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine must end. As Ukraine makes important gains on the battlefield, now is the time to increase the economic pressure on Russia and those who continue to finance Putin’s war machine,” said Collins. “Senator Lindsey Graham understood the consequences of allowing Putin’s aggression to go unchecked and worked tirelessly to build bipartisan support for this consequential legislation. I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this bill, which would both honor Lindsey’s legacy and help pressure Putin to bring an end to this horrific war.”\n\n“The fastest way to end this illegal war is to cut off the money that Putin is using to fuel it,” said Kelly. “Stronger sanctions will put pressure on Putin and those helping him. This is a crucial step toward achieving lasting peace that protects Ukraine’s sovereignty and strengthens U.S. national security.”\n\n“As Russia continues its needless bloodshed of innocent people and drags out peace talks, I am proud to join my colleagues in enacting crippling sanctions against them,” said Ernst. “This legislation carries forward the tireless work Senator Graham was doing until his final days and strengthens the fight I’ve led for years against Putin’s shadow fleet, shutting down the network of tankers and shell insurers keeping his oil money flowing and fueling this war.”\n\n“For more than four years, Vladimir Putin has conducted a brutal, unprovoked war against Ukraine in an attempt to take over a sovereign nation. The time is now for the U.S. to increase pressure and do all we can to end this war and send a clear message to Putin that he cannot act with impunity. This is why I’m joining my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring forward this critical bipartisan bill to make those who enable Russia’s energy and defense sectors pay a heavy price,” said Rosen.\n\n“Lindsey Graham was clear eyed on Putin and fought for years to build peace through strength,” said Ricketts. “This bill is a small part of his legacy combatting a foreign adversary threatening peace and prosperity for Americans. Sanctioning Putin and his cronies is necessary for undermining their aggression around the world.”\n\n“Senator Graham was unyielding in his support for the Ukrainian people as they fight to defend their sovereignty, and I can think of few ways more fitting to honor him than by finishing what he started and imposing strict sanctions on the bad actors who have supported Russia’s war against Ukraine,” said Cornyn. “I’m proud to join with my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation, which will honor Lindsey’s legacy, help dismantle Putin’s war machine, and strengthen U.S. national security.”\n\n“Standing with the Ukrainian people has been a bipartisan goal of our Congress for more than four years. This bill reaffirms that commitment by enacting the sanctions needed to curtail Russia’s primary source of income and cripple its war effort — the single most important thing the U.S. government can do to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,” said Schiff.\n\n“The surest way to bring about peace through strength and get Putin to the negotiating table is to cut off the money funding his war machine. This bipartisan legislation delivers real consequences for those keeping Russia’s economy afloat. Senator Lindsey Graham spent years leading this fight, and passing this bill will be a fitting tribute to his commitment to American strength and the cause of freedom,” said Sheehy.\n\n“Since I visited Ukraine with Lindsey Graham and John McCain in 2016, Lindsey and I worked together in support of Ukraine’s democracy, meeting with President Zelenskyy multiple times and advocating for the return of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia. This legislation will add significant economic pressure on Russia, helping to move us closer to ending this war,” said Klobuchar.\n\n“As long as Vladimir Putin’s war machine is funded by countries willing to buy Russian oil and gas, the war in Ukraine will continue,” said Curtis. “This bipartisan legislation gives a powerful tool to increase pressure on Russia, hold its enablers accountable, and ensure Russia does not win this war.”\n\n“We must hold Russia and its enablers accountable, and stand with Ukraine,” said Fetterman. “This is just and important legislation. I know it will honor our late colleague Senator Lindsey Graham.”\n\n“These strong sanctions, a top priority I shared with my friend and our late colleague Senator Graham, are critically important to weakening Putin’s grip in Ukraine, imposing severe costs on those supporting Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression, and undermining the energy-fueled Russian war machine that threatens our allies,” said Sullivan.\n\n“Ukraine is in the fight of their lives, and this bipartisan announcement is the boost they need to inflict maximum pain on Russia,” said Duckworth. “Our bipartisan bill will rightfully hit foreign buyers of Russian oil with heavy sanctions, cutting Putin off from the money machine funding his unprovoked war of aggression against our ally. Senator Graham knew it and we do too: The United States must remain united with Ukraine, now and always.”\n\n“Ukraine is standing strong against Russian aggression, but the United States must use every tool possible to help secure a lasting peace for the Ukrainian people and the entire region,” said Peters. “Imposing strong sanctions on Russia would send a clear message that the American people will always stand alongside Ukraine against Putin’s invasion.”\n\n“Putin is a murderous KGB thug, and the countries still buying Russian oil and natural gas know they are funding his war against Ukraine. If we cut off Russia’s oil money, we cut off the weapons murdering Ukrainians. Lindsey Graham was an outspoken advocate for the freedom-loving people of Ukraine. Let’s finish what he started and put the pressure on Russia and everyone who bankrolls them,” said Lankford.\n\n“This bill honors Senator Lindsey Graham’s legacy by strengthening pressure on Russia and those who continue to finance Vladimir Putin’s illegal and brutal war against Ukraine, which threatens our own national security and economic interests. I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation to continue the work that our late friend and colleague fought so hard to advance,” said Hyde-Smith.\n\n“By securing this agreement with the White House to impose sanctions on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, Senator Graham delivered a powerful tool to hold those who are enabling Putin’s war accountable,” said Blackburn. “This bill will help bring this war to an end.”\n\n“Senator Graham tirelessly worked to impose real consequences on Putin and end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This bipartisan and thoughtfully crafted legislation is a testament to his tremendous leadership,” said Boozman. “I am proud to join my colleagues and send a clear message that Senator Graham’s work will not go unfinished and that Moscow must finally end its unprovoked attack on Ukrainian sovereignty.”\n\n“The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 will issue decisive consequences aimed at deterring Russian aggression. This bill sends a clear message: bullies have a price to pay for their actions. Vladimir Putin and Russia must face serious consequences for their destructive and unprovoked war on Ukraine,” said Cramer.\n\n“Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has killed far too many and upended global stability, must come to an end,” said Capito. “This legislation empowers President Trump to cut off the financial flows that enable Putin’s deadly invasion and to impose serious consequences on the countries that are helping finance Russia’s war machine. I’m proud to join my colleagues in honoring Senator Graham’s life by advancing this effort to strengthen America’s national security and give President Trump the economic leverage to secure a lasting peace.”\n\n“For years, Senator Lindsey Graham led the effort to hold Russia accountable for its aggression and support Ukraine’s fight for freedom. This bill honors his legacy by tightening sanctions on the energy exports and financial tools that sustain the Russian war machine. With support from the White House and a bipartisan group of senators, we are sending a clear message to Putin: America stands with Ukraine, and we will continue working to bring this unjust war to a durable end,” said Husted.\n\n“Russia relies on oil and gas revenue to fund its war against Ukraine, and those enabling this aggression should be held accountable,” said Hoeven. “This bipartisan legislation strengthens sanctions to increase pressure on Russia, reduce the resources fueling Putin’s aggression, and help advance a lasting peace. Senator Lindsey Graham dedicated tremendous effort to moving this legislation forward, and Congress should act to pass it.”\n\n“Senator Lindsey Graham was relentless in his quest to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for his unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Because of his extensive work over the years, we have an opportunity to help bleed Putin’s war machine dry. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for taking this necessary action,” said Fischer.\n\n“Senator Graham was one of the most formidable foes America’s enemies ever faced in the United States Senate. He was unapologetic and uncompromising in countering the threat the Russian regime poses to American national security and the safety and security of the American people. I worked alongside my friend for years to counter those malign activities, including through sanctions legislation aimed at depriving Putin’s war machine of the resources it needs to threaten America and our allies. This bipartisan legislation honors Senator Graham’s legacy while advancing the badly needed policies for which he tirelessly advocated. I urge my colleagues to pass it without delay,” said Cruz.\n\n“Lindsey Graham spent his final months fighting to make sure Putin knew America’s fuse hadn’t burned out. Wyoming understands what it means to power the world responsibly, and it’s long past time Russia stopped profiting from war while claiming to seek peace. This bill puts real teeth behind that demand by telling every nation still buying Russian oil that they’re choosing a side, and it puts Putin on notice that the road to any lasting peace runs through economic ruin if he refuses to take it,” said Lummis.\n\n“Russia’s unprovoked and illegal war against the people of Ukraine has left the nation scarred and battered over the last four years, but no less determined to defend its sovereignty,” said Murkowski. “The bipartisan Sanctioning Russia Act honors Senator Graham’s longstanding leadership in foreign affairs by supporting Ukraine while reaffirming America’s commitment to stand with peaceful democracies against the authoritarian regimes that seek to destroy them.”\n\n“The time to increase pressure on Moscow is now. Our overwhelmingly bipartisan sanctions package has the power to cripple Putin’s revenue streams by targeting the energy exports that bankroll Russia’s unjust war machine. Our colleague and friend, Senator Lindsey Graham, worked tirelessly to stand up to Russian aggression, and now we have the opportunity to honor his leadership and cement his legacy,” said Budd.\n\n“This bipartisan legislation would make a difference against Russia’s unjust war in Ukraine and serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham,” said Moran. “America’s continued involvement and leadership throughout the world are critical to deterring Vladimir Putin. This legislation sends a clear message to friends and foes alike: you can do business with Russia, or you can do business with the United States, but you can’t do both. I look forward to voting for the Sanctioning Russia Act and sending it to the President to be signed into law.”\n\n“Imposing stronger sanctions on Russia will ensure America remains strong on the world stage and will help bring an end to Putin’s unjust war against Ukraine. I can think of no better way to cement the legacy of Lindsey Graham, who spent years of his life devoted to this cause and to fighting for freedom across the globe,” said Daines.\n\nThe Sanctioning Russia Act would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.\n\nThe sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Russian Shadow Fleet.\n\nThe legislation also directs the President to impose up to 100 percent tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the majority of Russian oil, gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The new text limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and gas.\n\nA one-pager on the legislation is available here. The text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/blackburn-leads-colleagues-in-introducing-bill-to-stop-multi-million-dollar-birth-tourism-industry-following-scotus-ruling-on-birthright-citizenship", "title": "Blackburn Leads Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Stop Multi-Million Dollar Birth Tourism Industry Following SCOTUS Ruling on Birthright Citizenship", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "domain": "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "scraper": "blackburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001243", "name": "Marsha Blackburn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) introduced a new and improved version of the Ban Birth Tourism Actto eliminate loopholes that foreign nationals exploit to become U.S. citizens following the Supreme Court’s disappointing decision in Trump v. Barbara:\n\n“Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. Barbara, Congress must step up to the plate to protect the integrity of American citizenship,” said Senator Blackburn. “I’m grateful to my Republican colleagues for joining me in reintroducing the Ban Birth Tourism Act to make it crystal clear that any alien seeking to come to our country to engage in birth tourism is both inadmissible and deportable under the Immigration & Nationality Act.”\n\n“Birthright citizenship has been exploited for far too long. The Fourteenth Amendment was never intended to reward birth tourism. Congress must close this loophole, and I am proud to join Senator Blackburn in introducing legislation to end this abuse and protect the integrity of American citizenship,” said Senator Budd.\n\n“It is a profound blessing to be an American citizen and to inherit the 250-year legacy of freedom and opportunity that has made the United States the greatest country in the world, but U.S. citizenship is not a commodity,” said Senator Cornyn. “By cracking down on birth tourism, a practice often abused and exploited by our adversaries, this legislation ensures our nation’s immigration laws are upheld and American citizenship cannot be bought.”\n\n“The Left has spent decades turning our citizenship laws into a giant loophole for anyone willing to hop on a plane, and it's American taxpayers who foot the bill for their reckless open-borders agenda,\" said Senator Lummis. \"Birth tourism has become a multimillion-dollar industry catering to wealthy foreign nationals who exploit our laws to buy their children an American passport and a right to vote in American elections. This bill slams that ridiculous loophole shut for good.\"\n\n“Allowing foreign tourists to give birth in our country specifically with the purpose of securing U.S. citizenship for their children threatens not only the integrity of our immigration system, but also our national security. American citizenship is an honor and a privilege – we cannot let birth tourism operations and bad actors exploit it,” said Senator Sheehy. “The Ban Birth Tourism Act would close a loophole that foreign schemers have used for years to undermine American citizenship, while maintaining protections for legitimate travelers seeking medical care. I’m proud to support this common-sense legislation and look forward to seeing it advance through the Senate.”\n\n“Birth tourism is happening, it’s wrong, and it needs to be stopped,” said Senator Banks. “For too long, foreign nationals have abused our immigration system and taken advantage of the American people. It’s time to take back our sovereignty, and I’m proud to join Sen. Blackburn in this fight.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-helps-secure-new-jersey-wins-in-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-flood-prone-communities", "title": "Booker Helps Secure New Jersey Wins in Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Flood-Prone Communities", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) secured a slate of New Jersey priorities in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, bipartisan legislation authorizing Army Corps of Engineers flood protection projects and reauthorizing EPA drinking water and sewer funding nationwide. The bill cleared the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously.\n\n\"Too many New Jersey families live one storm away from losing everything,\" said Booker. \"This bipartisan bill delivers real flood protection and clean water investments for communities from the Rahway River to the Meadowlands to Gloucester City. I'm proud we got this done across party lines, and I won't stop until it's signed into law.\"\n\nNew Jersey Wins Secured by Booker:\n\nGreen Brook Flood Control Project – advances work in both the Lower Basin and the study of the Upper Basin, moving this critical project forward after the area suffered devastating floods in July 2025.\n\nRahway River Basin — expedited completion of this flood risk management project to protect communities from repeat flooding.\n\nNew York–New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries — Authorizes a $278.3 million total ($180,916,000 federal / $97,417,000 non-federal) Flood Risk Management Project for coastal storm flood protection. The project that provides flood control measures across large portions of New Jersey and New York secured a final signed Chief’s Report on July 6, 2026.\n\nDelaware River, NJ — an updated dredged material project supporting coastal storm risk management and ecosystem restoration.\n\nNJ Meadowlands — a beneficial use of dredged material projects to restore wetlands and reduce flood risk.\n\nMaurice River & Salem River — navigation maintenance dredging to keep South Jersey waterways open for commerce.\n\nBergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic & Union Counties — $8 million for water, wastewater, and stormwater upgrades serving the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission.\n\nGloucester City — $5 million for flood resiliency infrastructure.\n\nUpper Delaware River Basin — formal recognition for coordinated flood and watershed management across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.\n\nThe bill also reauthorizes the Senator Booker-authored Decentralized Wastewater Program, reauthorizes the Drinking and Clean Water State Revolving Funds, and renews critical programs such as the lead in drinking water program and the school and childcare lead testing program. The bill renews EPA watershed restoration programs and directs a new EPA study of microplastics removal technology. These provisions will help protect the health and well-being of families across New Jersey and the nation.\n\nThe legislation advances to the Senate floor for consideration. The Senate action follows the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's unanimous passage of companion legislation one day earlier. The two chambers will also begin to reconcile differences between their respective bills before final passage.\n\n“This authorization reflects Senator Booker’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of New Jerseyans and to the environment,” said Brendan Murphy, Chairman, Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission. “The funding made available to PVSC under WRDA 2026 will be used to implement historic, long-needed sewer infrastructure upgrades to reduce combined sewer overflows and further enhance water quality in the Passaic River and Newark Bay, all while promoting affordability. The strong efforts of Senator Booker and his staff, as well as the bipartisan support for WRDA 2026, demonstrate once again that clean water is not optional; it is essential.”\n\n\"The Water Resources Development Act has long reflected a bipartisan commitment to protecting and strengthening our nation's water resources,\" said Kristen Bowman Kavanagh, P.E. Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin Commission. \"In the Delaware River Basin, continued investments in sound water resources management benefit our shared waters and communities, and we appreciate Congress's focus on these critical priorities.\"\n\n“The Green Brook Flood Control Commission appreciates Senator Booker’s longstanding commitment to the project which is critical to protecting people in the Green Brook Basin from flooding,” said Raymond Murray, Chairman, Greenbrook Flood Control Commission. “We are grateful for the provisions in the WRDA 2026 legislation that he has secured, which will advance work in both the Lower Basin and the study of the Upper Basin. Senator Booker’s advocacy on behalf of the Commission is a vital part in the effort to make our communities more resilient, in protecting lives and properties from flood damage.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-leads-renewed-push-to-combat-maternal-health-crisis-with-mamas-first-act", "title": "Booker Leads Renewed Push to Combat Maternal Health Crisis with Mamas First Act", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), alongside Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Alma Adams (D-NC-12), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), and Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), led colleagues in reintroducing the Mamas First Act, legislation that would address the maternal mortality crisis by expanding Medicaid coverage to include prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care provided by doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support providers. These services have been proven to reduce C-sections, decrease maternal anxiety, and improve communication between pregnant women and their health care providers.\n\n“The Mamas First Act meets a crisis that is costing mothers their lives—especially Black and Indigenous women who walk into delivery rooms carrying risks no family should bear,” said Senator Booker. “By ensuring Medicaid reimburses doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support professionals, this bill delivers the trusted care that keeps mothers safe and babies alive. Congress must act now.”\n\n“Instead of slashing health care for millions of Americans like Republicans in Congress are hellbent on doing, we should be expanding access to care to protect every momma and baby,” said Senator Warren. “It’s unthinkable that the richest country in the world would also have one of the highest maternal mortality rates. TheMamas First Act will help fix this crisis by improving access to high-quality care and rooting out the deep disparities and systemic racism in our health care system.”\n\n“Across this nation, 40 percent of moms depend on Medicaid when they give birth. Instead of gutting Medicaid, we need to strengthen it so we can save lives. The Mamas First Act would provide mothers with access to evidence-based supportive care that can lead to healthier outcomes for them and their babies,” said Representative Moore. “At a time when stark disparities in maternal mortality continue to hit our communities hard, I am thrilled to have such incredible colleagues and advocates supporting the Mamas First Act and the ongoing fight to save lives.”\n\n“The quality of care a pregnant woman receives should not depend on the color of her skin, where she lives, or her income. Each childbirth is different, and women and their doctors should be empowered to decide what care is best. By providing access to adequate and proper maternal services, including doulas and midwives, we will help end the maternal mortality crisis in our country and ensure our children start their lives out healthy and strong,” said Representative Dingell.\n\n“Support from care workers like doulas and midwives can make the difference between a positive and healthy pregnancy outcome, and a devastating one. Every mom should be able to access this critically important care,” said Representative Lauren Underwood. “As Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I’m proud to join my colleagues and introduce the Mamas First Act, a bold step to address our country’s maternal mortality crisis by expanding Medicaid coverage to include doula, midwife, and lactation care. Together, we can, and must, take decisive action to save lives and end disparities.”\n\n“Every mother deserves the care and support needed for a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery,” said Representative Adams, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “That is why I am proud to support the reintroduction of the Mamas First Act. Research shows that doula and midwife care can improve maternal health outcomes and reduce pregnancy-related complications. Yet the United States continues to face an unacceptable maternal mortality crisis, and Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than women of other racial and ethnic groups. Moms can’t wait, and neither should Congress. We must expand access to high-quality maternal care and ensure every mother has the opportunity to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy.”\n\n“It is incumbent upon us all to treat mothers with the dignity, respect, and care that they deserve—and that means tackling the maternal morbidity crisis head on, especially for Black communities who feel the disproportionate impact of this crisis,” said Representative Pressley. “Our Mamas First Act would save lives and improve the quality of care by expanding coverage for doula and midwifery care. I’m proud to co-lead this legislation with my colleagues to put an end to the maternal morbidity crisis and protect mothers now.”\n\nThe Mamas First Act would:\n\nAmend the Social Security Act to allow doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support providers to be reimbursed by Medicaid.\n\nImprove access to care before, during, and after delivery for underserved and under-resourced communities.\n\nIncrease the focus on culturally competent and patient-centered care to facilitate better health outcomes.\n\n“The Mamas First Act will help address our country’s devastating maternal health crisis, which is causing vast, disproportionate harm to Black and Indigenous mothers and newborns, by ensuring that Medicaid reimburses doulas, midwives, and other birthing care workers for the vitally important care they provide,” said Esta Soler, president and founder of Futures Without Violence. “We thank Senator Warren and Representative Moore for championing this legislation, which will ensure these critical providers can continue providing quality care to the millions of people who rely on Medicaid for coverage. We urge leaders in both the House and Senate to prioritize its passage.”\n\n“The Mamas First Act recognizes a simple but important truth: better support leads to better outcomes for mothers and babies,” said Anthony Wright, Executive Director of Families USA. “By expanding access to trusted community-based providers, including doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support professionals, this legislation will help ensure that more families receive the high-quality, culturally congruent care they deserve during a time of immense change, vulnerability and excitement. Families USA is proud to endorse it.\"\n\nThe bill is cosponsored by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).\n\nThe bill is cosponsored by Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At Large), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Al Green (D-TX-09), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09).\n\nIt is endorsed by Ujima, The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice, the National Health Law Program, HealthConnect One, BMMA Inc. (Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Incorporated), Futures Without Violence, Every Mother Counts, the American Association of Birth Centers, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda, the National Partnership for Women and Families, Birth Center Equity, Families USA, and the What to Expect Project.\n\nTo read a one-pager on the bill, click here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/following-reports-of-political-interference-booker-schatz-demand-investigation-into-military-promotions-blocked-by-hegseth", "title": "Following Reports of Political Interference, Booker, Schatz Demand Investigation into Military Promotions Blocked by Hegseth", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following reports that U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth blocked the promotions of several well-qualified military officers based on political bias, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) demanded an independent Inspector General investigation.\n\n“Secretary Hegseth’s alleged use of his personal views and perceptions on race and gender to interfere with the promotion process completely nullifies the extensive, competitive, rigorous, and merit-based vetting process that the selection boards put forward for candidates. It is clear that his determinations are antithetical to the standards that should be used when considering promotions,” the senators wrote in their letter to DoD Inspector General Platte Moring. “We request a review of Secretary Hegseth’s reported removal of officers from the various selection boards’ lists.”\n\nThe full text of their letter can be found below and is available here.\n\nDear Inspector General Moring,\n\nWe write to express our concern about the reported decision by Secretary Hegseth to remove certain officers from approved lists provided by promotion selection boards. Secretary Hegseth allegedly took the unprecedented step to remove these officers from promotion lists after selection boards had formally approved them, using what appear to be arbitrary vetting standards. If accurate, such an intervention risks depriving the armed services of highly qualified and distinguished leaders.\n\nFederal law states that the selection board process lives with the respective service secretaries and outlines the composition of these boards. A selection board is established to evaluate officers through a structured and comprehensive merit-based framework. The board determines whether to promote an officer and the service secretary certifies that decision. This process should remain unimpeded. An intervention by the Secretary of Defense in that process is highly irregular.\n\nSecretary Hegseth’s alleged use of his personal views and perceptions on race and gender to interfere with the promotion process completely nullifies the extensive, competitive, rigorous, and merit-based vetting process of candidates that the selection boards put forward. It is clear his determinations are antithetical to the standards that should be assessed when considering promotions.\n\nEqually concerning is reporting that Secretary Hegseth weaponized DoD-sanctioned statements, speeches, and appearances by these officers against them. Reports indicate that the secretary and his senior aides “ordered” officials in the respective military departments to conduct online searches of the officers selected by the boards. The apparent goal was “to look for photos, videos or news articles that might draw Mr. Hegseth’s ire.” According to the same reporting, DoD officials hoped “they could show that the officers had been following previous Pentagon policies” and therefore should not be removed. In the end, following Pentagon policies made no difference and the secretary moved forward with removing the names from the promotion list.\n\nThere are also reports of Secretary Hegseth using public remarks by DoD officials as a basis for blocking promotions. Department policy requires clearance for appearances and remarks for any officers acting in their official capacity. In some cases, officers were merely speaking about their experience rising through the ranks to provide context and mentorship to the next generation of military leaders. Secretary Hegseth’s decision to use appropriately cleared appearances and remarks as a basis for denying promotions significantly undermines the leadership of those officers.\n\nPrevious secretaries of defense have allowed the service secretaries and their respective selection boards to maintain and run their promotion list process without undue bias and interference. This was standard procedure for years and followed the spirit of the law. Secretary Hegseth’s alleged direct intervention to block nearly 40 officers, half of whom are women or members of minority groups, is an unprecedented overreach. Though Secretary Hegseth stated that he would install a promotion system that would be “ruthlessly meritocratic,” he has done the opposite by imposing his own political biases to overturn merit-based decisions by senior military officers serving on selection boards.\n\nWe request a review of Secretary Hegseth’s reported removal of officers from the various selection boards’ lists that addresses the following:", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/icymi-booker-brings-the-heat-at-confirmation-hearing-tells-ag-nominee-blanche-this-is-a-performance-review_and-you-failed", "title": "ICYMI: Booker “Brings the Heat” at Confirmation Hearing, Tells AG Nominee Blanche: \"This Is a Performance Review — And You Failed\"", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, this week U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, “grilled” and “ripped” Trump’s personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, at his confirmation hearing for Attorney General, drawing praise for his “especially powerful” questioning, which called out Blanche's concern for Ghislaine Maxwell over Epstein survivors, and highlighted how Blanche's \"own record and testimony were reason enough to reject his nomination.”\n\nSEE FOR YOURSELF:\n\nCBS: Booker grills Todd Blanche about Ghislaine Maxwell meeting, Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger\n\nJuly 15, 2026\n\n“New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker grilled Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche about his meeting with Jeffrey Epstein ally and convicted criminal Ghislaine Maxwell during a Senate panel hearing on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Booker also pressed Blanche about attending a dinner hosted by David Ellison, the CEO of Paramount Skydance, as a Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger bid continues.”\n\nMS NOW: Sen. Booker roasts Todd Blanche: ‘Your role is not to advance political agendas’\n\nJuly 15, 2026\n\n“Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) pressed Todd Blanche on the independence of the Department of Justice and the failure to redact some of the survivors' names and personal information in the Epstein files.”\n\nDEADLINE: Attorney General Nominee Todd Blanche Grilled on DOJ’s Greenlight of Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger: “I Was Part Of That Decision”\n\nJuly 15, 2026\n\n“Todd Blanche, Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer and his nominee to serve as attorney general, was grilled over his role in the Justice Department’s sign-off of Paramount‘s proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.”\n\nMS NOW - Deadline White House: Todd Blanche Questioned at Confirmation Hearing by Senate\n\nJuly 15, 2026\n\nNicolle Wallace: The Senate Judiciary Committee gave Todd Blanche an opportunity to articulate a direction different from any of those flagrant abuses of norms and power at his confirmation hearing, an opportunity he did not seize. Senators Cory Booker and Adam Schiff were especially powerful in their condemnations of him.\n\nNew Jersey Monitor: Cory Booker accuses AG nominee of picking ‘Trump over truth\n\nJuly 15, 2026\n\nIn a heated exchange during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Booker blitzed Blanche with questions about how he treated President Donald Trump's political foes compared to Trump's supporters and friends.\n\n‘Your role is not to advance political agendas. Your allegiance is to the impartial application of the law, and to uphold due process for all,’ Booker said, quoting the judge's admonishment.”\n\nBooker said, \"If your record and your testimony today should show us anything, it should show you, in my opinion, that you should not be confirmed to this job.\"\n\nUSA Today : Todd Blanche, Sen. Cory Booker clash over meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell, prison transfer\n\nJuly 15, 2026\n\nActing Attorney General Todd Blanche and Sen. Cory Booker clashed over a meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell and prison transfer in a heated exchange.\n\nPOLITICO: Booker challenges Blanche on claims he can’t meet with Epstein victims\n\nJuly 15, 2026\n\n“Todd Blanche was visibly frustrated during an exchange with Sen. Cory Booker as part of his confirmation hearing Wednesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee.“\n\n“The back-and-forth took place as Booker, a New Jersey Democrat, was questioning Blanche — President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as attorney general about attending a dinner hosted by David Ellison, the head of Paramount, while the Justice Department was investigating Paramount’s $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.”\n\nThe Hill: Booker: ‘Absurdity’ for Blanche to be concerned about Maxwell safety\n\nJuly 16, 2026\n\n“Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) ripped Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for his Wednesday testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Blanche said the convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell was transferred to a minimum-security prison camp in Bryan, Texas, in 2025 because of safety concerns, which Booker called an “absurdity.”\n\n@CalltoActivism: Senator Cory Booker: Todd Blanche Just Lied Under Oath\n\nJuly 15, 2026\n\n“BOMBSHELL: Sen. Cory Booker says Todd Blanche LIED while under oath after claiming he couldn’t meet with Epstein survivors.’He can meet with Ghislaine Maxwell… but not victims.”\n\nMeidas Touch- Legal AF: Trump PANICS as Blanche CRASHES and BURNS!!!\n\nJuly 15, 2026", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-accountable", "title": "Capito, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil Accountable", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of Senate Republican leadership, joined her colleagues in introducing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.\n\n“Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has killed far too many and upended global stability, must come to an end,” Senator Capito said. “This legislation empowers President Trump to cut off the financial flows that enable Putin’s deadly invasion and to impose serious consequences on the countries that are helping finance Russia’s war machine. I’m proud to join my colleagues in honoring Senator Graham’s life by advancing this effort to strengthen America’s national security and give President Trump the economic leverage to secure a lasting peace.”\n\nU.S. Senators Richard Bluementhal (D-Conn.) and Darline Graham (R-S.C.) led the legislation. In addition to Senator Capito, U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Grassley (R-Iowa), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.),Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.) Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Angus King (I-Maine), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Curtis (R-Utah), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Kennedy (R-La.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) also cosponsored the legislation.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-sen-cramer-us-department-of-health-and-human-services-awards-64-million-to-north-dakota", "title": "Sen. Cramer: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Awards $6.4 Million to North Dakota", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the award of $6,444,244 for the following programs and initiatives across North Dakota:\n\n$4,043,996 to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services to strengthen the state’s opioid response.\n\n$1,778,045 to North Dakota State University for biomedical research and training.\n\n$375,000 to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo to expand access to substance use disorder treatment and mental health services across the state.\n\n$247,203 to Spirit Lake Tribe to strengthen suicide prevention efforts and improve mental health services.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-moody-target-fentanyl-pill-presses-in-new-legislation", "title": "Crapo, Moody Target Fentanyl Pill Presses in New Legislation", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) teamed up with U.S. Senator Ashley Moody (R-Florida) to introduce legislation targeting equipment used by drug cartels to manufacture counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, which is responsible for killing thousands of Americans each year. S. 4446, the PRESS Act, would criminalize the intentional importation of pill press machines and unlisted precursor chemicals to manufacture illicit drugs.\n\n“Drug trafficking poses a grave threat to our national security and the safety of the American people,” said Crapo. “Our laws must keep pace with the evolving tactics used by criminal organizations to manufacture and distribute illicit synthetic drugs. The PRESS Act would strengthen law enforcement’s ability to hold foreign actors accountable for importing precursor chemicals and pill presses intended for the production and distribution of illegal controlled substances.”\n\nBackground:\n\nPill press machines are often imported into the United States by drug cartels piecemeal and then assembled domestically to produce counterfeit pills that are sold to Americans and often laced with deadly fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.\n\nThe PRESS Act would give federal prosecutors the tools needed to charge foreign entities that import unlisted precursor chemicals and pill press machines with the intent to manufacture illicit drugs.\n\nThe bill would add criminal penalties for the unlawful importation of pill presses.\n\nIn 2025, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized more than 45 million fentanyl pills and more than 9,000 pounds of fentanyl powder, removing an estimated 347 million potentially deadly doses of fentanyl from our communities.\n\nDEA intelligence indicates a shift in cartel operations, with increased trafficking of fentanyl powder and domestic production of fentanyl pills.\n\nCounterfeit pills are pressed to look like legitimate prescription opioids using imported tableting machines, punches and die molds. These tabletop pill press machines can produce up to 5,000 pills per hour, with larger floor models producing 15,000 pills per hour.\n\nChina and Central American cartels skillfully smuggle pill press parts through U.S. ports and customs, often labeling them as “furniture parts” or “machine spare parts.” These parts are then reassembled as unregistered pill presses and used to mass produce counterfeit pills.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-cosponsors-legislation-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-accountable", "title": "Curtis Cosponsors Legislation to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil Accountable", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.curtis.senate.gov", "scraper": "curtis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001114", "name": "John R. Curtis", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT), member of the Foreign Relations Committee, cosponsored the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. Originally championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), the bill is led by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Darline Graham (R-SC) and is supported by more than 60 other senators.\n\n“As long as Vladimir Putin’s war machine is funded by countries willing to buy Russian oil and gas, the war in Ukraine will continue,”said Senator Curtis. “This bipartisan legislation gives a powerful tool to increase pressure on Russia, hold its enablers accountable, and ensure Russia does not win this war.”\n\n“Ukraine is at a critical crossroads—and we must meet this pivotal moment with a powerful sanctions bill. As Ukraine turns the tide on the battlefield, our Russia sanctions bill would be historically impactful in stopping Russia’s murderous slaughter,” said Senator Blumenthal. “When Senator Graham and I last spoke, he was absolutely exultant, calling from Kyiv with news that President Trump would support this bill to impose scorching tariffs and sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil and stop them from fueling Putin’s war machine. Now is the time to push Russia toward peace. Ukraine is gaining net territory and reaching deep into Russia with its drones and missiles. Sanctions provide a path toward peace. Our bill is the product of lengthy, detailed, difficult bipartisan work, and now has broad bipartisan support. Passing this legislation right now would be a fitting tribute to Senator Graham’s fierce support for Ukraine’s freedom.”\n\n“Until the very day he passed, Lindsey remained focused on passing the Russia sanctions bill. Passing this legislation would honor my brother’s steadfast commitment to our national security, and it would provide President Trump with additional leverage to bring this war to an end. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to President Trump’s desk,” said Senator Darline Graham.\n\nBackground:\n\nSenator Lindsey Graham met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the effort last week and secured an agreement with the White House on Friday, before his death. Blumenthal and Lindsey Graham first introduced legislation in April 2025—cosponsored by Curtis—to bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.\n\nThe Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 targets Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Russian Shadow Fleet. The legislation also directs the President to impose up to 100 percent tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the majority of Russian oil and gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The new text limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and gas.\n\nA one-pager on the legislation is available here, and the bill text is available here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-kelly-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-help-support-young-mens-community-involvement-mentorship", "title": "Curtis, Kelly Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Support Young Men’s Community Involvement, Mentorship", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.curtis.senate.gov", "scraper": "curtis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001114", "name": "John R. Curtis", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Building Community in America Act, bipartisan legislation to expand pathways for Americans to serve as mentors, volunteers, and community leaders. The bill expands service participation among underrepresented populations, with a focus on men, in mentoring, coaching, youth development, and community-building activities.\n\n“At a time when too many young men feel lonely and isolated, we should be creating more opportunities to mentor, volunteer, and connect to a great purpose,” said Senator Curtis. “By helping connect more young men to meaningful service and mentorship programs, our legislation will make our communities healthier, more resilient, and more connected.”\n\n“Every kid deserves positive role models, and every community is stronger when more people step up to serve,” said Senator Kelly. “My years in the Navy taught me that service gives you purpose, responsibility and a stronger connection to your community. Right now, too many schools need teachers and too many mentoring programs need volunteers. We need more men to become teachers, mentors, and volunteers. When more people serve, our kids and our communities are better off.”\n\nBackground:\n\nAmerica’s communities are facing shortages of teachers, mentors, and volunteers at a time when many young people report feeling increasingly isolated and disconnected. Research shows volunteering strengthens social connections, improves mental and physical health, and increases civic engagement, yet men represent just 28 percent of AmeriCorps volunteers. Boys also face longer waitlists for mentors, and one in four boys and young men lacks an adult male mentor they can rely on.\n\nThe legislation addresses declining community engagement and increasing concerns about loneliness and disconnection among young people. Men today make up just 23 percent of public-school teachers and 28 percent of AmeriCorps volunteers, despite the important role teachers, mentors, and volunteers play in young people’s development.\n\nThe Building Community in America Act would:\n\nPrioritize national service programs that recruit and train underrepresented participants, including men;\n\nExpand opportunities to serve in youth mentoring, after-school programs, conservation, disaster response, public safety, violence interruption, reentry services, skilled trades, apprenticeships, and workforce development; and\n\nStrengthen communities by encouraging more Americans to volunteer, mentor, and serve.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-merkley-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-enhance-aviation-safety-after-slackline-helicopter-tragedy", "title": "Curtis, Merkley Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Aviation Safety After Slackline-Helicopter Tragedy", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.curtis.senate.gov", "scraper": "curtis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001114", "name": "John R. Curtis", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation that would direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address urgent aviation safety issues by reviewing and updating existing safeguards for temporary obstructions in the low-altitude airspace, such as slacklines. The bill is also cosponsored by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).\n\n“High-adventure activities in Utah, like slacklining, should not come at the cost of aviation safety, particularly for helicopter pilots who transport patients, fight wildfires, and support search and rescue missions,” said Senator Curtis. “Our bipartisan bill takes a practical look at where the FAA can modernize its policies, improve coordination, and reduce unnecessary risks so everyone sharing our airspace can do so more safely.”\n\n“Strengthening aviation safety is something that both Republicans and Democrats can get behind, especially following the tragic slackline collision that took the lives of four Oregonians earlier this year,” said Senator Merkley. “The FAA must do all it can to keep the flying public safe, and our bipartisan McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act directs the agency to prioritize aviation safety. We must move swiftly to reduce the risk of any similar tragedy in the future.”\n\n“Congress must act with urgency to ensure federal regulators are taking every possible step to prevent low-flying aircraft crashes with slacklines like the tragedy that cost the lives of four Oregonians earlier this year,” said Senator Wyden. “This bill would accomplish that goal by setting deadlines for the Federal Aviation Administration to update and improve its policies and regulations for low-altitude airspace safety.”\n\n“David, Katelyn, Rachel, and Faith lost their lives in an Arizona helicopter crash that never should have happened. I’ve met with their family. No one should have to go through what they’ve been through. This bill makes sure the FAA acts quickly to prevent tragedies like this from happening again,” said Senator Kelly.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe introduction of the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act follows a deadly helicopter crash caused by a collision with a slackline on January 2, 2026, that tragically claimed the lives of four Oregonians—David McCarty and his three nieces Rachel McCarty, Faith McCarty, and Katelyn Heideman. The bipartisan bill would instruct the FAA to use its authorities to review existing policies and regulations related to low-altitude airspace safety, including identifying appropriate policy, operational, or technical improvements such as updated requirements related to markings on slacklines.\n\nThe full text of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe bipartisan McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act is supported by Southern Utah University (SUU) Aviation, Vertical Aviation International (VAI), National Transportation Aviation Association (NATA), Balloon Federation of America (BFA), United Aerial Firefighters Association (UAFA), Air Medical Operators Association (AMOA), Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS), National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), BackcountryPilot.org, American Spray Drone Coalition, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Life Flight Network, National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), and Commercial Drone Alliance.\n\nOn behalf of the McCarty and Heideman family, “We are very grateful and excited to see the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act be introduced. It is a crucial and urgent step towards making the airspace safer for pilots, passengers, cargo, and anyone using the airspace for work or recreation. We look forward to working on getting this across the finish line!”\n\n“At Southern Utah University’s School of Aviation, we are preparing the next generation of pilots to operate safely in an increasingly complex National Airspace System. That requires more than strong flight training, it requires pilots to have timely, accurate, and easily accessible information about hazards in the airspace around them. The McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act takes a practical approach by improving transparency, strengthening coordination, and examining how temporary obstruction information can be integrated into the digital flight-planning tools pilots use every day. Safety of flight and protection of the National Airspace System must remain our highest priorities, and we appreciate Senator Curtis’s leadership on this important bipartisan legislation,” said Michael Mower, Executive Director, Chief Instructor Southern Utah University’s School of Aviation.\n\n“Wildfire airspace overlaps public lands and recreation. Formal coordination with the FAA, Forest Service, BLM, and Park Service—paired with real outreach and right sized penalties for creating low altitude hazards—prevents tragedies before they happen. We strongly support this bill and urge swift passage,” said Paul Peterson, Executive Director, United Aerial Firefighters Association.\n\n“The National Agricultural Aviation Association firmly endorses the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act. The requirements this act places on the FAA will help ensure no more aviators operating in the low altitude airspace lose their life because of an unmarked slackline or other hazard strung across the landscape,” said Matthew Woolard, President, National Agricultural Aviation Association.\n\n“The American Spray Drone Coalition (ASDC) strongly endorses the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act, reflecting our deep commitment to promoting high standards of low-altitude airspace safety for both crewed and uncrewed aviators. By directing the FAA to review existing safety policies, this legislation takes a critical first step toward assessing necessary improvements for temporary obstruction markings and ensuring obstacle data can be seamlessly integrated into modern digital flight planning tools,” said Eric Ringer, President, American Spray Drone Association.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-at-center-for-strategic-and-international-studies-america-needs-to-show-up-and-deliver-in-the-indo-pacific", "title": "Duckworth at Center for Strategic and International Studies: “America Needs to Show Up and Deliver in the Indo-Pacific”", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Committees on Foreign Relations (SFRC) and Armed Services (SASC)—outlined why it is so important for the United States to increase coordination and cooperation with our partners in the Indo-Pacific at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). During the conversation, Duckworth shared her firsthand takeaways from her official trip last week to Taiwan and Japan, as well as her trip in May to the Philippines and Singapore, where she met with top government and economic leaders to discuss how we can strengthen our partnerships and bolster security. Full video of the event can be found on the CSIS YouTube page, and photos from the event can be found on the Senator’s website.\n\n“As a Pacific nation, our national security and economy depend on a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Duckworth. “The United States must show up and deliver for our partners in the region. No matter who is in the White House, I’ll always work to ensure the Senate prioritizes engagement with our Indo-Pacific partners for the long haul. The stronger our relationships and coordination in the region, the better we all can deter PRC aggression and make each other safer.”\n\nDuring the event, Duckworth articulated her vision for restored U.S. engagement in the region. In particular, the Senator highlighted the need for the United States to support accelerating multilateral coordination and invest in a robust diplomatic presence to complement our military’s work to stabilize alliances amidst President Trump’s dismissive and alienating rhetoric, destructive and costly tariffs and reckless war against Iran. She emphasized the interconnected nature of the U.S. and the region’s economies, sharing how, in the all-out race for quantum, engaging nations at the cutting edge, like Japan, helps the U.S. build resilient supply chains that bolster national security while driving new investment in Illinois.\n\nDuckworth continues to be a proven leader when it comes to strengthening our relations with Indo-Pacific nations. She is the first U.S. Senator to visit Taiwan after the disastrous Trump-Xi summit where Donald Trump kowtowed to PRC President Xi Jinping and waffled on delivering a critical bipartisan arms package to Taiwan. Upon her arrival, Duckworth penned an op-ed underscoring that the United States’ commitment to Taiwan is steadfast—regardless of who is in the White House. The Senator also highlighted numerous ways she is working to strengthen their partnership and security in the Indo-Pacific region, including through her bipartisan Strategy for Crisis Management Act and South China Sea Strategy Act that both recently passed committee and now await a full Senate vote.\n\nThe Senator’s Strategy for Crisis Management Act was one of several provisions she secured in this year’s committee-passed NDAA to enhance our readiness and coordination with partners in the Indo-Pacific region. This provision would help deescalate consequential crises short of war in the South China Sea. Among Duckworth’s other wins are provisions that would drive cooperation with Indo-Pacific allies and partners on asymmetric operations and improve medical preparedness and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.\n\nIn addition, Duckworth’s Indo-Pacific Medical Readiness program—a program she championed in the FY2025 NDAA and continues to implement through provisions in this year’s NDAA—will help ensure our nation’s servicemembers as well as their families have access to quality patient care throughout the Indo-Pacific region, where they often must travel long distances to receive care.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-hold-listening-session-on-the-costs-of-trumps-big-ugly-betrayal-on-our-health-care-system-in-the-year-since-it-became-law", "title": "Duckworth, Durbin Hold Listening Session on the Costs of Trump’s Big, Ugly Betrayal on Our Health Care System in the Year Since It Became Law", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) held a listening session with Illinois health care providers, leaders and advocates to discuss the devastating costs that Donald Trump and Republicans’ “One Big Beautiful Bill” have had on our health care system in the year since this disastrous legislation was signed into law last July. The law enacted a $1 trillion cut to Medicaid—the largest Medicaid cut in our nation’s history—in order to carve out tax cuts for billionaires, leading to hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans losing health care coverage and leaving hospitals across our state at risk of closing altogether. Photos from the listening session can be found on Senator Duckworth’s website.\n\n“The ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ is really anything but beautiful—it’s a big, ugly betrayal of middle-class families, Veterans and communities across our country,” said Senator Duckworth. “One year ago, Trump and Republicans betrayed their promises and gutted Medicaid by $1 trillion to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, while putting hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans at risk of losing their health coverage, threatening hospitals across our state and making it harder for families to put food on the table. And the pain felt by Illinoisans over the last year will only grow worse. While Republicans refuse to fight for families, Senator Durbin and I refuse to give up on those who are simply trying to provide for their loved ones and make ends meet.”\n\n“The stories we heard today are a reminder of the stakes in this debate, and of the consequences of President Trump’s so-called ‘Big, Beautiful Bill,’” said Senator Durbin. “This is true with respect to our health care system. Now, Illinois hospitals—especially safety-net and rural hospitals—are being forced to do more with less, shuttering entire services and gutting access to care for those who need it most. I will continue to work alongside Senator Duckworth and Democrats in Congress to reverse these shameful cuts and protect access to health care for all.”\n\nDuring the discussion, health care providers, advocates and other participants shared their personal stories with the Senators about how Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill has impacted them and highlight their concerns as these cuts continue to worsen over time.\n\nKim Jay, a training manager and senior community health worker at Sinai Urban Health Institute’s Center for Community Health Worker Research, Outcomes and Workforce Development (CROWD), discussed how cuts to health care and food assistance will make it harder for community health workers to help families access the care and resources they need, emphasizing that “behind every policy is a person deserving of access, dignity, opportunity and hope.”\n\nDr. Nancy Glick, the Medical Director of the Sinai Infectious Diseases Center and Director of Infectious Diseases for Access Community Health Network, spoke about how reduced access to health coverage could lead patients to delay care until their conditions become more severe, warning that “by keeping people away from care, it will just mean that when they do come in, their disease may have progressed and will need more care.”\n\nKeyala Hill, a program manager of the Flexible Housing Pool at the Center for Housing and Health, talked about how stable housing, food assistance and health care work can help people rebuild their lives, sharing stories of clients whose recovery depended on keeping those supports in place. She reminded attendees that “Housing is healthcare. Food is healthcare. Healthcare is healthcare.”\n\nFred Tsao, Senior Policy Counsel at The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), spoke about how the new eligibility requirements will cut off healthcare coverage to thousands of vulnerable Illinoisans. He explained, “10,000 Illinois refugees and vulnerable people will be losing their health coverage as a result of H.R. 1 and we’re doing our best to fix it at the state level.”\n\nDonald Trump and Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill made the largest health care cuts in history, destabilizing the health care system with more than $1 trillion in cuts from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. These cuts will continue to have disastrous effects on our state with an estimated 400,000 Illinoisans estimated to lose health coverage by 2034. More than 100 nursing homes and hospitals, primarily in rural areas, are at risk of closing and Medicaid cuts are predicted to result in more than 27,000 jobs cut across the state.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-touts-new-bipartisan-housing-law-while-visiting-modular-home-developer-in-chicago", "title": "Duckworth Touts New Bipartisan Housing Law While Visiting Modular Home Developer in Chicago", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[CHICAGO, IL] — After the landmark bipartisan 21st Century Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act became law without President Donald Trump’s signature, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today visited a Chicago-based modular home developer to discuss how the new law could help supercharge their work building more homes for Illinoisans. During the Senator’s visit with Inherent Homes, Duckworth discussed how this groundbreaking law will help expand access to loans for modular home construction, providing them with the funding and resources needed to help tackle our nation’s housing crisis and build more affordable homes for the middle class. Photos from the event can be found on Senator Duckworth’s website.\n\n“For the first time in 30 years, Congress delivered the biggest bipartisan housing bill to lower costs, build more homes and help more Illinoisans secure the American Dream of homeownership,” Duckworth said. “Modular housing improves quality control, reduces waste, shortens construction timelines, eliminates weather-related delays and meets accessibility requirements that people with disabilities rely on. The cost of housing in the United States is a national crisis, and this law will bring long-overdue relief to the middle class.”\n\nWith the median age of first-time homebuyers being at a record-high of 40 years old, and as Illinois faces a dire housing shortage that would require 227,000 homes to be built over the next 5 years to keep up with demand, the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will help deliver critical relief to middle-class Illinoisans. This law is the biggest bipartisan housing bill in 30 years, and includes 47 total housing supply provisions designed to build more housing and lower costs, and it stops private equity from buying up single family homes that would otherwise be available to middle-class families.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-baldwin-lead-bill-to-expand-internet-access-in-rural-communities", "title": "Ernst, Baldwin Lead Bill to Expand Internet Access in Rural Communities", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced bipartisan legislation to expand broadband access in rural America by cutting unnecessary red tape for the small telecommunications providers that keep rural communities connected.\n\n“Reliable broadband is essential for Iowa families, farmers, students, and small businesses,” said Senator Ernst. “I'm proud to partner with Senator Baldwin to cut unnecessary red tape through our bipartisan ACCESS Rural America Act so small, rural broadband providers can spend less time on paperwork and more time connecting rural America.”\n\n“Wisconsinites in every corner of our state depend on reliable, high-speed internet to run their businesses, attend school, manage their farms, and so much more,” said Senator Baldwin. “Unfortunately, burdensome regulations intended for much larger companies are hurting our small broadband providers and limiting their ability to reach more people. My bipartisan bill cuts through that red tape and helps our local providers expand access to high speed, affordable internet for families and businesses across Wisconsin.”\n\nThe Access to Capital Creates Economic Strength and Supports (ACCESS) Rural America Act would allow eligible rural telecom providers to file streamlined financial reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), reducing costly regulatory burdens. Many of these providers are the only source of broadband, phone, and cable service in their areas, and this commonsense reform will help them focus on expanding reliable service instead of complying with unnecessary paperwork.\n\nThe bill is supported by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association and Premier Communications in Sioux Center, Iowa.\n\n“Federal Securities and Exchange Commission registration and reporting requirements intended for larger, publicly-traded firms pose significant challenges for, and can impose substantial burdens on, smaller, locally-owned companies with limited resources. NTCA therefore greatly appreciates the leadership of Senators Baldwin and Ernst in introducing the ACCESS Rural America Act, which will help relieve these burdens and enable small providers to focus more on their core mission of deploying and operating advanced broadband networks in rural areas,” said Mike Romano, CEO of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association.\n\n“On behalf of the northwest Iowa communities we serve, we thank Senator Ernst for her continued leadership on the ACCESS Rural America Act. Without this relief, rural providers like Premier face the prospect of costly, burdensome SEC reporting requirements that were designed for large, publicly traded corporations, not community-based companies like Premier. This legislation lets us keep our focus where it belongs: building, expanding, and upgrading fiber broadband to the families, farms, and small businesses who depend on us. We're grateful for Senator Ernst's persistence on this issue and urge Congress to get it across the finish line,” said Ryan Boone, Chief Executive Officer of Premier Communications in Sioux Center, Iowa.\n\nRead the bill here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-gallego-grills-omb-director-russ-vought-on-abandoning-americas-service-members-and-veterans/", "title": "WATCH: Gallego Grills OMB Director Russ Vought on Abandoning America’s Service Members and Veterans", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, during a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) questioned Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Russell Vought on his actions gutting critical support for service members and letting companies off the hook for ripping off veterans.\n\nSenator Gallego grilled Vought about his decision to cancel the CFPB’s 2024 order requiring Navy Federal Credit Union to pay over $95 million for its illegal use of surprise overdraft fees – a payment Navy Federal had already agreed to make.\n\n“Navy Federal Credit Union was caught charging its members millions in surprise overdraft fees. These members are active-duty, veterans, DoD employees, and their families. I was once a young Marine. Every dollar really does matter when you are a young Marine,” said Senator Gallego. “The last CFPB ordered Navy Federal to pay a $15 million penalty and refund more than $80 million back to those service members’ pockets. I think that is a very just outcome. But you tore up that consent order.”\n\nLast year, Senator Gallego led seven of his colleagues in condemning the termination of the consent order.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-commences-statewide-tour-addressing-the-rising-cost-of-groceries-lagging-consumer-confidence/", "title": "Gillibrand Commences Statewide Tour Addressing The Rising Cost Of Groceries, Lagging Consumer Confidence", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held press conferences across New York State – including in Latham, Utica, and Riverhead – to address the crushing impact of rising grocery and household goods prices on working families. The push follows a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index report showing headline inflation surged to 4.2%, the sharpest 12-month increase since April 2023.\n\n“Donald Trump’s policies are making basic necessities unaffordable for hardworking New Yorkers,” said Senator Gillibrand. “He promised to tackle rising costs, but instead he’s made everything worse. Prices on groceries, gas, and essentials have skyrocketed here at home, as he pours taxpayers dollars into a forever war abroad. I will continue to demand accountability and fight for all Americans being crushed by these unsustainable costs.”\n\nThe spike in costs is hitting New Yorkers directly at the checkout counter, with the prices of staple items like fruits and vegetables climbing 6.1%, and nonalcoholic beverages up 5.8%. With average wage growth lagging significantly behind, working families are experiencing a severe gap in purchasing power, driving consumer confidence down as basic monthly expenses outpace paychecks.\n\nGillibrand blamed the rising costs directly on Trump’s ongoing war in Iran. She reiterated her commitment to curbing military actions abroad to shift the focus back to Americans struggling at home.\n\n“The impact of inflation continues to force many of our neighbors to make impossible choices between food, medicine, rent and other basic necessities,” said Tom Nardacci, CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. “Across our 23-county New York service area, our network of more than 1,000 food pantries and meal programs is seeing increased demand and longer lines. Families are turning to us simply to make ends meet, and its becoming harder for us to access food. We are proud to stand with Senator Gillibrand and our partners to meet this high community need to our best ability, and to demand action to alleviate strains the charitable food system faces.”\n\n“We were truly honored and grateful to welcome Senator Gillibrand today. Her continued support for our mission means so much to all of us. She shares our heart for ensuring that every family has access to healthy, nutritious food, especially in the food deserts of Utica and Troy. We deeply appreciate her taking the time to visit, listen, and see firsthand the impact that compassionate partnerships can have on our community,” said Pastor Mike Servello, CEO, Compassion Coalition. “Thank you, Senator Gillibrand, for standing with us as we work together to bring hope, dignity, and healthy food to thousands of our neighbors. We are grateful for your friendship and your commitment to the people of New York.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-welcomes-over-77-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-iowa-communities", "title": "Grassley Welcomes Over $7.7 Million in Federal Funding to Support Iowa Communities", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) welcomed news from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that over $7.7 million in federal funding will be flowing to communities across Iowa. The funding will benefit communities across Iowa, including in Scott, Jasper, Clay, Sioux and Lyon Counties.\n\n“In the face of damaging storms, Iowans have always pushed forward to repair and rebuild. I’m glad to see these federal dollars coming to communities across our state so the people of Iowa can continue building a stronger future,” Grassley said. “In the Senate, I’ll keep working to ensure the Iowans get the support they need.”\n\nDetails on the FEMA awards follow:", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-oversight-of-us-organ-donation", "title": "Q&A: Oversight of U.S. Organ Donation", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Q: How’s your bipartisan law working to improve the nation’s organ donation system?\n\nA: Nearly three years ago, Congress enacted a landmark law I wrote with Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon that overhauled the nation’s organ transplant system to better serve patients and donors. My bipartisan legislation was designed to boost competition, improve patient outcomes, maximize access to lifesaving organs, safeguard donors, protect taxpayer dollars and end an inefficient 40-year monopoly of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. Leading up to the law’s enactment, I conducted nearly two decades of congressional oversight and scrutinized the system with a fine-toothed comb, conducting hearings, examining data and leading the charge for reform with grassroots-led patient advocacy groups. My oversight found shortcomings that led to organs going to waste, patient lives cut short, organs allocated out of sequence and dollars being wasted. What’s more, the broken system was even worse for minorities and rural Americans. Our legislation required a review by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess implementation of the law. The GAO report released in January found the Department of Health and Human Services hasn’t yet developed detailed plans to fix weaknesses in the system, such as inequitable organ allocation and insufficient oversight of contractors. I’m glad President Trump signed into law another bill I led called the OPTN Fee Collection Authority Act to ensure resources for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the federal agency that oversees the U.S. organ transplant system, to effectively implement reforms called for in my 2023 law.\n\nI’ll keep pushing to fix weaknesses in the nation’s organ transplant system. This is an issue that hits close to home for tens of thousands of families across the country, including more than 600 Iowans who are on the transplant waiting list. Iowa has transplant surgical centers in Des Moines and Iowa City. Teams of professionals who work in this sector of our health care delivery system understand the tremendous anguish of donor families and the profound relief of recipient families whose loved one’s life is saved when the transplant system works as intended. That system includes the safe, timely delivery of an organ. In July, I toured a family-owned business in Sheldon that operates 24/7 organ transport flight services. I was glad to hear my 2023 law is helping break down silos that created barriers to care and is helping to improve more efficient delivery of organ donations to patients on the transplant waiting list.\n\nQ: What prompted your recent oversight on organ transplants for pediatric patients?", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-demands-accountability-from-meta-for-retaliatory-lawfare-treatment-of-whistleblower/", "title": "Hawley Demands Accountability from Meta for Retaliatory Lawfare Treatment of Whistleblower", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.hawley.senate.gov", "scraper": "hawley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001089", "name": "Josh Hawley", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg regarding his company’s vile treatment of whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams. Ms. Wynn-Williams testified to Senator Hawley’s subcommittee last year that Meta worked with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to silence CCP critics on Meta’s platforms. In retaliation, Meta has moved to gag Ms. Wynn-Williams through retaliatory arbitration.\n\nSenator Hawley wrote, “I have recently been made aware of deeply troubling allegations regarding Meta’s treatment of the whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams, Meta’s former global head of public policy. Meta’s efforts to destroy Ms. Wynn-Williams with lawfare are a matter of grave public concern. As you know, approximately one year ago, at a hearing I chaired titled ‘A Time for Truth: Oversight of Meta’s Foreign Relations and Representations to the United States Congress,’ Ms. Wynn-Williams raised serious questions about Meta’s dealings with the Chinese government, the harms Meta’s platforms pose to users, and Meta’s representations to Congress.”\n\nHawley continued, “She testified that Meta worked hand in glove with the Chinese Communist Party to construct and test custom-built censorship tools to silence and censor CCP critics. She testified that Meta helped China’s development of its own AI models—models the Chinese military uses and that steal IP from Americans—in an effort to promote Meta’s models. She testified that Meta’s executives knew about the widespread harmful consequences of Meta’s platforms years ago but hid them. And she testified that you and other executives lied to and misled Congress and the American people about these developments.”\n\n“Ms. Wynn-Williams testified notwithstanding extraordinary pressure from Meta to silence her before the hearing. When she made her allegations public, Meta moved aggressively to gag her through a private arbitration. In March 2025, after a rushed hearing without proper notice and in which Ms. Wynn-Williams did not appear, Meta secured an arbitration order that broadly restrains Ms. Wynn-Williams from criticizing Meta and exposes her to severe financial penalties for merely speaking about Meta. To this day, Meta continues to relentlessly pursue her in arbitration, attempting to bankrupt her and subjecting her and her family to constant stress,” he said.\n\nSenator Hawley concluded, “Congress cannot permit giant corporations like Meta to crush good people who blow the whistle on corporate wrongdoing. My Senate Judiciary Subcommittee is investigating the allegations that you, Meta, and Meta executives made false or misleading statements to Congress and whether any person has acted to obstruct the Subcommittee’s inquiry into Meta’s business ventures in China, its dealings with the Chinese Communist Party, and Meta’s knowledge of the grave harms—including child sex abuse, addictiveness, and bullying—that emanate from its products.”\n\nRead Senator Hawley’s full letter here or below.\n\nJuly 16, 2026\n\nMark Zuckerberg\n\nFounder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer\n\nMeta Platforms, Inc.\n\n1 Meta Way\n\nMenlo Park, CA 94025\n\nMr. Zuckerberg:\n\nI have recently been made aware of deeply troubling allegations regarding Meta’s treatment of the whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams, Meta’s former global head of public policy. Meta’s efforts to destroy Ms. Wynn-Williams with lawfare are a matter of grave public concern.\n\nAs you know, approximately one year ago, at a hearing I chaired titled ‘A Time for Truth: Oversight of Meta’s Foreign Relations and Representations to the United States Congress,’ Ms. Wynn-Williams raised serious questions about Meta’s dealings with the Chinese government, the harms Meta’s platforms pose to users, and Meta’s representations to Congress.\n\nShe testified that Meta worked hand in glove with the Chinese Communist Party to construct and test custom-built censorship tools to silence and censor CCP critics. She testified that Meta helped China’s development of its own AI models—models the Chinese military uses and that steal IP from Americans—in an effort to promote Meta’s models. She testified that Meta’s executives knew about the widespread harmful consequences of Meta’s platforms years ago but hid them. And she testified that you and other executives lied to and misled Congress and the American people about these developments.\n\nMs. Wynn-Williams testified notwithstanding extraordinary pressure from Meta to silence her before the hearing. When she made her allegations public, Meta moved aggressively to gag her through a private arbitration. In March 2025, after a rushed hearing without proper notice and in which Ms. Wynn-Williams did not appear, Meta secured an arbitration order that broadly restrains Ms. Wynn-Williams from criticizing Meta and exposes her to severe financial penalties for merely speaking about Meta. To this day, Meta continues to relentlessly pursue her in arbitration, attempting to bankrupt her and subjecting her and her family to constant stress.\n\nIt is telling what your company has not done. Meta has not obtained any judgment that a single statement Ms. Wynn-Williams made is false. Instead, Meta’s arbitration gag order relies on a contractual restraint without regard to the truth—indeed, the order restrains her from speaking even if what she says is true. Further, your company’s public responses have been decidedly hedged: Ms. Wynn-Williams’ account is “old news” and “Meta does not operate its services in China today.”\n\nThe asymmetries here are stark. Meta need not ultimately prevail on the merits of the arbitration to achieve its objective because the process is the punishment; Meta simply needs to make truthful speech so perilous that no whistleblower like Ms. Wynn-Williams can ever afford it. That is lawfare. That is the use of litigation to suppress testimony that Congress has sought and that the public has a right to hear. The American people won’t stand for it.\n\nCongress cannot permit giant corporations like Meta to crush good people who blow the whistle on corporate wrongdoing. My Senate Judiciary Subcommittee is investigating the allegations that you, Meta, and Meta executives made false or misleading statements to Congress and whether any person has acted to obstruct the Subcommittee’s inquiry into Meta’s business ventures in China, its dealings with the Chinese Communist Party, and Meta’s knowledge of the grave harms—including child sex abuse, addictiveness, and bullying—that emanate from its products.\n\nAccordingly, please respond to the following requests by no later than August 14, 2026:\n\nMeta’s attorneys’ fee statements in connection with the arbitration Meta Platforms, Inc., v. Sarah Wynn-Williams, No. 01-25-0001-2843 (Int. Centre for Dispute Resolution) (the “Arbitration”). You may coordinate with Subcommittee staff regarding appropriate redactions for confidentiality.\n\nAll documents Meta has submitted in the Arbitration or exchanged with Ms. Wynn-Williams in connection with the Arbitration, including the demand, sanctions motions, or discovery materials.\n\nAll documents and communications related to any effort by Meta, including its agents, employees, independent contractors, and the like, to monitor, track, record, or catalog Ms. Wynn-Williams’ or her family members’ public statements, interviews, social media activity, or public or private travel.\n\nAll documents concerning the calculation and derivation of Meta’s financial demand alleged in the Arbitration, including what portion of Meta’s alleged damages are for actual damages and what portion are intended to serve a punitive or exemplary effect, if any.\n\nAll documents and communications between Meta, including its agents, employees, independent contractors, and the like, and any third party concerning Ms. Wynn-Williams. For example, her book, testimony, or public statements, including any demand, threat, or request to suppress, withdraw, edit, retract, or limit the same.\n\nIdentify every current or former Meta employee or affiliate against whom Meta has initiated arbitration or litigation to enforce a non-disparagement or confidentiality provision in a contractual agreement since January 1, 2016.\n\nIf you dispute any factual assertions in Ms. Wynn-William’s April 9, 2025 testimony before the Subcommittee, please explain in detail the basis for your disagreement.\n\nI look forward to your prompt and complete response.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-leads-colleagues-in-urging-senate-committees-to-regulate-prediction-markets-protect-tribal-sovereignty-and-states-rights", "title": "Heinrich Leads Colleagues in Urging Senate Committees to Regulate Prediction Markets, Protect Tribal Sovereignty & States’ Rights", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) led U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) in sending a letter urging the leadership of the U.S. Senate Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; and Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to rein in prediction markets offering nationwide sports and event wagering, which abuse federal commodity and derivatives rules — infringing on state regulatory powers and violating Tribal gaming rights and sovereignty.\n\n“We write with urgency regarding the continued lack of proper regulation over prediction markets and the resulting circumvention of state and Tribal gaming regulatory frameworks. The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY Act) and Digital Commodity Intermediaries Act (DCIA), as currently drafted, will only serve to exacerbate these issues by further removing regulatory accountability for decentralized finance (DeFi) betting protocols that deploy unvetted prediction and wagering markets, directly infringing on instances of Tribal gaming exclusivity and state police powers,”the senators wrote to U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Chairman Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.); and U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).\n\nThe rapid expansion of sports event contracts through prediction markets and online casino-style gaming poses an existential threat to Tribal sovereignty by undermining the revenue that tribes rely on for government services such as healthcare, public safety, education, housing and social services.\n\nThe legal and jurisdictional framework governing all gambling operations, including sports wagers, on Tribal lands is established pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988. Eventually, Tribes also entered the legalized sports betting market in 2018 following the Supreme Court’s decision in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association.\n\nCurrently, prediction markets claim to derive their operational authority from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which has asserted its exclusive jurisdiction to oversee and regulate all prediction markets and continues to erroneously classify these products as financial swaps or derivatives rather than gambling.\n\n“Any further Congressional grant of exclusive CFTC jurisdiction over digital asset markets without ample guardrails for prediction market contracts will reinforce the CFTC’s claimed exclusive authority over event contracts and permanently circumvent the hard-won regulatory and economic protections established under IGRA and states’ police powers,” the senators underscored.\n\nThe senators continued, “Moreover, as currently drafted, the DCIA contains explicit exemptions from CFTC regulatory jurisdiction, and the CLARITY Act contains parallel exemptions from federal securities oversight for platform developers and non-custodial DeFi infrastructure providers that would effectively allow prediction markets to offer online casino-style gaming and sports betting across the United States, entirely bypassing the localized Tribal-state regulatory systems required by IGRA.”\n\nThe senators concluded their letter by urging the leadership of both committees to amend both the CLARITY Act and the Digital Commodity Intermediaries Act to include:\n\nAn IGRA and Tribal-state compacts savings clause; and\n\nProhibitions on CFTC-registered entities from listing prediction contracts that resemble sports bets or casino-style gaming products.\n\nThis includes an explicit statement that nothing shall preempt, repeal, or limit tribal authority under the IGRA, along with clear assurances that CFTC-regulated prediction or digital commodity markets cannot be used to circumvent existing tribal-state gaming compacts.\n\nThis also includes limits to any carve-outs for digital asset platforms by prohibiting online sports wagering or event-based prediction markets in jurisdictions where Tribes hold gaming rights.\n\nThe letter is supported by the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Santa Ana Pueblo, Sandia Pueblo, Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo, San Felipe Pueblo, Kewa Pueblo, Cochiti Pueblo, Acoma Pueblo, Jemez Pueblo, Santa Clara Pueblo, Taos Pueblo, Tesuque Pueblo, Zia Pueblo, Isleta Pueblo, Pojoaque Pueblo, and Mescalero Apache Tribe.\n\nThe full text of the letter is here and below:\n\nDear Chair Scott, Ranking Member Warren, Chair Boozman, and Ranking Member Klobuchar:\n\nWe write with urgency regarding the continued lack of proper regulation over prediction markets and the resulting circumvention of state and tribal gaming regulatory frameworks. The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY Act) and Digital Commodity Intermediaries Act (DCIA), as currently drafted, will only serve to exacerbate these issues by further removing regulatory accountability for decentralized finance (DeFi) betting protocols that deploy unvetted prediction and wagering markets, directly infringing on instances of tribal gaming exclusivity and state police powers. As negotiating efforts between the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry continue, we submit that failing to address these concerns through forthcoming legislation would constitute a direct conflict with the basic tenets of tribal sovereignty, dereliction of U.S. trust and treaty obligations to tribes across the country, and a violation of states’ police powers.\n\nThe rapid expansion of sports event contracts through prediction markets and online casino-style gaming poses an existential threat to tribal sovereignty by undermining the revenue that tribes rely on for government services. The legal and jurisdictional framework governing all gambling operations, including sports wagers, on tribal lands is established pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). Upon its passage in 1988, IGRA’s stated purpose was \"to provide a statutory basis for the operation of gaming by Indian tribes as a means of promoting tribal economic development, self-sufficiency, and strong tribal governments.” The framework established by IGRA created a regulatory environment that helped make tribal gaming revenue one of the largest contributors to tribal government services such as healthcare, public safety, education, housing and social services. For instance, since the 1990 census, the real income of Native people living on a reservation has grown by 63%, and the poverty rate for reservation families with children was down to 27% by 2018, compared to more than 47% in 1989.[3] Following IGRA’s passage, the number of U.S. census tracts with an American Indian Tribal casino operation surged from near zero in 1989 to nearly 600 by 2019, leading to skyrocketing gaming revenues for tribes. Eventually, tribes also entered the legalized sports betting market in 2018 following the Supreme Court’s decision in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association.\n\nCurrently, prediction markets are misusing federal commodity and derivatives rules to offer nationwide sports and event wagering, completely ignoring state and tribal gaming licenses and regulations. These platforms claim to derive their operational authority from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which has asserted its exclusive jurisdiction to oversee and regulate all prediction markets and continues to erroneously classify these products as financial swaps or derivatives rather than gambling. Any further Congressional grant of exclusive CFTC jurisdiction over digital asset markets without ample guardrails for prediction market contracts will reinforce the CFTC’s claimed exclusive authority over event contracts and permanently circumvent the hard-won regulatory and economic protections established under IGRA and states’ police powers. Moreover, as currently drafted, the DCIA contains explicit exemptions from CFTC regulatory jurisdiction, and the CLARITY Act contains parallel exemptions from federal securities oversight for platform developers and non-custodial DeFi infrastructure providers that would effectively allow prediction markets to offer online casino-style gaming and sports betting across the United States, entirely bypassing the localized tribal-state regulatory systems required by IGRA.\n\nAccordingly, we urge the adoption of two amended protections through any forthcoming legislation: 1) an IGRA and tribal-state compacts savings clause; and 2) prohibitions on CFTC-registered entities from listing prediction contracts that resemble sports bets or casino-style gaming products. This should include an explicit statement that nothing shall preempt, repeal, or limit tribal authority under the IGRA, along with clear assurances that CFTC-regulated prediction or digital commodity markets cannot be used to circumvent existing tribal-state gaming compacts. It should also limit any carve-outs for digital asset platforms by prohibiting online sports wagering or event-based prediction markets in jurisdictions where tribes hold gaming rights. Any exemptions for DeFi must be limited solely to the spot market regulatory provisions added by this bill (e.g., new sections 4k(7), 4u, and 5i) and not extend to existing derivatives regulatory provisions. This will prevent derivatives, event contracts, sports bets or casino style games from evading regulation by migrating onto unregulated DeFi platforms. If Congress fails to address these concerns imminently, prediction markets will continue to violate tribal sovereignty and states’ rights, while the CLARITY Act and DCIA provide for fully unregulated online gaming platforms, further eroding the federal framework intended to guarantee a primary pillar of tribal sovereignty.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-padilla-schumer-schatz-king-lead-investigation-into-trump-administration-efforts-to-abandon-offshore-wind-projects", "title": "Heinrich, Padilla, Schumer, Schatz, King, Lead Investigation Into Trump Administration Efforts to Abandon Offshore Wind Projects", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Trump actions will kill more than 30,000 jobs and raise energy costs.\n\nWASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), and Angus King (I-Maine) in launching an investigation into the Trump Administration’s efforts to kill offshore wind energy projects and seeking answers from four offshore wind companies about the lease buyout agreements.\n\n“These buyouts have been announced amid a larger effort by the Trump Administration to stall wind and solar projects – the energy sources that are cheap, clean, and fastest to bring online – across the country,” the Senators wrote. “At a time when gas prices have spiked by an average of more than $1 dollar per gallon due to the President’s war in Iran and electricity prices are rising twice as fast as inflation, clean energy offers a critical opportunity to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and relieve costs for people across the country. Dismantling the burgeoning offshore wind industry now and creating broader uncertainty for investment in cheap, clean energy will have consequences for decades to come.”\n\nThe Trump administration has agreed to pay the four companies nearly $2.6 billion in taxpayer funding to abandon projects that could have delivered energy to millions of homes and created tens of thousands of jobs up and down the East and West Coasts.\n\n“These projects were poised not only to advance U.S. leadership in clean energy technology and generation capacity, but also to unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in federal and state investment in research and development, port upgrades, workforce development, and community benefit agreements,” the Senators continued. “The two Invenergy projects in the Gulf of Maine were expected to help power more than 2 million homes and support over 18,000 jobs. The Leading Light Wind project in the New York Bight was projected to generate more than $3.7 billion in economic development benefits and over 7,000 jobs. The Golden State Wind project off California’s Central Coast would have powered 1.1 million homes, created more than 8,000 jobs, and delivered a $30 million commitment to workforce development and supply chain initiatives.”\n\nThe Senators called on the companies to turn over internal communications and posed a series of questions: whether the Administration had raised legitimate national security concerns, whether the companies had struck a deal with the Department of the Interior involving a pledge to invest in fossil fuel projects, and whether any conditions were attached to the payouts.\n\nRead the full text of the letters here and below:\n\nDear [TotalEnergies, Ocean Winds, Duke Energy, Invenergy]:\n\nWe write to express deep concern with your company’s voluntary termination of [two] leases to develop offshore wind energy in the United States. Over the last few months, President Trump’s Administration has agreed to pay companies, including [TotalEnergies], a total of nearly $2.6 billion in taxpayer dollars to abandon projects that could have delivered energy to communities spanning from California to North Carolina to Maine. We are concerned that these decisions will harm grid reliability, job opportunities, and economic development in states across the country, and we request your response to several inquiries.\n\nSince March, 2026, the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have announced agreements to terminate eight leases for offshore wind projects, including TotalEnergies’ leases for Attentive Energy in the New York Bight and Carolina Long Bay; Ocean Winds’ leases for Bluepoint Wind in the New York Bight and Golden State Wind off Morro Bay in California; and Invenergy’s leases in the New York Bight, Gulf of Maine, and Morro Bay in California’s Central Coast. The Trump Administration agreed to reimburse companies for their leases in exchange for investments in oil, gas, and geothermal projects that, in large part, will be hundreds of miles away from the states that were planning for these offshore wind projects. In total, the Trump Administration’s agreements could result in the loss of more than 15 GW of planned, fixed-price clean energy, which would have helped meet increasing energy demand in regions such as New England and the Mid-Atlantic that are already facing supply constraints.\n\nThese projects were poised not only to advance U.S. leadership in clean energy technology and generation capacity, but also to unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in federal and state investment in research and development, port upgrades, workforce development, and community benefit agreements. The two Invenergy projects in the Gulf of Maine were expected to help power more than 2 million homes and support over 18,000 jobs. The Leading Light Wind project in the New York Bight was projected to generate more than $3.7 billion in economic development benefits and over 7,000 jobs. The Golden State Wind project off California’s Central Coast would have powered 1.1 million homes, created more than 8,000 jobs, and delivered a $30 million commitment to workforce development and supply chain initiatives.\n\nSeveral states have already begun making substantial investments to prepare for offshore wind projects to move forward, including over $100 million in investments by California to modernize ports and support planning. By accepting DOI’s buyout deals, you are stranding these investments, undermining job expectations, and disrupting the yearslong process of electricity capacity planning by states and utilities.\n\nThese buyouts have been announced amid a larger effort by the Trump Administration to stall wind and solar projects – the energy sources that are cheap, clean, and fastest to bring online – across the country. In December 2025, the Administration paused the construction of five largescale offshore wind projects, claiming “national security risks.” Secretary Burgum issued a directive requiring his personal review and approval of every wind and solar energy project on public lands, holding up at least 57GW as identified in court documents. The Department of Defense is holding up all new wind projects on private land, a total of more than 30 GW of onshore wind capacity. At a time when gas prices have spiked by an average of more than $1 dollar per gallon due to the President’s war in Iran and electricity prices are rising twice as fast as inflation, clean energy offers a critical opportunity to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and relieve costs for people across the country. Dismantling the burgeoning offshore wind industry now and creating broader uncertainty for investment in cheap, clean energy will have consequences for decades to come.\n\nThere is no law that entitles leaseholders to refunds for voluntarily surrendering a lease, and lease cancellations must be executed according to the law. The Trump Administration has asserted that these payments can be made from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Judgment Fund—a position that may not be permissible under statute and that is the subject of ongoing litigation brought by the attorneys general of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont. These buyouts risk setting a dangerous precedent that could encourage further misuse of public funds to terminate clean energy projects in certain states in favor of fossil fuel investments that benefit other states.\n\nIn light of these questions and concerns, and to better understand the legal basis for the lease buyout agreements between your company and DOI, we request the following information by August 6, 2026:\n\n1. Please state when initial conversations began between your company and the Administration regarding initiating a lease buyout agreement.\n\n2. Please state if anyone in the Trump Administration communicated to your company, whether verbal or written, that it would suspend your offshore wind projects if the project moved forward. If communication occurred, please provide responses to the following:", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-condemns-shooting-at-aurora-ice-detention-center/", "title": "Hickenlooper Condemns Shooting At Aurora ICE Detention Center", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Shooting comes one day after Hickenlooper staff visited facility to conduct congressional oversight visit\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the below statement responding to the shooting of a protester outside the Aurora ICE Detention Center by a GEO Group employee. The shooting came one day after Hickenlooper’s staff conducted a congressional oversight visit at the detention center.\n\n“ICE and their contractors are completely out of control,” said Hickenlooper.“Everyone has the right to protest peacefully without fear of violence. We’re keeping the victim of this shooting in our thoughts, and we will keep fighting to end this lawlessness and instill accountability.”\n\nHickenlooper has been outspoken in the face of ICE’s lawlessness and demanded a top-to-bottom overhaul of the agency to stop ICE from terrorizing our communities. Hickenlooper also voted against the DHS funding bill because it failed to overhaul ICE. He has consistently pushed for more oversight andtransparency for federal immigration enforcement efforts, and has worked to help families desperately searching for loved ones arrested by ICE. In January, Hickenlooper spoke on the Senate floor to denounce the horrifying killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, condemn the reports that families in Eagle County found “death cards” left in the cars of family members taken by ICE agents, and to demand the overhaul of ICE. He’s shown up at ICE facilities previously to conduct congressional oversight visits and raise concerns about ICE disregarding due process. He helped launch an investigation into ICE’s unlawful obstruction of congressional oversight and introduced bills to ban ICE from wearing masks, prevent immigration enforcement from targeting schools, hospitals, polling locations, and places of worship, and cut back the excessive funding that MAGA Republicans gave them.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-in-cleveland-with-manufacturers-and-innovators-highlights-secured-funding-for-manufacturing-hub/", "title": "Husted in Cleveland with manufacturers and innovators, highlights secured funding for manufacturing hub", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“Investments like these will help ensure northeast Ohio remains at the forefront of manufacturing and innovation for decades to come.”\n\nCLEVELAND – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today toured Lubrizol Advanced Materials in Cleveland and joined local manufacturers, business leaders and Case Western Reserve University officials for a roundtable discussion on strengthening northeast Ohio’s manufacturing economy, including funding Husted advocated for the school.\n\n“Ohio is the manufacturing engine that keeps our nation moving forward. Lubrizol’s advanced materials and Case Western Reserve University’s NEO-SMART initiative are driving innovation across northeast Ohio. Investments like these will help ensure northeast Ohio remains at the forefront of manufacturing and innovation for decades to come,” Husted said.\n\nThe roundtable focused on Case Western Reserve University’s recent grant award. The U.S. National Science Foundation selected the university’s Northeast Ohio Strengthening Manufacturing for American Resilience through Technology (NEO-SMART) initiative as one of 12 recipients nationwide to receive an NSF Regional Innovation Engines award.\n\nThis comes after Husted’s May 22, 2026, letter to Acting NSF Director Brian Stone supporting the NEO-SMART proposal. The NSF Engines program can provide up to $160 million over 10 years to support the initiative.\n\nThe NEO-SMART proposal outlines a 10-year plan expected to create an estimated 20,000 jobs across 18 counties in northeast Ohio. The initiative is a partnership of more than 70 organizations spanning industry, academia, workforce development, philanthropy and government.\n\nHusted also supported the Working Families Tax Cuts Act in July, which includes pro-growth policies that support investment in manufacturing states like Ohio:", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-accountable", "title": "Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil Accountable", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues led by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in introducing legislation negotiated with the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and the White House to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.\n\nThe Sanctioning Russia Act would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Russian Shadow Fleet. The legislation also enables the President to impose tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the majority of Russian oil, gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The new text limits these tariffs to up to 100 percent and to only the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and gas and to major sanctions evaders.\n\n“This is a pivotal moment in the Ukrainian people’s fight to protect their freedom,” said Kaine. “While Ukraine continues to demonstrate impressive resilience and patriotism and real expertise on the battlefield, Russians are becoming increasingly exhausted by Putin’s war, which his own finance officials are telling him he can’t afford. This is the perfect time for the United States to bring down the full force of comprehensive sanctions on Russia, and I’m proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in putting forward a plan that would do that.”\n\nIn addition to Kaine and Blumenthal, the legislation was announced by U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD); U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL); U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus; U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee; U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI); U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE); U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee; U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO); U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Chair of the Senate Banking Committee; U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME); U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Majority Whip; U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY); U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ); U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC); U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY); U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA); U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV); U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE); U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI); U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX); U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA); U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT); U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN); U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT); U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA); U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK); U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL); U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI); U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK); U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO); U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS); U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM); U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD); U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR); U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD); U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND); U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV); U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-OH); U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND); U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE); U.S. Senator Jim Justice (R-WV); U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD); U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX); U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA); U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY); U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK); U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL); U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC); U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS); U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL); U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA); U.S. Senator Alan Armstrong (R-OK); and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT).\n\nKaine has been an outspoken advocate for legislation to check Russian power. He recently introduced the Fast Tracking European Investment in Ukraine’s Defense Act, a bipartisan bill that would boost Ukraine’s defense by allowing for the more consistent and timely provision of high-volume, low-tech munitions critical to the country’s fight against Russian aggression. He has introduced the bipartisan Seized Assets for Battlefield Equipment and Readiness (SABER) Act, which would amend current law to allow Ukraine to use assets confiscated from the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and other Russian sovereign assets for the purchase of military equipment. Kaine also sponsored the No Oil Profits for Enemies (NOPE) Act, a bipartisan bill that would strengthen U.S. sanctions against Russia and prevent it from profiting off ongoing hostilities with Iran. Last year, he introduced the Sanctioning Harbors and Dodgers of Western Sanctions (SHADOW) Fleets Act, which would vastly expand U.S. sanctions authorities to target a collection of older, reflagged oil tankers that Russia has weaponized to circumvent existing sanctions on Russian oil and gas revenues. The bill passed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last January.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-trumps-conspiracy-laden-speech", "title": "Kaine Statement on Trump's Conspiracy-Laden Speech", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) released the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s speech last night:\n\n“Donald Trump spoke to the nation last night for nearly half an hour. Did he share any semblance of a plan to lower Americans’ housing, food, or energy costs? Or to end his deeply unpopular war with Iran that is putting servicemembers at risk and crushing working families at the pump? Of course not. Apparently, he’d rather focus on obsessing over an election he lost six years ago and spinning up previously debunked conspiracies about the fairness of America’s elections. But after 18 months of the Trump-Vance Administration’s lies and blatant corruption, the American people aren’t buying this sham. They will see any attempts by Trump to undermine our upcoming elections for what they are: pathetic moves by an insecure, ineffective President who is desperate to shield himself and his party from accountability at the ballot box.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-enhance-aviation-safety-after-slackline-helicopter-tragedy/", "title": "Kelly, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Aviation Safety After Slackline-Helicopter Tragedy", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Bill responds to Arizona helicopter crash that claimed four lives in January near Superior, AZ\n\nToday, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) joined Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Curtis (R-UT), and other lawmakers in introducing the bipartisan and bicameral McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act. The new bipartisan legislation would direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address urgent aviation safety issues by reviewing and updating existing safeguards for temporary obstructions in the low-altitude airspace, such as slacklines.\n\nThe legislation comes in response to an accident on January 2, 2026, when a helicopter crashed into a slackline which was strung approximately 600 feet in the air across Telegraph Canyon, south of Superior, Arizona. All four passengers aboard the helicopter died in the crash.\n\nIn April, Kelly led an Arizona congressional delegation letter urging the FAA to take immediate steps to prevent future slackline-related collisions.\n\n“David, Katelyn, Rachel, and Faith lost their lives in an Arizona helicopter crash that never should have happened. I’ve met with their family. No one should have to go through what they’ve been through. This bill makes sure the FAA acts quickly to prevent tragedies like this from happening again,” saidSen.Kelly.\n\n“Strengthening aviation safety is something that both Republicans and Democrats can get behind, especially following the tragic slackline collision that took the lives of four Oregonians earlier this year,” saidSen.Merkley. “The FAA must do all it can to keep the flying public safe, and our bipartisan McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act directs the agency to prioritize aviation safety. We must move swiftly to reduce the risk of any similar tragedy in the future.”\n\n“High-adventure activities in Utah, like slacklining, should not come at the cost of aviation safety, particularly for helicopter pilots who transport patients, fight wildfires, and support search and rescue missions,” saidSen.Curtis. “Our bipartisan bill takes a practical look at where the FAA can modernize its policies, improve coordination, and reduce unnecessary risks so everyone sharing our airspace can do so more safely.”\n\n“Congress must act with urgency to ensure federal regulators are taking every possible step to prevent low-flying aircraft crashes with slacklines like the tragedy that cost the lives of four Oregonians earlier this year,” said Sen. Wyden. “This bill would accomplish that goal by setting deadlines for the Federal Aviation Administration to update and improve its policies and regulations for low-altitude airspace safety.”\n\nRepresentatives Cliff Bentz (R-OR-02) and Val Hoyle (D-OR-04) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\n“This tragic accident claimed cherished members of two Oregon families far too soon, and our hearts remain with everyone suffering this profound loss. As we look ahead, it is my hope that meaningful changes can be made to ensure a tragedy like this is never repeated,” saidRep.Bentz. “This legislation directs the FAA to review and update low altitude airspace safety regulations to help prevent similar incidents in the future.”\n\n“Last January’s deadly helicopter crash in Arizona exposed a serious safety challenge in low-altitude airspace. I’ve been vocal in the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee that action is needed so this kind of tragedy doesn’t happen again,” saidRep.Hoyle. “Oregonians know the value of both outdoor recreation and aviation, and we all share a responsibility to ensure that pilots, first responders and wildfire crews have the visibility and information they need to operate safely.”\n\nOn behalf of the McCarty and Heideman family, “We are very grateful and excited to see the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act be introduced. It is a crucial and urgent step towards making the airspace safer for pilots, passengers, cargo, and anyone using the airspace for work or recreation. We look forward to working on getting this across the finish line!”\n\nThe bipartisan and bicameral McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act is supported by key stakeholders and organizations, including the Vertical Aviation International (VAI), National Transportation Aviation Association (NATA), Balloon Federation of America (BFA), United Aerial Firefighters Association (UAFA), Air Medical Operators Association (AMOA), Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS), National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), BackcountryPilot.org, American Spray Drone Coalition, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Life Flight Network, National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), Commercial Drone Alliance, and Southern Utah University (SUU) Aviation.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act follows a deadly helicopter crash caused by a collision with a slackline in Arizona on January 2, 2026, that tragically claimed the lives of four Americans—David McCarty and his three nieces Rachel McCarty, Faith McCarty, and Katelyn Heideman. The bipartisan bill would instruct the FAA to use its authorities to review existing policies and regulations related to low-altitude airspace safety, including identifying appropriate policy, operational, or technical improvements such as updated requirements related to markings on slacklines.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-rosen-colleagues-demand-more-assistance-from-fema-for-wildfire-prevention-and-response/", "title": "Kelly, Rosen, Colleagues Demand More Assistance from FEMA for Wildfire Prevention and Response", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) joined Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and other Democratic colleagues in demanding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that all communities receive the federal resources they need to respond to and prevent wildfires.\n\nStates can request financial assistance from FEMA through Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) to help cover costs relating to emergencies, fire-fighting activities, and administrative costs. After an FMAG is declared, states can request assistance to help impacted communities rebuild and mitigate future wildfire disasters through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire. However, many communities are still waiting for HMGP Post Fire funds from previous wildfire disasters, which has left them vulnerable to current and future wildfire disasters.\n\nThis letter furthers Kelly’s fight of keeping Americans safe by reducing wildfire risk. Last month, Kelly introduced the bipartisan Hazardous Fuels Transportation Assistance Act which helps communities remove highly flammable materials from its forests to reduce the risk of wildfire. This week, Kelly’s Wildfire Prevention and Recovery Act, which directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct periodic wildfire risk assessments and study the impacts of wildfires on Corps-managed lands through a pilot program beginning in Arizona, passed the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee as part of the 2026 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).\n\n“Wildfires are one of the most frequently recurring disasters that, while once common only to western states, have recently become a major threat to communities across the country,” wrote the senators. “These wildfires can be lethal and destroy critical infrastructure and entire residential communities, negatively affect public health through harmful smoke and air pollutants, and place large economic burdens on urban and rural communities.”\n\n“Unfortunately, over 3.1 million acres have already burned across the country since the beginning of this year, which is the second largest number of acres burned in a January to July period in the past 10 years,” continued the senators. “Given these recent fires, the persistent drought across multiple states, and the expected above normal wildfire activity, it is imperative that FEMA helps communities quickly respond to wildfires and increase their resilience to future wildfire disasters.”\n\n“As we approach the summer months and prepare for above normal wildfire activity, we urge you to ensure FEMA can quickly respond to future wildfires and that FMAG and HMGP Post Fire funds are promptly approved and distributed to communities, including those in rural areas,” the senators concluded.\n\nKelly and Rosen were joined by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-scott-introduce-legislation-to-fix-clean-water-federal-funding-system/", "title": "Kelly, Scott Introduce Legislation to Fix Clean Water Federal Funding System", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act of 2026, legislation that would replace the outdated, fixed percentage formula used to allocate Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) grants. The new system is a transparent, needs-based formula that reflects current clean water infrastructure demands, state populations, and economic burden.\n\nKelly first introduced the Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act in 2021 when a 2016 Environmental Protection Agency report found that an updated formula would triple the amount of clean water funding available to Arizona. As a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, Kelly has championed fixing the formula for years. In 2024, following a request from Kelly, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report recommending Congress update the CWSRF formula. Kelly and Scott’s bill would implement the recommendations of the GAO study to ensure fast-growing, high-need states like Arizona receive their fair share.\n\n“Arizona has grown dramatically, but the allocation system for federal water infrastructure funding hasn’t been updated,” said Kelly. “Our bipartisan bill fixes this so Arizona gets the resources it needs for a secure water future.”\n\n“It’s time to bring the CWSRF into the 21st century. Through the Clean Water Allotment Act, Florida, along with 30 other states, will start receiving the proper funds which reflect our modern population sizes, areas of need, and economically constrained areas. This will help maintain our clean water infrastructure while protecting our beautiful natural lakes, rivers, and wetlands,” said Rick Scott.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Clean Water State Revolving Fund, established in 1987, provides low-interest loans for water quality infrastructure projects. As loans are repaid, funds are recycled to support new projects but the formula used to allot funds to each state has never been updated. Based on GAO analysis, the modernized formula would result in 31 states receiving the same or higher allotment.\n\nThe Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act of 2026 would:\n\nReplace the Clean Water State Revolving Fund’s outdated 1987 allotment formula with a needs-based formula recommended by a GAO expert panel, distributing funds based on documented infrastructure needs (60%), state population from the most recent census (20%), and share of population at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (20%).\n\nEnsure fast-growing states like Arizona receive funding that reflects their actual needs — not data from nearly four decades ago.\n\nProtect states during the transition by capping annual allotment increases at 200% and decreases at 25% during the first four years.\n\nMaintain dedicated funding for Indian tribes and U.S. territories and leave Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocations untouched.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-talks-hunger-innovation-and-aapi-empowerment-in-camden/", "title": "Senator Kim Talks Hunger, Innovation, and AAPI Empowerment in Camden", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "CAMDEN, NJ – Today, Senator Kim (D-NJ) met with community leaders in Camden, NJ to discuss addressing hunger and supporting economic growth in South Jersey. He also spent time in Philadelphia meeting with AAPI professionals during the National Association of Asian American Professionals Leadership Convention.\n\n“Today’s conversations reinforced just how much opportunity there is for long-term success in Camden,” said Senator Andy Kim. “The on-the-ground dedication leaves me inspired; I will use what I learned today to help ensure Camden has the resources to support and grow their community for years to come.”\n\nSenator Kim kicked off his visit at Cathedral Kitchen to hear from staff, students, and service leaders about the work they are doing to feed and support those in need. He heard concerns about changes being made to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the crucial support that programs like SNAP provide to community members in need.\n\n“For 50 years, Cathedral Kitchen has remained committed to being a steady source of support for our Camden neighbors, with many people coming to us for meals, groceries, and personal care items. We also help connect them with resources like SNAP, housing assistance, and other supports that can create greater stability as we rising costs and changes to SNAP and Medicaid that are making life even more difficult for so many across Camden,” said Noreen Flewelling, Vice President of Development, Cathedral Kitchen. “Looking ahead, we don’t know what challenges our community will face, but we do know Cathedral Kitchen will continue listening, adapting, and finding new ways to serve our neighbors with respect and dignity.”\n\nSenator Kim then toured Subaru’s American Headquarters, where he was joined by Jeff Walters, President and COO of Subaru of America, and other Subaru executives. They discussed Subaru’s operations in New Jersey and its continued investment in Camden. The Senator also had an opportunity to experience Subaru’s new electric and hybrid vehicle models.\n\n“We were honored to welcome Senator Kim to Subaru of America headquarters in Camden,” said Jeff Walters, President and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. “The visit provided a valuable opportunity to discuss our shared commitment to South Jersey, Subaru’s continued investment in New Jersey, and the Subaru Love Promise values that guide our work in the communities we serve.”\n\nFinally, Senator Kim gave keynote remarks at the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Leadership convention in Philadelphia before hosting a Q&A with attendees to discuss professional development and community advocacy with members of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-coons-introduce-bill-to-help-unemployed-workers-start-small-businesses/", "title": "Lankford, Coons Introduce Bill to Help Unemployed Workers Start Small Businesses", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.lankford.senate.gov", "scraper": "lankford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000575", "name": "James Lankford", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — US Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Jon Husted (R-OH) introduced the New Opportunities for Business Ownership and Self-Sufficiency (NO BOSS)Act recently, legislation that would modernize the Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program so that laid off workers can more easily receive their normal allotment of unemployment insurance even while working full-time to start a new business.\n\nArtificial intelligence (AI) will likely reshape America’s economy and disrupt or displace jobs across many sectors. However, even as AI is expected to contribute to job losses, it will also lower barriers to entrepreneurship, making it easier than ever for workers to start a small business. The NO BOSS Act would ensure that workers experiencing a job transition don’t have to sacrifice their unemployment insurance payments to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.\n\nCurrent law allows states to operate Self-Employment Assistance programs, which allow eligible unemployment insurance beneficiaries to continue receiving benefits while working full-time to launch a business rather than searching for traditional employment. However, outdated federal rules unnecessarily limit who can participate, leaving fewer workers with a meaningful opportunity to choose business ownership over traditional employment.\n\n“If you lose your job, the government shouldn’t tell you the only way forward is to go work for somebody else. Some folks have a business idea they’ve been dreaming about for years, and losing a job might be the push to finally chase it. Right now, an outdated federal rule forces people on unemployment to spend their time applying for jobs they don’t want instead of building the business they do want. Our bill fixes that. If you’re willing to put in the work to start a business, hire your neighbors, and build something in your community, we should cheer you on, not stand in your way,” said Lankford.\n\n“Every small business began with someone taking a chance on a new idea, and new AI tools will make it easier than ever to turn those ideas into business plans, sales, and storefronts,” said Coons. “Americans shouldn’t have to choose between the safety net of unemployment benefits that they’ve paid into and the all-American opportunity to chase their entrepreneurial dream. As artificial intelligence reshapes the nature of work, this bill will help support American entrepreneurs, keep food on families’ tables, lift up small businesses, and keep our economy strong.”\n\nBackground\n\nThe NO BOSS Act would update the SEA program by:\n\nCreating new opportunities for unemployment insurance beneficiaries and encouraging small business formation\n\nEliminating the requirement that SEA beneficiaries must be “likely to exhaust benefits,” which implies the program can only be used by workers unlikely to find another job\n\nClarifying that developing a business plan and conducting market feasibility studies count as entrepreneurship work\n\nMaking it easier for more states to establish SEA programs modeled on the most successful state programs\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the Center for American Entrepreneurship, the Foundation for American Innovation, the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, the R Street Institute, Shopify, Block, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, and the Coalition to Protect America’s Small Sellers.\n\nYou can find the full text of the bill HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-joins-darline-graham-blumenthal-and-60-senators-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-accountable/", "title": "Lankford Joins Darline Graham, Blumenthal and 60+ Senators to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil Accountable", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.lankford.senate.gov", "scraper": "lankford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000575", "name": "James Lankford", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Before his death, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) secured an agreement with the White House on new text to bring sweeping sanctions against the enablers of Russia’s war in Ukraine\n\nOKLAHOMA CITY, OK — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined Senator Darline Graham (R-SC) and more than 60 members of the Senate in introducing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.\n\nUS Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the effort last week and secured an agreement with the White House on Friday, before his death.\n\n“Putin is a murderous KGB thug, and the countries still buying Russian oil and natural gas know they are funding his war against Ukraine,” said Lankford. “If we cut off Russia’s oil money, we cut off the weapons murdering Ukrainians. Lindsey Graham was an outspoken advocate for the freedom-loving people of Ukraine. Let’s finish what he started and put the pressure on Russia and everyone who bankrolls them.”\n\n“Until the very day he passed, Lindsey remained focused on passing the Russia sanctions bill. Passing this legislation would honor my brother’s steadfast commitment to our national security and it would provide President Trump with additional leverage to bring this war to an end. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to President Trump’s desk,” said Darline Graham.\n\n“Ukraine is at a critical crossroads — and we must meet this pivotal moment with a powerful sanctions bill. As Ukraine turns the tide on the battlefield, our Russia sanctions bill would be historically impactful in stopping Russia’s murderous slaughter,” said Blumenthal. “When Senator Graham and I last spoke, he was absolutely exultant, calling from Kyiv with news that President Trump would support this bill to impose scorching tariffs and sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil and stop them from fueling Putin’s war machine. Now is the time to push Russia toward peace. Ukraine is gaining net territory and reaching deep into Russia with its drones and missiles. Sanctions provide a path toward peace. Our bill is the product of lengthy, detailed, difficult bipartisan work, and now has broad bipartisan support. Passing this legislation right now would be a fitting tribute to Senator Graham’s fierce support for Ukraine’s freedom.”\n\nBackground\n\nThe Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.\n\nThe sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Russian Shadow Fleet.\n\nThe legislation also directs the President to impose up to 100 percent tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the majority of Russian oil, gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The new text limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and gas.\n\nJoining Lankford, Graham and Blumenthal in cosponsoring the legislation are Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD); Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY); Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus; and Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Katie Britt (R-AL); Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee; Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI); Jim Risch (R-ID), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Chris Coons (D-DE); Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee; Michael Bennet (D-CO); Tom Cotton (R-AR), Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; Tim Scott (R-SC), Chair of the Senate Banking Committee; Angus King (I-ME); Tim Kaine (D-VA); Susan Collins (R-ME), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Mitch McConnell (R-KY); Mark Kelly (D-AZ); Thom Tillis (R-NC); Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY); Joni Ernst (R-IA); Jacky Rosen (D-NV); Pete Ricketts (R-NE); Brian Schatz (D-HI); John Cornyn (R-TX); Adam Schiff (D-CA); Tim Sheehy (R-MT); Amy Klobuchar (D-MN); John Curtis (R-UT); John Fetterman (D-PA); Dan Sullivan (R-AK); Tammy Duckworth (D-IL); Gary Peters (D-MI); John Hickenlooper (D-CO); Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS); Martin Heinrich (D-NM); Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD); John Boozman (R-AR); Chris Van Hollen (D-MD); Kevin Cramer (R-ND); Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV); Jon Husted (R-OH); John Hoeven (R-ND); Deb Fischer (R-NE); Jim Justice (R-WV); Mike Rounds (R-SD); Ted Cruz (R-TX); John Kennedy (R-LA); Cynthia Lummis (R-WY); Lisa Murkowski (R-AK); Rick Scott (R-FL); Ted Budd (R-NC); Jerry Moran (R-KS); Tommy Tuberville (R-AL); Dave McCormick (R-PA); Alan Armstrong (R-OK); and Steve Daines (R-MT).\n\nYou can read the one-pager on the legislation HERE. You can also read the full bill text HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-trumps-attempt-to-undermine-confidence-in-u-s-elections/", "title": "Luján Statement on Trump’s Attempt to Undermine Confidence in U.S. Elections", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s attempt to undermine free and fair elections in his address to the nation:\n\n“Donald Trump lost the 2020 election. He’s still selling the same lies that led to a violent insurrection five years ago. He would rather relitigate the 2020 election than address the real challenges facing American families.\n\n“Americans deserve a president focused on lowering costs, strengthening the economy, and solving the problems they face every day. Instead, this administration has only made life harder and more expensive for American families.\n\n“Now, President Trump is ordering Congressional Republicans to rig our election system with the SAVE Act in a desperate attempt to hold onto power. Enough with the lies and the conspiracy theories.\n\n“Every American must stand up and call out these lies for what they are. I will always fight for our rights and our democracy.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-makes-unscheduled-oversight-visit-to-maine-ice-field-office-following-fatal-shooting-leaves-with-more-alarming-questions-than-answers", "title": "Markey Makes Unscheduled Oversight Visit to Maine ICE Field Office Following Fatal Shooting, Leaves with More Alarming Questions Than Answers", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Boston (July 17, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today released the following statement after conducting an official unscheduled oversight visit at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) field office in Scarborough, Maine, where he demanded answers about the recent, nearby shooting and killing of 26-year-old Johan Sebastián Guerrero by an ICE officer.\n\n“The officer who shot Johan Guerrero works out of this office, and it’s completely unacceptable that ICE has withheld from the public the details surrounding his murder,” said Senator Markey. “I was also informed that the office does not have body cameras for its officers, despite ICE having already received billions of dollars more in funding from Trump and Republicans just this year. There is no excuse for the lack of documentation and accountability around Johan Guerrero’s death despite the extraordinary amount of money that Trump and his Republican allies have given to ICE.”\n\n“ICE is terrorizing people, from children and parents on their way to school drop-off, to workers and small business owners at their places of work. We need to get ICE off our streets and out of our communities. It’s long past time we abolish ICE.”\n\nYesterday, Senator Markey and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote to the ICE Boston Field Office in Burlington, Massachusetts, demanding a full, transparent, and independent accounting of this killing, given the office’s direct jurisdiction over enforcement operations in Maine and New England.\n\nIn January 2026, Senator Markey wrote to the ICE Boston Field Office, demanding answers about conditions at the field office in Burlington, Massachusetts, and the conduct of ICE agents in the Commonwealth. This letter followed Senator Markey’s previous December letter, raising concerns about the cruel conditions at the Burlington field office.\n\nSenator Markey and Representative Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) have introduced the Qualified Immunity Abolition Act of 2026, which would grant victims the right to sue federal law enforcement officers—not just state and local officials—for civil rights violations and would abolish the defense of qualified immunity in these suits. The legislation would help deliver accountability for families victimized by law enforcement, including ICE agents.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-every-democrat-wants-to-vote-against-voter-id/", "title": "Senator Marshall: Every Democrat Wants to Vote Against Voter ID", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Marshall Joins Woodward and Whit on KNSS\n\nWashington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Ted Woodward and John Whitmer on KNSS Radio’s Woodward and Whit to discuss the SAVE America Act and voter ID, Senator Marshall’s call for an investigation of Dr. Fauci and the handling of COVID-19, how the Democrats plan to shut the government down again, the Patients Deserve Price Tags Act to lower healthcare costs by $1000 a family, and the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham.\n\nClick HERE to download the full video.\n\nOn passing the SAVE America Act:\n\n“Yeah, well, John, it is interesting why we cannot get 10 Democrats to vote for voter ID — to vote for proof of citizenship when you register, and then some type of reasonable guardrails around mail-in ballots. So that’s what the SAVE America Act does. And by the way, Kansas does two out of three of those already — you know, we have voter ID, and then on mail-in ballots, we don’t do the unsolicited ballots. But I think they could be tightened up a little bit more, so thank goodness for Ty Masterson and his team the last several years at our state house. But of course, that doesn’t help us with California or Illinois or New York and these purple states or blue states that have no rules to speak of as well. So, I just want to emphasize how important this is. President Trump and I have both been fighting to get some type of vote on the Senate floor. I think we should just vote on them one at a time — let’s make every Democrat, every Senate Democrat, vote against voter ID. They always have some reason when you show them a big bill, but let’s do just that one piece, and then come back in a week, and let’s vote on proof of citizenship, and then let’s vote on something reasonable for guardrails around in-person ballots. The bill will provide some money for states already doing it, but that’s not going to cut it with me. That’s a nice little thing to say, ‘Oh, we know this is a problem,’ but my voters want voter ID across the country, period, full stop, end of the conversation. And right now we cannot get one Democrat to vote for it. It’ll take 60 votes in the Senate to get this across the finish line for voter ID in every state.”\n\nOn Senator Marshall’s call for a special counsel to investigate Dr. Fauci:\n\n“Yeah, John, well, over a million Americans died from COVID, and over 20 million Americans have long COVID — not to mention the other havoc it created in people’s lives. So, as you know, about a month ago, Tulsi Gabbard, on her last week there in the job as intelligence director, released a treasure trove of information that shows how Fauci interacted with the intelligence community to influence the report they gave to Joe Biden. I mean, it was all a farce to start with — they already had a conclusion, and then they just needed to find a couple patsies that would agree with them. But today, both the FBI and CIA agree with everything that I’ve been saying now since 2020: that this virus was made in a laboratory in Wuhan, China. Based upon the information from that treasure trove of information, we’re asking for a special counsel — for the Justice Department to look into Dr. Fauci’s funding of COVID research, his involvement, his cover-up, and then how he somehow he was able to suppress whistleblowers within the government as well. And finally, we want them to investigate the auto pen pardon. So, it’s a full plate. Now Fauci is going to be in the Senate next week getting questioned, but I bet he’ll take the fifth on everything. So, we need a full-throated investigation; there needs to be accountability so this doesn’t happen again.”\n\nOn the possibility of another Democrat government shutdown:\n\n“John, I would bet a lot of money that it’s going to be another Schumer shutdown. You might as well just put it in the bank and start planning that September 30th will be the last day the government is funded. And they’re not going to let us do anything. I’ll give you an example — we’re trying to get through these appropriations, which leads to funding the government, right? The NDAA, the National Defense Authorization Act, came out of committee with large bipartisan support. Every year, this is passed by us — this is what funds the military. And the Democrats, even the ones that voted for it in committee, were not allowed to vote for it on the Senate floor. I could give you example after example of the same thing, and how they switch their votes when it gets to the floor. So, Chuck Schumer is running for his political life; they’re being pulled; that party is being pulled far, far to the left by these socialists — and they readily admit they’re Marxists as well. These radical Marxist leftists are out there pulling the party to the left. One of the reasons they gave for the NDAA votes being switched is that it supported Israel — there’s funding in there for Israel, as there has been every year. So, it’s a new day in Washington, and all I can tell you is I’m just going to keep fighting, and we’ll try and figure a way out through this. But right now, the Democrats hate Donald Trump so much they’re not going to let anything get done.”\n\nOn the Patients Deserve Price Tags Act:\n\n“Ah, something positive, here we go. So, patients deserve price tags, not surprise bills. So, this is a bill that I’ve been working on now since I got to Congress eight or nine years ago and we’ve improved it every year. It forces healthcare providers to show you the costs up front — so when you need that hip replaced, you need an MRI or whatever it is, you can look at the cost difference, and then you can choose. An MRI for your knee at one place may cost $3,000 and that same MRI with the same doctor reading it at another imaging center may be $600. The difference on hip surgeries I’ve seen anywhere from $15,000 at one hospital to $60,000 to $80,000 in another hospital — and by the way, the one with the lower price has better outcomes. So, patients deserve price tags, and we’re going to mark that bill up next week in committee. And I do have a large amount of bipartisan support for it. John Hickenlooper, the Democratic senator from Colorado, is helping me lead that bill. So, we will get it through the committee next week, and then we’ll see if we can find a way to sneak it onto the floor, and Chuck Schumer let people vote positive on it. This can save patients $1,000 a month for a family on their insurance if you have transparency, letting patients become consumers again.”\n\nOn whether Senator Marshall will take an appointment in the Trump Administration:\n\n“The answer is no. I mean, the answer to your question is yes, I’m going to address it. But no, I will not accept something from the Trump administration to go work for him. I’d be honored — obviously having run a hospital, a physician overseeing health departments, now a legislator for nine years, I do have a good breadth of knowledge of healthcare. But nobody’s going anywhere — Secretary Kennedy’s doing a great job, he’s right where he is, Dr. Oz is doing a great job as CMS director and I’m very honored to represent the people of Kansas. I have no intention — I am not going to go to President Trump’s administration and would be honored to represent the people of Kansas again for another six years in the United States Senate.”\n\nOn the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham:\n\n“Oh gosh, Lindsey was a dear, dear friend. One of my besties up there. Our desks are 10 feet apart, and Lindsey just kept me laughing; every time I saw him he made me laugh — very witty. And the interesting thing about Lindsey Graham is I bet there’s 98 other senators who would say they were one of his best friends as well. He had the gift of hospitality, he made everybody feel welcome, we’re going to miss him dearly. We get really tight — there’s only 53 of us and we have lunch together every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. So, I lost a teammate, a friend. You know, the great thing is Lindsey was a godly man — sometimes he had a little rough mouth — but he had an encyclopedic knowledge of the Bible, and you know we’ll get to see him again someday. So, we will miss him, and it’s just now all starting to sink in.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-introduces-bill-requiring-insurers-to-cover-restorative-care-following-harmful-gender-transition-procedures/", "title": "Senator Marshall Introduces Bill Requiring Insurers to Cover Restorative Care Following Harmful Gender Transition Procedures", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) introduced the Treatment and Restoration Uniformity and Transparency in Health Coverage (TRUTH in Coverage) Act, legislation requiring private health insurance plans that cover gender transition procedures to also cover medically necessary care for patients experiencing complications or seeking restorative treatment following those procedures. The bill establishes a federal standard ensuring insurance companies cannot cover transition procedures while denying coverage for treatment needed to address resulting harm or restore healthy human function.\n\n“As physicians, we take an oath to first do no harm. Unfortunately, too many Americans have undergone irreversible gender transition procedures only to be left with life-changing complications and nowhere to turn,” said Senator Marshall. “Insurance companies have been more than willing to profit by covering these procedures, but when patients need care to treat complications and restore healthy human function, they’re often left on their own. That’s wrong. Patients deserve transparency before making life-altering medical decisions, and insurance companies should be consistent in their coverage when those decisions result in lifelong complications.”\n\nThis bill is co-sponsored by Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming.)\n\n“For years, the medical establishment pushed dangerous and irreversible procedures on vulnerable patients while covering up the devastating harm they caused,” said Senator Lummis.“Now, when those patients are left damaged and desperate for healing, insurance companies slam the door in their face. This bill ends that double standard. If a health insurance company pays to mutilate, it should also pay to help heal what it broke.\n\nRep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) introduced the House companion of this bill.\n\n“It’s outrageous that a health plan can cover sex-rejecting procedures but refuse to cover the restorative care patients need to address the harm they cause. That’s not a fair deal for patients who want to restore healthy bodily function,” said Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger. “Patients should never be abandoned after undergoing life-altering, harmful medical interventions once reality sets in. As a pharmacist, I’ve seen insurance companies find every excuse in the book to avoid paying for the care patients actually need. My TRUTH in Coverage Act restores fairness, promotes transparency, and ensures patients aren’t left paying the price for care their insurance should cover.”\n\nWhat the bill does:\n\nRequires private health plans that cover gender transition procedures to also cover restorative care and treatment for resulting complications.\n\nProhibits insurers from imposing more restrictive deductibles, copayments, prior authorization requirements, or other coverage limitations on restorative care than those applied to other covered medical services.\n\nApplies regardless of when the original procedure occurred or whether it was covered by the patient’s current insurance plan.\n\nEstablishes a nationwide standard across the individual insurance market, employer-sponsored health plans, and other private group health plans beginning with plan years starting January 1, 2027.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe TRUTH in Coverage Act builds on Senator Marshall’s broader efforts to protect patients, promote medical transparency, and ensure federal policies are rooted in biological reality. Related legislation includes:\n\nSTOP Act\n\nDefining Male and Female Act\n\nNo Subsidies for Gender Transition Procedures Act\n\nEnd Taxpayer Funding of Gender Experimentation Act\n\nThis bill has earned support from a coalition of organizations dedicated to protecting patients and holding insurers accountable for providing medically necessary restorative care. Supporters include Family Policy Alliance, the American Principles Project, and others.\n\n“For years, Family Policy Alliance has fought to protect children from irreversible surgeries and dangerous drugs, including drafting the first Help Not Harm bill in the nation. That effort has now become law in 27 states protecting more than 34 million children across the country. The TRUTH in Coverage Act affirms that every family needs fairness and transparency in the consequential health care coverage decisions for gender dysphoria. We applaud Sen. Marshall and Rep. Harshbarger for championing informed consent and true patient choice in health care.”– Craig DeRoche, President and CEO of Family Policy Alliance\n\n“Our medical elites incentivized the growth of the manipulative $4.5 billion transgender industry by abandoning children to the predatory practices of manipulative doctors. The TRUTH in Coverage Act will take vital steps to safeguard vulnerable patients and ensure that detransitions are able to get the care they need. Rep. Harshbarger and Sen. Marshall are delivering long overdue justice to the victims of medical and political malpractice.” – Terry Schilling, President of American Principles Project\n\nClick HERE to read the full text of the legislation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-joins-colleagues-in-calling-for-senate-vote-on-comprehensive-anti-fraud-package/", "title": "Senator Marshall Joins Colleagues in Calling for Senate Vote on Comprehensive Anti-Fraud Package", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Senate Republican colleagues in calling on the Senate to take up the Protecting American Taxpayers Act, a comprehensive package of anti-fraud reforms that would recover taxpayer dollars, prevent future fraud, and strengthen accountability across the federal government.\n\nThe package includes Senator Marshall’s WALZ Act, legislation that would help prevent fraud by requiring payments to be made as reimbursements only after services have been provided —closing loopholes that have allowed billions in taxpayer dollars to be stolen.\n\n“Fraudsters are always looking for the next weak spot, and for years Washington has made their job far too easy,” said Senator Marshall. “President Trump has brought a renewed focus to rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse, and Congress should seize this opportunity to make those reforms permanent. I’m proud to work with Senator Ernst on this legislation and pleased that my WALZ Act is included in the package. Together, these reforms close the loopholes that have cost taxpayers billions and better protect the hard-earned dollars of Kansas families.”\n\nThe Protecting American Taxpayers Act is projected to save taxpayers $240 billion by preventing fraud before it occurs, recovering stolen funds, and holding criminals accountable. The legislation bundles together 16 bipartisan anti-fraud initiatives aimed at strengthening oversight of federal spending and protecting taxpayer resources.\n\nThe package includes provisions to:\n\nRecover wasteful federal funds:\n\nRequire federal payments to be made as reimbursements only after services have been provided through Senator Marshall’s WALZ Act, helping prevent fraudulent upfront payments.\n\nPrevent individuals convicted of defrauding the Small Business Administration from receiving future federal assistance.\n\nClaw back more than $65 billion in unused COVID-19 funds.\n\nIncentivize Inspectors General to identify and recover taxpayer dollars lost to fraud.\n\nIncrease transparency by requiring detailed reporting on improper payments in the President’s annual budget.\n\nProtect taxpayer dollars:\n\nStrengthen accountability for employment outcomes in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.\n\nProhibit federal funds from going to countries subject to U.S. travel bans or arms embargoes.\n\nIncrease transparency around U.S. cash assistance in Afghanistan to help prevent taxpayer dollars from reaching terrorist organizations.\n\nStop fraudsters and hold them accountable:\n\nEstablish a federal task force to combat AI-generated deepfake scams.\n\nExtend the statute of limitations for investigating and prosecuting COVID-era fraud.\n\nStrengthen Treasury payment verification and fraud detection systems.\n\nRequire individuals conducting international wire transfers to certify they are not receiving public assistance.\n\nStrengthen scam prevention protections for America’s veterans.\n\nClose loopholes in federal whistleblower protections to encourage reporting of fraud and abuse.\n\nClick here to read the full text of the legislation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-whitehouse-doggett-celebrate-plastic-pollution-action-month/", "title": "Merkley, Whitehouse, Doggett Celebrate Plastic Pollution Action Month", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, Rhode Island’s U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, and U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (TX-37) introduced their resolution marking July 2026 as “Plastic Pollution Action Month.” The bicameral resolution spotlights the dangers of the plastic pollution crisis and calls on Americans to protect our health and environment by taking steps to reduce plastic pollution, this month and every month.\n\n“Most of us have been taught the three Rs—reduce, reuse, and recycle; but too often the reality with plastics is the three Bs—buried, burned, and borne out to sea,” said Merkley. “During Plastic Pollution Action Month, we renew our commitment to tackling the plastic pollution crisis—which disproportionately harms communities of color and low-income communities—and demand bold action to ensure a future free of plastic pollution for all.”\n\n“Plastic pollution fills our oceans, and microplastics seep into the human food chain,” said Whitehouse, the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and the co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Oceans Caucus. “Plastic Pollution Action Month is a chance for us to renew our commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and human health, and to cleaning up the plastic trash that clogs the nets of Rhode Island fishermen.”\n\n“From the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink to our greenspaces and waterways, plastic waste and pollution affect us in so many ways,” said Doggett. “With so much misleading propaganda from plastic makers, this resolution serves as a reminder of the many dangers posed by plastics. Until we overcome industry opposition to take meaningful action, these health and environmental dangers will only intensify.”\n\nThe Plastic Pollution Action Month resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen, and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\nMerkley has been a longtime leader in Congress fighting to take on our plastic pollution crisis. As former Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) subcommittee overseeing environmental justice, chemical safety, and waste management, he held a first-of-its-kind series of hearings investigating plastic production and pollution. His hearings examined: environmental and climate damage from plastics, impacts of plastics on environmental justice communities, reuse and refill systems, beverage container waste, and consumer challenges to recycling.\n\nMerkley also leads the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act—the most comprehensive plan ever introduced in Congress to address the harms of plastic pollution on our air, water, and soil—and two bipartisan plastics-related pieces of legislation: the Microplastics Safety Act and REUSE Act.\n\nFull text of the bicameral resolution can be found by clicking here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-the-juice-was-worth-the-squeeze-senator-moody-declares-victory-in-fight-to-modernize-oj-standards-and-save-floridas-citrus-industry/", "title": "VIDEO: The Juice Was Worth the Squeeze—Senator Moody Declares Victory in Fight to Modernize OJ Standards and Save Florida’s Citrus Industry", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "LAKELAND, Fla.—Senator Ashley Moody today took a victory lap with Florida’s citrus growers after a years-long battle to modernize orange juice standards. Shortly after taking the oath to become Florida’s newest U.S. Senator, Moody sponsored the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act to update a sugar regulation known as the Brix Standard. Senator Moody also petitioned the White House to get it done. Today, at a citrus exhibit in Polk County, administration officials joined Senator Moody to declare mission accomplished.\n\n“When I heard an outdated FDA rule was threatening the survival of Florida’s great citrus growers, I immediately went to work—filing the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act and meeting with the White House to expedite a solution. Today is proof that the juice was worth the squeeze. Florida’s citrus farmers are an integral part of Florida’s culture, and I will always fight to ensure they have the support they need to continue growing and making a living,” said Senator Ashley Moody. “Thank you to everyone who worked so cohesively to make this happen, including Sec. Kennedy, Sec. Rollins, Rep. Franklin, Rep. Lee, Rep. Cammack, and our industry partners. This is a major win for our state.”\n\n“President Trump is ending an outdated regulation that forced American orange juice producers to rely on foreign imports and an obsolete sugar standard,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are cutting red tape, saving the industry more than $50 million each year, strengthening American supply chains, and creating a level playing field for U.S. citrus growers — all while maintaining the safety, quality, and taste Americans expect. That is America First policy, guided by gold-standard science.”\n\n“This final rule is a critical victory for Florida citrus and the growers working tirelessly to keep this iconic industry alive,” said Representative Scott Franklin. “For years, our producers have battled citrus greening, hurricanes, freezes and rising production costs while operating under a federal regulation written for a different era. This rule finally brings federal policy in line with today’s agricultural realities by cutting unnecessary red tape, helping American growers get more value from the fruit they produce and reducing our reliance on imported orange juice. I’m grateful to Secretary Kennedy, Senator Moody, our Florida delegation and our citrus industry leaders for helping deliver this long overdue win for Florida agriculture.”\n\n“When Congressman Scott Franklin and I first started working on this issue, Florida growers kept asking us one simple question: Why are we being forced to blend imported juice into a product made from perfectly good Florida oranges? The answer was an outdated Washington regulation that had not kept pace with citrus greening, hurricanes, freezes, and the realities in Florida’s groves,” said Representative Kat Cammack. “For years, we have worked with Florida Citrus Mutual, the Florida Citrus Processors Association, the Florida Farm Bureau, FDA, and our colleagues in Congress to fix it. We introduced legislation, took the case directly to the agency, and kept pushing until Washington listened. I’m grateful to Secretary Kennedy and Acting Commissioner Diamantas for delivering a commonsense, science-based solution. Now, more Florida oranges can go into Florida orange juice, and one of our state’s proudest industries has a stronger path forward.”\n\n“Secretary Kennedy understands that supporting American agriculture and promoting access to wholesome, American-grown foods go hand in hand,” said Representative Laurel Lee. “The FDA’s proposed update to the Brix standard preserves the quality consumers expect while creating new opportunities for Florida’s citrus growers. I appreciate his leadership and look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen American agriculture and reduce unnecessary barriers for our producers.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nTo view the recorded press conference, click here.\n\nLast year, Senator Moody introduced the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act to modernize the Brix standard. Rep. Scott Franklin introduced the measure in the House.\n\nThe newly approved FDA rule mirrors Senator Moody’s legislation to modernize the arbitrary standard of sugar levels for pasteurized orange juice from 10.5% to 10% while not making a discernible difference in taste and nutritional value.\n\nBy updating this sugar standard, Florida citrus growers will be able to more easily respond to greening and recover from severe weather, while also regain their ability to compete in the marketplace and reduce reliance on importing foreign-grown citrus.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=3EAB5A99-9A8A-4A43-A02C-B77683E216A7", "title": "Sens. Moran, Shaheen Lead Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Farnborough International Airshow", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.moran.senate.gov", "scraper": "moran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000934", "name": "Jerry Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – a senior member of the Senate Commerce and Appropriations Committees – and Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) – a senior member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees – are leading a bipartisan congressional delegation to the Farnborough International Airshow, which will take place this month and feature aerospace and defense manufacturers from Kansas, New Hampshire and across the United States. Since 2023, Sens. Moran and Shaheen have led bipartisan congressional delegations to the international airshows to highlight U.S. capabilities and strengthen international partnerships.\n\n“The United States continues to lead the world in the aerospace and defense industries, and Kansas’ innovation and manufacturing capabilities play an important role in that leadership,” said Sen. Moran. “Last year’s airshow included the largest delegation of Kansans yet, and I look forward to seeing that record surpassed. This forum provides a valuable avenue to showcase American innovation, highlight the capabilities of our talented workforce and strengthen partnerships with allies and industry leaders from across the world. As our adversaries continue to exert pressure in the Middle East, Europe and Asia, opportunities like this are critical to strengthening our national security and expanding economic partnerships with our allies.”\n\n“The Farnborough Air Show is an opportunity to showcase American manufacturing and innovation on the world stage. As NATO allies commit to increased defense spending to ward off growing threats from Russia and China, it’s in our national interest to deepen trade partnerships with our allies while strengthening national readiness,” said Sen. Shaheen. “I’m grateful to once again, and for the final time as a member of the Senate, co-lead a bipartisan group of lawmakers to London to meet with foreign and U.S. aerospace leaders. Additionally, I’m looking forward to meeting with New Hampshire’s robust trade mission; our aerospace sector plays a pivotal role in both national defense and civilian aviation, and the United Kingdom is one of our largest trading partners.”\n\nJoining Sens. Moran and Shaheen are U.S. Sens. John Boozman (R-Ark.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.).\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-kaine-introduce-legislation-to-boost-health-care-workforce", "title": "Murkowski, Kaine Introduce Legislation to Boost Health Care Workforce", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "scraper": "murkowski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001153", "name": "Lisa Murkowski", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, introduced the Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act, legislation to address health care workforce shortages in Virginia and across the country. The bill would help internationally educated health care professionals overcome common barriers to entering the health care workforce in the United States.\n\n“Many of our rural communities face significant obstacles to providing quality health care because of workforce shortages. This legislation would create opportunities for qualified health care professionals to help meet the needs of Alaskans,” said Senator Murkowski. “These health care professionals have found a home in Alaska and are ready and willing to answer the call to serve their communities. It is a win for everyone when we recognize their value and welcome their expertise into our nation's health care workforce.”\n\n“Everywhere I go in Virginia—especially in rural communities—I hear about health care workforce shortages. We should think creatively to address those shortages and ensure we’re tapping into all of the resources and talents of those in the United States,” said Senator Kaine. “One way we can do this is by making it easier for people who were trained internationally and have significant experience to enter the health care workforce. I’m proud to introduce this bill that would help these professionals serve their communities.”\n\nAccording to the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), over two million college-educated immigrants in the U.S. are either unemployed or underemployed, and approximately 270,000 of these individuals hold health-related degrees but are working below their level of training or are not working in health care. The Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act would help tap the talents of these individuals—who are living in the U.S. and legally able to work—and make it easier for them to enter the health care workforce at a level commensurate with their education, skills, and experiences.\n\nSpecifically, the Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act would create a grant program administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration to:\n\nSupport communities in developing local- and state-level partnerships between health care organizations, community-based organizations, higher education, and state and local governments to help connect internationally educated health care professionals with the resources they need to enter the health care workforce.\n\nAddress barriers internationally educated health care professionals trying to enter the health care workforce face by –\n\nAssisting with obtaining overseas academic or training records and providing support throughout the U.S. licensing and credentialing process.\n\nDeveloping work-readiness, peer support, mentoring, and culturally competent career counseling opportunities.\n\nEstablishing opportunities to complete necessary prerequisite courses, continuing education training, and English-language learning.\n\nSupporting growth opportunities to address classroom and clinical instructor shortages.\n\nGive priority to partnerships focused on supporting health care workers serving rural communities or filling a workforce shortage within a community.\n\nThe legislation is supported by: Advocates for Community Health, Afghan Cultural Society, American Geriatrics Society, American Health Care Association, American Public Health Association, American Seniors Housing Association, Americas Essential Hospitals, Arkansas United, Association of Clinicians for the Underserved, Association of Dental Support Organizations, Ballad Health, California Immigrants Resources Center, Chemeketa Community College, Federation of American Hospitals, Gerontological Society of America, Global Cleveland, IMPRINT Coalition, Intealth, International Institute of Buffalo, Jewish Family Service of San Diego, LeadingAge, Lifepoint Health, Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, Medicos Unidos Venezuela, National AHEC Organization, National Association for Geriatric Education, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, National Association of Indian Nurses of America, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, National Black Nurses Association, National Center for Assisted Living, National Immigration Forum, National League for Nursing, National Rural Health Association, National Skills Coalition, Pars Equality Center, Los Angeles, Philippine Nurses Association of America, Portland Refugee Support Group, Providence Public School, Restore Education, RUSA LGBTQ, Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning, Synergy Texas, Talent Beyond Boundaries, The International Medical Graduates Academy (TIMGA), The Welcoming Center, Tiyya Foundation, TruMerit, UnidosUS, Upwardly Global, US Together, Virginia Center for Assisted Living, Virginia Health Care Association, Virginia Rural Health Association, Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, Welcome Back Initiative, Welcoming City, and World Education Services.\n\nFull text of the legislation is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-joins-warren-booker-colleagues-in-renewed-push-to-combat-maternal-health-crisis/", "title": "Padilla Joins Warren, Booker, Colleagues in Renewed Push to Combat Maternal Health Crisis", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Mamas First Act would expand Medicaid coverage to include prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care provided by doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support providers\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), alongside Representatives Gwen Moore (D-Wis.-04), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.-06), Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12), Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.-14), and Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.-07), in reintroducing the Mamas First Act, legislation that would help address the maternal mortality crisis by expanding Medicaid coverage to include prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care provided by doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support providers. These services have been proven to reduce C-sections, decrease maternal anxiety, and improve communication between pregnant women and their healthcare providers.\n\n“As Republicans make health care harder to access and disparities worse, mothers across California and our country are in need of support,” said Senator Padilla. “This is the legislation we need to help close the maternal mortality gap that plagues too many mothers in California and across the country.”\n\n“Instead of slashing health care for millions of Americans like Republicans in Congress are hellbent on doing, we should be expanding access to care to protect every momma and baby,” said Senator Warren. “It’s unthinkable that the richest country in the world would also have one of the highest maternal mortality rates. The Mamas First Act will help fix this crisis by improving access to high-quality care and rooting out the deep disparities and systemic racism in our health care system.”\n\n“The Mamas First Act meets a crisis that is costing mothers their lives—especially Black and Indigenous women who walk into delivery rooms carrying risks no family should bear,” said Senator Booker. “By ensuring Medicaid reimburses doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support professionals, this bill delivers the trusted care that keeps mothers safe and babies alive. Congress must act now.”\n\n“Across this nation, 40 percent of moms depend on Medicaid when they give birth. Instead of gutting Medicaid, we need to strengthen it so we can save lives. The Mamas First Act would provide mothers with access to evidence-based supportive care that can lead to healthier outcomes for them and their babies,” said Representative Moore. “At a time when stark disparities in maternal mortality continue to hit our communities hard, I am thrilled to have such incredible colleagues and advocates supporting the Mamas First Act and the ongoing fight to save lives.”\n\n“The quality of care a pregnant woman receives should not depend on the color of her skin, where she lives, or her income. Each childbirth is different, and women and their doctors should be empowered to decide what care is best. By providing access to adequate and proper maternal services, including doulas and midwives, we will help end the maternal mortality crisis in our country and ensure our children start their lives out healthy and strong,” said Representative Dingell.\n\n“Support from care workers like doulas and midwives can make the difference between a positive and healthy pregnancy outcome, and a devastating one. Every mom should be able to access this critically important care,” said Representative Lauren Underwood. “As Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I’m proud to join my colleagues and introduce the Mamas First Act, a bold step to address our country’s maternal mortality crisis by expanding Medicaid coverage to include doula, midwife, and lactation care. Together, we can, and must, take decisive action to save lives and end disparities.”\n\n“Every mother deserves the care and support needed for a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery,” said Representative Adams, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “That is why I am proud to support the reintroduction of the Mamas First Act. Research shows that doula and midwife care can improve maternal health outcomes and reduce pregnancy-related complications. Yet the United States continues to face an unacceptable maternal mortality crisis, and Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than women of other racial and ethnic groups. Moms can’t wait, and neither should Congress. We must expand access to high-quality maternal care and ensure every mother has the opportunity to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy.”\n\n“It is incumbent upon us all to treat mothers with the dignity, respect, and care that they deserve—and that means tackling the maternal morbidity crisis head on, especially for Black communities who feel the disproportionate impact of this crisis,” said Representative Pressley. “Our Mamas First Act would save lives and improve the quality of care by expanding coverage for doula and midwifery care. I’m proud to co-lead this legislation with my colleagues to put an end to the maternal morbidity crisis and protect mothers now.”\n\nSpecifically, the Mamas First Act would:\n\nAmend the Social Security Act to allow doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support providers to be reimbursed by Medicaid.\n\nImprove access to care before, during, and after delivery for underserved and under-resourced communities.\n\nIncrease the focus on culturally competent and patient-centered care to facilitate better health outcomes.\n\nIn addition to Padilla, Warren, and Booker, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).\n\nIn addition to Moore, Dingell, Underwood, Adams, and Pressley, the bill is cosponsored by Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Al Green (D-Texas-09), Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.-07), and Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09).\n\nThe bill is endorsed by Ujima, The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice, the National Health Law Program, HealthConnect One, BMMA Inc. (Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Incorporated), Futures Without Violence, Every Mother Counts, the American Association of Birth Centers, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, the National Partnership for Women and Families, Birth Center Equity, Families USA, and the What to Expect Project.\n\n“The Mamas First Act will help address our country’s devastating maternal health crisis, which is causing vast, disproportionate harm to Black and Indigenous mothers and newborns, by ensuring that Medicaid reimburses doulas, midwives, and other birthing care workers for the vitally important care they provide,” said Esta Soler, president and founder of Futures Without Violence. “We thank Senator Warren and Representative Moore for championing this legislation, which will ensure these critical providers can continue providing quality care to the millions of people who rely on Medicaid for coverage. We urge leaders in both the House and Senate to prioritize its passage.”\n\n“The Mamas First Act recognizes a simple but important truth: better support leads to better outcomes for mothers and babies,” said Anthony Wright, Executive Director of Families USA. “By expanding access to trusted community-based providers, including doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support professionals, this legislation will help ensure that more families receive the high-quality, culturally congruent care they deserve during a time of immense change, vulnerability and excitement. Families USA is proud to endorse it.”\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\nA one-pager of the bill is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schumer-schatz-king-heinrich-lead-investigation-into-trump-administration-efforts-to-abandon-offshore-wind-projects/", "title": "Padilla, Schumer, Schatz, King, Heinrich Lead Investigation Into Trump Administration Efforts to Abandon Offshore Wind Projects", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Trump actions will kill more than 30,000 Jobs and raise energy costs\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Angus King (I-Maine), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) led nine of their colleagues in launching an investigation into the Trump Administration’s efforts to kill offshore wind energy projects and seeking answers from four offshore wind companies about the lease buyout agreements.\n\n“These buyouts have been announced amid a larger effort by the Trump Administration to stall wind and solar projects – the energy sources that are cheap, clean, and fastest to bring online – across the country,” the Senators wrote. “At a time when gas prices have spiked by an average of more than $1 dollar per gallon due to the President’s war in Iran and electricity prices are rising nearly twice as fast as inflation, clean energy offers a critical opportunity to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and relieve costs for people across the country. Dismantling the burgeoning offshore wind industry now and creating broader uncertainty for investment in cheap, clean energy will have consequences for decades to come.”\n\nThe Trump Administration has agreed to pay the four companies more than $2.7 billion in taxpayer funding to abandon projects that could have delivered energy to millions of homes and created tens of thousands of jobs up and down the East and West Coasts.\n\n“These projects were poised not only to advance U.S. leadership in clean energy technology and generation capacity, but also to unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in federal and state investment in research and development, port upgrades, workforce development, and community benefit agreements,” the Senators continued. “The two Invenergy projects in the Gulf of Maine were expected to help power more than 2 million homes and support over 18,000 jobs. The Leading Light Wind project in the New York Bight was projected to generate more than $3.7 billion in economic development benefits and over 7,000 jobs. The Golden State Wind project off California’s Central Coast would have powered 1.1 million homes, created more than 8,000 jobs, and delivered a $30 million commitment to workforce development and supply chain initiatives.”\n\nThe Senators called on the companies to turn over internal communications and posed a series of questions: whether the Administration had raised legitimate national security concerns, whether the companies had struck a deal with the Department of the Interior involving a pledge to invest in fossil fuel projects, and whether any conditions were attached to the payouts.\n\nThe letters were also signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).\n\nRead the full text of the letters here and below:\n\nDear [TotalEnergies, Ocean Winds, Duke Energy, Invenergy]:\n\nWe write to express deep concern with your company’s voluntary termination of [nine] leases to develop offshore wind energy in the United States. Over the last few months, President Trump’s Administration has agreed to pay companies, including [TotalEnergies, Ocean Winds, Duke Energy, Invenergy], a total of more than $2.7 billion in taxpayer dollars to abandon projects that could have delivered energy to communities spanning from California to North Carolina to Maine. We are concerned that these decisions will harm grid reliability, job opportunities, and economic development in states across the country, and we request your response to several inquiries.\n\nSince March, 2026, the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have announced agreements to terminate eight leases for offshore wind projects, including TotalEnergies’ leases for Attentive Energy in the New York Bight and Carolina Long Bay; Ocean Winds’ leases for Bluepoint Wind in the New York Bight and Golden State Wind off Morro Bay in California; and Invenergy’s leases in the New York Bight, Gulf of Maine, Morro Bay in California’s Central Coast, and Duke Energy’s lease in the Carolina Long Bay. The Trump Administration agreed to reimburse companies for their leases in exchange for investments in oil, gas, and geothermal projects that, in large part, will be hundreds of miles away from the states that were planning for these offshore wind projects. In total, the Trump Administration’s agreements could result in the loss of more than 15 GW of planned, fixed-price clean energy, which would have helped meet increasing energy demand in regions such as New England and the Mid-Atlantic that are already facing supply constraints.\n\nThese projects were poised not only to advance U.S. leadership in clean energy technology and generation capacity, but also to unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in federal and state investment in research and development, port upgrades, workforce development, and community benefit agreements. The two Invenergy projects in the Gulf of Maine were expected to help power more than 2 million homes and support over 18,000 jobs. The Leading Light Wind project in the New York Bight was projected to generate more than $3.7 billion in economic development benefits and over 7,000 jobs. The Golden State Wind project off California’s Central Coast would have powered 1.1 million homes, created more than 8,000 jobs, and delivered a $30 million commitment to workforce development and supply chain initiatives.\n\nSeveral states have already begun making substantial investments to prepare for offshore wind projects to move forward, including over $100 million in investments by California to modernize ports and support planning. By accepting DOI’s buyout deals, you are stranding these investments, undermining job expectations, and disrupting the yearslong process of electricity capacity planning by states and utilities.\n\nThese buyouts have been announced amid a larger effort by the Trump Administration to stall wind and solar projects – the energy sources that are cheap, clean, and fastest to bring online – across the country. In December 2025, the Administration paused the construction of five largescale offshore wind projects, claiming “national security risks.” Secretary Burgum issued a directive requiring his personal review and approval of every wind and solar energy project on public lands, holding up at least 57GW as identified in court documents. The Department of Defense is holding up all new wind projects on private land, a total of more than 30 GW of onshore wind capacity.At a time when gas prices have spiked by an average of more than $1 dollar per gallon due to the President’s war in Iran and electricity prices are rising nearly twice as fast as inflation, clean energy offers a critical opportunity to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and relieve costs for people across the country. Dismantling the burgeoning offshore wind industry now and creating broader uncertainty for investment in cheap, clean energy will have consequences for decades to come.\n\nThere is no law that entitles leaseholders to refunds for voluntarily surrendering a lease, and lease cancellations must be executed according to the law. The Trump Administration has asserted that these payments can be made from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Judgment Fund—a position that may not be permissible under statute and that is the subject of ongoing litigation brought by the attorneys general of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont. These buyouts risk setting a dangerous precedent that could encourage further misuse of public funds to terminate clean energy projects in certain states in favor of fossil fuel investments that benefit other states.\n\nIn light of these questions and concerns, and to better understand the legal basis for the lease buyout agreements between your company and DOI, we request the following information by August 7, 2026:\n\nPlease state when initial conversations began between your company and the Administration regarding initiating a lease buyout agreement.\n\nPlease state if anyone in the Trump Administration communicated to your company, whether verbal or written, that it would suspend your offshore wind projects if the project moved forward. If communication occurred, please provide responses to the following:\n\nDid your company consider the threat of suspension a viable threat?\n\nDid your company communicate directly that it would file suit for a breach of contract if the Trump Administration suspended your company’s project(s)? Please provide all supporting documentation and communications.\n\nPlease state what national security issues, if any, the Trump Administration raised or identified with your company with respect to the terminated leases.\n\nPlease state if your company or any representative of DOI or the Trump Administration provided notice to the states affected by the lease terminations. If not, why not?\n\nPlease state whether DOI held a hearing related to the planned termination of your company’s leases. If so, please describe.\n\nPlease state which projects your company has agreed to reinvest in and the settled payments amount. In responding to this question, please provide the following information:\n\nThe location of these projects.\n\nIf specific projects have not been identified, how and when will those investments be chosen?\n\nIf the specific projects have been identified, was your company already planning in investing in those projects prior to the settlement, or is the investment contingent on receiving funds from DOI?\n\nIf your company accepted an agreement with DOI in exchange for a pledge to invest in fossil fuel projects, describe the nature of the pledge and note whether any aspects of the pledge are legally binding.\n\nPlease state whether your company currently has other clean energy projects that are pending review by DOI, the Department of Defense, or any other federal government agency. In responding to this question, please provide the following information:\n\nThe name and type of project(s) affected and the location.\n\nThe total generation capacity at risk by ongoing delays.\n\nThe total amount of investment at risk by ongoing delays.\n\nThe total number of jobs supported by the projects that are stalled.\n\nPlease provide all correspondence with DOI, including with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and any email correspondence, papers, books, records, and documents in your possession or under your control relating to these agreements.\n\nWe look forward to your prompt response with the information requested above.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-ricketts-weekly-column-combatting-fraud-waste-and-abuse-will-preserve-our-nation/", "title": "Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: Combatting Fraud, Waste and Abuse Will Preserve Our Nation", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "domain": "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "scraper": "ricketts", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000618", "name": "Pete Ricketts", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Nebraskans are honest, trusting people. We expect others to behave the same way. However, that’s not always the case.\n\nToo many people are stealing and abusing tax dollars. These people lie and cheat to line their own pockets. In some cases, they send stolen money overseas. This illegal behavior drives up the cost of living. It also burdens programs meant to help Americans who need it. Too many politicians made stealing from the government easy. I’m fighting to put an end to this fraud, waste, and abuse.\n\nThe Trump Administration has unearthed widespread misuse of government resources. In Minnesota and California, we’ve learned of extensive fraud and abuse. A federal prosecutor found that at least half of the Medicaid funding for 14 Minnesota-run programs was stolen. That’s at least $9 billion in taxpayer money. In one case in California, over $50 million in Medicare benefits were stolen. This is just one example of pervasive fraud and abuse in California. Los Angeles County alone accounts for about 34% of hospice care fraud in the U.S. CBS News found that 93% of Los Angeles County hospice care providers have at least one indication of fraud. Funds meant to support those in hospice are being used for personal gain.\n\nEven in Nebraska, our state auditor has found abuse. People live in homes worth half a million dollars and receive paychecks over $100,000. Then, they draw benefits from the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. WIC wasn’t designed for those folks. WIC is a safety net designed to help women, infants, and children in need. We must stop people from abusing this program. They are taking away resources from the people who need them.\n\nTo build on these efforts, I co-founded the new Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force. We are identifying vulnerabilities in existing programs. We’re strengthening government accountability. And we’re ensuring proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars. The Government Accountability Office looked at fraud between 2018 and 2022. They estimated that between $233 billion and $521 billion a year in taxpayer money was stolen. We are working to stop this bleeding of taxpayer dollars.\n\nI also have a bipartisan bill to increase transparency on improper federal payments. Improper payments are when the government overpays or underpays. It’s also when they pay the wrong person. The Improper Payments Transparency Act would require the President to provide data on improper payments in the annual budget request. Transparency brings accountability. My bill is included in the Protecting American Taxpayers Act. This is a legislative package to combat fraud. We expect to vote on it soon.\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cuts also fights against fraud. We placed work and eligibility requirements on Medicaid and SNAP. We did this to prevent abuse of American taxpayer dollars. Medicaid and SNAP should benefit moms and children, the elderly, and the disabled. That’s who these programs were created for. These reforms ensure that dead people do not remain enrolled in Medicaid. They also make sure that people cannot be enrolled in multiple states.\n\nAs we often do, Nebraska led the nation on these reforms. To receive Medicaid, able-bodied Americans without young kids will need to be productive. These people will have to contribute to their community by working, volunteering, or studying for 20 hours a week. These requirements are less restrictive than what is currently required for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. That’s not too much to ask. These requirements will help preserve the programs for who they were designed for. They will also increase workforce participation and save taxpayers $250 billion.\n\nWe also tightened requirements on illegal immigrants. Our system was never intended to subsidize non-Americans. There were over 1.2 million illegal immigrants receiving Medicaid benefits. These reforms make sure only Americans can receive government assistance.\n\nFraudsters have stolen from Nebraskans and the American people for too long. I am working to combat fraud, waste, and abuse. We need to protect Americans, our tax dollars, and our values. This is how we preserve our great nation for another 250 years.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-announces-new-communications-team", "title": "Sen. Rick Scott Announces New Communications Team", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott announced his new communications team, which has recently changed with several new hires and a promotion as he continues to connect with Floridians and Americans in his efforts to make Washington work.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, “I’m confident the new communications team we’ve assembled will deliver for the people of Florida and our nation. My team and I are committed to sharing important updates on the issues my constituents care about most, like the SAVE America Act, and making sure Floridians and Americans know how I am fighting to create more jobs, advance conservative values, support President Trump, and deliver for Florida families in Washington. We serve the American people, and my communications team is working overtime show the results we secure.\n\n“I’m especially proud to announce the well-deserved promotion of Rosa Virginia Pérez to State Media Director. Rosa has been an indispensable member of our team since my first term in the U.S. Senate and has played a critical role in communicating our work to Floridians, especially throughout Florida’s Hispanic community.”\n\nSenator Scott’s full communications team and their current titles can be found below:\n\nNate Madden, Communications Director\n\nRosa Virginia Pérez, State Media Director\n\nHannah Starcher, Deputy Communications Director of Digital Operations\n\nJack Chambers, Deputy Communications Director of Media Operations\n\nHannah Benfield, Digital Director\n\nGracie Englund, Press Secretary\n\nKristen Carr, Deputy Press Secretary\n\nLuke Johnson, State Communications Coordinator\n\nShaina Weinberg, Rapid Response Assistant\n\nPress inquiries can be directed to members of the communications team or at press_scott@rickscott.senate.gov\n\nHispanic media inquiries can be directed to Rosa Virginia Pérez.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sens-rick-scott-mark-kelly-introduce-clean-water-allotment-modernization-act", "title": "Sens. Rick Scott, Mark Kelly Introduce Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.- On Thursday, July 16, U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Mark Kelly introduced the Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act. The bill replaces the outdated, fixed percentage formula for distributing Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) grants with a transparent, needs-based formula that reflects current clean water infrastructure demands, state populations, and economic burden.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, “It’s time to bring the CWSRF into the 21st century. Through the Clean Water Allotment Act, Florida, along with 30 other states, will start receiving the proper funds which reflect our modern population sizes, areas of need, and economically constrained areas. This will help maintain our clean water infrastructure while protecting our beautiful natural lakes, rivers, and wetlands.”\n\nSenator Mark Kelly said, “Arizona has grown dramatically, but the allocation system for federal water infrastructure funding hasn’t been updated. Our bipartisan bill fixes this so Arizona gets the resources it needs for a secure water future.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nEach year the federal government gives grants through the CWSRF to help pay for clean water projects such as fixing old sewers, upgrading wastewater treatment plants, converting septic systems, managing stormwater, and protecting natural wetlands like the Everglades. The outdated distribution allotment hasn’t been adjusted since 1987 and doesn’t provide for each state’s need and population growth.\n\nFlorida’s current allotment of 3.43 percent was set when the state’s population was roughly 12 million; it now exceeds 23 million. Florida’s clean water needs are substantial: the state faces ongoing challenges with aging wastewater infrastructure, septic-to-sewer conversions (particularly in the Indian River Lagoon and Biscayne Bay watersheds), nutrient management for Everglades restoration and Lake Okeechobee, stormwater management across rapidly urbanizing areas, and coastal resilience. Under the updated formula, Florida’s allotment of the CWSRF grants would increase from 3.43 percent to approximately 6.16 percent after the 4-year transition.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sens-rick-scott-mark-kelly-introduce-clean-water-allotment-modernization-act/b52bae80-8d42-4869-8087-2c552f1eb43f", "title": "Sens. Rick Scott, Mark Kelly Introduce Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.- On Thursday, July 16, U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Mark Kelly introduced the Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act. The bill replaces the outdated, fixed percentage formula for distributing Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) grants with a transparent, needs-based formula that reflects current clean water infrastructure demands, state populations, and economic burden.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, “It’s time to bring the CWSRF into the 21st century. Through the Clean Water Allotment Act, Florida, along with 30 other states, will start receiving the proper funds which reflect our modern population sizes, areas of need, and economically constrained areas. This will help maintain our clean water infrastructure while protecting our beautiful natural lakes, rivers, and wetlands.”\n\nSenator Mark Kelly said, “Arizona has grown dramatically, but the allocation system for federal water infrastructure funding hasn’t been updated. Our bipartisan bill fixes this so Arizona gets the resources it needs for a secure water future.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nEach year the federal government gives grants through the CWSRF to help pay for clean water projects such as fixing old sewers, upgrading wastewater treatment plants, converting septic systems, managing stormwater, and protecting natural wetlands like the Everglades. The outdated distribution allotment hasn’t been adjusted since 1987 and doesn’t provide for each state’s need and population growth.\n\nFlorida’s current allotment of 3.43 percent was set when the state’s population was roughly 12 million; it now exceeds 23 million. Florida’s clean water needs are substantial: the state faces ongoing challenges with aging wastewater infrastructure, septic-to-sewer conversions (particularly in the Indian River Lagoon and Biscayne Bay watersheds), nutrient management for Everglades restoration and Lake Okeechobee, stormwater management across rapidly urbanizing areas, and coastal resilience. Under the updated formula, Florida’s allotment of the CWSRF grants would increase from 3.43 percent to approximately 6.16 percent after the 4-year transition.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/17/rosen-demands-answers-from-tsa-administrator-nominee-on-las-vegas-airport-ice-arrest-pledges-to-not-support-until-addressed/", "title": "Rosen Demands Answers from TSA Administrator Nominee on Las Vegas Airport ICE Arrest, Pledges to Not Support Until Addressed", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) demanded answers from Donald Trump’s nominee to become the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), David Cummins, regarding TSA’s information sharing agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), how law enforcement is supposed to identify itself at airports when making arrests, and how, if confirmed, he would ensure ICE provides an active warrant before TSA assists in ICE enforcement actions at airports. Senator Rosen is pledging not to support Cummins’ nomination until her questions are fully addressed. Rosen’s actions come in the immediate aftermath of an incident at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas where masked, plain-clothed ICE officers — without any identification and seemingly with the support of TSA — attempted to violently arrest an elderly man before running off following public intervention. It was later reported that the man had no outstanding warrants.\n\n“ICE’s violent attempted arrest of an elderly man at Harry Reid International raises a lot of serious questions about how ICE agents are continuing to act with impunity. These actions instill fear in our communities – scaring away tourists and further hurting Nevada’s economy,” said Senator Rosen. “As someone nominated to run the federal agency in charge of security at our nation’s airports, Mr. Cummins needs to answer my questions about the conduct of ICE agents at Harry Reid International Airport and commit to preventing such abuses in the future. Let me be clear: if I don’t get adequate answers to my questions, I will not support the confirmation of David Cummins.”\n\nYou can find the full line of questioning HERE.\n\nSenator Rosen is a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, which has jurisdiction over TSA. She has been adamant about the need for commonsense guardrails for ICE agents. Senator Rosen criticized Trump’s decision to reverse the suspension of ICE traffic stops following two separate ICE killings during enforcement operations. In June, Senator Rosen voted against the ultra-partisan Republican budget, which gave ICE more funding without any guardrails or accountability mechanisms. In February, she released a statement reaffirming her commitment to fighting for ICE reforms following the killing of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/17/rosen-leads-senate-colleagues-in-demanding-more-assistance-from-fema-for-wildfire-prevention-and-response/", "title": "Rosen Leads Senate Colleagues in Demanding More Assistance from FEMA for Wildfire Prevention and Response", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) led Senate colleagues in urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that all communities receive the federal resources they need to respond to and prevent wildfires. States can request financial assistance from FEMA through Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) to help cover costs relating to emergencies, fire-fighting activities, and administrative costs. After an FMAG is declared, states can request assistance to help impacted communities rebuild and mitigate future wildfire disasters through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire. However, many communities are still waiting for HMGP Post Fire funds from previous wildfire disasters, which has left them vulnerable to current and future wildfire disasters.\n\nSenator Rosen was joined by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).\n\n“Wildfires are one of the most frequently recurring disasters that, while once common only to western states, have recently become a major threat to communities across the country,” wrote the Senators. “These wildfires can be lethal and destroy critical infrastructure and entire residential communities, negatively affect public health through harmful smoke and air pollutants, and place large economic burdens on urban and rural communities.”\n\n“Unfortunately, over 3.1 million acres have already burned across the country since the beginning of this year, which is the second largest number of acres burned in a January to July period in the past 10 years,” continued the Senators. “Given these recent fires, the persistent drought across multiple states, and the expected above normal wildfire activity, it is imperative that FEMA helps communities quickly respond to wildfires and increase their resilience to future wildfire disasters.”\n\n“As we approach the summer months and prepare for above normal wildfire activity, we urge you to ensure FEMA can quickly respond to future wildfires and that FMAG and HMGP Post Fire funds are promptly approved and distributed to communities, including those in rural areas,” the senators concluded.\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\nSenator Rosen has fought to ensure that Nevada has all the federal resources it needs to combat extreme weather-related emergencies. She recently sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services and FEMA, urging them to respond to the extreme heat emergency in Nevada. In May, Senator Rosen introduced a bipartisan bill to help protect drinking water infrastructure during extreme heat emergencies. Last year, Senator Rosen introduced a bill to declare extreme heat as a major disaster, which would make affected communities eligible for federal emergency resources.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/17/rosen-statement-on-trump-focusing-on-old-debunked-conspiracy-theories-while-ignoring-nevadans-real-concerns/", "title": "Rosen Statement on Trump Focusing on Old, Debunked Conspiracy Theories While Ignoring Nevadans’ Real Concerns", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released a statement following Donald Trump’s address to the nation earlier this evening, in which he once again peddled false conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, which happened under his watch while he was still in office. Instead of discussing any specific plans to lower the cost of groceries, health care, or housing, Donald Trump is focused on his petty old grievances.\n\n“Donald Trump made it abundantly clear tonight that he is more focused on old, debunked conspiracy theories from six years ago than doing anything now to lower costs and improve Nevadans’ lives. Trump doesn’t care that families can’t afford rent, groceries, gas, or even health care. He only cares about nursing his bruised ego after losing in a fair and secure election,” said Senator Rosen. “Donald Trump may have forgotten, but he was President in 2020 and his Administration oversaw the election that year. Many investigations have shown that his allegations about the results of the 2020 election are wrong, and they’re nothing more than a desperate attempt to distract Americans from the problems he has caused for hardworking families.”\n\nAs Donald Trump ignores Americans’ needs, Senator Rosen has been laser-focused on working to bring down costs for hardworking families in Nevada and across the country. She recently helped pass the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, landmark legislation to lower housing costs that became law without Donald Trump’s signature after he called it “so unimportant” and a “big yawn.” Last year, she introduced a bill to block Trump from raising grocery prices through tariffs, and has introduced several bipartisan bills to help lower health care costs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/schmitt-leads-senate-anti-fraud-task-force-in-exposing-massive-medicaid-fraud-scandal-in-maine-launching-oversight-investigation-into-potential-medicaid-evv-vulnerabilities/", "title": "Schmitt Leads Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force in Exposing Massive Medicaid Fraud Scandal in Maine, Launching Oversight Investigation into Potential Medicaid EVV Vulnerabilities", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), joined by Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), sent oversight and document preservation letters to Sandata Technologies/HHAeXchange and Gainwell Technologies regarding potential vulnerabilities in Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) systems used to verify Medicaid services. The letters seek information related to whistleblower allegations that EVV records may be susceptible to post-service modifications and request extensive documentation to determine whether existing safeguards adequately protect taxpayer dollars before Medicaid claims are paid.\n\nThe senators wrote, “Electronic Visit Verification was established to ensure Medicaid only pays for services that were actually provided to eligible beneficiaries by authorized caregivers at the correct time and location. When implemented correctly, EVV serves as an important safeguard against fraud, waste, and abuse. But if weaknesses in these systems allow visit records to be altered after the fact without meaningful transparency or oversight, taxpayers deserve answers.”\n\n“The Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force has received whistleblower information raising serious questions about whether audit trails, GPS location data, and other critical verification records are consistently preserved, accessible, and used during the claims review process. Our oversight seeks to determine whether federal and state partners have the tools necessary to identify improper payments before taxpayer dollars leave the door,” the senators continued.\n\nIn the letters, the senators request:\n\nImmediate preservation of documents, communications, audit trails, databases, GPS and geolocation records, and electronically stored information related to MaineCare’s EVV program dating back to January 1, 2021.\n\nDetailed information regarding Sandata’s audit logs, manual edit capabilities, GPS and location verification data, provider-level edit rates, fraud detection processes, and contracts supporting MaineCare’s EVV system.\n\nComprehensive information from Gainwell Technologies regarding how EVV records are matched to MaineCare claims, what audit information is available during claims adjudication, and whether claims processors can identify manually modified records or location anomalies before payments are issued.\n\nTechnical documentation, provider-level reports, and claims data necessary to evaluate whether existing verification systems effectively detect fraud, prevent improper payments, and safeguard taxpayer-funded Medicaid programs.\n\nInformation that will help determine whether similar oversight concerns exist in other states utilizing Sandata or comparable Electronic Visit Verification systems.\n\n“Congress has a responsibility to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent as intended and that the systems designed to prevent fraud are actually working,” the senators concluded. “These letters are an important first step in determining whether current safeguards are sufficient, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and ensuring federal Medicaid dollars are protected through transparent, accountable oversight.”\n\nRead the letter sent to Sandata Technologies HERE.\n\nRead the letter sent to Gainwell Technologies HERE.\n\nLast month, Schmitt launched the Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force with a group of his Republican colleagues to identify fraud, strengthen oversight, and protect taxpayer dollars through aggressive investigations, legislative reforms, and coordinated enforcement efforts.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senators-schmitt-klobuchar-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-americans-from-harmful-online-search-monopolies/", "title": "Senators Schmitt, Klobuchar Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Americans from Harmful Online Search Monopolies", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Follows Schmitt’s Win Against Big Tech Monopoly as Missouri AG\n\nU.S. SENATE — U.S. Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced the bipartisan Securing Enforcement of Americans’ Right to Competition at Home (SEARCH) Act to prevent large search engines from blocking smaller competitors. The bipartisan legislation would put into law remedies sought by then-Attorney General Schmitt and the Justice Department after the Google Search Monopoly Case, the nation’s first Big Tech antitrust win.\n\n“Big Tech monopolies are shaping what information Americans see and censoring free speech. A handful of search engines dictate how virtually every American accesses information, meaning the companies controlling those search engines hold massive power over what people see online and control the most basic infrastructure of human speech and freedom of information in the digital sphere, that is unacceptable. As Missouri’s Attorney General, I sued Google over its illegal online search monopoly and its efforts to crush competitors, as well as fought Big Tech companies’ collusion with left-wing organizations and the administrative state that censored conservatives. Now, I am proud to work with Senator Klobuchar to offer a bipartisan path to protect one of the key tenets of modern American society: free speech online,” said Senator Schmitt.\n\n“Through three administrations, the Justice Department has proven in court that Google has stifled competition and created barriers to user choice, Upstart search engines should be able to compete and innovate, bringing new tools to consumers. That’s why Congress should put the guardrails in place that both the Biden and Trump Administrations have said are necessary to bring competition to online search,” said Senator Klobuchar.\n\nThe SEARCH Act would ban dominant, monopoly search engines from blocking smaller competitors by paying distributors to make them users’ default choice, a practice federal courts have found violates antitrust laws by illegally maintaining a monopoly. The legislation would also require search engines to share data and search results to create competition and require access points to offer users alternative search engine tools.\n\nStatements of Support:\n\n“In U.S. v. Google, the court found Google had illegally used its search monopoly to lock out search defaults from competitors, preventing them from operating at the scale needed to be optimally competitive. The SEARCH Act proposes to finally do something to fix this broken search market. DuckDuckGo is grateful to Senator Klobuchar and Senator Schmitt for their leadership on this bill and for taking on a fight that’s long overdue. This is what a serious, bipartisan fix looks like, and we’re proud to support it,” said Gabriel Weinberg, Founder and CEO, DuckDuckGo.\n\n“The courts have done what they can with the tools they have, and it isn’t enough. Even after a federal judge found that Google unlawfully monopolizes the search market, the remedies that followed relied on behavioral fixes rather than the kind of structural relief that actually restores competition, proving that antitrust law as written wasn’t built for markets like this one. Congress can’t keep leaving it to judges to improvise solutions case by case; lawmakers need to give the courts clear, modern guidance for dealing with dominant digital platforms, and DPI urges Congress to pass the SEARCH Act,” said Joel Thayer, President, Digital Progress Institute.\n\n“Google’s motto used to be, “Don’t be evil.” They dumped that years ago, instead choosing to eliminate competition through self-preferencing and exclusivity agreements. Using their browser, Google Chrome, and their search engine – the main venue through which millions of Americans find information – Google picked winners and losers while also giving preference to themselves, including their AI, Gemini. The SEARCH Act will hold Google and other future monopolists accountable by building upon the proposed remedies from U.S. v. Google, opening up search, advertising, and even internet browsers as areas of competition and innovation instead of control by one behemoth. We commend Senators Schmitt and Klobuchar for introducing this bill, and encourage quick and speedy passage,” said Aiden Buzzetti, Founder and President, Bull Moose Project.\n\n“The Google search case shows why antitrust enforcement and legislation must work together. Courts must stop unlawful conduct and restore competition in the market Google monopolized. Google’s effort to overturn the remedies should fail, and the states are right to seek stronger relief. But litigation takes years, often after monopoly power has become deeply entrenched. The SEARCH Act would establish clear, forward-looking rules for the largest search platforms, including restrictions on payments for preferential treatment and exclusive distribution arrangements. Antitrust remedies can reopen the search market. The SEARCH Act can help keep it open,” said Patrick Gallaher, Senior Policy Advocate, Public Knowledge.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-joins-moran-to-lead-her-final-bipartisan-congressional-delegation-to-farnborough-international-air-show", "title": "Shaheen Joins Moran to Lead Her Final Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Farnborough International Air Show", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, is leading her final bipartisan Congressional delegation to the Farnborough International Air Show in the United Kingdom with Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations and Commerce Committees. Farnborough is the largest biennial trade show in the world and will showcase aerospace manufacturers and suppliers from New Hampshire and around the world. Since 2023, Shaheen and Moran have led bipartisan Congressional delegations to the Farnborough and Paris Air Shows to highlight U.S. capabilities and strengthen international partnerships.\n\n“The Farnborough Air Show is an opportunity to showcase American manufacturing and innovation on the world stage. As NATO allies commit to increased defense spending to ward off growing threats from Russia and China, it’s in our national interest to deepen trade partnerships with our allies while strengthening national readiness,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m grateful to once again, and for the final time as a member of the Senate, co-lead a bipartisan group of lawmakers to London to meet with foreign and U.S. aerospace leaders. Additionally, I’m looking forward to meeting with New Hampshire’s robust trade mission; our aerospace sector plays a pivotal role in both national defense and civilian aviation, and the United Kingdom is one of our largest trading partners.”\n\n“The United States continues to lead the world in the aerospace and defense industries, and Kansas’ innovation and manufacturing capabilities play an important role in that leadership,” said Senator Moran. “Last year’s airshow included the largest delegation of Kansans yet, and I look forward to seeing that record surpassed as Senator Shaheen and I lead a bipartisan delegation to the Farnborough International Airshow. This forum provides a valuable avenue to showcase American innovation, highlight the capabilities of our talented workforce and strengthen partnerships with allies and industry leaders from across the world. As our adversaries continue to exert pressure in the Middle East, Europe and Asia, opportunities like this are critical to strengthening our national security and expanding economic partnerships with our allies.”\n\nJoining Senators Shaheen and Moran are U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Deb Fischer (R-NB), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Kennedy (R-LA), Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Katie Britt (R-AL).\n\nEvery two years, the aerospace, aviation and defense industries are invited to Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre for the Farnborough International Air Show, where civilian and military aircraft are demonstrated to potential customers and investors in Farnborough, Hampshire, England. Moran and Shaheen led a bipartisan delegation to the Paris Air Show in 2025 and 2023.\n\nNew Hampshire’s Office of International Commerce will also feature New Hampshire exhibitors at the Air Show through the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), which provides export assistance to small businesses. Senator Shaheen created the STEP program in 2010 and continues to lead action in support of STEP in Congress - including through leading efforts to advance STEP’s reauthorization out of the Senate Small Business Committee. Senator Shaheen’s new legislation would streamline reporting and administrative requirements of STEP, making it easier for businesses to use. New Hampshire exported about $19 million in aerospace products to the United Kingdom in 2023. 22 percent of all exports from the state are in the aerospace industry.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-welcomes-epa-regulatory-relief-putting-downward-pressure-on-alaska-fuel-prices", "title": "Sullivan Welcomes EPA Regulatory Relief Putting Downward Pressure on Alaska Fuel Prices", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "scraper": "sullivan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001198", "name": "Dan Sullivan", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Measure will unlock tens of thousands of gallons per day in refining capacity\n\nANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee, today welcomed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin’s issuance of an emergency fuel waiver under Section 211 of the Clean Air Act, an action the Senator has been advocating for as a way to lower fuel prices. The waiver is an action of the National Energy Dominance Council’s (NEDC) Rural Alaska Energy Security Task Force, announced in May by Secretary of the Interior and NEDC Chairman Doug Burgum. The waiver temporarily relaxes federal diesel-fuel sulfur requirements for qualifying sales of Arctic-grade diesel above the Arctic Circle in compatible engines and equipment.\n\nThe action will allow North Slope producers to put substantial idle refining capacity to work, increase local fuel production, and displace a significant portion of the ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) currently transported to the North Slope so that it can be utilized by Alaskans.\n\n“Global fuel supply disruptions have been a significant challenge for Alaska communities, resulting in rising fuel prices,” said Sen. Sullivan. “This targeted, commonsense measure—part of the NEDC Rural Alaska Energy Security Task Force—frees up Alaska-produced fuel to help put downward pressure on prices for hard-working Alaskans. I want to thank members of the administration, especially Secretary Burgum, Secretary Wright, and EPA Administrator Zeldin, for working with me to get this done. This is one important near-term step that I’ve relentlessly pushed for, and I will continue pressing for additional actions that will bring relief for Alaska’s families facing high energy costs.”\n\n“President Trump has prioritized ensuring American families have an affordable domestic energy supply and EPA is proud to once again deliver, this time specifically for Alaska,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “Thanks to strong support and advocacy by Senator Sullivan, Alaskans will no longer be forced to unnecessarily truck their fuel hundreds of miles across the state and Alaskan families will feel lower prices at the pump. This is a prime example of why EPA has waiver authorities in the first place; unique circumstances warrant unique solutions.”\n\nBefore the waiver, federal diesel-fuel sulfur standards prevented locally refined Arctic-grade diesel from being used in most internal-combustion engines, effectively limiting its use to heating and freeze protection and leaving significant North Slope refining capacity idle. Industry data indicate that at least 56,000 gallons of ULSD are currently trucked from Fairbanks to the North Slope each day, increasing to approximately 63,000 gallons per day during peak periods. By allowing existing topping units to supply eligible engines and equipment with locally produced fuel, the waiver will displace a substantial share of these shipments and unlock tens of thousands of gallons per day in previously unused local refining capacity. Up to an estimated 75,000 gallons of additional diesel per day could be brought online by North Slope producers.\n\nThe waiver takes effect upon signature, remains in force for 20 days, and can be renewed. Sellers must label fuel distributed under the waiver, and the fuel may be used only in eligible engines and equipment consistent with EPA’s conditions.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-fetterman-fischer-introduce-legislation-to-improve-the-fccs-broadband-mapping-process/", "title": "Thune, Fetterman, Fischer Introduce Legislation to Improve the FCC’s Broadband Mapping Process", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) on Thursday introduced the Broadband Mapping Accurate Providers (MAP) Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation that would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to evaluate and improve its broadband mapping process. The FCC has made significant strides in enhancing the accuracy of its National Broadband Map, but providers have reported difficulties with the FCC’s challenge process, which allows providers to dispute the serviceability of certain locations. The Broadband MAP Act of 2026 would instruct the FCC to review and assess its mapping and challenge procedures.\n\n“Broadband providers who are on the ground in South Dakota and across rural America have vital, firsthand knowledge of the communities they serve,” said Thune. “Ensuring the accuracy of the FCC’s broadband map and its corresponding challenge process is critical to build on our progress to make federal broadband investments as effective and efficient as possible. I thank Chairman Carr for supporting our efforts and for his continued commitment to connecting households across our country to the internet.”\n\n“Broadband internet is a necessity, especially for our rural communities,” said Fetterman. “The first step we can take to ensure families have internet access across Pennsylvania and the country is figuring out who still doesn’t. I’m proud to join Senator Thune in introducing this bill to get us one step closer to bringing connectivity to every American. I look forward to working with the FCC when the maps are complete to continue to expand broadband.”\n\n“We need a better understanding of where internet connectivity falls short, especially in rural America,” said Fischer. “With broadband maps, we can accomplish this goal; however, they must be accurate. I’m joining Leader Thune to make sure these maps correctly identify unserved and underserved communities. This will safeguard taxpayer dollars while connecting more Americans to high-speed internet.”\n\n“From his time as chairman of the Commerce Committee to today, Leader Thune has passed smart broadband policies that have expanded affordable broadband,”said Brendan Carr, chairman of the FCC. “This legislation will make more great progress by ensuring the FCC’s National Broadband Map stays up to date and serves as a trusted resource for the American people and broadband builders for years to come.”\n\n“The South Dakota Telecommunications Association (SDTA) member companies know firsthand that accurate, location-level broadband mapping is essential for the FCC to make sound policy and funding decisions,” said Kara Semmler, executive director of SDTA. “The Broadband MAP Act of 2026 would help ensure continued refinement to the map through a careful review of the standards, processes, and data used to determine where broadband is truly available. On behalf of SDTA’s member companies and the South Dakota communities they serve, we appreciate Majority Leader Thune’s leadership in advancing legislation that will help ensure broadband resources are directed where they are needed to expand and sustain service, essential for a rural state like South Dakota.”\n\n“While we have seen improvements to the National Broadband Map over time, precisely because this is an iterative and evolving process, there is more to be done to make sure the map accurately captures where services are in fact available and the locations that could be served,” said Mike Romano, chief executive officer of NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association. “The Broadband MAP Act of 2026 would help spur continuous improvement in the map through a renewed look at the standards and processes used to develop and refine it. I applaud Majority Leader Thune and Senators Fetterman and Fischer for their leadership in seeking to ensure that broadband policy and funding decisions are based upon the best possible real-world data.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2026/7/tillis-joins-60-senators-in-co-sponsoring-bipartisan-legislation-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-and-gas-accountable", "title": "Tillis Joins 60+ Senators in Co-sponsoring Bipartisan Legislation to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil and Gas Accountable", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.tillis.senate.gov", "scraper": "tillis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000476", "name": "Thom Tillis", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), co-chair of the Senate NATO Observer Group (SNOG), joined Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Darline Graham (R-SC), along with 60+ colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Senator Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.\n\nSenator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the effort last week and secured an agreement with the White House on Friday, before his death.\n\n“There is no doubt that Vladimir Putin must be severely punished for his illegal aggression, and crippling economic sanctions on Russia are long overdue,” said Senator Tillis. “Lindsey led the Senate’s fight to impose meaningful consequences on Putin, and we owe it to the Ukrainian people and to his legacy to pass this legislation.”\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Katie Britt (R-AL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jim Risch (R-ID), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tim Scott (R-SC), Angus King (I-ME), John Barrasso (R-WY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Brian Schatz (D-HI), John Cornyn (R-TX), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Curtis (R-UT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), James Lankford (R-OK), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jon Husted (R-OH), John Hoeven (R-ND), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jim Justice (R-WV), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Kennedy (R-LA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Rick Scott (R-FL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Alan Armstrong (R-OK), and Steve Daines (R-MT).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-20T07:56:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-20T07:57:48Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-slams-cfpb-acting-director-russell-vought-for-prioritizing-debt-collectors-over-the-american-people/", "title": "Warnock Slams CFPB Acting Director Russell Vought for Prioritizing Debt Collectors Over the American People", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Reverend Warnock questioned Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Acting Director Russell Vought over his decision to expose millions of financially vulnerable Americans to predatory medical debt collectors\n\nMedical debt can ruin credit scores and exacerbate the crushing effects of the ongoing affordability crisis for rural and working-class Americans\n\nIn Georgia, 27% of rural residents have medical debt collections on their credit report—ten percentage points higher than the national average\n\nSenator Reverend Warnock: “CFPB, by its nature, is advocating for the everyday consumers, and I don’t see how any of your actions suggest that you’ve been advocating for the people that I represent”\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee’s Economic Policy Subcommittee, slammed Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), for reversing a finalized CFPB rule that would have removed almost $50 billion in medical debt from the credit reports of tens of millions of Americans.\n\n“CFPB, by its nature, is advocating for everyday consumers, and I don’t see how any of your actions suggest that you’ve been advocating for the people that I represent,” said Senator Warnock. “It seems to me that this shouldn’t be a partisan issue. People on both sides of the aisle know that medical emergencies can happen to anybody. They can happen to anyone. We’ve seen that up close in this very body over the last few weeks. But thanks to you, there are now families who cannot buy a house. They are hounded by debt collectors, and they’re denied business loans all because they got sick.”\n\nLast year, Senator Warnock joined Banking Committee Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and 28 of his Senate Democratic colleagues in demanding the Trump administration publicly produce the data and analysis used to justify the CFPB’s position that the medical debt rule was unnecessary or unlawful. Acting Director Vought has yet to respond to this inquiry, opting instead to deflect blame when confronted by Senator Warnock in Thursday’s Banking Committee hearing.\n\nIn a similar effort to rectify Director Vought’s disastrous decision to reverse the CFPB medical debt rule, Senator Warnock forced a vote on the Senate floor to restore protections for the millions of Americans vulnerable to predatory medical debt collectors. Most of his Republican colleagues refused to support the resolution, and it ultimately failed on a 50-50 party line vote.\n\n27% of Georgians in rural communities have medical collections on their credit report—ten percentage points higher than the national average. Statewide, roughly 640,000 Georgians lack adequate access to affordable health care because the Republican state legislature has repeatedly refused to fully expand Medicaid. Despite these setbacks, Senator Warnock continues to fight to ensure every Georgian has access to quality, affordable health care.\n\nWatch the Senators full remarks HERE.\n\nSee below for a transcript of Thursdays hearing exchange\n\nSenator Raphael Warnock (SRW): “Thank you, Mr. Chair. Director Vought, have you or anyone you know ever had a medical emergency?”\n\nActing Director Russell Vought (RV): “Of course.”\n\nSRW: “Do you personally know anyone who has ever gone into debt because of a medical emergency?”\n\nRV: “Yes.”\n\nSRW: “Before the president took office, the CFPB finalized a rule that would have removed almost $50 billion in medical debt from the credit reports of tens of millions of Americans. Debt which, by the way, is often incorrect. But Director Vought, within months of your taking office, the CFPB reverse itself and joined with the very same debt collectors who were set to profit off medical debt to overturn this rule. How did your decision in any way help those tens of millions of Americans, some of whom are watching today, being crushed by nearly $50 billion in medical debt? How was this helpful for them?”\n\nRV: “Senator, the statute specifically ensures that credit reporting agencies can take into account medical debt. So, until you change that statute, we don’t have the ability to just regulate however we want to.”\n\nSRW: “Well, you could have tried to narrow the rule, right?”\n\nRV: “No, we really couldn’t.”\n\nSRW: “You could have tried to fight it in court?”\n\nRV: “No, our oath is to the statutes that you have passed—to faithfully execute those laws.”\n\nSRW: “That’s not something you could have fought in court?”\n\nRV: “Not if we have a fundamental disagreement about what the statute requires.”\n\nSRW: “You and I can agree to disagree. I think you chose not to fight it in court, and you joined forces with those debt collectors. A year ago, I, along with nearly 30 of my colleagues, demanded answers from you about this decision, and I request unanimous consent to enter our letter into the record. You never responded. Do you ever respond? Do you ever plan to respond to my letter?”\n\nRV: “Much of the correspondence that we’ve gotten has to do with litigation that we’re a part of, and so we can’t speak and respond to letters of which we’re going to have to provide answers in court, and that is a reality that we face. But we do intend to have a very open relationship with Congress, and I’m happy to correspond with you on a regular basis.”\n\nSRW: “Do you do you ever plan to respond to our letter?”\n\nRV: “I’m leaving the post on August 1st, so there’s a lot of things that hopefully [President Trump’s nominee for CFPB Chair] Brian Johnson will be doing, and one of those is those types of correspondence.”\n\nSRW: “You’re leaving on August 1st—you’ve done quite a bit of damage in a few months. We had a simple ask: show your work, publicly disclose the data and the analysis to justify the CFPB’s position that the medical debt rule was unnecessary or unlawful. Since you didn’t respond, I’ll ask you now: How many Americans were projected to have their medical debt wiped from their credit scores by the CFPB’s medical debt rule, which you overturned?”\n\nRV: “I don’t know, but the rule was unlawful.”\n\nSRW: “The answer is 15 million. Medical debt can ruin credit scores, which can make it impossible for folks to ever buy a home. Do you know how many more mortgages consumers would have been able to afford each year if you hadn’t overturned the rule?”\n\nRV: “I don’t have that off the top of my head.”\n\nSRW: “So the answer is 22,000. So, 22,000 mortgages that consumers would have been able to afford. 15 million Americans who were set to have their medical debt wiped from their credit scores. I’ve seen this up close in the state of Georgia, and the impact, the real human costs behind the very cold and clinical language about statutory authority, authority which I think you do have. Questions that you could have raised.”\n\n“CFPB, by its nature, is advocating for everyday consumers, and I don’t see how any of your actions suggest that you’ve been advocating for the people that I represent. It seems to me that this shouldn’t be a partisan issue. People on both sides of the aisle know that medical emergencies can happen to anybody. They can happen to anyone. We’ve seen that up close in this very body over the last few weeks. But thanks to you, there are now families who cannot buy a house. They are hounded by debt collectors, and they’re denied business loans all because they got sick. Director Vought, you’ve spent the last 18 months decimating the CFPB and its consumer protections, and I think families across America will be that better off when you’re gone. I’d like a response to my letter.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-bicameral-legislation-to-expose-corporate-abuse-of-tax-havens-job-offshoring/", "title": "Welch Joins Bicameral Legislation to Expose Corporate Abuse of Tax Havens, Job Offshoring", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined the Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act, legislation led by U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), which would provide transparency around corporations’ use of tax havens and incentives to offshore jobs. The lawmakers’ bill would require public companies to disclose their financial reporting on a country-by-country basis to give Americans insight into how the tax system incentivizes the outsourcing of American jobs or enables corporations to dodge U.S. taxes. The legislation would also provide investors with the tools they need to understand the tax structures and risks of the businesses in which they invest.\n\n“Our tax law in the United States is totally broken–we have a system where corporations are incentivized to ship profits and good-paying jobs overseas. The American people deserve full transparency about how companies are using these loopholes to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. We’re working to ensure that corporations are held accountable for hiding profits in foreign tax havens,” said Senator Welch.\n\n“While working Americans struggle to get by, large corporations continue to ship jobs overseas and take advantage of tax loopholes to hide their profits. This bill will provide critical transparency to both the American public and investors as to how these corporations abuse our broken tax system and the risks they are taking in the use of offshore tax havens. We must stand up for American workers, end incentives for big corporations to offshore jobs, and unrig our broken corporate tax code. Sunlight is the best disinfectant – shining a light on this issue is the first step,” said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n“As everyday families struggle to find jobs and pay for basic necessities, corporations are dodging taxes by shifting profits outside the country and making the rest of us pay. I’m proud to support this legislation that will require companies to disclose foreign operations, and ensure corporations pay into the system here at home,” said Rep. Pettersen. “The Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act will increase transparency, and make corporations start paying their fair share.”\n\nIn addition to Senators Welch and Van Hollen, the legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL).\n\nWhile President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act established a new global tax framework, it also introduced incentives for large U.S. companies to shift profits and jobs overseas. The so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ largely preserved those incentives. New research shows that last year alone, large corporations reduced their tax liability by more than $11 billion via tax havens. Firms continue to benefit from shifting profits because they can pool income and foreign taxes across affiliates in both high- and low-tax countries, while foreign income remains subject to a significantly lower U.S. tax rate than domestic income.\n\nThe Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act would ensure greater transparency in these tax practices by requiring large corporations to disclose basic information on each of their subsidiaries, and country-by-country financial information that sums together all of their subsidiaries in each country – including profits, taxes, employees, and tangible assets. Thus, when a corporation sends jobs overseas, a country-by-country financial report would show the extent to which the U.S. tax system is rewarding their behavior.\n\nThis Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act is supported by the Financial Accountability & Corporate Transparency (FACT) Coalition, Public Citizen, Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).\n\nLearn more about the Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act.\n\nRead and download the full text of the bill.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-lujan-schiff-raskin-ocasio-cortez-introduce-bicameral-legislation-imposing-gift-ban-on-supreme-court-justices/", "title": "Welch, Luján, Schiff, Raskin, Ocasio-Cortez Introduce Bicameral Legislation Imposing Gift Ban on Supreme Court Justices", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Legislation cracks down on lavish gifts to Supreme Court Justices with $50 limit aligning ethics rules with Congress, other judges, and federal officials\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights, this week joined U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) in introducing the High Court Gift Ban Act, legislation to close a glaring ethics loophole that allows U.S. Supreme Court Justices to accept lavish gifts from wealthy benefactors and individuals with interests before the Court. U.S. Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\n“For years, conservative Supreme Court Justices have accepted expensive gifts and travel from their friends who have business before the Court. It’s unethical, and it’s why public trust in the Court has eroded. Those serving on the Supreme Court should be held to the same ethical standards as every other federal judge—and it’s high time they are,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to partner with Senators Luján and Schiff on this bill to increase accountability and restore public trust in our nation’s most powerful court.”\n\n“Over the past several years, we’ve seen far too many reports detailing how lavish gifts and luxury travel have undermined public confidence in the Supreme Court,” said Senator Luján. “That’s why I’m proud to partner with colleagues to introduce the High Court Gift Ban Act, which would hold Supreme Court justices to the same ethical standards as other high-ranking federal officials. The Supreme Court — our nation’s highest and most powerful court — should be held to the highest ethical standards to protect our democracy from the influence of dark money and special interests.”\n\n“The Supreme Court has lost the trust of the American people, and Justices accepting lavish gifts from wealthy individuals with business before the court has only made matters worse. We need to put an end to these egregious conflicts of interest and can start by establishing basic ethical standards for the Justices,” said Senator Schiff.\n\n“In every other part of the federal government, taking lavish gifts from interested parties is called corruption—but at the Supreme Court, it’s bizarrely been treated as a job perk. A gaping ethics loophole has allowed Justices to accept lavish gifts from individuals who may have business before the Court, which totally undermines public confidence in judicial fairness and independence. Our bill closes this indefensible loophole by saying that Supreme Court Justices should follow the same basic gift rules as every other federal official and their fellow judges. Americans shouldn’t have to wonder whether wealthy litigants and interested parties are influencing Supreme Court decisions with trips to luxury resorts, flights on private jets, and cruises on luxury yachts,” said Ranking Member Raskin.\n\n“The Supreme Court is facing a major corruption crisis. As it stands, Supreme Court Justices are legally allowed to accept gifts from wealthy benefactors and people with special interests before the Court, actively furthering the distrust between working-class Americans and our legal institutions. That is why I am proud to introduce the High Court Gift Ban Act, alongside Congressman Jamie Raskin and Senator Ben Ray Luján, to remove the influence of dark money from our nation’s highest judicial body. We must pass this commonsense proposal to safeguard the sanctity of our legal institutions and democracy,” said Rep. Ocasio-Cortez.\n\nUnlike other federal judges, Members of Congress, and executive branch officials—who are all bound by strict gift rules—Supreme Court Justices are not currently bound by any limits on the value of the gifts they can accept. Investigative reporting has shown that some Justices have exploited this loophole, taking in lavish “gifts” from wealthy benefactors and political allies worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.\n\nThe scale of these undisclosed perks is staggering. One analysis found that Justices have accepted at least 445 gifts worth nearly $5 million over the past two decades. Reports have detailed that Justice Clarence Thomas alone received more than $4.2 million in luxury travel and other benefits from wealthy individuals with interests before the Court, including trips to Bali, stays at exclusive private retreats, and even a forgiven loan to purchase a luxury motor coach.\n\nThe High Court Gift Ban Act would block Justices from receiving gifts valued at more than $50 in a single instance or more than $100 in aggregate over the course of a year. It would also cap gifts of personal hospitality, like free trips on billionaire’s yachts and private jets, which are currently unregulated. This brings the Supreme Court in line with similar ethical standards applying to Members of Congress and other federal officials.\n\nThe High Court Gift Ban Act is endorsed by leading advocacy organizations, including: AFSCME, American Federation of Teachers, Alliance for Justice, American Humanist Association, Center for American Progress, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, Clean Elections Texas, Courage California, Court Accountability, Courts Matter Illinois, EarthJustice, Enough of Gun Violence, Equality California, FFRF Action Fund, Fix the Court, Free Speech for People, Government Information Watch, Greenpeace USA, Indivisible, Leage of Conservation Voters, MoveOn, National Association of Consumer Advocates, National Women’s Law Center, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Ohio Fair Courts Alliance, People for the American Way, People Power United, Public Citizen, Reproductive Freedom for All, Secular Coalition for America, Secure Elections Network, Stand Up America, Supreme Court Integrity Project, Take Back the Court Action Fund, True North Research, Voices for Progress, and The Workers Circle.\n\nRead and download the full text of the bill.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-cheers-unanimous-passage-of-bipartisan-water-infrastructure-bill-out-of-epw-committee/", "title": "Whitehouse Cheers Unanimous Passage of Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Bill Out of EPW Committee", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release", "domain": "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", "scraper": "whitehouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000802", "name": "Sheldon Whitehouse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WRDA reauthorization strengthens RI’s environmental resiliency while spurring new water infrastructure projects\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ranking Member and Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, are applauding the Committee’s unanimous passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026. The bipartisan legislation now heads to the Senate floor.\n\n“Unanimously advancing this significant package demonstrates bipartisan commitment to maintaining and upgrading the nation’s water infrastructure. The Ocean State stands to benefit much from this bill, which supports investments in safe drinking water and wastewater systems as well as flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and navigation,” said Ranking Member Whitehouse.\n\n“WRDA 2026 is an incredible bipartisan achievement that will strengthen water resources infrastructure and increase access to clean and safe drinking water nationwide. I look forward to the impact this bill will have on my home state of West Virginia as it supports flood risk management efforts, restores ecosystems, strengthens cybersecurity for critical water systems, and provides vital funding for water infrastructure projects across our state. I am proud to see this legislation move forward with strong bipartisan support,” said Chair Capito.\n\nThe WRDA is biennial legislation that authorizes flood risk management, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). Whitehouse included a number of measures to protect Rhode Island’s natural ecosystems and secure greater Corps involvement in a slate of major water infrastructure projects.\n\nWhitehouse worked to include provisions:\n\nIncreasing the federal share of the cost of the Rhode Island Coastline Coastal Storm Risk Management Project to 90 percent.\n\nIncreasing the federal share of the cost to remove pilings in the Providence River to 90 percent.\n\nIncreasing the federal share of the cost to provide fish passage at dams on the Lower Blackstone River to 90 percent and allowing the Corps to adopt the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and The Nature Conservancy’s plan.\n\nAuthorizing Corps assistance to address invasive species like hydrilla in Rhode Island waters.\n\nAuthorizing the Corps to provide assistance to address erosion compromising breachways.\n\nAuthorizing a comprehensive flood and coastal storm risk management study for Providence and the surrounding areas that will examine potential measures to bolster the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier.\n\nAdding the Blackstone River to the list of priority areas under section 212 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1999, which provides a streamlined implementation process for coastal and riverine protection and restoration and a 90 percent federal cost share for design and construction of projects.\n\nReauthorizing the National Estuaries Program, which supports the health of estuaries like Narragansett Bay.\n\nAuthorizing an EPA Point-of-Use (POU) filtration pilot to distribute filters to homes with PFAS or other contaminants in their drinking water.\n\nIncreasing authorizations for both the Clean and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds.\n\nReauthorizing provisions from the Whitehouse-Sullivan Save Our Seas Act that direct EPA to conduct research on microplastic pollution.\n\nCongress first enacted the Water Resources Development Act in 1974 to establish and improve water-related programs and authorize the Army Corps to assist with flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and navigation to facilitate the flow of commerce in U.S. waterways. By law, the statute must be periodically renewed by Congress.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-introduces-bill-to-curb-excessive-ceo-pay/", "title": "Whitehouse Introduces Bill to Curb Excessive CEO Pay", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release", "domain": "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", "scraper": "whitehouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000802", "name": "Sheldon Whitehouse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "In 2024, CEOs made 285 times what the average worker earned\n\nWashington, DC – As executive pay reaches new heights, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) is introducing the Curtailing Executive Overcompensation (CEO) Act to apply an excise tax on companies that have at least a 50 to one CEO-to-median-worker pay disparity. The CEO Act would raise over $8 billion from the top 100 US companies alone, based on 2024 data.\n\n“Right now, a handful of mega-billionaires are reaping the rewards of the labor of millions of hardworking Americans. We are talking about people who have more money than they could ever dream of spending,” said Whitehouse, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee. “Congress needs to rein in out-of-control CEO pay once and for all.”\n\nSince 1978, economic productivity has outpaced workers’ wages by more than four times. Meanwhile, executive pay has soared by more than 1,209 percent – over 18 times as much as productivity growth, and outpacing the growth of the stock market. In that same period, workers’ earnings increased only about 15 percent.\n\nTax cuts in President Trump’s Big, Beautiful-for-Billionaires law are set to increase CEO take-home pay even more. Each CEO is expected to receive $500,000 back from those tax cuts as working families are faced with higher costs of living due to cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and free school lunches – provisions in that same law. The CEO Act would incentivize companies to pay their CEOs less while paying their workers more.\n\nThe CEO Act would apply an excise tax on both publicly traded and privately held companies, which have at least a 50 to one CEO-to-median-worker pay disparity. The tax would apply only to large companies with over $100 million in gross receipts and $10 million in payroll. The tax rate imposed would be proportional to the size of the executive’s compensation (including salary, bonuses, and stock awards and options) and the degree the pay ratio exceeds 50 to one. The tax would be limited to one percent of a company’s gross receipts.\n\nThe CEO Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\nThe CEO Act is endorsed by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), United Auto Workers (UAW); Communications Workers of America, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Institute for Policy Studies, Americans for Financial Reform, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the Global Economy Project at the Institute for Policy Studies, Jobs with Justice, Labor Network for Sustainability, Main Street Alliance, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Open Markets Institute, Oxfam America, Patriotic Millionaires, People’s Action, Public Citizen, Revolving Door Project, Social Security Works, The Value Alliance, and Unrig Our Economy.", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-keeps-up-questions-to-blanche-on-cop-beaters-slush-fund-trump-family-tax-fraud-amnesty-deal/", "title": "Whitehouse Keeps Up Questions to Blanche on Cop-Beaters Slush Fund & Trump Family Tax Fraud Amnesty Deal", "date": "2026-07-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release", "domain": "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", "scraper": "whitehouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000802", "name": "Sheldon Whitehouse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "New letter comes during the two-day confirmation hearing for Todd Blanche, who greenlighted the purported settlement\n\nWhitehouse’s previous requests to DOJ have gone unanswered\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter this week to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche following up on the Senator’s last two requests that the Department of Justice provide documents regarding President Trump and DOJ’s attempted creation of a massive taxpayer-funded slush fund to reward the President’s political allies. The letter also inquires about the related tax amnesty and legal immunity agreement for the Trump family and their business associates.\n\nIn May, DOJ announced that President Trump had agreed to drop a $10 billion lawsuit he initiated against his own Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax information in exchange for the creation of an unprecedented $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund.” The commission overseeing the fund would have the authority to dole out nearly $1.8 billion in taxpayer funds to settle claims brought by anyone who believed they were harmed by the purported “weaponization” of the justice system, including participants convicted of assaulting law enforcement and other crimes related to the January 6 insurrection.\n\nOne day after the purported settlement agreement was reached, DOJ announced an addendum that was signed by Acting Attorney General Blanche. The addendum would purportedly prohibit the IRS from pursuing audits against Trump, his family, and their business associates for any previous tax offenses, and shield them from any other “lawfare and/or weaponization” as part of a bizarre side deal to the DOJ’s compensation fund agreement.\n\nThe federal judge in Florida overseeing the Trump v. IRS case opened an inquiry into whether DOJ and Trump’s personal lawyers committed “fraud on the court,” an allegation against senior DOJ officials unheard of in DOJ history. The judge invited a response, which DOJ failed to provide – a telling signal of the department’s own consciousness of wrongdoing.\n\nThis week, the court ruled that the case was “brought for an improper purpose” because the case was a product of collusion, the parties were never actually adverse, and the case was filed solely to provide cover for a settlement. The court repeatedly called out DOJ’s unusual and indefensible silence in the matter, including its decision not to make an appearance, nor file a single pleading, nor challenge any of the plaintiffs’ claims, after being given multiple opportunities to do so, leading the court to conclude that DOJ “actively avoided” judicial review. The court ordered Rule 11 sanctions against Trump’s personal lawyers and directed that the court’s order be transmitted to the New York and D.C. bars where disciplinary actions against Acting Attorney General Blanche and Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward are pending.\n\n“In discussing DOJ’s conduct, the court said, ‘[i]t is telling that the DOJ, which is tasked with enforcement of United States law, has remained conspicuously absent and silent when serious questions about this matter have been raised.’ The court noted that ‘Defendants never appeared, never challenged Plaintiffs’ claims, and never filed a single pleading.’ The court further said, ‘[i]n abdicating its responsibility to zealously defend the interests of the United States, the Government entered into a ‘settlement’ that deviated from its litigation posture in similar actions, disregarded DOJ policies, and accomplished objectives beyond those authorized, as well as those specifically prohibited, by law,’” wrote Whitehouse in the new letter.\n\nDuring the first day of Acting AG Blanche’s two-day confirmation hearing, Whitehouse demanded that Blanche provide documents and communications between DOJ and Trump plaintiffs in the matter as well as responses to 15 outstanding oversight requests and 12 outstanding FOIA requests. Blanche claimed that he was “not aware” of any communication in the Trump v. IRS case.\n\nWhitehouse concluded in the letter, “Specifically, I want to be sure you provide all documents, including any correspondence with plaintiffs’ counsel, related to DOJ’s decision not to defend the IRS, nor challenge the plaintiffs’ claims, nor make any appearance or file any pleading in the case; or related to any understandings reached with plaintiffs regarding their pleadings or posture in the case.”\n\nSenators Whitehouse and Dick Durbin, the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, wrote a letter to Blanche in late May requesting that the Department of Justice preserve all records related to the proposed “Anti-Weaponization Fund” and the purported “Settlement Agreement” in Trump v. Internal Revenue Service. Whitehouse sent another letter earlier this month to Blanche, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and IRS CEO Frank Bisignano seeking answers to outstanding questions on the matters.\n\nIn the most recent letter, Whitehouse requested documents by July 22. Full text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-al-green-warns-public-president-trump-will-pardon-ice-officers-if", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Al Green Warns Public - President Trump Will Pardon ICE Officers if Federal Crimes Are Proven", "date": "2026-07-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "algreen.house.gov", "scraper": "algreen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000553", "name": "Al Green", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) — On Thursday, July 16, 2026, Congressman Al Green delivered remarks on the House floor warning the public that President Donald Trump will pardon ICE officers if federal crimes are proven.\n\nYou can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s speech on his official YouTube page or by clicking here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).", "collected_at": "2026-07-19T07:26:21Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-19T07:27:48Z"}
{"url": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/7/statement-on-the-loss-of-servicemembers-in-jordan", "title": "Statement on the Loss of Servicemembers in Jordan", "date": "2026-07-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "scraper": "fitzpatrick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000466", "name": "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "America’s servicemen and women are the guardians of liberty and the very best of our Nation—ordinary citizens who willingly accept extraordinary sacrifice.\n\nToday, we mourn the loss of true American heroes who answered their country’s call with courage and honor. We pray for the safe return of missing servicemembers, the full recovery of those wounded, and every military family whose sacrifice is so often borne in quiet.\n\nMay we always prove worthy of the brave men and women who selflessly place themselves in harm’s way so that freedom may endure and peace may prevail.", "collected_at": "2026-07-19T07:26:21Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-19T07:27:48Z"}
{"url": "https://hageman.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-hageman-moves-terminate-californias-hijacking-national-emissions-standards", "title": "Rep. Hageman Moves to Terminate California’s Hijacking of National Emissions Standards", "date": "2026-07-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hageman.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hageman.house.gov", "scraper": "hageman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001096", "name": "Harriet M. Hageman", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) introduced a joint resolution pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the EPA’s California waiver to enforce strict greenhouse gas (GHG) standards on cars. The ability to enact state-based emissions standards is only afforded to California under federal law, and the state is abusing this authority in an attempt to force automakers to fit its emissions standards, which raises costs for consumers.\n\n“The 119th Congress is reclaiming its Article I authority over the administrative state by using the Congressional Review Act to repeal bad regulations. In 2025, Congress moved swiftly to terminate three other California emissions waivers, and we have successfully thrown out nearly 30 regulations intended to destroy American energy production and force a green transition on the American people. Today’s legislation is another step to reclaiming our authority as the national policymaker, and to stop inflicting harm on the American people in the name of climate lunacy.”\n\nThe Clean Air Act preempts state governments from adopting their own pollutant emissions standards for new motor vehicles and engines. However, California can apply to the EPA for a waiver from this federal preemption. After denial by the Bush administration, one of the first actions of the Obama administration EPA was to grant California’s waiver that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from vehicles qualify as pollutants California may regulate. With this new GHG authority, California and the Obama administration created a national standard that aligned with radical California GHG emissions standards, which then resulted in the rolling out of several burdensome regulations on cars and trucks nationally. In June 2026, EPA Administrator Zeldin reported these waivers to Congress for review pursuant to the CRA, and Rep. Hageman’s legislation officially starts this push to end these harmful regulations once and for all.", "collected_at": "2026-07-19T07:26:21Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-19T07:27:48Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-condemns-deadly-iranian-attack-warns-iran-against-further", "title": "Krishnamoorthi Condemns Deadly Iranian Attack, Warns Iran Against Further Attacks, and Calls for Diplomacy to End Trump’s Illegal War", "date": "2026-07-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) released the following statement after two American service members were killed in an Iranian attack:\n\n“The deaths of two American service members in today’s Iranian attack are a tragic reminder of the escalating human cost of this illegal war of choice waged by Donald Trump. Iran must immediately cease its attacks against Americans and abandon any threats against civilians, or face even greater international isolation and military consequences. The conflict is now spiraling, and we cannot allow it to become another forever war that costs more American lives abroad and drives up prices here at home. President Trump must work with our friends, partners, and allies to pursue a real diplomatic path to end the war he recklessly started.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-19T07:26:21Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-19T07:27:48Z"}
{"url": "https://landsman.house.gov/posts/landsman-statement-on-malaysia-deporting-israelis", "title": "Landsman Statement on Malaysia Deporting Israelis", "date": "2026-07-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://landsman.house.gov/press", "domain": "landsman.house.gov", "scraper": "landsman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000601", "name": "Greg Landsman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Cincinnati, OH – Today, Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) released the following statement after the Malaysian Prime Minister ordered the immediate deportation of Israelis from the country:\n\nThey’re kicking Jews out of Malaysia.\n\nWe’ve seen this all before. The purge of Jews has begun. Predictable, and just the beginning. We know where this leads.\n\nThere is only one country in the world that will take all Jews kicked out of another country, and that’s Israel. The same people targeting Jews in their countries are also working to destroy Israel.\n\nThe Unites States does send money to Malaysia, and we shouldn’t penalize the Malaysian people for what their government is doing.\n\nWe must make it clear that our aid comes with the expectation they won’t brazenly discriminate against our allies, and our office is reaching out directly to the Malaysian embassy.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/chelan-county-firefighters-will-be-able-to-better-respond-to-wildfires-thanks-to-1m-federal-grant", "title": "Chelan County Firefighters Will Be Able to Better Respond to Wildfires Thanks to $1M Federal Grant", "date": "2026-07-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Chelan County Firefighters Will Be Able to Better Respond to Wildfires Thanks to $1M Federal Grant\n\nGrant to help pay for 2 new firetrucks & associated equipment\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Chelan County Fire District 6 has received a $1,000,000 federal grant to purchase two fire fighting trucks and reduce wildfire response times, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, announced today.\n\n“This grant will help Chelan County’s first responders purchase two new fire trucks, enabling them to get to fires faster and limit damage,” Sen. Cantwell said. “With wildfires in Central Washington becoming more frequent and dangerous, investments like these can help save lives and property.”\n\nThis month’s Chelan Hill fire resulted in the loss of one life, the evacuation of more than 500 people, the destruction of 19 homes and destruction of or damage to more than 100 structures, and burned nearly 10,000 acres.\n\nChelan County Fire District 6 provides dedicated fire protection and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to approximately 7,300 residents across a 45-square-mile coverage area in Washington's Upper Wenatchee Valley. The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Program.\n\nAs wildfires in the West become more frequent and intense, Sen. Cantwell is working to ensure communities have access to the resources to prevent, prepare for, fight, and recover from major wildfires. She secured billions of dollars to support wildfire prevention, response, and recovery in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Last year, she spearheaded Senate passage of the bipartisan Fire Ready Nation Act to formally establish a permanent Fire Weather Services program within NOAA and authorize funding for new technologies to forecast weather conditions that cause and impact wildfires.\n\nIn January 2024, Sen. Cantwell co-introduced the Making Aid for Local Disasters Equal Now (MALDEN) Act, a bipartisan proposal to improve coordination between local, state, tribal, and federal agencies to deliver resources faster in the aftermath of disastrous wildfires. The MALDEN Act is named for the town of Malden, WA, which was destroyed by the 2020 Babb Road Fire.\n\nFollowing 2023’s devastating Gray and Oregon Road fires in Eastern Washington, Sen. Cantwell sent a letter to the Biden administration in support of then-Gov. Jay Inslee’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration, and sent another letter in January 2024 asking for an immediate update on the status of this request. Shortly after Sen. Cantwell sent that letter, President Joe Biden declared a major disaster declaration for Spokane County to deliver funding and assistance for residents and business owners.", "collected_at": "2026-07-19T07:26:21Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-19T07:27:48Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-walks-in-maine-potato-blossom-parade", "title": "Senator Collins Walks in Maine Potato Blossom Parade", "date": "2026-07-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.\n\nFORT FAIRFIELD, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins walked in the Maine Potato Blossom Parade in Fort Fairfield. The parade is the centerpiece of the 79th annual Maine Potato Blossom Festival, a nine-day celebration held as potato fields are in bloom to honor Aroostook County’s proud agricultural heritage. Thousands of spectators lined the route to see members of local organizations, Maine Potato Blossom Queens, the Loring Job Corps Color Guard, and other community groups.\n\n“For nearly eight decades, the Maine Potato Blossom Festival has brought people together from across The County to celebrate our cherished farmers, families, and agricultural traditions that make this part of Maine so special,” said Senator Collins. “As a native of Aroostook County, where my first job was picking potatoes for a local farmer, this festival has always felt like a celebration of home. It was a joy to walk in the Potato Blossom Parade, see so many familiar faces, and feel the community spirit that makes this event one of the highlights of a County summer.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-19T07:26:21Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-19T07:27:48Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-calls-for-comprehensive-plan-to-combat-health-environmental-economic-effects-of-wildfires", "title": "Markey Calls for Comprehensive Plan to Combat Health, Environmental, Economic Effects of Wildfires", "date": "2026-07-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Letter Text (PDF)\n\nBoston (July 18, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin and Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum, urging the agencies to respond to any requests for immediate fire assistance and develop a longer-term plan, in coordination with Canada, to manage the increasingly frequent and severe cross-border wildfire smoke events. Senator Markey expressed concerns about the lack of planning amidst the ongoing U.S.-Canada cross-border emergency that has prompted air quality alerts, public health harm, and economic losses across the Midwest and Eastern Seaboard of the United States.\n\nSenator Markey wrote, “Despite this ongoing emergency and a growing pattern of large-scale U.S.-Canada wildfire smoke events in recent years, there has been little public coordinated activity from the administration to combat this crisis and no indication that the federal government is working to improve its ability to address future cross-border wildfire smoke incidents. In fact, the central federal message so far has been President Trump’s announcement that he will add the cost of wildfire pollution to the tariffs that he wishes to assess on Canada.”\n\nSenator Markey continued, “Like the climate crisis, the wildfire crisis is a shared crisis. It does not respect national boundaries, and our response cannot stop at our border. We must have a federal government that responds to crises effectively and quickly, invests in institutions that can match the evolving scale of climate change and its impacts, and work together with our neighbors – not against them – to ensure our mutual health and wellbeing.”\n\nIn his letter, Senator Markey asked that the administration respond to any requests for assistance that have been made by the Government of Canada or its Provincial/Territorial Governments through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) to the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC). He also asked the administration to add PM2.5, the major air pollutant caused by wildfires, to the Canada-United States Air Quality Agreement, which has served as an effective cooperative instrument in managing transboundary air pollution.\n\nWildfires are becoming larger and more severe as a result of climate change. Senator Markey has been a champion for climate mitigation and adaptation, as the initial sponsor of the Green New Deal and the author of the Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act. He has also fought to strengthen federal air quality laws and secure additional funding for air quality monitoring, with his Environmental Justice Air Quality Monitoring Act receiving $3 million in funding for hyper-local air pollution monitors through the Inflation Reduction Act.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-19T07:26:21Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-19T07:27:48Z"}
{"url": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/7/statement-on-the-loss-of-servicemembers", "title": "Statement on the Loss of Servicemembers", "date": "2026-07-19", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "scraper": "fitzpatrick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000466", "name": "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "America’s servicemen and women are the guardians of liberty and the very best of our Nation—ordinary citizens who willingly accept extraordinary sacrifice.\n\nThis weekend, we mourn the loss of true American heroes who answered their country’s call with courage and honor. We pray for the safe return of missing servicemembers, the full recovery of those wounded, and every military family whose sacrifice is so often borne in quiet.\n\nMay we always prove worthy of the brave men and women who selflessly place themselves in harm’s way so that freedom may endure and peace may prevail.", "collected_at": "2026-07-20T07:56:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-20T07:57:48Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-honors-members-of-delta-company-1st-battalion-112th-aviation-regiment-at-send-off-ceremony", "title": "Hoeven Honors Members of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment at Send-Off Ceremony", "date": "2026-07-19", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today recognized members of the North Dakota National Guard’s (NDNG) Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment who are mobilizing to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Approximately 30 Guard members and three aircraft will deploy to provide continuous Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) coverage for the installation, delivering emergency point‑of‑injury care and rapid evacuation to the nearest Role 4 medical facility.\n\n“The men and women of the North Dakota National Guard continue to answer the call to serve with professionalism, courage and dedication,” said Hoeven. “Delta Company is taking on a critical mission that will help ensure our servicemembers receive lifesaving medical care when they need it most. We are grateful for these ND Guard members’ willingness to serve and for the sacrifices made by them and their families. We look forward to welcoming them home safely.”\n\nDelta company is currently based at the Fargo Readiness Center and will assume continuous garrison and training-area MEDEVAC coverage previously managed by Charlie Company (MED), 3-82 General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB). This deployment marks Delta Company’s first major mission since 2018, when it supported operations at Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels and Grafenwöhr, Germany.\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-supports-sunshine-protection-act-while-highlighting-student", "title": "Aderholt Supports Sunshine Protection Act While Highlighting Student Safety Concerns", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "aderholt.house.gov", "scraper": "aderholt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000055", "name": "Robert B. Aderholt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today voted in favor of H.R. 139, the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, legislation that would end the twice-yearly clock changes by making Daylight Saving Time permanent. The proposal has enjoyed broad bipartisan support among the American public for years, as many Americans have grown tired of changing their clocks every spring and fall.\n\n\"The twice-a-year time change has long been a source of frustration for families, businesses, and workers across the country,\" said Congressman Aderholt. \"I've heard from many constituents who simply want to pick one time and stick with it. The Sunshine Protection Act accomplishes that by providing consistency throughout the year.\"\n\nWhile supporting the legislation, Aderholt noted that permanent Daylight Saving Time presents unique challenges for communities in North Alabama, particularly during the winter months.\n\n\"One concern I do have is the impact on school children,\" Aderholt said. \"In December and January, permanent Daylight Saving Time would mean the sun would not rise until nearly 8:00 a.m. in much of North Alabama. That means many students would be standing at bus stops or walking to school before sunrise. As a father and soon-to-be grandfather, that's something I take seriously.\"\n\nAderholt said he hopes school systems, local communities, and state leaders will work together to minimize those concerns should the legislation become law.\n\n\"I believe we can enjoy the benefits of ending the clock changes while also making sure student safety remains a priority,\" Aderholt continued. \"Whether that means reviewing bus schedules, adjusting school start times where practical, or identifying other commonsense solutions, we should make every effort to ensure children are not routinely waiting for the bus in the dark.\"\n\nSupporters of the Sunshine Protection Act cite the benefits of eliminating the disruptive seasonal clock changes, including greater consistency for families, commerce, and travel, as well as more daylight during evening hours. The legislation has advanced with bipartisan support in Congress and has been the subject of public debate for several years.\n\n\"Like many Americans, I believe it's time to end the twice-yearly ritual of changing our clocks,\" Aderholt said. \"As we move forward, we'll continue working to ensure the transition is implemented in a way that best serves families here in Alabama.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-congressman-al-green-joined-democracy-now-discuss-ice-involved-killing", "title": "ICYMI: Congressman Al Green joined Democracy Now! to discuss the ICE‑involved killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "algreen.house.gov", "scraper": "algreen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000553", "name": "Al Green", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Al Green joined Democracy Now! to discuss the ICE‑involved killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Congressman Green’s participation in a Houston rally with organizers demanding justice, and the upcoming Homeland Security Committee hearing that will examine the case.\n\nYou can access the news segment by clicking the link here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4612", "title": "Arrington Testifies at Rules Committee to Unlock Reconciliation 3.0", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "arrington.house.gov", "scraper": "arrington", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000375", "name": "Jodey C. Arrington", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) testified before the House Rules Committee to advocate for the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2027, which will unlock reconciliation to support our troops, strengthen our food supply, and secure our elections.\n\nClick HERE to watch.\n\nOpening Remarks as Delivered:\n\nThe American people deserve better than what they've gotten for the last year and a half. But what they've gotten is a Democrat Party that I don't recognize in my ten years of service: persistent, habitual, never-ending obstruction to stop the President from succeeding in advancing the policies and the agenda the American people overwhelmingly supported and voted for—unilateral Republican leadership in Congress alongside of this President. That has made it difficult to govern.\n\nWhat was unprecedented from my Democrat colleagues is now par for the course.\n\nExhibit A: the first shutdown of the entire federal government over a clean CR. It's the first time it's ever happened from my Democrat colleagues. Both parties have participated in these shutdowns. I will readily concede that. But the first time a clean CR was rejected just to keep the government funding at the last year's funding levels until we could meet out a compromise solution.\n\nWhat was their reasoning? What was their counteroffer? To repeal the program integrity measures that we put in place in the Big Beautiful Bill to stop waste, fraud, and abuse, to prevent people not eligible, illegal, or people who are able to work and not working, siphoning money off of the safety net programs that are there for our most vulnerable Americans.\n\nIt was the longest shutdown in history before the next Democrat shutdown. This time, it was shutting down the Department of Homeland Security after we had agreed, four corners, on funding the government. They shut down Homeland [Security]. They handcuffed our Border Patrol agents from protecting our borders. They basically shut down our Coast Guardsmen from defending our ports, CISA agents from defending our critical infrastructure against being hacked, for over 70 days.\n\nThey held the American people's security hostage until we used a reconciliation bill to break the obstruction and fund ICE and CBP because they defunded it.\n\nTo be clear, they shut Homeland Security down, and then they defunded ICE and CBP. We had to turn it on unilaterally through reconciliation. We didn't get a single vote from Democrats on that.\n\nBut here we are, after riding a long train of Democrat obstruction abuses, to do something before November as the window closes. That is not just meaningful—it is important. It is critical. It is urgent.\n\nSupport our troops. Strengthen our food supply. And safeguard the integrity of our elections.\n\nMadam Chair, the obstruction and resistance at all costs and on all fronts goes beyond shutdowns.\n\nFor the first time in 65 years, or what is at least 65 years of a tradition of bipartisan support for the NDAA—National Defense Authorization Act—that are the policies that undergird our entire United States national defense, have been held up in the Senate by the Democrats.\n\nPrior to that, based on a temporary personnel decision of the President, they held up FISA 702, a critical security tool for our intelligence community to stop Chinese espionage, to stop terrorism, to stop drug trafficking.\n\nThis is this new, shameful era of obstruction. And I presume that the motivation is to placate the left-wing Mamdani socialist base of the party. I have no other answers.\n\nSo, Madam Chair and members of the distinguished Rules Committee, I present to you a reconciliation bill that will provide emergency funding for our sons and daughters so they have baseline battlefield readiness; emergency funding to provide resilience and strength to our food supply that we all benefit from; and lastly, again, the consent of the governed and a functioning democracy requires integrity and confidence in elections.\n\nAnd I will quote former Speaker Nancy Pelosi in 2017, after the 2016 election, based on the phony Russia collusion that was debunked later by an independent counsel, and I quote:\n\n‘Our election was hijacked. There is no question. Congress has a duty to protect our democracy.’\n\nWell, here's where I agree with her: we have a duty to protect our democracy, and when half the country has little to no confidence in the outcome of our elections because we don't have basic safeguards like a photo ID, I think it is incumbent upon us to act and act with purpose and with urgency.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://balderson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2991", "title": "House Passes Balderson's AADAPT Act to Improve Early Alzheimer's Detection and Care", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://balderson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "domain": "balderson.house.gov", "scraper": "balderson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001306", "name": "Troy Balderson", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12) applauded House passage of his Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training Act (AADAPT Act), H.R. 3747.\n\nThe legislation, co-led by Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44), strengthens and reauthorizes the Project ECHO program to help primary care providers better identify, diagnose, and manage Alzheimer's disease and other dementias—particularly in rural and underserved communities.\n\n“Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most significant public health challenges facing our country today,” said Balderson. “The sooner we can identify Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, the sooner patients and families can begin treatment, plan for the future, and access the care and support they need. I’m grateful to my House colleagues for joining me in passing the AADAPT Act to help bring high-quality care to more Ohioans.”\n\n“New treatments and new diagnostic tools are transforming what is possible for people living with Alzheimer’s,” said Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Association chief public policy officer and AIM president. “The AADAPT Act ensures that primary care providers across the country — especially in rural and underserved communities — have the resources they need to bring that progress to their patients. We thank the bipartisan champions of this legislation for helping make that possible.”\n\nMore than 7 million Americans—including more than 236,000 Ohioans—are living with Alzheimer's disease, and those numbers are expected to continue rising in the coming years. Because primary care providers are often the first health care professionals patients see when memory loss or cognitive decline begins, expanding access to specialized training can help improve early diagnosis and patient outcomes.\n\nThe AADAPT Act reauthorizes and strengthens the Project ECHO program, which connects primary care providers with specialists through virtual training, mentorship, and case-based learning. The program helps equip providers with the knowledge and confidence to identify potential cognitive impairment earlier, improve care coordination, and expand access to quality dementia care in communities that may lack specialty providers.\n\nFull text of the bill can be found HERE.\n\nCongressman Balderson speaks on House floor in support of the AADAPT Act.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=779", "title": "Rep. Balint Cosponsors Legislation to Break Up Meatpacking Monopolies, Drive Down Grocery Costs", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "balint.house.gov", "scraper": "balint", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001318", "name": "Becca Balint", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), founding member of the Monopoly Busters Caucus and member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, cosponsored legislation introduced by Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), and Pat Ryan (NY-18), co-chairs of the Monopoly Busters Caucus, to break up dominant meatpacking monopolies, rein in foreign-controlled corporate giants, and end unfair pricing practices that raise costs for American families and box out local farmers and ranchers. The legislation, the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act, is bicameral, introduced in the Senate by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).\n\n“Families are paying more at the grocery store while giant corporations rake in record profits and squeeze the farmers and ranchers who feed our country,” said Rep. Balint. \"A handful of meatpacking giants shouldn’t be able to control our food supply and drive up costs for working people. We need to break up these monopolies, restore competition, and build a food system that works for our families and our independent farmers.”\n\n“Massive corporations are driving up prices, making it unaffordable for working people to put food on the table,” said Rep. Jayapal. “It is a failure of our government to have allowed these corporate interests to swallow up the market, raising costs and putting hundreds of thousands of family farms out of business in the process. This bill is a critical step to level the playing field — to give independent ranchers and farmers a fair shot while ultimately lowering grocery bills for American families.”\n\n“Meatpacking monopolies are crushing hard-working small farmers, ranchers, and business owners—and are jacking up food prices for all of us,” said Congressman Deluzio. “In the richest country in the history of the world that likes our meat, we can’t let it become a luxury good. Let’s pass this bill to break up these monopolies and bring some relief to everyone they’re squeezing at the grocery store right now.”\n\n“Every time we walk into the grocery store, Hudson Valley families are getting squeezed by high prices because a few greedy corporations are raking in record-breaking profits. That’s unacceptable. Instead of taking on the monopolies driving up costs, like the four meatpacking companies that dominate the market, our fundamentally broken system rewards their greed while punishing our family-run grocers, farms, and restaurants,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “As the President’s wars and tariffs hurt our small businesses, we should be focused on lowering costs, strengthening our supply chains, and putting working families ahead of corporate special interests. This bill would break up the monopolies jacking up costs and give our local grocers and farms some extra support. I'll keep fighting to crack down on price gouging, take on greedy monopolies, and make sure every family can afford to put food on the table.”\n\n“Trump keeps driving prices higher and higher. The American people are rightfully fed up,” said Leader Schumer. “Every visit to the grocery store has turned into relentless sticker shock for working families. It’s a consequence of Trump’s failed economic policies and the stranglehold the meatpacking monopoly holds over supply chains and grocery stores. Democrats in the Senate and House are united in bringing down costs for consumers, and I’m proud to champion the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act to tackle the skyrocketing food costs and deliver the relief working families demand and deserve.\n\nConsolidation in the meatpacking industry is rampant. For instance, 85 percent of the U.S. beef market is controlled by just four companies: Cargill, JBS, Tyson, and the National Beef Packing Company. This corporate consolidation allows these giants to unfairly extract value and take home maximum profits at the expense of farmers and consumers.\n\nThe Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act imposes structural reforms to restore competition to the industry. Specifically, it:\n\nMakes it unlawful for a major meatpacking conglomerate to control more than one major type of meat, i.e., pork, chicken, beef;\n\nImposes hard caps on the concentration of beef markets at both the regional and national levels and authorizes the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to order divestiture from the market if those caps are exceeded;\n\nProhibits foreign leverage over the domestic meat market, empowering FTC to protect competition and national security;\n\nDirects the FTC to enforce against discriminatory pricing practices in retail and wholesale meat markets that hit independent and neighborhood grocers the hardest;\n\nAuthorizes the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide financial assistance, loan guarantees, and technical assistance to farmers’ cooperatives and small business concerns to acquire meatpacking facilities divested under the Act; and\n\nCreates enforceable penalties for corporations that fail to properly divest, enforceable under the FTC Act.\n\nThis legislation builds upon a field hearing hosted by the Monopoly Busters Caucus earlier this year in which an independent rancher testified to the harmful effects of consolidation in the meatpacking industry.\n\n\"North Dakota has some of the highest quality beef in the nation, and my fellow ranchers deserve a larger share of the profit for their hard work,\" said Travis Anderson, North Dakota cattle rancher and member of Dakota Resource Council and the National Family Farm Coalition. \"Breaking up the dominant meat processing companies while addressing horizontal integration would make the overall industry more fair and competitive, while also providing consumers with more affordable and abundant choices at the grocery store.\"\n\n“The Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act takes on a root cause of the factory farm system that has devastated rural communities, workers, public health, and family farmers – the market power of a handful of giant meatpackers,” said Patty Lovera, policy advisor for the Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment. “It’s time to break up the massive companies that have consolidated livestock production and rigged the market against independent producers.”\n\n\"Today, we will lose 63 farmers, and at the same time, Americans struggle to feed their families, and that's no accident,” said Joe Maxwell, president of Farm Action Fund. “It's the predictable result of decades of unchecked consolidation that has allowed a handful of corporations to control our food system. As a fourth-generation family farmer, I have witnessed this takeover firsthand. The Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act begins restoring the freedom to farm, the freedom to compete, and the freedom for families to afford the food they need. We applaud Representatives Jayapal, Deluzio, Ryan, and the other sponsors for confronting concentrated corporate power and standing with America's farmers, workers, and consumers.\"\n\n“For decades, four meatpacking giants have used their monopoly power to drive up grocery bills and squeeze out the farmers and ranchers who feed America,” said Morgan Harper, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the American Economic Liberties Project. “Rep. Jayapal’s bill takes direct aim at the root of the problem by breaking up the big four meatpackers and restoring real competition. Americans deserve food markets that reward hard work, not corporate gatekeepers. Congress should seize this opportunity to stand with families, farmers, and independent businesses instead of monopoly power.”\n\nThe Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act is also sponsored by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesus G. \"Chuy\" Garcia (IL-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Henry C. (\"Hank\") Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), Emily Randall (WA-06), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).\n\nIt is endorsed by American Economic Liberties Project (AELP), Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment (CFFE), Consumer Federation of America, Demand Progress, Farm Action Fund, Food & Water Watch, Groundwork Action, Montana Cattlemen's Association (MCA), National Family Farm Coalition (NFCC), Open Markets Institute (OMI), and Small Business Majority.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=16584", "title": "WATCH: CARTER SPEAKS OUT AGAINST UNNECESSARY ANIMAL TESTING", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "buddycarter.house.gov", "scraper": "buddycarter", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001103", "name": "Earl L. \"Buddy\" Carter", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today spoke on the House Floor in support of his bill, the FDA Modernization Act 3.0. This bipartisan legislation would bring the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulations into the 21st century by recognizing modern, safe, and effective alternatives to traditional animal testing when possible.\n\nThe bill requires the FDA to update outdated regulations to reflect current law, providing researchers with greater flexibility to use innovative nonclinical testing methods without compromising the agency's gold standard for drug safety and effectiveness.\n\nWatch Rep. Carter’s floor remarks here:\n\n“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 2821, the FDA Modernization Act 3.0, bipartisan legislation that ensures the FDA fully embraces modern science while reducing unnecessary animal testing.\n\nMany of our families would feel incomplete without the pets and animals that bring unconditional love into our lives.\n\nYet every year, millions of animals, including dogs, man's best friend, are still subjected to testing in the development of new medicines.\n\nAs policymakers, we have a responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves.\n\nThat responsibility includes embracing scientific innovation that can reduce unnecessary animal suffering while continuing to deliver safe and effective treatments to patients.\n\nIn 2022, Congress took an important first step by passing the FDA Modernization Act 2.0.\n\nI was proud to help lead that effort.\n\nThat law gave drug developers the ability to use modern, scientifically validated alternatives to traditional animal testing when appropriate.\n\nCongress made its intent clear.\n\nWe wanted to encourage more effective, more humane, and more innovative approaches to drug development.\n\nUnfortunately, the previous administration failed to fully implement the law.\n\nWithout clear implementation, too many researchers have lacked the certainty they need, and too many animals continue to be used in testing that modern science can increasingly replace.\n\nH.R. 2821 ensures the FDA finally carries out the will of Congress.\n\nThis bill is not about lowering standards. It is about raising them.\n\nToday's researchers have access to technologies that simply did not exist a generation ago.\n\nAdvanced human cell models. Organ-on-a-chip technology. Artificial intelligence and computational modeling.\n\nThese innovative tools have the potential to better predict how medicines will perform in humans while reducing reliance on animal testing.\n\nOur laws should reflect the science of today, not the science of decades past.\n\nModernizing drug development doesn't just benefit animals. It benefits patients.\n\nBy providing greater clarity and encouraging the use of validated alternative methods, we can help make the drug development process more efficient.\n\nThat means fewer unnecessary delays and more innovation.\n\nAnd ultimately, that means lifesaving treatments can reach patients more quickly without compromising the FDA's rigorous standards for safety and effectiveness.\n\nThis is a commonsense, bipartisan bill. It reflects a simple principle.\n\nWe can advance medical innovation while improving animal welfare.\n\nThose goals are not in conflict. In fact, they go hand in hand.\n\nMr. Speaker, the FDA Modernization Act 3.0 fulfills the promise Congress made when we passed FDA Modernization Act 2.0.\n\nIt ensures that modern science is fully incorporated into our regulatory process.\n\nIt helps reduce unnecessary animal testing and strengthens American medical innovation.\n\nAnd it helps bring new therapies to patients more efficiently.\n\nI urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2821, the FDA Modernization Act 3.0.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=16585", "title": "Carter bill reducing unnecessary animal testing passes House", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "buddycarter.house.gov", "scraper": "buddycarter", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001103", "name": "Earl L. \"Buddy\" Carter", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today celebrated the House passage of the FDA Modernization Act 3.0, a bill directing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fully implement provisions to reduce unnecessary animal testing for drug development.\n\nEach year in the United States, millions of animals – including an estimated 50,000 dogs – are used in laboratory experiments and testing. This bill would require the FDA to fully implement the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, ensuring that safe and effective treatments are developed using advanced, innovative non-animal testing methods when possible.\n\n“The House passage of the FDA Modernization Act 3.0 marks a major step toward a more modern, effective, and humane system for evaluating medicines,” said Rep. Carter. “My bill will help update testing practices to reduce unnecessary animal harm, remove barriers to innovative, safe, and effective non-animal testing methods, and ensure the FDA’s implementation fully reflects both the law and today’s scientific capabilities.”\n\n“Patients deserve access to the most advanced medical technology available. The FDA Modernization Act 3.0 ensures that drug testing reflects today's innovations, helping to bring promising healthcare to families faster without compromising safety through unnecessary reliance on animal testing,” said Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL). “As the Health Subcommittee Chairman of Ways and Means and the champion of the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, I am proud to see my bill's impact be reinforced by this critical piece of legislation.”\n\n\"This bill will transform drug development for the 21st century. By requiring full implementation of the FDA Modernization Act 3.0, this legislation ensures that developers use innovative, more effective testing methods throughout drug development, rather than relying on outdated and inhumane animal tests. It’s a win for patients, a win for innovation, and a win for animal welfare. I’m proud to champion this bipartisan measure to accelerate safer, more humane, and more effective medical breakthroughs,” said Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA).\n\n“Today’s floor vote is another important step toward modernizing how we bring safe and effective drugs to market,” said Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN). “The FDA has the authority to move beyond outdated, cruel testing methods, and our bill simply directs the FDA to follow through and update its regulations accordingly. I’m proud to work alongside Congressman Buddy Carter and my colleagues to keep this bipartisan effort moving forward.”\n\n\"Four years ago, many people believed eliminating the archaic animal testing mandate in federal law was impossible. Today, Congress is completing that work, thanks in considerable part to the incredible leadership of Congressman Buddy Carter,\" said Wayne Pacelle, President, Center for a Humane Economy, Animal Wellness Action. \"FDA Modernization Act 3.0 will help us fix a broken drug development system and stop putting dogs and primates through needless torment.\"\n\nRead bill text here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-kat-cammack-calls-immediate-house-vote-resolution-requiring", "title": "Congresswoman Kat Cammack Calls for Immediate House Vote on Resolution Requiring Background Checks for All Congressional Staff", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "cammack.house.gov", "scraper": "cammack", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001039", "name": "Kat Cammack", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) today called on the House to immediately bring H.Res. 500 to the floor for a vote. The resolution would strengthen security standards for congressional staff by requiring criminal background checks and public disclosure of foreign government payments, contracts, and citizenship.\n\nThe renewed push comes as congressional staff security has drawn renewed public attention, underscoring the need for stronger vetting and transparency standards in the House of Representatives.\n\n“Congressional staff handle Americans’ most sensitive personal information every day, from Social Security numbers on casework files to veterans’ records,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “Americans are shocked when they learn that those staffers face no required background check. Federal employees across the executive branch are vetted before they ever get a badge. Not here. That should concern every member of Congress, regardless of party.”\n\nIntroduced by Rep. Cammack earlier this Congress, H.Res. 500 would amend the Rules of the House of Representatives to:\n\nRequire background checks for House employees;\n\nRequire disclosure if a House employee has received payments from, or entered into contracts or agreements with, a foreign government during the three years before beginning House employment;\n\nRequire disclosure if a House employee is a citizen or national of a foreign country;\n\nRequire those disclosures to be filed with the Clerk of the House and made publicly available; and\n\nApply these disclosure requirements to both current House employees and new hires.\n\nRep. Cammack noted that despite introducing the resolution, efforts to move it forward have repeatedly stalled.\n\n\"I introduced H.Res. 500 more than a year ago to fix this,” Rep. Cammack continued. “First, I was told it needed 100 cosponsors before it could be considered. Then I was told background checks couldn’t be done. Then I was told that disclosures couldn’t be published. The excuses keep changing, while the security risk stays the same.”\n\nRep. Cammack also called on Americans to urge their Representatives to support the resolution.\n\n“The solution is already written. Now the House needs to act. The American people have a right to know who is working on their behalf. Call your Representative and tell them to support H.Res. 500.”\n\nThe full text of H.Res. 500 is available at: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/500/text.\n\n###\n\nCongresswoman Kat Cammack proudly represents Florida's 3rd Congressional District. She sits on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and is the lone Florida Representative on the House Committee on Agriculture.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4956", "title": "Case Statement On The Death Of First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan Of Hawaii", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "domain": "case.house.gov", "scraper": "case", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001055", "name": "Ed Case", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) issued the following statement on the death of 1st Lieutenant Tyler Feehan of Ewa Beach in Jordan.\n\n“I join all of our Hawai’i in mourning the passing in Jordan of United States Army First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan of ‘Ewa Beach. The loss of any of our servicemembers is tragic, but of one of our own ‘ohana is especially deep. I extend my deepest sympathies to Lt Feehan’s family with our Hawaii’s lasting gratitude for his service to our country.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415764", "title": "“Turning medical waste into medical miracles”House passes Smith’s legislation to reauthorize and expand funding for umbilical cord blood stem cell research", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)’s legislation to authorize more than $280 million over five years for two collaborative programs that provide lifesaving treatments and therapies derived from ethically-sourced stem cell lines.\n\nThe bipartisan legislation—the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 (HR 5160)—was introduced in September with the strong backing of Reps. Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), and Claudia Tenney (R-NY).\n\nWhile speaking on the House floor in favor of his legislation, Smith said, “The bill before us today authorizes $280 million for these programs over 5 years—$115 million for cord blood and $165 million for the bone marrow program—to ensure that thousands of present and future patients benefit from this exciting field of regenerative medicine.”\n\nRep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) debates on the House floor in support of his Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025.\n\nHR 5160 reauthorizes the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 (PL 109-129)—authored and championed by Smith over twenty years ago—which formally established and expanded the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program (CWBYCTP), created the National Cord Blood Inventory (NCBI), and connected patients with genetically-matched and ethically-gleaned stem cells.\n\n“The law created a new nationwide umbilical cord blood stem cell program designed to collect, derive, type, and cryogenically freeze cord blood units for transplantation into patients to mitigate and cure serious disease. Pursuant to the law, it also provided cord blood stem cells for research,” noted Smith.\n\nSince its inception, the NCBI, which provides funding to public cord blood banks to expand the national inventory of cord blood units available for transplanting, has led to an incredible increase of over 121,000 available units. And the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), which lists the number of available cord blood units, has identified more than 43 million potential marrow donors around the world and facilitated over 150,000 transplants.\n\nSmith underscored the medical breakthroughs made possible through umbilical cord blood stem cell treatments, noting that they “have proven to be highly efficacious in treating over 75 diseases, including lymphoma, leukemia, sickle cell disease, and other metabolic and immune deficiencies.”\n\nDr. Joanne Kurtzberg speaks at a press conference for the introduction of Smith's HR 5160 on September 10, 2025.\n\nQuoting Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg of Duke University School of Medicine—who helped draft the original Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act over 26 years ago—Smith further explained that “‘cord blood is also used as starting material for manufacturing immune effector cells, like CAR-T cells and others, to treat patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases. There is exciting research using cord blood to treat children with cerebral palsy, birth asphyxia, and autism.’”\n\nAhead of today’s House vote on HR 5160, Dr. Kurtzberg also told Smith that he is “doing so many wonderful things” and that “none of this”—i.e., the growing number of successful umbilical cord blood stem cell transplants and lives subsequently saved—\"could have occurred without this legislation and the NCBI.”\n\n“Not only has God, in His infinite wisdom and goodness, created a placenta and an umbilical cord to nurture and protect the precious life of an unborn child—but now, we know that another gift awaits immediately after birth,” concluded Smith. “Something very special is left behind: cord blood that is teeming with lifesaving stem cells.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415767", "title": "“I’ve been working on Lyme disease since 1992. I introduced my first bill of several—the Lyme Disease Initiative Act of 1998—almost 30 years ago.”House overwhelmingly approves Smith’s legislation to continue and enhance funding for Lyme disease research at CDC", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) to provide $150 million over five years in continued funding for Lyme disease research at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).\n\nDuring debate on the Kay Hagan Tick Act reauthorization (HR 4348) on the House floor, Smith quoted U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., saying that “‘Lyme disease remains one of the Nation’s fastest-growing vector-borne health threats. More than 476,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year, and recent data show emergency room visits for tick bites reached their highest springtime level in nearly a decade.’”\n\nSmith further explained, “Vector borne diseases are now endemic in regions of the country where they have not historically been present. Disease-laden ticks are now found in all 48 contiguous U.S. states. The problem is exploding—not abating.\n\n“It is therefore critical that Congress take immediate action to support and sustain ongoing comprehensive efforts to combat these insidious diseases that kill and disable,” continued Smith, the founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Caucus.\n\nHR 4348—which reauthorizes Smith’s TICK Act (PL 116-94)—will allocate federal monies for the CDC’s regional Centers of Excellence and provide funding for states in regions that have an elevated risk of Lyme or other tick-borne disease outbreaks, enabling them to work in tandem with the federal government to quickly identify and address such outbreaks.\n\n“HR 4348 supports this whole-of-government assault on Lyme and other vector-borne diseases and again authorizes $50 million over five years for the regional Centers of Excellence, which coordinate with academia and local public health agencies to conduct research on Lyme in their areas and train public health professionals to identify and treat Lyme,” noted Smith.\n\n“Finally, HR 4348, again, as we did in the original law, authorizes cooperative agreement funding for states and localities—$100 million over five years—to tangibly assist state public health departments and other local entities to support the development and implementation of evidence-based research, interventions, and treatment,” he continued.\n\nSince 1992, Smith has authored numerous amendments and legislation to improve the lives and prognoses of those suffering from Lyme disease by enhancing and expanding federal tick-borne disease research, awareness, and collaboration.\n\nMost recently—in February of this year—Smith authored and introduced the LymeX Authorization Act (HR 7482), legislation to codify and authorize $5 million towards the LymeX Accelerator Program (LymeX), a public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, which funds prize competitions to advance innovation in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease.\n\nMoreover, in December of last year, Smith’s amendment to probe whether the Cold War-era Department of War bioweapons program ever used ticks as hosts or delivery mechanisms for biological warfare agents was included within the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was later signed into law (PL 119-60) by President Trump.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-fema-grants-shelby-county-and-memphis", "title": "Congressman Cohen Announces FEMA Grants to Shelby County and Memphis Shelby County Schools", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cohen.house.gov", "scraper": "cohen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001068", "name": "Steve Cohen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing grants to Shelby County and to Memphis Shelby County Schools. Shelby County will receive $190,926 for its warning and alert system, which represents 75 percent of the cost. Memphis Shelby County Schools will receive $224,908 for security camera repairs and replacements, also repenting 75 percent of the total cost.\n\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\n\n“Two recent severe storms did serious damage to our safety infrastructure. I’m pleased to see these federal investments being made to shore up our ability to alert the public and critical first responders when a disaster threatens our region.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-statement-passing-former-member-congress-tim-murphy", "title": "Cole Statement on the Passing of Former Member of Congress Tim Murphy", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cole.house.gov", "scraper": "cole", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001053", "name": "Tom Cole", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after hearing of the passing of a former member of Congress from Pennsylvania, Tim Murphy:\n\n“I am incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of my former congressional classmate and friend, Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania. Tim was a man who truly dedicated his life to serving others, leaving behind a legacy defined by his unwavering commitment to our great nation.\n\n“Tim served his state in the Pennsylvania State Senate and then went on to represent his community in the United States House of Representatives. During his time in Washington, he was an active and productive member of our Conference, serving his constituents with dedication and passion.\n\n“In 2009, while representing Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District in Congress, he decided to expand his service by joining and earning a commission in the United States military. He was a passionate advocate for those living with PTSD, providing support to countless service members and veterans. All of this proves one thing to be true: Tim Murphy was a long-time public servant. He served our nation through both the legislative branch and the military, touching countless lives along the way, and his service will not be forgotten.\n\n“My thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with his family, his friends, and all of those who had the pleasure of working with and knowing Tim Murphy. May he rest in peace,” said Congressman Cole.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-secures-34-million-federal-investment-grow-kansas-citys", "title": "Davids Secures $34 Million Federal Investment to Grow Kansas City's Biomanufacturing Industry, Create Good-Paying Jobs", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "davids.house.gov", "scraper": "davids", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000629", "name": "Sharice Davids", "party": "Democrat", "state": "KS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded $33.5 million to the Kansas City BioSecure Manufacturing Tech Hub (KC BioHub). The major grant will help expand the region's leadership in biomanufacturing, strengthen domestic supply chains for lifesaving medicines, and create good-paying jobs. The Tech Hubs program and this funding was created through the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which Davids voted to pass.\n\n\"This is a huge win for Kansas City,\" said Davids. \"Our region has everything it takes to lead the future of medical innovation, and this investment is proof that the rest of the country sees that, too. It will help create good-paying jobs, strengthen our regional economy, and reinforce America's supply chains and national security. I'm proud to have helped make this possible, and I'll keep fighting to bring more opportunities like this home to Kansas.\"\n\n“This award is a vote of confidence in the strength of our regional assets, the depth of our relationships with our partners, and the promise of our shared vision for the future,” said Melissa Roberts Chapman, President & Regional Innovation Officer, KC BioHub. “Together, we have demonstrated that our region has the talent, infrastructure, partnerships, and innovation necessary to onshore the manufacturing of biologics. As a consortium, we have positioned the Kansas City region to lead in the global race to build the next great biotech ecosystem.”\n\nThe award marks the latest milestone for the KC BioHub. In 2023, the Kansas City region was selected as one of only 31 inaugural Tech Hubs nationwide because of its unique strengths in biotechnology and biomanufacturing. In 2024, after narrowly missing out on the first round of implementation funding, the consortium received a $500,000 award to continue developing projects and preparing for future investment. Today's announcement builds on that progress by providing approximately $34 million to help bring the region's vision to life.\n\nLed by BioNexus KC, the KC BioHub brings together businesses, research universities, hospitals, entrepreneurs, workforce partners, and state and local governments to position the region as a global leader in biomanufacturing. The consortium focuses on developing and manufacturing biologic medicines and cancer therapies, strengthening domestic production of critical medical technologies, and helping new biotechnology companies grow and commercialize their discoveries more quickly. The investment is expected to accelerate innovation, attract additional private investment, and support the growth of a highly skilled workforce in the region.\n\nDavids has long championed federal investments that strengthen the Kansas economy and create opportunities for workers. She voted for the bipartisanCHIPS and Science Act, which established the Tech Hub program to ensure that the technologies of the future are developed and manufactured in the United States. Davids urged the administration multiple times to grant this designation and led a discussion with senior Department of Commerce officials, local leaders, manufacturers, and researchers to discuss implementation of the bill, including Kansas City's Tech Hub designation.\n\nSince the Kansas City region was first designated as a Tech Hub, Davids has worked alongside regional partners to advocate for continued federal investment and highlight the area's unique strengths in biotechnology, animal health, and advanced manufacturing.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://davidson.house.gov/2026/7/davidson-introduces-amendments-to-offset-reconciliation-spending-by-cutting-waste-fraud-and-abuse", "title": "Davidson Introduces Amendments to Offset Reconciliation Spending by Cutting Waste, Fraud, and Abuse", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://davidson.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "davidson.house.gov", "scraper": "davidson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000626", "name": "Warren Davidson", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, July 20, 2026, U.S. Representative Warren Davidson (R-OH) submitted four amendments to the fiscal year 2027 budget resolution that would require Congress to cut waste, fraud, and abuse and achieve substantial deficit reduction as part of a proposed third reconciliation package.\n\nThis week, the House is considering H. Con. Res. 113, which would establish the budget framework and reconciliation instructions for legislation addressing national defense, farm assistance, and election integrity. As currently written, the resolution would permit adding up to $95 billion to the deficit without requiring corresponding spending reductions.\n\n“Washington’s deficit spending is out of control,” said Davidson. “Every dollar Congress borrows fuels inflation, erodes Americans’ purchasing power, and saddles future generations with more debt. The federal government wastes hundreds of billions of dollars every year through fraud, improper payments, duplication, and failed programs. Finding $95 billion in savings is easy. My amendments would require Congress to pay for this spending package by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse already identified by DOGE, the Republican Study Committee, and the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Congress should cut waste before asking taxpayers - or our children - to foot the bill.”\n\nDavidson introduced four alternatives that would require increasingly significant deficit reduction over fiscal years 2027 through 2036:\n\nThe first amendment would require at least $950 billion in deficit reduction by directing the House Committee on Ways and Means to reduce the deficit by at least $750 billion and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to reduce the deficit by at least $200 billion.\n\nThe second amendment would require at least $1.25 trillion in deficit reduction by directing the Committee on Ways and Means to reduce the deficit by at least $1 trillion and the Committee on Energy and Commerce to reduce the deficit by at least $250 billion.\n\nThe third amendment would require at least $2.6 trillion in deficit reduction by directing the Committee on Agriculture to reduce the deficit by at least $100 billion, the Committee on Ways and Means to reduce the deficit by at least $2 trillion, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce to reduce the deficit by at least $500 billion.\n\nThe fourth amendment would require at least $3.95 trillion in deficit reduction by directing the Committee on Agriculture to reduce the deficit by at least $200 billion, the Committee on Energy and Commerce to reduce the deficit by at least $750 billion, and the Committee on Ways and Means to reduce the deficit by at least $3 trillion. The amendment would also dedicate all savings achieved under those reconciliation instructions to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund to help protect Social Security's long-term solvency.\n\nDavidson has identified potential reconciliation offsets within the jurisdiction of these committees, including:\n\nCombating Medicaid and Affordable Care Act fraud and improper payments.\n\nPhasing out Medicaid provider taxes that allow states to shift a greater share of their costs to federal taxpayers.\n\nStrengthening income, identity, citizenship, employer-coverage, and household-eligibility verification for ACA subsidies.\n\nIncreasing state SNAP cost-sharing and strengthening work requirements.\n\nLimiting broad-based categorical eligibility for SNAP.\n\nExpanding healthcare price transparency and program-integrity enforcement.\n\nRestoring spending reductions and reforms removed from previous reconciliation legislation.\n\nView Rep. Davidson’s full list of potential offsets HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://davidson.house.gov/2026/7/davidson-warns-about-the-global-expansion-of-censorship-and-surveillance", "title": "Davidson Warns About the Global Expansion of Censorship and Surveillance", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://davidson.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "davidson.house.gov", "scraper": "davidson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000626", "name": "Warren Davidson", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, July 20, 2026, U.S. Representative Warren Davidson (R-OH) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives about the growing use of technology by governments to suppress information, erase inconvenient truths, and control what people are allowed to see and share.\n\nUsing the recent censorship surrounding a deadly crash in Beijing as an example, Davidson warned that the Chinese Communist Party’s system of digital surveillance and information control is no longer confined to China. Similar tools and legal frameworks are increasingly being adopted across the world, threatening free speech, privacy, and individual liberty.\n\nTo watch Rep. Davidson’s speech, click HERE, or read his remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nThank you, Madam Speaker.\n\nLast month, a plane crashed into one of the tallest buildings in Beijing during Friday rush hour. The pilot was killed and 13 people were injured.\n\nThis happened in the center of a city of more than 20 million people. Thousands of people nearby saw the plane strike the building. People on the street heard the impact and recorded the aftermath.\n\nIn the United States, an event like this would receive wall-to-wall coverage, and videos would spread across social media within minutes. But in Beijing, the government made it nearly impossible for anyone who was not there to even know it happened.\n\nPosts about the crash vanished from Chinese social media, and searches for the building returned only older results. Police prevented people from taking pictures and ordered witnesses to delete footage. Even though China’s national broadcaster sits across the street from the crash site, state media neglected to inform the public what happened.\n\nBecause China’s censorship apparatus links police surveillance with telecommunications networks, search engines, social-media platforms, and state-controlled media, it allows authorities to identify and suppress information that could embarrass the Communist Party or undermine their preferred narrative with frightening efficiency.\n\nChina has used these methods before. During the 2022 lockdown protests, videos disappeared from Huawei phones without warning, deleting their pictures and videos from their phones and preventing citizens from preserving or sharing what was happening.\n\nGeorge Orwell warned about this sort of coercive power. Now, this dystopian system is even more efficient and powerful with smartphones, search engines, surveillance cameras, and government-controlled platforms. China has shown how effectively this machinery can erase the truth, and other governments are now creating systems that could be used the same way.\n\nThe European Union is building the legal and regulatory framework to control online speech across the West. Through the Digital Services Act, regulators can pressure major platforms to remove or suppress content that conflicts with official narratives on elections, public policy, and other political issues. Companies that resist can face penalties tied to their global revenue, giving governments enormous leverage over what people are allowed to see online.\n\nThe United Kingdom has incorporated digital ID and is already jailing thousands of its citizens for disfavored speech.\n\nHere in the United States, this was well underway. When Elon Musk bought Twitter, the Biden Administration was working to build a “Disinformation Governance Board” to coordinate their rapidly expanding censorship operations. Orwell called this the “Ministry of Truth”.\n\nUnfortunately, Musk’s ownership of Twitter only exposed the truth. That and the change of administration have not halted the surveillance state here in America. Under the same guise of protecting kids used by the UK, the USA just passed a digital ID bill. Under the guise of banning Central Bank Digital Currency, the United States effectively set a go-live date for 2030. And under the old ruse of security and public safety, Palantir and Flock have an all-seeing eye network expanding around the country.\n\nThese are the same types of tools used in China, and the same tools developed by the same companies, in use across Europe.\n\nAs James Madison astutely noted in Federalist 51, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary.” If men were angels, the Patriot Act and Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act would have never been abused, but the abuse was foreseeable because men – even good men – are prone to abuse power. The old maxim: power corrupts but absolute power corrupts absolutely rings true.\n\nAround the world, technology is being turned against the citizens by those in power. A comprehensive system of surveillance, coercion, and control is being built. If you cannot see it, it may already be too late.\n\nFreedom surrendered is rarely reclaimed. With every vote and every dollar, now is the time to insist that good governments defend freedom.\n\nThank you. I yield back.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7118", "title": "Dingell, Colleagues Express Concern Over Threats to Great Lakes Posed by Invasive Species", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell and four of her House colleagues expressed concerns to the Trump Administration over the growing number of invasive species in the Great Lakes. In a letter sent to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the lawmakers said the agency may be putting the entire Great Lakes ecosystem at risk by exempting existing “Lakers,” a specialized class of large commercial cargo ships or bulk carriers that operate within the Great Lakes, from its rule requiring cargo ships to install ballast water-treatment systems that remove or kill invasive species.\n\nCongresswoman Dingell was joined in the oversight effort by U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), and Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13).\n\nA copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:\n\nDear Administrator Zeldin:\n\nThis letter expresses concern regarding the growing number of invasive species establishing themselves across the Great Lakes. We are concerned that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may be putting the entire Great Lakes ecosystem at risk by exempting existing Lakers from its rule requiring ballast water management systems on cargo vessels.\n\nIn April 2026, bloody red shrimp were determined to have officially established themselves in Lake Superior. This was the last Great Lake to be free from invasive shrimp. The bloody red shrimp, native to Europe and Asia, were first introduced to the lower Great Lakes over twenty years ago through ballast water discharge. While the shrimp themselves are small they, like all invasive species, can have an outsize and unpredictable impact on their ecosystem. The Great Lakes region will have to manage the changes resulting from their establishment for generations. Red bloody shrimp are not the first invasive species to spread through ballast water and, with the current EPA rule exemption in place, they will probably not be the last.\n\nEPA’s rule to require ballast water management systems for ocean-going vessels and new Lakers should be lauded and is an important step towards preventing the continued transfer of invasive species. However, the Lakers that are exempted from the rule account for 92% of the U.S. fleet. Ballast water management systems kill living organisms before discharging the ballast water to prevent invasive species spread and Lakers can be retrofitted to support these systems, as Canada has proven with their Laker fleet. Exempting the existing Lakers from the rule leaves the Great Lakes unprotected.\n\nThe Great Lakes are the largest surface freshwater system in the world, holding nearly 21 percent of the world’s fresh water supply and 90 percent of the United States’ fresh water supply. They are a key economic engine for the region that generates billions of dollars. Invasive species put all of this at risk, and we ask the EPA to keep this in mind. It is far less expensive to invest in preventative actions than to manage the fall out of continued invasive species establishments, particularly when it is unknown what risk each new invasive species will pose to the Great Lakes.\n\nThe Vessel Incidental Discharge Act of 2018 marked a historic step forward in combating invasive species in ballast water. We encourage the EPA to apply their rule equally to all cargo vessels, requiring ballast water treatment systems to be implemented no matter when a ship was built or how long it operates, and to maintain its commitment to safeguarding the Great Lakes from invasive species.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-degettes-bill-boosting-down-syndrome-research", "title": "House Passes DeGette’s Bill Boosting Down Syndrome Research", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "degette.house.gov", "scraper": "degette", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000197", "name": "Diana DeGette", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3491, the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act, which would advance innovative research into Down syndrome. Representative Diana DeGette (CO-01), who led the bill, along with Representatives Richard Hudson (NC-09), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Tom Cole (OK-04), and Pete Stauber (MN-08) released the following statement:\n\n\"Today’s passage of the INCLUDE Project Act shows what we can achieve when we make Down syndrome research a true bipartisan priority,\" said DeGette. \"By advancing this critical legislation, we are showing our commitment to improving health outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome. Colorado is already leading the way as home to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and their affiliate, the Linda Crnic Institute—the largest institute for Down syndrome research in the world. When this bill becomes law, we will be doubling down on our commitment to groundbreaking science and to the Down syndrome community.\"\n\n“People with Down syndrome enrich our families and communities in so many ways,” said Hudson. “I’m proud the House passed my bill to support research that can help them live longer, healthier lives and reach their full potential without barriers standing in their way.”\n\n“Biomedical research is essential,” said DeLauro. “We must do all we can to strengthen the resources that lead to lifesaving medical breakthroughs and help folks with Down syndrome live long, fulfilling lives. Since 2018, as the Ranking Member of the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, I am proud to have worked on a bipartisan basis to provide more than $400 million in funding for the more than 200 INCLUDE Project research grant awards at the National Institutes of Health. We must fight to protect that funding, and this legislation is a needed step to ensure there are no barriers to this important research.”\n\n“Advanced medical research has the potential to change lives – and the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act will do just that. Specifically, this legislation will strengthen the collaboration among institutes at the NIH, advance medical breakthroughs, and support Americans with down syndrome,” said Cole. “I’d like to thank Representative DeGette for taking the lead on this legislation, as we must do all we can to improve the lives of those with down syndrome.”\n\n“As a father of a son with Down syndrome, I understand the important role research plays in improving the lives of those with disabilities,” said Stauber. “I’m proud to help lead this effort to ensure continued investment in these life-changing discoveries. Every individual deserves a chance to thrive, and this legislation brings us one step closer to that goal.”\n\n“I have known Diana for 30 years, and throughout that time I have witnessed her extraordinary tenacity, bipartisan leadership, and ability to turn ambitious ideas into consequential legislation, and today’s unanimous House passage of the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act adds to her legacy,” said Michelle Sie Whitten, CEO & Co-founder of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. “GLOBAL’s advocacy, along with our allies in Congress, helped catalyze the NIH INCLUDE Project into existence as the first NIH-wide Down syndrome research program, and it is already transforming the field—driving important breakthroughs in inflammation and immune system dysregulation, Alzheimer’s disease, sleep apnea, hearing loss, cancer, and more. We are enormously grateful to Diana and her Republican lead partner, Congressman Richard Hudson, for bringing both sides of the aisle together and moving the bill one step closer to becoming law. Diana’s leadership sends a powerful message: people with Down syndrome matter, their health matters, and their futures are worth fighting for.”\n\n“NDSC strongly supports the INCLUDE Act and applauds the bipartisan leadership behind this important legislation,” said Jim Hudson, National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) Executive Director. “Continued investment in Down syndrome research is essential to improving health outcomes, expanding our understanding of co-occurring conditions, and enhancing quality of life for people with Down syndrome across the lifespan.”\n\nThe DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act formally authorizes the INCLUDE (INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndromE) Project, which was launched in June 2018 at the direction of Congress to conduct research on critical health and quality-of-life needs for individuals with Down syndrome. The project investigates conditions that affect individuals with Down syndrome and the general population, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, autism, cataracts, celiac disease, congenital heart disease, and diabetes.\n\nThe bill would expand clinical trials, investigate biomedical mechanisms of trisomy 21, and address the high prevalence of co-occurring conditions like Alzheimer’s and autoimmune diseases in this population.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4384", "title": "DelBene, Sewell, Chu, Khanna Introduce Bill to Crack Down on Wealthy Tax Evaders", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "delbene.house.gov", "scraper": "delbene", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000617", "name": "Suzan K. DelBene", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Terri Sewell (AL-07, Judy Chu (CA-28), and Ro Khanna (CA-17) introduced legislation to provide the IRS with the resources to improve taxpayer services and enhance tax enforcement focused on high-income tax evasion.\n\nThe Inflation Reduction Act included funding for the IRS to enhance taxpayer services, improve outdated technology systems, and target high-income tax evaders. This funding drastically improved customer service at the IRS. For example, in 2022, the average time to speak to an IRS customer service representative was 28 minutes. In 2023, it dropped to four minutes and then down to three minutes in 2024. Additionally, in 2024, $1.3 billion was recovered from high-income, high-wealth people under the IRA enforcement initiatives. Congressional Republicans cut this funding, making it harder for the IRS to enforce the tax code and provide services to taxpayers.\n\nThe Stop Corporations and High Earners from Avoiding Taxes and Enforce the Rules Strictly (CHEATERS) Act would restore the $83 billion in funding for the IRS, which would go to taxpayer services, enforcement, and modernizing the agency. These enforcement investments would ensure the wealthy and well-connected pay their fair share of taxes and is estimated to generate $998 billion in revenue, according to the Yale Budget Lab.\n\nThe $83 billion would be allocated as follows:\n\n$45.6 billion for enforcement efforts\n\n$25.4 billion for technology modernization\n\n$9.6 billion for taxpayer services improvements\n\n$3.1 billion for business systems enhancements\n\n“For too long, wealthy individuals and large corporations have gotten away with not paying their fair share of taxes,” said DelBene. “Instead of addressing this problem, Congressional Republicans continue to cut IRS funding which makes enforcement more difficult. This bill restores the necessary funding so the agency can ensure that the tax code is enforced fairly and ensure wealthy tax evaders pay their fair share.”\n\n“As working families continue to struggle to afford the rising cost of gas and groceries, Donald Trump and Republicans are rigging the economy to benefit themselves and their wealthy friends while dodging accountability. That is why I am proud to support the Stop CHEATERS Act to restore essential IRS funding and shift auditing and enforcement toward high-income individuals and large corporations,” said Sewell.\n\n“When the ultra-wealthy and corporations cheat our system by not paying their fair share of taxes, working-class taxpayers and our economy suffer. Unfortunately, Republicans have only greenlit millionaire and billionaire tax cheats by slashing IRS staffing and funding that Democrats have fought so hard to bolster,” said Chu. “Our bill would restore $83 billion in IRS funding to strengthen taxpayer services while ensuring the ultra-wealthy finally pay their fair share.”\n\n“Too many ultra-wealthy individuals and large corporations have exploited an underfunded IRS to avoid paying what they owe. The Stop CHEATERS Act gives the IRS the funding it needs to stop tax evasion by those at the top and would raise nearly $1 trillion in revenue over the next decade,” said Khanna.\n\nThe bill is cosponsored by Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Don Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Andre Carson (IN-07), Danny Davis (IL-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Jesús García (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), John Larson (CT-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), Sarah McBride (DE-At-Large), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At-Large), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Emily Randall (WA-06), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20).\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by AFL-CIO, AFSCME, American Federation of Teachers, Americans for Financial Reform, Americans for Tax Fairness, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Groundwork Action, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, Main Street Alliance, National Treasury Employees Union, Patriotic Millionaires, Progressive Policy Institute, Public Citizen, P Street, SEIU, Small Business for America’s Future, Small Business Majority, Take on Wall Street, Taxpayers for Common Sense, Tax the Greedy Billionaires, and Third Way.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4385", "title": "Trump’s Latest Canada Tariffs Will Hurt WA Workers, Damage Regional Economy", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "delbene.house.gov", "scraper": "delbene", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000617", "name": "Suzan K. DelBene", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on President Trump’s latest 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods.\n\n“Washington state and Canada’s economies are deeply intertwined, and our trading relationship is mutually beneficial. These new taxes will raise prices on American families and likely lead to retaliation against the very industries Trump purportedly wants to protect. The president continues to demonstrate to the American people why he shouldn’t be allowed to put more tariffs in place without Congress’ approval.\n\n“While we may have legitimate issues with the Canadians between our alcohol, dairy, and automotive producers, the right way to handle these concerns is through thoughtful policy and negotiations, not knee-jerk reactions from the White House.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://desaulnier.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-desaulnier-introduces-bill-protect-workers-wrongful-health", "title": "Congressman DeSaulnier Introduces Bill to Protect Workers from Wrongful Health Claim Denials", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://desaulnier.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "desaulnier.house.gov", "scraper": "desaulnier", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000623", "name": "Mark DeSaulnier", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Ranking Member Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), and Committee on Education and Workforce Members Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06), and Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12), introduced a series of bills designed to protect consumers from wrongful health claim denials by health insurers and group health plans.\n\nThe legislation follows the Committee Democrats’ recent report, titled Denied: How the Health Care Industry Stacks the Deck Against Working Families, which examined the growing problem of wrongful health claim denials and the consequences for workers and their families.\n\nHealth insurance is, fundamentally, a promise between consumers and their health plan,” said Committee on Education and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03). “When working people do their part by paying thousands of dollars every year for coverage— they expect their plan to cover the care they need. Too often, insurers break that promise by denying legitimate claims and shifting costs onto families who can least afford it.”\n\nThe Consumer Health Claim Assistance Act, Health Claim Denial Transparency Act, Consumer Appeal Rights Enforcement Act, and CLINIC Assistance Act directly respond to the report’s call for stronger transparency, oversight, and accountability to ensure insurance companies and health plans honor the coverage they promise and that families can access and afford the care they need.\n\nThe Consumer Health Claim Assistance Act, introduced by HELP Subcommittee Ranking Member DeSaulnier, establishes a program within the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) within the Department of Labor (DOL) to support consumers whose health claims are wrongfully denied. The bill directly addresses budgetary and staffing issues at EBSA by establishing a dedicated funding stream to support the program through an annual fee that will be paid by certain plans.\n\n“Americans’ ability to access quality, affordable healthcare is being undermined by corporate greed and improper denials of legitimate medical claims,” said HELP Ranking Member DeSaulnier. “I am proud to introduce the Consumer Health Claim Assistance Act that would help ensure the agency responsible for overseeing employer-sponsored health insurance is well equipped to assist consumers. It is past time we take decisive action to put the American people above profits.”\n\nTo read the bill text of the Consumer Health Claim Assistance Act, click here.\n\nTo read the fact sheet for the Consumer Health Claim Assistance Act, click here.\n\nTheHealth Claim Denial Transparency Act, introduced by Rep. McBath, sheds light on claim denial rates by forcing the Trump Administration’s DOL to implement a longstanding requirement of the Affordable Care Act(ACA) and recommendation from the DOL Office of the Inspector General for health plans to disclose how many claims for benefits they deny each year, as well as the number of claims subject to prior authorization and the use of artificial intelligence.\n\n“For too long, insurance companies have been able to deny claims behind closed doors. They have had no obligation to tell patients or regulators how often it happens or why,” said Rep. McBath. “The Health Claim Denial Transparency Act requires health plans to finally disclose their rates and explain more of their reasoning. The Affordable Care Act has required this kind of disclosure for years, but the Department of Labor has never enforced it. Families deserve to know that the health insurance that they pay into is actually working on their behalf.”\n\nTo read the bill text for the Health Claim Denial Transparency Act, click here.\n\nTo read the fact sheet for the Health Claim Denial Transparency Act, click here.\n\nThe Consumer Appeal Rights Enforcement Act, introduced by Rep. Lee, gives DOL the ability to impose civil monetary penalties to hold insurance companies, plans, and other actors accountable for violations of the full and fair review and internal appeal requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the ACA’s external review requirement.\n\n“Families pay thousands of dollars every year for health insurance with the expectation that it will be there when they need it. But instead, too many people are forced to fight through confusing appeals, endless paperwork, and corporate bureaucracy while they are sick, injured, or caring for someone they love,” said Rep. Lee. “Insurance companies should not be able to wrongfully deny care and then face no consequences for violating patients’ rights. This legislation gives the Department of Labor the power to hold bad actors accountable and makes clear that denying working people a fair appeal is not simply the cost of doing business.”\n\nTo read the bill text for the Consumer Appeal Rights Enforcement Act, click here.\n\nTo read the fact sheet for the Consumer Appeal Rights Enforcement Act, click here.\n\nThe CLINIC Assistance Act, introduced by Rep. Courtney, will supplement the DOL’s work and help rebuild access to consumer assistance by establishing a grant program through which the Secretary of Labor can provide funding to law schools to create programs to assist consumers whose benefits have been denied by health insurers and employee welfare benefit plans, directly helping working people and training a new generation of consumer advocates.\n\n“One of the disturbing trends in health care is the rising number of claim denials that patients seeking urgently needed medically necessary treatment are left with,” said Rep. Courtney. “By establishing a federal grant program through the Department of Labor to support law clinics that specialize in navigating the complex insurance appeals process, we can provide American patients, at no expense, with the expertise – and people – on their side when they’re wrongfully denied coverage.”\n\nTo read the full bill text of the CLINIC Assistance Act, click here.\n\nTo read the fact sheet for the CLINIC Assistance Act, click here.\n\nBackground\n\nOn June 18, 2024, HELP Subcommittee Ranking Member DeSaulnier and Full Committee Ranking Member Scott urged the Department of Labor to improve transparency for consumers after alarming reports of widespread denials of benefits by employment-based health plans. These plans cover more than 130 million Americans and are subject to important consumer protections under ERISA.\n\nOn November 18, 2025, Ranking Members DeSaulnier and Scott led House health leaders in urging the Trump Administration to tackle wrongful claim denials by group health plans and insurance companies and secure coverage for working people under ERISA—the largest source of health insurance in the U.S.\n\nOn April 8, 2026, Education and Workforce Committee Democrats released a Committee report titled “Denied: How the Health Care Industry Stacks the Deck Against Working Families,” examining the growing problem of wrongful health claim denials and the consequences for workers and their families.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2635", "title": "Donalds Introduces the Protecting Ratepayers Act", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "donalds.house.gov", "scraper": "donalds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000032", "name": "Byron Donalds", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) has introduced the \"Protecting Ratepayers Act\" to ensure that private developers, rather than American taxpayers, bear the investment costs of data center developments that advance our country's technological dominance.\n\nIntroduced as the 27th piece of legislation by Congressman Donalds in the 119th Congress, this measure mandates that entities that build, own, or operate data centers derive all of their energy and water from alternative sources. This ensures these facilities do not interfere with the electric grid or the public water system.\n\nThis piece of legislation aims to protect American households from rising utility costs by requiring AI data centers to independently source water and power, bypassing public infrastructure. Additionally, this initiative codifies President Trump's Ratepayer Protection Pledge into law, ensuring corporate expansion does not strain public infrastructure.\n\n\"The next wave of technology and innovation shouldn’t come at the expense of hardworking Americans. Our outdated energy grid is already in desperate need of modernization and is not prepared to take on the power demands of data centers without impacting the wallets of our citizens,\" said Congressman Byron Donalds. \"That is why I’m proud to introduce the Protecting Ratepayers Act, which requires all new and existing data centers to generate and use their own power and water. This common-sense approach will ease the burden on individuals and households everywhere without stifling our economic growth.\"\n\nBACKGROUND:", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3278", "title": "Congresswoman Escobar Introduces Legislation to Prohibit Eminent Domain of Mt. Cristo Rey", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) introduced the Mount Cristo Rey Protection Act, legislation to prohibit the federal government from exercising eminent domain at Mount Cristo Rey, a sacred religious site that has served the El Paso and Southern New Mexico area since 1939.\n\nThis legislation follows the Trump Administration’s announcement that it intends to seize approximately 14 acres of land surrounding the base of Mount Cristo Rey to extend the southern border wall. Owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces, Mount Cristo Rey is a significant religious and cultural landmark, welcoming more than 40,000 pilgrims and visitors each year for Good Friday and other religious observances.\n\n“Mount Cristo Rey is a religious and cultural landmark that has been central to our community for generations,\" said Congresswoman Escobar. \"Rather than working with border communities to advance effective border security, the Trump Administration continues to disregard the people, history, and culture that make our region special. I will continue to fight for its preservation.”\n\n“For almost 100 years Mount Cristo Rey has been an iconic sacred site in our borderland region,\" said El Paso Bishop Mark J. Seitz. \"The mountain, with its 29-foot statue of Christ, is visible for many miles and stands at the border of two countries and three states. It has become for people in our region a holy site marking the unity of humanity and of faith that transcends borders. For the federal government to forcefully take this holy ground to build a tall barrier topped with razor wire would represent an overreach on the part of the government and create a sign that speaks, not of mutual respect and love, but of separation and rejection. As the Bishop of El Paso I support this Bill which would call the federal government to set aside a heavy-handed abuse of power against this sacred place. I am confident that through negotiation with the rightful owners of the property, the Church of Las Cruces, solutions can be found to provide for the deterrence of unauthorized entry into this country while at the same time preserving the integrity of Mount Cristo Rey.\"\n\n\"For generations, the faithful from the cities, farms and villages of the borderland have climbed Mount Cristo Rey and united as a single community for prayer and celebration at the feet of Christ the King,\" said Las Cruces Bishop Peter Baldacchino. \"In a world fractured by political, racial and economic divisions, Mount Cristo Rey stands out as both a powerful symbol of hope and peace and a literal pathway to unity. We are grateful for the actions of Rep. Escobar and other legislators in helping to preserve this important site for generations to come.\"\n\nThe Mount Cristo Rey Protection Act builds on Congresswoman Escobar’s ongoing efforts to protect Mount Cristo Rey. During the House Appropriations Committee consideration of the Fiscal Year 2027 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, Rep. Escobar offered an amendment to prohibit the use of federal funds to construct a border wall at Mount Cristo Rey. This amendment was rejected by House Republicans.\n\nSpecifically, the Mount Cristo Rey Protection Act would:", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/fleischmann-awarded-hero-of-main-street", "title": "Fleischmann Awarded ‘Hero of Main Street’", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fleischmann.house.gov", "scraper": "fleischmann", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000459", "name": "Charles J. \"Chuck\" Fleischmann", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON–– The National Retail Federation has named Representative Chuck Fleischmann as a “Hero of Main Street” for his support of the retail industry through legislation and his leadership in Congress.\n\n“The Volunteer State is proud to support millions of retail jobs that strengthen our economy and create opportunities for families across Tennessee. I have always been committed to advancing this vital industry by investing in workforce development and training programs. These efforts have helped Tennesseans secure good jobs, build rewarding careers, and provide for their loved ones. As the retail sector continues to evolve, I will remain dedicated to supporting initiatives that help our workforce thrive and keep Tennessee moving forward,” Fleischmann said.\n\nThe National Retail Federation stands as the world’s largest retail trade association, championing the people, brands, policies, and ideas that keep retail strong. Most retailers are small businesses, over 98 percent employ fewer than 50 people, making them the backbone of our communities and economy.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7434", "title": "Alim Garipov Released From Detention Following Community Advocacy", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "fletcher.house.gov", "scraper": "fletcher", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000468", "name": "Lizzie Fletcher", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Alim Garipov, a Bellaire High School student, was released from ICE detention following a community-wide advocacy effort. Immigration lawyer Olsa Alikaj-Cano of Cano Immigration PLLC, Congresswoman Fletcher (TX-07), and Alim’s family released the following joint statement:\n\n“We are relieved and grateful that Alim has finally been released from detention and reunited with his family.\n\n“This outcome came after a tireless, expeditious effort over the weekend, working in partnership to secure Alim’s release.\n\n“So many people across our city—his friends, teachers, coaches, and so many others—rallied behind Alim in support, and those who know him know it’s easy to understand why. He is an extraordinary young man with a bright future ahead of him. He loves his family and this country, and he has done everything the right way, legally, throughout this process.\n\n“Too many immigrant families in our community and across the country are facing similar uncertainty and separation, and we are actively working to help many others facing the same fear.\n\n“We will continue working to help members of our community in these challenging times, and we will continue to advocate for an end to the unfair and unjust policies that led to this heartbreaking situation in the first place. We hope that everyone who expressed concern for Alim will continue to do so for him and for others—it matters.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-seeks-answers-over-alleged-wage-violations-affecting-workers-at-epcot-restaurants", "title": "Congressman Maxwell Frost Seeks Answers Over Alleged Wage Violations Affecting Workers at EPCOT Restaurants", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "frost.house.gov", "scraper": "frost", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000476", "name": "Maxwell Frost", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), sent a letter to the executive leadership of Delaware North requesting answers about allegations that employees at Patina Group restaurants inside Disney's EPCOT Italy Pavilion were not paid for all of the hours they worked over several years.\n\nFollowing concerns raised by Central Florida constituents, Rep. Frost is seeking information about the company's timekeeping, payroll, overtime, and wage-and-hour practices as part of his congressional oversight responsibilities.\n\nIn the letter, Rep. Frost says:\n\n“I am writing regarding wage and hour practices at the Delaware North subsidiary Patina Group restaurants located inside Disney’s Epcot Italy Pavilion.\n\n“My office has been contacted by constituents regarding allegations made by four employees who claim that they were not compensated for all the hours they worked over several years. As a member of the Congressional Labor Caucus, who helps advance policies covering these matters, I am seeking additional information to better understand both the circumstances and the policies currently in place.\n\n“I am requesting answers to the following questions no later than August 3, 2026.\n\n1. What are your company policies for tracking employee work hours?\n\n2. What processes are in place to ensure employees are compensated for all hours worked, including work performed before or after their scheduled shifts?\n\n3. Are employees ever expected to perform work before or after their scheduled shifts?\n\na. If no, how is that policy communicated?\n\n4. How are overtime hours approved and compensated?\n\n5. What training do managers or supervisors receive regarding wage and hour practices?\n\n6. What procedures are in place for employees to report concerns about pay? How are those concerns addressed?\n\n7. Can you provide my office with any documentation regarding the payroll and timekeeping systems used at Patina Group restaurants located inside Disney’s Epcot Italy Pavilion?\n\nThank you for your time and attention to this important issue.”\n\nClick here for the full letter.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases/gillen-questions-former-fema-chief-nonprofit-security-grant-deadlines-and", "title": "Gillen Questions Former FEMA Chief on Nonprofit Security Grant Deadlines and Flood Resiliency in Coastal Communities", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "gillen.house.gov", "scraper": "gillen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000602", "name": "Laura Gillen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "A video of the full remarks is available HERE.\n\nWASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) questioned former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate in a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing on the agency's abbreviated application timeline for the FY2026 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). The application period gave New York houses of worship just ten days—including the Fourth of July holiday weekend—to apply for critical security funding.\n\nFugate said he would not oppose extending the application deadline and urged Congress to also consider legislation allowing NSGP funding to remain available into the next fiscal year, warning that otherwise the funds could expire before grants are awarded.\n\nGillen also questioned Fugate about strengthening flood resilience along critical roadways in coastal communities like Long Island, where flooding can impede emergency response and evacuation efforts. Fugate emphasized that resilient transportation infrastructure is essential for public safety and that roads should be built to withstand future climate risks so that taxpayers are not funding repairs after increasingly severe storms.\n\nOn questioning about extending the NSGP deadline:\n\nRep. Gillen: “I'm concerned that FEMA still has not awarded fiscal year 2025 nonprofit security grants on a timely basis, leaving vulnerable communities waiting. And second, while FEMA recently announced the fiscal year 2026 process, it gave states less than 30 days to review and submit all their applications.\n\nAnd as a result, New York State opened its portal on July 1st and then closed it on July 10th. So it gave houses of worship just ten days to apply over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Mr. Fugate, do you agree that FEMA should extend the deadline for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and do everything possible to give houses of worship a fair chance to apply for this funding?”\n\nAdministrator Fugate: “I wouldn't oppose it. As FEMA Administrator, I try to make it happen, but you got to remember we had Secretary [Noem] that shut down anything over $100,000, and they've got a tremendous backlog to cover. And also, these grants have to be spent within the fiscal year. So in addition to telling FEMA to extend it, [Congress] also needs to consider legislation to extend the funding into the next fiscal year so they don't die at the end of this calendar year.”\n\nOn questioning about the importance of federal investment in flood resilience:\n\nRep Gillen: “Mr. Fugate, as a former first responder and former administrator of FEMA, how important is it to the safety and well-being of Americans, particularly those in coastal communities like in my district, that the federal government invest in flood resiliency along our major travel corridors?”\n\nAdministrator Fugate: “Well, it's like asking, should the lights be on? You got to have it. If I can't get there, I can't respond to it. Roads are critical infrastructure, just like power.\n\nRep. Gillen has consistently fought for greater investments in flood resilience for Long Island. She previously fought to include an amendment in the FEMA Act that would require the FEMA Administrator to report to Congress on the national need for major flood resiliency investments to safeguard key travel corridors. It would also require FEMA to issue recommendations to Congress on ways to reduce flooding and secure our roadways.\n\nRep. Gillen recently co-led a bipartisan letter calling for FEMA to extend the NPSG deadline, which would allow New York nonprofits and houses of worship the appropriate amount of time to apply for this critical funding.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gillen-questions-director-space-commerce-offices-mission-authorization", "title": "Rep. Gillen Questions Director of Space Commerce on the Office's Mission Authorization Proposal", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "gillen.house.gov", "scraper": "gillen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000602", "name": "Laura Gillen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "A video of the full remarks is available HERE.\n\nWASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) questioned the Director of the Office of Space Commerce (OSC), Taylor Jordan, in a House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing on how the federal government can better support U.S. companies seeking to deploy technology in space and protect them against hostile foreign governments. Rep. Gillen questioned Director Jordan on how the Office’s new Space Commerce Certification to streamline the deployment of new space technologies would benefit American companies, including those on Long Island.\n\nRep. Gillen also examined what national security guardrails are in place to ensure that these companies are fully vetted so foreign companies and governments are not permitted to take advantage of the U.S. space commerce industry. Director Jordan responded that there will be an interagency effort to vet applications with input from the Department of War, NASA, and the Department of State. These agencies will be consulted for their expertise to certify that the companies that apply meet the necessary certifications.\n\nOn questioning what the incentive is for companies to participate in the Space Commerce Certification process:\n\nRep. Gillen: “I share [Chairman Babin's] concerns about this just being another regulatory burden for companies to have to overcome, and you mentioned that the process is voluntary. What is the real incentive for companies to get this certification?”\n\nDirector Jordan: “Thank you for the question, and that's a great one. That is at the core of why we did this. So there are gaps in regulations right now. Why we did this is because an industry, a company who has a novel mission, can put a license into the federal government, either through us, FAA, FCC, and it's no guarantee that they'll get an answer.\n\nSo what we're trying to do is to actually first get an answer, and that's step one for us. Step one is closing the regulatory gaps. Now, the second part of that is the voluntary nature. We want to provide incentive for companies to use this new system, and the incentive that we've come up with is if we can provide a streamlining of the different regulations where a company would put in one application to us, it could help satisfy portions of the FAA and the FCC's obligations for their own work.”\n\nOn questioning what national security guardrails have been established:\n\nRep. Gillen: “And as you're vetting the companies that are putting in for the certification, what kind of guardrails have you put in there to protect national security?”\n\nDirector Jordan: “Through the interagency, we will have the Department of War and NASA, FAA, FCC, State Department, all with the core U.S. government equities. And that's in addition to national security. There are international obligations, space safety.\n\nWe need their expertise to be able to have those conversations and ask the right questions with us. When there is a dispute over something through the interagency, we feel like we have built in a dispute resolution elevation process that we've modeled after our CRSRA license as well. So we feel like we will have the ability to seek resolution, but national security is extremely important, and the Department of War will absolutely be in the interagency process.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gillen-tours-new-malverne-police-headquarters-joins-ride-along-meets", "title": "Rep. Gillen Tours New Malverne Police Headquarters, Joins Ride-Along, Meets with Leadership", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "gillen.house.gov", "scraper": "gillen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000602", "name": "Laura Gillen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "MALVERNE, NY — Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) met with Village of Malverne Chief of Police Thomas Martini, PBA President Sergeant Castellano and joined Officer McCoy on a tour of the new headquarters and a ride-along in the Village. The officers briefed Rep. Gillen on the challenges facing the department and discussed ways the federal government and Congress can provide stronger support.\n\n“Thank you to Police Chief Tom Martini, Officer McCoy and the Malverne PBA for their dedication and service to our community,” said Rep. Gillen. “It was valuable to hear directly about the challenges they face and discuss how I can continue advocating for them in Washington. Whether it’s supporting critical COPS Hiring grant funding or helping secure the resources our officers need to keep themselves and our communities safe, I will continue working for our law enforcement and the families they protect.”\n\n\"On behalf of the members of the Malverne Police Department, I would like to thank Congresswoman Gillen for taking the time to visit our department and meet with us,\" said Chief Thomas Martini, Malverne Police Department. \"We truly appreciate her willingness to learn more about our operations and the needs of our department. We value her support and commitment to understanding the issues affecting local law enforcement and look forward to working together in the future.”\n\nThis visit follows Rep. Gillen’s meetings and ride-alongs with the Hempstead, Freeport and Lynbrook Police Departments and continues her efforts to meet directly with first responders across New York’s Fourth Congressional District.\n\nSince taking office, Rep. Gillen has been a strong advocate for law enforcement, bringing millions in new federal public safety funding to Nassau County. As a member of the bipartisan Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, Gillen introduced the Officer Wellness and Peer Support Act and has cosponsored the Protect and Serve Act, Invest to Protect Act and the HERO Act, which aims to improve the detection, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues among public safety officers.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perez-ends-a-successful-appropriations-season-with-a-number-of-policy-wins", "title": "Gluesenkamp Perez Ends a Successful Appropriations Season with a Number of Policy Wins", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "domain": "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "scraper": "gluesenkampperez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000600", "name": "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – As the Appropriations Committee markups come to a close, Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is proud to announce a total of 51 of her policy priorities have been included in appropriations bills. Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez became a member of the Appropriations Committee at the start of the 119th Congress in January 2025. She sits on the Subcommittee on Agriculture and the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government.\n\nThe Appropriations Committee is responsible for writing and amending the 12 pieces of legislation that fund the federal government. This process is critical to the function of the government and is a key oversight lever Congress can pull to make changes to governmental operations. Representatives can include provisions in either the base text of the bill or accompanying report, or in amendments, which are debated and have their inclusion in the bill voted on by the committee. This year, Rep Gluesenkamp Perez had 30 provisions included in the base text and 21 provisions in amendments adopted by the committee.\n\nAmong these 51 pieces of legislation, highlights include provisions to reduce the cost of childcare by streamlining regulations for food handling, funding and improvements for removal of invasive pinnipeds in the Columbia River, saving taxpayer dollars by creating a single House-managed Correspondence Management System, and a provision to strengthen recess in public schools. In total, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez spent approximately 86 hours voting in the Appropriations Committee on markups for all 12 funding bills.\n\n“When I’m at the gas station or the grocery store, people aren’t shy about coming up to me when they see the federal government isn’t working for them.” Said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, “On Appropriations, it’s my job to make sure those voices and those concerns are addressed in our funding decisions. I’m so proud of how much we’ve been able to get done for Southwest Washington this year.”\n\nA complete list of all provisions Rep Gluesenkamp Perez introduced can be found below, listed in alphabetical order by committee:\n\nThe 30 provisions included in the base text of the bills and reports are:\n\nCranberry Markets – The Committee is concerned by the challenges specialty crop producers, specifically cranberry growers, face in accessing global markets. The Committee encourages the Secretary to investigate and eliminate these challenges on cranberry farmers competing with Canadian market preference.\n\nPacific Shellfish Research Unit – The Committee directs USDA ARS to maintain and fully support the Ecology Division at the Pacific Shellfish Research Unit, specifically maintaining the research ecologist position and the appropriate support staff.\n\nFarm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Program – The Committee recognizes the mental health and suicide risks in rural and farm communities and the benefits of preventative care and encourages NIFA to consider peer-to-peer counseling through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Program.\n\nEuropean Green Crab – The Committee encourages APHIS to assist shellfish growers who have been impacted by the spread of European Green Crab\n\nVoluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA– HIP) – The Committee recognizes the important role of VPA–HIP in creating and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat and addressing a major barrier to hunting and fishing participation: lack of access to quality places to hunt and fish, including lakes, streams, wetlands, grasslands, forests, and agricultural land. This locally led, voluntary framework to incentivize private landowners to allow access for recreation stimulates rural economies by increasing hunting and fishing participation and enhances outdoor recreational opportunities nationwide. The Committee encourages NRCS to expedite the distribution of any funds allocated to this program and to support program continuity by issuing five-year grant awards\n\nSeafood in the National School Lunch Program – The Committee appreciates the focus on seafood in the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and encourages FNS to prioritize local and regional seafood in the National School Lunch Program.\n\nAccelerated FDA Reviews for Substance Use Disorder Treatments – The Committee encourages FDA to explore and, where appropriate, implement accelerated review approaches for qualifying substance use disorder treatments, including priority review, fast track designation, breakthrough therapy designation, and other expedited programs authorized under current law and available to the Commissioner. The Committee further encourages FDA to evaluate whether additional regulatory tools or administrative pathways could reduce development and review timelines for high-impact addiction treatments while maintaining rigorous standards for safety and efficacy.\n\nPinniped Removal – The Committee Recommendation provides $5,500,000 for Columbia River pinniped removals. The Committee reminds NOAA of the directive included in the Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying Public Law 119-74 requiring the study of pinniped removal strategies, and directs the NMFS to submit its findings within 90 days of the enactment of this Act. Additionally, the Committee encourages NMFS to identify ways to increase the number of annual takes to meet the annual potential biological removal level provided in Section 120f of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and establish additional removal strategies, such as seasonal takes to align with spring Chinook and winter Steelhead runs, community partnerships, and direct kill.\n\nMitchell Act Hatcheries – The recommendation provides $28,000,000 for the operation and maintenance of Mitchell Act hatcheries. NOAA is directed to limit the amount of Mitchell Act hatcheries funding withheld for administrative expenses to 10 percent.\n\nBurrowing Shrimp Control Study – The Committee appreciates the efforts underway to study control methods, including integrated pest management, for mud shrimp, Upogebia pugettensis and ghost shrimp, Neotrypaea californiensis and other species of native burrowing shrimp species on bottom culture oyster beds. The Committee directs NMFS to provide a briefing on study findings within 180 days of the enactment of this Act.\n\nShellfish Genetics and Breeding Program – The Committee recognizes the economic importance of shellfish aquaculture for rural and coastal communities and the need for resilient, healthy stocks. The Committee supports NOAA’s efforts to develop an improved stock, promote enhanced disease resiliency, modernize production technologies, and transfer technology and improved stocks to shellfish farmers.\n\nFraud Language – Instructs law enforcement to work together across jurisdictions to combat fraud and scams.\n\nThe Committee encourages the Department to prioritize grants available within the Weatherization Assistance Program for manufacturing housing skirting, awning, and other traditional means of energy efficiency.\n\nProhibits funds to finalize or implement the Safety Standard Addressing Blade-Contact Injuries on Table Saws.\n\nSearch and Rescue Activities – The Committee reiterates the critical work done by small local law enforcement to conduct search and rescue activities on Federal lands and the financial burden such activities impose. The Committee directs the Department of the Interior, in coordination with other relevant agencies, to provide a briefing not later than 120 days following the enactment of this Act on the frequency and cost of such operations, the adequacy of reimbursement mechanisms, and additional resources needed to support these activities.\n\nOutdoor Recreation – The Committee is concerned about the elevated suicide rates and mental health challenges facing law enforcement and first responders and recognizes the proven benefits of outdoor recreation. The Committee directs the Forest Service to provide a report not later than 90 days following the enactment of this Act on current activities and programs, or new opportunities, that support public law enforcement agencies and first responder agencies or volunteer agencies, specifically those related to community camp-style recreation.\n\nRoads – The Committee urges the Forest Service to provide a briefing no later than 180 days following the enactment of this Act on the impacts of decommissioning forest roads. The Committee encourages the Forest Service to consider the impacts future timber needs before decommissioning occurs.\n\nFood Preparation Impacts – The Committee is concerned that some State food safety regulations inadvertently limit access to fresh fruits and vegetables in child care settings. The Committee encourages the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture, to develop a classification for low-risk foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, that reflects the comparatively low risk of foodborne illness and other harms associated with food typically consumed raw or with minimal processing. The Committee further encourages the Secretaries to review and, as appropriate update, relevant nutrition, food safety, and food preparation regulations and guidance that may favor prepacked, ultra-processed foods, and to revise them to reflect such classification. The Committee also encourages the Departments to work with States to align their nutrition and food safety regulations with this approach so child care providers can prepare fresh fruits and vegetables for children.\n\nOpt-Out of Active Shooter Drills – None of the funds made available in this Act may be used by any local education agency to conduct student-involved active shooter drills in schools without first providing student participants under 16 years old with the ability to opt out of such exercises with parental or legal guardianship consent.\n\nTechnical Education in Middle School – The Committee notes Congress’ intent for Perkins funding to provide career and technical education for the “middle grades,” which may include 5th and 6th graders in some States. Where applicable, the Committee supports efforts to limit barriers of Federal support not reaching all eligible populations.\n\nDual Enrollment Pathways – The Committee continues to urge the Department, in coordination with local education agencies and institutions of higher education, to expand dual enrollment pathways for technical work, such as welding and shop class, and encourages the Secretary to offer additional technical assistance to schools to support this use.\n\nSkills-Aligned Instruction – The Committee recognizes that excellence in high school level career and technical programs is predicated on middle school career and technical programs that are flexible and achievable in all schools and for all skill levels, and that foundational career and technical programs can be achieved with programs such as cardboard model building with high quality instructors.\n\nEMS Preparedness and Response Workforce Development – The Committee recognizes the significant workforce shortage in the emergency medical services (EMS) sector, particularly in underserved, rural, and Tribal communities, which limits access to critical prehospital ground ambulance medical services, including critical care transport. The Committee encourages the Department to utilize existing funds through the Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities Initiative to prioritize sector-based workforce development strategies to address the ongoing EMS workforce shortage in high-need areas. These workforce development strategies should focus on the recruitment, training, and retention of emergency medical technicians and paramedics with an emphasis on creative career pathways and expanding employment opportunities in underserved, rural, and Tribal communities.\n\nStudent-Facing Educational Support Staff – The Committee recognizes that student-facing education staff are some of the most consequential figures in a student’s development and are critical for student success. In school districts facing budget shortfalls, the Committee is concerned that some districts opt to disproportionately layoff student-facing educational support staff, compared to administrative staff. In these situations, the Committee encourages schools to retain student-facing educational support staff to the extent possible in order to support student development and set students up for long-term success.\n\nWastewater Apprenticeships – The Committee commends the Department for awarding funding to address challenges of Registered Apprenticeship programs in rural areas and to address inadequacies in the water sector across rural America and U.S. territories. The Committee recommends $20,000,000 in grant funding available to establish, implement, expand, and administer registered apprenticeship programs consistent with the National Guideline Standards of Apprenticeship for Water and Wastewater System Operations Specialists to address nationwide shortages of qualified drinking water and wastewater operators, especially in rural America.\n\nVA Care & Medical Companion Programs – The Committee remains concerned about barriers to care for undergoing outpatient or ambulatory procedures using sedation or anesthesia that requires a responsible adult available to assist in their care before and after the procedure. As a follow up to House Report 119-161, the Committee requests the Department to report to Congress about the development of more Medical Companion programs across the VHA system, including identifying barriers for setting up these programs and providing recommendations to support their continued development. The Committee reiterates the importance of ensuring any policy does not jeopardize the standard of care veterans receive.\n\nVeteran Transportation – The Committee encourages the Office of Rural Health to use no less than FY26 for the continued partnership between the Veterans Transportation Program and the Office of Rural Health to continue providing transportation to VA appointments for veterans who live in rural areas.\n\nTechnical training partnerships – The Committee notes ongoing shortages of skilled trades, including welders and electricians, essential to maintaining and securing United States diplomatic operations and infrastructure abroad. The Committee encourages the Secretary of State to pursue partnerships with accredited technical training programs to expand apprenticeships and licensing that strengthens this workforce.\n\nFHA Title I personal property loans – The Committee recognizes the challenges with using a Federal Housing Administration loan to purchase a manufactured home. Accordingly, the Committee encourages the Federal Housing Administration to update the limits for FHA Title I personal property loans to allow for realistic use to purchase a manufactured home that is not on a permanent foundation, and to coordinate with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to identify similar activities within their portfolios.\n\nHeadlight intensity – The Committee urges the Secretary of Transportation to brief the Committees on Appropriations regarding existing research and any gaps therein related to the impact of the intensity of low beam headlamps on the vision and safety of drivers, pedestrians, and other road users, including the effect of varied terrain\n\nThe 21 provisions adopted during committee markups are:\n\nChild Care Food Preparation – The Committee is concerned by the impact of state food safety regulations inadvertently creating limitations on access to fresh fruits and vegetables in settings such as child care facilities. The Committee encourages the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to develop a classification for low-risk foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, that considers the limited risks of food-borne illness and negative health impacts associated with foods typically consumed raw or with minimal processing. The Committee further encourages the Secretaries to review and, as appropriate, update relevant nutrition and food safety and preparation regulations and guidance that may favor prepacked, processed foods to reflect such classification. The Committee also encourages states to align their nutrition and food safety regulations with this approach to ensure child care providers may prepare fresh fruits and vegetables for students.\n\nApple Varieties – The Committee notes the importance of the National School Lunch Program to provide students with nutritious, locally-sourced foods. The Committee encourages the Department to update the list of Foods Available for Schools and Institutions to permit the procurement of regionally appropriate, high-quality apple varieties that are more likely to be consumed by students, including varieties such as Cosmic Crisp and SugarBee.\n\nCallery Pears – The Committee urges APHIS to take the necessary steps to designate Callery pear (Pyrus Calleryana) as a Federal Noxious Weed.\n\nMitchell Act Hatchery Operations – The Committee is concerned by the rising cost ofMitchell Act hatchery operations. NOAA is directed to report to the Committee, no later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, on the key factors driving the increase in hatchery operations costs. Furthermore, NOAA is encouraged to identify and implement any efficiencies that would mitigate the rising cost of hatchery operations.\n\nFisheries Take Reduction Teams – The Committee encourages NOAA to continue working alongside and leveraging the expertise of commercial fisheries groups, such as active crab fisherman, on take reduction teams\n\nCrypto ATMs – The Committee is concerned by the rapid growth of fraud schemes targeting elderly and vulnerable populations through the use of cryptocurrency automated teller machines (crypto ATMs). The Committee encourages the Department, in consultation with state and local governments, to study the effect of siting Crypto ATMs near government buildings, such as police stations and courthouses, in limiting the frequency and severity of fraud. If favorable, the Department may issue guidelines to state and local governments.\n\nEvaluating Prison Release Timing – The Committee is aware of concerns about the timing of prison releases and encourages the Department, to the extent practicable, to provide a report assessing State and local prison release times and any implications of the release times on public safety.\n\nGold Star Advisory Council – The Committee recognizes the sacrifices made by the families of service members who die while serving the nation, including members of the United States Coast Guard. The Committee notes that family members of fallen Coast Guard service members may not currently be represented on the Department of Defense Gold Star and Surviving Family Member Advisory Council. Therefore, the Committee directs the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to take appropriate steps to ensure that eligible family members of fallen Coast Guard service members are afforded the opportunity to serve on, and provide input through, the Gold Star and Surviving Family Member Advisory Council.\n\nDredging Costs – The Committee is aware of concerns regarding rising dredging costs and related strain placed on small ports and local governments. The Corps, in consultation with all relevant agencies, is directed to report to the Committee, no later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, on the key regulatory factors driving the increase in dredging costs. Furthermore, USACE is encouraged to identify and implement any efficiencies that would mitigate rising dredging costs.\n\nSurviving Families Advisory – The Committee recognizes the important role that the families of deceased active-duty Coast Guard servicemembers play in informing the programs and support services for surviving families. The Committee encourages the Coast Guard to work alongside these families to improve the programs and services for surviving families.\n\nIncrease funding for the Chemical Safety Board to the FY26 enacted levels.\n\nChemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board – The Committee encourages the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, to consider relevant trade, craft, operations, maintenance, construction, and other industrial work experience when recruiting and hiring personnel for investigative positions. The Committee believes that a workforce reflecting a combination of technical, scientific, engineering, and hands-on industrial experience will strengthen the Board’s ability to understand workplace conditions, identify root causes, and develop recommendations that improve chemical process safety.\n\nOff-Highway Vehicle Mixed-Use Analyses – The Committee supports the work of the Forest Service in their efforts to complete off-highway vehicle (OHV) mixed-use analysis’ and encourages the Forest Service to move expeditiously in completing reviews on Forests Service land, including within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The Committee reminds the Forest Service of the importance of making the national forests as accessible as possible to the American people and requests that the Forest Service work with States, local officials, communities, and partners as it implements the travel mixed-use analysis process.\n\nRecess in Schools – The Committee recognizes the critical role of recess in K-12 schools in providing protected, unstructured time for children and adolescents, strengthening cognitive function and memory retention, and building problem-solving and communication skills. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2028 congressional justification on the benefits of recess on the academic, social, and physical development of children and adolescents and recommendations on how to preserve recess time and remove unnecessary regulatory and administrative barriers, such as those limiting the use of wood chips on playgrounds.\n\nPain Management Improvements – The Committee directs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study pain management improvement strategies for miscarriage.\n\nCorrespondence Management Systems (CMS) – The Committee recognizes the critical role CMSs play in connecting constituents to their Members of Congress. The Committee appreciates the work that the CAO is doing regarding the CMS Innovation Project and supports their continued efforts on this project. The CAO is directed to keep the Committee apprised of this effort.\n\nCongressional Quilt Showcase – The Committee celebrates the historical significance and shared heritage quilting and needlework bring to the United States. The Committee directs the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to develop a quilting show that shall be administered by lottery and held each year among constituents of each Congressional district who won a ribbon from a county fair or received similar recognition. The AOC may display each quilt outside the respective congressional office in the House of Representatives at the discretion of the member.\n\nHome Loan Flexibility – The Committee recognizes evolving housing preferences among veterans, including increased interest in non-traditional living arrangements–such as recreational vehicles (RVs) and manufactured or mobile homes–used as long-term or permanent residences. The Committee further recognizes that in certain housing markets, lower-cost alternatives such as RV-based living and manufactured housing may provide an accessible pathway to housing stability for some veterans. Accordingly, the Committee directs the VA to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate, not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act, assessing the feasibility and policy implications of modifying existing authorities under chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code, to permit the use of the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program for the purchase of land on which an RV, manufactured, or mobile home would be permanently sited as a primary residence.\n\nSafe Parking – The Committee recognizes the success of partnerships between Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers, including the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, and local communities to develop Safe Parking programs that provide veterans living in vehicles with secure overnight parking and access to support services. The Committee directs the VA to expand such partnerships, where feasible, and to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act describing existing programs, barriers to expansion, and a plan for scaling these programs in communities with demonstrated need, including any additional authorities or resources required.\n\nDOT Registration Scammers – The Committee is concerned by the increasing number of reports of private entities soliciting motor carriers regarding DOT number registration, renewal, updates, and compliance requirements in a manner that may reasonably lead recipients to believe the communication originates from, or is endorsed by, the FMCSA or DOT. Such solicitations can impose unnecessary costs on motor carriers, particularly small businesses and owner-operators, and may create confusion regarding Federal registration requirements. The Committee directs FMCSA, within 180 days of enactment of this Act, to review the prevalence of misleading registration-related solicitations; assess the adequacy of existing authorities to address deceptive practices involving USDOT number communications; conduct outreach to motor carriers regarding legitimate Federal registration processes and associated fees; and provide a report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations identifying legislative, regulatory, and enforcement recommendations to protect motor carriers from deceptive or misleading registration-related solicitations. The Committee further directs FMCSA to ensure that all public-facing registration materials clearly inform motor carriers that registration, renewal, and update services may be completed directly through FMCSA and that third-party services are not required. The report shall include the number and nature of complaints received regarding misleading DOT number solicitations, enforcement actions undertaken, and recommendations for additional authorities, if necessary.\n\nAutomated Kill Switches – None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to implement section 24220 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (49 U.S.C. 30111 note), except that the Secretary may study technology capable of preventing drunk driving deaths that do not include the following – (1) “”kill switch”” technology that enables any state, local, or federal agency, contractor, subcontractor, or grantee to exercise remote operation control over any motor vehicle; (2) in-vehicle technologies to monitor or transmit vehicle operational, location, biometric, or behavioral data; (3) technology that enables any state, local, or federal agency, contractor, subcontractor, or grantee to remotely access any data generated or transmitted from any motor vehicle; or (4) other invasive or coercive technology that is capable of violating driver privacy.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/irs-to-provide-in-person-tax-assistance-in-bangor-this-week", "title": "IRS to provide in-person tax assistance in Bangor this week", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "golden.house.gov", "scraper": "golden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000592", "name": "Jared F. Golden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "ME", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — The IRS announced that it will be in Bangor this week to provide in-person tax assistance for Mainers. Specifically, they will assist with tax law, refunds, payments, transcripts and forms.\n\nIRS staff will be available in Suite 20300 of the Margaret Chase Smith Federal Building, located at 202 Harlow St. They will be onsite from July 21 to July 23, during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.\n\nThe IRS asks that attendees bring a valid state or federal photo ID. Tax payments will not be accepted. For an appointment, call (615) 250-5331.\n\nIf you need assistance with the IRS but are unable to visit in person, please reach out to any of our district offices:\n\nBangor Office: 6 State Street, Bangor ME 04401. Phone: (207) 249-7400\n\nCaribou Office: 7 Hatch Drive, Suite 230, Caribou ME 04736. Phone: (207) 492-6009\n\nLewiston Office: 179 Lisbon Street, Lewiston ME 04240. Phone: (207) 241-6767\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6150", "title": "Rep. Jimmy Gomez Joins End Corruption Caucus", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gomez.house.gov", "scraper": "gomez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000585", "name": "Jimmy Gomez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) joined the End Corruption Caucus, a coalition of lawmakers committed to rooting out corruption in government, restoring transparency and accountability, and ensuring the federal government works for the American people and not the wealthy and well-connected.\n\n“Americans are tired of watching our elected leaders use their position and power to cash in while working families struggle to afford the basics,” said Rep. Gomez. “I’m joining the End Corruption Caucus to stop insider trading in Congress, take dark money out of politics, and hold both parties accountable to the people.”\n\nRep. Gomez is a leading voice in the fight to expose corruption, demand accountability, and protect democratic institutions. He has consistently spoken out against abuses of power, called out efforts by President Trump to personally profit from the presidency, and used congressional oversight to hold the administration accountable.\n\nRep. Gomez has also backed legislation to strengthen ethics laws and restore public trust, including:\n\nThe Restore Trust in Government Act, which would ban Presidents, Vice Presidents, Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from owning or trading individual stocks to eliminate conflicts of interest and ensure officials serve the public—not their portfolios.\n\nThe Don't Settle for Corruption Act, which would prevent federal agencies from allowing corporations and powerful individuals to escape accountability through settlement agreements that shield them from criminal prosecution.\n\nThe DISCLOSE Act, which would shine a light on dark money in federal elections by requiring organizations spending money to influence campaigns to disclose their major donors.\n\nThe End Corruption Caucus was launched by Representatives Jason Crow (CO-06), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), and Mike Levin (CA-49), and works to advance legislation that strengthens ethics laws, limits the influence of dark money in politics, increases government transparency, and restores Americans' trust in their elected leaders.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-introduces-hands-our-boca-chica-beach-act", "title": "Congressman Gonzalez Introduces Hands Off Our Boca Chica Beach Act", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "gonzalez.house.gov", "scraper": "gonzalez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000581", "name": "Vicente Gonzalez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Contact: Alexis Torres\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) introduced the Hands off Our Boca Chica Beach Act to federally protect the historic site from unnecessary name changes. His legislation would codify the name Boca Chica Beach and require the Domestic Names Committee—a key federal division of the U.S. Board of Geographic Names (BGN)—to notify the respective Member of Congress of a proposed name change that affects their district.\n\nGeographic names established by an act of Congress, or those introduced as proposed legislation, are not bound by the BGN. Therefore, Congressman Gonzalez’s bill takes precedence over BGN’s principles, policies, and procedures, and no future proposal to rename Boca Chica Beach during this Congress will be considered.\n\n“It is absurd that a name proposal from outside our state was able to threaten the very essence of a cultural and historic landmark in South Texas,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “The severe lack of transparency from the Domestic Names Committee almost shut out the people of Cameron County from a decision that directly impacted our daily lives—and would have created a financial burden for local municipalities responsible for replacing signage and other publicly used identifiers. While our community was able to quickly band together to stop this initial proposal from being adopted, my bill would ensure that Boca Chica Beach always remains the People’s Beach.”\n\nOn the evening of July 8, 2026, the BGN’s Domestic Names Committee provided less than 24 hours' notice to the people of Cameron County of a vote to rename the beach to “Cyber Beach.” The renaming request was driven by an individual from Mississippi and unanimously opposed by local officials and SpaceX. In response, Congressman Gonzalez immediately contacted the U.S. Department of the Interior and formally urged the Domestic Names Committee to reject the proposal. His call was heeded, and the proposal was rejected.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/goodlander-pappas-lead-legislation-to-combat-substance-use-disorder-in-house/", "title": "Goodlander, Pappas Lead Legislation to Combat Substance Use Disorder in House", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "goodlander.house.gov", "scraper": "goodlander", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000604", "name": "Maggie Goodlander", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — This week Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) and Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced the Turn the Tide Act in the House of Representatives. This legislation would deliver more than $65 billion in federal funding over the next ten years for substance use treatment and prevention. This legislation would expand critical treatment programs, prioritize prevention and increase access to care by addressing workforce shortages.\n\n“Our nation’s opioid epidemic has touched nearly every family in New Hampshire, leaving far too many families to grieve lives cut short,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “Our Turn the Tide Act makes the long-term investments we need in prevention, evidence-based treatment, recovery housing, and the workforce that delivers lifesaving care. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues from New Hampshire in the House and Senate to ensure every Granite Stater struggling with addiction has a real opportunity to recover and rebuild.”\n\n“It’s clear that investing in substance use treatment and prevention works,” said Congressman Pappas. “This administration has repeatedly tried to devastate our efforts to combat and prevent addiction, but what we actually need is continued investment to ensure treatment and prevention programs can reach everyone across our communities. This crisis is deeply personal for Granite Staters, and I will always fight to deliver New Hampshire the resources we need to save lives and help our communities stop this crisis.”\n\nSpecifically, the Turn the Tide Act:\n\nIncreases State Opioid Response (SOR) treatment grant funding to $5.5 billion per year over the next five years and provides needed flexibility so that providers can treat patients who have non-opioid related substance use disorders, such as methamphetamine or other substances.\n\nExpands the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Recovery Housing Program and ensures states receive more consistent funding to support patients in recovery.\n\nEstablishes a new grant program modeled off of the successful Manchester Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team program to assist children who have been exposed to trauma, often as a result of substance use disorders among family members or friends.\n\nRequires that private insurers and Medicare Part D plans cover Naloxone without any co-pay or deductible requirements and prohibits insurers from setting up administrative barriers, like prior authorization, that delay start of medication-assisted treatment.\n\nLast year, Goodlander joined Pappas in urging Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy to reverse the cancellation of almost $12 billion in federal grants for state health services from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which included $80 million in public health funding for New Hampshire. He also led a call for the Administration to immediately reinstate illegally fired SAMHSA workers alongside leading members of the Addiction, Treatment, Recovery Caucus, Mental Health Caucus, and Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force. A court ultimately ordered that the workers be reinstated in December 2025.\n\nIn January 2026, the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation successfully pushed the Trump Administration to reverse its massive, sudden, and unexplained cuts to critical mental health and addiction prevention grant programs. After organizations across New Hampshire began to receive grant cancellation notices from the Department of Health and Human Services, they quickly pressed Secretary Kennedy to reverse the cancellations, and within days the Administration began reinstating this critical funding for New Hampshire organizations.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-gottheimer-announces-new-federal-actions-to-combat-cyclospora-other-foodborne-parasites-to-promote-food-safety", "title": "RELEASE: Gottheimer Announces New Federal Actions to Combat Cyclospora, Other Foodborne Parasites to Promote Food Safety", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Above: Gottheimer announces Foodborne Illness Rapid Response Act at Holy Name Medical Center.\n\nTEANECK, N.J. — Today, Monday, July 20, 2026, at Holy Name Medical Center, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) announced new bipartisan federal actions and legislation to combat the ongoing, record-breaking Cyclospora outbreak.\n\nWatch Gottheimer’s full remarks here.\n\nThe bipartisan “Foodborne Illness Rapid Response Act” with Rep. Don Bacon (NE-2) will:\n\nPrevent staffing cuts within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) divisions responsible for foodborne illness surveillance for a year after any outbreak;\n\nDemand the restoration of mandatory federal foodborne illness surveillance — including for Cyclospora — that the Trump administration made optional;\n\nEnsure that state and local inspectors have access to the same critical food-safety information as federal regulators during outbreaks.\n\nCurrently, there are nearly 7,000 reported Cyclospora cases and more than 140 hospitalizations across at least 34 states. This is an alarming 2,700 percent increase from the roughly 249 cases reported nationally at this time last year. New Jersey’s Department of Health has logged more than 45 cases so far, with numbers expected to continue climbing. Continued uncertainty about the source of the outbreak underscores the need for stronger federal food-safety surveillance and outbreak response. No cases have been traced to Jersey-grown produce, though Gottheimer said New Jersey farmers are seeing sales drop as consumers grow wary of produce in general.\n\n“I have two children, and like every parent in New Jersey, I want to know that when my family stops for lunch, has a barbecue, or grabs tacos on a Tuesday night, or picks up a bag of salad, that the food is safe. That no one will get sick, ” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Right now, with what’s going on with Cyclospora, I can’t tell you with a straight face that it’s a guarantee. That’s a real concern for Jersey families, and I get it. We must do everything we can to take it on so that you don’t have to worry if your food is safe to eat.”\n\nAt the event, Gottheimer outlined three actions:\n\nFirst, Gottheimer, joined by Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2), is introducing the bipartisan Foodborne Illness Rapid Response Act, which will bar staff cuts and hiring freezes at the CDC divisions responsible for foodborne illness surveillance for one year after an outbreak begins.\n\nSecond, Gottheimer is sending a letter to the CDC demanding it restore FoodNet — the nearly 30-year-old program that tracks Cyclospora and other pathogens — to full, mandatory, active surveillance after the administration made surveillance optional for Cyclospora and five other pathogens.\n\nThird, Gottheimer is championing the bipartisan Federal and State Food Safety Information Sharing Act which will allow the FDA to share full, unredacted inspection data with the state and local inspectors who already conduct about 60 percent of all FDA food-processing inspections. Current bureaucratic red tape is causing delays and putting our public health at risk.\n\nThe outbreak has been made worse by cuts to federal public health agencies. The CDC is the nation’s first line of defense against foodborne disease outbreaks. When people get sick, the CDC works to detect these outbreaks, identify the culprit, and alert the public. That information is what then enables the FDA to trace contaminated food through the supply chain, identify the source, and quickly remove unsafe products from the market before more families get sick.\n\nSince 2025, the CDC has fired more than 2,800 staff members – roughly a quarter of the agency – including a more than 70 percent reduction in the CDC’s parasite surveillance team responsible for tracking Cyclospora and other pathogens. The FDA has also fired more than 4,300 people.\n\nIn July 2025, the CDC also quietly downgraded Cyclospora and five other pathogens from mandatory to “optional” tracking, meaning health officials are no longer required to actively monitor and report Cyclospora cases in the same way they were for almost 30 years. Additionally, HHS has canceled 444 CDC grants worth $5.78 billion. These cuts flow right down to underfunded state and local health departments, which rely on the CDC for roughly 80 percent of their domestic public health funding.\n\nGottheimer was joined by Mike Maron, President & CEO of Holy Name; Dr. Suraj Saggar, Holy Name’s Chief of Infectious Diseases; Dr. Vasantha Kondamudi, Holy Name’s Chief Medical Officer; and Teaneck Deputy Mayor Karen Orgen.\n\nBelow: Gottheimer announces Foodborne Illness Rapid Response Act at Holy Name Medical Center.\n\nRemarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nGood morning. Before I get to the topic at hand, I’d like to comment on Friday’s Third Circuit Court ruling, which significantly set back gun safety in New Jersey and our country. The Circuit Court overturned our State’s ban on extended or high-capacity magazines and AR-15s, which are weapons of war. I have no problem with folks who know what they’re doing from hunting or protecting themselves.\n\nBut, there’s no need for military-style weapons and high-capacity magazines — to me, after speaking to friends in the military and law enforcement, if you need that much firepower in the suburbs, the city, or on the farm, it just means you’re a bad shot. This should be settled law. Americans want background checks, people who carry to be trained, and they don’t want Uzis on their streets. We will do everything we can in the halls of Congress and in the courts to fight back and protect our families.\n\nOnto some better news and some other explosive news … Congratulations to Spain and to New Jersey — and MetLife — for proving that no one hosts better than we do. Thanks to Holy Name Hospital for hosting us today. It’s great to be back at one of New Jersey’s best hospitals. Aside from providing top-notch care, with the best doctors, nurses, and EMTs around, Holy Name has been recognized by NJBIZ as one of the “Best Places to Work in New Jersey” every year since 2006. Yes, since 2006. And when you visit — like I have many times — you can truly see why.\n\nWe are here at this great hospital to discuss a serious foodborne health crisis facing families across Jersey and the nation.\n\nI have two children, and like every parent in New Jersey, I want to know that when my family stops for lunch, has a barbecue, or grabs tacos on a Tuesday night, or picks up a bag of salad, that the food is safe. That no one will get sick.\n\nRight now, with what’s going on with Cyclospora, I can’t tell you with a straight face that it’s a guarantee. That’s a real concern for Jersey families, and I get it. We must do everything we can to take it on so that you don’t have to worry if your food is safe to eat.\n\nLet’s be clear — Cyclospora is no joke. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, is tracking a multistate outbreak — it’s a nasty parasite that sends you to your bathroom for weeks on end – or, in the most severe cases, especially with our more vulnerable populations, could send you to the hospital. And, the numbers are not small. As of this week, there were nearly 7,000 reported cases across at least 34 states, with more than 140 hospitalizations — including right here in Jersey.\n\nTo put that in perspective, that’s more than 30 times the number of cases than there were at this time last year. You heard that right — a 2,700 percent increase! According to the CDC, that’s considered a full-blown outbreak.\n\nThe symptoms are nasty. The most common symptom is watery, explosive diarrhea. Sorry to be so graphic on a Monday, but, hey, we’re with doctors, so you can talk about this stuff. You can also experience loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, headache, body aches, and low-grade fever.\n\nIf your stomach issues persist, you should call your doctor and seek medical care, including antibiotics. If your symptoms come back or get worse, you should contact your doctor again. If you have a weakened immune system or signs of severe dehydration, including confusion, dizziness, dark-colored urine, or you’re not peeing as much as you should, then you should go to the hospital just to be safe.\n\nTo avoid getting sick in the first place, there are some easy steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing or eating food. Thoroughly rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water, even if they’re labeled “pre-washed.” Keep your kitchen surfaces and utensils clean and refrigerate cut or peeled produce as soon as possible. When you’re cooking, make sure your produce is cooked thoroughly, because heat kills the parasite. These are simple steps, but they can go a long way toward protecting you and your family.\n\nNow, here’s what we know so far about the parasite and it’s march across America. Initially, we thought that a large portion of the cases were traced back to iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico, shipped in by Taylor Farms – and sold in places like Taco Bell and Walmart. But, now, just overnight, we learned from the FDA, that source was a false positive. So now, we don’t even know where it’s coming from, or if it’s even just lettuce, which is part of the whole problem at the CDC and the FDA. Past Cyclospora outbreaks in the U.S. have been linked to fresh produce such as raspberries, cabbage, basil, cilantro, parsley, broccoli, snow peas, sugar snap peas, and other leafy greens.\n\nNow, here in New Jersey, our Department of Health has logged more than 46 cases, and the number of cases is still climbing. The parasite moves through national supply chains when fresh produce is contaminated with human feces, most commonly when produce is irrigated or washed with contaminated water. That means there’s a real risk it could show up on your dinner table tomorrow night. We know that our children, loved ones who are immunocompromised, and seniors are most at risk of being impacted, so we must especially make sure they are protected.\n\nI want to be crystal clear about one thing: not a single case has been traced back to Jersey-grown produce. Our Jersey farmers are held to some of the toughest standards in the country. But, that hasn’t stopped this thing from clobbering them, too. I’m hearing from Jersey farmers that folks are scared off produce altogether, blueberry sales are tanking, and our local farmers are taking the hit for a mess they had nothing to do with.\n\nSo, why is this happening, and why is it so much worse than anything we’ve seen in recent years from this parasite? Part of the answer is simple: The Trump Administration fired a ton of cops on the beat who watch over America’s food safety. They aren’t at their full capacity to handle an outbreak of this nature and scale, which is evident by the fact that we still don’t know where it’s coming from.\n\nSince 2025, the CDC has lost more than 2,800 staff members – roughly a quarter of the agency. The CDC’s own parasite surveillance team — the team responsible for tracking Cyclospora and other pathogens — was cut by more than 70 percent. And, here’s the kicker. In July 2025, the CDC quietly took Cyclospora and five other major pathogens off its mandatory tracking list, downgrading them to “optional.” It took NBC News almost two months just to even figure out that the CDC had stopped requiring mandatory tracking of certain parasites.\n\nIn other words, the CDC no longer requires our best public health officials to routinely communicate with the hundreds of clinical laboratories across the country that identify new Cyclospora cases. To keep our families safe, we need professionals tracking to see if cases are building up, and ensure all outbreaks are being properly reported. These are the people on the frontlines making sure that our food is safe, and right now, this Administration is cutting the very people responsible for detecting outbreaks and limiting what foodborne illnesses they track.\n\nThe reason this matters is simple: the CDC is the nation’s first line of defense against foodborne disease outbreaks. When people get sick, the CDC works to detect these outbreaks, identify the culprit, and alert the public. That information is what then enables the FDA to trace contaminated food through the supply chain, identify the source, and quickly remove unsafe products from the market before more families get sick. The Trump Administration has also gutted the FDA, where they’ve fired more than 4,300 people, including those experts responsible for handling foodborne illness response.\n\nOn top of staffing cuts, HHS has ripped up 444 CDC grants worth $5.78 billion – those are dollars that go right down to state and local health departments that track foodborne illnesses and pathogens. When the administration cuts, it’s our local public health folks — the ones actually doing the boots-on-the-ground outbreak investigation — who end up short-staffed and underfunded.\n\nYou don’t need a PhD to figure this one out: You don’t gut the food safety surveillance system, thin out the workforce, and slash the funding to local health departments in the middle of the biggest Cyclospora outbreak this country has ever recorded and call that good government. When cases are spiking, that’s exactly the moment you want your public health team at full strength — not running on fumes.\n\nWe can’t just sit back and watch. That’s why, today, I’m taking the following actions:\n\nFirst, with Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska, I’m introducing new bipartisan federal legislation, the Foodborne Illness Rapid Response Act, which outlaws all massive staff cuts and random hiring freezes at the CDC foodborne illness surveillance divisions for a year after any outbreak is detected. Basically, this will stop any administration going forward from doing mass firings or hiring freezes on a whim and undermining food safety in our country. This bipartisan legislation will protect the critical food safety CDC staff who are actively ensuring that our families’ meals are safe from foodborne illnesses.\n\nSecond, I’m sending an urgent letter to the CDC telling them, in no uncertain terms, to restore FoodNet, the CDC team that tracks pathogens, and requires them, once again, to track the foodborne diseases they used to — including Cyclospora. For almost thirty years, FoodNet gave us the real, hard data to see these trends coming. This Administration took away that requirement last year — in effect a cross-government coordinated alert system — and now we have a Cyclospora outbreak. We are clearly worse off for that hasty decision by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.\n\nFinally, I’m backing — and championing — the bipartisan Federal and State Food Safety Information Sharing Act, which cuts red tape and allows the FDA to immediately share findings with local food and health inspectors. Right now, state and local inspectors do much of the on-the-ground work inspecting food processing facilities for the FDA. But, if the FDA discovers where contaminated food came from or where it was shipped, it can’t always share all of that information with the very state and local officials helping investigate the outbreak because it’s considered “proprietary.” That’s bureaucratic red tape nonsense, especially when people’s health is on the line.\n\nThis bipartisan bill fixes that, so that state and local folks doing the actual legwork get the real information, fast. We’ve seen this pay off before — coordination between federal and North Carolina officials is exactly what got lead-contaminated applesauce off shelves nationwide in 2024. That’s the model. Let’s do more of it and get it done.\n\nFinally, let me say that none of this is about pointing fingers just to score points. It’s about making sure the next time something nasty shows up in our food supply, we are ready.\n\nWhether it’s a parasite, bacteria, or something else putting our families in danger, the people whose job it is to catch it have the staff, the data, the support, and the coordination to do it fast — before thousands of people get sick, not after.\n\nFood safety isn’t a red issue or a blue issue. Nobody wants their kid to be sick and doubled over with stomach cramps because of a bag of salad. It’s just about basic safety and common sense.\n\nAs a proud member of the Food Safety Caucus, I teamed up with my colleagues on the SAFE American Food Exports Act, to protect our farmers’ ability to keep exporting safely, even when there’s an animal disease outbreak somewhere in the country. And, I’ve backed the bipartisan Protecting America’s Food Supply Act to make sure the FDA is actually doing its job inspecting food coming in from overseas. This is what I do. Food safety isn’t a one-off for me — it’s a priority.\n\nEvery family in Jersey — every family in this country — should be able to grab lunch, grill at home, order takeout, or do their weekly grocery run without wondering if it’s going to make their child or parent sick. That’s not a big ask. That’s just the job.\n\nI know that if we work together to keep our families safe, here in the greatest country in the world, our best days will always be ahead of us. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/statement-gottheimer-third-circuit-ruling-on-assault-weapons-is-a-dangerous-step-backward-for-public-safety", "title": "STATEMENT: Gottheimer: Third Circuit Ruling on Assault Weapons is a Dangerous Step Backward for Public Safety", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Monday, July 20, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement:\n\n“Friday’s ruling from the Third Circuit is a significant setback for gun safety in New Jersey and across the country. The Circuit Court overturned our state’s ban on extended or high-capacity magazines and AR-15s. These are weapons of war designed for the battlefield, not our streets. There’s no need for military-style weapons and high-capacity magazines.\n\nThis should be settled law. Americans want background checks, they want people who carry to be trained, and they don’t want machine guns on their streets. We will do everything we can in the halls of Congress and in the courts to fight back and protect our Jersey families.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/grijalva-stanton-ansari-introduce-bill-to-redirect-ice-funding-to-public-schools-require-sale-of-detention-warehouses", "title": "Grijalva, Stanton, Ansari Introduce Bill to Redirect ICE Funding to Public Schools, Require Sale of Detention Warehouses", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Adelita S. Grijalva, and Representatives Greg Stanton (AZ-04) and Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), introduced the Fund Schools, Not ICE Act, legislation that would redirect billions of dollars in funding provided to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under Republicans' second reconciliation bill to Title I public schools and require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to sell 11 recently purchased warehouse detention facilities.\n\nTitle I, Part A is the nation's largest federal K-12 education program, supporting schools serving low-income students. Nearly 20 percent of public school funding in Arizona comes from the federal government, making federal investments critical to supporting Arizona classrooms facing chronic underfunding.\n\nThe legislation would transfer any unobligated ICE funding provided under Republicans' reconciliation bill—which gave ICE an additional $38.5 billion in funding through 2029—to Title I, Part A grants for local school districts. As of May, ICE has $62 billion on hand.\n\n\"Instead of wasting billions of taxpayer dollars on inhumane, for-profit detention warehouses and pouring even more money into a lawless agency that is murdering people on our streets, we should be investing in our children and strengthening our public schools,\" said Rep. Adelita Grijalva. \"At a time when the Trump administration is systematically defunding public education, this bill puts our students ahead of Trump's cruel mass deportation agenda.\"\n\n\"Public school districts across the country are facing massive challenges and chronic underfunding, yet again this Administration funneled billions in taxpayer funds for its dangerous mass deportation agenda,\" said Rep. Greg Stanton. \"ICE's poorly trained force is not making Americans safer—it's causing chaos and fear. My legislation ensures that our classrooms, not ICE, have the resources and support they need to educate our next generation.\"\n\n\"ICE has done nothing to keep our communities safe. Instead, they have used the billions of dollars in funding handed over by Trump and Republicans to terrorize our communities and murder American citizens,\" said Rep. Yassamin Ansari. \"Our schools are safe places, and our resources should be used to support students, not expand ICE's presence in our communities. I'm proud to stand with my colleagues in introducing this legislation.\"\n\nIn addition to redirecting unused ICE funding to public schools, the Fund Schools, Not ICE Act would require DHS to sell, within 60 days of enactment, the 11 warehouse facilities it purchased earlier this year for nearly $1 billion to use as immigration detention centers—including the warehouse in Surprise, Arizona.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-statement-after-helping-reunite-90-day-fiance-star-armando-rubio-with-his-hospitalized-daughter", "title": "Rep. Grijalva Statement After Helping Reunite 90 Day Fiancé Star Armando Rubio with His Hospitalized Daughter", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the following statement after 90 Day Fiancé star Armando Rubio was re-united with his 13-year-old daughter, Hannah. Hannah was flown from Mexico to Arizona for specialized medical treatment after doctors discovered bleeding in her brain.\n\nAfter learning about Rubio’s difficulties in gaining entrance to the United States, Rep. Grijalva's office worked with CBP Office of Field Operations to help facilitate Rubio's travel so he could be by his daughter's side.\n\n“Every parent should be able to be with their child during a medical emergency. I’m grateful that my office could assist in working with Armando and the CBP Office of Field Operations to ensure that he can be by Hannah’s side, where he belongs.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnson-introduces-historic-bill-prevent-judges-justices", "title": "Congressman Johnson Introduces Historic Bill To Prevent Judges, Justices From Trading Stocks", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "hankjohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "hankjohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000288", "name": "Henry C. \"Hank\" Johnson, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Johnson leads House effort requiring judges and justices to place financial assets into blind trusts\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) introduced The Justice is BLIND Act, which would prevent judicial conflicts of interest by requiring federal judges and Supreme Court justices to place their financial assets into blind trusts.\n\nUnder this bill, all federal judges, Supreme Court justices, magistrate judges, and bankruptcy judges, as well as their spouses and dependent children, must place covered financial interests into a qualified blind trust within 90 days of enactment or being sworn into office. Judges must provide a written compliance attestation within 15 days of establishing the trust, which the Administrative Office of the United States Courts will publish on a searchable public database.\n\nIn the Senate, this legislation is led by Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and is co-sponsored by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). In the House, the bill is cosponsored by Reps. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), and Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03).\n\n“Transparency and accountability are at the heart of the public’s trust in government,” said Rep. Johnson, Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet. “Americans deserve to know that officials in every branch of government — including the judiciary — are acting honorably and in the interest of the people, not their bank accounts. The Justice is BLIND Act would go a long way in preventing any conflicts of interest that might arise and help restore trust in our judiciary by requiring judges and justices to place their financial assets in blind trusts.”\n\n“The federal judicial system is desperately in need of reform to prevent further ethical lapses. The Supreme Court, and our federal judiciary at large, must be held to the highest standards, but time after time, judges have engaged in troubling acts, putting personal interests above the law and Constitution. I have long called for necessary reforms to regain trust in our system. We must hold judges to the same ethical standards as other federal officials, enhance transparency within the court system, and ensure cases are decided based on merit, not profits. Americans deserve nothing less,” said Senator Schiff.\n\nIn the wake of an unprecedented Supreme Court term defined by historic rollbacks of the Voting Rights Act and other democratic guardrails, Johnson is supporting a legislative package that includes bills to restore faith in the federal judiciary and address abuses of power, including by Supreme Court Justices. The bills would apply conflict of interest ethical standards to federal judges and Justices, and require judges and Justices to place financial assets into blind trusts.\n\nBackground:\n\nA steady stream of alarming revelations in recent years has severely undermined public faith in the independence and integrity of the federal judiciary, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Investigative reports have uncovered a pervasive culture of undisclosed luxury gifts and glaring conflicts of interest, all while Justices refuse to recuse themselves from major cases tied directly to their benefactors' financial or political advantage.\n\nTo regain the American people’s trust in our courts, Congress must pass rigorous, binding statutory guardrails that ensure no federal judge can operate above the ethical standards expected of other public servants.\n\nRead The Justice is BLIND Act: here\n\nRanking member Johnson’s slate of court reform legislation include: The Judiciary Act: Expands SCOTUS to make it more responsive to our growing country; The Supreme Court Ethics Act: Requires justices follow a binding code of ethics; The Judicial Accountability Act: Requires courts to protect their employees from workplace harassment; The 21st Century Courts Act: Enhances accountability & transparency of the federal judiciary by instituting a comprehensive suite of reforms & modernizes our courts for the 21st century; District Court Judgeships Act: Alleviates case backlog by creating 203 new district court judgeships; AMICUS Act: Brings transparency to amicus-based judicial lobbying for the first time; Open Courts Act: Modernizes the federal judiciary’s court records system (called CM/ECF) & makes court records freely available to the public (PACER); The Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency (SCERT) Act: Requires justices of the Supreme Court to adopt and follow a code of ethics, places transparency standards on gifts and travel, codifies recusal standards and requires the court to disclose lobbying and dark money interests before it; The Supreme Court Tenure Establishment and Retirement Modernization (TERM) Act: Would establish term limits for Supreme Court justices while preserving constitutional protections for judicial independence in decision making.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://harder.house.gov/media/press-releases/ice-audit-harder-demands-updates-on-stockton-ice-operations-in-new-letter-to-acting-director", "title": "ICE AUDIT: Harder Demands Updates on Stockton ICE Operations in New Letter to Acting Director", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://harder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "harder.house.gov", "scraper": "harder", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001090", "name": "Josh Harder", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Harder held oversight inspection at local facility in January, announced key reforms to rein in ICE\n\nNew letter demands details on current operations, updates on legally-required identification, warrant orders\n\nWASHINGTON – Last week, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) escalated efforts to rein in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency by announcing a new audit of ICE operations in the Valley. Following his oversight inspection of the Stockton ICE facility in January, Harder sent a letter to ICE Acting Director David Venturella demanding answers about local detainments, uses of force, and current operations, as well as compliance with legally-required orders and department policies.\n\nICE is out of control in the Valley and across the country:\n\nViolent Operations – Last fall, dozens of people were detained at the Stockton ICE facility and demonstrators have been maced in response to community oversight efforts. Since then, ICE has continued violent operations in the Valley and across the country, which most recently led to fatal shootings in Texas and Maine.\n\nIllegal Policies – Despite court orders and new policies, ICE continues to conduct unlawful warrantless operations, ignore body camera mandates, and obscure identification.\n\nResistance to Oversight – During Harder’s oversight visit, local personnel refused to answer basic questions about conditions, detainments and transfers, and ongoing enforcement activity operating out of the Stockton ICE facility.\n\n“ICE's continued failure to provide basic information to either the public or Congress directly harms our community, frustrates Congress's constitutional oversight responsibilities, and leaves my constituents without answers about actions that have profoundly affected their families and community,” wrote Rep. Harder in the letter. “My constituents deserve clarity and accountability from the federal government. I look forward to your prompt response.”\n\nHarder’s letter demands direct answers by July 28, 2026:\n\nOversight Visit – Complete written responses to questions provided in writing and in-person to personnel at the Stockton ICE facility.\n\nCommunity Concerns – Past, current, and upcoming enforcement activities, as well as details on access to counsel, food, water, medical care, interpretation services, and accommodations for children during detainments at the local facility.\n\nPolicy Compliance – Current policies used by agents operating out of the Stockton ICE facility regarding unmarked vehicles, activities near schools and other locations used by children, and compliance with legally-required court orders and federally-mandated policies.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\nHarder has been pushing for reforms at ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for months, including leading successful calls for former Secretary Kristi Noem’s firing. Following her departure, Harder demanded the new Secretary Markwayne Mullin prioritize clear standards for enforcement, bans on face coverings, mandatory identification, new use-of-force policies, and bans on racial profiling. Harder has also continued to oppose any new federal funding for ICE until these reforms are enacted.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases/hernandez-rivera-para-quitarle-poder-la-claque-hay-que-darle-mas-poder-al", "title": "Hernández Rivera: Para quitarle poder a la claque hay que darle más poder al pueblo", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "hernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001103", "name": "Pablo José Hernández", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "BARRANQUITAS, Puerto Rico – El Comisionado Residente, Pablo José Hernández propuso tres reformas democráticas en un discurso donde le cayó encima a la \"claque politiquera y corrupta\" que controla o se deja controlar por el gobierno de Puerto Rico. Las expresiones se dieron durante su mensaje en los actos del natalicio de Luis Muñoz Rivera en Barranquitas.\n\n\"En el gobierno hay gente que compra y en Puerto Rico hay gente que se vende, y no podemos dejar que esa conducta se normalice\", afirmó el Comisionado Residente, quien describió una lista de perfiles que integran la claque: desde el político que usa el presupuesto y los destaques para comprar silencio, hasta el analista que cobra del gobierno y presume de objetividad, pasando por el secretario de la Gobernación que, en sus palabras, \"presume que puede matar historias negativas en la prensa\".\n\nEl comisionado residente fue enfático en que la claque no distingue partidos. \"La claque tiene gente de todos los colores, de todos los partidos y de todas las tendencias —y no tengo miedo en decirlo\", sostuvo. “En 1896, Luis Muñoz Rivera no tuvo miedo en decir que su partido solo vivía y subsistía ‘para servir de apoyo y de tapadera a las gestiones’ de la oposición. En el 2026, nosotros no tenemos miedo en decir que hay una claque que trasciende partidos y que sirve de apoyo y tapadera a las gestiones de un gobierno que le falla al pueblo.”\n\nEl Comisionado Residente reiteró, además, su exigencia de que la gobernadora destituya al secretario de la Gobernación, Francisco Domenech, y a su claque. El comisionado residente advirtió que las alegaciones de corrupción en su contra —que tildó de “creíbles, constantes y ya bajo investigación”— laceran la reputación de Puerto Rico en Washington y ponen en riesgo fondos federales, incluyendo los del Plan Vital, que vencen en el 2027.\n\n\"Para quitarle poder a la claque, hay que darle más poder al pueblo\", planteó el Comisionado Residente, quien presentó tres cambios a la democracia puertorriqueña para comenzar la discusión:\n\nPrimero, que el pueblo pueda remover al gobernador antes de que culmine su término. La herramienta sería un referéndum revocatorio, como existe en 20 estados. Que la claque sepa que si abusa desde el Gobierno, como está abusando ahora, los podemos sacar antes de que termine el cuatrienio.\n\nSegundo, que votemos por orden de preferencia, como ya se hace en 49 jurisdicciones en los Estados Unidos. O que se requiera una segunda vuelta entre los dos candidatos más votados, como ya se hace en 13 estados. Que la claque pierda el sentido de impunidad y arrogancia que le brinda el pensar que pueden ganar con 33% y una oposición dividida.\n\nY tercero, que el pueblo pueda someter y votar por legislación o enmiendas a la constitución por firmas y referéndum, como ya se hace en 26 estados. Que la claque sepa que si aprueban leyes o derrotan leyes en contra del interés del pueblo, el pueblo entrará en escena para corregir su fechoría.\n\n\"Estas propuestas son un punto de partida\", aclaró el comisionado residente. \"Corresponde ahora debatir los detalles y construir consenso sobre cómo fortalecer nuestra democracia.\"\n\nEl Comisionado Residente cerró su mensaje invocando el legado de Muñoz Rivera y repitiendo tres veces la consigna que dio nombre al discurso: \"El pueblo contra la claque. Como dijo Muñoz Rivera: Si esa es la rebeldía, seamos rebeldes.\"\n\nEl mensaje marcó el regreso del tradicional peregrinaje al natalicio de Luis Muñoz Rivera como foro para la reflexión política y la presentación de propuestas dirigidas a fortalecer las instituciones democráticas de Puerto Rico.\n\nLee su discurso completo.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases/houchin-applauds-house-passage-sunshine-protection-act", "title": "Houchin Applauds House Passage of Sunshine Protection Act", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "houchin.house.gov", "scraper": "houchin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001093", "name": "Erin Houchin", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "July 20, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-IN-09), a cosponsor of the Sunshine Protection Act, released the following statement after the House passed the legislation to make Daylight Saving Time permanent.\n\n\"Twice a year, families have to adjust their schedules, parents lose an hour of sleep, and businesses and schools deal with unnecessary disruption,” said Rep. Houchin. “For our farmers, an extra hour of evening daylight can also mean more time to work the fields. Making Daylight Saving Time permanent is a commonsense change that gives Americans more daylight in the evenings to spend time with family, enjoy the outdoors, support local businesses, and participate in youth sports and community activities. I'm proud to support this bipartisan effort to end the twice-yearly clock changes once and for all.\"\n\nThe Sunshine Protection Act permanently establishes Daylight Saving Time nationwide by eliminating the twice-yearly time changes that have been required under current federal law. States that have previously exempted themselves from observing Daylight Saving Time would retain flexibility under the legislation.\n\nThe Sunshine Protection Act now heads to the Senate for consideration.\n\nRead the full bill text here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-governor-moore-tour-francis-scott-key-bridge-progress", "title": "Hoyer, Governor Moore Tour Francis Scott Key Bridge Progress", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "domain": "hoyer.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000874", "name": "Steny H. Hoyer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined Governor Wes Moore to tour the progress being made on the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild with Members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation and other congressional leaders to highlight the critical importance of the bridge both to the state and to the entire nation. They were joined by Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Chair of the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee U.S. Representative Steve Womack (AR-03), as well as U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), and Former U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD).\n\n“From day one, Team Maryland has worked together closely to ensure that the Key Bridge is rebuilt as safely, quickly, and cost-effectively as possible,” said Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05). “I thank Governor Moore and my colleagues for their efforts to ensure proper Congressional oversight for this critical project for Maryland and the nation.”\n\n“The Francis Scott Key Bridge was a vital economic engine and our commitment to rebuilding it is crucial to the continued prosperity of our nation,” said Governor Moore. “Together with our federal and regional partners, we will rebuild this bridge as quickly, safely, and cost efficiently as possible to ensure that this vital corridor bounces back stronger for generations to come.”\n\n“I am grateful to Governor Moore and his administration for their transparency about the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and for inviting me to tour the site in-person today,” said Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). “As Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I look forward to continuing to partner with Governor Moore and the U.S. Department of Transportation to ensure that congressional funding is used effectively to reopen this critical pathway for people and goods across the region.”\n\n“Proper oversight of the American taxpayer dollars being used to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a responsibility I do not take lightly,” said Chair of the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee U.S. Representative Steve Womack (AR-03). “This bridge is a vital artery for the movement of people and goods, and its success unlocks the full potential of commerce along our Eastern seaboard. As Chair of the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee, I am committed to working with President Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore to ensure this project receives the necessary resources for a safe and efficient rebuild that will prevent a future catastrophe.”\n\n\"We’ve always known Team Maryland will fight to rebuild our Francis Scott Key Bridge, and we won’t rest until it’s done. We won’t rest because we’re doing it for all of Maryland: the six Marylanders that lost their lives that day, the brave Marylanders that dove into the frigid water during the rescue operation, and the strong Marylanders whose businesses and livelihoods were impacted by the collapse,” said U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD). “We’re also doing it for our regional and national economy and everyone who depends upon the Port of Baltimore, which supports our national agriculture and auto industries among many others. It is so exciting to see construction actively underway today. This project highlights what strong federal partnership can accomplish as we remain focused on ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly while delivering a safe, sustainable bridge.”\n\n“The rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge represents what can be accomplished when leaders at every level of government come together with a shared purpose,” said U.S. Representative Kweisi Mfume (MD-07). “I am thankful for Governor Moore’s partnership and the unwavering commitment of our federal delegation to restore this critical transportation corridor as safely and as quickly as possible. This project is about restoring economic opportunity, strengthening our supply chain, and reaffirming our commitment to the workers, families, businesses, and communities that depend on the Port of Baltimore. Together, we are delivering on our promise to rebuild stronger than before.”\n\n\"Today's tour underscored what we've known from the beginning: rebuilding the Key Bridge is not just a Maryland priority — it's a national and bipartisan imperative,\" said U.S. Representative Johnny Olszewski (MD-02). \"We have to keep the momentum going and do everything possible to rebuild it as quickly, safely and cost-effectively as we can.\"\n\n\"The progress being made on the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a testament to what can be accomplished when federal, state, and local partners work together,” said U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey (MD-04). “As Congress continues to support this effort, we have a responsibility to work with Governor Moore to ensure taxpayer dollars are invested wisely and that this project moves forward safely, efficiently, and without delay. I look forward to continuing our partnership to rebuild this bridge and restore the critical connection that supports Maryland families, businesses, the Port of Baltimore, and our nation's economy.\"\n\n“Thanks to Governor Moore’s leadership, Maryland is working around the clock to rebuild the Key Bridge,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson. “We appreciated the opportunity to show our congressional partners the significant progress our teams are making as we continue to work together on this nationally significant project.\"\n\n\"It was a pleasure to show our federal partners the ongoing construction of the bridge as we serve as good stewards of both federal funding and the settlement secured by the State through Attorney General Anthony Brown,” said Maryland Transportation Authority Executive Director Bruce Gartner. “The tour highlighted the tremendous scale of work underway across the Key Bridge Rebuild project, and our crews are making strong progress as we work to safely and efficiently reconnect our communities.”\n\nThe Francis Scott Key Bridge was a vital economic and transportation artery for the region, connecting thousands of Maryland commuters and commercial vehicles daily. Its critical function supported the Port of Baltimore, which generates an annual economic impact of more than $70 billion and links more than 273,000 jobs to its activities.\n\nImmediately following the collapse of the bridge, state, local, and federal partners worked tirelessly to advance recovery operations. In only 78 days, the Unified Command removed more than 50,000 tons of debris from the Patapsco River to restore the Fort McHenry Federal Channel, welcoming back global shipping businesses and cruises and getting Marylanders back to work.\n\nThe recovery mission included the distribution of more than $42 million in emergency funding from State agencies to keep impacted businesses open and support affected workers in surrounding communities. The rapid response to the crisis—driven by more than 1,500 people from federal, state, and local agencies—allowed the rebuilding to start quickly, while jumpstarting the Port of Baltimore’s recovery.\n\nPre-construction activities for the rebuild began in January 2025, including detailed engineering tests that provided vital data points to inform design and construction decisions. The project’s test pile program—a critical process to ensure a sound foundation design—began in the fall of 2025 and reached completion ahead of schedule last month. January of this year marked the beginning of platform construction, which will allow supplies, construction personnel, and equipment to reach the pier sites more efficiently to accelerate the construction process.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-bill-to-advance-down-syndrome-research-passes-house", "title": "Hudson Bill to Advance Down Syndrome Research Passes House", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hudson.house.gov", "scraper": "hudson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001067", "name": "Richard Hudson", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) applauded House passage of the bipartisan DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act, legislation he introduced to strengthen Down syndrome research and improve health outcomes for people living with the condition.\n\n“People with Down syndrome enrich our families and communities in so many ways,” said Rep. Hudson. “I’m proud the House passed my bill to support research that can help them live longer, healthier lives and reach their full potential without barriers standing in their way.”\n\nThe legislation formally authorizes the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) INCLUDE Project, which supports research into Down syndrome and health conditions that often occur alongside it. It also requires NIH to coordinate its Down syndrome research, avoid duplicating existing work, consult with patient advocates, and report to Congress on its research and how it can improve medical care.\n\nHudson was joined by U.S. Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO) in introducing the legislation.\n\nA previous version of the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act passed the House unanimously during the 118th Congress.\n\nIn May of 2024, Hudson was one of two honorees who receivedthe Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award for their work in Congress to support those with Down syndrome.\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/07/20/leader-jeffries-statement-on-attack-at-26-federal-plaza/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON ATTACK AT 26 FEDERAL PLAZA", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Newsletter Sign Up\n\nSubscribe to our e-newsletter that provides updates on important issues, my work in the Congress and what's happening in our district.\n\nSubscribe to Newsletter\n\nBill Search\n\nPlease select and option\n\nSearch for a bill\n\nOffice Locations\n\nWashington, DC Office\n\n2267 Rayburn House\n\nOffice Building\n\nWashington, DC 20515\n\nPhone: (202) 225-5936\n\nHours: M-F 9 am - 5 pm\n\nCentral Brooklyn District Office\n\n55 Hanson Place\n\nSuite 603\n\nBrooklyn, NY 11217\n\nPhone: (718) 237-2211\n\nHours: M-F 9am - 5pm\n\nSouth Brooklyn District Office\n\n445 Neptune Avenue, 1st Floor\n\nCommunity Room 2C\n\nBrooklyn, NY 11224\n\nPhone: (718) 373-0033\n\nHours: M-F 9am - 5pm", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-new-dem-colleagues-call-on-trump-administration-to-retain-usmca/", "title": "Brownley, New Dem Colleagues Call on Trump Administration to Retain USMCA", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://juliabrownley.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "juliabrownley.house.gov", "scraper": "juliabrownley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001285", "name": "Julia Brownley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) joined New Dem Trade and Tariffs Task Force Chair Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08), Global Competitiveness Task Force Chair Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-04), and 26 New Dem colleagues in a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer calling on him to retain and, if possible, strengthen the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), warning that prolonged uncertainty over the agreement threatens American jobs, hurts workers, raises costs for families, and undermines North American competitiveness. This follows the administration’s decision not to extend the agreement on July 1.\n\nUSMCA supports roughly 13 million American jobs and nearly $2 trillion in annual trilateral trade, serving as the backbone of integrated North American supply chains in agriculture, manufacturing, and the automotive sector. Allowing uncertainty surrounding the agreement to persist will discourage long-term investment, weaken U.S. competitiveness, and ultimately increase prices on everyday goods for American consumers already struggling with high costs.\n\nThe letter reads in part:\n\n“USMCA is a cornerstone of North American competitiveness, American agriculture, and an essential tool for cross-border cooperation. The more the renewal negotiations drag on, the more uncertainty compounds across supply chains and puts at risk the 13 million American jobs and $2 trillion in trilateral trade this agreement supports. While there are important issues that need to be addressed, the core agreement must be retained to enable American workers, businesses, and communities to continue to prosper in the future.”\n\nThrough the Coalition’s Governing Agenda, New Dems have championed policies that strengthen domestic manufacturing, reinforce resilient supply chains, expand trade with trusted allies, with the goal of lowering costs for working families. At a time when businesses need certainty to invest and grow, New Dems are urging the Administration to move quickly to preserve the foundation of North American trade while working collaboratively with Canada and Mexico to modernize the agreement, address outstanding labor and trade concerns, and ensure countries like China cannot exploit loopholes in the North American market.\n\nThis letter comes after New Democrat Coalition members penned a letter to Ambassador Greer in November 2025 calling on negotiators to “update and expand the existing framework without undermining the successes and essential components” that have benefited all parties of the agreement.\n\nThe full letter can be found here, and below:\n\nDear Ambassador Greer,\n\nFollowing the Administration’s decision not to renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for another 16 years, we write to express our strong support for retaining and enhancing, not exiting, the existing agreement. USMCA is a cornerstone of North American competitiveness, American agriculture, and an essential tool for cross-border cooperation. The more the renewal negotiations drag on, the more uncertainty compounds across supply chains and puts at risk the 13 million American jobs and $2 trillion in trilateral trade this agreement supports. While there are important issues that need to be addressed, the core agreement must be retained to enable American workers, businesses, and communities to continue to prosper in the future.\n\nThe decision not to extend USMCA has profound consequences for American businesses and consumers, creating the kind of uncertainty that discourages investment, unnecessarily complicates supply chains, and decreases U.S. competitiveness. Most supply chains require thirty-year lead times to be built, not just five, especially in manufacturing industries where factories can take years to become operational. The longer the negotiations drag on, the more uncertainty will result, and there will be fewer incentives to invest. A destabilized USMCA would ripple through the entire economy and weigh on growth and employment in every sector. Leaving USMCA will result in job losses in any industry dependent on trade with Mexico and Canada, including the agricultural, automobile, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Over time, the supply chain disruptions and the absence of tariff-free trade will raise costs for consumers whose cars, groceries, and other household goods depend on tightly interconnected production networks. Affordability has become a central concern for our constituents. Creating more frictions between Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. is going to make things more expensive here at home. Therefore, what might have seemed like an inconsequential deadline will likely result in profound economic impacts for decades to come.\n\nWith these consequences in mind, we urge you to use this review process to quickly reach a consensus with Mexico and Canada to strengthen the agreement and address key outstanding issues. These include our Section 232 “national security” tariffs, which were imposed without congressional oversight or efforts to coordinate with our neighbors. Additionally, any revisions to rules of origin and regional value content should be carefully calibrated to ensure that the continent remains an attractive destination for investment while also ensuring that labor concerns are addressed. Further, we should work with our trading partners to prevent any country, particularly China, from getting a duty-free back door into the North American market.\n\nFinally, the U.S. relationship with Canada and Mexico goes beyond trade. President Trump has repeatedly threatened to annex Canada and turn it into the 51st U.S. state, as well as threatened to bomb targets in Mexico. At this precarious moment for cross-border relations, it is more important than ever that we renew confidence in our North American partnerships. That starts with quickly reaching an agreement to retain and, if possible, enhance the USMCA. We look forward to your prompt response as talks continue with Mexico and Canada in the coming weeks and months.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kean-brings-home-more-100-million-new-jerseys-seventh", "title": "Congressman Kean Brings Home More Than $100 Million to New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "kean.house.gov", "scraper": "kean", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000398", "name": "Thomas H. Kean, Jr.", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(July 20, 2026) LEBANON BOROUGH, NJ – Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) announced that he has amassed more than $100 million for New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District.\n\nSince taking office in 2023, Congressman Kean has secured nearly $39 million through Community Project Funding and his office has successfully closed more than 5,400 constituent cases, recovering nearly $66 million.\n\n“Delivering for the families and communities I represent is my top priority,” said Congressman Kean. “Whether through Community Project Funding or constituent casework, I am committed to fighting for every available federal dollar and bringing New Jersey taxpayers’ money back home where it belongs.”\n\nCommunity Project Funding (CPF) is a process that allows Members of Congress to request direct funding for projects that benefit the communities they represent. This process includes robust eligibility, ethics, and transparency guidelines and is only available to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as some non-profits. Additionally, only projects with evidence of strong support from the community will be considered, and evidence of this support and community need is required as part of your submission.\n\nThrough the CPF process, Congressman Kean has secured nearly $39 million in federal funding for New Jersey's 7th District and continues to advocate for additional funding for projects across the district. Of the nearly $39 million secured to date, more than $15 million has been directed toward law enforcement initiatives across all six counties. Projects include $4 million for the Camp Cromwell Facility Rehabilitation in Bridgewater Township and $2.4 million for the Phillipsburg Riverfront Park Revitalization. Read about the Congressman’s submissions for FY2027 funding HERE.\n\nEvery year, Congressman Kean’s office assists thousands of constituents by helping to resolve issues with federal agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Social Security Administration (SSA).\n\nBelow are testimonials from constituents who contacted Congressman Kean’s office for casework assistance:\n\n“From the very first moment of my request for urgent and immediate help, the staff were attentive and concerned. Reaching out to your office was a last resort and I never anticipated the splendid and empathetic welcome I received. For the assistance and support you all offered me, I am inexpressibly grateful.” - Lorraine, Bernardsville\n\n“Rep. Kean's office made me feel like someone from the government not only listened to me, but directly addressed my issues. I couldn't be happier!” - Paras, Fanwood\n\n“The staff was courteous, respectful, and highly professional. My concerns were handled promptly, and I received clear information within just a few days.” - Rose, Scotch Plains\n\n“Beyond satisfied! The office was wonderful to work with and successfully resolved both my issues in an extremely timely manner! 5+ Stars!” - Karen, Budd Lake\n\n“Since the moment we met your staff we felt respected, got our concerns addressed and the level of engagement throughout was simply outstanding!” - Elen, Phillipsburg\n\nConstituents in need of federal agency assistance can contact Congressman Kean’s district office in Lebanon Borough at (908) 547-3307 or visit the \"Help with a Federal Agency\" page of his website HERE. Additionally, they can visit regional satellite office hours, which are held during the first week of each month across the district.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-legislation-end-dojs-weaponized-surveillance-passes-house-judiciary", "title": "Kelly legislation to end DOJ's weaponized surveillance passes House Judiciary Committee", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "kelly.house.gov", "scraper": "kelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000376", "name": "Mike Kelly", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Last week, legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), the \"Congressional Records Protection Act,\" which would protect the separation of powers enshrined in the United States Constitution and end the weaponized surveillance of Members of Congress, passed the House Judiciary Committee.\n\nThe legislation now advances to full consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n\"Throughout the Biden administration, the Department of Justice repeatedly targeted and surveilled its political enemies. This legislation makes it clear: no matter your party, illegal surveillance of a Member of Congress, congressional employees and the American people is flat out wrong,\" said Rep. Kelly. \"Partisan bureaucrats should not have the power to weaponize their prosecutorial power over fellow government officials without probable cause simply because they disagree politically.\"\n\n\"Rep. Mike Kelly’s Congressional Records Protection Act protects privileged legislative materials while preserving law enforcement’s ability to pursue legitimate criminal investigations. It also safeguards Congress against weaponized surveillance and helps prevent politically motivated witch hunts like the Arctic Frost and Jack Smith investigations,\" said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH).\n\nOriginal co-sponsors of the legislation include House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Representatives Lance Gooden (R-TX), Bob Onder (R-MO), Russell Fry (R-SC), Harriet Hageman (R-WY), and Wesley Hunt (R-TX).\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe Congressional Records Protection Act would prohibit any governmental entity from seeking or obtaining a search warrant, grand jury subpoena, court order, statutory authorization, certification, subpoena, or administrative order that is likely to capture material implicating the Speech or Debate Clause. The U.S. Constitution’s \"Speech or Debate Clause\" provides that “for any Speech or Debate in either House, [Senators and Representatives] shall not be questioned in any other place.\" The Speech or Debate Clause shields records related to Members’ official duties from compelled disclosure.\n\nDuring the Biden-Harris Administration, the Department of Justice (DOJ) disregarded this constitutional protection and the separation of powers by issuing secret subpoenas for Members’ phone records. This includes Rep. Kelly's phone records during former Special Counsel Jack Smith's partisan investigation known as \"Arctic Frost.\"\n\nThe Congressional Records Protection Act would require prosecutors and investigators to notify Members and congressional staffers when seeking compelled disclosure of materials that may be protected by the Speech or Debate Clause under the Act’s limited exceptions.\n\nThe Congressional Records Protection Act states the target of a criminal investigation is the person whom the governmental entity has probable cause to believe has committed a crime. If the target is a Member or congressional employee, a judge must certify that probable cause exists prior to the governmental entity seeking or obtaining a search warrant, grand jury subpoena, court order, statutory authorization, certification, subpoena, or administrative order.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/2026/07/20/mullin-calls-out-trumps-undermining-of-the-fda-medical-advancements/", "title": "Mullin Calls Out Trump’s Undermining of the FDA & Medical Advancements", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "kevinmullin.house.gov", "scraper": "kevinmullin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001225", "name": "Kevin Mullin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – The Trump Administration’s undermining of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is putting public health at risk and threatening advancements in the life sciences industry, prompting Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) to call for more stability at the agency.\n\nThis week, Rep. Mullin sounded the alarm during an Energy and Commerce subcommittee meeting, which coincided with his sending a letter to the FDA that calls out the Administration’s harmful policies effecting its work. The FDA’s crisis stems from mass layoffs, that led to a nearly 20% reduction in staff last year and tumultuous leadership turnover, which have weakened the agency’s ability to protect consumers and regulate drugs entering the U.S. market.\n\nRepresenting a congressional district that boasts a robust life sciences economy, Rep. Mullin emphasized how weakening the FDA hurts medical advancements and the patients who rely on these innovative developments.\n\n“Given the vital role life sciences companies play in protecting public health and furthering our domestic economic development, I implore you to preserve the FDA’s reputation for being the world’s gold standard of leadership in the regulatory space,” Rep. Mullin wrote in his letter to the FDA. “Biotechnology companies require a consistent and reliable regulator to ensure that the safest and most effective drugs are getting to patients. Political whims cannot be allowed to continue to unnecessarily hinder this important domestic industry. Patients’ lives depend on timely scientific progress.”\n\nDelays at the FDA significantly impact the economy and slow down therapies getting to patients. In 2025, the life sciences industry in the San Francisco Bay Area created $121.6 billion in economic output and employed over 135,000 workers. San Mateo County alone has more than 700 biotech companies, many of which are small business that are particularly vulnerable to long regulatory delays and changes in the market. These companies develop life-changing treatments for a variety of health conditions and diseases, from discovering new ways to address neurological disorders to reducing the spread of HIV. But these therapies depend on a predictable regulatory review process to get in the hands of patients.\n\nDisastrous leadership turnovers and pressure for FDA staff to prioritize partisan politics over scientific judgement, in addition to layoffs under the direction of Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., have also added unnecessary uncertainty to the drug review process. Shockingly, one division at FDA alone has had five different directors since January 2025. In his letter to the FDA’s Acting Commissioner Kyle Diamantas, Rep. Mullin urges the FDA to reestablish certainty in its processes so that it can return to supporting American leadership in the biotechnology industry.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/338000-support-delinquency-prevention", "title": "$338,000 to Support Delinquency Prevention", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The Commonwealth’s Criminal Justice Planning Agency has been awarded two Department of Justice grants to support delinquency prevention efforts and strengthen the CNMI’s criminal justice programs. CJPA received $238,550 through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to support crime prevention efforts and enhance criminal justice initiatives across the Commonwealth. CJPA also received $99,190 from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to support juvenile justice and delinquency prevention programs for youth throughout the Marianas. These awards will help sustain community-based services, support law enforcement and juvenile justice initiatives, and expand programs focused on improving public safety outcomes across the CNMI. Congratulations to CJPA for securing these important resources and continuing its work to serve our communities.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/advancing-fema-reform", "title": "Advancing FEMA Reform", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Last week, in a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing on the FEMA Act of 2025, I questioned former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate about improving disaster recovery for communities like the Northern Marianas. The legislation includes commonsense reforms that would streamline FEMA’s programs, reduce bureaucratic delays, expand mitigation investments, and replace the slow reimbursement process for many projects with upfront grants so communities can rebuild more quickly. For the CNMI, where disasters can overwhelm limited local resources and recovery is often slowed by our geographic isolation, these reforms would help deliver assistance faster, strengthen resilience before the next storm, and ensure federal disaster programs better reflect the unique needs of America’s island territories. We remain committed to advancing these reforms so our communities have the tools they need to recover stronger after future disasters.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/cnmi-entrepreneur-featured-denver-post", "title": "CNMI Entrepreneur Featured in The Denver Post", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "We are always proud to see people from the CNMI achieving great things and representing our islands with distinction. Congratulations to Saipan resident Christina Ludwick, who was recently featured in The Denver Post for the opening of her newest restaurant, Sandomi, in Edgewater, Colorado. Christina’s entrepreneurial journey is an inspiring one. After graduating from the University of Hawaii, she worked her way through the restaurant industry before opening her first restaurant in the Denver area, including Wild Basil, Dumpling Kitchen, Dumpling Spot, Toki Ramen and Sushi, Yu’s Noodle Shop, and now Sandomi, which showcases Japanese-style sandos, onigiri, curries, and other Asian-inspired cuisine. We applaud Christina on this well-deserved recognition and wish her continued success as she proudly represents the CNMI through her passion for food and entrepreneurship.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/cohosting-korean-war-documentary-screening", "title": "Cohosting Korean War Documentary Screening", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "I joined Representatives Young Kim (R-CA), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Pat Harrigan (R-NC) in co-hosting a special screening of Legacy of the Battlefield, a documentary honoring the service and sacrifice of those who fought in the Korean War. This event was especially meaningful to me because the story of Korea is also part of my family’s story. My maternal grandfather was Korean and came to the Northern Marianas during the Japanese Administration. He survived World War II, built a new life in the Marianas, and our family’s journey eventually led me to serve in the United States Congress. Standing before the audience, I was reminded that history is more than battles and treaties. It is the story of ordinary people whose lives are forever changed by extraordinary events. It is important that we remember the sacrifices of the American, Korean, and United Nations service members who defended freedom, while also honoring the families whose resilience shaped generations to come. We are grateful to Congresswoman Young Kim and our fellow cohosts for bringing the important story of the Korean War to Capitol Hill. Click here to view the documentary trailer.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/defending-marianas-senate", "title": "Defending the Marianas in the Senate", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Image\n\nThe Senate recently considered a request to pass S. 3857 by unanimous consent. The bill would cause catastrophic damage to our efforts to rebuild the CNMI economy. Because the territories have no representation in the Senate, stopping the bill required a Senator to stand and object. I am deeply grateful to Senator Martin Heinrich for doing exactly that. His objection prevented the bill from passing and gave the people of the Marianas the defense in the Senate that we do not have for ourselves. At a time when our economy remains fragile and our islands are recovering from two super typhoons, that action mattered.We are working every day to keep our community standing and rebuild an economy where our people can find opportunity at home. Members of the Senate like Senator Heinrich understood what was at stake, and I am grateful that he stood with the Marianas when we needed him.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/preparing-cnmi-small-businesses-future-ai", "title": "Preparing CNMI Small Businesses for the Future of AI", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "On Tuesday, the Small Business Committee held a hearing entitled “AI on Main Street: How AI is Shaping the Future of Small Business. The hearing focused on how small businesses around the country are beginning to adopt AI into their business practices, what allows some businesses to take advantage of AI tools versus those that never get past the experimentation phase, the complex ways AI alters the labor needs of small businesses, and what policy choices should be made to maximize the benefits of AI for small business’ competitiveness and for their workers. I questioned the witnesses on what investments the Committee on Congress should be making to prepare our workforce to take advantage of the benefits AI brings. AI adoption is an inevitable factor in the future of the success of small businesses in the CNMI and everywhere, and I look forward to continuing to push for policies that make sure benefits our businesses and our local workforce.\n\nImage", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/representing-marianas-house-floor", "title": "Representing the Marianas on the House Floor", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "On Wednesday, I managed the House Floor in the Committee of the Whole as the House considered amendments to H.R. 8595, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2027. As floor manager, I helped guide debate and supported the House’s consideration of legislation funding critical national security and foreign policy priorities. This opportunity reflects the important role the Northern Mariana Islands plays in our nation’s security interests in the Indo-Pacific. Later that day, I voted on amendments to the bill, rejecting efforts to reduce funding for programs that support American interests and strengthen our global partnerships. I will continue working to ensure the priorities and perspectives of the Marianas are represented in Congress.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/securing-federal-support-protect-saipans-coastline", "title": "Securing Federal Support to Protect Saipan’s Coastline", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Last Tuesday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unanimously approved the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026. I was able to secure inclusion of my amendment authorizing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to address beach erosion and coastal storm damage at Micro Beach and Makaka Beach in Garapan, Saipan. After enduring multiple major typhoons the past several years, strengthening our shorelines is about more than protecting our beaches, it is about safeguarding our communities, supporting our tourism economy, and enhancing the resilience of the CNMI. As a strategically located U.S. commonwealth in the Indo-Pacific, investing in the CNMI’s coastal infrastructure also advances our nation’s broader security and readiness interests. If enacted into law, this authorization will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin the process of evaluating and developing a federal shoreline protection project for Micro Beach and Makaka Beach, subject to future appropriations and implementation. We will continue working with the Corps and our local partners, including the CNMI Department of Lands and Natural Resources and other agencies, to move this project forward and ensure the CNMI receives the federal resources it deserves.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/strengthening-partnerships-fellow-micronesians", "title": "Strengthening Partnerships with Fellow Micronesians", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Last week, I had the great opportunity to meet with Members of the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia: Senator Andy Choor of Yap, Senator Fabian Nimea of Chuuk, and Senator Johnson Asher of Kosrae, along with FSM Ambassador to the United States Jackson Soram. We discussed issues of mutual concern, implementation of the Compact of Free Association, and my efforts to expand access to VA benefits for veterans in Micronesia. The FSM and the Marianas share a longstanding history of friendship, family ties, and cultural connections that span generations. I reaffirmed that my door is always open to our fellow Micronesians, and I look forward to continuing our strong partnership.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/tinian-house", "title": "Tinian in the House", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "On Thursday, I welcomed the Polistico and Lenteja families to their Washington congressional office. The group met with me and enjoyed a staff-led tour of the U.S. Capitol. From left are Josephine and Tito Polistico, who are originally from Tinian and now reside in Delaware; Joe Lenteja and his children, Jaedon, Adriel, and Ysabella. Jaedon recently completed his first year at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Adriel is entering his first year at the Naval Academy Preparatory School, and Ysabella is a rising senior at Tinian High School. We appreciate their visit and enjoyed the opportunity to welcome members of our Marianas community to the nation’s capital.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://lahood.house.gov/2026/7/lahood-supports-aadapt-act-to-better-support-alzheimer-s-and-dementia-patients", "title": "LaHood Supports AADAPT Act to Better Support Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "lahood.house.gov", "scraper": "lahood", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000585", "name": "Darin LaHood", "party": "Republican", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) spoke on the House floor in favor of the House-passed H.R. 3747 the Accelerating Access to Dementia & Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act. The passage of this legislation marks a significant milestone in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The bipartisan AADAPT Act improves educational resources for health care workers, allowing them to better support individuals and families living with these dementias. Congressman LaHood co-led the bill alongside Rep. Troy Balderson (OH-12), Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44), and Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20).\n\n“Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases impact too many individuals and families throughout America and Illinois’ 16th Congressional District,” said Rep. LaHood. “As co-chair of the Alzheimer's Working Group, I am proud to co-lead legislation like the AADAPT Act to strengthen support for patients and ensure our local primary care providers have the specialized training they need to treat, diagnose, and care for those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. I thank my colleagues in the House for supporting this critical piece of legislation and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to send the bill to the President’s desk so we can enhance the quality of care and strengthen our support for patients and their families.”\n\n“New treatments and new diagnostic tools are transforming what is possible for people living with Alzheimer’s. The AADAPT Act ensures that primary care providers across the country — especially in rural and underserved communities — have the resources they need to bring that progress to their patients. We thank the bipartisan champions of this legislation for helping make that possible,” said Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Association chief public policy officer and AIM president.\n\nWatch Rep. LaHood's Full Remarks Below:\n\nBackground:\n\nAlzheimer’s disease impacts over seven million Americans. However, many primary care providers, especially those serving rural or underserved populations, report they lack the proper resources and additional training necessary to diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Today, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are under-detected in the primary care setting about 50 percent of the time.\n\nThe AADAPT Act ensures that individuals and families facing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia receive earlier support, accurate information, and care that reflects their needs. This legislation is a critical step toward closing the diagnosis gap and reducing care disparities in rural communities.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4227", "title": "Larsen Releases Statement on Petty, Pointless Tariffs on Canada", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "larsen.house.gov", "scraper": "larsen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000560", "name": "Rick Larsen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:\n\n“What the hell, Mr. President? Cut the BS. End the tariffs. Renegotiate USMCA. Lower prices.”\n\nToday, the Trump administration announced new 50% tariffs on certain Canadian goods starting next month. The 50% tariffs would include goods that had previously been protected from import taxes by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA).\n\nThis month, Rep. Larsen sent a report to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer urging the continuation of USMCA. The report summarizes over a hundred meetings and conversations that Rep. Larsen’s office has had with farmers, businesses, municipalities, ports and other stakeholders across Northwest Washington over the past year.\n\nRep. Larsen is a leader in opposing the Trump administration’s tariffs and a member of the New Democrat Coalition Trade and Tariffs Task Force. Today, the Task Force sent a letter to Ambassador Greer calling on him to renew and strengthen USMCA.\n\nRep. Larsen is also the top Democrat on the U.S.-Canada Interparliamentary Group, an organization that connects American and Canadian legislators to promote information sharing and better understanding on shared issues of concern. Born and raised in Arlington, Washington, Rep. Larsen has a deep personal history with British Columbia and the U.S.-Canada relationship.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-preparing-legislation-end-trumps-illegal-war-iran", "title": "Larson Preparing Legislation to End Trump’s Illegal War in Iran", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "larson.house.gov", "scraper": "larson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000557", "name": "John B. Larson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced that he is preparing legal action against the Trump Administration, as well as legislation to cut off funding for the unauthorized war with Iran, following reports that three additional U.S. servicemembers were killed, one remains unaccounted for, and dozens more were wounded over the weekend.\n\nFor nearly five months, President Trump has continued military operations against Iran without Congressional authorization. The administration’s claim that recent developments constitute a new conflict and restart what they consider to be a 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution, is nothing more than a legally baseless attempt to evade Congress and circumvent the Constitution. Larson is preparing a lawsuit challenging the administration’s continued prosecution of the war without Congressional approval. He will also introduce legislation invoking Congress’s constitutional power of the purse to prohibit further federal funding for unauthorized hostilities with Iran.\n\n“While Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans continue to do Trump’s bidding instead of defending Congress’s constitutional authority, more American servicemembers are paying the price with their lives. My prayers are with the families of our fallen servicemembers and those recovering from their injuries,” Larson said. “Congress cannot continue to sit on its hands. We must cut off funding for this illegal war and take every available legal action to end it before more Americans are killed.”\n\nSeventeen U.S. servicemembers have now lost their lives in the conflict, and hundreds more have been injured. The war has also contributed to rising fuel prices, placing additional financial pressure on working families at home. Last month, Larson joined a successful House vote calling for an end to the unauthorized war with Iran, marking the fourth time he has voted to require the withdrawal of U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities involving Iran.\n\nLarson has consistently led congressional efforts to end the unauthorized war, voting repeatedly to require the withdrawal of U.S. forces, introducing articles of impeachment against President Trump for violating the Constitution, and now preparing both legal action and legislation to cut off funding for the conflict.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-statement-passing-john-droney", "title": "Larson Statement on the Passing of John Droney", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "larson.house.gov", "scraper": "larson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000557", "name": "John B. Larson", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John Droney, a man I’ve known all my political life,” said Larson. “As Chairman of the Connecticut Democratic Party, John was a consummate leader. He was an outstanding individual and an asset to our party, the candidates he mentored, and the causes he believed in. His competitive nature was what was needed in some of the most consequential political moments our state has seen. My thoughts are with John's family and all who were blessed to have known him.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sanchez-canadian-tariffs-trump-unhinged", "title": "Sánchez on Canadian tariffs: Trump is unhinged", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "lindasanchez.house.gov", "scraper": "lindasanchez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001156", "name": "Linda T. Sánchez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) released the following statement after President Trump announced a 50 percent tariff on certain Canadian goods under the obscure Section 338 authority, which lacks meaningful procedural requirements, including public consultation and congressional approval:\n\n“President Trump is completely unhinged. Days after threatening tariffs over wildfire smoke and still upset because Canada refused to bow to his absurd 51st-state threats, he’s now escalating his maniacal trade war with our neighbor, close friend and second-largest trading partner.\n\n“Americans’ pocketbooks are already being strained by high gas and grocery prices due to his unnecessary war with Iran. Now he’s inflicting even more damage by threatening a 50 percent tariff on Canada – a harsher penalty than what he has imposed on our adversaries, including China, which is actively negotiating lower tariffs through the Board of Trade.\n\n“Rather than repeating the mistakes of his failed trade war, President Trump should work with Canada to resolve issues in the ongoing USMCA review to protect American jobs.\n\n“American families, workers and businesses need stability, not more chaos from a president desperate to distract from his declining poll numbers.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-chairman-emeritus-mccaul-fox-news-sunday", "title": "ICYMI: Chairman Emeritus McCaul on Fox News Sunday", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "mccaul.house.gov", "scraper": "mccaul", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001157", "name": "Michael T. McCaul", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Texas) joined Shannon Bream on Fox News Sunday to discuss the latest on efforts to pass tough Russian sanctions, operations in Iran, and the SAVE America Act.\n\nImage\n\nClick to watch\n\nExcerpts from the interview:\n\nOn Senator Graham's Russian sanctions bill and Ukraine's current momentum: \"...Nothing would honor Lindsey's legacy greater than the Congress passing this sanctions bill. Because he knew to be strong at home, you have to project strength abroad. He knew that Russia and China and Iran are all tied in this together. This bill not only punishes Russia and energy coming out of Russia, it also hurts Iran, and it also hurts China. ...\n\n\"With respect to conditions on the ground, I was near the front lines with the soldiers there, the commanders. The drone operations are absolutely stunning [With so many] casualties on the Russian side, [Ukraine is] actually winning this war. I think President Trump likes a winner, and that's why he came out at the NATO summit supporting Ukraine's efforts in getting Patriot licensing agreements. And this moral support for Ukraine was huge in terms of Zelensky's reaction and on the front lines. Lastly, they need these interceptors. Every night when I was in Kyiv, they're getting bombed by ballistic missiles. Last night, they had about 20 ballistic missiles ... And we have to help them to stop that bombing.\"\n\nOn the status of operations in Iran: \"Remember, the military was winning this war against Iran. And by the way, I applaud President Trump, the first [president] since 1979 to take action against a nuclear Iran. And having said that, you know, our military is winning. We stopped to negotiate a ceasefire and a negotiated settlement. That did not work with this regime. I was not sanguine about that being successful. So now we're going to move forward with plan A again. The military is going to move in, take out their launch pads, take out their ability to send Shahed drones to hit tankers, [and launch] missiles. [It is the] same thing, quite frankly, that Ukraine is doing against Russia. We're going to do that against Iran. They're using the same drones, the Shahed drones. But we’ve got to knock out these targets inside of Iran to open up the Strait of Hormuz. That has to be the fundamental, key objective right now.\"\n\nOn the need to pass Reconciliation 3.0: \"This is not just about Iran, by the way. This is about modernizing and replenishing our stockpiles, modernizing our defense industrial base. We have so many threats out there. It's not just Iran. It's the eastern flank of NATO and Russia. It's also the Indo-Pacific and China. And we've been behind the curve on this. I support this funding along with the SAVE America Act, which is put in there as well.\"\n\nOn efforts to pass the SAVE America Act: \"To me, it’s very simple: The law says you have to be a citizen to vote. All we're talking about is implementing the law and enforcing the law, so I see it as a very simple measure. ...\n\n\"You know, the president talked a lot about China. I prosecuted the China investigation. [In] 1997 they were putting money into the Clinton campaign. My last campaign and Senator Marco Rubio at that time had a disinformation campaign launched against us by China. They are interfering in these elections. We need to take this integrity issue seriously, and that's why it's important to pass [the SAVE America Act].\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-leads-community-safety-caucus-in-opposing-trump-administration-power-grab-over-federal-grants", "title": "Rep. Summer Lee Leads Community Safety Caucus in Opposing Trump Administration Power Grab Over Federal Grants", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mciver.house.gov", "scraper": "mciver", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001229", "name": "LaMonica McIver", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Text of Letter (PDF)\n\n“The proposed changes pose a significant financial risk and could create instability for federal grantees, including nonprofits, making it more difficult for them to serve their communities,” the lawmakers wrote. “The changes would be particularly damaging for community violence intervention (CVI) programs that depend on stable funding, long-term planning, and cross-sector partnerships.”\n\nThe letter points to falling rates of violence in communities that have made sustained investments in prevention. Baltimore recently reached a historic low in homicides following the implementation of its Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan. Chicago experienced a 21 percent decline in overall violent crime, a 32 percent decline in homicides, and a 37 percent decline in shootings in 2025—progress driven in significant part by community violence intervention programs.\n\n“The reduction in crime across the country is not an accident; instead, it is due to local governments and community leaders investing in and implementing strategies that work, such as CVI programs,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe lawmakers also raised concerns about the administration’s previous cuts to the Department of Justice’s Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative, the primary source of federal funding for CVI programs. Approximately half of the initiative’s funding was cut in April 2025, including $145 million supporting programs, training, and technical assistance and another $8.6 million supporting research and evaluation.\n\nThose cuts forced organizations across the country to reduce services, eliminate staff positions, and, in some cases, close entirely.\n\nThe letter urges OMB to withdraw the proposed Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance in full.\n\nA copy of the letter can be found HERE.\n\nAbout the Community Safety Caucus\n\nThe Congressional Community Safety Caucus advances a multidisciplinary, public-health approach to safety that stops violence and harm before they occur while providing caring and equitable responses to behavioral health and other crises.\n\nThe Caucus recognizes that genuine safety requires much more than just responding after harm has already occurred. It requires sustained investments in housing, health care, education, environmental justice, violence prevention, behavioral health, economic opportunity, and the overall wellbeing of communities.\n\nThrough legislative and appropriations advocacy, research, and educational programming, the Caucus champions evidence-based approaches that prevent violence, break cycles of harm, respond to crises with care, and help every community thrive.\n\nAlongside Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12), the Community Safety Caucus was founded and is co-chaired by Gabe Amo (RI-01), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), and Delia Ramirez (IL-03).\n\nAdditional members of the Caucus include Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Judy Chu (CA-28), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Bobby Scott (VA-03), and Lateefah Simon (CA-12).", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-announces-house-passage-his-legislation-expand-access", "title": "CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE ANNOUNCES HOUSE PASSAGE OF HIS LEGISLATION TO EXPAND ACCESS TO LIFESAVING CANCER SCREENINGS", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "morelle.house.gov", "scraper": "morelle", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001206", "name": "Joseph D. Morelle", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, D.C.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle celebrated the passage of the EARLY Act, which includes the full provisions of his SCREENS for Cancer Act, legislation he authored to expand the availability of early detection services and other cancer screenings.\n\nThe Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for CancerAct reauthorizes the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) through 2030, strengthening access to preventive care that helps detect cancer earlier, improve outcomes, and save lives.\n\n\"Cancer has touched my family in the most personal way, and I know firsthand how critical early detection can be,\" said Congressman Joe Morelle. \"No one should have to forgo a lifesaving screening because they can't afford it or don't have adequate insurance. I'm proud the House came together in a bipartisan way to pass the SCREENS for Cancer Act, bringing us one step closer to expanding access to breast and cervical cancer screenings for the people who need them most. Early detection saves lives, and I'll keep fighting until every family has access to the care they deserve.\"\n\nSince its creation, the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program has provided more than 16.5 million screening examinations, helping diagnose nearly 80,000 invasive breast cancers and more than 5,300 invasive cervical cancers. The program provides critical screening and diagnostic services to women who might otherwise go without preventive care because of financial or insurance barriers.\n\nIf enacted into law, the SCREENS for Cancer Act would:\n\nReauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program through 2030 with funding of $235 million annually.\n\nExpand outreach, patient navigation, and follow-up care for low-income, uninsured, and underserved communities.\n\nSupport evidence-based strategies to increase screening rates and reduce disparities in cancer detection.\n\nRequire a Government Accountability Office study evaluating program effectiveness, service utilization, and barriers to screening access.\n\nModernize the program's priorities to strengthen prevention, early detection, and treatment efforts.\n\nThe legislation now heads to the United States Senate for consideration.\n\nCongressman Morelle has long championed efforts to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for families across Rochester and the Finger Lakes. He will continue working to advance bipartisan solutions that improve health outcomes and ensure every American has access to preventive care.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-morelle-fitzpatrick-announce-house-passage-their-legislation", "title": "CONGRESSMEN MORELLE, FITZPATRICK ANNOUNCE HOUSE PASSAGE OF THEIR LEGISLATION TO EXPAND ACCESS TO LIFESAVING CANCER SCREENINGS", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "morelle.house.gov", "scraper": "morelle", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001206", "name": "Joseph D. Morelle", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, D.C.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle (D, NY-25) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-01) celebrated the passage of the EARLY Act, which includes the full provisions of the Morelle-authored Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for CancerAct. The SCREENS for Cancer Act reauthorizes the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) through 2030, strengthening access to preventive care that helps detect cancer earlier, improve outcomes, and save lives.\n\n\"Cancer has touched my family in the most personal way, and I know firsthand how critical early detection can be,\" said Congressman Joe Morelle. \"No one should have to forgo a lifesaving screening because they can't afford it or don't have adequate insurance. I'm proud the House came together in a bipartisan way to pass the SCREENS for Cancer Act, bringing us one step closer to expanding access to breast and cervical cancer screenings for the people who need them most. Early detection saves lives, and I'll keep fighting until every family has access to the care they deserve.\"\n\n“America has made extraordinary progress in the fight against cancer, but progress is measured not only by what medicine makes possible—it is measured by how many lives that progress reaches,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus. “Early detection can change the course of a diagnosis, yet too often cost and circumstance determine whether that chance comes in time. Today’s bipartisan vote affirms a fundamental obligation: when we possess the means to save a life, we must not allow access to stand in the way. The Senate should act with equal purpose and urgency.”\n\nSince its creation, the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program has provided more than 16.5 million screening examinations, helping diagnose nearly 80,000 invasive breast cancers and more than 5,300 invasive cervical cancers. The program provides critical screening and diagnostic services to women who might otherwise go without preventive care because of financial or insurance barriers.\n\nIf enacted into law, the SCREENS for Cancer Act would:\n\nReauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program through 2030 with funding of $235 million annually.\n\nExpand outreach, patient navigation, and follow-up care for low-income, uninsured, and underserved communities.\n\nSupport evidence-based strategies to increase screening rates and reduce disparities in cancer detection.\n\nRequire a Government Accountability Office study evaluating program effectiveness, service utilization, and barriers to screening access.\n\nModernize the program's priorities to strengthen prevention, early detection, and treatment efforts.\n\nThe legislation now heads to the United States Senate for consideration.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405764", "title": "Griffith Announces Nearly $1.3 Million for Tazewell County Helene Relief", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded Hurricane Helene-related grants to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The funding breakdown of the grants is as follows:\n\n$715,795 for Bluefield University to lead interior and exterior site repairs\n\n$429,270 for Virginia Department of Transportation to repair damaged guard rails and culverts in Tazewell County\n\n$143,118 for Town of Richlands to deliver improved access route to local community\n\nIn response to these grant notices, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“Many communities in Tazewell County were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Helene damages resulted in needed repairs for Bluefield University and improvements to local road infrastructure.\n\n“These grants for nearly $1.3 million help with recovery efforts in Tazewell County.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nFEMA funds are obligated to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Commonwealth will be responsible for providing the funds to the sub-recipients.\n\nIn January 2025, Rep. Griffith announced $46.67 million in Helene relief to Virginia from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).\n\nIn April 2025, Congressman Griffith announced nearly $6 million in Helene relief in a separate grant for Washington County water line repairs.\n\nIn January 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $4.2 million in Helene relief for a Wytheville wastewater treatment system.\n\nIn February 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $8.6 million in Helene relief for water line repair.\n\nIn April 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $1.7 million in Helene relief for bridge repair.\n\nIn June 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $2.8 million in Helene relief for road repair.\n\nIn July 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $9.3 million in Helene relief for waterline repair and $1.2 million in bridge repairs.\n\nIn July 2026, Congressman Griffith celebrated more than $7.3 million in federal funding for Helene relief projects in Southwest Virginia.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-100-house-democrats-demand-closure-dilley-detention-center", "title": "Moulton, 100+ House Democrats Demand Closure of Dilley Detention Center", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "moulton.house.gov", "scraper": "moulton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001196", "name": "Seth Moulton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) joined a group of 111 House Democrats in calling to end family detention and shut down the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas. In the letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the lawmakers highlighted the brutality of family detention and the lasting trauma inflicted on children.\n\nThe Dilley Immigration Processing Center, originally closed in June 2024 over human rights concerns, was reopened in April 2025 by the Trump Administration. It has since held over 5,600 parents, children, and newborns in unsafe conditions with contaminated food and limited access to medical care. The facility routinely violates the Flores Settlement Agreement by detaining children for months past the 20-day limit and using threats of family separation to force migrants to abandon their asylum claims.\n\nThe lawmakers highlighted DHS’s violations of court-ordered protections of children’s rights, writing, “The FSA requires that children in immigration custody must be held in the least restrictive setting appropriate to their needs and be detained no longer than 20 days in unlicensed facilities. The Trump Administration consistently and systematically violates these requirements.”\n\nThe lawmakers continued by calling on DHS to terminate its contract with CoreCivic and shut down the facility.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://neal.house.gov/2026/07/20/neal-statement-on-trumps-latest-price-hikes-and-attack-on-canada/", "title": "Neal Statement on Trump’s Latest Price Hikes and Attack on Canada", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "neal.house.gov", "scraper": "neal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000015", "name": "Richard E. Neal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SPRINGFIELD, MA— Congressman Richard E. Neal released the following statement blasting President Trump for...\n\nWASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Richard E. Neal released the following statement on the Massie Amendment #8 to the...\n\nLeading Democrats on Trade Policy Warn Russian Sanctions Bill Could Lead to Higher Prices and Unchecked New Tariffs...\n\nSPRINGFIELD, MA— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following...\n\nSPRINGFIELD, MA— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement...\n\nSPRINGFIELD, MA—Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement...\n\nWASHINGTON, DC—Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement...\n\nFirst things, let’s talk about this bill doesn’t do. It doesn’t lower hospital costs, reduce drug prices, address...\n\n(As prepared for delivery) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This next bill is championed by Congressman Horsford, and I...", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/neguse-wasserman-schultz-lead-entire-democratic-caucus-demanding-cms-reverse", "title": "Neguse, Wasserman-Schultz Lead Entire Democratic Caucus in Demanding CMS Reverse Course on Rule Threatening Medicaid Access for Cancer Patients", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "neguse.house.gov", "scraper": "neguse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000191", "name": "Joe Neguse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Between 5 million and 10 million people could lose Medicaid coverage in 2028 due to the new CMS rule.\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Joe Neguse and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz led the entire House Democratic Caucus in a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), urging the agency reverse course on a new rule requiring certain Medicaid applicants and enrollees to meet conditions of eligibility in order to access critical healthcare services. The framework implements work requirements mandated by the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), and has the potential to lock American families facing some of the most dire health conditions out of lifesaving care.\n\nNeguse and Wasserman-Schultz, who have each been impacted by cancer as a caregiver and patient, respectively, also called on CMS to establish, at a minimum, automatic exemptions for patients with cancer and other aggressive illnesses.\n\n“We write to express our profound concern regarding the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) interim final rule titled ‘Medicaid Community Engagement Requirement for Certain Individuals.’ This interim rule will create an undue burden for beneficiaries with serious health care needs and put people at risk of losing coverage, while also creating significant implementation challenges for states. Therefore, we urge CMS to revise this rule, and until such changes are made, call on CMS to authorize states to delay implementation,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\nMore specifically, CMS’s new rule makes it harder for cancer patients and survivors to qualify for Medicaid’s “medical frailty” exemption—stating that a medical condition must significantly impair a person’s ability to comply with the 80-hour per month work requirement. In their letter, the lawmakers argue this framework does not adequately consider the complex nature of illnesses like cancer, which can exhibit periodic or intermittent symptoms often relating to side effects of treatment or the disease itself.\n\nThe requirement also forces individuals to prove they can’t work, in an exhaustive process that increases barriers between struggling Americans and access to basic healthcare.\n\n“Forcing vulnerable patients to exhaustively document their symptoms simply to maintain access to basic healthcare is both imprudent and inconsistent with Federal law. Diagnoses such as an aggressive cancer require patients to receive care as soon as possible, and as you know, any delays to treatment put patients at heightened risk. These and other rapidly progressing conditions become significantly less amenable to treatment in their later stages, meaning a patient's current capacity to work does not reflect the urgency of their medical needs.”\n\nThe House Democratic Caucus, led by Neguse and Wasserman-Schultz, also called attention to the fact that this rule will create significant administrative and financial burdens for states. It departs from a previous definition and requires a rushed change in implementation plans.\n\nThey closed by stating that the rule goes even further than Congressional Republicans intended in their disastrous One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which already strips health care coverage from at least 17 million Americans while driving up health care costs for millions more.\n\nThe letter concluded: “While there is no way to prevent some eligible people from losing coverage due to the flawed nature of the underlying policy, which in and of itself exacts draconian cuts to healthcare programs and strips access to affordable care for millions of Americans, CMS has an obligation to implement the law in question as written. And, as noted, the new rule appears to be inconsistent with the plain language of H.R. 1, adding a new, restrictive standard that will add to the number of people losing coverage. Indeed, the evidence clearly demonstrates that creating more documentation requirements and adding complexity to the enrollment process will have a devastating effect. Therefore, in sum, we urge CMS to reconsider its interim rule to protect people with serious medical needs. CMS should also delay implementation of the new work requirements pending these changes.”\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\nIn a speech on the House Floor in June, Neguse made an urgent request of the Trump administration, demanding they rescind the CMS rule that would potentially strip healthcare coverage from cancer patients and imploring his colleagues—Democrats and Republicans alike—to join him in doing the right thing and standing up for countless families that rely on Medicaid coverage to survive.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-onders-chloe-cole-act-advances-out-house-judiciary-committee", "title": "Congressman Onder’s Chloe Cole Act Advances Out of House Judiciary Committee", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "onder.house.gov", "scraper": "onder", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000177", "name": "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nJuly 20, 2026\n\nContact: Brooke Morgan\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bob Onder (R-MO) issued the following statement after his bill, H.R. 7651, the Chloe Cole Act, which was transmitted to Congress by the Department of Justice, advanced through the House Judiciary Committee and now awaits consideration for a vote on the House floor.\n\nThe legislation strengthens legal protections for minors, ensures accountability within the medical system, and provides an avenue for individuals and families to pursue justice where harm has occurred under the guise of so-called “gender affirming care.”\n\n\"It is unacceptable that politics and woke ideology have been allowed to override sound medical judgment, leaving vulnerable children to undergo irreversible procedures without a comprehensive psychological evaluation, treatment of underlying mental health conditions, or truly informed parental consent. Children deserve medical care grounded in scientific evidence, not experimental interventions driven by biased agendas. The Chloe Cole Act would allow families to hold clinics and hospitals accountable and ensure victims have adequate time to seek justice. This legislation is urgently needed, and I am proud that the House Judiciary Committee has advanced this critical bill so we can continue fighting to protect children and hold those who harmed them accountable.\" — Congressman Bob Onder\n\n“While we’ve made significant strides in raising awareness and enacting protections in recent years, the fight is far from over. Too many children remain at risk of irreversible harm from puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical procedures pushed on them before they can fully understand the consequences. The Chloe Cole Act advancing out of Judiciary Committee is a vital step in our mission to ensure that no minor in America ever endures the kind of lasting, irreparable damage I experienced. We must finish what we’ve started and safeguard the next generation from these experimental and barbaric treatments.” — Chloe Cole\n\n“The Department of Justice has been proud to work with Rep. Bob Onder on the Chloe Cole Act. This bill takes a necessary step towards restoring justice and protecting children from harm by giving victims of so-called “gender affirming” procedures the ability to have their day in court. We hope to see Congress move this vital legislation forward.” — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche\n\n“I applaud Rep. Onder’s leadership on guiding the Chloe Cole Act through our committee. This crucial bill will protect vulnerable children.”— House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH)\n\nClickHERE to read statements from organizations supporting the legislation.\n\nChloe’s Story\n\nThis legislation is inspired by courageous young women like Chloe Cole. At just 15 years old, Chloe underwent a double mastectomy. By age 16, she deeply regretted it. In 2023, she testified before the House Judiciary Committee, describing her experience as part of “one of the biggest medical scandals in the history of the United States of America.”\n\nChloe is one of thousands of children who have been harmed and misled by medical practitioners who prioritize ideological beliefs over patient care. These children are left with irreversible consequences, including sterilization, permanent scarring, and lifelong emotional and physical burdens, while activists and hospitals profit from their suffering.\n\nChloe’s story is not isolated—it is a warning. Children deserve careful, evidence-based care grounded in sound science, not irreversible medical experimentation driven by politics.\n\nBackground Information\n\nThe widespread use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and sex-trait altering surgeries on children presenting with gender dysphoria is not grounded in sound science or supported by high-quality, peer-reviewed research. That is why multiple European countries, including Sweden, Finland, and England, have reversed course and restricted these interventions for minors after concluding they cause more harm than good.\n\nThe physical risks are also significant and permanent. Long-term use of puberty blockers in otherwise healthy children can cause splintered bones and osteoporosis. When followed by cross-sex hormones, children can become permanently infertile and face increased risks of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. The evidence shows serious, lifelong harm with little demonstrated psychological benefit.\n\nClaims that these medical interventions reduce suicidality or resolve gender dysphoria largely rest on a single, deeply flawed study that has never been successfully replicated. That study selectively excluded patients with poor outcomes, including at least one participant who died. A 2022 follow-up study of the same cohort revealed troubling results:\n\n• 44% of females and 35% of males regretted the loss of their fertility\n\n• 20% reported a change in their gender identity over time\n\nThese findings, paired with extensive medical research with similar findings, directly contradict the assertion that these interventions reliably improve long-term psychological well-being.\n\nIn February 2026, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Medical Association reversed their previous positions on transgender surgeries for minors, citing insufficient evidence to recommend surgeries for individuals under age 19.\n\nThe Chloe Cole Act would:\n\n• Protect minors from medical transgender interventions—including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or surgical procedures—by placing full liability on clinics and hospitals;\n\n• Establish a private right of action, allowing affected individuals and their families to pursue civil damages, including detransition medical expenses and damages for emotional distress, pain and suffering;\n\n• Provide a lengthy statute of limitations to ensure individuals have sufficient time to seek legal recourse.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-pallone-legislation-reauthorize-national-traumatic-brain-injury", "title": "House Passes Pallone Legislation to Reauthorize National Traumatic Brain Injury Programs, Honoring Pascrell’s Legacy", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pallone.house.gov", "scraper": "pallone", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000034", "name": "Frank Pallone, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — The House of Representatives today unanimously passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) to reauthorize the nation’s traumatic brain injury (TBI) programs through 2030 while renaming the federal government’s national TBI surveillance program in honor of former New Jersey Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr.\n\nThe designation recognizes Pascrell’s extraordinary leadership on traumatic brain injury, an issue he championed after meeting Clifton resident Dennis Benigno, whose teenage son suffered a life-altering brain injury in a car crash. Inspired by the family's experience, Pascrell founded the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force and spent more than two decades leading the fight for brain injury research, prevention, and support services.\"\n\n“Naming the nation’s traumatic brain injury program in Bill Pascrell’s honor is a meaningful tribute to my dear friend, who believed people living with traumatic brain injuries deserved a voice in the Congress,” Pallone said. “His ceaseless advocacy transformed how our country understands these injuries and improved the lives of numerous survivors and their families.”\n\n“Today’s vote is an important victory for Americans living with traumatic brain injuries and for the families who stand beside them every day,” said Congresswoman Nellie Pou (NJ-09). “I am proud the House came together to renew these vital programs while honoring the extraordinary legacy of Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr., whose decades of leadership helped make traumatic brain injury a national priority for the first time. I thank Congressman Frank Pallone for his leadership in advancing this bipartisan bill, and I will keep working with my colleagues to ensure it reaches the President’s desk and becomes law.”\n\nThe legislation also reauthorizes three federal programs that support traumatic brain injury research, surveillance, prevention, rehabilitation, and patient advocacy after their authorization expired in 2024.\n\nOriginally enacted in 1996, the Traumatic Brain Injury Act established the nation’s first coordinated federal effort to better understand brain injuries. Today, those programs help track the incidence of TBI nationwide, identify populations at greatest risk, improve prevention strategies, support rehabilitation services, and protect the rights of Americans living with brain injuries.\n\nThe bill now heads to the Senate.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-panetta-joins-introduction-bipartisan-patients-first-act", "title": "Rep. Panetta Joins Introduction of Bipartisan Patients First Act", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "panetta.house.gov", "scraper": "panetta", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000613", "name": "Jimmy Panetta", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined Reps. Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), and Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) in introducing the bipartisan Patients First Act, comprehensive Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) reform legislation. The Patients First Act would make necessary changes to keep patients healthy, preserve competition, and deliver affordability.\n\nThe legislation includes Rep. Panetta’s longstanding priority of reforming the Medicare physician fee schedule, improving seniors’ access to care by strengthening the incentives to keep doctors in practice, improving access to primary care physicians, and stabilizing the cost of care.\n\nRep. Panetta also co-leads the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act to protect seniors’ access to care by ensuring Medicare keeps pace with rising health care costs. The bill helps prevent doctor shortages in Medicare by indexing payments to inflation to ensure they better reflect the real cost of delivering care, especially in rural, underserved, and low-income communities. This year he passed legislation to end Medicare Advantage “ghost networks” and joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to reform Medicare Advantage payments and end prior authorization abuses.\n\n“Medicare patients in California’s 19th Congressional District are facing significant barriers to care, with practices closing, physicians leaving the community, and monthslong wait times for even a checkup,” said Rep. Panetta. “I’m proud to cosponsor the bipartisan Patients First Act to stabilize doctors’ practices and payments, cut red tape, invest in primary care, and increase choice for patients, ensuring seniors have access to the care they’ve earned. I am also proud this legislation includes my longstanding priority to attach Medicare rates to inflation. This is the type of bipartisan work necessary to help doctors and patients alike.”\n\n“Our nation is in a primary care crisis, and if we don’t act swiftly to reform the system, patients will lose access to care, costs will rise, and physician practices will continue to close,” said Rep. Schrier. “Consolidation in our healthcare system is forcing small, independent physicians to sell their practices to corporate entities, decreasing choice and competition, and increasing costs for patients without delivering better quality. This bill gives stability to independent practices, reduces red tape and burdensome paperwork, and invests in primary care. By introducing the Patients First Act, we are addressing the challenges physicians face with a commonsense, bipartisan solution. Patients deserve better, and this bill delivers on that promise.”\n\n“The House of Medicine is at a crossroads. We can maintain the status quo that rewards more costly, less personalized care, or we can put our heads together to build a modern framework that addresses the challenges that impede physicians’ ability to care for their patients,” said Rep. Joyce. “We often talk about expanding access to high-quality care, but without meaningful Medicare reimbursement reform, that mission becomes nearly impossible to achieve. Putting patients ahead of politics, we worked together to develop this comprehensive legislation to address a system that has for far too long undermined patient access to affordable, physician driven care within their communities. We can and must do better. This proposal deserves serious consideration because the future of patient care, the strength of our physician workforce, and the survival of independent practice all hinge on whether we choose to act rather than accept inaction.”\n\n“As a practicing urologist for more than 30 years, I've seen firsthand the challenges physicians face in keeping their doors open while providing the highest quality care for their patients,” said Rep. Murphy. “Our current Medicare physician payment system is unsustainable. It has fueled consolidation, increased administrative burdens, and made it harder for independent physicians in rural communities to continue serving the patients who rely on them. The bipartisan Patients First Act delivers long-overdue reforms that strengthen independent practices, invest in primary care, and ensure physicians can spend more time caring for patients instead of navigating bureaucracy. When physicians succeed, patients receive better care, and that's exactly what this legislation is designed to achieve.”\n\nThe Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) is bipartisan legislation signed into law on April 16, 2015. The law:\n\nRepealed the sustainable growth rate (SGR) methodology for determining updates to the Medicare physician fee schedule (MPFS),\n\nEstablished a merit-based incentive payment system (MIPS) to consolidate and replace several existing incentive programs, and\n\nIncentivized the development of, and participation in, alternative payment models (APMs).\n\nSpecifically, the Patients First Act:\n\nTies physician reimbursement to an inflationary measure.\n\nEstablishes a primary care hybrid payment pilot program that pays Primary Care Providers (PCPs) a per-member-per-month payment along with regular services, better capturing the work PCPs do.\n\nEstablishes the POINTS program, which creates a physician and clinician-led task force at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to develop quality metrics that are streamlined and reduce administrative burden.\n\nFreezes Advanced Alternative Payment Model participation thresholds for three years and creates notice and comment periods for Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation mandatory models.\n\nIncreases the budget neutrality threshold from $20 million to $54.3 million.\n\nRunning an independent physician practice is costly, with physicians increasingly forced to either close their doors or sell their practices due to low reimbursement rates and increasing practice expenses. When physician practices are acquired, patients are often left with fewer and more costly options for care.\n\nNot only is care becoming more consolidated and costly, America is also facing a primary care crisis. Primary care providers foster a lifelong relationship with patients and provide disease prevention, treatment, and management. Today, less than five cents of every Medicare dollar goes to primary care, even though it accounts for more than half of all physician visits. It’s no coincidence that more than 100 million Americans don’t have access to regular primary care.\n\nMore information on the Patients First Act is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-passing-clint-reilly", "title": "Pelosi Statement on the Passing of Clint Reilly", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "pelosi.house.gov", "scraper": "pelosi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000197", "name": "Nancy Pelosi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the passing of longtime San Francisco civic leader, businessman and philanthropist Clint Reilly:\n\n“Paul and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Clint Reilly. Clint loved our city and dedicated his remarkable talents, boundless energy and extraordinary generosity to making San Francisco a stronger, more vibrant and more compassionate place. He was deeply committed to the arts, devoted to his Catholic faith, and he understood that building a great city required strong civic institutions and a thriving business community.\n\n\"Clint brought together people from every walk of life to strengthen the community he loved, his generosity enriched countless organizations, and his belief in San Francisco never wavered. He was brilliant, irreverent, fiercely loyal and impossible to forget. Personally, I will always be grateful for Clint's friendship and counsel over so many years. As the manager of my first campaign for Congress in 1987, he brought his unmatched strategic mind to help create and amplify my slogan: A Voice That Will Be Heard.\n\n\"Our city is stronger because of Clint’s vision, and generations of San Franciscans will continue to benefit from the life he lived in service to others. Our prayers are with Janet, Jill, Ava and the entire Reilly family, and with all who had the privilege to know and love Clint. May it be a comfort that so many are praying for them at this sad time and that Clint’s extraordinary legacy will endure in the city he cherished and in the countless lives he touched.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3015", "title": "Pfluger Announces Kimble, Mason, and Menard Counties Added to Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance from FEMA", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) announced that Kimble, Mason, and Menard counties have officially been added to President Trump's Major Disaster Declaration for public assistance from FEMA.\n\nYou can read FEMA's official announcement HERE.\n\n\"I'm grateful that Kimble, Mason, and Menard counties have been added to President Trump's Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance. These communities have faced difficult challenges from recent flooding, and I've heard directly from local leaders about the impact on their communities. This designation gives local governments the federal resources they need to repair public infrastructure and support their communities' recovery. My team and I have been in close contact with county officials since the flooding began, working to ensure they received the resources they need. I'm always proud to be a Texan—especially in moments like this, when I see our community come together when it matters most,\" said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11).\n\nBackground on FEMA Public Assistance:\n\nPublic Assistance is a FEMA program that provides funding to state, local, and tribal governments — as well as certain private nonprofits — to help communities recover from a disaster. It covers costs like debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairing or rebuilding public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, utilities, and public buildings.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3016", "title": "Chairman Pfluger Welcomes Senator Mike Rounds to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger TX-11, Chairman of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, today announced the appointment of Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) to the Board.\n\n\"I am proud to welcome Senator Rounds to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors,\" said Chairman Pfluger. \"As a dedicated advocate for our service members, Senator Rounds brings the judgment and experience this Board needs as we work to ensure the Academy is developing the next generation of Air and Space Force leaders. I look forward to working alongside him to carry out our mission.\"\n\nSenator Mike Rounds echoed the importance of the role:\n\n“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the United States Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors,” said Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD). “One of the most rewarding parts of my work in the Senate is nominating young South Dakotans to attend our military service academies. The students selected to attend the Air Force Academy are some of our nation’s best and brightest, and we must continue to provide them with a quality educational experience that prepares them to defend our country. I look forward to working with my Congressional colleagues, the Department of the Air Force and the cadets to make certain the U.S. Air Force Academy is fully resourced and positioned to prepare future generations to serve our country.”\n\nBackground:\n\nEstablished by law in 1956, the U.S. Air Force Academy Board provides independent advice and recommendations on matters relating to the Academy, including morale, discipline, social climate, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and any other matters relating to the Academy that the Board decides to consider.\n\nUnder Chairman Pfluger's leadership, the Board has taken a clear-eyed, mission-focused approach to carrying out its advisory role. The members have worked diligently to ensure the Academy remains a merit-based institution that continues to develop the world’s finest officers who are prepared to lead and defend our nation in both the Air Force and Space Force.\n\nAs part of the President's directive to restore America’s Fighting Force, the Board has continued its comprehensive review of the U.S. Air Force Academy's academic curriculum, military training philosophy, and athletic programs.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6094", "title": "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF CLAUDETTE \"ADJOA\" HINDS", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "plaskett.house.gov", "scraper": "plaskett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000610", "name": "Stacey E. Plaskett", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nJuly 20, 2026 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF CLAUDETTE \"ADJOA\" HINDS\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement on the passing of Claudette \"Adjoa\" Hinds of the U.S. Virgin Islands:\n\n\"Our Virgin Islands community is mourning the loss of Claudette 'Adjoa' Hinds, a woman whose life and legacy touched many across our territory. Ms. Hinds' passing leaves a void that will be felt by her family, her friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.\n\n\"I extend my condolences and prayers for peace to her family and loved ones.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6095", "title": "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON H.R. 9724 AND THE CITIZENSHIP RIGHTS OF RESIDENTS OF THE U.S. THE TERRITORIES", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "plaskett.house.gov", "scraper": "plaskett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000610", "name": "Stacey E. Plaskett", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 20, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON H.R. 9724 AND THE CITIZENSHIP RIGHTS OF RESIDENTS OF THE U.S. THE TERRITORIES\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (VI) issued the following statement regarding H.R. 9724, legislation introduced by Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-9), which contains language to strip automatic U.S. citizenship from children born in the U.S. territories beginning in 2027:\n\n“Protecting the citizenship and constitutional rights of the people of the United States territories is among the most important work of my office. This commitment led me to recruit two former Solicitors General — colleagues of mine from the Department of Justice (DOJ) — to argue the citizenship cases on behalf of American Samoans before the Supreme Court (Fitisemanu v. United States). Subsequently, I led hearings in Congress examining the Insular Cases and their continuing harm to the people of the United States territories. That same commitment compelled me to co-lead a bipartisan, bicameral letter — signed by 43 Members of Congress — that pushed the DOJ, under the Biden-Harris Administration, to formally repudiate the racist foundations of those cases, a standard that remains DOJ policy today. It has led me to author resolutions in the House of Representatives affirming the rights of the people of the U.S. territories. This year, I led an amicus brief filed in the Supreme Court’s recent birthright citizenship case, Trump v. Barbara, which was quoted by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. I know this history, and I know what is at stake.\n\n\"While Congressman Griffith states H.R. 9724 would solely remove “birth tourism” in actuality, the bill would strip automatic U.S. citizenship from children born in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands beginning in 2027. Its sweeping language could leave children born in the U.S. territories citizens of nowhere. The bill relies on the Insular Cases for its authority, a body of law built on openly racist reasoning which the DOJ previously renounced.\n\n\"This bill is divisive, it is racist in its foundation, and it is corrosive of the principles of American law. It fits a broader pattern in Congressman Griffith's record of measures that diminish Black and brown people.\n\n\"To be clear—this bill has not attracted a single cosponsor. It has no discernible path to consideration, particularly given the calendar of inaction the Majority has laid out, but we do not dismiss it. We do note that the Vice President has said this is an idea the Administration is 'looking at,' and we take that seriously.\n\n\"My office is working with our Republican and Democratic territorial colleagues, and with members on the Judiciary and Natural Resources Committees that hold jurisdiction, to monitor this bill closely. The nearly four million Americans who call the U.S. territories home are entitled to the full dignity of their citizenship, and I will continue to defend it.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6097", "title": "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT'S STATEMENT ON VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY FUNDING SUSPENSION BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "plaskett.house.gov", "scraper": "plaskett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000610", "name": "Stacey E. Plaskett", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 20, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT'S STATEMENT ON VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY FUNDING SUSPENSION BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congressw\n\noman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement today regarding the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) decision to immediately suspend disaster recovery funding to the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA):\n\n\"I am in receipt of a copy of the notice to the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding the suspension of future participation in procurement and non-procurement transactions pending an investigation. This represents the freezing (not withdrawal) of federal funding. This is a de facto “debarment” restriction of one agency’s, VIHFA, ability to use the funds.\n\n“Upon receipt of the notice, my office and I immediately contacted the leadership of the committee of jurisdiction – the House Committee on Financial Services, our White House Liaison, the HUD leadership team and others in Washington, D.C. We learned that HUD leadership repeatedly warned the local government about their management of HUD funding and the lack of controls, specifically a high percentage of funds used for administrative costs and insufficient spending on projects.\n\n“It would appear that this is not a new issue but one that the Bryan Roach Administration has not given sufficient effort to effectively resolve. The notice from HUD makes strong allegations that VIHFA not only violated its obligation to distribute and manage taxpayer funds but also, ‘made false statements regarding its financial management controls and safeguards against conflict of interest.’ The notice clearly states that the money is not being taken away but that VIHFA is being suspended from making use of the resources. The money is not being spent.\n\n“Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) HUD funding, both Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) and Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) represents a complicated program under which the Government of the Virgin Islands has been unable to use the resources. The position of HUD is that there have not been enough financial controls, procurement has not been done properly, and payments have not been made timely. The funding in this program affects not just housing but ultimately much of the local match needed for many rebuilding projects, including the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, schools, hospitals, etc.\n\n“The table below is not a full representation of the delay. For example, in the first table seen below, which discusses Program Areas and lists Public Facilities, 477 of 572 have been completed. Those, however, represent small projects which only account for less than 20% of all funding amounts. We have not spent our funding quickly or efficiently and the local government is being called to task.\n\n“This notice begins a 30-day appeal process which will require a hearing for the Government of the Virgin Islands to present a “dispute of material facts.” In multiple discussions today with federal partners, agencies and Congressional staff, it is clear there must be a restructured turn around plan that meets the confidence of the federal government. To date, there have been several companies that have been engaged and should have the expertise and experience to develop a plan which meets the satisfaction of the federal government. Jacobs, Ernst and Young, and Witt O’Brien’s should be asked to provide pro bono support to create a plan that responds to the real concerns of the federal government. Our major contractors who have been contracted to partner in the rebuild with the Virgin Islands should be brought along in this process. Many have independent relationships with the Trump Administration and have seen other similar issues. As a plan is developed which removes authority from VIHFA and puts the entire program in a body which has more controls and oversight, the Governor should engage with and receive support from the Legislature of the Virgin Islands by bringing them along with our major contractors into the discussion, many of whom have worked on this in other jurisdictions.\n\n“My office will continue to be available to support and leverage our relationships in Washington, D.C. to ensure that we come to a resolution that advances the people of the Virgin Islands.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-my-opposition-seabed-mining-unchanged", "title": "Amata: My Opposition to Seabed Mining Is Unchanged", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "radewagen.house.gov", "scraper": "radewagen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000600", "name": "Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen", "party": "Republican", "state": "AS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is stating clearly that her position against seabed mining in waters surrounding American Samoa has not changed and remains her consistent position. Amata further notes that no one else speaks for her, despite characterizations and assumptions of her position, whether Republicans or Democrats.\n\n“This is my seventh public statement on this issue, because of its importance, and because various posts, comments, or statements sometimes say they describe my position – they do not. I was clear from the beginning, first that I stand with the people and then with further statements of opposition as we learned more. I submitted opposition comments to the Interior Department, and in the congressional record speaking out at congressional committee hearings. I remain opposed and consistent,” said Congresswoman Amata.\n\n“In this position, I am confident that I represent a majority of our people on this, which is the job of the House representative. In fact, the founders of the United States purposely designed the House of Representatives through the Constitution to be the people’s house and most directly represent the will of the people, more so than any other aspect of the federal government,” Amata concluded. “I take that responsibility seriously. I represent our people, and most of our people are opposed.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswomen-ramirez-garcia-launch-discharge-petition-force-vote-american", "title": "Congresswomen Ramirez, Garcia Launch Discharge Petition to Force Vote on American Dream and Promise Act", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ramirez.house.gov", "scraper": "ramirez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000617", "name": "Delia C. Ramirez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) joined Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), with the support of House Democratic Leadership, to officially announce and sign a discharge petition to force a vote on the bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act.\n\nThe American Dream and Promise Act would provide eligible Dreamers, undocumented individuals who were brought into the U.S. as children, with an earned pathway to citizenship and allow eligible recipients of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to obtain lawful permanent resident status.\n\nA discharge petition allows a majority of House members - 218 members - to force the House to vote on the American Dream and Promise Act.\n\n“This is not a warning about what might happen. Dreamers are losing their jobs, being detained, and being deported right now. Temporary Protected Status holders who have lived here for decades are being told to prepare to leave. Congress has the power to stop this, and there is no excuse for hiding behind Speaker Johnson while families are torn apart,” said Congresswoman Garcia. “The overwhelming majority of Americans support a path to citizenship for Dreamers. So I am calling on my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to listen to their constituents. Sign the petition. Force the vote. Put these protections into law.”\n\n“For decades, Dreamers and TPS holders, many here since the age of two, have been waiting for stability. They have grown up here, taken care of us and given so much to our communities, yet they're living in constant fear of being ripped away from the only home they know. The growing attacks of the Trump administration and the Supreme Court on Dreamers and immigrants make it clear how urgent it is for Congress to finally act. That is why I am proud to join Congresswoman Garcia and advocates in filing a discharge petition to bring the Dream and Promise Act for a vote,\" said Congresswoman Ramirez. \"Democrats and Republicans alike need to prove to every Dreamer and immigrant that we know they are part of the fabric of our nation and finally create their pathway for citizenship. Let's pass the Dream and Promise Act.\"\n\n“Dreamers and TPS holders are our neighbors, essential workers, and community leaders. They help power key industries including construction, health care, agriculture, and child care. They are the parents of hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizen children, working to provide for their families and integral members of communities across the country,” said Todd Schulte, President of FWD.us. “The Supreme Court’s decision allowing the termination of TPS along with the administration's quiet, ongoing attacks on Dreamers – with and without DACA – means all of them are now at greater risk of deportation. We’re grateful for Congresswoman Garcia’s leadership on the Discharge Petition for the Dream and Promise Act to ensure Dreamers and TPS holders are able to keep living, working, and contributing to our country. Every Member who says they support Dreamers and TPS holders should sign the Discharge Petition.”\n\nBackground:\n\nUnder the Trump Administration, immigrant communities, including DACA recipients and TPS holders, have been under attack. In April, 2026, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) made a decision that makes Dreamers even more vulnerable by allowing ICE to begin removal proceedings, effectively rendering their DACA protections obsolete. As of January 2026, there were over 260 documented arrests of DACA recipients, and 174 recipients were deported. June 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration had the authority to end TPS status without congressional consent, putting more than 350,000 TPS holders at risk of deportation and countless more asylum seekers’ lives in danger.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-kelly-simpson-celebrate-house-passage-bipartisan-action-dental", "title": "Reps. Kelly, Simpson Celebrate House Passage of Bipartisan Action for Dental Health Act", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "robinkelly.house.gov", "scraper": "robinkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000385", "name": "Robin L. Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Representative Mike Simpson (ID-02), a former dentist, celebrated the House passage of their bipartisan bill, H.R. 2001, the Action for Dental Health Act.\n\nThe Bipartisan Action for Dental Health Act supports organizations and strengthens existing resources that provide essential oral healthcare to underserved communities, including seniors, children, and families living in both rural and urban areas. By increasing access to preventative dental care, the bill also aims to significantly reduce the number of costly emergency room visits.\n\nThe Action for Dental Health Act builds on a strong foundation of bipartisan, bicameral consensus as it reauthorizes a program that has benefited communities across the country. Today’s successful passage in the House is an important step in continuing to deliver these critical healthcare resources to American families.\n\n\"Oral health care is a critical part of our overall health, and preventative dental care can reduce costs for families and improve overall well-being,\" Rep. Kelly said. \"By reauthorizing this bipartisan program that connects people with the care they need, this legislation will help prevent serious oral health problems before they start. I'm proud to work alongside Congressman Simpson, a former dentist, to advance this reauthorization and to my House colleagues for supporting this important bill.\"\n\n\"As a former dentist in Blackfoot, Idaho, I have seen firsthand the value of good oral health and the consequences of neglect,\" said Rep. Simpson. \"Since its implementation in 2018, the Action for Dental Health Act has improved dental care in communities across the country. Reauthorizing this legislation is critical to address the dental workforce needs and improve access to care for patients. As co-chair of the Congressional Oral Health Caucus, I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Kelly once again to see the House of Representatives pass this bipartisan bill, and I look forward to sending it to President Trump's desk.\"\n\nThe American Dental Association (ADA) has strongly endorsed the Action for Dental Health Act.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-andrea-salinas-and-keith-self-reintroduce-resolution-establish-national", "title": "Reps. Andrea Salinas and Keith Self Reintroduce Resolution to Establish “National Moon Landing Day”", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "salinas.house.gov", "scraper": "salinas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001226", "name": "Andrea Salinas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Keith Self (TX-03) reintroduced a bipartisan resolution establishing July 20 as “National Moon Landing Day” to mark the anniversary of the first-ever crewed lunar landing in 1969.\n\n\"I am proud to introduce this resolution to establish National Moon Landing Day, honoring the skilled technical workers, engineers, scientists, and astronauts who made one of our nation's greatest achievements possible,\" said Rep. Salinas. \"The Apollo 11 Moon landing demonstrated how much we can achieve when we come together as Americans, and this anniversary deserves special recognition. However, National Moon Landing Day isn’t just about looking back — it’s about recognizing the hard work of Americans across this country who contribute daily to our next moonshot. This is an opportunity to inspire the next generation to dream big and ensure the United States continues to lead the world in science and innovation for decades to come.”\n\n“Fifty-seven years ago, America did what the world thought was impossible and sent mankind to the Moon, proving that America doesn’t follow—we lead,” Congressman Self said. “Since Neil Armstrong took that ‘one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,’ the United States remains the only nation to have successfully landed humans on the Moon. That achievement continues to stand alone as a testament to the American spirit of innovation and leadership. Our dedication to space exploration reflects who we are as Americans: pioneers, problem-solvers, and patriots. The Artemis II mission carried Apollo’s legacy forward, inspiring a new generation to look to the heavens as American ingenuity once again reached new heights. As a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I am proud to introduce this resolution with Congresswoman Salinas, honoring the bravery of our astronauts, the ingenuity of our engineers, and the enduring spirit of American exploration.”\n\nIn addition to honoring the 57th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, the resolution honors all those who paved the way for human spaceflight and continue to make it possible today. The resolution goes on to highlight the importance of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Artemis program.\n\nThe National Moon Landing Day resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Addison McDowell (NC-06), August Pfluger (TX-11), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), George Whitesides (CA-27), Jim Baird (IN-04), Laura Gillen (NY-04), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Matt Van Epps (TN-07), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Mike Haridopolos (Fl-08), Randy Weber (TX-14), and Zoe Lofgren (CA-18).", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-sara-jacobs-introduces-bill-to-overhaul-us-security-assistance", "title": "Rep. Sara Jacobs Introduces Bill to Overhaul U.S. Security Assistance", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "sarajacobs.house.gov", "scraper": "sarajacobs", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000305", "name": "Sara Jacobs", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Sara Jacobs introduced legislation today to reform the U.S. security assistance system that provides billions of dollars in weapons and training every year, without sufficient checks on whether the receiving military adequately governs itself. The Security Sector Governance Compacts Act would tie U.S. security assistance to the quality of a partner’s security sector governance, rewarding progress with greater support. The result is a more effective, reliable, and sustainable model for U.S. foreign security partnerships.\n\nRep. Sara Jacobs said: “Every gun the United States sends, and every soldier we train, is a decision that comes with lasting consequences for our country and the receiving military. When U.S. security assistance ends up in the wrong hands or is used to commit human rights abuses, our global reputation and relationships with local populations are at risk. That’s why I introduced legislation to overhaul the U.S. security assistance system to reward good governance with more advanced training and equipment. This new approach will create better outcomes and better partners and help make the world safer and more secure.”\n\nDylan Williams, Vice President for Government Affairs, Center for International Policy Advocacy, said: “Far too often, U.S. military assistance undermines rather than advances human security when recipient countries misuse it to expand conflicts, harm civilians and violate international law. Representative Jacobs's bill sets out a strong framework to ensure countries with inadequate security sector governance safeguards and records are finally held accountable for such abuses of American support.”\n\nLiz Hume, Executive Director, Alliance for Peacebuilding said: “A record-breaking $2.7 trillion globally was spent on militaries in 2024, more than a 9 percent jump from the previous year—and the tenth consecutive year of growth. Meanwhile, over the last decade, funding and support for security sector reform dropped off considerably. Record military spending and assistance without governance security sector reform and accountability does not buy peace and security and can lead to serious unintended consequences including corruption, human rights abuses, and repression by security forces. The Alliance for Peacebuilding supports the Security Sector Governance Compacts Act because accountable good governance from partner governments is essential and much needed to reduce and prevent increasing global violent conflict.”\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the Center for International Policy Advocacy and Alliance for Peacebuilding. The bill text is here.\n\nRep. Sara Jacobs has long worked to address how poor governance can fuel violent extremism and create blowback for the United States. In an op-ed for Foreign Policy, she argued that the U.S. approach to counterterrorism in Africa often relies on partnerships with military forces that commit human rights violations, fueling the violent extremism the U.S. aims to address, and should instead focus on good governance.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://schmidt.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-derek-schmidt-proposes-new-world-war-ii-education-initiative", "title": "Congressman Derek Schmidt Proposes New World War II Education Initiative in Memory of Senator Bob Dole", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://schmidt.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "schmidt.house.gov", "scraper": "schmidt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001228", "name": "Derek Schmidt", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02) today introduced bipartisan legislation with Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-32) to create the Senator Robert J. Dole Greatest Generation Education Program, a new initiative dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Americans who served and sacrificed to win World War II.\n\nThe bill, which was developed in collaboration with Friends of the National World War II Memorial, would direct the Department of Defense to create a comprehensive educational program designed to increase public awareness and understanding of the achievements, sacrifices, and enduring lessons of the Greatest Generation. The proposal authorizes grants to nonprofit organizations and state and local governments supporting educational activities, public programming, and intergenerational engagement for World War II history and remembrance across the country.\n\n“As the number of living World War II veterans continues to decline, our responsibility to preserve their stories and pass their lessons to future generations becomes even more important,\" Rep. Schmidt said. \"This legislation will help young Americans learn about the courage, sacrifice, unity, and determination that won World War II, and it will appropriately honor Senator Dole's legacy.\"\n\n“The sacrifice that the Greatest Generation made for our country during World War II is one that we must continue to celebrate and revere,” Rep. Johnson said. “By promoting these high-quality, educational opportunities, we are ensuring that future generations understand one of the consequential periods of our history.”\n\nA combat-wounded veteran of World War II whose lifelong public service consistently supported World War II veterans, Senator Bob Dole of Kansas was a driving force behind the construction of the World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Dole died in 2021 at age 98, but his legacy is still closely associated with the World War II generation.\n\nThe legislation emphasizes using the lessons of World War II to strengthen connections between generations, encourage patriotism, and demonstrate how Americans can overcome extraordinary challenges when united by a common purpose.\n\n“As an organization dedicated to educating the public about the Greatest Generation, the Friends of the National World War II Memorial commends Congressman Schmidt for introducing the Robert J. Dole Greatest Generation Education Program,” said Holly Rotondi, Friends of the National World War II Memorial Executive Director. “The sacrifices of the Greatest Generation remain an enduring source of patriotism, pride, and national unity, and their stories offer timeless lessons for current and future generations. As fewer World War II veterans remain with us, it is essential that their service be preserved, taught, and remembered. Education about World War II can inspire young Americans, bridge generational divides, and show how a united nation can overcome great challenges and build a better future. Congressman Schmidt’s leadership on this issue is greatly appreciated.”\n\nSchmidt also has amended the bill into the House of Representatives version of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2027, which is expected to be voted on in the House this week.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-scholten-introduces-cap-act-limit-number-non-confirmed-political", "title": "Congresswoman Scholten Introduces the CAP Act to Limit the Number of Non-Confirmed Political Appointees across the Federal Government", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "scholten.house.gov", "scraper": "scholten", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001221", "name": "Hillary J. Scholten", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) introduced the Capping Appointed Positions (CAP) Act, which would place a reasonable limit on the number of political staff a president can place throughout the federal government without Senate approval. This legislation would help prevent the increasing politicization of federal agencies and provide a commonsense check on the president’s power while preserving a robust civil service. Congresswoman Scholten was joined by Representatives James Walkinshaw (D-VA-11) and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).\n\n“President Trump has placed more political appointees in government positions without Senate approval than under any other administration in our nation’s history. That is not how a democratic government is supposed to work, and my CAP Act checks that power by limiting those positions to 1,600 appointments,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “This is a commonsense way Congress can help ensure the people who make some of the most important decisions in our federal government go through an oversight process that holds them accountable.”\n\n“President Trump is attempting to replace our professional, nonpartisan civil service with political loyalists and sycophants,” said Congressman James R. Walkinshaw. “The CAP Act puts necessary guardrails in place to stop this dangerous politicization of the federal government. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Scholten and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton in ensuring federal agencies are staffed by qualified professionals who put the American people, not political loyalty, first.”\n\n\"The growing politicization of federal agencies and the simultaneous hollowing out of career leadership is a direct threat to the nonpartisan, professional civil service that Americans depend on. The number of non-Senate-confirmed political appointees has now eclipsed 1,900, a record high that exceeds historical norms by hundreds of positions. The CAP Actwould place a reasonable ceiling on these appointments and provide meaningful guardrails to ensure government remains both responsive to a president's agenda and capable of delivering consistent, reliable services to the public. I commend Representative Scholten for her leadership in drafting this legislation and urge Congress to act,\" said Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service.\n\nThis legislation would place a limit on Schedule C and Schedule G positions, which are political appointments, not career civil service positions. These employees serve at the pleasure of the administration and can be hired or fired without the standard civil service procedure and without Senate oversight. Prior to the Trump administration, the record high number of these appointees serving at any point in time was 1,783 under the George H.W. Bush Administration. The current total is up to 1,926.\n\nThe CAP Act reflects Congresswoman Scholten's ongoing work to promote accountability and oversight in the federal government. Congresswoman Scholten previously introduced the Integrity in Government (IG) Act, which would strengthen checks and balances by installing new oversight measures for the White House and its top offices and protecting independent watchdogs from political retaliation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402034", "title": "Rep. Simpson Applauds Reauthorization of Action for Dental Health Act", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson applauded the passage of H.R. 2001 – the reauthorization of the Action for Dental Health Act. Originally passed and signed into law in 2018, this bipartisan bill will continue support to organizations that provide oral health care to underserved populations, especially seniors and children living in rural communities, through Fiscal Year 2030. The Action for Dental Health Act is co-authored by Rep. Simpson and Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL).\n\n“As a former dentist in Blackfoot, Idaho, I have seen firsthand the value of good oral health and the consequences of neglect,” said Rep. Simpson, co-author of this bill. “Since its implementation in 2018, the Action for Dental Health Act has improved dental care in communities across the country. Reauthorizing this legislation is critical to address the dental workforce needs and improve access to care for patients. As co-chair of the Congressional Oral Health Caucus, I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Kelly once again to see the House of Representatives pass this bipartisan bill, and I look forward to sending it to President Trump's desk.”\n\n“Oral health care is a critical part of our overall health, and preventative dental care can reduce costs for families and improve overall well-being,\" Rep. Kelly said. \"By reauthorizing this bipartisan program that connects people with the care they need, this legislation will help prevent serious oral health problems before they start. I'm proud to work alongside Congressman Simpson, a former dentist, to advance this reauthorization and to my House colleagues for supporting this important bill.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://stanton.house.gov/2026/7/icymi-washington-post-arizona-republic-stanton-report-details-redirection-of-fema-resources-to-ice-hurting-disaster-response-efforts", "title": "ICYMI: Washington Post, Arizona Republic: Stanton Report Details Redirection of FEMA Resources to ICE, Hurting Disaster Response Efforts", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "stanton.house.gov", "scraper": "stanton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001211", "name": "Greg Stanton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Post and the Arizona Republic highlighted a new 34-page investigative report led by Ranking Member Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) of the House Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management detailing how the Trump administration diverted Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) personnel and resources away from disaster response to support large-scale immigration enforcement operations, hindering FEMA’s response efforts during a period of significant workforce reductions.\n\nThe full report includes 14 key findings detailing how DHS leadership relied on FEMA to serve as the backbone of large-scale immigration enforcement and detention operations. The report also includes eight recommendations to recall FEMA personnel detailed to ICE and CBP, restore hiring and training programs, and require DHS to reimburse FEMA for immigration enforcement costs.\n\nWashington Post: Assigning FEMA staff to immigration enforcement hurt disaster work, House report says [Brianna Sacks, 7/10/2026]\n\nRead excerpts from the coverage below:\n\nRep. Greg Stanton (Arizona), the subcommittee’s ranking Democrat who led the report, said in an interview that federal law put in place due to failures after Hurricane Katrina was meant to protect FEMA from “politics getting in the way of delivering disaster response.”\n\n“I’m very angry about what I learned,” Stanton told the Washington Post. “I think the American people will be pretty shocked and disappointed that the United States is not focused on natural disaster preparation and response, that a third of [FEMA] employees are gone, and some that are left are being used for other purposes, especially supporting an agency that has an ungodly amount of increased resources.”\n\nArizona Republic: FEMA staff deployed to help with mass deportation efforts, report says [Daniel Gonzalez, 7/20/2026]\n\nRead excerpts from the coverage below:\n\nDHS needs to recall all FEMA staff from immigration enforcement details and reimburse FEMA for the amount of time FEMA staff spent assisting ICE and the Border Patrol in immigration enforcement work and replenish the agency's disaster relief fund, the report and Stanton said.\n\nStanton also would like to see FEMA made an independent agency where it no longer would operate \"at the whim\" of the Homeland Security secretary. Kristi Noem was in the job when the diversion of FEMA staff to ICE happened.\n\nIn the meantime, DHS \"needs to get back in the business of making FEMA ready for the purpose for which it was established, which is helping Americans in times of their greatest need when disaster strikes,\" Stanton said. \"They have decimated this agency, and it is not prepared for major natural disasters.\"", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://stanton.house.gov/2026/7/stanton-leads-new-democrat-coalition-in-calling-on-trump-administration-to-retain-usmca", "title": "Stanton Leads New Democrat Coalition in Calling on Trump Administration to Retain USMCA", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "stanton.house.gov", "scraper": "stanton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001211", "name": "Greg Stanton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, New Democrat Coalition Global Competitiveness Task Force Chair Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-04), alongside Trade and Tariffs Task Force Chair Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08), led 27 New Dem Members in a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer calling on him to retain and, if possible, strengthen the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), warning that prolonged uncertainty over the agreement threatens American jobs, hurts workers, raises costs for families, and undermines North American competitiveness. This follows the Administration’s decision not to extend the agreement on July 1.\n\nUSMCA supports roughly 13 million American jobs and nearly $2 trillion in annual trilateral trade, serving as the backbone of integrated North American supply chains in agriculture, manufacturing, and the automotive sector. Allowing uncertainty surrounding the agreement to persist will discourage long-term investment, weaken U.S. competitiveness, and ultimately increase prices on everyday goods for American consumers already struggling with high costs.\n\nThe letter reads in part:\n\n“USMCA is a cornerstone of North American competitiveness, American agriculture, and an essential tool for cross-border cooperation. The more the renewal negotiations drag on, the more uncertainty compounds across supply chains and puts at risk the 13 million American jobs and $2 trillion in trilateral trade this agreement supports. While there are important issues that need to be addressed, the core agreement must be retained to enable American workers, businesses, and communities to continue to prosper in the future.”\n\nThe New Dems are 114 moderate, pro-growth House Democrats. Through the Coalition'sGoverning Agenda, New Dems have championed policies that strengthen domestic manufacturing, reinforce resilient supply chains, expand trade with trusted allies, with the goal of lowering costs for working families. At a time when businesses need certainty to invest and grow, New Dems are urging the Administration to move quickly to preserve the foundation of North American trade while working collaboratively with Canada and Mexico to modernize the agreement, address outstanding labor and trade concerns, and ensure countries like China cannot exploit loopholes in the North American market.\n\nThis letter comes after New Democrat Coalition memberspenned a letter to Ambassador Greer in November 2025 calling on negotiators to “update and expand the existing framework without undermining the successes and essential components” that have benefited all parties of the agreement.\n\nYou can read the full letterhere, and below:\n\nDear Ambassador Greer,\n\nFollowing the Administration’s decision not to renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for another 16 years, we write to express our strong support for retaining and enhancing, not exiting, the existing agreement. USMCA is a cornerstone of North American competitiveness, American agriculture, and an essential tool for cross-border cooperation. The more the renewal negotiations drag on, the more uncertainty compounds across supply chains and puts at risk the 13 million American jobs and $2 trillion in trilateral trade this agreement supports. While there are important issues that need to be addressed, the core agreement must be retained to enable American workers, businesses, and communities to continue to prosper in the future.\n\nThe decision not to extend USMCA has profound consequences for American businesses and consumers, creating the kind of uncertainty that discourages investment, unnecessarily complicates supply chains, and decreases U.S. competitiveness. Most supply chains require thirty-year lead times to be built, not just five, especially in manufacturing industries where factories can take years to become operational. The longer the negotiations drag on, the more uncertainty will result, and there will be fewer incentives to invest. A destabilized USMCA would ripple through the entire economy and weigh on growth and employment in every sector. Leaving USMCA will result in job losses in any industry dependent on trade with Mexico and Canada, including the agricultural, automobile, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Over time, the supply chain disruptions and the absence of tariff-free trade will raise costs for consumers whose cars, groceries, and other household goods depend on tightly interconnected production networks. Affordability has become a central concern for our constituents. Creating more frictions between Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. is going to make things more expensive here at home. Therefore, what might have seemed like an inconsequential deadline will likely result in profound economic impacts for decades to come.\n\nWith these consequences in mind, we urge you to use this review process to quickly reach a consensus with Mexico and Canada to strengthen the agreement and address key outstanding issues. These include our Section 232 “national security” tariffs, which were imposed without congressional oversight or efforts to coordinate with our neighbors. Additionally, any revisions to rules of origin and regional value content should be carefully calibrated to ensure that the continent remains an attractive destination for investment while also ensuring that labor concerns are addressed. Further, we should work with our trading partners to prevent any country, particularly China, from getting a duty-free back door into the North American market.\n\nFinally, the U.S. relationship with Canada and Mexico goes beyond trade. President Trump has repeatedly threatened to annex Canada and turn it into the 51st U.S. state, as well as threatened to bomb targets in Mexico. At this precarious moment for cross-border relations, it is more important than ever that we renew confidence in our North American partnerships. That starts with quickly reaching an agreement to retain and, if possible, enhance the USMCA. We look forward to your prompt response as talks continue with Mexico and Canada in the coming weeks and months.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-subramanyam-bipartisan-small-business-bill-unanimously-passes-house", "title": "Rep. Subramanyam Bipartisan Small Business Bill Unanimously Passes the House", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "subramanyam.house.gov", "scraper": "subramanyam", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001230", "name": "Suhas Subramanyam", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10)’s bipartisan bill, the Federal Improvement in Technology (FIT) Procurement Act (H.R. 4123), has unanimously passed the House of Representatives. It now heads to the U.S. Senate.\n\n“In the fight for government efficiency, we have long needed modernized federal systems. By allowing federal agencies to move faster to purchase innovative technologies and not be delayed by outdated cost thresholds, we can encourage small businesses to contract with the government and save the government money. This is commonsense legislation, and I’m glad it unanimously passed the House,” said Congressman Subramanyam.\n\nThe bill, introduced with Congressman Eric Burlison (R-MO), will streamline federal procurement of technology, make it easier for small businesses to participate in federal contracting, and save millions in taxpayer dollars annually.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-launches-discharge-petition-to-force-vote-on-american-dream-and-promise-act", "title": "Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Launches Discharge Petition to Force Vote on American Dream and Promise Act", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sylviagarcia.house.gov", "scraper": "sylviagarcia", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000587", "name": "Sylvia R. Garcia", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29), with the support of House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and House Democratic Leadership, officially announced and signed her discharge petition to force an up-or-down vote on the bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 1589).\n\nThe American Dream and Promise Act would provide eligible Dreamers, undocumented individuals who were brought into the U.S. as children, with an earned pathway to citizenship and allow eligible recipients of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to obtain lawful permanent resident status.\n\nA discharge petition allows a majority of House members to go around Republican leadership when it refuses to bring a bill to the floor. If 218 members sign the petition, they can force the House to vote on the American Dream and Promise Act.\n\n“This is not a warning about what might happen. Dreamers are losing their jobs, being detained, and being deported right now. Temporary Protected Status holders who have lived here for decades are being told to prepare to leave. Congress has the power to stop this, and there is no excuse for hiding behind Speaker Johnson while families are torn apart,” said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. “The overwhelming majority of Americans support a path to citizenship for Dreamers. So I am calling on my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to listen to their constituents. Sign the petition. Force the vote. Put these protections into law.”\n\n“Donald Trump's hateful policies are creating a climate of fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities. Holders of Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure are some of our most vulnerable neighbors who have fled natural disasters and political violence. It is inhumane and economically disruptive to force these immigrants who have built lives in the U.S. to abruptly leave,\" said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez. \"I'm proud my legislation, the Promise Act, is included in H.R. 1589 as it will provide these individuals with protection from deportation and a path to citizenship. TPS holders have endured tremendous pain and uncertainty under this Administration, and I ask my colleagues to join us in discharging this bill to provide a glimmer of hope to our migrant communities”\n\n\"For decades, Dreamers, TPS holders, and DED beneficiaries have only given to this nation. They bind our communities together, contribute to our economy, and embody everything that each American should strive to be, all while asking nothing in return but their opportunity to reach the American Dream. While America has changed much over the years, they have remained among the best it has to offer. They will always be our neighbors, and not just numbers to cruelly fuel Donald Trump’s deportation machine,\" said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. \"I urge my colleagues to sign the discharge petition and put Congress on the path towards passing the bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act, because these true Americans deserve permanent protection from the country they have shown only love, and not ceaseless threats from those who know only hate.\"\n\n\"Dreamers didn't choose how they got here, but they chose what to do once they arrived. They studied, they worked, they served, they built. America is the only home they've ever known. Yet for years, they’ve had to live with a suitcase by the door, waiting for the next court ruling or the next president to decide their future,\" said Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar. \"I signed the discharge petition because Congress needs to act. As a co-lead of the American Dream and Promise Act, I am proud to support legislation that gives these young men and women the dignity they have earned: certainty to build their future in the only country they've ever called home.”\n\n\"For a quarter century, the United States Congress has been debating how to do right by Dreamers. For a quarter century, justice has been blocked, delayed and swept under the rug. Congress has the power to end this unnecessary and cruel wait. Dream and Promise is as just as it is popular – this is what our morality demands and what voters want,\" said Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Rep. Adriano Espaillat. \"There is no excuse. I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to represent the will of the American people and sign on in support of the Dream and Promise Act.\"\n\n“I am proud today and every day to stand with our Dreamers and TPS holders. For far too long, Dreamers had to live in the shadows – and have now become a target of Trump and Stephen Miller’s mass deportation campaign – despite many having lived and worked in the United States for nearly their entire lives,\" said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. \"As the courts deal blow after blow to DACA and TPS, it has never been more urgent that we pass the Dream and Promise Act to provide a roadmap to citizenship to keep families together and protect Dreamers and TPS holders.”\n\n\"Dreamers, TPS holders, and DED beneficiaries are vital members of our communities. They are our students, teachers, workers, and neighbors who contribute to our country every day,” said Congresswoman Judy Chu. “For many, the United States is the only home they have truly known. To Trump, none of that matters. His mass deportation regime continues to put them in danger. A pathway to citizenship must be established for these individuals so they continue to contribute and thrive here in the United States. That is why I will be signing a discharge petition to ensure our bill, the American Dream and Promise Act, can pass the House immediately.”\n\n\"Dreamers are an essential part of our economy. They are our nurses, police officers, and soldiers. They follow the law, pay taxes, and have built their lives in this country—graduating from American schools, growing in their careers, and starting their families here in America,\" said Congressman Lou Correa. \"They’re deeply embedded in the fabric of our communities. They’re our neighbors and friends, and are a part of the economic fabric of this great country. They have earned the opportunity to be Americans. It’s past time that Congress passed the American Dream and Promise Act and deliver an earned pathway to citizenship for Dreamers—to keep their families together and keep our economy alive.\"\n\n“For decades, Dreamers and TPS holders, many here since the age of two, have been waiting for stability. They have grown up here, taken care of us and given so much to our communities, yet they're living in constant fear of being ripped away from the only home they know. The growing attacks of the Trump administration and the Supreme Court on Dreamers and immigrants make it clear how urgent it is for Congress to finally act. That is why I am proud to join Congresswoman Garcia and advocates in filing a discharge petition to bring the Dream and Promise Act for a vote,\" said Congresswoman Delia Ramirez. \"Democrats and Republicans alike need to prove to every Dreamer and immigrant that we know they are part of the fabric of our nation and finally create their pathway to citizenship. Let's pass the Dream and Promise Act.\"\n\n“Dreamers and TPS holders are our neighbors, essential workers, and community leaders. They help power key industries including construction, health care, agriculture, and child care. They are the parents of hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizen children, working to provide for their families and integral members of communities across the country,” said Todd Schulte, President of FWD.us. “The Supreme Court’s decision allowing the termination of TPS along with the administration's quiet, ongoing attacks on Dreamers – with and without DACA – means all of them are now at greater risk of deportation. We’re grateful for Congresswoman Garcia’s leadership on the Discharge Petition for the Dream and Promise Act to ensure Dreamers and TPS holders are able to keep living, working, and contributing to our country. Every Member who says they support Dreamers and TPS holders should sign the Discharge Petition.”\n\n“The discharge petition exists for moments like the one we face today. In the span of just one week, our communities witnessed the devastating shootings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero. Two fathers whose lives ended in fear and whose deaths are a reminder of the 32 immigrants who have died at the hands of ICE and CBP this year alone. Congress cannot continue offering condolences in one breath, while shoveling billions of taxpayer dollars to fuel these horrors in another,\" said Juliana Macedo do Nascimento, Deputy Director of Advocacy and Campaigns at United We Dream. \"As immigration enforcement intensifies across the country and millions who live under temporary programs like DACA and TPS are pushed out of status and out of work, the American people know citizenship is the only solution to this chaos and pain. Every member has a clear responsibility: sign the discharge petition and bring the Dream & Promise Act to a vote.\"\n\nSince President Trump returned to office, hundreds of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients have been detained, and at least 85 recipients without a criminal conviction and pending criminal charge have been deported, according to information provided by the Department of Homeland Security.\n\nDACA recipients have also faced months-long delays in receiving renewals and work permits. Recipients who submitted their applications on time and followed every rule have lost their jobs, their income, and their ability to support their families while waiting for the government to act.\n\nAt the same time, the administration is terminating TPS protections for people from multiple countries, placing longtime residents at risk of losing their work authorization, separating families, and deporting them to countries facing humanitarian crises.\n\nThe American Dream and Promise Act would:\n\nAllow eligible Dreamers who came to the United States as children to earn permanent legal status by meeting education, employment, or military service requirements.\n\nProvide lawful permanent resident status to eligible TPS and DED recipients who have established their lives in the United States.\n\nRequire applicants to complete criminal and national security background checks.\n\nProtect eligible applications from deportation while their cases are being considered.\n\nAllow eligible Dreamers to pursue citizenship through the existing naturalization process.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-issues-statement-on-the-passing-of-us-army-first-lieutenant-tyler-feehan", "title": "Rep. Tokuda Issues Statement on the Passing of U.S. Army First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "domain": "tokuda.house.gov", "scraper": "tokuda", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000487", "name": "Jill N. Tokuda", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington D.C. – U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) issued the following statement honoring United States Army First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan of ʻEwa Beach, who passed away while serving in Jordan.\n\n\"This tragedy strikes especially close to home because Tyler was one of Hawaiʻi's own, from ʻEwa Beach. Today, our ʻohana and the entire nation mourn Tyler and Isabella, two young Americans taken far too soon while serving our country. We hold their families, friends, and fellow servicemembers close in our hearts. Every life lost is one too many, and we must keep fighting to end this war and bring our troops home safely.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-honors-hillsdale-county-veteran-0", "title": "Walberg Honors Hillsdale County Veteran", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "walberg.house.gov", "scraper": "walberg", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000798", "name": "Tim Walberg", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "On Friday, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) recognized Patrick Knight of Hillsdale as the Veteran of the Month for July. The Congressman presented Patrick with the Congressional Record containing his remarks honoring Patrick's service and dedication to our country.\n\nPatrick Knight served in the United States Navy as a Search and Rescue Helicopter Crewman from 1966 to 1970. During his time in active duty, Patrick served with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron One (HC-1) at NAS Imperial Beach in California and overseas with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Seven (HC-7), the Navy’s premier Combat Search and Rescue unit that is also known as the “Sea Devils.” While with HC-7, he assisted in rescuing pilots that had been shot down in Vietnam and the surrounding waters, helping his squadron to rescue approximately 150 pilots.\n\nPatrick was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Combat Search and Rescue Air Wings. In 1971, the Sea Devils were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation by President Richard Nixon for their extraordinary heroism while performing rescue operations under adverse conditions.\n\nFollowing his time in the military, Patrick spent 32 years as a member of the Riverview Police Force and recently retired as Chief of Police. Patrick is also a member of the VFW Post 1136 in Wyandotte and serves on the Board for the Emergency Telephone Services for Hillsdale County and the Board of the Hillsdale Senior Center.\n\n\"I am honored to recognize Patrick Knight whose life of service reflects the very best of our nation as the Veteran of the Month for July,\" said Rep. Walberg. \"From his courageous work as a Sea Devil helping to save the lives of downed pilots, to his decades of service protecting his community in the Riverview Police Force, Patrick has demonstrated unwavering dedication, courage, and sacrifice. Patrick serves as an inspiration to us all.\"\n\nYou can access pictures of the presentation here.\n\nBackground\n\nCongressman Walberg's office is accepting submissions for the Veteran of the Month program, an initiative to honor the exemplary contributions of veterans in Michigan's 5th Congressional District. Each month, Congressman Walberg will recognize one outstanding veteran, celebrating their commitment to serving our community and their exceptional service in the military.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=709", "title": "Walkinshaw, Scholten Introduce the CAP Act to Limit the Number of Non-Confirmed Political Appointees across the Federal Government", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "walkinshaw.house.gov", "scraper": "walkinshaw", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000831", "name": "James R. Walkinshaw", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) introduced the Capping Appointed Positions (CAP) Act, which would place a reasonable limit on the number of political staff a president can place throughout the federal government without Senate approval. This legislation would help prevent the increasing politicization of federal agencies and provide a commonsense check on the president’s power while preserving a robust civil service. Congressman Walkinshaw and Congresswoman Scholten were joined by Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).\n\n“President Trump is attempting to replace our professional, nonpartisan civil service with political loyalists and sycophants,” said Congressman James R. Walkinshaw. “The CAP Act puts necessary guardrails in place to stop this dangerous politicization of the federal government. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Scholten and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton in ensuring federal agencies are staffed by qualified professionals who put the American people, not political loyalty, first.”\n\n“President Trump has placed more political appointees in government positions without Senate approval than under any other administration in our nation’s history. That is not how a democratic government is supposed to work, and my CAP Act checks that power by limiting those positions to 1,600 appointments,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “This is a commonsense way Congress can help ensure the people who make some of the most important decisions in our federal government go through an oversight process that holds them accountable.”\n\n\"The growing politicization of federal agencies and the simultaneous hollowing out of career leadership is a direct threat to the nonpartisan, professional civil service that Americans depend on. The number of non-Senate-confirmed political appointees has now eclipsed 1,900, a record high that exceeds historical norms by hundreds of positions. The CAP Act would place a reasonable ceiling on these appointments and provide meaningful guardrails to ensure government remains both responsive to a president's agenda and capable of delivering consistent, reliable services to the public. I commend Representative Scholten for her leadership in drafting this legislation and urge Congress to act,\" said Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service.\n\nThis legislation would place a limit on Schedule C and Schedule G positions, which are political appointments, not career civil service positions. These employees serve at the pleasure of the administration and can be hired or fired without the standard civil service procedure and without Senate oversight. Prior to the Trump administration, the record high number of these appointees serving at any point in time was 1,783 under the George H.W. Bush Administration. The current total is up to 1,926.\n\nThe CAP Act reflects Congresswoman Scholten's ongoing work to promote accountability and oversight in the federal government. Congresswoman Scholten previously introduced the Integrity in Government (IG) Act, which would strengthen checks and balances by installing new oversight measures for the White House and its top offices and protecting independent watchdogs from political retaliation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3521", "title": "Neguse, Wasserman Schultz Lead Entire Democratic Caucus in Demanding CMS Reverse Course on Rule Threatening Medicaid Access for Cancer Patients", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "scraper": "wassermanschultz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000797", "name": "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Joe Neguse and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz led the entire House Democratic Caucus in a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), urging the agency reverse course on a new rule requiring certain Medicaid applicants and enrollees to meet conditions of eligibility in order to access critical healthcare services. The framework implements work requirements mandated by the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), and has the potential to lock American families facing some of the most dire health conditions out of lifesaving care.\n\nNeguse and Wasserman-Schultz, who have each been impacted by cancer as a caregiver and patient, respectively, also called on CMS to establish, at a minimum, automatic exemptions for patients with cancer and other aggressive illnesses.\n\n“We write to express our profound concern regarding the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) interim final rule titled ‘Medicaid Community Engagement Requirement for Certain Individuals.’ This interim rule will create an undue burden for beneficiaries with serious health care needs and put people at risk of losing coverage, while also creating significant implementation challenges for states. Therefore, we urge CMS to revise this rule, and until such changes are made, call on CMS to authorize states to delay implementation,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\nMore specifically, CMS’s new rule makes it harder for cancer patients and survivors to qualify for Medicaid’s “medical frailty” exemption—stating that a medical condition must significantly impair a person’s ability to comply with the 80-hour per month work requirement. In their letter, the lawmakers argue this framework does not adequately consider the complex nature of illnesses like cancer, which can exhibit periodic or intermittent symptoms often relating to side effects of treatment or the disease itself.\n\nThe requirement also forces individuals to prove they can’t work, in an exhaustive process that increases barriers between struggling Americans and access to basic healthcare.\n\n“Forcing vulnerable patients to exhaustively document their symptoms simply to maintain access to basic healthcare is both imprudent and inconsistent with Federal law. Diagnoses such as an aggressive cancer require patients to receive care as soon as possible, and as you know, any delays to treatment put patients at heightened risk. These and other rapidly progressing conditions become significantly less amenable to treatment in their later stages, meaning a patient's current capacity to work does not reflect the urgency of their medical needs.”\n\nThe House Democratic Caucus, led by Neguse and Wasserman-Schultz, also called attention to the fact that this rule will create significant administrative and financial burdens for states. It departs from a previous definition and requires a rushed change in implementation plans.\n\nThey closed by stating that the rule goes even further than Congressional Republicans intended in their disastrous One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which already strips health care coverage from at least 17 million Americans while driving up health care costs for millions more.\n\nThe letter concluded: “While there is no way to prevent some eligible people from losing coverage due to the flawed nature of the underlying policy, which in and of itself exacts draconian cuts to healthcare programs and strips access to affordable care for millions of Americans, CMS has an obligation to implement the law in question as written. And, as noted, the new rule appears to be inconsistent with the plain language of H.R. 1, adding a new, restrictive standard that will add to the number of people losing coverage. Indeed, the evidence clearly demonstrates that creating more documentation requirements and adding complexity to the enrollment process will have a devastating effect. Therefore, in sum, we urge CMS to reconsider its interim rule to protect people with serious medical needs. CMS should also delay implementation of the new work requirements pending these changes.”\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3522", "title": "Wasserman Schultz’s EARLY Act Passed by House", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "scraper": "wassermanschultz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000797", "name": "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, legislation led by U.S. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) Debbie Dingell (MI-06), and Diana Harshbarger (TN-01) to reauthorize and continue funding for the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act (EARLY) Act and the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program passed the House of Representatives in a 394 to 6 vote.\n\nIn the United States, the most common cancer diagnosed among women is breast cancer, where the average risk for developing it sometime in her life is about 1 in 8. More than 316,000 new diagnoses and over 42,000 deaths are expected from breast cancer in 2026. And with cases rising in younger women each year, the earlier it’s caught, the better the chance to survive and overcome this devastating health challenge.\n\nKey to early detection and treatment starts with education and awareness. This especially is true for younger women, and those at higher risk of death, like ethnic and racial populations who too often face an aggressive form of breast or cervical cancer and are not able to catch it until later.\n\n“I know firsthand that early detection is our most powerful tool to beat cancer. It can be the difference between life and death, especially in combatting breast cancer, especially for those with inherited mutations,” said Wasserman Schultz, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and the BRCA2 gene mutation at age 41 and after 15 months of surgery, has been cancer free for 18 years. “Reauthorizing the EARLY Act saves women’s lives, and I’m proud to team up with Representatives Miller-Meeks, Castor, Fitzpatrick, Dingell, and Harshbarger, and Senators Klobuchar and Crapo to make sure those resources are out there.”\n\nThe EARLY Act became law in 2010. Its success centers around authorizing three programs administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), designed to empower young and high-risk women to better focus their attention on this deadly disease.\n\nThis includes the Bring Your Brave effort, which amplifies stories of real women to raise awareness of breast cancer in young women between the ages 18-44, and encourages them to understand their risk and the signs and symptoms. It also funds the Young Breast Cancer Survivors Program, which provides grants to several non-profit organizations aimed at delivering supportive services and resources to increase patients' survival and improve their quality of life. And it offers continuing medical education (CME) courses for health care providers about breast cancer.\n\nThe bill also reauthorizes funding for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), which provides free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings to uninsured and underinsured women. Since its inception, NBCCEDP has served over 6.6 million women, provided more than 17 million breast and cervical cancer screenings, and caught over 88,000 cases of invasive breast and cervical cancer.\n\nClick here to read the full bill.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=410874", "title": "Womack Tours Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Site", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://womack.house.gov/news", "domain": "womack.house.gov", "scraper": "womack", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000809", "name": "Steve Womack", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "BALTIMORE, MD— July 20, 2026… Today, House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack (AR-3) toured the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild site in Baltimore, Maryland, with Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Senators Shelley Moore Capito (WV) and Angela Alsobrooks (MD), as well as Representatives Steny Hoyer (MD-5), Johnny Olszewski (MD-2), Glenn Ivey (MD-4), and Kweisi Mfume (MD-7).\n\nChairman Womack said, “Proper oversight of the American taxpayer dollars being used to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a responsibility I do not take lightly. This bridge is a vital artery for the movement of people and goods, and its success unlocks the full potential of commerce along our Eastern seaboard. As Chair of the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee, I am committed to working with President Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore to ensure this project receives the necessary resources for a safe and efficient rebuild that will prevent a future catastrophe.”\n\nGovernor Moore said, “The Francis Scott Key Bridge was a vital economic engine and our commitment to rebuilding it is crucial to the continued prosperity of our nation. Together with our federal and regional partners, we will rebuild this bridge as quickly, safely, and cost efficiently as possible to ensure that this vital corridor bounces back stronger for generations to come.”\n\nBackground:\n\nOn March 26, 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed after a container ship lost power and struck one of the bridge’s supporting piers. The incident disrupted a major freight corridor and access to the Port of Baltimore—one of the nation's largest ports for automobiles, farm equipment, and construction machinery.\n\nAs THUD Chairman, Congressman Womack plays a key role in providing funding for the Department of Transportation, including the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief (ER) Program. This account provides federal funding for the repair or reconstruction of highways and roads damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic failures. The rebuild of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which carries the I-695 Baltimore Beltway, is one of the projects that receives funding through the ER Program.\n\nDuring the tour, Chairman Womack observed the site's transition from critical demolition clean-up to early construction work, including the installation of vessel protection piles—with piling materials supplied by AFCO Steel of Arkansas. These piles are a key structural element designed to protect the new bridge's piers from future vessel strikes.\n\nPhoto highlights:\n\nCongressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.\n\nwomack.house.gov", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-colleagues-demand-investigation-accountability-from-trump-admin-following-two-more-ice-shootings", "title": "Baldwin, Colleagues Demand Investigation, Accountability from Trump Admin Following Two More ICE Shootings", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her colleagues are demanding investigations and accountability for the two fatal shootings by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in recent days in Maine and Texas. The Senators call on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin to make reforms to ICE to increase transparency and fulfill its previous commitments to deploy and expand the usage of body-worn cameras.\n\n“The recent fatal shootings involving U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers, specifically within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas, coupled with similar incidents elsewhere in the country, are completely unacceptable,” Baldwin and the Senators wrote. “Rather than making our communities safer, these actions endanger our citizens and seriously undermine confidence in law enforcement generally.”\n\n“The unnecessary loss of life in these incidents demands immediate, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations (including the full involvement of local and state law enforcement personnel) along with a comprehensive examination of enforcement protocols, training, and operational approaches necessary to prevent such tragedies,” the Senators continued.\n\n“By no stretch could either of the victims in Texas and Maine be characterized as ‘the worst of the worst,’ making these tragic deaths even more egregious. The American people deserve clarity and accountability,” concluded the Senators.\n\nThe two shootings bring the tally of immigration enforcement involved shootings to 23 since President Trump came back into office. Senator Baldwin has been an outspoken critic of ICE under the Trump administration and refused to fund the agency without increased transparency, accountability, and stronger guardrails.\n\nTwo-thirds of Americans say ICE and Border Patrol have gone “too far” with their tactics. A Marquette Law School poll found 6 in 10 Americans disapprove of the job ICE is doing, while 3 in 4 Americans support making changes at ICE.\n\nThe letter was led by Senator Angus King (I-ME) and co-signed by 37 other Senate colleagues.\n\nA full version of this letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Mullin:\n\nThe recent fatal shootings involving U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers, specifically within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas, coupled with fatalities during similar incidents elsewhere in the country, are completely unacceptable. Rather than making our communities safer, these actions endanger our citizens and seriously undermine confidence in law enforcement generally.\n\nThe tragic deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastian Durán Guerrero occurred less than a week apart and carry startling similarities. In both incidents, the individuals were killed in enforcement actions in which they were not the intended targets. Furthermore, both individuals were shot by DHS officials while inside a vehicle. The unnecessary loss of life in these incidents demands immediate, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations (including the full involvement of local and state law enforcement personnel), along with a comprehensive examination of enforcement protocols, training, and operational approaches necessary to prevent such tragedies.\n\nThese recent events have further compromised the credibility of DHS and fractured public trust within communities across our country. In each case, DHS quickly issued statements asserting that officers were acting in self-defense, even before evidence of the facts surrounding the incidents had been gathered. Compounding this failure, no DHS officials involved in these fatal shootings wore body-worn cameras that could be reviewed by investigators or members of the Public.\n\nWhile DHS has previously acknowledged that body-worn cameras promote public trust and increase officer and public safety, accountability, and transparency, the Department has clearly not prioritized acquiring cameras. Recent statements from DHS and the White House assert that DHS could not acquire cameras due to the government shutdown. However, since July 2025, DHS received nearly $40 billion in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that could have been used to swiftly acquire and deploy body-worn cameras for both existing ICE law enforcement officers and the reported 10,000 additional officers hired since enactment of OBBBA. Contrary to recent statements made by the Department and the White House, DHS has had more than sufficient time and funding to procure and deploy a body-worn camera for every officer before the end of 2025.\n\nFollowing public outrage in the aftermath of the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, the former Secretary announced in February of this year that DHS law enforcement officers would be required to wear body-worn cameras across the country, and ICE issued a directive reinforcing its policy to activate body-worn cameras during enforcement activities wherever cameras are available. Then-Secretary Noem stated that “[a]s funding is available, the body worn camera program will be expanded nationwide.” In March of this year, the White House border czar, Tom Homan, stated that the administration would expand the use of body-worn cameras by DHS officers undertaking immigration enforcements and require footage, in addition to ending roving patrols. The recent tragedies confirm that neither of these commitments were honored.\n\nAs we underscored during the subsequent funding negotiations earlier this year, implementing comprehensive accountability and oversight reforms for ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is necessary both to protect the public and restore trust in the work of your agency. Our reform proposals are based upon the standards applicable to virtually every law enforcement agency in the country (except immigration enforcement officers), including visibly displayed identification, no masks, and body-worn cameras.\n\nIn recent weeks, federal agents have aggressively ramped up enforcement operations, reportedly arresting thousands of immigrants in a matter of days. Following the public backlash from these most recent fatal shootings, your Department has once again committed to distributing body-worn cameras, stating that every ICE arrest team will have at least one law enforcement officer equipped with a camera going forward and promising that all field offices will receive them within the next 60 days. Acting ICE Director Venturella also went on the record promising members of Congress that all field agents would be outfitted by the end of July. We view this timeline not as a projection, but as a firm, binding commitment to which we will hold the Department accountable.\n\nFurthermore, to strengthen public safety and minimize dangerous operational confusion, we urge an immediate policy change regarding agency branding. To help ensure clear accountability and avoid misleading the public, ICE personnel engaged in interior enforcement must immediately cease wearing tactical gear, vests, or uniforms labeled with the generic term “POLICE” or “POLICE ICE.” All operational uniforms should explicitly and exclusively identify personnel as “ICE.” In addition, agents should be required to identify themselves as “ICE” when making arrests and uniforms must clearly be identified as “ICE.”\n\nFinally, given the immediate need for administrative accountability following these tragedies, we request detailed information in response to the following questions:\n\nWhat is DHS’s specific plan to respond to the public’s interest in timely, transparent, and independently verified investigations into these incidents?\n\nWhat are the vetting procedures with respect to new ICE recruits? Does ICE consider records of domestic violence and abuse from family courts in its vetting?\n\nWhat immediate updates or reviews are being made to ICE vehicle pursuit and traffic stop policies, including enhanced training specifically applicable to traffic stops to ensure they prioritize public and officer safety?\n\nBeyond the deployment of body-worn cameras, what additional oversight, reporting requirements, or public safety measures is the agency implementing?\n\nWe remain supportive of removing dangerous convicted criminals from our communities, but this goal can and must be achieved without endangering these very communities in the process. By no stretch could either of the victims in Texas and Maine be characterized as “the worst of the worst,” making these tragic deaths even more egregious. The American people deserve clarity and accountability. We urge you to honor your Department’s earlier commitments and take immediate action to implement these necessary reforms. We also stand ready to work with you to codify reforms into law.\n\nWe look forward to hearing from you at the earliest possible date.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-leads-bipartisan-group-of-colleagues-in-calling-on-trump-admin-to-crack-down-on-mislabeling-of-dairy-imitation-products", "title": "Baldwin Leads Bipartisan Group of Colleagues in Calling on Trump Admin to Crack Down on Mislabeling of Dairy Imitation Products", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) led a bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives in calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to crack down on the misuse of dairy terms for plant-based products, which unfairly impacts dairy farmers, processors, and consumers. The demands are in line with Senator Baldwin’s DAIRY PRIDE Act that would prevent dairy imitation products, such as calling non-dairy imitation products “milk” or “yogurt” that do not contain dairy and are instead from a plant, nut, or grain, from using dairy names. The letter to FDA Acting Commissioner Kyle Dimantas was signed by all original sponsors of the DAIRY PRIDE Act, including Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) and Representatives John Joyce (R-PA-13) and Josh Riley (D-NY-19).\n\n“The blatant misuse of dairy terms for plant-based products unfairly impacts dairy farmers and processors and harms consumers due to inaccurate labeling information,” wrote the Senators and Members of Congress in a letter to FDA Acting Commissioner Kyle Dimantas.\n\n“We recommend you do what your predecessors have not done. As you step into your new role, carrying with you your background at FDA Human Foods Program, we urge you to enforce dairy standards of identity and stop imitation products from usurping dairy terms. Rescinding the current FDA guidance and enforcing existing dairy standards of identity is in best interest of our nation’s consumers, dairy farmers and broader public health,” the Senators and Members of Congress concluded.\n\nSenator Baldwin leads the bipartisan Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, milk, and cheese to Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act, known as the DAIRY PRIDE Act, to crack down on the unfair practice of mislabeling non-dairy products using dairy names. The DAIRY Pride Act has support from National Milk Producers Federation, American Farm Bureau Federation, EDGE Dairy Farmer Cooperative, Midwest Dairy Coalition, Farmfirst Dairy Cooperative, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, and Wisconsin Farmers Union.\n\nCurrent FDA regulations define dairy products as being from animals, however, the most recent FDA guidance on fluid dairy products allows plant-based alternatives to continue to use dairy terms despite not containing dairy, nor having the nutritional value of dairy products. The American Academy of Pediatrics has raised concerns about the nutritional inadequacy of plant-based alternatives (aside from fortified soy products). Improperly-labeled imitation products suggest a false nutritional equivalency to dairy milk, which carries the high risk of nutritional deficiencies in children.\n\nIn addition to leading the bipartisan DAIRY PRIDE Act, Senator Baldwin has repeatedly called on the FDA to take administrative action to enforce standards of identity for dairy products.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Acting Commissioner Dimantas,\n\nWe write to voice our concerns over the Food and Drug Administration’s lack of enforcement of dairy standards of identity given the proliferation of nutritionally-deficient and poorly-labeled plant-based imitation products on the market. As you step into your new role as Acting Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, we urge you to prioritize our shared goal by enforcing existing dairy standards of identity, which are in the best interest of American consumers and dairy farmers.\n\nStandards of identity for food products protect consumers by ensuring that the nutrition information, ingredients and production processes of specific foods are consistent with consumer expectations. Americans rely on FDA for marketplace safety and transparency, guiding informed decision-making for families across the United States. Unfortunately, FDA has continuously allowed non-dairy products to freely use dairy terms like “milk,” “cheese,” “yogurt” and “butter” on their product labels. The FDA guidance issued in February 2023 demonstrated a weak, nearly absent approach to enforcing dairy standards of identity by allowing plant-based alternatives to use dairy terms while only recommending voluntary labeling statements. As the market has evolved, even products not covered under the enforcement discretion have followed suit, and today many synthetic products sold at national retailers also employ non-compliant nomenclature such as “animal-free dairy milk.” Continuing with this overly lenient guidance is unacceptable, and stricter enforcement must be prioritized.\n\nDairy foods like milk contribute key dietary nutrients like protein, vitamins A, B-12 and D, calcium and potassium, and dairy products are well-understood by consumers to provide a meaningful source of these nutrients. In its own 2023 guidance, FDA recognized the wide variability and nutritional inferiority of most plant-based alternative products, stating that “while consumers appear to understand that plant-based milk alternatives are distinct products from milk, several consumer studies submitted in response to the notice indicate that consumers, including consumers who purchase plant-based milk alternatives, do not understand the nutritional differences between milk and plant-based milk alternatives.”\n\nThe blatant misuse of dairy terms for plant-based products unfairly impacts dairy farmers and processors and harms consumers due to inaccurate labeling information. The American Academy of Pediatrics has raised concerns about the nutritional inadequacy of plant-based alternatives (aside from fortified soy products). Improperly-labeled imitation products suggest a false nutritional equivalency to dairy milk, which carries the high risk of nutritional deficiencies in children. The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology expressed a similar concern that non-standardized plant-based beverages used inappropriately in lieu of standardized milk products “places children at risk of slowed growth, protein-calorie malnutrition, failure to thrive and specific nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin D, compromising current and future health and development.” The ongoing misbranding of non-dairy products using established dairy standards of identity perpetuates consumer confusion about the nutritional profile of such products, ultimately posing a public health risk to American consumers – including children.\n\nWe lead a robust bipartisan effort through the DAIRY PRIDE Act, which would require non-dairy products made from nuts, seeds, plants or algae to no longer be mislabeled with dairy terms such as “milk,” “yogurt,” “cheese” or “butter.” It requires FDA enforcement of imitation and misbranded food under section 403 of the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act in addition to enforcement if a product does not meet the dairy standards of identity. As original co-sponsors of the, we urge your support of legislative efforts that bring alignment to stricter enforcement of dairy standards of identity.\n\nOur intention is not to block the sale of dairy substitutes, which consumers may turn to for a variety of reasons, including dietary need and preference. However, such decisions should be based on clear consumer understanding that does not borrow from dairy’s known nutritional benefit. We recommend you do what your predecessors have not done. As you step into your new role, carrying with you your background at FDA Human Foods Program, we urge you to enforce dairy standards of identity and stop imitation products from usurping dairy terms. Rescinding the current FDA guidance and enforcing existing dairy standards of identity is in best interest of our nation’s consumers, dairy farmers and broader public health.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-fox-news-digital-rubios-call-to-combat-global-funders-of-far-left-terrorism-could-put-singham-in-crosshairs/", "title": "ICYMI: Fox News Digital: Rubio’s call to combat global funders of far-left terrorism could put Singham in crosshairs", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The Marxist nonprofit financier has funneled $278M into groups that organize anti-ICE and anti-Isreal protests\n\nClick here to read the full story from Fox News Digital or read below.\n\nFIRST ON FOX: Secretary Marco Rubio’s call for global cooperation to combat far-left political terrorism could implicate Neville Roy Singham, a Marxist nonprofit financier who is currently facing a federal grand jury probe in New York.\n\nSingham, a 72-year-old American who sold his tech company for $785 million in 2017 and now lives in Shanghai, is known to fund pro-Chinese Communist Party groups that operate in the U.S. He has funneled $278 million into the broad network of nonprofits since 2017, according to a Fox News Digital investigation. These groups regularly organize and participate in anti-ICE, anti-Israel and pro-Iran demonstrations.\n\nAt a State Department summit held in Washington, D.C., Thursday, Rubio urged more than 60 countries to treat far-left global terrorism as a counterterrorism priority.\n\n“For far too long, however, our counterterrorism doctrine has had a blind spot – a blind spot when it comes to extremist violence from the political left, Rubio said. “Even today, the very idea that far-left terrorism could be a serious threat is treated as a right-wing fever dream, or worse, as a dangerous fascist conspiracy.”\n\nRubio noted that networks are coordinating across multiple countries, providing training instructions and using encrypted communication to facilitate unrest. He said that international cooperation is critical to disrupting the financing of dangerous organizations, and that some are working with hostile foreign states.\n\nRubio did not mention Singham by name and State Department officials did not respond to a request for comment.\n\nSingham’s web of nonprofits are known to promote communist and Marxist ideals on social media platforms and on the ground at demonstrations across the country. Code Pink, which was co-founded by Singham’s wife, Jodie Evans, regularly protests in the U.S. Capitol, confronting lawmakers and openly admits that “China is Not Our Enemy.”\n\nRubio mentioned the dangerous influence Marxist beliefs can have when tied to acts of terrorism. He said the left often seems to excuse violence carried out by its own extremists.\n\n“A bomb planted by a neo-Nazi group was a nefarious and murderous act of evil,” Rubio said. “But a bomb planted by a Marxist revolutionary – well, that’s just merely a tragic excess of idealism. Perhaps its means were misplaced or overzealous, but its ends were virtuous and just. That’s the implication of how they treat it.”\n\nCongress has also taken note of Singham’s activities. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., launched an investigation into the Singham nonprofit network last year, and members in the upper chamber are also sounding the alarm on Singham’s ties to China.\n\n“Chinese-funded, anti-American billionaires like Neville Roy Singham are instigating far-left chaos across our country,” Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., told Fox News Digital. “This needs to stop, and Secretary Rubio is rightly taking action to confront this transnational scourge head-on.”\n\nLast month, Fox News Digital reported that the Department of Justice has launched a grand jury investigation into alleged financial crimes. Singham hasn’t responded to repeated requests for comment from Fox News Digital.\n\nAccording to sources familiar with the matter, the grand jury in Manhattan has issued subpoenas as part of a probe launched by U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York, one of the country’s most powerful districts for federal prosecutions. Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche authorized the investigation as the Trump administration seeks to crack down on fraud, money laundering and other financial crimes in the multibillion-dollar nonprofit industry.\n\nTreasury Secretary Scott Bessent met privately with Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO David Solomon in New York earlier this year, where, according to sources familiar with the discussion, he warned that the firm could come under scrutiny over its alleged role in the movement of funds tied to Singham.\n\nDuring the meeting, Bessent encouraged Solomon to fully cooperate with the Justice Department’s investigation, telling him that Goldman Sachs’ handling of the Singham-linked funds could become part of the federal probe should they choose not to cooperate.\n\nA source with knowledge of the conversation told Fox News Digital that the exchange was cordial, and that Solomon indicated Goldman Sachs would aid investigators.\n\n“All distributions from Mr. Singham’s donor-advised fund were made to legal nonprofits, as determined by the IRS,” a Treasury spokesperson said. “There have been no distributions from the account since August 2023, and it was closed in early 2024.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-my-view-with-lara-trump-on-fox-news-channel/", "title": "ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins My View with Lara Trump on Fox News Channel", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined My View with Lara Trump on Fox News Channel to discuss the debate over immigration, birthright citizenship, and his Citizenship Act of 2026.\n\nClick the image above for the full discussion.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Yes, these incidents are tragic; they deserve to be investigated but let the investigations work through themselves and gather the facts to find out what happened before you demonize the tens of thousands of federal law enforcement officers who are trying to keep us safe. The American people elected Donald Trump specifically to deport violent illegal criminals off our streets so that we never have another Laken Riley, so that we never have those violent incidents that have occurred way too many times in America. Our ICE officers, the men and women who are our ICE officers, are overwhelmingly American heroes. And every elected official, Republican or Democrat, should be supporting them, not demonizing them, and turning them into enemies of the people.”\n\n“Every generation has a Supreme Court decision that’s so bad. You hear about it, you read about it, and you think, how could the Supreme Court rule in the way that they did? And that recent decision that just came down that struck down President Trump’s decision on birthright citizenship is one of those decisions. I had so many of my friends, so many Hoosiers reach out to me asking how this could be the case.”\n\n“All nine Supreme Court Justices agree that the children of invaders are not eligible for birthright citizenship. And by the way, the Supreme Court doesn’t get to determine who an invader is; Congress and the President determine that. So, my bill is simple: it says that there is an invasion of illegals in our country. That’s a fact. And that those invaders’ babies cannot become anchor babies. They do not warrant birthright citizenship. Justice Kavanaugh told us, even though he was on the wrong side of the decision. That is the case. That would pass Constitutional muster. We don’t need a Constitutional amendment to repair this. We need Congress to step up and act.”\n\n“We had one Chinese billionaire who says he fathered 100 babies through surrogacy in our country to create anchor babies…I would love to hear Democrats explain how they can support that concept, that illegals and their babies should be granted the same American citizenship that legal Americans are granted. That’s a political loser for the Democrats.”\n\n“Let’s pass my bill, it’s Constitutional, it would block babies of illegals from becoming citizens, and it will protect the sovereignty of this country for generations to come.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-booker-introduce-form-5500-filing-simplification-act/", "title": "Sen. Banks, Booker Introduce Form 5500 Filing Simplification Act", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Form 5500 Filing Simplification Act. This bipartisan legislation establishes a single, uniform filing deadline for Form 5500 and reduces unnecessary administrative burdens, while maintaining oversight and transparency for retirement plans.\n\nUnder current law, employers often need to file an extension request with the IRS using Form 5558 just to submit their annual Form 5500 on time. The Form 5500 Filing Simplification Act eliminates unnecessary and duplicative filings by aligning the statutory deadline with existing filing requirements. The bill also modernizes the filing process by allowing electronic signatures on required forms and reports.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the American Retirement Association, the ERISA Industry Committee, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the CHRO Association, and the American Benefits Council.\n\nSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Employers shouldn’t have to jump through unnecessary bureaucratic hoops just to comply with federal employee plan reporting requirements. This bipartisan bill cuts red tape, simplifies the filing process, and lets businesses spend more time serving their employees.”\n\nSen. Cory Booker (D-NJ): “Our commonsense bill simplifies and modernizes the reporting process for employer sponsored retirement plans reducing paperwork and eliminating outdated or unnecessary administrative hurdles. By cutting red tape, these changes would reduce the compliance burdens on small and mid-size businesses offering retirement plans to their hardworking employees.”\n\nKey Provision of the Form 5500 Filing Simplification Act:\n\nEstablishes a single, uniform statutory filing deadline for Form 5500 annual reports.\n\nEliminates the need for most plan sponsors to file a separate IRS Form 5558 extension request.\n\nPermits Form 5500 filings and related reports to be signed electronically.\n\nDirects the Department of Treasury, Department of Labor, and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to modernize filing requirements and conform regulations accordingly.\n\nMaintains existing oversight and transparency requirements for employee benefit plans.\n\nBackground:\n\nForm 5500 is the annual reporting form used by employee benefit plans to satisfy reporting and disclosure requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Under current law, the statutory filing deadline often does not leave employers enough time to complete the information needed to file their reports, forcing many to plan sponsors to submit a separate extension request to the IRS before filing Form 5500.\n\nThe Form 5500 Filing Simplification Act streamlines this process by creating a single deadline that eliminates unnecessary paperwork while preserving federal oversight of retirement plans. This legislation also modernizes the filing system by allowing required reports to be signed electronically and directs federal agencies to update their regulations accordingly.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/video-blackburn-leads-colleagues-in-urging-senate-to-pass-save-america-act-following-president-trump-s-address-to-the-nation", "title": "VIDEO: Blackburn Leads Colleagues in Urging Senate to Pass SAVE America Act Following President Trump’s Address to the Nation", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "domain": "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "scraper": "blackburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001243", "name": "Marsha Blackburn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) led her Republican colleagues, including Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), John Husted (R-Ohio), and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), in urging the Senate to pass the SAVE America Act following President Trump’s address to the nation last week on election integrity:\n\nClick here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks.\n\nEXCERPTS OF REMARKS\n\n“Having voter ID is something the vast majority of Americans support whether they're Democrats or Republicans or Independents or Libertarians.”\n\n“It's incredible that we're on the floor having to make the case for this legislation.”\n\n“The legislation that is before us would really accomplish three major objections in securing our elections.”\n\n“It would require voters to present an ID to cast a ballot.”\n\n“Our legislation would require people to be a U.S. citizen in order to vote in our elections.”\n\n“It would require the states to remove non-citizens who have somehow ended up on their voter rolls.”\n\n“Every one of them, common sense. There is nothing objectionable about these measures.”\n\n“Many Republican states already enforce these safeguards.”\n\n“If every state was like Tennessee, there would be no need for the SAVE America Act. But for years, we have seen blue states practically invite fraud into their elections. 14 states, including California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, do not require any form of ID to vote. Many more states accept ID that is non-photo.”\n\n“States that do this have found thousands of individuals.”\n\n“There is no other, no other developed nation that leaves their election so vulnerable to fraud and manipulation.”\n\n“To defend themselves, Democrats claim that voter fraud is very rare.”\n\n“President Trump's Thursday night address on election integrity showed just how much voter fraud we have.”\n\n“According to a DHS review of state voter rolls, there are approximately 278,000 non-citizens registered to vote in our elections. The last three presidential elections were decided by fewer… votes. The President noted that this figure is likely an undercount because Democrat states refuse to share their voter files with the administration.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senators-demand-justification-for-medically-unnecessary-testosterone-screening-policy-for-servicemembers", "title": "Senators Demand Justification for Medically Unnecessary Testosterone Screening Policy for Servicemembers", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, DC] – Following Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s bizarre video announcing mandatory annual testosterone screening for millions of servicemembers, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Gary Peters (D-MI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) wrote Hegseth raising concerns about the new policy and seeking information about its medical justification. Fewer than six percent of men between 30 and 79 have testosterone deficiency.\n\n“The Department has provided no evidence that this sweeping new policy will improve force readiness or health, nor has it explained the scientific basis, costs, or risks associated with implementing it across the force,” the senators wrote.\n\nThe senators wrote that the proposed policy “risks undermining years of work to ensure that women servicemembers are evaluated and valued based solely on their ability to perform the mission.” The senators also noted that health programs that primarily impact women – like perimenopause and menopause – remain chronically underfunded and under resourced, emphasizing, “this stark disparity suggests that the Department’s priorities are being shaped less by an equitable assessment of force health than by the Secretary’s preferred cultural narrative.”\n\nThe full text of the senators’ letter is available here and copied below.\n\nSecretary Hegseth,\n\nWe write to express serious concerns regarding the Department of Defense’s announcement that it will begin annual testosterone screening for millions of servicemembers despite longstanding medical guidance recommending against routine population-wide screening. The Department has provided no evidence that this sweeping new policy will improve force readiness or health, nor has it explained the scientific basis, costs, or risks associated with implementing it across the force.\n\nRoutine population-wide screening for testosterone deficiency is not recommended by many major medical organizations because the benefits of screening asymptomatic individuals have not been established.[1] Currently, less than six percent of men between 30 and 79 have testosterone deficiency.[2] While testosterone replacement therapy is appropriate for certain patients with clinically confirmed hypogonadism, treatment carries known risks and requires careful diagnosis and long-term medical monitoring.[3]\n\nCoupled with the Department’s recent repeated efforts to redefine military culture around an exaggerated conception of masculinity, this initiative risks undermining years of work to ensure that women servicemembers are evaluated and valued based solely on their ability to perform the mission. While the Department rushes to institute automatic testosterone testing for men, the Military Health System remains inadequately prepared to meet the needs of servicewomen experiencing perimenopause and menopause, and Congress has had to press DoD merely to study persistent gaps in their care. This stark disparity suggests that the Department’s priorities are being shaped less by an equitable assessment of force health than by the Secretary’s preferred cultural narrative.\n\nWe recognize that testosterone deficiency may be a legitimate medical concern for some servicemembers, particularly those serving in high-stress operational environments. Indeed, the Department has spent years studying this issue and, as recently as 2025, reaffirmed that routine screening is not recommended and that evaluation should be based on symptoms and established clinical guidelines. Against that backdrop, the Department's decision to implement annual screening for a much broader population represents a significant departure from its previous approach and warrants a clear explanation of the evidence supporting that change.\n\nTo better understand the rationale for these decisions and their consequences, we request responses to the following questions no later than August 5, 2026:\n\nPlease describe in detail the process by which the Department of Defense developed this policy to screen service members for testosterone deficiency. What specific data, analysis, or expert medical guidance informed your decision to screen and for and recommend testosterone for servicemembers?\n\nWhat evidence does the Department have that testosterone screening or treatment improves military readiness, performance, or lethality?\n\nDid the Department conduct a cost analysis of its proposed testosterone deficiency screening program? Provide a comprehensive breakdown of the new program budget and associated expenses (including screening, treatment, and program administration).\n\nFollowing investigations into the 2022 death of a Navy SEAL candidate, the Department increased its focus on detecting unauthorized use of testosterone and other performance-enhancing substances within portions of the force. How does this initiative align with those efforts, and what safeguards will the Department implement to ensure it does not inadvertently encourage misuse of testosterone or other performance-enhancing drugs?\n\nGiven the Department's previous concerns regarding the use of anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing substances, how does the Department intend to ensure that this initiative does not inadvertently encourage servicemembers to seek testosterone or other hormone supplements outside appropriate medical supervision?\n\nWhat specific testing protocols will be used (e.g., timing of tests, number of confirmatory tests, diagnostic thresholds)? Will the Department screen all servicemembers for testosterone levels?\n\nWhat quality control measures will the Department implement to prevent overdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, or non-medically indicated requests for testosterone therapy, particularly among servicemembers under age 30 who may be influenced by social media or other messaging promoting testosterone as a means to improve physical performance or masculinity?\n\nWill service members who decline testosterone therapy face any adverse administrative, medical readiness, or career consequences?\n\nHow will the Department ensure that participation in testing or treatment does not become coercive in practice, particularly in operational units where readiness pressures are high?\n\nIs the Department currently considering the approval or administration of other performance-enhancing substances?\n\nEvidence suggests that testosterone replacement therapy may affect mood and behavior in some patients and requires ongoing clinical monitoring. Does the Department have sufficient medical and behavioral health resources to safely support servicemembers receiving testosterone replacement therapy, including access to appropriate follow-up care, behavioral health services, and specialist consultation?[4]\n\nWill the Department implement this program by procuring or engaging with external contractors or vendors? How will the Department ensure servicemembers’ private medical information will not be misused or accessed by unauthorized third-parties, especially from foreign adversaries?\n\nThe health and readiness of our armed forces depend on clear, consistent, and science-driven leadership. Thank you for your earnest attention to this matter, we look forward to your response.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-highlights-increased-capital-investment-urges-tailoring-framework-modernization-during-banking-committee-hearing-with-federal-reserve-chair-kevin-warsh/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Highlights Increased Capital Investment, Urges Tailoring Framework Modernization During Banking Committee Hearing with Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) questioned Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh at a Senate Banking Committee hearing where he delivered the Fed’s Semiannual Monetary Policy Report. She discussed the promising increase in business investment seen in Alabama and around the country, as well as the need for the Federal Reserve to prioritize updating key tailoring frameworks to provide for regulatory certainty.\n\nIn her first line of questioning, Senator Britt discussed how increased capital investment across Alabama and the country is encouraging for long-term economic growth and greater American competitiveness: “In this year’s Monetary Policy Report, one of the most encouraging themes is the increase in business investment that we’re seeing across the country. In Alabama and many places, we’re seeing companies expand, manufacturers grow, and communities are benefiting from that investment. I believe that these are good signs and that they’re also important for the future, because they help us determine whether America remains the most competitive economy in the world. My question for you is as you look at the economy, what data tells you that today’s investments are laying the groundwork and the foundation for a stronger long-term growth and greater American competitiveness?”\n\nChair Warsh responded, expressing optimism about the capital investment boom and resulting GDP growth: “This is what most countries are searching for. This is the seed core of the next group of job creation and productivity …. The trend is our friend here, and this business capital investment is contributing massively to the GDP we’ve seen in the last 12 months. My colleagues know I’m not big for forward guidance, but I would guess that that trend continues. What gives me optimism about it? Well, when the private sector deploys this amount of capital, they must see something shiny at the other end of that rainbow. They must see a very good return on investment. That’s why they’re taking this capital and they’re putting it to work…”\n\nThe Senator then shifted to highlighting the need to modernize outdated regulatory thresholds that have not kept pace with the growth of our economy and banking system: “Some banks are already approaching and crossing into new tailoring categories, and they’re making staffing and compliance and long-term business decisions based on thresholds that haven’t been updated since 2019 … [H]ow are you thinking about updating these tailoring frameworks when it comes to what banks can expect to see in proposals in the future?”\n\nChair Warsh began by saying, “Vice Chair (Miki) Bowman has been working on these initiatives … [M]odernizing our banking systems, streamlining regulations so that the rules that apply to the systemically important financial institutions are not one-size-fits-all for every other. The secret to the American economy is we have a few thousand banks and other providers of credit who know their smaller markets bigger. I’d rather have that system than what most of our G20 peers have, where they have half a dozen institutions implicitly backed by their government.”\n\nHe continued, agreeing with Senator Britt, saying, “I think reform is coming to supervision and regulation … I think the sooner we can get to the bottom of it, the better … [T]he reforms we’ve been putting in place over the last 15 years coming out of Dodd-Frank—as we learned in the Silicon Valley Bank example and the First Republic example—they didn’t work perfectly. My predecessors had very little choice but then to do another overall bailout—we don’t want that to happen again. So, we want to tailor the rules and the capital so they serve the best interests of the U.S. economy, which I describe as a system that is safe, sound, and competitive.”\n\nSenator Britt responded, saying, “I just hope, given what you’ve said, we double down on reviewing the framework. We know how important tailoring is and also just the need for regulatory certainty, so thank you for that.”\n\nShe concluded by thanking Chair Warsh for his commitment to serving the at Federal Reserve: “[I] just want to say thank you for your commitment in the first seven weeks … to performance, to accountability, to responsibility, and to integrity. (I) appreciate what you’re doing and look forward to continuing to work with you.”\n\nYou can watch the Senator’s full remarks here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/07/20/budd-joins-60-senate-colleagues-in-leading-sanctions-package-holding-russia-accountable-honoring-senator-lindsey-graham/", "title": "Budd Joins 60+ Senate Colleagues in Leading Sanctions Package Holding Russia Accountable, Honoring Senator Lindsey Graham", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.budd.senate.gov", "scraper": "budd", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001305", "name": "Ted Budd", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) joined U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Darline Graham (R-S.C.), and 59 of his Senate colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026. The legislation aims to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.\n\n“The time to increase pressure on Moscow is now. Our overwhelmingly bipartisan sanctions package has the power to cripple Putin’s revenue streams by targeting the energy exports that bankroll Russia’s unjust war machine. Our colleague and friend, Senator Lindsey Graham, worked tirelessly to stand up to Russian aggression, and now we have the opportunity to honor his leadership and cement his legacy,” said Senator Budd.\n\n“Ukraine is at a critical crossroads — and we must meet this pivotal moment with a powerful sanctions bill. As Ukraine turns the tide on the battlefield, our Russia sanctions bill would be historically impactful in stopping Russia’s murderous slaughter,” said Senator Blumenthal.“When Senator Graham and I last spoke, he was absolutely exultant, calling from Kyiv with news that President Trump would support this bill to impose scorching tariffs and sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil and stop them from fueling Putin’s war machine. Now is the time to push Russia toward peace. Ukraine is gaining net territory and reaching deep into Russia with its drones and missiles. Sanctions provide a path toward peace. Our bill is the product of lengthy, detailed, difficult bipartisan work, and now has broad bipartisan support. Passing this legislation right now would be a fitting tribute to Senator Graham’s fierce support for Ukraine’s freedom.”\n\n“Until the very day he passed, Lindsey remained focused on passing the Russia sanctions bill. Passing this legislation would honor my brother’s steadfast commitment to our national security and it would provide President Trump with additional leverage to bring this war to an end. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to President Trump’s desk,” said Senator Graham.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) as well as U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Katie Britt (R-AL), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Angus King (I-Maine), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Curtis (R-Utah), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Kennedy (R-La.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.).\n\nRead the full bill text HERE.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nBefore his death, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) secured an agreement with the White House on new text to bring sweeping sanctions against the enablers of Russia’s war in Ukraine.\n\nThe Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, Russian banks and financial institutions, and the Russian Shadow Fleet.\n\nThe legislation also directs the President to impose up to 100 percent tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the majority of Russian oil and gas and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The new text limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and gas.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/07/20/budd-returns-from-leading-european-codel-to-examine-regional-security-challenges-tied-to-russian-threats/", "title": "Budd Returns from Leading European CODEL to Examine Regional Security Challenges Tied to Russian Threats", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.budd.senate.gov", "scraper": "budd", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001305", "name": "Ted Budd", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, returned earlier this month from leading a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Belgium, Moldova, Ukraine, Sweden, and Austria. CODEL Budd, which occurred prior to the 2026 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit, met with Heads of State and senior defense leaders in each country to discuss the continent’s regional security challenges, reiterate the importance of the NATO Alliance, and to examine how the United States and Europe can partner to counter threats posed by the Russian Federation.\n\nSenator Budd was joined by his colleagues, U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.) on the CODEL.\n\n“The security of the United States and Europe is inseparable. As Russia continues its campaign of aggression in Ukraine and threatens the security of Eastern Europe and the Baltics, our partnership with our European allies remains indispensable to deterring adversarial aggression and maintaining Europe’s strength to defend itself. By leading this CODEL ahead of the NATO Summit, my colleagues and I sought to reaffirm the strength of the NATO Alliance and express our unwavering support for the U.S.-European partnership to promote security, prosperity, and freedom for our citizens,” said Senator Budd.\n\nBELGIUM\n\nCODEL Budd began in Brussels, Belgium, with a meeting with the Commander of U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander, General Alexus Grynkeiwch, during which they discussed U.S. force posture on the continent, European defense spending improvements, opportunities to partner with European countries to combat Russian and terrorism threats, and the current operational situation in Ukraine. The Senators also met with the Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Belgium, Theo Francken, to discuss the defense and trade partnership between the United States and Belgium and opportunities to co-produce defense technology in Europe which would benefit U.S. companies. Additionally, CODEL Budd met with U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, Bill White, and the U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Matt Whitaker, ahead of their meetings with various European Heads of State to discuss the U.S.-European partnership.\n\nMOLDOVA\n\nIn Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, CODEL Budd visited the Presidential Palace to meet with President Maia Sandu. During their meeting with the Moldovan President, the Senators demonstrated support for and a commitment to strengthening U.S.-Moldovan relations. The delegation also gained a deeper understanding of Moldova’s security challenges to address Russian hybrid threats.\n\nAdditionally, the CODEL visited the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, where they met with the Speaker of Parliament, Igor Grosu, to discuss the North Carolina National Guard’s (NCNG) vital relationship with the Moldovan military, energy security vulnerabilities, and opportunities to advance the U.S.-Moldova trade partnership.\n\nUKRAINE\n\nIn Odesa, Ukraine, the delegation toured the country’s state-owned energy substation, where they examined the country’s civilian energy infrastructure and discussed the impact of Russian strikes. Additionally, the Senators observed Ukrainian counter-drone operations in the Black Sea, including systems procured from U.S. companies, and received a war update briefing from senior Ukrainian defense officials. The delegation held a round table discussion with the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine where Senators learned about the challenges and opportunities for the 600+ U.S. businesses operating in the conflict zone.\n\nSWEDEN\n\nThe delegation met with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard to discuss Swedish integration into NATO, the Russian threat in the Baltic Sea and Arctic, countering malign Chinese economic activities, and opportunities to expand U.S.-Sweden trade relations. Additionally, they discussed the Technology Prosperity Deal between the U.S. and Sweden to collaborate on AI innovation, biomedical research, energy leadership, and a secure quantum ecosystem.\n\nAUSTRIA\n\nIn Vienna, Austria, CODEL Budd sat down with Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger to discuss U.S.-Austria relations, energy security, opportunities to enhance U.S.-European Union trade relations, and the extent of Russian influence and activity in the region.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-20-million-award-for-maines-forest-bioproducts-tech-hub", "title": "Senator Collins Announces $20 Million Award for Maine’s Forest Bioproducts Tech Hub", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced today that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration has awarded $20 million to Maine’s Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hub—an economic development initiative led by the University of Maine. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick called Senator Collins to personally inform her of the approval of this funding award.\n\nThe Department of Commerce originally announced an award for the Maine Tech Hub in January of last year but later withdrew the funding and required the Tech Hub to recompete for its funding award. Following the withdrawal of funding, Senator Collins and her staff worked closely with the University of Maine and other project leaders to make adjustments and provide clarifications to the grant application to help ensure its approval by the Department.\n\n“This funding is welcome news for the University of Maine, Maine’s forest products industry, and the many partners working to build a stronger economic future for our state,” said Senator Collins. “I was proud to champion this forward-looking project, which will help find new and innovative ways to leverage our state’s bountiful natural resources, create good-paying jobs, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and help ensure that the forest products industry remains a cornerstone of Maine’s economy for generations to come.”\n\n“Senator Collins has been a tireless champion of Maine’s Tech Hub Program. We are pleased to announce our intention to fund this award, which will empower Maine’s innovators to develop new and advanced forest-based bioproducts, commercialize cutting-edge technologies, and strengthen domestic supply chains,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. “President Trump remains committed to supporting the manufacturing industry and ensuring that jobs are created and remain in America.”\n\nLed by the University of Maine in partnership with the Maine Technology Institute, the Maine Department of Labor, the Maine National Guard, industry leaders, and economic-development organizations, Maine’s Tech Hub will support the development and commercialization of wood-derived alternative aviation fuel, advanced composites for construction, and safer packaging materials. The initiative will also expand workforce training and apprenticeship opportunities in advanced manufacturing.\n\nMaine’s Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hub was designated by the Department of Commerce in 2023 as one of 31 Tech Hubs nationwide. Tech Hubs bring together businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, and other regional partners to accelerate technological innovation, expand regional economies, and create jobs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-murkowski-representatives-peters-salazar-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-reinforce-federal-response-to-climate-hazards/", "title": "Senators Coons, Murkowski, Representatives Peters, Salazar reintroduce bipartisan bill to reinforce federal response to climate hazards", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.coons.senate.gov", "scraper": "coons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001088", "name": "Christopher A. Coons", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Scott Peters (D-Calif.), and María Salazar (R-Fla.) reintroduce the National Coordination on Resilience for Security (NCRS) Act of 2026. The NCRS Act establishes a federal response to climate hazards that threaten communities, businesses, and national security.\n\n“We can’t leave Americans to face extreme weather events – from winter storms to weeks of record-high heat – alone,” said Senator Coons. “As the lowest-lying state in the nation, Delaware is no stranger to how climate change can impact homes and businesses. This bill will create a national, coordinated strategy to bring together government and the private sector to protect communities, our economy, and our national security from the potentially devastating effects of climate change.”\n\n“Alaskan communities continue to face an increasing number of damaging natural disasters, including catastrophic flooding, coastal erosion, severe storms, landslides, wildfires, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and permafrost thaw. Over the past year alone, communities across our state have endured multiple disasters that damaged critical infrastructure, disrupted essential services, and put lives at risk,” said Senator Murkowski. “I’m glad to once again partner on bipartisan, bi-cameral legislation to develop and implement a unified National Resilience Strategy, with input from federal, state, Tribal, local, and private-sector partners. Alaska’s unique geography and exposure to every type of natural hazard underscore the need for a coordinated federal approach that helps communities prepare for, adapt to, and recover from disasters more effectively.”\n\n“San Diegans know first-hand the consequences of climate change, from destructive wildfires and prolonged drought to dangerous heat waves and rising seas that threaten our coastline. My constituents can’t afford more delays,” Representative Peters said. “The NCRS Act would streamline resources, improve coordination, and hold agencies accountable so we can better prepare for and respond to the growing climate threats our communities face. I’m glad to once again have bicameral, bipartisan support as we move this commonsense legislation forward.”\n\n“Miami is ground zero for rising waters, and our neighborhoods cannot afford more delay. Every year we wait to plan for natural disasters, the costs go up and the damage gets worse,” said Representative Salazar. “That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the National Coordination on Resilience for Security (NCRS) Act. This legislation will help us build stronger infrastructure, improve coordination across the federal government, and keep our people safe for generations to come.”\n\nThe NCRS Act would:\n\nImplement a national adaptation and resilience strategy and an implementation plan with federal, state, local, private sector, and non-profit partners\n\nEstablish a Chief Resilience Officer in the White House to enforce the plan\n\nCreate interagency working groups to streamline efforts and ensure accountability\n\nInstitute a federal information hub to streamline resilience resources to communities\n\nThis legislation is in response to the increasing prominence of weather-related catastrophes in Delaware and across the nation. Since 1980, Delaware has recorded 35 climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion dollars each.\n\nIn the United States, a reported $217.8 billion was spent in 2024 responding to natural disaster damages. 2024 was the 14th consecutive year with 10 or more separate billion-dollar-related disaster events. As the climate crisis continues, these numbers are only expected to continue rising.\n\nAccording to FEMA, each dollar invested in resilience saves roughly six dollars when disaster strikes. Delaware’s shorelines are especially vulnerable to slow-onset climate hazards like sea level rising and coastal floodings. Especially during the summer months, we must be prepared to respond to weather-related disasters.\n\nSenator Coons has been a stark advocate for making Delaware a hub of new, clean energy technology that will create jobs and keep costs down for families while reducing emissions. In 2023, Senator Coons secured $750 million for the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub that produces cleaner and cheaper energy for Delaware. Senator Coons also founded the Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation in 2022 to accelerate innovative clean energy technology to combat the climate crisis.\n\nThis bill was also introduced in 2023 and 2022.\n\nThe bill is supported by the Woodwell Climate Research Center, the Alliance for Global Water Adaptation, the American Flood Coalition Action, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, the American Public Works Association (APWA), the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, City Parks Alliance, the Environmental Council of the States, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), the Federation of American Scientists, the Geos Institute, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, the International Code Council, Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, the National Association of Counties, the National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies, the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, the National Recreation and Park Association, the Reinsurance Association of America, Taxpayers for Common Sense, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), The Pew Charitable Trusts, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Union of Concerned Scientists, World Wildlife Fund.\n\nRead a one-pager of the bill here.\n\nRead a section-by-section summary of the bill here.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-sanction-russia-honor-senator-grahams-legacy/", "title": "Cornyn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Sanction Russia, Honor Senator Graham’s Legacy", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) joined more than 60 of his Senate colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. This bill was made possible by an agreement negotiated by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and the White House prior to Sen. Graham’s passing:\n\n“Senator Graham was unyielding in his support for the Ukrainian people as they fight to defend their sovereignty, and I can think of few ways more fitting to honor him than by finishing what he started and imposing strict sanctions on the bad actors who have supported Russia’s war against Ukraine,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m proud to join with my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation, which will honor Lindsey’s legacy, help dismantle Putin’s war machine, and strengthen U.S. national security.”\n\nU.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) is leading this legislation.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Sanctioning Russia Act would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russian officials and other actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Shadow Fleet that Russia assembled to evade sanctions. The legislation also directs the President to impose tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the largest volume of Russian oil or natural gas and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The new text limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas and the five largest facilitators of Russia’s sanctions evasion.\n\nSenator Lindsey Graham met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the effort and secured an agreement with the White House before his death.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-cotton-moolenaar-introduce-stop-prc-economic-espionage-act/", "title": "Cornyn, Cotton, Moolenaar Introduce Stop PRC Economic Espionage Act", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Chairman of the House Select Committee on China John Moolenaar (MI-02) introduced the Stop PRC Economic Espionage Act, which would amend current law to help ensure Chinese companies – which are inherently controlled by the Chinese Communist Party – and those committing economic espionage to their benefit are held accountable for their crimes:\n\n“There are no ‘private’ companies in China because they are – by law and design – beholden to the Chinese Communist Party,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This bill is a commonsense fix to reflect that reality, account for the PRC’s state-sponsored efforts to cheat and steal their way ahead in emerging tech, AI, and defense, and enable our government to prosecute without the burden of proving the obvious.”\n\n“Communist China treats every business as an arm of the state. Anyone stealing trade secrets to benefit a Chinese business does so for the benefit of their government,” said Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Cotton. “Our bill accepts that reality in law and would remove the requirement to show that a Chinese company is controlled by the Communist Chinese government.” “The Stop PRC Economic Espionage Act will update our nation’s espionage laws and make it harder for spies and intelligence assets to escape justice based on the technicality of what counts as a ‘foreign instrumentality.’ In China, everything is an instrument controlled by the state, there are no private companies. The CCP’s sweeping national security law empowers its strategy of military-civil fusion and the pursuit of its military ambitions across all industries,” said Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar.\n\nBackground:\n\nUnder the current economic espionage statute, one needs to intend or know the offense will benefit a foreign government or agent, or a “foreign instrumentality.” Foreign instrumentality is defined in the statute as “any agency, bureau, ministry, component, institution, association, or any legal, commercial, or business organization, corporation, firm, or entity that is substantially owned, controlled, sponsored, commanded, managed, or dominated by a foreign government.” Given the national security laws of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), any business organization there is effectively an arm of the state and U.S. law should reflect that reality.\n\nThe Stop PRC Economic Espionage Act would define any such organization that is based in a “covered country” – China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea – as a foreign instrumentality. The current standard for showing that an organization is “substantially” owned or controlled by the foreign government would apply to all other countries.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-op-ed-closing-texas-gop-primary-would-be-a-costly-mistake-that-would-hurt-voters/", "title": "Cornyn Op-Ed: Closing Texas’ GOP Primary Would Be a Costly Mistake That Would Hurt Voters", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) authored the following op-ed in the Austin American-Statesman arguing that closing the Texas Republican primary would be a mistake for the party and our nation’s democratic republic and could risk silencing the voices of those who are disillusioned with the current government:\n\nClosing Texas’ GOP primary would be a costly mistake that would hurt voters\n\nSenator John Cornyn\n\nAustin American-Statesman\n\nJuly 16, 2026\n\nhttps://www.statesman.com/opinion/columns/article/texas-gop-closed-primary-mistake-22345520.php\n\nTexas is among a majority of states with open primaries where any eligible registered voter can vote in the primary election, regardless of their party affiliation.\n\nNevertheless, there has been a recent movement among some Texas Republicans to close our Republican primary to only those who register as a Republican. At best, this would be a mistake that has the potential to harm our party in the long run as we hamper our appeal by narrowing our coalition of voters. At worst, it would limit our voters’ ability to have their voices heard in primary elections and undermine the American system of self-government.\n\nThe right to vote is essential to our democratic republic: voting is one of the most fundamental ways ordinary citizens participate, and the mechanism by which the people consent to be governed. When Texans fail to exercise this right, as a large majority have done by not turning out to vote in this past spring’s elections, they are giving up the opportunity to have their voices heard and to influence the direction our state and country take. They are ceding to others to decide who should govern. For the party to close the primary, we would exacerbate an already worrying trend.\n\nWhen fewer people participate in our elections, our very system of self-government is undermined. If only 7% of registered voters choose our nation’s leaders, as was the case in Texas’ recent U.S. Senate run-off election, our government becomes less like a democratic republic and more like an oligarchy, where the leaders are chosen by a select few. As our country continues to see increasingly low trust in government and low participation in elections, closing the primary elections would be a grave mistake, furthering these existing problems.\n\nBy closing the primary, we risk taking away the voices of those who are disillusioned with the current government. With 93% of registered voters sitting on the sidelines, we find ourselves in a vicious cycle. Low voter participation means that those nominated represent the views of the few. Then those who are not represented feel neglected and don’t feel the need to turn out and vote in the general election, because they don’t like the options on the table. Closing our primaries would take this trend a step further by actively cutting more Texans out of the electoral process.\n\nThe right to vote is one that our heroic fallen have literally bled and died to secure for us, but it is not one that Americans have always universally enjoyed. It was first available to only white male property owners, but slowly but surely expanded. In the 1800s, most states eliminated property requirements. In 1920, the franchise was extended to women by the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, then to Native Americans with the Indian Citizenship Act in 1924. In 1964, artificial barriers like poll taxes were banned. Our nation had to endure a Civil War to guarantee equal rights to all citizens, including African Americans, culminating in the historic Voting Rights Act of 1965. But we didn’t stop there: the 26th Amendment in 1971 lowered the voting age to 18 years. Now, many in the United States take this foundational right for granted.\n\nIf we want to restore trust in the government, the answer is more participation from voters, not less. While closing the primary may seem like an easy and painless way to score political points with the most vocal in our party, it could result in costly legal battles only to ultimately be thrown out in the courts. Political parties are coalitions of people with different interests who come together over shared common goals to create a governing majority. They become stronger when more people participate. Our state is blessed with a wide diversity of people, with views that do not square neatly into a cookie-cutter mold. If we limit primaries to only those whose views are in lockstep with the party line, we will only diminish voter turnout and harm the Republican party’s ability to bring people into our tent.\n\nWhile some contend that closing the primaries will ensure there is no foul play occurring from the other side of the aisle, that is a solution in search of a problem. There is no data to back up the idea that Democrats are voting in Republican primaries or runoffs in a meaningful way, but there is also little logic in that argument. Data does show that registered Democrats want to vote in their own primaries and are not willing to give that up in order to meddle in ours, and I’d argue that committed Republicans feel similarly.\n\nFor the parties to accurately reflect the views of the nearly 32 million people who call the Lone Star State home, we ought to give them as many choices as possible in elections, including primaries. The Republican Party can and must be a wide-tent party if it is to continue growing and last for generations. But closing the primary will be futile to that end.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-fema-awards-682494-to-north-dakota", "title": "Sen. Cramer: FEMA Awards $682,494 to North Dakota", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced a $682,494 investment to support repairs across North Dakota following severe storms, tornadoes, and straight-line winds which struck the state June 20 to 21, 2025. The funding will support the following projects and recovery initiatives across the state:\n\n$348,287 to Northern Plains Electric Cooperative to fund wooden poles and electrical sub-assemblies repair or replacement.\n\n$334,207 to Nodak Electric Cooperative to fund conductor, insulator, and poles repair or replacement.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and the North Dakota delegation wrote a letter to President Donald Trump requesting he approve a major disaster declaration submitted by Governor Kelly Armstrong. The disaster declaration was approved, and funds are being distributed by FEMA.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/va-awards-710550-to-support-transportation-access-for-rural-north-dakota-veterans", "title": "VA Awards $710,550 to Support Transportation Access for Rural North Dakota Veterans", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded $710,550 to the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs through the Highly Rural Transportation Grants (HRTG) program. The funding provides free transportation for veterans traveling to VA and VA-authorized health care facilities in eligible counties. Roughly 2.7 million veterans reside in highly rural areas across the country.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), introduced the Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act to permanently reauthorize the HRTG program. Cramer’s legislation passed the SVAC on July 30 and would add Tribal Organizations and Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) as entities eligible to apply directly for the program and provide additional assistance for entities to purchase vehicles.\n\n“I don’t think it’s any big surprise that many North Dakota veterans live hours from the care they need, and transportation should never be the reason they miss an appointment,” said Cramer. “This funding will help bridge that gap by getting veterans to VA and community care appointments, and then ensures they have reliable access to the care they’ve earned.”\n\nSeveral organizations support the Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act, including the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW), and The American Legion (TAL).\n\nThe HRTG program serves the 35 North Dakota counties of Adams, Benson, Billings, Bottineau, Bowman, Burke, Cavalier, Dickey, Divide, Dunn, Eddy, Emmons, Foster, Golden Valley, Grant, Griggs, Hettinger, Kidder, Lamoure, Logan, McHenry, Mcintosh, McKenzie, McLean, Nelson, Oliver, Pierce, Renville, Sargent, Sheridan, Sioux, Slope, Steele, Towner, and Wells.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-simpson-celebrate-idaho-nuclear-tech-hub-designation", "title": "Crapo, Risch, Simpson Celebrate Idaho Nuclear Tech Hub Designation", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch and U.S. Representative Mike Simpson (all R-Idaho) celebrated the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) announcement to award approximately $31 million to the Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Corridor (INEC) Tech Hub, a regional initiative of more than 45 organizations across Idaho and Wyoming, led by the Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium (IAEC). The Tech Hub will help position the Idaho and Wyoming nuclear energy innovation corridor as global leaders in advanced small modular reactors. The EDA announced Monday, July 20, it would award approximately $169 million across six Tech Hubs.\n\nThe INEC Tech Hub aims to leverage the region’s existing nuclear manufacturing ecosystem to accelerate the deployment and commercialization of next-generation nuclear reactors, strengthen domestic nuclear supply chains and enhance U.S. energy security.\n\n\"This $31 million award is a significant investment in Idaho’s future and further establishes our state as a national leader in advanced nuclear energy,” said Crapo. “The INEC Tech Hub, led by the Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium, will build on Idaho’s unmatched expertise and innovation in small modular reactors and reinforce our nation’s technological leadership while reducing reliance on foreign adversaries for critical energy capabilities. I congratulate the many public and private partners whose collaboration has helped make this achievement possible.”\n\n“The future of American nuclear energy is being developed in Idaho,” said Risch. “Today’s investment by the U.S. Department of Commerce in the Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Consortium Tech Hub capitalizes on Idaho’s deep nuclear history and will expand opportunities for the West to maintain this strong reputation.”\n\n“I’m thrilled to celebrate the Department of Commerce’s $31 million investment in the INEC Tech Hub,” said Simpson. “After my Idaho colleagues and I expressed our strong support for this application, it is exciting to see this investment become a reality. This funding will strengthen American nuclear energy while reinforcing Idaho’s leadership in nuclear innovation. Today’s announcement is an important step toward advancing American energy dominance and strengthening our energy security.”\n\n“What we’re building here is bigger than any one organization, any one company, or any one community,” said Hope Morrow, IAEC Vice President and Workforce and Economic Development Manager at INL. “The INEC Tech Hub is what American innovation looks like when everyone brings their best — and the people of the Intermountain West are going to see the benefits in jobs, opportunity, and long-term energy security.”\n\n“The demand for nuclear energy is on the rise, and the Trump Administration is providing the energy industry with the resources it needs to meet that demand, including more nuclear reactors,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. “This award will position Idaho and Wyoming as global leaders in advanced small modular reactors and leverage the region’s existing nuclear manufacturing capabilities to accelerate reactor deployment, speed commercialization of next-generation reactors, and enhance U.S. energy security.”\n\nThe Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium is expected to receive nearly $31 million to:\n\nsupport advanced fuel fabrication, testing and transportation;\n\ntrain workers in nuclear construction, manufacturing, fuel fabrication and operations; and\n\nsupport firms to enter the nuclear supply chain.\n\nThe IAEC estimates its projects could create more than 900 high-paying jobs and generate approximately $190 million in regional economic impact over five years.\n\nBackground:\n\nCongress enacted the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hubs) Program, administered by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, as part of the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act of 2022. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act made $220 million available to limited eligible Tech Hubs, including the INEC. The application was rigorous and applicants were required to submit project proposals that demonstrated ability to strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and maximize taxpayer returns. Senator Crapo joined Senator Jim Risch and U.S. Representative Mike Simpson (all R-Idaho) in support of the IAEC’s application for the funding.\n\nTech Hubs seek to strengthen America’s economic competitiveness and national security by investing in regions with the talent and assets to become global leaders in the critical technologies of the future. Tech Hub investments accelerate technology commercialization, moving breakthroughs out of labs, through manufacturing lines, and into the marketplace faster, and at greater scale.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-names-small-business-of-the-week-taylors-maid-rite", "title": "Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Taylor’s Maid-Rite", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Taylor's Maid-Rite of Marshall County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa's 99 counties.\n\n\"Taylor's Maid-Rite has truly maid their mark as a cornerstone of Marshalltown's business community,\" said Chair Ernst. \"For nearly a century, this shop has served generations of Iowans with a signature burger made fresh every day. This 'Maid in Iowa' success story has proven that consistency, quality, and genuine customer care are the recipe for lasting success.\"\n\nFounded in the heart of Marshalltown, Taylor's Maid-Rite has remained a family-owned business for nearly a century and is now entering its fourth generation of Taylor family ownership. Best known for its signature Maid-Rite sandwich, the restaurant also serves classic American diner favorites, including malts, pies, fries, and sodas. Throughout its history, Taylor's Maid-Rite has remained committed to fresh ingredients, personalized service, and strong community involvement.\n\nStay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-works-to-hold-russian-oil-purchasers-accountable", "title": "Ernst Works to Hold Russian Oil Purchasers Accountable", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined her Senate colleagues and Senator Darline Graham Nordone (R-S.C.) to introduce the Senator Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.\n\nThe legislation would impose primary and secondary sanctions on Russia and those supporting its war in Ukraine, targeting Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign actors, financial institutions, and the Russian shadow fleet. It also directs the president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the five largest purchasers of Russian oil and gas that help sustain Russia's economy or facilitate sanctions evasion.\n\n“As Russia continues its needless bloodshed of innocent people and drags out peace talks, I am proud to join my colleagues in enacting crippling sanctions against them,” said Senator Ernst. “This legislation carries forward the tireless work Senator Graham was doing until his final days and strengthens the fight I’ve led for years against Putin’s shadow fleet, shutting down the network of tankers and shell insurers keeping his oil money flowing and fueling this war.”\n\n“Until the very day he passed, Lindsey remained focused on passing the Russia sanctions bill. Passing this legislation would honor my brother’s steadfast commitment to our national security and it would provide President Trump with additional leverage to bring this war to an end,” said Senator Nordone. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to President Trump’s desk.”\n\n“Ukraine is at a critical crossroads — and we must meet this pivotal moment with a powerful sanctions bill. As Ukraine turns the tide on the battlefield, our Russia sanctions bill would be historically impactful in stopping Russia’s murderous slaughter,” said Senator Blumenthal. “When Senator Graham and I last spoke, he was absolutely exultant, calling from Kyiv with news that President Trump would support this bill to impose scorching tariffs and sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil and stop them from fueling Putin’s war machine. Now is the time to push Russia toward peace. Ukraine is gaining net territory and reaching deep into Russia with its drones and missiles. Sanctions provide a path toward peace. Our bill is the product of lengthy, detailed, difficult bipartisan work, and now has broad bipartisan support. Passing this legislation right now would be a fitting tribute to Senator Graham’s fierce support for Ukraine’s freedom.”\n\n“Putin’s invasion of Ukraine unleashed destruction, chaos and bloodshed in the largest land war in Europe since World War II,” said Senator Grassley. “Our legislation sends a clear message to Putin: your unprovoked, violent invasion comes at an enormous cost. The late-Senator Graham was a champion of this bipartisan legislation, and I’m proud to help move it forward as an original cosponsor.”\n\n“Lindsey was a firm believer that the United States is a force for good around the world, and he worked tirelessly on this important effort,” said Senator Thune. “I’m proud to support this legislation that not only honors our friend and colleague, but will also promote peace by cutting off the funding fueling Russia’s war machine. I can’t think of a better way to honor his legacy.”\n\n“Russia is losing ground, it is suffering tens of thousands of casualties each month and Ukraine continues to bring the consequences of the war to the Kremlin’s doorstep through its deep strike campaign,” said Senator Shaheen. “Putin is in an incredibly precarious position both at home and on the battlefield. This legislation would level tough new sanctions on Russia and choke off key export markets for the energy it sells to fund its war machine. We must seize on the opportunity before us to finally exert economic pressure on the Kremlin and bring this war to a close.”\n\n“One of the many pillars of Senator Graham’s exemplary career of public service was his dedication to putting America’s national security first and promoting liberty around the world,” said Senator Britt. “It is an honor to help champion one of his highest priorities: imposing crushing sanctions to cripple Russia’s war machine and hold those fueling it accountable. Putin’s war against Ukraine has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, and it must end. Lindsey believed that getting this legislation passed and signed into law would be the most consequential thing he achieved in his career. I am sincerely grateful to Senators Blumenthal, Shaheen, and Wicker for their continued leadership on this issue and, very importantly, for the support of President Trump and the White House—these sanctions will provide President Trump with a critical tool to hold Russia accountable and secure a lasting peace.”\n\n“This bipartisan bill that Senator Graham worked so tirelessly to advance couldn’t be better timed. Momentum in the war has shifted toward Ukraine and tightening sanctions on Russia and those key purchasers of Russian oil should help add pressure for the Kremlin to finally negotiate,” said Senator Durbin. “Having just returned from the NATO Summit, I can share that we and our NATO allies are united in wanting to see Ukraine prevail in this bloody war started by Vladimir Putin. I am pleased to help co-lead this timely legislation.”\n\n“We should enact this bipartisan measure to exert maximum economic pressure on Putin’s war machine and help bring this unjust war to an end,” said Senator Wicker.\n\n“Today’s bill continues the work of the late Senator Graham, my dear friend and one of Ukraine’s most relentless advocates in the Senate,” said Senator Whitehouse. “This forceful, bipartisan measure will disrupt the Kremlin’s massive oil and gas economy, up the financial stakes, and help achieve victory for Ukraine.”\n\n“I am proud to support the imposition of new, hard-hitting sanctions on key sectors of Russia’s war economy, including the shadow fleet, and penalties on bad actors like China who help fund the war,” said Senator Risch. “Russia is not winning this war against Ukraine, and applying additional pressure now will force Putin to shift his calculus and bring us closer to ending the war. In honor of our friend Lindsey Graham, I strongly encourage my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to the President’s desk as soon as possible.”\n\n“Ukraine is winning on the battlefield against Russian invaders, and there’s much more the United States can do to strangle Russia’s war machine without putting ourselves at risk,”said Senator Coons. “Curbing Russian revenue by sanctioning the foreign buyers of their oil that are keeping Russia’s economy and military afloat will strengthen Ukraine, weaken Moscow, and hasten a just and lasting end to this war.”\n\n“For over four years, the Ukrainian people have shown us what it looks like to fight and die for democracy, for their country, and for the West. Their courage in the face of Vladimir Putin’s war offers the greatest example of how to fight back against authoritarian aggression. Amid Putin's intransigence at the negotiating table and daily attacks on civilians across Ukraine, Congress must make Russia pay a further price,” said Senator Bennet. “This bill will impose greater pressure on Putin to end his unprovoked war, especially as Ukraine makes progress on the battlefield and as the Russian economy struggles under the weight of U.S. and allied measures. Only by demonstrating our firm resolve can the United States and our allies support Ukraine's pursuit of a just and durable end to this war and successfully defend the principle of a Europe whole, free, and at peace. Backing Ukraine today will be our best deterrence against authoritarian ambitions tomorrow.”\n\n“Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war has dragged on for more than four years,” said Senator Cotton. “As Senator Graham knew well, raising the costs on Russia is the only solution. Our bill will further restrict their energy sales to strangle Putin’s war machine and bring him to the negotiating table. Congress should pass this bill immediately and help finish a war Lindsey fought so hard to end.”\n\n“This measure is a tribute to Senator Graham’s tenacious, bipartisan work in support of Ukraine, and a necessary step to deprive Putin’s war machine of financial resources for its illegal invasion,” said Senator Reed.\n\n“South Carolina lost a statesman, and I lost a friend. Lindsey Graham spent his time in the Senate reminding us that peace is protected by strength, and that America has a responsibility to stand up to dictators who threaten our allies, our interests, and the values we hold dear,” said Senator Scott. “This legislation is a fitting way to honor Lindsey’s legacy: tough, principled, and focused on keeping America safe. Lindsey would be proud to see Republicans and Democrats come together in support of his and the President’s goal to end Moscow’s senseless war in Ukraine.”\n\n“Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine has gone on long enough, and I believe this legislation is an important step on bringing this bloody, unprovoked conflict to an end,” said Senator King. “This war has already cost hundreds of thousands of lives on both sides unnecessarily, and we believe that this step will finally bring Putin face to face with the reality that he is not going to be successful in subjugating the Ukrainian people.”\n\n“This is a pivotal moment in the Ukrainian people’s fight to protect their freedom. While Ukraine continues to demonstrate impressive resilience and patriotism and real expertise on the battlefield, Russians are becoming increasingly exhausted by Putin’s war, which his own finance officials are telling him he can’t afford,” said Senator Kaine. “This is the perfect time for the United States to bring down the full force of comprehensive sanctions on Russia, and I’m proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in putting forward a plan that would do that.”\n\n“Vladimir Putin’s brutal, unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine must end. As Ukraine makes important gains on the battlefield, now is the time to increase the economic pressure on Russia and those who continue to finance Putin’s war machine,” said Senator Collins. “Senator Lindsey Graham understood the consequences of allowing Putin’s aggression to go unchecked and worked tirelessly to build bipartisan support for this consequential legislation. I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this bill, which would both honor Lindsey’s legacy and help pressure Putin to bring an end to this horrific war.”\n\n“The fastest way to end this illegal war is to cut off the money that Putin is using to fuel it,” said Senator Kelly. “Stronger sanctions will put pressure on Putin and those helping him. This is a crucial step toward achieving lasting peace that protects Ukraine's sovereignty and strengthens U.S. national security.”\n\n“For more than four years, Vladimir Putin has conducted a brutal, unprovoked war against Ukraine in an attempt to take over a sovereign nation. The time is now for the U.S. to increase pressure and do all we can to end this war and send a clear message to Putin that he cannot act with impunity,”said Senator Rosen. “This is why I’m joining my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring forward this critical bipartisan bill to make those who enable Russia’s energy and defense sectors pay a heavy price.”\n\n“Lindsey Graham was clear eyed on Putin and fought for years to build peace through strength,” said Senator Ricketts. “This bill is a small part of his legacy combatting a foreign adversary threatening peace and prosperity for Americans. Sanctioning Putin and his cronies is necessary for undermining their aggression around the world.”\n\n“Senator Graham was unyielding in his support for the Ukrainian people as they fight to defend their sovereignty, and I can think of few ways more fitting to honor him than by finishing what he started and imposing strict sanctions on the bad actors who have supported Russia’s war against Ukraine,” said Senator Cornyn. “I’m proud to join with my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation, which will honor Lindsey’s legacy, help dismantle Putin’s war machine, and strengthen U.S. national security.”\n\n“Standing with the Ukrainian people has been a bipartisan goal of our Congress for more than four years,” said Senator Schiff. “This bill reaffirms that commitment by enacting the sanctions needed to curtail Russia’s primary source of income and cripple its war effort — the single most important thing the U.S. government can do to end Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.”\n\n“The surest way to bring about peace through strength and get Putin to the negotiating table is to cut off the money funding his war machine,” said Senator Sheehy. “This bipartisan legislation delivers real consequences for those keeping Russia’s economy afloat. Senator Lindsey Graham spent years leading this fight, and passing this bill will be a fitting tribute to his commitment to American strength and the cause of freedom.”\n\n“Since I visited Ukraine with Lindsey Graham and John McCain in 2016, Lindsey and I worked together in support of Ukraine’s democracy, meeting with President Zelenskyy multiple times and advocating for the return of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This legislation will add significant economic pressure on Russia, helping to move us closer to ending this war.”\n\n“As long as Vladimir Putin’s war machine is funded by countries willing to buy Russian oil and gas, the war in Ukraine will continue,” said Senator Curtis. “This bipartisan legislation gives a powerful tool to increase pressure on Russia, hold its enablers accountable, and ensure Russia does not win this war.”\n\n“We must hold Russia and its enablers accountable, and stand with Ukraine,” said Senator Fetterman. “This is just and important legislation. I know it will honor our late colleague Senator Lindsey Graham.”\n\n“These strong sanctions, a top priority I shared with my friend and our late colleague Senator Graham, are critically important to weakening Putin’s grip in Ukraine, imposing severe costs on those supporting Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression, and undermining the energy-fueled Russian war machine that threatens our allies,” said Senator Sullivan.\n\n“Ukraine is in the fight of their lives, and this bipartisan announcement is the boost they need to inflict maximum pain on Russia,” said Senator Duckworth. “Our bipartisan bill will rightfully hit foreign buyers of Russian oil with heavy sanctions, cutting Putin off from the money machine funding his unprovoked war of aggression against our ally. Senator Graham knew it and we do too: The United States must remain united with Ukraine, now and always.”\n\n“Ukraine is standing strong against Russian aggression, but the United States must use every tool possible to help secure a lasting peace for the Ukrainian people and the entire region,” said Senator Peters. “Imposing strong sanctions on Russia would send a clear message that the American people will always stand alongside Ukraine against Putin’s invasion.”\n\n“Putin is a murderous KGB thug, and the countries still buying Russian oil and natural gas know they are funding his war against Ukraine,” said Senator Lankford. If we cut off Russia’s oil money, we cut off the weapons murdering Ukrainians. Lindsey Graham was an outspoken advocate for the freedom-loving people of Ukraine. Let’s finish what he started and put the pressure on Russia and everyone who bankrolls them.”\n\n“This bill honors Senator Lindsey Graham’s legacy by strengthening pressure on Russia and those who continue to finance Vladimir Putin’s illegal and brutal war against Ukraine, which threatens our own national security and economic interests,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation to continue the work that our late friend and colleague fought so hard to advance.”\n\n“By securing this agreement with the White House to impose sanctions on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, Senator Graham delivered a powerful tool to hold those who are enabling Putin’s war accountable,” said Senator Blackburn. “This bill will help bring this war to an end.”\n\n“Vladimir Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine has raged on for too long and cost countless innocent lives,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “This critical legislation will hold the enablers of Putin’s war machine accountable and represents one of the most consequential Congressional efforts to promote peace in Europe. Let’s get this done.”\n\n“Senator Graham tirelessly worked to impose real consequences on Putin and end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This bipartisan and thoughtfully crafted legislation is a testament to his tremendous leadership,” said Senator Boozman. “I am proud to join my colleagues and send a clear message that Senator Graham’s work will not go unfinished and that Moscow must finally end its unprovoked attack on Ukrainian sovereignty.”\n\n“The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 will issue decisive consequences aimed at deterring Russian aggression,” said Senator Cramer. “This bill sends a clear message: bullies have a price to pay for their actions. Vladimir Putin and Russia must face serious consequences for their destructive and unprovoked war on Ukraine.”\n\n“Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has killed far too many and upended global stability, must come to an end,” said Senator Capito. “This legislation empowers President Trump to cut off the financial flows that enable Putin’s deadly invasion and to impose serious consequences on the countries that are helping finance Russia’s war machine. I’m proud to join my colleagues in honoring Senator Graham’s life by advancing this effort to strengthen America’s national security and give President Trump the economic leverage to secure a lasting peace.”\n\n“For years, Senator Lindsey Graham led the effort to hold Russia accountable for its aggression and support Ukraine’s fight for freedom,” said Senator Husted. “This bill honors his legacy by tightening sanctions on the energy exports and financial tools that sustain the Russian war machine. With support from the White House and a bipartisan group of senators, we are sending a clear message to Putin: America stands with Ukraine, and we will continue working to bring this unjust war to a durable end.”\n\n“Russia relies on oil and gas revenue to fund its war against Ukraine, and those enabling this aggression should be held accountable,” said Senator Hoeven. “This bipartisan legislation strengthens sanctions to increase pressure on Russia, reduce the resources fueling Putin’s aggression, and help advance a lasting peace. Senator Lindsey Graham dedicated tremendous effort to moving this legislation forward, and Congress should act to pass it.”\n\n“Senator Lindsey Graham was relentless in his quest to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for his unprovoked invasion of Ukraine,” said Senator Fischer. “Because of his extensive work over the years, we have an opportunity to help bleed Putin’s war machine dry. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for taking this necessary action.”\n\n“Senator Graham was one of the most formidable foes America’s enemies ever faced in the United States Senate. He was unapologetic and uncompromising in countering the threat the Russian regime poses to American national security and the safety and security of the American people,”said Senator Cruz. “I worked alongside my friend for years to counter those malign activities, including through sanctions legislation aimed at depriving Putin’s war machine of the resources it needs to threaten America and our allies. This bipartisan legislation honors Senator Graham’s legacy while advancing the badly needed policies for which he tirelessly advocated. I urge my colleagues to pass it without delay.”\n\n“Lindsey Graham spent his final months fighting to make sure Putin knew America’s fuse hadn't burned out. Wyoming understands what it means to power the world responsibly, and it’s long past time Russia stopped profiting from war while claiming to seek peace,” said Senator Lummis. “This bill puts real teeth behind that demand by telling every nation still buying Russian oil that they're choosing a side, and it puts Putin on notice that the road to any lasting peace runs through economic ruin if he refuses to take it.”\n\n“Russia’s unprovoked and illegal war against the people of Ukraine has left the nation scarred and battered over the last four years, but no less determined to defend its sovereignty,” said Senator Murkowski. “The bipartisan Sanctioning Russia Act honors Senator Graham’s longstanding leadership in foreign affairs by supporting Ukraine while reaffirming America’s commitment to stand with peaceful democracies against the authoritarian regimes that seek to destroy them.”\n\n“The time to increase pressure on Moscow is now. Our overwhelmingly bipartisan sanctions package has the power to cripple Putin’s revenue streams by targeting the energy exports that bankroll Russia's unjust war machine,” said Senator Budd. “Our colleague and friend, Senator Lindsey Graham, worked tirelessly to stand up to Russian aggression, and now we have the opportunity to honor his leadership and cement his legacy.”\n\n“This bipartisan legislation would make a difference against Russia’s unjust war in Ukraine and serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham,” said Senator Moran. “America’s continued involvement and leadership throughout the world are critical to deterring Vladimir Putin. This legislation sends a clear message to friends and foes alike: you can do business with Russia, or you can do business with the United States, but you can’t do both. I look forward to voting for the Sanctioning Russia Act and sending it to the President to be signed into law.”\n\n“Imposing stronger sanctions on Russia will ensure America remains strong on the world stage and will help bring an end to Putin’s unjust war against Ukraine,”said Senator Daines. “I can think of no better way to cement the legacy of Lindsey Graham, who spent years of his life devoted to this cause and to fighting for freedom across the globe.”\n\nRead the bill here and one pager here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-leads-pennsylvania-colleagues-in-america-250-congressional-time-capsule-submission/", "title": "Fetterman Leads Pennsylvania Colleagues in America 250 Congressional Time Capsule Submission", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "domain": "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "scraper": "fetterman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000479", "name": "John Fetterman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), in collaboration with U.S. Steel and the United Steelworkers, submitted a steel plaque on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be included in the America 250 Congressional time capsule. The inscription — Forged in steel from the birthplace of the United States of America — recognizes Pennsylvania’s important history in the foundation of the greatest country and its countless contributions for 250 years.\n\n“I’m honored to contribute Pennsylvania’s story for all to reflect on and honor, and I’m grateful for my colleagues who joined me in this effort. I’m also deeply appreciative of the team of Pennsylvania steelworkers who worked quickly to make this plaque. At our country’s 500th birthday, when the capsule is reopened, I hope all those present will understand just how awesome Pennsylvania and our steelworkers have always been,” said Senator Fetterman.\n\nIn its efforts to celebrate our country’s 250th birthday, Congress passed the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act to direct the Architect of the Capitol to prepare a time capsule that will be sealed in the Capitol Visitor Center. Congressional delegations from each state and U.S. territory are allowed to submit one item that represents their history. The capsule will be opened during America’s 500th anniversary on July 4, 2276.\n\nIn addition to the steel plaque, a letter from the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation was submitted by Senator Fetterman. It was signed by U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA), and U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5), Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15), and Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4).\n\n“When this capsule is opened on our nation’s 500th anniversary on July 4, 2276, we hope the history of Pennsylvania and the legacy of its steelworkers serve as a generational reminder of the birthplace of the United States of America and those who helped build it,” wrote the Members of Congress.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E4B8885B-D86E-41A9-9487-A3BA3CFD0B61", "title": "Fischer, Thune, Fetterman Introduce Legislation to Improve Broadband Mapping", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.fischer.senate.gov", "scraper": "fischer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000463", "name": "Deb Fischer", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), and Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced the bipartisan Broadband Mapping Accurate Providers (MAP) Act of 2026 to improve the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) broadband mapping process.\n\n“We need a better understanding of where internet connectivity falls short, especially in rural America,”Fischer said. “With broadband maps, we can accomplish this goal; however, they must be accurate. I’m joining Leader Thune to make sure these maps correctly identify unserved and underserved communities. This will safeguard taxpayer dollars while connecting more Americans to high-speed internet.”\n\n“Broadband providers who are on the ground in South Dakota and across rural America have vital, firsthand knowledge of the communities they serve,” Thune said. “Ensuring the accuracy of the FCC’s broadband map and its corresponding challenge process is critical to build on our progress to make federal broadband investments as effective and efficient as possible. I thank Chairman Carr for supporting our efforts and for his continued commitment to connecting households across our country to the internet.”\n\n“Broadband internet is a necessity, especially for our rural communities,”Fetterman said. “The first step we can take to ensure families have internet access across Pennsylvania and the country is figuring out who still doesn’t. I’m proud to join Senator Thune in introducing this bill to get us one step closer to bringing connectivity to every American. I look forward to working with the FCC when the maps are complete to continue to expand broadband.”\n\nThis legislation is supported by NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association and NCTA—The Internet and Television Association.\n\nMike Romano, CEO, NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, said, “While we have seen improvements to the National Broadband Map over time, precisely because this is an iterative and evolving process, there is more to be done to make sure the map accurately captures where services are in fact available and the locations that could be served. The Broadband MAP Act of 2026 would help spur continuous improvement in the map through a renewed look at the standards and processes used to develop and refine it. I applaud Majority Leader Thune and Senators Fetterman and Fischer for their leadership in seeking to ensure that broadband policy and funding decisions are based upon the best possible real-world data.”\n\nCory Gardner, President and CEO, NCTA – The Internet and Television Association, said, “We appreciate Senators Thune, Fetterman, and Fischer’s leadership in introducing the Broadband MAP Act of 2026. This legislation is an important step toward streamlining broadband permitting and accelerating network deployment. We look forward to working with them on bipartisan solutions that comprehensively address permitting challenges and help ensure every American has access to reliable, high-speed broadband.”\n\nBackground\n\nSince its launch in 2011, the FCC has made significant strides in enhancing the accuracy of its National Broadband Map.\n\nHowever, providers have reported difficulties with the FCC’s challenge process, which allows providers to dispute the serviceability of certain locations.\n\nThis legislation instructs the FCC to review and assess the mapping and challenge process to work better for providers who are working to get Americans connected.\n\nFischer has also worked to reform the Broadband Funding Map which she created in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Last month, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed Fischer’s bill to reform broadband funding reporting to the FCC, making sure federal dollars are being spent responsibility on broadband deployment.\n\nSee full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-continues-statewide-tour-addressing-the-rising-cost-of-groceries-lagging-consumer-confidence/", "title": "Gillibrand Continues Statewide Tour Addressing The Rising Cost Of Groceries, Lagging Consumer Confidence", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand continued her series of statewide press conferences — including in Poughkeepsie and Rochester – to address the crushing impact of rising grocery and household goods prices on working families. The push follows a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index report showing headline inflation surged to 4.2%, the sharpest 12-month increase since April 2023.\n\n“Donald Trump’s policies are making basic necessities unaffordable for hardworking New Yorkers,” said Senator Gillibrand. “He promised to tackle rising costs, but instead he’s made everything worse. Prices on groceries, gas, and essentials have skyrocketed here at home, as he pours taxpayers dollars into a forever war abroad. I will continue to demand accountability and fight for all Americans being crushed by these unsustainable costs.”\n\nThe spike in costs is hitting New Yorkers directly at the checkout counter, with the prices of staple items like fruits and vegetables climbing 6.1%, and nonalcoholic beverages up 5.8%. With average wage growth lagging significantly behind, working families are experiencing a severe gap in purchasing power, driving consumer confidence down as basic monthly expenses outpace paychecks.\n\nGillibrand blamed the rising costs directly on Trump’s ongoing war in Iran. She reiterated her commitment to curbing military actions abroad to shift the focus back to Americans struggling at home.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-service-member-deaths-in-iran-war/", "title": "Gillibrand Statement On Service Member Deaths In Iran War", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on President Trump’s war with Iran following the deaths of three more American troops over the weekend:\n\n“This weekend, three more American service members lost their lives and one remains missing in action. Seventeen of our troops are now dead in a war with no clear objective, no exit strategy, and no end in sight.\n\n“I sit on the Armed Services Committee. I have demanded a strategy. I have asked for benchmarks. I have asked what winning even looks like. The administration has been unable to answer. Silence and more strikes are not a strategy.\n\n“Meanwhile, American families are paying more for gas and more for groceries, and they’re paying for a war they never asked for and do not support. Billions of taxpayer dollars are being poured into a conflict that has secured nothing, while the cost of living keeps climbing at home.\n\n“Our troops deserve a president who can define their mission and outline when they’re coming home. Right now, they have neither. The families of the service members we lost this weekend deserve the truth, not more excuses.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/on-long-island-gillibrand-pushes-to-speed-up-benefit-delivery-for-public-safety-officers/", "title": "On Long Island: Gillibrand Pushes To Speed Up Benefit Delivery For Public Safety Officers", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Gillibrand Advocates for Improvement of the Public Safety Officers’ Benefit Program\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a press conference to push for the passage of her bipartisan Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program Expansion Act. The legislation would amend the existing Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) Program to expedite benefit claims for injured and fallen public safety officers, especially 9/11 first responders. It would also implement accountability reforms to ensure disabled officers and the families of fallen officers receive their benefits without delay.\n\n“Public safety officers serve on the front lines of our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “New Yorkers and our country have not forgotten 9/11, especially the brave men and women – many of whom were Long Islanders – who answered the call in our nation’s darkest hour. We must fight for our heroes, their health and their families so they receive the care and benefits they deserve.”\n\nCongress established the Department of Justice’s PSOB Program in 1976 to provide death benefits to the survivors of officers killed in the line of duty. Despite improvements to the program over the years, applicants still often face lengthy delays in the adjudication of death and disability claims, which Gillibrand’s bill aims to correct.\n\nGillibrand has been fighting to bolster and expand PSOB for years. In 2021, she led the passage of the Protecting America’s First Responders Act, which expanded PSOB eligibility, increased benefit amounts, and ensured that families would not be financially penalized by lengthy processing delays. In a major victory for Gillibrand’s legislative push to reform the backlogged first responder benefits system and after she directly petitioned acting Attorney General Blanche, the Department of Justice announced last week that it had finalized more than triple the number of PSOB death claim determinations compared to the previous nine months. This progress is delivering over $96 million in critical funding to the families of fallen public safety officers.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hassan-highlights-decline-in-affordable-care-act-enrollment-during-conversation-with-doctors-and-health-care-leaders-in-raymond", "title": "Senator Hassan Highlights Decline in Affordable Care Act Enrollment During Conversation with Doctors and Health Care Leaders in Raymond", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.hassan.senate.gov", "scraper": "hassan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001076", "name": "Margaret Wood Hassan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "RAYMOND – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan hosted a conversation with health care leaders at Lamprey Health Care in Raymond to discuss the recent decline in Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment and the ways in which the Trump Administration’s actions are straining the health care system and increasing costs for Granite Staters.\n\nLast year, President Trump and Congressional Republicans made massive cuts to Medicaid and allowed tax cuts for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act to expire, raising health insurance costs for all Americans. New data shows that since then, ACA health insurance enrollment has fallen by at least 13 percent nationwide and 7.8 percent in New Hampshire.\n\n“President Trump and Congressional Republicans chose to make Americans’ health care premiums more expensive in order to give billionaires and corporate special interests a tax break. Now, we're seeing the consequences of that decision, with enrollment in Affordable Care Act health insurance already down by almost eight percent in New Hampshire and that number is likely to grow,” said Senator Hassan. “I was grateful to hear from the doctors and health care leaders at Lamprey Health Care about how these higher costs are affecting their patients, and I will continue to advocate for solutions that bring down the cost of health care for Granite Staters.”\n\nDuring the conversation, doctors and other health care leaders at Lamprey Health Care highlighted how President Trump’s decision to take health care away from millions of Americans has caused patients to delay care, and it has raised health care costs for all Americans.\n\nSenator Hassan continues to push for the full restoration of the Affordable Care Act’s tax cuts that helped make health insurance more affordable for families. At the end of last year, Senator Hassan sounded the alarm on the floor of the Senate about the impending expiration of these tax cuts, warning that millions of people would lose their health insurance and costs would go up for all Americans. Ultimately, Senate Republicans rejected a proposal to restore these tax cuts.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-refers-dark-money-abortion-pill-operation-to-doj-for-criminal-investigation/", "title": "Hawley Refers Dark Money Abortion Pill Operation to DOJ for Criminal Investigation", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.hawley.senate.gov", "scraper": "hawley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001089", "name": "Josh Hawley", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) wrote to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate and prosecute left-wing dark money operation Plan C. In the criminal referral, Senator Hawley explained how Plan C organized the shipping of chemical abortion pill mifepristone in the mail, in violation of both state and federal law. He requested the DOJ open a criminal investigation into Plan C, its relationship with potential co-conspirator manufacturers, and the network of suppliers it promotes.\n\nSenator Hawley wrote, “I write to refer to the Department of Justice new information my office has received concerning an organized international effort to profit from the violation of state and federal law. I believe these activities warrant criminal investigation. At the center of the effort is an entity called Plan C, a left-wing dark-money operation that styles itself a ‘public health information campaign’ but functions, in practice, as the referral and logistics hub for shipping abortion drugs into states whose laws prohibit it.”\n\nHe continued, “Plan C does not operate alone. Danco Laboratories, a large and wildly profitable manufacturer of mifepristone, lists Plan C among the patient resources on its own website, steering prospective customers to an organization that instructs Americans on how to break the law. On information and belief, GenBioPro, the generic manufacturer, maintains a similar referral relationship with Plan C. The Department is well positioned to determine the full extent of these relationships, including any financial ties.”\n\nSenator Hawley concluded, “I therefore respectfully refer this matter to the Department to open a criminal investigation into Plan C, its relationship with potential co-conspirator manufacturers, and the network of suppliers it promotes. That includes the foreign clinics and no-prescription vendors shipping drugs into the United States. I appreciated your recent comments before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding the right of the states to enforce their duly enacted laws, as well as your promise that the Department will protect vulnerable women from criminals who would prey upon them. In that vein, this coordinated effort between Plan C and the abortion drug manufacturers to violate state law at the expense of women’s health deserves the closest scrutiny. I thank you for your prompt attention to this referral.”\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nJuly 17, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Todd Blanche\n\nActing Attorney General\n\nU.S. Department of Justice\n\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, DC 20530\n\nDear Acting Attorney General Blanche:\n\nI write to refer to the Department of Justice new information my office has received concerning an organized international effort to profit from the violation of state and federal law. I believe these activities warrant criminal investigation.\n\nAt the center of the effort is an entity called Plan C, a left-wing dark-money operation that styles itself a “public health information campaign” but functions, in practice, as the referral and logistics hub for shipping abortion drugs into states whose laws prohibit it.\n\nPlan C does not operate alone. Danco Laboratories, a large and wildly profitable manufacturer of mifepristone, lists Plan C among the patient resources on its own website, steering prospective customers to an organization that instructs Americans on how to break the law. On information and belief, GenBioPro, the generic manufacturer, maintains a similar referral relationship with Plan C. The Department is well positioned to determine the full extent of these relationships, including any financial ties.\n\nConsider what Plan C does, much of it in its own words:\n\n• Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas each specifically prohibit providers from mailing abortion drugs to patients. Plan C nonetheless directs residents of all three states to obtain pills by mail, including from two foreign clinics, that ship mifepristone to U.S. addresses from abroad. Plan C warns that using these clinics carries “possible legal risk.”\n\n• Plan C likewise directs residents of those states to e-commerce websites that sell and ship dangerous pills with no prescription, no identification, and no medical consultation of any kind. By Plan C’s own description, these websites “sell generic abortion pills that are not regulated or inspected by the US government,” and “Plan C tests these websites by buying pills from them.”\n\n• Plan C coaches its users on how to evade the law. Its website instructs users to protect their “digital footprint” against investigations, recommending privacy-enabled browsers, virtual private networks, and encrypted email. Its own FAQ acknowledges that people face legal jeopardy for obtaining pills through the services it lists and tells readers it is “up to every individual to decide what level of legal risk they are willing to take.”\n\n• Plan C steers women to providers willing to mail pills as late as fourteen weeks into pregnancy. That is a month beyond the ten-week limit in FDA’s own approved labeling and risk-mitigation program, and far beyond the limits enacted by states such as Florida and Iowa.\n\nThis conduct squarely implicates federal criminal law. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act prohibits introducing unapproved and misbranded drugs into interstate commerce and dispensing prescription drugs without a valid prescription.[6] Criminal anti-smuggling statutes likewise cover the importation of these unregulated foreign pills.[7] And an organization implicates federal conspiracy statutes and aiding-and-abetting provisions when it openly announces its intent to deliver drugs into states whose laws forbid it, coordinating the suppliers, vendors, and carriers needed to accomplish that end.\n\nI therefore respectfully refer this matter to the Department to open a criminal investigation into Plan C, its relationship with potential co-conspirator manufacturers, and the network of suppliers it promotes. That includes the foreign clinics and no-prescription vendors shipping drugs into the United States.\n\nI appreciated your recent comments before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding the right of the states to enforce their duly enacted laws, as well as your promise that the Department will protect vulnerable women from criminals who would prey upon them. In that vein, this coordinated effort between Plan C and the abortion drug manufacturers to violate state law at the expense of women’s health deserves the closest scrutiny. I thank you for your prompt attention to this referral.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ranking-members-heinrich-and-huffman-demand-answers-on-trump-administrations-fast-track-of-pro-oil-rule-for-alaskas-western-arctic", "title": "Ranking Members Heinrich and Huffman Demand Answers on Trump Administration’s Fast-Track of Pro-Oil Rule for Alaska’s Western Arctic", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum demanding answers about the Department of the Interior’s effort to fast-track an oil industry-backed rule that would weaken environmental protections and expedite oil and gas permitting across the Western Arctic. The lawmakers raised conflict-of-interest concerns after Interior moved to implement the industry-written proposal just days after receiving the petition.\n\nThe lawmakers are seeking documents and communications related to the Department's proposed rule, Production Site Development in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, after the Alaska Oil and Gas Association (AOGA) submitted a petition requesting the rule on May 12, 2026. Just three days later, the Department initiated the rulemaking process.\n\n“This proposal, which would rubber-stamp future drilling operations in the Western Arctic, guts key environmental protections and opportunities for tribal consultation in a blatant giveaway of public lands to the oil and gas industry. This would open the door for hundreds of permits to not sufficiently balance wildlife and habitat, subsistence uses, or cultural resources across 23 million acres of public lands,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe lawmakers continue, “The short timeline combined with AOGA’s involvement in this proposal raises serious concerns about not only the Department’s lack of environmental review and public input process, but its clear partiality to the oil industry’s interest in managing the largest tract of public land in the country.”\n\nThe letter also raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest involving current and former AOGA officials serving in senior positions at the Department. AOGA's current CEO, Steve Wackowski, served as the Department's Senior Advisor for Alaska Affairs during the first Trump administration, and the Department's current Senior Advisor for Alaska Affairs, Kara Moriarty, led AOGA as its President and CEO for more than a decade before joining the administration.\n\nRanking Members Heinrich and Huffman demanded documents and information related to the development of the proposed rule, including communications between Interior and AOGA, ethics safeguards governing current and former AOGA officials, calendars of senior officials, and records showing when the Department first began developing the proposal.\n\nRead the full text of the letter here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Burgum,\n\nAs Ranking Members of the House Natural Resources and Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committees, we write to express our deep concern regarding the proposed rule titled “Production Site Development in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.”\n\nOn May 12, 2026, the Alaska Oil and Gas Association (AOGA) filed a petition for a new rule to expedite oil and gas permitting in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (Western Arctic). Just three days later, the Department of the Interior (Department) initiated the first steps toward implementing the rule. Your remarks, as well as the statement from the Department, indicate that implementing all or most of the AOGA-drafted rule, despite an upcoming public comment period, may be a foregone conclusion.\n\nThis proposal, which would rubber-stamp future drilling operations in the Western Arctic, guts key environmental protections and opportunities for tribal consultation in a blatant giveaway of public lands to the oil and gas industry. This would open the door for hundreds of permits to not sufficiently balance wildlife and habitat, subsistence uses, or cultural resources across 23 million acres of public lands.\n\nThe short timeline combined with the AOGA’s involvement in this proposal raise serious questions about not only the Department’s lack of environmental review and public input process, but its clear partiality to the oil industry’s interest in managing the largest tract of public land in the country.\n\nThis potentially record-setting adoption of an industry-proposed rule by the Department also raises serious conflict of interest concerns. AOGA’s current chief executive officer, Steve Wackowski, served as the Senior Advisor for Alaska Affairs at the Department during the first Trump administration. Kara Moriarty, the Department’s current Senior Advisor for Alaska Affairs, previously served as President and CEO of AOGA for over a decade, and worked at AOGA up until her time in the administration.\n\nWe therefore respectfully request that you provide answers to the following questions:\n\n1. When did the Department first decide to pursue this rulemaking?\n\n2. What roles did Kara Moriarty and Steve Wackowski play in the decision to pursue the rulemaking, and in any subsequent steps related to its development, review, or implementation?\n\n3. What ethics safeguards were implemented to avoid conflicts of interest between current and former employees of AOGA and the Department?\n\n4. Please provide a list of petitions for rulemakings that have been submitted to the Department of the Interior, or any of its bureaus or offices, since January 20, 2025, and the accompanying agency/departmental response time;\n\n5. Please provide any and all communications between officials at the Department of the Interior and its agencies, bureaus, or offices and the Alaska Oil and Gas Association regarding permitting in the NPR-A dated on or after January 20, 2025;\n\n6. Please provide all entries in Doug Burgum’s calendar relating to AOGA or any representative of AOGA between January 20, 2025, and June 15, 2026;\n\n7. Please provide all entries in Kara Moriarty’s calendar relating to AOGA or any representative of AOGA between January 20, 2025, and June 15, 2026;\n\n8. Please any and all draft rulemaking documents, briefing papers, or decision documents created before May 12, 2026, related to the proposed rule; and\n\n9. Please provide all ethics documents associated with Kara Moriarty, including all ethics agreements, certificates of divestiture, recusal statements, screening arrangements, OGE Form 278e Public Financial Disclosure Reports, OGE Form 278-T Periodic Transaction Reports, and any waivers issued pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 208.\n\nWe look forward to your prompt and comprehensive response to these requests.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-death-of-first-lieutenant-tyler-j-feehan", "title": "Hirono Statement on Death of First Lieutenant Tyler J. Feehan", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.hirono.senate.gov", "scraper": "hirono", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001042", "name": "Mazie K. Hirono", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the death of First Lieutenant Tyler J. Feehan, of Ewa Beach, who was killed in action on July 18, 2026 in an attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan:\n\n“I join people across Hawaii and throughout our nation in mourning the tragic loss of First Lieutenant Tyler J. Feehan of Ewa Beach. Today, my thoughts and aloha are with 1st Lt Feehan’s family, and the families of all the brave servicemembers killed and injured in this war. As we honor their service and sacrifice, I remain committed to doing everything in my power to bring an end to this war.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-leads-bill-to-protect-americans-from-footing-the-bill-for-new-data-centers/", "title": "Husted leads bill to protect Americans from footing the bill for new data centers", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“The Ratepayer Protection Act would keep America globally competitive while protecting Ohioans and Americans from higher electricity bills.”\n\nWASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) introduced the Ratepayer Protection Act to ensure American families and small businesses aren’t left paying for the energy infrastructure needed to support new data centers.\n\n“If America wants to lead the world in AI and strengthen our national security, we have to build the energy infrastructure to support it. But we must do that without passing the costs on to working families and small businesses. The Ratepayer Protection Act would keep America globally competitive while protecting Ohioans and Americans from higher electricity bills,” said Husted.\n\nThe Ratepayer Protection Act would require states to consider establishing standards for states and Public Utility Commissions when connecting large electricity users—such as data centers—to the grid. It ensures those customers, not families or small businesses, pay for the power generation, transmission lines and other infrastructure needed to serve their facilities. Without those protections, utilities can shift those costs onto ratepayers through higher monthly electricity bills.\n\nReps. Gabe Evans (R-Colo.) and Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) introduced the companion bill to the Ratepayer Protection Act in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n“As America races to lead the world in AI, we must build the energy infrastructure needed to support this innovation, and stay ahead of competitors like Communist China. But Colorado families, farmers, and small businesses should not be forced to cover the costs of new power generation driven by these developments. The Ratepayer Protection Act is a bipartisan, commonsense solution that protects everyday Americans and ensures our nation can continue to win the AI race,” said Evans.\n\n“My neighbors across Florida are grappling with skyrocketing electric bills. Ratepayers should not have to subsidize wealthy corporations’ growing energy demands, especially from AI data centers. The Ratepayer Protection Act safeguards consumers by ensuring these data centers pay for the energy and grid upgrades they need so hardworking families and local businesses are not stuck paying more,” said Castor.\n\nIn March 2026, Husted joined President Donald Trump at the White House for a roundtable focused on lowering energy costs near new data centers. During the event, President Trump signed the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, with major technology companies committing to cover the full cost of the energy and infrastructure needed for new data centers instead of shifting those costs onto consumers. The Ratepayer Protection Act would codify key elements of that pledge.\n\nBackground:\n\nIf enacted, the bill would propose standards that state regulators could enforce when considering integrating new large-load customers with a demand of 100 megawatts or more onto the grid. Those recommendations include:\n\nRecovery of full, incremental cost of upgrades by the large-load customer over a long period of time through a special rate charge or other agreements. This protects utilities and their ratepayers from being left responsible for upgrade costs associated with a large-load customer, even if that customer later reduces operations or leaves the system entirely.\n\nFinancial assurances requiring the large load customer to pay for any generation, transmission or other infrastructure necessary to serve their load, protecting utilities and ratepayers from that financial burden. This ensures large-load customers are responsible for the fixed costs associated with serving their demand rather than passing those costs on to families and businesses through higher monthly electricity bills.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-and-mcclellan-celebrate-16-million-in-federal-funding-for-richmond-petersburg-pharmaceutical-manufacturing-hub", "title": "Warner, Kaine, and McClellan Celebrate $16 Million in Federal Funding for Richmond-Petersburg Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Hub", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and U.S. Representative Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) celebrated $16 million in federal funding for the Virginia Advanced Pharma Manufacturing (APM) and R&D Cluster in the Richmond-Petersburg region. The cluster is led by the Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority. The funding, awarded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs Program, will help the cluster fully establish a domestic manufacturing pathway for essential medicines and advance U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. The members wrote letters in support of the funding.\n\n“For years, Virginia and the Virginia Advanced Pharma Manufacturing Cluster have been leading the charge in establishing our country’s dominance in the production of critical medicines,” said Warner. “These federal dollars will help cement the Commonwealth’s position as a national leader in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing while creating good-paying jobs in the Petersburg region, strengthening our economy, reducing our reliance on foreign supply chains, and protecting our national security.”\n\n“I’m thrilled that $16 million is headed to the Virginia Advanced Pharma Manufacturing Cluster to support the domestic manufacturing of critical medicines, boost our supply chains, and grow our regional economy,” said Kaine. “When I was on the Richmond City Council, I helped form the Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority, and I’m immensely proud of what we’ve done together to turn it into a thriving domestic manufacturing hub and economic engine in the region. I look forward to the continued partnership.”\n\n“To remain competitive on the global stage, we must continue to invest in domestic manufacturing for life-saving medicines that create jobs, support regional growth and offer reliable access to medications for patients in need,” said McClellan. “This grant funding will do all that and more by supporting the Virginia Advanced Pharma Manufacturing Cluster in its core mission to create a sustainable and cutting-edge manufacturing hub in the Richmond-Petersburg region. I thank Senators Warner and Kaine for their partnership and look forward to the developments this will bring to Virginia’s Fourth District.”\n\nWarner, Kaine, and McClellan have long supported the APM cluster in Richmond-Petersburg and have supported policies to strengthen domestic manufacturing of critical medicines. In 2023, the APM cluster was designated as a Tech Hub under the CHIPS and Science Act for its innovative work in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing. In September 2022, the senators helped secure $52.9 million from the American Rescue Plan Act for the cluster. In January 2025, the senators announced $3.9 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to expand regional workforce training programs that support the APM cluster.\n\nIn August 2024, Kaine toured Phlow Corp., a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in the Virginia APM cluster. In April 2022, Kaine visited the cluster to learn more about its efforts to streamline prescription drug manufacturing. Kaine helped form and grow the Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority while he was on Richmond City Council, served on the Authority’s board as Mayor of Richmond, and appointed its board members as Governor of Virginia.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-kelly-sits-down-with-rev-al-sharpton-to-highlight-legislative-push-to-get-more-men-into-teaching-and-mentorship/", "title": "ICYMI: Kelly Sits Down with Rev. Al Sharpton to Highlight Legislative Push to Get More Men into Teaching and Mentorship", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Kelly also discussed the consequences of Trump’s Iran war and Hegseth’s continuing incompetence\n\nIn case you missed it, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly joined MS NOW’s PoliticsNation with Reverand Al Sharpton to discuss his push to get more men into teaching and mentorship. Earlier this month, Kelly introduced a two-bill package—the Educators for America Act and the Building Community in America Act—to expand pathways for Americans to serve as teachers, mentors, and volunteers, with a focus on increasing the number of men participating.\n\nThe two also discussed how President Trump’s war with Iran and Secretary Hegseth’s unserious leadership are making Americans less safe.\n\nSen. Kelly speaks to Reverend Al Sharpton.\n\nWatch the full conversation here. See key excepts below:\n\nOn his legislation to get more men into teaching and mentorship…\n\n“When I was in elementary school, I had a male teacher in the fifth and sixth grade, something that young men often need. Another male role model, somebody to look up to… So, one piece of legislation is focused on getting more male teachers into the classroom, giving them the training, by the way, and paying them while they’re being trained for these positions. And then another effort to get more male mentors. There’s a long list of young men and boys that have signed up, and they want some mentorship from men and men, especially young men right now, are often very isolated. Sometimes they can’t find a job, and they don’t have that mentorship that they need. AmeriCorps is a good example of this, and we want to encourage mentorship programs like that.”\n\nOn Trump starting a war while Americans struggle to afford groceries and rent…\n\n“This president doesn’t think strategically, and I’ve made this point before. We often talk about people playing checkers and people playing chess. This guy is moving a couple red solo—those beer cups—around on the table. He has no clue what he’s doing and doesn’t think strategically. He doesn’t think about the consequences.\n\n“I worry about what he’s going to do next because he’s often irrational. He doesn’t spend a lot of time on the issues that he campaigned on either. He got us into this war when he said he was going to bring down costs for the American people. People are struggling. Half of Americans are having a hard time affording food. Young people can’t buy homes, can’t afford rent. He kicked millions of people off of their health care coverage. They can’t afford to go to a doctor. That’s what he said he was going to focus on. And he focuses on—he starts a war with Iran, and then he spends an enormous amount of time on things like the reflecting pool and the ballroom and an arch. We’ve never seen this in our history. A president without priorities that matter to the American people.”\n\nOn Hegseth firingBlackleaders and women from the military…\n\n“Right from the beginning of this administration, as soon as Pete Hegseth got the reins of the Department of Defense, started firing Black people and women. They don’t want Black people and women in leadership positions. He’s made that perfectly clear. And by the way, he doesn’t even try to make an excuse. Doesn’t talk about their competence for these jobs. We’re losing multiple generations of leadership from the military. Valued leadership.\n\n“Pete Hegseth is by far the most incompetent person we have ever seen in this job, bar none. Nobody close. Nothing against the Saturday morning guy and people that serve cable news in the morning, but he did not have the background for this. And he got all kinds of personal problems. And now he spends his time dealing with things that don’t matter. Testosterone! I mean, we don’t need more testosterone in the U.S. military. We need better leadership. And it starts with him.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-hears-from-veterans-visits-coast-guard-and-small-businesses-in-tour-of-cape-may-county/", "title": "Senator Kim Hears from Veterans, Visits Coast Guard and Small Businesses in Tour of Cape May County", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "CAPE MAY COUNTY, NJ – This weekend, Senator Kim (D-NJ) traveled down the shore to Cape May. He heard from small business owners and veterans, discussed upgrading historic Cape May infrastructure and museums, and toured the Cape May Coast Guard Training Center, the 5th largest Coast Guard base in the country and the basic training site of all its enlisted Guardsmen.\n\n“Our shore has so much to offer, from local businesses serving great food, to beaches and historic sites, to our Coast Guard Training Center,” said Senator Andy Kim. “From Avalon to Cape May, this visit highlighted why we must invest in every corner of the state and support those who make these shore communities run year-round.”\n\nSenator Kim started his morning with a special edition of his Diner Talk series, where he spoke with veterans on healthcare, the reality of their daily life as veterans living in Cape May, and the federal government support they need and deserve. He then traveled to Avalon to speak with small business owners from Uncle Bill’s Pancake House, Ferguson Dechert Real Estate, and Avalon Coffee and Bagel. Joined by Mayor John McCorristin, Avalon Borough Council President, Greg “Chet” Johnson, and Avalon Borough’s Business Administrator Scott Wahl, Senator Kim heard about the impacts of tariffs and inflation on these businesses and the importance of the tourist season for their year-round success.\n\nAfter, Senator Kim toured the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center (CGTC), a pillar of the Cape May community, and the first stop for all recruits looking to join the Coast Guard. Throughout the tour, Senator Kim spoke with leadership about how they will utilize the $400 million in funding the CGTC recently received and heard from recruits and Cadets about their experience and commitment to serving this country.\n\nHe then hopped on a trolley with Cape May Museum, Arts, and Culture (Cape May MAC) staff to visit key cultural and historic sites including the Cape May Light House, a guiding beacon along the East Coast which Senator Kim has requested $500,000 for needed upgrades and repairs in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for the upcoming year. During the trolley ride, they discussed the importance of maintaining vital infrastructure and preserving historical sites.\n\n“The importance of our government officials on all levels working together and recognizing the cultural and economic importance of Cape May – specifically the significant way that Cape May MAC has contributed to that for 56 years – is always a welcomed sign,” said Jody Alessandrine, Executive Director, Cape May MAC. “Cape May consistently attracts visitors year-round, enabling there to be a 12-month economy. That is not only because we’re our nation’s first seaside resort and the only National Historic Landmark City, but because, collectively, we’ve figured out how to make government work for the good of both residents and visitors.”\n\nSenator Kim finished his day by visiting the Harriet Tubman Museum to see their 250th Anniversary programming, which was made possible in-part by $1 million in funding that Senator Kim secured for them in 2026’s federal funding requests.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-renew-demands-to-dhs-for-civilian-protections-greater-transparency", "title": "King, Colleagues Renew Demands to DHS for Civilian Protections, Greater Transparency", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "domain": "www.king.senate.gov", "scraper": "angusking", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000383", "name": "Angus S. King, Jr.", "party": "Independent", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is leading dozens of his Senate colleagues in calling for stronger accountability measures for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the thirty-nine Senators urge DHS to fulfill its previous commitments to deploy and expand the usage of body-worn cameras, strengthen officer identification requirements, and review enforcement protocols.\n\nThe measures suggested by the Senators are intended to help prevent future deadly encounters involving ICE enforcement officers – and comes after two fatal shootings during immigration enforcement operations in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas.\n\n“The recent fatal shootings involving U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers, specifically within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas, coupled with similar incidents elsewhere in the country, are completely unacceptable,” the Senators wrote. “Rather than making our communities safer, these actions endanger our citizens and seriously undermine confidence in law enforcement generally.”\n\n“The tragic deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastian Durán Guerrero occurred less than a week apart and carry startling similarities. In both incidents, the individuals were killed in enforcement actions in which they were not the intendedtargets. Furthermore, both individuals were shot by DHS officials while inside a vehicle. The unnecessary loss of life in these incidents demands immediate, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations (including the full involvement of local and state law enforcement personnel) along with a comprehensive examination of enforcement protocols, training, and operational approaches necessary to prevent such tragedies. These recent events have further compromised the credibility of DHS and fractured public trust within communities across our country. In each case, DHS quickly issued statements asserting that officers were acting in self-defense, even before evidence of the facts surrounding the incidents had been gathered. Compounding this failure, no DHS officials involved in these fatal shootings wore body-worn cameras that could be reviewed by investigators or members of the public,” the Senators continued.\n\n“We remain supportive of removing dangerous convicted criminals from our communities, but this goal can and must be achieved without endangering these very communities in the process. By no stretch could either of the victims in Texas and Maine be characterized as “the worst of the worst,” making these tragic deaths even more egregious. The American people deserve clarity and accountability. We urge you to honor your Department’s earlier commitments and take immediate action to implement these necessary reforms. We also stand ready to work with you to codify reforms into law,” the Senators finished.\n\nJoining King on the letter are U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Patty Murray (D-WA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Chris Coons (D-DE), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and John Fetterman (D-PA).\n\nSenator King has been outspoken and proactive in his efforts to negotiate necessary guardrails for ICE and CBP in the wake of unprofessional and unconstitutional behavior among those agencies. In January, King appeared on Face the Nation where he explained his Constitutional concerns over how ICE was operating in Maine, as well as possible paths forward for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding package. In February, he released a statement on congressional efforts to curtail ICE’s activities in Maine and across the country—again calling for the implementation of guardrails. Most recently, King called for a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in Biddeford. Additionally, when given the chance to vote for a DHS budget that funded TSA, FEMA, CISA and the Coast Guard – holding ICE and CBP funding for bipartisan negotiations to include additional civilian protections – Senator King voted in favor of this approach all eleven times it was considered on the Senate floor.\n\nThe full letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary Mullin:\n\nThe recent fatal shootings involving U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers, specifically within U.S. Immigrationand Customs Enforcement (ICE), in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas, coupled with fatalities during similar incidents elsewhere in the country, are completely unacceptable. Rather than making our communities safer, these actions endanger our citizens and seriously undermine confidence in law enforcement generally.\n\nThe tragic deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastian Durán Guerrero occurred less than a week apart and carry startlingsimilarities. In both incidents, the individuals were killed in enforcement actions in which they were not the intended targets. Furthermore, both individuals were shot by DHS officials while inside a vehicle. The unnecessary loss of life in these incidents demands immediate, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations (including the full involvement of local and state law enforcement personnel), along with a comprehensive examination of enforcement protocols, training, and operational approachesnecessary to prevent such tragedies.\n\nThese recent events have further compromised the credibility of DHS and fractured public trust within communities across our country. In each case, DHS quickly issued statements asserting that officers were acting in self-defense, even before evidence of the facts surrounding the incidents had been gathered. Compounding this failure, no DHS officials involved in these fatal shootings wore body-worn cameras that could be reviewed by investigators or members of the public.\n\nWhile DHS has previously acknowledged that body-worn cameras promote public trust and increase officer and public safety, accountability, and transparency, the Department has clearly not prioritized acquiring cameras. Recent statements from DHS andthe White House assert that DHS could not acquire cameras due to the government shutdown. However, since July 2025, DHS received nearly $40 billion in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that could have been used to swiftly acquire and deploy body-worn cameras for both existing ICE law enforcement officers and the reported 10,000 additional officers hired since enactment of OBBBA. Contrary to recent statements made by the Department and the White House, DHS has had more than sufficient time and funding to procure and deploy a body-worn camera for every officer before the end of 2025.\n\nFollowing public outrage in the aftermath of the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, the former Secretary announced in February of this year that DHS law enforcement officers would be required to wear body-worn cameras across the country, and ICE issued a directive reinforcing its policy to activate body-worn cameras during enforcement activities wherever cameras areavailable. Then-Secretary Noem stated that “[a]s funding is available, the body-worn camera program will be expanded nationwide.” In March of this year, the White House border czar, Tom Homan, stated that the administration would expand the use of body-worn cameras by DHS officers undertaking immigration enforcements and require footage, in addition to ending roving patrols. The recent tragedies confirm that neither of these commitments were honored.\n\nAs we underscored during the subsequent funding negotiations earlier this year, implementing comprehensive accountability and oversight reforms for ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is necessary both to protect the public and restore trust in the work of your agency. Our reform proposals are based upon the standards applicable to virtually every law enforcement agency inthe country (except immigration enforcement officers), including visibly displayed identification, no masks, and body-worn cameras.\n\nIn recent weeks, federal agents have aggressively ramped up enforcement operations, reportedly arresting thousands of immigrantsin a matter of days. Following the public backlash from these most recent fatal shootings, your Department has once again committed to distributing body-worn cameras, stating that every ICE arrest team will have at least one law enforcement officer equipped with a camera going forward and promising that all field offices will receive them within the next 60 days. Acting ICE Director Venturella also went on the record promising members of Congress that all field agents would be outfitted by the end of July. We view this timeline not as a projection, but as a firm, binding commitment to which we will hold the Department accountable.\n\nFurthermore, to strengthen public safety and minimize dangerous operational confusion, we urge an immediate policy change regarding agency branding. To help ensure clear accountability and avoid misleading the public, ICE personnel engaged in interior enforcement must immediately cease wearing tactical gear, vests, or uniforms labeled with the generic term “POLICE” or “POLICEICE.” All operational uniforms should explicitly and exclusively identify personnel as “ICE.” In addition, agents should be required to identify themselves as “ICE” when making arrests and uniforms must clearly be identified as “ICE.”\n\nFinally, given the immediate need for administrative accountability following these tragedies, we request detailed information in response to the following questions:\n\n1. What is DHS’s specific plan to respond to the public’s interest in timely, transparent, and independently verified investigations into these incidents?\n\n2. What are the vetting procedures with respect to new ICE recruits? Does ICE consider records of domestic violence and abuse from family courts in its vetting?\n\n3. What immediate updates or reviews are being made to ICE vehicle pursuit and traffic stop policies, including enhancedtraining specifically applicable to traffic stops to ensure they prioritize public and officer safety?\n\n4. Beyond the deployment of body-worn cameras, what additional oversight, reporting requirements, or public safety measures is the agency implementing?\n\nWe remain supportive of removing dangerous convicted criminals from our communities, but this goal can and must be achieved without endangering these very communities in the process. By no stretch could either of the victims in Texas and Maine be characterized as “the worst of the worst,” making these tragic deaths even more egregious. The American people deserve clarity and accountability. We urge you to honor your Department’s earlier commitments and take immediate action to implement these necessary reforms. We also stand ready to work with you to codify reforms into law.\n\nWe look forward to hearing from you at the earliest possible date.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-i-want-the-next-generation-to-have-the-same-shot-at-the-american-dream-i-had/", "title": "Senator Marshall: I Want the Next Generation to Have the Same Shot at the American Dream I Had", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Marshall Joins 13th & Park Podcast\n\nWashington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Adam Goodman on the 13th & Park Podcast to discuss his 10th statewide tour of Kansas and what he is doing to address the issues Kansans are facing, what bipartisanship looks like in Washington, the Rural Health Transformation Fund and finding a solution to the challenges of rural healthcare, President Trump’s support for American farmers, and how he hopes to give the next generation of Kansans the same chance at the American Dream that he had.\n\nClick HERE for the full interview.\n\nHighlights from the interview include:\n\nOn what he learned from his 10th tour of every Kansas county:\n\n“Well, I think the number one thing I hear is the cost of gas, the cost of groceries. We had four years of cumulative inflation under Joe Biden, so housing went up 50%, healthcare, childcare. So, people are still feeling the brunt of that in so many ways. On the one hand, you have the strong economy — we can talk about that more — but there is a group of folks out there, typically under the age of 40, and I call this a slow-lane economy. They graduated from college with a lot of debt, their credit cards are maxed, they didn’t buy their home. They chose to do other things than buy their home, and now homes are unaffordable. If you’re under the age of 40 and you’re a person in middle-income America, you cannot afford to get into a house unless mom and dad help. And then your property insurance and your property taxes are so high and a high interest rate — you know, it’s really hard right now.”\n\n“I always figure prosperity and security are my goals. I want your family to be safe and secure, and I want you to be prosperous as well. So certainly, a focus on what’s going on with the economy — sitting down very specifically with people in manufacturing, agriculture, ranching and targeting those types of people. I figure if economically you’re in good shape, your family’s safe and sound, then those are good starters. So, trying to target housing — housing’s a top three issue back home, so every community that I go to, ‘How’s housing? What’s working? What’s not working?’ And even part of it is spreading the good word. Salina, Kansas is knocking it out of the park right now on housing. Well, how come? They’ve got, first of all, a young lady that’s doing a great job — she understands the grant systems inside and out, and she’s out hustling. And so, when I go to the next community, and they say, ‘We just can’t figure it out,’ I say, ‘Hey, why don’t you pick up the phone and call Lucy over in Salina and say How is she doing it? Matter of fact, invite her to have a cup of coffee and come over and talk to your city commissioners or whatever it is as well.’ So, I’m kind of out there identifying best practices. Gosh, childcare: when I was in Congress nine years ago, we started doing roundtables on childcare. Fentanyl poisoning: I was one of the first people in the country saying, ‘My gosh, this fentanyl poisoning is going to be really, really, really bad.’ Mental health in farmers, suicide in farmers, we started doing roundtables with that, and trying to push people together and say, ‘How are we going to solve this? One community at a time — your community’s way, not Washington D.C.’s way.’ And then, you bring those concepts back to D.C. and put loose guardrails around it and say let’s empower each one of their communities to figure out housing, or childcare, whatever, to help them figure out how to do it their way.”\n\nOn passing Whole Milk for Healthy Kids and bipartisanship in Washington, D.C.:\n\n“Whole milk is a very simple example: whole milk was taken out of our school systems by the Obama administration — typical Washington, D.C. telling Kansans what we should eat or drink. And really there wasn’t enough science to say why we should take it away from children, and then because of that, we have several generations of children that didn’t drink any milk. Have you ever drunk 1% milk? It’s horrible. I was raised on whole milk. So, we found a partner — the senator from Vermont, Peter Welch. He and I have a real relationship; we work out in the gym together. Not that we try to, but we’re kind of on that same timetable between four and six o’clock. We sneak into the gym; we don’t tell our staff where we’re hiding — they can’t walk in there because it’s off limits to staff. So, it took leadership on his part. Amy Klobuchar, the ranking member of Ag, did a great job blessing it and getting it across the finish line as well, and of course, John Boozman, the chairman of the Ag Committee on our side. So, it takes leadership, and that’s how we get it done. But the problem up here now, if it’s anything on the front page — if you’re a Democrat supporting anything that the Republicans or administration are doing, you’re going to get crucified in the nightly media. And vice versa is true as well. So, on the major issues, it’s going to remain a challenge. Like funding the government.”\n\nOn the Rural Health Transformation Fund and solution to rural healthcare:\n\n“So, I’m so proud of what we’re doing with these monies. If you think about rural America right now, first of all, we have a chronic illness problem — and that’s true wherever we live. And then number two is: what do we need in rural America for healthcare? Well, what you really want is an A+ emergency room and then outpatient services: a pharmacist, physical therapy. These hospitals in rural America, in rural Kansas, average 1.6 inpatients per night — a 25-bed hospital, they’re averaging 1.6 inpatients. So, if I gave you a 25-bed hotel, and you averaged 1, you would say, ‘No, I can’t afford the taxes on it and the upkeep on it,’ right? So, we need a different model. And what we’re hoping with this funding is that there’s a transition to this next model. And we have something out there: we developed a prototype called a Rural Emergency Hospital. By the way, on average these hospitals are losing $600,000 a year — that is what the average loss is on these Critical Access Hospitals. So, every one of those that we’ve done, that have flipped from this traditional Critical Access Hospital to this Rural Emergency Hospital model, has gone from losing money to making a little bit of money. And then we’ve got to talk about primary care just for a second. 90% of Americans have a chronic disease. So, what are we going to do to address this chronic disease problem? And the solution in rural Kansas may be different than it is in suburbia or urban America.”\n\nOn agriculture in Kansas and President Trump’s support for American farmers:\n\n“People in agriculture are the salt of the earth — there’s no doubt about it. Point at the cattle industry — most farmers also have some cattle, and that cattle industry is so important to Kansas. If you put all of our commodities together, we’re the largest grower in the world of wheat and typically lots of soybeans, corn, and sorghum — but our cattle industry is worth maybe 5 or 10 times more in dollars and cents than all those others put together. When we turn that corn into beef, or we turn soybeans into bacon, or we turn sorghum into ethanol, that’s when the American farmer is making money. We have taught Brazil how to grow — they can grow two crops a year to our one crop. So, we’re never going to be able to outproduce other countries like we used to — we can’t make it up just on volume. So, you know, my message to them is focus on value-added products. And that would take us to 45Z, which is a tax credit that I worked on with President Trump. A week before the election, I took four farmers to Mar-a-Lago and sat down with the President and said, ‘Mr. President, I got one request — and that’s that you support this 45Z tax credit, because that’s going to beef up our ethanol industry as well as the jet fuel. And farmers and ranchers are going to get 40-60 cents a bushel more if they practice regenerative agriculture.’ So, this is the win-win. This is where I put my medical mind with my agriculture mind, put all the pieces together, and then address their chronic illnesses. If they’re doing environmentally friendly practices, if they’re growing more with less, if we’re putting more nutrients back in the soil and having healthier food, we’re going to reward the farmer to do that. And the mechanism to get it done was through this 45Z tax credit for ethanol, and then biologically derived jet fuel.”\n\nOn what he wants to leave for the next generation of Kansans:\n\n“Yeah, I want them to have the same shot at the American dream that I had. I’m a fifth-generation farm kid, a first-generation college student. My American dream was to go to med school and go back and practice medicine in rural Kansas, raise a family in safety, security, and freedom. So, I want to protect their future, and I hope they have the same shot at the American dream that I have, and they maintain the same values that we had. And I think those go hand in hand.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-reconciliation-3-0-doesnt-go-far-enough-on-election-security/", "title": "Senator Marshall: Reconciliation 3.0 Doesn’t Go Far Enough on Election Security", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Marshall Joins Mornings with Maria on Fox Business\n\nKansas City – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business’s Mornings with Maria to discuss Reconciliation 3.0 and securing voter ID requirements, the Democrats’ plan to shut the government down, Republicans’ midterm message, and Senator Marshall’s call for a special counsel investigation into Dr. Fauci.\n\nClick HERE to download the full video.\n\nOn passing Reconciliation 3.0:\n\n“Yeah, Maria, well, good morning. I think we have to pass it. Look, this is a small bite at the apple; this is basically the President’s supplemental bill. Since the Democrats are not going to do anything to help Donald Trump, this is the only way we can get some aid to farmers, fund the military, and then take a small bite as far as the SAVE Act goes. We’ll be funding any state that wants to do voter ID — this will fund it. But I’m not satisfied, Maria — I think we need to go much, much further on this, I think we need to get Democrats on the record. Let’s put a bill on the floor asking just for voter ID and see if we can get one Democrat, let alone 10, across the finish line. 80 to 90% of Americans want voter ID, but we’ll pass this little bill in the Senate too, I think, with the 50 votes we need.”\n\nOn passing portions of the SAVE Act to require voter ID:\n\n“Well, certainly, in the SAVE Act, it has the proof of citizenship; it has guardrails around the mail-in ballots. But if they’re objecting to different pieces of all the SAVE Act, then let’s just do it one piece at a time. You cannot get a Democrat to commit to voter ID, so I want Americans to see that. And then the next week, I want to get them on the record on proof of citizenship — don’t give them any wiggle room; let’s just make it really simple for them.”\n\n“Well, Maria, I couldn’t agree with you more. But I think if we can’t get them on the record for voter ID, how are we ever going to get them on the record for proof of citizenship? I would love to pass the whole thing. I’m trying to find a path to show America that Democrats don’t even believe in voter ID, let alone proof of citizenship. And this is so important to our faith in our democracy. This voting election integrity is so important to our faith in our own government.”\n\nOn the Democrats’ plan to cause another government shutdown:\n\n“Well, not as much as the price of gasoline. I think what people are going to be seeing September 30th, though, is that once again the Democrats are going to shut the government down. Just like they will not vote for this supplemental bill — call it a reconciliation bill — now they won’t vote for voter ID. They voted against ICE funding, they voted against funding for the military just two weeks ago as well, so I think September 30th, what the voters are going to see up front and personal, is the Democrats shutting the government down. And that’s why it’s so important that we as Republicans continue to focus on the price of gasoline and groceries, and that’s certainly my intention.”\n\nOn supporting the President’s defense budget:\n\n“Yeah, well, Maria, maybe I’m not quite comfortable with the $1.5 trillion. I’m comfortable with the $1.1 trillion dollars, which was in the NDAA, the National Defense Authorization Act, that the Democrats voted against. I’m supporting what President Trump is doing right now. I’m mourning the loss of more soldiers — as you know, I served, my dad served, my brother served, my son is serving. I hate war as only a soldier who’s lived it can. But the doctor in me says the benefits of us being there outweigh the risk — we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. At the same time, I don’t want boots on the ground; I don’t want a forever war. And yet, we got to pay attention to these gas and groceries. Look, I want this war to be over very quickly, but we cannot ever let Iran have nuclear weapons.”\n\nOn Republican wins message heading into the midterms:\n\n“Right. Well, the Republicans are the party of prosperity and security. Your borders are secure, and murder rates are at a 100-year low as well. In Kansas, I think it’s the best economy I’ve ever seen, thanks to the Working Family Tax Cuts Bill — manufacturing is booming, great cattle markets, oil and gas industry is very stable as well. We have work to do in agriculture, but no one’s done more for agriculture than this president and the Republican Party as well. So, we’re going to continue to message what we’ve done. But we are the party of prosperity and security; the Democrats remain defund the police, defund the military, raise your taxes. And we’re the party that gave you the largest tax cut and the largest spending cut in American history. And we’re starting to see the benefits from that — I’m especially excited about what I’m seeing in manufacturing across the state of Kansas.”\n\nOn Senator Marshall’s call for a special counsel investigation into Dr. Fauci:\n\n“Yeah, Maria. And you know this is of course, one of the autopen pardons — and that’s one of our requests for this special investigation that we’re asking the Justice Department to do. Look, why is this important? A million people — a million Americans — died; 20 million Americans still have long COVID; loved ones suffered; our children suffered from not getting to go to school. You know all the things that affected us from COVID — and there was no accountability. Thanks to Tulsi Gabbard — she unleashed a treasure trove of documents right as she was leaving that really confirm everything that my informants have told me. Anthony Fauci not only funded the research in Wuhan, he led the charge for covering it up. Look, this makes Watergate look like a situation where some kids broke a window at recess, and they’re trying to hide that from their teacher. This cover up was exponential in so many ways as well. And then he covered up whistleblowers — somehow, he was able to suppress whistleblowers as well. And that’s why we need a special investigation. Rand Paul will do everything he can here; he’s brilliant, and he knows this inside and out as well, but Fauci is going to take the fifth. That’s probably what he’ll do because he should go to jail, and we should certainly be stopping all of his government pensions as well.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-secures-34-million-federal-investment-for-kansas-city-biomanufacturing-hub/", "title": "Senator Marshall Secures $34 Million Federal Investment for Kansas City Biomanufacturing Hub", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today applauded the U.S. Department of Commerce’s announcement that the Kansas City BioSecure Manufacturing Tech Hub has been selected to receive approximately $34 million through the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Tech Hubs Program.\n\nThe award follows Senator Marshall’s letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urging support for the project’s application. Marshall pointed to the Kansas City region’s world-class research institutions, advanced manufacturing base, the Animal Health Corridor, and the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility as the assets that make it uniquely positioned to lead the next generation of American biomanufacturing. Strengthening domestic supply chains, outcompeting China, and protecting national security remain top priorities for Marshall as he continues advocating for Kansas.\n\n“This investment is a major victory for Kansas, American manufacturing, and our national security,” said Senator Marshall. “The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the dangers of relying on foreign countries for our medicines and medical supply chains, and America cannot afford to make that mistake again. The Kansas City region has the talent, research institutions, and manufacturing expertise to lead the next generation of biomanufacturing. I’m grateful to Secretary Lutnick and the Trump Administration for recognizing that potential and partnering with us to strengthen America’s biomedical supply chain while creating high-quality jobs here in Kansas.”\n\n“President Trump’s leadership is positioning America at the center of advanced manufacturing,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. “This award will position eastern Kansas and western Missouri as a global leader in advanced biomanufacturing for biologic medicines. It will modernize manufacturing processes, strengthen and retool domestic supply chains, and translate discoveries into scalable, resilient, and agile U.S. production of medications.”\n\nThe approximately $34 million investment includes:\n\n$15 million to MRI Global to retrofit a facility into an advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing center.\n\n$3.8 million to MRI Global to help secure FDA approval and expand adoption of advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies.\n\n$6.2 million to BioNexus Kansas City to establish an end-to-end bioservices network capable of competing with China’s bioservices industry.\n\n$5.5 million to Kansas Manufacturing Solutions to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical biomanufacturing inputs.\n\n$2.8 million to BioNexus Kansas City to train workers in artificial intelligence and advanced biomanufacturing.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-visits-usda-summer-meal-program-local-manufacturer-in-kansas-city-area/", "title": "Senator Marshall Visits USDA Summer Meal Program & Local Manufacturer in Kansas City Area", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Kansas City – On Monday morning, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), visited the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City to learn about the USDA Summer Meal Program serving children in the KC area. He also toured Vita Craft Corporation to hear from a local manufacturer about how the Working Family Tax Cuts Act is benefiting their business.\n\nBoys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nIn Kansas City, Senator Marshall visited the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City to learn about their implementation of the USDA Summer Meal Program. Serving youth ages 5-18 in Wyandotte County, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City provides year-round programming, including their Summer Enrichment Program which offers daily STEM focused educational activities and field trips throughout June and July. Through the USDA Summer Meal Program, the Boys & Girls Club is able to provide a healthy breakfast and lunch to member youth as well as other youth in the community. Senator Marshall has long been a supporter of the USDA Summer Meal Program and its mission of ensuring children have access to nutritious food all summer long.\n\nVita Craft Corporation\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nIn Shawnee, Senator Marshall visited Vita Craft Corporation, which has manufactured stainless steel cookware in Johnson County for over 85 years, employing 100 people. They discussed pro-manufacturing provisions in the Working Family Tax Cuts Act, including a permanent 20% small business deduction and full expensing for capital investments, as well as Senator Marshall’s longtime support of skilled labor and machinist education programs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-demand-civilian-protections-greater-transparency-for-ice-officers/", "title": "Wyden, Merkley Demand Civilian Protections, Greater Transparency for ICE Officers", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Following killings in Maine and Texas, Oregon senators join colleagues calling for reforms, body-worn camera deployment, and independent investigations\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today demanded stronger accountability measures for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers., urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fulfill its previous commitments to deploy and expand the usage of body-worn cameras, strengthen officer identification requirements, and review enforcement protocols.\n\nThe measures suggested by the Oregon senators along with more than 30 of their colleagues in a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin seek to help prevent future deadly encounters involving ICE enforcement officers – and comes after two recent fatal shootings during immigration enforcement operations in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas.\n\n“The recent fatal shootings involving U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers, specifically within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas, coupled with similar incidents elsewhere in the country, are completely unacceptable,” the senators wrote. “Rather than making our communities safer, these actions endanger our citizens and seriously undermine confidence in law enforcement generally.”\n\n“The tragic deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastian Durán Guerrero occurred less than a week apart and carry startling similarities,” the senators continued. “In both incidents, the individuals were killed in enforcement actions in which they were not the intended targets. Furthermore, both individuals were shot by DHS officials while inside a vehicle. The unnecessary loss of life in these incidents demands immediate, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations (including the full involvement of local and state law enforcement personnel) along with a comprehensive examination of enforcement protocols, training, and operational approaches necessary to prevent such tragedies. These recent events have further compromised the credibility of DHS and fractured public trust within communities across our country. In each case, DHS quickly issued statements asserting that officers were acting in self-defense, even before evidence of the facts surrounding the incidents had been gathered. Compounding this failure, no DHS officials involved in these fatal shootings wore body-worn cameras that could be reviewed by investigators or members of the public.”\n\n“We remain supportive of removing dangerous convicted criminals from our communities, but this goal can and must be achieved without endangering these very communities in the process,” the senators finished. “The American people deserve clarity and accountability. We urge you to honor your Department’s earlier commitments and take immediate action to implement these necessary reforms. We also stand ready to work with you to codify reforms into law.”\n\nIn addition to Wyden and Merkley, other co-signers of the letter led by U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) are U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Patty Murray (D-WA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and John Fetterman (D-PA).\n\nThe full letter is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-shooting-for-the-stars-starts-in-florida-on-space-exploration-day-senator-moody-touts-florida-dominance-as-nations-leader-in-american-expeditions-to-the-final-frontier/", "title": "VIDEO: Shooting for the Stars Starts in Florida – On Space Exploration Day, Senator Moody Touts Florida Dominance as Nation’s Leader in American Expeditions to the Final Frontier", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Space Exploration Day, Senator Ashley Moody is touting Florida’s major role in propelling American interests into the Final Frontier. Launches on the Space Coast have increased by over 500% since 2016. Senator Moody is a champion of Florida’s dominance in space, witnessing the historic Artemis II launch from Kennedy Space Center, speaking with the crew as they returned from the moon, and meeting face to face with the world-renown astronauts last month at KSC when they thanked the NASA workers who made their trip possible.\n\n“Space Exploration Day is a time to honor the innovators, engineers, astronauts, and visionaries who continue pushing the boundaries of the once thought impossible. The next generation of space exploration is being built in the Sunshine State, and I’ll continue fighting to keep Florida the launchpad for American innovation,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody has a staunch record supporting Florida’s Space Coast.\n\nSenator Moody passed the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act, to ensure the U.S. remains competitive and at the forefront of space innovation and exploration.\n\nThe legislation bolsters public-private partnerships by making spaceport facility bonds tax-exempt, treating spaceports the same as airports and seaports.\n\nSenator Moody recently introduced the Space Ready 2.0 Act, which would establish a NASA-wide pilot program allowing the agency to accept voluntary private contributions for infrastructure improvement projects at NASA centers.\n\nThe proposal does not create a new spending program, establish a new Treasury fund, or authorize new federal spending. Rather, it builds upon NASA’s existing authority and allows private-sector partners to voluntarily invest in infrastructure improvements that directly support the missions they rely upon.\n\nEarlier in July, Senator Moody met with the crew of Artemis II at Kennedy Space Center as they thanked the hundreds of NASA engineers, mathematicians and scientists who built the rocket that launched them farther into space than any human has ever traveled.\n\nSenator Moody also introduced the CAPE Canaveral Act to relocate NASA headquarters to Florida’s Space Coast—where it belongs.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=F4020D37-0F1F-4651-8171-60AF1E538BD9", "title": "Sen. Moran Announces $34 Million Award for KC BioHub from the Department of Commerce", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.moran.senate.gov", "scraper": "moran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000934", "name": "Jerry Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Moran supported KC Metro’s designation as a Tech Hub through the CHIPS and Science Act\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS) – today announced the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) will award a $34 million investment to the Kansas City BioSecure Manufacturing Tech Hub (KC BioHub), a consortium led by BioNexus KC, through the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program.\n\n“Today marks a significant milestone for the Greater Kansas City area and will help strengthen the future of bio and medical research and development throughout the region,” said Sen. Moran. “I have long supported this program to give Kansas the opportunity to play a key role in supporting our national and economic security through increased research in biotechnology and other key technology areas. I’m pleased by this latest investment that connects our state’s experienced, highly skilled workforce with the resources to advance innovation and support growth across the region.”\n\nItems to Note:\n\nSen. Moran worked with his colleagues to pass the CHIPS and Science Act, which was signed into law in 2022, establishing the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program to invest directly into high-potential U.S. regions and transform them into globally competitive innovation centers.\n\nThrough Sen. Moran’s role as the lead Republican on the CJS Appropriations Subcommittee, he has worked to direct $623 million in federal resources for the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program from FY2023 to FY2026.\n\nIn 2023, EDA designated KC BioHub as one of the 31 inaugural Regional Tech Hubs for showing potential for rapid growth in key technology sectors.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-urges-congress-to-stand-up-for-students-with-disabilities-slams-trump-decimation-of-department-of-education/", "title": "Senator Murray Urges Congress to Stand Up for Students with Disabilities, Slams Trump Decimation of Department of Education", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ICYMI: Murray Blasts Trump and McMahon’s Decision to Abandon Students with Disabilities & the Administration’s Legal Responsibility to Protect Students’ Civil Rights\n\nMurray calls on Republican colleagues to join her in stopping illegal transfer of ED’s offices of special education and civil rights\n\nMurray made clear she will not let any legislation that seeks to abolish the Department of Education make any progress in the Senate\n\n*** WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE HERE, DOWNLOAD HERE***\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) committee, held a virtual press conference to sound the alarm on Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s plan to illegally transfer the responsibilities of the Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through Inter-Agency Agreements (IAA).\n\nSenator Murray was joined by Katy Neas, CEO of the Arc and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services at the U.S. Department of Education under the Biden administration; Stephanie Smith Lee, Policy & Advocacy Co-Director for the National Down Syndrome Congress and former Director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education under the George W. Bush administration; Catherine Lhamon, Executive Director for the Edley Center on Law and Democracy at UC Berkeley and former Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education during the Obama and Biden administrations; Dr. Lanya Elsa, Special Education Researcher, Family Support Professional, and mother from Washington state of two sons who are deafblind; and Luisa Sparrow, special education teacher at Oliver Hazard Perry School and 2025 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year.\n\n“I have believed for a long time we need to be doing a lot more for students with disabilities. Programs like IDEA are not funded at nearly the level they should be,” said Senator Murray. “Just talk to any parent of students with disabilities—they’ll tell you the system is not perfect. But what Trump is doing threatens to make things so much worse. We have seen how this administration operates—it’s been haphazard and totally destructive. The agencies taking over these programs simply do not have the expertise and so many of the experts who oversaw these programs were fired or pushed out by Trump already. If Trump breaks the programs our kids with disabilities rely on, the outcomes will be grim… America has to stand up for kids with disabilities right now. This is not a partisan issue… I am calling on my Republican colleagues to listen to the parents of kids with disabilities. Listen to the teachers in our schools. Dismantling the Department of Education—continuing on this path—will be devastating for kids with disabilities in America.”\n\n“A student who is denied services, disciplined for disability-related needs, or blocked from an accessible classroom needs one federal education system that can see the whole picture and act,” said Katy Neas, CEO, The Arc of the United States and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services at the U.S. Department of Education under the Biden administration. “Moving special education to HHS and civil rights enforcement to DOJ would split apart the offices responsible for making disability rights real in schools, leaving families chasing answers across the federal government instead of getting accountability from one education agency.”\n\n“Families are counting on Congress to reject the misguided notion that dismantling the U.S. Department of Education will reduce bureaucracy,” saidStephanie Smith Lee, Policy & Advocacy Co-Director for the National Down Syndrome Congress and former Director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education under the George W. Bush administration. “I joined a bipartisan group of former officials who led federal special education under Republican and Democratic presidents since the Nixon Administration in urging Congress to stop the transfer of special education to another department. For decades, Congress has repeatedly reaffirmed that the Department of Education should oversee special education because students with disabilities need strong federal leadership, accountability, and oversight. Congress should not abandon that bipartisan commitment in favor of a disruptive experiment that creates confusion for families, burdens states and school districts, and adds more bureaucracy—not less.”\n\n“After returning millions of dollars rather than spend it on civil rights protections for students in schools, terminating more than half of civil rights enforcement staff, and resolving a historic low in cases leaving students dangerously unprotected, now the Department of Education commits to a system designed to fail by agreeing to transfer its core civil rights enforcement functions to another agency with insufficient staff or expertise to meet the volume of need our nation’s students experience in their education journeys,” said Catherine E. Lhamon, Executive Director of the Edley Center on Law and Democracy at University of California, Berkeley School of Law and former Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education during the Obama and Biden administrations. “This move, if unchecked, will at best only further delay justice and relegate students to federal afterthoughts rather than treating them like the valuable learners they are, who deserve Congress’ promise that they will not experience the ugly discriminatory harms our laws protect them against.”\n\n“As both a special educator and the mother of two sons who are deafblind, I have seen firsthand what fifty years of federal protections and educational expertise have made possible for children with disabilities,” said Dr. Lanya Elsa, Special Education Researcher, Family Support Professional, and mother of two sons who are deafblind from Washington state. “My sons are now a college graduate and a college-bound student—but fifty years ago, children like mine were often segregated or institutionalized. We cannot turn back that progress. Special education deserves to remain within the Department of Education, overseen by leaders who understand that children like mine are not problems to be fixed—they are students who belong in our schools, alongside their peers. Moving special education programs to HHS and fragmenting civil rights enforcement puts at risk the expertise and accountability that families depend on. This is no longer about my sons. It is about every child coming behind them, and we owe those children the same opportunities to learn, thrive, and belong.”\n\n“Students with disabilities have a civil right to the supports that will help them learn as much as possible in school, in learning spaces that include their general education peers,” said Luisa Sparrow, special education teacher at Oliver Hazard Perry School and 2025 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. “I’m here to advocate for my students, and for all students with disabilities, by highlighting the harm caused by moving special education to the Department of Health and Human Services. Isolating special education from general education in this way sends a damaging message that special education is about meeting healthcare needs rather than learning needs, and that it is separate from the main purpose of school.”\n\nOCR is charged with enforcing federal civil rights laws to protect students’ rights in the classroom, and the Department of Education Organization Act of 1979 mandates the existence of the Office for Civil Rights at the Education Department to carry out these responsibilities.\n\nLast year, the Trump administration thoughtlessly eliminated more than half of the staff in the Office for Civil Rights and closed half of the regional field offices, and in the time since, there has been a precipitous drop-off in the resolution of students’ cases. In 2025, the Department reached the lowest number of resolutions in 12 years and reached zero resolutions for students facing serious incidents including sexual harassment, sexual violence, seclusion, restraint, racial harassment, and discriminatory school discipline. Senator Murray has mobilized against the administration’s efforts to hollow out OCR, called out how it’s hurt students and families, and she’s repeatedly pressed Secretary McMahon on the issue.\n\nOSERS is charged with implementing and enforcing the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandate that students with disabilities get the free appropriate public education and independence they deserve. In April, Senator Murray pressed Secretary McMahon on her plans to potentially offload OSERS’ responsibilities and told McMahon: “That is exactly why these parents and advocates are spitting mad because what they want to make sure is that their child with a disability has an education.”\n\nSenator Murray has aggressively pushed back against Secretary McMahon’s efforts to dismantle the Department, including through the illegal use of IAAs, and she fought to insert ironclad language in the fiscal year 2026 funding bill for the Department that would bar Secretary McMahon from using IAAs to dismantle the Department—but Republicans refused to include new, binding language that would block arrangements like the ones announced in June. Last week, Senator Murray blasted House Republicans for working to advance a slate of legislative proposals to rubberstamp the administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education—Murray made clear she will not let any legislation that seeks to abolish the Department of Education make any progress in the Senate.\n\nSenator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below:\n\n“Thank you for joining us today. I am really pleased to be here today with a parent, a teacher, and some experts from both Democratic and Republican administrations.\n\n“We all know that public education in America is not going to get better by dismantling the Department of Education. But Trump is determined to raze it to the ground. Instead of helping kids get a great education, instead of supporting the unique needs of all our children, the Trump administration is spending its time, its energy, and your tax dollars on illegally trying to shutter the Department of Education.\n\n“Now I am fighting tooth and nail against any efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, but I am especially concerned about what this could mean for all students, especially students with disabilities in America.\n\n“Trump and Linda McMahon have fired and pushed out over 2,000 staff at the Department, and with them decades of institutional knowledge and that includes the staff they need to enforce our civil rights laws for students with disabilities. They have created absolute chaos and pandemonium for school districts across the country by holding up federal funding that our communities rely on, and last month, they announced they are illegally scattering federal education programs that support students with disabilities all over the government with different agencies managing programs that they have no business or expertise running.\n\n“And you know who gets left behind? Students and their parents, who break their backs and lose sleep worrying about how to make sure their kid with a disability gets the individualized support they need.\n\n“It is outrageous and completely unacceptable that Donald Trump and Linda McMahon want to pass off the essential work of the Office for Civil Rights to the Department of Justice, and specifically to a division at DOJ that is being run by a right-wing extremist. And it is outrageous they are abandoning their obligation to manage the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and handing it over to RFK Jr at HHS—everyone who is here today knows these offices are critical, but they are especially important for students with disabilities.\n\n“I have believed for a long time we need to be doing a lot more for students with disabilities. Programs like IDEA are not funded at nearly the level they should be. Just talk to any parent of students with disabilities—they’ll tell you the system is not perfect. But what Trump is doing threatens to make things so much worse. We have seen how this administration operates—it’s been haphazard and totally destructive. The agencies taking over these programs simply do not have the expertise and so many of the experts who oversaw these programs were fired or pushed out by Trump already. If Trump breaks the programs our kids with disabilities rely on, the outcomes will be grim.\n\n“For far too long, these kids were outright denied the education they need and deserve right here in America. Most Americans don’t realize that as recently as the 1970s schools in the United States only educated about one in five children with disabilities, and a whole lot of states had laws excluding certain students, including kids who were deaf or blind or had some kind of intellectual disability.\n\n“That is so wrong, and while progress has not been perfect—we have made tremendous progress since then. Over 50 years ago, parents and educators fought to enshrine basic protections in federal law to guarantee their right to a quality education—and to create mechanisms in law to right wrongs when they are denied the resources or support they deserve. That victory and many others since have ushered in a lot of hard-won progress—but instead of building on it, this administration is intent on rolling back the clock to a much darker time.\n\n“It’s enough to make your blood boil. We cannot go backwards, but that’s exactly where this administration is taking us.\n\n“Thanks to the Trump administration there is already a massive backlog of cases at the Office for Civil Rights and that list will just get longer. And under this administration, if a kid with disabilities is discriminated against, they are almost certainly not going to have their rights protected. Last year, OCR reached nearly 80 percent fewer disability discrimination resolution agreements compared to 2024. That’s not by accident, it’s by design–thanks to Trump’s staffing cuts and dismantling of the Department of Education.\n\n“And it gets even worse. Let’s talk about RFK Jr. RFK Jr. should have nothing to do with making sure students with disabilities are getting the high-quality public education they deserve and are entitled to. The idea of him being put in charge of special education for our kids is absolutely appalling. Earlier this year, RFK Jr. went on a sick and offensive tirade spreading lies and taking cheap shots at kids with Autism. He said ‘autism destroys families’ and is an ‘individual tragedy as well.’ He talked about how kids with autism would never have a job, pay taxes, write a poem, or even go on a date. Those remarks are horrifying, and they are simply false. And they display a total lack of respect for the dignity, the humanity, and the limitless potential every child possesses to make their own way in this world.\n\n“No way should RFK Jr. be in charge of programs meant to help students with disabilities learn, grow, and thrive.\n\n“Look, as Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I have a lot of say over how we spend taxpayer dollars—and you can bet I will fight to protect funding for the Department of Education. I have also fought to outright stop Trump from spinning off these critical education programs to other departments that have zero relevant expertise. But we are still deep in the minority, and in last year’s funding bills, Republicans refused to work with us to stop Trump’s destruction of the Department of Education. But with Trump and McMahon’s latest efforts to undercut the programs students with disabilities rely on, I am really hoping we can rally parents, teachers, and communities across America—in red states and blue.\n\n“America has to stand up for kids with disabilities right now. This is not a partisan issue.\n\n“So, I am desperately hoping this will be a wake-up call to my Republican colleagues who I know do care deeply about students with disabilities. I can fight to increase funding for special education in our spending bills—absolutely. But I can’t wave a magic wand on my own to stop the illegal transferring of special education to RFK Jr.’s HHS and student civil rights protections to DOJ.\n\n“So what can we do? Well, a lot actually. With enough Republican support we could undo some of this destruction, whether in our funding bills or otherwise. I am calling on my Republican colleagues to listen to the parents of kids with disabilities. Listen to the teachers in our schools. Dismantling the Department of Education—continuing on this path—will be devastating for kids with disabilities in America.\n\n“Join me in putting a stop to this before it’s too late.\n\n“Finally, I want to address legislation we’ve seen in the House of Representatives that would rubberstamp much of the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education. As long as this former preschool teacher is a United States Senator, every one of those bills is dead on arrival. I’m very pleased to be joined by some of those very parents and teachers that every member of Congress ought to be listening to.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/amidst-cyclospora-parasite-outbreak-sen-ossoff-slams-hhs-secretary-kennedy-for-canceling-cdcs-monitoring-of-cyclosporiasis-parasite/", "title": "Amidst Cyclospora Parasite Outbreak, Sen. Ossoff Slams HHS Secretary Kennedy for Canceling CDC’s Monitoring of Cyclosporiasis Parasite", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Amidst the current parasite outbreak, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is slamming HHS Secretary Kennedy for canceling the CDC’s required surveillance of the Cyclosporiasis parasite.\n\nIn a new letter, Sen. Ossoff slammed U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for terminating the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) surveillance of Cyclospora cayetanensis, the parasite responsible for cyclosporiasis.\n\nAccording to recent reports, cyclosporiasis has been identified in more than 1,600 confirmed cases, with more than 100 people hospitalized and thousands of cases being investigated across 34 states, including Georgia.\n\n“Last year, you terminated the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) required surveillance of Cyclospora cayetanensis, the parasite responsible for cyclosporiasis. And now a cyclosporiasis outbreak sweeps the nation,” Sen. Ossoff wrote to HHS Secretary RFK Jr.“Your foolish and self-indulgent demolition of critical public health programs puts Americans at risk. The Trump Administration is actively undermining food safety.”\n\nSen. Ossoff continues working to protect public health, the CDC, and its workforce.\n\nIn April, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock demanded answers from HHS Secretary RFK Jr. after reports that the CDC Atlanta Campus is still in need of repairs and improvements following last year’s shooting.\n\nIn March, Sen. Ossoff worked with Republicans and Democrats to ensure the CDC receives crucial funding to protect the American people, successfully defeating the Trump Administration’s proposed 50% cut in funding for the CDC in the FY26 budget.\n\nLast October, Sen. Ossoff led Georgia’s Democratic Congressional Delegation in calling on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to answer for the chaos and disruption at the CDC that has marked his tenure, including the firings of CDC employees.\n\nLast June, Sen. Ossoff spoke in the Appropriations Committee markup of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education funding bill about bipartisan efforts to protect the CDC.\n\nAlso in June, Sen. Ossoff demanded answers from the Trump Administration following an NPR report that the CDC Program to prevent fentanyl overdoses had been frozen.\n\nIn 2025, Sen. Ossoff and other members of Congress demanded that the Trump Administration provide answers on the reported shutdown of a critical Maternal Health data system at the CDC.\n\nClick here to read Sens. Ossoff’s inquiry.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-durbin-demand-dhs-doj-halt-improper-1-8-million-fines-on-law-abiding-immigrants/", "title": "Padilla, Durbin Demand DHS, DOJ Halt Improper $1.8 Million Fines on Law-Abiding Immigrants", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators warn the Trump Administration is improperly using rarely imposed immigration penalties to intimidate law-abiding immigrants\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary’s Immigration Subcommittee, and Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin urging them to end the improper application of certain civil penalties in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to law-abiding immigrants.\n\nIn an attempt to intimidate and frighten law-abiding immigrants, the Trump Administration is fining them up to $1.8 million, without any individual explanation for why fines have been assessed. These immigrants include individuals with legal authorization to be in the United States, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, individuals seeking a green card, and survivors of domestic violence or trafficking with pending applications for immigration status. The INA authorizes civil monetary penalties for certain violations of immigration law. The penalties have rarely been applied—since the introduction of civil penalties in 1996, only President Trump has ever sought to impose civil penalties on noncitizens under these provisions.\n\n“In assessing these fines, your Departments appear to have abandoned critical safeguards that have long prevented law-abiding immigrants from being improperly targeted with unreasonable penalties… last year President Trump issued a series of executive orders implementing his mass deportation campaign, through which he directed federal agencies to use these civil penalties to achieve ‘the garnishment of wages [] and the confiscation of savings and personal property, including homes and vehicles,’” wrote the Senators. “The Trump Administration began quietly changing federal policies to eliminate procedural safeguards that might have prevented the wrongful application of these penalties.”\n\nDHS made a form change that allowed for penalty issuance without any individualized explanation for the basis for a fine. DHS and the Department of Justice issued an interim final rule (IFR)—a regulatory mechanism that bypasses standard notice and comment procedures—which codifies many of these changes and also permits the issuance of penalties based solely on a finding that an individual has a final order of removal or has agreed to voluntary departure.\n\n“These changes raise serious legal concerns. They were made without advance notice to the public, leaving many noncitizens who had been complying with the law unsure of the basis under which these fees could be assessed and unsure of how to challenge them,” continued the Senators. “An individualized determination is necessary to provide adequate notice of the basis for a violation and a meaningful way to challenge the penalties. In addition, the mere existence of a removal order or voluntary departure agreement in a noncitizen’s record is not sufficient to establish willful or voluntary failure to comply with departure obligations, as is required under the statute… Without case specific analysis, your Departments cannot properly determine whether assessing penalties for failure to comply with departure obligations is appropriate under the law.”\n\n“The Administration has stated it changed policies to allow the imposition of civil monetary penalties ‘swiftly and at [] scale’ in order to ‘achieve the Administration’s immigration enforcement and border security objectives,’” wrote the Senators. “As of May, the federal government had issued more than 65,000 fines to immigrants who reportedly have removal orders but who remain in the U.S., seeking more than $36 billion in total. However, as with the rest of the Trump Administration’s mass deportation policies, this policy does not appear intended to target the ‘worst of the worst,’ but rather to coerce law-abiding immigrants to leave the United States.”\n\nIn the letter, the Senators request responses to a number of questions no later than July 31, 2026.\n\nLast month, Padilla and Durbin led over 50 colleagues in objecting to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)’s recent decision to weaken legal protections for DACA recipients. Earlier this year, Padilla demanded answers from the Trump Administration on their decision to pull thousands of federal law enforcement agents away from their work protecting communities from dangerous criminals and reassign them to arrest, detain, and indiscriminately deport noncitizens without criminal records.\n\nFull letter is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-tillis-schiff-and-curtis-press-congressional-leaders-to-pass-long-term-disaster-recovery-funding/", "title": "Padilla, Tillis, Schiff and Curtis Press Congressional Leaders to Pass Long-Term Disaster Recovery Funding", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, the senior senator from California, and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), along with Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and John Curtis (R-Utah), urged Congressional leaders to include long-term disaster recovery funding in any supplemental appropriations package after the Administration’s recent emergency funding request did not include desperately needed resources for communities to rebuild and recover following catastrophic natural disasters.\n\nIn a letter to Senate Committee on Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the Senators identified natural disasters that have severely devastated communities across the country, specifically highlighting the Eaton and Palisades fires that impacted Los Angeles County.\n\n“Over the last few years, natural disasters have devastated communities across the United States,” wrote the Senators. “In 2025, fueled by wind gusts reaching up to 100 miles per hour, the Los Angeles County wildfires burned over 40,000 acres, destroyed over 16,000 structures, forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, and claimed more than two dozen lives. During the response, California mobilized more than 15,000 personnel, including firefighters, National Guard members, highway patrol officers, and transportation teams, to contain the fires and protect communities. For comparison, these wildfires burned an area nearly three times the size of Manhattan. The scale and severity of these wildfires underscore the urgent need for additional federal assistance, coordination, and funding.”\n\nThe Senators urged long-term disaster recovery funding be included in any supplemental appropriations package moving forward, emphasizing the critical need required for fully rebuilding, as well as support needed for other natural disasters in North Carolina and Utah.\n\n“These disasters have caused widespread damage across California, North Carolina, and Utah, affecting federal and state highways, critical public infrastructure, homes, and buildings,” continued the Senators. “The scale and complexity of these events will require sustained federal support to help communities rebuild damaged infrastructure, restore essential services, and meet long-term recovery needs. Therefore, we strongly urge you to include long-term disaster recovery funding, like the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR), in any supplemental appropriations package to ensure communities have the resources needed to rebuild and recover.”\n\nSenator Padilla has fought relentlessly to secure and protect access to desperately needed disaster relief aid for families in California. In January, on the one-year anniversary of the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires, Padilla and Schiff and the Chairs of the Republican and Democratic Congressional Delegations — Representatives Ken Calvert (R-Calif.-41) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18) — led the entire bipartisan California Congressional delegation in urging Trump to provide overdue federal disaster relief funding and resources to help Los Angeles County communities rebuild and recover. In the immediate aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, Padilla and Schiff led 47 bipartisan members of the California Congressional delegation in successfully urging President Biden to grant Governor Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration to expedite timely relief to Los Angeles County residents impacted by these disasters. Early last year, Padilla, Schiff, Calvert, and Lofgren also led the entire bipartisan California Congressional delegation in urging Senior Congressional leadership to provide additional disaster relief funding and resources to help Los Angeles County communities rebuild.\n\nFull letter is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-slotkin-bipartisan-bill-to-extend-federal-funding-and-protections-for-the-great-lakes-advances-in-the-senate", "title": "Peters and Slotkin Bipartisan Bill to Extend Federal Funding and Protections for the Great Lakes Advances in the Senate", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.peters.senate.gov", "scraper": "garypeters", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000595", "name": "Gary C. Peters", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee unanimously voted to advance the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026. The comprehensive bill includes a provision championed by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Elissa Slotkin (MI), based on their bipartisan Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2025. The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 would authorize $475 million in annual funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) through 2030.\n\n“The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is the most significant investment ever made to restore and protect our Great Lakes, and now more than ever, we need to ensure this vital program has the resources necessary to keep our treasured waterways healthy and vibrant,” said Senator Peters. “I’ll keep working in a bipartisan way to get this commonsense bill passed into law and help protect the Great Lakes for future generations.”\n\n“The Great Lakes are a huge part of who we are as Michiganders and our way of life, but they’re also the backbone of our state economy,” said Senator Slotkin. “This crucial funding program helps keep it that way. I’ll keep fighting alongside both Republicans and Democrats to fully fund the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and get this bill signed into law.”\n\nThe GLRI combines federal and nonfederal efforts to stop the spread of carp and other invasive species, restore coastline and habitats connecting our streams and rivers, clean up environmentally damaged Areas of Concern, and prevent future contamination. While providing vital support for these efforts, the GLRI also helps ensure we can address new and emerging threats to the Great Lakes.\n\nSince its inception, the GLRI has spurred tremendous progress in Michigan and throughout the Great Lakes region including nearly half of a million acres of habitat protected, restored, or enhanced, a five-fold increase in the successful cleanup and delisting of Areas of Concern, a ten-fold increase in the remediation of environmental and public health impairments, and reducing the threat of harmful algal blooms. The GLRI’s efforts have also resulted in economic returns of more than 3 to 1 across the region.\n\nThe Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2025 is supported by the League of Conservation Voters, National Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club, National Parks Conservation Association, Council of Great Lakes Governors, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, American Great Lakes Ports Association, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, American Rivers, American Sportfishing Association, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, National Audubon Society - Great Lakes, Environmental Law & Policy Center, and other key stakeholders in Great Lakes protection.\n\nPeters and Slotkin have been steadfast supporters of the Great Lakes, including by enacting the single-largest-ever investment in the GLRI through the bipartisan infrastructure law to accelerate the restoration of nine high-priority areas in Michigan whose lakes, rivers, and watersheds flow into the Great Lakes.\n\nAs Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, Peters plays a key role in uniting Great Lakes Basin states to coordinate legislative initiatives, funding priorities, and oversight efforts to address the most important issues facing the Great Lakes, such as invasive species, environmental contamination, shoreline erosion, water quality, infrastructure needs, and more.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-introduce-disaster-relief-fairness-act-to-counter-trumps-politicization-of-federal-emergency-management-decisions", "title": "Reed & Whitehouse Introduce Disaster Relief Fairness Act to Counter Trump’s Politicization of Federal Emergency Management Decisions", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC -- When catastrophic natural disasters strike, the federal government has historically used a merit-based, non-partisan process to do its part to assist states in the aftermath of major hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, floods, or blizzards, presuming impacted states can prove the severity of the damage caused by the event.\n\nOn February 22-23, 2026 Rhode Island was hit by a severe snowstorm that shut down the state for days. Over three feet of snow fell on the state in a 24-hour period – the highest one-day snowfall on record for Rhode Island. The storm hit Rhode Island with the intensity of a Category 2 hurricane, with heavy winds up to 74 miles per hour. It caused widespread power outages and tragically resulted in two fatalities and hundreds of emergency room visits. Local businesses faced prolonged closures due to disruptions to transportation, utilities, and public services across the state.\n\nThe historic blizzard caused over $19.3 million in damages across Rhode Island – amounting to more than nine times the threshold required for a Major Disaster Declaration under Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations. Rhode Island emergency management officials worked hand-in-hand with FEMA to prepare a package documenting the damage, and a request was made to President Trump to make the necessary declaration to unlock funding to help with the recovery. Under federal law, only the president can approve a major disaster declaration.\n\nUnder any other administration, Rhode Island’s disaster declaration request would have been approved on the merits, given the blizzard's historic nature and FEMA’s own damage assessment guidelines. However, on July 2, the Trump Administration denied Rhode Island’s request -- along with similar requests from other northeastern states that were severely hit by the snowstorm, but whose states did not vote for Trump in the last election.\n\nThis is not a one-off: According to the Associated Press, President Trump “has approved more than three-fourths of the requests from states that voted for him in the 2024 election but less than half the requests from states that did not.” No other president in history has such a disparity in denials between states that supported him politically and those that did not. For example, during the Obama Administration, President Obama’s approval rate was identical for states that voted for and against him.\n\nThe same week President Trump denied applications from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York – states that are led by Democratic governors and that voted for Kamala Harris in the last election – he approved disaster declarations for nine Republican-leaning states. During Trump’s second term, the White House has approved 89 percent of disaster aid requests from Republican governors, and 23 percent of Democratic-led states, according to a memo compiled by minority members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee.\n\nThese unfair denials negatively impact state, city, and town budgets and property tax rates for residents.\n\nNow, in an effort to counter Trump’s unfair, unwarranted politicization of federal emergency management decisions, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse are teaming up to introduce the Disaster Relief Fairness Act (S.5018).\n\nUnder current law, major disasters are declared pursuant to Section 401 of the Stafford Act and based on consideration of several factors included in regulations at 44 CFR § 206.48. One key factor is a comparison of the cost of the disaster’s impact to the state's ability to handle the event, a metric that is typically calculated by multiplying the per capita indicator by the state's population. While the declaration process included in Section 401 leaves significant discretion to the president, no other president has ever before made politics the deciding factor in which states receive federal aid and which do not.\n\nThe Reed-Whitehouse bill would prevent Donald Trump from maliciously denying disaster assistance to states and communities when they have met the criteria to qualify.\n\n“Time and again, President Trump has shown that he can’t see past his own personal grievances and partisan biases when it comes to providing disaster aid,” said Senator Reed. “The Disaster Relief Fairness Act would ensure that the disaster declaration process is both impartial and consistent. Our bill would prevent Trump from using disaster assistance for political leverage or retribution by ensuring that every request for disaster assistance made during his presidency will be approved as long as it meets FEMA’s established requirements and thresholds. This will guarantee that states and tribes will get the relief they need to fully recover from disasters.”\n\n“When disaster strikes, Americans have always thrown partisanship out the door to support their neighbors and local businesses in need,” said Senator Whitehouse. “President Trump plays a dangerous, cruel game when he injects partisanship into the decision to deny much-needed disaster aid for states that didn’t vote for him. Our legislation would remove the President’s whims from the disaster aid process and ensure Rhode Islanders get every cent they are due.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-baldwin-call-on-fda-to-crack-down-on-mislabeled-dairy-imitation-products/", "title": "Risch, Baldwin Call on FDA to Crack Down on Mislabeled Dairy Imitation Products", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.risch.senate.gov", "scraper": "risch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000584", "name": "James E. Risch", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) along with Representatives John Joyce (R-Pa.) and Josh Riley (D-N.Y.) today called on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to crack down on the misuse of dairy terms for plant-based products, which unfairly impacts dairy farmers and processors and misleads consumers.\n\n“The blatant misuse of dairy terms for plant-based products unfairly impacts dairy farmers and processors and harms consumers due to inaccurate labeling information,” wrote the Members of Congress. “We urge you to enforce dairy standards of identity and stop imitation products from usurping dairy terms. Rescinding the current FDA guidance and enforcing existing dairy standards of identity is in best interest of our nation’s consumers, dairy farmers and broader public health.”\n\nIn July 2025, Risch and Baldwin introduced the DAIRY PRIDE Act to prohibit non-dairy imitation products, such as those made from plants, nuts, or grains, from using dairy names like “milk” or “yogurt.” The DAIRY PRIDE Act has support from the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, National Milk Producers Federation, and American Farm Cooperative.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/20/new-report-nevadans-paid-514-million-more-in-gasoline-since-start-of-trumps-war-in-iran/", "title": "NEW REPORT: Nevadans Paid $514 Million More in Gasoline Since Start of Trump’s War in Iran", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – A new report released by the U.S. Congress’s Joint Economic Committee (JEC) reveals that Nevadans have paid $514 million more in gasoline, or about $460 per household, since the start of Donald Trump’s war in Iran. Since Donald Trump renewed operations in Iran, the average price of gas in Nevada hit $4.62 per gallon, higher than the national average.\n\n“While Donald Trump continues to drag out his war in Iran, Nevada families are paying the price at the gas pump. When gas prices skyrocket, the costs of other essentials go up even more,” said Senator Rosen. “Nevadans can’t keep footing the bill for Trump’s reckless leadership. Instead of focusing on old election conspiracies and lies, Trump needs to focus on lowering costs and giving families relief at the pump.”\n\nSenator Rosen has been working to bring down prices for Nevada families by pushing back on the Trump Administration’s cost-raising policies. In March, she successfully pushed Trump to immediately release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help bring down gas prices. Senator Rosen also introduced legislation to protect consumers from Trump’s reckless tariffs, including a bill to block tariffs levied on groceries or agricultural products.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/07/20/rosen-joins-senate-colleagues-in-demanding-pentagon-release-report-on-u-s-bombing-of-iranian-elementary-school/", "title": "Rosen Joins Senate Colleagues in Demanding Pentagon Release Report on U.S. Bombing of Iranian Elementary School", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined Senate Colleagues in a renewed push to get answers from the Department of Defense over the tragic U.S. bombing of an Iranian elementary school in February. The strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, which reportedly killed approximately 120 children and at least 175 people in total, was the worst civilian casualty incident caused by the U.S. military in decades.\n\n“More than four months after the strike, and after the reported submission of the investigation in April, Congress and the American people still have not received the Department’s investigation and findings,” the senators wrote. “There is no justification for withholding an unclassified accounting of what happened, what went wrong, and what the Department is doing to prevent recurrence.”\n\n“These reported issues, if accurate, raise deeply troubling questions about the integrity of U.S. target development, the adequacy of target validation and vetting procedures, the interoperability of intelligence and targeting databases, the timeliness and reliability of intelligence used for lethal targeting, and the Department’s implementation of civilian harm mitigation policies,” the senators wrote. “They also raise urgent questions about whether the Department has sufficient targeting personnel, training, accountability mechanisms, and technical safeguards to support large-scale conventional operations.”\n\nThe senators concluded, “The United States military has a legal and moral obligation to take all feasible precautions to prevent civilian harm. When a U.S. strike kills civilians, the Department owes Congress, the American people, and the victims’ families a clear accounting of what happened and a credible plan to prevent future failures.”\n\nThe full letter can be found HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-death-of-first-lieutenant-tyler-james-feehan", "title": "Schatz Statement On Death Of First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.schatz.senate.gov", "scraper": "schatz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001194", "name": "Brian Schatz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement on the death of First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, 25, of ‘Ewa Beach, who was killed in action on July 18, 2026 at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.\n\n“We are heartbroken by the loss of 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan of ?Ewa Beach, who gave his life while serving our country. My thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and fellow soldiers as they grieve this unimaginable loss. May his memory be a blessing.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-schiff-joins-sens-lujan-welch-raskin-ocasio-cortez-to-introduce-legislation-imposing-gift-ban-on-supreme-court-justices/", "title": "ICYMI: Sen. Schiff Joins Sens. Luján, Welch, Raskin, Ocasio-Cortez to Introduce Legislation Imposing Gift Ban on Supreme Court Justices", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Legislation Cracks Down on Lavish Gifts to Supreme Court Justices With $50 Limit Aligning Ethics Rules With Congress, Other Judges, and Federal Officials\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) to introduce the High Court Gift Ban Act, legislation to close a glaring ethics loophole that allows U.S. Supreme Court Justices to accept lavish gifts from wealthy benefactors and individuals with interests before the Court. U.S. Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.-14) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n“The Supreme Court has lost the trust of the American people, and Justices accepting lavish gifts from wealthy individuals with business before the court has only made matters worse. We need to put an end to these egregious conflicts of interest and can start by establishing basic ethical standards for the Justices,” said Senator Schiff.\n\nUnlike other federal judges, Members of Congress, and executive branch officials—who are all bound by strict gift rules—Supreme Court Justices are not currently bound by any limits on the value of the gifts they can accept. Investigative reporting has shown that some Justices have exploited this loophole, taking in lavish “gifts” from wealthy benefactors and political allies worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars—benefits that, in some cases, look more like payments than presents.\n\nThe scale of these undisclosed perks is staggering. One analysis found that Justices have accepted at least 445 gifts worth nearly $5 million over the past two decades. Reports have detailed that Justice Clarence Thomas alone received more than $4.2 million in luxury travel and other benefits from wealthy individuals with interests before the Court, including trips to Bali, stays at exclusive private retreats, and even a forgiven loan to purchase a luxury motor coach.\n\nThe High Court Gift Ban Act would block Justices from receiving gifts valued at more than $50 in a single instance or more than $100 in aggregate over the course of a year. It would also cap gifts of personal hospitality, like free trips on billionaire’s yachts and private jets, which are currently unregulated. This brings the Supreme Court in line with similar ethical standards applying to Members of Congress and other federal officials.\n\n“Over the past several years, we’ve seen far too many reports detailing how lavish gifts and luxury travel have undermined public confidence in the Supreme Court,” said Senator Luján. “That’s why I’m proud to partner with colleagues to introduce the High Court Gift Ban Act, which would hold Supreme Court justices to the same ethical standards as other high-ranking federal officials. The Supreme Court — our nation’s highest and most powerful court — should be held to the highest ethical standards to protect our democracy from the influence of dark money and special interests.”\n\n“For years, conservative Supreme Court Justices have accepted expensive gifts and travel from their friends who have business before the Court. It’s unethical, and it’s why public trust in the Court has eroded. Those serving on the Supreme Court should be held to the same ethical standards as every other federal judge—and it’s high time they are,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Luján on this bill to increase accountability and restore public trust in our nation’s most powerful court.”\n\n“In every other part of the federal government, taking lavish gifts from interested parties is called corruption—but at the Supreme Court, it’s bizarrely been treated as a job perk. A gaping ethics loophole has allowed Justices to accept lavish gifts from individuals who may have business before the Court, which totally undermines public confidence in judicial fairness and independence. Our bill closes this indefensible loophole by saying that Supreme Court Justices should follow the same basic gift rules as every other federal official and their fellow judges. Americans shouldn’t have to wonder whether wealthy litigants and interested parties are influencing Supreme Court decisions with trips to luxury resorts, flights on private jets, and cruises on luxury yachts,” said Ranking Member Raskin.\n\n“The Supreme Court is facing a major corruption crisis. As it stands, Supreme Court Justices are legally allowed to accept gifts from wealthy benefactors and people with special interests before the Court, actively furthering the distrust between working-class Americans and our legal institutions. That is why I am proud to introduce the High Court Gift Ban Act, alongside Congressman Jamie Raskin and Senator Ben Ray Luján, to remove the influence of dark money from our nation’s highest judicial body. We must pass this commonsense proposal to safeguard the sanctity of our legal institutions and democracy,” said Representative Ocasio-Cortez.\n\nThe High Court Gift Ban Act is endorsed by leading advocacy organizations, including: AFSCME, American Federation of Teachers, Alliance for Justice, American Humanist Association, Center for American Progress, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, Clean Elections Texas, Courage California, Court Accountability, Courts Matter Illinois, EarthJustice, Enough of Gun Violence, Equality California, FFRF Action Fund, Fix the Court, Free Speech for People, Government Information Watch, Greenpeace USA, Indivisible, Leage of Conservation Voters, MoveOn, National Association of Consumer Advocates, National Women’s Law Center, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Ohio Fair Courts Alliance, People for the American Way, People Power United, Public Citizen, Reproductive Freedom for All, Secular Coalition for America, Secure Elections Network, Stand Up America, Supreme Court Integrity Project, Take Back the Court Action Fund, True North Research, Voices for Progress, and The Workers Circle.\n\nFull text of the bill can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-launches-push-for-judicial-reforms-increased-transparency-amid-historic-democratic-rollbacks-by-supreme-court/", "title": "NEWS: Sen. Schiff Launches Push for Judicial Reforms, Increased Transparency Amid Historic Democratic Rollbacks by Supreme Court", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schiff, House allies are calling for the passage of legislation aimed at increasing transparency and improving conflict-of-interest guardrails for federal judges and Supreme Court Justices\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, launched his push for Congress to pass legislation to strengthen accountability, transparency, and ethical standards across the federal judicial court system. These proposed reforms are necessary in addition to other significant reforms to the Supreme Court and judiciary, including term limits, expanding the Court, and enforcing a code of ethics.\n\nAs the Supreme Court wraps up a session defined by historic rollbacks of the Voting Rights Act and other democratic guardrails, Schiff is pushing a legislative package that includes bills to restore faith in the federal judiciary and address abuses of power, including by Supreme Court Justices. The bills would apply conflict of interest ethical standards to federal judges and Justices, require judges and Justices to place financial assets into blind trusts, and make the federal judiciary subject to the Freedom of Information Act.\n\n“The federal judicial system is desperately in need of reform to prevent further ethical lapses. The Supreme Court, and our federal judiciary at large, must be held to the highest standards, but time after time, judges have engaged in troubling acts, putting personal interests above the law and Constitution. I have long called for necessary reforms to regain trust in our system. We must hold judges to the same ethical standards as other federal officials, enhance transparency within the court system, and ensure cases are decided based on merit, not profits. Americans deserve nothing less,” said Senator Schiff.\n\nBackground:\n\nA steady stream of alarming revelations in recent years has severely undermined public faith in the independence and integrity of the federal judiciary, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Investigative reports have uncovered a pervasive culture of undisclosed luxury gifts and glaring conflicts of interest, all while Justices refuse to recuse themselves from major cases tied directly to their benefactors’ financial or political advantage.\n\nTo regain the American people’s trust in our courts, Congress must pass rigorous, binding statutory guardrails that ensure no federal judge can operate above the ethical standards expected of other public servants.\n\nSchiff’s legislative package includes:\n\nThe Judicial Integrity Act, which would hold judges and Supreme Court Justices to higher ethical standards by applying the federal conflict-of-interest statute, which currently applies to Executive Branch officials, to the federal judiciary. Doing so would restrict judges’ and Justices’ ability to participate in any official matters in which they hold a financial interest.\n\nU.S. Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37) is leading companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. In the Senate, this legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).\n\n“Americans’ confidence in our federal judiciary has reached a record low. With Supreme Court Justices reportedly accepting lavish vacations from billionaires and issuing decisions that seemingly favor the president over the constitution, it’s no surprise that this trust is broken,” said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. “I’m proud to introduce the Judicial Integrity Act, which would combat undue outside influence by requiring judicial employees to meet the same financial conflict-of-interest standards as the executive branch. Together, this legislative package would establish an enforceable code of ethics for federal judges and justices, taking long-overdue steps to bring transparency and accountability back to our courts.”\n\nThe Justice is BLIND Act,whichwould prevent judicial conflicts of interest by requiring federal judges and Supreme Court Justices to place their financial assets into blind trusts. Under this bill, all federal judges, Supreme Court Justices, magistrate judges, and bankruptcy judges, as well as their spouses and dependent children, must place covered financial interests into a qualified blind trust within 90 days of enactment or being sworn into office. Judges must provide a written compliance attestation within 15 days of establishing the trust, which the Administrative Office of the United States Courts will publish on a searchable public database.\n\nU.S. Representative Hank Johnson (D-Ga.-4) is leading companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. In the Senate, this legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).\n\n“Transparency and accountability are at the heart of the public’s trust in government,” said Rep. Johnson, Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet. “Americans deserve to know that officials in every branch of government — including the judiciary — are acting honorably and in the interest of the people, not their bank accounts. The Justice Is Blind Act would go a long way in preventing any conflicts of interest that might arise and help restore trust in our judiciary by requiring judges and justices to place their financial assets in blind trusts.”\n\nThe Judicial FOIA Expansion Act, which would increase transparency by subjecting the administrative offices of the federal judiciary to the same Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requirements currently applied to executive branch agencies. The bill creates an explicit right of public access to specific administrative records, including judicial complaints, investigations, and orders against court personnel; attorney disciplinary proceedings; Judicial Conference meeting calendars and minutes; and PACER technical audits or update plans.\n\nU.S. Representative Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.-10) is leading companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. In the Senate, this legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).\n\n“Trust in our judicial system is waning because judges are not being held to the highest ethical standards. I’m introducing the Judicial FOIA Expansion Act to allow the public right of access to all records, including any judicial complaints. It is incumbent upon Congress to pass legislation to update ethical guidelines for judges and increase transparency, so that they are beholden only to the Constitution and the rule of law, not whoever is lining their pockets,” said Congressman Dan Goldman.\n\nSenator Schiff is a strong supporter of other legislation to establish term limits for Supreme Court Justices, expand the number of seats on the Court, and require the Court to enact an enforceable code of ethics.\n\n“The judiciary is not some mystical priesthood whose members perform work that’s beyond human understanding. The branch comprises government workers doing government jobs, and as such, a segregable part of their work product that’s not related to national security and does not include personal information should be subject to the same open records laws as those for executive branch officials. Fix the Court is pleased to endorse the Judicial FOIA Expansion Act and applauds Sen. Schiff’s leadership in advocating for greater openness from what’s become the most powerful, least accountable branch,” said Gabe Roth, Executive Director, Fix the Court.\n\n“Federal judges and Justices make decisions that have an enormous impact on our daily lives. We enthusiastically support strengthening the ethical rules that they have to follow. That protects all of us,” said Svante Myrick, President, People for the American Way.\n\n“Bringing FOIA to the federal judiciary aligns it with the executive branch and numerous state judiciaries that are already subject to Sunlight laws. The federal judiciary was appropriated north of nine billion dollars for 2026 and American taxpayers deserve to know how that money is being spent. Faith in the rule of law is a founding tenet of our democracy that is strengthened by the transparency this bill brings,” said Michael Lissner, Executive Director Free Law Project.\n\n“Faith in our system of justice must be restored, and increasing transparency and stronger ethics requirements are a critical mechanism to moving us in that direction. In a moment where the American people are deeply dissatisfied with government, taking steps to decouple corruption and the courts is essential. We applaud Senator Schiff’s efforts to do just that,” said Lisa Gilbert, Co-President Public Citizen.\n\n“Ensuring the impartiality and integrity of the federal judiciary is crucial to maintaining the democratic values our country was founded upon. By setting strong ethical standards and preventing conflicts of interests in the judiciary, we can protect these principles and strengthen our democracy,” said Debra Perlin, Vice President of Policy for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). “The Justice is BLIND Act and the Judicial Integrity Act, introduced by Senator Schiff, are pivotal pieces of legislation that CREW is proud to endorse. We urge Congress to pass these bills without delay.”\n\n“If we are to defend the rights of the people, then we must reform the judiciary, and restore accountability and integrity to the highest courts in our country. The Justice is BLIND Act, the Judicial Integrity Act, and the Judicial FOIA Expansion Act take important steps toward our goal of rebuilding our courts into a system that is faithful to our Constitution and in service to the people, not to billionaires and special interests,” said Courtney Hostetler, Legal Director, Free Speech For People.\n\n“These bills will bring more accountability and transparency to the federal judicial system. Something that is badly needed. We are proud to endorse them and urge Congress to pass them without delay,” said Tim Whitehouse, Executive Director, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER).\n\n“For too long, legal loopholes have let Supreme Court Justices personally profit from their decisions, corrupting our courts and undermining the rule of law. We need systemic reform to restore faith in the Supreme Court, including a binding code of anti-corruption and ethics rules, term limits, expansion under the next pro-democracy president, and more. Judges must be held to the highest ethical standards, and Senator Schiff’s judicial integrity package offers a meaningful path in that direction to restore trust and curb corruption in our courts. We thank Senator Schiff for his leadership and urge his colleagues to advance these commonsense measures,” said Brett Edkins, Managing Director of Policy and Political Affairs, Stand Up America.\n\n“The judicial system does not work if the public doesn’t have faith in the impartial administration of justice. We commend Senator Schiff’s efforts to hold federal judges to common-sense standards that ensure court rulings are not tainted by even the appearance of financial or other conflicts of interest,” said David Janovsky, Acting Director, The Constitution Project at POGO.\n\n“This moment continues to highlight the urgent need to fortify the integrity of our courts with robust ethics reforms,” said Alliance for Justice President Rachel Rossi. “Judges are holding the line for democracy across the country, but that’s only possible when the courts maintain the highest standards of independence and integrity. Adding transparency to judges’ personal finances and to judicial processes ensures their impartiality and advances public trust as they interpret our laws and protect our rights.”\n\n“Protections for the air we breathe, the water we drink, and a free and fair democracy depend on public institutions that earn the people’s trust and are free from corruption. For too long, the nation’s highest court has operated with the lowest ethical standards, including shocking revelations about MAGA Justices ruling against environmental protections despite personal ties to the fossil fuel industry. LCV is proud to stand with Senator Schiff in his pursuit of bold legislation to reduce judicial conflicts of interest, increase judicial transparency, and ensure our courts work for the people, not just for Big Polluters and other powerful special interests,” said Doug Lindner, Senior Director of Judiciary & Democracy, League of Conservation Voters.\n\n“Congress has clear authority to set ethics and transparency rules for the federal courts, and Senator Schiff’s package of reforms finally uses it. The judiciary currently writes its own ethics rules and decides for itself when they’ve been broken. The last few years have shown where that leads — undisclosed gifts, judges sitting on cases that touch their own finances, and no real consequences when the rules are ignored. These bills take the policing out of the courts’ own hands: blind trusts so judges can’t rule on holdings they have a stake in, an enforceable conflict-of-interest standard, and public access to how the courts handle complaints and discipline. The result is a judiciary that answers to the people, not to the benefactors and interests who appear before it,” said Alex Aronson, Executive Director, Court Accountability.\n\nA one-pager and endorsements can be found here.\n\nFull text of the Justice is BLIND Act can be found here.\n\nFull text of the Judicial Integrity Act can be found here.\n\nFull text of the Judicial FOIA Expansion Act can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-central-new-york-sees-record-high-grocery-costs-schumer-announces-landmark-legislation-to-break-up-the-meatpacking-monopolies-help-farmers-and-drive-down-cost-of-meat-for-families", "title": "AS CENTRAL NEW YORK SEES RECORD HIGH GROCERY COSTS, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BREAK UP THE MEATPACKING MONOPOLIES, HELP FARMERS, AND DRIVE DOWN COST OF MEAT FOR FAMILIES", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.schumer.senate.gov", "scraper": "schumer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000148", "name": "Charles E. Schumer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schumer Says Four Corporate Giants Dominate Meat Market, Rigging The System Against Central NY Families, And Squeezing Farmers Who Keep Just 16 Cents Of Every Dollar Spent On Food\n\nNew Schumer Bill Will Break Up Big Monopolies, Lower Prices For Consumers, And Restore Real Competition To Help Boost Farmers And Smaller Meat Producers\n\nSchumer: New Bill Will Bring Down Costs For Families At The Grocery Store\n\nAs Central New Yorkers experience some of the fastest price growth for groceries in the country, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today stood with Central New York families and local partners at the Tops supermarket in Auburn to introduce the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act. The Senator’s new landmark legislation would break up the big meat monopolies, boost farmers Upstate, and lower grocery costs for families.\n\n“The meatpacking monopoly is driving up costs for New Yorkers in Central New York at the grocery store and rigging the game against local farmers. Corporate giants dominate the meat market and set prices sky-high for families, all while squeezing profits from farmers by eliminating competition, and it needs to end,” said Senator Schumer. “That’s why I’m introducing legislation – the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act – to break up the monopoly and lower costs. This bill is centered around making groceries more affordable, making farmers more profitable, and putting the needs of working middle-class people ahead of the interests of powerful corporations. America’s economy and our Main Streets are stronger when costs are lower and we have true competition, and this bill will do exactly that.”\n\nAccording to analysis from the Urban Institute, New York’s 22nd Congressional District – which covers all of Madison and Onondaga Counties, and parts of Cayuga, Cortland, and Oneida Counties – has experienced some of the fastest price growth for groceries in the country in the past ten years. Grocery prices have increased from $730 to $1,130 each month, a whopping more than 50% increase. New York’s 24th Congressional District – which covers all of Wayne, Oswego, Seneca, Yates, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming, and Genesee Counties, and parts of Niagara, Ontario, Jefferson, Steuben, Schuyler, and Cayuga Counties – has seen an increase from $710 to $1080 each month, also a more than 50% increase.\n\nThese price hikes are forcing more and more families to dip into savings or utilize credit options just to buy food. According to a new analysis from the Urban Institute released last week, 1 in 5 adults used savings to pay for food, and more than 25% of adults who use credit cards to buy groceries struggled to make their repayments. Additionally, the analysis showed 1 in 10 adults used Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options, and more than one-third of those who did missed a payment.\n\nSchumer explained that a major driver of high meat prices is a food system rigged in favor of corporate monopolies. Four companies, Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef, control 85% of the beef market, 67% of the pork market, and 60% of the chicken market.\n\nSchumer’s Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act is a competition-driven, pro-farmer, pro-rancher, pro-worker, pro-consumer, cost-of-living bill that breaks up dominant meatpackers and uses all available tools to stop unfair pricing that drives up grocery bills for American families. The bill would force the biggest meatpackers to choose a line of business instead of dominating beef, pork, and chicken all at once, and aims to provide financial and technical assistance to farmers’ cooperatives and small businesses that seek to acquire, operate, or expand meatpacking plants or facilities, helping make more local supply chains to lower costs. In addition, to directing the FTC to go after foreign-controlled conglomerates that squeeze American producers and distort U.S. markets.\n\n“Working families are stretched thin every time they walk into a grocery store, and they deserve relief. Senator Schumer’s Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act is a smart investment in both consumers and the local farmers who help feed our communities,” said UFCW Local One President Frank Deriso. By addressing costs throughout the food supply chain, this legislation can help make groceries more affordable while supporting good-paying union jobs and a stronger local economy. UFCW Local One is proud to stand with efforts that put working families first.”\n\n“For over a century, generations of Post family farmers have produced beef and pork on our farm in Scipio. This year, our farm will raise around 65 cows and 65 pigs, while the four biggest meat producers will raise tens of millions. That lets the big producers set prices and control markets in ways that are good for their bottom line, but bad for local farmers and grocery prices. While local farms struggle with inconsistent demand and volatile prices at auction houses and in the freezer trade, big producers sell by the truckload to consistent demand at stable prices,” said Post Family Farm Owner Ken Post. “The playing field has been uneven for far too long, and it’s high time we leveled it. Today, I am proud to stand with Senator Schumer in the fight to rein in the big four and provide local farmers the support to grow, expand, and produce locally raised meat at prices our families, friends, and neighbors can afford. On behalf of local meat farmers here in Central NY, I would like to thank the Senator for coming to our community today advocating for local meat production, and always supporting NY State agriculture.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-devastating-gop-snap-cuts-are-set-to-shift-cost-of-critical-food-assistance-to-states-and-counties-and-increase-hunger-schumer-launches-push-to-delay-cost-shifts-and-save-capital-region-county-budgets-from-footing-a-44-million-bill-every-year-to-make-up-for-major-food-cuts", "title": "AS DEVASTATING GOP SNAP CUTS ARE SET TO SHIFT COST OF CRITICAL FOOD ASSISTANCE TO STATES AND COUNTIES AND INCREASE HUNGER, SCHUMER LAUNCHES PUSH TO DELAY COST SHIFTS AND SAVE CAPITAL REGION COUNTY...", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.schumer.senate.gov", "scraper": "schumer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000148", "name": "Charles E. Schumer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Last Year Trump And Republicans Made The Largest Cut To SNAP In History – NEARLY $200 BILLION – Meaning Now Capital Region Counties Will Need To Find A Whopping $4.4+ MILLION To Keep Nutrition Assistance Flowing To Families, Seniors, and Veterans In Need Including $588,000 For Rensselaer County And $783,000 For Albany County\n\nHouse And Senate GOP Have Refused To Reverse Cruel SNAP Cuts; Schumer Calls On Republicans To Work With Democrats To Write A Farm Bill That Restores SNAP & Helps 103,000 New Yorkers In The Capital Region Put Food On The Table\n\nSchumer: Families & Children Should Not Go Hungry – Any Farm Bill Must Protect SNAP\n\nAs New York counties scramble to find funding to keep SNAP alive after Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill made the largest program cuts in history, and Congressional Republicans refuse to act, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today stood at Unity House in Troy with local officials and providers to launch his push for a two-year delay in cost shifts. In New York, counties administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and $4.4 million in new annual costs will fall directly on county budgets in the Capital Region, forcing counties to choose between raising local taxes or cutting food assistance for New Yorkers in need. As Congress works on the upcoming Farm Bill, Schumer urged Republicans to work with Democrats to meet the needs of families across the country suffering from skyrocketing costs of living and called on New York House Republicans to stand with New York families and local legislators against these cuts.\n\n“103,000 New York families, kids, and seniors across the Capital Region depend on SNAP to put food on the table. But last year, Republicans passed the largest cut to SNAP in history, forcing Capital Region counties and their taxpayers to pick up the tab,” said Senator Schumer. “Now, Republicans want to move forward with a Farm Bill that would do nothing for hungry families or the counties. The Republicans’ plan will immediately blow a nearly $600,000 hole in the Rensselaer County budget, and counties across the state will be forced to choose between raising local taxes and cutting food assistance for hungry kids, seniors, veterans, and families. It’s just plain cruel.”\n\nSchumer added, “That’s why I’m here today to announce that I will NOT support a Farm Bill that does not at least provide more time for states and counties to prepare to shoulder the cost of SNAP. A Republican Farm Bill that abandons hungry families is not a serious proposal. I urge Republicans, especially New York House Republicans, to come back to the table and write a Farm Bill that actually meets the moment: supporting farmers, strengthening rural America, protecting families, and ensuring Americans have enough to eat by reversing SNAP cuts.”\n\nThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States and a lifeline for nearly 3 million NY children, seniors, veterans, and families who rely on the critical funding to purchase groceries. Last year, Trump and Congressional Republicans rushed to pass a nearly $200 billion cut to SNAP, ripping away food from thousands of hungry kids and families across America.\n\nSince SNAP is administered by counties in New York State, counties will be forced to shoulder the burden of increased SNAP costs, using more local dollars to administer the program because less federal funding will be coming in. During recessions or economic downturns, these impacts will be even more acute, as more people apply for benefits and state revenue declines, more children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and more will be turned away from this vital program due to insufficient funding. As Congress works on a five-year Farm Bill, which governs federal agricultural, food, and conservation programs, Schumer has said Democrats cannot support a Farm Bill until Republicans agree to include the two-year delay to the SNAP cost shift.\n\nJust last month, Senate Republicans released the text of a five-year Farm Bill that fails to address SNAP cuts. In April, House Republicans passed a five-year Farm Bill that also failed to address SNAP cuts. Democrats stand united against any Farm Bill that does not include a two-year cost shift delay for SNAP, which would provide parity for New York with other states, like Alaska, which do not have to begin shouldering the cost of SNAP for another two years. There have been strong bipartisan calls to reverse course from governors, mayors, and state legislatures to support the cost-shift delay. Schumer is calling on New York House Republicans to join Democrats and their constituents in the fight against these cruel food assistance cuts.\n\nNew York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said, “We thank Senator Schumer for standing with counties and New York City in our call for a two-year delay to the SNAP administrative cost shift that will dramatically increase county responsibilities while cutting $168 million in federal administrative support. This cost-shift cannot be absorbed by counties operating on tight, efficiently managed budgets. Without immediate federal action, counties will face impossible choices between raising local taxes and cutting other essential services residents depend on. A two-year delay gives counties the time needed to implement these changes responsibly while protecting the families, seniors, and veterans who rely on SNAP and the taxpayers who fund it.”\n\n\"SNAP is our nation’s first line of defense against hunger, yet recent federal policy changes have already caused tens of thousands of people in our region to lose benefits. Demand for Regional Food Bank services is 14% higher than it was this time last year; the charitable food system cannot continue to absorb growing need,\" said Susan Lintner, Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer, Regional Food Bank. \"We urge Congress to put our neighbors first and strengthen—not weaken—the programs that help keep hunger at bay. Congress must ensure that any Farm Bill includes a delay to SNAP cost-sharing requirements, giving states and counties time to implement these changes while protecting access to critical nutrition assistance for our most vulnerable neighbors.\"\n\nAccording to a report from the New York State Association of Counties, 15,127 New Yorkers in Rensselaer County receive more than $35 million in annual benefits through SNAP. The planned cost shift is expected to leave Rensselaer County with an additional $588,765 in annual budget costs, at the same time as the county is already managing state and federal mandates, workforce shortages, rising service demands, and the property tax cap.\n\nAcross the Capital Region, more than 103,000 New Yorkers receive $250 million in annual SNAP benefits. The planned cost shift is expected to shift more than $4.4 million in costs to counties in the Capital Region. The 2026 Albany County budget said Trump’s Medicaid and SNAP cuts will pose significant challenges to municipalities. A breakdown of annual benefits paid, individuals served, and county cost increases for counties in the Capital Region can be found below:\n\nCounty\n\nAnnual Benefits Paid\n\nIndividuals Served\n\nCounty Cost Increase\n\nAlbany\n\n$76,301,030\n\n29,318\n\n$783,388\n\nColumbia\n\n$11,724,584\n\n4,803\n\n$694,988\n\nGreene\n\n$9,121,184\n\n3,706\n\n$243,582\n\nRensselaer\n\n$35,274,548\n\n15,127\n\n$588,380\n\nSaratoga\n\n$31,148,873\n\n13,364\n\n$735,649\n\nSchenectady\n\n$49,796,247\n\n20,544\n\n$181,620\n\nSchoharie\n\n$8,078,856\n\n3,588\n\n$183,876\n\nWarren\n\n$15,024,331\n\n6,453\n\n$416,854\n\nWashington\n\n$14,323,843\n\n6,620\n\n$574,558\n\nTOTAL\n\n$250,793,496\n\n103,523\n\n$4,402,895\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/to-kick-off-final-farnborough-air-show-shaheen-highlights-new-england-businesses-innovation-and-role-in-us-national-and-economic-security-at-senedia-breakfast", "title": "To Kick Off Final Farnborough Air Show, Shaheen Highlights New England Businesses’ Innovation and Role in U.S. National and Economic Security at SENEDIA Breakfast", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(London, U.K.) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, helped kick off the Farnborough International Air Show by welcoming Granite State and other New England businesses as part of SENEDIA’s New England Breakfast on Saturday in London. A primary focus of Senator Shaheen’s bipartisan Congressional delegation to the Airshow is to connect smaller, regional businesses in New Hampshire and New England with industry leaders. With aerospace serving as New Hampshire’s top export sector, the SENEDIA New England Breakfast hosted a number of companies with business in New England who are supporting additional investment and trade abroad. Click HERE to view photos from the event.\n\n“New Hampshire and New England companies are helping build the technologies and manufacturing capacity that keep America and our allies secure. I’m incredibly proud to welcome them to the Farnborough Air Show so that they can showcase their capabilities and deepen partnerships with larger industry players,” said Senator Shaheen. “I thank SENEDIA for hosting this morning’s breakfast focused on strengthening the trade relationships that will both support our economy by creating jobs and bolster our national defense and preparedness.”\n\n“Senator Shaheen has dedicated her life to public service and the last two decades to national security and to growing the aerospace and defense economy, not only in New Hampshire, but across New England,” said Tim DelGiudice, chair of the SENEDIA Board. “To celebrate the Senator’s legacy and reinforce our gratitude for her leadership, SENEDIA is proud to create the Senator Jeanne Shaheen Aerospace and Defense Scholarship in her honor.”\n\nSENEDIA’s Senator Jeanne Shaheen Aerospace and Defense Scholarship will support young women pursuing careers in aerospace and defense, with the first scholarship to be awarded this summer at Defense Innovation Days.\n\nSupporting nearly 24,000 jobs and representing $1.7 billion in exports just last year, New Hampshire’s top export sector is aerospace—comprising a large, vital component of the state’s economy. This year, New Hampshire is sending its largest trade mission yet to the Air Show.\n\nNew Hampshire’s Office of International Commerce will feature New Hampshire exhibitors at the Air Show through the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), which Shaheen created in 2010. STEP assists New Hampshire businesses with expanding into overseas markets, helping small manufacturers compete globally while strengthening the domestic industrial base that supports American economic and national security.\n\nFarnborough is the largest biennial trade show in the world and showcases aerospace manufacturers and suppliers from New Hampshire and around the world. Since 2023, Shaheen and Moran have led bipartisan Congressional delegations to the Farnborough and Paris Air Shows to highlight U.S. capabilities and strengthen international partnerships.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/2026/07/20/icymi-slotkin-gives-remarks-on-senate-floor-about-the-risk-of-weaponization-of-intelligence-community/", "title": "ICYMI: Slotkin Gives Remarks on Senate Floor about the Risk of Weaponization of Intelligence Community", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "www.slotkin.senate.gov", "scraper": "slotkin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001208", "name": "Elissa Slotkin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) gave a speech on her newly introduced bill, the Minimum Experience Requirements for Intelligence Transition (MERIT) Act, that would require any individual serving as Director of National Intelligence (DNI), including in an acting or interim capacity, to have extensive national security experience.\n\nWatch the speech here.\n\nDownload the speech here.\n\nThe requirement reiterates the standard already applied to Senate-confirmed DNIs under the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, championed by Senator Susan Collins and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.\n\nHer remarks come as the Administration continues to erode public trust, including in President Trump’s remarks last evening on our election systems, and as Bill Pulte, an unqualified loyalist of the President, serves as a leader in the intelligence community. The broader intelligence community is at risk of becoming weaponized against the American people for the political gain of the President.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-20T07:56:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-20T07:57:48Z"}
{"url": "https://www.smith.senate.gov/senators-tina-smith-jerry-moran-re-introduce-legislation-to-lower-cost-of-oral-cancer-treatments/", "title": "Senators Tina Smith, Jerry Moran Re-Introduce Legislation to Lower Cost of Oral Cancer Treatments", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.smith.senate.gov", "scraper": "tinasmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001203", "name": "Tina Smith", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to cut costs for cancer patients. Specifically, the bill would ensure cancer patients who are prescribed oral chemotherapy medication can access their drugs at comparable prices to other cancer treatments.\n\nTheir Cancer Drug Parity Act requires health insurers to cover patient-administered (oral) cancer medications at the same cost-sharing level as traditional intravenous (IV) anticancer drug treatments, closing the coverage gap for federally regulated health plans.\n\nOver 2 million Americans are estimated to be diagnosed with cancer each year, and oral medications are a simpler, highly effective treatment option for many patients. According to a Susan G. Komen study released earlier this year, people receiving IV treatment reported a significantly greater negative impact on their daily lives than people receiving oral treatment, including having to take more time off from work. Despite these benefits, oral cancer treatments remain inaccessible to many patients due to unaffordable copays.\n\n“Oral treatments for cancer are often less invasive than traditional IV medications and can be taken at home, reducing logistical and occupational barriers to treatment,” said Sen Smith. “However, unlike IV treatments, which are covered by a health plan’s medical benefits with moderate to minimal copays, oral medications often have high, unaffordable copays. It can add up to thousands of dollars in costs for patients each year and can cause many to delay or forego necessary care to treat their cancer. Our bill brings parity to these two kinds of treatments and lowers costs for those taking oral cancer drugs.”\n\n“As cancer research and medical innovation continue to expand treatment options for cancer patients, including with orally administered cancer therapies, patients ought to be able to benefit from these medical advancements,” said Sen. Moran. “This commonsense legislation would encourage ERISA health insurance plans to expand access to orally administered cancer drugs. This legislation will help millions of patients access the therapies that best meet their needs. Improving access to new treatments, therapies and cures will help save lives.”\n\n“Patients with cancer should have equitable and affordable access to all treatment options, regardless of how they are administered,” said Danielle Doheny, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for the International Myeloma Foundation who chairs the Coalition to Improve Access to Cancer Care. “Patients should not have to pay more simply because they take their medication at home rather than receiving an infusion. Insurance coverage should reflect today’s standards of care, not outdated benefit designs. The International Myeloma Foundation, which coordinates the Coalition to Improve Access to Cancer Care, appreciates Senators Smith and Moran for their continued leadership on the Cancer Drug Parity Act and looks forward to continuing to work with Congress to advance this important legislation.”\n\n“Oral therapies are an important cancer care advancement that can reduce the burden of care for some and can be not only the best option, but the only option for others, especially for those living with metastatic breast cancer,” said Molly Guthrie, Vice President of Policy & Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “Unfortunately, outdated insurance design often takes away patient and provider choice leaving these treatments out of reach for too many. Komen is proud to support the Cancer Drug Parity Act and applauds Senators Smith and Moran for their continued efforts to ensure breast cancer patients can choose the best treatment for them without erroneous barriers.”\n\nMore than 40 states and the District of Columbia have enacted “oral parity” laws, which prevent health plans from creating different cost-sharing requirements for oral and IV cancer medicines. These laws have made a significant difference for cancer patients—for example, researchers found that the number of multiple myeloma patients initially charged $0 for oral medications nearly quintupled with the enactment of oral parity laws.\n\nSenators Smith and Moran’s bipartisan Cancer Drug Parity Act would build on this state-level success by:\n\nExpanding oral parity protections to privately-insured patients whose health care is regulated at the federal level.\n\nPreventing insurers from covering oral and self-administered medicines at different cost-sharing rates than IV anti-cancer drug treatment.\n\nImplementing these requirements for health plans that already cover both oral and IV anti-cancer drug treatments.\n\nThis bill is endorsed by over 35 organizations representing cancer patients and the medical community.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-democrats-embrace-far-left-agenda/", "title": "Thune: Democrats Embrace Far-Left Agenda", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:\n\nThune’s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n“Mr. President, at the beginning of last year the New York Times took a poll of American voters.\n\n“And the headline captures their results:\n\n“This is what it said: ‘Many Americans Say the Democratic Party Does Not Share Their Priorities.’\n\n“Let me repeat that, Mr. President.\n\n“‘Many Americans Say the Democratic Party Does Not Share Their Priorities.’\n\n“That’s right.\n\n“A New York Times poll taken … weeks after voters rejected Democrats at the ballot box suggested that one of the reasons for Democrats’ loss was that Americans don’t think Democrats share their priorities.\n\n“The story went on to say, and I quote, ‘The issues that people cited as most important to them personally were the economy and inflation, health care and immigration…’\n\n“But when the poll asked Americans to identify Democrats’ most important priorities, Americans identified issues like abortion and climate change, among others.\n\n“Mr. President, our Democrat colleagues have found themselves out of power for 18 months now.\n\n“And we’ve given them plenty of opportunities to show some evolution – perhaps even moderation – to voters.\n\n“But as the record shows, Democrats are still in thrall to the far left of their party.\n\n“They still have the same priorities that turned voters off from Democrats in the last election.\n\n“For starters, radical transgender ideology remains an article of faith among Democrats.\n\n“Democrats have repeatedly opposed efforts to keep biological men out of women’s sports.\n\n“And when the Supreme Court ruled unanimously last month that state laws protecting women’s sports are allowable under the plain language of Title IX, one Democrat senator called the ruling ‘unjust.’\n\n“Unjust, Mr. President.\n\n“As if a young woman working hard all season only to lose to a man with an inherent biological advantage is somehow just.\n\n“Mr. President, the overwhelming majority of Americans believe that biological men should not be playing women’s sports.\n\n“But that doesn’t seem to matter to Senate Democrats.\n\n“And their commitment to transgender ideology doesn’t end with supporting the presence of men in women’s sports.\n\n“Democrats have also tacitly – or not so tacitly – endorsed radical gender transition procedures being performed on minors.\n\n“Procedures, I might add, with no substantial medical evidence to support them – and plenty of reason to believe they are extremely dangerous for children.\n\n“But apparently Democrats are fine subjecting children to those risks.\n\n“And of course, Mr. President, Democrats are still proudly pro-abortion.\n\n“And when I say pro-abortion, I mean pro-abortion.\n\n“How else do you describe a party that won’t even support legislation to provide medical care to a baby born alive during a failed abortion?\n\n“A party that can’t bring itself to support a bill to ensure that a pregnant college student knows that there are resources available to help her finish her degree and have her baby.\n\n“A party that directed small-business COVID relief funds to Planned Parenthood, even though they were legally ineligible.\n\n“A party that is doing everything it can to eliminate pregnancy resource centers simply because they won’t recommend abortion.\n\n“Mr. President, as I said, Democrats are in thrall to the far left of their party.\n\n“And it’s not just on those issues.\n\n“Far-left activists seem to be the audience for almost everything Democrats do these days.\n\n“Take, for example, Democrats’ two – that’s right, two – record-long government shutdowns.\n\n“Last fall, Democrats shut down the entire federal government for a record 43 days to show the far left that they were ‘fighting’ President Trump.\n\n“And while TSA lines snaked outside of airports and Americans were visiting food banks because they had to work without pay, the Democrat leader was quoted saying, and I quote, ‘Every day gets better for us.’\n\n“Better, that is, for Democrats seeking the approval of the far left.\n\n“Then earlier this year, Democrats shut down the Department of Homeland Security because they didn’t want to fund law enforcement.\n\n“That’s right.\n\n“Defunding law enforcement – once a fringe position in their party – became the official position of the Democrat Party as they tried to completely – completely – defund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol.\n\n“Once again, it didn’t matter to Democrats whether Americans would be less safe with open borders.\n\n“Their audience – far-left activists – wanted them to defund border security and immigration enforcement officers, so they did.\n\n“And Democrats weren’t done.\n\n“Last week, Democrats here in the United States Senate blocked the National Defense Authorization Act, the bill that authorizes funding for our military.\n\n“That’s right, Mr. President.\n\n“Democrats voted against authorizing funding for our military.\n\n“Mr. President, it’s a sad day when Democrats are playing politics with everything all the way up to our national security.\n\n“But that’s where we are.\n\n“Democrats have had numerous opportunities in the last year and a half to work with us on things that matter to the American people.\n\n“And again and again, they have chosen to follow members of their far-left base.\n\n“In some cases – see New York City’s mayor – follow them directly into socialism.\n\n“That’s right.\n\n“Self-identified democratic socialists have been winning elections across the country.\n\n“So what’s next?\n\n“Will the Democrat Party adopt the platform of the Democratic Socialists of America?\n\n“Mr. President, to quote the New York Times again, and I quote, ‘Many Americans Say the Democratic Party Does Not Share Their Priorities.’\n\n“A year and a half later, it’s obvious that that’s still the case.\n\n“Men in women’s sports. Abortion up until the moment of birth. Open borders. Defunding law enforcement.\n\n“Instead of moving toward the middle, Democrats are just getting more extreme.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-rounds-legislation-to-advance-lewis-and-clark-water-expansion-project-approved-by-committee/", "title": "Thune, Rounds Legislation to Advance Lewis and Clark Water Expansion Project Approved by Committee", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) applauded the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for passing their legislation on Thursday, July 16, that would authorize a feasibility study for the proposed expansion of the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System. The bill now heads to the full Senate.\n\n“The Lewis and Clark Regional Water System continues to achieve meaningful progress toward fully serving its member communities across South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota,” said Thune. “I’m pleased that the committee has passed our legislation and look forward to its consideration by the full Senate. I thank Senator Rounds for working with me on this important effort.”\n\n“Continued access to clean and reliable water is critical to economic development and quality of life in our state,” said Rounds. “I’m pleased that the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has advanced our legislation that would authorize a feasibility study for an expansion of the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System. I look forward to working with Senator Thune and my colleagues to get this feasibility study through the Senate and into law.”\n\n“Lewis and Clark Regional Water System is grateful to Congress and the champions of this legislation, including Leader Thune, for recognizing the importance of long-term water infrastructure planning,” said Troy Larson, executive director of the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System. “The success of our region depends on a dependable water supply, and this measure will help ensure we are prepared to meet future needs as our communities grow. Thoughtful planning today will help secure reliable water service, economic opportunity, and quality of life for generations to come. We thank the bill sponsors for their leadership.”\n\nIn addition to Thune and Rounds, the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System Expansion Feasibility Study Act (S. 3725) is cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn).", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-continues-advocating-for-alabamas-catfish-industry/", "title": "Tuberville Continues Advocating for Alabama’s Catfish Industry", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) in endorsing a request made by the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help the industry by purchasing catfish products. Sens. Tuberville and Hyde-Smith wrote a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins asking her to approve a request to purchase U.S. farm-raised catfish products through the Agricultural Marketing Service Section 32 Program.\n\nSection 32 is a permanently authorized program that allows the USDA to make emergency purchases of surplus U.S. commodities for distribution to domestic food assistance programs. The program is funded through 30 percent of the previous year’s customs receipts collected by the U.S. government from imported products.\n\nThe letter is a continuation of advocacy by the Senators to include farm-raised catfish, Gulf shrimp, and other commodities included in USDA Section 32 decisions.\n\n“The industry’s USDA Section 32 purchase request would provide needed relief by providing essential cash flow to farmers to help alleviate the severe financial strain imposed by inflationary pressures. USDA purchases of catfish would provide immediate relief and enable 2026 fish crops to be harvested and processed, while also supporting rural communities and providing nutritious, American-grown product to families, children, and those in need,” wrote the Senators.\n\nSens. Tuberville and Hyde-Smith were joined by Sens. Katie Britt (R-AL), Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) in signing the letter.\n\nRead full text of the letter below or here.\n\n“Dear Secretary Rollins,\n\nWe write to support the request made by the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to purchase surplus catfish products through the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service Section 32 Program. Surplus purchases will assist catfish farmers and the thousands of jobs dependent upon this industry throughout the Southeast.\n\nThe U.S. farm-raised catfish industry is extremely important to the states we represent. Nearly $2 billion in economic output, including more than 9,100 jobs, is directly or indirectly attributable to the production of U.S. farm-raised catfish. Farms and processing facilities in our states are typically among the largest employers in the economically depressed counties.\n\nThe industry has been caught in a severe inflationary squeeze, particularly from 2023 to the present, fundamentally altering its production economics. This pressure has consistently driven the cost of producing U.S. farm-raised catfish above the prices farmers receive for their fish, leading to three continuous years of negative financial returns.\n\nThe industry’s rising costs are dominated by the increasing expenses of key inputs, especially feed and energy, which represent the backbone of catfish farming operations.\n\nFeed costs remain high and account for 43 percent of catfish production expenses. While the most recent data indicates some reduction in pricing, feed costs remain elevated above the historical normal range of $350–$375 per ton, especially for the 32 percent protein diet. As soybean meal is the major ingredient in U.S. catfish feed, its price volatility and high cost directly translate to increased production expenses.\n\nU.S. catfish farmers have adopted modern, intensive pond production methods and improved energy efficiency per acre, but fuel and electricity costs — which account for 10 percent of production expenses — remain a significant burden. Energy-intensive processes like pond aeration are essential to maintaining healthy fish populations, and producers have limited ability to absorb volatility in fuel and electricity markets.\n\nTogether, these cost pressures have pushed the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry into a crisis of economic sustainability, with the cost of production far surpassing the price of fish at the dock — resulting in three consecutive years of negative margins for producers.\n\nThe industry’s USDA Section 32 purchase request would provide needed relief by providing essential cash flow to farmers to help alleviate the severe financial strain imposed by inflationary pressures. USDA purchases of catfish would provide immediate relief and enable 2026 fish crops to be harvested and processed, while also supporting rural communities and providing nutritious, American-grown product to families, children, and those in need.\n\nWe encourage you to consider all the factors facing the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry and approve this request. We also look forward to our continued partnership in supporting agriculture and our nation’s rural communities.\n\nSincerely,”\n\nMORE:\n\nTuberville, Britt Send Letter to Secretary Rollins on Threats to Alabama’s Catfish Industry\n\nTuberville Raises Concerns Over Foreign Seafood and Lumber Imports Undercutting Alabama Producers\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-kaine-and-mcclellan-celebrate-16-million-in-federal-funding-for-richmond-petersburg-pharmaceutical-manufacturing-hub/", "title": "Warner, Kaine, and McClellan Celebrate $16 Million in Federal Funding for Richmond-Petersburg Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Hub", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warner.senate.gov", "scraper": "warner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000805", "name": "Mark R. Warner", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) celebrated $16 million in federal funding for the Virginia Advanced Pharma Manufacturing (APM) and R&D Cluster in the Richmond-Petersburg region. The cluster is led by the Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority. The funding, awarded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs Program, will help the cluster fully establish a domestic manufacturing pathway for essential medicines and advance U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. The members wrote letters in support of the funding.\n\n“For years, Virginia and the Virginia Advanced Pharma Manufacturing Cluster have been leading the charge in establishing our country’s dominance in the production of critical medicines,” said Sen. Warner. “These federal dollars will help cement the Commonwealth’s position as a national leader in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing while creating good-paying jobs in the Petersburg region, strengthening our economy, reducing our reliance on foreign supply chains, and protecting our national security.”\n\n“I’m thrilled that $16 million is headed to the Virginia Advanced Pharma Manufacturing Cluster to support the domestic manufacturing of critical medicines, boost our supply chains, and grow our regional economy,” said Sen. Kaine. “When I was on the Richmond City Council, I helped form the Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority, and I’m immensely proud of what we’ve done together to turn it into a thriving domestic manufacturing hub and economic engine in the region. I look forward to the continued partnership.”\n\n“To remain competitive on the global stage, we must continue to invest in domestic manufacturing for life-saving medicines that create jobs, support regional growth and offer reliable access to medications for patients in need,” said Rep. McClellan. “This grant funding will do all that and more by supporting the Virginia Advanced Pharma Manufacturing Cluster in its core mission to create a sustainable and cutting-edge manufacturing hub in the Richmond-Petersburg region. I thank Senators Warner and Kaine for their partnership and look forward to the developments this will bring to Virginia’s Fourth District.”\n\nWarner, Kaine, and McClellan have long supported the APM cluster in Richmond-Petersburg and have supported policies to strengthen domestic manufacturing of critical medicines. In 2023, the APM cluster was designated as a Tech Hub under the CHIPS and Science Act for its innovative work in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing. In September 2022, the senators helped secure $52.9 million from the American Rescue Plan Act for the cluster. In January 2025, the senators announced $3.9 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to expand regional workforce training programs that support the APM cluster.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-warnock-atlanta-mayor-dickens-councilmember-boone-celebrate-warnock-led-provision-that-will-keep-homes-in-the-hands-of-georgia-families/", "title": "ICYMI: Warnock, Atlanta Mayor Dickens, Councilmember Boone Celebrate Warnock-Led Provision That Will Keep Homes in the Hands of Georgia Families", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock’s provision to ban large corporations from mass purchasing single-family homes is federal law\n\nThe provision is part of the historic 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the largest housing reform and affordability legislation in a generation\n\nSenator Reverend Warnock: “Housing is dignity, housing is stability, housing is hope”\n\nAtlanta, GA – U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) held a press conference in the Adamsville neighborhood of Atlanta with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta City District 10 Councilmember Andrea Boone, and prospective first-time homebuyer Jacob Parcel to celebrate the enactment of Senator Warnock’s landmark provision prohibiting private equity firms from mass-purchasing single-family homes.\n\nThe provision, and many other provisions championed by Senator Reverend Warnock, are included in the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, thelargest housing reform and affordability legislation in a generation. Despite passing the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, President Donald Trump declined to sign the bill within the constitutionally designated 10-day timeline, prompting formal enactment to occur without the president’s signature.\n\nIn addition to the ban on private equity, the 21st Century Road to Housing Act also includes provisions from Senator Warnock’s Appraisal Modernization Act, the only fair housing provision in the legislation, and several bills Senator Warnock has championed for years to reform rural housing programs, penalize local governments for failing to meet housing goals, incentivize local governments and banks to invest more in the construction of housing, and provide grants and forgivable loans to help homeowners repair and weatherize their properties.\n\nMore media coverage of Senator Reverend Warnock’s press conference below:\n\nWANF: Warnock authored the section of the bill that caps the number of homes corporations can own at 350 per investor group, with a fine of $1 million or three-times the price of a home’s value for every property they own over the cap.\n\nWABE: U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock celebrated a bipartisan housing affordability package becoming federal law this weekend, which includes a provision he championed capping corporate ownership of single-family homes.\n\nAtlanta Voice: Warnock said there was still work to be done. The act doesn’t apply to homes that have already been purchased by corporations. Asked what the act means for the corporations or private equity that might remain involved in the Georgia housing market. Warnock said, “I want to stop the spread. They are picking homes like you, and I pick tomatoes in the grocery store.”\n\nCourier Georgia: During a press conference Monday, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) celebrated the legislation. He wrote several key provisions, including the limit on the number of additional homes private equity can buy and the measure making discrimination in the appraisal process illegal. “Let’s be clear, if you’re a single mom,” he said, “you cannot compete with Wall Street. They will outbid you every time, and so this is about fairness.”\n\nAJC: Standing in front of a three-bedroom Adamsville rental owned by a private equity firm, the Democratic senator was joined by Mayor Andre Dickens and Atlanta City Council member Andrea Boone, both of whom grew up in the Westside community. “They are picking houses the way you pick tomatoes at the grocery store,” said Warnock, calling Atlanta “ground zero” of corporate homeownership.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-king-37-senators-in-renewing-demands-to-dhs-for-civilian-protections-greater-transparency-following-killings-in-maine-and-texas/", "title": "Welch Joins King, 37 Senators in Renewing Demands to DHS for Civilian Protections, Greater Transparency Following Killings in Maine and Texas", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Following tragic killings in Maine and Texas last week, Senators call for reforms, body-worn camera deployment, and independent investigations\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) and 37 Senators in calling for stronger accountability measures for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers following tragic killings involving immigration officials last week in Maine and Texas. The fatal shootings of Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Maine and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Texas occurred six days apart.\n\nIn their letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, 39 Senators urged DHS to fulfill its previous commitments to deploy and expand the usage of body-worn cameras, strengthen officer identification requirements, and review enforcement protocols. The measures suggested by the Senators are intended to help prevent future deadly encounters involving ICE enforcement officers.\n\n“The recent fatal shootings involving U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers, specifically within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas, coupled with similar incidents elsewhere in the country, are completely unacceptable,” the Senators wrote. “Rather than making our communities safer, these actions endanger our citizens and seriously undermine confidence in law enforcement generally.”\n\n“The tragic deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero occurred less than a week apart and carry startling similarities. In both incidents, the individuals were killed in enforcement actions in which they were not the intended targets. Furthermore, both individuals were shot by DHS officials while inside a vehicle. The unnecessary loss of life in these incidents demands immediate, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations (including the full involvement of local and state law enforcement personnel) along with a comprehensive examination of enforcement protocols, training, and operational approaches necessary to prevent such tragedies,” the Senators continued. “These recent events have further compromised the credibility of DHS and fractured public trust within communities across our country. In each case, DHS quickly issued statements asserting that officers were acting in self-defense, even before evidence of the facts surrounding the incidents had been gathered. Compounding this failure, no DHS officials involved in these fatal shootings wore body-worn cameras that could be reviewed by investigators or members of the public.”\n\n“We remain supportive of removing dangerous convicted criminals from our communities, but this goal can and must be achieved without endangering these very communities in the process. By no stretch could either of the victims in Texas and Maine be characterized as ‘the worst of the worst,’ making these tragic deaths even more egregious. The American people deserve clarity and accountability. We urge you to honor your Department’s earlier commitments and take immediate action to implement these necessary reforms. We also stand ready to work with you to codify reforms into law,” the Senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Senators King and Welch, the letter is cosigned by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), and John Fetterman (D-Pa).\n\nRead and download the full text of Senators’ letter to DHS Secretary Mullin.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-reintroduces-bills-to-protect-small-scale-farms-and-support-farmworkers/", "title": "Welch Reintroduces Bills to Protect Small-Scale Farms and Support Farmworkers", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, and Food Safety, led Senate colleagues in reintroducing the Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers & Ranchers Act and Agricultural Worker Justice Act, a pair of bills to support workers in the agricultural industry and uplift small, family farms across the United States. The Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers & Ranchers Act aims to create a level playing field for farmers and consumers by weakening the hold consolidated interests have on the agricultural economy. The Agricultural Worker Justice Act would require major food companies to provide decent wages and safe working conditions to do business with the federal government.\n\n“Small and family farms are at the heart of Vermont’s economy and culture. Without them, Vermont wouldn’t be the place we know and love,” said Senator Welch. “But rapid consolidation has jeopardized the well-being and vitality of farms across America—we can’t let that happen. We also need urgent, commonsense safeguards to protect workers in the agricultural industry who face hazardous and exploitative working conditions.”\n\nThe Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers & Ranchers Act is cosponsored in the Senate by Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). The legislation is endorsed by the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA), the Health, Environment, Agriculture, and Labor (HEAL) Food Alliance, National Family Farm Coalition (NFFC), and the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW).\n\n“For too long, our food system has rewarded large corporations while squeezing the workers and small farmers who feed our communities,” said Senator Booker. “These bills are about restoring fairness to our food system, addressing decades of consolidation, protecting family farms in New Jersey and across the nation, standing up for workers, and ensuring that people, not corporate profits, always come first.”\n\n“Multinational food and agriculture corporations are raking in billions of dollars at the expense of farmers, workers, consumers, and our future. While their top executives and shareholders profit, consumers face rising grocery prices and farmers and ranchers teeter on the verge of bankruptcy,” said Judith McGeary, Executive Director, Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA). “The Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers & Ranchers Act stops consolidation from getting even worse through a moratorium on future corporate mergers in the sector. It also makes crucial policy changes that farmers have long asked for — including the restoration of Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling for beef, greater investment in local food systems and livestock infrastructure, and funding that helps socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers have a fair chance to make a living raising food for their communities.”\n\nLearn more about the Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers & Ranchers Act and view a section-by-section summary of the bill. Read and download the full text of the legislation here.\n\n•••\n\nThe Agricultural Worker Justice Act is cosponsored in the Senate by Sens. Booker, Sanders, John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The bill is endorsed by the HEAL Food Alliance and the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW).\n\n“The people who put food on our table deserve more than just our gratitude. They deserve fair pay, safe working conditions, and respect,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues to support the workers not only in our Commonwealth, but across the country.”\n\n[“Farmworkers are the backbone of our nation’s economy,” said Senator Wyden. “The workers that put in hours each day to keep farms running, harvest our food and help get it to our grocery stores and dinner tables are the real power behind our nation’s agricultural industry, and I’m proud to support this bill that will help protect this essential workforce and ensure they’re earning the wage they deserve.”\n\n“The U.S. Department of Agriculture spends billions of dollars every year buying food, and that food should not come from companies that mistreat their workers. The Agricultural Worker Justice Act ensures that food and agricultural companies that exploit workers cannot do so on the dime of American taxpayers,” said Milton Jones, International President, UFCW. “Food workers are critical to the health of our nation and deserve fair wages and safe working conditions. How we spend our tax dollars shows our values as a country, which is why the\n\nLearn more about the Agricultural Worker Justice Act and view a section-by-section summary of the bill. Read and download the full text of the legislation here.\n\n•••\n\nSenator Welch has championed bipartisan and bicameral legislation to support the farmers and ranchers who feed America’s families, including the Milk From Family Dairies Act, Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act, Fair Credit for Farmers Act, Freedom for Agricultural Repair and Maintenance Act (FARM Act), Capital for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act, Livestock Owned by Communities to Advance Local (LOCAL) Foods Act, Honor Farmer Contracts Act, and the Farm Ownership Improvement Act.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-trumps-new-tariffs-on-canada/", "title": "Welch Statement on Trump’s New Tariffs on Canada", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Finance Committee, today released the following statement on the Trump Administration imposing new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods:\n\n“These new tariff threats against Canada are an extreme escalation of President Trump’s reckless and irresponsible trade war. The White House’s endless attacks on our Canadian neighbors—Vermont’s closest partner in trade—have caused undeniable harm to our state’s economy, and the aftershocks of today’s announcement will do lasting damage. The president is only making trade talks and diplomacy more challenging, all while the USMCA, the trade agreement governing our relationship with our closest trading partners, is up for review. I urge President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Greer to drop these new tariff threats immediately,” said Senator Welch. “This is yet another reason why Congress needs to take back its constitutional power over trade policy. This administration needs to answer for the economic chaos it’s creating; I look forward to questioning Ambassador Greer about these careless decisions when he testifies before the Finance Committee on Wednesday.”\n\nSenator Welch is the lead sponsor of the Creating Access to Necessary American-Canadian Duty Adjustments (CANADA) Act, legislation that would exempt United States-owned small businesses from tariffs imposed on Canada. Senator Welch also cosponsors the bipartisan Trade Review Act, which seeks to restore Congress’ constitutional role in trade policy.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-reed-introduce-disaster-relief-fairness-act-to-counter-trumps-politicization-of-federal-emergency-management-decisions/", "title": "Whitehouse & Reed Introduce Disaster Relief Fairness Act to Counter Trump’s Politicization of Federal Emergency Management Decisions", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release", "domain": "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", "scraper": "whitehouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000802", "name": "Sheldon Whitehouse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — When catastrophic natural disasters strike, the federal government has historically used a merit-based, non-partisan process to do its part to assist states in the aftermath of major hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, floods, or blizzards, presuming impacted states can prove the severity of the damage caused by the event.\n\nOn February 22-23, 2026 Rhode Island was hit by a severe snowstorm that shut down the state for days. Over three feet of snow fell on the state in a 24-hour period – the highest one-day snowfall on record for Rhode Island. The storm hit Rhode Island with the intensity of a Category 2 hurricane, with heavy winds up to 74 miles per hour. It caused widespread power outages and tragically resulted in two fatalities and hundreds of emergency room visits. Local businesses faced prolonged closures due to disruptions to transportation, utilities, and public services across the state.\n\nThe historic blizzard caused over $19.3 million in damages across Rhode Island – amounting to more than nine times the threshold required for a Major Disaster Declaration under Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations. Rhode Island emergency management officials worked hand-in-hand with FEMA to prepare a package documenting the damage, and a request was made to President Trump to make the necessary declaration to unlock funding to help with the recovery. Under federal law, only the president can approve a major disaster declaration.\n\nUnder any other administration, Rhode Island’s disaster declaration request would have been approved on the merits, given the blizzard’s historic nature and FEMA’s own damage assessment guidelines. However, on July 2, the Trump Administration denied Rhode Island’s request — along with similar requests from other northeastern states that were severely hit by the snowstorm, but whose states did not vote for Trump in the last election.\n\nThis is not a one-off: According to the Associated Press, President Trump “has approved more than three-fourths of the requests from states that voted for him in the 2024 election but less than half the requests from states that did not.” No other president in history has such a disparity in denials between states that supported him politically and those that did not. For example, during the Obama Administration, President Obama’s approval rate was identical for states that voted for and against him.\n\nThe same week President Trump denied applications from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York – states that are led by Democratic governors and that voted for Kamala Harris in the last election – he approved disaster declarations for nine Republican-leaning states. During Trump’s second term, the White House has approved 89 percent of disaster aid requests from Republican governors, and 23 percent of Democratic-led states, according to a memo compiled by minority members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee.\n\nThese unfair denials negatively impact state, city, and town budgets and property tax rates for residents.\n\nNow, in an effort to counter Trump’s unfair, unwarranted politicization of federal emergency management decisions, U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Jack Reed (D-RI) are teaming up to introduce the Disaster Relief Fairness Act (S.5018).\n\nUnder current law, major disasters are declared pursuant to Section 401 of the Stafford Act and based on consideration of several factors included in regulations at 44 CFR § 206.48. One key factor is a comparison of the cost of the disaster’s impact to the state’s ability to handle the event, a metric that is typically calculated by multiplying the per capita indicator by the state’s population. While the declaration process included in Section 401 leaves significant discretion to the president, no other president has ever before made politics the deciding factor in which states receive federal aid and which do not.\n\nThe Whitehouse-Reed bill would prevent Donald Trump from maliciously denying disaster assistance to states and communities when they have met the criteria to qualify.\n\n“When disaster strikes, Americans have always thrown partisanship out the door to support their neighbors and local businesses in need,” said Senator Whitehouse. “President Trump plays a dangerous, cruel game when he injects partisanship into the decision to deny much-needed disaster aid for states that didn’t vote for him. Our legislation would remove the President’s whims from the disaster aid process and ensure Rhode Islanders get every cent they are due.”\n\n“Time and again, President Trump has shown that he can’t see past his own personal grievances and partisan biases when it comes to providing disaster aid,” said Senator Reed. “The Disaster Relief Fairness Act would ensure that the disaster declaration process is both impartial and consistent. Our bill would prevent Trump from using disaster assistance for political leverage or retribution by ensuring that every request for disaster assistance made during his presidency will be approved as long as it meets FEMA’s established requirements and thresholds. This will guarantee that states and tribes will get the relief they need to fully recover from disasters.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/miss-delegation-urges-trump-to-approve-major-disaster-declaration-for-mississippi", "title": "Miss. Delegation Urges Trump to Approve Major Disaster Declaration for Mississippi", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.wicker.senate.gov", "scraper": "wicker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000437", "name": "Roger F. Wicker", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – The Mississippi congressional delegation today shared its strong support for Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, tornadoes, and flash flooding struck on June 18-19, 2026. Remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur brought 30 inches of rain onto the state within a five-day period, damaging homes, businesses, farms, and infrastructure.\n\nU.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., sent President Trump a letter endorsing the governor’s request for a major disaster declaration. The eight counties included in the request for public assistance are Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne. Of the eight, the state is requesting individual assistance for the following four counties: Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone.\n\nIf approved, the major disaster declaration would unlock additional federal resources to supplement state recovery efforts. This request could be amended if any additional damage is discovered or reported.\n\n“This extraordinary volume of rainfall triggered life-threatening flash flooding, threatened the integrity of earthen dams, and pushed multiple river basins into major flood stage,” the lawmakers wrote. “We have seen firsthand the critical role federal disaster assistance plays in helping our communities recover from devastating events.”", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/senator-wicker-votes-to-advance-water-resources-legislation/8a27cd34-5f0a-422b-8e24-e64d0c05f838", "title": "Senator Wicker Votes to Advance Water Resources Legislation", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.wicker.senate.gov", "scraper": "wicker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000437", "name": "Roger F. Wicker", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., voted to pass the 2026 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.\n\nSenator Wicker’s unique position on the committee allows him to advocate for Mississippi’s communities and priorities. The committee’s legislation would expand water infrastructure projects and streamline the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' planning and project delivery process. The bill will now move to the full U.S. Senate for consideration.\n\n“These investments will help advance critical water projects, strengthen Mississippi's economy, and support the communities and industries that rely on our waterways. I will continue using my position on the Environment and Public Works Committee to deliver meaningful results for Mississippi communities,” said Senator Wicker.\n\nAmong other policies that are going to benefit Mississippi, WRDA would:\n\nIncrease transparency of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ annual funding capabilities, informing congressional funding allocations for water resource projects.\n\nAuthorize a feasibility study for flood risk management and restoration along the Hatchie River in Tippah, Alcorn, and Union counties.\n\nAuthorize a feasibility study to improve and reconstruct the Walkiah Bluff weir in Pearl River County.\n\nExpedite completion of the Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Study. Ultimately, this study would modernize the operations of the Bonnet Carré Spillway.\n\nRequire the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate the condition of locks and dam facilities along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway system.\n\nRequire a study on the use of hydrokinetic turbines in the Mississippi River.\n\nAuthorize $5 million in Section 1301 environmental infrastructure funding for 10 Mississippi communities, including Brandon, Choctaw County, Columbus, Flowood, Forest, Hattiesburg, Lucedale, Natchez, Vicksburg, and West Jackson County Utility District.\n\nIncreases Section 219 Environmental Infrastructure authorizations for four Mississippi communities including:\n\nClinton, from $13.6 million to $18.6 million;\n\nMadison County, from $24 million to $26 million;\n\nOxford, from $10 million to $15 million; and\n\nPicayune, from $5 million to $10 million.\n\nUpdate the water supply contract for the Pat Harrison Waterway.\n\nImprove the national levee safety program to support the long-term planning for, inspection of, and rehabilitation of levees. Mississippi maintains one of the nation’s largest levee systems.\n\nAuthorize a feasibility study for the Gulfport Widening and Deepening Project to increase the depth and width of its main ship channel.\n\nThe 2026 WRDA also contains a host of provisions for nationwide drinking water and wastewater infrastructure initiatives:\n\nGrants technical assistance for emergencies affecting small public water systems at $26 million for each of the fiscal years 2027 through 2030, an $11 million increase.\n\nReauthorizes funding for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund,\n\n$3.75 billion for fiscal year 2027:\n\n$4 billion for fiscal year 2028,\n\n$4.25 billion for fiscal year 2029, and\n\n$4.5 billion for fiscal year 2030.\n\nReauthorizes the Safe Water for Small and Disadvantaged Communities program, including $140 million for the fiscal years 2027 through 2030.\n\nAddresses perfluoroalkyl substances and lead service line replacement projects, reauthorizing $3.5 billion for each of the fiscal years of 2027 through 2030.\n\nReauthorizes $65 million for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program for each of the fiscal years 2027 through 2030. The bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency to publish the amount of time for the application to be processed by the EPA and the Office of Management and Budget before the obligation of funding.\n\nReauthorizes $50 million for the National Estuary Program during each of the fiscal years 2027 through 2030 and adds the Mississippi Sound to the program.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-demand-civilian-protections-greater-transparency-for-ice-officers", "title": "Wyden, Merkley Demand Civilian Protections, Greater Transparency for ICE Officers", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Following killings in Maine and Texas, Oregon senators join colleagues calling for reforms, body-worn camera deployment, and independent investigations\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today demanded stronger accountability measures for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers., urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fulfill its previous commitments to deploy and expand the usage of body-worn cameras, strengthen officer identification requirements, and review enforcement protocols.\n\nThe measures suggested by the Oregon senators along with more than 30 of their colleagues in a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin seek to help prevent future deadly encounters involving ICE enforcement officers – and comes after two recent fatal shootings during immigration enforcement operations in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas.\n\n“The recent fatal shootings involving U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers, specifically within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas, coupled with similar incidents elsewhere in the country, are completely unacceptable,” the senators wrote. “Rather than making our communities safer, these actions endanger our citizens and seriously undermine confidence in law enforcement generally.”\n\n“The tragic deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastian Durán Guerrero occurred less than a week apart and carry startling similarities,” the senators continued. “In both incidents, the individuals were killed in enforcement actions in which they were not the intended targets. Furthermore, both individuals were shot by DHS officials while inside a vehicle. The unnecessary loss of life in these incidents demands immediate, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations (including the full involvement of local and state law enforcement personnel) along with a comprehensive examination of enforcement protocols, training, and operational approaches necessary to prevent such tragedies. These recent events have further compromised the credibility of DHS and fractured public trust within communities across our country. In each case, DHS quickly issued statements asserting that officers were acting in self-defense, even before evidence of the facts surrounding the incidents had been gathered. Compounding this failure, no DHS officials involved in these fatal shootings wore body-worn cameras that could be reviewed by investigators or members of the public.”\n\n“We remain supportive of removing dangerous convicted criminals from our communities, but this goal can and must be achieved without endangering these very communities in the process,” the senators finished. “The American people deserve clarity and accountability. We urge you to honor your Department’s earlier commitments and take immediate action to implement these necessary reforms. We also stand ready to work with you to codify reforms into law.”\n\nIn addition to Wyden and Merkley, other co-signers of the letter led by U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) are U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Patty Murray (D-WA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and John Fetterman (D-PA).", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-applauds-30-million-for-bloch-quantum-tech-hub-that-includes-northwest-indiana-partners/", "title": "Young Applauds $30 Million for Bloch Quantum Tech Hub that Includes Northwest Indiana Partners", "date": "2026-07-20", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.young.senate.gov", "scraper": "toddyoung", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000064", "name": "Todd Young", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) applauded an announcement by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) that the Bloch Quantum Tech Hub, which includes partners in northwest Indiana, will receive $30 million in federal funding.\n\nThe Bloch Quantum Tech Hub is a regional consortium spanning Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin that brings together leading universities, national laboratories, manufacturers, startups, investors, and workforce partners to accelerate the commercialization of quantum technologies.\n\nThe Hub aims to scale U.S. production of quantum materials, components, and subsystems by leveraging the region’s research and industrial assets, expanding shared manufacturing facilities, helping local firms enter the quantum supply chain, and fostering collaboration between hardware and software teams.\n\n“This investment will build on northwest Indiana’s research and advanced manufacturing strengths, accelerate the commercialization of quantum technologies, and further establish the Midwest as a global hub for innovation,” said Senator Young. “I helped create the Tech Hubs Program through the CHIPS and Science Act, and I commend the Trump Administration for prioritizing this investment in America’s economic competitiveness and national security. I look forward to seeing the opportunities this funding will create for Hoosier workers, researchers, and manufacturers.”\n\n“The Trump Administration’s continued investments in quantum technology are leading the world into a new era of American innovation,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. “This award will position the Midwest as a global leader in quantum technology and strengthen U.S. production of quantum materials, components, and subsystems.”\n\nSenator Young introduced the Tech Hub concept in his Endless Frontier Act of 2020, which eventually became law as a key pillar in the CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law in 2022.\n\nThe Bloch Quantum Tech Hub is the second hub with Indiana connections to receive federal funding. In 2024, Indiana-based Heartland BioWorks received approximately $51 million. Heartland BioWorks aims to transform Central Indiana into a global leader in biotechnology and biomanufacturing by increasing the region’s capacity to make and deploy life-saving medicines.\n\nThrough strategic investments with local backing, the Tech Hubs Program empowers U.S. regions to emerge as global leaders in critical technologies over the next decade. Tech Hub investments accelerate technology commercialization, moving breakthroughs out of labs, through manufacturing lines, and into the marketplace faster, and at greater scale.", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}
{"url": "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405247", "title": "Castor Breast Cancer Awareness Bill Passes House", "date": "2026-07-21", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "castor.house.gov", "scraper": "castor", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001066", "name": "Kathy Castor", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) celebrated passage of her bipartisan Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act Reauthorization (H.R. 4541) with Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Diana Harshbarger (TN-01).\n\nBreast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the United States, where the average risk for developing it sometime in her life is about 1 in 8. More than 316,000 new diagnoses and 42,000 deaths are expected from breast cancer in 2025. And with incidences rising in younger women each year, the earlier it’s caught, the better the chance to survive and overcome this devastating disease.\n\nThe key to early detection and treatment starts with education and awareness. This is especially true for younger women and those at greater risk of death from more aggressive forms of breast cancer.\n\n“Too many young women face breast cancer without the knowledge or support they need to catch it early and fight back,” said Rep. Castor. “For more than fifteen years, the EARLY Act has supported young women through outreach and resources that meet them where they are. I’m proud to lead the charge for this bipartisan reauthorization to ensure these critical initiatives that empower women to understand their risks, advocate for their health and get the tools they need to fight the disease continue.”\n\nView Castor’s remarks on the EARLY Act reauthorization here.\n\nThe EARLY Act authorizes three programs administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), designed to empower young and high-risk women. This includes the Bring Your Brave effort, which amplifies stories of real women to raise awareness of breast cancer in young women between the ages of 18 and 44, and encourages them to understand their risk and the signs and symptoms. It also funds the Young Breast Cancer Survivors Program, which provides grants to non-profit organizations aimed at delivering supportive services and resources to increase patients’ survival and improve their quality of life. And it offers continuing medical education (CME) courses for health care providers about breast cancer.\n\nAfter fifteen years of successful implementation, it is now time to again reauthorize the EARLY Act to ensure that it continues to reach even more young and higher-risk women across the United States. Reauthorizing the EARLY Act is vital to continuing to save women’s lives.\n\nThe EARLY Act is endorsed by:", "collected_at": "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "updated_at": "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"}